Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It's something new, bright, unfettered in the twinkling lights of rippling water as the two new friends board a boat to themselves back to campus.

The boat rocks, throwing them against each other, but everything just seems to make them giggle.

Galinda takes the lead back to the dormitories, clicking quickly along in her dainty little heels with an impatient manner, dragging Elphaba along by the hand. She hadn't let go since she'd seized it softly in the Ozdust.

It's strange, to be touched so carelessly by another. It's not a hesitant touch- even Nessa would have to stoke down what would be a flinch. But that was more born of fear of watching eyes, witnessing their interaction.

But to be touched by Galinda of all people. Readily, honestly. The warm balm of pure acceptance had washed over her in that circle of jeering people struck silent, and had yet to leave her buzzing body.

They glowed and they ran up stairs, the sharp tapping of heels and the thudding of leather boots.

Elphaba is still sniffing back tears, and as the passion and adrenaline fades from the moment, she wonders what on earth will follow this. Their equilibrium has been shattered.

It becomes apparent when she zones back in that Galinda has been talking for the past few minutes. She's out of breath.

"-and that struck me as so very oddifying. I mean, of all colours to wear on a night such as this. But that doesn't matter now!"

Elphaba hums in acknowledgement.

"And, oh-" Galinda stops abruptly, causing Elphaba to collide with her front, similar to how they had kept falling against each other on the rocking boat earlier. She giggles and steadies her, and again a flash of shock has Elphaba staring-

The ease with which Galinda brushes her sides, smooths her thumb over her knuckles.

"Whoops! But yes, I haven't thanked you yet!"

From the sparkling folds of her lavish dress, Galinda withdraws- a wand.

It looks plastic and a little bit silly, but the radiant joy encompassing Galinda's beaming face makes Elphaba give her a gasp. "A wand!"

She'd reacted appropriately it seemed, as Galinda preens. "It's magnificent, isn't it? Yes, it's only a training wand, but once I master sorcery under Morrible's study and become a true apprentice, well. Then I'll have my own proper one!"

They're drifting backwards, walking with less fervor. Wordlessly they stop at a smooth granite window overlooking the dock they had hurried from, the dappled lights mesmerising in the twilight.

"It's all thanks to you of course." Galinda adds, and as Elphaba looks over she seems almost shy.

Even on the dance floor when she'd been uncertain as a baby deer, treading forwards to meet the green girl in her dance, her worry had never been aimed at her. Only the leering, mocking faces swirling around like a pack of hyenas. But with more sequins.

"I was repaying a kindness." Elphaba nudges her shoulder thoughtlessly, pleased that it's so easy and somehow as familiar as Dulcibear's shortbread. Galinda smiles. "You did set up my sister with that Munchkin boy, after all."

"Oh, yes." An undiscernable emotion flickers across the blonde's face, but it quickly melts into a grin. "They made a fine pair, did they not? I truly do have a gift!"

"I confess I did not see much of them." Elphaba says quietly. "The dancing...diminished somewhat at my entrance."

They're at the door to their shared room now, and Elphaba's strangely grateful that Galinda doesn't immediately fill the stilted silence with fake pleasantries. She only looks up at the taller girl with sad eyes.

Then-

"They danced nearly as well as we did."

Despite the night that had the potential to be one of the worst of Elphaba's life being saved, she was still caught in a haze of misery as she slipped unconscious.

The day before Galinda had pranced around their space, tossing garlands and singing her promise to integrate Elphaba into the esteemed popular society (a notion she had no say in apparently), but the moment caught in amber had replayed over and over in her mind.

That one trembling silence, after Galinda had uttered the sincere words: "Why, you're beautiful, Miss Elphaba."

Her green face staring back at her, ensconced with pink lighting, a pale face draped in pink pressed to her side, a flower of pink adorning her braids.

Those soft brown eyes watching.

Elphaba dreams of those eyes once more filling with revulsion.

She's kicking and tossing the covers into twisted pretzel strips, unaware of a voice calling to her.

Her mind reels. She sees the munchkin children cackling, Nessa's face port-red with her anguished screams- she can't handle the noise! Shut up!

Dulcibear is looking at her with cold disappointment, the pieces of the new teaset smashed to pieces on the ground.

Father is shouting, spittle flying.

And Galinda has the students circling like vultures, ready to pick at her disgusting skin, peck at her eyes; the girl's lip is curling as she turns to ShenShen and Phannee:

"She really believed we were friends."

Elphaba wakes with a cry, senses overloaded with the sound of thumps and objects going flying. Galinda shrieks and goes flying backwards as a plastic bottle clips her on the shoulder.

She sits upright, sweating and frozen with terror as Galinda groans and rubs her arm, peering up at the green girl with concern.

"Heavens, Elphie! That must have been some bad dream if you sought to assassinate me by water bottle-"

She stops suddenly when she sees Elphaba's face in the dim pink light.

Elphaba stares down at her, crumpled expression, lip bleeding from where she'd bitten it, tears streaming. Horrified.

"Oh, dear!" Galinda leaps to her feet at once, nightgown swishing. "Don't cry, don't cry! I'm perfectly fine-"

Her assurances fall in deaf ears as Elphaba throws back the covers and stumbles to the bathroom, a sob wrenching from her throat being the last thing Galinda hears before the door slams shut.

Chapter Text

Galinda's used to stillness in the air when it comes to her roommate. Nothing but soft breathing, the flick of a page turning, the scratch of a nib against paper.

Whereas she is a roaring tornado of action, fluttering about with hangers of dressers, armfuls of luxurious gifts pressed upon her by adoring peers; Elphaba is a slinking shadow in the back of the room.

But this stillness is suffocating.

Galinda moves cautiously to the door, eyes burning with the image of Elphaba's tortured face. Never before has she seen such emotion contort those features, storming around Shiz as she does with her face impassive and smooth.

She is rather jealous of her silky smooth skin, despite its hue-

No. Not despite anything. Green is beautiful.

Torn between the problem at hand and the memory of Elphaba's blushing face in her mirror, glowing with the flower and eyes brimming with tears.

Beautiful.

"Elphie?" Galinda knocks twice. "Elphaba, you mustn't worry yourself on my account if that is the problem. I am tip top shape, I assure you!"

The air remains still and suffocating.

Galinda swallows, pressing her ear to the door. I do hope she forgives me invading her privacy...

"I hope your dream wasn't too horrible?" She tries, wincing at how weak her words are against this looming issue.

"Think!" She mutters harshly to herself under her breath, sliding down the door to sit with her back parallel with the wood. It's uncomfortable and for once she doesn't care.

Elphaba had reacted warmly to her touch at the Ozdust Ballroom, accepting her so quickly after the first layer of hesitation, and with a hint of starving desperation in her eyes that had her heart twinging painfully between her ribs.

In her time reflecting, thinking back to how she had used to openly tease the girl for everything, has her face paling with contempt.

It's not a familiar feeling, and one she's been grappling with ever since the first press of their knuckles.

"Elphie..." Galinda shivers at the night air, pulling her gown closely around herself. "May I come in? Whenever I am plagued with ill dreams, I go barrelling for the close comfort of my friends. And-"

She pauses. Considers.

"And since we are friends..." Galinda presses a perfectly manicured hand to the doorframe. If only she were better at sorcery she'd magick the door open most efficiently!

"...please let me in."

She waits, trying to be patient, a virtue she has never possessed in great quantities.

Eventually, there's sniffling, interspersed with muffled sounds of misery that has her stiffening where she sits.

"Elphie?"

"I'm fine, Galinda." Comes a hoarse but firm reply through the door. But she hears how it shakes on its way out of her mouth. "Go back to bed."

"No." Galinda says stubbornly. "Come out of there! I want to know you're alright-"

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not!"

"Oz, will you let me be?!"

"I'm worried about you!" Galinda shouts, and it's a sudden spike of volume that she regrets, but she's glad it's out. And that maybe Elphaba's lack of reply would signify her taking it to heart. Because she does mean it.

There's a small click as the door unlocks. Galinda stands up so fast she has a flash of dizziness, and has to steady herself on the wall.

Elphaba shuffles out, her emerald skin clearly pale and waxy even in the light tinged rosy. She clears her throat and stands up straighter, as if a rigid posture would do anything to hide the puffiness of her eyes.

"I'm sorry I disturbed you-" She begins, and Galinda rolls her eyes, striding forward.

"Come here." She says quietly, opening her arms. She gives Elphaba time to pull back, but she lets the shorter girl encircle her arms around her waist, tucking her head under her chin. She smells like books and woodsmoke and the polish she used earlier for her boots.

Elphaba is shaking around her, and Galinda tries to breathe deeper, calmer.

"I'm sorry I hurt you." It comes out high-pitched.

"You're okay. I'm absolutely fine, everything is fine."

A whimper, then green arms are wrapping around her tightly. It pushes some of the air out of Galinda's lungs, but she recovers quickly, heart aching as her newest friend cries.

"I'm here. I've got you."

Elphaba listens as she whispers assurances, splintering in her arms. Her anchor presses a little kiss to her shoulder, holds her together until tremors become little shudders, and her breathing evens out.

They stand swaying until their feet are cold,
and they move towards her bed.

There the two souls sit on the edge, fingers interwoven.

She's avoiding my eyes. Does she think me appalled at her distress? Galinda begins to hum a merry little tune that flits through her hometown every season or so, woven of moss stepping-stones and the cold water that runs down glass panes.

"Elphaba, look at me." The use of her full name startles Elphie into obeying, albeit reluctantly. "I'm not mad at you."

Elphaba rolls her eyes and shifts uncomfortably. "I know." But it doesn't sound sure.

"Do you want to tell me about your dream?" Galinda offers. "It may bring peace of mind."

"The usual." Elphaba huffs, bringing her legs up to rest her chin on them. She looks small like this, clad only in her white chemise that exposes wide expanses of dark skin. It's mesmerising, seeing her this vulnerable exposed in the sunset embers of their room.

Galinda tries her hand at patience again, sitting quietly and beginning her humming again. She amuses herself by toying with Elphaba's long, thin fingers.

Her roommate begins talking.

About spending her days as a blemish. An unsightly stain upon the wounded pride of her family tree. Of endless false accusations, broken belongings strewn about the house, the sharp slap that sends her careering towards floorboards.

Of peering round trees at circles of children, eyes stinging. They catch sight of her, and chase her through thornbushes, singing horrible songs that permeate her every waking moment.

Several times she stutters to a stop, overwhelmed at the mortifying sensation of peeling one's defenses back until nothing but raw heart lies beneath.

Galinda says nothing, only squeezes her tighter, smooths a hand through her hair, blonde curls tickling her skin.

When she's done, she is drained. Gone is the tension akin to an arrow drawn taut. The arrow has been loosed, and it has the most magnificent fletching.

"My dear Elphie." Galinda murmers after several minutes of deep, calm breathing. "How strong you are."

Chapter Text

Her tone matches the moment in the mirror, and Elphaba's throat catches on nothing again.

Sensing she's about to devolve into tears again, Galinda shares her own life story. If only to stop her precious, fumbling friend from perishing due to dehydration...

Galinda speaks evenly of forced lessons of etiquette. Piano, dancing, measured steps, alchemy, cross-stitch, the art of threads and watercolours. All she had taken up with the air of one to please a future husband.

But there won't be much room for his splendour, she tells Elphie resolutely.

"That much I've realised in recent years. Why should I be this perfect, talented, pretty thing, if only for his enjoyment? I want to wield magic!"

The fire burning in her doe eyes makes Elphaba smile softly. Her personal quarrels are so painfully different to hers- it's a blessing to let it wash over her.

"Just you is plenty enough anyway."

"Right!" Galinda gasps, distangling one hand to wave the other about in enunciation; the taller girl glances to their enclosed palms on the bed with warmth. "Though, I am thankful for the vocal tuition I received. My voice was tended to like the most extravagant of flowers, and, well..."

Galinda smirks so widely she resembles a pink fox.

"Yes, yes, you sing beautifully." Elphaba nudges her with a chuckle, the levity seeping back into their dorm like a refreshing breeze.

"Stop it, you!" The blonde jokes. She sobers up when Elphaba yawns, cracking her jaw. "Do you...do you think you'll be able to go back to sleep?"

She swivels to look at the window in the alcove of the dorm, not at all surprised to see midnight blue bleeding into the black. "The morning will be here soon, it would be good to get some rest if you can."

Elphaba shrugs. She seems guarded again, shuffling back to pull the covers up so they drape over her legs. Galinda follows instinctively, still clutching her hand.

"I'm not sure. Usually I just read until my eyes drift shut. It could take hours, though."

Galinda lets her head fall to the second pillow, the momentous concept of being in Elphaba Thropp's fucking bed made less so in their shared warmth and gazes.

"Does this happen often?" She asks, a note fearful. "Your nightmares?"

The steadily lightening blue outside the window contrasts with Elphaba's thoughtful side profile as the ravenette looks up at the ceiling.

"I've always had an active imagination." She says lightly.

"That's not an answer..."

"Yes, Galinda." Elphaba sighs. "Every night or so."

Galinda jerks up, horrified. "What?!

"It's not a big deal, I'm very used to it-"

"Next time-" Galinda is kneeling now, and she takes Elphaba's other hand, her long nails shining against her own pale skin as they fold together. "You wake me. Yes?"

"What? No-"

"Yes." Galinda says firmly, earnestly bringing their intertwined hands up to her chest. A faint blush adorns Elphaba's face for a moment. "I will not have you suffering these incidents alone. Understand?"

"I-" The green girl gulps, flustered. "I don't know. It's not your problem, I just have to deal with it-"

"Oh shut up." Galinda waves a hand, ignoring how her roommate bristles. "A problemicle shared is a problemicle cleaved in two! And I am offering. It's in my nature, Elphie. I have always concerned myself with the wellbeing of others."

The drawling, boisterous tone comes into play in those lines, but Elphaba sees right through her. After all, the blonde isn't smirking.

She's smiling softly with the warmest eyes anyone could imagine.

"So, do you promise you'll wake me?"

Elphaba grumbles, shifting. "If it's a really bad one...I will consider it."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

Galinda squeals quietly, doing a little happy wriggle- it's so ridiculous, especially in the aftermath of stories of bruised cheeks and being shut in cupboards. It shocks a laugh out of Elphaba, and Galinda's not far behind.

A week ago this would have seemed impossible, how Galinda sighs with contentment and curls into Elphaba's side, kicking at the duvet until she's cocooned like a pink caterpillar.

She lies there, listening to the birds greet the dawning sky, until the steady breathing of Miss Upland coaxes her own chest to rise and fall in tandem.

They sleep through their morning class.