Glinda snapped awake as yet another creak in the floorboards drew her from her slumber. She waited for her breathing to return to normal, then snuggled closer to Elphaba. She was so close, she could feel the steady rise and fall of Elphaba's chest, her warm breath on her forehead. Was Elphaba asleep? Glinda looked up into her companion's face. No, her eyes were still open, ever vigilant. Elphaba sensed Glinda's eyes on her and looked down.
"What is it?" she asked. Glinda shook her head and looked down.
"Nothing. It's nothing." She replied.
Oh, Elphie. If only you knew. We're so close right now… this is the closest you'll ever let me get to you.
It was true. Glinda knew that Elphaba hated being hugged or touched. Glinda nestled closer to her friend and closed her eyes, taking in Elphaba's scent. She smelled like soap and charred wood.
"Glinda… are you all right?"
"Mm- hm." Glinda replied sleepily. Being with Elphaba like this was… soothing. And comfortable. Elphaba wasn't afraid. With her, Glinda felt safe, like nothing could touch them.
"Don't worry. We should reach the Emerald City by tomorrow." Elphaba said. Glinda pouted silently. This would be the last night… the last night she would be able to curl up with the only person she loved. It wasn't fair. Glinda decided that she would make the most of this night. She discreetly pulled herself even closer to Elphaba (if that was possible) and nestled deeper into the mattress before letting sleep overtake her.
As the two rode in a shoddy carriage the next day, Elphaba's all- nighter seemed to have taken its toll. As she nodded off, her head came to rest on Glinda's shoulder. Glinda looked at her friend and brushed a strand of her beautiful black hair out her face. Elphaba winced in her sleep, but didn't awaken. Glinda smiled and slipped her hand into Elphaba's slightly open one. She admired the contrast of her pale skin against the bright green of Elphaba's. This is what she could never have… and she could never let Elphaba discover her true feelings. At least, not yet.
Just for this moment…
As long as you're mine…