Sunset ^beta

Chapter Text

"Honestly, it's not that bad."

"Elphie, listen to me," Galinda huffed, tossing her and strutted her way through Shiz's halls with Elphaba at her side, "you heard the forecast! Heavy rain! Hear that? Heavy. Rain."

"Yes, and I also know you like to keep the balcony door open no matter the weather."

"Your faith in me is staggering, Elphie! I am your trusted friend-slash-roommate and I take your condition very seriously."

"Maybe don't call it a condition."

Galinda continued the harp on about her worry and concern and her "planning" on how she would keep every inch of her dear friend away from the elements that would seek her doom. What was worse as that Galinda roped in the help of Fiyero. He took to her planning in stride, going as far as nabbing an umbrella (or three) to hover over Elphaba's head as they crossed the courtyard, nodding and agreeing with Galinda's solutions.

"That balcony always needed an overhang, you know. There needs to be balance between soaking up the sun and not being blinded by it, and it's also convenient for Elphie's condition! Were it to sprinkle or be a light drizzle, she will be protected and have enough time to go back inside."

"Yes, and maybe we can also fix that door, too. The broken glass will allow water to seep in."

"You're so right, Fiyero." Galinda nodded, at some point she had taken one of Fiyero's stolen umbrellas and held it over an exhausted Elphaba. "While it does have sentimental value, I would rather it be repaired more than anything."

Thunder rumbled above them, and Shiz's power couple stood at attention, their umbrellas taking in the gaps Elphaba's own might have missed. They squabbled with purpose and ushered their dear Elphaba to cover was the rain drizzled, then pittered, then pattered, then poured.

"Really, I can handle the rain myself." Elphaba flushed, ignoring how warm her cheeks and neck and ears got, ignoring the tight twist in her chest as two of the most beautiful people she was ever graced to know (much less befriend) stared at her with such concern. "I've done it for years."

"Oh Elphie," Galinda gasped, offense clear in her voice and expression, "but you have us now!"

"Is it really so crazy that we want to help you, Elphaba?"

Well, it was pouring heavily outside, and she would have gotten soaked were it not for them. However, Elphaba knew how to handle rain, and frankly, it wasn't like she was going to melt if the rain drenched her through. It would just be bothersome. And itchy. And her skin would be covered in hives even after using Dulcibear's old ointment recipe.

Really, she would have been fine as usual.

"Elphie, you know I'm there for you."

"I—" Something had caught in her throat. Elphaba coughed and cleared it as best she could, massaging her neck. "I know that."

Galinda pouted. "No you don't."

"I do. Really. You're—both of you—make that very clear."

"And we mean it! Go on, Fiyero, tell her!"

Elphaba was careful in looking at Fiyero, who also seemed careful with looking right back. He was a wild card, and yet predictable all the same. His mask was predictable, but right now, it had fallen away. His curls were darker from taking the brunt from the rain similar to Galinda's own grayish-wet-blonde look.

"We care about you lot, Elphaba."

The pressure that squeezed her chest was so unbearable now. Even while Galinda nodded fervently with Fiyero and Fiyero gazing at her so openly, so lovingly. Her eyes felt hot and, again, her throat stung. What did she do to have swindled two of the most perfect people into her orbit?

"I care about you most."

"It's not a competition."

"Well." Galinda tossed her hair. "If it was, I'd be winning. I am her roommate, you know."

"Of course."

Elphaba sighed while the couple bickered, and just for this moment, she allowed herself to relax, to be taken care of while Galinda pulled at her arm and Fiyero wrapped his round her shoulders. Elphaba allowed herself to live in this moment.