XV. Protect One's Self.

As class continued Jude's mind remained still on something else. She wasn't paying attention to anything Indira had to say. After that ridiculous response she had for Jude's question she did not want to hear any of it.

But her attention was drawn to Jordan, taking note of the obvious anger and change in Jordan's demeanor along with the feeling of glee radiating from Marie like the sun on a summer day.

When the class finally did end, Jude stood alongside Jordan who had a specific action on their mind.

Before they could leave, Jude stops them at the door.

"Who gives a shit about ranks? Ranks are nothing but a societal hierarchy used to put people against each other." In their case, it was working. Because right now, Jordan and Marie hated each other and Jordan seeing her get all the praise for doing nothing only fueled the feeling. Meanwhile, Marie was ensuring that her future was secure, not caring if she stepped on anyone's toes in the process.

Let the battle of egos commence!

"I give a shit about it Jude." Jordan sighs, their brows creasing together in frustration. The ranking was the one thing that made them feel seen within the school, as a way to become a part of the Seven but they weren't too sure if that was happening now.

"Well, you should start caring less because I see you Jordan. I see you for the great person that you are and no stupid rank can do that." With a reassuring smile, Jude plants a gentle kiss on Jordan's cheek.

It gave Jordan some sort of edge...just a little bit but not enough to dim down the fire that lit inside them. It was growing steadily by the minute and just glancing at Marie made it worse.

Saying nothing else Jude walked alongside Jordan as they pushed through the glass doors swiftly. Their gaze remained intense on Marie, without even giving themselves a second to breathe, they began, "You didn't do shit. You ran," Jordan points out, their glare darkening into what looked cold.

Marie who was walking turned her head over to where Jordan and Jude stood. The smile that was once on her lips slowly dimmed. Her eyes lingered on Jude before turning her head.

Marie continued to walk ahead, but that didn't give Jordan the gist that she didn't want to be bothered by anyone especially them as they continued with their rant, "I fought Luke to protect you, and you're just taking all the credit?"

Marie faces Jordan and blankly answers, "I'm taking whatever they give me."

"It ever occurs to you why you're getting it and I'm not?" Jordan questioned, and that caused her to stop.

Marie finally faces Jordan awaiting whatever they have to say. Jordan goes ahead and answers their question, "'Cause bigender doesn't play well in Jacksonville."

"Yeah," Marie sarcastically mutters although it holds some truth to it, "I'm not exactly the fan favorite down there either."

"Neither of us is on the acceptable list when it comes to this school, but if we just stop fighting like children and think smarter then maybe all this wouldn't be necessary." Jude speaks up while listening to their "conversation". Both sides were equally valid in reasoning the question is who'll finally admit that they were wrong in it?

"No!" Both voices echoed in the teen's direction causing her to raise her hands in defense before the eventual roll of her eyes.

"Fine...be my guest."

Jordan turns their gaze to Marie, "So you're fine just fucking me over?"

"Look," Marie began trying to get her point across, "I get that this sucks for you, but, Jesus Christ, you rejected me from this school. Remember?"

Marie continued to highlight her obvious annoyance with everyone expecting her to solve their problems, "And then I almost got expelled covering for your coked-up ass. I don't owe you," Marie stated firmly. Her eyes landed on Jude's before directing them back onto Jordan, "Or anyone anything."

Marie who was beyond done with it finalized her statement, "Everyone just needs to leave me the fuck alone." And with that, Marie proceeded to walk away but was then stopped by Jordan.

Jordan who shifted from their female form to their male form m reached out and grabbed Marie's arm, forcefully turning her back around to meet their gaze.

Marie looks down at their hand before eventually meeting their gaze. More softer Jordan began, "Brink didn't care what I looked like," Loosening their hold on her they continued, "As long as I was the best, I mean, after Luke. But now that they're both gone, I go back to not existing."

"So you're right," Jordan admits putting their pride away for just one second, "You don't owe me shit, but I'm asking anyway."

Marie paused for a moment, her eyes narrowing, and then gestured for them to continue, "Asking for what?"

"You're getting interviewed by Hailey Miller, right?" Jordan asked, "Just tell her the truth about what I did. That's all."

Marie shook her head, "They gave me a script. They'll be pissed if I go off."

Jordan shook their head, easily correcting her, "You're live on camera. 'Whatever story you tell them, they have to run with.' That's what Brink always said."

Jude steps up. She'd been watching the whole thing go down and could no longer anymore. With a finger pointed upwards she adds "I'll do it. They gave us both a script but unlike most people, I'm not afraid to break the rules."

Jordan shakes their head no, "I know you'll do it. The thing is..." They trail off, their gaze bleeding directly onto Marie who shifted slightly uncomfortable, "Would you stop being a fucking people pleaser Marie and be honest?"

The million-dollar question hung in the air everyone and if you squinted your eyes closely and tilted your head to the left you could see it bouncing up and down repeatedly. Just waiting for someone to grab it.

"Like I said they gave me a script...but I'll see what I can do." Marie watches as relief pours in from Jordan's face.

"Now do me a favor and leave me alone. Got it." Marie wastes no time in leaving them both to stand there.

✺ Authors Note: So I'm rewatching Gen V for the billionth time and the fact that all these events legit happened within three days is insane like did any of the students ever catch a break? Or at-least got a chance to focus on their academic studies? Honestly really fast paced if we're being honest. The school year hadn't even ended yet.