Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Galinda was halfway through the department’s performance reports when the notification came through.

No greeting. Typical.
Galinda stared at the message, teeth clenched around the end of her pen, willing herself not to scream. This job was going to kill her. Or worse—she was going to do something stupid.

She had double-checked that meeting. Triple-checked it. The invite was there. It had been accepted. And yet Elphaba, in all her glory and pin-sharp tone, acted like Galinda had failed to keep the sun from setting.

Fine… If she wanted blunt efficiency, Galinda would give her something efficient.

Maybe it was the endless overtime. Maybe it was the unpaid emotional labor of being Elphaba Thropp’s handler-slash-secretary-slash-apology-maker. Or maybe, Galinda thought, twirling her pen between her fingers, it was the way Elphaba’s voice had sounded this morning when she snapped “Get me the numbers. Now.” low and sharp and just the wrong side of commanding.

She didn’t think. Not really. She just typed.

She stared at the message for two full seconds.

Then hit send. Her heart thudded in her ears. She almost slammed her laptop shut and fled the building. And then—

A reply.

Galinda stared at her screen, throat dry. It could’ve been a joke. Could’ve beenElphaba calling her bluff before sending her packing. But something about the brevity—the urgency—had sent a spark down her spine.

She stood on shaky legs, heart pounding. Every click of her heels on the tile echoed louder than it should have. The office door loomed. She reached for the handle, hesitating for just a beat. Then, a sharp inhale, and she turned the knob.

Elphaba stood as soon as she entered. Her posture was stiff, deliberate—every inch of her coiled like a bowstring. Her eyes flicked to the door, not to Galinda, as if waiting for it to click shut.

Galinda obliged.

Still nothing from Elphaba.

So Galinda thought… Screw it.

She crossed the office in three strides and grabbed Elphaba by the collar, kissing her like she’s waited years for it.

And Elphaba—Elphaba kissed her back like she’d been biting it down forever. Her hands were firm, desperate, one sliding around Galinda’s neck, the other pressing into her back, pulling her closer.

They stumbled together like neither of them know how to stop.

Elphaba’s mouth tore from hers just long enough to mutter against her cheek, breath ragged, “This is wildly inappropriate.”

Galinda’s grin turned feral. “That’s not a no.”

She pushed Elphaba back, fingers moving to the belt at her waist.

Elphaba blinked, breath catching. “Are you serious?”

Galinda just said, “Shut up.”

Elphaba's face contorted in something like disbelief—but her hands hadn’t stopped Galinda, hadn’t guided her away. She was just watching her, eyes wild, as Galinda gets the buckle free, her touch sure and unrelenting.

And when she revealed what’s underneath—Elphaba’s cheeks flushed a deeper green.

Galinda breathed a soft laugh. “Cactuses?” she said, almost sweetly.

“Laundry day,” Elphaba snapped, voice hoarse.

But Galinda just grinned wider and dropped to her knees.

She pulled Elphaba down into the chair, slow and deliberate, her hands warm on her hips. She looked up and held her gaze as she leaned in, only breaking eye contact to glance between Elphaba’s legs, then tilted her head just enough.

Elphaba groaned, low and sudden, her hand darting down to grip the armrest.

Galinda couldn’t believe this. This was the woman who made her rewrite a schedule four times because the fonts didn’t match. The same woman who yelled at her everyday like that was her job.

Now, Elphaba was gasping under her touch, head tilted back, fingers gripping leather.

Galinda licked her lips, practically drunk on the taste of her. She glanced up and couldn’t help the grin spreading on her face. Who knew? Who knew that all it took to unravel Elphaba Thropp was to get between her legs?

Her hands slid down Elphaba’s calves, thumbs brushing against smooth skin before guiding her hips toward the edge of the chair. Elphaba responded instinctively, her legs parting further, already chasing more.

But Galinda wasn’t done.

Elphaba’s hips rolled down with urgency, but Galinda pulled back just enough to watch her squirm. She raised two fingers to her mouth, wetting them slowly and saw the way Elphaba’s breath hitched, her gaze locked on her.

Galinda didn’t wait. She leaned up, pressed those same fingers against Elphaba’s lips, and without warning, pushed them in. Elphaba moaned, startled, and reached for Galinda’s wrist.

“Ah-ah,” Galinda warned, catching her hand midair. “Suck.”

Elphaba hesitated for just a moment, eyes flickering over Galinda’s face. Then, slowly, obediently, she did. Her cheeks hollowed slightly, lashes fluttering.

Galinda’s grin returned. “Good girl.”

That pulled a sound from Elphaba that went straight to her clit. She squeezed her eyes shut, and Galinda chuckled, pulling her fingers free, a delicate thread of spit stretching between them. She held her hand out. “Take off your shirt.”

Elphaba sat up, wordless, and undid the buttons as fast as she could. Galinda let out a soft breath at the sight—she’d seen her in all kinds of clothes. But this? This was something else entirely.

Elphaba reached for her bra clasp, but Galinda stopped her with a shake of her head. “No. Just pull it down.”

She did, eyes still on Galinda, and something about that look made her head spin.

Galinda dropped back to her knees, pressing her fingers into her thighs before her hand moved lower. She rubbed slow circles, letting her fingers explore before sliding one inside. Elphaba’s legs jerked, closing around Galinda’s arm for a moment, but Galinda shifted to press between them, guiding them apart again.

She leaned in close. “Not yet,” she whispered. “You’re going to stay open for me.”

Elphaba pressed her feet down into the floor to anchor herself, even now instinctively shielding—an insult to Galinda’s touch really. But Galinda wasn’t having any of that. She slid another finger in gently, feeling how impossibly tight Elphaba was, and kept her fingers moving slow and steady.

Galinda spun the chair so it pressed softly against her desk, leaning over Elphaba, her breath warm on her skin as she pumped her fingers with practiced care. Elphaba’s quiet moans grew, soft and low, vulnerable and full of need, and the sound sent a thrill through Galinda’s chest.

“You’re so wet,” Galinda whispered, bowing her head to brush her lips against Elphaba’s mouth, tasting the softness there. Elphaba’s hand reached down to hold hers, but Galinda gently pushed it away, murmuring, “Move your hand, let me.”

Obediently, Elphaba lifted her hands to her own breasts, pinching lightly, her nipples darkening in contrast to her green skin. Galinda bit her lip, mesmerized by the way Elphaba responded, the soft gasps and moans made her heart pound.

Galinda’s voice dropped to a raspy whisper, “Come for me, be a good girl.”

Elphaba trembled, her body quivering as pleasure rolled through her. Her fingers clenched and released, and Galinda kept her rhythm insistent, moving inside her with tender care. When Elphaba’s hand came down to stop her, Galinda shook her head, “Take it. Let me.”

Elphaba’s hand dropped away, and she wriggled in the chair, overwhelmed but willing. Galinda brought her other hand up to gently circle Elphaba’s clit, and soon Elphaba was coming again, soft whimpers slipping past her lips as she spilled around Galinda’s fingers on each thrust.

When Galinda finally pulled her fingers out, she brought them to her mouth slowly, her head dipped slightly in a motion almost reverent. Elphaba let her legs stretch out in front of her, chest rising and falling as she caught her breath.

“That,” Elphaba said, voice low and a little hoarse, “was more than five minutes.”

Galinda cocked her head, an eyebrow raised. “You just came twice back to back,” she said, voice full of smug amusement.

She reached out, about to wrap her hand gently around Elphaba’s throat—but just then, the office phone rang. They both froze. Elphaba looked at Galinda, eyes wide, but made no move to answer. Galinda bit her lip and sighed, composing herself with impressive speed as she leaned over the desk.

She picked up the phone, her voice steady. “Good day, this is Miss Thropp’s office, how can I help you?”

As she spoke, she glanced down at Elphaba—who was still watching her, gaze dark and unreadable. Galinda gave a little shake of her head, trying to refocus.

“Oh—hello, Ms. Chen!” she said, her tone shifting seamlessly into cheerful professionalism. “Ah, I see… something came up and you had to cancel. Of course.”

Galinda covered the receiver slightly, mouthing, Really? at Elphaba. To her surprise, Elphaba looked away, actually a little sheepish. It was a new look for her, and Galinda didn’t know what to do with it.

“Yes, no problem at all,” she continued. “Have your assistant send us a few options and we’ll reschedule Miss Thropp’s appointment accordingly.” A pause. “Lovely. Thank you. Goodbye.”

She hung up the phone and turned slowly to Elphaba, arms crossing.

“So,” she said, “you didn’t even ask me if something came up. You just assumed I messed up.”

Elphaba, still recovering and flushed, didn’t reply.

“I’m your assistant,” Galinda went on, “not your servant.”

Elphaba stared at her for a long beat. Then Galinda tilted her head and said, “Get up.”

And Elphaba did.

“You have two choices,” Galinda said, her voice low and steady. She paused, letting it hang.

“First,” she continued, stepping closer, “we can continue this. I’ll bend you over this table and make sure you forget every meeting on your schedule.”

Elphaba’s eyes narrowed, lips parted slightly.

“Or second,” Galinda said, “we can pretend this never happened.”

Elphaba didn’t speak. Instead, she moved to unhook her bra, letting it slide off her arms. Her chest rose and fell as she exhaled, completely bare now. Galinda’s eyes dropped, instinctive and unthinking—and when she looked up, Elphaba was smiling.

Galinda frowned, as if trying to will away her reaction, but it was too late. She scoffed at herself and shoved the chair aside with her foot, taking Elphaba by the shoulders and turning her toward the desk.

“You expect so much of everyone,” Galinda said, voice sharp. “But when I give you two options, suddenly it’s not so easy to deliver.”

Elphaba pressed her cheek to the desk, her breath warm against the cool surface.

“I want you,” she said, “to fuck me.”

Galinda smiled, slow and satisfied. “And what if everyone knew,” she said, fingers trailing down Elphaba’s sides, “that you had your assistant bending you over your own desk?” Her voice dipped, rich with amusement. “Coming apart in that fancy chair, moaning my name like it’s the only thing you know?”

She gripped a handful of Elphaba’s braid and leaned in close.

“I’ve watched people walk out of this office in tears, Elphaba. I've written the apology emails. Sent fruit baskets!” Her laugh was light, almost pitying. “And now you want me to just do as you please?”

Elphaba shivered under her touch.

“You’ll have to do better than that, I’m afraid.”

Elphaba nodded, face still pressed against the desk. She looked wrecked—but beautifully so.

Galinda stepped back, letting her up. Elphaba turned and reached for the hem of her skirt, but Galinda caught her hand.

“Oh, no,” she said, tone sharp with playful warning. “As much as I’d love to put you to work—" she let that implication linger, “—that’s not what I meant.”

Elphaba’s face flushed, and Galinda filed it away.

She glanced at the glowing monitor, then back at Elphaba. “I’m going to take my lunch now. And when I get back… I expect a reason to do that again.”

Galinda leaned in, brushing her lips against Elphaba’s in something that wasn’t quite a kiss but still enough to make her chase it. Then she turned and walked out, not sparing a glance back.

Galinda headed straight for the bathroom. She went to the mirror and stared at her reflection—lipstick smudged, hair mussed, a glow she couldn't wipe off even if she tried. But for a moment, she didn’t move. Something about the evidence of it all, the mark of what had just happened… she just stood there, lips parted, a little breathless.

Finally, she went out to grab her phone, and ducked into a stall. She turned the camera to face herself and snapped a quick photo—smudged makeup, flushed cheeks, eyes still wild. She wiped her face clean after that, sighing, then pulled up her favorite group chat.

She tossed her hair, gave herself one last look in the mirror, then left. She stopped by her laptop to make sure her calendar was clear—nothing urgent—then headed to the elevator. She tapped the button for floor 5 and pulled out her phone again. A new message had come through.

The elevator pinged open. She stepped out and saw Pfanne pop up over the top of his cubicle like a meerkat, grinning.

“Break room,” he said.

As soon as they walked in, she made a beeline for the tea stash. The room was mercifully empty.

“I,” Galinda began, pouring hot water into a chipped mug, “have always been very charming.”

Pfanne crossed his arms and leaned against the counter. “Undeniably.”

“But today,” Galinda went on, with full dramatic flair, “I have truly—truly—outdone myself.”

Pfanne laughed. “You wooed her.”

Galinda tilted her head, stirring a frankly obscene amount of sugar into her tea. “Let’s just say… I did a bit more than woo her. But we won’t get into details.” She waved a hand, suddenly modest. “I don’t kiss and tell.”

Pfanne arched a brow. “So you’re not gonna tell us how you seduced your boss?”

Galinda smiled into her cup. “Not in so many words.”

Pfanne chuckled as Galinda leaned against the counter. “I just needed to—” She took a sip of tea and sighed. “This isn’t really lunch, let’s be honest. I’m sure she’ll call me back up in a few, but I had to stretch my legs.”

Pfanne wandered over to the fridge and pulled out a plastic container with two sandwiches. “Yeah, well, I’m knee-deep in merger files. Even walking downstairs feels like a chore at this point. And to top it off, I’m getting yelled at by Fiyero.”

Galinda turned, brows raised. “He’s still giving you trouble?”

Pfanne sighed. “Not directly. Apparently Elphaba’s been riding him hard—figuratively—and he’s taking it out on us now.”

Galinda let out a laugh. “She yelled at him last week. Loud. I don’t blame her though, the man is practically incompetent.”

“Mmm, true,” Pfanne said through a mouthful of sandwich. “But he is hot. Those button-ups? Ugh.”

Galinda laughed again, bringing a hand to her mouth—and paused. She could still smell Elphaba on her fingers. Her eyes widened slightly as she quickly dropped her hand and turned around just as Shenshen entered the room.

Shen barely looked around before announcing, “I’m going to strangle Fiyero.”

Pfanne didn’t miss a beat. “God, I wish he’d strangle me.”

Galinda turned back, eyebrows raised.

Pfanne gestured at both of them. “No, like—the biceps, okay? The chest?”

Shenshen rolled her eyes and tossed her blazer onto a nearby chair as she sat. “Whatever. What’s this I hear about bringing your boss to her knees?”

Pfanne smirked. “Yeah, I’m honestly surprised. Didn’t think she was your type. She seems so…”

“ Strung up ,” Shen finished.

Galinda laughed, flicking some sugar off the counter. “She is. ”

“Yeah, and she’s such a bitch,” Pfanne added, blunt as ever.

Galinda made a little noise in her throat—something between a cough and a polite objection—but didn’t deny it.

“But you probably enjoyed knocking her down a few pegs,” Pfanne went on. “Can’t blame you. She’s made your life a living hell.”

Galinda let out a dramatic sigh. “That is true,” she said, sipping again. Then, with an airy shrug, “I might try my hand in Accounting. Something a little more… peaceful.”

Shenshen narrowed her eyes. “You’re serious?”

Galinda smiled into her cup. “Let’s just say… my upward mobility is looking very promising.”

They were still laughing—Shenshen mid-story about Fiyero’s latest attempt at flirting with the receptionist—when Galinda’s phone buzzed. An email. The sender made her spine straighten.

She read it once. Then again. The wording was brisk, but she knew the subtext. Elphaba’s version of a summons.

When Galinda looked up, Pfanne and Shenshen were both watching her.

“She’s got an appointment,” Galinda said, standing and smoothing her skirt. “I have to go.”

Shenshen raised her brows. Pfanne leaned back and said, “Good luck. You might’ve brought her to her knees, but we all know how she is.”

Galinda laughed. “That we do.”

She turned to leave, then paused at the door. “Can one of you toss the tea for me?” And she was off, walking with purpose—heels clicking, posture perfect.

She hit the elevator button. When the doors slid open, she nearly gagged.

“Galinda!” Fiyero grinned, coffee in hand, cologne trailing like an offensive ghost.

She stepped in and forced a smile. “Coming down?”

“Nah. Just went to grab coffee.” He held up his cup proudly. “Actually meant to talk to Miss Thropp.”

Galinda nodded but extended a hand to hold the door open. “Shoot me an email, and we’ll schedule an appointment.”

“It’ll be quick.”

She didn’t move.

“Just wanted to ask about the proposal from last week—”

Her smile thinned. “Of course. We can absolutely set a time.”

She hit the button for the top floor, fingers digging into her palm as the doors closed and the ride began. He slurped his coffee. She stared straight ahead.

When the elevator dinged open, she stepped out fast, breezing to her desk. She smoothed her hair, clicked the intercom.

“Miss Thropp, Mister Tigelaar is here to see you.”

Silence. Then the door to Elphaba’s office opened.

“I don’t believe Mister Tigelaar is on my schedule today,” she said dryly.

Galinda opened her mouth to explain, but Fiyero stepped forward, oozing optimism. “Elphaba, I was hoping—”

She raised a brow.

He cleared his throat. “Miss Thropp, I was hoping we could go over the proposal from last week. I think—”

“Mister Tigelaar,” she interrupted, “I’ve already told you how I feel about your proposal.”

“If you’d just look at it from another angle—”

Galinda stepped in smoothly. “Mister Tigelaar, you’ve been excused. Send me an email and we’ll find time.”

Elphaba added, “Don’t bother. The answer is still no.”

For once, surprisingly, Fiyero seemed to recognize a dead end. He mumbled something resembling a goodbye and retreated to the elevator.

The door slid shut behind him.

Galinda turned slowly, lips curled into a smirk. “That man has the persistence of a leaky faucet.”

Elphaba walked back toward her office, voice dry. “He also leaks ideas. Unfortunately, none of them are good.”

Galinda laughed softly as she reached behind her and locked the office door with a click. Elphaba moved to stand by the window, hands in the pockets of her slacks, shoulders tight.

Galinda bit her lip and crossed the room. “Don’t tell me you’re nervous.”

Elphaba didn’t look at her. “Miss Upland—”

Galinda came to stand beside her. “Are you always this formal with people you’ve had sex with?”

That made Elphaba flinch. She turned slightly, as if to walk away—but Galinda grabbed her belt and tugged her forward.

Elphaba’s breath hitched. “This is wrong.”

Galinda tilted her head. “When you were… well, let’s just say I didn’t hear any complaints before.”

Elphaba took a shaky breath. Her restraint was unraveling at the edges.

“So,” Galinda said, her voice low and curious, “are you going to convince me why we should do this again?”

Elphaba’s voice cracked as she said, “What do you want?”

Galinda’s smile turned sly. “Oh, I’m going to get what I want either way.” She gave Elphaba a final glance, then turned and sauntered toward the desk. “Convince me.”

She sank into Elphaba’s chair and gave it a slow spin, the audacity of it making Elphaba’s pulse jump.

Elphaba walked forward, planting herself on the opposite side of the desk. “Because I—” she started, faltering.

Galinda arched a brow.

“Because I liked it,” Elphaba finally said, quietly but clearly. It sounded like confession and surrender all at once.

Galinda laughed—not mockingly, but with something almost sweet beneath it. It still made Elphaba blush.

“Okay,” Elphaba muttered, flustered. “Enough. Miss Upland, I—”

Galinda laughed again.

Elphaba circled the desk, trying to regain some control. “Maybe we just forget this happened. I can get you a transfer. Or you could quit. I’ll write you a referral.”

Galinda stood as Elphaba reached her.

“Miss Thropp,” Galinda said, stepping into her space. “I’m laughing because I know you enjoyed it.”

The blush on Elphaba’s face deepened. She turned away, retreating toward the window, frustration building with every step.

“I don’t know how to sell myself,” she said. “Or convince you. I’m already in a vulnerable place here.”

She turned back around, jaw clenched. “This is just—”

“Torture?” Galinda offered, quiet.

Elphaba nodded. “Yes.”

For a long beat, Galinda said nothing. Then, to her own surprise, she softened. She stepped closer.

And for the first time all day, Galinda didn’t push—she simply said, “Okay.”

Elphaba turned to face her again, quiet but at least she wasn't retreating. Galinda, caught a little off guard, cleared her throat. The shift in energy knocked her off her usual confidence.

“So,” she said, gentler now, “why are you in a vulnerable place?”

Elphaba let out a dry laugh. “Miss Upland, you of all people should know I’m not exactly...social. Much less when it comes to—” she hesitated, “…sexual interactions.”

Galinda smiled, stepping closer again, amused. “Oh, I know. I log everything into your calendar. I’d know if you were dating.”

Elphaba turned sharply, eyes narrowing. Galinda raised her hands in mock surrender.

“I apologize for my crudeness in the email,” she said, though her smile lingered. “I don’t know what came over me. But I’ve thought about it.”

“Oh?” Elphaba asked cautiously.

Galinda reached for Elphaba’s belt again. “You think I just woke up today and thought, ‘Hm, I should send my boss an email about my deepest fantasies’?”

Elphaba shrugged, but her cheeks colored.

Galinda laughed softly and undid the belt. This time, Elphaba’s hands came up—not to stop her, but to rest lightly on hers.

Galinda looked up, something unguarded flickering in her expression.

“Every time you’ve yelled at me,” she murmured, “or made those little comments about my work, I’ve thought about giving you another reason to yell. Or maybe just another reason to say my name.”

She slipped the belt free with a slow pull, then moved to her buttons. Elphaba didn’t stop her. She watched.

Galinda kept her voice soft. “To put it nicely… you’re in a vulnerable state.” Her tone grew teasing again, but careful. “You’re not the nicest. But we can work on that. Would you like to work on that?”

Elphaba gave a small, hesitant nod.

Galinda smiled. “Good. Tell me.”

Elphaba met her gaze. “I’d like to work on that. Yes.”

“Good,” Galinda repeated, just a whisper now.

There was a pause, a lingering stillness. Then Elphaba asked, “Is my schedule free for the rest of the day?”

Galinda looked up sharply, eyes wide with surprised delight. “I didn’t take you for a—” She cut herself off, shook her head, and laughed. “Well. I don’t think my fingers will be in commission all day.”

Elphaba, despite herself, smiled.

Galinda let out a soft laugh, brushing her fingers over Elphaba’s belt again. “Don’t worry. This is a vulnerable state for me too. I don’t just go around fucking my coworkers, you know.”

Elphaba huffed a laugh, and Galinda tugged her gently forward by the front of her pants. “Something funny?”

Elphaba shook her head, lips curving. “No. It’s just… you’re very friendly.”

“Oh?” Galinda smirked and slipped a hand down the front of Elphaba’s pants—not into her panties, just pressing firmly through the fabric. Elphaba inhaled sharply, her hips instinctively tipping toward the contact.

“Am I being friendly right now?” Galinda asked, voice low.

“I don’t know,” Elphaba said, a little breathless. “Are you?”

Galinda tilted her head, leaned in close, and kissed her. Slow. Intentional. When she pulled back, her lips brushed Elphaba’s cheek as she whispered, “No, Miss Thropp. This is not friendly.”

Elphaba reached up and cupped the side of Galinda’s neck, thumb brushing just under her ear. “Then what is it?”

Galinda leaned into the touch, as she backed Elphaba towards her desk. “What would you call an uncontrollable urge to taste you?”

She pressed down between Elphaba’s legs again, firmer this time, and Elphaba gasped—biting her bottom lip hard to muffle the sound.

Galinda just smiled and said, “How about we define it over dinner?”

Elphaba blinked, momentarily thrown. Before she could answer, Galinda was already moving, clicking the button on Elphaba’s keyboard to wake her monitor and pulling up her calendar.

She scanned the screen and said casually, “How about this Saturday? I’ll pick the restaurant.”

“No,” Elphaba said.

Galinda’s eyes flicked to hers, a flicker of disappointment threatening to show—but Elphaba continued before she could say anything.

“I’d like to cook for you.”

Galinda’s face lit up with a softer expression. “Oh,” she said. “You cook?”

Elphaba gave a small shrug, like it was no big deal. “I’m efficient.”

Galinda grinned. “Somehow that’s the most surprising thing I’ve heard all day.”

She turned back to the monitor, fingers flying across the keyboard to enter the calendar event. Then, with a sly smile, she added, “And I’ve heard how you sound when you come.” She hit Enter. “I’ll be over at 8.”

Elphaba said “Okay,” but didn’t move.

Galinda’s hand slipped back down, this time beneath Elphaba’s panties. Her eyes widened slightly. “Who knew we had our very own waterpark in the office?”

Elphaba’s hands braced hard against the desk. Her breathing hitched.

“I don’t usually mix work and play,” Galinda murmured, “but—two things, Miss Thropp.”

“Call me Elphaba,” she said, grinding helplessly into Galinda’s hand.

Galinda’s lips curled. “How about… Elphie?”

That made Elphaba’s eyes snap open—just in time for Galinda to slip two fingers inside her.

Before Elphaba could protest, Galinda pressed her thumb against her clit and added, “Why don’t you fire Fiyero?”

Elphaba gasped, a hand reaching for Galinda’s shoulder for balance as Galinda curled her fingers.

“He might be insufferable,” Elphaba panted, “but he does his job. He gets results—”

Galinda twisted her fingers just right.

“Don’t talk about him,” Elphaba moaned.

Galinda leaned up and kissed her, open-mouthed and slow, like she had all the time in the world. Then she dropped her free hand to the desk for leverage, eyes gleaming.

“Take off the shirt.”

Elphaba rolled her eyes, but obeyed—tugging her blouse open. Galinda laughed.

“Who knew you could be so obedient.”

“Don’t push it.”

“The bra, too.”

Elphaba grumbled something under her breath, but reached back and unclasped it, letting it fall forward.

Galinda leaned back just enough to admire the view clearly enjoying herself. “Well,” she said lightly, “there goes my afternoon.”

She leaned down, fingers still deep, and kissed along Elphaba’s neck. She sucked lightly, then nipped, and Elphaba threw her head back with a moan. Galinda’s fingers slowed, dragging out the moment as she worked her way down, leaving a trail of kisses in her wake. When Elphaba whined, Galinda smiled against her skin, savoring the sound.

She started a slow rhythm again, fingers thrusting deep as she kissed across her chest—then bit down on a swell of breast hard enough to leave a mark. Elphaba’s thighs tensed, her body coiling, squeezing around Galinda’s hand. She slumped slightly, perched precariously on the edge of the desk, hips rocking.

As she came down, she leaned back with a breathy laugh, her whole body still twitching.

“What was the other thing?” Elphaba asked, voice rough, breath still unsteady.

Galinda, still hovering near her chest, looked up. “What?”

“You said there were two things.”

Galinda slowly pulled her hand out, not breaking eye contact as she made a show of licking her fingers. Then, with a sweet smile, she said, “I want a promotion.”

Elphaba visibly tensed. “To what department?”

She moved to fix her bra, but Galinda stopped her with a hand. There was a look on Elphaba’s face that Galinda knew well—the same one she wore when she was about to deliver a brutal critique.

But Galinda reached up, tilted her chin gently. “Where do you think my talents would best serve the company?”

Elphaba’s eyes searched hers. Then, after a long beat, she pulled Galinda’s hand away and said, “Marketing.”

Galinda hummed. It wasn’t a bad choice. It wasn’t her first, but it would challenge her. It would be satisfying—long-term, not just in the moment. She smiled.

“It took my hand down your pants for you to take my transfer seriously.”

Elphaba sighed. “Despite what you might think, you’re the most competent assistant I’ve had. And you know how to deal with people so I don’t have to.”

Galinda’s smile widened. Elphaba’s lips twitched. They were both smiling now, despite everything.

“I don’t think you’ve ever complimented me before,” Galinda said lightly. “Again, it took me having to—”

Elphaba cut her off with a kiss. When Galinda pulled back, there was a smirk she couldn’t quite hide, and a glint in her eye.

“I would like to make it up to you,” Elphaba whispered. “If you’ll let me.”

Galinda’s expression softened, a little surprised. “I don’t like penetration.”

Elphaba nodded without hesitation. “That’s okay.”

Galinda grinned, breath catching just a bit. “Eager now, are we?”

Elphaba didn’t deny it.

Galinda grabbed both her wrists, pinning them tight behind her back as she leaned in for a kiss—slow, deliberate, the kind that made Elphaba forget to breathe. When she pulled away, her eyes flickered, thoughtful.

“Have you thought of me like this before?”

Elphaba hesitated. “Do you want me to answer that?”

“That’s why I asked.”

Elphaba swallowed. “Your pencil skirts don’t leave much to the imagination.”

Something about that answer made Galinda want to bite her—just a little.

“So you like ass,” she said, sweet as sugar but sharp enough to put her on edge.

Elphaba leaned back, tried to lift her hands, but Galinda held firm, pinning them tighter. She stuttered. “No, not particularly. I just—” She looked away, flustered. “I can appreciate a—I’m just observant.”

Galinda grinned. “So you’ve appreciated my ass before?”

Elphaba closed her eyes like that would help. It didn’t.

Galinda brought her wrists forward, guiding her hands until they were pressed flush against her. “Feel better than they look?”

Elphaba had the audacity to nod.

Galinda laughed. But the look on Elphaba’s face when she opened her eyes again? Galinda was suddenly sure she hadn’t been joking. Galinda’s hands moved to Elphaba’s shoulders, guiding her gently as Elphaba instinctively let her hands fall to the desk.

Galinda paused. “Did I tell you to move your hands?”

Elphaba’s eyes widened. There was a beat, a slow breath, and then—she placed them right back where they were. On Galinda. Firm.

Galinda gave an approving little push back into her palms, and Elphaba’s breath hitched.

“Squeeze,” Galinda said softly.

She did. No hesitation now.

And then they were practically grinding against each other, mouths barely missing, breath hot between them, hands where they weren’t supposed to be, where they couldn’t help but go. The desk creaked faintly beneath them, Elphaba’s grip tightening, her breath coming in ragged pulls.

Galinda whispered, lips brushing Elphaba’s jaw, “You’re not very good at pretending you don’t want me.”

And Elphaba—flushed, desperate, shaking just a little—managed, “I never said I didn’t.”

Galinda smiled, rolling her hips, but then stilled. She looked over her shoulder, grinding deliberately. Elphaba’s hands were still gripping her ass tightly. Galinda grabbed those hands, turned around, and pressed her ass flush to Elphaba’s crotch, pushing back with a little smirk.

Her hands braced against the desk, she looked forward, lips parted—just watching.

Then came the knock.

Galinda straightened immediately, spinning on her heel. Elphaba was already pulling her bra up and fumbling with the buttons of her shirt. Galinda, caught off guard, froze—then scrambled to help, tucking in the shirt, buttoning the pants, wiping the smudges of her own lipstick off Elphaba’s mouth.

Then she noticed the neck. Red prints smeared against green skin.

Galinda whispered quickly, “Okay—I'll unlock the door, then hide under your desk. You stand behind it. They won’t notice the smudge.”

Elphaba hissed, “The red stands out on green.”

Galinda flapped a hand. “Shh. Confidence.”

She turned the knob and sprinted across the room, ducking under the desk just as Elphaba cleared her throat and said, voice steady, “Come in.”

The door pushed open. A short redhead stepped in awkwardly, a clipboard under his arm. “Hi, Miss Thropp, I—uh—I’m Boq. From IT.”

Elphaba nodded, palms flat on the desk to keep them from shaking.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he continued, clearly uncomfortable. “Just a reminder—your internal email is company-monitored. So maybe, uh… avoid any graphic messages in the future. We get pinged when those go out.”

At the same time, under the desk, Galinda dragged her hand slowly up Elphaba’s thigh.

Elphaba stomped her foot hard in warning.

“Duly noted, Boq. Thank you,” she said, tight-voiced.

Boq hesitated, looking like he wanted to say more, but thought better of it. He nodded quickly and disappeared as fast as he came.

The moment the door clicked shut, Elphaba sighed and dropped into her chair. From beneath, Galinda crawled out, grinning like the devil, and perched herself right back on the desk, fingers toying with Elphaba’s keyboard.

Elphaba dropped her head back against the chair. “He definitely knew you were under the desk.”

Galinda laughed. “There’s no way he knew.”

Elphaba lifted her head, expression flat. “In the email, you said you were going to be on your knees under my desk.”

Galinda froze, a pause so pregnant it was practically overdue. Then she let her head fall with a laugh, golden hair falling forward to frame her face. She looked up, but Elphaba wasn’t laughing.

“It’s not funny,” Elphaba said quietly. “An email sent to me was flagged for explicit content, Galinda. I’m not in a position where—”

“Miss Thropp,” Galinda cut in gently. Her voice was still light, but softened. “Elphaba. Don’t talk to me like I don’t know the implications of that.”

Elphaba stood, arms crossed. Galinda followed her with her eyes.

“They sent an intern,” Galinda said. “I’m sure they thought it was a fluke. A weird joke. No one’s going to look into it.”

Elphaba sat back down, resting her head in her hands. “I hope so.”

Galinda got up and stepped forward. Elphaba raised her head just as Galinda leaned in, gently pressing their foreheads together.

“It’ll be okay.”

Elphaba gave a small nod. Galinda leaned back, hands resting behind her on the desk. “We should communicate outside of work, if you’d like.”

She let the offer linger in the air like a held breath.

Elphaba stood again. “I’d like that.”

“Where’s your phone?”

Elphaba paused, then pulled open a drawer and took it out. She unlocked it and handed it to her. Galinda smiled at the wallpaper, then frowned at the layout of her apps. But she didn’t push it. She typed in her number, sent herself a message, then handed the phone back.

Elphaba placed it back in the drawer.

Galinda shook her head, amused. “So serious.”

She reached out, caught Elphaba’s hand, and pulled her close—slotting one leg between hers. “I’m sure my phone has rung multiple times since I’ve been in here.”

Elphaba swallowed. “Yeah. I should let you get back.”

Galinda let her go when she pulled back.

Elphaba cleared her throat. “Think about, um… marketing. I think you’d excel there.”

She hesitated, then added, “Or anywhere else. If you’d like.”

Galinda reached out and touched her cheek, just once. “I will.”

As she left, she made sure to swish her hips just enough to make Elphaba look—and she did.

Galinda grabbed her phone and saw the unknown message notification—the one she’d sent from Elphaba’s phone. She grinned and typed a reply.

Galinda

I should probably start looking for a replacement for myself.

She waited, watching the screen, then leaned over and clicked the intercom button.

“Miss Thropp?”

The reply came back instantly: “Yes, Gal—Miss Upland.”

Galinda laughed. “Check your phone.”

She looked down at her own just as Elphaba’s voice came through the speaker again, dry and precise.

“Well, not yet. You’ve yet to make a decision. Let me know what you choose—then we can take more steps, such as finding a replacement.”

Galinda rolled her eyes and typed another message.

Galinda

If I find a replacement, are you going to fuck her too?

She wished she could’ve seen Elphaba’s reaction.

Because her voice came through—crisp, sharp, and a little too quick. “Galinda, please. ”

Galinda set down her phone, exasperated, and clicked the intercom again. “It’s a valid question.”

There was a pause. Then Elphaba replied, more evenly this time, “I would not. But not because of you—because I’m not that kind of person.”

Galinda said, “Noted.”

There was a beat. The faint crackle of the intercom told her Elphaba was still pressing the button.

Galinda asked, “Is there something else?”

Elphaba said, “Will you send emails like that to your next boss?”

Galinda laughed. “That’s fair… I won’t.”

A pause. “Is that all?”

“That is all,” Elphaba said, then added almost immediately, “Can you place an order for my lunch?”

Galinda arched a brow. “Are you asking me… or telling me?”

There was silence for a long moment. “…Place an order for my usual.”

Galinda smiled, shaking her head as she jotted it down.

“This is actually happening,” she murmured to herself, a little giddy. “Wow.”

At the same time, a message popped up from Pfanne.

Galinda let out a sharp snort, held the phone up for Shenshen to see.

Shenshen lost it.

Laughter burst out of her like a corked bottle finally popped. Fiyero glanced over, confused, but didn’t say anything. Maybe somewhere deep in his cologne-soaked brain, he knew the conversation wasn’t meant for him.

Galinda just smiled and leaned back against the elevator wall.

God, what a day.

Shenshen and Pfanne were carpooling, but none of them were quite ready to leave. They lingered by the elevator bay, still talking, still processing.

Pfanne leaned against the wall and said, “Next time she comes down doing departmental reviews, make sure you fuck that attitude out of her.”

Galinda smacked his shoulder. “What is wrong with you?”

Pfanne didn’t even flinch. “Galinda, you’ve complained about her every other day. Don’t make me the villain now just because you’ve been on your knees.”

Galinda whipped her hair over her shoulder with flair. “Guys, I’m done with this bullying. Don’t make me go to HR.”

The second it left her mouth, she regretted it.

Shenshen froze. “Did she just drop the—?”

But Pfanne jumped in before she could finish. “Yes. She did.”

Galinda groaned and dropped her head, laughing. “Okay, okay—stop. I’m joking! It’s not even like that.”

They both gave her a look. The kind of look that said you’re so full of shit.

She sighed. “She’s not that bad.”

Pfanne arched a brow.

Galinda shrugged. “There’s something about seeing her like… that.” She paused, shook her head like she was brushing off a thought. “Anyway. Meeting tomorrow. I gotta go.”

“Night, Galinda,” Shenshen said with a smirk.

Galinda walked to her car with her hands wrapped around herself and her face warm, muttering to herself.

“God, it is like that.”

When Galinda got home, she started her nighttime routine on autopilot. No messages from Elphaba. Not that she was waiting for one. And she definitely wasn’t going to text her first.