Bro'mance
Chapter 4
The Walls Come
Tumbling Down
AN: Yeah another chapter! Lol. Thank you all who reviewed the last chapter and I know this is getting posted really fast, but I wanted to thank everyone who has read this story, for all who reviewed/reviewing the last chapter. Your continued support has meant the world to me! Okay, I know the last one was a bit heavy, this one is a bit too, but it lightens up I promise. Huge shout outs to everyone, you guys all rock! A special shout out to elphiesglinda for being the first to review the last chapter! Alright, I hope you all enjoy this latest chapter and don't worry, a new chapter will be posted soon!
"Elphie?"
Lost within the chaos, Elphaba had lost all track of time, of rhyme or reason. All she knew, all she cared about, was her world, her life, was slowly shattering before her eyes, crumbling into sheered remains of her already fractured soul, and plunging headlong, into the never-ending abyss.
She didn't know how long she had remained on the floor, neither did she really care. All she wanted, all she desired, as for the world to be done with her, to swallow her whole and leave nothing of her remains. They'd probably piss on it anyways.
Slowly, long black lashes fluttered open, dark chocolate, empty of life stared vacant at the sea of chaos spread out before her. Puddles of blood stained the once pristine white ceramic tiles. Sprays of blood dripped from the wall, and tangled within the silent screams, were layers of raven hair, stuck in the crimson gore.
"Elphie…Oh Oz"
Her eyes flickered to the side. Her breath hitched within her breath, shallow breathes skipped across the silent plain, as the green girl beheld the sight of her roommate and only friend, Galinda Upland, kneeled beside her. Her dark cerulean eyes stared horrified back into broken chocolate. Tears sparkled within, making the blue shimmer in the flickering light. Her long blonde hair fell over her shoulders, half concealing the horror, flickering across the blonde's gentle features.
"Glin" whispered Elphaba hoarsely.
Her features softened, the tears streaked like shooting stars down her delicate porcelain face. A soft sob, slipped past her quivering lips. Her slender body shook, as she took in the horror, screaming back at her.
Stilling her emotions, Galinda very gently reached out towards her friend. Carefully, she grasped onto Elphaba's arm, the other wrapped securely around her thin waist.
With a gentle tug, Galinda helped lift her broken friend off the floor. Grasping onto her hand, she gently led her over to the tub, and setting her down, took a seat by her side.
Her eyes soften, as Elphaba stared vacantly out into the distance. Her eyes were unfocused, as silent tears of rage, of heartbreak shimmered within her eyes. Her raggedy hair fell over her slumped shoulders in broken rivulets of ebony silk.
Galinda didn't know what was more heartbreaking, what her Elphie did to her beautiful hair, or the violent mutilation of her arms. Both, broke the blonde's heart, for both screamed of a soul, broken by years of heartache, of pain and of agony.
Gently, so not to startle her friend, Galinda rose a slender hand up towards her friend's head.
At first, Elphaba jerked away. Insanity flickered within her eyes, before stilling away into the symphony of chocolate, shimmering in the light.
"Oh Elphie" whispers Galinda. Gently, she places a hand on the top of Elphaba's head. She couldn't help, but notice her friend flinching, every time the pads of her fingers ran across her scalp.
It wasn't until further inspection, that Galinda notices the small wisps of raven strands, tangled around delicate emerald fingers, small flecks of blood could be seen, half embedded within her nails.
A sob slipped past her lips, as her eyes slowly rose up to stare at the blank face of her friend. Her heart clenched tight within her chest, for the madness which had consumed her, still walked around campus, blissfully unaware of the damage he had wrought upon this innocent soul.
"Come on…let's get you cleaned up" whispers Galinda. She tried to keep her voice strong, but even she knew, that it trembled, as her eyes took in the horrors, the violence screaming back at her.
Stepping up to the sink, Galinda gracefully kneeled on the ground. Opening the cabinet beneath, she took out a bottle of oil. Rising to her feet, she quickly grabbed a towel, and some bandages.
Taking a seat next to her friend she set the bottle beside her and flipped open the towel. Bringing the bottle up to her lips, the blonde opened her mouth and grasped onto the spongy cork with her teeth. Yanking, the cork popped out.
Putting the cork next to her, Galinda very carefully poured a generous amount of oil into the towel, and then turning to face her friend, she stared at her, tears shimmering within her eyes.
"Okay Elphie…I'm going to clean you up"
Not getting a response, Galinda gently took the green girls arm in between her fingers. And gently, she started to dap at the broken flesh, and wiping away the blood.
Elphaba sat there, rigid, her eyes staring off into the distance, as Galinda continued to clean her up, a vacant expression on her face. Every now and again, the green girl would flinch.
Finally, after a half an hour, Galinda managed to clean away the blood. Putting the towel down, she reached down and grabbed the bandages. Unwinding them, she gently wrapped the material around each wrist, and up the arms.
It was a skill that not many knew the Upland girl to possess. It was a secret, one that Galinda had managed to keep from prying eyes, for too many times in her life, she had to tend to her mother's wounds; made by a night of drunken insanity and heartbreak.
It was a loveless marriage, one where love was but a distant dream, a broken memory on shattered glass. It didn't exist in the Upland household. For her mother married her father out of money, an arranged marriage which would strengthen the Arduenna line.
Her father never loved her mother, never had, and never would. He spent most of his days at the office, or in another woman's bed. He stayed out late, drinking and making a commodity of himself. It wasn't uncommon, for her mother to find her husband asleep, tangled in the sheets with some nameless slut, in their marriage bed.
To deal with the pain, her mother had taken to drinking, but even that, started to take a dangerous turn. Several nights, Galinda would be awakened from her slumber, to hear the cries, the screams of a woman drowning in heartache.
Several times, she found her mother, leaning against her elegant desk, a brandy glass half tipped between her fingers, and a knife, covered in blood clutched loose between the other.
At the tender age of ten, Galinda had to learn how to not only clean the wounds, but dress them as well. She struggled to help assist her mother up to the many bedrooms, where she deposited her in the bed. Tucking her in, Galinda would smooth her mother's golden hair from her sweat beaten forehead, and press a tender kiss.
Elphaba was the only one of her friends, who actually knew this secret. And the green girl swore solemnly, to never reveal the truth to anyone, as long as she lived. It was an unspoken pact, a sealing of their fate, for hence forth since that night, the two became close.
Stowing away her memories, Galinda turned her attention back to the matter at hand. Tying the ends of the bandages together, Galinda's hands limply fell away, her dark cerulean eyes stared heartbroken, back into empty chocolate.
"We really need to do something with your hair" replies Galinda half-heartedly, a water smile tugging at her lips.
That did it that broke the barricade around the green woman's heart. Slowly, her eyes narrowed, as the tears she had been struggling to keep at bay, fell from her eyes in rivulets of crystal.
She broke down, the numbness having vanished back into the darkness. Her emerald lips quivered, as she cried out her heartache, her agony into the silent room.
"Elphie" cries Galinda, having lost all control over her own emotions. Gently, the blonde gathered her friend in her arms, and holding her close, whispered soothing words to the broken girl before her.
"It's alright Elphie…it's alright. Let it out…that's it…let it out my sweet"
Turning, Elphaba absently nestled her head into the crook of Galinda's neck. Her slender arms rose, and wrapped loosely around the blonde's neck.
Tears pricked at the sides of her eyes, feeling her friend's body tremble violently against her own. Never, in all her time of knowing this girl, had she seen her break like this. It was heart wrenching.
Slowly, Galinda's eyes rose up to stare at the shattered mirror. A fist imprint could be seen in the center of the mirror, several large cracks spread from that spot, and spread outward, cracking the silver surface.
Her eyes darken, as her mind races back to the source of this whole nightmare.
"Fiyero" growls Galinda through clenched teeth.
Elphaba didn't know it, but Fiyero had come to Galinda a few days before he had asked her out on that fateful night. During that meeting, Galinda made Fiyero promise, not to hurt Elphaba.
She's suffered enough already FiFi. Her whole life has been one agonizing disaster after another
What…what happened?
It's not for me to say Fiyero…that's Elphie's story and hers alone. But I can tell you, that she has suffered greatly.
I won't Glin…I promise
You better not, or I'll make you suffer
A low growl vibrated deep within the blonde's throat. Just wait until she got her hands on Fiyero Tiggular. Oh he was going to pay, and pay dearly.
Finally, after a few minutes, Elphaba's breathing evened out, her body slackened against hers. Turning her face, Galinda's eyes soften at her friend, asleep against her shoulder, lost in slumbers embrace. Her lips were slightly parted, as soft, shallow breathes slipped past. Her jagged raven hair fell over her face, darkening her appearance.
Smiling, Galinda very carefully lifted the green girl up and off the edge of the tub. It was easy, considering her friend was light weight. Another thing that trouble the blonde to no end.
She knew her friend had self-esteem issues, but anorexia?
Thinking back, Galinda could hardly recall a time when she saw her Elphie eat. Sure she sat in the cafeteria for lunch and dinner with the blonde. But she hardly remembered her ordering any food. Or if she did, taking any bites.
Stilling those thoughts away, Galinda very carefully led her friend out of the bathroom, and to her bed. Pushing back the covers, she gently laid the green girl down onto the soft mattress. Tucking her legs in, Galinda very carefully pulled the covers over Elphaba's lithe form.
Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, the blonde gazed down at her friend, sleeping peacefully in the sheets. The horrors of today, washed away, and only serenity flickered across her delicate features.
Slowly, she reached a hand out towards her friend, and brushing a few strands away from her friends face, lovingly cupped her cheek. Leaning down, she presses a gentle kiss to Elphaba's forehead.
"I'm so sorry Elphie" whispers Galinda brokenly.
A soft whimper slipped past Elphaba's lips as she stirred. Falling back asleep, Galinda sat there in silence, watching her friend.
After a few minutes, Galinda's eyes; sparkling with determination and rage, rose up to stare at the window. One thought kept crashing through her mind. He lied, the bastard lied to her. He promised to never hurt her Elphie, and now, now…
Sighing, Galinda leaned down and pressed one last kiss to her friend's forehead, before gracefully rising back on her feet. Silently, she stepped towards the door, and grabbing her cloak, twirled it around her bare shoulders, before flinging the door open, and closing it softly behind her.
The students flew before her eyes. She hardly took notice of the strange stares and gasps made by her fellow students, as she roughly made her way through the crowd. She knew her destination, and come hell or high water, she was going to get that no good son-of-a-Winkie, and make him pay.
A crowd surrounded the elegant statue of the founder of Shiz University, mainly silly girls flouting and flirting at an unseen figure. Pushing her way through, Galinda's eyes narrow at the sight of Fiyero Tiggular, sitting on the edge of the statue, one blonde bimbo sitting in his lap, a red head snuggled close to his right.
Stepping up next to him, Galinda wound back, and cracked the Winkie hard, in the back of his head. Making both girls tumble and fall on their little derrieres, on the ground.
"Hey!" protested one, but immediately clammed up once she looked up and saw Galinda Upland, glaring back down at her, hands on her hips.
That was one thing, Galinda Upland relished in, was the fear she could instill in her fellow students. No one bothered to mess with her, and no one ever stood their ground. Everyone, every boy and girl simply shrunk away, fearful to have the respite of the Upland girl, fall upon their heads.
"Sorry" smirks the girl, before crawling away.
"Hey…what was that for?"
Snapping her attention back at Fiyero, Galinda angrily reached out and pinched the Prince's ear between her two fingers. Lifting him up, she guided him away from the crowd of gawking students.
Reaching Suicide Canal, Galinda threw Fiyero away from her. Stumbling, he whirls around and glares back at the little blonde before him.
"What in Shiz was that for!" bellows Fiyero. A hand reaches up and caresses his now soar ear.
"What in Oz name do you think you're doing!" screeches Galinda.
"I haven't the foggiest inclination as to what you're referring to" sniffs Fiyero. Turning his nose skyward, Fiyero folds his arms across his chest, and takes an indignant stance before the blonde.
Growling, Galinda kicks Fiyero hard in the shin.
Falling to his knees, Fiyero looks up just in time for a hand to come cracking against his cheek.
"Oz Galinda! What in the hell has gotten into you!" roars Fiyero.
"What do you think you're doing!" roars Galinda. Before Fiyero can respond, the blonde punches the Prince hard, across the face, bruising his cheek. "Did I not warn you to be careful with Elphie…to not hurt her!"
"Hey!" gasps Fiyero, as fists fly towards him, several making their mark, a few missing.
"You promised me you would never hurt her!" screams Galinda, near hysterics as she continues to punch Fiyero hard in the face and chest.
"Hey…cut it out!" roars Fiyero.
"No! You hurt my Elphie! She's broken now because of you!" screams Galinda.
"Broken?" asks Fiyero.
Instantly, Fiyero's body goes rigid, hearing those words escape the blonde's lips. Lost in her words, Fiyero never notices Galinda winding back. It wasn't until the cinderblock punch of her fist, connecting with his face, that he was finally knocked; literally, from his stupor.
Crumpling to the ground, Fiyero immediately forced his body off the ground. His sapphire eyes stared horrified back into blazing cerulean.
Not satisfied, Galinda steps over to Fiyero's crumpled body. Straddling him, she continues to punch him in the face.
"You broke her your bastard! After you promised me that you wouldn't! You still did! She nearly died and it's all your fault!"
"Wait what?" asks Fiyero, no longer trying to block her punches.
"She almost died Fiyero Tiggular! She tried to kill herself and it's all your fault!"
Winding back, Galinda punches Fiyero one last time.
Crashing to the ground, Galinda stands before him, eyes blazing as blood gushes from his nose. His lip was split, and several bruises marred his face. All in all, he was a hot mess, and secretly, the blonde was rather proud of her work.
"What do you mean she tried to kill herself?" asks Fiyero, his voice was nasally, as he tried to force himself off the ground.
"She came back to the dorm Fiyero. She sliced her wrists and cut her hair" replies Galinda; the anger now ebbed away, as she fell to her knees.
"She what!"
"She tried to kill herself Fiyero! And it's all your fault!"
"But…I" starts Fiyero.
Holding out a hand, Fiyero immediately stops, and stares back into bubbling cerulean.
"I don't care what you did or didn't do. That…you can explain to me another time. Right now, you need to make it right" replies Galinda.
"But how?" asks Fiyero.
Rolling her eyes, Galinda very gracefully rises back to her feet. Glowering down at the bleeding Prince before her, a small smirk, tugs at the sides of her lips.
"You figure it out…this is something only you can fix and you alone"
"DO IT!" roars Galinda. Angrily, she takes a menacing step towards Fiyero, fist held up to her chest as she glares down at him " or I'll mess your pretty face up"
"Fine fine!" cries Fiyero. "Just…don't hurt my face"
"Good"
Smiling, Galinda twirls around, the ends of her cloak billow around her as she all but skips back towards her dorm.
"Woman" mutters Fiyero.
That night, after everything was said and done, Galinda had managed to talk Elphaba into letting her fix her hair. So, the past hour was spent, with Galinda trying to salvage what was left, of her beautiful raven hair.
They spoke quietly, not daring to venture near any topics regarding the Winkie Prince, or the rumors spreading like wild fire around campus. She also negated in telling her friend how she had stormed out of the dorm that afternoon, and pounded Fiyero's brainless ass.
Finally, the blonde put down the silver sheers. Smiling, she rose to her feet and walked over to her vanity. Her small fingers deftly reached for her silver mirror. Gillikin roses were etched into the back, and emerald vines snaked their way around the delicate flowers.
"I hope you like it. There really wasn't much for me to work with" giggles Galinda, trying to make light of the situation.
Elphaba just sat there, silent, staring off into the distance. Since awakening, she had been silent like the grave, hardly muttering a single word.
It took a lot of effort on her part just to get her friend to mutter one syllable to her. Other than that, she sat quiet and rigid on her bed. Her hollow eyes staring off into the distance, as if into a distant dream that only she could see.
Sighing, Galinda stepped up next to her friend's side. Looking down, she gently placed the mirror in between her friend's fingers. Gently, her finger trailed down a field of emerald, and grasping gently, helped guide the mirror up till her friend's dark chocolate eyes could see her reflection, staring back at her.
Tears welled within Elphaba's eyes, seeing her once beautiful raven hair, fall in soft layers. Some of the edges were sharp, and jagged; a result from having been sheared off by a jagged piece of glass.
It was different, but at the same time, mesmerizing.
"What do you think?" asks Galinda softly. Slowly, she kneels before her friend, her eyes never leaving her blank face.
Silent tears trekked down her cheeks, burning the flesh beneath. Small welts bubbled to the surface, and her lip quivered.
"Oh Elphie I'm sorry!" cries Galinda.
"No" whispers Elphaba brokenly.
"What is it Elphie…what's the matter?" asks Galinda gently.
Galinda watches as Elphaba's fingers rise up toward her layered raven locks. Grasping a few strands between her fingers runs them down to the layered edges.
"My hair" cries Elphaba.
"Oh Elphie!" cries Galinda.
Wrapping her friend in a hug, Galinda holds her trembling friend, the two laughs, and cry at the ridiculous situation.
The next day, Galinda had to pretty much force her emerald friend up out of bed, and to dress for the day, much to Elphaba's protests. She really didn't want to face this day, a day where there would be jeers, laughter, and whispered questions and accusations floating on the breeze.
Eventually, she gave up, and dressed. And since her class was before the blonde's she stepped over to her desk, gathered her books and left the room with a silent goodbye.
She kept her head down as the students flew before her, their eyes, wide in horror and awe as she passed by. Whispers floated around her, cracking her heart even more. Unconsciously, she pushed her books against her chest, as she fled as fast as she could, past Shiz green, and to the Science building.
Lost within the echoes, Elphaba barely had time to stop herself, before she ran into someone. Yelping, she fell to the ground, her books spilling around her.
"Sorry, I'm so sorry I-" starts Elphaba, but stops when her eyes focus on the person whom she had ran into.
The man from before the one with the dark sapphire eyes, the creamy mocha skin and matching hair. He sat there on his tush, arms spread behind him, his legs bent. Books and papers surrounded him.
He wore a dark cream colored tunic, and black dress pants. The same dazzling blue diamonds all but shimmered in the sunlight as he smiled softly back at her.
"Are you alright?" asks the man.
"I'm…yes…are you-" stammers Elphaba.
"Siefer, and I'm fine…and you are?"
"Elphaba"
"Elphaba…what a beautiful name…for such a beautiful creature" smiles Siefer. Gallantly, he rises up and, before Elphaba could move away, grasps onto her hand. Gently, he brings her hand up to his lips, and kisses it.
"You don't have to lie" whispers Elphaba softly.
"It's not lying…its seeing things in another way" replies Siefer gently.
Blushing, Elphaba awkwardly pulls her hand free from Siefer's grasp. Tucking a loose strand of raven hair behind her ear, she turns and starts to collect her things.
"What happened to your hair?"
Elphaba stiffens, her head snaps up and her eyes stare wide. She wasn't prepared for this. Sure she and Galinda had come up with a plausible reason to why, but was she really ready to lie to the masses.
Slowly, she turned to face Siefer pain and agony glimmering within her eyes.
"I cut it"
"I see that. What I want to know is why?" asks Siefer gently.
"It…it was getting too long" is all Elphaba says before turning back and grabbing her things.
"Here" is all Siefer says.
Turning Elphaba frowns at the book hovering mere inches from her face. It was her Life Sciences book, and somehow, the wretched thing had landed near Siefer.
"Thanks" is all Elphaba says, as she gently snatches it back.
"Where are you heading to now?" asks Siefer.
"Life Sciences with Dr. Nikikik…the sadist" grumbles Elphaba.
"Nikidik? I though the great Dr. Dillamond was heading that course" gasps Siefer.
"He was, before-" trials off Elphaba's voice. The remnants of that day still haunted her. Watching as her favorite teacher was hauled out by his paws, of the classroom, and into a fate unknown.
After that day, Elphaba vowed she would do everything and anything within her power, to find Dr. Dillamond, and bring the atrocities he and the other Animals have suffered from to light before the Wizard.
"Oh" is all Siefer says.
"Yeah" is all Elphaba says.
"Listen…would you like to get coffee…after class I mean?" asks Siefer awkwardly.
"Coffee with me?" asks Elphaba, her voice was low, and dark, as she narrows his eyes at the man kneeling before her.
"Yes with you" laughs Siefer.
"Why?" asks Elphaba.
"Because I like you, and I think your beautiful and it's common courting to ask a beautiful lady such as yourself out for coffee, or dinner…or whatever else she may like to do" rambles Siefer.
"No I mean…why me?" asks Elphaba surprised.
"As I said before. Your beautiful…intelligent…you have a lot to say and I really want to get to know the girl beneath the green" replies Siefer gently.
"You mean the green beneath the girl?" growls Elphaba. Jumping to her feet, she rounds on Siefer. "I'm not a charity case alright! I don't need guys taking pity on me! Nor do I want to be set up on another ridiculous prank! Why can't you all just leave me alone!"
"Elphaba!"
Quickly, Siefer jumps to his feet. Reaching her, he wraps his arms around Elphaba's slender waist. Pulling her close, he leans in and captures her lips with his.
At first, she stiffens the memories of before flashing within her mind. Pushing them away, Elphaba pulls away, and stares teary eyed back into dark sapphire.
"Sorry. I…I just couldn't help it" replies Siefer cheekily.
"I can tell" replies Elphaba softly. "Listen…you're nice, but you don't want to get mixed up with me. Thank you for the invitation, but I really must be going" replies Elphaba. Pulling away from Siefer's embrace, she walks over and gathers her books, turns and starts walking away.
"Do you ever let anyone else talk?"
Stilling, Elphaba's body stiffens. Slowly, she turns to gaze over her shoulder.
"What…did you say?" asks Elphaba.
"I said…do you ever let anyone else talk?" asks Siefer.
Unable to speak, Elphaba watches as Siefer walks up to her. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulls her close. His eyes gaze lovingly into sparkling chocolate. His heart, twisted in his chest, feeling Elphaba tremble against him.
"I know not of the atrocities which had befallen you before…but I do know, that I want to get to know you Elphaba Thropp…I want to give us a chance. I want to take away your pain, your fears and your agony. I want to be the one who dries your tears and fills your heart with happiness" replies Siefer gently.
"Siefer" whispers Elphaba.
"You are a remarkable woman Elphaba Thropp, and it would be an honor, if I got to be the one who was able to" continues Siefer.
"Where's the place?" asks Elphaba shyly.
Smiling, Siefer steps to the side, his one arm falls away, the other remains loosely cradled around her waist. Gently, he guides her through the courtyard of Shiz, and out into the bustling streets.