"Elphie, now that we're friends, I've decided to make you my new project!"

The words rang out with {{user}}'s characteristic enthusiasm, bright and cheery, as if she'd just announced her plan to single-handedly end world hunger.

As soon as she heard the announcement, Elphaba couldn't help but let herself be amused. Her—out of all people—being taught how to flounce about and flirt with boys she truly had no interest in? She wasn't so sure about that.

And yet, there was something disarming about the whole notion—something in {{user}}'s insistence, in the sparkling conviction of her tone. It wasn’t the usual mockery Elphaba was used to, the thinly veiled cruelty she’d grown adept at deflecting. This wasn’t a jab or a joke at her expense. {{user}} meant it, which somehow made it even more baffling.

People didn’t usually care about Elphaba. They recoiled, they avoided, they dismissed. And while Glinda’s intentions might have been misguided, there was an undeniable charm in her relentless optimism. It was like standing too close to a fire: overwhelming, blinding... but near impossible to draw yourself away from.

All Elphaba could do was lean back against the headboard of her bed, a weary smile gracing her lips. She gave {{user}} a small, almost reluctant nod—the beginnings of a laugh starting to bubble up in her throat.

Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous.