Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Life was different having Galinda 's full attention in a positive way rather than a negative. They got along great after the bullying dried up. This new sense of freedom allowed Elphaba to be more… affectionate. She didn't flinch when Galinda rested a hand on her lower back. They walked arm in arm to nearly every class. They leaned against each other when sharing a bench.
It was different but…nice.
The best was at night. As Galinda wound down from her day she would do her make-up cleanse, set out an outfit for the next day, all the while humming a song under her breath and swaying or singing to music only she could hear.
Sometimes she would shut her eyes and perform a soft solo in the middle of their room. She never bumped into her mountain of suitcases or her vanity. In fact she was incredibly graceful. Stretching her leg high in a slow arch above her head or gliding down into a delicate split.
It was so different from her wild song and dance about being “popular”. Back then, Elphaba felt like a poor bird they’d learned about in biology of all. It was a simple bird with beautiful plumage who would wait for its mate to dance and flash all its feathers.
These nightly dances were far more elegant and enticing, though no less Galinda. Every night was like a show from the operas other students spent months waiting to attend. Yet Elphaba got a private show every night.
By the end of the dance, Elphaba's book or school work were abandoned at the foot of her bed. Her eyes had no other distractions; there was only Galinda. When she was done, Galinda would look at Elphaba from beneath her lashes and bite her lip as if dying to ask her something but the words never came.
In the beginning she gave a light applause but Galinda 's smile would turn to a show smile with all teeth and no emotion. After the third performance she'd realized it wasn't a typical boast but rather a natural habit. Following her instincts, Elphaba kept silent and offered a smile.
Galinda took that with the greatest happiness. She would slip into bed and cuddle up to her pillows.
“Night Elphie”
“Good night, my sweet”
Every night they did this Elphaba grew more and more enamored with her roommate. She had seen Galinda be kind, and understanding. She had seen Galinda be harsh and violent with her bruised knuckles and swollen jaw. Now she saw a vulnerability and artistic talent that was unmatched. Which is why she found it odd that everytime someone approached Galinda her chest grew tight. Not the usual approach to vye for Galinda 's attention or friendship, but the romantic kind.
She thought she was getting sick at first, maybe a seasonal cold but nothing she said to the campus nurse offered answers. Her chest didn’t get tight when Galinda was around their core friends. She didn’t feel upset when Fiyero was around either, well not upset because they were friends but the thought of him and Galinda together didn’t quite sit right with her.
Fiyero was a nice man and kind to her despite her snark or hot tempered remarks. He laughed and took everything in stride. For a while Fiyero kept suitors away. His flirtatious nature had many admitting defeat before they ever tried.
“You two are so perfect together” Shenshen gushed one afternoon.
Galinda and Fiyero frowned and shared an odd look.
“But we aren’t together?” Galinda muttered.
“You aren’t?” Elphaba blurted. She hadn’t meant to but she was just as surprised as the others.
“No, we aren’t” Fiyero confirmed with a smile.
Once he backed off, the fire was lit under all those desperate suitors once more. They crowded and pursued them like a swarm of flies. Buzzing and prodding Galinda and her friends to the point of harassment.
“Oh Galinda you’re so pretty”
“Miss Galinda, would you mind sharing lunch with me?”
“Miss Galinda !”
Elphaba huffed, squeezing her books a little tighter to her chest. They were all so superficial. Couldn't they think of anything else to say? Couldn't they mention the detail in her jewelry? Perhaps her choice of pink to fuchsia gradient? The way she spoke so elegantly about their last history paper?
“Thank you all, but I am with my friends” Galinda glanced at Elphaba with a small smile.
“They can come too!”
“Now, now I must have a rest “ Galinda’s smile pulled tight as her displeasure brushed the surface.
“Oh sure”
“Our apologies Miss Galinda”
They all backed off dispersing into the crowd, though their eyes lingered. Elphaba Thropp may be green by birth but all these suitors were all positively green with jealousy. She decided to be bold and wrapped her arm around Galinda 's waist. Her friend turned sharply in surprise but upon seeing Elphaba that sweet adoring smile was back.
“My Miss Elphaba, what has you rushing me away so quickly?”
“I was getting a little claustrophobic”
“I'm sorry, I should have paid more attention”
“It's not your fault“ Elphaba lied through her teeth but didn't care if it finally gave her and Galinda time to breathe.
“Next time I won't keep them around so long or you could give me a signal when you feel overwhelmed”
“A signal?”
“Yes, like the one from ozdust!” Gamlinda raised her hand to her forehead and waved her fingers. ”That will do nicely, don't you think?”
“Yes”
“I like that the two of us having a secret signal only we will know”
“You can use it too you know”
“Oh yes! Maybe when I'm hungry or when class is getting dull or–”
“Or when you feel overwhelmed?” Elphaba insisted.
“Yes that too” Galinda looped her arm around Elphaba’s waist and rested her head on her shoulder.
These odd moments of jealousy rose as more suitors gained confidence. Some boys brought Galinda flowers bought from the city or worse torn from somewhere on campus. They trailed dirt and flower petals everywhere! The girls were just as bad because they would offer her the prettiest ribbons or jewelry. Elphaba had even heard a few students whispering plans to go to the city and shop for more things they thought Galinda might like.
Once Galinda had a box worth of gifts she spoke with their friends to make bouquets to share with their classmates. It was a lovely gesture and won more hearts to Elphaba’s growing dismay. This friendly attitude gave people the wrong idea. More people tried to share their table at lunch and Galinda humored them for a few minutes but never let them stay the whole hour.
Worst of all was the letters.
Love letters. Friendly letters. Proposals of marriage! So many letters were slipped under their door after curfew that Elphaba felt like a postoffice! Galinda opened and read all of them but never kept them. She would take the letters with her to th city in a comically big purse and dispose of them so as not to hurt the sender's feelings.
“I can't let them find it in the trash at school, that would be horrible” Galinda cried, hugging a pile of letters to her chest.
“And the pain in your back from lugging them around is worth protecting their feelings?”
“Well…” Galinda pouted as she let the letters fall back into the box.
“Why don't you let me handle it?” Elphaba offered. Her magic had coiled and bubbled since the first letter and she knew exactly how she wanted to get rid of those letters.
“How?”
That was the first time Elphaba and her magic could agree and sparked a small fire in her palm. She could consistently burn all the letters into a small pile of ash before bed each night. They had to open the balcony and use Galinda's many perfumes to disguise the smell. Elphaba barely had the strength to keep maintain her composure, for if she didn't she would be smirking so cruelly Galinda might shriek with fright.
It was wrong to take joy in others' misery, but that possessive feeling purred so sweetly in her chest.
Once everything was cleaned up and they readied for bed. Elphaba would be rewarded with another dance. Every night it grew more and more intricate but by Oz was it beautiful. Galinda would dance so passionately and her face was so serene!
Elphaba could only watch as Galinda danced until the moon was high. Once she gave her bow she would settle in for bed. Those soft brown eyes would peak at Elphaba and she would bow her head in thanks.
Elphaba would never admit it, but that night she slept soundly with a satisfaction she savored for weeks to come.

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As spring came to Shiz, so did many other distractions. It was as if every student had somehow kept their heads down all year but once the first flowers of spring bloomed they lifted their heads and fell in love with everyone they saw. Elphaba had seen more than three people run into pillars and walls because they couldn’t keep their eyes off other students. She had grown worried because if Galinda’s suitors were tame in the winter then they would be unhinged with spring!
She hadn’t told anyone of her worries, but it always danced around the forefront of her mind. Danced…like Galinda. Galinda was such a wonderful dancer…maybe she should ask Danaher about dancing? Was it a favored pass time in Giliken? Galinda spoke of dancing at festivals and at her boarding school, when she wasn’t fighting off other girls.
“A girl can dance and throw a good punch Elphie, it’s not my fault I’m so talented” Galinda tossed her hair and Elphaba was happy to humor her.
“Of course, my sweet”
Galinda had hugged her a few seconds longer that day. She was struggling to focus ever since! Here she was trying to study up on the Quadling trade routes and Galinda was distracting her. Galinda wasn't even there! When she saw the girl she would–
“E-excuse me Miss Elphaba”
Lifting her nose out of her book Elphaba found a girl with a small bouquet standing before her.
“Yes?”
“These are for you”
“Oh I uh I can give them to Galinda later”
“No, no these are for you” the girl insisted blushing deeply.
“For me?”
“Yes”
“Oh…” she had never received flowers before. She stared at the bouquet.
“Thank you for accepting them!” the girl squeaked and ran away leaving Elphaba with the flowers. Utterly confused she put the flowers in her book bag and made her way towards the biology of all building. She and Nessa met up there before lunch and she might be able to ask her about that girl.
“Fabala!” Nessa called rolling down the ramp to Elphaba’s side.
“How was class?”
“Fine, I expect to receive good marks, though everyone is so distracted”
“I’ll say! Two people have run into walls today and some random girl gave me a bouquet” Elphaba dug out the aforementioned bouquet.
“What a lovely bouquet!” Nessa gushed, taking in the flowers.
“Yes my uh…well I don’t know her name but a girl gave them to me”
“What girl?” nessa frowned.
“Just a girl, she blushed quite a bit””
“Was she a delivery girl?”
“Hmm, no I think she meant that they were from her, a confession but I didn’t reply and she didn’t wait for one” Elphaba shrugged, running her fingers over the blue petals..
“And what did Galinda say?” Nessa prodded.
“She hasn’t seen them yet”
“Hmm…” Nessa started at the flowers as if they’d offended her and looked back to Elphaba with a stern frown.
“Did you like that girl?”
“I’ve never met her but she seemed friendly enough”
“Friendly enough to date?”
“No?”
“Why did you say it like a question?”
“I don’t know? why are you upset with me?” Elphaba threw up her hands confounded by her sister’s accusatory tone.
“Because you already have a–ugh you must be blind” Nessa rolled her eyes and turned away pushing herself toward the library and away from Elphaba much faster than usual.
“Blind! I may have glasses but I am not blind!”
“You are and it’s embarrassing”
“I’m already green you can’t be more embarrassed”
“It’s worse because you're green and blind, why can’t you just read the room?”
“What room?”
“Your room!”
“Nessa please I–”
“Get rid of the flowers!” Nessa warned.
“Why?” Elphaba was hurt at the demand. She had never received flowers. Why would her sister demand this of her?
“Just do it!” Nessa left her in the quad hurt and confused. Why did her sister have to spin her words and mind about? Now she was all tangled in her emotions and felt guilty for flowers that were a gift!
“But they’re my flowers…” Elphaba looked down at her bouquet and hugged them to her chest.
That night Galinda kept staring at her flowers with a contemptible frown. Elphaba assumed it was because of her pitious life having never received flowers before but it didn’t sit right with her.
“You don’t even like dais-o-dils” Galinda muttered.
“No, I don’t but they were given to me and therefore I adore them”
“Hmm”
Galinda danced passionately that night. Her steps were firm and sharp, spinning out her frustration in pirouettes and leaping higher than usual. She even swung on the lampshade again! Elphaba had never seen Galinda dance with a frown before but it gave a harsh edge to her performance that night. Galinda finished it by stomping her foot and snapping her eyes to Elphaba’s. The intensity of those usually soft brown eyes was startling. Elphaba felt heat in her face and her heart raced to an unsteady tempo.
Galinda didn’t whisper good night and Elphaba felt she would ruin everything if she spoke, so they went to bed in silence.

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This odd cloud hanging between her and Galinda grew as more people took notice of Elphaba’s single status. She was plied with candies, flowers, even a few poorly written poems. She didn’t know if she should be embarrassed or excited at all the attention. To counter it Galinda was short tempered and passive aggressive.
“How bold of them” Galinda muttered, glaring at the pile of gifts on Elphaba’s bed.
“I thought you would be happy for me” Elphaba muttered. She had her own growing collection she placed in a crate she’d procured from the school’s gardening club.
“I am jubilant Elphie really, but if anyone is to give you gifts they could at least be to your interests” Galinda insisted.
“I mean that’s true but I haven’t really let anyone get to know me”
“Then let me be the first to give you a proper gift”
“Wait what?!”
Galinda reached under her mountain of pillows and pulled out a simple parcel wrapped in brown paper with a vine design on it. She held it out to Elphaba with a pleased smile.
“To you my Elphie”
“Galinda you didn’t have to”
“Oh but I did, you are very important to me so it’s only right”
Carefully untying the plain white ribbon and peeling back the paper she was surprised to find four volumes of Ozian Law. They were well worn with notes in the margins and everything!
“Galinda where did you–”
“You asked me to take you to bookshops Elphie, just because there are books around means I stand there idle!” Galinda rolled her eyes but remained mirthful. “These are beautiful”
“I knew you would like them so I snatched them up as quick as I could”
“No elbowing strangers?”
“Yes, because I read a few bits on that in your new law books just to keep myself safe”
“You would”
“See Elphie that’s a gift” Galinda sauntered back to her side of the room far too smug for Elphaba’s liking but it was sweet so she let it go.
“It really is”
Galinda stuck her tongue out at Elphaba’s pile of gifts. Elphaba laughed and pulled her dear friend into her arms.
“There’s no need to be jealous my sweet”
“Good” Galinda hummed, hugging her just a little tighter.
That night Galinda’s dance was light and joyful. Elphaba drifted off to sleep with dreams of spring and woke light hearted.
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The gift giving did continue but for every half hearted gift she received Galinda would double down and pull one of greater sentimental value out of somewhere in their room. A soft wool sweater that was perfect for stormy nights. A dozen silken scarves and bonnets to protect her braids when they went to bed. Two extra pairs of glasses that matched her prescription and weren’t so old. Two pairs of black boots, one for casual wear that could march her across OZ without scuffing and another, well polished pair for nice events.
“I refuse to have you go without, my dear Elphie” Galinda declared.
“These are all so thoughtful” Elphaba whispered, hugging the sweater to her chest. She already knew this sweater would be a favorite.
“Of course! I know you best of all” Galinda winked at her and Elphaba couldn’t deny it.
“I suppose you do my sweet, I suppose you do”
All the attention from the gifts and vying suitors came to a head one day. It was during lunch and Elphaba was going to meet Danaher in the library when she noticed a crowd forming. Curious, she decided to see what the fuss was about.
Slipping between people in the crowd, she found a good spot by a pillar. She was able to climb on to the edge of the base and see above the crowd. There in the middle of the quade was two people, a boy and girl dancing. The girl would do these grand leaps and spins while the boy caught her and performed a quick stepped routine. It was mesmerizing!
Elphaba watched the pair entranced by their synchronicity and natural energy. She thought it was a show or a coordinated moment for cross cultural acceptance, but there were no professors or staff. Was this a student run eleven?
Elphaba was about to ask someone when the girl did a wide arching kick reminiscent of Galinda’s nightly routine. Mind you, this girl’s dance was more fast paced with sharp turns. It wasn’t as elegant as Galinda’s but it didn’t lack the intensity.
The pair came together for a final spin and he caught her in a deep lunging dip.
The crowd went wild and swarmed the pair. Elphaba couldn’t help clapping and cheering. She had no idea what that was but it was beautiful!
Jumping down from her pillar, Elphaba made her way back inside. She would have to tell Galinda about that! Maybe Galinda could tell her about it or better yet tell her if it bore cultural significance. She had read many of the books under the Gillikin section of the library but not all of them. Admittedly she had skipped dance because it seemed so frivolous compared to trade and history but maybe she had missed out.
She spotted Danaher and took her chance to ask.
“Danaher!”
“Oh Elphaba good to see you”
“Did you see the dance in the quad?"
“I heard that Rindy started up her dancing, I almost thought she would never do it” Danaher grinned brightly reassuring her that her questions might not be out of place.
“I saw that too, it was different than anything I’ve seen but still pretty”
“Yes, we were all rooting for her”
“As was I”
“Good on you Elphaba” Danaher gave her a pat on the back and she didn't understand it but the comradery was nice.
“I had never seen dancing like that until Galinda”
“Yes, her performances at Ozdust are quite a pleasure”
“Well she dances in our room all the time”
“She does?” Danaher’s attention was suddenly sharper than ever.
“Yes, she dances before bed every night”
“Hmmm…I wonder who has her eye?” Danaher teased.
“Hush,” Elphaba was crushed at the idea of someone else holding Galinda’s attentions. She
“Just saying why else would she dance if Love wasn’t on the brain?~” Danaher sang.
“Oh quiet you!” Elphaba swung her book at him and he laughed all the way to class.

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When they settled down for the night, Elphaba practiced her Giliken poetry. Galinda liked it when she read aloud, often complimenting her reading voice. She was wearing that new sweater, while the nights were still cool because spring was certainly warming up during the day. What was odd about this night was that Galinda sighed more than usual.
“What is it my sweet?” Elphaba asked.
“...l heard Rindy danced today” Galinda sighed wistfully. Plucking at the corner of her cloud like comforter.
“Yes I saw it, she was wonderful”
“Wonderful?” Galinda sat up, comforter forgotten.
“Well not as good as you, but it was wonderful in all the ways we share culture here” Elphaba didn’t know why she was anxious to save face. She never worried about Galinda’s opinions before so why did she care now?
“You’re right she was good for cultural exchange but my dancing is superior” Galinda fell back on her pillows smug as ever.
“I remember when you danced for that makeover, even if it failed, you were so expressive and it was honestly the first time I saw you Galinda and I believe it was the first time you saw me”
“I always see you Elphaba, even when I am at my most presumptuous”
“It’s a different feeling to be seen so intimately” Elphaba admitted, drawing Galinda away from her bed and over to her side of the room.
“It truly is”
“And worry not my sweet, your day will come” Elphaba assured her. Galinda paused mid step tilting her head curiously.
“My day?”
“Well I know you are tentatively searching for a suitor”
“I am” Galinda edged closer with her hands behind her back and that teasing smile firmly in place.
“And you deserve the best”
“That I do”
“Someone who understands you, adores your spirit as much as your form”
“Of course”
“And maybe one day when you show them your dancing you will entrance them as much as you have me”
“Oh…”
“Don’t lose heart my sweet” Elphaba cradled Galinda’s downtrodden face delicately so as not to scratch her.
“It takes but a moment for true understanding to be achieved”
“A moment…”
“Yes…” Elphaba was enraptured by those soft brown eyes. What she wouldn't give to kiss Galinda right now–what…
“Oh that reminds me, what did you think of the mathmtazical exam?” Elphaba turned away, quickly pushing down her emotions. She couldn’t do that right now!
“It was fine” Galinda slowly sank into her bed, her good mood put out. Elphaba brushed it off as homework bogging Galinda down as always. She couldn’t torment herself or Galinda with her confusing emotions! What kind of friend would she be if she did that?
“I better study so i can keep up with you”
“Sure…”
“Good night my sweet”
“Good night Elphie”
Galinda’s dance was slow and melancholy that night. Perhaps Elphaba shouldn’t have brought up the suitors? It hurt to think of Galinda going off with another but if it meant her happiness then Elphaba wouldn’t stand in her way. Galinda didn’t turn on her lamp that night but Elphaba was too tangled in her own emotions to see what was right in front of her.

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The school was a buzz after that couple danced. It was announced that they were now engaged! Elphaba thought they were bold for getting married so young but they seemed so happy. Elphaba’s curiosity about Giliken dancing grew but so did Danaher’s teasing.
“Hello Elphaba, rough night?”
“No, I just…stayed up late studying” she tried to avoid his knowing stare but he didn't believe her for a second. “sure”
“So when are you going to dance?” His teasing tone jolted her back to the night before. Galinda’s somber solo.
“Oh i don’t dance but Galinda does”
“Yes, yes” Danaher waved her off condescending.
“She dances for me every night, at least it feels that way, what does dancing mean in Giliken anyway?” Elphaba jumped at the chance to finally ask about it. Danaher stalled for a moment as his brain caught up to her question. He fumbled for a moment but quickly matched pace.
“You’re from munchkinland so you wouldn't know but in Gilliken when one person wants to court the other they will begin dancing for them”
“What?” her stomach dropped out of her body. Danaher took her by the shoulders searching her eyes for something. His own golden eyes bulged as the severity of the situation crashed down on him.
“What does the dance mean?” she begged, frightened of the possibility.
“Why did you do?!” Danaher looked around as if they would be caught. They were just walking to class for Oz’s sake!
“What does the dance mean?”
“Wait how much do you know about gilikien culture?”
“Not a lot, why? “
“Wel…”Danaher tugged at his shirt collar. He was looking around as if they were pre-teens in school. What was going on?
“Let's just say you need to brush up and fast!”
“Why?”
“Because you do, and before the end of the week” he insisted, his eyes darted about as if they were speaking of contraband!
“Why?” Elphaba pleaded desperate to understand his harsh shift in attitude.
“Just please do it, I don't know if any of us would survive the rejection”
“Rejection? Danaher what are you–”
“Elphie!” Galinda trotted down the corner, clicking her heels the whole way down. Elphaba opened her arms just in time to catch Galinda . Danaher leapt back to avoid the collision his face pulled back in a tight smile.
“Oh hello my sweet” Elphaba’s mouth was smothered by Galinda’s hair but her roommate grinned at the nickname.
“How was literary overture?”
“Literature, and it was good, Danaher was just sharing some good Gilikien books I might like”
“Was he?” Galinda s smile had that odd curl at the end again. What was causing her to be so jealous?
“Yes and I suggested she ask you for more” Danaher made himself a quick getaway. The coward.
“Oh I have so many suggestions! I even brought a few I must show you” Galinda interjected, drawing focus.
“You brought books in all that luggage?”
“Well of course what am I to do if I get home sick!?”
Without Danaher to distract her, Galinda dragged Elphaba back to their dorm. She didn't mind it because it was more time spent with Galinda but her shoulder was getting sore from all this yanking around. Maybe she should insist on a no dragging rule?
“Will you let me read to you tonight Elphie?” Galinda asked as she dug through her many suitcases. She had a growing collection of books on her bed. Elphaba was quite pleased.
“Of course”
It turned out Galinda had a great voice for reading. Gilikien poetry had its own lyrical nature that when read it held a song that was different for each person who read it. Galinda had a great talent for reading the poetry and sometimes acting it out as a secondary medium. It was perfect for Giliken poetry and perfect for Galinda.
“You know Elphie,” Oh she knew that enticing lit. “If you did a little more you could say our names in Gillikn”
“I could?” Elphaba allowed herself to be baited.
“Of course, you’ve caught on to so much already”
“Could you say my name?”
“Elfaeyba” the stress of the y in place of L was different but the way it rolled off Galinda 's tongue sent a shiver down her spine.
“And your name?”
“Glynda
“Hm a stress on a y sound...” Elphaba scribbled down her findings for future reference.
“Elpie~” Galinda crooned.
“Hmm?”
“I thought you asked me so you could repeat it?”
“Oh of course, ahem…Glynada” she tried to say it slowly but that seemed to have a greater effect on Galinda . Her eyes closed and a low ‘humm’ filled the room.
“Uh Galinda…”
“Again please? For pronunciation”
“Glynda”
Galinda smiled slowly, opening her eyes; those soft brown eyes struck Elphaba's heart.
“Wonderful, you shall master Giliken easily if you keep that flow”
“You flatter me”
“No, you and I both know I hardly flatter anyone, I am being honest Elphie” Galinda showered her with such heartfelt praise it was heard to keep from choking on her words.
“Well if you were to help me now, then maybe I could learn it faster”
“I don't know, I've never taught anyone before”
“I could be your first student”
“You've convinced me Elphie, let's start now! “
Elphaba watched as Galinda hurried around the room utterly giddy. They sat on Galinda 's bed with fresh paper and pens writing out the names of things in their dorm, the proper spelling, the phonetic spelling of it. Elphaba felt it was a little odd to start with furniture rather than the alphabet or greetings but Galinda was so excited!
That night she fell asleep in Galinda 's bed. It was far more comfortable than her own and Galinda curled into her side was perfect. She thought it would be awkward when they woke up but it wasn't. Galinda sleepily opened her eyes and hugged Elphaba closer.
“Morning Elphie” Galinda 's voice was raspy in a way that just curled in Elphaba's ear.
“Morning my sweet”
Galinda hummed snuggling closer to Elphaba. The extra body heat certainly made it difficult to leave but they had class in an hour and needed to get to breakfast.
“Come on, my sweet”
“Must we? “
“Yes, “
“Oh I didn't dance” Galinda forced herself up her eyes already tearing up.
“Well that's alright “Elphaba assured her.
“But Elphie–”
“Galinda please you don't need to”
“I don't?” Galinda seemed stricken.
“No, why has it upset you?” Elphaba carefully wiped away Galinda’s tears with the corner of the blanket.
“Well I was dancing for you…”
“My sweet, you need not dance for me if I am honest…”Elphaba swallowed her anxieties and
“If I am honest I am overwhelmed when you dance, it's so beautiful and intricate it is the greatest gift I could ever receive and its not really a gift for me..“
“Oh but it is” Galinda insisted
“What?”
“It is a gift, I suppose to both of us but Elphie you make me feel so many things I can't help but dance to communicate them”
“Thank you for telling me”
“Oh Elphie, you don't know how much this means to me” Galinda kissed her cheek and threw her arms around her. Elphaba blushed but returned the embrace.
“Me too, my sweet, truly thank you for sharing this with me”
“Oh I can't cry, I can't or I won't be able to put on my makeup”
“You don't need it, you are already the most beautiful I have ever seen you”
“Elphaba Thropp you must stop or my heart will give out” Galinda quickly wiped away her tears and readied for the day. Crisis averted they quickly grabbed their things and made their way down.
When they went down for breakfast, Elphaba was delighted to find Galinda even more affectionate than usual. She sat as close as their seats would allow and made her coffee just the way she liked it. Elphaba didn’t even blush that much when Nessa joined them. Fiyero laid across their table with a sandwich of some kind, dropping crumbs all over the table every time he spoke. This wasn’t unusual but the way her sister kept glancing between her and Galinda certainly was.
Nessa caught Galinda’s eye and mouthed something. Elphaba sipped her coffee and tried to decipher it but Galinda’s happy nod must have meant good news, right?
“Oh thats wonderful Galinda!” Nessa whispered.
“Whats good?” Fiyero mumbled sleepily around his sandwich.
“I danced for Elphie is all”
“Did you?” Fiyero’s usual smirk was littered with crumbs but he was still dashing.
“Yes, she is quite talented” Elphaba boasted.
“Elphie you can’t just say that!”
“I can because it’s true”
“Oh you two argue like a married couple already” Fiyreo tease.
Elphaba’s reply died on her lips. A married couple? Her and Galinda weren’t even dating. Galinda squeaked, blushing furiously. What was going on? What had happened? Was there something Galinda hadn’t told her? She had been adamant about dancing but maybe it meant more than she thought?
Before she could ask the usual swarm buzzed in with their flowers and gifts for their social queen. Elphaba grimaced as the offerings were dropped on their table. The rest of the suitors gathered around the table all chattering and talking at once. It was too early for a headache!
“You look lovely miss galinda!”
“Oh Miss Galinda I–”
“Elphie are you alright?” Galinda whispered, giving Elphaba her full attention.
“They’re so loud”
“Allow me” Galinda rose from her chair and held out her hand to Fiyero. He helped her stand upon their table drawing all eyes upon them. Elphaba wanted to duck under the table but Galinda’s proud smile kept her attention.
“Apologies but I am not having any more suitors, understand? I am otherwise occupied” Galinda announced.
“What?!”
“But Miss Galinda!”
“Now, now, how can you be an upstanding citizen and model students, if you do not respect your peers and more importantly consent?”
That sent everyone into a whispered tailspin. Elphaba could hear them all hissing about suitors and courting. It was strange but Elphaba respected Galinda for finally standing up to her swarm of overstepping admirers
“May all remain friends though, for I do value all of you as friends and it would break my heart for us all to leave it on such sorrowful ends” Galinda’s speech was so heartfelt her suitors confusion and hurt quickly turned to joy.
“Oh Miss Galinda”
“I would love to be your friend”
“Me too”
“Wonderful” Galinda placed a hand on her chest grateful as always to her adoring fans. Fiyero helped the little social queen down and she returned to her seat as if nothing had happened. Elphaba nudged her friend and they started off again. They had a quick breakfast all things considered. Galinda 's suitors turn friends were polite and didn't interrupt Galinda 's time with their core friends. Shensehn and Pfanee kept asking why she called off the suitor hunt but Galinda shrugged.
“I have to focus on my studies or else I won't prove myself a sorceress and who am I if not a woman of conviction? Determination?”
“You’re right Galinda”
“Such a role model”
Elphaba would have snickered behind her coffee or shared a smirk with Nessa but her brain was working in over drive. Something clearly momentous had happened and she had missed it. Danaher’s warnings about Giliken dance culture were coming back to bite her on the ass.
“Elphie?”
“Sorry my sweet i remembered i have to return some books to the library”
“Oh, well have a good day” Galinda kissed her cheek and waved with the most adoring smile.
She needed to get to the library now!
She walked as quickly as she could without drawing suspicion and sequestered her self in the giliken section. She had spent most her time with the first two shelves on trade and land rights, now she turned her attention to dance and culture.
Looking at the book of giliken dancing she tugged at her turtle neck.
“It's just dancing. That's all…”
It was not just dancing and Elphaba was infinity wrong. In Giliken dancing was courtship. Dancing was an expression of love so profound there were no words, no poems, now ways to communicate it outside of dance. When two people shared a dance it had to be of mutual respect or attraction. The longer they danced the greater the emotion.
Once that emotion was acknowledged then one partner would dance for the other until their affections were proven worthy. Once the dance is accepted the receivg partner has three days to make their intent to marry known or reject the partner.
Upon acceptance of their affections they would dance again to seal the courtship and begin the courtship itself.
“Oh oz….” Elphaba closed the book.
Galinda was courting her….Galinda Upland of the Upper Uplands was courting her and she had three days to respond!
Elphaba buried her head in her hands. She could hardly think it was so over whelping. Why hadn't Galinda told her about this? Had she set them up to fail? Was Galinda expecting a rejection? No, she was overjoyed Elphaba had accepted so why not tell her?
Wait…
“Great Oz I didn this to myself” everyone around her had told her what she needed to know and now that she had accepted what was she to do?
“Elphaba?" A voice came from between the shelves and she nearly fell on her face when she jumped. catching herself and turning on her side Elphaba saw Danaher. “Ah! Oh it's you! You did this!”
Danaher was taken aback by her outrage but upon seeing her books he slid on to the floor beside her.
“Oh Oz you read the book”
“Yes I did why didn't you tell me?”
“It was something you needed to read on your own”
“And now I have to suffer for it”
“Tell me this, do you have feelings for her?”
“Of course I like Galinda but–”
“Do you love her?”
“I…” Elphaba looked away.
“Tell me this, if give the chance could you love her?”
“Easily”
“Then think very carefully, because once a pair does a courting dance the dance carries on their whole life”
“Their whole life…”Elphaba hardly thought beyond her next assignment much less the rest of her life! “Like love, there can be many dancing partners but few break from their pair unless it's circumstances”
“Like what?”
“Well abuse, betrayal, or death”
“That's limited” Elphaba felt sick to her stomach. “Few gilikens separate, maybe one in twenty?”
"But we are so young!” she protested but Danaher shrugged. “Most find a partner before they reach adult hood but don't do the dance until they are of age”
“Thank Oz for that”
“Yes” They sat for a moment Elphaba to her mounting worries and Danaher to his own panick. Elphaba licked her lips, glancing toward Danaher she whispered. “And Galinda …do you think she's ever…”
“I doubt it” he said curtly. “You didn't let me finish my question?”
“Listen a girl of her status, social prowess and hardly does a dance on a whim she did ozdust with you, which technically could be the start of your courting timeliness” He warned. “What!
“But because of her dislike of you that may have been a clean slate moment”
“I mean it was but to court me? How am I a good match? A good partner even?” She couldn't see herself as anyone's choice much less Galinda's. Danaher shook his head at her pitying tone and jabbed her in the side like Nessa. “That's for Galinda to decide but from what I know you are of great standing, a governors daughter even if he refuses to accept you, accepted to shiz without an application, chosen for sorcery seminar by Morrible herself you are a perfect match”
“But what about her parents?”
“Well Indalia upland is a respected businesswoman owning several shops in the upper uplands largest market districts and kristiana upland is a famous seamstress that has been a benefactor of the upper uplands theater district and songstress academy” Danaher explained with great pride. No wonder the Uplands were so well respected they were pillars of their community and ridiculously wealthy!.
“Wow…”Elphaba had though Galinda's pompousness came from ego but if her parents were so respected then it must have come with territory. “Yes, they are formidable but if they raised Galinda then they can't be too far removed from us mortals” he snickered thought it didn’t lighten her mood.
“Ha…I hope so” “Dare I ask…what will you do?” He bumped her shoulder but she didn't bump him back. “I don't know, I just need time to think”
“I wish you luck Elphaba” He collected his things and left her to stew in her angst. alone once more Elphaba drew up her knees and sighed. “I don't need luck, I need time”<

..
..

That night she entered their room with a stone in her stomach and a sea of noise at the back of her teeth. If she spoke then it would all burst from her mouth an a roar of noise.
“Elphie are you feeling alright?” Galinda’s soft honeyed tones silenced the worst of her thoughts but not her frustrations.
“Why didn't you tell me what the dancing meant?”
“What?” Galinda's face dropped seemingly just as confused as she had been hours before. “Dancing is a sign of courtship, why didn't you tell me?” Elphaba demanded getting in Galinda's space but not too close she didn't want to lash out. “Because you said you'd read every book on giliken culture”
“Regarding the rebellions and forms of government for history not social culture and marital practices!”
“Oh Oz…”Galinda covered her mouth in horror and Elphaba finally felt understood. “Exactly!”
"Elphie I am so sorry”
“As you should be” Elphaba crossed her arms finally satisfied. “Wait, wait does this mean…my dancing…do you reject my…” Galinda couldn't even finish her sentence for once she choked on her words and Elphaba wished she wasn't the cause. Galinda's her eyes shined with unshed tears. Elphaba wanted to take her sweet in her arms. Soothe her tears and return to their dorm but she couldn't. She don't have an answer and it certainly felt like she should. This was too big of a decision to answer in one afternoon.
“I know I have three days to respond and I ask that I be given that time to think about this”
“Yes…yes, of course” Galinda blinked away her tears until her social mask walled up the last of her emotions. Her voice wobbled a little but upon clearing her throat Galinda the actress was in full swing.< “Of course miss Elphaba, take all the time you need” Galinda grabbed her school bag and left. Elphaba missed her the second she closed the door. All the warmth left with Galinda leaving Elphaba alone with her thoughts.
“ This is what I wanted” she reminded herself. “This is what I needed”
Glancing towards Galinda's bed she swallowed her regret.
“This is what I wanted…”
She thought Galinda would return within the hour but she didn’t. She didn’t return to take off her make up. She didn’t return to set out her outfit for the day. She didn’t return to tell Elphaba goodnight.< All she got was a note in Galinda 's elegant script slid under the door.
‘Elphaba I am staying with shenshen, Sweet dreams -G’
Elphaba was devastated but she had asked for this. Part of her was glad that Galinda respected her boundaries but by Oz did she miss the familiar hum of Galinda as she removed her make up. The shuffle of Galinda 's slippers before she began her dance. The gentle breathing that echoed from Galinda 's side of the room was a reminder that she was not alone.
This was the worst and she could even be mad about it.

..
..

After a restless night of sulking and stewing on her situation, Elphaba dragged herself out of bed. She shuffled down stairs, missing the click of Galinda's heels to drum them in each morning. Her hand always reached for Galinda's at the first and last step to help her friend maintain her balance but to day it was just her…
“Morning Fae”
Fiyero greeted her at the bottom rather than Galinda. The usual crowd was already gone and their table was empty. It was as if she didn’t exist. Maybe Galinda had told them all to stay away? No, Galinda had changed too much to revert to her old self.
“Hello Fiyero”
“Sorry I'm not the escort you wanted but Galinda asked me to take over for the day.” He explained his smile losing some of it's shine. “Oh…”
“Yes I was surprised too” he stuffed his hands in his pockets and followed her through the breakfast line. He even walked her to class before wandering off.
It was like they were back in their first semester. Everyone knew something had happened. Tentative yet respectful, everyone kept their distance. Galinda had been by her side since Ozdust, what reasons would they have to separate now?
Some whispered, a few even glared but jilted suitors are always a little sour when they've lost. Oh how Elphaba savored that bubbling pride. She hardly competed for anything in her life and yet she already felt like she'd won.
Shaking her head Elphaba tried to settle her emotions. There was no winning, Galinda was a woman, beautiful and intelligent in ways Elphaba could hardly comprehend. A woman like that didn't deserve to be treated like a prize, but that possessive beast within her certainly licked its fangs.
Galinda could have anyone she wanted, anyone at all and yet she chose Elphaba. She chose the person who saw beyond the make up and the social persona. She chose the girl she once hated, not because she was green but because she challenged her, forced her to re-evaluate her life and do better to succeed!
Elphaba's chest filled with pride as she hasn't thought about it that way before. They did challenge each other. They did force themselves to be better because they could not stand to be left behind. In reality the only area Elphaba truly out did Galinda was magic and that was through no fault of her own.
“Ugh this is not what I wanted” Elphaba muttered. She wasn't supposed to feel proud! She was meant to be think about her choices! The consequences and the possible fall out!
She needed to get out of her head.
When the lunch break started she walked with Fiyero until he realized she didn't have an appetite. To her Suprise he took her hand and took her to the secluded water garden. She was anxious about the water but Fiyero put himself between her and the pond.
“Alright Fae, how goes your brooding?
“I am sick with possessiveness and pride”
“That would explain the pleased smirk I kept seeing” he teased poking at her cheek.
“What?”
“Your face can be quiet loud fae”
“Yes well….” she slowed down and he turned to walk backwards in front of her.
“Let me ask you, do you want to court Galinda ?”
“Yes but it is a lot to think about”
“Hmm not really” He shrugged annoyingly lax about her future.
“Yes it is”
“Elphaba, do you want Galinda in your life?”
“ of course”
“Do you want to see her each morning and every night?”
“Yes”
“Could you see a life with her?”
Elphaba could easily picture a home someday with hard wood furniture like the library she always dreamed of and delicate pillows with beautiful patterns. A bed like Galinda 's only they didn't have to wake up so early. Maybe a green house and a garden so Galinda could have her flowers and Elphaba could keep plants for potions.
“Yes” she finally answered.
“Then what's the hold up? Why let yourself get bogged down by all that thinking?”
“Because I never thought I would have a future.” she murmured, finally speaking the daunting thoughts that had pressed on the back of her neck since she was a child.
“I have always been an unwanted disappointment; My father made it clear I would never inherit the eminence. That would go to Nessa and I wasn't allowed to go to school I accepted that I would probably be a librarian or a tutor and a shame for the rest of my life”
“Now you are a sorceress in training and nearly courting the girl of everyone's dreams”
“Galinda isn't a dream, she's a person with so many thoughts and feelings I can hardly keep up”
“And you can't go a day without her”
“No…no I can’t…”
“So why torture the both of you?” Fiyero took her hands in his offering some much needed comfort.
“I'm scared”
“Then tell her that”
“But–” He shook his head with a stern frown.
“No buts, no excuses, just tell her the first thought that comes to your head”
“I feel sick”
“OK maybe your second or third thought but that's not the point, tell her how you feel and how much you love her because no matter what she will always love you, be it five minutes from now or fifty years we both know Galinda is not one to give up”
“True…”
“Go on!”

..
..

Elphaba was embarrassed to ask for directions to Shenshen’s room but Safanie had shown her the way.
“It would be a pity if directions was the only thing separating my favorite couple” Safanie muttered.
“Your favorite couple?”
“Yes, you are by far my favorite couple and I have a bet going that says you’ll win couple of the year in the Shiz gazette”
“That gossip rag is betting on our relationship?!”
“It bets on everyone's but you two have basically been the center piece of their magazine since your first day, a whole enemies to lovers, will they won’t they thing”
“Sweet Oz I wish i could burn it down”
“No worries once you two are together then everything will die down until one of you ends up pregnant”
“What?!”
“Here we are” Safanie nudged her toward shenshen’s door.
“Good luck”
Stupefied at whatever that was, Elphaba shook her head and knocked. The door cracked open enough for Shenshen’s glaring face to sting Elphaba’s pride.
“Hello Shenshen”
“Oh it's you, you cruel hearted cabbage”
“What?”
“You rotten spinach”
“Don't be like that“
Shenshen stepped out with her hands on her hips. Elphaba backed away a step or two uncertain about the stink eye Shenshen was giving her.
“When you have made that woman cry, that ungodly beautiful woman cry, I am allowed to be as rude as I please, now tell me are you here to fix this?”
“Yes”
“Your absolutely certain?”
“Yes”
“Good I will go get her”
Elphaba had the door slammed in her face again. When it opened again Galinda was there in an oversized pink robe without all the sheer fabric and feathers. It was odd seeing Galinda in borrowed clothes that weren’t her own.
“Elphaba?” Galinda’s sweet voice cracked. Oh she must have cried all night…
“Hello Galinda” Elphaba offered a weak smile.
“Oh…your here to…”
“It's not bad, I wanted to give you my answer but may we return to our room first?”
“Okay… “Galinda played with her nails as she walked beside Elphaba. The nervous energy between them didn't morph into tension despite them. Elphaba kept her eyes forward ready to give her answer
“Elphaba wait!” Galinda’s voice startled her.
“Yes”
“Not in our room” Galinda pleaded.
“But why?”
“Because as if we do this there I… I won't be able to look at it again”
“But it's our room”
“Yes but after this moment it might not be mine because…because my heart won't be able to take it.”
Any other time she would brush off Galinda 's dramatics but this wasn't show smile Galinda. Her sweet Gaminda was frowning, her eyes were swollen and unhindered by make up. This was honest Galinda , scared Galinda , a Galinda she didn not always get to see but she certainly didn't want to be the cause of her fears.
“I assure you Galinda, this is your home, and always will be”
“Elphaba please don't”
“I mean it with all that I am” Elphaba reached for Galinda 's hands and whe she didn't pull away she took them in her own.
“Galinda Upland of the upper uplands, I accept your affections and more importantly I accept your courtship”
“Oh Elphie” Galinda cried, desperately wiping her eyes to no avail.
“But please for the love of Oz explain it all to me because I cannot go through another shock”
“Of course, of course let's get inside first” That night they lay on Galinda’s plush bed where Elphaba listened intently as Galinda whispered the traditions of dancing in Gilkien and Ozian. The years every Giliken spent creating their own unique style of dance. The way many mimicked the styles of their parents and some families even carried down moves or sequences from every generation that came before them. Galinda spoke dreamily of how her mothers had met in a similar circumstances. “Oh they hated each other, snapping and snarling at each other until they formed mutual respect.” “Like us?” “Yes like us, and when they began their dance it was tentative, and dramatical but once they understood each other, oh Elphie it was beautiful” “How do you know?” “Because people still speak of it to this day” “Oh yes…the public dance…” “Don’t worry” “But thats part the tradition” “Elphaba we already did our dance” “We did?” “At Ozdust, everyone will speak of it for years to come and it will be one of the most important memories in our long lives” Galinda said. She rolled on to her side so she and Elphaba were face to face. “When we danced in that moment, I knew I would never be able to live without you in my life.” “Galinda…” “I didn’t know if you would ever accept my growing feelings or if we would ever be more than friends but thank Oz that we are because I would have died if i had to go without you Elphie” “Well now you know you never will” Elphaba took her sweet Galinda’s hands and brought them to her lips. “Thank you Elphie, truely” “Thank you My Sweet for persevering even when my stupid brain couldn’t see it” Elphaba bwaled her hands in Galinda’s skirts cursing her own obliviousness. “Your brain isn’t stupid, it’s just distracted by my beauty” Galinda cupped Elphaba’s face unwilling to see her love talk down to herself. “Let us not quarrel” Elphaba threw Galinda’s own line back at her and smiled. “Oh Elphie…” “Glynda” she loved watching Her sweet shiver as the name rolled off her tongue. “Yes?” “I am not distracted now, My Sweet Glynda” “No you are not My Elfaeyba, what of it?” Galinda’s challenging stare made her throat run dry. “May I Kiss you?” “You may.”

..
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