Archive of Our Own ^beta

The house was quiet in the kind of way that only came when Liir was at school. From the kitchen came the rhythmic thunk of a knife against a cutting board.  She was at the kitchen counter, barefoot, in boxers and her bindings, cutting fruit into neat pieces. She was pretending not to be aware of the time.

Elphaba came down the stairs in nothing but her underwear and a fastened bra, still adjusting the strap. 

“Love, we have to leave soon. Come get ready.”

Galinda didn’t look up. “One second, honey.”

Elphaba moved to lean against the table, watching her. She didn’t say anything at first, just let her eyes rest on Galinda’s back, the practiced movements of her hands. She hummed, and this time Galinda did glance up, though her eyes didn’t meet Elphaba’s immediately.

With a light smack to her shoulder, Elphaba muttered, “Galinda. I don’t want to be late.”

She mumbled something, grabbing a container from the counter.

“I didn’t hear that.”

Galinda popped the fruit into the bowl. “I said maybe you shouldn’t have come out here naked.”

Elphaba looked down, then back up at her. “What part of me is naked?.”

Galinda snapped the lid on the bowl and raised one hand, gesturing vaguely at Elphaba. “So much skin. You’re so exposed.”

She said it like it was some big conspiracy. Elphaba fought a laugh.

“Oh? And what about you? You’re only wearing boxers.”

“That’s different, my love.”

“Not really,” Elphaba said. “Because it has the same effect on me.”

Galinda gave her a look, then let out a dramatic sigh. “Fine. I wouldn’t want to compromise our noble governor. I shall cover up.”

Elphaba chuckled. “Noble governor,” she repeated under her breath.

Galinda moved to throw away the fruit skins, and Elphaba snagged a piece of apple from the bowl. Galinda dropped the knife and plate into the sink, washed her hands quickly.

“You’ll end up taking longer than me,” she said. “I already picked out my clothes. You’ll take ions.”

She stepped in close, arms around Elphaba’s waist, and kissed her—quick, affectionate. Elphaba closed her eyes for a second, letting it land, then pulled back with a sigh.

“I’ll be fast.”

“You won’t,” Galinda said, already turning away. “But I love you anyway.”

Elphaba followed after her. Galinda was at the closet, pulling the doors open when Elphaba came up behind her, fingers landing gently on her back, right at the edge of the bindings.

“You should change these.”

Galinda mumbled, “Why?”

“You’ve been in them all day, that’s why.”

Galinda let go of the closet doors with a sigh. “Fine.”

She crossed the room, went to the small table on her side of the bed, pulled open the last drawer and took out a fresh roll of cloth. Without saying more, she padded to the bathroom and shut the door behind her.

Elphaba turned back to the mirror and started braiding her hair. She was almost done when Galinda came out again, a little red in the face. She caught Elphaba’s eyes through the mirror.

“Happy?”

Elphaba rolled her eyes. Galinda smiled and went to grab her clothes.

Elphaba cleared her throat. “Are you worried about Liir?”

Galinda looked up, one sock halfway on. She paused, pulled it the rest of the way and reached for her pants.

“No. Well—” she stuck one leg in, “we’ll find out, won’t we?” Then the other. “Are you?”

Elphaba went to the closet, pulling it open as she glanced over her shoulder to see what Galinda was wearing. She finally answered.

“I’m not. It’s just…” She sighed, pausing. “I’m worried skipping a grade might be too much. He should be with kids his age. I know what it’s like to grow up too fast. I don’t want him carrying that.”

Galinda was nodding as she looped a belt around her waist. Elphaba grabbed a black dress and held it up as Galinda stepped over.

“Elphie,” she said, coming close, “he is so strong. He’s resilient and I think he’s fine. He wanted to skip. He was excited. He has you.” She shrugged, throwing her head back a bit. “And me.”

Elphaba laughed, the kind that spilled out too fast. “That’s true, thank you for listening”

Galinda smiled and stepped back. “Now come on. Get dressed.”

She looked at the dress Elphaba had picked and opened her mouth to say something, then stopped herself. “You know what—go ahead. I’ll get it.”

Elphaba nodded and changed. When she was done, she sat down on the edge of the bed, fastening the back of her earring when Galinda came over with a sleek black heel in hand.

Without a word, Galinda dropped to one knee in front of her and looked up as she lifted Elphaba’s foot.

“I’m having flashbacks,” she said.

Elphaba let out a laugh, a little too loud, a little too knowing. Galinda narrowed her eyes, she smacked her lightly on the leg. “I meant proposing.”

Elphaba gave a solemn nod, lips still twitching.

Galinda sighed. “Get your mind out of the gutter.”

Elphaba grinned. “You crawled into it first.”

“And you married me anyway,” Galinda muttered..

Elphaba rolled her eyes and motioned ahead. “Do you mind? Lotion my foot for me?”

Galinda glanced at her, sighed like it was the greatest burden in the world, and pushed herself back up. “You’re gonna make me wrinkle my pants.”

“I can do it if it’s a problem.”

Galinda smacked her hand away. “I never said I wasn’t going to do it.”

Elphaba smiled, satisfied. Galinda grabbed the bottle, squirted some into her hand, and knelt again, rubbing the lotion slowly into Elphaba’s leg. Elphaba hiked the hem of her dress a bit higher to keep it from getting on it as Galinda worked her way up to her thighs.

Then the other leg. If she spent more time on that one than strictly necessary, Elphaba didn’t mention it.

When Galinda finally finished, Elphaba cleared her throat gently. Galinda blinked, looked up. “Right.”

She grabbed the heel and buckled it on, hands quick and practiced. When Elphaba stood, the added height gave her just enough edge to look down at Galinda.

Elphaba leaned down and kissed her, one hand brushing into Galinda’s hair. She pulled back just a little. “What are you doing with this bird’s nest?”

Galinda tilted her head, glancing in the mirror. “Perks of short hair. Doesn’t take much.”

She pulled her shirt off the bed and slipped her arms through, buttoning as she walked to the vanity. It was still a mess. They’d been rushing for a week straight

Halfway through her buttons, her attention snapped back. Elphaba began talking, and Galinda tuned in immediately.

“I know what it’s like at that age,” Elphaba said, reaching for a bag. “To be different.”

Galinda’s lips pulled into a soft pout. “Elphie. Their governor is green. I doubt one green classmate is going to shake anyone.”

Elphaba looked at her, sharp.

Galinda’s neck prickled. “Sorry,” she muttered.

“It’s not that,” Elphaba said. “It’s just… Galinda, my father was the governor. That didn’t make a difference.”

Galinda turned back toward the bed, undid her belt and started tucking her shirt in properly. “But it is different. You’re not like your father. And Liir is loved. He’s never even mentioned bullying or teasing.”

“It’s a new environment,” Elphaba offered, a little too quietly.

“It’s still the same school, though.”

Elphaba didn’t respond right away. She took that in.

“…That’s true.”

Galinda nodded, grabbing her waistcoat and slipping it on, leaving it unbuttoned. She opened a drawer in the closet, rifling through. “Plus, you vetted every single teacher and staff member. And I’m at every PTA meeting. No one would dare. Trust me.”

A hand reached past her—green fingers plucking a tie.

Galinda straightened, smirking. 

She took the tie from her. “Not a bad pick.”

Elphaba smiled. “Don’t tell me you’re threatening people at the school.”

Galinda gasped. “Me? It’s not my fault I’m naturally intimidating.”

Elphaba raised a brow. “You? Intimidating?”

Galinda finished the knot on the tie, started buttoning the waistcoat. “Not because you aren’t intimidated.”

“I’m not.”

“You are,” Galinda said breezily. “Sometimes… that still counts.”

Elphaba gave her a once-over. “Isn’t this a bit dressy?”

Galinda made a face. “You’re lucky I’m not bringing a jacket.”

Elphaba laughed, stepping closer and grabbing the ends of the waistcoat, tugging Galinda slightly toward her. “Lavender. I like it.”

Galinda smiled, pleased. “I’m sure you do.”

She pushed up a bit and kissed Elphaba. Elphaba hummed into it, pulling back just a second before starting to lean down again—only for her phone to ring.

She mumbled something under her breath, turned away to grab it.

Galinda called after her, “Hate to see you leave, love— love to watch you walk away.”

Elphaba’s laugh echoed back before her voice shifted into her business tone as she answered. It was immediate—sharp, polished, all serious.

Galinda shook her head fondly and grabbed her shoes, slipping her feet in quickly. She moved back to the vanity, plucking up the silver watch Elphaba had given her. Their initials were etched on the face, just under the ticking hands. She fastened it.

Elphaba ended the call and sat down on the bed, quiet for a moment.

“Everything okay?” Galinda asked, still watching her through the mirror.

“Just perfect.”

Which, of course, meant something wasn’t.

Galinda didn’t get a chance to ask about the call—Elphaba was already changing the subject.

“Do something about your hair. It’s time to go.”

Galinda glanced down at her watch, then grabbed a brush on her way to the bathroom. “Yes, ma’am,” she muttered as she passed.

Elphaba grabbed her purse, picked up Galinda’s phone off the nightstand. “I’ve got your phone,” she called, and headed out to the kitchen. She picked up the bowl of fruit from the counter, snagged her keys, set the alarm, and waited by the door.

True to her word, Galinda didn’t take long. She came out with a towel over her shoulders, curling the ends of her hair with her fingers.

“It’ll dry in the car,” she said before Elphaba could say anyhting.

Elphaba held the door open. Galinda walked out first, and Elphaba handed her the keys, locking the door behind them. Galinda chuckled as she moved to start the car, unlocking the car before circling around and opening the passenger door for Elphaba.

Elphaba raised an eyebrow. “Hmm. Thank you.”

Galinda smiled. “Speak nothing of it.” She closed the door behind her, gave the side of the car a quick once-over, then hopped in herself. She reached into the center console, grabbed the gate remote, and held it out the window to press the button.

As the gate opened, Galinda pulled down the visor to glance at her reflection, adjusting her seat forward just a little. She glanced over at Elphaba, then pushed the visor back up.

When they were out of the driveway, she paused, waiting for the gate to close. Then, casually, “What was the call about?”

Elphaba tapped her thigh. “Just budgets. Nothing alarming.”

Galinda hummed and reached over, resting a hand on Elphaba’s leg. “It’s okay, hmm?”

Elphaba sighed, and her shoulders dropped a little. She hadn’t realized how tense she was until Galinda touched her. Galinda frowned faintly, thinking they really needed a vacation soon. Maybe they could visit her parents—they’d be thrilled to smother Liir with affection.

Elphaba slid her hand over Galinda’s, and Galinda gave her a soft glance, smiling. Elphaba traced the lines in her palm with a light touch.

When they hit a red light, Galinda rolled up the window and flipped on the AC. Elphaba immediately turned it down again.

Galinda laughed. “Too cold?”

“You know it is.”

She squeezed Elphaba’s hand in hers. They didn’t say anything else for a while. Eventually, they pulled into the school’s lot. Cars lined up ahead of them, with a security guard checking each one. Galinda didn’t bother rolling her window down—he recognized them, raised his hand in greeting. Elphaba gave a low, “Interesting.”

Galinda smirked. “Interesting indeed.”

She found a spot near the entrance and reversed into it cleanly. The parking lot was packed. She turned off the engine and pulled down the visor again, checking herself one last time. Elphaba glanced around the lot, always observant.

Galinda flipped the visor back up and got out. She rounded the car, then pressed her hands and nose against Elphaba’s window like a child.

Elphaba gave a long-suffering sigh and rolled her eyes.

Galinda pulled the door open. “I’m perfectly capable of opening my own door,” Elphaba said as she stood.

Galinda looked genuinely confused. “No, see—that’s actually my job.”

Elphaba gave her a dry look. “I don’t remember hiring you.”

Galinda grinned. “It came free when you married me. Duh.”

Elphaba laughed, and Galinda bit her lip. “I can’t tell you the last time I heard you say that,” Elphaba said, softer now.

Galinda ducked her head a little. Elphaba’s hands came up, adjusting Galinda’s tie with careful fingers.

Galinda tilted her head. “You seem nervous, baby.”

Elphaba looked up at her. “What if I said these things always make me a bit angsty?”

“I’d say I can tell. And it’s okay.” Galinda stepped back and gestured. “But also—you deal with worse in your office on a weekly basis. You can definitely handle our kid’s teacher.”

Elphaba laughed and grabbed her bag. “Rationality is boring.”

“And yet you married me for it.”

Elphaba stepped aside and Galinda closed the car door behind her. She wrapped an arm around Elphaba’s waist as they headed toward the school building, shoulder to shoulder.

They made their way down a long hallway, Galinda leading. A few parents and even some teachers greeted her along the way, nodding, waving. Elphaba smiled where appropriate, though she noticed more than a few darting eyes. Some of them looked downright afraid.

She leaned in and murmured, “Seems like I’m the intimidating one.”

Galinda, without looking over, said, “No, it’s me.”

That made Elphaba’s chest loosen just a little.

They rounded a corner and Elphaba slowed. “Aren’t we going to Liir’s class?”

“Yeah,” Galinda said, “but he’s probably outside playing. I just want to drop off his fruit first.”

“Okay,” Elphaba nodded. “Let’s go.”

When they stepped out onto the field, they stayed by the edge. Dozens of kids ran across the playground, some tossing balls, others piling onto swings and monkey bars. It didn’t take long for them to spot Liir.

Elphaba let out a surprised laugh when she saw him—he was in the middle of a slide, smooshed between two other kids, all three of them zooming down like a chaotic sandwich.

“I’ll go get him,” Galinda said, already stepping forward. “Your heels won’t survive this grass.”

Elphaba nodded, watching as Galinda crossed the field. Liir hadn’t noticed her yet. Galinda crouched low and then popped up with a ]"boo!" Elphaba could practically hear it from across the field.

Liir jumped and whipped around, his grin blooming instantly. Only one person ever scared him like that. He bounced in place, then threw himself at Galinda, who had to take a step back to steady herself.

Then, just as quickly, he spun in her arms and scanned the field. The second his eyes found Elphaba, he wriggled in Galinda’s arms like he’d been lit on fire. He waved at some of his friends, then motioned for Galinda to put him down. She did, and he darted over to another kid to give a quick hug—Elphaba couldn’t quite see who from this distance. 

He ran back to Galinda, arms up. She picked him up again, carrying him toward Elphaba. His arms were already reaching out before they got close.

“Mommy! Mommy!” he chanted.

Elphaba’s whole face lit up. She was sure every tooth she had was on display. Galinda passed him off, and Elphaba hitched him onto her hip like it was second nature.

“Hi, baby,” she said, kissing both his cheeks.

Liir curled his fingers into her dress, smiling. He reached up to cup her face and kissed her, leaning in hard. Galinda smiled watching them. Then her brow furrowed.

“How did you get this—?” she asked, pointing to a dark stain on his shirt. “Is this jam?”

Liir looked down, then shrugged. “Oh, this old thing.”

Elphaba laughed.

“No,” Galinda said, “that’s not funny.”

She sighed, walked over, and kissed his forehead. “You have five more minutes to play.”

He held onto Elphaba tighter at that, burying his face in her shoulder.

Galinda rolled her eyes. “Okay, seven.”

Liir leaned up to whisper something in Elphaba’s ear. She nodded solemnly, then looked at Galinda.

“He’s lobbying for ten.”

Galinda shook her head. “I can agree to that.”

Liir looked between them and reached out to grab Galinda’s tie. He yanked it, tugging her forward.

Galinda coughed. “Get your son under control, please.”

Elphaba laughed and set Liir down. “Liir, honey, go play.”

He darted to Galinda, hugging her around the leg.

“Share some of your fruit, okay, baby?” she said, smoothing his hair.

“Yes, Mama!”

And then he was off again.

When he was out of earshot, Galinda said, “I nearly died.”

Elphaba brushed a curl from her face. “Let’s go.”

“Oh, so my near-death experience means nothing to you?” Galinda teased, slipping her arm around Elphaba’s waist as they headed back inside.

At last, they reached Liir’s classroom. Galinda opened the door. A few other parents were already waiting inside. Elphaba quietly made her way to a seat near the back. She kept her expression calm. Galinda sat beside her, their hands just barely brushing on the seat between them.

Little by little, the other parents filtered out of the classroom. Galinda had thrown an arm around Elphaba’s shoulders while Elphaba scrolled through something on her phone, expression unreadable. When the last parent stood and walked up to the teacher, Galinda gave Elphaba a small tap.

“We’re next. Put that away.”

Elphaba glanced up, then down again before switching off the screen. She rested the phone in her lap, then reached over to squeeze Galinda’s leg. Galinda brought her hand to rest over Elphaba’s.

“What are you trying to get into?” she murmured. “Touchin’ on me in public like this—have you no decorum?”

Elphaba smiled and started to pull her hand back, and Galinda let her. She brought her own hand up to straighten her tie. “Liir is out to get me, I swear. Tugging on my tie like he owns me.”

Elphaba laughed, turning a little toward her. “He didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Still,” Galinda grumbled, “the audacity.”

Eventually, it was their turn. Galinda let Elphaba stand first, following a moment behind her.

Miss Vernon rose from her desk when they approached. “Elphaba,” she greeted warmly.

Galinda raised a brow, smiling. “Must be nice. Special treatment.”

Elphaba held out a hand. “Miss Vernon, we don’t have to do this every time we meet.”

“Nonsense,” the teacher replied with a smile.

Galinda stepped forward and shook her hand too, polite and composed.

They sat—Elphaba crossing her legs, Galinda leaning forward a bit. “So,” Galinda began, “how’s he settling in?”

Miss Vernon nodded and reached for a file. “As you both know, it’s mid-semester, and we just completed midterms.”

Elphaba glanced sideways at Galinda but didn’t speak.

The teacher passed the file forward. Galinda accepted it first, flipping through briefly before handing it off to Elphaba. She stretched her legs out a bit as Elphaba settled into reading.

Miss Vernon went on. “The reason Liir skipped a grade was because of his extraordinary marks. He’s still ahead, but these aren’t quite on par with what he was producing before.”

Elphaba looked up. “But he loves math.”

“He does,” Miss Vernon agreed. “He always answers in class. Always paying attention—mostly,” she added with a little laugh.

Galinda smiled. Liir could definitely be a handful.

“But when it comes to tests,” she continued, “he’s not performing the same way. The confidence isn’t translating to the page.”

“Could it be the environment?” Galinda asked.

Miss Vernon paused, thoughtful. “I don’t think so. I know he knows the answers. We usually review the work together afterward as a class, and he’s always eager to explain his thinking. It’s just… not coming through on the exams. ”

Galinda reached over, gently holding Elphaba’s hand. She started rubbing her thumb along Elphaba’s knuckles, just something grounding—but the grip she got back was like iron. Galinda blinked, caught off guard by the sheer strength of it. She hadn’t felt a squeeze like that since the delivery room.

Miss Vernon continued, her voice softer now. “Just talk to him. I know he’s capable.”

Elphaba nodded, handing back the file. “We will. Thank you.”

“And as you can see,” Miss Vernon added, “he’s excelling in everything else, so it’s not a cause for alarm. But it does warrant a conversation.”

Elphaba released Galinda’s hand and folded her arms, and Galinda had to flex her fingers a bit to get the feeling back.

Miss Vernon continued, “But on a better note, he’s fitting in well. He’s mingling with the other students—most of them are young, but a few are a bit older. He’s really a joy to have in class.”

Elphaba dropped her hands, her posture loosening. She sighed. “That’s good to hear.”

Miss Vernon stood. “You’re the last, so I’ll just be closing up now.”

Galinda got up with a small smile. “It’s nice seeing you, and we’ll talk to Liir about it.”

Miss Vernon nodded. “Talk to him, but don’t put pressure on him. We can always create a different environment for him, if needed.”

Elphaba’s brow furrowed slightly, but she didn’t comment. Instead, she smiled and said, “Have a good day, Miss Vernon.”

“You too.”

Galinda moved to the side wall and grabbed Liir’s bag and lunch kit. As they exited, Elphaba slipped her phone out, typing something quickly. The hallway still held a few wandering parents.

Galinda flipped her wrist, checking the time. As they headed toward the playground, Elphaba spoke up.

“Creating a different environment might single him out. People could think he’s getting special treatment.”

Galinda gently rubbed her back. “It’s not special treatment—it’s doing the best for our son.”

Elphaba hummed. “I guess.”

Galinda nudged her lightly. “We’ll talk to him at dinner, okay? Just let him breathe for now. I prepped some chicken this morning. I’ll make some pasta.”

Elphaba looked over knowingly, and Galinda immediately added, “He’ll take his tablets. He gets that from you, you know—lactose intolerance.”

Elphaba laughed at how quickly Galinda got worked up about that. “You jinxed yourself. Even before I was pregnant, you made jokes about it—and now you’re the one who mainly cooks. You set this up yourself.”

Galinda rolled her eyes. “Well, he loves milk anyway, so there’s no working around it. But he’s okay. We’ll talk to him.”

Elphaba reached over and held her hand. Galinda brought it up and pressed a kiss to it.

When they reached the playground, they saw Liir on a swing, his blonde hair blowing in the breeze while a little girl pushed him gently.

Galinda cupped her hands and called, “Liir!”

Elphaba sighed. “Don’t yell.”

But Liir turned immediately, smiling. The girl stopped swinging him. He waited for the swing to slow, then jumped off.

Galinda chuckled. Elphaba muttered, “That’s so dangerous.”

Liir ran to the girl and gave her a quick hug, then bounded up to Galinda and latched onto her leg. “Time to gooo,” he mumbled.

Galinda leaned down to scoop him up. “Yes, did you say bye to your friend?”

“Mmhmm,” he nodded, glancing back at the playground.

The snack container Galinda had given him earlier was now being pressed into her side. He patted it meaningfully.

Galinda stifled a laugh. Liir was such a character. She slipped the container into his lunchkit, and they turned to head back toward the car.

Galinda started fussing. “Where’d you get this stain, hmm? I didn’t pack you anything with jam on it.”

Holding him with one arm and his bags in the other, she tilted her head as Liir leaned against her shoulder, giggling.

“My friend shared a snack. That’s all.”

Galinda smiled. “That’s all?”

“Uh huh.”

He leaned forward a bit, reaching out a hand toward Elphaba. “Mommy, you look pretty.”

Elphaba smiled, touched. “Oh, do I?”

He went back to leaning on Galinda’s shoulder, content.

At the car, Elphaba took the bags while Galinda dug for the keys. She clicked the fob and the car beeped.

Galinda made a show of walking to the passenger side.

Elphaba rolled her eyes.

Galinda opened Elphaba’s door for her, before circling around to buckle Liir into the back seat behind the driver’s side. She tossed his bags beside him and stepped back.

She pressed her thumbs to her belt and asked, “You all good?”

Liir swung his legs and nodded.

With that, Galinda closed the door and hopped into the front. She started the car, and they were on their way home in no time.

Liir was already chattering away about his day—something he’d learned in science. Elphaba turned around in her seat to listen as he finished with, “It was so interesting. Sometimes I wish science never ended… but after science is break, so sometimes I do want it to end.”

Galinda smiled. “Is that your favorite class?”

“I think so,” Liir replied, thoughtful. “I like everything, Mama. I don’t have a favorite.”

Galinda laughed. “But if you had to choose one, which would it be?”

Liir drummed his hands on his legs. “Wow. That’s too hard a question, Mama.”

Elphaba laughed, and Galinda grabbed the gate remote, pressing the button to open it. As they pulled in, Liir was already unbuckling his seatbelt—before the car had even stopped. Elphaba chuckled.

“Grab your bags, baby.”

He barely caught the straps before swinging the door open and sliding out of his seat. He bolted up the walkway to the front of the house, plopping himself into one of the chairs out front and watching them.

Elphaba came around the car just as Galinda stepped out. Galinda waited for the gate to close, then tossed the remote back inside and looked over at Elphaba. She nodded toward Liir.

“Someone’s happy to be home.”

He was perched in the chair, legs swinging, eyes on them.

Galinda walked up the steps and put her hands on her hips. “Since you’re the first at the door, I thought you’d open it by now.”

Liir nodded solemnly, then hopped up and walked to the door. He rubbed his hands together and looked back at them dramatically.

Elphaba stepped up behind Galinda and slid her hands around her between her bent arms, clasping her fingers.

Liir said with all the seriousness in the world, “It seems this door is too strong. Maybe we try a window.”

He nodded at his own logic and started moving toward one.

“Whoa, whoa, buddy,” Elphaba laughed, letting go of Galinda to reach for his hand. “How about we let Mama open the door?”

Galinda stood still. “No, I think he can do it.”

Elphaba rolled her eyes. “Come on. Open up,” she said to Galinda, and gave her a playful pat on the butt.

Galinda smirked, moving to unlock the door. Elphaba guided Liir inside, hand in his. Galinda followed behind, grabbing his bags and shutting the door. She disarmed the alarm now that they were home.

Liir was already heading upstairs, Elphaba behind him.

Galinda unpacked his lunch kit and left it on the counter before heading up after them. By the time she reached the hallway, Liir was sprawled out on his stomach in only his boxers, completely out of his uniform and absorbed in his tablet.

She leaned against the doorframe. “Fifteen minutes, and then a shower, okay, bud?”

He looked up and gave her a salute.

Galinda laughed and continued down the hall, beginning to undo the buckle on her belt. Elphaba must have been waiting, because the moment Galinda entered, she was right there in front of her.

Elphaba wrapped her arms around her shoulders, close.

Galinda licked the door closed, eyes traveling up. Elphaba still had her heels on, which meant Galinda had to tilt her head up. She pushed her lips out, teasing, still working the belt out of its loops.

“My mother used to tell me I’d have to beat the ladies back with a stick.”

Elphaba cocked her head, amused. “Ladies? Plural?”

Galinda laughed. “You know what I mean.”

Elphaba’s hands slid down to Galinda’s waistcoat, tracing along the seam where the fabric was buttoned across her chest. Her knuckles pressed flush against her.

“I don’t think I do,” Elphaba murmured.

Galinda bit her lip and squeezed her eyes shut, tipping her head back toward the ceiling before locking eyes again. “You know I don’t have a lot of self-restraint. You know that.”

She bent a little at the knees. Elphaba started unbuttoning the waistcoat.

“I just… forget how good you look in these little suits.”

Galinda brought her hands to Elphaba’s wrists. “Little suits,” she echoed, mock-offended. “I’ll have you know this cost—”

Elphaba cut her off with a kiss, then stepped back with a smirk. “You might wear the pants, but I’m the breadwinner here. I’m pretty sure I bought those for you.”

Galinda tapped her foot. Elphaba had a special way of waking up something deep in her every single time.

“Whatever,” she mumbled. “It’s still not some little thing.”

She took off the waistcoat, then her pants, laying them carefully on the bed. As she unbuttoned her shirt, she glanced at Elphaba—but Elphaba was already watching her.

Galinda winked, spun around, and tossed the shirt aside. She threw on a vest, grabbed the shirt to toss into the laundry (she’d sweated a bit, no sense hanging it up), and then padded over to Elphaba, who was undoing her braid.

Galinda kissed her cheek. “I’m gonna give that little rat a shower, then get started on dinner.”

Elphaba reached up, pulled her back down, and gave her a proper kiss this time.

“Okay.”

Galinda smiled at that, then turned and headed down the hall.

She stood in the doorway of Liir’s room, hands on her hips.

“Before your shower, you need to take your Lactaid tablets.”

He looked up at her, jaw dropping like she’d just made his day. He turned off his tablet and left it on the floor.

Galinda gave him a pointed look.

With a dramatic sigh, he picked it up and dropped it onto the bed instead. Then he ran past her toward the stairs.

“Let me guess—ice cream for dessert?”

Galinda bit her lip. “Well… no.”

He turned around, lips puckered in a pout. “No ice cream?”

She hated that Elphaba was her soft spot—because Liir was Elphaba squared.

They entered the kitchen. Galinda grabbed a cup and filled it with water. As she came back, she handed it to him.

“How about you ask Mommy, hmm?”

“Okay,” he said, accepting the cup.

She grabbed the bottle of tablets from the counter. They were running low—she’d need to get more soon. She gave him one, and he did his usual method: filled his mouth with water, tilted his head back, opened wide, dropped in the tablet, and swallowed. Then another sip, just to be sure.

He turned and walked off, leaving Galinda watching him with a shake of her head. She put the container away and headed back up.

She caught up with him on the stairs, grabbed his hips, and lifted him.

He squealed in delight.

“Soon,” Galinda said, “you’ll be too big for this.”

“I’m already too big,” he said between giggles.

“Nuh uh.”

She turned into the bathroom and set him down. She turned on the water, letting the tub start to fill. She closed the toilet lid and sat on it, and Liir came to stand between her legs. She brushed his hair back from his face, fingers soft as they combed through.

He looked down, tugging at the edge of her briefs. “These are cool.”

Galinda glanced down. Pale pink with white polka dots. She raised a brow.

“The polka dots,” he clarified. “Mine are all plain.”

“No, you have some with characters—like these,” she said, pulling at the waistband of his underwear. Tiny animated dinosaurs lined the hem.

He shook his head. “No, I like these designs.”

He drummed his hands on her knees. Galinda mentally filed that away for later.

She leaned over to check the water, then nodded. “Okay, come on.”

Without hesitation, he peeled off his underwear. Galinda helped him into the tub, tossing his clothes into the hamper.

And then: her one impossible wish—getting through a bath time dry.

When she was finally done, and Liir was bundled in his towel, there was a wet patch across her stomach, courtesy of a well-aimed splash.

She shut off the water as he padded back to his room, Galinda trailing behind. He opened a drawer, pulled out some clothes, and dropped them onto the bed. As he started toweling off, he looked up.

“Mama, can I have some privacy?”

Galinda blinked, a little affronted. “Whatever, whatever,” she said, waving a hand as she turned and left.

Downstairs, she took out the chicken and put water on to boil, sprinkling in some salt. She then headed back upstairs.

In the bedroom, Elphaba was propped up in bed, laptop out, focused. Galinda scanned the room, spinning in place for a second before spotting her bag.

Ah—of course. She’d never taken her phone out.

She moved to change, not wanting to leave the bindings on all day. She grabbed a sports bra, pulled off her vest, then unwound the wrap beneath. Comfortable again, she slipped on the bra and exited the room.

Liir was dressed in blue shorts and a school t-shirt, sitting on his bed.

Galinda walked over and squatted in front of him. “Liir, come here, buddy.”

He slid off the bed, walking over. “Hi,” he said, a little smile tugging at his lips.

Galinda returned it. “I have a mission for you.”

“Ooh.” He leaned forward, intrigued.

“I want you to take your tablet and go into Mommy and I’s room and keep Mommy company, okay? But—don’t play anything too loud.”

“Okay,” he said, grabbing his tablet. Then, suspicious, “What kind of mission is that?”

Galinda just nudged him gently. He padded off down the hall. A moment later, she heard a soft, “Hi, baby,” from Elphaba.

Galinda smiled, then headed back downstairs to get started on dinner—one of her favorite things. Feeding her family. Her wife. Her son.

Galinda moved through the motions of dinner, half on autopilot, only snapping out of it when she heard Elphaba’s footsteps coming down the stairs, Liir trailing close behind with his tablet in hand.

She was mixing everything together when Elphaba slipped an arm around her waist, peering over her shoulder.

The fridge opened behind them.

Liir was digging out a juice box, but then just stood there, door wide open.

“Liir,” Galinda said, turning, “can you close the fridge door for me?”

He looked back over his shoulder, box in hand.

“And why are you having that before dinner?”

He blinked, then gestured toward Elphaba. “I thought we were about to eat. Mommy said I could have one.”

He walked off without waiting for a reply.

Galinda stared after him, then turned to Elphaba. “Where does he get the audacity? I mean—this kid.” She pointed in his direction.

Elphaba laughed, smacking her arm playfully.

Galinda kept going. “Plates aren’t even on the table yet!”

“Come on,” Elphaba said, grinning. “I’ll help.”

She grabbed plates while Galinda dished out the food. When she saw the contents, Elphaba raised an eyebrow. “All this broccoli?”

Galinda hummed, lips twitching. “Feeling a certain kinship?”

Elphaba gave her a look. “I will hit you.”

Galinda braced herself on the counter, laughing. “What will the lady have to drink?”

“I’ll have what you’re having,” Elphaba called, heading off to summon Liir.

Galinda smiled to herself, murmuring, “Interesting…”

There were definite perks to Elphaba’s job—and her wallet.

She grabbed a bottle and popped it open, pouring two modest servings into plastic cups. No wine glasses in front of Liir, not if they could help it. She left the bottle out—she’d be back for it.

Liir came padding in and slid into the chair beside Elphaba. He immediately dug into his food.

Elphaba laughed but waited until Galinda set the drinks down to start. Galinda leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Enjoy.”

“Wait—forgot the parmesan!” she said, turning back to the fridge.

Behind her, Elphaba cursed under her breath.

Liir looked up, mid-bite. “Mommy.”

Galinda spun around. “What’s wrong?”

Elphaba was already waving a hand. “Nothing. Sorry.”

She looked at Liir, voice soft. “It was a slip. I’m sorry, love. Go on, eat.”

He didn’t move for a beat, fork paused, then slowly turned back to his food and tablet.

Galinda reached for Elphaba’s hand. “What is it?”

“I forgot to take my pills.”

Galinda fought back a smile, keeping her face composed. “I should’ve reminded you when I gave Liir one.”

Elphaba sighed, going for the container. At the same time, they both said, “We’ll need a refill soon.”

They looked at each other. Elphaba smiled. Galinda crossed her arms.

“Did you have to curse about it?”

Elphaba groaned. “You know my stomach. And you’re the one who shares a bed with me.”

Galinda wrinkled her nose. “Point made.”

Liir called out, “Mommy, your food’s getting cold!”

“I’m coming, baby.”

They all settled at the table. Galinda sprinkled parmesan over her pasta, then passed it along. Liir reached for some, and Elphaba helped him.

She took a sip of wine and hummed in satisfaction.

“Don’t eat it all at once,” Galinda teased, watching Elphaba dig in.

Elphaba laughed, and Galinda turned her attention to Liir. “We’re going to need some designated tablet time soon.”

Liir looked up, smiled, and without a word turned off his tablet and set it flat on the table.

Galinda smiled. “Smart.”

As they ate, Elphaba noticed Liir pushing the vegetables to one side.

She pointed with her fork. “You better eat those.”

He glanced up, then back at his plate. “I’m just saving the best for last.”

Elphaba raised an eyebrow, unconvinced but didn’t say anything. Dinner went on in a comfortable hush from there save for the clinking of silverware and the occasional shared look.

Galinda had just finished her plate, leaning back in her chair, swirling the last of her wine and sipping it with satisfaction. Across the table, Liir was still munching on his vegetables, nearly done.

She took another sip, then called to him. “Hey, bud?”

He looked up, mouth full. “Hmm?”

“Do you have any homework?”

He paused, chewing thoughtfully, then swallowed. “No. Not today.”

Galinda hummed, unconvinced.

Elphaba used the moment to steer the conversation. She leaned back in her chair, running a hand gently through Liir’s hair. “We spoke to your teacher today.”

Liir must not have realized where the conversation was heading, because he just smiled and said, “Okay,” before dragging a carrot through the sauce and popping it into his mouth.

Galinda watched him, then asked, “Do you want some more, or are you full?”

“Yes.”

Elphaba gave her a look, but Galinda was already up, walking around to grab his plate. She scooped a bit more onto it, making sure to include some chicken even though he wouldn’t have minded just the pasta.

When she handed the plate back, he dug in right away, but paused after his first swallow. “Thank you, Mama.”

Galinda smiled softly. “You’re welcome.”

Elphaba continued, her own plate now empty. “She told us you’re not doing so well in math.”

Liir nodded, chewing slowly, then looked up at her. He shifted in his seat, crossing his legs.

Galinda tilted her head. “What’s that about, baby?”

He stuck a hand through one of the gaps in the chair. Usually Elphaba would correct him for that, but she stayed quiet, giving him space.

“I just…” he started. “I want Mommy to teach me. Miss Vernon makes things complicated. Last year when you were my teacher, it was better.”

Elphaba’s heart tugged. She reached for him and helped him up, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

“You want me to teach you?”

He nodded, scrambling a little as he settled in her lap.

Galinda, watching, added gently, “But Liir, your teacher says you always answer in class—you just can’t seem to write it down.”

He looked up. “I don’t know. I just want Mommy to teach me.”

Galinda glanced between the two of them, then stood. “Okay, come on.”

Elphaba blinked. “Where are you going?”

Galinda scooped Liir into her arms. “You’re the topic of discussion, so let me talk to him without your presence.”

Elphaba stood, a bit unsure, but sat back down when Galinda walked off. She picked up her fork again, muttering under her breath.

Galinda rested Liir down gently on the couch, then squatted in front of him. “Why do you want Mommy to teach you?”

He leaned forward, grabbing her shoulders. “Because I just understand better.”

Galinda raised an eyebrow and her hands menacingly, ready to tickle him. “Hmm…”

He wrapped his arms around himself. “I’m telling the truth!”

She narrowed her eyes. “I don’t believe you for some reason…”

His cheeks flushed a darker green. “Okay, come here.”

He cupped his hands around his mouth, and Galinda leaned in, turning her ear to him. He didn’t really whisper, but she didn’t move away despite the volume.

When he finished, she looked at him, considering. “What if she teaches you on Saturdays?”

He frowned. “After school? What if I forget?”

Galinda smiled and scooped him up again. “Do you love me?”

As she carried him back toward the kitchen, he replied cheekily, “Sometimes.”

Galinda froze mid-step. “Sometimes?”

Liir grinned. “Okay, okay. Maybe all the time, Mama.”

He curled a little hand around her neck, then turned shyly toward Elphaba.

Galinda, smiling, said, “My client would like to hire you for saturday tutoring sessions.”

Elphaba looked between them, confused. “Teach you? But, buddy, I thought you were ready to skip a grade.”

Liir curled closer to Galinda.

Galinda explained, “He just wants some light revision.” She set him down beside his chair and he climbed back into it.

As Galinda moved to sit, she peeked into Elphaba’s cup—empty.

Elphaba watched Liir fondly. “I’ll teach you anything you want to know.”

He grinned, head swinging happily, then turned back to his food.

Elphaba turned her gaze on Galinda, clearly curious about what was said. Galinda stood and began clearing the table.

Liir was finishing up, scarfing down the last bites.

“Mommy,” he called out.

“Yes, baby?”

“Can I have another juice box?”

“It’s almost bedtime. That’s too much sugar.”

He pouted. “Okayyy…”

Elphaba grabbed a cloth to wipe his face. He had sauce streaked across his chin.

Once she was done, he grabbed his tablet and padded into the living room.

“Fifteen minutes!” Elphaba called after him. “And I mean it.”

She returned just as Galinda was stacking plates on the drying rack.

“What did he say?”

Galinda smiled faintly. “I don’t think it’s what he said. It’s what he meant.”

She leaned on the counter. “He just wants to spend time with you. When he was working ahead, you were teaching him and spending so much time with him. I think he misses that.”

Elphaba bit her lip and crossed her arms. “Am I working too much?”

Galinda laughed and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Baby, don’t read into it. Just… spend some time with him on Saturdays. That’s all. It’s just his little way of saying ‘I miss you.’”

Elphaba made a low sound in the back of her throat and grabbed the bottle Galinda had left out, taking a swig straight from it.

Galinda winced slightly— mouth on the bottle —but also raised a brow.

Elphaba came close, draping an arm over her shoulders in a hug.

Galinda asked, “What time do you have to go into the office?”

“Six.”

“Woo,” Galinda said, “he won’t see you in the morning.”

“I know.”

Elphaba glanced down at Galinda’s lips, then back up to her eyes before resting her head on Galinda’s shoulder.

Galinda smiled and brought both hands to Elphaba’s back, slipping them under her braids so she didn’t press on them.

They stood like that, quiet, in the small hum of their kitchen.

Galinda brought a hand up to Elphaba’s chin, gently tilting her face upward. She kissed her softly and whispered, “He’s fine.”

Her other hand came up, thumbs resting lightly against Elphaba’s throat. “He just misses his mommy.”

Elphaba let out a short laugh and pulled Galinda closer by her shoulders, kissing her again with a quiet urgency.

They broke apart at the sound/ of an exaggerated ugh echoing through the room.

Galinda laughed and Elphaba sighed, pulling back slightly.

“Oh, you don’t like kisses, huh?” Galinda said, already walking over to scoop up Liir. He tried to wriggle away, but she hoisted him up effortlessly. He wrapped his legs around her waist.

Galinda began peppering kisses all over his cheeks. “Look at you! I thought kisses were icky, hmm?”

“Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!” she said dramatically between kisses.

“Mommy, save me!” he cried through laughter, arms flailing.

Galinda carried him over to Elphaba. “She can’t save you either.”

She leaned in, kissed Elphaba on the cheek, then kissed Liir’s cheek too. “What are you gonna do now?”

Liir paused, then leaned up and kissed her back. He crossed his arms like he’d won something.

Galinda chuckled and threw him over her shoulder like a sack of flour.

He patted her back in retaliation. “Hey!”

Elphaba raised a brow. “Galinda, he just ate.”

Galinda winced and set him down. “You’re right.”

Elphaba smoothed down Liir’s shirt. “Time for bed. Go on up.”

Liir headed for the living room, then disappeared up the stairs, pausing only to shoot them a dramatic look before taking off in a run.

Elphaba shook her head with a tired smile and reached for the wine bottle again, taking a swig before kissing Galinda once more.

“I’ll put him to bed.”

Galinda nodded and followed her up the stairs, heading off toward their bedroom. The shower was calling her name.

Elphaba went to Liir’s room. He was sitting on his bed with a book in hand, waiting for her.

She lay down beside him, and he nestled into the crook of her arm, turning toward her, his knees pushing gently against her side. She had already started this book with him. These bedtime rituals, no matter how small, were so important to her.

He was growing so fast, and she would read anything he wanted, just to hold on to this closeness.

By the time he fell asleep, Elphaba was nearly out herself. She moved slowly, carefully inching out from under him so she wouldn’t wake him.

Once out of the room, she closed the door with a soft click and let out a long breath.

She went downstairs to close up, only to find Galinda had already done it. The counters were clean, the lights off. She double-checked the alarm anyway. Then she made her way upstairs.

When she entered their bedroom, Galinda was already curled under the sheets, watching her.

Elphaba brushed her teeth, rinsed, and changed into a soft night slip before finally climbing into bed. She didn’t hesitate, just laid down directly on top of Galinda, settling in like she belonged there.

Galinda smiled and murmured, “Hi, baby.”

Elphaba sighed and buried her face in Galinda’s chest, her limbs relaxing completely. Galinda shifted slightly to wrap her arms around her, holding her close. Galinda ran her fingers gently along Elphaba’s spine.

“Did you set an alarm?” Galinda asked softly.

Elphaba let out a sigh, not moving.

“It’s okay,” Galinda said, already reaching for her phone. “I’ll do it for you.”

“Thank you,” she mumbled, eyes already half-closed.

As Galinda set the alarm, she added, “And… Liir wants polka dot boxers.”

Elphaba chuckled against her, then propped her chin up lazily with one hand. “Interesting. Filing that away.”

She studied Galinda for a second, her gaze softening.

“Your hair’s getting longer.”

Galinda laughed and ran her fingers through it. “It is.”

Elphaba reached up and pulled a loose strand gently between her fingers. “I like it.”

Galinda rolled her eyes but smiled, and Elphaba leaned up and kissed her, slow and sweet.

“Ah, ah,” Galinda murmured, pulling back with a smile. “You need to go to sleep.”

Elphaba hummed in protest but rolled over, tucking herself under the blanket. Galinda came up behind her and threw an arm over her.

“Goodnight,” she whispered.

“Mhm,” she murmured, already drifting.