Glinda stroked Elphaba's cheek. "Does it hurt my love? And please keep in mind you're a terrible liar."

Elphaba responded by squeezing the blonde's hand. "Stop worrying."

"Never." Glinda stared at her lovingly.

Breena rolled her eyes. "Are you almost done? Their cuteness is starting to make me queasy."

"It could be blood loss." Addena didn't look up from the cut she was cleaning.

"Blood loss?" Concern wrinkled Elphaba's brow. "I thought you said you were all right."

"Ignore her." Breena shot Addena a look.

Addena shrugged. "All I'm saying is this is going to take a few more minutes. You could be healing yourself while you're waiting."

"Ow!" Elphaba hissed.

"Could you be any rougher?" Glinda glared at her sister.

"I thought you weren't talking to me." Addena still didn't look up.

"That was before you hurt Elphie."

"Glinda, I have glass in my back. It's bound to sting a little when she takes it out." Elphaba tried to reason with her lover. "Bree, come here so I can get a better look at you."

"Thanks for the help Elphaba, but I can handle my sister on my own." Addena sighed. "I'm used to her being a brat."

"Brat?!" Glinda growled.

"Would you two just knock if off already?" Breena completely ignored her sister's request.

Addena frowned at her. "Stay out of this."

"Yeah," Glinda agreed. "You're still in the dog house for helping her in the first place."

Breena frowned too. "I apologized for that."

"It doesn't mean I accepted your apology."

"Glinda." Elphaba chastised her. "She saved Addena's life."

"Exactly." Glinda gestured with her free hand. "She told us everything was OK, that it was all right to come down here and the whole time Addena was laying there with a piece of mirror in her stomach. What if something horrible happened?"

"It didn't." Addena answered.

"But it could have!" Glinda fired back.

"But it didn't." Addena wasn't about to let her sister have the last word.

"Stop it." Breena looked back and forth between them.

"You say that like the whole thing was no big deal." Glinda ignored her. "If that's so, then why didn't you want me to know you were hurt?"

Addena shrugged. "Because it would upset you."

"Bull. I mean yes, of course it upsets me, but you did it because you thought you were going to die."

Elphaba's mouth popped open in astonishment. "Glinda!"

"No Elphie. I know how she thinks." The irate blonde turned her attention back to her sister. "Admit it. You were convinced you weren't going to make it and you didn't want me there so you had Breena lie for you."

"All right, fine." Addena clinched her jaw. "You're right. Is that what you want to hear? I saw an injury similar to mine during my emergency training and when they tried to remove the knife the guy had been stabbed with he bled out. So yes, I thought I was going to die."

"Ah ha! I knew it!" Glinda pointed at her. "And you didn't think I would be strong enough to deal with what was going on so you kept it from me."

Addena shook her head. "No, I didn't want to put you through something like that."

"Because you think I'm weak!"

"Because I love you!"

"Enough!!" Breena finally reached her limit. "Can you two even hear what you're saying? Glinda, you're harping at your sister for trying to shield you from something that would have devastated you. And Addena, you're mad at her for caring. It's ridiculous!"

"I…"

"It's my turn to talk, Addena." Breena's voice was a barely veiled threat. "You two are sisters. She loves you and you love her so just get over this whole stupid thing and kiss and make up already because I think I speak for Elphaba and myself both when I say we're tired of hearing it!" She waited for someone else to say something. "I'll be back in a few minutes Elly."

Addena frowned as she watched her walk across the room. "Where are you going?"

"Like you said, this is taking a while. I'm going to heal the Wizard while you're finishing up."

"I don't think that's such a good idea." Addena tried to reason with her.

"If it gets me away from you two for a few minutes it's a great idea."

"Bree?" Elphaba turned her head in an attempt to see her sister.

"It's all right, Elly. I won't leave you alone with them for too long." Breena gave her a fake grin before leaving.

"Damn it." Elphaba half growled as she turned to face Glinda again. "I hope you two are happy now."

"Us?" Glinda frowned. "She goes off and we get blamed?"

"You're the ones who put her in the middle of your argument."

Glinda shook her head. "I didn't put her anywhere. Dena's the one who got her to lie."

"Give her some time, Elphaba." Addena addressed the green witch. "She's not really mad at Breena anyway."

"Oh yes I am," Glinda contradicted her.

"No, you're not." Addena insisted. "You're stressed and scared and a little freaked out, but you're not mad."

"Scared?" Glinda sounded offended. "Why would I be scared?"

"Let me see…" Addena pretended to think about it for a moment. "You're being hounded by Morrible, the love of your life is getting glass picked out of her back because she put herself in harm's way to keep you safe and you almost lost me." She ticked the reasons off on her fingers as she spoke. "That's more than enough to freak anyone out. And anger has always been your defense mechanism Linny. Especially when you're scared."

"But Elphie's not afraid." All the anger was gone from Glinda's voice. "Or Breena. Or you. Just me." She shook her head, her words barely audible. "It seems like I'm always scared."

"That's because you're one of the most compassionate people I've ever met. You wear your heart on your sleeve."

Glinda shot her sister a look. "Are you calling me a sissy?"

"No, she's not." Elphaba stepped in before she could get too defensive. "She's saying you care. And you do. Even if it's someone or something you don't particularly like, you still give it your all. You're an emotional person Glinda and there's nothing wrong with that. Just like there's nothing wrong with being afraid."

The blonde looked at her with tears in her eyes. "You never are."

"You honestly believe that?"

Glinda nodded.

"Then I must be a better actress than liar because I'm scared a lot of the time."

"You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"No, I'm saying it because it's true. Our lives have been one close call after another lately. Not too long ago that wouldn't have bothered me as much, but now…" She tightened her grip on Glinda's hand. "Now I've got so much more at stake. You and Breena and this circle of friends we're building. I finally have everything I've ever wanted and Morrible keeps reminding me of how it could all be gone in the blink of an eye."

Glinda captured a tear as it rolled down Elphie's cheek. "You really are scared."

"I'm not just scared, I'm petrified. But everyone handles their fear differently."

"Yes they do." Addena rejoined the conversation. "Like a big sister thinking her time had come and not wanting to put her little sister through the pain of watching her go."

"Oh Dena." Glinda let go of Elphie to throw her arms around her sister. "I'm sorry. I just don't know what I would do if I ever lost you. And when you told me I almost did…"

"But you didn't." Addena held her close. "And I'm the one who should be sorry. I'm the big sister. It's always been my job to watch out for you. And as terrified as I was when I realized I was hurt, I was even more scared for you. All I could think was, 'please don't let her see me. Please don't put Linny through this.' That's why I asked Breena to lie."

"But I want to be there for you, Dena. I don't want you to think you have to keep things from me. We're sisters."

"I know." Addena pulled back to look at her. "You grew up on me when I wasn't looking." She played with her sister's curls. "I won't keep things from you if you promise not to be ashamed of how you feel."

"I won't." Glinda sniffled.

"Good, now why don't you go get Breena so she can work her magic on your woman."

Glinda perked up. "You're done with Elphie?"

"Finally." Elphaba sighed. "I'm tired of lying here."

"You'll stay there as long as it takes." Glinda kissed her sister on the cheek. "I love you."

Addena grinned. "I love you too."

Glinda went back to Elphaba's side. "And I love you."

"I'll love you even more if you go get Bree for me."

"You couldn't possibly love me more than you already do."

Elphaba shook her head. "You saw through that one too. I really am a bad liar."

Glinda leaned in for a kiss.

"OK, Breena was right. Your two are so cute you make me want to puke." Addena made a shooing motion with hand. "Be gone with you, Linny."

"Yeah." Elphaba grinned. "But hurry back." She gripped Glinda's hand as she started to walk away. "And try to smooth things over with Bree."

"You know I will." Glinda gave her another quick peck, earning her a raised eyebrow from Addena. "All right, all right. I'm going. I'm going."

She was giggling as she left the room.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Breena slipped out of the room, closing the door before leaning against it for support. She couldn't blame Glinda for being upset about what happened with Addena, but she didn't have the strength to watch the Uplands go at it again. Her trip through the mirror and the glass shower afterwards had taken more out of her than she cared to admit. She just wanted to get everyone healed so she could find a bed somewhere and pass out for a little while.

"Are you OK?"

"Jeez!" She nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard his voice.

"Sorry." The Wizard gave her a sheepish look. "I didn't mean to frighten you."

"Well you did a good job of it anyway." She took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "You should watch sneaking up on a witch like that. I could have put you through a wall."

"Lucky for me you have excellent self control." His expression was serious as he looked at her. "But my original question still stands."

Breena resisted the urge to squirm under his scrutiny. "I'm fine. I was actually on my way to find you."

"Why? Is something wrong with Elphaba?" The Wizard grabbed her arm. "Is she worse?"

"No." She half hissed as a wave of pain radiated from the cut he was squeezing. "I can't heal her until Addena is through cleaning her up so I thought I would take care of you first." She swallowed hard. "Can you please let go of me?"

"Oh." He quickly removed his hand. "I'm sorry. I…"

"Don't worry about it." Breena cut him off. "Just turn down the intensity a little, all right? Elphaba is going to be fine."

He started to reach for her again but stopped short of actually touching her. "Did I hurt you?"

"I'll live."

"You can sock me in the arm if you'd like." He shrugged. "Make us even."

"Maybe later." Breena avoided his gaze, not wanting to see the concern swimming in his eyes. "Let me take a look at this." She felt him tense as she took his arm in her hands. "I'll be as gentle as I can. I just want to make sure there's nothing in the wound before I heal it."

"It's not that. I…" The Wizard sighed. "Never mind."

"What?"

"Nothing." The corner of his mouth turned up when she quirked an eyebrow. "I was just going to say how nice it is to be with you. Even like this."

Her stomach dropped. What was she supposed to say to that?

He picked up on her reaction. "And now I've made you uncomfortable." He raised his free hand to silence her as she opened her mouth to reply. "Don't deny it. I can see it in your eyes." He looked at her wistfully. "You have your mother's eyes. Not the color, mind you, but the shape." He shook his head. "I'll be shutting up now."

"No." Breena was quick to reply. "I take that as a compliment. My mother was a beautiful woman."

"Yes she was." The Wizard nodded. "But this is…"

"Strange?" She filled in the blank for him. "You're right. It is. But if we're going to give this father daughter thing a try we have to start somewhere."

"You mean…"

"You're making an effort. The least I can do is try to meet you halfway."

Tears filled his eyes. "Thank you."

Breena shook her head. "Don't thank me yet. There's no guarantee this will work. You could do something to piss me off tomorrow and I'll go right back to being a jerk. That might sound harsh, but it's how I feel."

The Wizard smiled. "It's more than I deserve."

"And I hope you know I'm not speaking for Elly."

"I do."

"You put her through a lot."

He hung his head. "I know."

"So don't expect me to go to bat for you where she's concerned. When or if she decides to forgive you, it has to be on her terms."

"I understand."

Breena gave him a look. "So we're clear on the ground rules?"

"As crystal."

"Good." She put her hand over his wound and concentrated.

"What are you…" His voice trailed off when he realized what she was doing. "Incredible." He watched as the path the bullet cut across his arm healed. "Absolutely astounding." His amazement quickly turned to concern when Breena stumbled. "Hey! Are you all right?"

"I'm good." Breena gave him a weak smile. "Just give me a second."

"Maybe you should sit down." He looked around as if he expected a chair to appear simply because he wanted one. "You should definitely sit down."

"Relax." She chuckled. "I'm fine. See." She pulled out of his grasp and made a show of walking. "Look, no hands."

"That's not funny, Breena."

"Sure it is." She sighed when he continued to stare at her. "Healing people just takes a little out of me sometimes."

He looked at his arm again. "How do you do it?"

"Sorry, that's a trade secret."

"Thank you just the same."

Breena shook her head. "I'm the one who should be thanking you. You saved Elly's life at the palace."

"I don't know if I would take it quite that far."

"You put yourself between her and someone with a gun and got shot in the process." Breena corrected him. "Don't start being modest now that you actually have something to brag about."

That got a chuckle. "I would do the same for you in a heartbeat."

"I bet Betak could get the blood out of your sleeve and sew the hole so no one would know it was ever there." She glossed over his sentimental comment.

"Maybe if you asked her. I don't think she likes me very much."

Glinda chose that moment to come out of the room. "Oh." She seemed shocked to see them standing there. "Hi." She closed the door behind her.

"Hello." The Wizard returned her greeting. "How is Elphaba?"

"Better. Addena is finished cleaning her cuts."

"Which means she's ready for me." Breena looked at her father. "I'll see what I can do about the jacket."

He grinned. "I'd appreciate that. It's not much, but I'm rather fond of it."

"Breena." Glinda put her hand on the taller woman's forearm as she started to open the door.

"I, uh…" The Wizard, picking up on the fact Glinda wanted to speak with his daughter, tried to come up with a suitable excuse to leave them alone. Luckily the sound of the others coming through the front door provided him with an out. "I'll just go tell them what's been going on."

"Thanks." Breena watched him walk away before turning her attention to the blonde. "What's up?"

"You two seemed awfully chummy." Glinda mentally kicked herself as the words left her mouth. That's not what she wanted to say to Breena.

"I'm giving him a chance. It's no big deal." She made another move for the door.

"Wait." Glinda tightened her grip on her arm. "You look exhausted."

"Flattery will get you everywhere."

"I didn't mean it like that."

Breena grinned. "You don't have to make small talk, Glinda. I'm not mad at you for what happened earlier."

She looked at her shoes. "You should be."

"Why?"

"Because I acted like an idiot."

"You were upset."

Glinda shook her head. "That doesn't mean I should have taken it out on you."

"I'm a big girl. I can handle it."

"Will you stop making this so easy for me?"

"Hey." Breena used her hand to lift Glinda's chin so she could look at her. "If it will make you feel better I'll cross my arms and stomp my feet a couple of times. I'll even say things like 'how could you' and 'it better never happen again.'"

Glinda grinned in spite of herself. "I'm still going to say I'm sorry."

"You go right ahead."

"I'm sorry, Breena." Glinda threw her arms around her. "And thank you for healing Addena. I don't know what I would do if…"

"Don't even finish that thought." Breena returned her embrace. "She means a lot to me too you know."

"She does?" Glinda pulled back. "How much?"

Breena laughed. "We can dish later."

"Right. Elphie is waiting."

"Elly is waiting."

Glinda smiled at her, kissing her on the check before taking her by the hand and dragging her into the room.

All Breena could do was blush.