RENTAL MOVIES (2/6)
Title: Rental Movies (2/6)
Author: fairchristabel
Rating: PG
Summary: Chenzel (Kristin/Idina)
A/N: My first RPF, and , I think, my first attempt at any kind of fanfic. I wrote this back in 2006, but just posted it to the comm, and not my journal, so I’m rectifying that now. Kind of angsty, but it ends up happy, so that’s something.
A buzzer sounded as the two opened the door. The store was empty except for an overweight balding man who waddled towards them. When he got closer Idina could see the name tag on his shirt that read CARL-MANAGER.
“Sorry, ladies, I’m about to close up here.”
“I told you, Kris, it’s too late. Let’s go.”
They turned to leave, but were stopped by a fleshy hand on Kristin’s arm.
“Wait a minute. You’re not? You are! Kristin Chenoweth!”
Kristin turned back around, smiling. “Yes, I am.”
“I can’t believe this. I’m a huge fan. I saw you in Charlie Brown and Wicked. You’re fantastic. I almost didn’t recognize you, with your hair-you look so different.” Kristin glared at Idina, who shrugged and smiled. Carl continued his rambling, pulling Kristin farther into the store, Idina trailing behind them. “I just can’t believe you’re here, in my store. What an honor.” He waved at the shelves of movies. “Please, take your time. No hurry.”
“Thank you.” Kristin managed to extricate herself from his grasp. “I appreciate this so much.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Carl beamed. “Just let me know if you need any help.”
“We will, thanks.” Kristin said with a smile. She grabbed Idina’s arm and pulled her towards a row of movies. Carl hovered at the end of the aisle, ready to dash to their assistance.
“You know, Kris, I can handle this. You go deal with your adoring public.”
“Not funny, Menzel. I can’t believe I let you drag me outside looking like this.”
“But you look so cute.”
“Cute!” Kristin’s voice came out in a strangled whisper. She marched to the next aisle, muttering to herself. Idina couldn’t catch all of it, but she heard Kris say “Cute!” like a curse word three more times.
“Do you need any help, Miss Chenoweth?”
Idina turned the corner and saw Kristin hand Carl a stack of DVDs.
“These, please.”
“Right away.” Carl hurried to the front desk, Kristin right behind him. Idina brought up the rear. By the time Idina reached the desk Carl had the movies bagged up and Kristin was trying to pay him.
“Really, though,” she was saying, “I’m happy to pay.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s the least I can do.”
“Well, if you’re sure…” Kristin sounded doubtful.
“I’m sure, Miss Chenoweth,” Carl replied firmly. “Although-”
“Yes?”
“I suppose it would be too much trouble for an autograph?”
Kristin gave him a dazzling smile. “Of course not. It’s no trouble at all.”
Carl pulled out a piece of paper and pen and handed them to Kristin. Idina leaned over Kristin’s shoulder to watch her write.
To Carl:
My movie savior
Kristin Chenoweth
She signed it with a flourish, then handed it to Carl, who took it with shaking hands.
“It was nice meeting you,” Kristin said as she grabbed the movies and headed towards the exit.
“You too,” Carl called.
Idina grinned to herself, and headed out the door. Once she got outside she noticed that Kristin wasn’t waiting on her.
“Kris, hey, Kris. Wait up.” She jogged forward and caught up with the tiny blonde, who was resolutely marching back to the apartment.
“You want me to take those?” Idina reached for the movies. Kristin blocked her with an elbow and kept walking. They continued in this manner the whole walk back, Idina glancing at Kristin out of the corners of her eyes, and Kristin pointedly ignoring her glances. When they reached the apartment Idina unlocked the door and held it open for Kristin, who swept past her into the living room. Idina followed, and pulled Kristin down on the couch beside her.
“C’mon, Kris.” Idina cajoled. “You’re not mad at me, are you?”
Kristin raised an eyebrow, but did not respond.
“Well, you know what? I’m mad at you too. I can’t believe you just walked out of the store like that and left me. You knew I was in a strange place. What if I hadn’t caught up with you? I might’ve never found my way home. I’d just be wandering the streets, alone, friendless. And you know how people are. No one would help me. Except maybe a drug dealer or something. And then he’d take me back to his lair, and get me high, and I’d become a drug fiend, and then you’d pass me someday, you and your new Elphie, and you’d turn to her and say, ‘You know, that bag lady kinda looks like my first Elphie. I wonder what ever happened to her.’ And you’d keep on walkin’ by, and if I was having a good day, I might say to myself ‘That looked like my Glinda. That’s the girl who lost me.’ Then I’d go somewhere and cry, and shoot myself up until I couldn’t feel anymore.” Idina tried to grin, to put a light spin on her words, but her eyes betrayed her.
“That’s awfully morbid, Dee,” Kristin said softly, as she reached up a wiped a tear from Idina’s cheek.
“Yeah, well, I am the wicked witch of the west. Doom and gloom is kinda my thing.” Idina pulled away and blinked hard, willing the moisture to disappear.
Kristin pulled her legs up underneath her and turned, facing Idina. “But doom and gloom isn’t all there is to Elphaba.” She leaned forward and tucked a brown curl behind Idina’s ear, then pulled Idina’s chin up so that she was looking at her. “Elphie’s also smart, and kind. Loyal, brave, beautiful, and strong. And if that weren’t enough, she’s got Glinda on her side too. And Glinda, she could never lose her Elphie. Because then she would lose herself.” There were tears in Kristin’s eyes as she wrapped her arms around Idina. The taller woman hugged her back fiercely.
“Kris?” Idina’s voice was barely audible.
“Yeah?” The blonde woman gently stroked the dark, curly hair.
“You’re my Glinda.”
“I know, sweetie.”
“And you’d never leave me.” It was more a question than a statement of truth.
“Never."