Chapter Text
Burying her face deeper into her silk pillowcase and trying to push down the tightness that was building in her chest, Galinda closed her eyes in an attempt to will herself to sleep. This wasn’t the first night that week her roommate-turned-best-friend was out late. It wasn’t even the first time she’d been out this late in the semester. Elphaba had unusual study schedules, staying up to odd hours of the night and generally going to the library if Galinda wanted to sleep.
Though tonight was different. To Galinda, it certainly was. Her Momsie had been the one to try to tell her this would happen. Her Momsicle offering similar warnings. Both of her mothers had known well before even Galinda herself that she’d never loathed her roommate. No, in fact, she was rather quite infatuated with her. So much so that after seeing her dear Elphie, for the second night in a row, spending extra time with Fiyero in the library, it made Galinda’s stomach twist in horrible knots and her throat tighten incredibly.
Infatuated. No . Galinda knew she was downright in love. Undeniably, irrevocably, positively in love with Elphaba Thropp. Dancing with her at the Ozdust was the final straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back ( certainly not a Camel, that would break poor Elphie’s heart ). Galinda didn’t even register the tears rolling down her cheeks until her silk pillowcase began to grow damp.
Sitting up and wiping feverishly at her eyes, she flipped her pillow to try and hide the evidence. This is absolutely absurd . Who is she to step on her Elphie’s toes if she fancies the Vinkun prince? Even when the mere thought of seeing them together makes Galinda’s heart tighten that much more . Galinda shook her head and ran a pale hand through her curls. It's absolutely ridiculous. If he is who makes her happy, so be it then .
Except even the thought of that. Having to sit and watch Elphaba fall in love with the prince. Waiting up anxiously on nights, Fiyero decides to take her dancing at the Ozdust. Sitting idly by as the woman she loves falls in love with another.
Needless to say, Galinda is once again wiping her face the more her thoughts spiral. She’d foolishly let herself fall in love with her peculiar roommate, and now she was too much of a coward to say anything. Too afraid of losing the beautiful friendship that had bloomed between them, especially after such a dreadfully rocky start. Mostly to her own fault, nonetheless .
The sound of muffled footsteps outside the door made Galinda quickly fix her tousled hair and dab at her cheeks once more. A brief fear the traitorous tears would reappear, or had left evidence on her cheeks, crossed Galinda’s mind; though before she could do anything to right it, a dim light spilled into the room from the hallway.
“Galinda?” Elphie’s voice broke the silence of the room as Galinda heard her walk in. The blonde’s back was still toward the door, she was grateful her roommate didn’t turn the light on. Slowly, Galinda turned, quickly masking away any trace of sadness that lingered on her expression.
“Elphie!” Galinda’s saccharine tone filled the room as the blonde gave a bright smile to her roommate. “You’re back! I was worried.” Galinda feigned a pout, suppressing the tightness that wound in her chest again. Elphie gave a soft chuckle, setting her books down and gathering her nightclothes.
“I was only studying in the library with Fiyero, my sweet.” Galinda swallowed the lump that formed at the sound of Elphie’s nickname for her. My sweet. What a traitorous thing her heart was for reacting to such a simple term. But it was from her Elphie. And was it so wrong to wish to call her mine ?
“R-right! Yes, of course- How could I forget? I had seen you two at the book place before I returned to the room.” Galinda cursed her voice for breaking slightly as it did. If Elphie had heard, she didn’t bring attention to it.
“I hope I didn’t wake you coming back, I know you quite enjoy your beauty sleep.” Elphie let out another devastating chuckle, one intended only for the quiet of their room. For Galinda’s ears to hear. The blonde had to force herself to breathe properly, and when the silence grew a little longer than normal, she realized Elphie was staring at her expectantly.
“W-what? Oh- Oh no, of course not, Elphie! I was, um, only just lying down.” Galinda stuttered out weakly. She’s still staring, oh, Oz, why does she have to stare like that? Elphie, after another few short moments, gave a reluctant nod.
“If you say so, Galinda. Though really, if I did, you shouldn’t feel guilty about telling me. Honestly, Fiyero was being awfully loud as he walked me back.” Elphie spoke so casually, and Galinda? Galinda was just praying Elphaba didn’t see how deeply her mentioning Fiyero cut. There's no way she could . Galinda was nothing if not an expert at pretending. Pretending she wasn’t breaking on the inside. Pretending she wasn’t in love with her best friend. Pretending it wouldn’t absolutely ruin her if her Elphie were to reject her.
“No, nope, it’s perfectly fine. Really! I am, however, definishly exhaustified, so I do believe I will call it a night. Fresh dreams, Elphie!” Flopping back down into her covers, Galinda pulled up the familiar silk sheets and heavy comforter. The grounding weight of the blankets were like finding water in a desert. The world was less cruel inside the safety of her bed. Galinda let out a slow, shaky breath, pretending she hadn’t heard Elphie pause briefly in her nighttime routine. Hadn’t heard her shuffling a little, hesitantly, before the lights from the green girl’s side of the room dimmed.
“Goodnight, Galinda,” Elphie whispered into the quiet room, the gentle rustle of sheets and the familiar creak of her roommate's bed indicated she was settled for the night. It didn’t take long for the silent tears to start rolling down Galinda’s cheeks again. For the ache in her chest to return at full force. Her heart felt too heavy, as if she surrendered to it, she’d drown. Instead, Galinda just closed her eyes and silently wished for sleep to come quickly.
Waking up bright and early, Galinda padded around the room expertly and silently. She’d learned which floorboards creaked, how much she could open what drawers and cabinets before they started to make noise. Elphie was sound asleep, completely unaware of the blonde moving through their room like an owl in the night. Not making a single sound. Elphie insists she’s a heavy sleeper, but one can never be too cautious. Galinda knew that despite the extra time it took to navigate their dorm with such precision, she was always ready as the sun rose.
Sneaking out of the room, Galinda walked down the hall toward the cafeteria. Crope and Tibbett were to meet her for breakfast, and Galinda was never late for a meeting. Her hair was down, brushed and curled to perfection, her regular makeup was accentuated slightly- an extra pop of pink she allowed herself on the weekends, and the blush pink blouse she wore matched perfectly with the ivory skirt she’d selected. She looked absolutely perfect. Even though she knew she wasn’t. Every crack from the previous night’s emotional breakdown was there if someone were to look hard enough.
Crope and Tibbett took no time to clock her inner turmoil. Crope’s platinum hair was tousled, not yet done up for the day; it was Saturday, and neither of the boys were in a rush to do anything. Tibbett’s long brunette hair was pulled out of his face for convenience, though it was clear he was in no rush.
“Galinda,” Crope’s voice spelled trouble as she set her purse down at the table the two had already selected. Galinda gave the blonde a brief smile over her shoulder, rushing away toward the line for food. Just a few more minutes, compose yourself, Galinda, breathe. It’s just Crope and Tibbs. Galinda took a few deep breaths, pointedly ignoring the looks her friends were giving her from across the room. She selected a light breakfast, knowing she couldn’t keep anything heavy down.
Accepting her fate, Galinda finally joined the duo at their regular table. Thankfully, Tibbett had Crope wrapped up in listening to a story, so Galinda forced down a bit of her food while their attention was still away from her. Unfortunately, her peace wouldn’t last much longer.
“Alright, Miss Upland, spill. You look flawless, and it’s a Saturday morning, which either screams “I’m trying too hard” or “emotional breakdown”, and I know for a fact there is no one awake yet who is deserving of you putting in this much work.” Crope put his hand up as Galinda opened her mouth to argue, “And don’t get started on that “I dressed up for you guys” bullshit, you know Tibbs and I made you stop that months ago.” Galinda pouted, shooting the boys an unheated glare as she stabbed a strawberry with her fork and ate it, if only to stall answering the question.
“I think you, dear Crope, are reading far too into this. Can a girl not dress up without an occasion?” Galinda hummed, but both Crope and Tibbett exchanged a knowing look.
“Emotional breakdown it is,” Tibbett announced, stealing the last of Galinda’s strawberries from her tray. “Who hurt you, dearest? We’ll sic our beloved Elphie on them. She’ll put them in their place.” Galinda briefly glanced away at the mention of Elphaba, her cheeks tinged pink; she prayed they didn’t notice.
“I- I-no, there’s no need for that.” Galinda smoothed the front of her skirt, trying to will the blush to leave her cheeks as well. “ Not like she’d be able to help much anyway. ” She mused, a small furrow in her brow. As she looked up toward the boys, it was clear neither of them were buying it. Resigning to her fate, Galinda let out a heavy sigh, crossing her arms over herself and frowning.
“I’m… I’ve been crushing really hard on Elphaba and I don’t know how to tell her because what if she turns me down and doesn’t want to be friends anymore and-” Galinda’s voice had picked up volume and speed as she rambled on, Crope’s hand on her arm made her stop and inhale a much-needed breath. “I just… I don’t want to be the reason her first friendship is ruined…”
“Galinda,” Tibbett moved closer to her as he spoke, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “If you don’t give her a chance, you’ll never know.” He said quietly. “I don’t think there is any world where you telling Elphaba how you feel is going to chase that girl away from you.” Galinda met his eyes, a sad smile on her face.
“I just feel selfish if I tell her and it does. ” Galinda’s voice was barely a whisper. Crope gently took her hand in his, forcing her gaze back to him.
“You’re not selfish for expressing how you feel.” Crope gave her hand a light squeeze, and Galinda nodded a bit, leaning into Tibbett’s side as she let out a shaky breath.
“I guess… How would I even- I don’t know what to say to her.” Galinda furrowed her brows as she sat up. Tibbett gave her a friendly nudge with a small smile.
“Ah, come on, Upland, you’re better than that. You’re gorgeous and charming as hell. Thropp would be a fool to not even consider it.” Her friend’s words brought a small smile to her face. Shaking her head, Galinda thought for a few moments, Crope gathering their trays to take over to the return.
“How about you take her off campus, just the two of you. Bring her out for coffee and ask her there.” Tibbett suggested with a shrug, “It is Saturday and you look stunning, so why waste it?” Galinda felt a swell of confidence at his suggestion, remembering the coffee shop in downtown Shiz that Elphie loved. The blonde was on her feet quickly, rushing to give Tibbett a hug and Crope as he returned to the table.
“Thanks for the help, guys! I’ve gotta go!” Galinda announced as she rushed out the door and back to her shared dorm. Nothing was going to ruin this plan. Today was the day she told Elphie how she felt .
Galinda’s heart was racing as she arrived back at the shared dorm. Pausing outside the door, she took a second to calm herself down. Elphie could still be asleep, I don’t want to wake her. After composing herself Galinda slowly pushed the door open to their shared dorm.
Elphaba was sitting at Galinda’s vanity, working her hair into a braid. Seeing the blonde enter the room, she smiled at her.
“Good morning, my sweet.” Elphaba finished her braid quickly, tying it off with a small band. Galinda felt her heart skip a beat, and for a moment, she couldn’t for a coherent thought. Quickly forcing herself forward into the room, Galinda smiled and sat on the edge of her bed near the vanity.
“Good morning, Elphie! I’m actually glad you’re up… I was wondering if you had any plans today?” Galinda wrung her hands together, trying not to pick at her nails. Watching the green witch, she turned and gently took Galinda’s hands in her own, interlacing their fingers together.
“Not this morning, although Nessa asked me to help her with studying later. Why?” Elphaba gave the blonde a small smile, squeezing her hands. Galinda’s eyes stayed on their hands, fidgeting with her roommate’s fingers.
“Well I- I was just thinking maybe we could go into Shiz proper for a little- just us? I know there's that coffee shop downtown that you love, my treat!” Galinda could hear her heart pounding in her ears and could only pray Elphaba couldn’t feel it through her fingers. She glanced up at the witch and was greeted with a beaming smile that made her stomach flip.
“I’d love to, Galinda, let me finish getting ready.” Elphaba gave her hand another squeeze before she stood up and walked over to her wardrobe, digging through and pulling out a simple black gown. Galinda watched her, a blush creeping on her cheeks as the weight of what was to come crept into her mind. The blonde started busying herself around her room while she waited for Elphie to finish getting ready.
Galinda was not freaking out. No, definishly not at all positively losing her mind walking into downtown Shiz, hand in hand with Elphie. Tossing her hair over her shoulder, her eyes drew back to the green girl next to her. Galinda could feel heat rushing to her face as she watched her friend, the light falling perfectly over her features and softening the usually-sharp edges of her face.
“-Galinda, did you remember your suncream this morning? Your cheeks are burning!” Elphaba stopped herself mid-story as her eyes fell on Galinda, green meeting brown. The blonde felt her blush deepen, and she quickly nodded, turning her head back to watch the path as they walked.
“Oh- I didn’t, but I must not have used enough. I’ll be alright, Elphie, not to worry.” Galinda was quick to brush off Elphie’s concern, she could feel her gaze on her for a few more moments before Elphaba’s eyes fixed ahead again.
“Alright, my sweet, but promise me you’ll put something on when we get back.” Elphaba gave Galinda’s hand a gentle squeeze as she nodded.
“I will, Elphie and - oh! Look, we're almost there!” Galinda’s eyes landed on the cafe’s sign ahead - Roosts & Roasts Café - Elphaba was close friends with Farren, the Chicken who owned and ran the shop. Galinda had met her a few times, and she was always giving her a discount, though Galinda would always leave a generous tip.
Pulling Elphaba along, Galinda picked up her speed to get to the shop, driven by her racing heart and the anxiety that started bubbling fiercely in her stomach. Galinda was relieved the cafe wasn’t too packed as they pushed inside, the smell of fresh baked goods and coffee instantly surrounding the pair.
“Fae! Glinda!” A gentle voice rang out from behind the counter. Galinda smiled as the Chicken jumped up onto a platform next to the counter, installed to allow Farren easier access to her workstation.
“Mrs. Farren!” Elphaba beamed, giving Galinda’s hand a squeeze before she let go and walked over to the counter, “How lovely to see you, I didn’t think you worked on weekends!” Elphaba picked up an easy conversation with the Chicken, Galinda smiled at her friend, glancing around the shop and claiming a table near the back corner for the two of them. The blonde didn’t want to interrupt Elphie as she conversed and caught up with her friend, but she couldn’t help but admire the green girl.
Galinda knew Elphaba was close with a lot of the Animals in and around Shiz, they’d helped her feel less alone when Galinda had the university hating the green girl. Frowning at the thought, Galinda sank a little into her seat and tried not to let the shame burn through her courage to tell Elphie how she felt. She quickly shook the small frown off her face as Elphaba started approaching, beaming.
“I’m so glad I got to speak with Farren, it’s been too long since I’ve seen her- honestly, Galinda, thank you for suggesting we come here.” Elphaba took the seat across from Galinda, who let a smile replace the frown and Elphaba’s enthusiasm overwhelm her own anxieties.
“I’m just happy you agreed- should we go order?” Galinda asked, her eyes flicking to the door as a few more patrons entered the shop. Elphaba took Galinda’s hand before she could stand.
“No worries, my sweet, I already did. A black coffee for myself and an oat milk latte with a hint of hazelnut for you.” As Elphaba spoke, Galinda could feel her cheeks beginning to burn again, her mouth fell open in shock. Elphaba frowned a little and furrowed her brow, “I-I’m sorry, I probably should have asked… I just, I know you’ve ordered that before, and I was so caught up with talking to Farren-”
“No, no, Elphie, it's okay. That is my order, I just-you remembered…?” Galinda smiled shyly as Elphaba shrugged and nodded.
“Of course I remember, my sweet,” Elphaba explained. Galinda could have sworn she saw a dusting of darker green on Elphaba’s cheeks. Although it could have easily been a trick of the light .
“Thank you, Elphie, that’s very kind of you.” Galinda’s tone was soft, giving the green girl’s hand a light squeeze. Elphaba’s eyes met Galinda’s for a moment, and time seemed to freeze. Galinda could feel her heart start to race again. Now is your chance. It’s perfect, she’s right there, she’s listening. She’s waiting for you to say something. “Elphie, I have to tell you something.”
“Yes?” Elphaba tilted her head a little at the blonde’s words, and Galinda could feel heat rushing through her face, neck, and ears. She swallowed hard around the lump forming in her throat, feeling her hands numb a little as her anxiety started to spike. Just tell her, Galinda.
“Elphie, I-”
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my two favorite ladies!” Fiyero’s voice quickly shattered Galinda’s confidence; she sank down into her seat a little, blinking rapidly to ease the burning in the corners of her eyes. “I had no idea you two gals would be here!” Fiyero pulled a chair up to the table without an air of caution for those around him, a few other patrons shooting him dirty looks for his volume.
“Fiyero, how nice to see you here.” Elphaba’s tone was a little clipped, or at least it sounded like it to Galinda. She was having trouble focusing on much of anything as her thoughts started racing through her head. Galinda’s eyes snapped to Fiyero, fixing a glare on him sharp enough it would cut paper.
“Yes, how lovely .” Galinda hissed through gritted teeth, jaw clenched tight enough to hurt.
“Galinda, you had something you were saying?” Fiyero turned to her with a wicked grin, one Galinda wanted to smack right off his face.
“Yeah, I was trying to speak with Elphie until someone rudely interrupted.” Galinda clenched her hands into fists, feeling her nails dig into her skin. Focusing on that was easier than focusing on the anxiety that quickly began building in her again. You missed your chance. He’s going to ruin it.
Galinda’s spiraling thoughts were swiftly interrupted by Farren appearing with their drinks balanced precariously on a tray she’d mastered carrying on her back.
“Black coffee for Miss Fae, and an oat milk latte for Miss Glinda!” Farren announced happily. Galinda carefully took the mugs, passing Elphie hers, their fingers brushed together for a brief moment, and Galinda’s heart leapt into her throat.
“Actually, ma’am, her name is Ga -linda.” Fiyero’s gaze fixed on the Chicken. Galinda’s head quickly snapped toward the prince, and she furrowed her brows. She opened her mouth to scold him, but was quickly cut off by Elphaba.
“Well, Fiyero, you’re right, but like most Animals, Mrs. Farren here isn’t able to produce the correct sound for Galinda’s name. Old Gillikinese names are sometimes rather difficult for most Animals to pronounce-” Elphaba began explaining to the prince the Animal history as she had once for Galinda herself. After shooting an apologetic look toward Farren, who offered her a soft smile, Galinda listened to her friend speak.
While Galinda hadn’t learned a whole lot about Animal history, she always loved learning from Elphaba. It helped pull her thoughts away from how annoyed she was with Fiyero for interrupting, and her anxiety that settled into her stomach. Galinda’s coffee sat mostly untouched as she listened. She took a sip at one point, scrunching her nose at how it’s gone cold now, but she still idly drank it. Galinda loved hearing Elphie talk about Animal history, she noticed how expressive the green girl got as she did, and how her eyes lit up with a certain passion nothing else could replicate. Galinda blushed as she admired her friend, for a few moments able to completely ignore that anyone else existed in the café. Elphaba would occasionally shoot Galinda a brief glance or flash her a smile, each one sent her heart soaring.
The feelings were rather quick to return as Elphaba started to stand from the table, breaking the brief peace that had settled over Galinda. You missed your chance; she’s leaving now, and you completely missed it.
“I’m really sorry, I just realized the time- Nessa is expecting me soon,” Elphaba explained, her eyes turning to Fiyero. She gave him a brief nod. “Fiyero, nice seeing you.” The green girl walked around the table to Galinda, who stood and wrapped her arms around her. “I’ll see you later, my sweet.” Elphaba’s tone softened as she spoke, returning the hug to the blonde. Galinda felt a small smile grow on her face and hugged her a little tighter before she let go.
“I’ll see you, Elphie, say hi to Nessie for me!” Galinda, called as Elphaba, quickly walked toward the door. She glanced over her shoulder and gave one last smile to the blonde before she left.
Galinda settled down into her seat again, and as soon as the door closed, her eyes snapped to the Vinkun prince.
“The hell was that Fiyero?!” Galinda hissed, watching as Fiyero shrugged nonchalantly, sipping a coffee and leaning back in his chair.
“Me enjoying a coffee with my two friends .” Fiyero snarked and let his gaze fall over Galinda, she tensed as he stared. “What’s the matter, Lin? You seemed to be having a pretty serious conversation with her, did I interrupt something?” he smirked as he spoke, making Galinda’s blood boil.
“You’re an asshole, you know exactly what you were doing Fiyero!” Galinda slammed her hand down on the table, watching the prince flinch briefly, but he quickly masked it.
“Bit of an odd choice there, Glinny. The green one, really?” Fiyero’s words had Galinda whip around so fast she saw stars.
“The hell did you say?” Galinda’s tone was low and threatening. No one insults my Elphie and walks away from it.
“I’m just saying, Galinda, if you really thought the green was going to deter me from her, I think you’re just plain stupid.”
“Why do you do this every time, Tigelaar?! I show interest in a girl, and you just have to swoop in and steal her! No! Not this fucking time. Leave my Elphie alone. She’s deserving of someone way better than your pompous ass.” Galinda snapped, staring the prince down. His smug smirk didn’t waver, and that only irritated her more. Her mind flashed through her history with the prince, the few girls she’s ever shown slight interest in. Sarima, Jules, Peni. Every one, Fiyero had sauntered his way into their lives and wedged himself between them. Every time he chased them away from you by telling them how you felt before you could.
“Oh, what like you ?” Fiyero’s words made Galinda flinch; she felt tears burn the corners of her eyes, but she bit her cheek, refusing to let them fall. “Don’t think I didn’t hear all about how you treated her at the beginning of the year.” Galinda stood quickly and started walking away, she refused to let Fiyero Tigelaar break her. Or at least let him see her cry. His last words as she left the café echoed in her mind.
“It’d just be easier to give it up, Galinda- you know how all of these end.” Fiyero’s voice was laced with malice. It forced Galinda’s feet to move faster, she found herself practically running back to Shiz, tears still threatening to spill over.