#I can’t give elphaba a hug so have glinda giving her one

[breeberrypies]

pink goes good with green ‧₊˚ ⋅*

goes well with green.

+another sketch bc i love them

[lily-onher-grave]

Every day I have more thoughts about the wicked movie

Like how making nessa (and Elphaba!) so vocal about Nessa’s independence and ability to handle herself adds so much depth to her character. It adds so much more complexity to her motivations and her flaws. It humanizes her even more and makes her descent into the wicked witch of the east more believable and more tragic. Because a Nessa who only wants to be loved will of course so desperate and sometimes cruel things to achieve that love, but why does she take it out on Elphaba? A Nessa who is longing for her own life, though, who expects Shiz to be a new start, who wants to be seen and accepted as normal and capable and independent, and who doesn’t want to live under anyone else’s shadow, least of all her very loudly abnormal sister who has been her caretaker all her life—it makes perfect sense for her to never be at elphaba’s side. It makes her villain story richer, and it makes her dynamic with Elphaba all the more interesting and emotional

And then there’s Morrible, who is so much warmer in the movie partly because it’s a movie and you can see her expressions, partly because most of her crueler moments (the ones with Elphaba at least) were given to Keala Settle’s character whose name I can’t remember, and largely because she has so many more one-on-one moments with an Elphaba who is just so much more vulnerable and blatantly starved for affection. And all of that, combined with the chilling performance Michelle Yeoh gives once morrible shows her true colors, makes her all the more sinister. I’m STILL not over her hugging Glinda during defying gravity. The first time she’s ever not criticized or belittled Glinda. And she’s not even being particularly motherly. She looks cold, she looks intimidating. And Glinda hesitates, we see it. But she also has nowhere else to go. She’s already falling, and morrible very calculatedly puts herself in the exact place where Glinda will land (and fuck, I cannot wait to see their scenes in part two. The Glinda-morrible dialogue in the middle of March of the witch hunters is one of my favorite parts of the show, and I think the two of them are going to rip my heart out with it)

And on elphie herself being softer, more vulnerable, more…subdued, I suppose. I’ve seen some criticism of it and I get it, I love a mean, witty, biting Elphaba so freaking much. But what I love about this take is that it makes so much sense with all the little changes they’ve made. AND I think it goes directly into this version of Nessa and how much she craves independence. Elphaba knows she doesn’t need to be her sister’s caretaker. More than that, she knows Nessa doesn’t WANT her to be her caretaker. And because of that, Elphaba doesn’t intend to go to shiz. Whether she secretly wants to or not, she doesn’t see it as her place. She’s probably spent so much of her life taking a step back and setting her own dreams and emotions and even just her actions and words aside so that Nessa can have her own space. She has made herself small to make sure Nessa isn’t living under her shadow. Maybe it’s just because I’m a sucker for sister relationships but I think the movie’s reading of their dynamic brings so much more to both of them. But also, I think getting to see more of elphaba’s magic accidents makes a softer Elphaba make sense. When she gets angry, she runs the risk of hurting people. And it’s not just making nessa’s chair spin like in the musical. It’s glass breaking and rocks flying and Nessa flying through the air in a way that could’ve seriously hurt her. There’s more danger to elphaba’s magic here even if it’s purely because of movie special effects. So of course we have an elphie who isn’t as angry—she’s terrified of her own anger

(You could also get into the influence of dulcibear on baby Elphaba. I like the idea of musical Elphaba having an avoidant attachment style but movie Elphaba having an anxious attachment style because she was given some affection and care, it was just unreliable)

And then okay other smaller things but:

All the Oscar diggs/Omaha NE stuff littered throughout. I 1) love the implication of the wizard just ripping pieces off his old circus wagon or whatever and using it to impress the ozians and 2) wonder if it’ll come up in part two because damn there is so MUCH of it, especially in the attic of the palace

I love that we get to see Frex drop dead but it brings up so many questions? Why was he at shiz before Elphaba left, because we all know he wasn’t seeing her off. Maybe he used it as an excuse to see Nessa but then why was Nessa at home with him at the end? It implies that either the trip to the emerald city happened on some sort of school break, which means Glinda just ditched her family to go with Elphaba (Glinda that’s gay) OR frex refused to let Nessa stay at shiz without Elphaba caring for her (frex that’s mean)

I’ve always been so curious about Elphaba having some sort of gift of prophecy?? It’s like. It’s there in the musical but it’s not really specific, it’s like they want to include it but they want to dance around it at the same time. But I loooove the visions she gets in the movie and I hope they do it again in part two with her seeing Nessa and the tornado. God this movie is gonna destroy me

The gym class fight scene. Listen I know everyone’s obsessed with galinda leading the entire school in a choreographed walk to class and I am too but I am MORE obsessed with the fact that they are literally sparring. Ladies that’s GAY

(I might be delusional but I swear there’s a section of the munchkinland tulips that is the colors of the lesbian flag I’m just sayinggggg)

Also I’m still not over sunset defying gravity yes I know I’ve said it in every post but I’m not OVER it what do you MEAN the world is dark by the time Elphaba is flying away what do you MEAN night has fallen and nothing will ever be the same again

[yeetfanficccc]

No-one mourns the Wicked Boq x Reader

Summery- (Y/N), Boq, Glinda, Fiyero, Elphaba, and Nessa Rose were all one big friend group at Shiz. After the events of act 1, Elphaba is gone, Glinda/Fiyero heartbroken, and Nessa is reeling with the death of her father. Boq and (Y/N) are all who remain at the solum Shiz. 

Nessa doesn’t like Boq and Boq doesn’t like Glinda because plot connivence. Also, Fiyero is just friends with Glinda because I want LESBIANS

Reader is gender neutral, Elphie X Glinda referenced in passing as canon

NOT PROOFREAD (PREPARE FOR TYPOS)

TW-characters going through feelings of abandonment, a bit of a sad tone compared to my other stuff, characters believe Wizard’s propaganda about Elphie 

Elphaba was gone.  She was really gone. 

The news reached Shiz like a firework, within moments the whole campus turned against the so-called Wicked Witch of the West. 

“I knew she was evil the whole time!”

“To think, Glinda trusted her….”

“Looks like we were right before the Oz dust! She’s a monster”

The words circled my brain plucking at what was left of my sanity. I was her friend. We were all her friend.  How could I have not known the truth? She was evil- wicked. The word rang in my head. Wicked. Wicked. Wicked. That was the truth. Madame Morrible and the Wizard himself said so. I traced my hand against the grass I sat in. Elphaba had first shown me this spot. A rare calm in the chaos of Shiz. Wicked, to be born vile and without remorse. 

I covered my face, the memories haunting me. 

We would sneak around Shiz and laugh in the library. Dr Dillamond would always tell us to be quiet, well Fiyero mostly, and we would apologize on his behalf. He would say how rare it is to have such good friends; how grateful we should be. Oz, I didn’t listen. Then, he was gone. That was the first warning. Still, we all celebrated when Elphie got the note from the wizard telling her to go to the famous Emerald City. We hugged and cheered until our throats burned. It had taken a while, but I felt like I belonged, like we all belonged. I was happy- was it really all a lie?

“(Y/N)”

I turned around. Boq stood with an awkward tilt and sheepish grin.  I tried to match it the best I could. 

“I don’t see you out here much Boq.”

“I was looking for you,” he admitted, “you’ve made yourself very hard to find lately.”

“Have I?” I chuckled dryly,” It looks like we’re the only ones left.” 

“You don’t think they’re coming back?” his eyes grew. 

“Well, Elphie isn’t that’s for sure…” I laughed, “I can’t see Fiyero coming back here after running off. Nessa has the stuff with her father and Glinda- ���

It had been mere weeks before Glinda nervously confessed to me at a sleepover of her feelings for the green girl. She was jumping up and down, kicking her feet, singing the praises of her newfound muse. Life was so much lighter, free. Oz, what I would give to go back. “-Glinda won’t return without Elphie.”

“You haven’t been sleeping well, have you?” he reached for my cheek before blushing and forcing his hand away. 

He sat next to me. Around us the tall, yellow grasses swaying in the wind. It was peaceful, nearly lovely. 

“I’m fine.” It was a lie; we both knew it. 

“And you’ve been avoiding me,” he sighed, “though I can’t blame you.”

“I’m sorry. It’s not you, really, it’s everyone except you. I just don’t have any social battery right now, so I’ve been avoiding everyone. I’ve missed you, a lot.”

That was true. Even before this all, Boq was the one person, even out of all our friends, I felt safest around. He was awkward and charming, with an adorable smile. I had a crush on him for a while that I was way too nervous to address so I did nothing. Except now we were both stuck together in this mess.

“I understand.”

Of course he understands, he is the only other person who was left behind. And by avoiding everyone I basically abandoned him too. My mouth filled with bitter acid. I snapped, 

“I’m so sorry. I’m sorry. I just miss everyone and you’re here still and I’ve been a terrible friend.”

“No, no no…” he panicked, “I don’t think that at all.”

“You’ve heard what they’re saying about her. I can’t listen. It makes me sick. But they’re right… it’s just I don’t- “I leaned into his chest, he tensed turning a bit red, “I don’t know what to think”

I was sobbing and didn’t know how I was going to stop the tears from coming.

“Cry all you want. I’m here. I’m always here for you.”

“Thank you…”

“When I walk around,” he spoke, with me still sobbing into his sweater, “people look at me strange because they know I was friends with her. Have you experienced that too?”

“Sort of, but I made you bear the brunt of this because I’ve been hiding so much.”

“I just- Elphie was so kind. I don’t understand how we could have never noticed.”

“She must have been a great liar,” I guessed.

“(Y/N). This is going to be hard. If they really aren’t coming back. But- “

I looked up, Boq very red and sweating? 

“Are you ok? Do you feel sick?”

“WE MAKE A GREAT TEAM!” he yelped, “And- and we can do this together!”

“Yeah!” I cheered.

“(Y/N) this is terrible timing but- I like you like in a romantic way, and I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want to make things awkward in the friend group. But now apparently one of my closet friendships was a lie and my other friends are gone and you’re here and you’re incredible, but I can’t go on without telling you! And I’m so sorry for ruining things more than they already are!”

“You- like me?” I stammered.

“A lot.” He nodded fervently. 

“I like you too. A lot.” 

“OZ, WHY COULDN��T WE DO THIS WHEN EVERYTHING WAS CHILL!”

“I DON’T KNOW!” I matched his chaos laughing until I was laying down, “WE JUST HATE HAVING STABLE RELATIONSHIPS!”

“I GUESS SO!” he cackled laying with me, “if we do this, be together, it isn’t going to be easy.”

“I know. I don’t think anything is easy now.”

“Are you ok with that? If you just need a stable friendship right now, I understand.”

“No. Our whole lives have been turned on their heads. We deserve to find a little happiness Boq.”

“You do make me so happy…” 

[13uswntimagines]

Pink Goes Good With Green (Alex Morgan x Reader)

Request: R is famous but not part of the USWNT (what kind of famous is up to you) and one day she goes to watch a practice before kissing Alex. The rest of the team comment about how Alex got the pretty one?

Authors Note: So this has a bunch of references from Wicked (the musical). Also special thanks to @literaryhedgehog​ for her amazing help with this one. I hope you Enjoy! Let me know what ya think!

Eight shows a week was a killer. It made long-distance particularly difficult because you were either always on stage or in a makeup chair getting greenified. But you freaking loved your job, just as much as Alex loved hers. Being Elphaba was a dream come true. Like, you-had-literally-been-dreaming-about-this-since-middle-school, dream come true. 

But even with that, finally getting a day off so you would watch your amazing girlfriend practice was a godsend. You knew you had permission to get into USWNT practice whenever, and with the team having a game so close, so you decided to hop on a quick train to Jersey to surprise Alex during practice. Getting into the stadium was nerve-wracking, you never felt comfortable in large crowds unless you were on stage, but getting an up-close view of the love of your life in her element had made the haste worth it. You pulled out your phone and a roll of Halloween Oreos to munch on. Sweet OZ, your girlfriend looked hot in that blue kit, and her signature pink pre-wrap. 

The nice part of being Elphaba was that no one recognized you without the makeup. I mean, there were occasional fans who knew you from other shows like Phantom or Mean Girls, but recognizing you without your various wigs and period getups was incredibly rare. So now, with your relative obscurity, you could watch Alex on the field, and snap a few photos. You got one with a Snapchat filter, where she was covered in bubbles. You were sure your castmate Kara would have be proud of its Galindaeyness. A few strokes of a blue paintbrush to give her a puffy skirt and you added the caption “Found the Glinda to my Elphaba.”

“Hey Alex, looks like you’ve got some paparazzi in the stadium.” Kelley nudged Alex at the water break, tilting her head in your direction. She was the only one who knew about your relationship, the two of you wanting to keep it quiet for now. 

“What?” Alex looked up in your direction and saw you. You quickly saved the Snapchat picture you took and sent it to her. When you looked up she had run over to your side of the seats and was leaning over the rail to grin at you. 

“Fancy meeting you here stranger, fly here on a broom?” She asked, pulling you into a hug. 

“Well, we can’t all come and go by bubble. I took New Jersey Transit. I could have flown but you know how it is,” you shrugged, feeling facetious, “Parking’s always a nightmare.”

“Hmm, tough show last night?” Alex asked laughing as she leaned up to kiss your lips. You quirked your eyebrow at her. Last night had been a fantastic show. Oliver had been your Fyero and you got to meet his boyfriend after and have some drinks. “What?” You asked, tilting your head to the side adorably. 

“You got a little green right,” Alex leaned further forward to brush the underside of your cheekbone, right below your ear, with the back of her fingers, “there.” You froze at her touch, unable to find the words to speak. It was taking your brain a hot second to think after the softness of her touch. That might have been the sexiest thing that had happened to you in months. Distance sucked.

“I promise I showered. Twice,” you blurted out, once the loading symbol in your brain had stopped turning. You wanted to make a good impression on her teammates, and you had left a smudge of green on your face. People underestimated how hard that shit was to get off. 

“Hey Morgan, you gonna introduce us to the girl before you eat her face or do we have to wait till you’re done?” Ashlyn yelled, interrupting your moment, causing a deep blush to settle on your cheeks. Ali elbowed her wife and rolled her eyes. “Ignore her Alex, you can introduce us to your pretty girl after you’re finished,” 

“Ohhh now this is cute. Look at her Snapchat!” You looked over to see someone holding up Alex’s phone showing off what was unmistakably the photo you had sent her a minute ago. The rest of the team gathered around to look at the small screen. 

“Who is that and how does she know your phone password? It’s like, 15 numbers long,” You said staring out at the swarm. You thought you heard Ashley wolf-whistled as she got close enough to see the screen.

“That’s Emily. She’s basically the Fyero of the team. Just dancing through life,” Alex said, rolling her eyes and waving her arms similarly to the choreography of the song. You sobered at the reference. 

“But… Fyero gets the girl in the end…” You mumbled, glancing warily at the blond woman showing off your girlfriend’s phone. You 

“Yeah, maybe that’s a bad analogy. I will be very disappointed if you dump me for her. And plus, For Good is the real love song in that story,” Alex shrugged, pulling you back in for a hug. You cliched her tightly as she started to hum the harmony to your favorite line. You would always wonder how a smol theatre baby had scored an amazing woman like her. 

“Careful. For good sounds an awful lot like the beginning of a proposal.” You laughed into her ear. 

“When I propose, it won’t be with a Wicked reference,” Alex said sincerely.

You smiled back, glad you weren’t fated to be separated like the character you played on stage. You would always love Alex, and she would always love you… green paint and all.

[smallblueandloud]

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 for the writing ask- I AM SO SORRY I COULDNT STOP!!! xoxo

aaaah these questions look SO GOOD thank you so much <3 <3 for this ask meme, which will be open all weekend!

1. tell us about your current project(s)  – what’s it about, how’s progress, what do you love most about it?

i pulled open all of my WIP google docs for this and my laptop started whirring ominously, lmao. this is going to be a Little Long but i love talking about my wips so who cares!! (under the cut because EXCERPTS)

guys and dolls but gay - very, very casual rewrite of guys and dolls if sky masterson was a woman. i’m loving how chill i’m being about this one because it’s so much fun to not have to worry how i’m going to write lyrics in a not-weird way and just focus on the story. this one’s first because it’s theoretically closest to being finished.

sky, laughing: “oh? people. all the people you turn down every day. well, i imagine there’s someone out there that’ll catch your eye.”

sarah, stiffening: “...yes, there will be.”

sky: “and what might this person be like?”

sarah: “he will not be a gambler, for one.”

sky does not miss the pointed pronoun. “i’m not interested in what he won’t be, i’m interested in what he will be.” she sits down on the desk, in a pointedly masculine pose, and sets her fedora next to her - at her most Hot Queer, basically. “how will you know when he gets to you?”

my fic for the aos rarepair fic exchange - i can’t give any plot or ship details, for obvious reasons, but it’s 1.3k and i’m having fun with it!

steven roadtrip of destiny - canon divergent fic set at the end of steven universe future where steven goes on a roadtrip instead of... canon. it deals with some heavy emotions and it’s also a character study so it’s tentatively shelved until i get around to rewatching suf. but i am projecting on steven like crazy and it’s really, really cathartic. it’s taught me a lot about myself too lmao.

He’s never been anonymous before. He kind of likes it. It means he can fold his arms on the table and put his head down without Pearl worrying about his posture, or someone asking him if something’s okay.

In the last few months, he’s grown to hate people asking him how he’s doing, or if he’s okay. He always ends up lying, because he doesn’t want to worry them, and he ends up feeling worse.

Probably because it’s more of him supporting other people without supporting himself.

He should have told someone how he was feeling. He should have reached out. Sadie could’ve helped him. Lars would’ve listened. Connie would have hugged him and then found him the appropriate mental health professional.

(God, Steven wants a hug. Also the appropriate mental health professional? Whoever that would be.)

untitled aos fic - i don’t want to give a lot of details because :eye emoji: and also i don’t know much about what the plot of this is going to be anyway, lmao. but here’s an excerpt:

daisy “that actor who doesn’t shut up about data harvesting” johnson (@daisyquake) tweeted: two weeks :eyes emoji:

Elena Rodriguez | Seven Cents S2 Streaming On Netflix Now! (@yoyorodriguez) retweeted and added: the problem with being friends with daisy is that you SHOULD have some insight into what her tweets mean but you still have no idea

Fitz (@justfitz) retweeted and added: Try being married to her

untitled star wars twins fic - because i am a total and massive nerd. i’m just kind of stuffing everything i have feels about from the post-anh era into this and planning on figuring it out later? i’m really loving talking about the culture of alderaan (and the culture of the survivors) and also i just love writing luke and leia’s relationship... so much......

(no excerpt for that one because i’ve basically posted all of it in various posts lmao)

aos ds9 au - i’ve posted a LOT about this already and i want to keep the plot a surprise but fsk is in this and married and half the cast is aliens, what else do you need in life.

“Good morning,” says Jemma, coming into the room with her hair wet and her uniform crooked. “Hello, darling.”

“Hi,” says Daisy, turning her face up for a kiss. Jemma obliges absently as she walks past, looking around the room.

“Has anyone seen my hair clip?”

“No,” say Fitz and Daisy in unison.

and of course, last but never least in my heart, chapter 3 of the magnum opus - writing this is on hold until my brain decides to stop hitting me over the head at every possible moment, but there’s like... 2k written so far? it’s. it’s going.

“Yeah, yeah,” says Coulson, and makes quick work of the right gauntlet. It’s only halfway through the left one that his fingers slow and he says, quietly, “Simmons designed these, didn’t she?”

She lets out a quick breath. “Yeah.”

He stays quiet for a few more seconds, finishing up the last of the straps, making sure they’re tight enough. Finally, he says, “She should be helping you with these.”

Daisy pulls her arms back and swallows down some words, or maybe a couple of feelings, or maybe a sob. “Yeah, well.”

2. tell us about what you’re most looking forward to writing – in your current project, or a future project

the last sentence of the magnum opus!!!!!!!!!!

no, lmao, i’m gonna try to be serious. i really, really want to write some librarians fic in the near future? also MORE OF THE SENSE8 AU. i’m DYING to write some stuff about that. especially sam’s cluster, for some reason? Let’s Make Him Suffer (Comedically)! one day i’m gonna finish that list of what cluster/situation each song is about and then it’ll be over for all of us!

3. what is that one scene that you’ve always wanted to write but can’t be arsed to write all of the set-up and context it would need? (consider this permission to write it and/or share it anyway)

i spent about eight months imagining a scene where riza hawkeye was really injured and mustang was holding her in his arms (basically the promised day scene but with more privacy) so does that count?

hmm, just for some other possibilities: glinda telling dorothy about elphaba, laura somehow seeing or speaking to natasha during catws, a good omens au of the good place (specifically the ”i don’t even like you!” / “you doooooooo” scene), kencyrath au of star wars (ESPECIALLY THIS ONE, except setting up the first scene alone would take 7k, but i want to talk about leia and luke and their MESSED UP TRUST ISSUES in this au).

oh, also, something about star trek tng where jean-luc and beverly and jack were in love and then jack died and picard left. more specifically a scene set during the pilot episode where jean-luc very cordially offers beverly the option to transfer off the enterprise, that he wouldn’t dream of holding it against her, and beverly very cordially telling jean-luc to go fuck himself. i want to write 30k of that broken triad. i want it so bad. i dream of that fic. maybe one day when i find myself with a completely empty month or two, i’ll binge all of tng and Write Some Stuff.

4. share a sentence or paragraph from your writing that you’re really proud of (explain why, if you like)

since you and i have tww in common, i’m gonna do a tww fic! otherwise i’d have to reread literally every fic i’ve ever written, lmao.

(this is long but i put this post under the cut so i have RIGHTS. also consider this a sneak peek for the j/d fic in the sense8 au?)

“It’s okay,” says Helen. She sits for a moment in silence, seeming thoughtful. “The Congressman and I are in the same cluster,” she says eventually. “I’d- I supposed that’s easier on the Secret Service?”

“Yes,” says Donna. “The-”

She stops herself from saying anything further. President Bartlet and the First Lady aren’t exactly quiet about who’s in their cluster, especially with senior staff, but that doesn’t mean she should go talking about it in an unsecured room in LA, of all places.

To cover for her blunder, she gives up something else: “The same with Josh. They got really lucky with him, actually. It’s just him and me, so they won’t have to worry about anyone threatening the Chief of Staff through the barista in the local Starbucks.”

Helen looks up from the Ohio numbers she’d drifted back to, a slow smile creeping up on her face. “Josh is in your cluster?”

“Uh-” says Donna, feeling like national security wasn’t worth whatever she’s just blundered into. Oops. “Josh- Josh is my cluster, ma’am.”

She catches her mistake the second it’s out of her mouth, but Helen doesn’t call her on it, more focused on other revelations. “No wonder you two look at each other the way you do!” she says, sounding delighted. Donna shuts her eyes, praying for this to go away. It’s not that she’s ashamed of Josh - it’s just so, so complicated, and other people never think about how difficult it was. Still is.

i’m just... i really liked the idea of donna fumbling and having to reveal this to cover up for what else she was going to say? i don’t know why i’m so charmed by this. i think it’s because it would be impossible in the show - you can’t show what someone was going to say on television, not without a lot of setup and very careful scripting. it’s just a really fun situation to write about and i’m really proud of this conversation in general.

also helen santos was a dream to write and i love her a lot. i kind of want to write one of the fics in the series about her and her cluster solely because like... look at her. she’s a delight in literally every scene. i love her.

5. what character that you’re writing do you most identify with?

daisy johnson!!! i love writing daisy johnson!!!! she is the most adhd character i’ve ever written and i literally just have to transcribe my own inner monologue and it works perfectly!!!!!

Swing shift: 1600 hours to 2400 hours. Daisy always ends up getting back to her quarters at like 0030 hours, when Jemma is asleep and Fitz is reading some kind of technical journal. Then she has to eat replicated pizza, alone, and freshly replicated pizza is actually pretty hot but it feels cold at that time of night, like, spiritually.

6. what character do you have the most fun writing?

...whoops i literally just answered that lmao. uh. i also really love writing sky masterson in the guys and dolls fic? she’s just weaponized hot queerness in a suit and i love her for it. she is intentionally trying to seduce this repressed lesbian and it’s really funny and also really hot of her and it’s so much fun to write.

also, i wrote chidi for the tgp fic and it was possibly the most fun i’ve ever had with a pov, although that was also because i was purposefully trying to mimic the tone of the show. i still think that line about michael and a grenade is, like, the funniest i have ever been in my life. but chidi’s panic was surprisingly easy to write? all of tgp’s characters have such STRONG voices, it makes writing fic ridiculously easy as long as you don’t get stuck on a plot for six months.

7. what do you think are the characteristics of your personal writing style? would others agree?

oof, this one is ALWAYS tricky. uh? uhh?? i’m going to ruin everything by saying this but i basically alternate between the same two sentence structures and i am really frustrated about it. i also alternate between the same two styles of endings and i always use the same beginning (set scene, main character pov, thoughts-as-exposition, back to scene).

BUT ON A MORE POSITIVE NOTE i like to talk about emotions and relationships and character development!! i have my “queer subtext goggles” superglued to my face, lmao. i like to think about how characters must have felt about things in canon and how it must’ve influenced them. i like making people deal with the consequences of their actions, especially how it’s influenced they themself. i also just really, really like writing people who love each other, whether it’s romantic or platonic or anything in between. i just want them to be happy! i just want them to stick together! doesn’t matter what fandom, i stand by it.

[talesandfluff]

Gelphie, 61?

Okay I have no excuse for this one. The prompt just reminded me of an extremely strong memory I have and no matter how hard I tried to find other ideas, I just couldn’t get them out. So I just wrote what I knew. First few paragraphs here, rest under the cut. It’s quite long (bout 2K words).

Some sort of modern AU, features Melena Thropp

61. Green wine bottles

It only takes one slip up from Boq, a brief accidental mention of Elphaba living with her mother for Glinda to become obsessed with the idea. How different than her own experience, whose parents supplied her an apartment in town with everything one might need to live on their own. It’s a novelty, a college student sharing a studio with her own mother in the very city she’s studying in, a quaint little picture in her mind. Every conversation is an excuse to try to pry an invitation home from Elphaba but the answer is a constant and firm no without a second thought. There is wheedling, all sorts of flattery, tricks and white lies, to no avail.

It takes a concourse of coincidences all in Glinda’s favor that make it happen. The college library closed for renovations, a group project with miscommunication on all parts that ended up having to be completed by the two of them for the next day, Glinda forgetting the books they needed in a friend’s room out for the weekend at the sorority house, the only spare copies are at Elphaba’s and the work has to be done.

“We’ll only be there for a few minutes,” Elphaba warns on the walk through the neighborhood she lives in − significantly distinct in class and status from Glinda’s, she notes with interest. “And you don’t need to come in.”

Glinda grabs her arm, leaning against her as they walk. Elphaba always tries to walk faster than she needs. Glinda always tries to slow her down.

“I know I don’t need to,” she says, squeezing Elphaba’s arm excitedly, “but I want to.”

Elphaba huffs and puffs. Glinda knows she might be pushing the limits, maybe even very close to the line of exasperation but then, there has never been anything she could do to put herself on the bad side of Elphaba’s good graces. A short visit to her home to satiate her curiosities can’t possibly change that.

The longer they walk, the more the skies seem to darken, though sunset is not for hours more. Maybe the buildings looming closer to one another, an older and less pristine part of town, street by street more downtrodden. In the distance, there’s shouts and a dog barking. Glinda is clutching Elphaba’s arm very tight indeed by the time Elphaba stops abruptly and dives in her pocket to get a heavy ring of keys out.

“This is me,” she announces.

She glances around worryingly, pulling Glinda to the side as she hurries to open the door. There’s a hole in the concrete wall that looks like it might have been from a gunshot. Glinda can’t help staring at it in awe and horror − she’s almost grateful for Elphaba dragging her inside if the entrance wasn’t just as appalling, half in ruins. The lights of the staircase are flickering, the stairs not cleaned in years, rotting wallpaper peeling off bit by bit. The air smells odd, something she can’t quite place and is not sure she wants to.

“Fourth floor,” Elphaba says. She holds herself differently in here, an even stricter restraint than the usual. “No elevator. This way.”

Glinda is made to walk up steep narrow stairs without even the reassurance of Elphaba leading the way − she insists on keeping an eye on Glinda as they make their way up. There seems to be danger lurking, suspicions about everything. At the third floor, Glinda spots an odd shadow in a corner and cries out, throwing herself into Elphaba’s arms before recognizing the shape as a large mutt napping on a puddle she would much rather not know the nature of.

“But Elphie, how can you…”

Elphaba’s face is immutable stone.

“It’ll just be a few minutes,” she repeats. Her purpose seems to have changed since they’ve walked inside, not so intent on just keeping her privacy anymore but rather guarding Glinda’s sensitivities. It might be too late for that, Glinda tells herself, noting a large hole in one of the apartment doors that might have been from some weapon. She nods at Elphaba, walking up the stairs again. A few minutes. She can handle that much.

At the fourth floor, Elphaba’s hand is suddenly at her shoulder, rubbing a soothing circle and looking her in the eyes as she speaks from very close, a whisper she’s afraid to let anybody hear.

“You’re staying in the hall,” she orders. “I’ll pick up the books and we’ll go back to your place to…” Her gaze wanders to a dirty brown door by the window. “Oh, what the shit!”

The hand is dropped as Elphaba takes giant leaps towards the door, fuming with anger for a reason unknown to Glinda. As soon as Elphaba’s back is to her, she tries to gather herself, hugging her sides. She wishes she could lean against a wall, make herself tiny and forgotten, but one glance at the state of the walls convinces her otherwise.

“I fucking told her,” Elphaba grumbles. “I’m sorry, just a sec.”

She starts to pick up a heap of what appears, despite the low light, to be trash bags. They clang against each other soundly as she paces past Glinda briskly to drop them down the chute at the end of the short corridor.

“I told her to not leave them there like a…” Banging on the door that appears to be hers, she starts shouting as she unlocks half a dozen locks in record time. “I told you not to leave the trash in the hall, for fuck’s sake!”

Some time and Elphaba disappears through the door, leaving it wide open. Glinda attempts a few steps towards it to catch a glimpse of the inside but a foreign voice speaks up and she freezes into place for fear of being caught.

“Oh, aren’t you the perfect homemaker. I was gonna get them.”

The sarcasm dripping in that voice, Glinda thinks she might have recognized Elphaba’s mother as such even without the context.

“Get them now,” Elphaba hisses. “I have to grab my books, Glinda’s waiting for me in the hall and she’s going to think we're…”

“Well don’t you let me mess with your date.” Glinda blushes and is thankful for no one to see it. “I have one of my own. Well, ‘date’, you know what I mean. Pass the setting spray, these wings are too good to rub off. Nanny visited, you know. Top drawer. She didn’t say anything about the trash, so I don’t know why you’re so butthurt about it… Anyway, I was just leaving.”

Quietly, Glinda tiptoes to the still gaping door, just in time to be face to face with the woman she so ardently craved to meet just minutes ago. She doesn’t know what she wants anymore. Melena Thropp is nothing she expected her to be, if she had any expectations at all. Long copper hair tied up in a bun, she’s wearing clothes that might have come from the closet of Glinda’s sorority sisters ten years ago, a loose neon pink crop top and tiny denim shorts, high heels Glinda wouldn’t know how to walk on. Though her eyes are tired and there’s something off in her gaze, her makeup is as good as promised. At least there is that. Much shorter than Elphaba, there would be no way to guess they were family if it weren’t for the sarcastic grin plastered on her face as she passes Glinda. She pinches her cheek on her way out.

“Oh, look at you, you pretty thing! You two have a great night, now.” To Elphaba still inside the apartment, she shouts back. “I’ll be late, frog, don’t worry about me!”

Glinda closes the mouth that had started gaping, straightens her spine. Melena hops down the stairs in a hurry, some thick cheap perfume trailing behind her. When Glinda turns back, Elphaba is leaning into the doorway severely.

“So, erm…” Glinda shuffles awkwardly. “Your mother seems…”

“She didn’t get the trash bags,” Elphaba cuts her rashly.

There’s an anger to her that wasn’t there before, or maybe Glinda didn’t notice it. She’s starting to wonder how many things she never realized about Elphaba. The tension surrounding her, the scowl she tries to hide… She seems much too hasty to get all the trash down the chute, so much so that, in her hurry to haul it, one of the bag bursts open and a cascade of glass bottles crash down onto the floor, rolling in every direction.

“Fucking sh… crap… Fuck.”

Elphaba drops to her knees, her head between her hand. Glinda rushes to help and though by the tensing of Elphaba’s shoulders, the stern glance she gives her, she knows the help is not entirely welcome, she gives it nonetheless. The first bottle she grabs is green and heavy, the cork pushed halfway down, some last red drops still swishing at the bottom. So is the second one, and the third, so many bottles. She wonders how long they’ve been there, how long it took for them to be consumed. It’s not for her to know, though. She puts them down next to Elphaba who in all this mess hasn’t moved an inch. Suddenly she leaps to her feet, paying Glinda no glance. She disappears in the apartment a minute, comes back with a new bag and one by one, they pile all the bottles down.

“I thought these had a deposit value…”

“Don’t wanna go back to the store with 'em,” Elphaba mutters. “I shouldn’t be the one doing it anyways.” She ties the bag handles close and shoves it down the chute with a particular harshness.

Glinda breathes and gathers the courage to grab Elphaba’s hand, but it is quickly dropped as if Elphaba had been burned.

“I’ll get the books,” she says. “You… You can come in a second. If you want.”

“That sounds nice,” Glinda smiles.

The inside of the apartment is almost a relief compared to the grimness of the rest of the building. There is dust, though less than the sickening layer shrouding the stairs, but there are attempts at some order. In a corner, there’s a twin bed with rumpled covers and the sofa near the only window of the room is slept in as well. Judging by the piles of books on the coffee table nearby, the small potted plant blooming there despite everything, there is no guessing which is Elphaba’s bedding. The sink is filled to the brim with dirty dishes and littering the floor of the kitchen corner are even more green glass bottles, some of them empty, some not. Glinda sits down in an old leather armchair that has a slash across the arm rest, revealing foam underneath.

“Let me just…”

Elphaba grabs yet another bag, quickly shoving the mess into it, glass clanging against glass, hiding it away as if Glinda hadn’t seen it all, as if stashing it into a bag would make the rest of it disappear. Glinda looks down, taps against her knees. Maybe if she pretends she’s not seeing anything, it will go away. Elphaba can fuss all she wants if it pleases her, if it soothes her. Soon it’s the textbooks she’s after.

“I put them somewhere under…” Elphaba picks up some books, searching through the piles before pulling them up victoriously. “Ah ha!”

Glinda smiles. It’s good to feel Elphaba quiet down even for such a small thing. There’s a fondness blossoming inside her that she’s not sure she knew before. Maybe it was always there.

“Are we ready to go?” She asks.

Elphaba meets her eyes for the first time, some unknown doubt in them. Glinda didn’t know that either, that Elphaba could be anything other than strong and stubborn.

“Yeah, just let me…”

She opens the top drawer of a small dresser and grabs an envelope from it. With a skinny thumb, she counts its content once, twice, pulls a face and shoves the whole thing into her bag.

“We’re ready to go.”

The way down has Glinda much more relaxed, knowing Elphaba is at her back, but she’s glad for the dark blue sky outside. The air of the evening smells fresh and clean even in the city. Stars are slowly starting to appear.

“My place?”

Elphaba nods. Glinda wishes she had something to say, a kindness to share, but the words come short. She settles for grabbing Elphaba’s hand, their fingers interlacing, palms meeting. Elphaba squints in confusion. Glinda smiles and squeezes the hand gently. And Elphaba squeezes it back.

[eowynfauchelevent]

Not According to Plan

Chapter 1

Cosette smiled as she finished hanging the last poster on the wall of her side of the dorm room. Everything was perfect. Her favourite stuffed animals were arranged neatly on her bed, which was made absolutely perfectly, her clothes were neatly folded in her dresser, and her supplies for class were all ready to go, three days early. It was Sunday, move in day, and classes wouldn't begin until Wednesday, so she was ahead of schedule on that, just the way she liked to be. Feeling a sudden twinge of nervousness, she glanced at the door again, wondering when her roommate would arrive.

She had been too anxious to go to her school's Facebook group for their year and try to find her roommate, so she had no idea who the girl would be. She hoped it would be someone nice and that they would get along. Just relax, Cosette, she told herself, taking a deep breath. Even if you don't get along, you just have to make it to the end of exams in April and then never speak to her again. Just September to April... Only 8 months. And you're getting ahead of yourself, maybe you will get along and will end up being the best of friends, like Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked! She hoped that would be the case, only without the arguing at the beginning. She hated conflict.

Feeling a bit anxious again, she sat on her bed, playing with her chestnut hair, almost wishing that she hadn't decided to go to university in the first place, and wondering why she had insisted to her papa that she was fine and he could leave. Just try to relax, take deep breaths and think happy thoughts. You made it here. You worked hard. You deserve this and you can succeed, you've got the right support system- The sound of the door opening pulled her out of her thoughts, and she quickly jumped off the bed and quit playing with her hair, eager to make a good impression on her new roommate.

A thin yet muscular young woman with dark brown hair and dark eyes walked in, pulling a suitcase with her, and Cosette could see a few boxes in the hall behind her, presumably also belonging her.

"You must be my roommate," the woman commented, giving Cosette no more than a single, momentary glance.

Cosette nodded, smiling. "Yeah, it's nice to meet you!" she said cheerfully. Her roommate nodded in response, walking over to the other side of the room and leaving her suitcase by the bed before returning to the hallway to get her boxes. Cosette hoped that she wasn't being too awkward. "Would you like some help bringing your things in?"

"No, I've got it. Thanks though," the woman replied without even bothering to look. Cosette felt her heart sink slightly, but reminded herself that this didn't mean she didn't like her. It was move in day, her roommate was probably feeling as anxious as she was, especially since her family was nowhere to be seen.

She nodded, and turned her attention back to her own things. Was there anything she had missed? Something she could do to at least appear a bit occupied rather than awkwardly watch her roommate unpack? She soon found herself rearranging her pillows and stuffed animals for the third time, absentmindedly chewing on the left corner of her bottom lip as she did so. Should she introduce herself now or later? What would be more awkward? Did her roommate even want to know her? Swallowing the lump in her throat, she finished rearranging her bed, deciding to rip the band-aid off and introduce herself.

She took another breath and walked over to the other young woman, who had finished bringing her things in and was beginning to unpack. "We should probably get to know each other," she said shyly. The dark haired young woman looked up at her.

"Yeah, I guess we should," she replied after a moment.

"So, I'm Cosette," she said, smiling a bit. Her roommate froze, staring at her as if she had just grown a second head.

"What?"

"Uh, Cosette... That's my name. Cosette Fauchelevent." She bit her lip, the anxiety threatening overtake her again. Had she done something wrong by introducing herself? Why did her new roommate look ready to explode? "It's just a silly nickname though, my real name is Euphrasie... But no one ever calls me that..."

Her roommate's dark eyes were icy, and she seemed to be trembling. Cosette felt her stomach twist and flip, and she began to wonder if she should just walk away. Something about the icy stare felt uncomfortably familiar though, as if she had experienced it before.

"This cannot be happening," she heard her roommate mutter.

"I- is something wrong?" she asked nervously, resisting the urge to play with her hair again.

Her roommate stood up, crossing her arms, continuing to fix her with the same, icy stare. "You're seriously going to just stand there and act like you don't remember me?"

Cosette blinked, confused. "Remember you? Why would I-" she frowned, trying to think of how she could possibly know the young woman she was going to be sharing a room with. Is she mistaking me for someone else? I've never met her in my life, unless... She looked again, studying the other woman's dark hair, eyes, and freckled face, trying to place her. There was something a bit familiar, she had to admit, but it couldn't possibly be, could it?

Her roommate scoffed. "You always were dim. I can't believe this."

Cosette felt her heart sink. It was. "Éponine...?"

"Oh, so you do remember. Great."

Cosette took a small step back. How could this be possible? It had been over ten years since she had last seen Éponine, and she'd spent all of that time trying to get a new life since then. How could she be stuck sharing a room at university with her?

"Well, it looks like we're stuck together again," Éponine said dryly after a few moments. "Great..." Cosette wondered if she should be happy or disappointed that Éponine appeared to be as frustrated with the situation as she was.

"I- what a coincidence?" she stammered, her voice shooting up an octave. Her brain chose that moment to remind her that it was only Sunday afternoon and that classes didn't start until Wednesday, and Éponine was the only person at the entire university she had met so far. Her heart pounded in her chest so loudly she was certain that Éponine could hear it as well. She wished that she could drop dead.

"Yeah. Just lovely..."

"I- I'll just let you finish unpacking..." Cosette managed to squeak out before backing away, returning to her side of the room. It was an absolute nightmare. How is this even possible? This isn't even the same province we were in back then! She sighed, and tried to ignore the sound of her roommate's grumbling as the other woman finished unpacking. First year was clearly not going to go the way she'd planned and hoped.

"Will you stop pacing? You're giving me a headache! God, you're even more annoying now than you were when we were kids." Cosette cringed at Éponine's comment.

"I can't help it, it's just something I do when I'm nervous."

"Well do something else instead of being a pest."

Cosette bit her lip again, her teeth settling into the same spot in the bottom left corner of her lip that they always did, ignoring the feeling of guilt that came with the realization that it had become such a habit in favour of the slight comfort it provided. Taking a deep breath, she quit the pacing, slumping onto her bed and hugging her pillow, carelessly sending a few of her neatly arranged stuffed animals onto the floor of the dorm room. Beady, empty black eyes stared up at her from the floor. Adjusting slightly, she covered her face with the pillow. This is officially the worst day ever.

"Oh, hi Marius!" Éponine's voice sounded cheerier than Cosette had thought possible. "You're all moved in? That's great! Want to meet up? No, I'm not busy at all, just hanging alone in my room. Yeah, I've met my roommate." Éponine moved past Cosette's side of the room towards the door. Cosette pulled the pillow closer to her face. "She's the worst so far, I doubt you'd like her..." Éponine's voice trailed off as she closed the door behind her.

So, Éponine had at least one friend at the school already. Cosette contemplated getting up and following her to investigate, curious about who could be friends with someone like Éponine, but decided against it. Whatever had made Éponine hate her when they had been children clearly hadn't gone away. The hatred appeared to be as strong as ever.

Sighing, she pulled the pillow away from her face. Maybe I should just go out to the common area and try to meet people, she wondered as she got up, picking the stuffed animals off the floor and fixing her bed. It's at least worth a try. A knot twisted in her stomach at the thought though, and she sat back on her bed, pulling her phone out. She had a text from her papa, asking if she was alright and if her roommate had arrived yet. For the second time in fifteen minutes her teeth found that familiar spot in the bottom left corner of her lip, and she considered lying.

How could she tell her papa that Éponine was her roommate? Her time with Éponine's family had been awful, and her papa had done everything he could to keep her far away from them once he had adopted her. She was certain he would be horrified to learn that their paths had cross again.

On the other hand, lying would be horrible. She had never lied to him before, and the thought of doing so made her skin crawl. Besides, how could she even lie about her roommate? He was bound to find out at some point, it would be impossible to keep it a secret forever. She chewed on her lip for a few moments before firing back a response, saying that she was fine and her roommate hadn't shown up yet. I don't have to lie about who she is, but he doesn't need to know just yet. She still felt uncomfortable about the lie, but the thought of having to explain the situation to her papa then and there was just unbearable.

Setting the phone aside, she lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She wondered who Marius was, and how Éponine had met him and become friends. She was always so horrid as a child, why would anyone be friends with her? Did she change? No, she seems the same now as she was back then. Marius must be a jerk too. She sighed and sat up again. Lying there moping wasn't going to fix anything.

She got up and looked in the mirror, fixing her hair and adjusting her clothes before grabbing her keys and chucking her phone into her bag and leaving, locking the door behind her. By the end of the day, she would have a new friend, no matter what.

Read the rest on fanfiction.net or AO3! Chapter 10 was just added a couple days ago!

[forkanna]

[AO3 LINK] [EF LINK]

NOTE:  Told you I was going to keep this moving! We should also have another fic going soon on this account again - though I'm going to try to hold off on beginning that one until more of Coven is complete (so I don't wind up in the situation I had with Bind Us/Precious Little Knives lol). Enjoy!

A brief discussion followed as they retreated from the Upperuplands, winging their way further East to Pumperdink. Glinda had requested that be their next stop, and Elphaba was too worried about keeping her eyes peeled for the local law enforcement to worry overly about why. At least it was unlikely that the formerly royal armies could have swept that far north, if indeed they were still being pursued.

"Of course we are," she told Glinda impatiently as they drifted over the tops of the trees of the Great Gillikin Forest. "Didn't you hear the way those guards were shouting at us? And I have his Grimmerie!"

Redoubling her grip around Elphaba's waist, she said reasonably, "But it was such a little mistake, wasn't it? Taking the book. Why, the library at Shiz doesn't call out the army for an overdue fine!"

"You've seen what this book can do. Flying brooms and trunks and monkeys, and that's from a single spell! What do you think we can accomplish when we start learning about the others?"

"The others? You mean… you mean you intend to continue sorcerism?! Oh, that seems- I mean, with Morrible and the Wizard, and now we're- do we really want to dig ourselves any deeper? The teensy bit we've learned so far is already turning us into wanted criminals!"

"You have a better plan?" No answer. "I thought not."

"Fine, I don't, but that doesn't mean we should be stealing any more spellwork from His Wizlyness! If we give the book back now, with only the one spell used… maybe he won't mind at all! What's one flying broom between friends, right?"

Elphaba sighed as they wove between two taller treetops. "I doubt it will be that easy. But… perhaps we should ask for word at our next stop. See what the situation is in the Emerald City, if the search has reached this far North. Or if he's called it off; we could get lucky."

"Agreed. And I'll handle that job, since you… well, you're…"

"An artichoke."

"More noticeable," Glinda finished lamely. It earned her a rueful chuckle.

"Where is this we're heading, anyway?"

"My granny's house. She's not as rules-oriented as my parents, and might have some idea where we can go if the Wizard can't be reasoned with. Which I still think he can, once everything's a little calmer!"

Her response was scarcely a whisper. "Let's hope you're right — on all counts."

                                                     ~ o ~

Granny Upland lived in a small domicile on the outskirts of the nicer side of Pumperdink — which is to say, it was still grander than Elphaba's childhood home in the governor's estate in Nest Hardings. Such a disparity between Gillikin and Munchkinland was well-known, but only hearing Glinda's descriptions of "quaint little bungalow" and "cozy Pumperdink" really drove it home. The hour was quite late, so they felt guilty ringing the bell to fetch anyone, but it was either that or sleep on her doorstep.

"Yes?" asked the Quadling servant whose round face was sandwiched by the door and its frame. Elphaba blinked and drew back in surprise, having at least expected a Gillikinese person to answer.

"Pardon the late hour and our intrusionary ringing," Glinda said with a curtsy. "But is the mistress of the house still up to receiving guests? I'm her granddaughter, Glinda — or Galinda, as she might remember me."

Elphaba's face fell into her palm.

"She is, but only just. One moment, please." The door closed, leaving them on the stoop as the sounds of footsteps receded. Within another five minutes, the servant returned and showed them in.

"Galinda, my dear, precious child!" the wizened old woman cried as she hobbled in on a cane, reaching out with the free hand to first grasp her forearm, and then draw her in for three-quarters of a hug. "Ohhh, I did wonder if I'd get to see you before your second year at that infernal university began! You're looking well, quite well!"

"Good eve, Granny! It has been ever so long, hasn't it? Oh, and this is my travelling companion, Elphaba!"

"Saint Aelphaba?" the woman gasped, obviously teasing. "Why, as I live and breathe; we've been blessed with a visit of a divinitous nature!"

Laughing, she turned to pull Elphaba closer, the latter hitching a pained, polite smile into place. Glinda already knew by now that she found being compared to the holy figure from Oz's history books beyond grating; anyone would, especially given the legend of Aelphaba disappearing nude into a waterfall. She could hardly blame her for wanting to distance herself from any kind of story that would encourage boys to ask her to shuck her clothing anytime it's raining. Not that it had stopped Glinda herself from making a remark or two when they were newly acquainted; she felt a little guilty about that now, but youth and idiocy often went hand in hand.

"Silly Granny. No, no, she's the daughter of the Eminent Thropp, the Munchkinland governor! Isn't that nifty?"

"Indeed, indeed. By the look of her, I'd have guessed she's from the Emerald City!" Chuckling at her own joke, Glinda merely grimacing and Elphaba too used to such remarks to react, she motioned for them to join her on the sofa. "Come, sit, sit. Have some Quox nuts - roasted just to the right darkness, very good for you."

"I'm allergic, Granny," Glinda told her patiently. "You knew that."

"Stuff and nonsense! Try a few, these are really quite good!" Glinda mimed reaching toward the bowl as the old woman turned toward Elphaba, pulling back her hand with no nuts in it once the attention was no longer on herself. "And you, Miss Aelphaba — how did you come to companionably travel with my little apple-cheeked granddaughter? And why are you wearing her hat?"

"Her hat?!"

The conversation meandered around from there, and they never did broach the subject of the Wizard and stolen spellbooks. This wasn't helped along by the fact that Granny was getting a little hard of hearing in her old age, and occasionally had to ask for clarification on several points. The effort of explaining fleeing the Wizard's palace in fear of their lives would be made that much harder.

At last, they retired for the evening. Nestled in one of the guest rooms that had two beds, they weren't awake for much longer. Already, Glinda felt odd with Elphie so far away; it had only been a couple of nights bunking together, but she had found it comforting to have her friend so closeby, within reach of her hand should she suffer a nightmare. She hadn't enjoyed that type of reassurance since she was a little girl.

"Can't believe you pawned off your dear, sweet grandmother's hat on me just because you didn't like it."

"Shhh, Elphie! I did like it, but didn't think it suited me. But seeing it on you, I genuinely think it works quite well." At least that last part was the full truth; she might feel guilty about deceiving Elphaba before, but the end result was that she now had a hat that looked as if it had been fashioned specifically for her head. All's well that ends well, as they said. Whoever 'they' were.

"Fine, fine. But don't think I'm…" A yawn interrupted the rest of her words. Smiling to herself, Glinda decided to interrupt that train of thought.

"Don't worry about it. Let's get some rest. Then tomorrow…"

"Tomorrow, we'll figure out our lives," Elphaba promised her. "Whether I should go on alone, and you stay here, or… something else."

Glinda smiled across at the other bed's occupant. "A girl could start to think she's not wanted with talk like that." But before Elphaba could reply, she yawned and snuggled into the pillow. "Goodnight, Elphie."

Harrumphing, she returned, "Goodnight, Glindie."

"Watch it, Fabala."

                                                    ~ o ~

A week passed with little change. Though Granny played a wonderful host, she was useless at actually focusing on any deeper, darker subjects. Any time Glinda began to ask for help, or Elphaba attempted to confess her sins for a third time, she would change the subject. Whether this was by design or by chance was unclear.

Glinda did steal into the main square of town the fourth day, asking around the local watering hole. With a scarf on her head, she looked like any other Northerner, and gave her name as Gayelette — earning her some titters at the odd-sounding moniker. No one had heard any juicy gossip from Emerald City in a good, long while. She caught snippets of older bits and commented on them as if they were news to her, but otherwise came up dry. That was a positive thing, after all; the longer it took for news of their exploits to spread, the less frantically they would have to relocate.

Between chats, she also managed to pick up another dress or two that would fit Elphaba's taller frame. This involved a lot of over-describing to the clothiers, but in the end, she got the job done. She was tempted to pick up more travelling supplies, and did get herself a lovely pink cloak for those breezy flights high in the sky, but otherwise abstained. They should discuss what they might need together before she burned through their meager coin and had to pawn more valuables.

"Listen to this," Elphaba said from her perch on the bed, fingertips holding the pages of the Grimmerie open. "My Ancient Lurlinic is as rusty as can be, the characters are so hard to read… but I think it says, 'To turn a frog into cheese.' What possible use could this be?!"

"Don't look at me, Elphie; you know I can't read that gobbledygook."

Sighing, she nodded as she flipped through more pages. "I could probably teach you if I wasn't awful at it myself. Still… maybe if I spend enough time with this thing, I'll sharpen my skills. Learn to read Lurline's old scribbly mess as easily as Standardised Gillikinese."

"Maybe so — except I thought we would be returning that when we could," she reminded her pointedly.

"Right. Right, yes, we are." Nodding resolutely, she shut the book and set it aside. "It's just all so fascinating; not so much that I want to learn the spells, just that I want to know what spells there are to be learned. Does that make any sense at all?"

"It does; you have a thirst for knowledge. Always did at Shiz, too! I think that's commendable and worthy of respectfulness."

"Why do you always make up words that sound like other words, but longer?"

Blinking, Glinda looked down at the hole in Elphaba's cloak she had been patching and tried not to let herself blush. "W-well, I… it's fashionable. Don't they sound nicer when they're longer like that?"

"No, they sound longer." When Glinda only pouted a little more, she stood and brushed her knees off, then strode across to the window. "But what do I know?"

"You know Lurlinic, for one." Her patchwork could wait; there was no hurry. Crossing the little room, she stood by Elphaba. "Have… you thought about what you're going to write to the Wizard?"

"I have."

"And?"

Her fingernails dug at a small knothole on the windowsill. "And I still have no idea. Well, that isn't accurate; I have many ideas. All bad."

"Aww… here, why don't we get started? There's a stack of papers on the writing desk, and I'm sure it won't take us more than a few tries digging in before we strike emerald." Before Elphaba could protest, she took her by the elbow and turned her so that they were facing each other. "I'll take dictation; I may only know one language, but my penmanship is exquisitous."

That time, Elphaba only smirked at her odd little phrasing. "Alright, then. Suppose we might as well give it the old Shiz try." Once Glinda was seated at the writing desk and had unstoppered the inkwell, she asked, "Ready?"

"Hold on, let me test the nib." She scratched out a couple of words on a spare scrap of paper that had likely been torn in half to dash off a quick note. Satisfied, she redipped her quill. "Okay, let's have it!"

"Okay. Hmm… here. 'Dearest Wizard'- no, wait, forget that. He's not dear to me, he scarcely knows who I am!"

Glinda frowned up at her. "You're so nervous and I haven't even written anything!"

"You know how much I used to respect him! Even if… well, everything's gone wrong by now. But that's- okay, focus. I need to focus." She began to pace as she thought, and then suddenly began, "'Dear Wizard. I am deeply regretful that I… absconded with your Grimmerie.' Does 'absconded' sound okay?"

"Divine, Elphie. Keep going, this is all fine so far."

"Good. 'With your Grimmerie. It was never my intention to do so, especially because I did not know it existed before that day. However, the consequences of the spell you bade me read were not… were not…' Um… I didn't know what it was going to do…"

"Readily apparent?"

"'Readily apparent to me until they had already been read. Seeing the monkeys in such pain from the spell I read for you frightened me, and I panicked. I hope you can understand how I reacted. Therefore… it is with great regret that I apologise, and offer to return your Grimmerie to you, intact.' How is that?"

Glinda read it back to her, and Elphaba nodded along, still pacing. Then she asked, "Were you going to mention him letting us go?"

"Right, yes — that's what's next! Okay. '...to you, intact. In exchange for this, I wish you to grant Glinda Upland a full pardon, for she was an innocent bystander in all of this. As for myself, I will accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate.'"

"Wait, Elphie," Glinda said, just having finished writing down the last word. "What do you mean? Couldn't you ask for a pardon for yourself, too?"

Sighing, she turned weary eyes toward her friend. "It's asking too much. Look how far we ran off with the book! You really think he's going to just shrug and say 'oh well', especially now that we know how powerful it is?"

"Well… no, but it doesn't hurt to ask!" Dipping the quill again, she added on her own, "'But I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive and forget.' There, that way you're only asking, and not making it a condition of the Grimmerie's surrender."

"That's good, that's good," Elphaba confirmed as she hunched over the back of the chair, gazing down at the sheet. "And it looks clean and neat so far. Well done."

"Thank you," she whispered with a tiny smile. "Might not have many talents to my name, but penmanship is one of them. Okay, what else?"

"That's it. I don't want to beleaguer the point and take up too much of his time. Sign it 'Sincerely and ashamedly,' and my name."

"You sign your name," she asked once she had put down the rest, holding out the quill. After a brief moment of indecision, she did, with a flourish and some slight blotting that made the final letters look a bit spidery. Then she handed back the quill and reached to pick up the page. "W-wait, don't you want to use pounce first, so it doesn't smudge?!"

"O-oh, I… you're right, how stupid of me. What is wrong with my brain today?"

Smiling up at her as she reached for the pounce pot, she whispered, "You're fine. Just… nervous. I understand." She sprinkled the fine powder on the page, soaking up the extra ink. Then she turned toward the window, picking it up by the edges. "Can you…?"

"Yes, of course." Elphaba gently eased the window open, and Glinda blew the dust out into the late evening. Once the window was shut and they were back by the desk, Elphaba read over their work. "I hate it. However, I honestly don't think I could make a better job of it if I tried again, so we might as well leave it this way."

"Fine by me. Just hope it does the job that it should do."

Then they sealed it inside an envelope, took a deep breath, and turned in for the evening.

                                                    ~ o ~

Another day passed much the same. Still they got nowhere with Granny conversationally, and still they had no clear idea of where to go, what to do. Elphaba wasted great gobs of time leafing through the Grimmerie, but it was more to keep from pacing or talking to herself than out of a desire to plumb the depths of its material. Glinda tried to take up most of her time mending clothes or chattering, which she could tell was beginning to get on her companion's nerves, but she had no better notion of what to do with herself. All her life, people had been shunting her in one direction or another; the few independent thoughts she had summoned were all very closely related to ones others had stated at one point or another. Life with Elphaba was highly challenging in ways she never could have predicted.

The next afternoon, Glinda was on her way back from the market with a few minor odds and ends when she stopped in at the Bittuvalai Inn again. She asked the same old questions, expecting nothing more than the same old answers.

She was sorely mistaken.

"You aren't a 'Gayelette' at all!" one of the men accused once he'd clapped eyes on her. "You're a Galinda!"

"That's Glinda, please!" she snapped — before she could stop herself. Covering her mouth with her hand, she hurriedly added, "And I don't know what you mean!"

"Knew it!" he said, nodding over his shoulders. "Ain't any girls 'round this pathetic town as lovely as her, she had to be from somewhere's else!"

Smiling in spite of herself, Glinda tittered, "Oh, you do go on, sir!" Then she noticed the patrons were closing her off from the door, attempting to corral her into the corner. "W-wait, you don't go on… I m-mean, you should let me go, please!"

A squat, middle-aged woman demanded, "Or what? You'll curse us?"

"Curse you? Please, how would I even know how to do such a thing?! I am but a poor student from Shiz University; I barely know how to put one wand in front of the other!"

"WITCH!" a mousy-looking man somehow managed to shout at the top of his lungs, bringing around the few other patrons who had been ignorant of the scene.

"Who, where?!" she squeaked innocently.

"You won't get away from here so easily, witch!" the woman went on as the dozens of pairs of eyes fixated on her, seeming to drill right through her body. An urge to poke them welled up within herself. "We'll turn you in, we will, and our names will be praised by His Wizliness!"

"Perhaps there'll be a reward!"

The moment the first man said that, there were many murmurs of assent. That did not tip things in her favour at all. Glinda's blue eyes swept up and down the scrubby wooden tables and chairs, to the well-polished bartop and the bartender crouched behind it. She could only hope he wasn't going for some sort of weapon he kept just in case of similar disturbances. Ordinarily, she would have been glad of the protection… but not when she wasn't the one being protected.

"Please, look at yourselves!" she urged as she pressed back against the wall, palms finding its surface as her cloth sack swung from her elbow. "I h-haven't cursed you for threatening me already, so how could I be a witch? Y-you're being silly, all of you!"

"Silly and rich, soon enough!" said the mousy man.

There was nothing else to be done; she had to think of some way to trick them out of attacking. Glinda reached into her bag and pulled out a beetroot. "Do you see this?!" she screeched, causing them all to hesitate. "One false move, and I'm warning you… I'll do to you what I did to him!"

A collective gasp went up. That was enough; she had thrown the shadow of doubt across their zealousness. Tossing the beet into the air, she dashed for the door, only barely glimpsing that several of them dove to catch what they presumed was a transmogrified person. One man had to be elbowed out of the way, but he was surprised enough that she could manage it and make good her escape.

How much longer will they stare at it, waiting to see if it speaks? she couldn't help thinking to herself as she dashed up the lane toward her Granny's house. The situation didn't merit such japes, but she felt she had to take the amusement where she could find it.

Once bursting through the door, she saw Granny perched on the sofa with a cup of tea in her hand, and Elphaba poring over the book. They both started, a few drops of tea falling to the rug from the cup.

"They're coming!"

Immediately, Elphaba shot to standing. "How many?"

"From the look of it, the entire village!" Glinda panted as she leaned against the door. "Oh… oh, we have to fly! I don't want us to still be here when they catch up, and ruin my Granny's lovely Quadling rugs trying to catch us!"

"What's all this about?" Granny asked in mild confusion, squinting as they began to head for the staircase.��"Who's coming?!"

There wasn't time to explain to the poor old thing. The minute they reached the bedroom, they began to cram everything into the trunk as quickly as was possible; Grimmerie, new purchases, even one of the pillows from the bed wound up padding the inside. Of course, the flying spell was still in action upon the trunk, as a spell cannot be undone once it's been said, so they tied it to the back of the broom as efficiently as they could without muddling the process and prepared to leave.

"Really, this is a most unceremonical exit you're making!" Granny pouted as they began to approach the front door.

"I am sorry, Gran!" Glinda bade her, wringing the old woman's hands. "I've been trying to find a way to explain, but I… oh, it's really just so horribliffic, I don't want you to think any less of me! Of us!"

"We can't endanger your safety because of my mistake," Elphaba cut off further protests. "We'll just… well, I don't know where we'll go now that we've run out of relatives. But we'll figure something out."

Granny tutted her disapproval, but still patted Glinda's elbow. "You do as you must, dearie. Just take a few Quox nuts for the road!"

"Gran, you know I'm allerg-"

"We have to go now!" Elphaba hissed, gesturing to the windows. Indeed, there were mobs already gathering outside, stirred up by the ones from the tavern. They weren't knocking on the front door quite yet, but it wouldn't be long.

"Why does it feel like we're always rushing off somewhere?" Glinda sighed, embracing her grandmother. "We'll be back, though, you'll see!"

"Very well! Safe trip, don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

As they stepped outside, they did notice a few eyes turn in their direction, but they were already mounting the broom and readying to take off, not wasting a moment. By the time anyone had roused themselves enough to dash in their direction, it was too late; they were airborne.

However, the moment they were skimming past the upper-story windows of the homes, they began to feel sharp pains inflicted upon their legs and hips. Glinda glanced down and let out an exasperated squeak.

"What is it?" Elphaba asked through clenched teeth. "I'm concentrating on flying!"

"They're throwing rocks! Oh, of all the uncouthful, ridiculous- how can they be so rude?!" As they passed a particularly thick knot of Gillikin citizenry, she shouted down, "WHAT CHILDREN!"

"WITCH!" was all she heard in return, and had to flinch back to avoid a sound clouting of her nose with what seemed to be half a brick.

"Forget them," Elphaba snapped over her shoulder as they began to rise high enough that it would no longer be a problem. "They've made up their minds."

One last sound of a rock smacking against their trunk reached them before Pumperdink was behind them, the shouts fading in their wake. Alas, Elphaba was right about one thing: they were out of family members to beg for sanctuary. Where in Oz would they go now?

                                                    To Be Continued…

[xfandomimagines]

AS LONG AS YOU’RE MINE (BARRY ALLEN IMAGINE)

Summary: When Barry gets cast in Wicked as Fiyero, he meets you, the Elphaba to his Fiyero, and falls in love. However, issues arise in the form of Helen, the Glinda.

Gender: Female

Notes: After I saw the musical episode this week, I just knew I had to write this, and again, I knew I had to use Wicked because Grant Gustin is like my dream Fiyero ever (CAN YOU JUST IMAGINE). Also, I planted a few little Wicked easter eggs in this so if you’re a giant musical/Wicked nerd like me, I hope you recognise them. 

{REQUESTS ARE OPEN}

Barry entered the rehearsal room apprehensively, not knowing what to expect. Ever since the whole Music Meister thing had happened and everyone found out he was decent at singing, whenever they saw something come up for performing, his friends kept suggesting he went for it. At first Barry was completely against it, but slowly, he started warming up to the idea; and that’s how he found himself currently going to the first rehearsal for the Central City Theatre Society’s production of Wicked.

There was a stage at the end of the room where other cast members were casually hanging out, reading their scripts and getting to know each other. Barry scanned over them, when one girl caught his eye. You were sat alone in the corner of the stage, your Y/H/C hair falling in your face as you read your script and as he got closer he could hear you quietly singing One Short Day to yourself. Barry smiled to himself and began to walk over when he got interrupted.

“Hi! I’ve never seen you here before, I’ve been involved in all the company’s shows for the past 5 years.” She introduced, her red stained lips curving up into a smile, holding her hand out. “My name’s Helen, I’m playing Glinda.”

Barry looked over her shoulder at you, before turning back to her, not wanting to be rude. He took her hand in his. “Barry. Barry Allen. I’m playing Fiyero.”

Helen let out a small squeal. “Oh, that’s great! We’re going to be seeing a lot of each other.” She grabbed his arm, and led him over to the stage. At the sound of her heels clicking on the ground, many people turned over to look at them, including you, Barry noted. “Here, meet everyone.”

“Uhh, hi.” Barry said. Helen carried on unbothered.

“Guys, this is Barry, he’s going to be playing Fiyero. Barry, this is Katie, she’s playing Nessarose.” A small brunette girl smiled at him. “James, he’s playing Boq, and Miriam, she’s playing Madame Morrible.” James smiled and shook his hand and Miriam, a plump woman with curly hair, kissed his cheek in greeting. “Then this is Nigel, the Wizard, director and my daddy.”

“It’s great to have you joining us.” Nigel greeted with a firm handshake.

“Thank you, it’s great to be part of the production.” Barry replied, realising she completely ignored you. “So, uh, who’s playing Elphaba?”

“Oh, that’s Y/N, over here!” Nigel motioned over to you, who smiled at you warmly. “She only joined us during last year’s production but she’s so talented so I just knew I had to cast her as the lead.”

“One of the two leads!” Helen piped up, walking over to them with a slightly sour look on her face. Immediately your face fell and you looked back down at your script. “I mean, Glinda’s a lead too, right?”

“Of course. Anyway, let’s get rehearsals off to a start!” Nigel called out to everyone and the cast started to get into position.

 Throughout rehearsal, Barry kept getting accosted by Helen so he never managed to go and introduce himself to you. You were amazing, he thought ever since you first got on stage. You performed with such grace and elegance and you seemed to just dissolve into the character. Barry was enraptured by you.

Finally right before the started the songs, Barry managed to slip over to you. Again, you were sat in the corner, reading through the lyrics and quietly singing to herself.

“Hi, it’s Y/N, right?” Barry sat down next to you and you stopped, looking up at him. “I’m Barry.”

“Yeah, it’s nice to meet you.” You held your hand out, and Barry clasped it in his, his heart fluttering slightly. You were so beautiful.

“You too. You’re amazing up there, I can’t believe someone could perform so well.”

You blushed, looking down at your lap. “Thank you, you’re pretty good yourself.”

“How come you sit here all alone?” Barry asked, the question bugging him ever since he saw you. From what he’d seen you seemed so sweet and talented, it made no sense that someone like you would be all alone.

“Helen.” You said, simply. Barry looked at you questioningly. “Last year, when we were doing Little Shop of Horrors, Helen was Audrey and I was her understudy. Half way through the performances she fell down some stairs and broke her leg and I had to cover for her. According to Nigel, the shows I was on got better feedback than hers and she’s never forgiven me for it.”

“That’s ridiculous. You can’t help what other people prefer.”

“Tell that to her.” You said, nodding towards Helen who had just returned from the bathroom. “Anyway, looks like we’re about to start again.”

As if on cue, Nigel headed back up on stage. “Y/N, Helen, we’re going to start with For Good, then we’re going to move onto Wicked Witch of the East with Katie, Y/N and James, after we’ll do Wizard and I and end with As Long As You’re Mine.”

 Barry was blown away; you were breath taking. He could easily see why the audience would prefer you to Helen. You just seemed to be so natural with your singing, whilst Helen had to visibly put more into her voice to become almost par with you. When it came to As Long As You’re Mine, Barry didn’t have to act. He’d become completely smitten with you, he couldn’t help it, in his eyes you were perfect.

 Over the course of the rehearsals, you and Barry grew closer. Whenever you had breaks, you always sat and got to know each other (that’s if Barry could escape Helen, who seemed to latch herself to him), and even starting to meet up out of rehearsal. At first it was just extra rehearsing, but then it developed into hanging out and meeting up without the original purpose of rehearsal. By the time the first show rolled around three months after your first meeting, Barry knew he was in love with you.

“Hey, green girl.” Barry popped his head round the door of your dressing room.

“Hey.” You looked up from where you were covering the fading patches of green on your hand. “You nervous?”

Barry shrugged. “A little. This is the first time I’ve ever performed on stage since I was nine in my schools production of Baa Baa Black Sheep.”

“Ohhhh, challenging. No wonder you’re such a singing sensation now.”

“Yeah, the highlight of my career. Tree #3” You both laughed, and Barry walked into the room, leaning on the vanity next to where you were sat. “You’ll be amazing.”

“So will you.” You replied, looking up and suddenly, your eyes locked. It felt like you were seeing each other so clearly for the first time. Without control, Barry started leaning in and so did you, your lips were about to touch when: “Barry!”

Suddenly, you jumped apart as Helen entered the room, ready for the beginning of the show in Glinda’s bubble dress and her silver wand in hand.

“I just wanted to wish you good luck. I know you’re nervous since this is your first show but don’t worry, you’ll be great!” She walked over to him, her free hand resting on his arm. “Kiss for good luck?” Without giving him chance to do anything, she reached up and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

“Thanks.”

“I have to go into position now, but break a leg!” Helen waved, and as quick as she appeared she was gone. Barry turned around to face you. He could tell you felt awkward, looking down and fiddling with your fingers. With a sneaky speed towards you, Barry pulled you into a tight embrace.

“Break a leg.” He whispered into your hair.

 The show started without a hitch and after what happened earlier in the dressing room, Barry got more nervous as As Long As You’re Mine drew closer. Yes, you’d rehearsed the scene and kissed before, but this was different, it was the first time you’d be doing this in front of other people, and the first time you’d be doing this since he acted on his feelings for you.

“There’s a girl I know, he loves her so… I’m not that girl…”

Stood in the wings, one hand in yours, the other clasping the prop oil lamp, you looked over at each other. You both smiled encouragingly, and then you were on. Barry led you forward to the front of the stage, and as you got to your position you knelt down in front of each other.

“Kiss me too fiercely, hold me too tight. I need help believing, you’re with me tonight.”

Barry was entranced, hands dancing along your waist and back, holding you close. All acting went out of the window and he was holding you and telling you how much he loved you like he’d wanted too ever since he first saw you in the corner of the stage, hair falling in your eyes.

“For the first time, I feel… Wicked!” You said, and then your hands were on Barry’s face and you were kissing. Barry melted in you, arms wrapping around your waist, tightly, as your lips locked together and everything fell away until he heard the audience clapping. When you pulled away and you both went into a hug instead, his head went into the crook of your neck and his hand ran through the fake hair of your wig. After the show, Barry thought to himself, I need to tell her.

 All the cast and crew were celebrating, hugging one another and saying their congratulations (or, congratulotions, in some people’s case), and all Barry cared about was finding you. He finished his conversation with James as quickly as he could, and rushed off towards your dressing room, his mind set. However, he was once again interrupted by a flurry of blond wig and big poofy dress.

“Oh, Barry, you were amazing!” Helen yelled at him, hugging him tightly. Barry loosely patted her back. “I can’t believe you haven’t performed since you were young, it’s like you’ve been doing it all your life.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Barry said, absentmindedly, looking over at the door to your dressing room, wishing he could escape to you. At that moment, the door opened and you stepped out, looking around. “Sorry, I have too-“

“Everyone has been saying how much chemistry we had together, and that much chemistry can’t be acted, right? Don’t you agree?”

Barry wasn’t really listening, more interested in getting towards you. “Yeah, yeah.”

“Oh, Barry!” And the next thing he knew, Helen’s lips were on his. Barry stood there in shock, not knowing what to do, and his eyes were wide. It was only when he saw you, tears in your eyes, storming back into your dressing room that he came back to his senses and pushed her away.

“Barry?” Helen asked but he paid no attention, and stormed straight passed her towards you dressing room. “Barry!”

Barry knocked on your door, ignoring Helen’s protests behind him. “Y/N, please let me explain!” Silence. “Y/N, let me in, please. That wasn’t me it was Helen.” More silence. “Y/N, I’m coming in.” Barry opened the door and walked in to see you sat your vanity, wig off and your natural hair tumbling down, and your face paint all messed up due to the tears streaming down your cheeks.

“Go away!”

“Just please let me explain.”

“Explain what?” You turned around to face him. “That everything I felt between us wasn’t there? That all this time it wasn’t me you wanted it was Helen? The fact that all this time I thought we were friends, possibly more, but this was a complete joke between you both! Ridicule the quiet girl in the corner who has no friends here but still came back! Just fuck off, Barry!”

“That’s not what it was at all!” Barry cried, rushing over and bending down by the side of your chair. “Everything was there, that’s all true. After the show I was looking for you and Helen came over to me, like she always does. I wasn’t listening to her because you came out the door and all I wanted to do was run over and tell you how much I love you and wanted to be with you. I guess I must have accidentally agreed to something while brushing her off to talk to you because she kissed me.” He closed his eyes and sighed. “It’s you, Y/N. It’s always been you.”

You looked at him, tears still shining in your eyes. “But why me?”

“You don’t realise how amazing you are, do you? You’re beautiful and talented. I love everything about you. I know this sounds cheesy but ever since I laid eyes on you I knew I loved you. You are worth so much more than Helen.” Barry ran his fingers through your hair as he spoke. “Now please, can I kiss you?”

You nodded and then Barry was leaning up and you were kissing as you for the first time. Not Elphaba and Fiyero. Barry and Y/N. Barry stood up and you went with him willingly, allowing him to pull you as close as possible and deepen the kiss. Finally, you had to separate for air and you leant your foreheads together.

“You, uh, have a little green…” You giggled, trying to wipe away the paint from the corner of his mouth with your thumb, which obviously, just made it worse. Barry laughed and moved your hand away, lacing your fingers together.

“I don’t care. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

[kimmyiewrites]

Because I Knew You ~ Chpt 7

After meeting with the lollipop guild Addelaide moved from the throne room to her office. Waiting for her there was Fiyero. As soon as he saw her, he stood from the settee he was lounging on in her waiting area just outside her office. “Are you all set and ready to go?” She asked when she saw him.

He nodded, meeting her halfway as she entered the room. “Sure are. I came to say goodbye.” He took her hands in his, pulling her closer causing her to smile.

“I do prefer face to face farewells.” They leaned closer together, lips almost touching.

“And I promise you will never have to worry about a faceless farewell from me ever again.” With that he closed what little space was left between them and kissed her breath away. When they pulled apart he had a smirk on his lips. “Wanted to leave you with something to remember me by.” He then winked.

Addelaide laughed, pushing playfully at his chest to create distance between them. “Be safe on your journey please.”

Fiyero chuckled as he gave her the Ozian Guard salute. “Yes, your goodliness.”

“Oh, don’t you start that too. Now get out of here and get that girl back home.” She chuckled, shaking her head causing Fiyero to laugh as he left the room.

Addelaid turned and just before he crossed the threshold of the room, called out his name. Fiyero turned back around with a questioning look on his face. “Return to me in one piece please.” She smiled.

He easily returned it with one of his own. “I promise.” With that he turned back around to meet up with the others so they could start their journey.

It was about a week later and she had still not heard anything from Fiyero. She wasn’t expecting a daily update but surely a week was enough time to get to Kiamo Ko and to give back the slippers. She was looking over some paperwork regarding some of the refugees. By the third time she had re read the same sentence, she pushed the papers to the side and pinched the bridge of her nose.

Luckily she didn’t have to wait much longer. Her desk phone rang. The ringing broke the frustrated silence she was sitting in and startled her. She fumbled with the handset of the gold and ruby studded rotary phone as she tried to answer it. Not only did the physical ringing scare her but the possible reason did too. The only people who had the number to that phone were the leaders of each country within Oz plus the Wizard.  

“This is Addelaid the Good. May I ask who this is?” She finally answered bringing the handset up to her ear.

“Addie! It’s me! Glinda, your cousin. You know the one living in the Emerald City.” Galinda replied with her usual bubbliness.

“Yes, Galinda, I know who you are.”

Galinda huffed. “Addie, you know I changed my name to Glinda.”

Addelaide rolled her eyes. “I will keep calling you Galinda for as long as you call me Addie.”

“Whatever. The proper use of names is not the reason I called. I called because you must get to the Emerald City, Addie.”

The urgency in her voice made Addelaide’s nerves surface once more. “What happened?”

“The Wizard sent some of the Guard with that poor girl from Kansas. They were to kill Elphie and they did Addie! They threw water on poor Elphaba and she actually melted!”

Addelaide shook her head. She couldn’t believe that something like that would actually work. “Surely, you can’t believe that.”

“Her hat and robe were all that was left Addie, so it must be true. Now will you please come to the Emerald City. I’ve got to figure out how to send this girl home and I’m not sure how.”

Addelaide sighed. “Fine but the others will be coming back to Quadling with me.”

Galinda let out a squeal. “Oh, thank you Addie! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

With that the Upland cousins hung up the phone. Addelaide sat there for a moment before jumping into action. She grabbed her spell book and wand as she called out for Ro. “Yes, Addelaide?”

“I’m going to the Emerald City for some business so I’ll need a carriage prepared, please.”

Ro nodded. “Right away.”

By the time Addelaide arrived Dorothy and her group returned. A bell hop greeted Addelaide, helping her out of the carriage just as Ro was making his way around to do just that. “Miss Glinda arranged for your stay. I’ll be more than happy to take your bags and show you to your room.”

Addelaide smiled but just as she was about to answer she spotted Galinda. “I’ll find my way to the room later. I see my cousin. Feel free to show Ro, however.” The bellhop nodded and went to work.

“Are you sure, Addelaide?” Ro asked.

She nodded. “Yes. Enjoy some time to yourself. You deserve it.”

Ro sighed, nodding almost reluctantly.

“I promise to not get into any trouble since I know that’s what you’re afraid of.” She reassured.

His expression turned sheepish. “Just promise you’ll send for me if you need my assistance.”

Addelaide laughed. “I promise.” With that she readjusted her satchel strap and made her way over to her cousin. Galinda wrapped Addelaide into a big hug. “Oh, I’m so glad you’re here.” She beamed.

Addelaide did her best to return the wide smile but it still felt weird to be buddy-buddy with Galinda.

“They’re speaking with the Wizard now. So come on, we’ve got to hurry.” They didn’t make it to the throne room, however.

Madame Morrible intercepted the two and lead them into the courtyard, where some Ozians were already gathered, going on about how he’s really done it now, how whoever is taking over the Wizard role had a mess to clean up and it was not going to be her. The Upland cousins were quite confused by her fuss as they helped set up a platform and prepared a hot air balloon.

Soon after everything was in place The Wizard with Dorothy and the others trailing behind him came out. “And here it is! Oh, Madame Morrible, Glinda, you two shall be missed but it is time for this old man to say goodbye. Come along, now dear. Once this thing is ready for take off, there’s no stopping it.” The Wizard carried on, calling out to Dorothy as he climbed into the basket of the balloon.

The women watched as the young girl wished her new friends goodbye. She then realized that Toto wasn’t by her side. While trying to help Dorothy in her search for the small dog, the guard keeping the balloon anchored let go of the rope causing the Wizard to float away. Dorothy was distraught, holding toto to her chest as the Lion and the others comforted her.

Addelaide was too busy looking through her spell book to focus on what Madame Morrible was saying. Galinda’s name was mentioned and shouts from the crowd was heard but not registered. Galinda crossed over to where Dorothy was and patted her head. “Oh you poor thing. Living in Oz won’t be that bad. We’ll set you up in a nice room here in the Emerald City.”

Dorothy looked up, tears pooling in her eyes. “You mean you can’t send me home?”

Before Galinda could answer, Addelaide called out, “I got it!”

[forkanna]

[AO3 LINK] [EF LINK]

WARNING: Another attempted assault. Also sorry this chapter is rather short.

Officer Will took Elphaba straight back to the asylum. They were not at all pleased to see her, and the old matron put up the biggest stink of all, stomping and shouting and carrying on. But when shown the note from the Gales, giving permission for her to visit, she was robbed of further protestations and simply stood aside.

"Through here," another doctor said, unlocking the door. As he did so, he said, "Now, she ain't dangerous, but she has tried to bolt 'afore. I'll have to ask you to stay with the negro woman as she visits, officer. If you can."

"The 'negro woman' is capable of defending herself against one girl," Elphaba muttered. But no one paid her any mind.

Just as they were being led into Dorothy's room, she caught sight of Angeline working a broom and a dustpan a little way along the hallway. She smiled at her, and received a little wink and a smile in return. She had never felt so much kinship with another person without needing a single word. Well, other than Glinda, and that was a completely different matter entirely.

"Miss Elphaba!" Dorothy cried out, sitting up immediately. When she saw the policemen, she seemed to lose a little of her joy.

"It's alright," she told her. "This is a friend; his name is Will. Or at least, he isn't an enemy."

She dipped her head a little, hands fidgeting in front of her waist. "N-nice to meet you, sir."

"So she knows ya," the officer muttered in acknowledgement, nodding his own head. "Go on, have your visit. I'll stay back this-a-way."

As he leaned against the wall, Elphaba moved to sit on the bed by her friend. Finally, she felt like they could actually discuss matters. "How are you feeling today?"

"Much better." In a quieter voice, she whispered, "Do you have what I gave you?"

"Hm? Oh…" She patted her heart, feeling the tiny pill was still mostly there; sweating had dissolved it a bit. "I believe so. Might explain why I slept so soundly last night after such a hellish day; probably absorbed a little of it."

"There's more in my chamber pot," she confessed. They shared a grin. "Rinses it away and makes it invisible."

"You cunning little girl." The praise made Dorothy's cheeks glow. "You're doing alright? After the shocks, and the beating…"

Dorothy shook her head. "Sometimes, I get stray thoughts now that I can't explain. But… I can tell that's what they are. Like… that I ought to eat a squirrel, or… that I used to be able to grow a tail… but a moment later, I can remember 'that ain't real'. Never had those thoughts before they shocked me, not at all, but they're startin' to fade the longer I go since they did it to me."

Such news nearly broke her heart in two; Dorothy had been entirely of sound mind before, and now she might never be fully whole. But it was heartening to hear that she was recovering, even if only partially, gradually. "Good, that's good. And… and what about shocking you again? It seemed you were worried…"

"Don't think so now. I've started tellin' the doctor that I miss dreamin' about Oz. Seems to do the trick; he thinks all his talkin' cured me, plus the one shock, and the medicine." Her eyes were quite sad, even if one was twitching very slightly in a way that made Elphaba feel sick. "Wish I didn't have to tell fibs, but… I can't be shocked again. I just can't."

"It's okay. Dorothy… I have to ask you that question again. Now that I've spoken with your aunt and uncle."

For a moment, Dorothy only nodded glumly. Then she seemed to more fully grasp what she was being told, and perked up. "Oh? You… you saw Uncle Henry and Aunt Em? Oh, how are they?!"

"They seem to be doing fine," she answered shortly. What she wanted to say was, 'They're a couple of old goats who don't care about their niece,' but she knew that wasn't entirely fair to them, and would only upset Dorothy and distract her. "And that they want to come visit you, but it might be some time."

She looked a little disappointed, but only vaguely. "I'm glad they're alright. Hurts me that I can't be with 'em anymore. Rightly scared 'em half to death, I guess, goin' on about Oz."

"And you scared that Frances of theirs."

"Oh, her," Dorothy snorted with a slight smile. "Really a nice girl, once you get to know her — and isn't red hair just the prettiest? Hers and her daddy's. But… well, she didn't like me talkin' about Oz, either. Suppose it's my own fault for gettin' carried away sometimes."

Catching up Dorothy's hand, she gave the back of it an earnest pat. "Don't worry about them now. I have to ask you something."

"About goin' back to Oz? Well… I've been thinkin' on that. Now that my brain ain't mucked up with whatever's in those pills anymore." Only after a brief hesitation, she whispered, "I… will go with you."

"You will?" When Dorothy only held perfectly still, not elaborating, she guessed, "But you don't want to."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. I know I can't see 'em anymore, anyhow, but… well, they're all the family I've got left in the whole wide world! And if I left here and went to Oz again, I don't think I could ever come back or they'd catch me and put me back in here, a-and… that means if I do go, I can't see them ever again, doesn't it?"

The answer to her question did not need to be spoken aloud, but in that moment, it was no longer important. Elphaba wrapped her up in a tight hug, stroking along her back and letting her cry until her frustration and grief had been vented. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Will looking distinctly uncomfortable, but he made no comment.

"It's alright," she breathed as she pulled back and petted along Dorothy's hair.

"I know," she sobbed, then cleared her throat. "I know. Sorry 'bout that."

"Nothing to be sorry for. Anyway… I would understand if you want to stay here to be with them, but fact of the matter is… you won't be with them at all. You'll be here, shocked and drugged, or having to lie to avoid being shocked and drugged. Maybe they will eventually pronounce you cured and you can go home, but…"

"But it won't be the same," Dorothy finished for her, already knowing what she was thinking. "Now I'll be looked at like I'm crazier than Aunt Em's crazy-quilt, even if I never say another word about Oz again." Her lip quivered. "Just isn't fair… I didn't ask to be sent there, a-and all I did was tell my folks about where I'd been, and now…"

Elphaba almost pressed a kiss to Dorothy's forehead, but decided this was probably already torturous enough for their policeman friend. "There, there. Morrible really made a mess of our lives; that was what she did best. But I really need an answer before I go back; not a wishy-washy, half-formed decision, but a firm, conscious one. Because as you said… if you disappear again, and then come back, you'll never hear the end of the questions. And I need to know you really would prefer living in Oz and are committed to going."

"Yes, I'm going," she told her firmly, smiling through her tears. "Maybe… maybe someday, I could come back just to see Aunt Em and Uncle Henry again… but when it comes to somewhere I can live, and be happy… I've a feeling my home's not in Kansas anymore."

"You're sure?"

"Sure as can be. Oh, it'd be wonderful to live with you and Glinda, and Nessarose! How is everyone? I didn't get a chance to ask before!"

"All in good time," she chuckled. "They're fine but there's a lot to tell you. For now, I think I had better conclude my visit." In a softer whisper, she added, "Until we can get you out of here, you ought to tell them that I've agreed to come visit you again soon, and that we're old friends. At least, that's what I've been explaining to everyone."

"But we are old friends," Dorothy protested with such an earnest smile that Elphaba couldn't help returning it. "And I've missed you ever so much! But I'll have another 'visit' to look forward to, and that can explain why I'm pleased as Punch until then."

Gripping her forearms, Elphaba did finally kiss her on the cheeks, prompting a cheerful giggle from her. "Just do that, and keep any Oz talk to yourself as you have been, and you should be safe. But it won't be long; I can promise you that."

"Alright. And… oh, I'm honestly shocked you'd come for me after how we met."

"Well… as Glinda and Nessa have been telling me quite often, I need to learn to worry about the future and the present, not the past. And that incident has most certainly passed, Dorothy."

"Good," she breathed, and her eyes closed in very real relief. From then on, Elphaba resolved to make a real effort to stop joking about assassination attempts. Dorothy did what she had to at the time, and it was no one's fault but the Wizard and Morrible.

Standing from the bed, she returned to the officer, then called over her shoulder, "I'll see you very soon."

"See you! Safe trip!"

Once they were outside, Will asked of her, "'Safe trip'? You headed somewheres?"

Inspired by the earlier conversation, she said, "Oswego. I'd like to arrange travel, if that's possible? But I'll be returning again. You saw how much my visit cheered her up."

"Sakes, but there must be somethin' mighty special about Oswego that I ain't aware of. Mighty special." Still, he was more than happy to lead her outside. The little wave she gave Angeline was returned with one even more enthusiastic. Between the two of them being Dorothy's guardian angels, they had turned the girl's future around completely. She only wished she could tell Angeline that.

                              ~ o ~

It didn't take long for Will to take Elphaba to a train station. Asking as few questions as she could, so as not to give away her true level of ignorance of how things worked in Kansas, she was able to learn that she could take one of these "trains" — which seemed to be large structures capable of carrying many passengers at a time, much moreso than the horse-and-buggy they were riding in presently — to a place called Lawrence, and from there, down to Oswego. Even though she had no intention of doing any of that, she thought the information might prove useful.

"Pleasure meetin' ya, Miss Elphaba," he said with a doff of his hat, once he had unloaded her and her bag. "Can't say I've ever met a negro woman quite like you."

"Can't say you have, either," she said bluntly, and he chuckled. "I appreciate your efforts to help me out of this unfortunate scrape. I'll never forget your kindness compared to the cruelty of others."

At that, he nodded slowly. Contemplating. "Well… it's a different world now for your kind. Some folks'll take a might longer to see sense'n others. But it'll change, it'll change. In due time."

And then she was alone.

Elphaba stood in wonder at the majesty of the locomotives as they pulled into the station. Though she felt afraid to get on one, she didn't mind seeing them come and go; they were powerful and large, and gleamed like coal, puffing smoke like a mighty dragon. If she ever returned to Kansas, which she hoped not to, she would have enjoyed finding out precisely how one was constructed and operated.

Her father might know. Then again, he might not ever wake up to tell her about it.

So enraptured was she by the sight that she didn't even notice the hand clamping over her mouth until it was too late. Rather muscular arms dragged her backward away from the bench she had been standing beside, into the shadows by the platform. Her limbs worked and flailed, her throat made sounds, but they were caught by the palm before they could escape to alert the workers and other passengers. Steam from the train and its accompanying noises were enough to mask the struggle.

There were only two persons she could have expected to see. However, it was neither of these.

"Gimme all yer dough," a rough-looking man demanded.

"What?" she breathed. "I don't have any dough, I'm not a baker!"

"Funny, real funny." His face was masked by a kerchief of some sort, and a hat sat low over his face, shadowing all but his eyes. "Negro woman dressed up nice like you, travelin' on her own? Gotta have somethin' worth takin'..."

There was a look in his eyes much like the one in Lyle's. So she snapped, "Save it. I'm not interested, and you aren't doing anything if I'm not interested."

"I'll be takin' somethin'. You jus' get to decide what, girl."

Elphaba sorely wished time would advance a little quicker. Soon, a day would have passed, and her friends would wish her home… but she had to live to see that moment first. And not just for her own sake, but for poor, drugged-up Dorothy, stuck in her hospital room…

Drugged-up Dorothy.

"Alright," she said slowly, as the idea began to form. "I have a little something. But you have to wait for me to give it to you. And I need my arms. Do we have an agreement?"

"No deal. You'll try to claw my knife away."

Until that moment, she hadn't even noticed he was holding a knife. Now, it seemed highly obvious, gleaming down by her hip; she just hadn't thought to glance down in that direction. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "A-alright, alright. One hand. And you'll get something special."

Nodding, he released one hand, keeping a tight hold on the other arm as she turned around slowly to face him fully. The other hand held the knife a little higher so she could see it; a cold, silent reminder of her predicament.

Elphaba began to undo the front of her dress. From the neckline down, the once-nice garment that was now a bit tattered opened to reveal her creamy skin, and the man's eyes went slightly unfocused to see it. A little more, and her brassiere was visible… he began to pant. Her fingers began to tug at the fabric of the undergarment and he had eyes for nothing else.

"Right here," she whispered, showing the white-smeared section of her skin. "Taste this, and you'll never dream of tasting another woman."

What he said was, "You ain't no woman." But her teasing had piqued his curiosity. Leaning down, he ran his tongue over the top of her breast, and she tried not to vomit directly onto him as he did so. The knowledge of the revenge he would soon suffer was enough to reassure her.

"Good?" she asked.

"Bitter," he growled, drawing back to spit to one side. "Ain't know that negroes was bitter like 'at."

"Now you do. Don't you love it?"

"Naw. Ain't… ain't good."

"Well…" The hand that had opened the front of her dress reached over and closed around the wrist holding the knife. He tried to stab down at her, but she held the slight upper hand now that he had been drugged by whatever Dorothy had given her, and had slowly melted within her brassiere. "Maybe you just need a little nap, hmm?"

He shook his head violently, which seemed to be quite the wrong thing to do if the way he groaned afterward was any indication. "Ooh… what… choo do to me, ya ugly…"

"Given you a taste of your own medicine." Cackling madly at her own joke, she yanked off his kerchief and used the side that had been facing outward to wipe his disgusting saliva off her chest. Underneath the disguise, he wasn't altogether hideous, even if his behaviour was; an average man with a below-average set of morals.

"You'll never get… away…"

"And you'll never do this to anyone again," she growled. It would be so easy to stab him through with his own knife now… and perhaps she should. Save any other women from enduring the same fate in the future. Still, she decided another punishment was in order.

So she used his own shirt to tie his wrists in the small of his back, as the police had done to her with their metal restraints. Then she did up the buttons on the front of her dress just enough so that her cleavage was no longer on display and shrieked, "HELP!"

Immediately, she heard movements from further along the train platform. Deciding it would look best this way, she dropped the knife at their feet and backed to the wall.

"Here, now!" said another policeman. "What's all this commotion, girl?"

Again, Elphaba wondered why everyone kept mistaking her for a child despite the fact that she was most certainly a fully-matured woman. But now was not the time nor the place. "He… he attacked me! Tried to pull off my dress, wanted to… w-wanted to…"

Not that she could actually cry on command, but she buried her face in her hands and heaved her shoulders. A strange woman put her arm around her shoulders and held her close.

"Come along, you," snapped the officer in a disdainful tone of voice. She peeked between her fingers and watched him being hauled away, and grinned behind her palms. Not that anyone else needed to know she had.

"Are you alright, dear?" asked the other woman. She was rather tall and spindly, and wearing spectacles on the end of her nose.

"I- I'm f-fine," she played it up. Maybe she was something of an actor, after all. "Might there be a… somewhere I can…"

Already knowing what she meant, the woman guided her to the toilets. Still covering her face, she thanked her, and went inside. The most difficult part was squelching her triumphant cackle so that it wouldn't carry out to the platform.

From there, it was a simple matter to wait until the magic took hold of her. If it hadn't, she was quite sure Topeka was a highly dangerous place for her to stay, but luckily, that problem never arose. Just before the hour she had first entered Kansas the day previous, she exited it again with a highly self-satisfied smile on her face.

                              To Be Continued…

[kimmyiewrites]

Because I Knew You ~ Chpt 6

As they were running to the guest rooms, they ran into Ro. He looked at his best friend, confused as to why she was in such a hurry. That was when he noticed Fiyero behind her. The Vinkus prince was no longer made of straw and was holding Addelaide’s spell book in his arms. “Which room did you place Boq?” Addelaide asked as she was catching her breath.

“He’s the second to last door on the right.” Ro replied, motioning down the corridor.

“Thank you!” She beamed before taking off running again. She and Fiyero skidded to a halt in front of Boq’s door and began to knock rather loudly.

“I can’t move as fast as I once did, so calm down!” He called out before he opened the door a few moments later. When he noticed a bouncing Addelaid and a non-straw Fiyero he realized what was about to happen. “You can change me back.”

Addelaide nodded, confirming his realization. Fiyero opened up the spell book and Addelaide began flipping through to find the spell she needed. When she did she began reciting it and just as with Fiyero, a bright light encompassed Boq before fading to reveal his original munchkin self.

Boq ran back inside of the room to look in a mirror. Addelaide and Fiyero were not too far behind. Boq was beaming at his reflection and when Addelaide came into view, he spun around to give her a tight, grateful hug.

Addelaide easily returned the hug. “You’re quite welcome. Now get some rest. You’ve had quite the eventful day.” Addelaide said as she and Fiyero bid him goodnight.

“The same goes for you as well. I believe I saw an open door as we were running. I think that is your room.” Addelaide said to Fiyero as they walked back up the hallway, hand in hand.

“Or we could raid the kitchen and stay up all night like we used to,” Fiyero suggested.

Addelaide laughed at the memories his statement brought up. “If only I could. I’ve got quite the list to get through tomorrow morning.”

Fiyero just rolled his eyes. “When’s the last time you didn’t think about your royal duties?”

“It’s not like I can just go to The Kells each weekend. Those royal duties are each and everyday.”

This time Fiyero sighed. He knew she was right. When he was a part of the guard he barely went to the Oz Dust Ballroom compared to when he was a student at Shiz. “I miss when all we had to worry about was how you were going to get me out of bed for our early morning class.”

Addelaide smiled. “If only. I”m just grateful that my citizens behave so I don’t have to worry about crime on top of everything else.”

They came to a stop outside of what was to be Fiyero’s room. Addelaide took back her spell book and Fiyero started to go into his room. He leaned in the doorway, facing Addelaide with a soft smile. “Being queen suits you. You’ve done a lot of good for your people. I hope to be half the leader you are one day.”

Addelaide took a step forward and reached out to caress his cheek. “You don’t have to lead alone, you know.”

Fiyero leaned into her touch with a smile. “You would really rule with me?”

Addelaide nodded. “Yes, yes I would.” She then leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “Now get some rest. We’ve got a little girl to get back to Kansas.”

Fiyero smiled into the kiss, wishing her a goodnight before closing his door.

The next morning they all sat around the table, a breakfast spread laid out in front of them. Small chat was filling the room as they ate. Dorothy and Br had been quite impressed when they saw that Addelaide had returned Fiyero and Boq to their natural states. It made them excited to see what she could do for them.

“Were you able to find out how to send me home?” Dorothy asked as their plates were being taken away.

Addelaide shook her head. “That’s not so easily done, I’m afraid. I do believe, however, that you should visit Elphaba. Those shoes hold quite a lot of power and I’m not sure what spell she placed upon them. I’m sure if you were to explain how you got them, she would tell you if you promised to give the shoes back.”

Dorothy looked disappointed in Addelaide’s answer. “She doesn’t like me too much. I didn’t even mean to kill her sister anyway. Besides Glinda told me I shouldn’t give them to her.”

Addelaide sighed. Of course Galinda would make matters worse.

“Well, what if we went with ya?” Fiyero suggested. “I could maybe calm things down between you. Elphaba and I are old friends after all.”

Dorothy’s eyes lit up. “Really? You’d do that for me?”

Fiyero nodded. Boq was a bit reluctant to agree after his last run in with Elphaba but put his uneasiness aside so he could help Dorothy like he had promised to do. When Boq nodded, Brr followed suit.

“Will you be coming with us Miss Addelaide?” Dorothy asked, hopeful that all of her new friends would be joining her.

Addelaide smiled apologetically. “I’m afraid not. I must remain here to watch over my people. I wish you all the best of luck and will be more than happy to give you all any supplies you may need.”

“I’m sorry I’m interrupting but your goodliness, you have a few matters to attend to.” Ro said as he came up to the table, bowing.

Addelaide rolled her eyes. “Ro, what have I said about bowing?” She asked with a slight laugh as she stood. “Well, duty calls. Feel free to tell Ro anything you may need for your journey. Happy trails.”

She smiled and waved as she began to exit the dining room. “Wait, your goodliness, what about my courage?” Brr asked. “I don’t think Ro can give me that.”

The blonde turned around and walked back to the lion. She smiled and placed a hand over his heart. “Oh, my dear friend, you have had that inside of you this whole time. If you didn’t you would have never agreed to help this young girl find her way back home.”

Brr smiled and Addelaide kissed his cheek. With that she finally made her way towards the throne room. She was meeting with some of the group leaders from Munchkinland to discuss what was to happen next since Nessarose’s death. “Hello, my dear friends. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances but I suppose everyone in Munchkinland is quite excited?” Addelaide greeted as she entered the room and sat upon her ruby throne.

The three Munchkins bowed before replying. “Yes, we are quite thrilled that Nessarose’s reign is over and that we all can return home.”

Addelaide smiled. “I’m quite thrilled for you all to return as well although I must admit that I am sad to no longer have a need to work with the Lollipop Guild.”

The Munchkin in red came closer to her and presented her with a bouquet of lollipops. The Munchkins dressed in blue and green came up behind their friend forming a triangle formation as they got down on their knee. “That is one of the reasons we wished to speak with you Miss Addelaide. We would still very much like to continue to run the underground tunnels for anyone who may need it.”

She stood and walked down to accept the bouquet of lollipops. She smiled wide at their proposal. “Oh, I would like that very much!” She exclaimed as she returned to her throne. “Now what was the other matter you wished to discuss?” She asked once she had sat down, placing the lollipops to the side.

“Who will be our new mayor?” They asked in unison.

Addelaide nodded at their question, mulling over her answer. “For right now I would do whatever the Wizard or Galinda has told you all. We don’t want to shake things up too much and I’m sure the man already has some sort of plan. I do wish to be updated on the matters, though.”

The Munchkins rose to their feet and nodded. “Yes, your goodliness. We will start putting together a plan on how to move those who chose to stay here back and will keep in touch about all other matters.”

Addelaide nodded. “Sounds good. You all are dismissed. I wish you safe travels as you journey back home.”

The Munchkins thanked her as they left. Once the door to the throne room was closed she slouched in her throne and reached for one of the lollipops. Yes, she had just finished breakfast but these were the best lollipops she had ever had. Besides she was queen, she could do whatever she wanted.

[eowynfauchelevent]

Not According to Plan

Chapter 1

Cosette smiled as she finished hanging the last poster on the wall of her side of the dorm room. Everything was perfect. Her favourite stuffed animals were arranged neatly on her bed, which was made absolutely perfectly, her clothes were neatly folded in her dresser, and her supplies for class were all ready to go, three days early. It was Sunday, move in day, and classes wouldn't begin until Wednesday, so she was ahead of schedule on that, just the way she liked to be. Feeling a sudden twinge of nervousness, she glanced at the door again, wondering when her roommate would arrive.

She had been too anxious to go to her school's Facebook group for their year and try to find her roommate, so she had no idea who the girl would be. She hoped it would be someone nice and that they would get along. Just relax, Cosette, she told herself, taking a deep breath. Even if you don't get along, you just have to make it to the end of exams in April and then never speak to her again. Just September to April... Only 8 months. And you're getting ahead of yourself, maybe you will get along and will end up being the best of friends, like Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked! She hoped that would be the case, only without the arguing at the beginning. She hated conflict.

Feeling a bit anxious again, she sat on her bed, playing with her chestnut hair, almost wishing that she hadn't decided to go to university in the first place, and wondering why she had insisted to her papa that she was fine and he could leave. Just try to relax, take deep breaths and think happy thoughts. You made it here. You worked hard. You deserve this and you can succeed, you've got the right support system- The sound of the door opening pulled her out of her thoughts, and she quickly jumped off the bed and quit playing with her hair, eager to make a good impression on her new roommate.

A thin yet muscular young woman with dark brown hair and dark eyes walked in, pulling a suitcase with her, and Cosette could see a few boxes in the hall behind her, presumably also belonging her.

"You must be my roommate," the woman commented, giving Cosette no more than a single, momentary glance.

Cosette nodded, smiling. "Yeah, it's nice to meet you!" she said cheerfully. Her roommate nodded in response, walking over to the other side of the room and leaving her suitcase by the bed before returning to the hallway to get her boxes. Cosette hoped that she wasn't being too awkward. "Would you like some help bringing your things in?"

"No, I've got it. Thanks though," the woman replied without even bothering to look. Cosette felt her heart sink slightly, but reminded herself that this didn't mean she didn't like her. It was move in day, her roommate was probably feeling as anxious as she was, especially since her family was nowhere to be seen.

She nodded, and turned her attention back to her own things. Was there anything she had missed? Something she could do to at least appear a bit occupied rather than awkwardly watch her roommate unpack? She soon found herself rearranging her pillows and stuffed animals for the third time, absentmindedly chewing on the left corner of her bottom lip as she did so. Should she introduce herself now or later? What would be more awkward? Did her roommate even want to know her? Swallowing the lump in her throat, she finished rearranging her bed, deciding to rip the band-aid off and introduce herself.

She took another breath and walked over to the other young woman, who had finished bringing her things in and was beginning to unpack. "We should probably get to know each other," she said shyly. The dark haired young woman looked up at her.

"Yeah, I guess we should," she replied after a moment.

"So, I'm Cosette," she said, smiling a bit. Her roommate froze, staring at her as if she had just grown a second head.

"What?"

"Uh, Cosette... That's my name. Cosette Fauchelevent." She bit her lip, the anxiety threatening overtake her again. Had she done something wrong by introducing herself? Why did her new roommate look ready to explode? "It's just a silly nickname though, my real name is Euphrasie... But no one ever calls me that..."

Her roommate's dark eyes were icy, and she seemed to be trembling. Cosette felt her stomach twist and flip, and she began to wonder if she should just walk away. Something about the icy stare felt uncomfortably familiar though, as if she had experienced it before.

"This cannot be happening," she heard her roommate mutter.

"I- is something wrong?" she asked nervously, resisting the urge to play with her hair again.

Her roommate stood up, crossing her arms, continuing to fix her with the same, icy stare. "You're seriously going to just stand there and act like you don't remember me?"

Cosette blinked, confused. "Remember you? Why would I-" she frowned, trying to think of how she could possibly know the young woman she was going to be sharing a room with. Is she mistaking me for someone else? I've never met her in my life, unless... She looked again, studying the other woman's dark hair, eyes, and freckled face, trying to place her. There was something a bit familiar, she had to admit, but it couldn't possibly be, could it?

Her roommate scoffed. "You always were dim. I can't believe this."

Cosette felt her heart sink. It was. "Éponine...?"

"Oh, so you do remember. Great."

Cosette took a small step back. How could this be possible? It had been over ten years since she had last seen Éponine, and she'd spent all of that time trying to get a new life since then. How could she be stuck sharing a room at university with her?

"Well, it looks like we're stuck together again," Éponine said dryly after a few moments. "Great..." Cosette wondered if she should be happy or disappointed that Éponine appeared to be as frustrated with the situation as she was.

"I- what a coincidence?" she stammered, her voice shooting up an octave. Her brain chose that moment to remind her that it was only Sunday afternoon and that classes didn't start until Wednesday, and Éponine was the only person at the entire university she had met so far. Her heart pounded in her chest so loudly she was certain that Éponine could hear it as well. She wished that she could drop dead.

"Yeah. Just lovely..."

"I- I'll just let you finish unpacking..." Cosette managed to squeak out before backing away, returning to her side of the room. It was an absolute nightmare. How is this even possible? This isn't even the same province we were in back then! She sighed, and tried to ignore the sound of her roommate's grumbling as the other woman finished unpacking. First year was clearly not going to go the way she'd planned and hoped.

***

"Will you stop pacing? You're giving me a headache! God, you're even more annoying now than you were when we were kids." Cosette cringed at Éponine's comment.

"I can't help it, it's just something I do when I'm nervous."

"Well do something else instead of being a pest."

Cosette bit her lip again, her teeth settling into the same spot in the bottom left corner of her lip that they always did, ignoring the feeling of guilt that came with the realization that it had become such a habit in favour of the slight comfort it provided. Taking a deep breath, she quit the pacing, slumping onto her bed and hugging her pillow, carelessly sending a few of her neatly arranged stuffed animals onto the floor of the dorm room. Beady, empty black eyes stared up at her from the floor. Adjusting slightly, she covered her face with the pillow. This is officially the worst day ever.

"Oh, hi Marius!" Éponine's voice sounded cheerier than Cosette had thought possible. "You're all moved in? That's great! Want to meet up? No, I'm not busy at all, just hanging alone in my room. Yeah, I've met my roommate." Éponine moved past Cosette's side of the room towards the door. Cosette pulled the pillow closer to her face. "She's the worst so far, I doubt you'd like her..." Éponine's voice trailed off as she closed the door behind her.

So, Éponine had at least one friend at the school already. Cosette contemplated getting up and following her to investigate, curious about who could be friends with someone like Éponine, but decided against it. Whatever had made Éponine hate her when they had been children clearly hadn't gone away. The hatred appeared to be as strong as ever.

Sighing, she pulled the pillow away from her face. Maybe I should just go out to the common area and try to meet people, she wondered as she got up, picking the stuffed animals off the floor and fixing her bed. It's at least worth a try. A knot twisted in her stomach at the thought though, and she sat back on her bed, pulling her phone out. She had a text from her papa, asking if she was alright and if her roommate had arrived yet. For the second time in fifteen minutes her teeth found that familiar spot in the bottom left corner of her lip, and she considered lying.

How could she tell her papa that Éponine was her roommate? Her time with Éponine's family had been awful, and her papa had done everything he could to keep her far away from them once he had adopted her. She was certain he would be horrified to learn that their paths had cross again.

On the other hand, lying would be horrible. She had never lied to him before, and the thought of doing so made her skin crawl. Besides, how could she even lie about her roommate? He was bound to find out at some point, it would be impossible to keep it a secret forever. She chewed on her lip for a few moments before firing back a response, saying that she was fine and her roommate hadn't shown up yet. I don't have to lie about who she is, but he doesn't need to know just yet. She still felt uncomfortable about the lie, but the thought of having to explain the situation to her papa then and there was just unbearable.

Setting the phone aside, she lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She wondered who Marius was, and how Éponine had met him and become friends. She was always so horrid as a child, why would anyone be friends with her? Did she change? No, she seems the same now as she was back then. Marius must be a jerk too. She sighed and sat up again. Lying there moping wasn't going to fix anything.

She got up and looked in the mirror, fixing her hair and adjusting her clothes before grabbing her keys and chucking her phone into her bag and leaving, locking the door behind her. By the end of the day, she would have a new friend, no matter what.

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