Glinda sat next to Elphie on the side of her bed, trying not to watch as Dena worked on her lover but she couldn't stop herself. The way her sister used the needle and thread to make small, even stitches was almost hypnotic. That didn't mean she wasn't still grossed out.

"Doesn't that hurt?" She hissed.

Elphaba grinned. "No."

"I numbed her before I started." Addena explained. "And you need to hold still if you want these stitches to be straight." She admonished, sighing when Elphaba opened her mouth to answer. "I know, you won't have a scar once Bree heals you but just humor me for now all right?"

"Actually I was going to apologize." Elphaba corrected her.

"Oh." Addena closed her eyes for a moment. "I'm sorry, Elphaba. I shouldn't have assumed..."

"It's all right." The green woman interrupted her. "We've all been under a lot of stress. It will take a little while to get back on an even keel."

"That's no excuse for me snapping at you like that."

"It was more of a stern warning than a snap."

Glinda tightened her grip on Elphie's hand as her sister went back to using the needle. "That really doesn't hurt?"

"It really doesn't." Elphaba assured her, glad for the change of subject.

"If you had taken your time in the bath like Elphaba told you to I would have been done before you got back out here." Addena ribbed her sister, knowing how squeamish she could be sometimes.

"I wanted to make sure Elphie was all right. That's why I let her bath first, so you could check her out."

Addena instantly felt guilty, knowing she would have been the same way if the shoe was on the other foot. "Other than this cut she has some bumps and bruises."

"Nothing to be worried about though." Elphaba added.

"How bad is it?" Glinda nodded toward the area her sister was stitching.

"A few more and she'll be good as new." Addena concentrated on what she was doing. "How did you get this anyway?"

"The spell Breena and I used put me in a cave above the one where Glinda was being held. I feel through the floor. Or the ceiling, depending on how you look at it."

"And landed on your head?" Glinda asked, horrified.

"Not exactly." Elphaba squeezed her hand.

"There you go." Addena sat back. "All done."

"Thanks." Elphaba instantly reached up to touch her brow.

"Don't do that." Glinda smacked her hand.

"Ow." She gave her lover a look.

"You'll mess up Dena's handiwork." The blonde explained her actions.

"Here." Addena put a gauze pad over the cut, using a couple of pieces of surgical tape to hold it in place. "Don't take that off," she added in a mock stern voice.

"I won't." Elphaba promised.

"All right." Addena turned to her sister. "You're turn. Off with the robe."

"Uh..." Glinda suddenly looked uncomfortable. "Maybe Elphie should go check on Bree while we do this."

"No way." Elphaba shot down the idea. "You were here for me and I plan on doing the same for you."

"But I'm fine." Glinda tried appealing to her sister. "You really don't have to examine me."

"Didn't you hear what Mom said earlier?" Addena gestured toward the door. "She's waiting outside you know. I can go get her if you need a reminder."

"No, I don't need you to go get Mom." The younger blonde snapped as she got up. "I just need you to believe me when I say I'm fine."

Elphaba shared a look with Addena, both of them shocked by the outburst. "What's going on Glinda?"

"The two of you are ganging up on me, that's what's going on." Glinda gruffed.

"No one's ganging up on anyone, Linny. I just want to make sure you're all right." Addena tried to reason with her.

"I already told you I'm fine."

Elphaba went over to her. "Then it won't hurt for Addena to make sure."

"Why can't you both just believe me and leave me alone?" Tears glistened in Glinda's eyes.

Realization hit the witch like a ton of bricks. "He did something, didn't he?" Her hand curled into a fist at her side. "Eadlyn hurt you and you don't want us to see."

"It's not so much I don't want you to see as..." Glinda swallowed hard. "As get the wrong idea."

"Wrong idea?" Addena echoed her words.

"Eadlyn, he..." Glinda closed her eyes. "He tried to... He didn't... He never... Mason stopped him before he could do anything."

"Then why won't you let us see you?" Elphaba spoke through clinched teeth.

"Because he... I have some bruises."

"Let us see." Addena waited half a second before growling, "Please."

Glinda didn't reply, she just nodded and slowly untied the belt holding her robe closed. She took a deep breath before pulling it open and letting it fall to the floor.

"That bastard." Addena's voice was laced with rage when she saw the fingerprint bruises on her sister's breasts.

Elphaba's mouth fell open. "He fondled you?!"

"But that's all he did Elphie." Glinda's voice had an edge of begging to it. "He never..."

"It's all right." Addena came to her rescue. "You don't have to explain anything to us."

"But I do." Glinda contradicted her. "I..." She blinked back tears. "I feel dirty enough without you two thinking something more happened."

"Dirty?" Elphaba couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Glinda nodded. "How else am I supposed to feel? You both think he... he..."

Elphaba pulled her into her arms as she finally gave in to her tears. "No we don't Glinda. I'm sorry if we made you think we did."

"Me too." Addena rubbed her sister's back.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of, Glinda. If anyone should feel dirty it's him." Elphaba clinched her jaw as she held the blonde close. "I should have killed that son of a bitch when I had the chance."

"No." Glinda threw her arms around the green woman. "He's a despicable, vile, poor excuse for a human but you can't sink to his level, Elphie. He'll pay for what he's done. You're father will see to that. You did what you came to that cave to do."

Elphaba's voice shook as she said, "I saved you."

Glinda nodded as she put her head against her lover's chest. "You saved me."

Tears were blurring Addena's vision as she watched them cling to one another. Eadlyn might have been in custody but his presence in their lives would be felt for a long time to come.

"Uh," she cleared her throat in an effort to keep her voice steady. "Why don't I examine you so you two can get to bed?"

"All right." Glinda reluctantly pulled away from Elphie but kept a tight grip on a green hand.

Addena tried to keep telling herself she was looking at just another patient but it didn't work. Her sister's delicate flesh was covered in healing scrapes and bruises.

"I got them when I jumped off a horse."

She looked up into her sister's blue eyes, knowing Glinda was trying to make this whole ordeal easier for her. She was the one who was kidnapped and terrorized and she was trying to make it easier for her. Addena gave herself a hard mental kick in the pants. She needed to stop thinking about herself and start concentrating on helping her little sister.

"Somehow I can't picture you doing that."

Glinda gave her a grateful grin. "Yeah well, desperate times call for desperate measures. Elphie was trying to rescue me but she couldn't use magic for fear of hurting me. So I..."

"Took a dive?" Addena quirked an eyebrow as she asked.

"It wasn't that bad." Glinda shrugged. "But I would have given anything to see the expression on his face when I did it."

Addena chuckled in spite of herself. "Leave it to you to think of something like that." She probed her sister's bruised right cheek. "This didn't happen at the same time."

"No." Glinda flinched at her touch. "I bobbed when I should have weaved."

"He hit her." Elphaba's voice was barely audible.

Glinda met her sister's eyes again. "Are we done?"

"Yes. And my diagnosis is that you're going to be fine." Addena picked up her robe, helping her back into it. The instant Glinda let go of Elphaba's hand she stalked across the room to look out the window. "I'm sorry, Linny." She pulled her into a tight embrace.

"You don't have anything to apologize for. None of this was your fault."

"Do you want me to stay and..."

"No." Glinda pulled back to look at her. "I want you to tell me you love me and then go check on that woman of yours."

"But..."

"I need some time alone with Elphie."

Addena nodded. "I love you."

"I love you too." Glinda gave her another squeeze. "Now get out of here."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure."

Addena kissed her unmarred cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"If you're lucky." Glinda grinned. "It's bed day, remember?"

Addena returned her grin, admiring her sister's ability to see the bright side of life rather than wallowing in what she had been through. "How could I have forgotten that?" She picked up her medical bag, casting a glance in Elphaba's direction as she walked toward the door. "Good night."

"Night." Elphaba didn't bother turning around.

Glinda put her hand on her sister's arm when she gave her a look. "We'll be fine. Go give Bree our love."

"I will." Addena gave her another hug. "Don't hesitate to come get me if you need me."

"Thanks." Glinda opened the door for her.

"You know you don't have to thank me." And with that Addena walked out of the room.

Glinda closed the door behind her, giving herself a moment to try to calm her jumbled nerves before turning to face her girlfriend. "Elphie?" She was surprised to find herself being pulled into lithe arms.

"I'm so sorry, Glinda." Elphaba buried her cheek against golden curls. "He never should have been able to touch you. I never should have let him get his hands on you in the first place."

"Elphie..."

"I should have protected you." Elphaba's voice caught in her throat as tears streamed down her cheeks. "I should have been there to protect you."

"You can't protect me from everything or be with me every second of every day." Glinda held her at arm's length. "I told Dena and now I'm telling you, none of this was your fault. Do you hear me, Elphaba Thropp? None of this was your fault." She punctuated each word.

"It feels like it is."

"Well it's not." Glinda pulled her to her again. "You saved my life, Elphie. You should feel like a hero."

Elphaba chortled. "I'm no hero."

"You're my hero." She was quick to correct her.

They held each other close, knowing they didn't need to say another word. Eventually Elphaba pulled back, staring into crystal blue eyes for a moment before capturing Glinda's pink lips. Glinda groaned at the contact, pouring everything she was feeling into the kiss. Tears mixed with passion as Elphaba slowly backed the blonde over to the bed.

"I love you, Glinda." Elphaba spoke as she lowered her to the mattress.

Glinda looked up at her. "I..." Her voice cracked as fresh tears streamed down her face. "I love you too, Elphie."

"Hey." Elphaba cupped her cheek. "What's wrong?"

"I can't stop thinking about him hitting you with that branch." She sniffled. "I thought he killed you."

"It would take more of a man than he'll ever be to keep me away from you, Glinda."

"You say the sweetest things sometimes." Glinda pulled her down for another passionate lip lock.

Elphaba kept Glinda's mouth engaged as she untied her robe, pushing it back to reveal creamy skin. "You're beautiful, Glinda." She gently kissed the bruise on her cheek before doing the same to the other bruises Eadlyn had left behind. "I still find it hard to believe you're mine sometimes."

"I am. Heart and soul." She closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the lips she loved against her flesh. "Elphie?"

"Hmm?"

"Will you do something for me?"

"Anything, my love."

"Hold me."

Elphaba smiled down at her. "Forever if you want me too."

Glinda sniffled again as the green woman pulled her robe back over her before settling in next to her. The blonde wasted no time putting herself in her lover's arms so her back was spooned against Elphaba's body. "I'm sorry, Elphie. I know you wanted to..."

"I'm right where I want to be." Elphaba cut her off before placing kissing her on the back of the head. "You're safe now, Linny. Get some rest."

Glinda cuddled closer against her before finally giving in to her exhaustion. In no time soft snores filled the air.

"I swear I'm never going to let anyone hurt you again, Glinda." Elphaba tightened her grip around the blonde's petite waist her eyes drifted shut.

Addena leaned against the door once she reached the hallway, trying to get a grip on her emotions. Her sister had been attacked. Eadlyn might not have gotten the chance to do something unspeakable, but that didn't change the fact that Glinda had been violated. It made her want to find where they were keeping the bastard so she could...

"Are you done examining them already?"

"Are they both all right?"

She opened her eyes to find her mother and the Wizard looking at her. It took every ounce of self control she had not to go into her mother's arms and cry her eyes out. But that would prompt some questions that she knew she couldn't answer. The ordeal with Eadlyn was Glinda's tale to tell and Addena knew her sister well enough to know she would never tell their mother. Ginella was a strong woman but knowing that someone had manhandled one of her daughters with the intention of doing something much worse would crush her. Neither one of her girls was willing to put her through something like that.

So Addena plastered on the best smile she could muster instead. "They're both fine. Elphaba needed some stitches for the cut on her forehead and she has a couple of nasty bruises but she's going to be fine."

"Thank goodness." The Wizard breathed a sigh of relief.

"And your sister?" Ginny asked.

"Her scrapes and bruises look worse than they are and are healing nicely." She resisted the urge to swallow hard, knowing her mother would pick up on it and realize she wasn't telling her everything. "They should both be fine in a few days."

Ginny narrowed her eyes. "Are you sure?"

Damn her motherly instincts anyway. "Positive."

"Absolutely positively sure?"

"Yes."

"There's nothing you're not telling me?" Ginny continued to eye her.

"Mom." Addena had just the right amount of indignation in her voice.

"I'm sorry dear." Ginny put her hand on her daughter's arm. "I'm a mother. I worry."

"And we both appreciate it." She was surprised to find a very real yawn escaping from her mouth. "Excuse me." She covered her mouth until she was done. "If you two don't mind I think I'll go crawl in bed with Bree."

"She hasn't budged since you left." The Wizard volunteered.

"Good. She needs her rest."

"So do you." The Wizard pulled her into a hug. "Thank you Addena. For taking such good care of my girls."

"They're my family now. And that's what families do. They take care of one another."

"It warms my heart to know you think that way." The Wizard smiled before stifling a yawn of his own. "I think that's my cue to wish you both a good night."

"Good night." Ginny returned the sentiment. She waited until he was well on his way to the guest wing before returning her attention to her daughter. "You're sure you're telling me everything?"

Addena rolled her eyes. "Are we really going to go over that again?"

"No." Ginny shook her head, cupping her daughter's cheek. "I love you sweetheart."

"I love you too." Addena pulled her into a hug.

Ginny held her close for a moment before breaking the embrace. "Now go get some sleep. And remember that tomorrow is a bed day. I don't want to see hide nor hair of any of you girls. I'll have Bernice bring you a late breakfast in the morning."

"Thanks Mom."

"You're welcome. Now scoot." She gave her daughter a playful tap on the backside. "I'll come check on you at some point tomorrow." She grinned coyly. "But I'll be sure to knock first."

"Mother!" Addena blushed, mumbling, "Honestly," as she walked into her bedroom.

Ginny beamed. "Good night darling."

"Night." She flashed her mother a genuine smile before closing the door.

"Addy?"

Her attention was instantly drawn to the bed. The Wizard had turned the bedside lamp on low so she could see Breena propping herself up on one elbow. "You're supposed to be asleep."

"I wanted to know how Elly and Glinda are." Breena spoke through a yawn.

"They've both got some bruises and Elphaba needed a few stitches but they're fine." Addena put her medical bag on the chair by the door and made her way over to the bed. "Glinda said to send you their love."

"That was sweet of her." Breena frowned as she started to get in. "Aren't you going to change?"

"What?"

"Your clothes." Breena nodded at her dress. "Won't you be more comfortable if you put a nightgown on?"

"I suppose." Addena sighed as she got back up and went over to her dresser. "I'm so tired right now I could sleep in anything." She quickly unzipped her dress, letting it pool at her feet before slipping out of her underwear.

"Where's the fire?" Breena grinned at her from the bed.

Addena narrowed her eyes at her. "Did you suggest I change just so you could watch?"

"Would you think less of me if I said yes?"

"You're awful!"

Breena laughed. "I really did want you to be more comfortable. But seeing you naked was definitely a bonus."

"Brat." Addena made her way to the bed again, making a show of slipping her gown over head as she went.

"You keep that up and we're going to have to change my nightgown again." Breena was all smiles as the doctor sat down next to her.

Addena put her hand on her girlfriend's blessedly cool brow. "How do you feel?"

"Not too bad. Tired," she amended.

"I bet." Addena got lost in her green eyes for a moment before bringing their lips together for a heated kiss.

"Wow." Breena was breathless as they parted. "What was that for?"

Addena shrugged. "No particular reason."

"Well in that case..." Breena pulled her down for another one.

Addena grinned once they both came up for air. "I think we better stop there."

Breena nodded in agreement. "But we'll pick up where we left off tomorrow?"

"Count on it." Addena stretched out next to the witch, nestling her head against Breena's chest.

"Are you all right?" Breena asked once she was settled.

Addena weighed her answer options carefully. She could either keep what had happened with Glinda to herself or she could share what she was feeling with the woman she loved, knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that Bree would never mention it to Glinda unless Glinda brought it up first.

"It's Linny."

"What about her?"

"She..." Addena tried to swallow the lump in her throat but her voice still shook when she spoke again. "She has bruises from..." She faltered.

"From what?" Breena's heart hammered in her chest. "That bastard didn't..."

"No!" Addena shook her head. "He didn't. But he did manhandle her a little. She was so upset she didn't want Elphaba or I to see."

"But she let you?"

"Yes."

"And is she all right?"

Addena relaxed a little. "She seems to be."

"She didn't break down or get mad and throw things around?"

"She cried a little."

"But she's with Elly?"

"Of course."

"Then she'll work her way through it." Breena rubbed reassuring circles on her back. "Glinda's stronger than a lot of people realize."

"I know, but..." A tear made its way down her cheek.

"But you're her big sister and it upsets you to know something like that happened to her."

She nodded.

"Then let it out doc. I've got you."

Addena tried not to give in to her emotions but they got the better of her. She turned her face and cried into the witch's chest. Breena didn't say a word, just pulled her closer as she wept.

"I'm sorry." Addena spoke when she finally got a hold of herself.

"For what? Caring about your sister?"

She raised her head to look at her. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"

"I have a pretty good idea, but it wouldn't hurt to show me." Breena gave a big yawn. "Tomorrow."

"You're sure?"

"My head says go for it but my body says no way."

Addena couldn't stop herself from chuckling. "I think we should listen to your body."

Breena nodded. "Me too."

"Well as long as we agree." Addena cuddled against her again.

"I never told you I loved you too a minute ago."

"That's all right, I already know. Now you better get some sleep. You're going to need all the strength you can get tomorrow." She waited for a response but none came. "Bree?" She lifted her head again, a grin spreading across her face when she saw her eyes were closed. "Good night baby."

Her grin became a smile when Breena mumbled, "Not a baby."

"You're my baby." Addena settled against her chest again, letting the steady sound of her soon to be lover's breathing lull her to sleep.