Authors' Note: Thanks to MyLittleElphie for reviewing. I'm glad you liked the chapter, and the peep show never crossed my mind. Lol. And yeah, this is a different side to Elphaba. She cant hide important things from Glinda from now on.

Thanks to Lishalove for reviewing. Glinda's past will continue to haunt her for a while, unfortunately. As for the build up, you'd hate my other story. The Gelphie there is taking forever.

Thanks to nursejoy7. Your wish is my command.

Thanks to cuppasound. See, she wins everyone over.

Finally, thanks to cutxpaste for reviewing. It's funny, because I finished this chapter before I read your review. The only thing I'm going to say is that they are currently not public with their relationship (it being only four days their time), and the rest are answered in the chapter.

I'm posting early because I'll be out of town Friday.

As always, read, enjoy, review. Comments critiques welcome.

3/19/2014

"Where to now, my love?" Glinda asked.

"Now, we go to the apothecary's shop where I get my oils." Elphaba replied.

"Will there be much bowing and scraping there too?"

"Unlikely."

The two girls walked down the rows, passing by the little stores and shops on the way. Glinda marked a few of them to return to. As they entered the shop an older man with graying blonde hair greeted them.

"Miss Thropp. You're early." He answered stiffly.

"Yes. That's not a problem, is it?" she replied just as stiffly.

"Of course not." He sniffed. "I'll go get your order ready."

As he left Glinda stared at his retreating back.

"That's odd."

"Mr. Jontero does not like me very much. He believes I am a sin against the Unnamed God."

"It does not give him permission to be so rude."

"Well, you know what they say about the Gillikinese and their temperament."

"Miss Thropp, I have no idea what you're implying but I dislike the tone."

"You go explore my sweet. I'll wait here."

Glinda shot Elphaba a reserved look but moved out around the shop. She had not been to an apothecary proper in years and was intrigued by all the remedies. As she rounded a corner she saw a stand with glasses. She brightened as she remembered she was going to buy Elphaba some.

"Can I help you, Miss?" a voice said. Glinda turned to see it was Jontero.

"I thought you were busy getting oil."

"That abomination can wait for a proper Gillikinese girl like you. I am Ehilo Jontero, properly of Red Sand."

Glinda was confused as the man did not recognize her as coming in with Elphaba.

"I am Galinda Arduenna of the Upper Uplands."

"Ah yes, I've heard of the Arduennas. A noble family."

"Thank you. I am searching for a pair of glasses for a friend of mine."

"I see."

"Yes. She normally holds the book about either this length," Glinda held her hands about eighteen inches from her face, "or right on top of her nose."

"A common problem for University students. She would most likely need one of these pairs." He said, and withdrew a few sets of glasses. They were set into frames of iron with silver or gold plating. One set was a burnished bronze. "But without her I couldn't know for sure."

"A fair point." Glinda responded, then raised her voice. "Miss Elphaba, can you come here for a minute?"

Jontero stiffened as Elphaba strode over to her. She had a curious look on her face that darkened as she saw him.

"Miss Elphaba," Glinda continued sweetly, cutting off any rant from her or protest from Jontero, "Mr. Jontero was showing me these glasses. We've narrowed it down to a few but you need to try them on."

Elphaba's eyes became slits and she looked between them. Jontero had deflated at the tacit insult of being referred to as mister and not master. Glinda picked up a pair of glasses and held them out for Elphaba, then gathered a book from nearby.

"Now, which of these three works best?"

"I do not need glasses, Miss Glinda."

"Put them on and tell me that."

Elphaba tried on the pair offered to her and looked at the book. She sighed, and then tried on the other two. At the burnished bronze pair she nodded.

"It appears you were right. I apologize, Miss Glinda. These pair are the most effective."

"Good. I'm sure as Mr. Jontero gathers the oils you need he can order another couple of pairs in gold and silver. Isn't that right, Mr. Jontero?"

"Of course, Miss Galinda."

"That's good Mr. Jontero. We are very busy today and would hate to be kept waiting."

The man scurried off and Elphaba glared at him as he went. She soon shifted it back to Glinda.

"What was that?" Elphaba hissed.

"I did not like the way he treated you." Glinda replied evenly.

"I do not need you sticking your nose in every time someone treats me poorly."

"I believe we've already had this conversation, Miss Elphaba. It's best we not revisit it for we are quite busy today." Glinda replied, her tone letting Elphaba know she was suppressing her anger. Elphaba barely held onto her own.

"I did say I would try." Elphaba managed to get out through clenched teeth. Glinda put a hand on Elphaba's arm but did not smile.

"I know, dear, and thank you." She answered evenly. That almost cut Elphaba worse since it emphasized her own lack of control.

"I have your order at the counter." Jontero called across the store. The two girls met him there. As Elphaba was arranging her oil neatly in the bag supplied, Jontero asked about styles for the glasses.

"Miss Glinda will take of that." Elphaba said as she knew Glinda would want to. Glinda walked down the counter to consult with Jontero. After picking out and ordering a few pairs, Jontero dropped his voice low.

"A proper girl like you should think twice about keeping company with a thing like that." He whispered.

"I would rather you not making comments like that, Mr. Jontero. Your manner towards her today has been unbecoming. I should think you should stand to correct it, lest I encourage her to frequent elsewhere."

"That thing cannot get what it needs anywhere else. It should not exist. You should not taint yourself with its company."

"I do believe this will be the last time we deem it worthy to do business with you, sir." Glinda said, emphasizing the sir. Jontero wilted at the further loss of stature in the noble girl's eyes. However, he could not let it go without one last shot.

"Good luck trying to get these oils anywhere else in Shiz. I'm the only one who stocks them."

"I shall ship them from Fliann itself if it means not consorting with you again." Glinda whispered with finality, then brought her voice back to normal level. "I shall be awaiting eagerly for the arrival of these glasses. We shall be taking the purchased pair with us today. Good day, sir. I shall let all I know the manner in which you conducted yourself today. May it always proceed you in your endeavors."

With that she took Elphaba's arm before it was even offered and left the shop while Jontero stood by dumbstruck. They walked a few more steps before Glinda stopped and exhaled a deep breath.

"Elphie, I may have done something bad."

"What? Cut him down like that? I dare say he won't be happy when we meet next."

"I kind of told him that you won't be shopping with him again."

"What! Glinda, how could you do that?"

"He was saying hideous, untrue things about you Elphie! I just couldn't take it and didn't think!"

"You made a decision for me with consulting me at all! Now what am I going to do about getting the things I need?"

"I promise I'll figure it out by next week, Elphie. I'll even pay."

"It's not that, it's just." Elphaba let out an exasperated sigh. "You know what, never mind. Let's just go. We have things to do."

"Please don't hate me." Glinda said in a small voice.

"I could never hate you. Sometimes I wish you weren't so emotional, though."

"Then where would all the fun be?" Glinda replied, slightly happier.

Elphaba let out an exasperated sigh but they continued on their way. Elphaba noticed the blonde's rapt attention to every store they passed by.

"My sweet, what is it you are looking for?"

"Nothing. Just looking."

"I've seen that look. Like a Lion on the prowl."

"It's just…spring is coming."

"No, Glinda, we already went through this."

"Please."

"You won't let this go, will you?"

"Either you let me now or I'll do it later with my own money."

"Three. No more."

"Seven. You need more."

"Four."

"Five. And they'll be in the colors you already have."

"Fine. But I don't have to go with you."

"I already have your size, so there's no need."

"Ok. I need to check out this bookstore. I'll meet you in the dress shop?"

"Don't get lost."

"Glinda, it's right across the street."

"I meant in a book." Glinda giggled at her own joke, and Elphaba sighed.

"Walked into that one."

"No, Elphie, walk into that one." Glinda giggled again, pointing at the bookstore.

"I'm going before these get any worse."

Elphaba unlooped her arm from Glinda's and began to stride towards the bookstore. She felt a pair of eyes boring into her and turned to see Glinda there with a sad look on her face. In two quick strides she was back before her blonde girlfriend.

"What is it? Have you finally come to your senses about dress shopping?"

"You didn't give me a kiss." Glinda replied quietly.

"A kiss."

"Yes. Couples will give each other a kiss when they part."

"Why?"

"Because what if they never see each other again?"

"Glinda, that's ridiculous. It will only be a few minutes."

"I know but what if something bad happens and it isn't?" she sniffled and Elphaba saw she was quickly becoming upset. Elphaba mentally shook her head.

"Glinda, I don't know that I share your irrational fear of losing you-"

"You aren't afraid of losing me? Do you not care for me at all?"

"No, it's not that."

"Then what is it?"

"I do not know if I am comfortable displaying such affection in public."

"Nonsense. You kiss me and Nessa all the time."

"That is, was, different."

"Elphie, if you are not comfortable giving me a kiss on the lips I understand. Just a kiss on the cheek then."

Elphaba bent down and gave Glinda a kiss on the cheek. It was more affectionate than a chaste kiss between friends, but still well within the bounds of propriety. Glinda smiled happily up at Elphaba and then with a little wave took off towards the dress shop. Elphaba watched her go, confusion at the emotions filling her, but then cleared her mind and went to the bookstore. She had business to attend to.

As she entered, the proprietor looked up from where he was reading a book behind the counter. Elphaba gave him a curt nod, which he returned, and she moved into the bookstore. This one was more organized than some with books arranged by category. Elphaba moved to the Life Sciences section, but the material was out dated by at least thirty years. She sighed, and left the store.

She quickly crossed the streets to the clothing store that Glinda had entered. As the bell rung signaling her entrance, the store clerk looked up from behind the counter and scowled at her. Elphaba glared back until she broke eye contact. Smiling, Elphaba searched the store to find Glinda, but she was already heading back to the front. She had a few dresses on her arm and a white sunhat on her head.

"Elphie!" she cried happily. "Done so soon?"

"Yes. They did not have as deep a selection as I supposed. Dare I ask?"

"It goes great with the outfit, don't you think?" she asked, giving a little whirl.

"I'll leave it to those with more interest in fashion to decide."

"Well, it does. Join me at the counter?"

"In a moment, my sweet."

"Ok." She replied, confused. As she left, Elphaba looked around for something that would fulfill her goal. Spying a hideous pointed black hat, she grabbed it and made her way to the front. Glinda's purchases were just being tallied up and the blonde was reaching into her money purse.

"I said I'll take care of that, my sweet." Elphaba said, slipping one arm around Glinda's waist while the other deposited the hat on the counter. The sales clerk raised her eyebrows.

"Oh yeah. But Elphie, what in Oz is that?"

"I thought it looked good." She replied paying the clerk while barely managing to keep a straight face.

"Really?"

"Well, as good as any other superfluous outerwear."

"Ah, you're doing it to make fun of me." Glinda replied, grabbing her bags.

"Only slightly." Elphaba replied, and placed the hat on their head as they left the store. Glinda gaped in horror.

"Take that off."

"Why? I think I look sharp in it."

"The joke is over, Elphie."

"Oh, I think it keeps getting better." Elphaba cackled. She offered her blonde girlfriend her arm, but Glinda huffed and looked like she would not take it. Finally, she acquiesced.

"Your first fashion purchase and you pick that of all things. I should have seen it coming."

Which sent Elphaba into fits of cackles again.

When they got into the room Elphaba went straight to replace her oils and store her money away. Glinda went to hang and organize Elphaba's new clothes. She knew Elphaba would not let her throw the old ones away, so she had to convince her to buy new ones. That way when she bought identical ones when Elphaba was not around she could toss the old, and Elphaba would never notice. Her plan was going perfectly.

The girls then divided into their respective studying: Elphaba Life Sciences and Glinda Sorcery. Truth be told, Glinda never studied or practiced more than a few hours outside of class; she did well enough without it. However, if she was supposed to help Elphaba and herself, she would need to practice harder. A tiny voice inside her also said she was doing it to impress Elphaba.

After studying for a few hours they got ready for the pub and met the other girls in the hall. As Nessarose and Nanny were not going to attend, Ama Vimp was the chosen chaperone. Much more cunning than the other Amas, and more dutiful than Nanny, the girls knew they would be able to get away with less tonight. Elphaba smiled as they left and placed the hat she bought on her head, to the horrified reactions of the other girls. Ama Vimp just smiled knowingly.

The carriage ride to the Peach and Kidneys was uneventful. The pub was full even at this early hour with both men and women. Glinda assumed it must be because of the cheap drinks. They caught stares as they made their way across the pub, mainly because of Elphaba's wardrobe but also because they were a group of pretty girls. The boys snickered as they approached but gentlemanly stood and offered the ladies seats. Ama Vimp sat at a table nearby, keeping a sharp watch.

With a less forgiving minder the discussion was not as raucous as usual. There were still Avaric's sly advances, still Crope and Tibbett's antics, and still Elphaba's moralistic monologues, but all together it was of a much calmer tone. Glinda kept grazing and touching Elphaba discretely, who she happily noted reacted the same way. Elphaba glared at her from time to time but she just smiled.

"You know Miss Elphaba." Fiyero said next to her, leaning slightly forward. Elphaba turned to look at him. She warmed unexpectedly but quelled it.

Base reactions to a brainless boy. She thought to herself and said, "Quite a bit, Master Fiyero. To what are you referring?"

"You do not have to go out of your way to shock people with your appearance."

"Because it is shocking enough as it is?"

"Because you will always be set apart, at least here at Shiz. I should know."

"And how would you know?"

"How many Vinkuns have you seen here at Shiz, Miss Elphaba?"

"Precisely one. You."

"There are a couple more but you see my point."

"I assume you mean to tell me that your differences have cast you out, also? You're still a normal color for a person, Master Tigelaar. I am green." She said and stopped. She was going to say something self-deprecating, but Glinda's touch had reminded of her promise.

"True, Miss Thropp. But under that green what is there? Patrician features. You made be an odd color, but you still look like a Munchkinlander, and well accepted in Oz. I, on the other hand, have a completely different appearance."

"You are failing to make your case."

"I shall try harder then. You're green; a very different skin color. I am black, almost as dark as the night. Both are completely foreign here at Shiz. You have familiar features, bone structure, etc. I do not. Mine is broader, thicker. You know how many times I've been asked if I'm actually a shaved Ape?"

"Though I understand and feel for your plight, Master Tigelaar, when you go home you are around those like you. There are none like me."

"Then perhaps your home should be where people like you, Miss Thropp."

"Master Fiyero, though I appreciate the sentiment, I can handle myself quite well. Thank you."

Fiyero smiled and shrugged. Elphaba thought on the conversation for a moment but a light brushing against her thigh erased all thoughts of Fiyero from her head. She turned to see a flushed Glinda beaming at her. She started to lean in, and Elphaba was afraid she was going to kiss her, but Glinda fell giggling against her instead. Elphaba sighed.

"Guess that's our cue to leave." Elphaba said and Glinda groaned.

"No, I'm fine, really." She protested but almost fell out of her seat.

"Sure you are."

"You're so mean. And green. Mean and green, that's all you are."

"That I am. Come on." Elphaba said, and lifted her by the waist as she was unsteady. As they began to don their cloaks the rest of the group noticed.

"Leaving so soon?" Avaric asked.

"Your charming personality has left my companion her senseless. Or perhaps it was the alcohol. Either way, the next morning there is a headache and terrible taste in your mouth."

"Miss Elphaba, I do believe I have never given you an opportunity to find out how I taste."

Elphaba flushed. "I merely assumed it is as offensive as the cologne you wear."

"Care to test your hypothesis?"

"Not even if it held the answer to the universe!"

"I guess that's it for us then, too. Can't have you go unescorted home." Ama Vimp said, and the other girls groaned. Pfannee shot a glare at Glinda.

"Really, Ama Vimp, we do not need an escort." Elphaba said but was hushed down by Ama Vimp.

"Nonsense."

"How about you hail us a cab that will take us directly to Crage Hall?" Glinda offered drunkenly.

"That could work." Ama Vimp said and there was a chorus of cheers from the table that Ama Vimp silenced with a look.

"I shall go too. I have homework to attend." Fiyero said and Ama Vimp shot him a glare.

"Not in the same carriage, you're won't."

"Please Ama Vimp, Master Tigelaar is a fine solution." Elphaba interjected and everyone raised their eyebrows. "Male enough to serve as a proper escort, high enough born for propriety to be satisfied, and non-threatening enough to be alone in a carriage with."

"I do believe I was just emasculated." Fiyero said.

"It's not always the boys I worry about, Miss Thropp." Ama Vimp retorted.

"Ama Vimp, Fiyero has no worries. He's far too dark for a proper Gillikin girl to fancy, and I'm green."

"I do not care for skin color one way or another." Fiyero defended himself, and possibly Elphaba. She shot him a glare that told him he was not helping.

"Well…" Ama Vimp hesitated and Elphaba pounced on the chance.

"Ama Vimp, I understand and respect it is your duty to look after your charges." Elphaba said and Glinda snorted. Elphaba ignored her. "I am not interested in pursuing boys at this juncture in my life whether they be attracted to me," she shot a glare at Fiyero, "or not. I would rather have sex with Miss Glinda here before any man or boy in Shiz."

"Miss Elphaba, really! Such language. Fine, have it your way. I shall hail you a cab." She replied, and went to it. Elphaba corralled Glinda towards the door after saying their goodbyes. Fiyero followed, and as they got into the cab Elphaba snorted.

"Don't care about skin. You're really obtuse, do you know that oh Great Hunter?" Elphaba scorned. She grew more exasperated and a tiny bit flustered when he just smiled and said lightly,

"I felt it best to make my preferences known instead of going with the act. A long term view, if you will."

"Now you sound like that ass Avaric. Have you been stealing his lines?"

"No." Fiyero laughed. "But hang around him enough and you pick it up."

"Dear Oz I hope not." Elphaba laughed.

"But I meant what I said about intentions." He reiterated and leaned forward slightly. Elphaba discretely flustered more.

What the hell is it with people suddenly wanting me? She thought to herself, and then a little blonde obscured her vision. Glinda thumped Fiyero in the chest.

"No. Bad princey. My Elphie." She said and glared. Fiyero looked amused.

"Overprotective I see."

"Among other things. Glinda, come here or you'll fall out." Elphaba said sternly, and pulled the diminutive blonde to her. She fell into Elphaba's lap and curled up there, glaring at Fiyero the entire time. She made a motion to her eyes, then to him, and then back to her eyes. "Really, Glinda, stop this foolishness."

"I'm sorry, Elphie." She said and curled more into Elphaba for comfort. She could not help but shoot Fiyero a victorious look.

"If you continue that I shall put you off my lap." Elphaba warned and Glinda did not reply, but stopped. Fiyero watched this interaction awkwardly, feeling voyeuristic.

"Fiyero?" Glinda said a few moments later.

"Yes?"

"You're a politics major right?"

"Correct."

"What do you know about the Imminents of Munchkinland?"

"That is not a conversation for the here and now." Elphaba said curtly.

"I agree. I know nothing about any imminents." Fiyero replied. It was not a lie, per se. He knew she meant Eminents, and probably wanted to know more because Elphaba was the next in line. Fiyero took the hint from Elphaba's tone, however, that she did not want it discussed. So with that the conversation died until they reached Crage Hall.

Gentleman that he was, he hopped out first and offered them assistance. Glinda was too inebriated to use the stairs properly so he lifted her out and set her down, all while she giggled. He then offered his hand to Elphaba, who glared at him and jumped out. Fiyero smiled as he bid them farewell, as he expected Elphaba to do no less than she did.

As he rode on to his dorm at Ozma Towers he could not help but feel that there was something strange going on with Glinda Arduenna and Elphaba Thropp. Fiyero could not place it, but he sensed a change from earlier. Granted, he had only known the two girls for about six months, but he realized it was something close. Sworn souls, as they said in the Vinkus. They always joked and flirted with each other, but Fiyero observed that was not uncommon among girls of this age. He shrugged, and put it down to Glinda's Ama dying.

His thoughts turned to his circle of…compatriots? Friends? There was Crope and Tibbett, or Tibbett and Crope. The two carefree boys. Crope, who brought him into the circle, was the third son of a tax collector. Tibbett was the second son of a palace security advisor. Neither would inherit any money after Shiz. Their families had sent them in hopes of finding a patron, or a job that could be useful to the family down the road.

Then there was Avaric. The future Margreave of Tenmeadows (and possible patron). Fabulously wealthy, charming, good looking, arrogant, lecherous, quick to anger. A man trying to drink away his own destiny. How he hated being the future Margreave. Fiyero and him had bonded over being future heir-apparents, except that Fiyero's meant nothing. Avaric had first looked down on him for it, but now commiserated with him. Fiyero never told anyone, and he did not know if Avaric remembered, but one drunken night Avaric confessed he had an attraction for the third heir-apparent in the group. Apparently, he liked feisty women. Fiyero did not disagree.

Boq. The dearest friend to everyone and the least well off. His dream was to have a farm, a wife, and kids. Fiyero snorted at the absurdity of it. Shiz educated to be a dirt turner? What a waste! But Boq was a simple Munchkin, and remembered where he came from. Perhaps Elphaba could help him as he was her future subject. Perhaps Milla would help with the family.

That brought his mind to the group of girls that accompanied them. Milla was nice enough, a good Gillikin girl, but desperate to get out of her social obligations. It helped she was desperately infatuated with Boq. Pfannee, a tiny but well off Munchkin, was a bit of a slut, and looking to get her kicks wherever they presented. Currently it was Avaric. Shenshen of the Minkos clan, a Gillikin, quieter but no less snobby. She was less able to manipulate people to get her way than Pfannee, but still got some of it. Both paled in comparison to Glinda Arduenna of the Upper Uplands.

The little Gillikinese girl was what most men would call perfect. Dainty, blonde, curves that would make an hourglass jealous. She was also great in every social situation from the bars to the ballrooms. She was charming, fun, sophisticated (or crude) when need be. Her innocent wiles (though Fiyero knew they were not innocent) made everyone fall over her. She would make a passionate lover, a fantastic wife, and an amazing mother. That could be seen in her loving and protective friendship with the girl at the opposite end of the spectrum. Elphaba Thropp.

Now there was a firebrand if Fiyero ever saw one. Passion hot enough to melt steel, wit sharp enough to cut to the bone. She did not hold back from anyone, telling them what she thought and when she thought it. Unlike other outspoken individuals, she would not jump to assumptions or cut off those speaking. She listened, rebutted, and (in the rare cases) when she thought she was wrong, acquiesced. Too intense to be anything other than a fiery lover, too outspoken to make a proper wife, and with no patience to make a good mother. But still, between the two girls, Fiyero would take Elphaba over Glinda. Not that he would turn down Glinda if offered, but she was perhaps too perfect for Fiyero's wants. He liked the excitement and that bit of danger that was Elphaba Thropp.

Fiyero hopped out of the carriage, tipped the cabbie, and walked towards his dorm. As he entered he contemplated the relationship between the two girls once again. There was something definitely different and Fiyero had a nagging feeling it was not just about Glinda's Ama dying. He opened the door and sat on his bed, then laid while thinking back to their last few encounters. Glinda was very protective and affectionate with Elphaba tonight, and Elphaba did not seem to mind too much. And her telling him off for flirting with Elphaba. That was interesting to say the least. Then the previous night at the study session where Elphaba seemed distracted. She had also let Glinda dress her; something that had never happened previous. Finally, yesterday in Life Sciences where Elphaba left because Glinda was upset. He had never seen he so concerned about anyone but her sister. And that crack Avaric had made-

Fiyero bolted upright. It could not be. The alcohol induced hormones must be messing with his brain. There was no way what Avaric said could be actually true. But looking it over through that lens he could see it. It was possible. But they also could just be what they seem; best friends. However, his hunting instinct, honed from his years on the Thousand Years Grasslands, whispered differently.

He fell back, laughing. The Great Hunter of the Thousand Years Grasslands, as Elphaba liked to tease him, laughed until his sides hurt. As it subsided he thought on how to flush out his prey, to see if his instincts held true. One always went for the easy prey. That would be Glinda. If Fiyero was attempting to win Glinda, he knew it would never work. But his goal was to goad her, to break the façade. Elphaba was too in control of her emotions to do such a thing; not to mention she watched guys flirt with Glinda all the time. She would know Glinda could handle herself. So he would stalk Elphaba, who he noticed flustered at his flirting (no matter how well she hid it), to make Glinda break cover to flush it out into the open. A disturbing analogy, he admitted, but it fit perfectly.

"Well, Miss Elphaba! The hunt is on indeed!" he boomed to his room's walls. This sent him into a fit of laughter again, and he could get nothing accomplished that night.