Chapter Text
Gasps sounded around the room as everyone took a step back. Galinda would’ve if she wasn’t lying on the floor with the green girl trapping her from above. Without the mask, Fa– Elphaba’s breath hit hot against Galinda’s face as she continued staring up at her. This close, she realized that her roommate had cute little freckles on the nose and went from one cheek to another. And those eyes – they were so bright, and Galinda felt her gaze drifting into them, but their cold glare reminded her of their current situation.
"You’re Fae?”
“And you’re bruising my arm,” F– Elphaba replied candidly.
It took Galinda a clock tick to remember where they were on the floor. Her cheeks flushed in anger and embarrassment as she quickly pushed the artist aside and stood several steps back.
“This is a joke,” the blonde muttered, and though she meant it in pure astonishment, the words came out harsher than intended.
Hurt flashed across Elphaba's eyes before it returned to fury. “Let me guess, you expected someone that’s not green? Normal? Perhaps prettier? I’m sorry to disappoint you then, director.”
“I– what?”
Out of all the insults she’s done, Galinda hadn’t ever attacked her appearance other than saying “artichoke” but that comment happened once. Now it was just her friends that kept using it. It was a witty remark at the time, but she never truly thought of Elphaba as that.
(And to be honest, Elphaba has never been ugly to Galinda.)
“Are you always this dim?” Elphaba retorted.
Galinda’s mind was blown and shattered. No way Elphaba was a singer. That’s impossible. But now that she thought about it, everything started to connect – the scribbles on paper that were actually sheet music and lyrics, the dark clothes and mask she caught a glimpse of in the closet, the late nights Elphaba would return after the same time Fae would be in class, the voices having a similar sound (the speaking tone in a lower octave while the vocal was in a higher one), and both knowing Fiyero.
Wait a clock tick.
Galinda twirled around and pointed a finger at Fiyero. “You knew this whole time and didn’t say anything? Why?”
“I’m sorry! I was just trying to help!”
“How was this helping?”
“Because if you knew who she was, then you wouldn’t have collaborated, and I wanted you to see her talent!”
“Well she’s clearly gifted at lying!”
“She isn’t the only one that hides behind a mask,” Elphaba rebuked, glaring at Galinda.
“Unlike you, I don’t need a real one. Sunglasses and a hoodie? That’s the best you could do?” Galinda mocked, holding up the accessory in her hand, in which Elphaba quickly snatched them back.
“Not everyone seeks the center of attention, Miss Popular!”
“Okay! Let’s all calm down!” Fiyero demanded.
Galinda didn’t realize how close they got to each other’s faces until Fiyero stepped in between them. He tried to block her view of her roommate, but for once, Galinda wanted to keep her in her sight and maneuvered around to glare at her. She attempted to advance at her but Fiyero held her back with his arms, which only angered her more.
“Fiyero, I swear to Lurline, if you don’t move, I’ll break your arms,” Galinda threatened.
Concern and slight fear flickered in his eyes before he steeled his expression and held his stance. “No need for such violence, Lin. We can talk this out like civilized people,” he replied, gesturing to both girls.
“I don’t believe I have anything else to say to her,” Galinda remarked, lifting her head high.
Elphaba scoffed. “Neither do I because I’m done working with you!” she exclaimed, then grabbed her accessories and marched towards the exit.
“Fine by me! I don’t need you! I can find a better artist anyway!” Galinda argued.
“I feel sorry for who’ll torment next. Goodbye, Galinda,” the singer sneered, slamming the door open.
“Fae, wait!” Fiyero called and tried to reach for her, but stopped when Galinda placed a hand on his chest.
“Don’t. There’s no point in talking to her, she’s made her choice,” she said bitterly, staring at the doors where she lost her muse.
Fiyero sighed, torn between staying and leaving, but decided against it knowing that his friend needed to cool down before talking. “Okay. What about the music video?”
Galinda shook her head and tossed her hands up in defeat. While she technically could still use the song and finish filming for the grade, she really didn’t want to be hearing Elphaba’s voice constantly in the editing process.
“It’s useless now. Just tear everything down,” she ordered, then addressed everyone. “Thank you all so much for helping and I apologize for the inconvenience. I hope we can do this again under better circumstances.”
The crew smiled and gave words of forgiveness and sympathy then began closing the set.
Since that night, Galinda avoided Elphaba like she never existed at all. For days, whether they were in their room or outside of it, Galinda didn’t bother to even spare her a glance when she’s around. Sometimes in class, Galinda could feel green eyes glaring at her, but she refused to meet them. Fiyero attempted to plead with her to talk things out, but Galinda always declined until he finally got the hint and gave up on the third day.
While Galinda evaded her roommate during the day, at night, she was working on a new film music video with another music major named Avaric Tenmeadows.
Galinda wished she could brag to Elphaba that working with Avaric was better than with her, but that was a lie, and she’s not sure how much longer she could pretend. Every day, from meetings to filming, Avaric has been the most difficult person to collaborate with – turning down all her ideas, controlling the set, and rarely (or never to be honest) letting her speak. She thought there was nothing that could diminish her love for film, but the longer she spent on set with Avaric, the more she started to rethink her career choice.
‘It’s just for a grade. It’s just for a grade,’ she told herself.
Although the project was also an opportunity to present her talent to the world, the chances of this music video being the winner was slim to none. The due date was nearing, and at this rate, she didn’t care what she made; she just wanted to be done with this semester.
One night, Galinda was hunched over her desk, idly editing a guitar scene of Avaric, when Elphaba entered their room. Galinda immediately straightened her posture and pretended to be invested in her music video as Elphaba shuffled around the area. Just as she was about to leave, Elphaba stopped when she glimpsed at Galinda’s screen.
“You got Avaric as your new artist?”
Galinda froze and glanced back. It’s been almost a week since they spoke to each other, and though the words were critical, Galinda secretly missed hearing her voice compared to Avaric’s gruff one. Whether Elphaba was speaking or singing, her sound still sent chills down Galinda’s spine.
Regaining composure, Galinda smirked at her. “Jealous?”
Elphaba’s lips thinned in response, and for a clock tick, Galinda thought she saw a hint of resentment.
“No. I just feel bad,” she replied, and Galinda’s brows raised in surprise at the sympathy.
“For him to have you as his director. Usually, I don’t condone men speaking, but for once, I hope he had his voice for it,” Elphaba finished with a smirk of her own, and Galinda’s heart dropped in disappointment.
She glowered then refocused on her computer to see his stupid face again. “Oh, believe me, he did,” she muttered.
“What was that?”
“Don’t you have to sing somewhere that isn’t the bathroom?”
“Yes, it’s a stage if you forgot,” Elphaba retorted, then left the room, slamming the door.
Galinda groaned and buried her head into her arms. That was the first time they interacted, and of course, it was an argument. They could never go a clock tick without getting into a disagreement. Well, except when they were texting as Lin and Fae, regardless that they didn’t know about the other’s identity at the time. Galinda didn’t realize how often they chatted until she caught herself about to text Fae Elphaba about the horrors of filming with Avaric. Unbelievable that within weeks a stranger became her closest confidant just to turn out to be her biggest rival once more. Galinda wondered if that night would’ve gone differently had they not fought. She certainly would’ve finished the music video by now.
By the end of the week, her professor asked to see everyone’s progress on their films. Galinda usually liked this part of the class to present her projects and receive critiques (mostly affirmation), but today, she remained quiet and waited to go second to last (going last was as worst as going first). Professor Nikidik was known to be an odd and opinionated man, but this morning, he woke up with violence and was critical of everyone's music video, despite it being a rough cut. Galinda’s stomach curled with nerves when it was her turn. Confused glances and whispers filled the room when the video played with a different artist and song than what she introduced weeks ago.
Galinda sat rigid with her hands fiddling in her lap as she waited for the longest three minutes of her life to be over. It was the most basic music video that’s ever existed – just variant angles of Avaric and a band in a garage with strobe lights, and outside in the dark with dim lighting. There was no narrative, only the concept of a “garage session” of an artist and their group jamming out to their song. The exact opposite of Galinda’s style. While her peers watched in fascination, Galinda watched it with pure spite.
When the video faded to an end, undeserved applause erupted around her, which was returned with a thinned smile. Once quiet settled in, Professor Nikidik spoke.
“I know this was a last minute change, so I won’t critique it too much as I’m sure it was stressful to rearrange everything. I will say that the concept of the artist just singing with two different backgrounds is typically lackluster, though simple, your cinematography and editing decisions, however, kept the video engaging enough. Are you planning on filming any more or was this it?”
Galinda held back a cringe at the idea of existing near Avaric again. “No, sir. He was only free to film for this week unfortunately,” she lied.
Professor Nikidik nodded in sympathy. “Oh. If you do get the chance to add more, I encourage it. If not, then I recommend messing more in post with a few scenes to enhance the visuals. Well done for making due with what you had.”
“Thank you,” Galinda said, however the compliment did little to soothe her doubts.
When class was dismissed, Galinda was ready to bolt, but the call of her name halted her.
“Miss Upland, may I have a word with you?” Professor Nikidik requested.
Her classmates shot her inquisitive looks as they left, trying to overhear the conversation, but when it was clear that he wouldn’t speak until they were alone, they quickly scattered. Galinda smoothed her skirt then straightened her posture as she waited anxiously in front of his desk.
“Yes, Professor?”
“Miss Upland, if you don’t mind me asking, why did you change artists?”
“Oh, there were some complications and we couldn’t continue working together. Besides, I thought it would be a good challenge to step out of my comfort zone,” Galinda partly lied.
“Are you alright? What did they do?”
“Oh nothing like that! We just kept disagreeing until we agreed we couldn’t work together.”
(Minus the catfight.)
“I see. Glad you’re not harmed. While I’m glad you’re trying new things, this seems very out of field. Not that this one is bad, just a shocking contrast to your previous projects. You have a distinct style, and it’s lovely to see. However, this music video lacks the . . . ‘Galinda-way’ so to speak. While this can pass, grade-wise, I’m not certain it’s win-worthy. Are you certain you want to showcase this to the festival?”
She wasn’t, but she grinned with false confidence. “Of course. I think we all do. I appreciate your concern, but I still have three more years to compete and win.”
Although it wouldn’t be the same as being the first freshman to win in the film festival. While they could submit, it was rare for a freshman to win against experienced upper classmen, whether it was a short film, a documentary, a music video, or a script.
Professor Nikidik was taken aback as if he just remembered she wasn’t limited to one thing. “Well– true. I just know you have a better chance if you submit in all the categories instead of limiting yourself to one or two. Just think about it. You may go.”
“I will. Thank you, Professor,” Galinda said, then quickly walked out.
Galinda did not think about it. She did the next best thing – going out drinking to forget about it.
With little to no convincing, she and her friends went into the City of Shiz to a bar that Fiyero recommended, The Ozdust. It was a small and dark, yet colorful and lively pub filled with chatter and live music. Across from the stage was the bar counter, which the trio approached first.
“Hi, can we get three shots?”
“Make that four.”
Galinda spun to see a grinning Fiyero appearing next to her.
“Fancy seeing you here,” he commented, giving her a hug, which she happily returned.
“I’m not surprised that you are since you suggested it. Thank you by the way.”
“Of course. Though, I’m hurt that I wasn't invited,” he said, feigning a wounded expression.
“I was, but you said you had plans. Unless they were cancelled, I’m safe to assume that this is it?” she said smugly.
“You are,” Fiyero answered with a smirk.
“Are you with friends or by yourself?”
“Friends, but I lost them in the crowd a bit ago. Now I’m just here for the drinks.”
“That makes two of us.”
Shock then sympathy flashed across Fiyero’s face. “Bad day?”
“Nikidick,” Galinda deadpanned.
“What’d he do this time?”
Galinda glared at her shot, her grip tightening. “Basically said my music video was trash and that I won’t win with it in the film festival.”
“Damn that’s harsh. No wonder you’re drinking.”
Just then, the bartender slid them their drinks, in which they thanked him for before grabbing their cups. Fiyero raised his shot in the air.
“To hell with him and other film nerds, no offense,” he toasted.
Galinda laughed and lifted her shot. “None taken. Fuck them.”
They clinked their drinks then drowned the shots, then Galinda asked for another.
“I promised Pfannee and Shenshen I’ll do a shot with them,” she explained to Fiyero before he could question her.
“Hey, I’m not judging. If you’re here to get wasted, then get wasted. Just make sure one of you is stable enough to get back home safely, okay?” Fiyero said sincerely.
“We will,” she swore, taking the three shots, and made her way into the crowd. She found her friends in the middle close to the stage and handed them their drinks.
“Finally! I was wondering if you forgot about us,” Pfannee exasperated.
“Sorry. I ran into Fiyero and we got caught up for a moment,” Galinda excused as she handed out the glasses.
“Is he by himself?” asked Shenshen.
“Right now, yes. He came with people, but you know him, a social butterfly wherever he goes.”
“True. I swear he could never stay in one place unless he was with you,” Pfannee recalled.
“What can I say? I’m just that irresistible,” Galinda said, tossing her hair.
“Damn right. I still don’t know why he broke up with you. You’re literally so perfect,” Shenshen said.
“Aw thank you, Shenshen. I think we were just too perfect to be together, you know? Perhaps Oz couldn’t handle us being a couple,” Galinda said, slightly joking.
“And to think it would’ve been the opposite. Maybe he’ll regret his decision when he sees you with someone else. Have you been looking at others? Oh! What about that musician guy you worked with? Alec?”
“Avaric?” Galinda corrected Pfannee, who nodded. She groaned. “Ew, no. He’s on the bottom of my list.”
“I thought that was Boq.”
“Who?”
“The Munchkin that keeps following you,” Shenshen said.
“Oh. No, Avaric replaced Biq as dead last. Unlike him, Biq has manners, even if they’re out of place sometimes,” Galinda reasoned.
“I guess that checks out,” Pfannee said, and Shenshen hummed in approval.
“But enough about boys. Tonight is for us,” Galinda exclaimed, and raised her glass.
“Cheers!”
With a clink, the trio took their shots, then proceeded to dance the night away. Some songs later, the group were three drinks and two shots in, and Galinda couldn’t be happier. This was the most freeing and numbing yet in control feeling she’s had since the reveal. This was what she needed after the hell she’s been through.
(She was foolish to cling to that solace.)
Lost in the music, Galinda was blissfully unaware of the artist changing on the stage until there was a sudden tap on the microphone that caused a piercing shrill.
“What the fuck?” Galinda hissed, trying to glance at the stage through the crowd. Unable to see the reason, she turned back to her friends. “Okay, I’m getting another drink because of that.”
“Absolutely,” Pfannee replied.
Galinda moved towards the bar, but halted when an unmistakable voice spoke into the microphone.
“Hello, I’m Fae.”
Great. Her night just kept getting better and better.
“Never thought we’d see that again,” Pfannee whispered, eying the mask.
“She’s still a freak even if she tries to hide it,” Shenshen scoffed.
Weeks ago, Galinda would’ve agreed, but now all she felt was sympathy and remorse. Even behind the mask, Elphaba could never truly be herself. Galinda understood that part more than most.
“I have two songs for you. A cover and an original. The first one is mine, called ‘Worst of Me,’” announced Fae, then readied her guitar.
“Want to leave?” Pfannee asked Galinda.
Yes.
No.
Galinda didn’t know. She should say yes. Nothing good came out of being in the same presence as the green girl. Yet, there’s been nothing good since they parted ways. She lost her muse and her spark in one night. But tonight, her interest piqued as she observed the artist elegantly strum her guitar. Nobody but Galinda noticed the small inhale Fae did to stay grounded.
“Galinda?” Shenshen nudged her after a minute of no response.
“I–”
Luckily or unluckily (she wasn’t sure), the music began to play. Seeing their friend making no move to go, Pfannee and Shenshen stuck by her side as she watched transfixed on her roommate. The moment Fae opened her mouth to sing, it was like the Lurline had come down to bless her ears once again, but this time, hearing it live tugged at her heart harder than listening to her music digitally, along with the lyrics creating additional damage.
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
4AM and it's dark in the house, and I cry, and I cry
And I screamed about a hundred times
I want you out of my mind
'Cause it's been so long since I knew what it was
To be held in the arms of a human that was warm and kind
You were so unkind
I wish I was honest for a moment, mm
Bruises only heal when you apply some love and tenderness
You could cut me deeper than the ocean
But I refuse to drown, I'm comin' up, I wanna breathe again
I gave you my all, but you took the worst of me
Lightning and scars is all I got left of me
I came here for love, but no, I don't want it anymore
I gave you my all, but you took the worst of me
You took the worst of me
You took the worst of me
We ended up like romeo and juliet
A curse above the houses, oh
I know you feel alone
But I won't be the one to desert myself
I deserve to be loved, no fear that it would disappear
You were never here
I wish I was honest for a moment, yeah
Bruises only heal when you apply some love and tenderness
You could cut me deeper than the ocean
But I refuse to drown, I'm comin' up, I wanna breathe again
I gave you my all, you took the worst of me
Lightning and scars is all I got left of me
I came here for love, but no, I don't want it anymore
I gave you my all, but you took the worst of me
You took the worst of me.
Fae’s voice faded into silence. In that split second, Galinda saw her shoulders tense, her stance rigid like she’s holding her breath. (She probably was.) Then a roar of applause erupted throughout the bar, and relief flooded through Fae’s posture. Galinda liked to believe that she was smiling underneath the mask, and she subconsciously grinned at the thought. At Pfannee’s glimpse, her smile quickly fell away to a stoic expression.
But when Galinda looked at the stage again, she felt the blood drain from her face when the singer stared right at her. The blonde glanced around in hopes that she wasn’t the artist’s target (not to mention that the mask made it hard to know if she actually saw her), but it was obvious that Fae caught her among the crowd, and there was nothing Galinda could do.
‘Fuck.’
Too soon, Fae waved goodbye and walked off and into the dark.
“You think she saw us?” Shenshen asked.
“Of course she did! She was staring in our direction!” Pfannee retorted.
“Ugh! That killed the vibe. Are you ready to get out of here?” Shenshen suggested them both.
“I– yes! Just give me a clock tick to freshen up then we can go,” Galinda excused, then quickly fled before they could reply.
She approached the restrooms, but stopped when she spotted a shadow disappear behind a hallway. After checking the coast was clear, she slipped through and the person. Subtly was not on her side as the clicking of her heels gave her away in the hall. Nowhere to hide, Galinda froze when the figure turned around.
“Galinda,” Fae said flatly.
“Elph– I mean, Fae,” Galinda quickly corrected herself. Just because she knew her secret now didn’t mean she was going to be a bitch and continue exposing her identity to the public. She owed her roommate that much (and more).
After glaring at the blonde, the artist sighed, and Galinda wondered she too was tired with this dispute they had these past days.
“What do you want?”
“I just wanted to say you did good up there. That was the most confident I’ve ever heard you. You really do have a lovely voice,” Galinda softly praised.
Fae’s head turned downcast. “Enough with your lies. If this is a ploy to get me to work with you, then forget it. It’s not going to happen.”
Galinda’s face soured into a frown. “I know we have our differences, but I never once lied about your singing. I meant it then, and I mean it now. You, Elphaba Thropp, are the best musician Shiz has and in all of Oz. You have a gift, and I would be a fool if I said it’s a waste because it’s not, and I’d be damned if anyone says otherwise.”
“Stop it! You don’t mean that! I’m not gifted. I’m cursed. No matter what I do, it’ll never outweigh what I am. A green freak,” Fae snarled, her voice cracking at the last word.
The girl might as well have slapped Galinda considering the force of guilt that rushed through her as she recounted all the times she and her friends called Elphaba that and worse. She didn’t know much about her family, but from what she’s noticed from the Thropp sisters’ small but stiff interactions, it occurred to her that Elphaba’s self-lack of confidence started from (possibly years of) her family, and Galinda (none of the wiser) only worsened the wound further when she arrived to what Elphaba hoped was a fresh start.
Oz, Galinda regretted every action she’s done to her since the day they met. She always mocked that her life would be better if the green thing Elphaba wasn’t here, but then Fae wouldn’t exist, and despite what went down, the singer was the best thing that’s happened to Galinda this year. This rivalry had to end for both of their sakes. She may not be able to undo her mistakes, but she’ll damn well try to make up for them – starting now.
“Fae– Elphaba, that’s not true. I’m sorry I ever called you that, but I was wrong. You’re anything but a cursed freak. You’re a talented artist, the smartest student in Shiz, and the most selfless and kindest person I’ve ever met. The only curse you have is the world’s cruelty. You don’t deserve that treatment from anyone, including me. And if you’ll allow me, I’ll remind you everyday until you believe in yourself the same way I believe in you,” Galinda vowed.
“You believed in Fae. Not me.”
“No. I believe in who Fae is. Not the mask. The person behind it, and that’s you, Elphaba.”
Fae’s defense faltered, and a beat passed as she stared at Galinda in shock. “You’re actually serious about this?” she whispered.
“As serious as Dr. Dilly.”
For the first time in days, Fae genuinely chuckled, and Galinda grinned at the sound.
“You know you shouldn’t call him that,” she teased.
“Hey, if he calls me ‘Glinda,’ then it’s only right that I call him ‘Dr. Dilly,’” Galinda remarked.
Fae sighed in disappointment. “I hate how that makes sense.”
Did she just concur with her? Today seemed to hold many firsts. Galinda smirked in triumph.
“So, do you believe me now?”
“No offense, but I still don’t trust you, and I don’t think I will for a bit. Maybe someday I might. I can’t promise it though, I’m sorry.”
Galinda shook her head with a gentle smile. “No need to apologize for something that’s not your fault. Your feelings are totally valid. I’m the one who’s at fault. I can’t express enough how sorry I am for everything. If I could undo it, I would,” she said sadly.
“I appreciate your apology. I still don’t fully trust you, but I know that you’re sincere, which is more than anyone else has done. You have my respect for this at least.”
“Thank you. I don’t deserve a second chance, but I would love to make it up to you! If you’ll let me,” Galinda asked earnestly.
Elphaba’s head tilted. “How? By making me a music video?”
“Nope. By being your first and best friend! I know we can't change the past, but we can change the future. Start over?” Galinda beamed, offering a hand for her roommate to shake.
Elphaba stood, staring at the open palm in thought. It might’ve been seconds, but it felt like an eternity passing by, and Galinda sheepishly hung her head and lowered her arm in embarrassment.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to rush you. That was selfish of me. We don’t have to be friends if you don’t want to–”
“Galinda,” Elphaba sighed, then gently approached her.
Suddenly, a glove hand appeared in her vision, and Galinda looked up and gasped at the sight of Elphaba (not Fae) gazing at her softly – her mask held in the other hand by her side.
“I think I would like to have you as a friend,” said Elphaba, with a soft grin.
The blonde smiled and shook it.
“I do have one condition,” Elphaba added. Galinda quirked a brow. “If we equally work together on the music video.”
Galinda’s smile widened, and her grip tightened. “Deal, partner. You have no idea how much I’ve missed working with you. Avaric is a pain. How do you handle him?” she exasperated, causing Elphaba to laugh.
“I simply ignore him. I still can’t believe you replaced me with him.”
“Hey!”
“I’m just teasing. How about we discuss more over some drinks? The bartender owes me one anyway,” Elphaba suggested.
“I would love to,” Galinda replied. She then hooked her arm through Elphaba’s and led them to the bar.
The rest of the night was bliss as they talked not just as collaborators but as best friends.