Okay... it's time for some... shorter chapters. A reminder to those who see 'Wicked100' and think 'yay, i don't have to read these in a particular order to understand'... this time you're wrong. Moving on...

Disclaimer: Only mine on opposite day. And even then I have to share it with you and the rest of the wonderful world of wicked fans. (throws hands into the air Not that I'm complaining!)

002. Middles

A few days later, Elphaba sat in the same class next to the same people. She did more than her best to ignore them.

Not halfway through the lesson, two burly guards and the headmistress entered the room. One of the officers addressed the professor.

"Dr. D. Dillamond, we have a warrant for your arrest. Come peacefully and we won't have to harm you."

"Madame Morrible, what is the meaning of this?" Dr. Dillamond cried.

She had, quite literally, a fishy look about her. "I can't imagine, Professor, but I'm afraid there's nothing I can do. They have authorized orders." She said over-dramatically.

"What are the terms?" Elphaba called out from her seat.

But the guards were already hauling Dr. Dillamond forcefully out the door.

"You won't get away with this. The Animals Rights Activists will rebel and chaos will erupt in the Emerald City. Remember, class, the government of Oz isn't as wonderful as it's made out to be." He warned, looking straight at Elphaba …or was he looking at Fiyero? It was hard to tell. "But don't worry about me. Just keep up with your studies." He emphasized. Elphaba bowed her head.

"I feel great regretulation that you all had to see that." The Headmistress stated. "Class dismissed. You will have class tomorrow, though."

The room rippled with noise and Elphaba gathered her things silently. She allowed herself to collapse under a tree in the courtyard. So much for working with the acclaimed Dr. Dillamond…

"Hey."

She jumped in surprise. She turned her head to find Fiyero leaning against the tree.

"What do you want?"

"I wanted to apologize." He said. "I thought that Avaric was referring to himself as an oversized lizard. It wasn't 'til he pointed it at you directly that I knew who he was talking about." He explained.

"Hm." She said dismissively, staring into space.

"And… I think that your idea to find the link between Animals and humans is really interesting."

Elphaba's head shot up. "What?"

"It's… interesting?" He said slowly, as not to anger her. She shrugged.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Fiyero glanced at his watch and swore.

"I have to go meet someone… I see you around." He waved and rushed off.

Elphaba wasn't sure what to make of him. Just in class, he seemed like another Avaric: shallow and stupid, but just now, he was courteous and intelligent. He didn't even seem to notice that she was green. Before today, she had two categories into which she separated people by impression: shallow and deep. But Fiyero didn't seem to fit anywhere. He was just stuck in the middle.

I'd like to thank Bombalurinasara for the first review and CrystalClear444 and Erikssecretlover for the others. You're awesome, rock on.

Also... I still have a slightly pathetic obsession with reviews... so... indulge me, please?

e.r.