Chapter 23
By the time they reached Elphaba’s apartment, Galinda was the first to step inside. She barely let go of Elphaba’s hand before turning on her heel, pressing her back against the door once it clicked shut.
Elphaba swallowed hard. “You’re staring again.”
Galinda smiled, slow and deliberate, stepping closer until there was barely a breath between them. “I just can’t believe you,” she murmured, reaching up to brush her fingers along the edge of Elphaba’s jaw. “How you can hold all of that inside, write something like that…and not tell me.”
Elphaba exhaled, almost a laugh, but it was too shaky, too uncertain. “I didn’t know how.”
Galinda hummed in quiet understanding, trailing her hand down Elphaba’s arm until she could tangle their fingers together. “Play it for me again,” she whispered.
Elphaba blinked. “Now?”
“Yes Galinda breathed. “Please.”
Elphaba hesitated for only a second before nodding. She took her guitar from the case and quickly worked to tune the strings. She wasn’t sure why she felt so exposed all of a sudden, but this was different. This was Galinda, alone, asking for something intimate, something raw.
Elphaba sat on the bed, guitar in her lap. Her fingers found the strings, the familiar shape of the chords beneath her fingertips. She took a breath and started to play, softer this time, quieter.
The first few notes filled the room. Galinda felt it in her chest, the weight of every unsaid thing Elphaba had poured into this song. It was like stepping into a memory, slipping between the lines of every moment they had spent dancing around this feeling, every glance, every touch, every time they had almost said it but didn’t.
Elphaba was so focused on the music that she barely registered the way Galinda moved-slowly, deliberately-until she felt the bed dip behind her.
Galinda leaned down, letting her lips brush against the curve of Elphaba’s neck. “You’re unbelievable,” she whispered, barely louder than the music.
Elphaba faltered, her fingers slipping on the strings, but she caught herself, shaking her head. “Galinda-”
“Keep playing,” Galinda murmured, trailing soft kisses along the line of Elphaba’s throat. “I want to hear you.”
Elphaba let out a slow, shaky breath but obeyed, continuing the song even as Galinda’s lips ghosted over her pulse, as her hands slid down to the first button of Elphaba’s shirt.
Galinda smiled against her skin when she felt the sharp inhale. “You missed this, didn’t you?” she murmured, fingers working deftly to undo the button.
Elphaba’s hands stilled on the guitar.
Galinda paused, waiting, feeling the unsteady rise and fall of Elphaba’s breath beneath her palms. Then, so quietly it was almost lost in the air between them, Elphaba whispered, “so much.”
Galinda swallowed, pressing a lingering kiss just below Elphaba’s jaw, her fingers resuming their slow, deliberate path down the buttons of her shirt. “I missed it too,” she admitted. “Missed you.”
Elphaba turned her head slightly, just enough to look at her, her green eyes dark with something raw and vulnerable. “I know,” she whispered.
Galinda exhaled shakily, her hands moving to push the fabric off Elphaba’s shoulders, letting it pool around her elbows. Her fingers traced along the newly exposed skin, like she was committing every inch of her to memory.
Elphaba’s breath hitched, but she didn’t stop her.
Galinda smiled, slow and fond, and leaned in, pressing another kiss-this one just above her collarbone, lingering and full of every unspoken thing between them. “I love you,” she murmured against her skin.
Elphaba turned fully then, the guitar forgotten between them as she reached up, cupping Galinda’s face in her hands. Her eyes were searching, her breath uneven. “Say it again,” she whispered.
Galinda’s heart swelled, aching with the depth of what they were, what they had always been. She leaned into Elphaba’s touch, pressing their foreheads together. “I love you,” she said again, steady and certain. “I love you. I have always loved you.”
A shaky exhale. A pause. Then-
Elphaba kissed her.
It was deep and consuming, urgent in a way that felt like making up for lost time. Galinda melted into it, her hands tangling in Elphaba’s hair, pulling her impossibly closer.
She had missed this-missed Elphaba’s hands on her, the way she kissed like she was afraid to lose her, like she wanted to drown in her.
She had missed being loved like this.
Galinda didn’t hesitate. She deepened the kiss, shifting until she was fully straddling Elphaba, her hands sliding down her arms to push her shirt the rest of the way off. It fell in a quiet rustle of fabric, forgotten at the edge of the bed.
Elphaba’s breath hitched as Galinda’s hands skimmed over her newly exposed skin, featherlight and deliberate. She felt worshiped, undone, as Galinda kissed her again-slower this time, savouring the moment. The weight of her in Elphaba’s lap, the warmth of her hands, the steady press of her lips-it was overwhelming in the best possible way.
Galinda’s fingers worked at the button of Elphaba’s trousers, but before she could get too far, Elphaba pulled away, breathless.
“That’s not fair,” she murmured, tilting her head back, her fingers curling around Galinda’s wrists to still them.
Galinda blinked, slightly dazed. “What?”
“You’re still fully dressed.” Elphaba’s voice was lower now, rough with something that sent a shiver down Galinda’s spine.
A slow, knowing smile spread across Galinda’s lips. “Well, we’ll have to fix that, won’t we?”
She leaned back just enough to grab the hem of her blouse, pulling it up and over her head in one smooth motion. Her golden curls tumbled free as the fabric joined Elphaba’s shirt on the floor.
Elphaba swallowed hard, her gaze tracing over every inch of newly revealed skin like she was memorising it. She had always thought Galinda was beautiful, but like this-glowing in the dim light, eyes full of warmth and certainty-she was breathtaking.
Galinda reached for Elphaba’s hands, guiding them to her waist. “Better?” she asked, teasing, but her voice was softer now, laced with something deeper.
Elphaba exhaled shakily, nodding. “Much.”
Galinda grinned, triumphant, and leaned in again, capturing her lips in another heated kiss, as her hands looped around Elphaba’s neck.
Elphaba responded in kind, deepening the kiss as her hands smoothed over Galinda’s waist, her thumbs tracing slow circles against her skin. She could feel the rapid rise and fall of Galinda’s breath, the way she leaned into her, pressing closer as if she couldn’t bear even the smallest distance between them.
Galinda let out a quiet sigh against her lips as Elphaba’s hands slid up her back, fingers tracing the delicate line of her spine. Her skin was warm beneath her touch, soft in a way that made Elphaba’s head spin.
Elphaba felt Galinda’s fingers skim over her collarbone, tracing downward, featherlight and deliberate. Then, with a teasing slowness, she reached behind herself, guiding Elphaba’s hands to the clasp of her bra.
Elphaba swallowed hard, her breath catching as she felt the metal under her fingertips. She hesitated, searching Galinda’s gaze. There was no uncertainty there, only warmth, only love. Elphaba exhaled, shaky but determined, and unhooked it with careful precision. The fabric loosened, and Galinda let it slide from her shoulders, letting it drop somewhere behind her without a second thought.
Elphaba barely had a moment to take in the sight of her before Galinda kissed her again, deeper this time, her hands moving to cup Elphaba’s face as if trying to pull her into herself. Elphaba let herself be drawn in, one hand splaying across Galinda’s bare back, the other resting at her waist.
Galinda’s hands trailed from Elphaba’s jaw to her back. Fingers finding the clasp on Elphaba’s bra, which was quickly undone. Galinda didn’t hesitate to remove the lace fabric. Her once again free hands moved back to Elphaba’s body, her palms cupping her breasts. Elphaba let out a moan, as the cupping turned to massaging.
Galinda nuzzled into the side of Elphaba’s ear and whispered, “Oz, I love hearing the sounds you make, just for me.”
Galinda shifted in her lap, a quiet, breathless sound escaping her as their bodies pressed together, skin to skin. The warmth of it, the intimacy, was nearly overwhelming, and yet Elphaba craved more-more of this, more of her.
Before Galinda realised what was happening, Elphaba took hold of Galinda and flipped them over, until she was hovering above the blonde girl. Her hand coming up to rest on Galinda’s cheek, as she lowered herself back to reconnect their lips.
As the kiss intensified, her hands began exploring Galinda’s body.
Galinda squirmed as Elphaba’s hands moved to her chest and started squeezing.
Elphaba broke back from the kiss and watched the effect she was having on Galinda, taking in her hooded eyes and shaky breaths. She began trailing kisses along Galinda’s jaw and down her neck, until she reached her pulse point. She had the sudden urge to mark the other girl and as she kissed her, she allowed herself to suck on the sensitive skin.
Galinda let out a breathy moan, as she felt the sensation. The noise spurring on Elphaba in her movements.
Her kisses moved down her chest until she traced a nipple with her tongue, before fully engulfing the bud with her mouth. She continued massaging the other breast, as she sucked at the nipple. Galinda’s moans becoming more frequent and her hands find their way into Elphaba’s hair.
Elphaba pulled back, as her hands moved from their place on her chest and drifted lower, fingers skimming over Galinda’s hips before finding the zipper at the side of her skirt. She paused only briefly before pulling it down, slow and deliberate, letting the fabric loosen and slip.
Galinda let out a breathy laugh, tilting her head. “Took you long enough,” she teased, though her voice was softer now, full of something far more tender than amusement.
Elphaba rolled her eyes fondly but said nothing, instead helping ease the fabric from her hips, watching as it pooled onto the bed beside them.
She leant back down, bringing Galinda back into a kiss. She let the kiss linger, slow and deep, savouring the moment. Her hands traced over Galinda’s newly exposed skin, as if committing every inch of her to memory.
Then, as if she couldn’t help herself, she pulled back just enough to look at her, to really see her. Her breath caught in her throat.
“You are so beautiful,” Elphaba whispered, voice hushed, almost in awe. “I’ll never get over it. Never get over the fact that I get to see you like this.”
Galinda’s breath hitched, her fingers tightening in Elphaba’s hair. There was something in her eyes-something deep, unguarded, as if no one had ever told her this in a way that made her truly believe it.
“Elphie… she started, but Elphaba shook her head, leaning in to press a soft kiss just beneath her jaw.
“I mean it,” she murmured against her skin, lips brushing along the delicate curve of her throat. “I want you to feel it. I want to make you feel how much I love you.”
Galinda shivered, her hands sliding down Elphaba’s back, gripping at her bare skin as if grounding herself. She was already breathless, already undone, and Elphaba had barely even touched her.
Elphaba let her lips travel lower, pressing kisses down Galinda’s collarbone, across her sternum, lingering between the soft swell of her breasts. She listened to every sound, every quiet gasp and shaky breath, letting them guide her as she moved.
Galinda arched slightly as Elphaba’s mouth continued downward, her muscles tensing in anticipation. The soft drag of Elphaba’s lips against her skin, the warmth of her breath…it was almost too much and not enough all at once.
Elphaba paused just above the last remaining barrier between them, her lips hovering over the waistband of Galinda’s underwear. She looked up then, green eyes dark and burning, locking onto Galinda’s with an intensity that made her pulse stutter.
Galinda sucked in a breath, her lips parting as she let out a quiet, needy sound that sent heat curling low in Elphaba’s stomach.
Elphaba smiled-small, knowing-and pressed an open-mouthed kiss over the thin fabric. Galinda’s back arched slightly at the contact, a soft, breathy moan escaping her lips.
Elphaba exhaled shakily, pressing another kiss, firmer this time, letting her lips linger. She could feel the heat of Galinda’s arousal through the fabric, could see the way it clung to her, damp with need. The knowledge sent a rush of desire through her, a deep, aching want that made her dizzy.
Galinda whimpered softly as Elphaba’s lips moved against her, as her hands smoothed over her hips, gripping just tightly enough to make her feel held.
“Elphie…” Galinda’s voice was barely more than a breath, her hands trembling as they threaded into dark hair.
Elphaba hummed against her, pressing one last lingering kiss before hooking her fingers around the waistband of Galinda’s underwear. She looked up again, giving her one last moment to stop her, to pull away if she wanted to.
But Galinda only nodded, her breath coming in shallow gasps, her fingers curling tighter in Elphaba’s hair.
That was all Elphaba needed.
Slowly, deliberately, she slid the fabric down, savouring every inch of newly revealed skin. Galinda let out a shaky sigh, her body taut with anticipation.
Elphaba pressed another kiss to her inner thigh, her hands settling against Galinda’s hips to keep her steady. And then, with a quiet whisper of her name, she finally let herself taste her.
Elphaba moved with slow, deliberate motions, savouring the way Galinda responded beneath her-the soft, breathless gasps, the way her fingers tightened in dark hair, the way her body arched as if reaching for more.
She wanted to give her everything-to make her feel loved, cherished, undone. And she did, with every touch, every press of her tongue, every whispered breath against overheated skin.
Galinda trembled, her body taut with pleasure, her chest rising and falling in shallow, uneven breaths. “Oz…Elphie.” Her voice broke on the name, laced with something breathless, pleading.
Elphaba glanced up through dark lashes, holding Galinda’s gaze as she continued, slow and deliberate, never looking away. She wanted her to see-to know exactly how much she adored her, how much she wanted this, wanted her.
Galinda whimpered, her head falling back against the pillows, her fingers still tangled in Elphaba’s hair. Every sensation was overwhelming, burning through her in waves, leaving her breathless and shaking.
And yet, Elphaba wasn’t done.
Still watching Galinda’s face, she let her hand trail up along the inside of her thigh, fingers teasing, exploring, before pressing exactly where Galinda needed her most.
Galinda gasped sharply, her whole body tensing before melting into Elphaba’s touch. She whimpered, her voice barely a breath.
Elphaba hushed her with a kiss to the inside of her thigh, her fingers sliding inside her and moving with aching tenderness, careful and slow. She could feel the way Galinda responded to her, the way her breath stuttered, the way her hips shifted as if trying to chase more.
It was intoxicating.
Galinda reached for her, her fingers trembling as they curled against Elphaba’s shoulder, grounding herself as pleasure built again, higher, deeper, unbearable in the best way.
Elphaba gave her everything-her touch, her devotion, her love, poured into every movement, every stroke, every whispered breath against heated skin.
Galinda arched, overwhelmed, and then-
Her breath hitched, her body shuddering as a broken cry escaped her lips. She tightened around Elphaba’s fingers, her thighs closing around her, waves of pleasure crashing over her, pulling her under, leaving her breathless and undone.
Elphaba held her through it, her free hand smoothing over Galinda’s waist, grounding her as she trembled in the aftermath. Slowly, gently, she pressed one last lingering kiss before moving back up, gathering Galinda in her arms, holding her close.
Galinda was still breathless, her skin flushed, her body boneless in Elphaba’s embrace. She let out a soft, shaky laugh, pressing her forehead against Elphaba’s. “Oz,” she murmured, voice still thick with warmth and exhaustion. “You-”
Elphaba silenced her with a kiss, slow and lingering, full of everything she didn’t have words for.
Galinda melted into it, smiling against her lips. When they finally pulled apart, she cupped Elphaba’s face in both hands, her eyes still dazed but filled with something deep and endless.
“I love you,” she whispered, pressing a kiss to the corner of Elphaba’s mouth. “I love you.”
Elphaba exhaled, her heart aching with the sheer enormity of it all. “I love you too.”
Elphaba held Galinda close, her fingers gently tracing patterns on the soft skin of her back. The world outside the apartment seemed far away, and in that moment, there was nothing but them-nothing but this feeling that had been building for so long. She could feel the steady thrum of Galinda’s heartbeat beneath her fingertips, the warmth of her skin, the way she breathed in sync with her.
But then, slowly, almost as if she were testing the waters, Galinda’s hands slid down Elphaba’s back, a deliberate move that sent a spark of electricity shooting through her. There was no hesitation, no uncertainty, just the steady determination of someone who knew exactly what she wanted.
Elphaba’s breath caught as Galinda shifted, her lips curving into a smile, eyes darkened with something both playful and intimate.
“I think it’s my turn now,” Galinda whispered, her voice soft but full of intent.
Elphaba blinked, feeling a shiver race up her spine as Galinda’s hands moved with confidence, tracing the curve of her waist before pulling her closer. She felt the weight of Galinda’s body pressing down on her, but more than that, she felt the gentle power in her touch. It was something different than before-more assertive, more sure of itself-and Elphaba couldn’t help but melt into it.
Galinda smiled again, her fingers brushing lightly over Elphaba’s skin, sending waves of warmth through her. “Let me take care of you,” she murmured, her voice low and smooth, full of something that made Elphaba’s pulse quicken.
And just like that, the balance shifted. Galinda took control, guiding the moment with a sure hand, her movements deliberate and tender all at once. Elphaba’s eyes fluttered closed as Galinda’s touch deepened. The heat between them was undeniable, a pull so magnetic that Elphaba couldn’t resist leaning into it, her heart racing.
Galinda’s fingers traced the waistband of Elphaba’s trousers, the motion slow and deliberate, as if she were savouring the moment. Elphaba’s pulse quickened under her touch, her breath hitching as Galinda moved closer, eyes dark with something that made Elphaba’s stomach flutter.
“You’re so beautiful,” Galinda murmured, her voice hushed but full of warmth, as if she couldn’t believe just how lucky she was. Her fingertips grazed the edge of Elphaba’s trousers, the fabric cool beneath her touch. “Let me see all of you,” she whispered.
Elphaba swallowed hard, her entire body feeling like it was on fire. And as Galinda’s hands worked on the button of her trousers, Elphaba’s breath grew shallow.
Galinda’s fingers moved with a gentle but firm confidence, slowly undoing the button, then the zipper. The slow, deliberate motion sent a shiver through Elphaba as the fabric of her trousers loosened, falling to the side.
But it didn’t stop there. Galinda’s hands continued their path, skimming over Elphaba’s hips before tugging at the waistband of her underwear, the soft fabric slipping past her skin with each careful movement.
Elphaba let out a shaky breath, her whole body reacting to Galinda’s touch. Every inch of skin exposed to her felt electrified, every caress more intimate than the last.
“Galinda…” Elphaba’s voice was thick with emotion, her eyes meeting Galinda’s in that moment.
Galinda looked up at her, her eyes full of tenderness, but there was something more. A knowing, a hunger, a need to show Elphaba just how much she meant to her. She leaned in close, her lips brushing against Elphaba’s ear as she whispered, “I’m going to make you feel so loved.”
The words were a promise, and Elphaba didn’t hesitate to close her eyes, letting herself be swept away by the feeling of Galinda’s hands on her thighs, gently tracing delicate patterns against her skin. The anticipation coiled tight in Elphaba’s stomach, her breath coming in uneven bursts as Galinda’s touch moved higher, deliberate and teasing.
Galinda hummed softly, pressing a kiss just below Elphaba’s ear. She let her hands wander, memorising every dip and curve, every shiver that ran through Elphaba’s body beneath her fingertips.
“You’re already trembling,” Galinda murmured, her voice laced with fond amusement as her fingers continued their slow descent. “You really enjoyed watching me didn’t you?”
Elphaba exhaled sharply, her fingers twitching against the sheets. She wanted to speak, to answer, but the words caught in her throat as Galinda’s hand slipped between her thighs, pressing just lightly enough to make her gasp.
Galinda smiled, satisfied, her fingers tracing through the wet that met her touch. “Oh, darling,” she whispered, her voice filled with something deep and aching. “You’re so ready for me.”
Elphaba let out a soft, desperate sound, her hips shifting instinctively toward Galinda’s hand. The warmth, the pressure, the unbearable slowness-it was too much and not enough all at once.
Galinda kissed her again, deep and lingering, as she finally gave her what she needed. Her fingers pressed more firmly now, moving in slow, steady circles, drawing a quiet moan from Elphaba’s lips.
“That’s it,” Galinda soothed, her other hand sliding up to rest just below Elphaba’s ribs, grounding her. “Let go for me, love.”
Elphaba did. She melted beneath Galinda’s touch, her body arching as pleasure coiled tighter and tighter within her. Every movement was deliberate, every caress a silent declaration of love, of devotion.
Galinda watched her closely, taking in every reaction, every breathless sound. “You’re so beautiful like this,” she murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Elphaba’s jaw. “I love watching you fall apart for me.”
Elphaba’s fingers dug into the sheets, her breath stuttering as Galinda’s fingers entered her. She curled her fingers inside her, finding exactly what she needed. A strangled moan escaped her lips, her whole body trembling. Her fingers began to follow an insistent rhythm.
Elphaba’s breaths becoming more stuttered. Gasps and moans filling the room.
Galinda’s fingers curled with purpose, her thumb adding to the pleasure by drawing teasing circles on her sweet spot.
“Galinda…” Elphaba gasped, her voice breaking, and that was all it took.
Galinda didn’t let up, her movements steady and sure as she carried Elphaba through it, whispering soft praises against her skin. “That’s it, my love. Let go. I’ve got you.”
And Elphaba did. Her body tensed, then shattered, pleasure crashing over her in waves that left her breathless and shaking. Galinda held her through it, her touch gentle, reassuring, as Elphaba slowly came back down.
When she finally opened her eyes, Galinda was there, smiling at her with a warmth that made Elphaba’s heart ache.
“I love you,” Galinda whispered, brushing damp hair from Elphaba’s forehead. “You are…everything.”
Elphaba exhaled shakily, still trying to catch her breath, and pulled Galinda close, their bodies pressing together. “I love you,” she whispered back, her voice raw, honest. “So much.”
Galinda kissed her softly, a slow, tender press of lips, before tucking herself into Elphaba’s side, their limbs tangling together in the aftermath.
They didn’t need to say anything else. Wrapped up in each other, skin to skin, warmth pressed against warmth, they drifted off together, the night carrying them into sleep, their hearts beating as one.