Disclaimer: I do not own Legally Blonde: The Musical.

I know. This is really late. And I'm afraid this is how late I'm gonna update from now on (blame my acads and my fandom life). So, how are ya, lovelies? Thanks to my past reviewers again! I love you all! I hope this does not disappoint.

And to you, my wonderful beta reader, I love you sooo much! Thank you for doing this even if you're super swamped with acad work. Also, I never thought I would love seeing red texts in my work. You make me wanna be better. Thanks, twin! :')

Big wordy book

He was impossibly dreamy. There was no way he could not be. Standing there amidst the books, his wavy brown locks bouncing softly as he shook his head, his dazzling brown eyes searching determinedly the line of books before him, his chiseled jaw moving ever so slightly while reading the titles on the spines; he made being in a library look so good. Elle's heart skipped a beat as he pulled out a book. Why hadn't she seen this serious side of him before? Perhaps there never was a chance. They took different courses and they met only during breaks and after class. Elle sighed as she stared at the godly figure standing just a foot away from her. Now, he seemed to be busy every time he saw her (or, more accurately, when she saw him). Either that, or he was with that Vivienne girl.

Like now. If that tall woman with the mousy blunt bob were not around, Elle would not have to resort to peeking between gaps in bookshelves to see Warner. She would have just walked straight to him and struck a conversation. It was not that she was frightened of Vivienne. She simply felt uncomfortable around her. Growing up, Elle was used to being adored. She was her parents' only child so she was showered with affection and much attention. During high school, the mean looks she got were out of jealousy and she understood that and always forgave them for it. Still, nobody has ever looked at her with so much hatred. Until recently, that was. Vivienne always glared at her as if all she wished for was for Elle to leave. And it weakened Elle's confidence.

Looking at Warner from the other side of a bookshelf, Elle wondered where she had gone wrong. She gave Warner everything he could want and more. And, he never showed he was displeased with anything she did or said. They never fought or argued. While other couples would have time-outs and hang-ups, Elle and Warner only had the sweetest times together. Even the Delta Nu girls claimed that they were the perfect couple. Was it that? Was their relationship so good it could not be true? Warner seemed to have seen the slope. He thought that the break-up was something they mutually felt for a long time. This was what she could not bear to think. He had been feeling the relationship go south and yet he had never said a thing. He neither frowned nor shook his head. Even while delivering the bad news, he remained charming and sweet.

"Maybe you should start looking somewhere else," Elle heard Vivienne hiss at Warner, "than staying at the same goddamn shelf for almost an hour!" She sharply turned away and left Warner to groan behind her. Elle watched intently. There, right, there! They never had quarrels like that. Elle never hissed at Warner even when she was particularly cross about something. She knew Warner well. He could not possibly be in love with a woman who treats him like a child. Other men would have found that sexy or attractive. But not Warner. "Not my Warner", thought Elle. Mean as it was to think of it, Elle believed that Vivienne was just Warner's rebound girlfriend; chosen because she was Elle's opposite. If that was to be true, then Vivienne deserved pity.

"Poor girl," Elle said to herself as she promised to herself to replace any hateful feelings she felt for Vivienne for feelings of sympathy instead. It would be absolutely devastating to her when Warner finally dumps her to go back to Elle. "But what's meant to be is meant to be," Elle thought, shrugging away her conscience. She came to Harvard for one purpose. The battle to get her destined love will be fierce. There will be no room for sentiments or mercy. Surely, Vivienne understood that. Maybe that is why she has been this rude all along.

Warner moved to look at another bookshelf. Elle followed him, still hidden. When she was sure Vivienne was nowhere in sight, she moved forward to have a quick chat with Warner. She grabbed a random book from the bookshelf, opened it, and, while occasionally glancing at the page before her, slowly walked toward him. She was playing this charade of reading when someone bumped her from behind. Startled, she quickly turned around. Before her, looking just as surprised, was Emmett Forrest, Callahan's teaching assistant. He was wearing his usual corduroy jacket. Under it, peeked a plain blue shirt. He was also wearing a pair of very loose white pants. On his feet were red sneakers. Elle had never seen such awfully mismatched clothes on a man. However, when Emmett, with wide clear eyes and a messy set of hair, stuttered an apology, Elle thought it was wiser not to mention it.

"Elle Woods," Emmett said, once he realized who he bumped into, "What a surprise! Sorry I didn't notice you earlier."

"Oh, it must be because of the skirt," Elle said, gesturing down at her pink pencil-cut skirt, "I don't usually wear pencil-cut because it's just too stiff and a bit long for my legs. But the color was nice so I thought 'what the heck' and bought it. It makes my hips look wide but I'll compromise. For law, right?" Then, she laughed and playfully slapped Emmett's arm. Emmett awkwardly chuckled back. Elle remembered Emmett may not be interested in fashion (if he was, he wouldn't be wearing those slacks). She cleared her throat and started again.

"So, what brings you here?"

"Um, I'm here to return some books," he replied, drumming his fingers on a couple of books in his arms, "You?"

"Oh, I was just..." Elle looked around and realized she had lost Warner. She didn't even get to say hello to him. It saddened her to think that all those years with him had gone down to this: she, acting like a complete stalker for him and he not knowing about it at all. This must be how those less popular girls in high school felt. She was staring at the spot where Warner stood when Emmett's voice called her out of her thoughts.

"Everything alright?" Emmett inquired, concerned, trying to see what Elle was looking at.

"Yeah, I..." then Elle shook her head, and looked back at Emmett, "I sometimes space out."

She forced out a laugh. To herself, however, she wondered why that was happening more often. She has been spacing out since day one in Harvard. Or perhaps since that awful night when Warner... She didn't like to think of that again. Maybe frequent spacing out was the effect of Harvard. Elle uncomfortably looked around, taking in the feeling of being surrounded by countless of large thick books. All these, she thought, were written by people; by actual people with actual lives. It was amazing! There must be a lot of really smart people in the world.

For the first time, Elle felt something she has never felt before. She felt small. It wasn't that she always felt that she was the best or that she felt she was better than everyone else. Indeed, Elle was pretty, funny, generous, smart but she was also always modest. She felt she was in the same platform as everyone else. No one was greater and, therefore, no one was smaller either. So, this feeling of smallness that overwhelmed her was something new. Suddenly, the book in her arms was too heavy for her.

"Wait," said Emmett, when she raised the book to return it to the shelf, "I know that book."

She looked curiously at him then at the book. She didn't notice the cover before. The book was thick and the cover was hard-bound but the title was in bright red. There were childish pictures in the front and some speech bubbles.

"That's a nice book," he said, beckoning her to let him see it; she obliged, still curious. Pinning the other two books he had under his arms, he opened the book and scanned through the pages. Stopping and smiling at a page or two, he added, "Just right for you, actually."

"Perfect for a blonde, you mean," Elle said sourly, when she saw the pages were filled with colorful pictures and big bold words. She was recalling Vivienne's words about how law books didn't come with pictures. Emmett was there then. Elle glared at Emmett but her expression melted as she noticed his smile was not mean or teasing.

"No. Perfect for a beginner," he said, simply, still scanning the book, "Growing up, the only books I liked reading were comic books. So you could imagine how hard law jargon was for me at first. From speech bubbles to court cases. That's a huge leap. A leap anyone would definitely need help with. And this book," holding up the bright book, "helped me."

Elle thought about this. She wasn't much of a reader either. A reader of books, that is. She had read tons of magazines, of course. She liked perusing coffee table books while waiting for her dentist. They do count as books, right? But Emmett was right. Those were nothing like law books. Kate, who helped her study for the LSATs, bought her some before the school started. Elle tried opening a couple of them but the titles were too long and complicated. Plus, they sounded dull.

Emmett returned the book to her. The book didn't seem as heavy as before. Keeping it close to her chest, Elle imagined a young law student with messy locks and in a corduroy jacket, reading comic books in a corner. Now, looking at the present Emmett, she couldn't imagine him having a difficult time reading law books. He didn't seem the type. Then again, he did say he was kicked out of class before. Elle smiled while she thought that she should know better than to typecast people because of their appearance.

"Didn't you feel embarrassed about reading something like this?" Elle asked, still surprised with how silly the book looked compared to the other books around her.

He started shaking his head then smiled as he conceded, "Yeah. Yeah, I did. Of course, I did. I even made sure none of my classmates were around when I borrowed it. But you see? Being embarrassed about it didn't stop me from reading it. You don't make emotions obstacles to your success."

"Wow! That's nice and wordy," Elle smiled, mulling the words in her mind, "Who said that?"

"Um... I did."

"Well, if you aren't Mr. Smarty-pants," Elle said, resting her back on the bookshelves behind her, grinning sarcastically at Emmett, "And here I thought I already had someone whom I can relate to."

Emmett colored then laughed and looked down at his shoelaces, all of a sudden, overcome by shyness. There was a small commotion somewhere in the library. The warning ringing of a bell by the librarian's desk echoed around the room and hushed the rising murmurs. The library was becoming more crowded. Elle watched Emmett check his scratchy old watch; it must have just struck noon.

"How about this?" Emmett said, looking up at Elle, "I'll borrow that book for you so that you won't feel bad about it. Anyway, I intend to return these books which I think you'll need. It won't be much trouble. What do you say?"

Elle agreed and they went off to the checkout counter. There was a long line filled with five or more students carrying about two books each. Emmett waited in front of Elle and occasionally tilted out of the line to check if it was moving or not. Once in a while, he would turn his head and glance at her as if to see if she was still there. She would catch his eye and they would exchange a few awkward smiles. Back in the front desk, the woman was having trouble with the records. She left her post, leaving a few people to grunt and groan at her departure.

"You need any help with your things?" Elle offered, tiptoeing to whisper at Emmett's ear. Emmett, startled at Elle's almost hissed offer, turned around abruptly and nearly hit the guy in front of him with his messenger bag. He muttered a hurried sorry then adjusted the strap of his bag.

"What? Uh, no. But thank you."

"Okay," said Elle, nodding her head slowly. Another brief sharing of smiles passed between them. The guy behind Elle coughed violently, pushing Elle forward. She grabbed Emmett's back and, like a domino, made Emmett and the ones before him, trip and totter. For the second time, Emmett had to bow apologetically to the person standing ahead of him; the person was beginning to look disgruntled. Elle loudly whispered her apologies.

When the commotion died and the woman at the desk still had not returned, Elle looked over Emmett's shoulder to see the titles of the books he was holding. Noticing her efforts at the corner of his eye, he turned around with an inquiring look. Elle thought that maybe she had annoyed him but he only looked amused.

"You read those books or are you returning them for other embarrassed freshmen?"

"Well, I did read these books but, now, I'm actually returning them for Professor Callahan."

"Oh, Professor Cold-hearted," Elle could not help but roll her eyes when she said it. The memory of her first Harvard embarrassment still stung her and apparently, it was a scene not easily forgotten by either her or the rest of the class. She remembered attending the next day's class with high spirits only to be sent away again because she couldn't answer one of his numerous hypothetical questions. After that second failure, she didn't attend the rest of the week's classes. If it wasn't for Emmett's visit, she wouldn't return on Monday (which turned out to be just a repeat of the first two meetings).

"I think he's more famous as Callahan C-Minus."

"Doesn't change the fact that he's mean and cold-hearted."

"He's just very... proud," Emmett said, cautiously, "And disciplined."

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Elle exclaimed, blushing and slightly ashamed, "I forgot he's your boss. Well, I hope he's a much better boss to you than he is a teacher to us." The last thing she wanted right now was to offend the single person in Harvard who had been extra kind to her. However, Emmett was not the least bit concerned or hurt.

"He was my professor before and he is my boss now but I don't agree with all his methods," he admitted, shrugging, "Even if I've learned a lot from him."

Finally, the front desk was occupied and the line moved. While waiting, becoming more relaxed, Elle and Emmett discussed the two thick books the latter carried. At first, Elle asked questions as to entertain Emmett. She thought it was the least she could do after everything he had done for her. Also, she tried her best to listen to what he was saying. Understanding his words was surprisingly easy that she thought that he was dumbing down terms for her. He spoke with many pauses though he seemed to become more energetic as the discussion progressed.

Emmett was telling her the concluding parts of the first chapter, when they found themselves at the head of the line. Elle tapped his shoulder while the woman with the grumpy expression sitting behind the desk, cleared her throat loudly and knocked impatiently on the desk. Much to Elle's amazement, when Emmett turned to apologize, the woman's frown turned into a small smile. She took the books from his hand so obligingly, as if she was glad to relieve them from him. He didn't seem to notice though. The woman, who Emmett called Miss Harris and who Elle supposed was already in her late thirties, suddenly worked with a youthful energy. She even made a bit of small talk with Emmett, asking him questions about his mother and his work in a law firm. Elle didn't even know that Emmett had another job. Inevitably overhearing the conversation, she found out much about the amiable teacher assistant: that he was residing in an apartment nearby (rather than with his mother who lived not very far off) and that he was a hard-working junior associate (who, according to the woman, "will definitely be promoted anytime now"). Plus, he seemed to have known Miss Harris' grandmother because he, in his turn, asked about her health. Throughout the short chat, Emmett just smiled gratefully and rubbed the back of his neck that sometimes turned red at the sound of a compliment.

The line was a couple of people longer when Emmett and Elle left it. Elle, holding the colorful book near to her, looked back at the desk then at Emmett, who seemed strangely pleased. The two books he returned were still with him.

"A fan of yours?" Elle inquired, indicating Miss Harris, who was noticeably more cheerful.

"Huh? No. She was sort of my mentor before, when I was a freshman." Then, he added, turning to her with a small smile, "Like you."

"She seems very grateful to see you."

"I offered her some legal help once."

"About her grandmother?"

"Yeah. Some misunderstanding with the hospital."

"Must have been a big deal."

"It was," Emmett said, then, he became serious, and added, "It shouldn't have been though." A sigh escaped him and he was quiet for a while, probably pondering on what had happened. Elle was eager to know what it was. She could still see in her mind Miss Harris' grateful expression and, watching Emmett's serious face now, she grew more curious.

"Sorry," he said, suddenly cheerful, "I guess you're not the only one who spaces out a bit." Elle could not help but laugh at that. Emmett, with a wide smile on his face, shook his head then turned to leave the library. Elle followed close behind him, feeling more comfortable with the teaching assistant now.

She thought of how convenient it was to meet a guy who goes around helping people. Maybe it was part of his job as TA. In any case, now that she knew a bit about Emmett, he didn't seem like the typical lawyer, Elle thought. Elle always saw attorneys as serious professionals who wore plain monochromatic hues and who intimidated the truth out of people. She didn't want to be a lawyer but she wanted to be ruthless, tough and, most of all, serious like one. Emmett, however, exuded the opposite. He was shy, gentle and, most shocking of all, he had a sense of humor. Whoever thought lawyers could laugh? She would never have thought of it looking at Professor Callahan and Vivienne.

Elle was thinking about all the law people she knew so far, when, suddenly, she saw the back of Warner's head behind a nearby bookshelf. She stopped and pulled Emmett's jacket. Shocked, Emmett wheeled around and saw Elle crouch behind him, hiding. He looked around alarmed then relaxed when he realized who she could have seen. He sniggered a little (much to Elle's embarrassment) then turned to Elle.

"If it's alright with you, I think I better go," Emmett said, handing to her the two books he was carrying, "Those are Callahan's books, by the way. I returned them but I didn't hand them over 'cause you might want to borrow them yourself."

"Thanks but I'd rather stick to my picture book," Elle replied, pointing to the book she had already stacked in her bag. "You sure you have to go?"

"Yeah," he sighed, putting his hands in his pocket, "I just remembered I have some unfinished business to attend to." His gaze looked absentminded at first, reminding Elle of his expression a while back. Then, he focused back at Elle. He bowed his head in a way of goodbye then strode to the door.

Elle watched him leave the library. Immediately after, she looked around for Warner. She weaved her way through the maze of bookshelves then she spotted him searching through the aisles. It was as if they were star-crossed lovers searching through walls and people, hoping to see each other. Elle was thrilled with the idea and skipped to where Warner was.

She stood behind him, fixed her skirt, combed her hair then straightened up, before she finally tapped his shoulder. He turned around and Elle tried not to swoon at the way his jaw moved and his hair shook. Trying to compose herself, she hugged tightly the heavy books in her arms.

"Oh, Warner! Fancy seeing you here," said Elle, mentally kicking herself for sounding like she rehearsed her line.

"Elle!" exclaimed Warner, almost instinctively looking around to see if he was in the right place, "What are you doing in the library?"

"Studying. Duh." Then, she let out a loud laugh. After getting no response from Warner, she fidgeted a bit. "You? What are you doing here?" she asked, while striving to absentmindedly twirl the ends of her hair.

"Vivienne and I were looking for those books Callahan assigned us to read."

"Oh, is that so? By the way, Warner, I was thinking... We could... Um, Warner? We should have a study... Date... Warner?"

It was difficult getting Warner's attention. He kept craning his neck over the bookshelves and while Elle was not really short, she still found it discomforting to talk to his chest. Elle could have easily taken the risky approach where she bats her eyelashes and wears a really provocative dress. Or she could even have used UCLA cheerleading team's greatest weapon, the Bend and Snap, to get Warner to look at her. However, Elle was determined to win the battle of love fair and square. What chance did Vivienne have if Elle used all her charms? And, anyway, she promised never to be trashy again. She was in Harvard and she was to play by its laws of love.

Huffing in frustration, she stood straight then tugged on Warner's shirt.

"Excuse me, Warner," she said, assuming a straight face, then when Warner looked down at her in bored anticipation, she cleared her throat and continued, "Perhaps these are the books you've been looking for?"

Warner stared at them, not believing what he was seeing. For a few seconds, he opened and closed his mouth in confusion and shock. He looked at the books and at Elle. Elle, on the other hand, was enjoying the spectacle of seeing Warner speechless. Plus, she missed seeing his big smile. The beating of her heart quickened as she remembered all those times she made him happy. She beamed back at him, hoping to make him remember those times too.

"I've been looking all over for those! Where did you find them?"

"Didn't you ask the librarian?"

"Well... She wouldn't entertain us. Typical librarian, you know."

Elle felt a pinch of irritation at this remark but she brushed it off, thinking Warner didn't know better. They were standing there, quiet for a while. Warner bit his lip as if contemplating something. Then, looking at Elle from the side, he grinned. Elle knew that grin. It was the same charming smile he had when they first met. Goosebumps rose in Elle's skin and she almost giggled in excitement. Strangely, at the back of her head, she also recalled that he smiled that same smile when he told her she looked perfect before he broke the news that he wasn't... Elle, without meaning to be aggressive, shoved the two sturdy books in Warner's hands. He nearly stepped backward with the force.

"Sorry," winced Elle, keeping her eyes on the ground, "You can go ahead and take these. I already read them anyway." Through the fringes of her hair, she took a peek to see Warner's expression. He seemed very pleased, although still stunned.

"You're done reading these?"

"Yeah."

"Okay then," said Warner, though his eyebrows were raised in doubt, "I guess I owe you one." He winked at her, making Elle's stomach flutter.

This could be her chance to ask him out. Not on a date, of course. That would be disrespectful to Vivienne. But, maybe it was okay to ask Warner to study with her. Elle didn't need to close her eyes to imagine it. She had it all planned long ago. They would have study sessions every night. He would teach her then she would impress him with her intelligence. They would review together, quiz each other on law trivia... Just sitting beside each other while reading would be a treat. Then, when they were done studying, they would talk about their dreams and fears and hopes and past and everything they haven't talked about before. It wasn't as romantic as going out to watch a movie or to eat in a restaurant but she was willing to take any chance Harvard had to offer. During their study sessions, Warner would fall in love with her again and she would finally get her prize.

"Actually, Warner, I was thinking-"

"Well, Vivienne's waiting for me," Warner interrupted, looking at a text message in his phone, "Best be off. Thanks again for the books." Without even giving her a second glance, he walked away, clutching the two books in his arms. Elle shuffled her feet, not certain whether to stay or to follow. Warner already turned a corner though.

"Alright!" she said, loudly, hoping Warner would hear her, "You're welcome! And see you in class!"

The librarian's bell rung warningly together with the irritated shh of the librarian herself. Everybody in the library was looking at Elle, who was fixed on the spot, clutching tightly on the strap of her bag. She looked around to see the people still judging her with their stares. In an attempt to hold on to the positivity that was slowly dwindling within her, she smiled. Tossing her hair to one side, she raised her head then left the library.

Outside, she saw that the sun was still high in the sky. Though there were a few clouds scattered around the sun, the air remained still and warm. Elle missed the weather in California but a day like this was enough for her. Feeling cheerful again, she checked her bag for her sunglasses. While rummaging through her bag, she caught a glimpse of something glossy red. It was her colorful law book.

Putting on her shades, she smiled to herself as she thought that this would be the first time she had borrowed anything from the Harvard library. That was certainly an achievement for the day.

How was it? Please do tell me. Review, review, review! Thank you!

Oh, and just a little teaser: next chapter is gonna be another Elle-less Emmett POV. I'm gonna explain why, next time. So, hold on...

By the way, I'm now into SMASH (finished watching the 1st season) and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Listening to their soundtracks non-stop. Hehe. (I will try Newsies and West Side soon!)