My buddy "Denpa Wave Chick Saki" co-wrote this with me. Enjoy!

Elphaba took a deep breath before she raised her fist hesitantly and knocked on the blonde's bedroom door. "Miss Galinda? The guests are arriving. Are you ready?"

The blonde was sitting at her vanity, putting the finishing touches to her hair. "For the hundredth time, Elphaba, it is just 'Galinda'. No 'Miss' is needed."

"Sorry. Old habit, I suppose." Elphaba stood by the door, her hands held behind her back. "So I take it you are ready to head downstairs?"

"Do I look I'm ready?" She made a quick gesture down her robe-clad body. "I still have to put my dress and sho-" she turned around and frowned, noticing Elphaba's emerald suit. "Elphaba, I thought you promised you would wear the dress tonight..."

Elphaba looked down, feeling somewhat ashamed. "I'm sorry I lied to you, but it was the only to satisfy you...and I told you before, I don't wear such nice things. What would your father think? He'd have me fired for sure..."

Galinda sighed. "Fine. I suppose I can't force you to do anything...I'll be done in a few minutes. All I have to do is slip on my dress and shoes." She left her vanity to go behind the changing screen, heading to where her dress was hanging up.

"Galinda, please don't be upset. Don't you see that this is the way things have to be? I know you just want to be my friend, but what would people think? I'm not...not worth the stares and whispers."

"It's your choice to wear the dress or not, Elphaba. I accept that. But don't you think it should be my choice to deal with the stares and whispers or not?" After strapping on her heels, Galinda took the dress off the hanger.

"Well, of course, but I...I just...I care for you far too much to put you through that. As your friend...I just want you to be safe."

The blonde slid the dress on, going out and turning her back to Elphaba. "Zip me up, please? And I get it, Elphaba. I really do. But that does not mean I have to be happy about you not wearing the dress, now does it?" She turned her head to grin back at her.

Elphaba approached the blonde, her fingertips brushing ever so slightly across the smooth skin of Galinda's back as she zipped the dress up. "I suppose not...please understand, I really am sorry."

Galinda smiled. "Thank you." She went over to her full body mirror, giving one last fluff to her hair. She pulled Elphaba over to her, holding her close to her side with an arm. The blonde looked at their reflection. "Look at us...two very colorful friends going to a Lurlinemas ball together. Personally, I don't think our outfits go very well together..." she gave a pointed look at Elphaba before grinning, "But I suppose it works for the holiday. We will be the most festive of the bunch."

Elphaba looked at their reflection and smiled slightly, but that soon faded. "I...we should go." She moved away from the mirror, turning her back to it and crossing her arms. 'This is not right at all!' she thought, trembling slightly.

Galinda was a little confused at the green woman's sudden change in mood, but she was so utterly excited for the ball that she quickly swept it from her mind. "Yay! And we are off to the ball." She slid her arm through Elphaba's and steered her from the room

Elphaba stumbled slightly as she followed the blonde, but as they reached the stairs, she held herself well, head up and back straight. They descended the stairs and Elphaba's sharp eyes scanned the growing crowd. "A lot of guests tonight," she whispered to the blonde.

"Of course there are. The Lurlinemas Ball is the premier event of the year. It's a time to see friends and family that you have not seen for a long time, while still having fun and eating spectacular food and listening to great music and dancing to it."

The green woman looked at her. "Wow. This holiday really means a lot to you, doesn't it?"

Galinda smiled back at her. "It really does. I love everything about Lurlinemas. I love how it brings out the best in people. It is a time for showing your love."

Elphaba nodded. "I seem to be seeing that." They reached the bottom of the stairs and Elphaba looked at the blonde. "Well...where to go from here? Do you see your prince charming?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Knowing him, he will not be here for a little while longer. How about we find Nessa?"

"Not if I find you first!" Nessa said, wheeling behind the blonde and poking her in the back.

"Eeep!" Galinda spun around, "Oh, Nessa, don't sneak up on me like that. You nearly gave me a heart attack."

Nessa smiled. "Oh, I am sure you have had worse scares." She wheeled beside her, looking out at the crowd. "I think this is the biggest Lurlinemas gathering we have ever had."

"There are quite a few unfamiliar faces," Elphaba added.

"Well, it isn't a bad thing at least. I say the more, the merrier!"

"Unless, of course, those 'more' are unfriendly," Elphaba noted.

"I suppose you're ri- Ohhhhh..." She frowned as she saw a particularly handsome young man making his way through the crowd towards her. "Speak of the man himself..."

Elphaba followed Galinda's gaze and her own dark eyes narrowed. "He is the persistent one, isn't he?" She started to move in front of Galinda, somewhat protectively.

"I do wish he would just give up, already. It is getting really old having to dodge his advances every time."

"I will deal with him," Elphaba said. "You go...mingle."

"Elphaba, no," she grabbed the green woman's arm to hold her back. "I really don't want to cause a scene tonight."

"I won't cause a scene. I will simply deal with him."

"Please, just leave it alone." She then noticed a familiar blonde walking into the ballroom. "It will be fine. Besides, I see Fiyero over there, so I will only have to deal with him until he can make it over here. Then I'll have an excuse to leave, alright?"

Elphaba sighed. "Fine...but don't expect me to hang back if he tries anything. And I am not leaving your side."

Galinda gave her a reassuring smile. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you." She felt a light tap on her shoulder and turned to see the dashing man giving a low bow to her, her smile more forced now but still flawless.

"Good evening, Miss Galinda."

"Oh, good evening to you as well, Master Devon. It has been a while."

Elphaba held her arms behind her back, her eyes narrow and her trademark scowl on. She was not fond of this Master Devon, and had dealt with him for several years now. The blonde allowed Devon to lift her hand to his mouth, laying a lingering kiss on it. "So I have heard that you are attending Shiz University now, Miss Galinda. Are the rumors true that you have found yourself a handsome swain there?"

Galinda was slightly taken aback by the blunt question. "I do indeed go to Shiz, Master Devon." She noticed Fiyero nearby, looking around for her. "And as for my handsome swain...Fiyero!" she called for her boyfriend. The Winkie prince immediately heard and made his way over to them.

On his way over, he noticed the man with Galinda who was hardly even trying to hide the glare he had aimed at the blonde prince. With a smirk, Fiyero slid his arm around Galinda's waist before leaning down to give her a, slightly deeper than the typical chaste, kiss. "Hello, Darling. You are looking as ravishing as usual tonight. One could even say you are glowing with beauty."

Galinda blushed in return. "Ever the flatterer, I see." She laid a hand gently on his chest and turned to Devon, her smile much more genuine again. "Master Devon, may I introduce my boyfriend-"

Fiyero cut her off, stepping forward and holding out his hand to Devon. "Fiyero Tiggular, next in line to the throne of the Vinkus."

Elphaba watched the scene, slightly amused. It was true she was not fond of Master Fiyero, but she preferred him over Master Devon at the moment, and it was easier to let the men duke this out in elated levels of testosterone. Still...she decided that she would keep them from killing each other. "I do believe they are going to begin the first song," she said. "You wouldn't want to miss that, what with everyone looking forward to your appearance, Miss Galinda."

"Oh, that does sound like fun. Can we dance, Dearest?"

The prince nodded his head, giving her a loving smile. "Of course, my love. We may do whatever your heart desires." He let the blonde lead him out to the dance floor, glancing back to give Devon a smirk.

Elphaba turned to Master Devon. "Your plight is only in vain. I suggest you keep your distance from Miss Galinda. She wants nothing to do with you, and I would hate to have to throw you out on such a holiday. It is only at her request that I am not throwing you out now."

Devon turned his glare down to Elphaba. "I would like to see you try, you green freak," he said before he walked away without another word. Elphaba bristled at that, but moved into a corner, keeping her eyes on the blonde couple.

"Miss Elphaba?"

The green woman turned and saw Sarima smiling at her. "Ah! M-Miss Sarima!"

The brunette smiled again. "Happy Lurlinemas to you too. This is quite the ball."

Elphaba looked down, her face darkening. "Y-yes...I suppose so."

Galinda apologized to Fiyero as they twirled around the dance floor. "I'm sorry about that, Yero. Devon has been after me for years. No matter what I do, he simply does not get the hint that I am not interested at all."

The prince smiled down at her. "It's all right. I knew when I first asked you out that there were going to be other guys after you. I have no problem with shooting them down for you."

The blonde blushed. "I feel like I should discourage you from doing so...but I seem to find it oddly attractive..."

"Where is your date?" Elphaba asked, keeping her gaze on Galinda.

"Oh, I don't really know. They change so often...my father must find some enjoyment in forcing me to entertain those of lesser intelligence." Sarima shuddered slightly. "It is tiring to have to explain just what I mean by 'Animal rights'."

Elphaba finally looked at her. "You...you are interested in their plight as well?"

Sarima nodded. "Of course. It's simply awful, the oppression they are facing. Even our own Dr. Dillamond."

"Yes..." And for once, Elphaba was able to keep her gaze on something other than Galinda.

"Since it seems my partner is missing, perhaps you would care to dance?"

Elphaba looked down, shaking her head. "I-I couldn't..."

"Oh, come on." Sarima grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the floor, not too far from Galinda and Fiyero.

"Miss Sarima-"

"We have to get closer." Sarima pulled Elphaba close, lifting the green woman's hand to rest on her waist. "Like this."

Elphaba's face grew hot as Sarima took her other hand. "I do not think this is a good idea..."

"Well, we'll see," Sarima said before she started to lead Elphaba into the next dance.

Fiyero had Galinda in a dip when the blonde heiress happened to see Elphaba dancing nearby out of the corner of her eye. After coming up from the dip, she turned her head to get a better look. She whispered to the prince to dance their way. When she was close enough, Galinda made sure to catch Elphaba's glance and grinned at her. After noting the strong blush on the green woman's face, she mouthed, "You like her," to her as she waggled her eyebrows suggestively.

Elphaba could only shake her head at the blonde, mouthing a "no!" back to her.

"What's wrong?" Sarima asked.

"N-nothing! Just...nervous. I don't dance."

"You seem to be doing just fine," Sarima giggled.

Elphaba managed to lead Sarima closer to Galinda and as she spun the brunette she hissed, "Stop it," in the blonde's ear.

Galinda grinned back at her, giggling. "I can't help it. Elphie has a crush."

"No I do not! We're just dancing!" Elphaba hissed before she resumed dancing. "It's nothing!"

"What is nothing?" Sarima asked.

"N-nothing!"

The brunette raised an eyebrow. "I see." Her back suddenly bumped into Galinda's and she turned. "Oh, Miss Galinda. I see we have run into each other yet again."

Galinda turned to look at her. "Oh, yes. It seems that we have, Miss Sarima. How have you been?"

"Oh, just fine. This is quite the ball your father has put on." Elphaba used this distraction to try and slip away unnoticed.

"Thank you. We do put a lot of planning into this ball. We want to make sure everything goes perfectly after all." The blonde noticed almost right away. "Where are you going, Elphaba?"

The green woman froze. "I...am going...to check on Nessa!" She scurried away.

"Oh dear. I seem to have frightened her off," Sarima said, watching her.

"I wouldn't worry about it too much. Social situations in general scare her."

Sarima looked at the blonde. "You never worry much about her. You should try to get to know her...but that is just my opinion." The brunette turned and left, making her way through the crowd.

Galinda stood there gaping for a moment. When she was about to go after Sarima, she felt Fiyero's arm around her waist, holding her back. "Leave it be, babe. Don't let her ruin your night."

The blonde sighed, but stopped struggling. "Alright...but she was so not right. I do know her, and I do worry about her. I know Elphaba better than she ever will."

Elphaba, meanwhile, had retreated to her corner, her gaze back on the blonde. In truth, she wasn't sure of her feelings for Sarima. Galinda seemed convinced that there was something between them, but Elphaba doubted it highly. Besides, it wouldn't be right...for two women...right?

"Why did you run?"

Elphaba looked at the brunette. "I apologize, but I...I am not used to such situations."

Sarima's expression softened. "I understand." She leaned in closer, placing a hand over the Oz symbol on Elphaba's jacket. "Thank you for the lovely dance though."

"It seems Elphaba has found a friend," Nessa said as she came up to the blonde heiress after the song ended.

Fiyero left to go grab them some drinks, and Galinda nodded. "Yes, it seems so."

"It is an interesting choice though. I wonder why Sarima has such an interest in her?"

The blonde shrugged. "I suppose everybody has their own preferences."

"Well, aren't you the eloquent one?" Nessa said, rolling her eyes. There was pause, and then, "Wait...you're not jealous of Sarima...are you?"

"Of course I am not jealous. I have no reason to be."

A smile spread across Nessa's face. "You are! You wanted to be Elphaba's first friend...come on, Galinda, just admit it," the brunette said, poking her sister in the ribs.

"I don't want to be her first friend. I am her first friend. I just...why does she need to be friends with Sarima too. Am I not good enough?"

"I knew it!" Nessa laughed. "Galinda, I'm sure Elphaba sees you much differently than Sarima. And who knows? Maybe she is just being cordial. And don't you think you're being just a tad selfish? Perhaps you need Elphaba more than she needs you."

Galinda bowed her head in shame with a sigh. "I know...I am trying to stop."

"It isn't so much that you need to stop. Just...give her time."

Elphaba, meanwhile, had managed to slip away from Sarima and approached the two. "And suddenly I do not like being the center of attention."

"Hello, Elphie. How was your talk with Miss Sarima?"

Elphaba immediately turned dark green. "I DO NOT LIKE HER, OKAY? STOP TEASING ME!"

Galinda's eyes widened at her reaction. "I, uh, actually wasn't referring to that. I really was just wondering if everything went alright."

The green woman looked down. "I...it was fine. Just...fine." She didn't know why she was in such denial of her feelings, but she supposed it had to do with the fact that she had never had friends let alone...was it romance? Any of that in her life.

The blonde smiled. "I am glad for you."

"Yes..." Elphaba looked back up at her. "I...can we go outside? I need some...fresh air..."

"That sounds like a great idea. Fresh air will be nice."

Elphaba nodded before she walked with the blonde out onto the terrace. The green woman leaned against the railing, looking down into the gardens. "Are you...enjoying yourself?" Elphaba asked, not looking at the blonde.

"Yes, I am. Very much so." She leaned against the balcony railing, gazing up at the sparkling stars. "How about you? Are you having a good time?"

"O-oh, well I...I mean...this isn't for me. I am satisfied as long as you are pleased."

"You know, Elphaba, you are allowed to think for yourself."

"I do think for myself, thank you very much. I just...this way of life...it isn't me. It's your way of life...your people. So when you ask me if I am enjoying myself, it only makes sense that I am happy if you are." She finally looked at the blonde.

"Elphaba, you are my friend. I do not want to hear what you think I want to hear. I want to hear what you honestly think."

"Honestly? I am bored out of my mind. I don't like these social gatherings in the slightest." A pause and then Elphaba grinned. "Is that something along the lines of what you expected me to say? I'm fine, Galinda, really. Don't worry yourself." She turned her attention back to the gardens and a flash of movement caught her eye. Elphaba leaned a little farther over the railing, trying to peer into the darkness.

The blonde giggled. "That is about exactly what I expected you to say." It was at that moment that Fiyero came out onto the terrace with drinks for himself and Galinda. He handed the blonde hers. "Thank you, dearest."

"Would you...excuse me?" Elphaba said before she fled from the terrace, making her way down into the gardens and starting after the figure she had seen.

Galinda nodded then pointed to a bench nearby on the terrace, turning to Fiyero. "Would you mind if we sat down? My knee is starting ache a little."

"Of course not." The prince led her over to the bench and they sat down. The bench was set so that it faced away from the palace, providing a great view of the sky and the gardens.

"Thank you so much. I guess all the standing and dancing I have done tonight is starting to catch up to it." She sat down next to her boyfriend.

Elphaba made her way through the gardens, soon stumbling across Sarima. "M-Miss Sarima! Are you...all right?"

Sarima turned to face her. "Oh? Yes, I'm fine. I just needed some air...it's so pretty out here."

"Yes, the flowers are lovely in bloom."

Sarima approached the green woman, and Elphaba looked down. "Elphaba...you have matured into such an amazing woman. I'm sorry Galinda does not appreciate you, because you deserve it."

"She does. It's just...it took some time."

"You are so sweet, always sticking up for her." Sarima placed a hand on the side of Elphaba's face.

"Well, I...I mean, we-" The green woman was suddenly cut off as Sarima pulled her down gently for a kiss.

Galinda was admiring the view of the night sky and the gardens when she spotted a familiar green figure. After watching closer for a few seconds, she noticed that Elphaba was with a purple-clad figure. Wait. Wasn't Miss Sarima wearing a purple dress tonight? Upon that realization, the blonde figured out what was happening. 'They're...kissing?' She leaned her head against Fiyero's shoulder and continued to watch. 'I wonder...what it would be like...to kiss a girl...'

Elphaba felt Sarima pull away and she looked down at the other woman. "Sarima..."

"I'm sorry. Was that terribly inappropriate?"

"This whole situation is inappropriate," Elphaba replied, her head spinning. Still, she found herself leaning in to kiss the brunette again.

After finishing her drink, the blonde sat back up with a slight shiver as a cold breeze blew by. "Can we head back inside, Yero? It's starting to get a tad chilly out here."

The prince stood up, holding his hand out to Galinda. "Of course. Let's get you back into the warmth of the palace." Galinda took his hand and followed him inside after one last look at Elphaba and Sarima.

Sarima pulled away, smiling slightly. "I must go..." she said, placing a finger over Elphaba's lips. "I hope to see you again," and she was gone, leaving Elphaba alone in the gardens, still confused as to what had just happened. After a pause, she too headed back inside, searching the crowd, but Sarima was gone.

The blonde managed to convince Fiyero that her knee was feeling much better, and she pleaded with him to dance again. Elphaba had moved into her corner by now, her gaze back on Galinda, but she didn't really see the blonde as much as she saw through her, her thoughts still on Sarima and what had transpired in the gardens.

When a particularly fast paced song ended, Galinda and Fiyero left the dance floor a little out of breath. The prince went to grab them some more drinks while Galinda headed over to Elphaba with a breathless smile. "Well, you sure look a little out of it, Elphie. Are you ok?"

Elphaba's eyes focused slowly on Galinda. "Y-yes...I'm fine." She cleared her throat. "Um...h-how are you doing? Your knee...?"

"It feels much better after I rested it a little. You sure were out in the gardens for a while."

Elphaba's face darkened. "I...I just needed some air...and Miss Sarima needed...assistance."

"Really? What kind of assistance? Is she all right?"

"Err...she...she is fine, but she had to...leave." The green woman thought frantically, 'Oh, Oz, she knows!'

"Oh. What a shame. Well, I hope she enjoyed the ball while she was here."

"She...she didn't say otherwise." Elphaba looked down. "I...I hope you are enjoying yourself?"

"I am having a wonderful time. I get to have a loving night full of my favorite people: my sister, my boyfriend, and my...best friend."

Elphaba gave her a look. "Your best friend? Someone I haven't met yet?" She started searching the crowd, brow furrowed.

The blonde blushed. "I was talking...about you."

The green woman stared at her, mouth slightly agape. "M-me? But Galinda..." She looked down, face dark, "Surely...I can't really be..."

"I...I do mean it. You are the first person who, well, at least this is what I think, likes me for me..."

"Well, I...I just...you saw me too...and you are a good person. You just need...to let others see that too."

The blonde gave her a big smile. "Well, thank you. You are a good person too, you know? Besides, seeing as you are my only real friend...doesn't that make you my best friend? By default?" She grinned.

Elphaba made a face. "Well, that's somewhat of a letdown," but she grinned.

"But it's ok. You are still my best friend...even not by default."

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

"I am not just saying that. I truly mean it."

Elphaba smiled slightly at her. "Thank you..."

The ball went late into the night, and the clock of the Time Dragon had struck midnight by the time the last of the guests left. Elphaba was in the ballroom alone, picking up stray ribbons and decorations that had fallen from the trees. Her thoughts still wandered back to Sarima and the gardens, wondering why she had left so suddenly. Galinda appeared behind her, giving her a light tap on the shoulder. "What are you still doing in here, Elphie? It's not your job to clean up."

The green woman turned to face the blonde. "I...I just needed to clear my head," she replied, looking down at the golden tinsel in her hands. "How...how do you know...when you are in love?"

"I think it's when you would find yourself craving to be hung on and showed affection, because, coming from the right person, it would make your heart fly and you would feel like it was made to be. You would be willing to go through anything for that person. You would enjoy giving them your attention because you know it makes them happy...and having them be happy makes you happy, because you love them so much. You want nothing more than to be with the one you love."

Elphaba nodded before she looked out across the empty ballroom. She turned back to the blonde and, before she really knew what she was doing, she held her hand out to Galinda. "Care for one last dance?"

The blonde smiled, taking her hand. "I would love to." She led Elphaba out to the middle of the dance floor.

The green woman blushed slightly. "I have to admit...I'm not the best dancer in Oz...forgive me if I step on you."

"It's alright. I'll help you. Do you know the positions at least?"

"Um..." Elphaba hesitantly put one hand on Galinda's hip, taking her hand in the other. "This?"

"Almost. You're very close. It is a common misconception that the hand goes on the hip, when, in fact, it should be here," she took Elphaba's right hand and moved around to lay against her upper back. The blonde then placed her left arm along the green woman's so that her hand rested on her shoulder. "There. Now, we are ready to dance."

Elphaba's face grew darker. "I...maybe this wasn't such a good idea...I-I don't know what I was thinking..."

"Everything is going to be ok, Elphaba. Just follow my lead. We will go nice and slow, alright?" She gave her a reassuring smile, not moving out of the position.

The green woman nodded slowly. "A-all right..." She gripped Galinda's hand a degree tighter.

"Alright. Watch my feet. You are going to follow my feet with your own. We'll just do a simple waltz. Are you ready?"

"I hope so." Elphaba gave her a nervous grin before directing her gaze down to Galinda's feet.

"Alrighty then. Here we go." She started to count the beat out loud, slowly moving her feet, but she made sure to allow enough time for Elphaba to keep up. Elphaba moved somewhat clumsily at first, but soon started to get the hang of it. Still, she couldn't bring herself to look up at the blonde, so she kept her gaze on their feet. "You're doing fantastical, Elphie."

The green woman laughed nervously. "Th-thanks." Her gaze remained down.

The blonde looked at her, a small frown on her face. "Elphaba...why won't you look at me? Did I do something to upset you?"

The green woman finally looked up at the blonde. "N-no! It isn't you...it's just..." Before she could finish, Elphaba's hand accidentally slid down Galinda's back, brushing against her...well...it made Elphaba's blush darker. "I'm sorry!"

The blonde gasped in fake shock before giggling. "Calm down, Elphaba. It's fine."

Instead of replying, the green woman dipped the blonde, looking down into her sapphire eyes. "Are you sure...this is fine?" she asked softly.

Galinda blushed a little, but nodded. "Yes. This is fine as well."

Elphaba pulled her back up, her gaze back down. She released the blonde and moved away from her. "I...I have to go," she said quickly, before she turned and fled from the room. Galinda stood in the middle of the ballroom floor for a few moments, in shock, before she finally moved, slowly heading back to her room. Elphaba was already there, preparing a hot bath for the blonde and unmaking her bed. She kept her gaze on the bedspread when she heard Galinda enter.

The blonde went behind her changing screen and began stripping off her dress. "Elphaba, is everything all right? You've acting a little odd..." She hung up her dress on its hanger before slipping on a robe and heading into the bathroom.

"Everything is just fine. I...I just...I have a lot to think about at the moment." Elphaba finished with the bed and went to retrieve the blonde's pajamas. "M-Miss Sarima left so suddenly..."

Galinda took off her robe and slipped into the bathtub. "You know you can talk to me, right?"

"Of course. We're talking right now."

"I mean that you can talk to me about your problems. Talking about them almost always makes you feel better afterwards."

"Well, when you put it like that, I do have a confession...I have this skin condition...it makes my skin green, you see."

The blonde made a face at her. "That is not what I meant, and you know it."

Elphaba sighed. "Yes, I know, but what do you want me to say? I went out to...assist Miss Sarima and she suddenly left. I don't know if I offended her or something...and then you and I danced together and I accidentally touched your...well..."

"I have already told you that it was fine. I know it was just an accident. As for Miss Sarima, however, I suppose you will just have to ask her yourself. Perhaps send a letter or something?"

"What would I even say?" Elphaba sighed again. "When you kiss Master Fiyero...how do you feel?"

"I feel like I am floating on a cloud of happiness."

Elphaba nodded slowly. Had she felt like that with Sarima? She couldn't remember. "So...I trust you had an enjoyable Lurlinemas?" she asked, looking to change the subject.

Galinda gave a sigh of happiness as she stepped out of the tub, wrapping a towel around her. "I truly did." She left the bathroom after drying off and went behind her changing screen. She let her towel fall to the floor and pulled on her nightdress. "How about you? Did you enjoy yourself?"

"I suppose...more than usual..."

The blonde stuck her head out from behind her changing screen with a grin. "So are you ready for your final present?"

Elphaba's head snapped up. "Final...how can there possibly be more? I don't deserve anything else from you."

"Trust me. You do." She picked up and envelope that she had been hiding behind the screen. "And I have a feeling that this is going to be your favorite of them all."

Elphaba raised an eyebrow. "Um...okay."

Galinda came out from behind the screen and, hiding the envelope in one hand behind her back, gently pushed Elphaba down to sit on the bed. "I think you are going to need to sit down for this one." She sat down next to her. "Are you ready?"

The green woman nodded. "You're starting to make me nervous."

"There is no need to be nervous," she giggled. The blonde slowly took out the envelope, handing it to Elphaba.

The green woman took it from her before she opened it slowly, pulling out the folded letter inside. Elphaba's hands began to shake the moment she read the words "SHIZ UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AND RECORDS" at the top of the page. "Galinda...this...this is..."

"Your acceptance letter to Shiz," Galinda finished for her. "When we go back after winter break, you are going to be a student. Not a servant."

Elphaba could only stare, her mouth slightly agape. The letter fell from her hands as the green woman closed her eyes, trying to stop the tears that were starting down her face. After years of abuse and wishing...

The blonde clapped a hand over her mouth at Elphaba's reaction. "Oh, Oz. You hate it, don't you? I-I'll get you something else, I swear. I'll go get something right now!" She leapt off the bed.

"No!" Elphaba grabbed her arm and pulled the blonde back, embracing her tightly and burying her face in Galinda's shoulder. "Thank you...no one has ever...I didn't think I would ever...thank you," she sobbed.

Galinda held her close, tears welling in her own eyes. "Are these happy tears, Elphie? I did good?"

Elphaba nodded. "Yes...and 'good' is an understatement."

"I am so glad you like it." She stroked the raven hair gently. "Oh, and guess what else?"

"I don't know if I can stand much more excitement."

"Guess who your roommate is..."

"We have always been roommates."

"But now it is official, and you have your own bed and desk and everything. I even sacrificed a part of my closet so you have space too."

"What?" Elphaba looked up at her, eyes wide. "I can't...you..." The green woman buried her face in the blonde's shoulder again, holding her tighter. "I can't believe you did all this for me..."

"We are friends now, Elphie. With any sort of relationship comes sacrifice. I was happy to do it. Though my shoes aren't so happy." She grinned at her jokingly.

Elphaba just held Galinda close, trying to calm herself down. "Thank you..."

"You are very welcome. So may I ask you something?"

Elphaba nodded. "Y-yes."

"On a scale of one to ten, with ten being amazing...what would you rate your first Lurlinemas?"

"Well, I haven't exactly had too much to compare it to, but I would say it's about...an eight."

The blonde gaped at her. "Only an eight?"

"Well...I did lie to you about the dress...and I'm still wearing a cast...but I'll make it a nine if that's more acceptable."

Galinda frowned. "Fine. I suppose I will just have to take what I can get..."

Elphaba looked at the blonde. "The only thing I truly want...I cannot have." The green woman offered her a smile before she moved to sit on the bed again, picking up the letter and rereading it, just to make sure it was real.

The blonde looked at her with a confused look. "What do you truly want?"

Elphaba shook her head. "It doesn't matter."

"Yes, it does. If it's what you truly want, then it definitely does matter."

The green woman shook her head again and stood. "You'll laugh..."

"No, I won't. I promise."

"I want..." The green woman sighed. "I want..." She smiled slightly and shook her head. "Nevermind. I can't say it."

"Oh, come on. Tell me, Elphie."

"I can't."

"Why?"

"Because...it's just...so ridiculous and...it's never going to happen, so I'd rather...keep it to myself."

"Why won't you tell me?"

"I've already given my reasons." Elphaba looked down. "Please...don't press me further."

The blonde sighed. "Alright. If it means that much to you, I won't pester you about it anymore."

Elphaba looked at her. "I want someone..."

"Someone? Who?"

"I don't know yet..."

"You don't...know?"

Elphaba shook her head. "I mean...I want someone who can love me...for me...and I want to love them in the same way...but even though there are people I care for...I don't know who that one person is..."

"Oh, Elphie. I know you will find that person. There is definitely somebody who is perfect for someone as wonderful as you."

The green woman looked at Galinda and suddenly felt an odd feeling in her gut. Before she realized it, bitterness came out of that feeling. "That's easy for you to say! You're beautiful and popular, and you already have a boyfriend! You don't know what it's like to be like me! To know that the person you have affections for will never return them! To watch someone you care for turn to someone else in their time of need! To see them give that person everything you wish you could have, but know you never will!"

"Elphaba!" the blonde gasped in shock at the sudden turn of events. "You're right. I may not know how that feels. Sure, I may have a boyfriend now. Sure, I may be happy now. But what do you think I am going to feel like when all of that goes away?"

"What do you mean 'when'? You and Fiyero are so in love! It won't go away! You have everything! You will never have to go through the pain I go through!"

Galinda collapsed on the edge of the bed, burying her face in her hands and shaking her head. "There it is again...I do not have everything, Elphaba. You think I don't know what Fiyero does behind my back? How he looks at other girls? I know. I have known for a while. No matter what I do, he will leave. Maybe not in a month or a year, but he will leave...and no matter what I do, I won't be able to stop him. He just isn't the kind of man who can be held down by one girl, no matter how hard she may try..."

Elphaba softened as she moved to sit beside the blonde. "Then why are you trying so hard to hold on?" She brushed a few strands of blonde hair from her face. "You deserve someone who really cares for you...and if you want to find the right person, you have to be willing to let go of the wrong one."

"Because try as I did...I couldn't help but fall for him..."

Elphaba smiled slightly. "I think I know how you feel...I think I've fallen for someone I really shouldn't have..."

"I'm happy now, though...is that such a bad thing? To want to want to stay happy for as long as I can?"

"Of course not...but if you force yourself to be happy, that will only make the fall hurt more...but I only want you to be happy. You deserve that. I just...don't want to see you hurt."

"Thanks, Elphie," she sniffed before leaning her head on the green woman's shoulder.

Elphaba held her close. "I will always be here for you. I would never look at another woman the way I look at you," she said with a slight grin, giving the blonde a slight squeeze.

Galinda gave a small giggle, squeezing her back. "I feel the same way."

Elphaba blushed. "Uhhh..." She cleared her throat. "Perhaps we should be...getting some rest. Today was a long day, after all, and you must be tired."

The blonde let out a small yawn. "I suppose I am...a little tired..."

The green woman smiled. "We should get you into bed then." She helped the blonde under the blankets, pulling them up, and, for once, she was saddened by the fact that they had separate rooms. "Anything you need before I go?"

Galinda tiredly shook her head. "Nope. I'm fine."

Elphaba nodded. "Well, fresh dreams then..." She leaned in and kissed the blonde on the forehead, barely whispering, "my sweet," before she pulled away and started for her own room.

"Elphie?"

The green woman paused in the doorway. "What is it?"

"Happy Lurlinemas...and thank you."

Elphaba looked down, pausing for a few moments before she left, closing the door softly behind her. She leaned her forehead against the door, a few tears running silently down her face, before she started for her room.