A/N: Enjoy Chapter 2 loves! One more to go.

Disclaimer: I do not, nor will I ever, own the amazingness that is Wicked

CHAPTER TWO

The fourth gift was an even smaller package, which did nothing to ease the green girl's growing apprehension. All the presents had been perfect thus far, but the realization was slowly dawning on Elphaba that even as well as she knew Galinda, she had no idea how well Galinda knew her. She didn't have the slightest clue what to expect from her girlfriend's mystical array of boxes. The most inconspicuous of the past three parcels had in actuality been the one that she loved best, as shocking as it was for her to finally admit that maybe, in a way, she really was beautiful.

Twisting the skinny, rectangular thing over in her palms, she tried to predict what it could be, just to see if she was able to get it right. It was hard, not something she could easily mold or bend without fear of it snapping in half. She brought it up to her nose, but it only smelled of the slight must of wrapping paper- no intoxicating aroma like the chocolates or any other kind of sweet.

Finally tired of guessing, she flipped it over and removed the single strip of clear tape. Cautious as not to tear the paper- though she wasn't quite sure why she cared, it wasn't like it would be used again- Elphaba unfolded the wrapping just enough to see a picture of a Lion poke through the opening. Excited, she flung the rest of the paper away and briefly let Galinda's note flutter to the floor. The more the item was revealed, the larger her smile became. She turned it back to the front and read the title. Sure enough, it was the DVD copy of Sparrow Speaks, the new documentary about the Resistance- a group of Animals rumored to be fighting against the Wizard's ban for equal rights. Elphaba found their cause enthralling, and she always said if she couldn't work for the Wizard and convince him to change things when she finished school, then she'd join the Resistance herself.

Ever since the movie came out, she'd been dying to see what they'd done with it, whether it was a true to life documentary, or the glamorized version. But Galinda always vetoed it in favor of one of her nauseatingly sweet romantic comedy's she was obsessed with. Now it seemed she'd finally given in. Bending down, the green girl retrieved the note that had slipped under her desk, curious to see what hidden meaning this little gift held.

Number Four: Your heart of gold.

I'm always begging you to watch those sappy romances with me, and no matter how much I know you want to roll your eyes and scoff at my girly love of chick flicks, never once have you said no. When I'm over there whimpering at the corny script and overdone acting, you never judge me for being "overly sensitive because of some dumb movie." Instead you pull me closer and let me cuddle, all the while assuring me you'd never be as big of an idiot as the asshole men who jump to conclusions when they see their girlfriend so much as talk to another guy. You say you'd have to be brainwashed by Ozma herself before you'd ever break up with me like those jerks do to their girlfriends. No matter how mushy or predictable the ending is when they kiss and make up and live happily ever after, you never laugh at me for getting on that emotional rollercoaster every single time. And we never end up watching without a few kisses of our own. :)

Even on the off chance you convince me to watch a scary movie that makes me squeal and jump out of my seat, you always let me cling to you. You can totally tell the effects are fake and horribly done, and you think I'm a silly scaredy cat for being frightened by them, (Don't deny it, I see you roll your eyes when you think I'm not looking), but you let me climb on your lap anyway, just because you know I want to snuggle.

You don't know what that means to me, Elphie- not just that you indulge in my silly obsessions to make me happy, but to always have you there.

This documentary is the beginning of a promise; you do so much for me, and I think it's time I started repaying the favor. We're going to watch this together on some rainy night, and when it's over, I'm going down to that Animal shelter you spend so much time at and sign up to be a full time volunteer with you. I want you to know I'm here for you, El. Whenever and whatever you need, I want to be there to help you through it- even if it's just as simple as needing someone to curl up with to watch movies, You're my best friend, Elphie; I don't want that to ever change. You'll always be my little witch.

Glin

Grinning, Elphaba stowed the movie in the small cabinet under their little dorm T.V. before adding the fourth note to her growing pile. Galinda was fast proving to know her almost better than she knew herself. The thought that she was willing to not only suffer through a documentary with her, but also get down and dirty volunteering with injured Animals made the green girl's heart swell with joy. She hoped her chance would come soon enough to show Galinda just how much each of these small gestures touched her very essence. Never in her life would she have expected to have the privilege of calling anyone as amazing as Galinda Upland her best friend, let alone lover. She would treasure their relationship and these gifts for all they were worth, for as long as each of them lasted.

The fifth present took awhile to find, mostly because she'd been expecting another package, but it was really a gift bag. It was purple plastic with white handles, and stuffed to the brim with lavender packing paper. Wad after wad Elphaba removed before encountering the mysterious package's contents. Galinda's carefully folded message settled at the bottom of the bag, upon a bundle of soft bubblegum pink fabric. Confounded, Elphaba took the paper out and rubbed the bright material between her fingers. Her stomach dropped suddenly and her mouth became dry as the pieces clicked into place and she dared guess the identity of the item in front of her. This couldn't be what she thought it was…

Could it?

With careful hands, she picked up the bundle and removed it from the bag, laying it on her bed and unfolding its cloth as slowly as humanly possible. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, bracing herself for what she would find when the gift was completely exposed.

To the witch's chagrin, her initial instincts had been right on target. Galinda's fifth gift was a one shouldered, bubblegum pink dress. Ruffles adorned the single sleeve and the cinched bodice. Smaller, vertical strips ran from the hem of the neckline down to just above her knees, where the garment tapered to a stop. Elphaba frowned as she ran her slender fingers over the textured material once more. Her girlfriend had been doing so well! What in Oz had possessed her to think it was a good idea to give a dress as one of her presents? And a pink one at that!

It wasn't that Elphaba didn't like pink- not as a color anyway. It was nice enough, as colors went, but to her… Well, anything that wasn't black, navy, or white was almost immediately vetoed from her meager closet. Galinda had tried for months to convince her roommate to brighten up her wardrobe with at least one piece of clothing that wasn't of a neutral palette, but thus far Elphaba had rebuffed every attempt. This appeared to be Galinda's "final push" as it were, and she honestly wasn't sure how to feel about it. Resisting the urge to scrunch her nose in disgust as she eyed the cut of fabric whose shade was so glaringly iridescent it might as well have been a marque from the Emerald City, the green girl begrudgingly picked up the next letter. This explanation, she had to know.

Number Five: The way you look in pink

You know how I always say pink goes good with green? Clearly you still don't believe me, and I can only repeat myself so many times. I've learned with you, the best way to convince you something is true is to let you find out for yourself. So… I took the liberty of picking out a dress for our date tonight!

No, I will not force you to wear it all night, but I do ask that you at least try it on. If you absolutely hate it, we can return it tomorrow morning (though I don't think you will once you see yourself in it :) ).

"Yeah right," Elphaba couldn't stop the eyeroll at that. The pictures now proudly displayed on her desk proved that there were indeed occasions where she could look somewhat attractive- but neither of them had caught her in such an unflattering and downright Galindified shade of ungodly pepto bismol. Just the idea of slipping that disastrous thing over her slim, emerald frame left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Oh, and also, I want you to send me a picture of yourself in it before you immediately rip it off and toss it in my growing charity pile ;P I won't use it for blackmail or anything, haha, I just want the pleasure of reminding myself that my gorgeous girlfriend really does look perfect in pink. And… I won't lie and pretend this wasn't another attempt to add a little pop to your drab closet. You look so pretty in so many colors Elphie, I wish you would let other people see it!

The sorceress snickered as her gaze drifted to her roommate's overflowing closet and the momentous stack of last season's dresses Galinda had been planning to donate to the homeless shelter since December. The blonde was definitely reading her mind when she said that's where the dress would end up. "At least she knows me well enough not to expect me to keep it." She shook her chest-length ebony curl and gave a rueful laugh.

Anyway, if you like the design but really do detest the color AFTER you try it on AND send me proof (Again, doubtful :D), we can exchange it. The only catch is the new one has to be something other than black, navy, or white.

I can't wait to see how pretty you look!

Glin

Well, that was certainly not what she'd expected. Tossing the note on her bed, the witch placed her hands resolutely on her hips and spun on her heel to face the mocking little dress.

What to do, what to do? Her bottom lip curled under the top row of her teeth, jetting in and out from her mouth in a steady rhythm as she eyed the garment in thoughtful contemplation. It's slightly revealing silhouette and tightly cinched waist sure seemed like they would make the wearer quite alluring- as long as said model happened to be anyone except Elphaba Thropp. She didn't care what Galinda said, pink would never make her feel the least bit glamorous or attractive, no matter how many times the bouncy blonde insisted otherwise.

Just as she'd resolved to simply bury the dress in the back of her closet and worry about the impending request for proof some other time- (Hopefully never. If she were lucky, Galinda would be her usual socialite self; jetting merrily back and forth from party to party, and thus dragging Elphaba with her. She'd be much too busy to worry about some ill fitting dress)- her phone buzzed.

A groan escaped her lips when she fished the small device from her pocket and saw the screen light up with a new text message

Galinda: Have you opened your presents yet?

In spite of herself, the witch found a wide smile stretching across her emerald features as she quickly typed out a response.

Elphaba: Hey, Glin, how was Politics? You done for the day?

Galinda: Fine… I guess that means you haven't opened ANYTHING? Get to it, Elphie! Only an hour and a half left 'til I get back!

Elphaba: I don't know… what would I be opening? :P

Galinda: Elphaba! Did you NOT go back to the dorm after your classes finished? You're ALWAYS back by now!

The witch chuckled, having a little too much fun torturing her girlfriend.

Elphaba: Relax, Glin. I'm kidding! I saw all the gifts you left. Didn't I ask you NOT to spoil me?

Galinda: Whatever, you silly girl. Do you like them or not?

Elphaba: Lol You know me so well Glin, I love them.

Galinda: Awww! Yay! I love you so much.

Elphaba: I love you too, my sweet. More than you can possibly imagine

Galinda: Great, now you're making me cry!

Elphaba: Good. You deserve it after what your letters are doing to me.

Galinda: Really? But they were supposed to make you happy!

Elphaba: Oh, they do, my sweet. In fact, they might just be one of the best gifts I've ever gotten. You're the only person who's ever loved me enough to do something like this. I don't know how to thank you.

Galinda: Just wait until tonight, lovely girl, then you can thank me all you want ;)

Elphaba: I can't wait!

Galinda: Lol, me either.

Elphaba felt a hot tingle shoot up her spine; the thought of having her little blonde to herself made her absolutely giddy with pleasure and impatience

Elphaba: I don't want to wait.

Galinda: Well, we have to. I still need to put the finishing touches on your other surprise!

Elphaba: :( I've had more than enough surprises for one day.

She responded as she glanced back at the neon piece of material strewn across her bed.

Can't we just forget it and you come up here to cuddle?

Galinda: No, you stubborn girl, we cannot.

Elphaba: But WHY? You're the only present I really want. ;)

Galinda: Awwww! And that's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me 3

Elphaba: So…? Is that a yes?

Galinda: Not yet ;) Soon, but I've got a few more things to put together first.

The green girl huffed and stomped her foot.

Elphaba: But… Gll-inn!

Galinda: Don't you whine at me, Elphaba Thropp, I TAUGHT you that whine!

The green girl smirked.

Elphaba: Worth a shot.

Galinda: Lol. Oh you! How many presents have you opened so far?

Elphaba winced, then shrugged after a brief moment of thought. Here was her back door; she might as well just come out and ask about the dress now.

Elphaba: Right, about that… I just opened #5 and um…

Galinda: Don't you like it?

Elphaba: Glin, it's a dress. And it's pink!

Galinda: ...Yes

Elphaba: Look, I love you. And everything else has been beyond anything in my wildest dreams, but this…?

Galinda: Oh, just try it Elphie. Please? I told you we don't have to keep it, right?

Elphaba: I… yes.

Galinda: So can you at least humor me? I think you'll look fantastic! Pleeease?

The witch bit her lip and sighed in resignation. Even over text message, she was powerless to resist her girlfriend's pleas.

Elphaba: Why can I never say no to you, sweet?

Galinda: Because you luv me! ;P

The sorceress chuckled once more.

Elphaba: That I do. But I make no promises to keep this infernal thing, okay?

Galinda: Eeep! Yay! Oh, you're gonna look so gorgeous!

The other girl scoffed in disagreement.

Elphaba: Yeah. Right. We'll see.

Galinda: Indeed you will, Elphie. And don't forget the picture!

Reluctantly, Elphaba sighed and dropped her phone in her pocket. She exhaled loudly before picking up the frock and marching to the bathroom. If she really had to do this, no time like the present to get it over with. She flicked on the overhead light and held the dress at arms length, scrunching her features in , the things she did to please her girlfriend.

She slipped out of her formal school skirt and crisp white shirt, hanging them on the hook that usually held her robe on the back of the bathroom door before gingerly pulling the soft cotton dress over her head and down her much too stick-like emerald frame. It settled easily over her slightly larger hips and was surprisingly comfortable where it cinched at the waist, but Elphaba felt awkward when it came to the single sleeve adorning her right shoulder. It was odd to have one arm completely exposed, and the bulging ruffles felt much too ostentatious for her taste. She would've liked to throw the dress off then and there, but she promised Galinda a picture. Bracing herself for what she'd see, she clamped her eyes shut and swiveled toward the mirror.

Steadying her breathing, she waited until the knot twisting her stomach had dissipated to a dull ache, and she managed to swallow back the slight taste of bile rising in her throat, before slowly prying one sable orb open and peeking anxiously at her reflection. Astonished at the image staring back at her, her other eye flew open, and her jaw dropped to the floor. The green girl marveled in awe- the figure in the mirror really did look good in pink. Her jade skin popped against the bright palette, reminding her more of the exotic, talkative parakeets that welcomed the warmth of summer months than the usually sickly lime it usually resembled. The chocolate and auburn highlights of her tightly wound braid were now more noticeable than ever, and for once, Elphaba enjoyed the way the light caught her long locks. She removed her scrunchie and shook out the thick tresses. They no longer hung next to her cheeks like lifeless strings trying to blend in with her one note wardrobe, but bounced and swished along her shoulders, smooth as ocean waves. Her dark eyes looked livelier, and her lightly glossed lips appeared darker. Even the ruffles didn't seem as clunky as they initially had. They flowed gracefully down the sleeve and drew notice away from her too-skinny waist. Elphaba reached out and cautiously touched the tips of her fingers to her glowing mirror image. She couldn't believe the difference a simple outfit could make.

Maybe Galinda had been right after all.

Unable to wipe the dopey grin off her face, she quickly snapped a selfie and sent it off to her roommate with a ping as she made her way back to her desk- now having no intention whatsoever of returning the dress.

Before she could so much as loosen her grip on the device and settle back into her seat, it vibrated with a new text.

Galinda: I take it from the smile on your face, you love it as much as I do?

Elphaba: … Maybe.

She cringed good naturedly as she tapped out the honest response. Galinda would never let her live this down. And there was no way she would ever get out of a mall without buying anything again.

Galinda: Eeeep! Oooh, I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! You look phenomenal, Elphie! I can't wait to see it in person!

Elphaba: Haha, thanks, Glin. See you soon?

Galinda: Soon, lovely girl. Go open the rest of your gifts.

Elphaba chuckled and set her phone to the side, hunting feverishly for the next package. It was another small one, wrapped in sky-blue paper printed with purple chrysanthemums, about the size of the DV. The only difference was it happened to be a square instead of a rectangle. Upon opening it, she recognized it as a self-made CD. She squinted to read the title, which was typed in neat cursive whose capital letters were dotted with hearts: "Our First Valentine's Day- 2015." Her brows furrowed, unsure exactly what she was holding. She flipped the case over to read the back, finding the setlist contained a total of twelve songs, She mused over the titles, reading each one aloud. "Just The Way You Are... Fools Rush In … Unconditional… All Of Me…" Finally, it dawned on the green girl that every single track on this album was a love song.

A part of her wanted to scoff at the corniness of the gift, but the bigger half was touched. She'd never gotten a mixed CD before- much like most of the special packages that now littered the room. Curious, she hit a few keys on her laptop until the screen flared to life. She pressed a button on the side to open the disk drive, slipping the disk in before letting the flap slide closed again. logging into her OzTunes, she quickly selected the title, tapping shuffle as music filtered through her speakers.

What would I do without your smart mouth? Drawing me in, and you kicking me out? You've got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down…

The witch felt lips twitch as they were tugged upward slightly, and pleasent surprise glittered in her sable orbs at the sound of her girlfriend's sweet voice floating just above the melody. She leaned back in the chair, letting her eyes drift closed as the music swept her away. She hadn't ever heard Galinda sing before, and her voice was pure enough break through even the darkest of moods. Elphaba sighed contentedly. Her girlfriend's melodically soothing singing was quite possibly the most wonderful sound she'd ever have the privilege of hearing. And now, Galinda had given it to her on tape, so she could listen whenever she wanted. A smug smiled curled upon her lips at the thought.

When the songs changed for a third time, the green girl finally sat up and reached for the sixth letter, relishing the sounds of Galinda's serenade in the background.

Number Six: Your voice

So, by now I hope you've put in the CD, and- even though I'm nowhere near as good as you- I hope you're enjoying it.

Elphaba let out a small laugh. In her opinion, Galinda's angelic voice was far superior to her own untrained one.

On the rare occasions that you sing to me, it's one of the best things I've ever heard. or think I'm ever going to hear. I thought I'd try to return the favor with a CD of my own. Hopefully it makes you smile, and hopefully it gives you just as many warm fuzzies as I get every time I hear your gorgeous voice. It almost makes me wish my nightmares were more frequent, only because that's the one time I know you'll sing without any protest. (Well and my birthday, of course... You will sing on my birthday, right?) :)

Anyway, if you look on the back of the album cover, you'll see one of the tracks is that lullaby I love so much. I don't think it sounds half as good as when you sing it, but I hope I at least did it justice.

The green girl bolted upright upon reading that, excited to hear Galinda's rendition of something so dear to her. With a few rapidfire keystrokes, the track changed once more. Elphaba's insides warmed when the blonde's delicate voice streamed through the speakers and begin softly singing the lullaby- the same one her mother had sung to her in the two years before she passed at Nessa's birth. She'd thought it held a special place in her heart because of Melena, but somehow, it became even more so hearing her girlfriend's high soprano float over the notes.

"Oh, Glin," she murmured softly, blinking back more happy tears from the corners of her eyes as the melody continued to surface long-forgotten memories of her childhood- Melinda reading to her, brushing her hair, playing little games…

She quickly shook the melancholy thoughts away, and refocused on the now barely tear-stained paper in her hand.

I wish you sung more often, Elphie. You don't know what a true gift your voice is.

Glin

P.S. I planned on getting us tickets to see your favorite band in concert as well, but that will have to wait; they don't go on sale until next week. There is, however, one catch. Before we go, you have to teach me at least two of their songs, so we can sing along. :)

With Galinda's CD as her soundtrack, the sorceress found herself quietly humming along as she searched for the seventh package. All of the boxes and bags were now empty, which was a tad confusing, as there were still three more gifts to go after this one. The only thing that still lay unopened was a thick, green envelope with yet another ornate "Elphie" written on it in thick-tipped pen, as well as a big black "7". Elphaba ran her hand along the seam and carefully pried it apart. She took out the paper inside and peered inside. Momentarily disappointed to find nothing else, she wondered why this one only contained one of her girlfriend's letters. After all the blonde had gone through putting together the rest of these presents, her roommate found it hard to believe that she would forget a gift. Intrigued, she unfolded the next piece of parchment. Something tumbled out, and she quickly knelt to the floor to grab it.

As she sat back up and brought the mysterious pieces of paper closer to the light, Elphaba was certain she had to be dreaming. Her hands trembled with excitement, and she blinked repeatedly to clear her vision, unable to comprehend the fantastic reality of what she was holding. She sucked in her breath and stared at the flimsy strips of card stock, the Ozian word for the first time in her life appearing as though it were complete gibberish in her astonishment.

Things like this didn't happen to her. She didn't get gifts like this. To be given something this amazingly extraordinary was simply too good to be true.

It had to be a prank. They were fake, or a mirage, or maybe meant for someone else. These couldn't possibly belong to her and Galinda…

Could they?

And yet, as impossible as it was, the green girl knew the precious things she held so tightly in her hands were real. There were no counterfeit markings, no fake, poorly done impressions of the Ozian seal, none of the usual tell tale signs of forgery.

No, the things she miraculously had in her possession were really and truly the actual, genuine article.

"Oh my Oz…" Elphaba's heart threatened to burst from her chest in elation. She forgot how to breathe, and she didn't want to blink, for fear the gift more precious than gold would vanish before her very eyes.

Clutched in her shaking emerald palm were two round trip train tickets… to the Emerald City.