As always, I co-wrote this with my buddy "Denpa Wave Chick Saki". Enjoy!

Galinda was bouncing in her seat, watching the scenery outside the carriage grow more familiar as they got closer to Shiz. "Elphie, aren't you excited? We're going to be classmates now!"

The green woman smiled back slightly. "Easy, Galinda, or you'll hurt yourself," she said, placing a hand on the blonde's shoulder. "I have never seen you this excited for school before."

"Well, of course I'm excited! You finally get the rest of your present."

"And that would be actually attending Shiz?"

"Exactly! I'm just so happy that I was able to give that to you."

"Me too." An odd look crossed Elphaba's face. "Galinda...that wouldn't happen to be what you talked to your father about that night, would it?

The blonde looked down. "Umm...maybe..."

Elphaba rolled her eyes. "That means 'yes' in your language." She took one of Galinda's hands gently in her own. "You risked so much for me, but I have to ask...are you really willing to give up your reputation to be my friend?"

"I don't know if I'm...strong enough...but I am willing to try. I'm sorry if I don't do everything right in the beginning."

Elphaba smiled slightly before giving the blonde's hand a squeeze. "It's all right...just know that I...I'll be there for you...every step of the way."

"Thank you, Elphie." She squeezed her hand in return with a smile. She looked out the window and grinned. "Oh, look! We're almost back!"

"Are you sure it's really Shiz you're looking forward to, or is it seeing Master Fiyero again?" Elphaba asked as the carriage started to slow to a stop.

Galinda looked down, fiddling with her hands on her lap. "I...I'm not sure..."

" I meant that as a joke...I'm sorry..." Elphaba's face darkened as she stood. "I'll...unload the luggage now," she said before she opened the door and stepped out.

"Elphie, don't. You're not a servant here anymore."

"I know that, but it's not like you are tall or strong enough to do it," Elphaba replied as she lowered the first trunk to the ground. "It's fine, really."

The blonde frowned, knowing that she was right. "Fiiiinnneeee."

"Galinda, there is such a thing as being too concerned, you know. I mean, it's not like you're ordering me to do it, so relax."

"I...alright then." Galinda picked up her duffel bag. She then attempted to pick up one of her larger bags, but after a wide-eyed look, she quickly let it drop. "Wow. That is much heavier than I thought it would be..."

Elphaba laughed. "Now do you see my point?" The green woman grabbed the bag in question and slung it over her shoulder as if it weighed nothing. She took one of the trunks in her free hand. "I'll come back for the others. Ready to head inside?" The blonde looked like she was about to say something, but, instead, she hung her head and walked inside with a nod. The green woman frowned slightly. "H-hey...don't feel bad. I've been lifting heavy objects since...since I can remember. It's nothing for you to be ashamed of."

"I never realized how much of a wimp I am...I have now developed a newfound respect for you."

"While I appreciate that, you are in no way a wimp. You're just...feminine. Think of it this way: I possess more masculine traits than feminine. You wouldn't want that for yourself."

Galinda thought about it for a second. "I suppose you're right. But I still don't get how you can make lifting that ginormous bag look so easy."

Elphaba shrugged. "Like I said, I have been doing it for a while. It's the same way you can make dancing look so graceful." Her face immediately darkened and she looked down.

She frowned a little at the mention of the sport. "Yes...dancing..."

"What's wrong? You love dancing."

"I haven't danced since...my fall..."

"O-oh..." Elphaba looked down and didn't say anything else until they reached their room. She looked at the two beds, and desks, and felt her heart begin to soar. Her eyes suddenly lit up and she dropped the bag and trunk she was carrying. "Then let's go now!"

The blonde looked at her, shocked. "Go where?"

"To the studio! You have done so much for me; now I am going to help you!" She grabbed Galinda's wrist and started to pull her from the room.

Galinda dug in her heels, shaking her head with wide eyes. "N-no! I can't go."

"Come on! It's been two months since the injury! You can't be afraid. Don't you want to dance again?"

"I can't do it, Elphie. I just can't."

Elphaba paused. "Galinda...don't you even want to try? Tell me what you're afraid of."

"I don't...I don't want to get hurt again..."

"But if you never try...you won't dance again, and don't you want to?" She brushed a few strands of hair from the blonde's face. "I'll be right there. I won't let you get hurt."

"P-promise? You'll be there the whole time?"

Elphaba offered her a smile. "I won't leave your side."

The blonde let her head fall forward in the defeat. "Alright. I guess I'll get ready then..."

"Galinda...I don't want to force you into anything...but I don't want you to lose something you love either. It will take some time to build your confidence back up, yes...but you have to take that first step."

"I know...but that first step is so scary..." She disappeared into her closet to change.

" I know it is...but I'll be right here. I know you can do it."

"Thank you..." Galinda came out of her closet, dressed properly. She opened a drawer and slowly pulled out her pointe shoes. "Alright. I'm ready to go."

Elphaba nodded. "All right...let's go then." She gave the blonde another smile. Galinda followed, not speaking much as she tried not to think about what was she was about to do. They reached the empty studio, and Elphaba turned to the blonde. "Well, here we are. You ready?"

The blonde in question sat down on the floor and began taping up her feet. "Are you sure I can do this, Elphie?" she asked as she pulled on her shoes.

"I have the utmost confidence in you," Elphaba said with a smile, offering the blonde her hands to help pull her to her feet.

Galinda took her hands, letting the green woman pull her to her feet. "Will you play for me?" she asked, moving over to the beams so she could warm up.

"Of course," Elphaba replied before she walked over to the piano and sat at the bench, playing a few notes before she looked up and asked, "Do you just want music, or should I assault your ears with my singing?"

"Both please?" She smiled at her.

Elphaba smiled and blushed lightly. "Alright..." She started to play a consistent tune, her gaze down at first, but soon drifting to the blonde. "2 am and she calls me 'cause I'm still awake, 'can you help me unravel my latest mistake? I don't love him, winter just wasn't my season'." Galinda finished with her warm ups and stood there, staring at her feet. Elphaba paused. "Hey...you okay?"

"I don't think I can do this, Elphie..."

"Galinda..." The green woman stood up and approached her, taking her hands gently. "I know you can. Come on...nice and easy." She looked into the sapphire eyes. "I won't let go."

The blonde took a deep breath before she slowly rose to the point of her shoes. She took a few steps and grew a little more confident. "I think I should be ok now, Elphie. Thank you."

Elphaba nodded. "Shall I return to the piano?"

"Yes, please."

The green woman returned to the bench and sat, resuming where she had left off. "Yeah we walk through the doors, so accusing their eyes, like they have any right at all to criticize. Hypocrites, you're all here for the very same reason." Galinda began dancing. After a little bit, she gradually grew more confident in her movements. Occasionally she even grinned over at Elphaba. Elphaba returned the gestures, blushing. "'Cause you can't jump the tracks, we're like cars on a cable, and life's like an hourglass glued to the table. No one can find the rewind button, girl, so cradle your head in your hands. And breathe...just breathe..." Not too long later, the blonde was so absorbed by the music that she pushed herself up into a leap before she even realized what she was doing. Mid-jump she snapped out of her trance, and the world seemed to move in slow motion, visions of her fall flashing through her mind. As soon as her foot hit the floor again, she crumpled to the ground. "Galinda!" Elphaba leapt to her feet, rushing to the blonde's side. "What happened? You were doing fine..."

"I...I didn't know...didn't realize...I was jumping until it was too late...it all flashed through my head...I was there...falling again...and it...it scared me..." Galinda sat there on the floor for a few moments, sobbing into her hands.

"It's all right," Elphaba said, hesitantly pulling the blonde into her arms. "You're all right..."

"I think...I'm done dancing...for today..."

Elphaba sighed. "Alright...I'm sorry I pressured you..."

The blonde shook her head. "No...thank you. I needed to take that step."

The green woman gave her a half smile before she stood. "Can you stand?" she asked, offering Galinda a verdant hand.

Galinda took the offered hand. "Yeah. I think so." She got to her feet.

Elphaba was about to say something in reply when the door to the studio opened. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize this was- Miss Galinda...Miss Elphaba...fancy seeing you here."

Elphaba turned dark green and looked away. "Hello...Miss Sarima..." she muttered.

The blonde sat down and began removing her shoes. "I didn't know you danced, Miss Sarima."

"Well, I'm not as graceful as you...and it's mainly ballroom dancing." She approached the two and Elphaba moved away, crossing her arms and looking down. "I apologize for leaving the ball early. It was quite magnificent."

Galinda placed her shoes back into her bag and put on her slippers. "Yes, it was a shame you had to leave so early. It was quite a fun night."

"Well, I do hope I didn't insult you." Sarima moved to the piano and sat at the bench, playing a few notes. "I could never play this right..." She looked at the blonde. "Surely you play, Miss Galinda?"

Galinda shook her head. "Oh, no. I only sing. I couldn't play the piano if my life depended on it. Elphaba, though, plays beautifully."

Elphaba's face grew darker at that. "N-no I don't!" she immediately protested, turning around to face the two women.

The blonde grinned. "No need to be modest, Elphaba. You were, in fact, playing only a few minutes ago on that very piano."

"S-sure, but it was only...practice..."

"Oh, please come play something," Sarima said. She scooted over and patted the bench beside her.

Elphaba's hands clenched and unclenched before she moved to sit beside her, setting her fingers on the keys, feeling her hand brush against Sarima's. "Uhhh..."

"Come on, Elphie. I know that you can play a lot of songs. Pick one." She smiled.

Elphaba gave the blonde a look that said 'you are not helping!' She looked back down, trying to think of a song. Finally, she settled on a tune that had an almost music box sound to it. "I've been alone with you inside my mind. And in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times. I sometimes see you pass outside my door. Hello, is it me you're looking for?" As she sang, the green woman started to forget that two people were currently watching her. "I can see it in your eyes, I can see it in your smile. You're all I ever wanted; my arms are open wide. And you know just what to say, and you know just what to do, and I have to tell you so much...I..." Her voice suddenly failed her and she stopped, her hands hovering above the keys.

While Elphaba was singing, Galinda managed to sneak out of the dance studio with a grin. She quietly waited on a bench not too far from the studio, knowing that Elphaba would worry if she couldn't find the blonde. Galinda slid off a slipper and began gently massaging her already sore feet.

Elphaba became aware that Galinda had, in fact, left. She stood up, but Sarima grabbed her hand. "She just stepped outside," Sarima said, standing up. "Elphaba...did I do something wrong? Are you upset with me?"

"Wh-what? No..." Elphaba said, looking down at her. "I'm just...confused."

Sarima put a hand on the back of Elphaba's neck and pulled her down for a gentle kiss. "Well...let me know when you figure it out," she said, running a finger over Elphaba's lips. "I like you, Elphaba...I like you quite a lot."

Elphaba darkened. "Yes, well...I have to go find Galinda." She fled from the studio, starting down the hall. "Galinda!"

Galinda's head snapped up when she heard her name being called. "Elphaba?" She waved at her.

The green woman approached, her face still dark green. "Why...I...you left me alone with her!"

"I knew that you two needed to work things out. That obviously was not going to happen with me there."

"Work things...what are you talking about? What things?"

"You thought she was upset with you, and I could tell that she thought you were upset with her. So yes, you two needed to work things out."

"We...there is nothing between us!" Elphaba started to stalk off angrily, but soon turned and came back, arms crossed. "I would have continued stomping away, but I can't leave your side...so imagine I'm still stomping away from you angrily."

"It doesn't matter if there is or isn't something like that going on with you two. You needed to work something out though. I was just allowing space for it to happen." She slid her slipper back on and stood up with her bag. "Shall we head back to the room then?"

Elphaba nodded. "Stop trying to analyze me. You don't like her anyway...Would...would you prefer me to not be friends with her?"

"I am not trying to analyze you. And you are allowed to be friends with anyone you want, Elphaba. You don't have to ask me for permission for every little thing in your life."

"I'm not asking permission. I'm asking what you'd prefer." Elphaba looked down. "Galinda...I know you were a little...jealous..."

"But that's just me. I need to work on that myself. Elphie, you can do what you want."

Elphaba gave her a look. "You want to be my friend? Then be honest with me. Tell me what you're feeling."

The blonde sighed. "I don't particularly like her...I don't know, something about her just seems...off...but please don't let my opinion affect your friendship though."

"There. Now was that so hard?" They reached their room and Elphaba gave her a small smile. "I have to go retrieve the rest of the luggage. I'll be right back." Elphaba started to leave the room.

"Alright, Elphie. I think I am going to take a bath. So that's probably where I will be when you get back."

Elphaba left the room and headed down to the carriage, grabbing the other trunk before she headed back to the room. "Galinda, are you in the bath already?"

The blonde called out from the bathroom, "Not quite yet Elphie. I'm going to be in a few moments though." She placed her foot on the edge of the almost full tub, leaning over to examine her knee.

Elphaba set the trunk down. "Do you want me to start unpacking?"

"Elphaba, how many times do I have to tell you that you aren't a servant anymore?" Satisfied, she brought her leg down, slipping off her robe and stepping into the tub.

"I-I know that. It's just...as your friend, I want to help you out. Is that such a bad thing?" she asked as she unlocked the first trunk.

"I suppose not," Galinda sighed. "But I don't want you doing it all the time."

"Don't worry. Unpacking is usually a one-time thing," Elphaba replied with a grin. "Need any help in there?"

The blonde thought for a moment. "Nope. I don't think so."

"All right." Elphaba started to hang Galinda's dresses up. "Just give me a shout if you do."

"Alright," Galinda giggled.

When Elphaba walked into Dr. Dillamond's classroom the next day, she couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. It was real...this was actually happening. Galinda poked her in the ribs with a grin. "Well, somebody sure looks happy for her first day of classes."

Elphaba let out that same surprised mixture of a laugh and yell, jumping and pushing Galinda's hand away. "Don't tease me. You know I am."

"Yes. Yes I do know. I just wanted to hear it from you." She flashed the green woman another grin before moving to take her seat. Elphaba gave the blonde a look before she moved to sit behind her, while Galinda started pulling her books and pen out of her bag.

"...but Master Fiyero, surely the situation in the Vinkus hasn't decayed that rapidly since I left?" the brunette asked as she came walking in, Fiyero at her side. Galinda looked up, waving over at Fiyero with a smile. "Your girlfriend is beckoning," Sarima said before she left to sit next to Elphaba, who was currently sliding down in her seat in an attempt to hide herself.

"Good morning, handsome," Galinda said.

Fiyero slipped into his own seat next to Galinda, giving her a lingering kiss before replying, "And good morning to you as well, beautiful."

"Good morning, Elphaba."

"H-hi…"

It was at that moment that Dr. Dillamond entered. "Good morning, everyone. Please settle down. For this semester, I will be assigning a project in which you will research the history of Animals and their split from and into society today. You will be in groups for this project, so everyone must put forth equal effort." He began assigning groups and in the end, Galinda, Fiyero, Sarima, Elphaba, and Boq ended up together. Galinda wasn't too thrilled about having Boq and Sarima in their group, but she didn't show it, not wanting to upset Elphaba. "You may use this class time to discuss how you will go about this project," the Goat added.

"Well...where to begin?" Sarima asked.

The two blondes shrugged. "I have no idea. What do you think, Elphie?" Galinda asked.

Elphaba turned dark green. "I...we should split the work...into different time periods...then put it all together..." she mumbled.

"All right. Who wants to take what period?"

"Why don't we just split it in half?" Sarima said. "Elphaba and I will take the early years and the three of you can do the recent times."

Fiyero shrugged. "Sounds good to me."

"Me too," Galinda agreed. Elphaba gave Galinda a look. Why was the blonde so intent on getting her and Sarima alone?

"So we all agree," Sarima continued.

"Mhmm," Galinda said. "So do we need to do anything else while we're in class or are we done until we meet again?"

"Oh I think we're fine at the moment," Sarima said. She looked at the blonde heiress. "As long as everyone does their...fair share."

Galinda smiled, refusing to give Sarima the satisfaction that she had indeed gotten under the blonde's skin. "Don't worry. I'll do my share, but the same goes for you too," she giggled. The blonde got out of her seat and packed up her things. "Well, if we are done here, I have some work to do."

Elphaba stood up quickly, her chair scraping across the floor. "I-I'll go with you."

Galinda giggled at the green woman's antics. "Elphie, we aren't even working on the same time periods. You don't have to come."

"But I...can't let you leave alone."

"Fine. If you really want to come that badly..." With a grin, she held her hand out for Elphaba to take. "You can show me where this mysterious library is."

Elphaba looked at her hand, her face darkening. "Umm...you've been there before...but okay."

Galinda rolled her eyes. "It was a joke Elphie. Let's go." She lowered her hand since Elphaba clearly wasn't going to take it, and headed for the door, pausing for a quick kiss from Fiyero.

Elphaba followed her, her hand brushing lightly against Galinda's. "It wouldn't be proper," she murmured.

"We're friends, Elphaba. I didn't mean it as anything more." She held the door open for the green woman.

"Holding hands implies more than friends, Galinda," Elphaba said sharply as she started down the hall.

The blonde frowned and crossed her arms, but she followed her, quickly catching up. "Obviously you don't know the details of handholding then."

Elphaba let out a snort. "Oh, I don't? Galinda, I don't need to be fucked to know what is considered romantic or not." She immediately darkened as she realized what she had said. "Oz...I'm sorry!"

Galinda stopped in her tracks. "Oh really? Well, maybe you should try getting fucked in an attempt to get the stick out of your ass!" She turned on her heel and ran back to their room, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Galinda, wait!" Elphaba called. She started after her, but felt a sudden hand grab her arm, stopping her. She turned to see Sarima. "Did you..."

"I saw it all. She just needs to be alone, that's all. Come on." Sarima led her back to her own room at Crage Hall, closing the door behind them as Elphaba sat on the couch. "Now let's start on our part."

"M-maybe I should check on Galinda first," Elphaba said, standing. She didn't exactly like being alone with Sarima...but the brunette pushed her back down gently.

"She needs time to calm down."

Elphaba looked at her and sighed. "I shouldn't have said that to her...it wasn't right...she was only trying to be friendly."

"Elphaba, you are not always the one at fault, you know," Sarima said, sitting beside her and placing her hand on the green woman's arm. "Perhaps you were a little harsh, but she takes everything to such an extreme that you're the one who ends up feeling bad, and it shouldn't be that way. Maybe she is trying to change, but no one can change that fast."

"Sarima, please...don't talk about Galinda like that."

"I'm just trying to help you." Sarima turned Elphaba's head gently to face her before she leaned in and kissed her.

"Sarima, stop!" Elphaba said, pushing her away. "I don't...I don't want this to...evolve into something."

The brunette sighed in slight frustration. "But why not? Elphaba, aren't you tired of being alone? You always take care of people; don't you want someone to take care of you for once? Wouldn't you like to have someone who loves you for who you are and appreciates you?"

The green woman felt tears forming in her eyes and she swiped at them. "I...I'm fine...really..."

Sarima took Elphaba's face in her hands. "Elphaba, please...let me help you. Let me in...I know it's scary, but I...I can't watch you live like this anymore."

Elphaba looked into Sarima's eyes. Yes, she was scared to let Sarima in. It was hard enough trying to let Galinda in...but Sarima was the first person who had reached out to her...and hadn't Galinda been the one to tell her to make friends and, in a blunter sense, "make an attempt to get fucked"?

"Elphaba...I think I love you." The green woman didn't reply, but leaned forward instead to kiss Sarima, feeling the brunette run her hands through her hair. Sarima pulled Elphaba down on top of her as she lay back onto the couch. The green woman let out a slight grunt, trying to hold herself up. Sarima smiled. "It's all right, Elphaba. You won't hurt me." Elphaba slowly relaxed into the kissing, allowing her hands to come to rest behind Sarima's head. She wasn't sure if this was right or wrong...and at that moment, she didn't care.

"Galinda?" Elphaba called as she peeked inside their room. She entered and quickly tried to fix her braid, which had come loose during...well, with Sarima.

"Elphaba," the blonde answered curtly, not looking up from where she was sitting at her desk. She had been working on Dr. Dillamond's project since their argument.

Elphaba cringed at her tone. "Can we...talk?" she asked, coming up behind her.

"Talk about what? Your blatant disregard for my private life? Or the fact that you refuse to try or think about anything outside of the minute little box that you find 'safe'?"

Elphaba winced. "You're right...I'm so sorry Galinda. It was wrong for me to say what I did and act that way. Please...please don't be mad. I'll do anything."

"How can I not be mad? It's not like this was a one-time thing. I have been trying my hardest to be nothing but nice to you, but it doesn't seem like you even try to hold back your sarcasm."

Elphaba's hands clenched tightly. "That is not true! I am trying, Galinda, really I am, but you cannot keep pushing me like this and expect everything to be perfect! I almost died for you, and you think I don't care? I am sorry, okay?"

Galinda sighed. "I know that Elphaba. I'm sorry. I was just getting really tired of it, and I just snapped."

Elphaba sighed as well. "I realize that I can be...abrasive, but you have to understand...I really do appreciate you. I just...I'm just afraid that if I show it...I'll lose you...and I don't want to lose...my only friend."

"Oh Elphie." Galinda stood and threw her arms around the green woman. "You won't lose me...besides, I'm not your only friend. You have Nessa, and now Miss Sarima too."

Elphaba stiffened slightly at the mention of Sarima. "Yes, well...I'm sorry again. I'll try to behave from now on."

"Thank you...that's all I'm asking."

Elphaba smiled slightly. "Sorry I was gone so long...have you been working this whole time?"

"Yeah. I was just so frustrated with what happened that I needed something to take it out on. I figured I might as well be productive at the same time."

"Wow...I'm impressed." Elphaba approached the desk, looking down at what the blonde had done thus far. As she did, she pulled her hair out of its loose braid, letting it fall down.

Galinda watched her. "Elphie? Can I fix your hair?"

"Huh?" Elphaba turned to look at her. "Oh...um...sure."

"Yay! Thank you." The blonde went to grab Elphaba's brush and returned, starting to brush through her hair gently. Elphaba sat, looking down with a sigh. She closed her eyes at the feeling of the brush, leaning back into the blonde. Galinda giggled, leaning down to whisper in her ear, "So do you admit that you like having your hair brushed yet?"

The green woman nodded. "Yeah..." She allowed herself to lean back against Galinda further.

"Miss Galinda, I can hardly read your writing." The group was sitting under a cluster of apples trees the next day at lunch. Sarima looked up at the blonde from where she had been reading her notes.

"Really? What a coincidence. I can't seem to read your notes either." She gave her a fake half smile.

"I apologize. I was in a rush, as I assume you were." Sarima set the notes down.

"They appear legible to me," Elphaba said, picking them up, her hand brushing against Sarima's bare leg.

"Perhaps she was just a little distracted then." Galinda leaned her head on Fiyero's shoulder. She glanced up at him and, noticing he was staring at a nearby group of girls, reached up to turn his head back towards their study group.

Elphaba noticed the motion. "So sorry we bore you, Master Fiyero," she all but spat. Sarima smiled slightly, sliding her hand into Elphaba's. The green woman didn't protest or pull away.

"Sorry. My mind was just wandering," Fiyero apologized, his eyes sliding back to the group of girls.

Galinda wasn't happy. She turned his head back to their group again, muttering, "Yes. Apparently your eyes keep wandering too..."

"Here," Elphaba said, giving him a book. "Take notes."

"Legible ones, please," Sarima added.

"Oh, be nice. Your writing looks just like Galinda's," Elphaba said. Fiyero reluctantly took the book from the green woman and picked up his pen. Galinda looked over at Elphaba, mouthing a "thank you" to her. Elphaba blushed lightly and nodded before she looked back at her own notes.

"So is everyone free to meet in the library tonight?" Sarima asked, brushing a few strands of hair behind her ear.

The two blondes nodded. "Yes, we are," Galinda said.

Sarima's smile faltered the tiniest bit. "Wonderful," she said, trying not to let her voice show disdain.

"Unless...do you two want to work on your part together? Because we can meet up with Boq on our own if you'd like."

"Oh, well...I wouldn't want to put you off," Sarima said. "What do you think...Elphie?"

The green woman froze at the name. "Um...I don't like...leaving Galinda alone..."

Galinda had to stop herself from downright glaring at the brunette, instead pasting a smile on her face. "Oh, it's no problem Elphi- Elphaba. I'll be with Fiyero and Boq anyway. It's not like I'm going to be alone."

"And perhaps that worries me more," Elphaba muttered before she looked up at Galinda. "It doesn't matter either way, though you know how I feel about staying apart for too long."

"Elphaba nothing is going to happen to me. We're only going to be apart for a few hours. It's not that long."

"That's exactly what you said at the Ozdust...and we were only apart for a few minutes..." Elphaba said coldly. The blonde lowered her gaze with a frown, not saying anything. Elphaba sighed. "But...I suppose I could..." She gave Fiyero a scowl. "You'd better keep your eyes on her, unless you want my foot up your-"

"I think he gets the point," Sarima said quickly.

"Don't worry. He won't let anything happen to me. Right, Yero?" She looked straight at him, snapping him out of his near trance and drawing his gaze away from the girls again.

"Huh? Oh! Of course babe. Nothing is going to happen to you on my watch." He grinned down at her, giving her a squeeze of a hug.

Elphaba gave him a flat look. "Oh yes. I'm convinced now. Just like you kept her safe at the Ozdust. Oh wait..."

"At the Ozdust, I wasn't anywhere near you two. How was I supposed to know she had left?"

Galinda quickly stepped in. "Elphaba, stop. It doesn't matter anyway. Nothing is going to happen to me. I will be safe in my room."

"Yes...and he'll keep you oh so safe under the bed sheets..." Elphaba muttered, looking down.

The two blondes didn't hear Elphaba's reply, so Galinda stood up. "So we'll just go then. We can meet up again tomorrow."

Elphaba looked up. "Y-you're leaving now?"

"I thought that was the plan. We're going to meet up with Boq to work on our part, and the two of you were going to work on your part. Is that all right?"

Elphaba's fists clenched and unclenched a few times before she nodded. "Y-yes...that's fine."

Sarima got to her feet. "Come on, Elphie," she said, grabbing the green woman's arm.

Galinda held out her hand for Fiyero to take before leading him away with a frown. "Let's go find Boq, Yero."

Sarima smiled slightly as she wrapped her arms around Elphaba' and started to lead her to the library. Elphaba turned to look back at the blonde with a sigh. "Galinda...I'm sorry..."

When the two of them arrived at the library, Sarima immediately led Elphaba to a table way in the back, hidden between shelves of old manuscripts and journalings. "I suppose this is as good a place to start as any," Sarima said, starting through the books as Elphaba sat down.

"R-right..." the green woman replied, her gaze down and tone distracted.

Sarima sighed. "Elphaba...don't worry about Miss Galinda. She'll be fine."

"But that's exactly what she said before."

"That was a different situation." The brunette turned from her search and approached the green woman. "Elphaba...it's like I told you before...I only want to help you." She moved into Elphaba's lap and leaned down to plant a lingering kiss on Elphaba's lips. "Please...just let me help you."

Songs Used:

"Breathe (2 AM)" by Anna Nalick

"Hello" by Lionel Richie