Yes. No. Why not? Oz dammit, I want to! A frail, green skinned girl sits cross-legged on bathroom floor of her dorm, sour rounded with matches and blades, aching to use them. She wrestles with herself, hating how weak she is to the temptation, hating the mess she feels inside. Shedding her black turtleneck, she exposes scar covered arms. The scars vary, some long and thin from a knife, some small and round from a match, some years old, some still healing. Her remaining camisole clings to her thin figure. Her breath skips as she feels the familiar box of matches in her hand. Her heart races with anticipation and fear as she draws one from the box, preparing to strike it. The flame burns bright, wild, free, beautiful. It fascinates and calms the green girl. Abruptly she blows out the match, dropping it to the floor. She quickly scoops up the matches and blades, sneaking silently from the bathroom back into the dorm and shoving them frantically into her drawer. She hurries back to the bathroom to retrieve her shirt, grabbing the extinguished match as well. Her breath quickens as she climbs onto the windowsill of the dorm, throwing a glance to her petite, blonde roommate. Still asleep, as usual. The window sticks. No, no. Please open. The green girl breathes a sigh of relief as the window finally gives and swings open. Bare, green feet gingerly touch the ledge as the girl returns the window to its shut position. She turns around and begins working her way down the uneven brick wall. Once close enough she leaps off and hits the ground running, not stopping to catch her breath, forgotten shirt still clenched in one hand. Bare feet strike the cold, hard ground. Tall trees envelope the night, providing coverage and solitude. Her long, ebony hair flows freely behind her. Night air rushes in and out of lungs, calming the girl's frantic breathing. The woods clear and the back side of another brick building comes into veiw. Without hesitation, she scrambles up the ivy covered wall to a window on the third floor. She pries the window open and climbs inside. Moonlight shines through the pane, softening her emerald skin as she shuts the window.
"Fiyero..." A hushed whisper and the figure on the closest bed stirs. The girl rushes to the bed, crawling frantically beneath the covers and wrapping her arms around its occupant. He returns the gesture gently, holding her as she shakes, calming her fears and self hatred.
"Elphaba...Fae...are you okay?" Concern is written across his handsome face, blue diamonds trailing down the side. He rubs her back in small circles and the shakes slowly calm and then cease.
"I...promised you I...wouldn't...hurt myself...anymore..." Elphaba whispers into his ear, barely audible, trailing off at the end from shame. She buries her face in his neck once more. His heart aches as he feels her tears soaking his nightshirt. With a gentle hand he brushes her hair back from her face and lifts her chin.
"Hey..." The love and acceptance in one soft words contrasts what Elphaba has known from anyone else in her past. She brings her gaze up to meet his. "I love you. No matter what. I told you I'd be there whenever you needed me. And I meant it. I'm thrilled you came tonight. My heart aches that I'm protecting you from yourself, but I'm honored be able to protect such an incredible, beautiful, wonderful girl. Someday I won't need to protect you from yourself, but I'll still hold you every night if you want. I love you, Elphaba. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. Stay with me, Fae." He continues rubbing her back, guiding her gently towards sleep. A whisper escapes her lips before she falls limp into his loving arms, peacefully asleep for the first time in ages.
"I love you too, Fiyero."
