Emerald Fog

Almost five years had passed since Elphaba made her debut at The Ozdust. Now, she stood centre stage beneath a canopy of stars, the bass lines thundering through the ground beneath her feet. The crowd before her was massive, 40,000 strong, and the outdoor theatre pulsed with the sound of her band, Emerald Fog, commanding the air. The heat of the lights beat down on her as she rocked with her band, the fans screaming and singing along to every note.

The energy was electric. Elphaba’s band, now more than a staple of Oz’s music scene, had become a revolution. Songs of rebellion, love, and freedom played in every corner of the land, and her green skin, once considered an oddity, was now worshipped. Her fan base had grown exponentially, from devoted followers to those who couldn’t get enough of her. Fans of all shapes, sizes, and walks of life had flocked to her concerts, some to see the enigmatic green woman and others to escape into the music she created. The attraction wasn’t just to her music, but to who she was; flawed, powerful, and unapologetically herself.

The final song of the set ended with an explosive crescendo, the crowd roaring in appreciation as Elphaba took a breath, feeling the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She gave a final salute to the audience and then stepped off the stage with her band, swept by the energy of the night. 

As they walked through the backstage area, people cheered and clapped, calling out for autographs, and even the occasional flirtatious remark. Elphaba’s fame had become undeniable, and the adoration she received was endless.

She made her way toward the exit, her manager, Zarvok, close by, constantly scanning the area, ensuring nothing would go awry. Zarvok, with his sharp eyes and sharp suits, had become indispensable to her success. A man of few words but high efficiency, he always made sure Elphaba was successful , but also safe.

As Elphaba stepped out of the backstage area, the roar of the crowd still echoing in her ears, she braced herself for the sea of fans waiting outside. Some held out records and posters, hoping for an autograph, while others simply screamed her name, desperate for even a moment of acknowledgment. It was overwhelming at times, but she had learned to take it in stride. She signed a few records, exchanged quick words of gratitude, and kept moving toward the carriage waiting for her at the end of the path.

And then, just as she was about to slip away into the night, she saw her.

A young girl, no older than fourteen, stood frozen near the edge of the crowd. Her skin was green. Not the pale, sickly kind some might mistake for an illness, but a deep, unmistakable emerald, just like Elphaba’s.

Elphaba stopped in her tracks.

The girl’s wide eyes shimmered under the dim lights of the theatre entrance, and her hands clutched a crinkled concert poster to her chest. She looked too stunned to move, as if she couldn’t quite believe Elphaba was real.

Elphaba took a step toward her, causing the girl to gasp audibly. The surrounding fans began to murmur, stepping back slightly, sensing something important was happening.

“What’s your name?” Elphaba asked, her voice softer than it had been all night.

The girl swallowed hard. “Calla,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

A small smile tugged at Elphaba’s lips. “Calla.” She let the name roll off her tongue, as if committing it to memory. “It’s an honour to meet you.”

Calla blinked rapidly, her grip tightening on the poster. “No,” she said quickly, shaking her head. “The honour is mine. I…I can’t believe I’m standing in front of you.” Her voice cracked slightly, and she sniffled, embarrassed. “You…you changed my life.”

Elphaba tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her expression. “How so?”

Calla let out a shaky breath. “Before you, being green meant being alone. People at school avoided me. Some even called me cursed.” She swallowed hard. “I used to wish I was born different. But then you happened. You made being green something cool.” Her lips trembled into a smile. “Because of you, people at school actually want to be my friend. They think I’m unique, not a freak. And it’s all because of you.”

Elphaba’s chest tightened. She had spent so many years wishing someone had told her those exact words when she was young. That she wasn’t broken, wasn’t something to be hidden away.

Slowly, she reached out, resting a gentle hand on Calla’s shoulder. “I had a hard time growing up, too,” she admitted. “I know what it feels like to be the only one, to wish you could just disappear.” Her fingers curled slightly, as if grounding herself in the moment. “But what changed my life wasn’t them, the ones who mocked me. It was the people who made me feel like my skin was something beautiful instead of something ugly.”

Calla wiped at her eyes, nodding furiously.

Elphaba reached into her pocket and pulled out a small piece of card, the edges slightly bent from being carried around. She held it out to Calla. “This is my manager’s contact,” she explained. “Write to him with your details. I want to send you tickets to our next show. And before it starts, we’ll hang out for a bit. Just you and me.”

Calla let out a strangled gasp, her eyes going impossibly wide. “A-Are you serious?”

Elphaba grinned. “Of course. You’ve already made my night, seems only fair I return the favour.”

Tears spilled freely down Calla’s cheeks as she took the card with trembling hands. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Elphaba didn’t hesitate. She pulled Calla into a firm hug, feeling the younger girl tremble in her arms. “You’re not alone,” she murmured. “You never were.”

Calla let out a soft sob, clutching the back of Elphaba’s jacket as if afraid she’d disappear.

When they finally pulled away, Calla was still crying, but she was smiling, too.

Elphaba gave her one last nod before stepping back toward her carriage, where Zarvok stood waiting with an unreadable expression. She turned back once, just in time to see Calla clutch the card to her chest like it was the most precious thing in the world.

As soon as Elphaba climbed into the carriage, she let out a slow breath, still processing everything that had just happened. The door shut behind her, muffling the lingering cheers outside.

The carriage swayed as it pulled into the Emerald City, and Elphaba felt a familiar sense of comfort wash over her. Even after everything, there was something about the Emerald City that felt like home. She and her band had taken their mark on Oz, but the city still held a certain place in her heart.

They arrived at an elegant building. Elphaba stepped out of the carriage, quickly saying her goodbyes, and made her way toward the entrance. A young receptionist, Tira, stood at the front desk with a warm smile, greeting her as she entered.

“Hey, Elphaba! How was the tour?” Tira asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Elphaba returned the smile, stretching her shoulders. “It was a blast, but I missed home.”

Tira raised an eyebrow playfully. “I think home missed you too,” she teased.

Elphaba laughed softly. “It’s fine for me to go through, right?”

“Yeah, go ahead.”

Elphaba gave a nod of thanks and walked down the hallway. She stopped in front of a sleek office door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked softly, then opened it.

Inside, Galinda stood with her back to the door, hunched over her desk, comparing fabric samples. She was deep in thought, her pen tapping rhythmically against the papers. Without turning, she said, “I don’t want any lunch, Tira. Go without me, I need to decide which of these fabrics is going to complement the design.”

The door clicked shut, and Galinda, thinking it was the receptionist leaving her to focus, didn’t look up. But then, a familiar voice interrupted her concentration.

“Are you sure you don’t have time for lunch?”

Galinda froze. Slowly, she turned around, and her breath caught in her throat when she saw Elphaba standing in the doorway, her green skin glowing under the office light.

Elphaba’s lips curved into a small, playful smile. Galinda didn’t say a word. Instead, she let out a loud squeal of joy and immediately launched herself into Elphaba’s arms, nearly knocking her over in the process.

Elphaba had no choice but to catch her, laughing in surprise. Galinda kissed her fiercely, her lips crashing against Elphaba’s, as if trying to make up for the time they’d been apart. Between kisses, Galinda’s words tumbled out in a blur. “What are you doing here? You didn’t tell me you were coming back today. I’ve missed you so much. I love you.”

Elphaba, still holding Galinda close, closed her eyes, letting the emotions of the moment flood through her. She kissed Galinda back with equal intensity, her hands tangled in her hair. She knew the two months had been difficult for both of them, but this, the feeling of being in each other’s arms again, was worth every moment of the separation.

“I love you too,” Elphaba whispered, breathless as they pulled apart for a moment, their foreheads resting against each other.

Galinda smiled through the tears that filled her eyes. “I’m so glad you’re back. Come on, let’s get out of here.”

Galinda grabbed her coat from the back of her chair and swung it over her shoulders. Without hesitation, she reached for Elphaba’s arm, guiding her toward the door. “Tira,” she called as they passed the receptionist’s desk, her voice firm yet gentle, “I’m closing the office for the rest of the day. Go home, enjoy your afternoon.”

Tira blinked in surprise but nodded, already pulling her coat on. “Enjoy the rest of your day, you two.”

Without another word, Galinda nearly dragged Elphaba toward the exit, their hands intertwined but their silence speaking volumes. Every now and then, they would glance at each other, eyes lighting up with beaming smiles, as if each was trying to commit this moment to memory. The familiar weight of Elphaba’s hand in hers felt like a long-missed dream finally realised.

When they reached the door, Galinda hurried them both outside, practically marching toward their apartment. The sound of their footsteps echoed on the pavement, and Elphaba couldn’t stop herself from beaming, even though they hadn’t exchanged a word yet. The energy between them was electric, like they both knew something unspoken but shared the same intensity in their gazes.

Once inside, Galinda immediately pulled Elphaba into her arms, kissing her deeply. “I missed you,” Galinda breathed, pulling away slightly but keeping her hands on Elphaba’s face. “Two months is too long, Elphaba. Don’t do that again.”

Elphaba smiled softly, her green eyes glinting with affection. “I missed you too,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m so glad to be back.”

Galinda didn’t let go of her, but instead led them over to the couch, sitting down beside her. “So,” she asked, her curiosity piqued, “how was the rest of the tour? You said in your last letter that things were going well, but how well was it?”

Elphaba’s face lit up as she spoke, her hands animated as she described the shows and the overwhelming response from the audience. “It was incredible,” she said, grinning. “So many people came to see us. And last night, someone…” she paused, her eyes sparkling, “a young girl called Calla, came to meet me, and she was green, just like me. She told me that I’ve changed her life, and that kids at school actually want to be her friend because of her skin and not in spite of… I mean, it was the most amazing thing. I’ve never seen someone so moved.”

Galinda’s smile grew, her heart swelling with pride. “That’s incredible, Elphie,” she said softly. “It’s worth more than anything to have that impact. It’s amazing that you’re doing that for people.”

Elphaba was still grinning, her heart lighter than it had been in months. But the silence that followed between them felt comfortable, as if they didn’t need to say anything else. They were just happy to be in the same space again. Elphaba, still holding Galinda’s hand, finally broke the silence.

“So, how’s work been for you?” she asked, her voice playful but genuine.

Galinda’s smirk was immediate, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Slowly, she stood up, pulling Elphaba up with her. She put her hands on Elphaba’s shoulders, and began pushing her back gently toward the bedroom. “Well,” she said, her voice low and teasing, “why don’t we talk about work later?”

Elphaba’s legs hit the edge of the bed, and she stumbled slightly, catching herself with a soft laugh. The mattress dipped beneath her as she sat down, her fingers gripping the sheets for balance. “Oh yeah?” she teased, raising a dark eyebrow. “And what is it that’s so urgent?”

Galinda didn’t answer with words. Instead, she stepped forward, her delicate hands finding the hem of her own shirt. In one smooth motion, she lifted it over her head, her golden curls tumbling messily as the fabric fell away. She leaned in, the heat of her body pressing close, her breath grazing the shell of Elphaba’s ear as she whispered, her voice a seductive murmur, “You.”

The single word sent a thrill through Elphaba’s body, heat pooling in her chest, her stomach tightening with anticipation. A slow smile spread across her lips, a mix of surprise and hunger sparking in her dark eyes. Without hesitation, she pulled Galinda forward, fingers curling around her waist, their lips crashing together in a kiss that burned away the months of separation.

The room around them blurred into irrelevance as their bodies pressed close, the space between them vanishing. Elphaba’s hands roamed Galinda’s back, tracing the curve of her spine, feeling the warmth of her bare skin beneath her fingertips. Galinda responded eagerly, her hands sliding up to cradle Elphaba’s face, thumbs brushing along her sharp cheekbones before tangling in the long strands of her dark hair. She tugged, just enough to deepen the kiss, and a soft sound escaped Elphaba’s throat, a sound Galinda had missed more than she could put into words.

Galinda’s lips left Elphaba’s mouth only to travel lower, skimming the curve of her jaw, the column of her throat, leaving soft kisses that made Elphaba’s breath hitch. “I’ve been thinking about this… about you,” Galinda whispered against her skin, her lips brushing the sensitive spot just below her ear. “Every day, Elphie. Every single day.”

Elphaba shivered, her hands tightening on Galinda’s waist. The raw sincerity in her voice sent a fresh wave of longing through her, a need so deep it made her chest ache. She guided Galinda’s lips back to hers, capturing her in another kiss, one filled with all the words she couldn’t quite say aloud. “I’ve thought about you too,” she murmured against her lips, her voice rough with emotion. “I’ve missed you more than I can put into words.”

Their bodies moved instinctively, shifting until Elphaba’s back met the mattress. Galinda followed, her weight pressing down, her warmth sinking into Elphaba’s skin. The feeling of her, soft and firm all at once, sent a delicious thrill through Elphaba’s veins. Galinda’s hands slid down, finding the hem of Elphaba’s shirt. She hesitated, just for a moment, her eyes searching Elphaba’s face.

Elphaba didn’t give her a chance to overthink. She lifted herself just enough to help Galinda pull the shirt over her head, revealing smooth green skin, the soft rise and fall of her breath. Galinda exhaled a quiet sigh, her fingers immediately tracing along Elphaba’s collarbone, down her arms, reacquainting herself with every inch she had missed.

Elphaba’s hands mirrored hers, reaching for the clasp of Galinda’s bra, unhooking it with a practiced ease that made Galinda smile against her lips. She let it slide down her arms before tossing it aside, sighing as Elphaba’s hands smoothed over the newly exposed skin, fingers skimming down her sides, her waist, committing every inch to memory.

They undressed each other slowly, deliberately, taking their time to savour the process, as if drawing out the moment could make up for all the ones they had lost. Skin met skin, warmth melting into warmth, and soon they were tangled together, hands grasping, lips exploring, bodies finding a rhythm that was theirs alone.

Elphaba gasped as Galinda’s nails scraped lightly down her back, arching into the touch. Galinda responded with a breathless laugh, pressing soft kisses along her collarbone before trailing lower, her touch mapping a path Elphaba had only dreamed of in their time apart.

Galinda’s lips followed the curve of Elphaba’s chest, pressing warm, open-mouthed kisses along her skin. She moved slowly, teasingly, her breath leaving a trail of heat in its wake. Elphaba’s fingers dug into the sheets as Galinda’s hands smoothed over her sides, exploring every dip, every ridge, as if memorising her all over again.

Elphaba’s breath hitched as Galinda shifted lower, her hands gliding over the sharp lines of her hips, her nails dragging lightly along her thighs. The sensation sent a shudder through Elphaba’s body, her muscles tensing beneath Galinda’s touch. “Galinda…” she murmured, her voice thick with longing, her hands reaching for her, pulling her back up into another desperate kiss.

Galinda melted into her, their bodies pressing flush against each other. Elphaba rolled them over, her weight settling over Galinda, the shift making the blonde let out a soft sigh. Elphaba’s fingers traced down Galinda’s ribs, pressing into the soft skin of her waist before gripping her thighs, parting them just enough to fit between.

Galinda let out a quiet whimper as Elphaba’s mouth found her pulse point, her teeth grazing lightly before soothing the spot with a kiss. The warmth of her breath sent a shiver down Galinda’s spine, her hands tightening in Elphaba’s hair, guiding her closer, silently pleading for more.

They moved together in a rhythm that felt both familiar and electric, every brush of skin, every shift of hips drawing them deeper into each other. Their hands roamed; Elphaba’s firm, knowing; Galinda’s eager, trembling. Each touch sent sparks through them, bodies attuned to every unspoken need, every long-held desire.

Elphaba’s lips traced a slow, torturous path down Galinda’s body, her tongue flicking over the sensitive dip of her stomach before moving lower. Galinda arched, her breath catching as her fingers twisted into the sheets, her chest rising and falling in shallow, desperate breaths. “Elphie…” she gasped, her voice breaking into a soft moan as Elphaba’s hands gripped her thighs, holding her steady.

Time became meaningless, lost in whispered names, in grasping hands and gasping breaths, in the quiet, intoxicating push and pull between them. Every movement, every stroke, every press of their bodies was a reminder: this was real, this was theirs, and nothing, not time, not distance, could ever break it.

When they finally collapsed together, bodies trembling, limbs tangled, Galinda let out a slow, contented sigh, her fingers tracing lazy patterns over Elphaba’s bare shoulder. Elphaba pressed a lingering kiss to the top of her head, her arms wrapping tightly around Galinda’s waist as their breathing slowly steadied.

The room was quiet now, save for the slow, rhythmic sound of their breathing. Galinda lay draped over Elphaba, her head nestled against the curve of her shoulder, her fingers drawing absentminded shapes against the green skin beneath them.

Elphaba let out a long, contented sigh, her hand running lazily through Galinda’s tousled curls. “If this is what I get for coming home early, I should do it more often,” she murmured, a teasing lilt in her voice.

Galinda giggled softly, lifting her head just enough to meet Elphaba’s gaze. “You absolutely should,” she agreed, her blue eyes twinkling mischievously. Then, with an exaggerated pout, she added, “Two months was far too long. I was beginning to forget what you felt like.”

Elphaba smirked, her fingers tracing slow circles on Galinda’s bare back. “Oh? And have I successfully reminded you?”

Galinda hummed, pressing a soft kiss to Elphaba’s collarbone. “Mm-hmm. But I wouldn’t mind a refresher course later.”

Elphaba chuckled, a warm, low sound that sent a pleasant shiver down Galinda’s spine. She tightened her arms around her, savoring the simple pleasure of holding her close. “Deal.”

For a while, they simply lay there, wrapped in each other. It had been too long since they’d had a moment like this, where there was no distance, no schedule, no performances keeping them apart. Just them.

Elphaba stirred awake to the soft sound of humming and the warm, rich scent of coffee drifting through the air. Blinking the sleep from her eyes, she stretched lazily, feeling the satisfying ache in her muscles from the night before. A small, knowing smirk tugged at her lips.

The bed felt cold without Galinda beside her, and that alone was enough to urge her up. She slid out from beneath the sheets, shivering slightly as the morning air brushed against her bare skin. Padding over to the wardrobe, she grabbed a loose-fitting shirt, one of her own, and slipped it on, rolling the sleeves up past her elbows. It hung slightly off her shoulders, but she didn’t mind.

As she stepped out of the bedroom, she leaned against the doorway, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure in the kitchen.

Galinda stood with her back to her, moving gracefully as she flipped something in a pan. The morning light streamed through the windows, casting her in a soft glow. She was wearing only one thing, Elphaba’s shirt, which barely covered the curve of her thighs. The sight of her, blonde curls messy from sleep, humming softly as she cooked, was enough to make Elphaba’s heart stutter in her chest.

Pushing off the doorframe, Elphaba crossed the space between them silently. Once she was close enough, she slipped her arms around Galinda’s waist from behind, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to the side of her neck.

Galinda gasped softly at the sudden touch, but immediately melted into Elphaba’s embrace, tilting her head slightly to give her more access. Elphaba took the invitation, pressing another kiss just below her ear, then another.

“Something smells good,” Elphaba murmured against her skin.

Galinda let out a soft, breathy laugh, her hands momentarily stilling on the pan. “I thought you might be hungry, so I was making you something.” Her voice was light and teasing, but there was a shiver in it, betraying the effect Elphaba’s lips had on her.

Elphaba smirked against her neck, tightening her hold around Galinda’s waist. “I’m glad you think it smells good.”

But instead of acknowledging the food, Elphaba’s hands slid slowly along Galinda’s stomach, her lips grazing the sensitive spot just beneath her jaw before she whispered, “That wasn’t what I was talking about.”

Galinda let out a surprised giggle, turning slightly in Elphaba’s arms to swat at her shoulder. “Elphie!” she scolded, though the pink creeping up her neck suggested she wasn’t really complaining.

Elphaba chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to Galinda’s lips. “What? Just being honest.”

Galinda rolled her eyes, but her expression was fond as she kissed her again, this time softer, lingering just a moment longer before pulling away. “Now, go sit down. Breakfast is ready.”

Elphaba, never one to argue with a command from Galinda, stepped back and made her way to the table. She sat down, stretching her legs out comfortably.

Just as she settled, Galinda approached with a plate, but instead of placing it in front of her, she did something unexpected, she straddled Elphaba’s lap, holding the plate in one hand while using the other to balance herself against Elphaba’s shoulder.

Elphaba arched an eyebrow but didn’t object, resting her hands instinctively on Galinda’s hips. “Well, this is new.”

Galinda grinned, setting the plate down on the table beside them before wrapping her arms around Elphaba’s neck. “I missed you,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to the tip of Elphaba’s nose.

Elphaba squeezed her waist gently. “I missed you too.”

They ate like that, Galinda nestled comfortably in her lap as they talked. Elphaba listened as Galinda caught her up on everything she’d missed; how her fashion career was thriving, how the new collection was almost finished, and how she had so many new outfit ideas for Elphaba’s band.

“I can’t wait to see them,” Elphaba said, smiling as she tucked a loose strand of Galinda’s hair behind her ear.

Galinda’s smile softened. “I think you’ll love them.” She reached out, brushing her fingers over Elphaba’s wrist. “I love seeing you on stage, you know. You’re… magnificent.”

Elphaba felt a warmth spread through her, a different kind of heat than before. “And I love knowing you’re in the audience,” she admitted.

Galinda’s fingers curled around hers, and for a moment, everything felt absolutely perfect.

They both froze.

Galinda groaned, dropping her forehead against Elphaba’s shoulder. “Of course. The moment is perfect, so someone has to ruin it.”

Elphaba chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Should we ignore it?”

Knock, knock.

Galinda sighed. “We probably shouldn’t.”

Elphaba rolled her eyes but reluctantly shifted to let Galinda stand.

Galinda padded toward the door, Elphaba trailing lazily behind her. She pulled it open, and there, leaning against the doorframe with an easy smirk, was Fiyero.

“Well, well, well,” he drawled, eyes immediately flicking over Galinda, taking in her sleep-tousled hair, her bare legs, and, most notably, the way Elphaba’s shirt hung off her frame. His smirk widened. “Did I interrupt something?”

Galinda rolled her eyes, arms crossing over her chest as she shot him a knowing look. “Be honest, you hope you were interrupting something.”

Fiyero gasped, placing a hand dramatically over his chest. “I’m wounded that you would say such a thing.” Then, after a beat, he wiggled his eyebrows. “But yes. Yes, I do.”

Elphaba, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, huffed out a quiet laugh. “Nice to see you too, Fiyero.”

His grin softened just slightly as he turned to her. “And you. The rockstar. When did you get back?”

“Yesterday,” Elphaba said, stepping forward and clasping his forearm in a quick but firm greeting before letting go. “Didn’t expect to see you here. What brings you to the Emerald City?”

Fiyero shrugged. “Just passing through. You know me, can’t stay in one place too long. But I figured I’d drop in and see my two favorite people.” His eyes twinkled with mischief. “Though, judging by the fact that Miss Galinda is answering the door half-dressed in your shirt, maybe I should’ve given you notice.”

Galinda scoffed, but Elphaba just smirked. “Since when do you give notice before showing up anywhere?”

“Fair point.” Fiyero chuckled, then tilted his head at Elphaba. “By the way, thanks for the tickets to your tour. You were incredible.”

Elphaba smiled, a bit more genuine now. “Thanks for coming.”

Fiyero placed a hand over his heart again, this time in mock sincerity. “How could I refuse? Besides, you should know that mentioning I know you does wonders for me with all the ladies. And the fellas.”

Galinda laughed, shaking her head. “You do not.”

Fiyero raised an eyebrow. “Oh, but I do. You wouldn’t believe how many people suddenly find me fascinating when I casually drop that I’m personally acquainted with the Elphaba Thropp.”

Elphaba rolled her eyes. “I’m sure you’re exaggerating.”

“I never exaggerate,” Fiyero said, grinning.

Elphaba shot him a dry look, but Galinda just giggled, stepping aside to let him in. “Well, if you’re going to barge in unannounced, at least come in properly.”

Fiyero stepped inside, his usual lazy confidence on full display, but as he did, he held up a hand. “Actually, I can’t stay. I’m on my way to meet a lovely lady.” He waggled his eyebrows. “But I came by to invite you two to dinner tonight.”

Galinda gasped, clasping her hands together. “Ooh, how fancy of you! Where?”

Fiyero grinned. “Somewhere with good food and good drinks. I haven’t decided yet, but I’ll find something worthy of your refined tastes.”

Elphaba raised an eyebrow. “That’s code for ‘I haven’t made a reservation anywhere, and I’m hoping you’ll pick so I don’t have to think about it.’”

Fiyero placed a hand over his heart, looking deeply offended. “You wound me, Elphie.”

Galinda smirked. “She’s not wrong, though.”

Fiyero sighed, defeated. “Alright, fine. Pick the place, and I’ll handle the bill. That work?”

Galinda lit up. “Oh, now that is an offer I can get behind.”

Elphaba rolled her eyes but smirked. “Alright, we’re in.”

“Perfect.” Fiyero clapped his hands together.

Galinda tilted her head. “Wait. Shouldn’t you already be on your way to your date?”

Fiyero’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh, shit. Right. Yes. I should.”

Elphaba smirked. “That’s what happens when you spend too much time flirting with us instead.”

“I was not flirting,” he said, clearly lying. Then, with a dramatic flourish, he backed toward the door. “I shall return this evening, dressed to impress, ready to wine and dine my two favourite people.”

Galinda beamed. “We’ll be waiting!”

Elphaba just shook her head fondly as Fiyero winked at them both one last time and disappeared through the door.

As soon as he was gone, Galinda turned to Elphaba, still smiling. “I do love Fiyero.”

Elphaba sighed, draping an arm around her waist. “I know you do.”

Galinda turned in her arms, wrapping her own around Elphaba’s neck. “But I love you more.”

Elphaba smirked. “Well, obviously.”

Galinda giggled before leaning in to kiss her, soft and sweet.

The restaurant was warm and lively, the three of them seated at a cozy booth with drinks in hand. The conversation had been light so far, Galinda dramatically retelling a story from their vacation last year, Fiyero laughing in all the right places, and Elphaba adding her dry remarks in between. But now the attention had turned to him, and Galinda was all curiosity.

“So,” she said, twirling the stem of her wine glass between her fingers. “Tell us about your date.”

Fiyero leaned back in his seat, smirking. “Ah, yes. The lovely Miss Lora.”

Galinda gasped. “Oh! She has a name. This must be serious.”

Fiyero chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. “Serious might be a stretch. But she’s charming, intelligent, and…” he gave a slow grin, “completely unimpressed by me.”

Galinda let out a delighted laugh. “Oh, I love her already.”

Elphaba smirked. “Finally met your match?”

Fiyero placed a hand on his chest. “I wouldn’t go that far. But she does keep me on my toes.”

He was as smooth and effortless as ever, but Elphaba had known him too long not to notice the shift beneath the surface. The way he kept rolling the base of his glass against the table. The way his smile wasn’t quite reaching his eyes. He was talking, but he wasn’t really saying anything.

She set down her own glass. “Alright. What’s this actually about?”

Fiyero blinked at her. “What do you mean?”

Galinda frowned. “Wait, what?”

Elphaba didn’t look away from him. “You have that look. Like you’re working up to saying something.”

Fiyero let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head as he reached for his drink again. “You think you know me so well.”

“I do know you so well,” she said flatly. “So get to the point.”

Fiyero sighed, glancing between the two of them before giving a small cough. “Okay, I guess I should be honest about why I’m here.”

Galinda set her drink down carefully, suddenly more serious. “Fiyero, what is it?”

He rubbed a hand along the back of his neck. “Business at the Ozdust isn’t… great.”

Galinda’s eyes widened. “Oh. Do you…do you need money? Because if you do, we absolutely can…”

“No.” He held up a hand, shaking his head. “I’d never ask you for that. But I do have an idea.”

Elphaba folded her arms, waiting.

He hesitated for only a moment before continuing. “Next month marks five years since Emerald Fog played the Ozdust for the first time.” He smiled slightly. “The place you got discovered.”

Elphaba’s expression softened slightly. “Yeah. I remember.”

“Well,” he said, drumming his fingers against the table. “I was thinking… what if you played a one-off anniversary show?”

Galinda let out a quiet gasp. “Oh, Fiyero.”

Elphaba exhaled, already feeling the weight of it. “Any other time, I’d jump at the chance.” She shook her head. “But I just got off tour. I was looking forward to a break.”

Fiyero nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. “I get it.”

Before anyone could say anything else, a voice interrupted.

“Galinda?”

They all turned. A well-dressed woman stood at the edge of their table, her jewellery catching the light as she smiled. She was upper-class, the kind of client Galinda often worked with.

Galinda brightened. “Lady Miras! Oh, it’s so lovely to see you.”

“I know you aren’t working right now,” Lady Miras said smoothly, “but my daughter is getting married next year, and you must design the dress. Name your price.”

Galinda’s eyes widened. “Oh, I…”

“Please, come meet her,” Lady Miras continued, gesturing to another table. “She’d love to speak with you.”

Galinda hesitated, glancing at Elphaba.

Elphaba gave her a small smile, tilting her head toward the other table. “Go on.”

Galinda gave her a grateful look before standing. “I’ll be back soon.” She gave Fiyero’s arm a squeeze before following Lady Miras across the restaurant.

Elphaba watched her go, watched as she leaned in to greet the young bride-to-be with a warm, excited smile. She was glowing, as she always did when she was in her element.

A moment later, Elphaba turned back to Fiyero. “How bad is it?”

Fiyero’s jaw tightened slightly before he let out a breath. “Bad. If things keep going the way they are… the Ozdust will be shut by the end of the year.”

Elphaba swallowed. 

“Yeah.”

She looked down at her drink, running a finger along the rim of the glass. “That place…” she started, shaking her head slightly. “That’s where Emerald Fog got our break. It’s…” she hesitated, then exhaled. “It’s where Galinda and I saw each other for the first time.”

Fiyero looked over at her, something knowing in his expression.

Elphaba didn’t look at him. She looked at Galinda.

She was laughing at something the young woman had said, her whole face lighting up in that way it always did, the way that made Elphaba feel like the rest of the world had dimmed in comparison.

And just like that, something clicked inside her.

She realised something.

Something big.

Something that made her decision easy.

She turned back to Fiyero, her expression firm. “We’ll do it.”

His brows lifted slightly. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

A slow grin spread across his face. “Elphaba, you are truly a vision of generosity.”

Elphaba rolled her eyes. “Shut up before I change my mind.”

He raised his glass. “To one hell of a show, then.”

She clinked hers against his.

And as they drank, she found herself watching Galinda again, that realisation settling deeper in her chest.

This was going to be perfect.