— galinda

(Fiyero- In The Emerald City)

(Pair- Galinda/Fiyero "Fiyero choosing Galinda" Au!!)

@glindarling

(⁠/⁠^⁠-⁠^⁠(⁠^⁠ ⁠^⁠*⁠)⁠/💖💙

How similar everything was indeed.

Seemingly endless shades of green piled upon another, each blurring into a boring, exhausted blend of . . . well, emerald. The hues were becoming shamefully repetitive, never changing each day she inhabited the castle. No, but it was everything she had hoped for! Right? She was known. People loved her, saw her — she really was popular.

She could feel the weight of the Grimmerie in her satchel as she sprinted through the maze of hallways from the throne room, the shouts of the Wizard’s guards and the screeches of the winged monkeys filling her ears. It felt suffocating, like the walls were closing in. The guards were the hunters and she was the prey. And there was no way out. She couldn’t think—as everything she had believed her whole life about the Wizard and his powers had crumbled, her first instinct was to run away. But the guards had given chase, and there was seemingly no escape.

Her mind raced as she considered her vanishingly few options. She could continue to run, and try to find a spell that would help her escape. She could stand and fight—a fight she would most certainly lose. And with Glinda having run after her…no, she wasn’t going to risk her getting caught in the crossfire.

“I suppose.” She had the same thought, that as long as Oz and Morrible needed the Grimmerie (which seemed to be indefinitely), then she was still of use to them. “But I need your help if that ever stops being the case. We could stop them together.” she insisted, falling into step alongside her. “And then we could save Oz—actually do something good, the way we always talked about.” Maybe there was a spell in the book that would help, once they crossed that bridge.

that had piqued her interest. glinda perked up, her shoulders rising. that sounded thrilling! owning something only they could know. it would be like a little secret. no, a huge one. but how do you even begin to learn other language? she knew of a few words and their meanings in different tongues, but nowhere even close to fluent.

and doing something good. glinda wanted people to know her. longed for many to cheer her name happily. of course, she had that at shiz and previous school settings she had attended. but she wanted something beyond that. along with the idea of elphaba beside her, finally earning the praise she had deserved after so long — it warmed her heart.

yes, maybe this was the right plan.

glinda wouldn’t be the only one who saw the goodness in elphaba. one day, one day. “we will. like we always talked about!” her voice was light, despite the situation weighing on them.

“but that really is just so..” she paused, searching for a word. “weird.” was all that came to mind. “i can’t wrap my head around it. certainly you can’t either.” she brought a free hand to her head. “can a book choose people? no, that’s silly.” she mumbled other different unlikely scenarios under her breath.

She could feel the weight of the Grimmerie in her satchel as she sprinted through the maze of hallways from the throne room, the shouts of the Wizard’s guards and the screeches of the winged monkeys filling her ears. It felt suffocating, like the walls were closing in. The guards were the hunters and she was the prey. And there was no way out. She couldn’t think—as everything she had believed her whole life about the Wizard and his powers had crumbled, her first instinct was to run away. But the guards had given chase, and there was seemingly no escape.

Her mind raced as she considered her vanishingly few options. She could continue to run, and try to find a spell that would help her escape. She could stand and fight—a fight she would most certainly lose. And with Glinda having run after her…no, she wasn’t going to risk her getting caught in the crossfire.

“No.” she admitted after a moment, her hand gripping the strap of her satchel like a lifeline. “No, I don’t.” Her eyes were defiant, but her shoulders were slumped in defeat. It went against everything she believed in, everything she knew to be right. She told herself that it would be temporary, that as soon as she could, she would use her power against the Wizard and Morrible, and liberate Oz.

Her friend’s words offered little comfort, but she instinctively relaxed at her touch, and fell into her desperate gaze, letting go of her bag to take her hands. She was used to speaking out with little regard for how she would be perceived—she had done it with her father, with Glinda herself, with the headmistress at Shiz. But this was bigger, and one false move could lead to more harm than good.

elphaba didn’t want this. glinda knew that was so.

what would happen if glinda had not pursued her? would she have used the grimmerie on herself? she could not bear the thought of the other spurting out wings seeing how the monkey had howled and cried. the blonde wouldn’t allow the same for her, she couldn’t. she refused to let her life dwindle away.

maybe deep down, she had been scared of elphaba leaving her. it was selfish, unfair. she had grown to care for the other as time had passed, that much was very clear. but while doing this for herself, she was holding the witch down. “but you must pretend to be.” glinda was unsure why this answer had upset her. she was well aware, elphaba’s distaste had been made very clear.

still, glinda agreed with her. she truly did. animals shouldn’t be treated in such ways. what made cruelty like that okay? nothing. “it isn’t alright.” she agreed. she took note of how elphaba was shaking. the blonde held her hands tighter, as if that would dampen her tremblings. “and i know that you’re so, so, so capable, elphie. don’t you dare think otherwise.”

she learnt snapping at the other got her nowhere. especially now. she kept her voice low, even if it wavered occasionally. “you’re so smart. i’ve seen you. but you’re not thinking right now.” glinda repeated. “and my head is all blurrified too, but — i know you can do this differently. that’s what i mean.”

She finally met Glinda’s gaze again after she insisted that she had to pretend she was sorry. It felt false—it was false, but perhaps it was necessary. It could be her only chance of helping the Animals. She could feel herself shaking, though she could not figure out whether it was from anger or fear or both.

Looking down as Glinda’s hands tightened around her own, she made her decision. “I know.” she answered with a nod. She believed in her, and Elphaba had started to believe in herself. She would free the Animals. She swore it.

she had never seen elphaba look so defeated. she wondered then if she was doing the right thing. maybe elphaba had thought it through more.

perhaps if circumstances were different. her mind was still buzzing uncontrollably with unanswered questions. did everyone in the palace know of the wizard’s lack of.. wizard-ness? or was it just them, alongside madam morrible?

madam morrible.

was the whole thing with aiding elphaba a facade? her head ached dully. what else did they not know? what else was being hidden beneath the surface? “you’re doing the right thing, elphie.”

she felt like a young girl again, lightly pulling on elphaba to start walking. foolish, it was. would simply claiming a changed mindset be enough? would they be ambushed while making their return? “you will. and i’ll be right here.” she squeezed her hand, humming as she mustered a faint smile. “by your side.” a few steps backwards.

But until she could, she had to contend with a palace full of guards, and an army of winged spies that she had created. And then there was Morrible, whom she had looked up to almost as much as she did the Wizard. Her powers were quite real, and Elphaba didn’t know if she could defeat her herself.

her gaze flickered to the indicated book inhabiting elphaba’s satchel. ‘both going to have to learn to read it’? both? herself included? well yes, glinda! that’s what both meant!

reading was already a difficult chore for glinda. and she had heard how startled even madam morrible and the wizard were at elphaba’s capability. there was no way in oz she could. it had come natural to the witch, hardly even fumbling as she spoke the ancient text aloud. what if glinda were to one day attempt at decoding it, only to formulate a spell to backfire?

glinda often overestimated herself, believe others around her were lesser. but not now, and rarely with elphaba.. in some areas. “well first off, i will not let them do that.” with what power? “and two, you’re the only person who can decipherify the book. they need you.” oh, glinda felt smart saying all of this. “right? they can’t hurt you.” she kept her hand intertwined with elphaba’s, taking longer strides.

“but i do have a question. did you know you could read it? was that a secret you didn’t tell me?” how could one read a language they had never seen before? glinda didn’t comprehend such a unique concept.

She could feel the weight of the Grimmerie in her satchel as she sprinted through the maze of hallways from the throne room, the shouts of the Wizard’s guards and the screeches of the winged monkeys filling her ears. It felt suffocating, like the walls were closing in. The guards were the hunters and she was the prey. And there was no way out. She couldn’t think—as everything she had believed her whole life about the Wizard and his powers had crumbled, her first instinct was to run away. But the guards had given chase, and there was seemingly no escape.

Her mind raced as she considered her vanishingly few options. She could continue to run, and try to find a spell that would help her escape. She could stand and fight—a fight she would most certainly lose. And with Glinda having run after her…no, she wasn’t going to risk her getting caught in the crossfire.

“No.” she admitted after a moment, her hand gripping the strap of her satchel like a lifeline. “No, I don’t.” Her eyes were defiant, but her shoulders were slumped in defeat. It went against everything she believed in, everything she knew to be right. She told herself that it would be temporary, that as soon as she could, she would use her power against the Wizard and Morrible, and liberate Oz.

Her friend’s words offered little comfort, but she instinctively relaxed at her touch, and fell into her desperate gaze, letting go of her bag to take her hands. She was used to speaking out with little regard for how she would be perceived—she had done it with her father, with Glinda herself, with the headmistress at Shiz. But this was bigger, and one false move could lead to more harm than good.

elphaba didn’t want this. glinda knew that was so.

what would happen if glinda had not pursued her? would she have used the grimmerie on herself? she could not bear the thought of the other spurting out wings seeing how the monkey had howled and cried. the blonde wouldn’t allow the same for her, she couldn’t. she refused to let her life dwindle away.

maybe deep down, she had been scared of elphaba leaving her. it was selfish, unfair. she had grown to care for the other as time had passed, that much was very clear. but while doing this for herself, she was holding the witch down. “but you must pretend to be.” glinda was unsure why this answer had upset her. she was well aware, elphaba’s distaste had been made very clear.

still, glinda agreed with her. she truly did. animals shouldn’t be treated in such ways. what made cruelty like that okay? nothing. “it isn’t alright.” she agreed. she took note of how elphaba was shaking. the blonde held her hands tighter, as if that would dampen her tremblings. “and i know that you’re so, so, so capable, elphie. don’t you dare think otherwise.”

she learnt snapping at the other got her nowhere. especially now. she kept her voice low, even if it wavered occasionally. “you’re so smart. i’ve seen you. but you’re not thinking right now.” glinda repeated. “and my head is all blurrified too, but — i know you can do this differently. that’s what i mean.”

She finally met Glinda’s gaze again after she insisted that she had to pretend she was sorry. It felt false—it was false, but perhaps it was necessary. It could be her only chance of helping the Animals. She could feel herself shaking, though she could not figure out whether it was from anger or fear or both.

Looking down as Glinda’s hands tightened around her own, she made her decision. “I know.” she answered with a nod. She believed in her, and Elphaba had started to believe in herself. She would free the Animals. She swore it.

she had never seen elphaba look so defeated. she wondered then if she was doing the right thing. maybe elphaba had thought it through more.

perhaps if circumstances were different. her mind was still buzzing uncontrollably with unanswered questions. did everyone in the palace know of the wizard’s lack of.. wizard-ness? or was it just them, alongside madam morrible?

madam morrible.

was the whole thing with aiding elphaba a facade? her head ached dully. what else did they not know? what else was being hidden beneath the surface? “you’re doing the right thing, elphie.”

she felt like a young girl again, lightly pulling on elphaba to start walking. foolish, it was. would simply claiming a changed mindset be enough? would they be ambushed while making their return? “you will. and i’ll be right here.” she squeezed her hand, humming as she mustered a faint smile. “by your side.” a few steps backwards.

She could feel the weight of the Grimmerie in her satchel as she sprinted through the maze of hallways from the throne room, the shouts of the Wizard’s guards and the screeches of the winged monkeys filling her ears. It felt suffocating, like the walls were closing in. The guards were the hunters and she was the prey. And there was no way out. She couldn’t think—as everything she had believed her whole life about the Wizard and his powers had crumbled, her first instinct was to run away. But the guards had given chase, and there was seemingly no escape.

Her mind raced as she considered her vanishingly few options. She could continue to run, and try to find a spell that would help her escape. She could stand and fight—a fight she would most certainly lose. And with Glinda having run after her…no, she wasn’t going to risk her getting caught in the crossfire.

“No.” she admitted after a moment, her hand gripping the strap of her satchel like a lifeline. “No, I don’t.” Her eyes were defiant, but her shoulders were slumped in defeat. It went against everything she believed in, everything she knew to be right. She told herself that it would be temporary, that as soon as she could, she would use her power against the Wizard and Morrible, and liberate Oz.

Her friend’s words offered little comfort, but she instinctively relaxed at her touch, and fell into her desperate gaze, letting go of her bag to take her hands. She was used to speaking out with little regard for how she would be perceived—she had done it with her father, with Glinda herself, with the headmistress at Shiz. But this was bigger, and one false move could lead to more harm than good.

elphaba didn’t want this. glinda knew that was so.

what would happen if glinda had not pursued her? would she have used the grimmerie on herself? she could not bear the thought of the other spurting out wings seeing how the monkey had howled and cried. the blonde wouldn’t allow the same for her, she couldn’t. she refused to let her life dwindle away.

maybe deep down, she had been scared of elphaba leaving her. it was selfish, unfair. she had grown to care for the other as time had passed, that much was very clear. but while doing this for herself, she was holding the witch down. “but you must pretend to be.” glinda was unsure why this answer had upset her. she was well aware, elphaba’s distaste had been made very clear.

still, glinda agreed with her. she truly did. animals shouldn’t be treated in such ways. what made cruelty like that okay? nothing. “it isn’t alright.” she agreed. she took note of how elphaba was shaking. the blonde held her hands tighter, as if that would dampen her tremblings. “and i know that you’re so, so, so capable, elphie. don’t you dare think otherwise.”

she learnt snapping at the other got her nowhere. especially now. she kept her voice low, even if it wavered occasionally. “you’re so smart. i’ve seen you. but you’re not thinking right now.” glinda repeated. “and my head is all blurrified too, but — i know you can do this differently. that’s what i mean.”

She could feel the weight of the Grimmerie in her satchel as she sprinted through the maze of hallways from the throne room, the shouts of the Wizard’s guards and the screeches of the winged monkeys filling her ears. It felt suffocating, like the walls were closing in. The guards were the hunters and she was the prey. And there was no way out. She couldn’t think—as everything she had believed her whole life about the Wizard and his powers had crumbled, her first instinct was to run away. But the guards had given chase, and there was seemingly no escape.

Her mind raced as she considered her vanishingly few options. She could continue to run, and try to find a spell that would help her escape. She could stand and fight—a fight she would most certainly lose. And with Glinda having run after her…no, she wasn’t going to risk her getting caught in the crossfire.

glinda swore she had never faced something so disastrous. nor did she ever dream of a day she would. chaos enveloped her, creating loud booms and screeches of the now mutated animals. she desperately covered her head, as little as it would do. especially with what she was wearing. it was a miserable attempt.

but still, the blonde continued skittering forward in search of her friend. she couldn’t let elphaba do this to herself. she had a good cause, yes! but — oh, not now. she did not have time to dwell on what had already happened. she would just have to persuade elphaba. she could do that.

She was just a pawn. A blunt instrument. A tool to consolidate the Wizard’s power and keep the Animals in their place.

She couldn’t be a part of it. She couldn’t. The reason why she had been so intent on even seeing the Wizard was in hopes that he could help her save Dr. Dillamond and the other Animals, only to find that he was behind all of it.

She wanted to fight back. She had the Grimmerie, and she had magic that the Wizard himself did not possess. But she knew that she was outnumbered. The Wizard’s army would hunt her down, even if she could escape. And then what good would that do?

it was scary.

elphaba had created a wall between herself and whoever she was with. the wall kept her safe, sealed any cracks that dared to show negative emotion. but much like the tower, it was beginning to crumble.

She slammed the book shut, stuffing it back into her bag. “What do you propose I do instead? Go back?” she demanded. The Wizard had sent his guards after the both of them, which made her doubt that he was really willing to talk. But she did have something that he wanted, and something that he didn’t have himself. But would it be worth it?

perhaps her words were too harsh. judging by elphaba’s reaction, her suspicions were confirmed. she lurched closer, holding her hands in front of her and waving them back and forth, signalling elphaba to halt. “no, no you saw what that could do! i will not allow you—” she grabbed hold of her wrist but jolted back as she roughly slammed the book.

glinda’s eyes lingered on the grimmerie. it’s mere presence was menacing. “elphaba.” she winced at her accusations, momentarily fluttering her eyes shut. “i meant it. i did. but — i think time just needs to be on our side too. i can not see past this. do you?”

glinda had calmed elphaba down before. but now just seemed so different. timidly, glinda extended her hands to the witch’s wrists, this time much more gently. “you’re doing good.” she breathed, as if the conflict around them had vanished. that it was just them. “you are. you are filled with braveness. you know i would never even think of doing.. this whole stunt.” she hastily glanced over her shoulder.

“just say you’re sorry. i’m sure we can fix it. i know you can help the animals but… not now.” her eyes were frantic, rounded out as if they would somehow convince elphaba to remain here. “not while they’re after you.”

She could feel the weight of the Grimmerie in her satchel as she sprinted through the maze of hallways from the throne room, the shouts of the Wizard’s guards and the screeches of the winged monkeys filling her ears. It felt suffocating, like the walls were closing in. The guards were the hunters and she was the prey. And there was no way out. She couldn’t think—as everything she had believed her whole life about the Wizard and his powers had crumbled, her first instinct was to run away. But the guards had given chase, and there was seemingly no escape.

Her mind raced as she considered her vanishingly few options. She could continue to run, and try to find a spell that would help her escape. She could stand and fight—a fight she would most certainly lose. And with Glinda having run after her…no, she wasn’t going to risk her getting caught in the crossfire.

glinda swore she had never faced something so disastrous. nor did she ever dream of a day she would. chaos enveloped her, creating loud booms and screeches of the now mutated animals. she desperately covered her head, as little as it would do. especially with what she was wearing. it was a miserable attempt.

but still, the blonde continued skittering forward in search of her friend. she couldn’t let elphaba do this to herself. she had a good cause, yes! but — oh, not now. she did not have time to dwell on what had already happened. she would just have to persuade elphaba. she could do that.

She was just a pawn. A blunt instrument. A tool to consolidate the Wizard’s power and keep the Animals in their place.

She couldn’t be a part of it. She couldn’t. The reason why she had been so intent on even seeing the Wizard was in hopes that he could help her save Dr. Dillamond and the other Animals, only to find that he was behind all of it.

She wanted to fight back. She had the Grimmerie, and she had magic that the Wizard himself did not possess. But she knew that she was outnumbered. The Wizard’s army would hunt her down, even if she could escape. And then what good would that do?

elphaba’s words were laced with evident hopelessness, utterly frantic. she looked so out of place, so lost. even on the first day at shiz, elphaba did not look this mortified. she held her head high, appearing oddly confident despite glinda’s poking comment and bystanders’ stares.

it was scary.

elphaba had created a wall between herself and whoever she was with. the wall kept her safe, sealed any cracks that dared to show negative emotion. but much like the tower, it was beginning to crumble.

glinda’s pity ridden eyes followed elphaba back and forth as she paced anxiously. “i know, i know but —“ she noticed how she made no move to even slow her steps. “you can’t do this. it’s so much bigger than us.” she spread her arms out, mindfully approaching. she was tense, ready for anything to jump out at them. “you can’t run. you can’t. there’s guards and — i need you to believe me here. you can believe me. but you can’t do this! you’re not thinking. what are you even planning?”

She could feel the weight of the Grimmerie in her satchel as she sprinted through the maze of hallways from the throne room, the shouts of the Wizard’s guards and the screeches of the winged monkeys filling her ears. It felt suffocating, like the walls were closing in. The guards were the hunters and she was the prey. And there was no way out. She couldn’t think—as everything she had believed her whole life about the Wizard and his powers had crumbled, her first instinct was to run away. But the guards had given chase, and there was seemingly no escape.

Her mind raced as she considered her vanishingly few options. She could continue to run, and try to find a spell that would help her escape. She could stand and fight—a fight she would most certainly lose. And with Glinda having run after her…no, she wasn’t going to risk her getting caught in the crossfire.

her heart was pounding in her ears, dimming her hearing and senses the further she went. oh, what was she doing? glinda stumbled over shattered glass that littered the once perfect floor, her heels skidding. it was poetic. watching something she never thought possible to be destroyed crumble before her.

glinda swore she had never faced something so disastrous. nor did she ever dream of a day she would. chaos enveloped her, creating loud booms and screeches of the now mutated animals. she desperately covered her head, as little as it would do. especially with what she was wearing. it was a miserable attempt.

but still, the blonde continued skittering forward in search of her friend. she couldn’t let elphaba do this to herself. she had a good cause, yes! but — oh, not now. she did not have time to dwell on what had already happened. she would just have to persuade elphaba. she could do that.

she saw her at the end of the corridor, her pace quickening. “elphie!” she called, ducking at the sound of an abrupt thump. “elphie stop! what are you doing? where are you going?”

It had been a brilliant plan, really. Elphaba was almost ashamed that she hadn’t thought of it herself. It had been Fiyero’s idea to use the rumors that had spread about water being the only thing capable of destroying her in order to fake her death, so that she could escape to a life of anonymity, far away from Oz. It was not the life she had planned for herself, certainly not the one she had hoped for all those years ago on the train to the Emerald City. It was not at all what she had imagined when she had enchanted a broom in that attic and taken flight for the first time. Back then, she had felt unlimited. But time and the reality of fighting alone for so many years had shown her just how limited she was.

She only wished that she could have told Glinda the truth before she left. Fiyero had insisted that she couldn’t, that it wouldn’t have been safe, and although she knew that he was being rational, the decision still weighed on her. So, a few days after she had ‘died’, she had written a note that had simply read:

Glinda,

I’m sorry. I had to let everyone think that I was gone, but know that I’m alive—and I can never come back to Oz. Please remember what I said and do not come looking for me.

She had ensured that the letter could not be tracked before sending it on its way with magic, and had intended for that to be the end of that. But her mind kept wandering back to Oz, and to Glinda, above all.

It was a month before her curiosity got the better of her.

This sleep was dreamless, unlike what little sleep she could snatch while living on the run. And for that she was grateful. The last thing she wanted was to alert anyone to her presence here because of a nightmare. Those were frequent these days—most of the time she saw her sister’s death. She had lost so much over the years, and held herself responsible. Perhaps if she had been more strategic, more powerful…

But it was no use dwelling on the past. Nor did she want to focus on the future. All she had was the present—and Glinda, at least for now. She didn’t want to think about what would happen in the morning. She wished she could stave it off forever, but eventually moonlight turned to the beginnings of daylight, and Elphaba found herself awake.

many nights had been plagued with different endings. some were merciful dreams, commonly a sort of flashback. reliving her short time at shiz with elphaba still there. sometimes they would be doing homework, or playing a ridiculous game glinda would make up on the spot. others, her dreams felt similar to a void. bottomless, never ending, leaving her jolting awake in a sweat. she would have that pointed hat next to her, still clinging to it like a lifeline.

but none of that happened tonight. everything was warm. easing. she could only imagine how elphaba had to of spent her nights. glinda had no right to complain here, she often told herself. but none of that mattered now, because they were here once more.

glinda stirred awake at the sudden contact left on her hand. the sun was beginning to make its presence known, shyly seeping through the curtains. the blonde huffed, burying her head in elphaba’s shoulder. “it’s still early.” she grumbled, her voice muffled.

did the witch always have to get up at such an early time? (even if glinda used to insist she needed at least two hours to get ready) .. her head felt foggy. all she knew was that elphaba was here, and she felt at home. she did not want to move again, no. she swore she wouldn’t.

She didn’t want to get up. She wanted to stay here forever, but she knew that wasn’t possible. Her eyes shifted about the room to the broomstick leaning against the wall. She felt Glinda stir and smiled at her comment. “So it is.” she agreed, making no attempt to move other than to rub circles into the other’s back.

She may have been quiet, but her mind was questioning what they were going to do next. She wasn’t going to leave again. That may have been the wisest course of action, and perhaps the most selfless, but she had promised that she wouldn’t, and she was going to keep that promise. And besides, she had tried to stay away and all it had done was make them both miserable.

she took a moment to respond, shuffling impossibly closer. elphaba carried an earthy smell, close to something floral. the scent filled her lungs, grounding her. the witch felt warmer now, quite different from last night. glinda could not help but feel accomplished. she had aided the other, nourished her to a more comfortable state. “good. because i am not either. you’re too warm.”

if elphaba wouldn’t take care of herself, glinda would do it for her.

glinda stifled a yawn. “did you at sleep well, elphie?” she hummed at the soft circles elphaba was creating on her back. the blonde repaid her, reaching up to delicately stroke her hair. parts of it were frizzy. glinda fought the urge to offer messing with it.

“you did snore quite often.” she grinned into elphaba’s shoulder, her voice dripping with a distinct playfulness. the opposite was true. elphaba was a quiet sleeper, rarely even doing so much as stirring.

The journey had been arduous, and she had needed a good night’s rest. “I did.” she confirmed with a nod, her smile broadening as she felt the blonde’s fingers sifting through her hair. “Can’t remember the last time I slept that well.” It had to have been back when they were students. She had missed this—had missed her.

“Oh?” she challenged, lifting an eyebrow. “No louder than you.” she added teasingly, her hand ascending to Glinda’s curls. She had heard no such thing, not now or when they had shared a room at Shiz. She wished every morning could be like this.

her eyes softened at elphaba’s admission. both of them knew how her nights must have gone. but that did not do anything to dampen the surge of pity. glinda lifted the blankets closer to them, as if sealing them where they were. the blonde wondered if a day without rest was something that was not unfamiliar to elphaba.

“hey! that is not true!” she propped herself up, sending an amused glare elphaba’s way. “oh, hah hah.” she noticed how her eyes lacked a red rim. she was relieved. she swore it broke her heart every time elphaba would cry.

elphaba did not break down over small things (unlike glinda herself), the witch was admirably strong. but she also wore a mask, one glinda had to work at deteriorating for what seemed like forever.

glinda lightly swatted at elphaba’s arm, gradually settling back down. she was able to tell when she was jesting now, luckily. “i slept stupendifyingly. i would thank you, but not after that, no.” she closed her eyes defiantly, yet kept one subtly opened to watch elphaba.

The tears of the night before were also forgotten. For the first time in what felt like ages, she allowed herself to feel optimistic about the future. She could face whatever it was as long as she had Glinda with her. She was the only person who really saw her, and the only person she allowed to see beneath the armor she had put up around herself for as long as she could remember.

she let out a defiant huff when elphaba moved to grab her wrist. she did not provide much effort to pull away, especially when she planted a few kisses there. glinda mellowed, her arm relaxing. her stomach fluttered up once more, threatening to create a pinkish tint to her face.

“alright then. go on.” glinda grinned, fluttering her eyelashes expectantly. yet at elphaba’s gentle confessions, her false act disabled immediately. her gaze turned to the witch, softer than before. she clung heavily onto each word, not allowing herself to skip over one.

pride swelled up in her chest. glinda knew this had to be the case. well, she had assumed so. but hearing elphaba admit it was a whole other level. “oh, elphie.” she murmured, not even sure how to possibly respond. the blonde searched to find the right reply, syllables that could possibly be close to match elphaba’s. “you deserve so much.” she leaned into her hand.

“you really do. — don’t even think about protestations! i will not hear any.” glinda halted, seeing if elphaba would say anything. “i am so, so happy. my heart is full.” she brought elphaba’s hand to her heart, as if she could feel it. “i wish.. i wish those flying stars were real.” her spare hand went up to mimic a shooting star. “i would wish you the bestest life. you are a good witch in my eyes. the most important ones!” she offered a reassuring grin. “i am glad i can be your home. because you deserve to feel loved. and you are!” even if it was just by her. glinda swore she would make up for the lost time others spent disdaining the witch.

It had been a brilliant plan, really. Elphaba was almost ashamed that she hadn’t thought of it herself. It had been Fiyero’s idea to use the rumors that had spread about water being the only thing capable of destroying her in order to fake her death, so that she could escape to a life of anonymity, far away from Oz. It was not the life she had planned for herself, certainly not the one she had hoped for all those years ago on the train to the Emerald City. It was not at all what she had imagined when she had enchanted a broom in that attic and taken flight for the first time. Back then, she had felt unlimited. But time and the reality of fighting alone for so many years had shown her just how limited she was.

She only wished that she could have told Glinda the truth before she left. Fiyero had insisted that she couldn’t, that it wouldn’t have been safe, and although she knew that he was being rational, the decision still weighed on her. So, a few days after she had ‘died’, she had written a note that had simply read:

Glinda,

I’m sorry. I had to let everyone think that I was gone, but know that I’m alive—and I can never come back to Oz. Please remember what I said and do not come looking for me.

She had ensured that the letter could not be tracked before sending it on its way with magic, and had intended for that to be the end of that. But her mind kept wandering back to Oz, and to Glinda, above all.

It was a month before her curiosity got the better of her.

This sleep was dreamless, unlike what little sleep she could snatch while living on the run. And for that she was grateful. The last thing she wanted was to alert anyone to her presence here because of a nightmare. Those were frequent these days—most of the time she saw her sister’s death. She had lost so much over the years, and held herself responsible. Perhaps if she had been more strategic, more powerful…

But it was no use dwelling on the past. Nor did she want to focus on the future. All she had was the present—and Glinda, at least for now. She didn’t want to think about what would happen in the morning. She wished she could stave it off forever, but eventually moonlight turned to the beginnings of daylight, and Elphaba found herself awake.

many nights had been plagued with different endings. some were merciful dreams, commonly a sort of flashback. reliving her short time at shiz with elphaba still there. sometimes they would be doing homework, or playing a ridiculous game glinda would make up on the spot. others, her dreams felt similar to a void. bottomless, never ending, leaving her jolting awake in a sweat. she would have that pointed hat next to her, still clinging to it like a lifeline.

but none of that happened tonight. everything was warm. easing. she could only imagine how elphaba had to of spent her nights. glinda had no right to complain here, she often told herself. but none of that mattered now, because they were here once more.

glinda stirred awake at the sudden contact left on her hand. the sun was beginning to make its presence known, shyly seeping through the curtains. the blonde huffed, burying her head in elphaba’s shoulder. “it’s still early.” she grumbled, her voice muffled.

did the witch always have to get up at such an early time? (even if glinda used to insist she needed at least two hours to get ready) .. her head felt foggy. all she knew was that elphaba was here, and she felt at home. she did not want to move again, no. she swore she wouldn’t.

She didn’t want to get up. She wanted to stay here forever, but she knew that wasn’t possible. Her eyes shifted about the room to the broomstick leaning against the wall. She felt Glinda stir and smiled at her comment. “So it is.” she agreed, making no attempt to move other than to rub circles into the other’s back.

She may have been quiet, but her mind was questioning what they were going to do next. She wasn’t going to leave again. That may have been the wisest course of action, and perhaps the most selfless, but she had promised that she wouldn’t, and she was going to keep that promise. And besides, she had tried to stay away and all it had done was make them both miserable.

she took a moment to respond, shuffling impossibly closer. elphaba carried an earthy smell, close to something floral. the scent filled her lungs, grounding her. the witch felt warmer now, quite different from last night. glinda could not help but feel accomplished. she had aided the other, nourished her to a more comfortable state. “good. because i am not either. you’re too warm.”

if elphaba wouldn’t take care of herself, glinda would do it for her.

glinda stifled a yawn. “did you at sleep well, elphie?” she hummed at the soft circles elphaba was creating on her back. the blonde repaid her, reaching up to delicately stroke her hair. parts of it were frizzy. glinda fought the urge to offer messing with it.

“you did snore quite often.” she grinned into elphaba’s shoulder, her voice dripping with a distinct playfulness. the opposite was true. elphaba was a quiet sleeper, rarely even doing so much as stirring.

The journey had been arduous, and she had needed a good night’s rest. “I did.” she confirmed with a nod, her smile broadening as she felt the blonde’s fingers sifting through her hair. “Can’t remember the last time I slept that well.” It had to have been back when they were students. She had missed this—had missed her.

“Oh?” she challenged, lifting an eyebrow. “No louder than you.” she added teasingly, her hand ascending to Glinda’s curls. She had heard no such thing, not now or when they had shared a room at Shiz. She wished every morning could be like this.

her eyes softened at elphaba’s admission. both of them knew how her nights must have gone. but that did not do anything to dampen the surge of pity. glinda lifted the blankets closer to them, as if sealing them where they were. the blonde wondered if a day without rest was something that was not unfamiliar to elphaba.

“hey! that is not true!” she propped herself up, sending an amused glare elphaba’s way. “oh, hah hah.” she noticed how her eyes lacked a red rim. she was relieved. she swore it broke her heart every time elphaba would cry.

elphaba did not break down over small things (unlike glinda herself), the witch was admirably strong. but she also wore a mask, one glinda had to work at deteriorating for what seemed like forever.

glinda lightly swatted at elphaba’s arm, gradually settling back down. she was able to tell when she was jesting now, luckily. “i slept stupendifyingly. i would thank you, but not after that, no.” she closed her eyes defiantly, yet kept one subtly opened to watch elphaba.

It had been a brilliant plan, really. Elphaba was almost ashamed that she hadn’t thought of it herself. It had been Fiyero’s idea to use the rumors that had spread about water being the only thing capable of destroying her in order to fake her death, so that she could escape to a life of anonymity, far away from Oz. It was not the life she had planned for herself, certainly not the one she had hoped for all those years ago on the train to the Emerald City. It was not at all what she had imagined when she had enchanted a broom in that attic and taken flight for the first time. Back then, she had felt unlimited. But time and the reality of fighting alone for so many years had shown her just how limited she was.

She only wished that she could have told Glinda the truth before she left. Fiyero had insisted that she couldn’t, that it wouldn’t have been safe, and although she knew that he was being rational, the decision still weighed on her. So, a few days after she had ‘died’, she had written a note that had simply read:

Glinda,

I’m sorry. I had to let everyone think that I was gone, but know that I’m alive—and I can never come back to Oz. Please remember what I said and do not come looking for me.

She had ensured that the letter could not be tracked before sending it on its way with magic, and had intended for that to be the end of that. But her mind kept wandering back to Oz, and to Glinda, above all.

It was a month before her curiosity got the better of her.

This sleep was dreamless, unlike what little sleep she could snatch while living on the run. And for that she was grateful. The last thing she wanted was to alert anyone to her presence here because of a nightmare. Those were frequent these days—most of the time she saw her sister’s death. She had lost so much over the years, and held herself responsible. Perhaps if she had been more strategic, more powerful…

But it was no use dwelling on the past. Nor did she want to focus on the future. All she had was the present—and Glinda, at least for now. She didn’t want to think about what would happen in the morning. She wished she could stave it off forever, but eventually moonlight turned to the beginnings of daylight, and Elphaba found herself awake.

many nights had been plagued with different endings. some were merciful dreams, commonly a sort of flashback. reliving her short time at shiz with elphaba still there. sometimes they would be doing homework, or playing a ridiculous game glinda would make up on the spot. others, her dreams felt similar to a void. bottomless, never ending, leaving her jolting awake in a sweat. she would have that pointed hat next to her, still clinging to it like a lifeline.

but none of that happened tonight. everything was warm. easing. she could only imagine how elphaba had to of spent her nights. glinda had no right to complain here, she often told herself. but none of that mattered now, because they were here once more.

glinda stirred awake at the sudden contact left on her hand. the sun was beginning to make its presence known, shyly seeping through the curtains. the blonde huffed, burying her head in elphaba’s shoulder. “it’s still early.” she grumbled, her voice muffled.

did the witch always have to get up at such an early time? (even if glinda used to insist she needed at least two hours to get ready) .. her head felt foggy. all she knew was that elphaba was here, and she felt at home. she did not want to move again, no. she swore she wouldn’t.

She didn’t want to get up. She wanted to stay here forever, but she knew that wasn’t possible. Her eyes shifted about the room to the broomstick leaning against the wall. She felt Glinda stir and smiled at her comment. “So it is.” she agreed, making no attempt to move other than to rub circles into the other’s back.

She may have been quiet, but her mind was questioning what they were going to do next. She wasn’t going to leave again. That may have been the wisest course of action, and perhaps the most selfless, but she had promised that she wouldn’t, and she was going to keep that promise. And besides, she had tried to stay away and all it had done was make them both miserable.

she took a moment to respond, shuffling impossibly closer. elphaba carried an earthy smell, close to something floral. the scent filled her lungs, grounding her. the witch felt warmer now, quite different from last night. glinda could not help but feel accomplished. she had aided the other, nourished her to a more comfortable state. “good. because i am not either. you’re too warm.”

if elphaba wouldn’t take care of herself, glinda would do it for her.

glinda stifled a yawn. “did you at sleep well, elphie?” she hummed at the soft circles elphaba was creating on her back. the blonde repaid her, reaching up to delicately stroke her hair. parts of it were frizzy. glinda fought the urge to offer messing with it.

“you did snore quite often.” she grinned into elphaba’s shoulder, her voice dripping with a distinct playfulness. the opposite was true. elphaba was a quiet sleeper, rarely even doing so much as stirring.

It had been a brilliant plan, really. Elphaba was almost ashamed that she hadn’t thought of it herself. It had been Fiyero’s idea to use the rumors that had spread about water being the only thing capable of destroying her in order to fake her death, so that she could escape to a life of anonymity, far away from Oz. It was not the life she had planned for herself, certainly not the one she had hoped for all those years ago on the train to the Emerald City. It was not at all what she had imagined when she had enchanted a broom in that attic and taken flight for the first time. Back then, she had felt unlimited. But time and the reality of fighting alone for so many years had shown her just how limited she was.

She only wished that she could have told Glinda the truth before she left. Fiyero had insisted that she couldn’t, that it wouldn’t have been safe, and although she knew that he was being rational, the decision still weighed on her. So, a few days after she had ‘died’, she had written a note that had simply read:

Glinda,

I’m sorry. I had to let everyone think that I was gone, but know that I’m alive—and I can never come back to Oz. Please remember what I said and do not come looking for me.

She had ensured that the letter could not be tracked before sending it on its way with magic, and had intended for that to be the end of that. But her mind kept wandering back to Oz, and to Glinda, above all.

It was a month before her curiosity got the better of her.

This sleep was dreamless, unlike what little sleep she could snatch while living on the run. And for that she was grateful. The last thing she wanted was to alert anyone to her presence here because of a nightmare. Those were frequent these days—most of the time she saw her sister’s death. She had lost so much over the years, and held herself responsible. Perhaps if she had been more strategic, more powerful…

But it was no use dwelling on the past. Nor did she want to focus on the future. All she had was the present—and Glinda, at least for now. She didn’t want to think about what would happen in the morning. She wished she could stave it off forever, but eventually moonlight turned to the beginnings of daylight, and Elphaba found herself awake.

many nights had been plagued with different endings. some were merciful dreams, commonly a sort of flashback. reliving her short time at shiz with elphaba still there. sometimes they would be doing homework, or playing a ridiculous game glinda would make up on the spot. others, her dreams felt similar to a void. bottomless, never ending, leaving her jolting awake in a sweat. she would have that pointed hat next to her, still clinging to it like a lifeline.

but none of that happened tonight. everything was warm. easing. she could only imagine how elphaba had to of spent her nights. glinda had no right to complain here, she often told herself. but none of that mattered now, because they were here once more.

glinda stirred awake at the sudden contact left on her hand. the sun was beginning to make its presence known, shyly seeping through the curtains. the blonde huffed, burying her head in elphaba’s shoulder. “it’s still early.” she grumbled, her voice muffled.

did the witch always have to get up at such an early time? (even if glinda used to insist she needed at least two hours to get ready) .. her head felt foggy. all she knew was that elphaba was here, and she felt at home. she did not want to move again, no. she swore she wouldn’t.

It had been a brilliant plan, really. Elphaba was almost ashamed that she hadn’t thought of it herself. It had been Fiyero’s idea to use the rumors that had spread about water being the only thing capable of destroying her in order to fake her death, so that she could escape to a life of anonymity, far away from Oz. It was not the life she had planned for herself, certainly not the one she had hoped for all those years ago on the train to the Emerald City. It was not at all what she had imagined when she had enchanted a broom in that attic and taken flight for the first time. Back then, she had felt unlimited. But time and the reality of fighting alone for so many years had shown her just how limited she was.

She only wished that she could have told Glinda the truth before she left. Fiyero had insisted that she couldn’t, that it wouldn’t have been safe, and although she knew that he was being rational, the decision still weighed on her. So, a few days after she had ‘died’, she had written a note that had simply read:

Glinda,

I’m sorry. I had to let everyone think that I was gone, but know that I’m alive—and I can never come back to Oz. Please remember what I said and do not come looking for me.

She had ensured that the letter could not be tracked before sending it on its way with magic, and had intended for that to be the end of that. But her mind kept wandering back to Oz, and to Glinda, above all.

It was a month before her curiosity got the better of her.

She knew that Glinda didn’t want things to be this way. And she didn’t blame her exactly that they were. She just wished…she wished that she would be willing to fight for them. It was unfair of her to expect it. She had specifically begged her not to, the last time they had spoken before she had disappeared. But somehow, she had hoped that for once she would have thrown caution to the wind, if it meant that they could be together.

“How?” she asked pointedly, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “You said it yourself—you don’t know how it would work. It’s impossible.” At Glinda’s insistence that she wasn’t a dirty secret, she scoffed. “What else would you call sneaking around?” It was unfair, and she let out a sigh. “I know you do.” She did know. And she knew the suggestion was her trying to find a way that they could be together, realistically. But that didn’t mean it didn’t sting.

she felt sick.

how could she be so elated earlier, only to have it stolen from underneath her? in such a short period? she should not have said anything. now tension danced about the pair, creating a stiff setting. it shouldn’t have been this way.

“stop. just stop. i don’t want to fight either, do you think i do?” her retort only added fuel to the fire they were nourishing. glinda attempted to calm herself. this time it was the blonde who sought out elphaba’s hands, squeezing tightly. she noted how her nails were still longer in length, just as pointed. they were tinted black, lightly poking at her pale skin.

“i do not want you to leave.” she echoed again, as if repeating would make it true. “i cannot. i will not.” she lowered her vision to their hands. the sight caused an ache in her throat. the gesture was so innocent. she longed for things to be different, wished for them to meet in some other world.

but maybe they would be doomed there. just as they were now.

she loosened one hand, bringing it up to wipe a few stray tears. “be gentle with yourself.” she lightly chastised, referring to the way elphaba roughly rubbed at her eyes. “let me think. please. let me do that. we still have time.” she felt wise saying this. “okay?” she interlocked their pinkies, creating a ‘promise’.

“No.” she answered softly, looking down at their hands as Glinda took hers. “I’m sorry. I…I shouldn’t have mentioned it.” It would have been far better to just put it off until they actually had to make a decision, instead of marring their reunion. She thought too much, and this time she had made the mistake of thinking aloud. And maybe…despite how much she loved her, maybe she had been asking too much from the beginning. She understood why Glinda hadn’t gone with her all those years ago, and Elphaba knew that if she had, it wouldn’t have been the life for her. She wasn’t angry, just sad that they found themselves on opposite sides.

For the first time since their quarrel started, she relaxed somewhat, upon hearing Glinda’s insistence that she not leave. The ghost of a smile appeared on her lips, although she still didn’t know what would become of them when the night had ended. But it was no use thinking about it now.

she let out a laugh. it was not much, but it was certainly better than nothing at all. “oh, do not call me that.” glinda matched elphaba’s subtle smile.

her heart felt heavy. it shouldn’t be this way. glinda was aware that she was far from the best person. knew she had made her share of mistakes. but she swore she deserved better than this. they deserved better. it felt like a slow form of torture, knowing that the sun will soon rise and time would come where she would actually have to choose.

she was intimidated, admittedly. maybe that was another factor that grounded her here in emerald city. she didn’t know what was past oz. she didn’t want a bounty on her head. she didn’t want that life. she wanted a life with elphaba. but too much appeared to be against them.

“don’t apologize. it’s okay. we’re okay.” glinda cooed reassuringly, attempting to nurse the domesticity back between them. “it will be okay. you’re just tired. it will make sense soon.” but she was scared to sleep. unconsciousness would only shorten their shared time and they would have to face the inevitable dawn.

“you promised, after all.” she leaned forward, pressing a lingering kiss to the corner of elphaba’s lips. “no ‘sorry’s.” she repeated again. she seemed to be doing that a lot tonight. “we want the same thing.” she rested their foreheads together, their breath mingling.

It was a terrible thing, knowing that in reality there was no place in Oz where they could be safe, at least at present. And if she was honest with herself, she had known that even before she came back. But she had gone anyway, despite everything she knew and everything her mind was telling her. She wanted to be with Glinda, even if it was fleeting—because she adored her and she didn’t want to be without her again.

She smiled appreciatively at her attempt to soothe her anxieties. “I am tired.” she admitted. The journey had taken a lot out of her, and the fatigue was finally catching up with her. It was often her mind that kept her up at night, and tonight was no exception. But she knew that it would do no good to exhaust herself further by worrying about what would happen in the morning.

glinda liked the promise. to a point. it was reassuring knowing the other did not harbour intentions of leaving yet. but nor did glinda want to be the one holding elphaba down, even if it meant keeping her close to her. no words or gestures were proper enough to match with their given circumstances. she swore she had never felt so conflicted before. nothing she had faced at shiz could have prepared her for this.

“and why are you still sitting up?” she mumbled closely to the other’s lips. her eyes were lidded, soaking up elphaba as much as she could.

glinda once again shifted positions, bringing herself to elphaba’s side. she recalled sharing beds even back at shiz. the blonde would often argue that it would be her bed that they would occupy, for no reason other than that it was hers.

she wondered how elphaba managed to care for herself these past years. of course her life did not revolve around glinda, even if the blonde didn’t hate that idea. it was just… seeing how the witch still fixated on everything but her well-being made glinda question things. “no one will disturb us. especially with your ‘recent death’. you can rest.” she meant to quip, yet it came out heavy.

“Someone was distracting me.” Elphaba quipped with a smile, lying back down nonetheless. As Glinda curled up against her side, her arms enfolded her instinctively, even after all the years they spent apart. She kissed her forehead before closing her eyes, her hand rubbing circles into her back.

She did feel lighter, more relaxed, despite the discussion they had just had. She felt safe with Glinda, the same way she had when they had shared a bed at Shiz. It was ironic how restless her sleep had been since then.

glinda scoffed at elphaba’s retort, unable to prevent the amusement from leaking into her expression. “how dare you!” she whispered the false offence, adjusting herself to enhance the other’s comfort.

“goodnight, elphie.” ‘my sweet’. the nickname still made her stomach buzz in a childlike excitement. it was out of her control! it did not seem to matter how many times it passed through her friend’s lips. it still aroused the same sensation.

she knew elphaba was asleep when her breathing gradually began to reduce. her manicured hand rested on the witch’s stomach, their legs tangled. glinda hadn’t felt this warm in so long. it should have been happy — yet she couldn’t fight off that bittersweet sting in the back of her throat.

she told herself what mattered now was that elphaba was at peace. it had always been a rare occurrence for her to fall asleep before glinda. her day would have to of dragged on, her seminar bringing about jumbled words and a shuffle to her feet. glinda was relieved just feeling her stomach lightly rise and fall. she had not seen elphaba this at peace in years.

and with that, glinda nudged impossibly closer. sleep eventually had to come and make its claim on her as well.