Elphaba barely resisted the urge to bounce her leg as she sat between Glinda and Breena, waiting for the Wizard to start his speech. It was a nervous habit she developed as a child when she would travel with Frex and didn't know how he was going to use her as an example in his preaching. She worked hard to break the habit as she got older but there were still times when it reared its ugly head. Like now, when saying she was nervous would have been the understatement of the year.

She was fine when they were still at the palace. She laughed and joked and was even mildly excited about what they could expect when they got to the city while everyone ate lunch and she and Breena waited for Glinda and Addena to finish getting ready. But the instant they stepped foot on the raised platform that was built specifically for the Wizard's speech and she got a good look at the massive crowd that was gathered her heart started hammering in her chest. Those were the people who hunted her. The ones she avoided to stay alive.

Her first instinct was to grab Glinda's hand and hold on for dear life but she couldn't. If anyone decided to turn on her again she didn't want them to know she was close to the blonde.

"My fellow Ozians."

She nearly jumped out of her skin when her father's voice boomed. She hadn't even noticed him step up to the podium on the front of the platform.

"As I'm sure you know, we're here today to celebrate the fact Oz is finally free of Morrible's tyranny."

A deafening cheer filled the air as the crowd reacted to his words. The Wizard could have easily spoken over the din thanks to the impromptu PA system the two of them and Breena had such a good time piecing together out of parts from the talking head contraption that used to be in the throne room, but he didn't. He let the people's voice reign for a good minute before he continued.

"We owe our gratitude to two incredibly courageous and talented young women."

Elphaba swallowed hard when the Wizard turned, motioning for her and Breena to join him. She started to shake her head but Breena grabbed her hand before she could, lifting her out of her chair and leading her toward their father.

"Relax sis." Breena whispered to her as they walked. "I'm right here."

"If not for them Morrible would still be in power rather than in Southstairs where she belongs."

Elphaba visibly flinched when the crowd collectively gasped at the sight of her but Breena squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"Now, now. None of that." The Wizard reprimanded them. "You have nothing to fear where this poor girl is concerned." He met her eyes for a moment. "I'm afraid you were all mislead about her thanks to me."

A chorus of "No" and "That's not true" greeted his admission.

He raised his hands to silence everyone. "Hear me out." He waited for them to calm down before he continued. "None of you know the whole story of my time as your leader. I wasn't man enough to tell you then, but I am now."

Someone shouted, "What are you talking about?!"

"There were forces working behind the scenes that very few of you were aware of. I was put in power by a group of men who were too cowardly to lead you themselves. I may have been the public face of the government, but they made all the political decisions. They're the ones who decided I should have an air of mystery and strike fear into the hearts of those who came to the palace to see me. They're the ones who decided to shake up the status quo by saying animals and Animals alike were detrimental to society."

A few shocked conversations broke out.

"Eventually I got tired of listening to them and made it my life's mission to find a way to get all the power for myself. I went so far as to enlist Morrible to help me find someone who could read the Grimmerie."

Even more conversations cropped up, but the Wizard forged ahead.

"That's where Elphaba came into the picture. Morrible realized her magical potential when she started at Shiz and pointed her out to me. I invited her to the Emerald City and..." He paused, tears swimming in his eyes. "I tricked her into trying a spell out of the Grimmerie. When it worked I tried to con her into joining me but she's a smart girl. She refused to be a pawn in my game. She took the book and ran away instead. I saw my chance slipping away so I..."

Elphaba pulled away from Breena to step up next to their father when his voice broke, putting her hand on his shoulder. She didn't even hear the murmurs from the crowd at the contact. He was going out on a limb by telling everyone the truth. The least she could do was give him her support.

"I told Morrible to do whatever it took to get her back to the palace. I had no idea she would say she was wicked and turn all of you against her, but she did. Elphaba was forced to live in hiding. She couldn't even communicate with her best friend, Glinda, and asked her not to defend her for fear someone would find out and turn against her too. When she finally had enough she faked her own death and tried to start a new life helping the animals and people who had been wronged by the government."

"But she came back to stop Morrible?" was the amazed question from someone.

"Yes." The Wizard nodded. "Because that's the kind of woman she is." He looked at Elphaba again. "It makes me proud to say I'm her father."

It seemed like everyone said, "Father?!" at the same time.

"That's right." He was quick to answer. "Before I became your Wizard I fell in love." He slipped his arm around his daughter's waist. "Elphaba is a product of that love. As is Breena." He took his other daughter's hand, pulling her to his side. "These are my children."

The crowd erupted.

"They deserve nothing but your thanks and gratitude after what they've done for all of you." The Wizard was yelling now to be heard over the buzz. "I'm more than willing to be your leader again, but only if you're willing to meet me halfway by accepting my daughters for who and what they are. If not I'll walk away and leave you to your own devices."

That shut everyone up.

The Wizard took a deep breath at the sudden quiet. "I've always thought of each and every one of you as family but these two are my family. They're the most important people in my life." He pulled the girls even closer. "Their happiness and well being have to be my top priority." He looked out over the crowd again. "I hope you can accept that."

Silence loomed over the scene like a black cloud, sending a chill down Elphaba's spine. This was it. The moment of truth. The crowd would either welcome the Wizard, and by extension her and Breena, with open arms or they would take up their pitchforks and torches and start screaming things like, 'Kill the witch!' again. Either way she knew she wouldn't be alone this time. She had her sister and their father and Glinda. As much as she hated the thought of people turning on the blonde she knew they would never be apart again. Glinda wouldn't stand for it. And quite frankly, she wouldn't survive without her lover.

"Three cheers for Elphaba and Breena! Hip hip!"

"Hooray!"

She cocked her head at the sound, hardly believing what she was hearing.

"Hip hip!"

"Hooray!"

She looked at Breena and the Wizard, who were both smiling from ear to ear.

"Hip hip!"

"Hooray!"

"Long live the Wizard!"

"Long live Elphaba and Breena!"

"Thank you." The Wizard's words were choked with emotion. "Thank you all."

Elphaba was too stunned to notice much of anything until she felt herself being pulled into a hug.

"Congratulations Elphaba." The Wizard held her and Breena close.

"It's not just for me." He was squeezing her so tight her voice was muffled against his jacket.

"No, but you're finally being accepted." Breena came into view as the Wizard loosened his grip. "It's what you've wanted your whole life. Just admit it feels good."

Elphaba smiled. "It does."

"You deserve it." The Wizard kissed her on the cheek. "And so do you." He did the same thing with Breena. "I meant what I said girls. Your happiness and well being are going to be my top priority from here on out. I…" A tear slid down his cheek. "I love you both."

They both said, "We love you too," at the same time.

"Thank you for giving me the chance to be your father." He pulled them into another embrace. "It's more than I deserve after the way I treated your mothers."

Elphaba said, "That's in the past."

"Yeah." Breena nodded. "Muddy water under the bridge. But like any self respecting daughters we reserve the right to throw it in your face whenever we see fit."

The Wizard chuckled as he pulled back to look at them. "I… I just can't…" He shook his head. "Listen to me, stammering like an idiot."

"It's OK," Breena shrugged. "We're used to it."

That made him chuckle again. "All right, back to the palace with both of you."

Elphaba frowned. "But what about…"

"You're still recuperating." The Wizard interrupted her, raising his eyebrows when Breena started to reply. "I won't have you wearing yourselves out here. Go have some fun with your girls and get a good night's sleep. I speak from experience when I say this celebration will still be going on tomorrow. We can trade places then."

"Are you sure?" Breena asked.

"Positive." He gave them one last squeeze. "Now go. There are two lovely and extremely excited looking ladies waiting for you." With that he turned back toward the crowd, raising his hands over his head as another deafening cheer greeted him.

Breena grinned. "He's eating that up."

"They love him." Elphaba nodded.

"And I love you." Glinda threw her arms around her, practically squirming with excitement. "And so do they."

"I think it's more along the lines of not hating me quite as much." Elphaba grinned.

"Give them time." Breena put her arm around Addena's shoulders. "They'll learn to love you as much as we do."

"So where to now?" Addena leaned into Breena as she put her arm around the witch's waist. "Do we dare brave the crowd?"

Breena kissed her on top of the head. "Not unless there are people on the way to the carriage."

"The carriage?" Glinda frowned. "Why are we going to the carriage? Is something wrong? Is one of you feeling sick?"

"No." Elphaba cut her off before she could spew out more questions. "We're both fine."

Glinda didn't look convinced. "Really?"

Elphaba pulled her close. "Really."

Breena nodded. "Just under strict orders from our father to go back to the palace and rest."

Addena looked surprised. "I'm starting to like him more and more."

"Well what are we waiting for?" Glinda moved her arms so they were around Elphie's midsection. "Let's go have the palace all to ourselves."

Elphaba furrowed her brow. "What difference does that make?"

"Who knows?" Glinda waggled her eyebrows. "The possibilities are endless."

"Horn ball." Addena chuckled.

No one seemed to notice them make their escape down the stairs at the back of the platform. They were almost to the carriage when a little dark haired girl ran up to them.

"Hi there." Glinda smiled at her.

The little girl glancing at each of them in turn, swallowing hard before saying, "Can I?"

Breena looked at her kindly. "Can you what, sweetie?"

"Touch you?" Her question was directed at Elphaba.

"Me?" The green woman pointed to herself.

The little girl nodded.

"Of course you can," Glinda answered for her love.

She swallowed hard again as she reached for Elphaba's outstretched arm, stopping just short of actually touching her.

"It's all right." Elphaba nodded. "Go ahead."

The tiny white hand made contact with emerald skin, drawing a shocked gasp from its owner. "You're really soft."

Elphaba tried not to chuckle. "Thank you."

"And pretty." The little girl smiled.

"Micah!" A young woman came rushing up to them. "What have I told you about running off?" She put her hands on the little girl's shoulders but didn't break the connection she had with Elphaba. "I'm sorry if she's bothering you."

"Not at all." Glinda assured her.

"It's just, she's always been obsessed with the color green." The older girl shrugged. "So when she heard everyone saying you weren't wicked anymore she..." She clapped her hand over her mouth. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to..."

Breena smiled. "You didn't."

"Yes I did. I called her wicked."

"No, you said she wasn't wicked anymore." Addena corrected her.

The older girl kept her eyes on Elphaba. "So you're not mad?"

Elphaba shook her head. "Not at all."

"Come on, Micah." She started to pull the little girl away. "Mom's going to wonder where we are."

"OK." The little girl sighed, giving Elphaba's arm one more loving stroke. "Thank you."

Elphaba grinned. "You're welcome."

"And I meant what I said. You're very pretty."

It was Elphaba's turn to say, "Thanks."

The little girl smiled. "Bye."

"It was nice of you to indulge her." The older girl grinned. "And wrong. You're not just pretty, you're beautiful. I don't see how anyone could have ever called you a hag."

Breena laughed as the two girls walked away. "Talk about a backward compliment."

Glinda put her arms back around Elphaba. "They're both right. You are very pretty and beautiful."

"So are you." Elphaba brought their lips together.

"Hey, save that as one of your endless possibilities at the palace." Breena teased them as they finished walking to the carriage.

They settled in, Glinda and Elphaba on one seat and Breena and Addena on the other, facing them. They cuddled and chatted and had a good time, not noticing they had reached the palace until the carriage came to a stop.

"My lady." Breena climbed out before the driver could even get off of his seat, gesturing dramatically with her hand as she reached for Addena.

"You're silly." Addena giggled as she accepted the help down.

"And you're cute when you giggle." Breena pulled her into her arms.

"Hey." Glinda frowned as they kissed. "What about us?"

"I think I can handle it." Elphaba hopped down before lifting Glinda out of the carriage by putting her hands on her hips, staring into her eyes as she made sure she was steady on her feet. "See?"

"I would have to be blind not to." The blonde brushed her lips against green ones.

Breena grinned at them. "I think we should move the make out session inside."

"Yeah, that way they can fix the paint we peel off the walls with the rest of the repairs from your fight with you know who."

"Dena." Glinda looked at her sister in disbelief.

"What?" Addena tried her best to seem innocent.

"Ladies." A plumb footman was waiting for them at the door.

"Hello Gedrick." Glinda beamed at him. "Why aren't you at the celebration?"

"I had something more important to see to for the Wizard." He motioned for them to come inside.

"Like what?" Breena was intrigued.

He grinned. "Follow me and you'll see."

Elphaba raised an eyebrow. "Should we be concerned?"

Addena shrugged. "How am I supposed to know?"

"I have to say, it is a comfort to have you home again Miss Glinda." Gedrick looked at her over his shoulder. "This place just was entirely too dull without you." He turned his attention to the other three. "And I have a feeling things will be very interesting now that you're all here. I look forward to getting to know each of you."

He said something else as he opened the doors to the conservatory but his words were lost on the girls. They were too busy staring, slack jawed, at the sight before them. The couches had been moved to make a space in the middle of the floor, there was soft music playing in the background and the only light came from the flickering flames of the candles scattered around the room.

"...if you need me."

Breena snapped out of her stupor. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Gedrick smiled. "I was telling you that this is all compliments of the Wizard. He said young couples need time to themselves and he hoped a bit of dancing and bubbly would help set the mood."

Elphaba's eyes were wide. "You mean you know we're..."

"Not to be crude miss, but I think everyone does. The affection is obvious between you."

"And you're OK with that?" Addena seemed surprised.

"Of course." Gedrick smiled again. "Love comes in all shapes and sizes. Quite personally I don't think the four of you could be any cuter if you tried. There's just something so sweet about sisters loving sisters."

"Listen to you Gedrick." Glinda gave him a grateful look. "Who know you were such a romantic?"

"The Wizard. He's heard more than a few stories about the man that I love. That's why he had me arrange this for you." He paused for a moment to look at them. "There are strawberries and champagne over on the piano if you're interested and other records you can put on the player but it's preloaded with a stack I thought you would like. Now I'm going to leave you alone so you can enjoy being together. If you need anything just yell. I'll be around."

Elphaba shook her head as he left. "I can't believe he did all of this for us."

"I can." Glinda gripped her lover's hand. "He's really trying where you two are concerned."

"And scoring some major points with me today." Addena added. "First he sends you home and then he has a surprise like this waiting."

"It is pretty amazing." Breena bowed to Addena. "May I have the honor of this dance?"

"You know how to dance?"

"Hey." Breena pouted. "Aren't you, as my girlfriend, supposed to have a little faith in me?"

"Girlfriends like Glinda give uplifting speeches, girlfriends like me speak their mind." Addena corrected her. "And I'm sorry, but you really don't strike me as the dancing type."

Breena swept her into her arms. "Then I guess you're lucky I don't fit any specific type."

"Oh my." Addena grinned. "I hope you know romance will go right out the window if you break any of my toes by stepping on my feet."

"I'll just heal them."

"I thought we had a deal that you wouldn't do magic for a few more days."

Breena rolled her eyes. "Blah blah blah. Would you start dancing already?"

Glinda giggled at their antics. "How about it, Elphie? Want to show them what dancing is really about?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Elphaba tenderly pulled her close, her breath catching in her throat when Glinda wrapped her arms around her and they started to sway.

"Elphie?"

"I'm all right. It's just..." She was shocked to feel tears in her eyes. "So much has happened today. It all seems too good to be true."

"Well it's not." Glinda moved one hand to cup her cheek. "You deserve all this and more, my love. And if I have anything to say about it you'll get it all."

Elphaba grinned. "My bubbly protector."

"You better believe it." Glinda held her gaze. "I love you, Elphie."

"I love you too Linny."

Glinda said, "I like hearing you call me that," before drawing her lover into a deep kiss.

"I like hearing you call me your girlfriend." Addena whispered as she nipped at Breena's neck.

"Then I guess it's a good think I like to say it." Breena savored the feel of her lips on her flesh before capturing them with her own.

They continued to dance and talk amongst themselves for a long time before Breena finally announced it was time for some champagne.

"To being rid of Morrible." She raised her glass once the beverage had been poured.

Elphaba nodded. "To peace."

"To new beginnings." Glinda added.

Addena finished with, "To love."

They all said, "Here here," as they clinked their glasses together before taking a drink.

"Come along Miss Upland." Breena put her empty glass on the piano and led Addena across the room. "I plan to ravish you on one of the couches."

"Bree, I'm shocked." Addena didn't put up a struggle. "I'm a woman of virtue."

Breena smiled mischievously. "Not for long."

Elphaba chuckled. "How about it Glinda? Want to show them what making out is all about?"

"We could give them lessons couldn't we?" Glinda grinned as she led Elphaba to another of the couches.

The music served as the perfect backdrop as the two couples gently expressed their love for one another with caresses and kisses.

Elphaba couldn't help but grin when she noticed Breena and Addena were sound asleep in one another's arms. "Look at that." She stifled a yawn. "They didn't even make it to bed." She waited for a response but none came. "Glinda?"

Her grin became a full fledged smile when the woman in her own arms started snoring softly. "And here I thought you were just in an extra cuddly mood." She looked down at the sleeping blonde with complete and udder adoration before pulling her closer. "I can't imagine my life without you in it Glinda Upland."

Glinda mumbled, "I love you too Elphie," before burrowing further against her.

Elphaba let herself start to drift off, hoping the completeness she felt at that moment would never go away.

THE END

AN: Sorry this part took so long but it really kicked my butt for some reason. Probably because my muse was off and running on the sequel as soon as Morrible was finally dragged off to Southstairs.

I want to thank everyone who took the time to read this story. It means a lot to an author to know what they're creating is worth reading. And for those of you who have reviewed all I can say is your words are like a feast for my muse. She loves the attention. LOL

THANKS AGAIN!!