Alternate/Deleted Scene:

"And no sleeping in, Thropp." She shot him a look, and his face split into a grin. Punctual to a fault, she'd never been the one late for their sessions. He squeezed her hand, "But do sleep. No excuses."

She shifted in the low light. "I'll try."

He narrowed his eyes. "Try?" She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth, and he shook his head. "Alright, come on."

Her forehead wrinkled to match her frown.

"I'll tuck you in."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Is that so?"

He mimicked her crossed arm stance. "You need rest, and I know you. You'll find a way to stay up all night worrying and analyzing everything."

"So you just invite yourself in my bedroom?"

"Or mine." He flashed a grin. "Though I won't promise to lend you pajamas."

She rolled her eyes. "Oz, I can't believe I'm saying this, but come up."

Honestly, he couldn't believe it either. She must have been more nervous than he thought.

"Maybe I'll take you up on the pillow punching bag."

He brushed a hand over her arm. "You're welcome to it."

With her help, he easily snuck into the girls' dorm and up the stairs to her room. He covered his eyes, but the click of the door told him she'd gone to change in the bathroom. Probably the safer bet. He couldn't depend on himself to make the best judgments when it came to seeing her potentially naked.

She emerged in a low, flowing white gown that fell softly on her delicate curves. So innocent, and so tempting. He let his eyes trace over her once, and without looking up, he ordered, "In bed. Now."

"No bedtime story?" she chided, and he laughed.

She settled into the pillows against the wall, and he took the place beside her, though over the covers. "I'm afraid nothing PG comes to mind."

"Lecher."

"Only when I'm in your bed."

She lifted an eyebrow. "That you invited yourself into."

"If I'd have known that's all I needed…" She glared, and he let the sincerity show in his face. "This isn't about me, though. I'd never abuse your trust." On purpose, at least.

"I know." She burrowed her face against his shoulder. "But I don't see how this is making me more likely to sleep."

He had to force away images of the easiest and most enticing way to exhaust her to sleep. "Lullaby?"

She chuckled. "You sing?"

"Oh, I meant you. I'd like something in minor mode."

She shoved his arm.

He ran a soft hand through her hair. In a low, throaty voice, he half-sung, half-whispered a lullaby in Vinkun. She nuzzled closer with a sigh as the soothing words fell, unintelligible to her.

Eyes closed, she mumbled, "You have to teach me that."

"What?"

"Vinkun. So beautiful."

His lips tickled the hair by her crown. "Not the only one."

She murmured a sleepy reply that he couldn't understand.

"You'll be amazing tomorrow." He brushed a thumb lightly over her shoulder. "You always are."

She pressed her face into his neck, cool lips buried against warm skin. He felt her slip into sleep. Should he stay, or go? Galinda was unlikely to appreciate his presence, but what if she woke in the middle of the night, full of worry and bad dreams?

He settled back against her pillows. She needed him, if only in his head, and he wouldn't put himself anywhere else. With a face buried in her hair, he let himself drift off with her. Never before had he felt so content.

AN: Just a little fluff to celebrate Spring Break. The sequel is up now, Determined to Succeed, if you're interested. Thanks for reading.