Emerald Fog

The Sunday air was crisp and alive with the chatter of students milling around the courtyard. Elphaba sat at the edge of the fountain, her guitar case resting beside her, its leather worn and well-loved. She flipped through a book, trying her best to block out the conversations swirling around her.

Galinda stood beside her, cheerfully twirling a parasol as though her very presence could brighten the space. “Are you ready, Elphie?”

Elphaba sighed, snapping her book shut. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“You say that like we’re dragging you to your execution,” Boq piped up as he arrived, pushing Nessa’s chair with practiced ease.

“It is a field full of pollen, so it’s close to an execution,” Elphaba muttered.

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic,” Galinda chided, looping her arm through Elphaba’s. “Besides, you chose to bring your guitar. Which means you’re secretly looking forward to it.”

Elphaba rolled her eyes, but her fingers brushed the guitar case beside her. “Maybe I just wanted to be able to drown out Fiyero’s voice.”

Fiyero gasped in mock offense. “Elphaba! People swoon for this voice.”

Galinda giggled, squeezing Elphaba’s arm. “See? You are in a good mood.”

Elphaba sighed as they all began making their way toward the poppy fields. She hated how Galinda always saw right through her.

The field was breathtaking, miles of red poppies swaying in the golden morning light. Galinda let out a delighted sigh and immediately twirled into the flowers like she belonged in a painting.

Elphaba, meanwhile, hung back, guitar slung over her shoulder, watching.

“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” Nessa mused, tilting her head.

Elphaba glanced at her sharply. “I…”

“You don’t have to pretend with me,” Nessa said knowingly.

Elphaba sighed, watching as Galinda threw herself onto the grass, golden curls catching the light, the sheer joy on her face enough to make something tighten in Elphaba’s chest. “She is beautiful,” she admitted softly.

Nessa smirked. “Took you long enough to agree.”

“Don’t push your luck.”

Boq, overhearing, grinned. “Oh, you should definitely tell her more often.”

Elphaba shot him a glare.How about you worry about your own romantic declarations?”

Boq flushed, but Nessa smirked, turning to him. “Oh, I don’t mind being showered with compliments.”

Boq’s face lit up. “Well then, you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”

Nessa’s smirk faltered, her cheeks turning pink. “Oh. Well.” She cleared her throat. “That’s…acceptable.”

Elphaba chuckled. “You two are ridiculous.”

“Shut up,” Nessa hissed, but she was smiling as Boq took her hand, gently pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

Elphaba turned back to Galinda, who had been watching the whole exchange with a delighted expression. “Isn’t young love adorable?” she teased.

“I suppose,” Elphaba murmured, sitting down beside her.

Galinda nudged her playfully. “Oh, go on. Say something romantic.”

Elphaba hesitated, then smirked, strumming a lazy chord on her guitar. “This is a love song, after all.”

Galinda’s eyes widened in excitement. “You’re going to play for me?”

“For you?” Elphaba teased. “I’m playing for everyone.”

Galinda huffed. “But mostly me.”

Elphaba’s lips twitched. “Mostly you.”

Galinda giggled, leaning her head on Elphaba’s shoulder as she began to play.

The chords rang out, rich and warm, floating over the field as the others settled in to listen. It was a slow, wandering melody, unpolished but deeply felt. Elphaba rarely played in front of others when not on stage, but here, under the open sky, with Galinda pressed against her and the sun on her face, she felt at peace.

By the time she strummed the final note, there was a moment of silence before Galinda sighed dreamily. “That was perfect.”

“You’re just saying that because you like me,” Elphaba muttered.

Galinda beamed and pressed a kiss to her shoulder.

Fiyero’s voice interrupted their thoughts with a teasing tone. “Well, I think I like you too after that little performance. Maybe its actually your voice that makes the people swoon.”

Elphaba groaned. “And now the moment is ruined.”

Galinda just laughed, squeezing her hand.

The rest of their time in the poppy field was spent laughing and making memories with new friends. It was hours later when they decided to head back to Shiz. Galinda and Elphaba were walking hand in hand and had by now lost sight of the others, as they made their way back through the courtyard. It was all going fine, until it wasn’t.

From somewhere nearby, a sharp voice cut through the hum of conversation. “I heard she’s some kind of experiment. Like a lab rat. That’s why she’s so…green.”

The speaker, a smug-faced boy with a flock of followers, smirked as laughter rippled through the group.

Elphaba froze, her knuckles tightening around the guitar case in her lap.

“Leave it,” she muttered to her girlfriend under her breath, her voice low and controlled.

But Galinda’s parasol snapped shut with a sharp click.

“Excuse me?” Galinda’s voice rang out, slicing through the courtyard’s atmosphere like a whip. She turned on her heel, fixing the boy with a withering glare. The laughter died instantly, and heads turned to watch.

“You think that’s funny?” Galinda demanded, her voice deceptively sweet, laced with venom. “Mocking someone who’s smarter than you? Braver than you? Better with girls than you? Better than you in every conceivable way?”

The boy faltered.

“You should apologise,” Galinda snapped. “And you should do it now.”

The boy scoffed. “Oh, please. Don’t act like you’re some saint standing up for the green girl. You’d never actually be friends with someone like her.”

Elphaba’s shoulders stiffened.

Galinda gasped. “How dare-”

The boy sneered, turning to Galinda. “You’re nothing but a shallow little princess who likes to play at being important.”

Elphaba stood up so fast her guitar case nearly toppled over.

“You know what?” she said, stepping forward, her voice sharper than steel. “I was willing to ignore you when it was just me. Because, frankly, your opinion means less to me than a speck of dust. But insulting Galinda?” Her eyes darkened. “That’s a mistake.”

The boy took an involuntary step back.

“I don’t have time for people like you,” Elphaba continued. “But if you ever insult Galinda again, I will make time.”

The boy paled before slinking away.

Galinda turned to Elphaba, lips parted in shock. “You…”

“Defended you?” Elphaba crossed her arms. “Yes, well. It was overdue.”

Galinda grinned, stepping closer. “You do like me.”

Elphaba raised her eyebrows and smiled.

Galinda just beamed and took Elphaba’s hand. “I think I should properly thank my heroic, guitar-playing, fiercely loyal girlfriend.”

Elphaba sighed, as Galinda leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.

“Come on,” Galinda said softly, offering her hand. “Let’s get out of here.”

The walk back to the dorm was silent. Galinda watched Elphaba’s mouth tense, the way it did when she was overthinking. As they entered the room she broke the quiet. “Elphie…did you want to talk about-”

Before, Galinda knew what was happening, Elphaba was guiding Galinda backward until her back pressed against the closed door. The faint thud of it seemed to echo through the room, and Galinda gasped softly at the movement, her fingers tangling in Elphaba’s hair.

Elphaba broke the kiss, trailing her lips down Galinda’s jaw and to the delicate curve of her neck. Her breath was hot against Galinda’s skin as she murmured in between kisses, “Thank you, for standing up for me, for always being on my side.”

Galinda’s breath hitched, her hands gripping Elphaba’s shoulders as a shiver ran through her. “You don’t have to thank me, Elphie,” she managed, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’d do it a thousand times over. But I should be thanking you.”

“Galinda…” Elphaba’s voice trembled as she opened her eyes again, finding Galinda’s gaze locked onto hers. “I…”

Galinda leaned forward, brushing her lips softly against Elphaba’s. The kiss was tentative at first, but answered as Elphaba’s hands instinctively came up to cradle Galinda’s waist. It deepened slowly, the hesitance melting away as their mouths moved together, tentative and then urgent, every touch electric.

When they pulled apart, both of them were breathing heavily, their foreheads resting together. An unspoken question passed between them. Galinda’s hands slid down to hold Elphaba’s wrists, and her voice came out in a soft whisper. “Elphie, are you sure? We don’t have to…”

Elphaba cut her off with a shake of her head, her pupils blown wide as she gazed at Galinda. “I’m sure,” she said firmly, her voice low and steady despite the tremor running through her body. “I’ve never been more sure.”

Galinda smiled, her cheeks glowing as she kissed Elphaba again, this time with more urgency.

Elphaba’s hands trembled as they rose to cup Galinda’s cheeks. Her thumbs brushed against her soft skin as she nodded, her voice a mere breath. “I want this. I want you.”

The intensity in her words seemed to embolden Galinda. She surged forward, her lips crashing against Elphaba’s in a kiss that was anything but tentative. It was filled with passion, a fervent need to show just how much they meant to each other. Elphaba responded with equal hunger, her hands slipping into Galinda’s hair as she deepened the kiss.

They broke apart only when the need for air became too great, both of them breathing heavily. Galinda’s gaze dropped to Elphaba’s lips before flicking back up to meet her eyes. “You’re incredible,” she whispered, and before Elphaba could reply, Galinda took her hand, guiding her toward the bed.

Elphaba followed, her pulse racing. She couldn’t believe this was happening…couldn’t believe that Galinda wanted her. When they reached the bed, Galinda paused, her hands resting lightly on Elphaba’s waist as she searched her face for any sign of hesitation.

“Are you sure?” Galinda asked softly, wanting to be absolutely certain, her voice steady despite the flush on her cheeks.

Elphaba smiled, her confidence growing as she saw the tenderness in Galinda’s eyes. “More sure than I’ve ever been.”

That was all the reassurance Galinda needed. She reached up, slipping Elphaba’s coat from her shoulders and letting it fall to the floor. Her hands moved to the buttons of Elphaba’s shirt, but she paused, glancing up as if to ask permission.

Elphaba nodded, her breath hitching as Galinda’s fingers began to work. As each button came undone, Galinda pressed a kiss to the newly exposed skin, her lips warm and soft against Elphaba’s collarbone, her shoulder, the hollow of her throat.

“Elphie,” Galinda murmured, her voice like a breathless melody, “you’re so beautiful.”

Elphaba’s breath hitched, her emerald skin now exposed to the warm, dim light of the room. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had called her beautiful, if ever…and hearing it now, spoken so tenderly, made her chest tighten. She tilted her head, her dark eyes searching Galinda’s face for any hint of insincerity, but all she found was affection.

Her trembling hands rose instinctively, reaching for the soft fabric of Galinda’s dress. Slowly, hesitantly, she slid her fingers under the delicate straps resting on Galinda’s shoulders. Her touch lingered there, waiting for a sign, for permission.

Galinda smiled, leaning forward to press a soft kiss to the corner of Elphaba’s lips. “It’s okay,” she whispered, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest. “I want this. I want you.”

Encouraged by Galinda’s words, Elphaba let her fingers glide down the straps, gently guiding them off her shoulders. The fabric of Galinda’s dress slipped lower, pooling at her waist and leaving her upper body bare, except for her bra. The sight stole Elphaba’s breath; Galinda was radiant, her fair skin glowing like moonlight, her golden curls cascading around her face like a halo.

“Galinda…” Elphaba’s voice was hoarse with awe, her hands hovering just above Galinda’s skin, unsure where to touch, afraid of ruining the moment.

Galinda took Elphaba’s hands in her own, guiding them to rest against her sides. “It’s just me,” she said softly, her lips curving into a reassuring smile. “You don’t have to be afraid.”

Elphaba nodded, her fingers curling slightly against Galinda’s waist. She leaned forward, her lips brushing against Galinda’s collarbone, trailing a path of soft, reverent kisses up her neck and to her jawline. Galinda’s hands tangled in Elphaba’s hair, a soft gasp escaping her lips as she tilted her head back to give Elphaba better access.

Their movements grew bolder, more confident, as they explored each other with a mixture of wonder and urgency. Elphaba’s hands roamed Galinda’s back, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. Galinda’s fingers slipped to the edge of Elphaba’s shirt, sliding it off her arms in one fluid motion.

They paused for a moment, their breaths mingling as they gazed at each other. Both of them were flushed, their eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Galinda reached up, brushing a strand of dark hair away from Elphaba’s face. “You’re everything, you know that?” she whispered, her voice trembling with sincerity.

Elphaba smiled, the expression soft and vulnerable. “I could say the same about you.”

Galinda leaned in, capturing Elphaba’s lips in another kiss. This one was deeper, more urgent, as if she was pouring all her emotions into it. Elphaba responded in kind, her hands sliding up to cup Galinda’s face as their bodies pressed together.

Elphaba’s lips moved with growing confidence, trailing soft kisses along Galinda’s neck as her hands rested lightly on the blonde’s waist. She marveled at how natural this felt despite her nerves, how every touch seemed to heighten the connection between them.

Galinda, sensing Elphaba’s hesitation, took one of Elphaba’s hands in her own and brought it up to her chest. Guiding her fingers gently, she pressed Elphaba’s palm against her breast, letting out a soft, breathless moan as she did.

The sound sent a jolt through Elphaba’s entire body. Her dark eyes flicked up to meet Galinda’s, wide with surprise, but the way Galinda’s lashes fluttered and her lips parted emboldened her. She tightened her hand slightly, her thumb brushing over the sensitive skin through the fabric, and was rewarded with another quiet, melodic gasp from Galinda.

“Does that feel good?” Elphaba asked, her voice low and husky, an edge of confidence creeping into her tone.

Galinda nodded quickly, her cheeks flushed. “Incredible,” she whispered, her breath hitching as Elphaba’s touch grew firmer, more assured.

Encouraged by Galinda’s response, Elphaba leaned in, her lips brushing against the shell of Galinda’s ear. “Tell me if you want me to stop,” she murmured, her voice soft but brimming with intensity.

“Don’t you dare stop,” Galinda replied, a teasing smile curving her lips despite the tremor in her voice.

Elphaba couldn’t help but grin at that, her usual shyness melting away as her newfound confidence took hold. She let her hand explore Galinda’s curves, her movements deliberate and gentle but filled with intent. Galinda arched into her touch, her hands clutching at Elphaba’s shoulders. Soft moans spilled from Galinda’s lips, each sound sending a spark of courage through Elphaba. She shifted, pressing Galinda further into the soft mattress as her lips resumed their exploration of her neck, trailing down to her collarbone. Galinda’s fingers tightened in Elphaba’s hair, her breathing growing more unsteady with every lingering kiss.

Elphaba’s other hand, still resting on Galinda’s breast, grew bolder. Her thumb brushed over the sensitive peak through the thin fabric, earning a sharper gasp that made Elphaba’s confidence surge. She lifted her head slightly, her dark eyes locking with Galinda’s, as if searching for reassurance.

“Don’t stop,” Galinda whispered breathlessly, her lips curling into a soft smile. Her cheeks were flushed, and her gaze burned with trust and desire.

Emboldened by her words, Elphaba leaned down again, her lips capturing Galinda’s in a kiss that was deeper, more fervent than before. Her hand slipped beneath the fabric, her palm meeting bare, warm skin. Galinda’s back arched instinctively, pressing herself further into Elphaba’s touch as another soft moan escaped her.

“Can I take this off?” Elphaba was pulling at the bra that her hand was currently inside.

Galinda met her eyes and swallowed, “yes, take it off. Take yours off too. Just take everything off. Okay?”Elphaba’s eyes widened and she nodded in agreement.

They separated and both quickly removed the last of their clothing. The air was suffocating. They both felt vulnerable, knowing that the other’s eyes were seeing them completely for the first time. Their eyes traced up and down the other’s bare body.

Elphaba was the first to break the silence. She reached out to take hold of Galinda’s cheek. “Wow…you are breathtaking.”

Galinda placed her hand on top of the hand on her cheek, her eyes shining with warmth. “I can’t believe you’re mine.”

She closed the gap between them and met Elphaba for a kiss that felt like an accumulation of all of their emotions. As they kissed, they lay back down on the bed and their hands started to explore.

Time seemed to blur as they lost themselves in each other, their movements guided by instinct and the overwhelming pull of their emotions. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word was a promise, a declaration of the feelings they had been too afraid to voice until now. The pressure built for both of them, until they reached their climax, with moans and kisses helping them along the way.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathing heavily, their foreheads resting together as they shared a quiet moment of intimacy. Galinda’s fingers traced idle patterns on Elphaba’s bare shoulder, her smile soft and content.

Elphaba, her usually sharp, restless eyes now clouded with something softer, searched Galinda’s face as though memorising every detail. “Are you okay?” she asked, her voice low and cautious, as if she feared breaking the fragile bubble that surrounded them.

Galinda let out a small laugh, the sound light and airy, but her eyes brimmed with sincerity. “Okay? I’m…more than okay, Elphie.” She leaned back just enough to look at her fully, her fingers now brushing over the green skin of Elphaba’s cheek. “That was…” She trailed off, biting her lip in that charming way Elphaba secretly adored, before whispering, “Incredible.”

Elphaba felt her throat tighten, overwhelmed by the honesty in Galinda’s words and the way she was looking at her. She reached up, hesitant at first, and tucked a strand of golden hair behind Galinda’s ear. “I was so worried,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “That I’d do something wrong, or you wouldn’t find me attractive, or…or I’d ruin it for you somehow.”

“Ruin it?” Galinda’s smile widened, and she pressed her forehead to Elphaba’s again, shaking her head. “Elphie, you could never ruin anything for me. It was perfect because it was with you. And as for not finding you attractive…I hope you felt how attracted to you I am.” She paused, her cheeks flushing a deep pink. “Was it…was it okay for you?”

Elphaba’s lips twitched into a small, shy smile that softened her usually sharp features. “It was more than okay.” Her words were simple, but the way she said them, earnest, with a tremble of awe, made Galinda’s heart ache in the most wonderful way.

Neither of them moved for a long moment, simply basking in each other’s presence. Galinda’s fingers drifted to the curve of Elphaba’s neck, brushing against her collarbone, while Elphaba’s hand settled gently on Galinda’s waist, holding her like she was something fragile and precious.

“I never thought I’d have this,” Elphaba murmured suddenly, almost to herself. “I never thought I’d have you.”

Galinda’s heart clenched, and she cupped Elphaba’s face in both hands, forcing the other woman to look at her. “Elphie, don’t you see? You deserve everything. You deserve to be loved, to be wanted, and I want you. More than anything.” Her voice cracked slightly, and she laughed softly at her own emotions, tears threatening to gather in her eyes. “You’ve always deserved this and I’ll keep proving it to you for as long as it takes. You’re stuck with me.”

Elphaba stared at her, stunned, as if no one had ever spoken to her like that before. Maybe no one had. Slowly, she leaned in, brushing her lips over Galinda’s in a kiss that was softer, slower, but just as full of meaning as the ones they’d shared earlier. When they pulled apart, Galinda smiled at her, brushing her thumb gently along Elphaba’s cheek.

They eventually drifted to sleep, still tangled in each other’s arms. Skin pressed to skin, their bodies fit together as though they had always been meant to. Galinda lay curled against Elphaba’s side, her head tucked beneath Elphaba’s chin, while Elphaba held her close as if she couldn’t bear to let go. The room was quiet, save for the soft rhythm of their breaths, the world outside forgotten in the sanctuary they’d created together.

The sunlight streaming through the window was soft but insistent, coaxing them from their slumber. Galinda stirred first, her fingers flexing slightly against the curve of Elphaba’s hip before she opened her eyes. She blinked sleepily, and for a moment, the sight of Elphaba beside her, still asleep, her dark hair mussed and her features relaxed in a way Galinda rarely saw. It stole her breath.

Elphaba’s arm, draped protectively around her, shifted as if sensing Galinda’s gaze. Her eyes fluttered open, and for a split second, uncertainty flickered there before it melted away at the sight of Galinda’s radiant smile.

“Good morning,” Galinda whispered, her voice still thick with sleep but filled with unmistakable warmth. Her fingers brushed over the green skin of Elphaba’s arm, marvelling at the softness of her.

Elphaba’s lips curved into a shy, lopsided smile. “Morning.” Her voice was husky, softer than usual, and it sent a pleasant shiver down Galinda’s spine.

They lay there for a moment, simply looking at each other, until Galinda finally broke the silence. “Last night was amazing.”

Elphaba’s cheeks darkened, the green of her skin taking on a richer hue as she averted her eyes briefly before meeting Galinda’s gaze again. “It was,” she agreed quietly, her words filled with meaning. “I didn’t think anything could feel like that. Like…like I was enough.”

“You are enough,” Galinda said firmly, her voice brimming with sincerity. She propped herself up on one elbow, the sheet slipping slightly to reveal more of her golden skin as she looked down at Elphaba. “You always will be.”

Elphaba’s gaze softened, her fingers tracing an absentminded path along Galinda’s side, marvelling at the warmth beneath her fingertips. “Thank you,” she murmured. “For…everything.”

They lay there a little longer, content in each other’s presence, until the clock on Galinda’s bedside table caught her attention. “Elphie,” she said softly, regret colouring her tone, “it’s Monday.”

Elphaba frowned slightly, realisation dawning. “Right. You’ve got class, and I…” Her voice faltered. “I have to head home.”

The words hung heavy in the air, both of them unwilling to break the bubble of warmth they’d built. Galinda sighed, resting her forehead against Elphaba’s shoulder. “I hate that you have to go.”

Elphaba hesitated, her brow furrowing in thought. “I’ve been thinking…What if…” She bit her lip, her nerves evident in the way her fingers traced slow circles on Galinda’s arm. “What if I asked if the band could always play on Fridays at the Ozdust? I could come here afterward and…stay the weekend. If that’s something you’d want.”

Galinda sat up straighter, her eyes wide with hope. “You mean…”

“I mean,” Elphaba cut in, her voice quiet but steady, “if you want, we could make this a weekly thing. Me staying here. Friday to Monday.”

The room was silent for a beat, and Elphaba quickly added, “But if it’s too much, or if you don’t think it’s a good idea, that’s okay. I don’t want you to feel…”

“Yes.” Galinda’s response was immediate, her voice bright and sure. “Elphie, yes. I’d love that. I hate it when you leave. Knowing I’d get to have you here every weekend…” She beamed, her excitement infectious. “It’s perfect.”

Elphaba’s shoulders relaxed, relief and happiness washing over her in equal measure. “Perfect,” she echoed softly, her lips curving into another shy smile.

They lingered in bed a little longer, reluctant to part, until Galinda finally sighed and stood to get ready for class. She moved about the room with her usual grace, dressing quickly but pausing every so often to glance back at Elphaba, who watched her with quiet admiration, still sitting up in bed with the sheets draped loosely around her.

The dock was quieter than usual. Galinda clung to Elphaba’s hands, unwilling to let go even as the boat came into view.

“Thank you,” Elphaba said, her voice soft but earnest, “for an incredible weekend. For everything.”

Galinda squeezed her hands, her smile radiant despite the sadness in her eyes. “Thank you, too. I’ll see you Friday, okay?”

Elphaba nodded, reluctant but reassured. “Friday.”

They kissed one last time, the world around them fading away. With one final squeeze of Galinda’s hand, Elphaba stepped onto the boat, her heart already counting down the days until Friday.

Galinda stood on the dock, watching the boat disappear into the horizon, already planning for next weekend and the many weekends to come.