"I'm glad you talked us into using the mirror spell to go home."

Elphaba chuckled. "If I remember correctly it didn't take a whole lot of arm twisting to get you to agree."

Glinda cuddled closer against her. "You could catapult me to the Uplands if it means I get to spend even one more minute with you."

"That's sweet." Elphaba rubbed the blonde's bare back. "Slightly disturbing imagery wise but sweet."

"I'm serious Elphie." She sighed. "I don't want to leave you."

"You're not leaving me. You're going home to check on your mother. Family has always been very important to you."

"And it still is. But you're my family too." Glinda propped herself up on one elbow to stare into those seemingly bottomless whiskey colored eyes. "I can't get enough of you."

The corner of Elphaba's mouth turned up as a dainty hand ran through her raven tresses. "But we both know we can't spend every waking moment together."

"We could try."

"Or we can make the most of the time we do spend with each other." Elphaba grabbed her, rolling her over so that she was on top. "I cherish every second."

"I love you too Elphie."

They let themselves get lost in making out for a few minutes before Elphaba finally pulled back. "We can't do that again. You're supposed to be packing."

"Getting in a quickie with you was a much better use of my time." Glinda giggled as she stroked a suddenly darker green cheek. "Embarrassing you is fun."

"Glad I could you amuse you." Elphaba gave her another lingering kiss. "We better get dressed."

Glinda ran her hand up her lover's side seductively. "Are you sure you don't want to rethink that?"

Elphaba grinned. "There's nothing I'd rather do than stay right here with you."

"Then do it." Glinda's hand moved to a green breast.

"I…" Elphaba somehow managed not to shiver at her touch. "I don't think your parents would appreciate me sending you home wrapped in nothing by a sheet."

"It might start a fashion trend."

"Linny."

"What?" She tried her best to look innocent. "It could." She sighed when Elphie still didn't smile. "Oh all right."

"Don't pout my love." Elphaba gave her a playful pat on the butt. "We'll pick up where we left off when you come to the palace."

"You promise?"

"I promise." Elphaba quirked an eyebrow and grinned. "Only then it will be my turn to rip your clothes off when you least expect it."

Glinda giggled again. "You've got yourself a deal."

Things weren't going nearly as well in Breena's room. The witch was leaning on the wall next to the closet, her eyes never leaving the doctor as she packed. For her part Addena was trying her best not to look at her. One glance into those gorgeous green orbs would be all it took for her to spill her guts about why she was going home. But she couldn't do that. She couldn't hurt Bree again. If she did her fear of losing her could very well come true. And she would rather face the silence between them than imagine her life without Breena in it.

She concentrated on the shirt in her hands, willing herself not to break down. Now was neither the time nor place. She could have a good cry later.

"You're taking everything?"

Addena looked up when she heard Breena's voice. "What?"

"You're taking everything." It was a statement this time as Breena followed her over to the bed. "Like you're not coming back or something."

She mentally kicked herself when she realized Bree was right. She had packed everything she picked up on her numerous shopping trips to Munchkin Proper with Glinda.

"You are coming back, right?"

The question caught her off guard. How could Bree even ask something like that? Then again, what else was she supposed to think? She'd been avoiding her like the plague ever since she read the message from her father. She was pushing her away by trying to keep her safe.

"Of course I am."

Breena visibly relaxed when she finally spoke. "Sorry. That was a stupid thing to ask."

"No." Addena didn't want her shouldering the blame for how she was acting.

"Yes." Breena contradicted her. "Here you are worrying about your mother and I'm too busy throwing a temper tantrum about you leaving to ask if you're all right." She shook her head and sighed. "Some girlfriend I am."

"You're not throwing a temper tantrum." Addena grabbed her hands, relishing the small jolt of excitement that always coursed through her when she touched Bree. "And you're a great girlfriend." She hated herself for the maelstrom of conflict she saw in those eyes when she finally risked a look. "I, on the other hand, sometimes get so wrapped up in what I'm doing that I forget other people exist." She pulled the witch to her, loving the way her arms fit perfectly around her slim waist. "I'm sorry I haven't said much."

"You don't have anything to apologize for. I can tell you're worried about what you're going to find when you get home."

A voice in the back of Addena's head said, "You don't know the half of it."

"But everything's going to be all right." Breena pulled her even closer, resting her cheek on top of Addy's head.

"I hope so," slipped out before Addena could stop it. She was quick to pull back a little to look at Bree. "I mean, I know you're right. I'm just worried."

"Let me see if I can help you with that."

What started out as a sweet, tender caress turned into much more when Addena deepened their kiss. She couldn't have the woman doubting her feelings for her. Not when she was about to face who knew what with her father.

"Whoa." Breena gave her a lopsided grin when they parted. "You keep that up and I'm going to send you packing more often."

Addena chuckled in spite of herself. "Oh really?"

"Yep." Breena kept one arm around the doctor and used the other to pull some of her clothes out of the suitcase. "But to do that you'll have to leave some of these here." She tightened her grip when Addena tried to pull away. "Oh no you don't."

"But…"

"I'll need something to do beside mope after you leave."

Addena shook her head as she looked at her. "I don't know what I did to deserve you."

"Do you mean that in a good way or a bad way?" Breena smiled when Addy slapped her on the arm.

"It's a damn good thing brat."

"Then I guess you're lucky I love you too Doc."

Addena closed the gap between them, her heart hammering in her chest. She couldn't do it. She was just going to ignore the message from her father and stay right where she was. What was the worst that could happen?

Her fiancé could show up, that's what.

The thought had her ending the kiss sooner than she wanted to. "We better go."

"I know." Breena leaned her forehead against Addy's. "Can I say I'll miss you here instead of when we get to Elly's room? Glinda will be enough of a mushball without me adding to it."

She wanted to laugh at the comment but thinking of her sister tempered her reaction. Poor Linny was caught in the crossfire just as much as Bree.

"I really will miss you."

The words tore at Addena's heart. "You won't have the chance." She let herself curl against the witch's chest. "I'll be back before you know it." This was quickly becoming her favorite spot. Close enough to feel her love's heartbeat as those strong arms held her.

"OK." Breena was the one to break their embrace, moving in one fluid motion to shut the suitcase and pick it up. "Let's go before I change my mind and refuse to let you go."

Addena wished it was that simple as Breena took her hand and led her downstairs. Maybe Linny was right. Maybe she should just put all her cards on the table and take her chances with how Breena would react. But what if it backfired? What if Breena got furious and told her she never wanted to see her again? She really didn't care if that happened with her father. It wasn't like they had ever been close anyway. But she couldn't lose Bree.

"Are you decent in there?"

She nearly jumped out of her skin as Bree called out and knocked on Elphaba's door.

"Just a minute." Glinda sing-songed.

Breena grinned. "I bet I know what they were doing."

Addena offered her a weak smile, her words barely registering.

"Hi." Elphaba was slightly out of breath as she opened the door. "Sorry about that. We were…"

"Packing." Glinda finished for her when her voice trailed off.

"Right." Elphaba nodded. "Packing."

"I think you missed a hickey." Breena indicated her sister's neck with a nod of her head. "Or did you mean to leave that out of your suitcase?"

Glinda sheepishly pursed her lips when she saw the clearly visible mark on her lover's neck. "Sorry Elphie."

Breena leaned in close to her sister as she and Addy walked by. "And your shirt is buttoned crooked."

Elphaba sighed as she looked down at her off kilter top.

"Are you ready?" Addena finally found her voice.

"I guess so." Glinda pouted as Elphaba rejoined her by the bed.

"I told you not to do that." Elphaba pulled her into her arms. "I'll see you in no time."

Glinda answered by kissing her.

"I guess this is where we say goodbye." Breena turned to look at Addena. "I…"

"Don't say it." Addena cut her off, not knowing how much more she could take. "Elphaba's right. We'll be at the palace in no time."

Breena nodded before pulling her closer for a kiss. She frowned when she felt Addena's desperation in the liplock. She was about to say something when Glinda walked over to them, tears swimming in her eyes.

"Let's go."

Addena gave Bree's hand on last squeeze before letting go and taking her suitcase. "Thanks. This will be a lot quicker than traveling by carriage."

"Don't mention it." Elphaba gave Glinda a sad look.

"Oh just say the chant already so they can leave."

They all four jumped when they heard Yackle's voice coming from the open doorway.

"What?" The crone frowned. "If they leave now we'll have time for a quick lesson before you two have to go to the palace."

"Oh joy." Breena mumbled.

"Don't let go of each other." Elphaba moved to Breena's side. "And have a nice visit with your parents."

"Thanks Linny." Addena gripped her sister's hand as the witches started the all too familiar chant. "You don't know how much I appreciate this."

Glinda growled, "I love you Dena. I really do. But I'm not in the mood to talk to you right now." She led the way into the mirror.

Addena would never get used to the feeling of absolute nothingness that washed over her as they passed through the surface of the mirror. She knew from experience that it only lasted a split second but it felt like an eternity. Before she knew it they were in her old room at the manor.

"I thought this would be easier in case they're repairing my room." Glinda explained as she let go of her sister's hand. "Go find Popsicle and get this whole mess cleared up. I'm going to find Momsie and have a good pout."

"OK."

Glinda started toward the door but stopped when she heard her sister's barely audible reply. "Dena?"

"Hmmm?" She looked up when she felt her sister staring at her. "Sorry. Did you say something else?"

"Are you all right?"

"Me? Yeah. Of course I'm all right." Addena swallowed hard, trying to keep her emotions under control. "I mean, I only made us both lie to the women we love to get here so I can tell our father off about something that Breena can never know about because if she did she might walk away and never look back."

Glinda pulled her into a hug. "Breathe sweetie."

"I don't want to breathe." She choked more than spoke as she finally gave in to her tears. "I want to be with Bree."

"I know." Glinda rubbed her back. "And you will be. Just keep telling yourself that and everything will be fine."

Addena let her sister hold her for a few more minutes until she started to regain her composure. "I hate crying," she huffed as she pulled out of Glinda's arms.

"You always have." Glinda wiped some of the tears from her cheeks.

"Thanks Linny."

"For what?"

"Letting me blubber all over you. Coming here." Addena shrugged. "Being you."

Glinda grinned. "Who else would I be?"

The corner of Addena's mouth turned up. "You knew what I meant."

"Yes, and you've done the same thing for me too many times to count. So don't thank me. Just chalk it up as something sisters do for each other." She put her hand on Addena's arm. "Do you want me to come with you to find Dad?"

"No." Addena covered her sister's hand with her own. "You stick to your plan of finding Mom and pouting. I'll handle Father on my own."

"You're sure?"

"Positive." Addena gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'll find you once I'm done."

Glinda looked at her sister approvingly, glad to see the spunk back in her eyes. "I'll be with Mother."

Addena gave her a smile before heading out the door. It was amazing what a mini breakdown could do for a girl. Glinda was right. She could feel it in her heart that she was going to be with Breena. And nothing her father or anyone else did could change that.

Her new attitude had her making her striding through the manor with purpose. The house may have been huge but she knew just where to find her father. His study. It was where he spent all his time when he wasn't off playing businessman somewhere. The thought of going anywhere near that room used to scare the crap out of her when she was little. Her father always seemed so angry when she interrupted him. But he would just have to get over it today because…

She came to a screeching halt in front of the huge picture windows looking out on the gardens. There were what looked to be at least a dozen men working on an ornate gazebo she had never seen before. And there were at least a half dozen more putting out enough folding chairs to seat half of the Uplands. It reminded her of the preparations for the Wizard's speech in the Emerald City. Only they weren't setting up for a speech, they were getting everything ready for a wedding.

Her blood boiled as she stormed the rest of the way to the study, throwing the door open without bothering to knock.

"Addena!" Maximillian Upland jumped to his feet as his daughter came barreling into the room. "How did you…" He looked at her like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. "What are you doing here?"

"Your note said to come home right away, so here I am." She let her anger flow, knowing if she actually stopped to think about what she was doing she would lose her nerve.

"I didn't expect you so soon."

Addena didn't notice the way her father kept glancing nervously at one of the chairs facing his desk. "What's going on in the gardens?"

"Uh…" Max stammered. "Why don't we go for a walk and I'll explain everything."

She frowned as her father started around the desk. "A walk?"

"Yes." He emphasized the word as he continued toward her. "That way we can…"

"How about if we just stay right here and you tell me what the hell's going on instead."

"Language Addena!"

"I'm too old to be scolded Father."

"I won't have you…"

"Won't have me what? Saying what's on my mind?" Addena raised her eyebrows. "I've got news for you Father. I'm not the same little pushover I was when I left for college. And if you think for one second that I'm going to go through with this preposterous proposal, you're wrong."

"Addena, this was all arranged…"

"Without my consent." She cut him off. "You can't buy and sell me like some business deal Dad. I'm not a commodity, I'm your daughter. And I'm telling you I'm not going through with this."

"But…"

"I've never even met whoever it is I'm supposed to be marrying!"

A figure chose that moment to unfold itself from the chair her father had been paying so much attention to. A tall, very muscular, extremely masculine figure.

"Allow me to introduce myself." He grimaced more than smirked as he looked at Addena. "My name is Eadlyn Merrick. I'm your fiancé."

"My…" Addena frowned at him before glaring at her father. "He's here?!"

"I… He…"

"Spit it out Dad!"

"Temper, temper." Eadlyn shook his head. "You really should learn to keep a shorter leash on your women Max."

Addena clinched her jaw. "Leash?" She glared at her father again. "Nice to see you picked such a charmer for me."

"You're a real spitfire, aren't you? Most people are too intimidated by me to say much of anything in my presence."

"Yeah, well I'm not most people."

The newcomer smiled. "Pay attention, Max. Handling someone like her is like handling a tricky business deal. You have to have an ace in the hole to win them over."

"What are you talking about?" Addena looked at him like he was crazy. "You don't stand a chance in hell of winning me over."

"Ah ah." He wagged his finger at her. "You don't even know what I have to offer."

"I know it's nothing I want."

"Addena…"

"Stay out of this Dad. It's between my fiancé and I." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Eadlyn's smile stayed in place. "I'm going to have fun breaking you."

Addena narrowed her eyes at him. "I'd like to see you try."

"And you will." He took a step toward her.

Max moved to intercept him. "Now wait just a minute."

"She's right. Your part in this is through." Eadlyn dismissed him without even looking at him. "It is between her and me now. And I'm about to win."

Addena snorted. "I'm glad you think so."

"I don't think, I know." He continued toward her, shoving Max out of his way as he did. "You see, I have the best bargaining chip in all of Oz." He kept coming until he was towered over her. "Something you can't live without."

"The something you're referring to is something I've never been interested in." Addena challenged him. "But go ahead. Win me over big guy."

"You mean you're not interested in your mother?"

Addena's blood ran cold. "My mother?"

"That's my ace in the hole." Eadlyn's smile took on a wolf like quality. "I've got her and she's safe enough for now." He made a show of inspecting the fingernails of his right hand. "But if you don't go along with this wedding..."

"You'll what?" Addena swallowed hard.

"I'll kill her."

"What?!" Max was obviously shocked. "You didn't…"

"I already told you, your part in this is done. You got her here." Eadlyn ran his finger down Addena's cheek. "And I just know she'll be a good little girl and save her mommy." He let his words sink in before speaking again. "I'll leave you two to talk." He stopped beside Addena on his way out, leaning in close to say, "Your aggression is quite a turn on," before walking away.

A stunned Addena watched him go, wondering how she was supposed to get herself out of this one.