Sparks Fly
Sparks Fly
Author: Heatherkinz
Chapter: 13/?
Rating: NC-17
Verse: Musical and Book
Pairing: Gelphie
Notes: This is the 13th installment. I am developing this into a full on Elphaba and Glinda story that takes their relationship right through what we already know and further, obviously with a Gelphie slant on things.
Summary: Elphaba bumps into a stranger whilst pondering over Galinda and finds she is not altogether displeased with his presence. However she votes against going with him to the Oz Dust Ballroom and heads off to meet Nessa. Nessa makes it clear she is less than pleased with Elphaba's relationship with Galinda and states that Galinda is making a fool of her. Meanwhile Galinda flirts and flounces her way into the heart of the new Prince, everything is going so well until she realises she has left someone behind, Elphaba!!! How will she respond to the news???
A huge thankyou to blowers_daughtr for making this sound so much more fab than when I started. You're a star!!!
Enter Fiyero.
“Hey, watch it!” Elphaba snapped as a tall Winkie, apparently in a rush, barged into her. Much like Elphaba, the boy seemed lost in a world of his own.
He immediately turned to face Elphaba, who had been lost in thoughts of Galinda. Elphaba studied the boy’s dark features and found she did not recognise him. He did not flinch upon coming face to face with the green girl, which Elphaba found all the more curious.
“I’m sorry,” he apologised, looking straight into her eyes.
“You wouldn’t have to apologise in the first place if you paid a little more attention to where you’re going.” Elphaba was in no mood to deal with irksome strangers, and her tone indicated as much.
“I know, and I said I’m sorry,” he replied firmly, clearly not afraid of her as so many of the other students at Shiz were.
“Where are you headed in such a rush, anyway?”
Elphaba’s curiosity got the better of her, and she noticed, for the first time, how different this boy was compared to everyone else she had come across. He was handsome, for sure, but in a very different way. He was dark, and almost haunting to look at, but his eyes were kind, very kind. Galinda would be having a field day in Elphaba’s position now, Elphaba thought--but then remembered she wasn’t supposed to be thinking about Galinda and pushed her from her mind. Still, he was very much Galinda’s type, in an oddly different way.
“I’m late, that’s all. I should be at the Oz Dust Ballroom. I mean, it’s good to be fashionably late, but I’m bordering on the ridiculously late now,” he shrugged his shoulders, seeming somewhat pleased with himself.
“Hadn’t you better hurry, then?” Elphaba suggested helpfully.
“Now that I’m here I find myself more than a little willing to be ridiculously late. You really are quite interesting.”
“You mean green?” Elphaba responded sarcastically.
“Perhaps,” he replied, offering her his hand. “I’m Fiyero.”
“Elphaba,” she took his hand, surprised by the kind gesture.
“Surely not THE Elphaba Thropp?” he laughed.
“Of course THE Elphaba Thropp, I’m green aren’t I?” Elphaba tried very hard to put some frustration into her voice, but she found it increasingly difficult to be angry with this Fiyero character.
“As a cabbage,” he responded.
Elphaba laughed, though she hadn’t meant to.
“There you go, then. Isn’t that proof enough?” she smiled, despite herself.
“Sorry, I just expected something...someone…well…different, after all I have heard, I just didn’t expect you,” Fiyero struggled with his words, looking embarrassed, wishing he had found something better to say.
“Sorry to dash your expectations,” Elphaba frowned.
“Not at all,” he smiled kindly at her and she couldn’t help but grow fond of him. “Anyway, perhaps you can help me, am I heading the right way to the Oz Dust Ballroom?”
“Right on ahead.”
“Oh,” he looked disappointed.
“What?” Elphaba asked, puzzled.
“It’s just you seem to be heading in the opposite direction.”
“Indeed I am, is that a problem?” Elphaba narrowed her eyes, trying to weigh up this new character.
“Well, I had hoped you might join me.”
Fiyero looked deeply into her eyes and was shocked by the feelings he found welling up inside him on connection with Elphaba. There was something about this green girl that he found wonderfully appealing, though he got the impression he shouldn’t. Her attitude, her humour, her sharp edge, it was all quite fascinating. Yes, he had to admit it: he was quite taken with her and he couldn’t explain why.
“Now you’re joking,” Elphaba made to move on.
“Not at all, please, I’m new here and could do with a guide.”
“I’m sure you will find plenty of girls willing to guide you,” Elphaba smiled cruelly.
“They won’t be nearly as charming as you,” Fiyero grinned at her and found his heart leap as she frowned back at him. Yes, she was quite something.
“Are you sure you won’t accompany me?” He looked hopeful; maybe he had won her over.
“Quite sure,” she nodded, the frown never leaving her face.
“May I be so nosy as to enquire where you are going then? That’s more important than coming with me.”
Elphaba wouldn’t usually have given a stranger who had asked such questions the time of day, but there was something different about Fiyero, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
“I’m on my way to meet my sister and my friends--well, one friend. I suppose you could say the other one stood me up.”
Fiyero stared at her in horror as if he couldn’t believe anyone would ever stand her up. Elphaba found it quite flattering, under the circumstances.
“Do you mean a date?” Fiyero asked before he could stop himself.
“Oh, nothing like that--have you seen me? I simply meant a friend, but it doesn’t really matter. I’ve never really had any friends before, so the loss of one now won’t make much difference. I’m quite used to being on my own.”
“I find that quite appalling, though. Nobody should be forced to spend their time alone. And for what it’s worth, I think you’re wonderful in a wonderfully weird sort of way.”
“You don’t know me,” Elphaba reminded him, “my roommate does, that’s why she left me.”
Elphaba didn’t want to reveal how much Galinda had hurt her, but she found it a struggle to hide it as she spoke of the subject. Galinda, whom only minutes before Elphaba had seemed so close to, had abandoned her. Now that Galinda was so far away, Elphaba realised how much she craved the blonde girl’s friendship, craved that closeness, perhaps she even that kiss. But all was out of reach now, and Elphaba didn’t want her new acquaintance to sense her sorrow.
“You seem a little upset, a little out of sorts, from what I can see. Is this roommate a good friend of yours, then?” Fiyero asked, resisting the urge to place a reassuring arm around the troubled green girl.
This wasn’t the conversation Elphaba wanted to be having with a total stranger; it was all too close to her heart. Elphaba realised she was close to tears, and forced them back firmly.
“I thought she was my friend, but it was a mistake for me to assume such a thing,” Elphaba lamented.
“The mistake is all hers,” Fiyero said kindly.
“You really are very kind, but I have to get going, my sister will be waiting.”
This was getting a little too personal for Elphaba. She had found Fiyero amusing for a short while, but now she wanted to get away and be left alone with her thoughts of the hurtful blonde girl.
“You sure you don’t want to come with me?” Fiyero asked again.
“I’m sure.” Elphaba stated firmly.
“Fair enough, but if you change your mind I’ll be there all night, come and find me.”
“I won’t change my mind,” Elphaba promised.
“Right. well, I must dash but I am afraid I won’t meet anyone nearly as interesting as you. It was a pleasure meeting you. Goodbye, Elphaba.”
“Yeah,” Elphaba replied, a little stunned by the turn of events.
She hadn’t shocked Fiyero. He hadn’t even been rude, just nice. That was hard to take in when everyone else in Shiz was always so cold, including Galinda. Elphaba tried to think of anywhere she could have seen the Winkie boy before, but thought of nowhere. It was simple, Elphaba decided, Fiyero was new and just didn’t hold with the same opinions as the rest of Shiz when it came to odd demeanours and unusual skin colours. Elphaba would have allowed herself a smile had she not been so wrapped up in the pain Galinda had caused her. Galinda, sweet, beautiful Galinda. Elphaba would have swapped those rare, precious moments of acceptance with Fiyero for just another minute in Galinda’s presence.
Minutes later, Elphaba swept into The Peach and Kidneys, her cape flowing behind her, looking more bat like than Munchkinlander. She soon found Boq and Nessa engaged in conversation, and was about to turn on her heel and leave them to it when Boq shouted her, waving wildly.
“Miss Elphaba, over here!” Boq beamed brightly, clearly expecting Galinda to be following closely behind.
Elphaba made her way to the table, ignoring the stares she received from startled and curious customers, who had never seen the green girl before.
Elphaba wished she hadn’t been spotted. It would have done Nessa some good to be the centre of male attention for the night, and perhaps Boq could have fixated his attention elsewhere other than on the unattainable Galinda.
Boq stood up and pulled a chair out for her to sit on, in a gentlemanly kind of way.
“You can take this one next to your sister and I shall save this one for Miss Galinda.”
“I wouldn’t bother on her account,” Elphaba said more harshly than she had intended.
“Whatever do you mean?” Boq looked confused and somewhat on edge.
“She’s not coming,” Elphaba looked to the floor. She didn’t want to see her own disappointment reflected in Boq’s eyes.
“Why ever not?”
Elphaba froze. There were the first words her sister had spoken to her since their argument in Dr Dillamond’s class, when Nessa had disowned her. Elphaba didn’t want their first topic of conversation to be Galinda, yet it seemed destined to be that way.
“I can’t say for sure,” said Elphaba, “I don’t know Galinda at all, really, but it’s good to see you, Nessa.”
“I suppose I should say the same about you, Elphaba. Galinda told me everything, and I have to say, I am a little disappointed in you.”
Nessa had no emotion at all written on that pretty face, which made Elphaba anxious. She turned her eyes to the floor again. She had been expecting Nessa’s words to be cold, but that didn’t make them any easier to hear.
Boq stood up and made his way to the bar, leaving the sisters alone to sort their differences, and wishing more than anything Galinda was there beside him. He felt like a fool sitting with those odd Thropp sisters. Everyone was staring, he knew that for sure, and like Galinda, he didn’t feel altogether comfortable with it.
“I know,” Elphaba mumbled.
“But do you know, Elphaba? I’m not sure you do. After all, Father warned you not to be so you! You go ahead and make a quite frankly ridiculous agreement with that stupid blonde girl you hardly know at all, and you make me look like an idiot! It didn’t just affect you, you know! But you never think of anyone but yourself--well, yourself and now Galinda, apparently. What do you think those rumours did for my reputation? I was just finding my feet and you went and pulled a stunt like that with that silly airhead. I don’t know what has come over you, I really don’t,” Nessa was just getting started; her voice was cold with a hint of anger threatening to break though at any moment.
“Me either,” Elphaba grimaced.
But Elphaba knew exactly why she had done what she had done, one word, Galinda. She had done it to save Galinda. She had put Galinda before her own sister, and worse still, Nessa knew it.
“And to not even tell me! To let me go on believing you were doing all those foul things! Credit where it’s due, Galinda can sure spin a line or too. I thought the most awful things of you Elphaba, and you could have stopped it any time, you just chose not to. They were such horrid rumours. Do you know how they made me feel? Perhaps if you had explained I could have better understood or tried to stop you, but no! You didn’t see fit to tell your own sister. You should be thoroughly ashamed.” Nessa took a deep breath and looked away from her sister, not wanting Elphaba to see how upset the whole ordeal had made her.
“Of what?” Elphaba replied weakly, realising she was hardly listening. She didn’t have the energy to deal with her sister’s tirade of verbal abuse, not now. Earlier Elphaba felt like she could deal with anything as long as Galinda was by her side, but the beautiful blonde was gone now. Elphaba found herself, much like Boq, wishing for Galinda more and more as the seconds passed, more than she thought proper.
Nessa looked disbelievingly at her sister as if she couldn’t comprehend what Elphaba had just said.
“You should be ashamed of putting that stupid, society obsessed girl above your own sister!” Nessa spat, her eyes flashing in rage.
“It wasn’t like that, I didn’t…”
Nessa cut in sharply, “You did, you abandoned me for her and I should never forgive you, but I find myself to be quite lost without you. Boq has spoken with me at length about this and he has persuaded me that the best course of action now is to forgive and forget, to move on. I need you Elphaba. You appear to have forgotten what you came here for. I don’t think I can stand being cooped up with Morrible much longer. You came here to take care of me, and it’s about time you started doing it instead of making a fool of yourself and following Galinda around like a lovesick puppy.” Nessa smiled cruelly as she spoke the last words.
“Right, I see,” Elphaba conceded despondently.
She knew she hadn’t been doing her duty with regards to Nessa. After all, she had looked after her sister all her life up until the last few weeks, and guiltily, Elphaba realised she had enjoyed being free of those ties.
“If it hadn’t been for Boq, I’m not sure I would have ever spoken to you again.”
“But Galinda, she spoke to you too, didn’t she?” Elphaba questioned.
“She did, but to be honest, she’s as bad as you are. Stealing my sister away with a toss of her ever so perfect hair and spouting such wicked lies without a moments thought or regret. The Unnamed God will deal with her in time, and on the day of judgement I am sure you will be stood beside her defending her, and mark my words, you shall both be condemned. I am guilt free about this, and know that end the end justice shall be served, so I have chosen forgive you.”
Nessa put on her holier than thou face, and Elphaba realised at that moment how much she hated her Father for indoctrinating Nessa so. Nessa posessed no beliefs of her own, only what her Father had forced upon the two daughters. Elphaba would always be a sinner--she was born a sinner, born green.
“Oh Nessa, if only you could hear what you sound like,” Elphaba sighed.
“At least I have the courage of my faith to guide me. You have nothing; Galinda has nothing. You both lack moral fibre. Perhaps if you had listened to Father more you would have equipped yourself better for this life,” Nessa looked almost sorry for her sister.
“Galinda regrets her actions deeply now, she’s sorry and that’s all that matters.”
Elphaba defended Galinda, not because she wanted to, but because she felt obligated to. Nessa was cruel and spiteful; her condition had made her that way, but Elphaba thought it very unfair to cast a judgement on Galinda, someone Nessa hardly knew, when Galinda was not present to defend herself.
“Too little, too late Elphaba. You two deserve each other; you need your heads banging together and hard too. I don’t want to discuss Galinda anymore. The truth of the matter is I have missed you. I shall be quite delighted to have you around when I need you, you wouldn’t believe the things Morrible has made me struggle with on my own. It’s outrageous, if Father knew…”
“Well, I’m back now,” Elphaba mumbled, looking less than pleased at the prospect. She wanted to be more than simply the person that looked after Nessa; Galinda had allowed that, if only for a few hours.
“And you have picked perfect timing Elphaba, especially now that I am in love,” Nessa smiled in an odd sort of way that Elphaba couldn’t quite interpret.
“In love?” Elphaba sputtered, staring incredulously.
“With Boq,” Nessa whispered, indicating to where he was making his way through the crowd with drinks in tow.
“Boq?” Elphaba couldn’t hold back her surprise.
“Yes Elphaba, Boq,” Nessa was a tad impatient. “He’s been so kind and caring towards me tonight, I think I have quite fallen for him.”
Elphaba felt an unease grow in her stomach. She knew Boq’s motive, but how could she ever say such a thing to her sister? She had just made up with Nessa and Nessa’s feelings for Galinda were perfectly clear. Elphaba would have to say nothing, though it pained her to see her sister being so foolish.
“Don’t look at me like that; if it hadn’t been for him you would still be in my bad books and I would never have forgiven you. Perhaps you owe him your thanks. Besides, he’s so perfect don’t you think?”
Elphaba struggled to formulate a reply, all she knew for sure was Boq’s attentions towards Nessa hadn’t been driven by love for her, they had been driven by his unhealthy obsession with Galinda. He wanted to please Galinda; Nessa had nothing to do with it. Galinda had felt so bad about the quarrel she’d caused between the two sisters, and had so desperately wanted Elphaba and Nessa to make up. And it was Boq who acquiesced to Galinda’s every request, and Boq had seen to it, not for Nessa, not even for Elphaba, but for Galinda. This was all so wrong, and yet where was Galinda now? Why did she get to miss the trouble she had brewed up?
“Well…” Elphaba started, “he’s not really my type but…”
“Oh, I forgot you haven’t a heart or a soul, no capacity for love. You’ve shown that often enough with Father and I. How silly of me,” Nessa’s tone was mean and she meant every word if it.
“I just think you could do better for yourself,” Elphaba dared to suggest.
“And I think a lot of things of you and that Galinda girl you’re so taken with, but I wouldn’t dare be so forward as to say anything out loud.”
“Nessa,” Elphaba began.
“Here you go,” Boq placed two glasses of wine onto the table. “I didn’t know what your tipple was Miss Elphaba, so I got you the same as your sister.”
“And your drink?” Elphaba eyed him suspiciously, knowing full well what was going to happen next.
“Oh…well…I’ve just remembered I have an assignment due in tomorrow which isn’t quite finished,” Boq hoped this would be a good enough excuse.
“What assignment?” Elphaba’s eyes narrowed intently.
“Life Sciences,” Boq answered, a bead of sweat forming on his brow.
“Title?” Elphaba enquired, not allowing him to look away.
Boq ignored the question, turning his attention to Nessa who was nice enough when she wasn’t being fierce.
“Miss Nessa Rose, seeing as your sister is holding me under surveillance, I shall speak to you instead, only to say it was been delightful spending time with you this evening and an even greater delight to see you reunited with your sister after such a silly falling out. I am sure had Miss Galinda been here she would have also been thrilled with the outcome. If I happen to run into her I shall inform her of the good news.”
Boq made an odd sort of bow to Nessa, and gave Elphaba an awkward nod. He quickly made his way out of the pub before either sister could stop him, breathing a sigh of relief on freeing himself from those peculiar Thropp sisters and the looks that came with sitting with them.
“Isn’t he a dear thing?” Nessa gushed, much to Elphaba’s disapproval as she could see straight through him.
“Indeed,” she answered sarcastically.
“Anyway, I have to admit I was shocked when Galinda suggested tonight as the night to meet up, so I am hardly surprised to see she hasn’t turned up. I am hardly displeased with this either,” Nessa added callously.
“Why?” Elphaba asked and then rephrased the question as Nessa looked disapprovingly at her. “Why would she not suggest tonight?”
“Well, it is that Winkie Prince’s first night on campus, and everyone who is anyone is going to the Oz Dust Ballroom tonight. I am taking it Galinda didn’t ask you to go along?”
“Well…” Elphaba began.
“Thought as much,” Nessa smiled unkindly.
Still, Elphaba knew Nessa had hit the nail on the head. If it really were a night of social celebration in Shiz, Galinda would not miss it. Clearly, Galinda had been unaware of the events due to spending her day with Elphaba; that had to be the reason her friends had come to call, which was the reason Galinda had abandoned Elphaba. Galinda was off to find herself a Prince, no doubt.
Elphaba swallowed hard. This information was not easy to take in, but she knew the way Galinda’s mind worked. Even after all that had happened between them earlier that night, Galinda would want to be on the arm of this fancy Winkie Prince. Elphaba thought back. Hadn’t Galinda been about to press her own lips to Elphaba’s green ones? Or had that all been a dream? Elphaba felt as if she could no longer be sure of anything but her growing feelings for the blonde girl that her sister despised. One thing Elphaba knew for certain was that her Galinda would now be on the arm of this new Winkie Prince, entrancing him the same way she had entranced Elphaba. Galinda would be there in her prettiest dress, looking radiant, and all of Shiz would be staring, staring at the girl Elphaba had come so close to having. Elphaba couldn’t stand it, and yet in reality, her guesswork was not far wrong; Galinda was at the ballroom and had obtained her ultimate desire, the Winkie Prince, Fiyero.
Galinda had arrived at the Oz Dust Ballroom with her friends, but had inevitably been swept away from them by a Gillikinese boy whose name she didn’t even know. He was well presented, and Galinda decided appearing well-desired and popular would do her appeal to the Prince no harm whatsoever. Galinda moved from boy to boy, allowing them to flirt outrageously with her, and touch her in ways that weren’t exactly appropriate for strangers.
Later that night Galinda would not recall with whom she danced with, for she paid her various suitors no attention. Her eyes never stopped scanning the ballroom for the WInkie Prince. She hoped he hadn’t already found a girl and disappeared with her. But that was highly unlikely--after all, Galinda was the most beautiful girl in the whole of Shiz. No boy in their right mind could possibly fail to notice someone so sensational.
Much to Galinda’s relief, it turned out Fiyero was simply fashionably late, in the style of all well sought after boys. When he did arrive there was such a commotion and scramble for his attention that Galinda felt almost jealous someone else could pull off an entrance as spectacular as she could. The girls swooned over him whilst the boys looked on in admiration and perhaps also a hint of jealousy.
Fiyero made his way through the crowd, stopping to acknowledge those who were brave enough to speak to him, and throwing a few casual waves in the direction of groups of squealing girls. He made his way determinedly towards the bar area where Avaric was standing, looking suave and ridiculously attractive, Milla draped over his arm.
“Avaric, my old friend, so this is where the party’s at?” Fiyero smiled as he indicated to the scene unfolding around him.
Avaric embraced him fondly and then pulled back, taking in Fiyero’s look as if for the first time. He grinned from ear to ear and raised his hands into the air. Fiyero followed his cue and the two took part in an odd sort of high five that Galinda found impossibly appealing as she got her first proper look at the object of her affection. She fanned herself appropriately, and tossed her hair in a wildly seductive manner that couldn’t fail to catch Fiyero’s eye.
“Well, I must say you’re looking dashing as ever, obviously not as devilishly good looking as me but not bad for a Winkie,” Avaric mused, “this is where it all happens, and you, my friend, shall take your pick of all the fine girls here,” Avaric winked.
Fiyero quickly surveyed the scene and Avaric got the distinct impression that Fiyero was looking for someone, perhaps a girl that had already captured his fancy on campus. Still, he considered that was pretty much impossible--Fiyero had only just arrived, and Avaric hadn’t had chance to introduce him to anyone yet. He had to be imagining things and yet Fiyero went on, searching the crowd with a purposeful gaze.
Naturally, it wasn’t long before his eyes fell upon Galinda, who had been swept onto the dance floor once more by yet another admirer. It wasn’t difficult to pick her out. Her dress was the most spectacular there, and she shone radiantly against the lights of the dance floor. And not unlike Fiyero, Galinda had a group of followers, admiring her every move and fawning over her when they got the chance.
As if reading Fiyero’s mind, Avaric whispered to prevent Milla from hearing, “Did you ever see such a girl in all your life? So perfectly formed, such wonderful assets.” He indicated to where breasts would have been on himself. “Pure sex, that one,” Avaric grinned wickedly.
“I don’t think I ever looked upon one so perfect in all my days, and it’s not for lack of trying. Surely she has to be taken?”
“Not likely. She’s just that little bit too perfect for the boys here, wouldn’t you say?” Avaric looked down at his feet, remembering how Galinda had shunned his advances.
“I am assuming from that dispirited look on your face, you have been there and done that and not been a great hit, Master Avaric?” Fiyero laughed at Avaric, who was mortified that anyone could read him so easily, especially when it came to his lack of romantic success with the beautiful Galinda.
“I have spent my fair amount of time with Miss Galinda; you have got me, fair and square. I am ashamed to say she wasn’t in the least bit interested in me, and I tried, sweet Oz did I try. Still, there was nothing, absolutely nothing.”
“Are you losing your touch, old friend? It’s not like a lady to turn you down,” Fiyero teased.
“Not at all,” Avaric indicated to Milla, who has now gossiping with Pfannee and paying little attention to the two boys. “Miss Galinda’s best friend no less, so I’m hardly losing my touch, it’s just a case of finding the right girl with so many to chose from. I should know, I’ve had a fair few,” he winked knowingly at Fiyero
Fiyero smiled back, appearing a little uncomfortable. He wasn’t interested in rushing through the girls of Shiz. Fiyero wasn’t like Avaric, Fiyero wanted one special girl; Fiyero scouted the room again for the green girl he had met so unconventionally earlier that evening. Eventually he gave up his search and settled his eyes back on Galinda.
“Anyway, no doubt our Miss Galinda has had word of you and is saving herself specifically for you. She’s probably waiting for you to sweep her off her feet this very moment. That would be very like her, she is a high society girl you know,” Avaric winked again.
“I suppose it would be incredibly rude to keep her waiting any longer than necessary,” Fiyero decided.
With that, Fiyero was gone, swiftly navigating his way through the crowd, making a beeline for Galinda, who was dancing with another one of the numerous boys that had appealed to her that very night. Fiyero swept his hair back and took Galinda by the waist.
“May I cut in?” he flashed a winning smile, and Galinda felt her heart leap. This was the moment she had been waiting for. Fiyero hadn’t dallied around, he had made straight for her, and Galinda flushed with pride.
Fiyero sidestepped the other boy, who was being teased by his friends, and took Galinda in his arms. His arms were strong, and they held her well as the two of them moved in time with the music. The music changed, and the next song was a slow one, Galinda couldn’t have wished for better timing. She moved closer into Fiyero’s arms and allowed him to press his body tightly against her own.
Fiyero was tall, seductively dark, and undeniably handsome. His eyes were not dissimilar to her own, deep, piercing, and blue, but what Galinda liked best of all was the kindness in those eyes. His smile was gentle, too, and although Galinda didn’t know him at all she felt she would immediately like him. And for all his high position as a Winkie Prince, there was something rugged about him.
Galinda moved closer still until she could feel his breath upon her, she took in his scent, manly and sensual and let out a short sigh under her breath. Yes, her friends had been right, he was perfect, and better still, he had chosen her. When he spoke again Galinda noticed how deep and calming his voice was.
“So, you must be Galinda.”
The way he neglected the customary ‘Miss’ caused Galinda to blush, as she fluttered her long eyelashes and tossed her soft, blonde hair.
“And you Fiyero,” Galinda surprised herself at the amount of lust that now filled her voice. Could this really be the same evening she’d searched for Elphaba’s lips? Galinda could hardly believe it had been real, not now as she stood swept up in the handsome Fiyero’s arms.
“So now that we’ve got the introductions out of the way, may I say you look sensational tonight, more beautiful, in fact, than anyone I have ever laid eyes on,” Fiyero meant every word, Galinda was simply stunning.
“And I do believe that you are quite perfect, too, so we’re perfect together,” Galinda ran her hand down his chest flirtatiously.
“Made for each other,” Fiyero gently squeezed her bottom, which pleased Galinda even more as she knew all eyes were upon the two of them.
“I do hope so,” Galinda sighed breathlessly, velvety green skin and dark hair flashing before her eyes for a mere second.
Before Galinda had any more time to think Fiyero’s lips crashed into her own, everything Galinda had dreamt of for herself that night coming true in a moment of passion. She was kissing Fiyero, out in the height of society at the Oz Dust Ballroom. Anyone who was anyone was there, anyone who was anyone saw, and Galinda felt she couldn’t have been happier.
Galinda found it to be more perfect as Fiyero’s tongue entered her mouth, and she began to respond fiercely. Suddenly hands were all over each other, bodies were moving together, tongues roamed and Galinda could no longer hear the music. All she could hear was her breath, mingled with Fiyero’s, coming in fits and starts. Galinda couldn’t remember ever being kissed this way, not even by the desperately rampant Avaric.
Now that Galinda knew the whole of Shiz had seen her big moment with the Winkie Prince, she found she was keen for them to retire to a quieter spot where they could get to know each other better.
They slid into a private booth and Galinda soon found herself sat on Fiyero’s knee, kissing him passionately and allowing herself to give in to absolute pleasure, all the while wondering what Elphaba’s kiss would have felt like in comparison to that of Fiyero’s.
“So, you’ve met Miss Galinda, I take it?” Avaric squeezed in the booth beside them, Milla nowhere in sight.
Fiyero stopped kissing Galinda and turned to his friend.
“We have been acquainted, yes,” Fiyero nibbled her ear softly.
Galinda giggled and shuffled up and down on his knee. Fiyero entranced her, even if he didn’t quite stir up the same emotions inside that Elphaba had managed to unconsciously.
“I hope she’s told you her story though, about the baggage?” Avaric winked at Galinda in a peculiar way.
Galinda began to wonder what exactly it was that everyone thought about her and Elphaba. Galinda’s cheeks turned a furious shade of red. Surely Avaric wasn’t going to bring Elphaba up now? Galinda had only just managed to get the green girl out of her head and here she was again, cropping up in conversation.
“Don’t tell me you’re promised to someone else back in those Upper Uplands of yours,” Fiyero moaned.
“Oh no, nothing like that,” Galinda squealed at the very prospect of Fiyero thinking that she was so lovely to have already been promised to someone.
“Thank goodness,” Fiyero replied.
“I think what Master Avaric is referring to is my roommate, am I correct?” Galinda gave Avaric an ‘I am going to kill you later look.’
“Naturally,” Avaric grinned cruelly and huddled in closer, enjoying the moment.
“Go on,” Fiyero said, intrigued.
“Our Miss Galinda is the one who got stuck with the artichoke back at the start of term,” Avaric couldn’t wait a moment longer to make the revelation.
“Artichoke?” Fiyero didn’t understand.
Galinda let out an unladylike groan that she forgot to disguise, and spoke, “Oh very well, seen as you seem intent on putting Fiyero off me, I will tell all before you do,” Galinda said to Avaric.
Galinda was angry, and both Avaric and Fiyero thought the look was a good one on her.
“My roommate is green,” Galinda finished.
“Elphaba?” Fiyero asked, astonished.
“You know her?” Galinda looked puzzled.
“We met earlier tonight, actually.”
“Sweet Oz,” Avaric exclaimed. “What did you make of the odd bean then? You never mentioned it before!”
Fiyero shifted uncomfortably beneath Galinda’s weight, “Well, it was difficult to tell anything really, she was upset.”
“She has feelings?” Avaric remarked.
“Upset?” Galinda spoke at the same time, horror detectable in her voice.
“You say you’re her roommate, right?” Fiyero asked, feeling a need for clarification.
“Yes,” Galinda began to dread what was coming next.
“Well, if I am to understand correctly, you are the sole cause of her upset,” Fiyero tried to break the news gently as Galinda seemed visibly shaken.
“Me? Why?” Galinda was astounded; surely their near miss of a kiss hadn’t affected Elphaba too?
“I believe you stood her up?” Fiyero looked at her kindly, sensing her despair.
“Oh, Elphie,” Galinda was heartbroken, she couldn’t help it or hide it.
For the first time that evening she began to think about Elphaba and how she would be feeling. Galinda had only focused on herself, what she felt she needed. She was too selfish to even consider the other girl’s feelings.
In retrospect, Galinda realised it would have taken her two minutes to apologise to her roommate and explain the situation, but she had been led by her society friends. She hadn’t wanted to be seen with Elphaba, she hadn’t wanted to risk her precious reputation, and she was quite appalled by her actions.
Still, Galinda knew this was only a small part of the problem. Galinda had avoided Elphaba for a far more important reason. Galinda hadn’t been ready to face her roommate, not after that captivating moment when their lips had so briefly touched. Another terrible thought crossed Galinda’s mind: what would have happened if Pfannee and Shen Shen hadn’t arrived when they did? Would Galinda have been lying naked in Elphaba’s arms now? Galinda smiled, despite herself, at the thought.
The blonde girl now realised the fact of the matter was Elphaba was upset, and probably needed her now. Galinda had to go to her. It would look strange, turning down an evening with a Prince to spend time with her roommate, but Galinda’s cry of ‘Elphie’ minutes earlier had already betrayed her feelings for the other girl. She had to go, she had to find Elphaba.
“Erm…Elphie?” Avaric taunted with a look of vague amusement on his face that Galinda ignored.
“I’m really sorry, Fiyero, but I must go to her now. I can’t explain, but I have to go,” Galinda was already up and pushing past Avaric.
“Would you like me to come with you?” Fiyero enquired kindly.
“That’s really sweet, but I think this is something I need to do alone,” Galinda smiled weakly.
“Understood,” Fiyero said as he also pushed past his friend.
“I’m sorry,” Galinda looked at him apologetically.
“Don’t be, it’s Elphaba you should be saying that to, now go.”
“Will I see you tomorrow?” Galinda asked, suddenly remembering it was Fiyero, not Elphaba, who was her new love interest.
“You can bet your life on it,” Fiyero quickly pulled her towards him and planted a deep kiss on her lips.
Galinda moaned accordingly, opening her mouth to let him in once more, and then just as quickly pushing him away.
“I’m sorry there’s not more we can do tonight,” Galinda blushed as she spoke, wondering once more how different things could be if she had only kissed Elphaba.
“There will be other nights, another time for us to get better acquainted, now go,” he kissed her cheek and gently pushed her towards the door.
Galinda waved as she made her way across the Oz Dust Ballroom and out of the front door, intent on one thing only, Elphaba. Galinda simply had to find her, she had to explain and she had to make sure her roommate was okay. She hated that word, ‘roommate’; Elphaba meant more to Galinda than that. Galinda’s stomach rose in her throat as she thought of how Elphaba would never trust her again. Galinda was slightly dismayed to realise that her involvement with Fiyero was bound to put a stop to any other feelings shared between herself and Elphaba.
Still, Galinda had to find her, reassure her, maybe even hold her. Right now it was no longer Fiyero Galinda needed or wanted. Put simply, tonight was to be all about Elphaba.
Author: Heatherkinz
Chapter: 13/?
Rating: NC-17
Verse: Musical and Book
Pairing: Gelphie
Notes: This is the 13th installment. I am developing this into a full on Elphaba and Glinda story that takes their relationship right through what we already know and further, obviously with a Gelphie slant on things.
Summary: Elphaba bumps into a stranger whilst pondering over Galinda and finds she is not altogether displeased with his presence. However she votes against going with him to the Oz Dust Ballroom and heads off to meet Nessa. Nessa makes it clear she is less than pleased with Elphaba's relationship with Galinda and states that Galinda is making a fool of her. Meanwhile Galinda flirts and flounces her way into the heart of the new Prince, everything is going so well until she realises she has left someone behind, Elphaba!!! How will she respond to the news???
A huge thankyou to blowers_daughtr for making this sound so much more fab than when I started. You're a star!!!
Enter Fiyero.
“Hey, watch it!” Elphaba snapped as a tall Winkie, apparently in a rush, barged into her. Much like Elphaba, the boy seemed lost in a world of his own.
He immediately turned to face Elphaba, who had been lost in thoughts of Galinda. Elphaba studied the boy’s dark features and found she did not recognise him. He did not flinch upon coming face to face with the green girl, which Elphaba found all the more curious.
“I’m sorry,” he apologised, looking straight into her eyes.
“You wouldn’t have to apologise in the first place if you paid a little more attention to where you’re going.” Elphaba was in no mood to deal with irksome strangers, and her tone indicated as much.
“I know, and I said I’m sorry,” he replied firmly, clearly not afraid of her as so many of the other students at Shiz were.
“Where are you headed in such a rush, anyway?”
Elphaba’s curiosity got the better of her, and she noticed, for the first time, how different this boy was compared to everyone else she had come across. He was handsome, for sure, but in a very different way. He was dark, and almost haunting to look at, but his eyes were kind, very kind. Galinda would be having a field day in Elphaba’s position now, Elphaba thought--but then remembered she wasn’t supposed to be thinking about Galinda and pushed her from her mind. Still, he was very much Galinda’s type, in an oddly different way.
“I’m late, that’s all. I should be at the Oz Dust Ballroom. I mean, it’s good to be fashionably late, but I’m bordering on the ridiculously late now,” he shrugged his shoulders, seeming somewhat pleased with himself.
“Hadn’t you better hurry, then?” Elphaba suggested helpfully.
“Now that I’m here I find myself more than a little willing to be ridiculously late. You really are quite interesting.”
“You mean green?” Elphaba responded sarcastically.
“Perhaps,” he replied, offering her his hand. “I’m Fiyero.”
“Elphaba,” she took his hand, surprised by the kind gesture.
“Surely not THE Elphaba Thropp?” he laughed.
“Of course THE Elphaba Thropp, I’m green aren’t I?” Elphaba tried very hard to put some frustration into her voice, but she found it increasingly difficult to be angry with this Fiyero character.
“As a cabbage,” he responded.
Elphaba laughed, though she hadn’t meant to.
“There you go, then. Isn’t that proof enough?” she smiled, despite herself.
“Sorry, I just expected something...someone…well…different, after all I have heard, I just didn’t expect you,” Fiyero struggled with his words, looking embarrassed, wishing he had found something better to say.
“Sorry to dash your expectations,” Elphaba frowned.
“Not at all,” he smiled kindly at her and she couldn’t help but grow fond of him. “Anyway, perhaps you can help me, am I heading the right way to the Oz Dust Ballroom?”
“Right on ahead.”
“Oh,” he looked disappointed.
“What?” Elphaba asked, puzzled.
“It’s just you seem to be heading in the opposite direction.”
“Indeed I am, is that a problem?” Elphaba narrowed her eyes, trying to weigh up this new character.
“Well, I had hoped you might join me.”
Fiyero looked deeply into her eyes and was shocked by the feelings he found welling up inside him on connection with Elphaba. There was something about this green girl that he found wonderfully appealing, though he got the impression he shouldn’t. Her attitude, her humour, her sharp edge, it was all quite fascinating. Yes, he had to admit it: he was quite taken with her and he couldn’t explain why.
“Now you’re joking,” Elphaba made to move on.
“Not at all, please, I’m new here and could do with a guide.”
“I’m sure you will find plenty of girls willing to guide you,” Elphaba smiled cruelly.
“They won’t be nearly as charming as you,” Fiyero grinned at her and found his heart leap as she frowned back at him. Yes, she was quite something.
“Are you sure you won’t accompany me?” He looked hopeful; maybe he had won her over.
“Quite sure,” she nodded, the frown never leaving her face.
“May I be so nosy as to enquire where you are going then? That’s more important than coming with me.”
Elphaba wouldn’t usually have given a stranger who had asked such questions the time of day, but there was something different about Fiyero, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
“I’m on my way to meet my sister and my friends--well, one friend. I suppose you could say the other one stood me up.”
Fiyero stared at her in horror as if he couldn’t believe anyone would ever stand her up. Elphaba found it quite flattering, under the circumstances.
“Do you mean a date?” Fiyero asked before he could stop himself.
“Oh, nothing like that--have you seen me? I simply meant a friend, but it doesn’t really matter. I’ve never really had any friends before, so the loss of one now won’t make much difference. I’m quite used to being on my own.”
“I find that quite appalling, though. Nobody should be forced to spend their time alone. And for what it’s worth, I think you’re wonderful in a wonderfully weird sort of way.”
“You don’t know me,” Elphaba reminded him, “my roommate does, that’s why she left me.”
Elphaba didn’t want to reveal how much Galinda had hurt her, but she found it a struggle to hide it as she spoke of the subject. Galinda, whom only minutes before Elphaba had seemed so close to, had abandoned her. Now that Galinda was so far away, Elphaba realised how much she craved the blonde girl’s friendship, craved that closeness, perhaps she even that kiss. But all was out of reach now, and Elphaba didn’t want her new acquaintance to sense her sorrow.
“You seem a little upset, a little out of sorts, from what I can see. Is this roommate a good friend of yours, then?” Fiyero asked, resisting the urge to place a reassuring arm around the troubled green girl.
This wasn’t the conversation Elphaba wanted to be having with a total stranger; it was all too close to her heart. Elphaba realised she was close to tears, and forced them back firmly.
“I thought she was my friend, but it was a mistake for me to assume such a thing,” Elphaba lamented.
“The mistake is all hers,” Fiyero said kindly.
“You really are very kind, but I have to get going, my sister will be waiting.”
This was getting a little too personal for Elphaba. She had found Fiyero amusing for a short while, but now she wanted to get away and be left alone with her thoughts of the hurtful blonde girl.
“You sure you don’t want to come with me?” Fiyero asked again.
“I’m sure.” Elphaba stated firmly.
“Fair enough, but if you change your mind I’ll be there all night, come and find me.”
“I won’t change my mind,” Elphaba promised.
“Right. well, I must dash but I am afraid I won’t meet anyone nearly as interesting as you. It was a pleasure meeting you. Goodbye, Elphaba.”
“Yeah,” Elphaba replied, a little stunned by the turn of events.
She hadn’t shocked Fiyero. He hadn’t even been rude, just nice. That was hard to take in when everyone else in Shiz was always so cold, including Galinda. Elphaba tried to think of anywhere she could have seen the Winkie boy before, but thought of nowhere. It was simple, Elphaba decided, Fiyero was new and just didn’t hold with the same opinions as the rest of Shiz when it came to odd demeanours and unusual skin colours. Elphaba would have allowed herself a smile had she not been so wrapped up in the pain Galinda had caused her. Galinda, sweet, beautiful Galinda. Elphaba would have swapped those rare, precious moments of acceptance with Fiyero for just another minute in Galinda’s presence.
Minutes later, Elphaba swept into The Peach and Kidneys, her cape flowing behind her, looking more bat like than Munchkinlander. She soon found Boq and Nessa engaged in conversation, and was about to turn on her heel and leave them to it when Boq shouted her, waving wildly.
“Miss Elphaba, over here!” Boq beamed brightly, clearly expecting Galinda to be following closely behind.
Elphaba made her way to the table, ignoring the stares she received from startled and curious customers, who had never seen the green girl before.
Elphaba wished she hadn’t been spotted. It would have done Nessa some good to be the centre of male attention for the night, and perhaps Boq could have fixated his attention elsewhere other than on the unattainable Galinda.
Boq stood up and pulled a chair out for her to sit on, in a gentlemanly kind of way.
“You can take this one next to your sister and I shall save this one for Miss Galinda.”
“I wouldn’t bother on her account,” Elphaba said more harshly than she had intended.
“Whatever do you mean?” Boq looked confused and somewhat on edge.
“She’s not coming,” Elphaba looked to the floor. She didn’t want to see her own disappointment reflected in Boq’s eyes.
“Why ever not?”
Elphaba froze. There were the first words her sister had spoken to her since their argument in Dr Dillamond’s class, when Nessa had disowned her. Elphaba didn’t want their first topic of conversation to be Galinda, yet it seemed destined to be that way.
“I can’t say for sure,” said Elphaba, “I don’t know Galinda at all, really, but it’s good to see you, Nessa.”
“I suppose I should say the same about you, Elphaba. Galinda told me everything, and I have to say, I am a little disappointed in you.”
Nessa had no emotion at all written on that pretty face, which made Elphaba anxious. She turned her eyes to the floor again. She had been expecting Nessa’s words to be cold, but that didn’t make them any easier to hear.
Boq stood up and made his way to the bar, leaving the sisters alone to sort their differences, and wishing more than anything Galinda was there beside him. He felt like a fool sitting with those odd Thropp sisters. Everyone was staring, he knew that for sure, and like Galinda, he didn’t feel altogether comfortable with it.
“I know,” Elphaba mumbled.
“But do you know, Elphaba? I’m not sure you do. After all, Father warned you not to be so you! You go ahead and make a quite frankly ridiculous agreement with that stupid blonde girl you hardly know at all, and you make me look like an idiot! It didn’t just affect you, you know! But you never think of anyone but yourself--well, yourself and now Galinda, apparently. What do you think those rumours did for my reputation? I was just finding my feet and you went and pulled a stunt like that with that silly airhead. I don’t know what has come over you, I really don’t,” Nessa was just getting started; her voice was cold with a hint of anger threatening to break though at any moment.
“Me either,” Elphaba grimaced.
But Elphaba knew exactly why she had done what she had done, one word, Galinda. She had done it to save Galinda. She had put Galinda before her own sister, and worse still, Nessa knew it.
“And to not even tell me! To let me go on believing you were doing all those foul things! Credit where it’s due, Galinda can sure spin a line or too. I thought the most awful things of you Elphaba, and you could have stopped it any time, you just chose not to. They were such horrid rumours. Do you know how they made me feel? Perhaps if you had explained I could have better understood or tried to stop you, but no! You didn’t see fit to tell your own sister. You should be thoroughly ashamed.” Nessa took a deep breath and looked away from her sister, not wanting Elphaba to see how upset the whole ordeal had made her.
“Of what?” Elphaba replied weakly, realising she was hardly listening. She didn’t have the energy to deal with her sister’s tirade of verbal abuse, not now. Earlier Elphaba felt like she could deal with anything as long as Galinda was by her side, but the beautiful blonde was gone now. Elphaba found herself, much like Boq, wishing for Galinda more and more as the seconds passed, more than she thought proper.
Nessa looked disbelievingly at her sister as if she couldn’t comprehend what Elphaba had just said.
“You should be ashamed of putting that stupid, society obsessed girl above your own sister!” Nessa spat, her eyes flashing in rage.
“It wasn’t like that, I didn’t…”
Nessa cut in sharply, “You did, you abandoned me for her and I should never forgive you, but I find myself to be quite lost without you. Boq has spoken with me at length about this and he has persuaded me that the best course of action now is to forgive and forget, to move on. I need you Elphaba. You appear to have forgotten what you came here for. I don’t think I can stand being cooped up with Morrible much longer. You came here to take care of me, and it’s about time you started doing it instead of making a fool of yourself and following Galinda around like a lovesick puppy.” Nessa smiled cruelly as she spoke the last words.
“Right, I see,” Elphaba conceded despondently.
She knew she hadn’t been doing her duty with regards to Nessa. After all, she had looked after her sister all her life up until the last few weeks, and guiltily, Elphaba realised she had enjoyed being free of those ties.
“If it hadn’t been for Boq, I’m not sure I would have ever spoken to you again.”
“But Galinda, she spoke to you too, didn’t she?” Elphaba questioned.
“She did, but to be honest, she’s as bad as you are. Stealing my sister away with a toss of her ever so perfect hair and spouting such wicked lies without a moments thought or regret. The Unnamed God will deal with her in time, and on the day of judgement I am sure you will be stood beside her defending her, and mark my words, you shall both be condemned. I am guilt free about this, and know that end the end justice shall be served, so I have chosen forgive you.”
Nessa put on her holier than thou face, and Elphaba realised at that moment how much she hated her Father for indoctrinating Nessa so. Nessa posessed no beliefs of her own, only what her Father had forced upon the two daughters. Elphaba would always be a sinner--she was born a sinner, born green.
“Oh Nessa, if only you could hear what you sound like,” Elphaba sighed.
“At least I have the courage of my faith to guide me. You have nothing; Galinda has nothing. You both lack moral fibre. Perhaps if you had listened to Father more you would have equipped yourself better for this life,” Nessa looked almost sorry for her sister.
“Galinda regrets her actions deeply now, she’s sorry and that’s all that matters.”
Elphaba defended Galinda, not because she wanted to, but because she felt obligated to. Nessa was cruel and spiteful; her condition had made her that way, but Elphaba thought it very unfair to cast a judgement on Galinda, someone Nessa hardly knew, when Galinda was not present to defend herself.
“Too little, too late Elphaba. You two deserve each other; you need your heads banging together and hard too. I don’t want to discuss Galinda anymore. The truth of the matter is I have missed you. I shall be quite delighted to have you around when I need you, you wouldn’t believe the things Morrible has made me struggle with on my own. It’s outrageous, if Father knew…”
“Well, I’m back now,” Elphaba mumbled, looking less than pleased at the prospect. She wanted to be more than simply the person that looked after Nessa; Galinda had allowed that, if only for a few hours.
“And you have picked perfect timing Elphaba, especially now that I am in love,” Nessa smiled in an odd sort of way that Elphaba couldn’t quite interpret.
“In love?” Elphaba sputtered, staring incredulously.
“With Boq,” Nessa whispered, indicating to where he was making his way through the crowd with drinks in tow.
“Boq?” Elphaba couldn’t hold back her surprise.
“Yes Elphaba, Boq,” Nessa was a tad impatient. “He’s been so kind and caring towards me tonight, I think I have quite fallen for him.”
Elphaba felt an unease grow in her stomach. She knew Boq’s motive, but how could she ever say such a thing to her sister? She had just made up with Nessa and Nessa’s feelings for Galinda were perfectly clear. Elphaba would have to say nothing, though it pained her to see her sister being so foolish.
“Don’t look at me like that; if it hadn’t been for him you would still be in my bad books and I would never have forgiven you. Perhaps you owe him your thanks. Besides, he’s so perfect don’t you think?”
Elphaba struggled to formulate a reply, all she knew for sure was Boq’s attentions towards Nessa hadn’t been driven by love for her, they had been driven by his unhealthy obsession with Galinda. He wanted to please Galinda; Nessa had nothing to do with it. Galinda had felt so bad about the quarrel she’d caused between the two sisters, and had so desperately wanted Elphaba and Nessa to make up. And it was Boq who acquiesced to Galinda’s every request, and Boq had seen to it, not for Nessa, not even for Elphaba, but for Galinda. This was all so wrong, and yet where was Galinda now? Why did she get to miss the trouble she had brewed up?
“Well…” Elphaba started, “he’s not really my type but…”
“Oh, I forgot you haven’t a heart or a soul, no capacity for love. You’ve shown that often enough with Father and I. How silly of me,” Nessa’s tone was mean and she meant every word if it.
“I just think you could do better for yourself,” Elphaba dared to suggest.
“And I think a lot of things of you and that Galinda girl you’re so taken with, but I wouldn’t dare be so forward as to say anything out loud.”
“Nessa,” Elphaba began.
“Here you go,” Boq placed two glasses of wine onto the table. “I didn’t know what your tipple was Miss Elphaba, so I got you the same as your sister.”
“And your drink?” Elphaba eyed him suspiciously, knowing full well what was going to happen next.
“Oh…well…I’ve just remembered I have an assignment due in tomorrow which isn’t quite finished,” Boq hoped this would be a good enough excuse.
“What assignment?” Elphaba’s eyes narrowed intently.
“Life Sciences,” Boq answered, a bead of sweat forming on his brow.
“Title?” Elphaba enquired, not allowing him to look away.
Boq ignored the question, turning his attention to Nessa who was nice enough when she wasn’t being fierce.
“Miss Nessa Rose, seeing as your sister is holding me under surveillance, I shall speak to you instead, only to say it was been delightful spending time with you this evening and an even greater delight to see you reunited with your sister after such a silly falling out. I am sure had Miss Galinda been here she would have also been thrilled with the outcome. If I happen to run into her I shall inform her of the good news.”
Boq made an odd sort of bow to Nessa, and gave Elphaba an awkward nod. He quickly made his way out of the pub before either sister could stop him, breathing a sigh of relief on freeing himself from those peculiar Thropp sisters and the looks that came with sitting with them.
“Isn’t he a dear thing?” Nessa gushed, much to Elphaba’s disapproval as she could see straight through him.
“Indeed,” she answered sarcastically.
“Anyway, I have to admit I was shocked when Galinda suggested tonight as the night to meet up, so I am hardly surprised to see she hasn’t turned up. I am hardly displeased with this either,” Nessa added callously.
“Why?” Elphaba asked and then rephrased the question as Nessa looked disapprovingly at her. “Why would she not suggest tonight?”
“Well, it is that Winkie Prince’s first night on campus, and everyone who is anyone is going to the Oz Dust Ballroom tonight. I am taking it Galinda didn’t ask you to go along?”
“Well…” Elphaba began.
“Thought as much,” Nessa smiled unkindly.
Still, Elphaba knew Nessa had hit the nail on the head. If it really were a night of social celebration in Shiz, Galinda would not miss it. Clearly, Galinda had been unaware of the events due to spending her day with Elphaba; that had to be the reason her friends had come to call, which was the reason Galinda had abandoned Elphaba. Galinda was off to find herself a Prince, no doubt.
Elphaba swallowed hard. This information was not easy to take in, but she knew the way Galinda’s mind worked. Even after all that had happened between them earlier that night, Galinda would want to be on the arm of this fancy Winkie Prince. Elphaba thought back. Hadn’t Galinda been about to press her own lips to Elphaba’s green ones? Or had that all been a dream? Elphaba felt as if she could no longer be sure of anything but her growing feelings for the blonde girl that her sister despised. One thing Elphaba knew for certain was that her Galinda would now be on the arm of this new Winkie Prince, entrancing him the same way she had entranced Elphaba. Galinda would be there in her prettiest dress, looking radiant, and all of Shiz would be staring, staring at the girl Elphaba had come so close to having. Elphaba couldn’t stand it, and yet in reality, her guesswork was not far wrong; Galinda was at the ballroom and had obtained her ultimate desire, the Winkie Prince, Fiyero.
Galinda had arrived at the Oz Dust Ballroom with her friends, but had inevitably been swept away from them by a Gillikinese boy whose name she didn’t even know. He was well presented, and Galinda decided appearing well-desired and popular would do her appeal to the Prince no harm whatsoever. Galinda moved from boy to boy, allowing them to flirt outrageously with her, and touch her in ways that weren’t exactly appropriate for strangers.
Later that night Galinda would not recall with whom she danced with, for she paid her various suitors no attention. Her eyes never stopped scanning the ballroom for the WInkie Prince. She hoped he hadn’t already found a girl and disappeared with her. But that was highly unlikely--after all, Galinda was the most beautiful girl in the whole of Shiz. No boy in their right mind could possibly fail to notice someone so sensational.
Much to Galinda’s relief, it turned out Fiyero was simply fashionably late, in the style of all well sought after boys. When he did arrive there was such a commotion and scramble for his attention that Galinda felt almost jealous someone else could pull off an entrance as spectacular as she could. The girls swooned over him whilst the boys looked on in admiration and perhaps also a hint of jealousy.
Fiyero made his way through the crowd, stopping to acknowledge those who were brave enough to speak to him, and throwing a few casual waves in the direction of groups of squealing girls. He made his way determinedly towards the bar area where Avaric was standing, looking suave and ridiculously attractive, Milla draped over his arm.
“Avaric, my old friend, so this is where the party’s at?” Fiyero smiled as he indicated to the scene unfolding around him.
Avaric embraced him fondly and then pulled back, taking in Fiyero’s look as if for the first time. He grinned from ear to ear and raised his hands into the air. Fiyero followed his cue and the two took part in an odd sort of high five that Galinda found impossibly appealing as she got her first proper look at the object of her affection. She fanned herself appropriately, and tossed her hair in a wildly seductive manner that couldn’t fail to catch Fiyero’s eye.
“Well, I must say you’re looking dashing as ever, obviously not as devilishly good looking as me but not bad for a Winkie,” Avaric mused, “this is where it all happens, and you, my friend, shall take your pick of all the fine girls here,” Avaric winked.
Fiyero quickly surveyed the scene and Avaric got the distinct impression that Fiyero was looking for someone, perhaps a girl that had already captured his fancy on campus. Still, he considered that was pretty much impossible--Fiyero had only just arrived, and Avaric hadn’t had chance to introduce him to anyone yet. He had to be imagining things and yet Fiyero went on, searching the crowd with a purposeful gaze.
Naturally, it wasn’t long before his eyes fell upon Galinda, who had been swept onto the dance floor once more by yet another admirer. It wasn’t difficult to pick her out. Her dress was the most spectacular there, and she shone radiantly against the lights of the dance floor. And not unlike Fiyero, Galinda had a group of followers, admiring her every move and fawning over her when they got the chance.
As if reading Fiyero’s mind, Avaric whispered to prevent Milla from hearing, “Did you ever see such a girl in all your life? So perfectly formed, such wonderful assets.” He indicated to where breasts would have been on himself. “Pure sex, that one,” Avaric grinned wickedly.
“I don’t think I ever looked upon one so perfect in all my days, and it’s not for lack of trying. Surely she has to be taken?”
“Not likely. She’s just that little bit too perfect for the boys here, wouldn’t you say?” Avaric looked down at his feet, remembering how Galinda had shunned his advances.
“I am assuming from that dispirited look on your face, you have been there and done that and not been a great hit, Master Avaric?” Fiyero laughed at Avaric, who was mortified that anyone could read him so easily, especially when it came to his lack of romantic success with the beautiful Galinda.
“I have spent my fair amount of time with Miss Galinda; you have got me, fair and square. I am ashamed to say she wasn’t in the least bit interested in me, and I tried, sweet Oz did I try. Still, there was nothing, absolutely nothing.”
“Are you losing your touch, old friend? It’s not like a lady to turn you down,” Fiyero teased.
“Not at all,” Avaric indicated to Milla, who has now gossiping with Pfannee and paying little attention to the two boys. “Miss Galinda’s best friend no less, so I’m hardly losing my touch, it’s just a case of finding the right girl with so many to chose from. I should know, I’ve had a fair few,” he winked knowingly at Fiyero
Fiyero smiled back, appearing a little uncomfortable. He wasn’t interested in rushing through the girls of Shiz. Fiyero wasn’t like Avaric, Fiyero wanted one special girl; Fiyero scouted the room again for the green girl he had met so unconventionally earlier that evening. Eventually he gave up his search and settled his eyes back on Galinda.
“Anyway, no doubt our Miss Galinda has had word of you and is saving herself specifically for you. She’s probably waiting for you to sweep her off her feet this very moment. That would be very like her, she is a high society girl you know,” Avaric winked again.
“I suppose it would be incredibly rude to keep her waiting any longer than necessary,” Fiyero decided.
With that, Fiyero was gone, swiftly navigating his way through the crowd, making a beeline for Galinda, who was dancing with another one of the numerous boys that had appealed to her that very night. Fiyero swept his hair back and took Galinda by the waist.
“May I cut in?” he flashed a winning smile, and Galinda felt her heart leap. This was the moment she had been waiting for. Fiyero hadn’t dallied around, he had made straight for her, and Galinda flushed with pride.
Fiyero sidestepped the other boy, who was being teased by his friends, and took Galinda in his arms. His arms were strong, and they held her well as the two of them moved in time with the music. The music changed, and the next song was a slow one, Galinda couldn’t have wished for better timing. She moved closer into Fiyero’s arms and allowed him to press his body tightly against her own.
Fiyero was tall, seductively dark, and undeniably handsome. His eyes were not dissimilar to her own, deep, piercing, and blue, but what Galinda liked best of all was the kindness in those eyes. His smile was gentle, too, and although Galinda didn’t know him at all she felt she would immediately like him. And for all his high position as a Winkie Prince, there was something rugged about him.
Galinda moved closer still until she could feel his breath upon her, she took in his scent, manly and sensual and let out a short sigh under her breath. Yes, her friends had been right, he was perfect, and better still, he had chosen her. When he spoke again Galinda noticed how deep and calming his voice was.
“So, you must be Galinda.”
The way he neglected the customary ‘Miss’ caused Galinda to blush, as she fluttered her long eyelashes and tossed her soft, blonde hair.
“And you Fiyero,” Galinda surprised herself at the amount of lust that now filled her voice. Could this really be the same evening she’d searched for Elphaba’s lips? Galinda could hardly believe it had been real, not now as she stood swept up in the handsome Fiyero’s arms.
“So now that we’ve got the introductions out of the way, may I say you look sensational tonight, more beautiful, in fact, than anyone I have ever laid eyes on,” Fiyero meant every word, Galinda was simply stunning.
“And I do believe that you are quite perfect, too, so we’re perfect together,” Galinda ran her hand down his chest flirtatiously.
“Made for each other,” Fiyero gently squeezed her bottom, which pleased Galinda even more as she knew all eyes were upon the two of them.
“I do hope so,” Galinda sighed breathlessly, velvety green skin and dark hair flashing before her eyes for a mere second.
Before Galinda had any more time to think Fiyero’s lips crashed into her own, everything Galinda had dreamt of for herself that night coming true in a moment of passion. She was kissing Fiyero, out in the height of society at the Oz Dust Ballroom. Anyone who was anyone was there, anyone who was anyone saw, and Galinda felt she couldn’t have been happier.
Galinda found it to be more perfect as Fiyero’s tongue entered her mouth, and she began to respond fiercely. Suddenly hands were all over each other, bodies were moving together, tongues roamed and Galinda could no longer hear the music. All she could hear was her breath, mingled with Fiyero’s, coming in fits and starts. Galinda couldn’t remember ever being kissed this way, not even by the desperately rampant Avaric.
Now that Galinda knew the whole of Shiz had seen her big moment with the Winkie Prince, she found she was keen for them to retire to a quieter spot where they could get to know each other better.
They slid into a private booth and Galinda soon found herself sat on Fiyero’s knee, kissing him passionately and allowing herself to give in to absolute pleasure, all the while wondering what Elphaba’s kiss would have felt like in comparison to that of Fiyero’s.
“So, you’ve met Miss Galinda, I take it?” Avaric squeezed in the booth beside them, Milla nowhere in sight.
Fiyero stopped kissing Galinda and turned to his friend.
“We have been acquainted, yes,” Fiyero nibbled her ear softly.
Galinda giggled and shuffled up and down on his knee. Fiyero entranced her, even if he didn’t quite stir up the same emotions inside that Elphaba had managed to unconsciously.
“I hope she’s told you her story though, about the baggage?” Avaric winked at Galinda in a peculiar way.
Galinda began to wonder what exactly it was that everyone thought about her and Elphaba. Galinda’s cheeks turned a furious shade of red. Surely Avaric wasn’t going to bring Elphaba up now? Galinda had only just managed to get the green girl out of her head and here she was again, cropping up in conversation.
“Don’t tell me you’re promised to someone else back in those Upper Uplands of yours,” Fiyero moaned.
“Oh no, nothing like that,” Galinda squealed at the very prospect of Fiyero thinking that she was so lovely to have already been promised to someone.
“Thank goodness,” Fiyero replied.
“I think what Master Avaric is referring to is my roommate, am I correct?” Galinda gave Avaric an ‘I am going to kill you later look.’
“Naturally,” Avaric grinned cruelly and huddled in closer, enjoying the moment.
“Go on,” Fiyero said, intrigued.
“Our Miss Galinda is the one who got stuck with the artichoke back at the start of term,” Avaric couldn’t wait a moment longer to make the revelation.
“Artichoke?” Fiyero didn’t understand.
Galinda let out an unladylike groan that she forgot to disguise, and spoke, “Oh very well, seen as you seem intent on putting Fiyero off me, I will tell all before you do,” Galinda said to Avaric.
Galinda was angry, and both Avaric and Fiyero thought the look was a good one on her.
“My roommate is green,” Galinda finished.
“Elphaba?” Fiyero asked, astonished.
“You know her?” Galinda looked puzzled.
“We met earlier tonight, actually.”
“Sweet Oz,” Avaric exclaimed. “What did you make of the odd bean then? You never mentioned it before!”
Fiyero shifted uncomfortably beneath Galinda’s weight, “Well, it was difficult to tell anything really, she was upset.”
“She has feelings?” Avaric remarked.
“Upset?” Galinda spoke at the same time, horror detectable in her voice.
“You say you’re her roommate, right?” Fiyero asked, feeling a need for clarification.
“Yes,” Galinda began to dread what was coming next.
“Well, if I am to understand correctly, you are the sole cause of her upset,” Fiyero tried to break the news gently as Galinda seemed visibly shaken.
“Me? Why?” Galinda was astounded; surely their near miss of a kiss hadn’t affected Elphaba too?
“I believe you stood her up?” Fiyero looked at her kindly, sensing her despair.
“Oh, Elphie,” Galinda was heartbroken, she couldn’t help it or hide it.
For the first time that evening she began to think about Elphaba and how she would be feeling. Galinda had only focused on herself, what she felt she needed. She was too selfish to even consider the other girl’s feelings.
In retrospect, Galinda realised it would have taken her two minutes to apologise to her roommate and explain the situation, but she had been led by her society friends. She hadn’t wanted to be seen with Elphaba, she hadn’t wanted to risk her precious reputation, and she was quite appalled by her actions.
Still, Galinda knew this was only a small part of the problem. Galinda had avoided Elphaba for a far more important reason. Galinda hadn’t been ready to face her roommate, not after that captivating moment when their lips had so briefly touched. Another terrible thought crossed Galinda’s mind: what would have happened if Pfannee and Shen Shen hadn’t arrived when they did? Would Galinda have been lying naked in Elphaba’s arms now? Galinda smiled, despite herself, at the thought.
The blonde girl now realised the fact of the matter was Elphaba was upset, and probably needed her now. Galinda had to go to her. It would look strange, turning down an evening with a Prince to spend time with her roommate, but Galinda’s cry of ‘Elphie’ minutes earlier had already betrayed her feelings for the other girl. She had to go, she had to find Elphaba.
“Erm…Elphie?” Avaric taunted with a look of vague amusement on his face that Galinda ignored.
“I’m really sorry, Fiyero, but I must go to her now. I can’t explain, but I have to go,” Galinda was already up and pushing past Avaric.
“Would you like me to come with you?” Fiyero enquired kindly.
“That’s really sweet, but I think this is something I need to do alone,” Galinda smiled weakly.
“Understood,” Fiyero said as he also pushed past his friend.
“I’m sorry,” Galinda looked at him apologetically.
“Don’t be, it’s Elphaba you should be saying that to, now go.”
“Will I see you tomorrow?” Galinda asked, suddenly remembering it was Fiyero, not Elphaba, who was her new love interest.
“You can bet your life on it,” Fiyero quickly pulled her towards him and planted a deep kiss on her lips.
Galinda moaned accordingly, opening her mouth to let him in once more, and then just as quickly pushing him away.
“I’m sorry there’s not more we can do tonight,” Galinda blushed as she spoke, wondering once more how different things could be if she had only kissed Elphaba.
“There will be other nights, another time for us to get better acquainted, now go,” he kissed her cheek and gently pushed her towards the door.
Galinda waved as she made her way across the Oz Dust Ballroom and out of the front door, intent on one thing only, Elphaba. Galinda simply had to find her, she had to explain and she had to make sure her roommate was okay. She hated that word, ‘roommate’; Elphaba meant more to Galinda than that. Galinda’s stomach rose in her throat as she thought of how Elphaba would never trust her again. Galinda was slightly dismayed to realise that her involvement with Fiyero was bound to put a stop to any other feelings shared between herself and Elphaba.
Still, Galinda had to find her, reassure her, maybe even hold her. Right now it was no longer Fiyero Galinda needed or wanted. Put simply, tonight was to be all about Elphaba.