Bro'mance
Chapter 1
A Males Guide to
Dating Women
AN: So, this was originally supposed to be a one-shot, but after a lot of consideration, and the advice of friends here on fanfiction (you know who you are) I've decided to turn it into a story. Some of the content is hard to read, so I apologize ahead of time. Some of the things that the main character endures are derived from personal experiences in my own life. Also, the medical condition Elphaba has is real, a very good friend of mine suffers from seizures constantly in her life. She's a great woman who is very kind and has a heart of gold. She is always there when you need her and I greatly admire her, not only for her strength, but her wisdom as well. So, this story is dedicated to her.
Fiyero walked the grounds of Shiz University in a daze. His eyes stared dreamily in a haze as he stumbled his way back to his dorm; a lopsided grin on his face.
Many of the students watched him, curiosity and confusion sparkling within their eyes. Never, in all their time since the devilishly handsome Winkie Prince first graced the scene, had they seen him like this, love-struck, and completely in a trance. It was queer, yet the students had seen stranger. After all, how many green people lived in Oz?
Shaking their heads, the students simply whispered amongst themselves, all having their own theories as to why the Winkie Prince was…well, as he was.
Though all would have guessed wrong for Fiyero was simply on cloud nine. He had just asked the most gorgeous girl here at Shiz University out on a date. And in truth, he simply couldn't be happier.
Stumbling through is door, Fiyero barely gave notice of his roommate, a one Avaric Tenmeadows sitting on his bed, an Ozboys magazine clutched tight in his hands.
"Oh yeah…I'd like to get my hands on this dark haired beauty…oh the naughty things I would do to-"starts Avaric, but stops at the sound of the door closing.
Lowering his magazine, Avaric's light blue eyes stared confused at the Prince leaning against the door, a goofy expression on his face, his eyes glazed over in a dream-like state.
"What in Oz has your undies in a twist?" asks Avaric.
"I just asked the most gorgeous girl in all of Oz out on date" replies Fiyero in a dreamy voice.
"You decided to ask that hot blonde…what's her name" starts Avaric as he snaps his fingers mindlessly in the air. "Galinda Upland out on a date? Good for you man. Hey if you need the room to yourself later just let me know. If you put a tie on the knob then I'll know not to return and "disturb" your fun" chuckles Avaric.
"What…no not Galinda" replies Fiyero, snapping out of his stupor.
"ShenShen? Pfannee? Milla...all those babes are really hot"
"No, no and no none of the above" growls Fiyero. Honestly, and here he thought that he was the brainless one.
"Then who in Oz is left!" exclaims Avaric. Slowly, he turns to face the wall, his eyes flicker skyward, as if in deep thought, "All the hotties have already been listed unless you" starts Avaric, but stops midsentence. Freezing, he turns wide eyed back at the Prince. "You didn't"
"What?" asks Fiyero confused.
"You didn't…tell me you didn't ask the green bean out on a date" pleads Avaric. Quickly he rises off of the bed, his eyes never leaving Fiyero. And in five quick strides, stands before Fiyero, his eyes burning deep into dark sapphire.
"First of all" growls Fiyero, his hands ball into tight fists by his side, as he glares back at his roommate. "Her name is Elphaba…and secondly…she's not ugly she's gorgeous"
"Sure…if your into that kind of thing" shrugs Avaric.
"I' am" growls Fiyero.
"Alright alright…no need to get your panties in a twist. Was only joking" replies Avaric. A smug smile on his face, Avaric clasps a hand on Fiyero's shoulder and, turning, gently guides him back to the bed. "So…where are you taking the Arti-I mean Miss Thropp out?"
"To the Wilted Rose" sighs Fiyero, deciding not, to acknowledge his friends little slip up. Oz, he wondered why he bothered to befriend such oafs.
"The Wilted Rose…oh how romantic!" gushes Avaric in a mocking tone.
"And what's wrong with the Wilted Rose?" asks Fiyero, glaring back at Avaric.
"Nothing. It suits her" chuckles Avaric, laughing at his own joke, that obviously, the Prince didn't catch.
Suddenly, Fiyero's eyes widen in horror. Jumping off the bed, he steps away, his mouth hung open in shock and the color drained from his face.
"Oh Oz…I have a date with Elphaba Thropp!" exclaims Fiyero.
"Yes…I think we've already established that" growls Avaric, rolling his eyes.
Turning, Fiyero marches up to Avaric. Reaching towards him, he grabs onto his shirt collar.
"No you don't understand! She's not like other girls!" snaps Fiyero.
"Again. I think we've already established that" replies Avaric dryly.
"Not the green. I mean. Really, she's not like other girls. She probably doesn't go for the flowers and chocolate, the smooth talk and romantic touches and caresses. Oh Oz what am I going to do!" panics Fiyero.
Laughing, Avaric reaches up and grabs a hold of Fiyero's hands. Gently, he forces Fiyero's hands off of his shirt.
"Relax dude. I've got you" laughs Avaric. Slowly, his hands rise and grasp firm onto Fiyero's, and gently, pulls his hands away from his collar.
"You…what?" asks Fiyero confused.
"I can teach you everything you need to know about Bro'mance" replies Avaric, as he makes a grand sweeping gesture with his hand.
"Bro'mance?" questions Fiyero, eyeing his roommate.
"Yes. Bro'mance. The full proof guide to dating woman. Any kind of woman" replies Avaric.
"Ah, thanks but no thanks. I think I'll just go as myself" starts Fiyero, but Avaric pulls him against him.
"No really, this works. I've given my brother these techniques. And now he's dating a supermodel. A supermodel for Ozsakes! And he's not that handsome to begin with!"
"Oookay. I guess" replies Fiyero wearily.
"Trust me. Use these techniques, and the green bean. I mean Elphaba, will be yours in no time" laughs Avaric.
"I've got nothing else to loose I guess" sighs Fiyero.
"That's a sport" laughs Avaric, as he clasps hard onto Fiyero's back. "now…when's the blessed event?" laughs Avaric.
"Eight" replies Fiyero dryly.
"Plenty of time"
"Oz…what did I get myself into?" mutters Fiyero.
Nine o' clock rolled around, and Elphaba nervously paced the floor of her dorm, worry etched on her face. Galinda watched, perched on her bed, concern etched in her delicate features. Sighing, she gracefully tucked her legs beneath the pink frills of her sequined dress.
"He's late…he's over an hour late" grumbles Elphaba as she continues to pace the floor.
Suddenly, she stops, whirls around and stares horrified back at her roommate and best friend.
"Maybe he's changed his mind. Maybe he realized what a horrible mistake he's making asking the green abomination out on a date! How it will tarnish his reputation, his family, his namesake!" drawls on Elphaba, panic set deep into her voice.
"Elphie please!" shrieks Galinda. Jumping off her bed, she storms up next to her best friend, and grabbing hard onto her bare shoulders, shakes her, gaining her attention and snapping her out of her chaotic thoughts.
"Relax Elphie. Calm before you make yourself sick" pleads Galinda, her voice soft, and tender.
Listening to her friend, Elphaba slowly takes in a couple deep breathes and the rigidity of her shoulders slackens beneath Galinda's fingers. Her racing heart, stills within her chest.
"Better?" asks Galinda, after a few minutes.
"Yes…thank you" replies Elphaba softly, flashing her friend a watery smile.
"Good. Now" starts Galinda. Gently, she leads her friend over to her pink stuffed bed. Setting her down, Galinda gently runs a brush through Elphaba's raven curls.
Galinda had spent the last three hours, getting her friend ready for her date. She was absolutely ecstatic to hear that Fiyero had asked her out. She knew, the instant Fiyero came upon the scene, and had laid eyes upon the emerald beauty, that he had fallen under her spell. And yes, under normal circumstances, Galinda would have done everything and anything within her power, to attain the handsome Prince for herself.
Yet Elphaba was so different. She had changed the blonde, and for the better. She had shown her, that the world didn't revolve around her, that there were more important things in life than just fashion, and worrying about one's beauty and popularity. There were atrocities in the Land of Oz. Atrocities that could be stopped, if one voice, if one person, stood up for the wrongs committed by those who were in power.
She gave Galinda her voice, allowed the real Galinda to break free from her gilded cage, and shine in all her glory to the world of Oz. She taught the blonde to be true to herself and to be proud of whom she was. She also helped her develop better studying habits, hence helping the blonde to boost her grades up significantly, which not only pleased the HeadShiztress, but her parents as well.
Tenderly, Galinda places a delicate hand on her friends shoulder as she silently admired her work. It had taken awhile, but she had successfully "beautified" her friend, having first curled her hair, then styling it by twisting some of her beautiful raven locks into an elegant bun. Gillikin pearls sparkled and swirled within the sea of raven silk.
Next, she applied a little bit of makeup; a tradeoff deal. She applied a dark cover of lavender eye shadow to her eyes and a little bit of black eyeliner to her bottom lid. Curling her lashes, she applied a little bit of mascara.
There was no negotiating when it came to the dress. Elphaba was adamant on it being black. Not blue, purple, yellow, orange, or any other horrendible color of dress that the blonde owned in her massive closet. And especially, not pink.
The two finally settled on a simple black dress that Galinda had bought years ago. For what, she couldn't remember. After all, Galinda Upland didn't wear anything of such boorish color.
The dress was long, ending at Elphaba's ankles, and it showed off her curves perfectly, revealing the elegant hourglass figure, normally hidden away by her hideodious frocks and skirts. The neckline plunged low, revealing the humps her breasts which were actually, a nice size; a size or two bigger than Galinda's; much to her dismay.
An ebony locket hung from her neck. It was a necklace that Elphaba refused to take off, for it had once belonged to her mother. It, like the emerald bottle, was the only two things, Elphaba managed to procure. Everything else had gone to Nessa. Working with that, Galinda simply put a choker made of thick, ebony lace around her neck, a small ebony pendant in the shape of a Gillikin rose, hung from the center.
She looked beautiful, like an emerald goddess. Galinda had to admit, this was her best work ever! And with such little material to use.
"Just because FiFi is late doesn't mean that he's cancelled your date" replies Galinda soothingly.
"What else could it mean then?" asks Elphaba, fear laced deep within her voice.
"He simply could be hung up" giggles Galinda.
"Hung up? Galinda is that even a word?" asks Elphaba, quirking an elegant eyebrow at her friend.
"Yes miss I-know-everything it is" huffs Galinda.
"Just checking" replies Elphaba, holding her hands up in defeat.
"Anyways…he could simply be tying up loose ends, making sure your date goes off without a hitch. You know, all romantic and stuff" continues Galinda dreamily.
Elphaba watches incredulously, as Galinda tilts her head to the side, her hands clasped together, rises and rests against her cheek, and a huge, lovey smile on her lips.
"Glin…he's over an hour late…our date was supposed to be at eight. He had asked me at three. That gave him plenty of time to "tie up" any loose ends that he may have needed to attend to" proclaims Elphaba.
"Oh Elphie, stop being so cynical!" whines Galinda, as her hands drop defeated into her lap.
"You mean, rational?" asks Elphaba teasingly.
"No, cynical. FiFi wouldn't cancel on you. He likes you. Has since the first day he arrived here at Shiz. Truthfully, I'm surprised it's taken him this long to ask you out!" gasps Galinda as she waves her hands sporadically in the air.
"Oz Glin…tone down the volume please! I'd like my hearing intact until I'm old and gray" snaps Elphaba.
"Sorry" replies Galinda sheepishly.
"Glin…maybe for you Fiyero would be here on time. Dressed to the nines, a bouquet of your favorite flowers in hand. But me…a freak" replies Elphaba, but her voice trails as she stares off into the distance.
"Elphie" whispers Galinda softly. Slow, so not to startle her, Galinda winds an arm around her friends shoulder. Pulling her close, she wraps her friend in a fierce hug. "You're not a freak"
"Tell that to my dad" mutters Elphaba, her voice muffled by the blonde's hair.
"Your father's an old fuddy-duddy who doesn't realize what an amazing daughter he truly has" whispers Galinda softly.
Slowly, Galinda pulls away her soft cerulean eyes stare misty into warm chocolate. Her hands rise, and cup Elphaba's cheeks.
"Thanks Glin…but I'm afraid he'll never see me as anything more, than just a freak. A murderer, who killed our mother, and crippled his beloved daughter" whispers Elphaba, her voice choking at the end.
"Elphie" whispers Galinda tenderly.
She really needed to work on her friend's self-esteem. She hoped, that with Fiyero having asked her out that her friends self-esteem would get better. She was wrong. As of right now, Fiyero was only making it worse. Wait until she saw that no good, son-of-a-
She was interrupted from her thoughts by a soft knock on the door. Squealing, she turned towards her friend.
"That's him!"
"Please…it's probably ShenShen having a "fashion" emergency" sighs Elphaba, rolling her eyes.
"Nope, it's him. Trust me" trills Galinda.
Before Elphaba can retort, Galinda bounces off the bed, and all but glides to the door, and grabbing the handle, turns it and dramatically throws open the door.
There, on the other side, stood Fiyero Tiggular, the scandalicious Winkie Prince from the Vinkus. He was dressed in a white dress shirt made of Gillikin silk, a black vest on top and a matching jacket covering it. His hair was slicked back, which confusified the blonde, for never, had Fiyero slicked his hair back, but hey, there's always a first time. He stood leaning against the doorframe. One arm bent against the wall, the other resting placid at his side, and one leg crossed over the other.
A frown crossed her face, seeing Fiyero stand there, empty handed, a silver flask in one hand.
"Why Master Tiggular, how simply wonderful of you to finally grace us with your presence" replies Galinda through gritted teeth.
"The pleasure is all mine" purrs Fiyero. Gently, he takes the blonde's hand in his own and in one swift motion, brings her hand up to his lips and kisses it, before winking back at her.
"Look Elphie, Fiyero's here" coughs Galinda.
Stepping aside, Fiyero's eyes widened at the sight before him. Elphaba, slowly rose from the bed, the ends of her dress billowed around her, before gracefully touching the ground.
His breath caught in his throat, as he beheld the emerald beauty standing before him. She truly looked like a goddess.
"Elphaba" replies Fiyero softly. As if in a trance, Fiyero steps into the room, and standing before her, he reaches down and grabs gently onto her hand. Bringing her hand up to his lips, he presses a gentle kiss to her knuckles.
"You look absolutely stunning"
"Thank you" whispers Elphaba shyly.
Smiling, Galinda all but prances over to Elphaba and Fiyero's side. Placing both hands on either one's backs, she hurriedly shoos them towards the door.
"Yes she does doesn't she. Now off with you shoo shoo. And don't come back until late!" Dramatically, Galinda slams the door on the two, and leaning against it, lets out the breath she didn't know she was holding.
"Please please please let it go alright" prays Galinda.
Silent, both Elphaba and Fiyero stare dumbfounded at the closed door, neither daring to move or speak.
"Well" starts Fiyero as he turns to stare back into Elphaba's eyes. Oz, he could get lost within her eyes. "Let's get this shindig over and done with shall we"
"Ah" starts Elphaba, but stops as Fiyero abruptly turns and starts walking down the hallway, ignoring her. "Sure" finishes Elphaba in a dryly. Oz, this was going to be a long night.
Slumping her shoulders, she follows Fiyero down the hall. Her eyes flicker every now and again to his arm. Disappointment pulsed within her heart, as Galinda's words echoed within her head.
A gentleman will always take a Ladies arm as they escort them out to the awaiting carriage
"Fat chance of that happening" mumbles Elphaba.
"What was that?" asks Fiyero.
"Nothing" replies Elphaba.
"Oh…good" smiles Fiyero. Turning he directs his attention back to his flask, twirling absently between his fingers.
Oz, why did I agree to this!
Once outside, Elphaba's hopes were once again dashed, seeing that he had not even bothered to borrow a carriage for their "special" evening; which was one of the many reasons she had come up with to why he was so late.
"No carriage?" asks Elphaba absently.
"I figured you'd want to walk. You know, to stay in shape and stuff" shrugs Fiyero.
"Oh how kind of you dear Prince" replies Elphaba sarcastically.
"It is, isn't it" laughs Fiyero, totally missing her sarcasm.
Growling, Elphaba watches as Fiyero starts off towards the Gates, once again leaving her behind. Sighing, she picked up the end of her dress and ran to catch up with them.
During their time walking to the restaurant, Elphaba tried to engage Fiyero in some "small talk". Yet with each effort, Fiyero either shrugged his shoulders, or made a clicking noise in the back of his throat. Eventually, Elphaba just gave up.
Casting her eyes down at the street moving beneath her feet, she watched absently as the cobblestones glisten in the moonlight.
Reaching the place, Elphaba's eye snapped up from off the ground and stared shocked at the building.
"The Wilted Rose" asks Elphaba shocked.
"Is there something wrong with it?" ask Fiyero, a hint of worry, laced within his voice.
"No it's just. Isn't it a little bit…too expensive?" asks Elphaba.
"Yes it is. How bout we go to Ozwalds down the street instead" shrugs Fiyero.
Before Elphaba can protest, Fiyero turns and heads back down the other way, towards the small little malt shop where students regularly gather for a quick bite to eat.
Sighing, Elphaba looks down to admire her dress.
"It's a good thing I dressed up"
Casting one last glance at the restaurant, Elphaba turns and follows Fiyero down the street. In no time, the two had made it to Ozwald's. Inside, Elphaba was greeted with the sight of, almost the entire student body of Shiz, partying inside. Including all of those who absolutely loathed her very being.
Gulping, Elphaba leaned in closer to Fiyero, and whispered in his ear.
"Are you sure about this?" a hint of fear in her voice.
"Yeah…this is so much better than The Wilted Rose. More…normal" answers Fiyero, though he couldn't help, but wince, hearing the fear in Elphaba's silken voice.
That hurt. Elphaba tried to hide the pain flickering across her face. Normal, a word that would never abide to her, for no matter how hard she tried, she would never be normal, and that fact alone, nearly broke her heart.
She was ripped from her thoughts at the sound of cat whistles being thrown at her by some of the more boorish males of Shiz. The girls were all batting their eyes and flirting with Fiyero. Some even were squishing their arms against their chest, puffing up their breasts so the Prince could see. And Fiyero was simply eating it all up.
Elphaba watched, as Fiyero gave each and every one of the girls a kiss on the cheek, hugging some and even touching others. The boys weren't any better. All were calling her, whistling, and spouting off derogatory comments at her.
Growling, Elphaba marched up to Fiyero's side. Reaching out, she grasped hard onto Fiyero's arm, and spun him roughly around so he was facing her.
"Can't we go somewhere more…quite?"
"Are you here with the Artichoke?" came a familiar voice.
Whirling, Elphaba's eyes narrow at the sight of ShenShen and Pfannee, standing next to the Prince, their hands gently caressing his chiseled chest, and hair.
"The green aberration of Shiz…the freak?" continues Pfannee.
"Yeah" shrugs Fiyero nonchalantly.
That hurt, another strike against her heart, another new crack, fissuring across an already fragile plain. Tears threatened to bristle within her eyes.
"Come and join us Fiyero. I'm sure our company would be much more "fun" than hanging out with the freak" purrs ShenShen, as she presses herself against Fiyero.
"Now ladies" admonished Fiyero. "I asked Miss Elphaba here on a date, and I intend to see it through. But next time, I will" replies Fiyero, before pressing a kiss to her cheek.
"Oh Fiyero" giggles ShenShen.
Turning, Fiyero grabs hard onto Elphaba's arm, stopping her from her tirade at the idiot girl, practically drooling all over him. Pulling her along, Fiyero unceremoniously drops Elphaba down in a booth, a few feet away. The jabbers and gossip of the group still reached her ears. Gossip to why Fiyero would even bother to be seen with her. A lost cause, a hopeless case.
Perhaps he's doing a public service by taking her out.
I heard she bribed him into taking her out on a date.
Wouldn't surprise me. She's so desperate!
Tell me about it. He deserves someone so much better than that abomination.
Clenching her teeth, Elphaba tried with all her might to ignore the banter of her fellow students. Yet no matter how much she tried, she couldn't get their voices out of her head.
Fiyero wasn't helping much either in that department. He sat there, on the other side, making kissing noises back at the silly girls. Winking and flashing them his most brillifying smile ever.
She was about to dismiss him from this "date" when the waitress stepped up, interrupting her.
"What'll it be loves" asks the woman, her voice was gravely, and low.
The woman was old, maybe in her later fifties at the most. Her once splendid blonde hair was a messy swirl of dull blonde, mixed with splints of gray. Her emerald eyes were dull, half hidden beneath thick framed glasses.
"I'll-"starts Elphaba.
"She'll have a glass of water. And I'll have a mug of your finest ale" interrupts Fiyero.
"Water?" growls Elphaba.
"Yeah. You gotta keep that hot shape of yours" winks Fiyero.
"Don't you mean to keep the green from drying out?" seethes Elphaba.
"Well. That too" shrugs Fiyero nonchalantly.
"I'll be back with your drinks" interrupts the waitress.
Before leaving, the waitress flashes Elphaba a sympathetic smile.
"Oz Fiyero can you be any more insensitive!"
"In what?" asks Fiyero confused.
"I.N.S.E.N.S.I.T.I.V.E" spells out Elphaba. "It means to have a deficient in human sensibility, acuteness of feeling or consideration of others, unfeeling, callous-"
"I get it and no. I don't think so. But if you do, then I'll try not to be…whatever it is you called me" sniffs Fiyero.
Huffing, Elphaba crosses her arms against her chest, as she glares back at Fiyero.
The waitress returned a few minutes later and asked for their orders.
"I'll have the steak, garlic mashed potatoes and the vegetable medley" sniffs Fiyero
"And you?" asks the waitress softly.
"I'll-"starts Elphaba, but once again, she is cut off by Fiyero's voice.
"She'll have the chef salad. Low fat dressing on the side and no meat" Slyly, he leans in towards the waitress "she's a vegetarian"
"Okay. I'll be right back with your food"
A few minutes later, and the food arrived. Elphaba glared back at Fiyero as he savagely bit into his steak.
"Aren't you hungry?" asks Fiyero, his mouth full of food.
"I was" says Elphaba dryly.
Shrugging, he goes back to his food.
Elphaba was just about at her wits end, when a voice, stopped her oncoming tirade.
"Oh Fiyero" came a seductive voice.
Looking up, Elphaba watches as ShenShen walks up to the table, her eyes smoldering as she stared back at the Winkie Prince. Seductively she lays herself across the table.
"I was wondering…if you wanted to "meet" me later, for a one-on-one study session" asks ShenShen her voice was low, and husky. Slowly, her hand rose, and the tips of her fingers lithely brushed against his chin, making him shiver.
"Sure thing" growls Fiyero.
Giggling, ShenShen scooted herself closer, and twirling, plopped herself in Fiyero's lap. Her legs wrapped around his waist. Her hands rose and grasped onto his neck. Slowly, she slid her body up and down the Prince's body, making him hiss in pleasure.
"That's it!" roars Elphaba.
Angrily, she slams her fists against the table. ShenShen squeaking jumps off of Fiyero as the other students, including the staff, freeze in place. No one dared to move, or speak, as the green woman leveled on the Prince.
The waitress from earlier couldn't help but sigh in relief. It was about time that Prince got what was coming to him. Pig.
"I can put up with not offering an arm, or engaging in small talk. Hell I can even look past getting all dressed up to go to some fancy restaurant, only to be taken to a malt shop!" Roars Elphaba.
Fiyero by now, had gone rigid, his heart caught in his throat at the rage, burning bright within the green woman's eyes.
"I can take you not defending me in front of your friends. But I won't. Repeat, wont, allow you to dictate what I should and should not drink, nor the food I put in my body simply because of "weight" or my "preference" to meat. And I definitely won't stand for you flirting with another girl and practically humping her in front of me!" roars Elphaba.
Fearful for her life, ShenShen slinks away, hiding in the crowd of her fellow students. The air was tense, sparks of electricity flickered in the air. A magickal wind picked up, billowing and roaring within the small café, making Elphaba's hair billow violently around her, and green sparks of magick, flickered and sparked around her slender fingers.
"You Master Fiyero, are the most callous…insidious, insensitive prick I have ever met! You're a heartless bastard who has not a clue on how to treat a woman! Your completely and utterly brainless and could care less for the feelings of others!" roars Elphaba.
That hurt. The brainless, insensitive image he had created was one he had hoped to loose, once he had laid eyes on the green enchantress of Shiz.
"Don't you ever come near me or Galinda ever again! I hate you Fiyero Tiggular! I hope to never lay eyes on you ever again!"
Suddenly, the table in front of them explodes, and flips over, sending dishes and glasses everywhere. The glass of the windows explode, the glass raining down upon the ground, the lights above flicker and sway in the violent torrents, before shattering, raining down sparks of gold to the ground.
Turning, Elphaba all but flees from the restaurant, tears of pain, of betrayal shimmer within her eyes; which didn't go unnoticed by the Winkie Prince.
Everyone ducks, before the entire restaurant is engulfed in darkness.
Slowly, one by one, the lights flicker on again. The students slowly rise from their hiding places, each the look of fear alight within their eyes. All but Fiyero, scream and rant over the abominations outbursts. He simply sat there, eyes wide in horror, and mouth agape.
The waitress from before walks over and immediately tries to help clean Fiyero up of the food and beer, spilled on his shirt.
"Are you alright?" asks the waitress gently.
"I…oh Oz" gasps Fiyero.
"What…are you in need of the paramedics!" gasps the waitress.
"I…Oh Oz what have I done!"
Before the waitress can say another word, Fiyero bolts up from the bench, and dashes through the door, leaving the waitress, and the other students completely dumbfounded.
Outside, Fiyero searches for a sign of the green woman. But only darkness greets him.
Thunder clasps in the sky, and for a second, all is silent, before the sky ripped open, and sheets of freezing rain poured down upon the Land of Oz.
Horror filled Fiyero's veins, the rain, the water, Elphaba was allergic to water! Inwardly, Fiyero kicked himself for not hiring a carriage for the night. Yet another great idea by Avaric Tenmeadows.
This whole night was a disaster and all because he had decided to take Avaric's advice. Casting those thoughts away, Fiyero wildly spins around in a circle, hoping to catch a flash of green.
They were much much too far away from Shiz and too far into town for any proper shelter, for none of the shops here, seemed to believe in having an overhang, by their front door.
"Elphaba! Fae!" screams Fiyero.
Turning, Fiyero headed towards the path leading back to Shiz, the same path he and Elphaba had taken but an hour ago. Surly she would have gone this way.
The entire time he ran, he kept his eyes peeled for her. Yet with each passing moment, his hopes of finding her, faded. He eventually made it back to Shiz.
Running back to Crage Hall, he threw open the door and dashed inside. Taking the steps two at a time, he eventually made it up to the third floor. Dashing down the hallway, he skirted across the floor till he came to Galinda's and Elphaba's shared dorm room.
"Galinda…Galinda open up please!" roars Fiyero as he pounds frantically on the door.
Eventually, the sound of the locks clicking reached his ears. Stepping back, he waited as the door, slowly opened, revealing a very sleepy, and disheveled blonde.
"Fiyero…what in Oz" asks Galinda sleepily.
"Galinda, is Elphaba in there?" interrupts Fiyero.
"What…no. She hasn't come back yet…why?" asks Galinda, narrowing her eyes at the Prince. "What did you do?"
"I" starts Fiyero, before lowering his gaze, his shoulders slump in defeat. "I shouldn't have listened to Avaric" concedes Fiyero.
"Avaric…what in…Fiyero! Don't tell me you took dating advice from Avaric!" cries Galinda.
"I was nervous! He told me it was full proof!" snaps Fiyero.
"Yeah, for an idiot! Not for someone as smart as Elphie" admonishes Galinda coldly.
"Please Glin…I need to find her. It's pouring ice out there and she's-" starts Fiyero in a pleading tone.
"It's raining! Then why didn't you say so!" cries Galinda.
Before Fiyero can respond, Galinda slams the door in his face. A few minutes later, and the door opens, Galinda stood there, dressed in a thick dress and coat, the hood covering her head. And an ebony umbrella clutched tight in her hands.
"It's Elphie's" is all Galinda says.
"Let's go!" replies Fiyero.
Galinda and Fiyero step out into the blinding rain, neither knowing exactly what to do, or where to go, and both fearful for the green girls life. Turning, Galinda glares back at Fiyero.
"You go that way, I'll go this way. If you find her, blow this whistle" orders Galinda, before shoving said whistle, into Fiyero's hand.
"And what about you!" yells Fiyero.
"I'll send up a magickal flare!" screams Galinda, over the pouring rain.
"Glin"
"Just go!" roars Galinda.
Fiyero watches as Galinda takes off towards the western parts of Shiz, her slender figure, quickly dissipates within the sheets of freezing rain. Pulling on the lapel of his shirt, Fiyero turns, and heads down the Eastern paths.
"Elphie…Elphie answer me!" screams Galinda.
"Fae…Fae where are you! Come out please!" roars Fiyero.
The rain was coming down harder, pelting both Galinda and Fiyero with big fat drops of ice. It had already been over an hour, and still both had come up empty.
Galinda had headed towards Suicide Canal, a place where she knew Elphaba liked to go to clear her head. A quiet, secluded spot where she could read in peace, and not have to listen to the banter and ridicule of the other students. Where she could be free.
She searched every square inch of Suicide Canal, and having come up empty, was about to turn when a soft whimper caught her attention. Turning, she headed towards the stone bridge. There, huddled in the darkness, was Elphaba, soaked to the bone, and shivering violently. Her long raven hair had fallen out of its bun, and hung loose and tangled around her face. Each strand was drenched, and dripping with water. Her beautiful dress was ripped in several places, and completely saturated.
"Oh Elphie" cries Galinda.
Kneeling before her friend, Galinda tenderly reached up towards her face. Gently, she swept a few drenched strands of hair off of Elphaba's forehead.
"Oh no" gasps Galinda.
Immediately, her hand flew to her forehead.
Galinda winced, feeling the searing heat pulse beneath the palm of her hand. Fever, she was burning up. She had to get Elphaba out of the rain and somewhere dry.
"I'll be right back okay" whispers Galinda.
A mumbled response greeted her.
She was unconscious, and truthfully, Galinda was thankful for that. At least, with her being unconscious, she couldn't feel the searing pain of the water, burning her skin.
Pressing a kiss to her forehead, Galinda pushed herself back up on her feet. And, standing at the edge of the bridge, pointed a slender finger up towards the sky. Instantly, a pink flare of light, shot out of her finger, and exploded high in the sky.
Fiyero turned, his eyes casted skyward. Relief filled his heart, seeing the pink sparkle of light, rain down from the sky. It was Galinda, and she had found Fae.
Turning, he headed towards the source of the flare, Suicide Canal.
"Just hang on Elphie…Fiyero will be here soon, and we'll get you back safe to the infirmary" whispers Galinda softly.
A soft moan slips past Elphaba's lips as her head languidly rolls from one side to the other. Slowly, Elphaba's body starts to slide off the wall, and crumple to the ground, her head smacking the stone ground.
"Elphie!" cries Galinda.
"Galinda!" screams Fiyero
"Fiyero! Over here quick!"
Fiyero leaps beneath the bridge. Instantly, his eyes widen in horror at the sight of Elphaba, lying crumpled on the ground, blood pooling around her. The skin on her arms and legs were horribly burned and charred, large welts bubbled to the surface.
"Oh Oz" whispers Fiyero.
"Admire it later. We have to get her to the Infirmary post haste!" cries Galinda. She was struggling to keep herself together.
"Why?" asks Fiyero, fear constricting within his voice.
"Fever"
That was enough. Quickly, Fiyero scooped Elphaba's limp form up into his arms. Cradling her against him, he turned and all but glared at the rain.
"Glin…put your rain coat over Elphaba, and get ready to open that umbrella of hers" orders Fiyero, as he peers over his shoulder.
Nodding, Galinda quickly shrugs out of her coat. Gently as possible, she places it over Elphaba's body, covering as much skin as possible.
Satisfied, she readied the ebony umbrella between her fingers.
"Alright…let's move!" orders Fiyero.
Flipping open the umbrella Galinda and Fiyero dash wildly through the gardens of Shiz, towards the Infirmary.
"The door!" shouts Fiyero.
Nodding, Galinda throws the umbrella to the side, before reaching out and grasping the handle. Throwing open the door, she spins around as she holds it open.
In a flash, Fiyero runs through, and down the hall. Skidding to a stop, Fiyero stares wildly at two nurses, sitting at a desk, heavily engrossed in a pile of paperwork.
"Help me please…the burns…fever…water" huffs Fiyero.
"Lay her here quickly!" orders one of the Nurses.
Obeying, Fiyero very gently lays Elphaba down on a gurney. In a flash, the two nurses wheel Elphaba through the doors of the Infirmary, leaving Fiyero and Galinda behind, there fears, their only companion.
"Oz Galinda…I can't lose her" whispers Fiyero.
"I know Fiyero…I know"
Hours went by, before Fiyero and Galinda saw any of the nurses from before. It was now four a.m., when the nurse from earlier, finally opened the door.
"You can come in now" replies the Nurse warmly.
"Is she alright?" croaks Fiyero.
"The poor girl's skin was badly burnt. But the oils and salves we used are helping. The skin will heal over time, as long as she continues to use the salves"
"The fever?" asks Galinda softly.
"It was touch and go, but we finally managed to break her fever. She'll live, but she'll have to remain in the Infirmary for a few weeks to recuperate. She's very weak and will be in a lot of pain"
"Is she awake?" asks Fiyero and Galinda at the same time.
"Yes, but the medicine I gave her will be putting her back to sleep again. She needs to rest"
"Can we see her…please" begs Fiyero.
"Briefly. But I warn her, do not upset her. She needs to be calm and relaxed" warns the Nurse, her emerald eyes flash at Fiyero.
"I promise" answers Fiyero.
"Go on then"
Fiyero and Galinda silently make their way to the ward, a place where those recouping from an illness or surgery, remained until their discharge. The place was empty, and large, with great stone walls, and pillars rising high to the ceiling. Rows of beds lined the great hall, each made up perfectly, all except one.
Silently, the two entered the half darkened room. Small splints of gold, splayed against the walls, the window was open, allowing the fresh rain air to sweep into the room.
A bed and a body lay limp on its side in the semi darkness. Her long raven hair spilled down her back, and over the sides. An I.V bag hung from a metal hook, and a line ran from the I.V bag to the woman's arm.
"Elphie?" whispers Galinda.
Nothing. Galinda turns to stare back at Fiyero, silently urging him to speak, to say something.
"Fae" croaks Fiyero.
Instantly, Elphaba's body stiffened at the sound of Fiyero's voice. Silence follows, the only sounds that could be heard, was that of the green girls shallow breathes.
"Fae please I can explain" pleads Fiyero.
"Get. Out" came a low, dark voice.
"What…Fae I" stammers Fiyero, taken aback at the gruffness of Elphaba's voice.
"I said get out. Get. You're not welcome here" growls Elphaba.
"Fae…please" pleads Fiyero.
"Go!" roars Elphaba.
Stiffening, Fiyero bows his head. Tears brim along the edge of his eyes. Galinda watched with tears in her eyes, as Fiyero's mighty shoulders slumped.
Defeated, he turned and headed out of the infirmary.
"Elphie…what in Shiz has gotten into you? Why did you send Fiyero away?" Snaps Galinda.
"Why do you care" growls Elphaba, still not turning to face the blonde.
"Because I care about you, and I know you love Fiyero!"
"Not now nor ever" growls Elphaba.
"What happened?" sighs Galinda, the anger ebbing away.
"It doesn't matter…not anymore" replies Elphaba her voice was monotone, and empty.
Now she was truly scaring her friend. Galinda had never heard her friend sound so defeated, so alone, so…broken. It broke her heart seeing her friend so empty inside.
"Elphie" whispers Galinda softly.
"Just drop it Lynn…just drop it" breathes Elphaba.
"But"
"Drop it!" snaps Elphaba. A few minutes of silence "please"
The pleading tone of Elphaba's voice broke her heart. Half-heartedly, Galinda nodded back at Elphaba. Tears in her eyes, she slowly made her way towards the bed. And standing but an inch away, lowered her hand until the tips of her fingers brushed against Elphaba's slender shoulders. Instantly, Elphaba tensed.
"I'm sorry Elphie"
"So am I" whispers Elphaba brokenly, though, her apology, was for a totally different reason. One the blonde hadn't a clue.