If there's something I need I don't already have/
I know I'll get it from a good friend.
~o0o~
"Guess you were wrong, Pfan," said ShenShen. "She's ugly even with the paint."
Elphaba removed her glasses, trying not to choke on the smell.
"You gonna go cry now?" Pfannee jeered.
Time to leave. She had enough for one cycle. Elphaba took two steps and skidded, landing flat on her back. Someone from the newspaper club snapped a photo.
"Looks like the beanstalk got chopped down!" Pfannee laughed shrilly.
Elphaba decided she loathed Pfannee and ShenShen more than she ever loathed Galinda. Was Galinda really keeping them in check that much? She looked around the room at everyone. Fiyero seemed to be frozen in place, just staring.
She made eye contact with Nessa, who looked away. As if she deserved this somehow.
"Elphie, I am so sorry!" said Galinda. "I didn't know they were planning this, honest! I didn't have anything to do with it!"
Elphaba eased to her feet. She could get mad, cry, throw a fit. The paint was all still running down her.
Or…
"I get it," she said and opened her arms. "Let's hug it out."
"Uh… I'm fine," said Galinda.
"Goop hug!" Elphaba started chasing her. "C'mere, Gal!"
"No! This dress is new! My hair!"
Galinda dove behind Fiyero.
"Goop hug!"
Elphaba body-slammed him, the excess paint spraying to either side. Those in the splash zone exclaimed in disgust.
Fiyero peeled his face off her chest, the whole side of his face and part of his hair now white with paint. Galinda tried to ease around them, but Fiyero wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into the hug with a grin.
Elphaba laughed, slapping more paint onto her shoulder.
Galinda sighed in resignation.
Fiyero cleared his throat.
"Security!" he called out.
Pfannee and ShenShen looked awfully smug. As if they expected Elphaba would be the one who was kicked out.
The security team, a hulking woman and an average-for-Animal Elephant, came over.
"Please escort those two women and their dates out," he said. "They attacked my friend."
Friend.
The guards nodded and ushered the four of them out.
"You can't seriously like her," ShenShen protested.
Friend… Elphaba felt all warm and gooey inside from that simple declaration.
"I do like her," said Fiyero, keeping his arms around Elphaba and Galinda. "Especially because she isn't being a major drag. Gods, didn't you hear anything I said about Dancing Through Life?"
When they were gone, the music hesitantly started back up. Elphaba went to collect her fallen hat. An employee set up cones and was mopping up the mess. He sent her a nasty look.
"Thanks," he hissed, like it was her fault.
Elphaba spun her hand in a circle, funneling the paint on floor, table, and chairs into the bucket.
"No problem," she said and put the hat on her head.
"Here, Elphie," said Galinda. "Let's clean up."
She was dragged to the bathroom, which had a different set up than regular bathrooms. Each stall had a toilet and sink while the counter tops outside the stalls had baskets containing makeup wipes, mascara wands, teeny bottles of perfume, floss, safety pins, pads, tampons, and condoms.
Galinda crammed into a stall with Elphaba and used wetted paper towels to wipe both of them off.
"Honestly, I can't believe those two," she muttered. "It's a crime against fashion. Oh! And very rude to you, Miss Elphaba!"
"It's fine. I'm not under the impression we can go from enemies to best friends in a single day," said Elphaba.
"I just can't believe they'd do this," grumbled Galinda, tossing the used paper towels into the trash. "I made you look amazing and they just had to go and ruin it."
"I guess they hate me more than they worship you," said Elphaba. "It's fine, I have that effect on people, but I don't regret asking you for help. It was like having a friend."
Guilt crossed her face.
"Well, let's start over," she said and held out her hand. "Galinda Upland of the Upper Uplands."
Elphaba Thropp," said Elphaba, shaking her hand.
Galinda looked in the mirror and winced at her reflection.
"Well… it was a bit too flashy, wasn't it?"
"You make it work," said Elphaba.
She beamed and tossed her hair.
They went back out, finding Fiyero sitting at a table with Nessa, Boq, and Boq's friends Crope and Tibbett. The guys were never outright mean to Elphaba, but they did seem to be afraid of her, barely having the courage to ask if a class assignment was due that day or not.
"Hey, you okay?" Fiyero asked, sliding over a water. He had wiped up his face, his jacket was missing, and there was still paint caked into his hair.
"I'm fine," said Elphaba. "Gal's pissed."
"Are you going home?" Nessa asked.
"No. What for?" She sipped the water. Everything tasted of paint now, but she wasn't worried about toxins.
"Well, you must be so embarrassed after that."
"I think my dancing was more embarrassing," Elphaba responded.
"I like your dancing," said Fiyero.
Nessa pursed her lips disapprovingly.
"Do you want me to leave, Nessa?" Elphaba sighed.
"You may do whatever you wish."
Elphaba hated when Nessa got all cryptic instead of saying what she wanted. Elphaba never had the right answer. Why did everything have to be a test with her?
It didn't matter because the cycle would begin and Nessa would simply be embarrassed of her and want to avoid associating with her, only seeking her out to gush about how excited she was to have a normal night for once and to hint at Elphaba to not ruin it for her.
As if it were Elphaba's ultimate goal in life to keep her younger sister isolated and friendless? That was their Father's goal. No one was good enough for Nessa and Elphaba wasn't good enough to present to the public.
Elphaba turned to Fiyero.
"Tell me more about this Jaisen Funderberker character," she said. "I'm curious as to what makes a prince mad with envy."
He chuckled.
"He was the kinda guy that all the parents said 'why can't my child be more like him?' about." he said. "Sweet, shy, sensitive. So, naturally, all his friends were girls. Smart, too. Always the top of the class."
"Mm. Sounds dreamy. Where's he at now?"
Fiyero slammed his hand against the table top.
"Damn you, Jaisen Funderberker!"
Elphaba laughed.
"I'm confused," said Galinda. "Who's Jaisen Funderberker?"
"Fiyero's old rival," said Elphaba.
"He haunts me to this day," Fiyero sighed. "Had him in every class until I got expelled from high school and my parents sent me to a military academy."
"How'd you get expelled?"
"Defending Jaisen Funderberker of all people," said Fiyero as if he still couldn't believe it. "Two guys were beating up on him, so I intervened. If you're going to square off with someone, at least give them a fighting chance!"
Elphaba snorted and shook her head.
"Self-absorbed my ass," she said.
"Elphaba!" Nessa scolded.
"I am self-absorbed," Fiyero insisted. "Frankly, I think people could stand to be a little more self-absorbed. If people worry more about themselves than what others are doing, I think they'd be a lot happier. I worry about myself, it doesn't matter to me what people do with themselves."
"You know, you keep using that term, but I don't think it means what you think it means," said Elphaba.
"So, you went to military school?" Galinda asked.
"For two years," Fiyero confirmed. "Most get an easy transfer to the Military College, but I was pointedly rejected. Something about a problem with authority. I don't see what's wrong with asking questions. I'm going to be King someday and I think I'd prefer if my military doesn't see weakness as a moral failing. If it's drilled into them that being weak is the worst thing a person can be, then how can they be trusted to defend anyone? It seems to me that all that does is raise an army of bullies."
He looked up at the stares he was getting and cringed.
"Sorry, I'm rambling."
"I am suddenly very attracted to you," said Elphaba.
He got a goofy grin, then his face fell.
"Wait, were you not already attracted to me?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" She looked around the room and noticed she was still getting death glares. "Do you want to get out of here?"
"Elphaba!" Nessa gasped, appalled.
"Wow, Nessie, way to have your mind in the gutter," said Elphaba. "I meant to go to the diner across the street. I forgot to eat dinner and I'm hungry."
Nessa flushed pink and the furious expression in her eyes was so much like Frex, Elphaba instinctively averted her gaze.
"It's nearly midnight," Fiyero noted. "I could eat. You guys can come, too, if you'd like."
"I suppose I am a little peckish," said Galinda.
Boq looked like he was about to agree when Nessa spoke up.
"I am very fatigued and I would like to go back to my room," she said.
"Okay," said Elphaba, standing up. "Sleep tight, Nessie."
Judging by her expression, that wasn't the correct response, but Elphaba didn't know what was.
"I'll walk you back," said Boq.
Elphaba, Fiyero, and Galinda headed to the diner for a late night meal. The sounds of the party still audible from outside.
They got a look from the waitress, but since the paint was dry, she didn't kick them out. The pancakes were excellent and temporarily chased away the taste of paint in Elphaba's mouth.
Fiyero paid and walked the girls back to their dorm. He was humming the slow song that was playing before the attempt was made to ruin their evening.
"This is our stop," said Galinda. "Goodnight, Fiyero."
"Miss Galinda," he replied with a bow.
She quickly entered the room, closing the door most of the way in a clear attempt to give them some privacy.
Fiyero rocked on his heels and ran a hand over his hair, flecks of paint chipping off. He took a step forward and Elphaba got flustered and stuck a hand out.
"Goodnight!"
He chuckled and shook her hand, then pressed a lingering kiss to her knuckles. She felt a jolt of energy run up her arm and wondered if she'd feel it all over her body if he kissed her on the lips.
"May I take you to breakfast, Miss Elphaba?" he asked.
"I… I'd like that," she said. "I'll be here until ten o'clock."
"I'll see you before then, duchess," he said.
Elphaba turned and slammed into the door jamb. She caught her hat before it fell off completely and darted into the room before she made an even bigger fool of herself. She leaned against the door and heard Fiyero singing indistinctly as he left.
Galinda had filled the bath partway and the two girls sat on the edge of the tub to clean up, scraping away the last bit of paint.
"Sooo," Galinda sang. "Did he kiss you?"
Elphaba cringed. "On the hand. I panicked and offered a handshake when I thought he was moving in for a kiss."
"Oh, Elphie, I would have been all over that!"
"Actually, I think he's a chaste kisser to start," said Elphaba, remembering that his and Galinda's goodnight wasn't very long. "He probably wants to make sure a girl doesn't go running to the press before he gets too intimate."
"I suppose that makes sense, being a prince and all," said Galinda. "There are some real crazies out there. Oh, here, let me help you with your hair."
"I don't know if we'll be able to get the paint out," said Elphaba. "I feel bad for Fiyero, his hair is curlier than mine."
"Luckily, I have a knack for potions," said Galinda. She opened her medicine cabinet, which had a row of brightly colored bottles. She took out a silver bowl and mixed in ingredients, humming under her breath. "You're not the type of girl I would expect to be Fiyero Tiggular's type."
"I'm not," said Elphaba. "I guess he likes it when girls hit him."
That sounded like a sex thing, but she didn't back down from the statement.
"I guess he does," Galinda giggled. "I thought he was just dazed, but I think you made quite the impression on him."
"I'm sure he'll come to his senses by morning," said Elphaba.
"Elphie, is it okay if I call you Elphie?"
"Only if I can call you Gal."
She nodded and brought the potion over. "Bend over the tub."
Elphaba adjusted and ducked her head over the tub, sitting on her heels.
"I think Fiyero genuinely likes you, Elphie." Galinda scooped up big handfuls of the concoction and worked it into Elphaba's hair. "Anyone can see it by the way he looks at you. I think that's why Pfannee and ShenShen went a little overboard. They'll be sorry by morning."
Elphaba stared at the paint running into the water in swirls like smoke, mulling over those words.
"How does he look at me?"
"Like he wonders where you've been all his life."
Elphaba scoffed. "I think you're reading too many romance novels, Gal. I doubt anyone will ever see me that way. I've accepted the fact I'll never have anyone."
Especially not in this loop.
"What about Nessarose?"
"She needs me, that's not the same."
"Oh." Galinda was quiet as she finished picking out the last of the paint flecks. "I think this is as good as it'll get. The rest can wash off with a shower tomorrow and I'll make you another mask."
Elphaba sighed and squeezed the water out of her hair.
"Why do you keep your hair so long?" Galinda asked. "I can't imagine it's practical for you."
"Call it superstition," said Elphaba.
"Superstition?"
"Will you hand me my brush?"
Galinda handed it over and changed into her pajamas while Elphaba brushed and squeezed the excess water and paint out of her hair.
"If you're so certain no one will want you romantically, why did you go through all the effort of dressing up?"
"Maybe I just want to know what it feels like to be you for once," Elphaba murmured. "To really focus on my appearance. To wear a pretty skirt and do my hair and to laugh and dance without worrying about how others perceive me."
Galinda bit her lips and used a small spell to dry their hair. It was gentle magic.
"I do worry, though," she said quietly. "I'm a trendsetter, yes. I have charisma and charm, but there are times where I am so afraid that if I say the wrong thing or wear the wrong outfit, then it'll all fall apart. There are times I wish I could be more like you and just do and say things without fear."
Elphaba looked down at her hands.
"Maybe… we can try for a middle ground," she said. "Take pride in our appearances without losing ourselves."
Galinda smiled. "It might take some work but… I think that's healthy. Can I braid your hair?"
"Um… okay."
They sat down on Galinda's bed, feeling delicate fingers weave her hair into two plaits in an under-weave close to her scalp.
"Why don't you cut your hair?" she needled.
"I would have thought you'd be among the girls trying to get Fiyero to ditch me," Elphaba deflected.
"Mm, ordinarily yes," said Galinda. "But I think only if Fiyero showed some interest in me before showing interest in you."
Oops…
"Oh, but he's so dreamy!" Galinda sighed. "His eyes, his deep voice, and that accent. Can you imagine me a princess?"
"Aren't you basically already one? Miss Upland of the Upper Uplands?" Elphaba teased.
"Only tiara I ever wore was for my debut," said Galinda. "And I was watching you two dance, Miss Elphaba. Fiyero was definishly into you."
"I was so nervous," Elphaba sighed. "This isn't like me. I have never gotten so dopey over a boy. And what's more, I had to moon over a boy that all the other girls moon over. And the poor man just wants to dance, not be tugged around like the favorite toy on the playground."
"And that, Miss Elphaba, is why I think he stuck by your side all night," said Galinda, tying off the end of her braids. "Why don't you cut your hair?"
"I trim it."
"That's not the same."
Elphaba sighed and ran her hands over one of the braids.
"It's a superstition," she repeated. "Logically, I know it was just a coincidence, but I'm still afraid to cut it."
"But why?"
It was just an extension of the secret she told Galinda that first night. That night she thought things might actually turn out okay.
"I've only had my hair cut twice in my life," said Elphaba. "Once when I was three and again when I was about eight or nine. When I was three, my mother was pregnant with Nessarose. She was chewing milk flowers to prevent the baby from being born green, like me. Even though she was so sick, she still brushed my hair every day. I heard she called it my one beauty. One day, she cut my hair into a short bob and tied it with a ribbon—"
"You would look so cute with a bob!" Galinda gushed.
"And then she went into labor with Nessa," Elphaba continued, picking at the embroidery on Galinda's fluffy duvet. "It was too soon and she died hemorrhaging. The moment she passed, Father told me it was my fault. I tried to think of what it was and, being three, came to the conclusion that it was because she cut my hair. I know now it was because of the milk flowers."
"Why would your father blame you?" Galinda whispered.
"I'm green," she said simply.
"And… the other time?"
"Some boys were picking on me," said Elphaba. "And they stuck chewing gum into my hair. I was working it out myself with peanut butter—"
"Why peanut butter?"
"It's a good glue remover," Elphaba explained patiently and moved to sit on her bed so she could hug her pillow. "Nanny saw me and screamed at me over it. She grabbed the closest pair of scissors and… I threw a fit. I begged her not to cut my hair. I was scared Nessa would be next if my hair was cut. It was so short and badly done I had bald spots."
"I'm sorry, Elphie," said Galinda. "But Nessarose was okay so…"
"Nanny sent me up to my room and locked the door," Elphaba said, running her hands over her braid again. "I went out the window and snuck to this shed we had on the property. About two months prior to this, a puppy approached me at school to beg off my lunch." She smiled slightly. "I ended up giving him the whole thing before I was called back inside. Imagine my surprise when he was waiting for me after school. He followed me home, so I hid him in the shed. No one ever went to it anyway. He was mine and Nessie's secret from Father. She loved throwing a stick for him to fetch and I would sneak him scraps from the kitchen.
"After getting my hair chopped off, I went out to sit with him. He didn't care that I was green, see, and he licked my face and cuddled up to me until I stopped crying." Elphaba gripped her braid tighter. "Unfortunately, Nanny saw me sneak out and told Father where I went. He was furious. Shouted at me for putting up a fit about my hair and getting gum stuck in it in the first place. He grabbed me and hurt my arm, so my puppy got between us and bit him. It was just a nip, he didn't even bleed."
Elphaba took a deep breath. This story was in the diary she kept hidden under the floorboards back home. She kept a record of everything so she couldn't be convinced it didn't happen. It started when she wanted to try and find a pattern to what she was doing wrong. What she did to make Father so angry. Even Nessa didn't know everything, but Elphaba doubted her sister would condemn their father's actions if told the truth now.
"He got even angrier," she whispered. "Said I was putting Nessarose in danger by keeping such a beast around. I tried to get him to understand, but he said it was only a matter of time before I killed my sister, too. So, he sent Nanny to get the neighbor and had him shoot my puppy in front of me. See, I knew. I knew if my hair was cut someone I cared about would—"
She blinked and realized Galinda had tackled her into a hug.
"That's so awful," she sobbed. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."
Elphaba patted her back and stared up at the ceiling.
"I don't cut my hair," she said. "Twice is coincidence and I don't want to find out if it's a pattern. I trim off the split ends and that's it. I know my hair is impractical in length, but I just… I can't. Not yet."
"What was your puppy's name?"
"Sweetums… I called him Sweetums." Elphaba closed her eyes, still able to picture him clearly. "He had brown and white fur, stumpy legs, a droopy face, massive ears, and the most sweet and soulful eyes. I loved Sweetums snd he loved me. I knew I couldn't hide him from Father forever, but I had hoped that maybe if I trained him well, he might allow me just one companion."
"Elphie…"
"I wised up back then," Elphaba continued. "Knew if anyone was going to protect me, it'd be me, and even perfection could end in punishment. So, I started fighting back against my bullies, deciding I'd rather get the switch every day than let their torment escalate and I stopped crying when I was sad or scared, because no one was going to comfort me." She sighed heavily. "If I have thorns, then people can't get close."
"It's a lonely way to live," said Galinda.
"It's a good way to not be trampled."
Galinda gave her a tight hug, then sat up and swiped her cheeks.
"Let's get some rest, Elphie. I'll handle Pfannee and Shen-Shen in the morning."
Elphaba nodded and curled up. She flicked her wrist to turn off the lights, then was out herself.
When her alarm woke her, she slapped it off and dozed, listening to Galinda get dressed and leave more quickly than usual. Strange… What was she up to? Elphaba didn't think she was off to spread the word of her roommate's beautifully tragic life. That didn't seem to be her style of mean. Though Galinda never told her a secret in return, she did seem to hold a lot of weight on them.
Elphaba got up and readied for the day, then sat down. Maybe the loop would break. Last night wasn't perfect, but just maybe it was the thing to break free.
Sighing heavily, she pressed her face into her knees until the lock clicked with Galinda's return.
"Elphie! Are you still here?" she called. "Fiyero's here, too!"
"I'm still here," she confirmed.
"Morning, duchess!" said Fiyero cheerfully. "I brought you some flowers."
He presented her with a bouquet of sunflowers.
Elphaba smiled.
"You're so sweet," she said, accepting them.
They were beautiful and bright.
"Shall we go to breakfast?" he asked.
"First, I have something for you, too," said Galinda, placing a hat box in Elphaba's lap.
"Wow, I should get paint dumped on me more often," said Elphaba, undoing the ribbon.
Nestled inside the box was a stuffed animal. A little dog with droopy ears and a droopier face and big, sad eyes. Around its neck was a collar that read, 'Sweetums.'
Elphaba couldn't believe it.
After hearing the story, the first thing Galinda did was go out and buy Elphaba a puppy that couldn't die. Something Frex couldn't take from her.
Hands shaking slightly, she lifted it out of the box and stared at the sweet face. Then she hugged it and broke down crying.
Just as she was about to thank Galinda, she stepped back from the carriage careening towards her.
Elphaba felt frozen, unable to wipe away the tears that still spilled down her cheeks. She wasn't paying attention. That sweet puppy. She never put it in her hair. It was gone forever now, that memento, that proof that Galinda could actually care about her was gone.
"Uh, Yero, we're here," said Av. "And there's some girl crying."
Fiyero lifted his head to look at her. No recognition. Why would there be? She couldn't make any meaningful connection and she could put almost anything away in her hair, but that didn't change the fact that she would be back at this carriage and back at square one.
"Just ignore her," said Av. "She's probably just a little blue."
Fiyero got a shit-eating grin.
"I'd say more green."
Elphaba snapped towards him, then took a deep breath.
"LOOK EVERYONE!" she bellowed. "IT'S FIYERO TIGGULAR!"
The raging sea of hormones went on high alert and ran over to gush, fawn, and flirt over a real live prince.
Elphaba furiously scrubbed her cheeks and ran off. She didn't realize where she was going until she entered Dr. Dillamond's classroom where he was scrubbing the words from that morning off the blackboard.
They were jarring. How long had it been since she'd been in here? Talked to her favorite teacher?
"Miss Elphaba?" he said. "Why are you baaa-a-a-ack?"
He pressed a hoof to his mouth and Elphaba winced.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I…"
Her voice cracked and Dr. Dillamond's expression softened.
"Let's step into my office," he suggested, setting down his scrub brush.
Elphaba flicked her nails and the board was wiped clean of the offending words.
In Dr. Dillamond's office, she sat down in the arm chair while he sat in his desk chair.
"I apologize, Miss Elphaba," said Dr. Dillamond, offering her a box of tissues. "I didn't realize how upsetting you found our discussion—"
"No, I'm glad you told me," she said, wiping her face clean. "This isn't about that. Fiyero Tiggular arrived at Shiz."
"Ah, I hadn't realized you were on bad terms," he said. "If I had, I wouldn't have recommended you as his tutor."
So it was him.
She shook her head. "It's not that. He showed up yesterday and the day before and the day before that. I'm stuck in a time loop, Dr. Dillamond! I'm stuck, and nothing I do will get me out! I've spent hundreds of cycles honing in my magic and nothing works!"
Dr. Dillamond fixed her a cup of tea. She sipped it and swallowed the tears that threatened to spill again.
"Have you talked this over with Madame Morrible?" he asked. "With her knowledge…"
"She doesn't believe me nor does she even want to entertain the idea," Elphaba huffed. "Frankly, I don't think she would have any idea that I haven't tried."
"I wish I could give advice for this predicament you find yourself in," he said. "You are clever and resilient, Miss Elphaba. I'm sure if anyone can find a way it will be you. You may sit here and collect yourself."
After half an hour, she ended up transcribing for him after the tool he wore on his hoof to help him hold a pen broke.
"… and therefore we can assume that based on mineral deposits, the distribution of fossils, and micro-pieces of shells within the soil that Oz itself may have been completely covered in water at some point in time millions of years ago. Due to this, the soil is very fertile in spite of the surrounding—"
The door burst open and Madame Morrible entered with a very bored-looking Fiyero in tow. He noticed her immediately and his eyes widened.
"Ah, Miss Elphaba!" Madame Morrible boomed. "How fortuitous! I was just telling His Royal Highness that you have been assigned as his tutor. I trust you will show him where the rest of his classes are and collect his assignments. The teachers are aware of the situation and have work to get him up to speed, which I'm sure he will be able to achieve in no time with your tutelage."
"Yeah, sure," said Elphaba flatly.
"Excellent! This should be a good opportunity for you, I shall continue to keep the Wizard informed of your progress. Master Tiggular, good day."
"Madame Morrible," said Dr. Dillamond cordially.
Morrible gave him a look Elphaba didn't like and left without another word.
"I have your make-up work, Master Tiggular," said Dr. Dillamond. "Miss Elphaba, it's in the second drawer to your right."
She opened it, finding a packet with Fiyero's name on it.
"The first half will count towards your overall grade," said Dr. Dillamond. "The second half will be extra credit since you've gotten a late start. You may turn it in by the end of next week. I will see you in class. Miss Elphaba, why don't you go on and help him collect the remainder of his assignments."
"Your work," she protested.
"I need to go purchase a new pen holder anyway," he said. "Thank you for your assistance." He placed a hoof on her shoulder. "And it will all be alright. I have faith it will."
She nodded and stood, handing Fiyero the packet. He crammed it into his satchel.
"Thanks for that," he hissed when Dr. Dillamond locked up and left. "I was fully intending to interact with Morrible tomorrow."
"Like you weren't ready to summon your fan club to you," she said coolly and led the way to the Lovelace Hall.
"Not like that!" he said. "There is a fine balance between an audience and a swarm, thank you very much."
They didn't say anything else until after they collected his other assignments, which ended up taking longer than either of them would have liked since the other professors insisted on giving a lecture about their expectations. This didn't happen last time, but last time neither of them had a hostile attitude.
Elphaba cringed at him shoving the papers into his bag and opened her own to take out an empty binder and some spare folders.
"Give them here," she said, gesturing to his bag.
He opened it up, but the whole thing slid off his shoulder and papers and items scattered out. Elphaba knelt down and gathered the papers up before they could fly away before helping with the other items.
She paused, picking up the braided paracord (which she once saw advertised in the window at a camping store), a flat pack that claimed to be an emergency blanket, and a knife in a leather sheathe.
Fiyero quickly packed those items and snatched up the others that fell out: matches, a compass, and a flashlight.
"Why do—never mind." She tucked his make-up work into folders and placed them in the binder. "Here. So they don't get lost."
"Thanks," he said, packing it away.
"It seems silly to assign you all those things and still expect you to pick right up into the lesson," she said, standing up. "If it were me, I would have given you a multiple choice packet with three-to-five short answer questions at the end, the answers to which could be found in the required textbook. It would prove you read it or, at least, that you have the ability to research effectively."
"Is that what you're aiming to be?" Fiyero asked. "A teacher?"
Elphaba shook her head.
"Why were you crying?" he asked.
Oz, she hoped he had forgotten about that.
"It doesn't matter," she said.
"Sure it does," he said. "Maybe I can help."
She was in too poor a mood to deal with being his charity case.
"Okay," she said. "I was crying because I was reminded of the time my puppy was shot in front of me after he nipped my father."
She walked away.
"Hold on!" Fiyero cut her off. "Your father shot your puppy?!"
"Of course not, he had someone else do it."
"What the fuck?!"
"You asked," she sighed, moving around him. "What did you expect?"
"Well, I thought it was something I could fix!" he said, trotting to catch up to her. "Like if someone said something to hurt your feelings I could give you a compliment instead!"
"Don't strain yourself!"
He reached for her wrist and she jerked it away to grab onto her braid. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"I don't want or need you to fix it," she said. "Just go plan your stupid party."
"Stupid?" he scoffed. "And here I was planning on inviting you."
"And here I was planning on not going," she retorted. "Why would I want to waste my time with something as utterly ridiculous as a party?"
"Okay, duchess, you know what your problem is?"
"Do tell," said Elphaba.
"You're wound up so tight, I'm amazed your head hasn't popped off!"
"I doubt a party full of assholes staring and laughing at me is going to make me relax!"
"Your Highness!" A girl ran over, flanked by two of her friends.
Fiyero plastered on a charming grin. "Hi there! What can I do for you?"
"We just—um—" she blushed deeply— "wanted to know what your favorite color is!"
No doubt to buy a dress that color to attract his attention.
"My favorite color? Well, it's hard to pick just one. I'm partial to blue, can't go wrong with red, either. Green is also a nice color."
Elphaba rolled her eyes.
"His favorite color is purple," she huffed. "Like plums. Oz, just say what you mean."
She strode away, running into Galinda and her crew.
"Miss Elphaba, we were just talking about you!" said Galinda. "I thought you might like to wear this hat to the party tonight."
No. She couldn't deal with seeing Galinda be so genuinely sweet one moment and then a mythic bitch the next.
"FIYERO!" she shouted.
He sidled up next to her with a smug grin.
"You bellowed?"
She shoved him between her and Galinda.
"You want to help me? Keep your girlfriend out of my hair!"
"She's not my girlfriend," he said, sounding perplexed.
"She is now. Fiyero, Galinda. Galinda, Fiyero."
"Charmed," said Galinda, tossing her hair and offering her hand.
"The pleasure is all mine," said Fiyero, kissing her hand.
Milla, Pfannee, and ShenShen swooned.
Elphaba ignored that sick, angry feeling in her stomach. They belonged together, any time she got Fiyero's attention was wrong. It wasn't meant to be. She was just playing pretend and she needed to get a reality check.
She tried to back away, but Milla noticed.
"Miss Elphaba! The hat?"
Galinda beamed and held it out to her.
Elphaba took it and glowered down at her.
"I don't—want—your garbage," she enunciated and tossed it into the nearest bin.
"Ugh! So rude!" ShenShen scoffed.
"Oh, I'm the rude one?!" Elphaba laughed sardonically. "You're the ones who are trying to get me to go to Fiyero's party so you can make me look ridiculous!"
"Oh, you don't need our help," said Pfannee snidely.
Elphaba flinched slightly and looked down at her shoes.
"Fine… I walked into that one." She transformed into a raven and flew away.
She went to the abandoned warehouse on the edge of the city and waited out the remainder of the cycle there.