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Chapter Text

What once was a bright and sunny afternoon had unexpectedly turned into a rainy one.

When Galinda heard loud sound of the first thunders, she immediately started searching for a place to hide. Not that she was that far away from home, but she didn't have an umbrella - and she wasn't very fond of the idea of getting soaked and ruining her hair and make-up, as well as the numerous bags of spoils she had just gotten herself.

Moving to the a big city was an enormous step to take. The further she had gone was Shiz to attend Shiz University, and she had returned to her hometown in the Upper Uplands right after graduation in order to try and find herself a position as an architect. It didn't work very well though, considering that her place of origin wasn't big enough for her big dreams.

She wanted to do great things - and such greatness wouldn't be possible in a small place like the one she lived in. So, despite her parents' protests, she took the huge step of moving away. Being the dreamer that she was, she didn't think twice: she would go to the Emerald City, where everyone was, and fulfill her desires. And she had been there for a few weeks now, doing interview after interview, for every sort of position in her field to start her career. That day had been a day off - and a day off meant "a no-interview day" for the time being. She felt bad for not being employed still, yet she knew things were slow for people who had graduated so recently like herself. Her father had offered to make all sorts of contacts to get her into a good position, but she wanted to do things by herself at least once. The only thing she didn't refuse however, while not having a salary of her own, was a bit of money from her father. 

Looking up, she saw a sign that read The Green Library - The oldest and most prestigious public library in the Emerald City

She thought that a book place wouldn't be a bad idea. They're quiet places after all - and she could relax a little sitting in a chair or something similar while waiting for the storm to pass. She could get a cab and go home, of course, but for some reason she didn't want to be stuck inside her apartment that day, so she just made her way inside.

The place was bright and neat, full of long wooden tables crowded with people in silence. They all seemed focused either writing, typing or running their eyes through books stacked in piles of all sorts of sizes. There were tourists, people with children, everyone seemingly happy to be there. Looking up, she saw huge wooden shelves carved with beautiful designs that went up to the ceiling, completely filled. There were people climbing huge ladders to get something that was way up high, and reading spaces that contained seemingly comfortable green-velveted armchairs, decorated with green rugs. 

Galinda wasn't very much into reading; she'd only read the books she absolutely needed to, so a library was not a place she would go unless it was very much necessary. Yet, she fell in love with that place immediately: it had one of the most beautiful architectural designs she had ever seen in her life. She then remembered having seen pictures of it while in college, and regretted not paying enough attention to its beauty earlier. The sudden storm wasn't such a bad thing after all, once she ended up in such a beautiful place.

She walked through the long corridors, gawking at each and every tall window and bookshelf that her big brown eyes could catch. She got so distracted by the details of a painting on a wall that she didn't even notice she was blocking the way at one of the counters.

"Excuse me, but I really need to pass" said a voice, bringing her back to Earth. Looking in the direction it came from, she saw someone carrying a big pile of books. It was a woman that seemed to be about her own height, so she thought that she was probably struggling once she wasn't very tall herself.

"Oh! I'm so sorry" she said, moving a few steps forward so the woman in front of her could pass.

"It's ok. I just had a lot of weight to carry." the woman didn't look up, as she seemed busy checking on the books she just carefully dropped on a table behind the wooden counter. "Are you looking for anything specific?"

"I...not really" Galinda twisted her lips, looking around again. Her eyes then dropped on the woman in front of her; she wore round glasses and had long, dark hair that was beautifully braided. Her braids were pulled on a plait, too, and Galinda thought she was a very stereotyped librarian, if there really was one.

"I see" the woman gave her a once over, moving her green eyes up and down and staring at the many shopping bags in Galinda's hands "You're trying to escape from the rain?"

"Well, originally, yes" she admitted after a sigh "But I really enjoy exploring beautiful buildings, and this is definitely a beautiful building" the woman smiled a bit. Looking down, Galinda could read her name tag. Elphaba Thropp. Librarian.

"You know, one can learn about beautiful buildings through books, too" Elphaba was now back to the pile of books, apparently reorganizing them into smaller stacks. "Do you want to check the shelves? If you're interested in anything you can make a library card and take them home for a while"

"I know how a library works, thank you very much" Galinda's tone was a bit annoyed. Why would Elphaba assume she didn't know how a library system was? Of course, she was used to being mocked for being blonde. Ever since she was a child people would say mean things to her just because of the color of her hair. Things got worse when she revealed her life choices - a lot of her childhood friends didn't believe she was capable of being a good architect, and she was willing to prove them wrong. "I'll just have a look at the building today".

"As you wish" the woman said blandly, going back to her books. Galinda blinked and shook her head, taking slow steps. "The library is a safe place. You'll always be welcome here." Galinda stopped and turned, looking at Elphaba again. The girl tucked her hair behind her ear, tilting her head and giving her a slight smile. She was pretty, she thought. "What I said is just procedure. My apologies if I was rude."

"It's all right" she said, licking her lips. "But I better be going now"

She turned again, walking in a straight line. Taking a deep breath, she thought the librarian wasn't the most friendly of people - were her words really procedure? However, she thought her tone was nice and true. She really felt safe in that book place.

Chapter Text

"No chicken ever had truer friends, and she realized that friendship is one of the most satisfying things in the world"

Chistery's Puddles 

"Thank you very much for your time, Miss Upland, we'll call you back when we make a decision" said the tall, good-looking woman in a neat blazer right in front of her, while politely shaking Galinda's hand. 

"Thank you for your time, ma'am. I look forward to the answer" she answered, nodding politely. This was one of the many interviews she had that week, the second that very same day. She had practically crossed the whole city, popping from side to side, East and West, trying to position herself and have a life of her own.

While waiting for the elevator to leave the building, she took a deep breath. It had never crossed her mind how difficult it would be to find a job in the big city. She knew it wouldn't be an easy task, sure, but she was really confident on how skilled and talented she was; and at that moment, for the first time in weeks, she started to wonder if her friends back in Gillikin were actually right. That she wouldn't make it and go back home, where she was known for being the daughter of the mayor, who was so beautiful she could never be smart. 

Shaking her head at the thought - because she never, ever wanted to believe that it was true - she looked around the street to try and find a nice view to relax. "Maybe I can make some new friends here...friends that would actually root for me." She thought while walking. The day was lovely and the sun was shining bright, and she thought of going to the Emerald Central Park so she could clear her mind and try to figure out what to do next, just in case. Galinda loved the trees and the shadows of the parks in the city, as it faintly reminded her of the places she enjoyed the most, both at her hometown and in college when she attended. Her mind changed however when her eyes caught a familiar sight. Detouring from her original plan, her feet took her directly to the place she got in to hide from that stormy afternoon, not many days ago. 

It's a safe place. You'll always be welcome here.  

The voice of the librarian suddenly echoed in mind. It was the only place she'd been to where someone actually spoke to her without being extremelly polite, and not being in a scary context such as a job interview. With that in mind, Galinda went inside, once again walking around the extensive hallway. It was incredible for her how she could find new things to admire in there everywhere looked. She found a rather big painting hanging on the wall, where there were people presumably from the ancient Ozian times, holding books in their hands, each sitting at a different place, with their eyes caught in the pages like addicted children with their phones. She didn't know how long she'd spent wondering who they were and what they were reading, but she jumped a little bit - again - when a voice called her.

"Looking for anything specific?" Galinda then turned, blinking when she saw Elphaba, the same librarian from the other day, in front of her "Oh, hello. It's not stormy outside today."

"I know that" she answered, straightening her position. The woman in front of her looked a bit different, having her micro-braided hair pulled into a bigger braid. She wore jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt with a jacket over it. Very stereotyped librarian, she thought once again. "You said the library is a safe place, and it's a beautiful and peaceful one too, so I decided to come here. It feels nice and quiet" the girl then smiled, holding a book in front of her. 

"Well, yes. Are you sure you don't want a book? We sure have many about...buildings?" Galinda pursed her lips in thought. She never really thought of reading anything just for the sake of it, even of she did read quite a lot while in school. 

"I don't enjoy reading very much to be perfectly honest" she admitted, rubbing her arm with one hand. She felt quite embarrassed at her words. Elphaba looked very smart. "It's not something...fun, I guess". The woman tilted her head, twisting her lips a little. Galinda couldn't help but notice a cute dimple forming on her cheek. 

"It is fine if you don't like it" she said, tapping the hardcover of the book she held with her nails "But I firmly believe that, if one doesn't enjoy reading, they just haven't found the right books". 

Such words caused Galinda to pause and think. She never really tried to find the right books. She'd never bothered, once she had a completely different idea of what enjoyment was. 

"How will I know what book is the right one?" 

"Why don't you take this one?" Elphaba stretched her hand in Galinda's direction, handing her a book that was not so thick. The cover was colorful, and she read the words Chistery's Puddles in big blue letters when she caught it in her hands. "It's for young readers, and it's a classic. Have you read it for school?"

"I...I must have." her mind wandered to her younger self, when she would do anything for attention at school. The title rang a bell on her mind, even though she didn't remember anything about it. "But I really don't remember." the librarian smiled. 

"It's a story about friendship, mostly. I think you'll enjoy it." Galinda looked at the cute, colorful hardcover again. She wondered what was about a girl, a chicken and a super tiny monkey that got everyone to like it - it was a classic, after all, according to Elphaba's words. "And books can be great company, you know. Just return it if it's not your thing"

"Ah...right." she sighed defeatedly. She didn't have much to do anyway, so a cute book wouldn't be a bad idea. She'd been too tired to have fun at parties or bars like she thought she would. 

She followed the woman to the counter, handing her ID in order to make the library card to take the book home. 

"Galinda...Arduenna...Upland. From Gillikin" the green-eyed girl said as she typed. "Nice to meet you. I'm Elphaba."

"Yeah, I know" Galinda pointed at her name tag and giggled. Elphaba followed along, then gave her a paper to sign. 

"You have a week to dive into its pages, Miss Upland" she handed Galinda the book, and the blonde one slid her fingers across the object's longer edge. "If you don't finish in time, just renew it. And tell me what you think when you come back to deliver it". 

"Thank you. I most certainly will. You are probably the only person I now know that would really want to hear about it, anyway" she said, making an unhappy noise in her throat. The librarian kept smiling softly.

"Remember that this is a safe place." It was Galinda's turn to smile, feeling a bit better about herself. She knew of course it was Elphaba's job to make people feel good at the library, but she couldn't help but wonder how nice of a person she was, and if it was her real personality instead of a made-up work chatacter. She remembered all the librarians she met in her lifetime (which weren't many), all old and with mean, grumpy looks. This one was definitely different. From her friends back home too, once they didn't seem so calm and soft. Pretty much like herself when she felt comfortable enough around people and didn't feel the need to present herself so formally. 

When she got home, she changed to more comfortable clothes and took her make-up off. Making herself a cup of tea, she snuggled in bed and grabbed the book she brought in with her. Inside there was a bookmarker that she would use. The smell when she opened the object caught her nose and she found it very comforting for some reason. 

For the three days that followed, Galinda found herself immersed in the words of the story of the chicken called Billina, who was almost killed, but a girl kept her as a pet and took her to a barn, where she made friends with a monkey named Chistery - that could shrink and disappear using magic of his own - who saved her by writing positive affirmations in puddles that fooled all the humans around them. If someone had told her the plot today, she would have probably thought it was really silly; but Galinda really liked that book. She found it very touching and emotional, feelings she didn't think she could have by reading a children's story. She wanted to highlight many parts of it, too, but once it was a library book, she wrote them down on sticky notes instead. And they almost filled a whole pad. Shoving it into a purse, she went back to the library the next day. 

"Miss Upland, hello" said a familiar voice as the blonde walked around, searching for something - or someone. "I didn't expect to see you back so soon." Elphaba was behind her counter, eyes stuck on some papers. They lifted when Galinda approched, and the girl with dark loose hair smiled at her. "What about Billina and Chistery?" 

"Well, they got me through a rollercoaster of emotions if you ask me" she answered, taking the book off her purse to place on the counter. Elphaba looked down at it, then to Galinda as she took her pad out of the place as well. "First, I didn't want to admin it, but I cried at the end - and all the fair thing? I mean, how could have people not noticed that there was an actual magical monkey writing things for the chicken? It's all so amazing." 

The woman in front of her didn't say a word as she spoke. After she was done, Elphaba remained silent, but had a big, soft smile on her lips. A smile that, the blonde admitted, was really cute. She was, however, kind of afraid of what her comoanion would say to her. 

"What was your favorite part?" she replied simply. Galinda couldn't help it - she searched for her favorite part on her pad and read it aloud:

"You have been my friend", replied Chistery. "That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wrote and wrote in mud for you because I liked you. After all, what's life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die. A magical creature's life can't help being something of a mess, with all this hiding from human eyes. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that."

"Really, Elphaba, that was beautiful. I found it touching." 

"And it is. I've read it several times as a kid and teenager too, because of that. It's quite...difficult to get emotions out like that in a way that won't leave children traumatized" she kept her tone calm, comforting. "I believe you have just found the right book. And that you like reading now"

Galinda blushed a little. She never thought it would be an activity done for pleasure, yet there she was, talking to a stranger about a book she'd just finished reading that she wish she knew sooner. They chatted for a while about the story, until Elphaba was called to help check out some books delivered at other counter. While she was walking, she stopped and turned around. 

"If you want, I can give you more recommendations. Maybe you can even have a list." that made the blonde smile. She had a good feeling about this girl and this place, so she nodded.

"I'd like that a lot. I'm really interested in reading books now!" Elphaba smiled again, turning away to walk as she was called again by her colleague. 

Perhaps, Galinda thought, she had just made a friend - and she liked that idea very much.

Chapter Text

Two worst things as can happen to a child is never to have his own way – or always to have it.

The Locked Fairy Garden

Galinda really wanted to get another book recommendation. So, without thinking much about anything else, she had a look around and found a place to sit - a cozy, green-velveted armchair next to a wooden side table that looked older than her own granny. That place, even being so different from the ones she'd normally go when she was back home, felt warm and comforting. And that feeling was one she really enjoyed. 

The blonde girl was distracted in her own thoughts, observing a rather old man in a suit and a hat. He was browsing through the shelves, removing books of the most various colors and lenghths. He cracked them open, eyes wandering across the pages as if searching for the perfect call from the perfect story. That view made her slightly smile, and she wondered if all books she'd read would cause emotions like the previous one did. Or if one day she would end up like that, being hooked by words for her entire life - which, after all, didn't seem like a bad idea.

Grabbing her phone to check the time, she saw a missed call, which made her worry all of a sudden. She blinked when the phone started ringing again - and knowing the book place wasn't fond of phone calls, she quickly made her way outside. 

"Galinda Upland speaking", she said in a hurry. 

"Good afternoon, Miss Upland. This is from the HR of Ruby Builds. It's concerning your interview the other day." Galinda nearly choked. Ruby Builds was one of those big, prestigious companies where she would love working for the most. "We'd like to invite you for a trainee position in our company"

"Oh! I...I'm really really interested!" she almost couldn't contain herself. It was indeed one of the most joyful moments ever for her - a moment that definitely showed that she was capable of doing things for herself rather than living off her father's name. 

She ran home, and immediately called her friends to tell the news. Even though they weren't the kindest when she left, they were the only friends she had. They didn't seem as happy for her as she thought they'd be. 

"...right, right, a job. But no boyfriend? How is Galinda Upland without a boyfriend from the Emerald City yet?" that very sentence made her eyes roll. 

 "It's not all about that, Shenshen. It was pretty boring there in Frottica, you know. That's why I was so interested in dating. There is..." she sighed "There's more than that here, so much more. There places to see - a park that reminds me of home but busy with people. And...". Galinda wanted to talk about the library and its beautiful architectural details, and that she started to read books for pleasure, but was interrupted. She heard her friend complain and say a whole monologue on dating advices - advices she wouldn't need, not because she knew everything, but simply because she didn't want to date. She didn't feel like it. Galinda really thought a boyfriend would be one of the first things she would search for in the Emerald City, but she just was in the mood for something else, something different; something she yet didn't know how to explain. 

It was, perhaps, an urge to be good; to be more than someone's daughter or girlfriend. The Emerald City was a big place where people were more than their families. She has just started to feel like she could be more - and she wouldn't let a so-called friend's opinions ruin that great moment. 

Then, her following call came to mind. Calling her parents made her nervous. Knowing them, she was sure they cared more about her status and how she would be seen in her newest position, as well as among the higher class of her hometown when - and if - she went back. That night she thought of going back to the library, imagining what other type of book Elphaba would recommend her.

Maybe there was something that would make her feel better? Hopeful? She wasn't sure exactly what she needed, but she sort of hoped that many words put together could make her feel good.

Her first day at work would be in a few days from now. It'd give her time to get lost either on a shopping spree or among the shelves of the Green Library, being it to explore its marvellous details, to find a tome of beautiful words, or have a talk with the librarian she wanted to see. Elphaba was pretty in her eyes, the kind of girl she would like to be friends with: intelligent, calm and, at least to her, stylish in her own way. That girl was different from the people her age she knew back home. Perhaps many big city people were similar? If so, she wondered, it would be perfect. 

While on her way to the library the next day, she stopped at a bookstore and bought a copy of Chistery's Puddles for herself. She wanted to be able to highlight things, so she thought it would be a good idea. Of course, Galinda still wanted to go and get more ideas of what to read next, so a store packed with brand new, recently packed books didn't stop her. Plus, the atmosphere of the place was different. She enjoyed the store, but the library was even better. 

Before walking around to search for Elphaba, she decided to take a closer look at one of the place's sections. Galinda found a shelf that consisted almost entirely of books focused on architectural art - and that reminded her of why she loved her profession so much. The history and the details behind every equation, every straight line was absolutely beautiful. Choosing one of such books to take home, she then went straight to where she knew she could find her book-recommender (because, of course, they still weren't close enough to be calling her a friend). 

"Elphaba!" she smiled while going towards the girl's direction. The girl in question was going through a rather big pile pf books, checking each one of them carefully, as if to see if there was something wrong with them. "Sorry for not waiting for you yesterday. I got a very important phone call and had to leave"

"That's alright" she answered, not lifting her eyes and going through the pages of one of the oldest books in the pile. "I took quite a while anyway." 

"I got a job!" the news just left Galinda's mouth without much thinking. Of course they didn't know each other, so there was no known reason to be telling Elphaba anything about her life - but she really felt like sharing, once the green-eyed girl seemed welcoming for some reason. And her green eyes, to her, were peaceful. They lifted, going on to meet her brown ones and a smile was formed on her lips.

"Wow, that's amazing! Congrats, Galinda" the girl said seemingly happy "What field do you work for?"

"I've graduated in Architecture from Shiz University. I came here from Gillikin to start a carreer and I've just found a position as a trainee!" Galinda couldn't help herself. She really needed to share her joy, even if Elphaba wasn't going to be as excited. "It is not much of course, but I need to start somewhere"

"You went to Shiz?" the girl in front of her said in surprise. That caused Galinda to blink. 

"I did, yeah"

"So did I" she had a big, beautiful smile. The blonde one tilted her head and her expression brightened. "I've graduated in History three years ago" 

"History? How did you end up here then?" 

"I was about to start my master's degree, but I really needed to have an income. And teaching is not really my thing, so I..." she pursed her lips, as if thinking of what to say. "I am a big bookworm, so I think I got the best of both worlds. I can use my knowledge and be in a quiet place. " 

Galinda smiled widely. She liked to hear Elphaba's voice and the way she talked. 

"Were...were your parents... you know, supportive?" the girl laid her head in her hand, and her elbow on the counter. "I'm sorry if I am...intruding."

"My mother died when I was quite young" she said calmly, tucking her dark, long hair behind her ear and adjusting her round glasses."My father cared about the church and the Unnamed God more, so he didn't say much really. But my sister was more than proud."

That caused Galinda to blush in shame. She was going to tell about her unhapinness with her parents, but all her struggles seemed small next to hers. 

"What happened?" Elphaba raised her brow when realized Galinda's expression. 

"I..." she sighed "I was going to complain about my parents, that even allowing me to choose my degree and come to the Emerald City to live my own life, are always trying to get me to go back" she tapped the wooden counter with her fingertips and twisted her lips. "They care more about...about how others see me and what they will think of me; how strange I have become for not wanting to get married and have kids early, you know? Small town problems. That and the...'friends' who don't care about what I've conquered. Only who I date." she chuckled awkwardly. "That is nothing compared to what you've been through. Sorry about complaining." Galinda looked down at her feet, moving them from side to side. She felt bad about herself, but found her companion with a wide smile on her face when looking up at her once more. 

"You know, if there's anything I've learned is that no one should ever be judged for their problems or appearances. No problem is worse than the other, all of them make us suffer somehow" she then bit her lower lip as if thinking. Galinda then wondered what she could be thinking about. 

"I..." she really didn't know what to say. At the same time that her words were beautiful in her calm, soft tone, they were wise. 

"I think I have the perfect book for you. Could you wait?" Galinda nodded, a slight smile forming on her lips. She didn't know how long she waited, but it wasn't much. Elphaba came back in large, hurried steps, seemingly anxious. "Here. It might here just the message you need" 

Looking down at her hands, she found a not-so-thick book, yellowish pages, and a beautiful painting of flowers and trees on the cover. Galinda blinked, catching the volume in her hands. 

"The locked fairy garden?" the title sounded familiar to her, and it was pretty. It smelled like an older book should, this specific volume being so handled - and perhaps loved and cherished - that it didn't look so neat anymore. "What is it about?"

"It's about finding your place. Discovering yourself, when you think you're worthless. Believing in magic itself and..." the girl bit her lip, taking a breath "the magic of life, and friendship." her words sounded so deep and true it made Galinda want to start reading it on spot. It made her curious, needy for the words inside, even if she had no idea the plot would catch her or not. She smiled, handing the book to the librarian to check it.

"I'll take it. And...you spoke of it so fondly. It really got me interested." she signed for the book, and Elphaba gave it to her.

"You have a week to bring it back, Miss Upland." she answered, sliding her long fingers through the cover. "And please tell me what you thought of it. It's one of my favorite stories, ever." 

Galinda couldn't help but smile again. She clutched the book close to her, then carefully put it in her purse. Then, she also checked the architecture book she chose. 

"Thank you, Miss Elphaba. You're really making me feel welcome."

"I told you, this is a safe place. And so are the books." 

As Galinda left the library to go home, she thought of Elphaba. How pretty and nice and intelligent she was - and how she was able to talk about her feelings, so calm, knowing exactly what to say. 

If not the type person she wanted to be like, she was definitely the type of person she wanted to have by her side.

Chapter Text

In secret places we can think and imagine, we can feel angry or sad in peace. There is something to be said for just being, without worrying about offending anyone. 

The Locked Fairy Garden 

"You fooled me!" she said in an extremelly angered tone, trying her best to keep her voice level low despite her discontentment while slamming the book in the hard, shiny wood. And it was not only her voice; Galinda was kind of angry.

"What?" Elphaba blinked cluessly. The blonde didn't explain why she was acting like this. "I don't follow." 

Galinda rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, her foot hitting the green carpeted floor anxiously. "You said I'd like it." she spat, looking firmly at the girl in front of her. "And that it would bring me comfort. But all it did to me so far was make me insanely sad."

Elphaba looked down at the book in front of her, touching it with her fingertips and gently tapping it with her long nails. She seemed to be analyzing it carefully with her eyes and gentle touch; to check if there wasn't anything out of place. It seemed, to Galinda at least, that she was feeling the copy and getting connected to it and its story somehow.

"Have you finished it though?" 

"...no. Not yet" Elphaba sighed, having now crossed her own arms as Galinda looked at her. "Do I really have to finish this to say I didn't like it?" 

"Sometimes the truth hits hard on us, Miss Upland. It has some sad passages, yes, yet the message at the end is what actually counts." 

"I remember being told I don't necessarily need to finish a book if I am not enjoying it. And I am definitely not enjoying this one." It was now Elphaba's turn to roll her eyes. She shaked her head and lifted her glasses, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You don't need to look at me like that." 

"I'm sorry, Miss Upland. I didn't mean it." the girl sighed. She had an expression that Galinda couldn't really identify. "It's true, you don't need to finish it if you don't want to, and if it makes you uncomfortable." 

"You don't need to call me Miss Upland. It is extremely formal. Call me Galinda." 

"Right, right...Galinda" she repeated, slightly smiling and revealing a cute dimple. "I was saying, if it doesn't make you feel good, or touched, you can return it. Though I believe that if it made you sad, it probably got some emotions out of you." 

Galinda paused. Her mind wandered to the book and how the main character was suffering only in the beginning of the story - how upsetting it was to imagine a child loosing everything she had ever known, and going off somewhere new with people that are strange and so different for her. The Fairy Garden she found was beautiful, and it made her feel good, but she was still the same sad child inside. The child who happened to see beauty in a neglected place.

"I feel bad for little Dorothy. She's just...suffering too much for my taste" she averted her eyes, sliding her fingertips around the wood and drawing some random imaginary picure. "And discovering the Fairy Garden didn't help."

"This one has a happy ending" Elphaba kept her eyes on Galinda the whole time. She could feel it. It amazed her to know that the girl didn't loose her mind over her being so childish. "Chistery's Puddles doesn't, and you loved it." 

"I disagree" she complained, twisting her lips. It didn't cross her mind that the ending of the first book in ages that made her feel something had a sad ending. "It was a beautiful one. Billina found friendship and had other animals around her." 

"That's true, yet she's lost her best friend. And that's sad, if you were to ask for my opinion." Galinda exhaled through her nose, gathering her thoughts. "Again, if it makes you feel that way, it probably touched your heart somehow. Why don't you give it another go? I can totally take the blame if you...if you hate it." 

That caused the blonde to giggle. Her eyes once more met Elphaba's, and both smiled at each other. The older girl lifted her hand, and Galinda sighed in defeat. 

"Oh, all right, Elphaba. I will finish this." she said while shaking her hand. She could feel the soft, warm skin against her pale cold palm, and it made a good feeling cross her body. "But if I happen to be right, you'll have to make up to me in the next read. Deal?"

Elphaba laughed. She had a soft laugh, the type of tone that was nice to hear. 

"Right, Mi - Galinda. It's a deal." 

"The Locked Fairy Garden was what Dorothy called it when she was thinking of it. She liked the name, and she liked still more the feeling that when its beautiful old walls shut her in no one knew where she was. It seemed almost like being shut out of the world in some fairy place." Galinda caught herself saying this very passage aloud for a third time. It kind of transported her somewhere she couldn't really name. 

She was used to be surrounded by people all the time, never having actually experienced solitude before she went to the Emerald City. It was something that used to frighten her: the idea of being somewhere new, and probably lonely, caused some sort of anxious feeling inside before she moved. Her parents and her friends in Gillikin would also scare the life out of her, trying to convince her to stay by saying she would never be seen in the big city. Yet, she came to realize that it wasn't all that bad, having a place and time all for herself. 

She's met a lot of people at work, and they were really nice to her; then, she would go back to her apartment and enjoy the silence and the chance of choosing what to eat, what to do and whether if she wanted to speak a word or not. And that chance of independence made her feel insanely good. 

Having decided to go back a few pages to try and check what she had missed, she's got the notebook she bought in order to take notes of her favorite parts of the library books she reads from now on. This very paragraph was written and highlighted in neon pink. 

Making a clicking noise with her tongue, she set the book aside, and her mind wandered to the librarian. Galinda only knew a teeny tiny piece of her backstory, and she started to wonder if the girl felt just as lonely - if she liked it, or if she was simply used to it and didn't care much. 

"Well, Elphaba, I think I like this one too..." she whispered to herself. The few days that followed were divided between working, studying (from the second book she's got from the Green Library) and being amazed by a little girl's capacity of seeing beauty and magic in the world despite her hardships. 

“That is the Magic. Being alive is the Magic—being strong is the Magic. The Magic is in me—the Magic is in me.” she was holding her glittery pink-cover notebook in hand, repeting this sentence over and over. When she went back to the library, she was anxious to tell her friend about her thoughts and feelings about The Locked Fairy Garden; but she couldn't find the girl in round glasses anywhere. 

"She's sick" said a boy with brown hair standing behind the counter she normally was. "I believe she won't be back in a few days." 

"Oh, that's horrendible!" the blonde pouted a little. She really wanted to see Elphaba and talk to her, explain how excited she was about the book and the ending of the story and how it touched her in so many ways. "Can you...can you renew this one for me please?" she pointed to the story book as she pushed the two tomes she had in his direction. "I'll return the other" 

"Alright then, one more week for the story to finish" he chuckled and checked the book in one more time. "Do you want to choose anything else? Or is that enough?" 

"No thank you, this one's enough" she actually wanted another book. She wanted to dive into pages, as Elphaba would say, and be left alone with a brand new story.

However she didn't think she could choose something right for herself - she didn't want to, either. She wanted a recommendation from Elphaba, knowing the girl would always pick the right story as if reading Galinda's brain, touching her thoughts as if she had magic herself.

Chapter Text

“Now and then, in this workaday world, things do happen in the delightful storybook fashion, and what a comfort it is.”

Bobbin Sisters

She tapped her nails on the table, eyes focused on the screen. Making a clicking noise with her tongue, she continued typing and occasionally taking notes in a sketchbook by her side. Said sketchbook was already filled with words and doodles, some of them not having much to do with her task. 

Galinda found herself in a cafe for the past hours, trying to do some studying. Being a trainee, she didn't have as many working hours; which meant she could leave at two in the afternoon instead of five. That was good though, once it allowed her to focus on herself so she could improve her performance, and perhaps get a promotion at some point. She knew she had an enormous previllege, and she was determined to work hard to get the best she could so it would be worth it. 

Her cup of coffee was already empty and her white chocolate-chip cookie was half eaten, and if she hadn't seen the familiar silhouette in front of her, she would've probably be kept in her thoughts for a good while. 

"Is that where you read the books I recommended too?" 

"Elphaba!" she responded in a very surprised tone. Out of all things, the blonde girl didn't expect to run into the librarian at the cafe. Actually it didn't even cross her mind that it could be a possibility, even if she had thought more about Elphaba than she ever imagined she would. "What...it's very nice to see you!" Galinda smiled, looking up at the girl who had both hands holding the top of the chair. One of them had a bandage wrapped around it. "You weren't in the library when I went back the other day. This boy said you were sick." 

"Ah, yes...it was a..." she rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly with the good hand, lifting the injured one and motioning it with her head "A little work accident" she chuckled "May I?"

"Absolutely" Galinda tilted her head and motioned the chair in front of her, watching Elphaba as she sat down. She still wore the same style of clothing, yet this time she seemed way more fashionable with a skirt, a sweater and sneakers. Part of her hair was pinned in a little bun, while the rest of it was loose. She also seemed to be wearing make-up, which made her look fancier and...prettier. And she did it only with one free hand. Amazing. "But what happened? It seems quite serious." she worried at once, and her companion shook her head. 

"Kind of. I was going up one of those big ladders to get a really rare volume of a medical encyclopedia for this kid, and someone decided it would be a good idea to..." she twisted her lips and made the motion with her good hand "Well, to push and pull the ladder to see if it was safe or not."

Galinda's eyes widened. She opened and closed her mouth trying to comment anything, but there were no words to be found. She was worried about Elphaba, and she had never heard anything similar in her whole life. She really didn't know what to say this time.

"I know" her friend answered "Insane to say the least" she stopped talking as a waiter asked her what she wanted. Elphaba didn't even look at the menu; she ordered a cup of black coffee and a dark chocolate-chip cookie. That made Galinda smile slightly. 

"Not only insane, it's criminal!" the woman barked in indignation, not believing someone could be so cruel. 

"Well I guess they let their intrusive thoughts win this time. I bet a lot of people have always wanted to do that." She laughed, and the blonde followed along. 

"If it was me, I wouldn't be as calm, I have to admit it" she said as she observed Elphaba sip the cup of coffee that was put in front of her "I would be fuming"

"I was when it happened, but I was in too much pain to even complain. Luckily the police was called and the guy agreed on paying anything that needed to be paid."

"That's the bare minimum. But how long are you going to stay away?" Galinda was worried about her friend. She could only imagine how terrible it must be to not be able to do much - and she knew how much Elphaba loved the library.

"A week. I didn't break anything and I don't need any type of intervention, so I'll be back in three more days" the librarian smiled again, which Galinda reciprocated. She had now closed her laptop, being all focused on their conversation. It was funny - and interesting at the same time - to talk about things other than books to that girl. She was indeed a great company, and it got her to think once again about how intelligent she was. Galinda liked intelligent people, and the dark-haired girl in front of her was a lovely combination of brains and looks.

"Then I guess my comments on Dorothy Gale, Tip, the little fairy and the Locked Fairy Garden will have to wait a little bit more." she chuckled, observing as Elphaba drank and ate. The blonde even remembered her own cookie, eating a piece as well. 

"I could talk about books anywhere really" the green-eyed girl said after a bit "But if you are waiting to talk about them only at the library, then I can't wait to go back to work." that very comment made Galinda feel her cheeks getting warmer while acquiring a reddish tone.

"And I can't wait for you to go back and amplify my reading list" she smirked, and both girls had a lovely conversation on a big variety of topics: from the cookies they were eating, going through hobbies and their lives in general. This was the sort of conversation the girl from Gillikin wouldn't have with her childhood friends, which now seemed weird; how can you live so long without having someone that can handle any topic, and (perhaps the most important of all) is so willing to listen to what you have to say? 

As promised, three days later, Galinda Upland was back at The Green Library. Before going to work, she put the book and her sparkly notebook inside her purse. There, she waited for Elphaba to finish a task she couldn't really identify to go to her counter and return the book, as well as state, with a little bit of defeat, that she had actually liked it. 

The subject that started with facts and opinions about a little girl's story ended up in magic, in a total different context from the book: how they knew it would exist long before them in Oz, and how they wished they could have seen it. Elphaba mentioned she would have enjoyed flying; Galinda, on the other hand, expressed her desire for a magic wand with a star on top so she could cast spells. The girls had a good laugh, and stopped talking every time a customer or another staff member would pass by. That caused Galinda to feel like she was a teenager again, when she would pass her notebooks down to friends to gossip and pray to Lurline no teacher would catch them. It was a naughty attitude that made her feel good. The other girl seemed to be enjoying it too; it was the first time ever she saw the girl laughing more than once. 

"The two books you've read had magical elements in them". the librarian mentioned "Why don't you try something a little more realistic?" 

"Oh, no, Elphie! Real life is already too tragical as it is." her friend didn't respond to anything. She just stared at her, blinking at the unexpected way she was called. The blonde felt it as her cheeks acquired a pinkish tone. 

"Elphie?" 

"I..." she said and bit her lip "I think I should've given you a nickname already, since we are...you know...friends?" pursing her lips, the blonde looked at Elphaba. She was a touch too serious for her own taste "I understand if you don't like it though"

"It's a little bit perky..."

"I know! That's why I chose it. It suits you if you may ask me." 

Elphaba didn't respond, but she looked at Galinda and smiled. It was a shy one, and really, really cute in her opinion. She felt her heart race for a moment. 

"You can use it if you take my next suggestion" the woman rolled her brown eyes and shook her head. It was very unfair - and smart - of her to make such offer. Galinda really liked the nickname she came up with for her friend. "What? It's a pretty fine deal."

"Well, alright, that's fine." she raised her hand and felt it as Elphaba touched it with her soft, warm hand and gave it a shake. Galinda couldn't help but smile. "What do you have for me this time, Elphie?" 

The woman didn't say a word to answer the question neither about the emphasis that was put when the nickname was pronounced. She simply shifted in her place, lowering her body to pick something. When she reappeared in her line of sight, a red, hardcover book with golden letters was placed in front of the blonde. 

"Bobbin Sisters" she murmured, reaching her hand so she could touch the cover. She thouht it was leather at first, yet while ghosting her fingers around it she noticed it was a type of fabric. As the book was cracked open, she saw more yellowish pages, even though this one was much more well taken care of than the previous book that went home with her. "What is it about?" 

"A family with four daughters. They're all very different, yet they love each other very much, and they go through all sorts of situations together. One wants to find love desperately, while another is...well, a free spirit and just wants to live her life with no worries. And they have their mother, their father who goes to war...and other real life issues from the past." Galinda blinked as she explained, paying attention to each and every word. It was another of those times when her friend would talk about a book with such fondness it made her want to start right away, even if the plot itself wasn't very attractive in her eyes. But she had learned not to judge; a book was always more than it seemed to be. "With the plus of this edition being beautiful"

"This one is even sadder isn't it?" her companion smirked. "Don't you know any books that have something...you know...happier?" Elphaba arched her brows. 

"If you stop and analyze, not even a children's book full of pictures is a hundred percent joyful, Galinda" 

"How come you always win?" she said while looking through the pages, feeling the book's comforting smell and the texture of the paper; then allowing the librarian to check the book for her. "And I do have a bad feeling about this one. Hopefully it won't make brust into tears of sadness, or anger, or both"

"Hopefully I needn't to tell you to give this one a second chance. My gut tells me it won't be necessary."

"Let's see about that, Elphie. You'll soon find out."

Galinda hated to admit she was wrong. It was one of those traits she strongly fought against her whole life. This time it wasn't necessary though: Bobbin Sisters really made her cry. She shed tears of sadness for the death of one of the sisters; and later caught herself sobbing because the other was in love and was way too independent and full of life to allow herself to live. 

"Sweet Oz", laying between her blankets, book in her hand, notebook and pencil at her side table; she took a deep breath and scratched her head slightly, then searched for her notes. "I knew I was right." 

As she flipped the pages, searching for the perfect quote, she was quite surprised: she wrote down nearly a hundred different things from the story. Not only quotes, but also thtoughts and opinions on it so her and Elphaba could talk about it later on. 

“Beauty, youth, good fortune, even love itself, cannot keep care and pain, loss and sorrow, from the most blessed for...into each life some rain must fall, some days must be dark and sad and dreary.” she repeated in a whisper. 

For a reason, this very paragraph got stuck with her. She thought of her family, her former friends, and everyone she knew. Her mind wandered to Elphaba, and how much she had probably suffered having lost her mother at two years old. How she was strong, fierce and had the beautiful characteeristic of seeing good in all sorts of situations. 

The very image of The Green Library employee stayed with her. She wondered what it would be like, to spend more time with her; to comfort her if this wave of sorrow ever reached her again. 

“Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.”, it's what she would quote while petting her braids. 

“Betsy had learned that hearts, like flowers, cannot be rudely handled, but must open naturally.” the blonde read, as she wondered if that feeling was really what she thought it was.

Chapter Text

“For we pay a price for everything we get or take in this world; and although ambitions are well worth having, they are not to be cheaply won, but exact their dues of work and self-denial, anxiety and discouragement.”

- Gayelette of Ruby Springs

"...and that's why we think you should head back, dearest!"

She sighed at the back of her throat, lest the couple on the other side of the line hear. 

Galinda thought her parents had finally understood that she was her own self - and not who they wanted her to be. 

"But I am so happy here, Popsicle." she answered, twirling a blonde lock around one of her fingers. She had just came home from work and the last thing the girl wanted was to hear her parents complain. "My job is great and people are nice. And I..." 

"But what about your friends? And that lovely Chuffrey guy who wanted to marry you?" her mother's comment made her eyes roll. They still haven't given up the silly idea of finding her a husband. Typical.

"Momsie! I told you I'm perfectly fine here. I thought you were supportive of your only daughter." she got angry, and that was perceptible by her tone. "I don't want to go back and I certainly don't need a husband. I have my own free will and my own dreams. They do not include a countryside man"

"Very well, Galinda Arduenna. We might not see you so soon then."

"Not if you keep insisting on this! You clearly know that if I left there must be a reason. And that's final. I love you two."

She hung up the call after their goodbyes, throwing her phone on the bed. Massaging her temple, she thought how terrible all of this was. Even though she knew she was highly previlleged in many aspects, having support from her family wasn't one of them. At least not the way she wanted to.

"There's no such a thing as perfect, is there?" she whispered to herself, wondering how the pair would react if she showed up with a girlfriend instead of a boyfriend. 

When she woke up the next day, she was feeling better. She knew people back in the countryside weren't as open-minded, even though the whole land of Oz was the most progressive place known to day. And Gillikin was one of those countries where it was even clearer. That thought came because, while getting dressed, her mind wandered to Elphaba - again. The thoughts about her have been constant, and once she caught herself smiling when remembering the green-eyed girl's passionate speech about books and literature. If that wasn't being extremelly attracted, or enchanted, not to say in love, she didn't know what to name it. 

Galinda always knew she was attracted to women, yet she's never found anyone to her liking back home. At Shiz, of course, she had a few flings. But that was her - and she didn't know anything related to this about Elphaba. There was no way she knew how to bring such topic up without being invasive. So she thought she would just wait and see. 

Meanwhile, she would look forward to the day of returning the book. Could she just go there before finishing and talking to her? Yes. But they have been exchanging some messages. And Galinda didn't want to seem desperate. Plus, she enjoyed going to the library and seeing her companion's cute surprised smile when she would show up at her counter. 

Then it crossed her mind that she could get the book and read there every day. It was the perfect plan: see Elphie in person more often and try to catch something in the air. 

It was the day she would finally return Bobbin Sisters, and this time she took the pink notebook with her so she could show her friend all her favorite quotes and share thoughts on the story. When she arrived, she couldn't find Elphaba, so she sat at one long table to draw while waiting. She opened her layout paper, carefully supporting its edge with the opposite hand. Distracted by her project, she didn't know if or how much time has passed. She scratched her head and sighed, lifting her eyes to find a familiar - and beautiful - figure next to her. 

"Elphie!" she said in surprise, turning her head to look at the girl. "I didn't notice you were here. Sorry."

"You were so concentrared, I didn't want to disturb." the woman smiled, pulling a chair to sit next to her. Galinda couldn't help but admire her green eyes hidden under the pair of glasses. "I was just...watching. And this is beautiful." 

"Oh! Thank you" the blonde pursed her lips, tucking some hair behind her ear. "It's not yet finished though."

"What is it going to be?" 

"A library" she said in an almost whispering tone, feeling her cheeks blush "My boss asked us trainees for a special social project. The best one will get a promotion, and maybe have it built at some point at a less previlleged area of the City. It's a great opportunity."

"Why did you choose a library?" Elphie had her eyes wide, sparkling, seemingly curious. That made Galinda smile. 

"I like the idea of people having a safe place to go, where they can be themselves. Like..." she sighed "Like I feel here. It'll be mandatory to have people like you working in it too"

She couldn't identify Elphie's expression. 

"I'd love to help if and when I can" that very sentence made thousands of butterflies flap their wings again inside Galinda's stomach. That girl in front of her was wonderful. 

"It would be wonderful!" she said while rolling her layout paper and organizing her supplies. "But it would be even better now if you had time to listen to my thoughts on the book" 

And so their chatting began, Galinda opening her notebook and showing her companion all notes she took, as well as the sketches she made based on some characters. Once again, they could not feel time passing by - their conversation on the story of thf Bobbin family leading to many other topics that had to do with the book, and some others that didn't. 

At some point, Elphaba invited her to stand up and walk around, so people wouldn't notice she was talking. And so it happened again: Galinda felt like a teenager afraid of being caught, and having her cheerleader-like crush speaking to her nerdy self fir the first time. 

"I have..." Elphie said after a while "I have been thinking of your next book. Quite a lot actually." she said while going behind her counter, shifting anxiously in her place. "I thought about all we've ever talked about, and I believe I have a story you'll love" 

"And what is that?" Galinda tilted her head in curiosity. She thought how great it was to have Elphaba thinking of her, even if it was only because of the book. 

"It's called Gayelette of Ruby Springs. Have you ever heard of it?"

"Yes! It's about a little girl, isn’t it? A girl in a farm. In Gillikin!"

"Exactly. She's adopted by this couple of siblings only to help at the farm. They wanted a boy, yet they were sent Gayelette instead. They're going to send her back, but she manages to convince them to stay. She's got a lot of imagination and is really full of life - willing to see beauty in everything. It's lovely really. One of my favorite books, ever"

Galinda didn't have time to answer. Her friend lowered her body and grabbed a colorful cover that showd a girl in a blue dress holding a straw hat. She grabbed the book with both hands, analyzing the pinkish letters that formed the title and the well-loved pages. She couldn't help but smile. 

“But if you call me Gayelette, please call me Gayelette spelled with an E." Elphaba said, trying and failing at imitating a little girl's voice tone. Both women laughed together. 

"I'll take it. Sounds lovely"

"It is. You might either get annoyed by Gayelette, or love her with all your heart. There's no in-between."

"You love her with all your heart, don't you?"

"I do. And I have a good feeling about you loving her as well. She is..." Elphie paused for a beat, as if thinking of the perfect words "She is very much like you. Likes to see the beauty in things." Galinda blushed, biting her lower lip and ducking her head a little. It was beautiful to hear Elphaba talking about her like that. "With the difference of not liking pink so much, of course" both of them laughed at the comment, and caught themselves staring at each other. 

"Check it out for me. You'll see my reactions in real time"

"Excuse me?" Elphaba blinked in honest confusion. 

"I'll read this one here, if I can hold myself." she said with a playful expression, holding the book close to her chest. "Every day after work. I'll sit around and read. And if I have any comments, I'll wait for you so I can talk."

The girl in front of her smiled, revealing her dimple. She licked her lips, and Galinda thought how beautiful she looked. Her heart skipped a beat. 

"So I'll look forward every workday" she said, checking out the book and handing it to the blonde.

Galinda couldn't help but smile widely. 

"Same with me, Elphie. Same with me."

Chapter Text

“It’s nicer to think dear, pretty thoughts and keep them in one’s heart, like treasures. I don’t like to have them laughed at or wondered over.”

Gayelette of Ruby Springs 

Galinda and Elphaba agreed that the reading sessions would start the next day, once the elder girl's clock out time was close. They left the library together, and walked around the city's biggest avenue, just chatting.

"My father was the mayor of Frottica for many, many years" the blonde said, adjusting the big layout paper tube string around her shoulder. "I grew up with a whole lot of pressure. Everything needed to be...perfect" her eyes looked down, Galinda staring at the ground. She had a distant stare, remembering how she needed to always be presentable, looking beautiful, having the best grades; all for the sake of her father's name. "And even though I've had friends and was popular, as I grew up I noticed that all they cared about was the status I held."

Elphaba remained silent. It was one of her traits that Galinda liked the most, being willing to listen. And not only that, listening and actually paying attention. She always knew what to say. 

The brown eyes looked up and her face brightened as she felt an arm around her shoulder. It was a warm, soft, comforting touch that didn't last very long. There the feeling of flapping wings inside her began once more. And while it lasted, she couldn't help but admire the beautiful contrast they made together: eyes, hair, skin, personality and even favorite colors (green for Elphaba, and pink for Galinda). We'd make a nice couple, she thought; and in that moment she was sure she was in love. And it would be utterly heartbreaking for Galinda if the librarian couldn't feel the same, for any reason. She'd never fallen for someone in such a short amount of time before. That woman was truly special.

"You came here beause you wanted more, didn't you? You wanted to be yourself." 

"Yes. Somewhere I wouldn't have all that pressure around me. Where..." she took a long, deep breath "Where I would be seen just as Galinda. Not Galinda Arduenna Upland, the daughter of His Excellency Mayor Highmunster Upland. Because that's what I am there."

"I think I understand" Elphie answered after a beat, eyes focused on the street. There was sun, and the weather was chilly. Perfect for cuddling with her, Galinda thought. She shook her head to keep her mind focused on the girl's words. "I always felt like I was a burden. My father spent far longer caring for my little sister than he did for me. She has mobility issues, you see. I don't blame either of them though" the girl licked her lips, turning her beautiful face to look at the blonde "And she deserved more attention. I was just there...existing. I went to Shiz and didn't even go back to Munchkinland after I graduated. I came straight here, and I was lucky enough to end up in a nice job, and a nice place to live. And as much as I love my sister, she also agreed that it would be a good move for me." 

Galinda smiled. For some reason, she found Elphaba's words comforting, even though she was telling a sad story. Sad to the point of making her feel bad about sharing her own; so different, yet so similar in many ways. 

"Maybe we just needed some peace and quiet for a while." 

"Indeed. And after three years of peace and quiet, I found a friend that talks for the two of us" Galinda's cheeks blushed and she scoffed as Elphaba laughed. The two parted to go home, saying their goodbyes with a light hug. That night, the blonde dreamed of a future for both of them: in the Emerald City, a cute and cozy home library full of their favorite books - all of which Elphie told her to read. And she knew the plots to all of them.

The day that followed was rushed. Work was stressful and things didn't go well; her project wasn't accepted as she thought it would. Even so, she knew that right after she left, she could go to her safe place, seeing her friend and reading her book.

And so she did: straight after work, Galinda rushed to the library. Elphie seemed really busy with people around her, so she just waved and pointed to the place she'd sit to start Gayelette of Ruby Springs. Her glittery pink-cover notebook was sitting on her lap with a pencil next to it, and the girl started to dive into the pages (as Elphaba would say) with the attention it required.

She doesn't know how long she's spent there, once she was enchanted by little Gayelette's free spirit since the very beginning, even with its slight touch of sadness. There was a passage, however, that she wanted really badly to comment with Elphaba; yet, she was still busy. 

A bad workday for the both of us, she thought and sighed. 

She was just in the process of writing said passage down with her opinions when the other girl appeared in her line of sight and made a motion with her hand - wait, so she understood. Nodding in response, she put a bookmarker inside her text, closing it and looking around while waiting. When the girl approched, she immediately stood up to greet her. 

"If you ever wonder that my job isn’t stressful, remember that dealing with people is always the worst." she said, seeming to be a touch annoyed. 

"Not stressful? You've been through a lot in a month or so. I dare to say you face more emotions than I do, falling off ladders and dealing with weirdos" she chuckled. Her hand reached for her companion's without much thinking, and there was no reaction from the other part. She just squeezed it slightly. "It's ok if you need a break. We can talk tomorrow." 

"What? No way. I wouldn't miss your first live book report" the brown eyes rolled a little and Galinda laughed. 

"Scope for imagination, Elphie! I just love that concept" she said while flipping the pages, finding her bookmarker and searching for the paragraph that caught her attention "Here. 'It just satisfies me here' - she put one hand to her breast - 'It made a queer funny ache and yet it was a pleasant ache. Did you ever had an ache like that?'" 

"When something, or somewhere, is so beautiful and touching it just causes a good physical feeling."

"I find it incredibly beautiful. And it does happen!"

"That's the spirit that awaits for you inside those pages, Glinda" 

"It's..." she furrowed her brows, tilting her head in reaction to what Elphie just said. What did she call her? 

"I know it's Galinda, with a 'Ga'. But...you gave me a nickname, and I thought it would be a fair share to give you one as well." the librarian crossed her arms, observing the blonde that smiled at her words. 

"I like it! How did you come up with that?" 

"My favorite professor at Shiz was pretty old. So old in fact he said he had an Animal professor when he was a student himself." 

"Oh? It must have been a really long time ago then, Animals are practically nonexistent nowadays"

"Yes. And he used to say his mentor was a goat. A goat that would mispronounce a lot of people's names because of...the lack of front teeth they have" she motioned her face while speaking, and Galinda paid the most attention, nodding to every word "The beginning sounds, especially, and the...G. I wonder that he would have called you Glinda. And..." she paused for a beat, biting her lower lip and averting her eyes "It's suits you, you know. At least I think so"

"Well, Elphie, you can use it if..." she pursed her lips, trying to come up with a trade, just like Elphaba did. It was hard to think of something, once she was the one who needed an agreement in the first place. She just shook her head, a playful smile forming on her lips "Never mind. You can use it because I liked it." 

They remained silent for a little while, just staring at each other. Those were some few seconds that seemed to last a whole lifetime. The blonde had a terrible urge, a terrible will to kiss her, and she totally would if the time and the place were appropriate. But life - unfortunately - wasn't the same as the books she's been reading, and she couldn't do that. Not that the characters did anyway, but anything was possible in books.

"Now what else about Gayelette?" said the voice that broke their brief silence, another chat session having its start. This time, it was shorter than she wished it was, because the day at the Green Library was busier than usual. Not wanting to disturb and bring Elphie any problems, they agreed on seeing each other the next day again, same time. 

Going back home, she ignored a call from her friends still in Frottica, and sent them an apology message a few hours later saying she was busy. It was hardly a lie, because she was; feeling inspired enough to still try and improve her project. And, after that, she started wondering how and when she would tell Elphie what she felt. 

There was this big doubt crossing her mind, because it seemed to her that the older girl was reciprocating somehow, yet she couldn't tell if it was just her brain that was so in love that led her to believe it, or if it was actually happening. 

I'll just wait a little more... she thought. And so she did, going to her new favorite place on Earth after work, day after day. On some days, she would talk more; on other, Elphie seemed busier and busier, and she didn't want to disturb her work; but even so, every single day, Galinda would sit and read, and then they would leave the building together to go home, talking about what the blonde thought about the story and leading to many other topics. 

"I am very surprised with the way she would cope with things, you know" the girl said flatly, eyes focused ahead "So much has happened to her." she rubbed her hands together, a bit nervously, twisting the long fingers "You said she is like me, but I see you in her, too" she stopped walking, turning her head to find her friend staring "Because of how much you went through, and how willing you are to face the world"

“There’s such a lot of different Gayelettes in me. I sometimes think that is why I’m such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Gayelette it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn’t be half so interesting.” she said, smiling softly and walking at a slower pace. 

"You are just one Elphie to me, you know." 

"And you are just one Glinda. One Glinda with many different faces. That's what make us humans after all" Galinda smiled, and she felt the girl's hand slipping to her own, fingers interwining. "But indeed you see more beauty in the world than I do. And that's very Gayelette-like. It's something I still need to learn from her, and from you."

“...because when you are imagining, you might as well imagine something worth while.” she repeated, having memorized one of the parts she highlighted in pink and circled in pencil. 

"And she likes the idea of being fashionable, like you do" 

"She's not wrong. Though I completely disagree with the idea of one being ugly for being red-haired" both of them laughed together, and said their goodbyes with a hug. 

She had just finished Elphaba's favorite book - and it has, for now, become hers as well. Glinda, as now her girl called her, was so different from everything she's ever been. And now, at the same time, she's never felt more like herself.

She's never felt better in her life.

Chapter Text

"But what happens when the girl keeps living, when she ages proudly and defiantly, without abandoning imagination, or stories, or that secret wish to find magic wherever it hides? Well, then the poets would call her a witch."

The Honey Witch

The cover was pretty. It showed a garden of tall grass, colorful flowers all around, and a cute old-world house. The letters of the title were written in big, yellow-ish letters and the book seemed brand new. Probably not many people have discovered it yet? 

"The Honey Witch?" Glinda read as she analyzed the edges. They were pristine, so it was indeed a new book. A new book to her, and a new book at the library too. "We're back to magical elements!" she was more excited about this than she thought she would be. She really enjoyed stories that had magic involved - and it seemed to her that the other girl understood it. "Or is it just the title?"

Elphaba stared at her and frowned. 

"Oh, well, this one has..." she rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. Glinda wondered what she was thinking, once the girl would never run out of words. "This one has the type of energy that you'll enjoy." A cute smile formed on her lips, and the blonde responded with a much wider one. "It's a new book. Not a classic like all the others you've read." 

"Oh, so you read new things, Elphaba Thropp!" she chuckled, and her companion scoffed, pushing Glinda's shoulder a little. Their eyes met, and the blonde noticed how they were shiny, so green, so beautiful. 

"I read things that call my attention. And this one did." 

"I know that, Elphie. Sorry about the joke." her fingers were ghosting across the colorful cover, and she could feel the protruding letters on her fingertips. The book smelled new, too. "What is it about?" 

"It dates way back when Oz still had magic. It wasn't awkward or anything, and people strongly believed in it. This girl discovers she comes from a lineage of sorceresses that use honey as the base for their powers, and they have a super strong connection with the bees. But the family is cursed, and they must choose between having the gift of magic and being able to have love." 

Glinda's eyes looked back at the book, then to Elphaba. The girl pouted and she heard a sigh coming from her friend's lips. 

"It seems so..."

"I know, sad." 

"Yeah. Way too upsetting if you ask me" she crossed her arms, and Elphie shook her head. "But I have learned from you not to judge books by their covers and part of their plot, Elphie, so I am not going to say a word before I start."

The girl in front of her smiled again. What a beautiful smile she had. Glinda fought the urge to caress her cheek, to go behind the counter and hug her tightly.

"And this one has...well, it has elements that weren't in the others. I...I'd really like you to read it." Elphaba hit her nails on the counter, and Glinda smiled at her. "Believe me, you'll enjoy it. I was very much surprised." 

"I believe in you, Elphie." she reached her hand to touch hers, retracting it soon after. She didn't want to seem desperate. "And if you chose it as the next read in my ever growing list, then it's the right one for me."

"And remember that I'll always be the one to blame if you don't enjoy it." The dark-haired girl directed her eyes to where she heard her name being called right after speaking, and smiling at Glinda, she went on to her duties.

Glinda's brown eyes wandered around, searching for a good spot; she decided to sit at one of the tables, criss-crossing her legs. Her notebook, of course, was right by her side so she could write down her thoughts. And right at the beginning, she found passages that amazed her and made her start writing comments so she could read them to Elphaba later. 

"Sweet Lurline" she murmured, supporting her head in her hand. Her eyes ran through the pages, getting her to gasp at some points. She didn't want to stop it; however, at the same time, she felt like she didn't want the book to be over so soon, as it had caused her an amazingly good feeling. It felt cozy. It felt warm, like a hug - and she couldn't wait to express that to the only person that would hear it without judging. The only one who would appreciate her enthusiasm.

Stretching her legs to get a little break from the position, her hand opened the notebook and grabbed the pencil, sketching a random picure. Her gaze met the familiar figure, same stature as her own, longer hair full of beautiful micro-braids, fashionable working clothes. And that was the motion her pencil made: the motion of Elphaba's curves, shaping her into the paper. Glinda's lips curled in a soft smile, admiring her work. Not as close to her girl's own perfection (because even if she knew such a thing didn't exist, Elphaba was the closest to it she knew), but she liked it. 

When their eyes met, she saw the girl's smile and waved at her, pointing at the book and signing something positive. The older girl motioned for her to wait, and so she did, still sketching until Elphie popped up behind her.

"What's that?" Glinda closed the notebook in a jumpscare as she felt her face flushing. "I'm sorry, Glinda, I didn't mean to scare you"

When she turned, Elphaba blinked, seeming confusified. Glinda just clutched the notebook closer to her chest, and the girl sat on the chair beside her. 

"I...it's n-nothing, Elphie. Just a silly sketch" 

"Oh. It's ok if you don't feel like showing" she smiled, glancing at the table while sliding her fingertips in an imaginary picture. "I'm curious though"

"About my drawing?" 

"That too. But mostly about...about what you thought of the beginning of the book." 

Glinda smiled, laying the notebook down and grabbing the book instead. She knew how respectful her girl was, that she would never insist. She actually wanted to show the drawing, to confess her feelings - but she was afraid. 

How would Elphaba react? What would happen between them? The fear of loosing Elphie, even just as friends, was consuming her. Because, even if they know each other well (they have been talking about each other's lives and interests as much as they talk about books), she doesn't have any idea of the girl's love life, and what she likes. Not only that, if she would feel the same, even if she was attracted to women. 

It was a terrible feeling. A feeling that Glinda wished no one else would have to feel, ever. 

"Well, at the same time that I want to drown in it, I don't" she said, shaking her sad thoughts away and opening the volume. "Marigold is incredible. But...I have a feeling she'll fall for someone. And it'll be heartbreaking."

"Well, I can't spoil it for you, but the biggest surprise is not the fact that she will fall for someone" she lifted a finger, gesturing a little bit. It was not her type to do so; perhaps she was learning from Glinda? It was cute. "But who she's gonna fall for" 

Glinda smirked, twisting her lips right afterwards. Elphaba giggled at her reaction, and it made the blonde laugh, pulling her shoulder a bit

"Stop it! I'm already thinking. And I have no clue!" 

"Will you read it here? Or will you read it at home too?" 

"If I can't hold myself, I'll read it at home. But I'll try my best to read it here too, Elphie, so you can get my reports in real time. Deal?" she lifted her hand, watching as the girl adjusted her glasses and winked. That caused Glinda to giggle again. Sweet Lurline, Elphaba was adorable. 

"It's a deal, Miss Upland." their hands shaked, and the touch lingered for a bit. 

When they went home, they talked about art. The type of art they liked, the type they thought they understood, the type of art they didn't. Drawings, cartoons, sketches, doodles, paintings. It all started because Elphaba asked what got her into architecture, and Glinda said it was art. In all their forms. 

"I've never been into books, but I came to understand that they are a beautiful form of art too, thanks to you"

"It's beautiful in every way, isn’t it?"

"It is, indeed" she wanted to say that it was beautiful like her. She didn't, but she hugged the girl tightly.

At home, she tried not to read, but she just couldn't help it. She opened the book and smelled its scent; a scent that reminded her of Elphaba. It wasn't the librarian's actual smell, but it was something that would always remind of her. 

The story caught her attention more than she thought it would, and she wrote down many theories of what she thought would happen.

"Lottie is a witch, too..." she said while writing "And Marigold will discover it first. The brother is August's soulmate. And...Marigold will break the curse. But how?" her writing was followed by question marks, circling words and making arrows around them. She's read way more than the thought she would, and it got her wondering why Elphie chose this specific story for Glinda to read. 

"Maybe she noticed I am a hopeless romantic?" she said to herself, thinking about something she's read in the book before going to bed: "...the world is quite nice, but only if you know where to look. Friendships are harder to break than you think, and you will not outgrow the ones that are the most important. Heartbreak is inevitable, but so is healing, so don’t be afraid to fall in love freely and often." 

The next day would be an exciting one. Glinda would be in home-office, which meant she could work in her project anywhere. She decided to work a bit at home in the morning so that she would be free by lunchtime, and go to the library to finish the book there for the afternoon. 

As she approched the big staircase, she could recognize the silhouette of her friend. Smiling at the thouht of meeting her during her break, as she got closer, she saw her talking to a boy. The both of them seemed beyond comfortable, and Elphaba was laughing and smiling while he touched her arm, seeming to caress it. 

Glinda felt something she didn't know how to describe.

She took a deep breath, eyes burning with the threat of tears. Of course she wouldn't be falling for me, she thought. 

At the same time, she repeated over and over in her head how stupid she was for not telling, because this could have been avoided. Being surprised like this was even worse than hearing that it would never happen. She turned, thankful that she wasn't seen, and went straight home, feeling the familiar wings flapping angrier this time.

She was jealous. 

And she's never felt like that before. 

It was horrendible.

Chapter Text

 “You can’t love anyone without the fear of losing them, without the forethought of grief. There is an inherent loss in love, but that does not mean that love is not worth it."

The Honey Witch

Glinda had her phone face down. She worked the whole day, went home to study and practice drawing techniques, and tried to watch something on television in order to distract herself. Neither of the activities got her attention the way she wanted to, she just couldn't focus. The Honey Witch sat on her side table completely untouched, even if she was only five or six chapters away from finishing it. All of a sudden the book didn't appeal anymore. It just wasn't interesting, even if she was loving it.

It had been two days since she's last seen Elphaba. And she missed her - a lot, actually. But she was way too upset to go back to the library or answer to any of her texts. 

She's read all of them, and they mostly asked if she was fine, if everything was ok, what had she been doing, if she has finished the book. 

I'm worried about you, said one.

Technically she was fine. She was healthy, and perhaps that's what Elphaba wanted to know, anyway. Why would she bother saying she wasn't well? And what excuse would she use? She could tell the truth, of course. But it would be really silly of her to explain why. Elphie would feel sorry for her to say the least. 

I'll be over tomorrow, she finally replied. It was the only message she was able to send. 

When the next day came, it passed by slowly, but way faster than Glinda wanted it to be. She's tried to plan what to tell Elphaba, thinking of all the possible excuses as to what was going on. There was no answer, because of course, she had no idea of what to say. The only thing she was certain was that the book would be returned. She felt exactly as the main character felt in her worst moments - and they weren't at all good. And she remembered the part in which a character say to not be afraid to fall in love.

"That's ridiculous", she said to herself while on her way "They have no idea how terrible it feels to be rejected like this. I bet the author had never gone through something as close"

There was some hesitation to go inside when she arrived. As she went up the stairs and walked through the long hallway searching for her favorite counter, the image of Elphaba and the boy next to her was vivid on her mind. She practically saw it again: a brown-haired boy, a little taller than both of them, and very good-looking, caressing her girl's arm; and she didn't seem to care, because she was smiling comfortably, largely and laughing as they spoke.

It made her feel even sadder. 

"Glinda!" the blonde's heart raced when the familiar voice reached her ears. As sad as she felt, her girl still made her smile with the slightest of actions. Turning around to face her, she gave the woman a once over, seeing how beautiful she looked; wearing an outfit that was similar to the one she was wearing at the coffee shop, replacing the skirt with jeans. She had a big, long braid and her glasses were also different. Still round, but had a strong black line in the middle that connected both sides. "It's so good to see you. How...how are you?" 

Glinda placed both hands in front of herself, rubbing them nervously and twisting the ring she woree. She exhaled through her nose, pursing her lips and taking a beat too long to think of a reply. 

"Glinda?"

"I...I'm fine, Elphie."

"Are you sure though? You don't seem like it." the librarian furrowed her brows, tilting her head a little bit to the side. At that exact moment, for the first time, Glinda absolutely hated how adorable she was. 

"I am, yeah. Just felt a bit under the weather. That's all."

"Oh. That's great." she shook her head "I mean, it's great to see you feeling well now. I was..." she hesitated before continuing "I was worried about you, you know." 

"Your concern is not at all necessary, Elphie. I'm fine." she averted her gaze, staring at the green-carpeted floor. "I'll be leaving soon. I just came to return the book." 

Elphaba's expression was unreadable. She blinked, staring at Glinda in total silence for a few seconds.

"You're different, Glinda. I just cannot say how" the girl crossed her arms, moving a foot around. The air felt different this time, which meant things weren't good at all. The blonde wondered if it was that obvious that she was feeling sad and angry all at once. She always thought she was good at masking emotions. "Did you like the ending? What..."

"I didn't finish the book, Elphie" she said even before the girl in front of her could finish the sentence "I am not enjoying where it's going; therefore, I am returning it" 

"But..."

"I'd really appreciate it if you don't insist." she croaked. Glinda could feel her words failing, the sadness taking over her. For the first time, she wondered if she was being too dramatic; but she couldn't help feeling that heartache. "Here it is, Elphie."

The book was taken out of her purse, still pristine. Glinda's fingers curled around it, applying some sort of pressure due to her nervous state. Elphaba just looked at her, completely puzzled. 

"Glinda, are you sure you got the message?" the green-eyed girl's voice sounded a little different than usual, too. Glinda couldn't exactly tell what it was, if it was fear ou nervousness. She cared, but she would rather not ask. "At the...at the end. The very end." 

"I am blaming you for giving me this book to read, Elphaba Thropp. I strongly dislike it. I'll be returning it, and I don't need any more recommendations as of now. Or maybe ever." noticing that Elphaba wouldn't get the book back, the blonde just slammed it on the counter's hard wood "I hope you're happy" and then turned away. 

Her steps were fast and long. She's heard her name being called before she was distant, and she didn't turn back. 

Glinda had no idea how terrible it was to feel jealousy. At least not that way she was feeling. It was a new, demolishing emotion she now needed to learn how to deal with. And she felt awful. Of course she wanted Elphaba to be happy with whoever she chose, so that's the reason she wouldn't dare saying anything else. 

But her heart ached. 

She rubbed one of her eyes and took a deep breath. She didn't think anything that's happened was a mistake, because she's met Elphaba. And she was wonderful beyond words. Still, knowing she wouldn't be loved back completely destroyed her. 

"Glinda! Wait!" said a distant voice as she was going down the big staircase of the library's entrance. Sunlight was already hitting her skin, and her steps were rushed. "Please!" 

When her pace stopped and her brown eyes looked up, she saw the beautiful face of the girl she was so crazy about. The one that got the best and worst feelings out of her was breathing rapidly, probably tired from running or walking faster than she should. 

"What's going on?" she said. The blonde was still silent. "You are different. And there is something wrong." 

Glinda licked her lips and bit the lower one, shutting her eyes and taking a deep breath afterwards. 

"There's nothing wrong, Elphaba. You should just stop worrying about me and go worry about your boyfriend instead."

"My boy..." the girl shook her head frowned "What are you talking about?" 

"That lovely boy that was here with you the other day" Glinda pointed to the exact spot she saw the older girl talking just a few days before. "The one that you were laughing with. So...intimally close." 

The girl blinked quite a few times, tilting her head and nodding after. 

"Hold on, are you talking about Fiyero?"

"Oh so that's his name?" 

Elphaba laughed. Actually laughed. It was loud and long, so much that she had to cover her own mouth so she wouldn't make any more scandalocious noises. 

That made Glinda angrier and her cheeks flushed. She could feel the heat take over. 

"I don't get it. What's so funny?" 

"You saw me hanging out with Fiyero and you think he's my boyfriend?" she caught a tear with a finger, rubbing her eyes. That caused Glinda to pout. "I'm so sorry for laughing like this, Glinda. But it's really funny that you assumed Fiyero is my boyfriend." 

She raised a blonde brow, staring at Elphaba cluessly. What does she mean?

"Well, isn’t he?" 

"No way." she responded as she shook her head, making a funny, grossed out face, like when a child looks at the vegetables they dislike. "We're best friends. More like siblings, actually. We went to Shiz together. He studied Law and I helped him with his studying schedule and all." Glinda shifted in her place, looking at her.

"I'm confusified. You...and him..."

"He has a long term girlfriend. Her name's Sarima. We're also good friends. They're getting married soon."

It was time for the blonde girl to blink. She blushed, ducking her head in shame. How come she was so blinded by jealousy she didn't even thought it could be a friend? 

"I didn't even tell you about him yet. We've talked about so many things, and I didn't manage to explain that I have a male best friend." 

"You mentioned your best friend. I just...didn't make the connection" Glinda's head was still a bit lowered as she scratched it, tucking some blonde locks behind her ear. Her lips wobbled. "And I felt...well..." 

"You felt jealous?" she nodded, lifting her head to find the girl smiling at her. Elphaba's lips were curled softly to one side, her dimple deepened. She was beautiful - and absolutely right. "When I insisted that you finished the book, there was something I really wanted you to see. At the end...written on the very last page" the librarian held The Honey Witch in her hands, raising the copy so Glinda could get it. 

She looked at the book, then to Elphaba quite a few times, lost in her thoughts. What did she mean?

"I still have quite a while to finish, Elphie. But...I'm afraid there are some things I can express as of now"

"Just look at the very last page, please. It's written in pencil"

Glinda didn't answer. She opened the book instead, finding exactly what her girl told her to. Her eyes widened, sparkling as she read the message written in cursive letters.

Can you give me your report on this book at that coffee shop this time? I want to know what you think of Marigold's soulmate. 

"You...wrote on a library book?" Elphie laughed. It was softer this time, more like the most adorable little giggle.

"It's not a library book. I got it. For you. Didn't you notice I didn't give you anything to sign when you took it home?" 

And indeed she didn't. Elphaba didn't use her registry, Glinda didn't sign to get the book. She pursed her lips, shaking her head. 

"I'm afraid I didn't." 

"Will you...finish it? I mean...I think you didn't see how Marigold broke the curse." 

"Tomorrow, Miss Thropp, I'll be there after your shift. And I will absolutely let you know." the girl sighed in relief, and Glinda held the book close to her chest. She smiled, still ashamed. "I'm sorry about my silly, childish attitude just now"

"I thought it was kinda cute." the blonde smirked, lowering her head once again. She felt a warm touch that caused her to immediately look up, feeling as Elphaba got closer. 

Her heart raced and the wings flapped like never before when their lips touched, beginning to brush against each other in a warm and soft kiss. 

There, under the sign Glinda read the first time she went in the day they met, their touched lingered for quite a while. And it felt cozy, it felt warm, it felt like home. 

"Is the book really mine?" she whispered after their lips parted, leaving both breathless. Elphie laughed, nodding. 

"You can use your pink highlighter anywhere you want." 

The girl held her in a tight hug. And in that moment, Glinda knew that she had a place that felt safer than the library. 

Chapter Text

"Stories never really end...even if the books like to pretend they do. Stories always go on. They don't end on the last page, any more they don't begin on the first page."

Inkheart

"No, no, no!" the girl stood up on the tip of her toes to reach the top shelf and remove the books that were just neatly organized there - by genre and category. "It looks better if we organize them by color!" 

"By color?" she lifted her glasses, pinching the bridge of her nose and inhaling slowly in order to calm herself down. "Glinda, it doesn't work like that..."

The two girls have been working on the task for quite a while. They could never agree on what the best way to organize Glinda's brand new bookshelf was. They had built it together and had no arguments, yet the simple action of setting the books in the correct place seemed to be way more difficult than using nails and a hammer to fix it on the living room wall. 

"Maybe at the library it doesn't" she said while separating all the volumes she's been collecting over the past few months - most of them picked with her girlfriend's help - by the shade of the cover. "But remember this is my personal bookshelf and I think it looks pretty that way" 

Elphaba rolled her green eyes, shaking her head. She didn't say a word, even though she strongly disagreed with the way Glinda wanted to do it. 

"Oh, well, you're not wrong" sitting on the floor beside her, the women started separating all the tomes spread around the living room. Soon enough they had books of all kinds; entertainment literature, technical architecture, drawing, language and fashion, all mixed up together in a huge rainbow of covers. 

When they were done and Elphaba got on her feet to look at the piece of furniture from a respectable distance (wondering what colors could be placed first according to Glinda's liking), she saw the blonde searching and separating different books from the piles they took so long to form. 

"What are you doing?" she didn't even move, crossing her strong arms and watching as Glinda walked in the direction of the empty shelf. 

She smiled and said nothing, simply making a motion with her hand to call her girlfriend closer.

"The first shelf won't be organized by color, dearest" all the volumes she held now went to Elphaba's hands. There were five in total. She stared at the hardcover and smiled. "Can you give me the first one, please?" 

As Glinda got the object on her hands, she showed it to Elphaba, who smiled at it fondly. 

"I didn't remember you had this one" 

"I got it right after I finished. I thought I would fill it with markings, but...I had no courage." she placed the copy on the wooden shelf, Elphie handing all the others to her until the organization finished; books in the exact same order as she started reading them. 

The older girl held Glinda by the waist, and she rested her head on Elphaba's shoulder as both stared at the copies of all books recommendations that brought them together. 

"Which one of those is your favorite?" Glinda tilted her head to the side in thought, remaining quiet for a beat. 

"Hmmm...can I say all of them?" they laughed, and the blonde girl felt it as Elphaba lightly pinched her waist, which caused a pout. "Right. I cannot." 

"I thought it was Chistery's Puddles."

"It was Gayelette once, you know" she turned around, being face to face with her girl. Both her hands held Elphaba's face, thumbs moving in circles on her cheek "But that was until The Honey Witch made its way into my heart as the book I was reading the first time we kissed." 

"Oh, the day you ran away thinking I had a boyfriend?" both laughed again, Glinda hiding her face in the curve of Elphaba's neck in a bit of shame. She felt it as the girl kissed her temple, brushing a hand along the long, golden hair. 

"It still amazes me that you thought of a book to test the waters, Miss Thropp. That's so you." she said in a whisper and closed her eyes, exhaling through the nose, something similar to a sigh.

"I didn't know what else to do. I was dying inside because I had no idea how to approch that topic" Glinda smiled, pressing a kiss to Elphie's neck. 

"We were both on the same level of agony" her voice level was still low, lips brushing on her girlfriend's soft skin. "It was the most romantic thing I've ever witnessed." 

The two women remained quiet for a moment, none of them willing to move. Glinda ran her hand up and down Elphaba's back, and again she knew she had a safe place to call home.