'Study' Partners

‘Study’ Partners

Chapter 2

One could be forgiven for thinking Crope and Tibbett were a single organism. They ate together, slept together and possibly photosynthesized together. Still, they were only joined at the hip in the figurative sense, and architecture was one of the few lectures they didn’t happen to share.

Tibbett sighed. He bid goodbye to his boyfriend with a rigorous public show of affection, testing the digestive tracts of those nearby.

“Parting is such sweet sorrow, my dear Crope.”

“I’m not sure why we insist on making it so arousing, though…”

“Why, to heighten the anticipation for when next we meet.”

“What, in an hour?”

“And they say romance is dead.”

Every hour without Crope is the longest of my life, he thought dramatically, waving him off. Still, Tibbett had a reason to look forward to this particular lecture. Crope might not take architecture, but Glinda did.

The class was yet to start; Tibbett was stood waiting outside the lecture hall. He was half excited, half dreading the blonde’s appearance. It was the morning after their little prank, and he was certainly keen to see the results.

Tibbett snorted with laughter. The idea of Glinda marching up to Elphaba and accosting her about a supposed confession was just too good. He wondered what the green girl’s reaction had been. Perhaps she’d admonished Glinda for even bothering to ask? Perhaps she’d turned into a stammering mess? The second was optimistic to say the least, but Tibbett really did think Glinda and Elphaba would make a good couple. It was the stuff of pulp romances- the popular girl and the nerdy girl…

Sure, when Glinda showed up, she’d probably slap him for the prank and ignore him for a week, but the blonde would get over it. The idea had been too amusing to pass up.

The lecturer poked his head around the door, calling the students in. Tibbett glanced round, hoping to see a head of blonde curls bouncing its way over. No such luck. It seemed his fun would have to wait. He started to follow the others to the door-

“Tibbett!”

An familiar bubbly voice echoed from behind him. Tibbett jumped, then winced, still expecting a slap. He turned around, preparing himself for the worst.

To his surprise, no slap came. Instead, Glinda let out a girlish shriek and pulled him into a hug.

“Tibbett! You’re not going to believe what happened!”

He was very rarely lost for words, but this was unexpected. She was wearing a stunning yellow summer dress which screamed ‘look at me’.  

“I love the enthusiasm darling, but please let go. Not even Crope holds me this tight.”

She assented. Tibbett studied her face. The blonde looked like she’d been given a pay-rise, a make-over and possibly a pony on top. She was so excited she couldn’t stand still.

“Well, what is it?” He paused. “Does it have to do with, ah… with what we told you last night?”

“Maybe...” she all but sung, looking over her shoulder. “Can we talk in private?”

He raised an eyebrow. “What about the lecture?”

“Oh, pish posh. Who needs an education when I have lifechanging tea?”

“Consider me persuaded.”

Glinda did a little jump and lead Tibbett by the arm. He shook his head, the curiosity rising by the second.

The blonde girl pulled them into the nearest empty lecture hall. She perched atop one of the desks, smiling like a fool. Tibbett watched her, baffled.

“Go on then, ask me!” she insisted.

He coughed. “Glinda dearest, please spill your tea.”

“Gladly.” She lowered her voice, and looked around, as if they weren’t alone in an otherwise empty lecture hall. “But you must promise not to tell anyone. It’s tip-top secret, and I really mean it this time. Crope is fine, but Boq, Avaric, Fiyero and everyone else is a no no. Especially Nessa. Please don’t tell Nessa-“

“My lips are sealed,” he cut in impatiently. “Tell me.”

Glinda cupped her face with her hands. “It’s Elphie… Elphie and I are…” She couldn’t even say her roommate’s name without giggling. “Oh, I’m just going to come out and say it! No more beating around the bush-“

“-you’ve beaten it so much I’m afraid there’s no bush left-“

“-Elphie and I are a pair!”

He stared at her. “What do you mean, a pair?”

“A pair like you and Crope. We’re together.” A dreamy sigh escaped her lips. “Isn’t it amazing?”

Tibbett blinked once, then twice, then a third time. Did she mean what he thought she meant? Her and Elphaba were together? In a relationship? The kind where you kissed, held hands and engaged in other physical activities of a romantic variety?

Huh?

“But what about the history project?” he blurted out.

Glinda tilted her head. “History project? What history project?”

Tibbett scratched his head, improvising, “U-uh, it’s just… Yesterday, at the Peach and Kidneys, we were also supposed to tell you about Dr Nikidik’s assignment. Elphaba needed a partner for it. Only, we got distracted by the more important of her propositions, so we forgot to bring it up…”

“I should think so! Why are we even talking about this? Elphie and I are in a relationship, for Oz’s sake!”

“W-well, maybe she’ll mention it next time- oh, forget it.”

Tibbett face palmed and tried to reorganise his thoughts. In other words, to justify any way in which the prank he’d played on Glinda could somehow have proved such a powerful aphrodisiac. It just didn’t make sense.

“Okay dearie, let’s start from the top,” he uttered. “We told you about Elphaba’s feelings. Then, you headed back to Crage Hall. What happened afterwards?”

“Finally, a good question!” She huffed, but then the super-charged smile returned. “Well, it happened just like you said. I got back to our dorm and asked Elphie if she had feelings for me.”

“And she said yes?!”

Glinda nodded excitedly. “Oh Tibbett, she was so lovely about it… At first, I thought she was being dismissive, but then I realised she was just putting on a strong face, and I was so worried that I was going to hurt her-“

The blonde girl launched into a longwinded explanation of the night’s drama. Tibbett listened in silent disbelief, checking Glinda’s face for any sign of deception. Was this some kind of reverse prank for Elphaba and Glinda to get back at them?

Only there was no way Glinda could be faking the happiness on her face. She was a fabulous actor in her own way, but Tibbett could practically see the endorphins rushing through her brain. There was no two ways about it: the girl was telling the truth.

Or at least, she was telling what she thought was the truth.

“-and then, I said yes. It should’ve scared me more, but somehow, I wasn’t scared at all. Elphie’s perfect for me, Crope! I t-think I might’ve liked her for awhile now, and just didn’t notice. How could I not have noticed? Then again, why would I? She’s a girl, and she’s so different to anyone else I’ve dated, but it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter one bit!” Glinda hopped off the desk, unable to contain herself. “She’s the sweetest, greenest thing in the whole wide world! She’s my Elphie, and she’s not for sale!”  

Then, she turned on Tibbett as if she’d not been talking for almost ten minutes straight, expectant. “This is the moment where you say how happy you are.”

“Oh, very happy, very happy indeed, but I do have some thoughts,” Tibbett said, wondering where to start. “As wonderful as this is, didn’t miss Elphaba have more… reservations? Was she not surprised when you asked about her feelings?”

“Not at all. She was quite calm about it, actually.” She waved it off. “But you know what Elphie’s like.”

“And a history project on the Great Drought never once came up?”

“No! Again about this project? Really Crope, get your priorities in order. You’re harping on about the past while I’m looking to the future.” She covered her mouth. “N-not that I’m saying Elphie and I have a future, it’s far too early for that, but, oh, it’s just so thrillifying…”

Tibbett scratched his head. Against his will, a smile was breaking out on his lips. Glinda’s enthusiasm was hard to resist, and it was spreading fast. Besides, hadn’t he come up with this prank because he thought they’d make a good couple? In a way, this was a runaway success for his matchmaking abilities! An unintentional one, but a success nonetheless.

But something smelt fishy, and it wasn't Madame Morrible. Glinda’s story had the sepia, hazy tone of a crush-addled fever dream. This was Elphaba Thropp they were talking about. Elphaba the Artichoke, Elphaba the Harridan, Elphaba the Study Monster.

And yet he was already running out of plausible explanations. He ruled out the thin possibility of a misunderstanding. It seemed like they’d talked about it in depth. Glinda had literally agreed to be her girlfriend. Surely no one’s communication skills were that poor, not even Elphaba and Glinda-

Tibbett stopped.

Oh, he thought. Oh!

Suddenly, it clicked into place. He’d been thinking about this the wrong way. It wasn’t that it didn’t make sense. On the contrary, it made perfect sense. He just needed to change his expectations of Elphaba Thropp. It seemed he’d underestimated her.

Tibbett whistled, shaking his head. Just when you thought you knew someone, they pulled a stunt like this.

Why, miss Elphaba! Glinda asks if you have feelings for her, and instead of denying it, you decide to roll with the punches and admit that you actually do? Not only that, you talk such a good game that it seduces the most gorgeous girl on campus? What a sly little sprout you are!

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Tibbett said, chuckling. “Who would’ve thought things would work out so well? What a pleasant surprise! All our jokes about you and Elphaba’s chemistry seem to have manifested reality.”

“Oh, don’t you try and take the credit.”

He wiggled his eyebrows. “Then who’s responsible? Fiyero, for being so poor a boyfriend that it singlehandedly pulled you out the closet?”

She gave him a light slap on the chest. “I won’t have Fifi’s name dragged through the mud. My change of heart is all Elphie’s fault.”

“Fault or credit?”

Glinda’s eyes danced with mirth. “You decide.”

Tibbett laughed, putting his arm around Glinda. “We should probably head back to our lecture. You’ll have ample time to bask in the glow of young love later.”

She pouted, but didn’t protest as they left the empty hall. “I’d rather just gossip about Elphie.”

“Miss Glinda, I’m in danger of failing this module as it is. It’s alright, we can have queer little daydreams together.”

“Y-yes, I suppose I can’t escape that label now…”

“Too right. Crope and I finally have some healthy competition!”

“It’s still a secret, remember?” She shifted. “You’re used to being loud and proud, but I think I might need some … some-“

“Some adjustment time,” Tibbett finished gently. “Don’t worry, I understand. This kind’ve self-confidence doesn’t come overnight.”

She bumped him with her hip. “Thanks Tibbett. For that, and for relaying Elphie’s message.”

“My pleasure, darling,” he crowed, knowing full-well he didn’t relay anything like Elphaba’s original message.

The lecturer didn’t bother to scold the pair on punctuality; he was so used to them being late that any appearance at all was considered a success. Tibbett and Glinda took the nearest empty seats and zoned out with a quickness. Glinda’s thoughts had a distinctly green pigment. Tibbett’s were focused on their newfound relationship in general.

I’ll just have to make peace with it, he thought. Miss Elphaba is not only the Queen of Studying but the Queen of Seduction. He tapped his finger on the desk. It was the most sensible explanation he could think of, which was really saying something.

Tibbett glanced over at his blonde friend. She had her notebook out and appeared to be doodling. Not many knew this, but Glinda was a talented artist. Tibbett was only aware because she sketched when she was bored, and architecture was almost always boring.

His eyes fell on the sketch. A face was being outlined, followed by glasses and long, silky hair. It didn’t take a genius to realise who she was drawing.

Tibbett smirked and nudged her. “Goodness. I hope you brought green crayons.”

Glinda jumped, floundering at the realisation she’d been caught, and slammed the notebook shut.

“S-shut up,” she whispered, covering her face.

The Queen of Seduction indeed, he thought, impressed. Blondie’s got it bad.

Elphaba first class had been dull. She’d contributed, of course- this wasn’t Dr Nikidik’s class- but the content had been dry and the answers obvious. She happened to share the class with Fiyero, who to his credit had never cared about her social status. He could be brainless, but Elphaba still rather enjoyed his company.

The whole time, however, her mind had been on the history project. Elphaba’s modus operandi was to get all work done as quickly as possible. If she had an essay due in a month, she’d finish it up in the first week. Unfortunately, she knew her partner for the project, Glinda Upland, was not quite so diligent. She wasn’t a slacker per-say, but she didn’t always cover herself in glory.

As such, Elphaba decided it would be prudent to get them started right away. A library session was in order; she’d inform Glinda at the first time of asking.

After leaving her first class, she caught sight of a lone Crope in the corridors, talking to a girl named Milla. Elphaba didn’t have much time before her next lesson, but the sight of him called for a brief diversion.

She crept up behind and pulled out her most deadpan delivery. “Boo.”

Crope and Milla, the poor girl, almost jumped out of their skin. She cackled.

“Come now, vegetables can’t be that bad. You eat them regularly enough. Or perhaps not. I wouldn’t cast aspersions on your diet.”

Milla rearranged her hair and excused herself to Crope, joining a group of girls up ahead. Elphaba watched her go with a toothy grin- Milla wasn’t anywhere near as bad as Pfannee or Shenshen, but she still enjoyed the point scoring.

Crope looked even more ruffled by her appearance than Milla. He was fiddling with his collar sheepishly, as if he’d been caught with his hand in a cookie jar and disciplinary proceedings were imminent.

Elphaba eyed him. “Seeing you without your other half is like seeing a Cheetah without its spots.”

He winced. “Yes, well, I rather wish I were one right now. It would hasten my get away.”

“Why the need? I’ve been told I have a sunny and welcoming disposition.”

“I think you know all too well, miss Elphaba...” Crope cleared his throat. “I’d like to take a moment to say it was all Tibbett’s idea. Granted, I went along with and fully supported the idea, but still.”

She looked at him questioningly. “What in Lurline’s name are you blathering about?”

“Come now, don’t pretend.” He put up his hands. “We accept any punishment you have in mind. Just don’t throw us in the Suicide Canal. Again.”

“Punishment? I want no part of whatever you and Tibbett get up to in the bedroom.”

Crope looked confused. “You mean… you’re not angry?”

“Not at all. In fact, I came over to thank you.” She regarded him, wary. “Why? What have you done?”

“O-oh, nothing,” he lied, eyes darting across Elphaba’s face in search of the fury he’d been expecting.

“If I weren’t suspicious before, I certainly am now.”

Crope hesitated. “Did… did Glinda not ask you any… searching questions last night?”

“Searching questions? Not unless you count questions about the history project. I came to thank you for relaying my message. There were some theatrics about her agreeing to be my partner, but otherwise no.” Elphaba’s suspicion grew yet again. “Explain yourself.”

Crope struggled for an answer. His mind pondered Elphaba’s apparent ignorance. Had he and Tibbett not been as convincing as they thought? Elphaba was implying the Gilikin girl only mentioned being study partners, not partners of the heart…

Crope started to lie on instinct, which he was a little too practiced at from ducking his parent’s boyfriend inquiries. The best lies were white ones.

“We might’ve, ah, played a little prank on Glinda at the Peach and Kidneys. We were teasing her about… about Fiyero, saying she still had a thing for him! It was all in good jest, but Glinda seemed to take it the wrong way and stormed off in a huff. We feel bad. You probably had a difficult evening with her as result…”

Elphaba thought over Glinda’s behaviour last night. She'd definitely seemed more sensitive than usual; at the time, the green girl had also attributed it to the Peach and Kidneys. Crope’s story checked out (to a certain degree), although she had a feeling he was withholding some of the details…

It had only been a month since Glinda and Fiyero’s abrupt break up. Elphaba had asked her roommate if she was alright numerous times and been satisfied with the answers. Elphaba hadn’t really noticed a change, but given last night’s tears and clinginess, she decided it was worth asking again. There was a chance Glinda still had feelings for Fiyero, or thought she did. Asking is what a good friend would do.

“I imagine you were heavyhanded with the joke,” Elphaba guessed, giving Crope a scolding look. “Teasing a girl like Glinda about her breakup, especially when Fiyero is present? You were already a poor excuse for a gentleman, but this is a new low.”

“Yes, as I said, we’re very sorry about it-“

“Perhaps I should throw you in the Suicide Canal after all.”

“Please don’t.”

In actuality, Crope was breathing a sigh of relief. Elphaba had both the cruelty and the creativity to come up with much worse.

More pressingly, he was befuddled by the green girl’s indifference, though he tried not to show it. Crope’s mathematical skills were poor, but even he could tell the numbers weren’t numbering.

Tibbett would be having architecture with Glinda round about now. He’d check what Glinda told his partner in crime and then reassess the situation.

Elphaba remembered she had another lecture to attend. “Time is marching forward, dear Crope. Consider yourself lucky.”

Oh I do, he thought. “Is it already time for your next lecture? Well, I’d best not keep you.”

“Don’t sound too eager. Anyone would think you’re trying to get rid of me.”

“How could I, with that sunny disposition you mentioned?”

“You know, it’s nice for someone to acknowledge it. I’m tired of everyone pretending I’m a sarcastic misanthrope.”

“She says, sarcastically…”

Elphaba left Crope behind, but not before shooting him one of her best disapproving stares. He deserved it for playing a joke on her best friend.

Speaking of Glinda, the architecture hall happened to be on the way to her next class. If Elphaba was quick, she could catch the blonde when their paths crossed and invite her to the library. Elphaba planned to be insistent about it; if they started work on the project today, it would set a good precedent.

5pm would be a good time, she thought, striding across campus. I’ll tell her to meet me then.

The building that contained the architecture hall was, fittingly, one of the grandest at Shiz. The Gallantine Reformed style was ostentatious, all old pediments and grandiose facades, but it still beat the Hostile Crudstyle of the Wizard’s reign.

On approach, she noticed a flash of blonde curls and an even brighter flash of yellow. Elphaba’s eyes settled on her roommate. She was sat with her legs crossed on the lawn outside, with Tibbett for company.

Students leaving the hall waved at Glinda as they passed by. Elphaba smiled; she’d yet to meet someone who could resist the Gilikin girl’s charm and good looks. The green girl had once been the sole hold-out at Shiz, only to succumb like everyone else.

The sundress Glinda wore was beyond eye-catching. Elphaba remembered it had been her own choice, and felt an involuntary tug of… pride? Protectiveness? It was rather like the feeling of a child who wanted a toy all to herself: she’s mine, and mine alone.

Elphaba pushed the feeling away, fully aware of her cavern sized soft spot for Glinda. The green girl dreaded to think what their friendship would be like if Glinda knew how much she could get away with. Or how much more, rather.

Elphaba steeled herself before marching up to them. She had to be strict with Glinda about her work ethic, or the project would never get done.

Tibbett noticed the green girl’s approach first. He alerted Glinda, who sat up right away, straightening her posture. Butterflies took flight in the blonde’s stomach; she resisted the urge to play with her hair.

It’s just Elphie, the blonde told herself, which didn’t help at all. It was intimidating how exciting it felt to see a flash of green. Glinda wondered if she should act flirty or casual, only to panic when Elphaba drew nearer and settle for embarrassed. Tibbett watched all this with great amusement.

“H-hey Elphie!” she greeted, failing to hide her enthusiasm. She patted the grass next to her. “Won’t you join us? I was just telling Tibbett all about-“

“Apologies my sweet, I’m just passing through. Blame Crope for holding me up.”

“Oh.” Glinda laughed, now failing to play it cool. “That’s fine. You have classes. I understand.”

“I only came to deliver a message.”

“Message?”

“Meet me at the library at 5. No ifs or buts. I need you there.”

“You need me there?” Glinda repeated, her voice getting high-pitched. “Why?”

“You know why,” Elphaba said meaningfully. She wasn’t going to let Glinda play dense; they’d been talking about it all last night. “And don’t think you can escape. I’ll get you my pretty, whether you like it or not.”

Both her and Tibbett’s mouths dropped open. Elphaba, however, was already striding away, conscious of the time.

The green girl spent her next class blissfully unaware how her invitation was being misinterpreted. As soon as she marched off, Glinda turned to Tibbett, her heart pounding.

“Did you hear that?!”

“I did,” Tibbett said, incredulous.

“You don’t think she meant what-“ Glinda blushed, and her words fell to a whisper. “… What I think she meant?”

“It’s hard to tell. She didn’t give a specific reason, but one can read between the lines.”

You see, Elphaba was one of the few people at Shiz University who used the library for its intended purpose. The rest of the student body were not as enamoured. The library was a dank and musty place, full of cramped corridors and cobwebs. There were even a few rumours the place was haunted. For Elphaba, this was a plus as it guaranteed peace and quiet, but the overwhelming majority preferred to study on the lawns, by the canal, in their dorms, literally anywhere else.

The library’s privacy did have other advantages, however. Madame Morrible was notorious for her zero-tolerance of public affection, handing out detentions for so much as holding hands. Crope and Tibbett were regulars in the detention hall, unsurprisingly.

In short, the library was much better known as the university’s premier snogging location. It came across much more like an invitation to make out than to study.

The blonde was already getting flustered. “The library?! Already?! But, I’m, ah… I’m not ready! The last time I went there was with Fiyero, for goodness sake! Elphie, why?!”

“Do you need to lie down?”

Glinda nodded and leant her head on Tibbett’s thigh, as if he were a psychiatrist’s chair. She fanned herself with her hand. “Hey, did the sun get hotter? It really feels like it got hotter.”

Tibbett wisely decided not to comment.

Glinda looked at her friend’s face from upside down. “She can’t be asking for that, can she?”

He shrugged, helpless. “You’re the one dating her, darling. What was it like when you accepted her confession? Did you give off… you know…”

The blonde’s eyes narrowed. “You know what?”

He sighed. “Did you act like you needed a good snog?”

“No, Tibbett! I’m not some kind of floosy,” she huffed, but then her mind back to this morning, and a horrible uneasiness came over her.

She did insist that Elphaba choose her dress, and both options had been a tad suggestive. And she did insist on linking their arms when they left Crage Hall. And she did give her a very long kiss on the cheek after saying yes.

Tibbett gave her a sceptical look. Glinda sat up. “O-okay, maybe I flirted with her a bit, but I didn’t mean it! Well, I did mean it, but not super seriously. Why do people always take my flirting so seriously? It’s exhausting.”

“Dearie, I don’t think a single person’s walked by today without ogling you. Why would miss Elphaba be any different, especially after such rigorous encouragement?”

She at least had the decency to look sheepish. “But I… I don’t think Elphie’s like that.”

Neither did I, Tibbett thought, but this is the New Oz. Here, pigs can fly and Elphaba is the Wonderful Witch of Seduction.

“Think of it from her perspective,” he tried to reason. “Why, this might be the first time someone’s ever flirted with her. You two are supposed to be doing a project on the Great Drought, but the real Great Drought here is Elphaba Thropp’s love life. Who knows what happens when you give a severely dehydrated girl water?”

Glinda reddened. “Don’t be crude-“ she began, only to stop mid-sentence. A gasp followed. “Why Tibbett, what if that’s it? You mentioned a history project earlier. What if she’s just inviting me to study?”

He frowned. “But you told me it never came up last night. Elphaba said ‘you know why’, so it can’t be that.”

Glinda tried to find a way round his logic. “I suppose not...”

“Let’s face it,” Tibbett declared. “If it sounds like she wants a snog, and looks like she wants a snog, she probably just wants a snog.”

After this, the Gilikin girl went quiet, fiddling with the hem of her dress. She was worried Elphaba had the wrong impression. The idea of them making out was far from unappealing- on the contrary, it made her pulse race- but she’d barely got used to the idea of them dating.

It was ironic, but if Elphaba were a man, Glinda wouldn’t blink at the proposal. Deep down, she realised a part of her just never took dating them seriously, like with Fiyero. But this was Elphie. Their relationship, budding though it may be, felt different. She wanted to treat it differently too.

“Will you go?” Tibbett inquired.

She was conflicted. “What do you think?”

“About kissing miss Elphaba? I’m not the best person to ask, dearie.”

Glinda glared at him.

“Fine, fine,” he said, before looking at her with a subtle smile. “To be honest, I think you want to go regardless, and if she does make a move, just tell her to be patient. Miss Elphaba isn’t the type to pressure someone if they really say no.”

She nodded, remembering her girlfriend’s warm, accepting smile the previous night. Elphaba made her feel safe. “That’s true.”

His eyes twinkled. “And I doubt you’ll say no anyway.”

“That’s also- hey!”

“Do tell me what miss Elphaba’s kisses taste like, though. My money’s on spinach.”

Tibbett earned himself a slap for that particular comment.

By the time the clock struck five, Glinda had already said goodbye to Tibbett. He bid her good luck with a knowing grin. It was pivotal he found Crope and put their heads together; for once, he meant that metaphorically. Tibbett wanted to believe in Elphaba and Glinda's all-consuming romance, but he also knew it was strange. Perhaps Crope would have the answers.

Glinda arrived at the library only a few minutes late. The blonde’s nose wrinkled at the old, dusty smell. At least it was a summer; golden light spilled through the windows, illuminating some of the shadows and making the library appear more homely than usual. In winter, the place looked positively gothic.

The librarian at the desk was a severe, spectacled woman in her mid-fifties. She took one look at Glinda, with her blonde hair and pretty yellow dress, and asked if she was lost.

“No, I’m not lost,” Glinda said with faux sweetness. “I’m here to study.”

“Study?” she said doubtfully.

“Is that so hard to believe?”

The librarian lowered her glasses, sceptical. “I’m fully aware of how some students think to use these premises. Please have the decency to go elsewhere.”

“My intentions are academic, not scandolocious,” Glinda shot back, feeling rather stereotyped. Just because she’d been one of those students before didn’t mean she was now, although Elphaba might beg to differ.

“It’s because I’m blonde, isn’t it?” she muttered while scuttling past the librarian, who heard but chose to keep quiet.

Glinda set about looking for Elphaba. It should’ve been easy- her roommate stood out everywhere, other than in a forest. To her surprise, she couldn’t see Elphaba anywhere. She wasn’t at any of the designated study tables. Feeling out of place, Glinda headed to the bookshelves.

She opened her mouth to shout, “Elphie?”, only to remember where she was. Cursing, she ducked into the cramped, narrow bookshelves, searching for her roommate.

Little did she know, Elphaba had clocked Glinda as soon as she walked in. The green girl was sat at a table next to the window- Glinda had walked right past her without noticing. She’d considered calling out, only to have a better idea.

Elphaba could never resist the opportunity for a practical joke. Smirking, she followed Glinda towards the bookshelves, waiting until her roommate decided to check one that was especially cramped. My, a second chance to make someone jump today? The Kumbric Witch smiles upon me.

“Elphie…?” Glinda whispered, wishing she could raise her voice.

By now, Elphaba was right behind her. She reached out and pinched Glinda’s hips. “Looking for me, blondie?”

Glinda let out an almighty shriek. She jumped backwards, her back pressing up against the bookshelf. The sound made everyone in the library turn- thankfully, the pair were out of view, tucked away in the back corner. Elphaba covered her mouth to suppress her cackles.

“E-Elphie!” the blonde hissed. Her heart was pounding, and not just from the surprise. “That’s not funny!”

“I beg to differ,” Elphaba whispered back. She rested her arm above Glinda’s head, leaning closer so she wouldn’t have to raise her voice. The rules of the library were important, after all. “The sound you made was very funny indeed.”

Glinda wanted to retort, but the sudden invasion of her personal space made it hard. Suddenly, she was reminded how tall Elphaba was. Did she have to lean in like that?

The blonde wasn’t sure where to look. She chose the bookshelf opposite. It was safer.

Elphaba raised an eyebrow. “I seem to have left you speechless again.”

“Well, you did give me an almighty jump,” she struggled out.

“Am I really that frightening, blondie?”

“Frightening is one word for it.” Glinda could feel Elphaba’s breathy whispers against her cheek. They sent goosebumps running up her arms.

“Which word is more accurate then? Intimidating? Or perhaps just phosphorescent?”

Don’t look at her, don’t look at her. “… My lips are sealed, Elphie. I wish yours were too.”

“Sorry, my pretty. The ability to run my mouth is the only thing keeping my tormentors at bay.”

“But you’re the one tormenting me,” Glinda murmured. “First, you invited me here, and now you’ve… well, you’ve cornered me rather well.” She laughed shakily, arms locked behind her, back still pressed against the bookshelf. “I’m not sure I can escape.”

Elphaba grinned, not realising the reason for Glinda’s discomfort. She assumed it was the threat of studying. “Sorry, but sometimes one has to be insistent.”

Glinda’s eyes flickered to Elphaba’s lips and then away again. “A-and what are you insisting on?”

“Oh no, don’t play dumb. Our lovely librarian might think you fit the blonde stereotype, but I know better.”

Elphaba leaned closer, causing Glinda’s pulse to reach a crescendo. The green girl was actually looking over the blonde’s head; Glinda had just so happened to ‘corner herself’ in the history section, where their research on the Great Drought would be based.

“Now that you’re here, let’s get down to business.”

“Business?” she gasped.

“Yes. I’m not the type to delay.”

Glinda’s lip trembled. She was finding it harder to look away from Elphaba’s face. “But… but…” She tried to laugh but couldn’t. “Elphie, it’s a little early for this, don’t you think?”

“Early? It’s only 5pm,” the green girl whispered, goading her.

Glinda wanted to stomp. “Stop that. You know what I’m saying.”

“I do. You think you can wriggle off the hook because it’s only been a day. Sorry, my sweet. The early bird catches the worm.” Elphaba wasn’t going to let Glinda wile her way out of starting the project. She wouldn’t feel comfortable unless they got the ball rolling.

“E-elphie! You’re being too forward! I’ll have you know I’m not that kind of girl. I like to take things slow.”

“Come now, my pretty. If we’re going to work as a pair, compromises will be needed.”

Elphaba gave her a firm but gentle stare. She hoped it would reassure the blonde they wouldn’t be working all day and night.

“What do you mean, c-compromises?”

“How about this. Right now, you let me have my way, and afterwards I’ll be more permissive.”

Glinda brought her hands to her chest. She couldn’t keep it together with Elphaba staring at her like that. Her knees felt weak.

“It’s hard to say no to you, Elphaba Thropp,” she whispered.

“Then don’t.”

She allowed her eyes to flicker upwards, finally meeting Elphaba’s. “I-if I’d known you were like this, I’d have thought twice about saying yes.”

“And what am I like, my pretty?”

Glinda shivered. “You’re quite… domineering.”

Elphaba chuckled. “Well, one of us has to take the lead. Otherwise, nothing will get done.”

“Is that how I’m going to feel? Like a girl on a leash?”

“Heavens, no. I’m not that draconian. Why, with the way you’re talking about me, you’d think I were Madame Morrible.” Elphaba raised her eyebrow. “If you’d rather find someone else, feel free.”

Glinda crossed her legs. Now that she was meeting Elphaba’s eyes, it was hard to look away. Never before had her feelings felt so obvious, so exposed.

“I… I don’t want anyone else, Elphie,” she whispered.

“Then what are you complaining about?” the green girl crowed.

“Y-you’re horrendible.”

“On the contrary. By your own admission, I’m irresistible.”

Elphaba leaned forward, all but fully closing the distance between them. Green fingers came to rest on Glinda’s waist. The blonde’s breath caught in her throat. Is she really going to kiss me?

Despite all the prevailing evidence, the answer was no. Elphaba was not leaning in to kiss her. She was only leaning in because she’d noticed a book of particular relevance right beside Glinda’s head. Her hand was on Glinda’s waist purely to move her out the way. She did so with a light shove.

It took Glinda a moment to process her abrupt displacement, and the fact Elphaba was now perusing the books instead of her. The blonde’s eyes flickered from the shelf to her roommate, astonished.

Elphaba removed the book she’d been looking for, showing it to Glinda with an enthusiastic smile. “Here. This looks like a good place to start.”

The book’s title was The Great Drought: Dispelling Common Misunderstandings.

“But… aren’t you… aren’t you going to…?” Glinda stammered.  

“Aren’t I going to what?”

All at once, the knots in Glinda’s stomach untangled themselves, replaced by annoyance. She put her hands on her hips, her eyes narrowing to slits.

Oh, I see how it is, miss Thropp. You’re going to say all those innuendos, get me all worked up and then pretend you’re just talking about some dreary old history project!? Unbelievable!

“You, miss Thropp, are the biggest tease in all of Oz,” Glinda hissed.

Elphaba blinked. “Hmm?”

“Oh no, you don’t get to play dumb. There’s no stereotype about that for green girls, and the only one I’ve met knows exactly what she’s doing!”

Glinda pushed past Elphaba and marched off, back towards the library tables. Her immaculate blonde curls bounced angrily against her neck. The green girl watched her go, stunned at the sharp dismissal. She understood her roommate didn’t want to work, but even so.

What’s the problem this time? Elphaba thought, walking after her ruffled looking friend.

The library demanded silence on the main floor, but it also had a series of study rooms where talking and group work was allowed. They were rarely booked out, so Glinda marched towards the first one available and claimed it for her own. She sat down at the table and crossed her arms.

Elphaba followed her in, still holding The Great Drought: Dispelling Common Misunderstandings. She closed the door so they could finally talk above the level of a whisper. Glinda looked to be in her notorious ‘strop’ mode. The green girl sat down beside her with a sigh.

“We’re going to have to do the work eventually, my pretty.”

“…”

“Again, I'm not really the type to delay.”

Glinda huffed. “Oh yes, that’s the problem.”

“Shall we get to the part where I apologise for my transgressions, whatever they may be? I’m sorry, Glinda.”

It didn’t sound very sincere, so Glinda kept quiet.

“Suit yourself.” She slid the book over to her partner, producing her own on the topic. “I’m going to start making notes. Your help would be appreciated.”

Elphaba started scribbling away, giving her attention to the project. She hoped this would give Glinda time to simmer down, but it had the opposite effect. Now that Elphaba’s attention was elsewhere, the blonde felt neglected.

She should be begging for my forgiveness after such a display! Glinda thought. Now it’s a matter of principle.

She kept her arms crossed and her back turned, waiting for a proper apology, but the only sound coming from Elphaba’s direction was the scratch of her quill. Glinda realised a change of tactics was in order.

Fine… A confident smile appeared on the Gilikin girl’s lips. You want to be a tease, Elphie? Two can play at that game, and I happen to be an expert.

Glinda spun around, picking up the book Elphaba had slid over. “Hmm… Maybe you’re right, Elphie. The history project should be our priority.”

The green girl glanced up warily. “That’s a dramatic change of tune.”

“Yes, I’ve decided to be the mature one. As always, I’ll rise above it. Let’s get to work.”

Glinda opened The Great Drought: Dispelling Common Misunderstandings to a random chapter and began to read. Of course, she wasn’t absorbing any of the information- the impression was what counted. She produced one of her notebooks and started taking notes, like Elphaba.

The green girl watched all of this with unabashed suspicion. It wasn’t like Glinda to give up without getting her own way. Still, a sedate blondie equalled a happy vegetable, so she decided to count her blessings.

Glinda waited for about ten minutes before moving forward with her plan. “Elphie, could you explain this part to me?” she asked sweetly. “I can’t wrap my silly little blonde head round it.”

Elphaba took a glance at the passage. It seemed simple enough. “What’s difficult about-“

“Could you read it aloud for me?”

Elphaba blinked. “Excuse me?”

“I said, could you read it aloud loud for me?” Glinda smiled. “You just have such a way with words, Elphie.”

Elphaba sensed a trap, but didn’t really know how to proceed. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.” The blonde rested her head on her hand, gazing right at Elphaba.

“But-“

“Pretty please?” she said, batting her eyelashes.

The green girl’s eyes shifted to the text. What harm could it do? “If you really think it will help…”

“Oh, I do.”

Elphaba reached out for the book, but Glinda intercepted, taking her hand. “Here, I’ll show you the passage.”

“That won’t be necess-“

“Just here.”

The blonde guided Elphaba’s hand to the random paragraph. Elphaba waited for Glinda to remove her own. She didn’t. The sweet smile remained.

“G-glinda?”

“Move closer, Elphie. So you can read it easier.”

“That’s not necessary either-“

“You’re right, silly me. I’ll move closer instead.” Glinda shifted her chair right next to Elphaba’s, never letting go of her hand. “Go ahead.”

Elphaba swallowed, Glinda’s closeness sending an unexpected jolt through her system. “Strange. There’s only you and me here, but it feels crowded.”

The blonde batted her eyelashes. “I don’t know what you mean. All I’m asking is that you read for me, Elphie.”

The green girl considered her options, then sighed. “Fine. I’ll read the damn passage.”

Elphaba peered at the book. Glinda appeared to have chosen the driest paragraph possible not to understand. She cleared her throat and began to read it out, the delivery flat and monotone.

Glinda didn’t seem to think so. She sighed dreamily as if were Elphaba were reading a sonnet with the most swoon-worthy delivery imaginable.

“Oh Elphie,” she whispered, leaning close like Elphaba had done. “Your voice is so beautiful.”

“Are you sure we’re hearing the same voice?”

“Why, it’s unmistakable.”

“Yes, unmistakably shrill.”

“Nonsense. I want to hear you whisper sweet nothings in my ear.”

Elphaba shifted in her chair self-consciously, unsure if she should continue. “… ‘One of the great public misconceptions about the Great Drought concerns’-“

Their knees brushed under the table.

“… ‘concerns the supposed responsibility of the Animals-“

Glinda leaned forward, emphasising certain parts which were already being emphasised by her dress. At this point, she was all but draped across her ‘girlfriend’.

Elphaba coughed. “Glinda, it’s hard to concentrate on reading when you’re…” She gestured vaguely with her free hand.

“Oh, silly me,” she said, without backing away at all. “Am I a distraction, Elphie?”

“You could say that.”

Glinda smirked, triumphant. “Oh, so I am more interesting than the Great Drought!”

The green girl reached her limit, extricating herself from Glinda’s grip and standing up. “Okay, that’s enough blondie.”

“I’ve yet to meet someone who can get enough of me,” she shot back.

Elphaba tried not to show how ruffled she was. “I know you’re trying to make me uncomfortable. Well, you’ve succeeded.”

Glinda stood up too; her expression screamed ‘serves you right’. “I just hope the message is clear.”

“Message?”

Before Elphaba could protest, she swept forward, whispering breathily in her ear, “I can take the lead too.”

Elphaba started to resemble a beetroot more than an asparagus. Glinda, satisfied she’d got her own back, retook her seat. There. It’s not as fun when you’re on the wrong side, is it?

The green girl also sat back down, readjusting her frock. The feel of Glinda’s breath on her skin lingered, making her feel almost weightless. Curse Glinda and her ability to get under people's skin! And why do I have to be so susceptible?

It was nigh on impossible to return to the Great Drought after Glinda’s onslaught. Elphaba did try, but her mind was elsewhere, and the blonde girl next to her wasn’t concentrating either.

She dropped her quill, frustrated. “If this was your master plan to get out of studying, it’s worked a treat.”

The Gilikin girl preened herself. “Everyone has their weakness.”

“Yes, and mine is shaped remarkably like you. It’s a dreadful inconvenience.”

She couldn’t help but find that quite charming. Her eyes shifted to the window, as if apathetic. “I would’ve forgiven you if you apologised properly. Really Elphie, this is your own fault.”

“And how would I have apologised properly, Glinda the Great and Terrible?”

“Well, the slightest effort would’ve been a start.”

Elphaba tapped her finger on the table. “Were you expecting flowers and a card? My offence doesn’t suit the punishment. If you want the princess treatment, ask Fiyero.”

Glinda mouth fell open. Elphaba’s comment had come out of nowhere. Sure, they’d been squabbling, but she’d thought it was only half-serious. Bringing up Fiyero felt targeted, and she hadn’t been prepared for it at all.

More than that, it was unexpected and a little hurtful.

The blonde turned away. The air in the room had changed. As the sting of the comment lingered, she muttered, “Where did that come from?”

Elphaba shook her head, angry at herself. Why couldn’t she resist running her mouth? Glinda’s casual disregard of personal space never failed to upset her equilibrium. Yet she never resisted, knowing full well it would lead to a harsh comment.

It was just Glinda being Glinda. Overly familiar, jokingly flirty Glinda. She’d acted the same way that morning, and a hundred times before. And to bring up Fiyero too, after what Crope told her earlier? There was a chance the blonde still had feelings for the Winkie prince. What was she thinking?

Elphaba rubbed her eyes. “And now I really do have something to apologise for.”

Glinda crossed and uncrossed her legs. She didn’t know what to make of her girlfriend bringing up Fiyero. Was this going to be an issue? She really didn’t want it to be an issue. It wasn’t an issue. Her feelings for Fiyero were a non-entity.

The green girl sighed again. “Perhaps you could direct me to the nearest florist? I just can’t resist putting my foot in it.”

Glinda laughed quietly, hoping to break the tension. “… It’s okay, Elphie. Only, you escalated things really quickly-“

“I know. In case you haven’t noticed, I have a habit of flying off the handle.”

“You really do.”

“Dare I say it’s a mutual flaw? Maybe it’s a prerequisite for being a witch.”

She sniffed. “I prefer ‘sorceress’. ‘Witch’ makes me sound ugly.”

Elphaba smiled too. “Look at you, handing out freebies. Very well.” She cleared her throat. “I will never call you a witch again, Glinda Upland of the Upper Uplands, because you are the prettiest creature I have ever laid eyes on.”

“Now you just need the flowers and the card,” Glinda said, her smile uneasy.

The green girl knew she still had work to do and offered her hand. “I really am sorry, my sweet.” She hesitated, wondering whether to bring it up. “Considering the circumstances, it was about as insensitive as I could be.”

Glinda took her hand, squeezing it tight. It felt good to hear Elphaba address their relationship. “I just… I just hope you’re not overthinking things, Elphie. You’re ever so good at that.”

“How so?” She was glad Glinda brought up her ex unprompted. It could mean Crope was overreacting.

“Well…” She bit her lip. “If you’re worried about Fiyero, don’t be.”

“Are you sure?” Elphaba said worriedly. She considered it her duty as a friend to ask. “Look, Glinda, I’m woefully insufficient when it comes to emotional support. I don’t know how to be available like… like other people, so I wouldn’t blame you for keeping it to yourself.”

“What do you mean, keeping it to yourself?” Glinda was getting concerned now.

She shook her head. “I’m just going to come out and say it. Do you still have feelings for Fiyero? You can tell me if you do. I would understand-“

“Not a word more,” Glinda interrupted, putting her finger on Elphaba’s lips. In truth, she was outraged. Her heart objected to what the green girl had said on a fundamental level. She wanted to grab her girlfriend and shake her, screaming ‘you idiot, I only have feelings for you!’.

But she had to be considerate. She knew how sensitive Elphaba was. She should’ve anticipated this; of course Elphaba would worry about being a rebound. Going from a Winkie prince to a green girl was an outlandish shift.

And yet to Glinda, it made perfect sense. Elphaba made perfect sense. She had to convey that.

“Elphie, listen to me,” she said, her voice strong but affectionate. “You have nothing to worry about. Not a thing.”

“You’re sure?”

“As sure as I’ll ever be. To be honest, I don’t think I ever had feelings for Fiyero. You’ve made me realise just how wrong he was for me.”

Elphaba blinked. “I have?”

“Oh, you have no idea.”

She looked at the green girl intensely, wondering what she should reveal, how much would be too much. It had only been a day. She couldn’t go that far, could she? Her feelings for Elphaba were simple and pure, a realisation that made her whole life feel coherent. She didn’t want to come across as needy, or intimidating, or worst of all, to scare Elphaba off.

There was so much to say, and so few ways to say it. Glinda decided the best way was without words.

“Kiss me,” she whispered.

Elphaba looked at her like she’d grown a second head. “What?”

Glinda giggled at her reaction. She could come out with such outrageous innuendos, but apparently being direct was a step too far. “Kiss me, Elphie. Flowers and cards are lovely, but that’s the best make up gesture of all.”

Elphaba looked from side to side like a frightened rabbit. Glinda wanted a kiss? Was she insane? She’d never had a best friend before, but did best friends really ask each other for kisses out of the blue? A moment ago, they’d been talking about Fiyero.

“Umm… Glinda, isn’t that a bit much?” She laughed nervously.

Glinda could feel the green girl’s anxiety. She knew Elphaba had issues with intimacy- she acted like every touch burned her- and they hadn't fully kissed yet. I should’ve known that would frighten her, Glinda thought. Stupid!

“It’s alright Elphie,” she reassured. “Just on the cheek will do.”

“But-“

“It’s nothing I didn’t do earlier, right?” Glinda laughed, squeezing her hand again. “Think of it as payback.”

Elphaba’s hand felt clammy under Glinda’s. She searched the blonde’s face for signs of more playacting, but all she saw was a soft, encouraging smile. Her mind went back to that morning. It was true Glinda had kissed her on the cheek. At the time she’d thought it a little overbearing, even if they were ‘best friends’.

But what did she know? Glinda made more friends in a day than Elphaba made in a lifetime. If Mrs Popular thought it was normal, it was probably normal. Family members kissed each other on the cheek- she saw people do it all the time, for goodness sake! Just because Elphaba wasn’t accustomed to it didn’t mean it was strange.

Glinda’s right, you’re overthinking, Elphaba told herself.

“Alright, my sweet,” she rasped. “But don’t blame me if you catch a green spot. It spreads, you know.”

Glinda’s eyes dilated. “I’ll take that risk.”

The blonde turned her head a little, offering out her cheek. Elphaba reminded herself not to make a fuss over nothing. It’s a friendly gesture to seal my apology. That’s all.

She leaned forward and gave Glinda a perfunctory peck. “T-there.”

The Gilikin girl was outraged. “Really? You can do better than that, Elphie. Where was the passion?”

She slapped her forehead. “Sorry, I must’ve left it in Munchkinland. No doubt it’s lying on the table right next to my good looks.”

“Munchkinland? What are you talking about? You have both right here,” Glinda retorted playfully. Her thumb ran over the green’s girl palm.

“You’re delusional, my pretty,” she mustered.

“Delusional, and in need of a much better kiss. Won’t you spoil me?”

“Mr and Mrs Upland don’t need my assistance. They’ve done a fabulous job at that.”

Glinda produced her very best pout, offering her cheek again. “Come on Elphie. I’ll be a good girl for the rest of the year.”

“No you won’t.”

“Fine, if that’s the way you want me…”

Elphaba could feel a headache coming on. Getting this over with would be her medication. Lurline help me…

She gave Glinda another clumsy kiss on the cheek, longer this time. She’d be lying if she said her stomach wasn’t doing flips. It was the best the blonde was going to get, and that was final.

Glinda all but melted. When Elphaba pulled away, looking like a lost puppy, she resisted the urge to crash their lips together, or otherwise fling herself into the green girl’s lap. But that wasn’t permitted just yet. After all Elphaba’s bluster and insinuations earlier, a kiss on the cheek was too much! Talk about biting off more than she could chew.

With the most exciting avenues barred, she contented herself with holding Elphaba’s hand. And, of course, she uncorked the happiest smile a girl could muster.

“There’s the passion I was looking for,” she whispered.

Elphaba looked down shyly. “Really. The things you make me do, Glinda.”

“Oh, I can think of worse.”

“I’m dreading it.” Next, I’ll be piggy-backing this ridiculous woman to her lectures. Are all friendships this high maintenance?

Elphaba made a few half-hearted attempts to resume their work on the project. Glinda was having none of it; she appeared much more interested in playing with Elphaba’s hand. The green girl soon realised it was hopeless and started to pack her thing aways, shaking her head.

“Well, we came here to make a start, and a start is what we’ve made,” Elphaba declared. “Though considering how quickly we got off topic, I’m expecting this project to be a slog.”

Glinda snickered. “You can’t expect me to concentrate on the history, Elphie. Not when you’re here.”

“Unfortunately, the reverse might also be true. As we've established, you're a distraction.”

They walked out of the study room side by side. By now, the library was deserted except for its bespectacled warden, who didn’t look up as they passed. By now, a dramatic orange sunset had taken hold; the sunbeams shone through the windows and into their eyes. They stepped out onto the university lawn in peaceable silence.

Glinda glanced down at Elphaba’s hand. She wanted to hold it, like she had in the study room, but there were still a fair few students milling around. It was different in public. She could get away with locking their arms, but holding hands was the equivalent of waving a flag that read ‘we’re more than friends’.

She checked Elphaba’s face, a little guilty. They were only keeping their relationship a secret at Glinda’s behest, but Elphaba made no effort to join their hands. Actually, it never even occurred to her, but that was a whole other can of worms.

“Elphie?” she perked up, as they strolled back to Crage Hall.

“Yes, my sweet?”

“How did today feel for you?”

“Frustrating. I had to spend time with Glinda Upland, after all.”

Glinda rolled her eyes. “I’m trying to be serious here.”

“Serious? With me, the resident sarcasm dispenser?”

The blonde elbowed her. “Elphie,” she warned. “I want a proper answer.”

“There’s not been much to report, really.”

“So… you’re saying everything’s okay?” All she wanted to know was if Elphaba felt comfortable. Glinda was the only one of them with any relationship experience.

“It is indeed.” Elphaba glanced at her, curious. “Why do you ask?”

Glinda smiled. “I was just checking how you felt about us. You know…” She tucked a hair behind her ear. “As a pair.”

“Ah, I see.” Elphaba pretended to stroke her chin, lost in thought. “Well, there was an impressive amount of snappy comments, flashpoints and hasty apologies-”

Glinda opened her mouth to protest, even though Elphaba was right. The green girl ploughed on.

“-but other than that, I’d say we work rather well together. The squabbling is all routine, in the end. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I would, Elphie,” she replied, nodding. “We’ve always figured it out before.”

“Though more by luck than judgement.”

“It’s not luck.” She bonked Elphaba with her shoulder. “We have chemistry, don’t we?”

“No, we only have history together.”

“Not funny.”

She bonked her even harder this time- so hard it made Elphaba trip up. The green girl gave her a foul look, but Glinda just tittered at the misstep and rushed on ahead.

“Catch me if you can!” I hope you do.

“I wasn’t joking!” Elphaba shouted after her.

But as was also routine, she found herself trailing after Glinda Upland. The stereotype is all wrong. Blondes aren’t dumb, she thought. They’re positively deranged.