A/N: Yes, a new story for Valentine's Day. Worry not, it's only 3 chapters and will be completed by Valentine's day, so I have NOT abandoned Unpopular or Wicked Wars. I'm just in a bout of writer's block with those and decided to take a break for this little plot bunny :) I'll be back to regular updates soon!

Summary: It's Galinda and Elphaba's first Valentine's Day together and Galinda hats a few surprises (or ten) for her girlfriend

Disclaimer: If Wicked was mine, Galinda would've known Elphie was alive at the end.

Ten Things I Love About You

CHAPTER ONE

Everywhere Elphaba turned as she shoved her way through the crowded commons room in Craige Hall, couples were laughing, stealing kisses, or holding hands. Hearts hung from the ceiling and red and pink streamers were strung across every wall. Even the fireplace was dotted with little cupid cherub bookends and strewn with mushy cards. That could only mean one thing: Valentine's Day.

The endless corny sayings and heartfelt signs of 'I love you' that adorned every alleyway and store window used to make the witch's stomach churn in utter disgust. She had once despised public displays of affection of any kind- but not for the reason everyone thought.

Most- including her sister- assumed she was bitter about the holiday simply because she was a rude, insensitive outcast who cared little for the company of others. In reality, such wasn't the case at all.

The real reason for her obvious hatred lay in jealousy. It had been positively unfathomable to imagine anyone harboring something not adjacent to resentment or hostility for a green monstrosity such as herself. She never dared to hope someone to be capable of cracking her impenetrable shield that protected her from the cruelties of the world. She turned a blind, ice-cold eye and gave a smug sneer at any show of love because she feared never having the pleasure of experiencing its mysteries herself.

And then she'd met Galinda.

No one would've guessed the perky, entitled heiress alone possessed the uncanny ability to break through Elphaba's hardened emerald walls and wiggle her way into the witch's carefully guarded heart, least of all Elphaba herself. But, as she was coming to discover firsthand, sometimes miracles were possible, even for vagabonds like her. This one just happened to come in the form of a far too enthusiastic, but irresistibly endearing, certain blonde roommate. Today was the one-year anniversary of their friendship, and almost the three-month mark in their slowly budding relationship.

The smallest of smiles curled at the edge of the green girl's lips as she stepped into the elevator. Galinda was the one person with whom she wasn't expected to be anything but herself. She'd never felt as blissfully content anywhere as she did when wrapped in the embrace of her mischievous and overly affectionate little blonde. In Galinda's arms, all was right with the world. The stress and ridicule of the day melted away; anything was possible with Galinda by her side.

As the car rode slowly upward toward the second floor, Elphaba let her mind drift to this morning's promise. Her girlfriend had apparently planned a special night for the two of them, wanting to spoil the green girl on her first 'real' Valentine's Day, as well as pay homage to the day Galinda dubbed their "friendshipiversary." Elphaba had tried to insist Galinda needn't waste her time or money buying what the green girl considered "unnecessary indulgences", but she was cut off with a firm, tender kiss, and left with little choice except to comply as she melted into her roommate's embrace. She only hoped Galinda wouldn't go too overboard.

Elphaba wasn't used to being spoiled. After years of practical neglect and the hands of her father, the idea of taking more than what was needed still made her a bit squeamish, despite the other girl's chides to get used to elaborate gifts- especially when they came from her. Fingering the silver witch hat charm dangling around her neck, the sorceress grinned. She'd never owned jewelry before, but this particular piece seemed to fit her. Besides, it was from Galinda, so she would have to be heartless to get rid of it.

Elphaba opened the door to her room and let her weighted bag slide off of her sore shoulders onto the silk, plum duvet that now covered her once plain bed- another gift from Galinda, along with the pillow set and lavender sheets. The witch found it much too glamorous at first, but Galinda insisted she at least sleep in it once. All it took was one snuggle under the soft fabric, and she was sold.

She rifled through her materials before pulling out her history notes and textbook with every intention of getting a jumpstart on outlining the next chapter- only to turn and find her desk covered in ornately wrapped gifts.

Upon processing the monument of packages that appeared to have been erected in her honor, the green girl laughed out loud. Only Galinda would think a mile high stack of presents didn't constitute extravagance.

In spite of herself, she dropped the textbook over on the bed and strode closer to the pile. Perched in front of the first- rather tall, package was a simple, cream-colored envelope with Elphie, written on it in Galinda's elegant scroll, complete with a heart over the I. Elphaba's lips curled upward so the dimple on her left cheek was just barely visible as she tore open the seal and began to read.

Dearest Elphie,

Happy Valentine's Day! No, this is not our special surprise and yes, I am acutely aware that you specifically asked me NOT to go overboard, but seeing as it's our first real holiday as a couple since Lurlinemas, your first REAL Valentine's Day, ever, AND our one year friendshipversay, (It's a word because I say so! :P), not spoiling my girlfriend was never actually an option.

Elphaba chuckled with a shake of her long ebony curls and her smile grew wider. "Oh, Galinda," she chided. She should've known better than to assume the sneaky blonde would really respect her wishes. With her it was the Upland's way or the highway. This time, however, the green girl found she didn't mind. It was actually nice to know Galinda was willing to go to such lengths just to see her smile. No one ever had before. She eyed the mountain of boxes eagerly, anxious to see what was inside.

But first, she owed it to Galinda to finish reading this note.

Inside each of the boxes is a gift inspired by one of the things that made me fall so madly in love with you. Of course, there are many, MANY more than ten reasons to adore you, but I had to save something for next year ;) Open them in order- Read the notes first! No getting greedy!- and you'll be able to figure out just a few of the reasons I consider myself the luckiest girl in all of Oz because I get to call you mine.

I love you, Elphie,

Glin 3

P.S. I'll be back at eight o'clock, and if you haven't opened all the gifts by then, you won't get your other surprise tonight! Get to it!

The witch let out a small giggle and wiped her moist eyes with the back of her hand. If Galinda thought she was lucky, then she had no idea how Elphaba felt. No, she was the lucky one, to have, in spite of everything working against her, somehow captured the heart of the precious little blonde. Galinda could have her pick of any soul in Oz, and yet, somehow, someway, she'd chosen her. An outcast green girl with unpredictable magic and a closet full of skeletons. Elphaba could only hope she had a chance to make Galinda feel every bit as loved and cherished as she did right now.

Blinking back a few more joyful tears, she placed the note gently to the side atop the torn envelope and began to inspect her presents. Coincidentally enough, the one that the letter had leaned against was labeled with a large, black 1 penned in thick Sharpie. Standing on her tiptoes, Elphaba carefully peeled back the pink, heart dotted paper. A plain brown box lay underneath, sealed with copious amounts of packing tape. Elphaba opened the top drawer of the desk and retrieved the Swiss army knife she'd had since childhood. The blacksmith had given it to her on her twelfth birthday. It was the first real present she'd received since her mother passed, and she always kept it with her.

After slicing open the box, she drew back the flaps to find another neatly folded note sitting atop an enormous stack of thick books. Her hands itched in anticipation, longing to hear the satisfying crack of the spine as it stretched its wings for the first time, and feel the smooth paper glide effortlessly beneath her skin as the magic of the written word whisked her away to a time long since passed. Her sparkling sable eyes stayed glued to the simple parchment, and she traced her finger along its edge, debating whether to give into temptation and leave it for another time, or follow her girlfriend's request and open the gifts she'd so painstakingly prepared as she wished them to be open.

As usual, the desire to please her little blonde won over her intense thirst for the knowledge that lay in those many unopened pages waiting to be explored, and with a small sigh, she unfolded the note and grinned once again at her roommate's loopy script.

Number One: Your brilliant mind

Excluding our actual "first" first encounter, in which we mutually confessed our loathing, (Can you believe that ever happened? I used to despise you, and now I simply can't imagine my life without you in it :) ),

Elphaba's cheeks were starting to ache from the extent of so much happiness. When the year first began, she couldn't fathom anything more horrendous than being stuck with a pompous, overly excitable, blonde bimbo of an airhead for a roommate. As they grew closer, however, and their friendship blossomed into something so much more valuable than any treasure, she began to see Galinda for who she really was- a passionate, intelligent beauty with a heart of gold and intentions that were never anything but the best. Now the most horrendous thing the green girl could imagine was not being at home with her roommate. Galinda's infectious laugh was the best medicine for any illness, and her sunny disposition and comforting hugs never failed to brighten even the witch's foulest mood. She turned back to the letter, doubting she would ever be able to top such a thoughtful present as this- and she was still on the first package!

Almost every time I've seen you since we've met, your nose has been buried deep in the pages of a book. There is nothing I like better than coming home to find you reading. Your eyes sparkle like the brightest gems, as if you've just discovered the meaning of life lying plainly within squiggles on a page. Your glasses are perched just on the bridge of your nose, so much so you almost look like an adorable little old lady-

Elphaba snorted at that.

- but I can't bring myself to tell you because you look absolutely beautiful engrossed in those books. And when you concentrate, your tongue sneaks out just beyond your lips in the most adorable way- I think it's one of my favorite expression's I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing.

But I think perhaps the best thing that I get from you and your books, happens when you read to me. I feel as though I could go anywhere, do anything, as long as we tumbled into that mysterious and complicated world of words and landed side by side.

Elphaba grinned and wiped another stray tear from her cheek. Damn it! Galinda didn't say these gifts would make her cry! But then, no one had ever put this much thought into a gift for her before. None had cared to.

Wanting to chase away those suddenly somber thoughts, Elphaba took a deep breath and focused on the parchment in her hand once more.

This is the new set of the "Secrets of Oz" series volume 12 through 24. I know how much you like reading about the old historic times, and- provided you haven't devoured them already prior to picking up this note (though I'm fairly certain my curfew won't give you time for that, but you are a fast reader :P)- I was hoping we could enjoy them together.

Happy reading, Elphie, I love you!

Glin

Elphaba put down the note, frozen in stunned disbelief. She fingered the cover of the topmost book- volume 12, Heist of the Highlands- opening it just a smidgen before letting the hard plastic drop back in place. Her senses still lusted for want of those unspoken words, but Galinda had asked her to wait- not ordered, mind you, but asked.

The green girl pursed her lips in thought. It would be twice as much fun to share her one love with her other, she reasoned. Once again she was powerless to the will of her siren- the thought of starting them without her when she specifically expressed interest in doing so together actually made Elphaba's stomach twist with guilt.

The green girl snickered at the ridiculousness of such a predicament. Add that to the steadily growing list of things only Galinda could make her do- stay away from a book!

Nonetheless she resigned herself to the decision and quickly begin stocking them into the bookshelf to the right of her bed. The last four barely fit, and more than once, Elphaba was sure she would be buried in a mountain of books if she shoved just a bit too hard.

Once everything was stowed away, she wandered back to the desk and inspected the packages until she found number two- this one wrapped with a print meant to mimic part of a blooming sunflower. Examining it from the side, she carefully took off the small strip of tape holding the paper in place and unfolded the triangles that concealed the side of the box. Reaching in, she was relieved to see a clear lid underneath another one of Galinda's notes rather than a bundle off hopelessly sticky shipping tape and wasted cardboard. She removed the rest of the paper and smacked her lips as her cheeks flushed a few shades greener when she took note of the colorfully painted sweets lined inside the container. Each one was its own piece of art, decorated so meticulously that Elphaba almost didn't want to eat them.

Almost.

She lifted the lid and sniffed, sighing blissfully as the sweet aroma of freshly churned chocolate and dark, rich cocoa filled her nose. Her nimble fingers hovered over the box as she contemplated which to sample first. She planned to share later, of course, but the heavenly scent of sugar that permeated the air was almost too much for her to handle- she could practically taste the sinful treat even without its delicate texture hitting her tongue. After much deliberation, she selected a small egg from the upper right corner that had been painted to resemble a pastel rainbow. She could feel herself salivate as she brought the surely scrumptious candy up to her lips and bit slowly through its hard shell. She closed her eyes and moaned in sugar-induced euphoria as the rich, buttery tang of white chocolate swept indulgently over her tongue, its jarring sweetness cut by the tang of a tart, raspberry center. She swallowed happily and popped the other half in her mouth, relishing the unexpected delicacy as she picked up her girlfriend's second, heartfelt letter.

Number Two: Your love of simple pleasures

You always boast of your healthy eating habits, but don't think I haven't seen you sneak a handful of chocolates now and then :P.

Don't worry, a few sweets every blue moon won't kill you, and I. have no intention of letting your so-called "secret" get out.

It never fails to amaze me how the most simplistic things in life can bring the brightest of smiles to your face. That smile is my second favorite of your smiles- the first being only the innocent, dazed look you get each and every time I kiss you. The kiss-you smile is lazy, more impulsive, as if you don't even realize you're smiling, but your body just can't help it. The dimple on your cheek is barely there, not nearly as prominent as it is during the frequent smirks you give me whenever I get overly excited about something, but enough so that I know you love me back. And your eyes. Those gorgeous, expressive chocolate eyes that I would gladly spend my whole life getting lost in. The ones that are large and shell shocked when my lips release yours, the ones that shine with so much unsaid emotion as they beg me to do it again, if only so you can be certain it's real.

Well, I can assure you Elphie, that my feelings are indeed very real. I love you to the end of Oz and back, something which I fully intend to prove again tonight, with the hope of causing many, many of those kiss-me smiles that make me dizzy on your love.

Elphaba sucked in her breath and stared unblinkingly at the letter in sheer awe. She had different smiles? And Galinda knew her well enough to notice? She scanned the paragraph once more and the space between her legs tingled in giddy anticipation, craving to feel her little blonde next to her. To run her fingers through those long, luxurious locks. To capture her tender rosebud lips against her own and suck until they were swollen with desire and she panted with need. To feel their bodies mold as one as their hips pulsed feverishly to the rhythm of the other. To cherish her heavily beating heart rapt with desire, to stroke her every crevice without restraint until her little siren knew exactly what she did to her. To...

Elphaba shook the lustful thoughts from her mind as her racing heart threatened to gallop out of chest with want. Galinda had promised her pleasure tonight. First she had to make it through the day.

That smile is reserved for later though ;) And it's not the reason I sent you these chocolates. The smile I hope you get from these is the one that means you're truly, undeniably happy, just being in the moment. The one that exposes all of your perfectly white teeth, and both dimples are clear as day. The one where your eyes drift slowly closed, and the happy murmur from your throat is completely unconsciou. The one where you can't stop grinning, no matter how hard you try.

Oh, she was grinning alright, but it wasn't from the sweet sugar that still lingered lightly on her tongue. These letters might just become her most cherished possession when all was said and done. Never had anyone poured their heart out so freely to her; never had they ever said things that made her feel so unspeakably invincible, as if she was defying gravity completely. She didn't want anything to bring her back down.

Indulge as much as you wish, my lovely girl, as long as they make you smile. Careful not to make yourself sick though, and save a few for me to share.

Your Sweet,

Glin

P.S. That's the best nickname I've ever been given, because it come from you 3

Elphaba gingerly set the second letter over the first as she plunked another chocolate from the box before closing the lid. The crispy shell evaporated almost immediately, and she relished the frothy sweet cream that coated her tastebuds. She sucked the center clean before biting down into the luxurious hazelnut middle with a satisfying crunch. As the last of the candy disappeared down her throat, the green girl picked up the box where 10 treats still waited patiently to be devoured, and set it on the nightstand between her and Galinda's bunks. Sweets weren't meant to be savored alone. She wanted to wait until her little blonde could share the bliss only the palpable heaven that was melted cocoa could bring before sampling any more.

She settled back into her chair and shuffled a few packages around in her hunt for the third gift. When she finally located it, it certainly wasn't much to look at; white bottom, blue top, nothing too ornate or conspicuous.

That in and of itself made Elphaba hesitate before removing the lid; her girlfriend never did simple. What really caught her attention though, was the label. In the center of the lid in carefully engraved golden script were the words: La Glamoureux Atelier. Her brows creased and her bottom lip jetted in and out repeatedly as she contemplated what in Oz Galinda would've picked out from the most expensive portrait studio in all of Gilklin. Elphaba wasn't much for art, and she hoped her roommate knew what she was doing. She would hate to have to return one of her precious gifts, but she also wasn't going to keep something she didn't genuinely have a use or appreciation of just to avoid hurting anyone's feelings. Nessa did that often enough when she received gifts from their grandmother, gushing about how much she adored whatever trinket was sent in her thank you note, but afterwards simply leaving it to gather dust on the uppermost self of her closet. She'd said it was to make Nana happy, but Elphaba always found it dishonest. If she ever gave a gift and was told by the recipient that they adored it, only to find it sitting untouched in the attic many years later, that would hurt her much more than the person simply asking for another gift in exchange. Elphaba liked to give things that would be used and appreciated- that is, on the rare occasion that she had someone to give anything at all- even if it took a few tries to find the right one.

Hopefully she wasn't the only one who felt that way.

She trusted Galinda for the most part- over the past year they'd been friends, she'd convinced the green girl to try an abundance of foreign activities she would've ordinarily avoided like a plague because countless people had assured her she'd hate them. In reality, most were quite enjoyable, and she'd be more than happy to do them again. Save, of course, for Galinda's weekly shopping trips in town. Those were positively tortuous, and the only reason Elphaba ever attended was to make her girlfriend happy and avoid the incessant pleading- complete with the use of her annoyingly irresistible puppy dog eyes that the witch never failed to succomb to- that was sure to occur if she didn't readily agree.

Shaking away the memory, she focused her attention on the delicate box currently resting between her slightly clammy jade hands. She stared at it for a few minutes longer, considering whether to just skip this one and move on, thereby ignoring the nervous butterflies that fluttered in her stomach at the prospect of what this particular gift might contain, but eventually, her curiosity won over.

Holding her breath and praying Galinda knew her as well as she thought she did, Elphaba moved her right hand to gently lift the top of the box.

When all that stared back at her was another of her little blonde's notes folded atop two black picture frames that lay face down and side by side on a bed of light blue tissue paper, the slight anxiety that had plagued her only seconds ago was replaced with confusion and befuddlement. She removed the parement and set it on her desk, carefully turning the first frame over. She'd expected to see a curiously empty hole awaiting the picture that would fill it, but what she found caused her to gasp aloud. Hands shakings, she placed the frame gently back in the paper and studied it, eyes wide, mouth hanging slightly open.

The painting in the frame was… her. And yet, it wasn't. At least, not the way she'd ever seen herself. It was almost like a photo, the amount of detail that had obviously been put into this amazing piece of art staring back at her. She chuckled absurdly when she realized that she'd just used herself and amazing in the same sentence.

She'd never considered herself particularly attractive- quite the contrary actually. To her, the reflection that mocked her in the mirror always looked plain, ugly even, what with her unusual skin, stringy hair, and seemingly permanent smirk.

But looking at this painting, she couldn't deny seeing something she liked. It was a frontal portrait, all of her facing completely forward toward the artist. Her sable eyes glistened with a bright, determined fire, as if daring anyone to call her anything other than stunning. Her odd colored skin glowed with new light, and her long raven locks blew freely in the breeze. Her lips were pursed together, the corners of her mouth turned up in the slightest of grins, as if she knew she was powerful and wanted to own it with everything she had.

A smile tugged at Elphaba's own lips as she continued to marvel at the painting before flipping over the other picture.

Another portrait grinned back at her, this one clearly meant to look a little more relaxed. Her hair was up in a loose bun, and only her face was turned toward her. She wore her playful smirk. and a few teeth peaked through parted red lips, and her eyes sparkled with gleeful mischief.

Elphaba laughed aloud as her eyes darted back and forth between the frames. In each one she looked so different, but there was no denying they both made her look positively breathtaking. She wiped a stray tear from her eye and exhaled, not quite convinced her eyes weren't playing tricks on her. She propped both frames on either side of her desk before picking up Galinda's letter.

Number 3: Your beauty

I almost got you an emerald encrusted mirror, but decided against it at the last second. I know you don't believe me, or anyone really, when we tell you how absolutely gorgeous you are, so I thought I'd try and show you instead. These two portraits aren't just meant to showcase your outer beauty, but your flawless spirit as well.

The first one, where you're facing forward, that's your strength. When you're confident, you're more powerful than you know,.. You never let anything stand in the way of getting what you want, and Oz help the person who tries to hurt someone you love. I know you hate your magic, and you think it's unpredictability makes you dangerous, but when you put your mind to something, you're unstoppable.

I wish I had half the courage you do, Elphie. And I never feel safer anywhere as when I'm entangled in your arms. Anytime you start to doubt yourself, look at that picture and remember how I see you. You're my knight in shining armor, and I refuse to be rescued by anyone but you.

Elphaba beamed unconsciously as more happy tears traced their way down her cheeks. Did Galinda really think that much of her?

"Oh, my sweet," she whispered aloud, "I love you so much."

And then there's your softer side. The rarer one that only shows up around people you truly trust. That's the second picture, and I feel so fortunate to know it just as well as your strong side. That part of you is the reason I know you have such a big heart. It's the Elphie that never stops making me laugh, and the one person who knows me better than anyone else.

I love all of you, my El, but your softer side, I know she's the real you, not the guarded, quiet girl everyone else sees. That girl's just a mask you use until you trust someone not to hurt you.

I love that you trust me enough to let your walls down for me, Elphie, I know how hard that is for you. If you're ever having a bad day and I'm not around (doubtful, as I'll always be around for you, for as long as you want me 3) then look at that picture, and remember who you really are: a kind, loving, funny girl with a spice for life and passion to follow your dreams.

I love you, El.. Never forget how beautiful you truly are.

Glin.

By now, Elphaba was constantly wiping her wet eyes with the back of her sleeve as she read. She was so incredibly lucky to have Galinda in her life, and she wanted so much to just pull the blonde straight into her arms and never let her go.

P.S. If you're wondering how I got the painting done, don't worry, there has not been an artist stalking you for the last month -

The green girl shivered and let out a slightly ragged laugh at that terrifying thought.

-unless you count me, that is. :) I did some rough sketches awhile back, but the Glamoureux Atelier did all the real work. I hope you like them, and I hope now you see what I mean when I call you beautiful.

Elphaba smiled softly through her tears as she put the letter down before picking up the next present. How in Oz was she ever going to top something as wonderful as this? She would have to start planning next year's Valentine's Day tomorrow if she really wanted to sweep Galinda off her feet- and how could she not, after a day like today? She felt like the luckiest girl alive.