Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Murphy was 5 when he met Miller. Or more, when he met everyone, all in one burst as he walked into his new class room. Small hands shoved into the pockets of his dirty hoodie as he took his place at the front of the class. The woman who’d showed him to the class whispering to his new teacher as he stood in between them. Eyes on the door wondering whether it was too late to run home.

“So everyone, We have a new student joining our class today, Everyone say hello to John. Mr Murphy, is there anything you’d like to say?”

“Where do I sit?” Murphy asked, looking up at the smiling face with a small scowl. The woman pointed him to a chair, promised she’d be over to talk to him soon once she’d handed out the class their work sheets. Murphy moved to his assigned chair, one next to a boy with dark skin and a frown. Murphy quickly slid into the chair.

“Hi! I’m Jasper! This is Monty and That’s Nathan!” A kid said, leaning over from the other side of the table with an excitable smile. Murphy looked between the three.

“How come you’re in our class John?” Monty asked, Murphy shrugged.

“Moved house. And it’s Murphy. Not John.” Murphy mumbled.

“Shh!” A small voice hissed from the table over, Murphy turned to see a boy with curly black hair glaring at him. “Miss is talking.” He growled, Murphy eyed him. He looked a good few years older than the rest in the class. Murphy would later find out that that was Bellamy Blake and despite being three years older than everyone in the class he’d joined in the same grade as his sister. Apparently up until then his mother had been too depressed to take care of the small girl that was known as Octavia and so Bellamy had taken over that job, refusing to go to school until she was ready to go with him.

“Good for her.” Murphy huffed before he was turning back to his table, ignoring the look of anger on the boys face and leaning his head on the table letting the sound of voices lull him to sleep. Before long it was lunch, the children scurrying out of the room ready for their meals. Murphy stood slowly, following them out of the class room and into the playground, kids pulling out their lunch boxes from the trays and rushing to find their seats and friends.

“You got lunch?” A voice said from beside him making Murphy jump, he turned to see the boy he was sitting next to.

“No.” Murphy said simply.

“You like Pb&J?” He asked.

“Yeah.” Murphy said and a moment later Nathan was pulling open his lunch box and handing off half a sandwich to Murphy. “Why?”

“Why not.” Nathan said and that was the end of it. The two sitting by the edge of the playground and watching the other kids play.

It was always easy to make friends as children, although Miller was the only one John actually made, not that the Jasper kid didn’t try, always trying to chat to him when Murphy was more interested in scribbling circles on the edge of whatever the teacher had given them. He liked Miller, Liked that he never questioned why Murphy didn’t have lunch and after a week begun bringing in an extra sandwich each day, he never asked why Murphy had on dirty clothes, or the same outfit as the day before. Not like the other kids who’d point out he’d been wearing his sponge bob top for the past week. Especially the curly haired kid,

*

Time passed slowly at the new school, days dragging on, not that that was a bad thing, he liked it. When he’d be tucked away in his and Millers corner at lunch. The only people to bother them being Monty and Jasper, Monty running over and asking Miller If he wanted to play with them at which point Miller would fumble with his sandwich and stutter until Jasper eventually said ‘he doesn’t want to play Monty’. He liked the world that the school gave him, one without the stench of alcohol creeping through him.

Then he’d got the 'fun’ assignment to write about his summer. The other kids happily setting their heads down and getting to work. Murphy one of the only two who didn’t. Jasper the other one, but it seemed he was far too interested in bobbing his head along to an imaginary song to listen to the assignment.

“Mr Jordan.” The teacher cooed nicely. “Get to work.” and Jasper did with little more than a cheesy grin. “Mr Murphy you too.” The teacher called.

“I don’t have anything to write.” Murphy mumbled, shoving his paper away from him.

“You did nothing last summer?” The teacher asked with a kind smile.

“Nothing I want to write about.”

“There must be something that happened that you want to write about.”

“No.”

“Just do it.” Curly haired kid, who Murphy had found out was called Bellamy snapped. Murphy ignored him, instead just looked back at the teacher and shrugged.

“Well how about you tell me a few things that happened over the summer and I’ll choose one for you to write about.” The teacher pressed on. Murphy felt a frown forming on his face.

“My dad died on his way to pick me up from camp.” Murphy said bluntly. “You want me to write about that or should I write about his funeral?” The class was silent, a bunch of small heads turned to him the teacher staring at him in shock.

“Um..i-” the teacher stuttered.

“Here.” It was Monty, he quickly pushed his colouring book over to Murphy along with a stack of crayons. “You can colour…He can colour right miss?” Monty asked, turning to the teacher with a sweet smile the teacher gave a quick nod.

*

It seemed to only drive a stake through Murphy and the rest of the class, except from Miller who sat by his side as usual but the others looked to him in fear. As if he were cursed, like if they spent time with him their parents would drop dead too. Monty was another exception, he and Jasper still running over and asking them to play and surprisingly enough Bellamy, but unlike Monty, Jasper and Miller he wasn’t kind to Murphy, instead he told him to be quiet and do his work when Murphy’s table were laughing at something Jasper did. That was how kindergarten went. With the four of them sitting at a table and Bellamy snapping at him from the side.

*

First grade bought sleepovers. Miller never asked why Murphy never invited him to stay at his house or why Murphy would turn up at his doorstep on the night of their sleepovers alone. His dad did though, something Murphy generally shrugged off with 'mums working’ he didn’t think that 'mums too drunk to walk me’ would go over very well with Mr and Mrs Miller.

By second grade everyone knew that where Miller went Murphy went and vice versa. When Murphy got into his first fight with none other than Bellamy Blake he wasn’t surprised when Bellamy’s mum turned up, nor was he surprised when Bellamy’s sister walked in next to her and he definitely wasn’t surprised that half an hour later his mom still hadn’t showed up. He was however surprised when the door swung open 45 minutes after the fight and Mr Miller marched in, Little Miller at his side looking to Murphy nervously.

*

After that it seemed to be how the relationship would go, Murphy would get into a small fight, ending in a cut lip or a bruise, usually with Bellamy and then Mr Miller would roll in with a frown and scold Murphy. Each time Miller looked guilty but Murphy never mentioned it, never asked how exactly Mr Miller knew that he was sitting in the principals office just nodded to Miller and continued on like it never happened.

*

3rd grade was when It all changed, when Murphy went from just being the angry, slightly dirty kid with one friend to the kid with the bruises no one wanted to ask about. When Murphy begun turning up at Miller’s via the window Miller didn’t ask, just let him in, stole him food from the kitchen and handed him a Ps2 controller with a smile.

It was also in 3rd grade when Miller started to talk about Monty, Monty this and Monty that. Today Monty drew a really nice flower, Jasper upset Monty, we don’t like Jasper any more. Murphy would just nod along. Let Miller talk about Monty like that was the only important thing happening.

He’d joke about Miller having a crush and Miller would punch his arm and blush until Murphy was laughing at him.

*

Murphy didn’t turn up to school on the day his mum died. He’d been about to leave when he’d heard her croaky whisper of 'John’ had drawn his attention. For once not laced with venom but sounding like his mother again, the mom he use to have, before his father died. He’d walked over, back into the ratty front room, ignoring the bottles strewn across the room, the stains on the carpet that he knew was his blood. Just walked over to her and looked to her, she was lying on the couch, head tipped to the side staring at him with glassy eyes.

“Why did you have to get sick?” she asked breathlessly, reaching out to drag a cigarette smelling hand down his cheek, ignoring the way he flinched as she did so. “Why did you have to call him?” Murphy swallowed down the lump rising in his throat, he didn’t have to ask what she was talking about. He knew what she meant, he’d thought it a million times. “You killed him.” She cried, Murphy took a step back then. Left her lying on the couch and went back to his room, dropping his bag by the door and spending the day lying on his bed. He heard her vomiting at one point and ignored it. It was only when he came out a few hours later that he realised his mistake. At first he thought she’d just passed out again, then he saw the unusually pale colour of her skin, the way it seemed to be shrunken her face almost unrecognisable, eyes still wide open.

He’d sat across from her, watched her chest waiting for it to raise slightly, to show she was breathing, it didn’t. She just lay there, staring back at him with dead eyes. Vomit dribbling from the side of her mouth. It was Mr Miller who found him, it was always Mr Miller who came for him, he should have learnt that by then. He came with a pounding knock on the door.

“JOHN!” He shouted, voice loud, interrupting the deathly silence of the house. Murphy slowly pulled himself off the floor and made his way to the door. Pulling it open interrupting the bouts of knocking.

“Hi.” Murphy mumbled looking up at him.

“You’re coming with me.” Mr Miller said simply, moving to take Murphy by the shoulder gently, leading him from the house.

“You’re a police officer right?” Murphy asked as he was lead towards the car. For once Miller wasn’t there sitting in the back seat waiting for Murphy with an apology for telling Mr Miller on him.

“Yes. Nate told me about the bruises and-”

“Come with me.” Murphy said, stopping his walking and shrugging Mr Millers hand off his shoulders, he walked back to the house, Mr Miller walking slowly behind him. Murphy lead him to the living room, to his mother’s body.

“I don’t know what I’m meant to do…But you do..right?” Murphy asked looking up into the shocked face on Mr Miller.

*

Mr Miller had known what to do, he’d insisted on Murphy at least sitting outside while he made all the calls. Handing Murphy a purple gameboy that Miller had left in the car and letting Murphy play to his hearts desire. A few weeks later and Murphy officially moved into the Miller residences as the newly adopted child of David and Verna Miller. He went back to school the next day. Wearing clothes cleaner than anyone had ever seen him in. No dirt smeared across his face and the rips in his elbows and knee’s sewed up like they’d never even been there.

It was a strange day. With Miller hanging close to his side and glaring at anyone who dared get near him. Even Monty. Bellamy of course wasn’t scared of the younger kid. Just waltzed over, ignored Miller’s glare and stopped in front of Murphy, Octavia standing proudly next to him.

“Here.” Bellamy mumbled, shoving a bag into Murphy’s hand. Murphy opened it curiously, looking down at cookies that sat in the bottom of the bag. Bellamy didn’t wait around for a thanks, not that Murphy would have given him one, just turned on his heel. Grabbed his sisters arm and dragged her away.

“I STILL DON’T LIKE YOU!” Murphy bellowed after him. Bellamy turned with a small grin.

“and I still think you’re a dick.” Bellamy had called back before he continued on his storm off. Murphy shared his cookies with Miller and even gave Miller one to give to Monty but Miller didn’t leave his side for long enough to slip Monty the cookie.

*

The years passed slowly after that. Mr Miller turning up when Murphy got into trouble was no longer strange, just expected as his guardian. Bellamy was still a dick, Murphy and him still fought whenever they got a chance. Verna and David got a divorce leaving miller to grow quieter and quieter around everyone but Murphy. Even his dad, He’d rarely talk about it, Murphy didn’t pry, Miller had never forced him to talk about his mother, he owed him the same level of respect and he knew Miller. If Miller wanted to talk about something he would. Like Monty, one of Millers favourite subjects, only bested by Shakespeare (why, Murphy had no idea) and insulting Murphy. Millers crush got less funny up until 6th grade, then it was hilarious again after 7th grade when Murphy found himself a girlfriend, not that it lasted long. The two had two kisses and three dates before she’d broken up with him and Murphy had shrugged it off as no big.

Freshmen year of high school was when it all went to shit once again, or more. When everything really started. The rivalry between Bellamy and Murphy had grown over the years. The crushing between Miller and Monty growing painful once again leading Murphy to 'poking the bear’ and insulting Bellamy, and his sister, whenever he got a chance simply because he wanted something else to do.

Murphy’s 15th birthday rolled around with the exciting revelation that David was going out of town for a few nights.

“Dude. We have to do a party.” Murphy breathed as he rocked back on his chair in biology.

“No.” Miller mumbled.

“Miller.”

“Murphy, if my dad finds out we’re dead.”

“Then at least we’ll have gone out with a bang. Come on, we can invite the class.”

“You don’t even like anyone from the class.”

“No. but you do.” Murphy mumbled, nodding his head over to Monty. He watched Millers face as he looked over to Monty nervously.

“Fine. But we do it on Friday night, that way we have Saturday and Sunday to clean.”

“I love you man.” Murphy breathed.

“Mr Murphy, is there something you wish to share with the class?” Miss Griffin asked, eyeing him critically.

“Um..”

“What’s the answer to this?” She asked, pointing to the board where there was something about metaphase and prophase.

“Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell?” Murphy guessed.

“Try again.” She snapped.

“Uh..Does it mean Bellamy’s a knob?”

“Out.” She growled, ignoring Bellamy’s quick, retort as Murphy swung himself from his chair and marched himself into the hall with a wink to Miller.

Lunch time rolled around before long and Murphy veered away from he and Millers usual table. He spotted Octavia, Bellamy, Jasper and Monty sitting at their table and moved over to them. Slamming his hands down in-between Bellamy and Octavia making the two jump.

“Green, Jordan. You’re cordially invited to a party at mine and Miller’s on Friday night.”

“Hu?” Monty asked eyeing Murphy. “Are you joking?”

“No. It’s my birthday tomorrow, Chief Millers outta town, figured I’d throw a party.”

“Don’t you need friends to throw a party?” Bellamy asked.

“Don’t you know not to speak unless spoken too?”

“Wow. Good comeback.” Bellamy mumbled sarcastically.

“You’re not invited. Octavia….I guess you can come.” He said slowly. “But only because these two like you.”

“Whys it so important that those two come?” Octavia asked.

“Well this guys obviously a stoner.” Murphy lied, nodding to Jasper who grinned guilty.

“You’re not going O.”

“But it’s a party.”

“Yeah. With Murphy. You’re not going.”

“I can go if I want.”

“Andd my work here is done. Remember Friday night. It’ll start at seven thirty.” Murphy said before he made his way to Miller.

“Monty and Jasper are coming.” He said.

“Really?” Miller asked, looking over to Monty’s table.

“Well maybe. They’re invited. Now we just need to spread some more invites.”

*

Friday came quickly. David Miller rolling out of the driveway after a quick lecture about responsibilities and staying safe. His number posted on the fridge, Money tucked safely away with Miller. The two waved innocently watching the car as it pulled around the corner.

“Lets get this party started.” Murphy cheered.

“You’re so lame.” Miller grumbled.

“And yet you hang out with me.”

“You live with me. It’s not like it’s my choice.” Miller huffed.

*

The first guests arrived at quarter to eight, a gaggle of kids from the year above. How they’d found out about it Murphy didn’t know, nor did he care. They bought booze and to Murphy that made them welcome. It was half 8 by the time Monty, Jasper and Octavia rolled up to the house. Murphy was tucked away in the kitchen with Miller the two sitting on the counter sipping from their beer.

“Hey Murphy, Miller.” Monty said, Murphy tried to stifle his laugh as Miller chocked on his drink attempting to say hey back and ended up dribbling his beer down himself.

“So smooth.” Murphy whispered. “Hey! You made it!”

“Yeah…Gotta say I’m impressed it seems like quite a good party.” Octavia said with a small smile.

“We bought you a birthday present. Come on.” Jasper said, nodding to the garden with a dopey grin that for some reason made Murphy want to punch it off his face. Murphy looked to Miller before he jumped off the counter and forced his friend to follow him to the garden with the other three. They settled down on the bench at the end of the garden. Miller sitting on the floor across from them, Monty joining him.

“Here.” Monty said, pulling out two joints from his pocket, he handed one to Miller and one to Murphy.

“You ever smoked before?” Octavia asked. Murphy looked over to Miller who caught his eye and started to grin.

“yeah.” The two said.

“I feel like there’s a story behind that.”

“Yeah but you have to be a level 5 friend to get that one.” Murphy said easily. Ignoring the disappointed look on Jasper’s face. Octavia slid a lighter out of her pocket and sparked the flint leaving Murphy and Miller to light the joints.

After those two were finished Monty went about rolling more. Miller turning to Murphy with a small grin 'Hes sitting with us’ Miller said with a raise of his eyebrows.

'no shit’ Murphy replied with a lazy smirk.

'what do I do? How do I talk to him?’ Miller said with a twitch of his nose. Murphy thought for a second before he gave a small shrug and his own eye brow raise

'blow him.’ Was Murphy’s reply leaving Miller punching him in the arm hard enough to bruise.

“Shut up.” Miller huffed.

“He didn’t say anything.” Octavia said, eyeing the two confused.

“He knows what I’m talking about.” Miller grumbled. “Go get me another beer.”

“Ohh, Me too!” Jasper said excitedly.

“bu-”

“Can I have one?” Monty asked, looking up from where he was rolling and over to Murphy. Murphy felt Miller nodding at him from the side.

“Fine.” Murphy mumbled before he was shoving himself off of the ground.

Murphy wandered into the house feeling pleasantry buzzed. Eyes running through the room, over the crowd of people trying to find the drinks, it wasn’t long before he spotted them, quickly making his way over and beginning to dig out 5. Another hand reached down, grabbing one of the beers from the pile.

“Those all for you?” Murphy’s eyes shot up at the voice.

“I said you weren’t invited.” Murphy snapped instantly, glaring as Bellamy just smirked and bought his bottle to his lips.

“You always get gate crashers.” Bellamy mumbled before he took a long gulp of the beer.

“Get out.”

“Not just yet.” Bellamy said with another annoyingly smug grin. “Nice room by the way.”

“You went in my room?! Great, now I’m going to have to burn everything!”

“Enjoy the party while you can.” Bellamy said before a blond girl came over and grabbed his arm, slurring something about dancing. Bellamy let himself get pulled off, turning to smirk one last time and did a small salute then he was gone off into the other room leaving Murphy fuming. He stormed back outside. Finding Octavia, Monty and Jasper sitting with a quiet Miller.

“OI! You’re dick of a brothers here!” He growled as he dumped the drinks.

“Bellamy?” Octavia asked looking confused.

“Yeah. Get rid of him.”

“Murph, it’s fine man. You’ll barely see him.” Miller said, grabbing Murphy’s hand and pulling him down to sit next to him. “here.” He offered a half finished joint.

“bu-”

“Murphy, enjoy your party.” Miller ordered and so Murphy did, taking the joint and pulling a long stream of smoke into his lungs. They finished off the joint before Octavia was standing up.

“We should go dance.” She said, rushing off with a smile. The four boys looked to each other, before Jasper was up and sprinting after the girl.

“He has a crush on her.” Monty said, following his friends lead and standing up.

“You don’t say.” Murphy snarked as Miller followed Monty like a lost puppy. Murphy hated that he followed after Miller. He was like the duckling that thought the dog was it’s mother.

“I hate my life.” He grumbled.

*

“Who’s room is the one with the xmen poster?” Someone asked loudly, a few songs later.

“Bedrooms are off limits!” Murphy huffed. He’d been very specific about that.

“So it’s your room?” The guy asked, moving towards him. Murphy noted the way all eyes were on the two of them as if they were expecting a fight. Murphy sized the guy up

I could take him Murphy thought before he was standing up straighter and puffing out his chest.

“Yeah. It’s mine. Now stay the fuck out of it.” He growled, he saw a flash of black curly hair in the background. Eyes locking on Bellamy’s for a second, Murphy watched him leaning against the stairs, a smug ass grin on his face as he looked back at Monty.

“YO EVERYONE!” the guy in front of him bellowed. All eyes turning to the two of them. “you’ll never guess what we just found in this kids room!” He said, turning to Murphy with a grin. Murphy shrugged.

“If it’s my sponge bob pyjamas then I really don’t care.” Murphy said casually. He knew that apart from his large collection of sponge bob things his room was pretty boring. Some clothes in his draws, a bed, a few pictures of him and Miller on the walls. A small wardrobe, a locked laptop and an alarm clock. He hadn’t bought anything knew in years. Everything he got was from Mr Miller, any money he’d got had been going towards a car since he was old enough to know he would learn to drive one day.

“I’m not talking about that.”

“Then I really don’t care what you are talking about.” Murphy said.

“What is it?” One kid asked, Miller thought his name might be Atom but he wasn’t too sure. He knew they were in the same year but they’d shared no classes together. The guy smiled down at Murphy.

“You sure there’s nothing you want to hide?”

“Positive.”

“Kids got a butt plug.” The guy announced leaving Murphy blinking.

What?

“What?” Murphy asked.

“Idiot just left it out as well.” The guy laughed.

“but I-”

“Well that’s stupid of you Murphy. You should at least put something like that away before a party.” Bellamy said, Murphy’s eyes shot back to him

oh you absolute cu-

“He doesn’t look like a faggot.” Another guy said.

“Still out, go check. Last door on the left.” The original guy said. Pointing to the stairs. There was a second of silence before all of the teens sprinted towards the stairs. Murphy didn’t need to go look. Looking at Bellamy’s smug grin was enough. He could hear the laughs and cheers from upstairs before people were coming back downstairs.

“Dude that’s so gross!” A girl said with a giggle.

This is not happening Murphy thought as the crowd begun making loud jokes about what was in Murphy’s room.

“Murph.” Miller said, hand coming down on his shoulder. “They’re just being dicks no one cares if-”

“You his boyfriend?” The guy said, looking over Miller.

“I’m his brother.” Miller growled, dragging Murphy a few steps back from the laughing crowd.

“I’ve changed in the same room as him.” Murphy heard a gun say. “Bet he was fucking looking at me.”

“In you’re dreams.” Murphy spat. “It’s not mine. I don’t know how it got in my room.” Murphy lied. He knew exactly how it got in his room and he would kill Bellamy for it later. The next few minutes past in a blur, of insults directed at Murphy. Eventually he let Miller start to lead him outside, away from the laughing crowd only for a hand to land on his other shoulder.

“Come back here.” The guy ordered. Dragging Murphy towards him.

“Don’t touch me!” Murphy snapped, shoving the guy back. A moment later the taller, obviously older guy was back in front of him. Slamming a fist into his stomach. Murphy doubled over, chocking out a breath. He saw Miller rush past him, heard the resounding crack of a fist hitting something.

“THE COPS ARE COMING!” A familiar girls voice screamed and suddenly everything went quiet for a total of two seconds before people were running shoving past Murphy and making for the door. Murphy straitened out. Stumbling as people pushed past him. It didn’t take long for the house to clear.. He heard the doors slam shut before footsteps sounded.

“Sit down.” The girl ordered, a hand on his shoulder shoving him back onto the couch “Are you okay? That looked like a hard punch and-”

“I’m fine.” Murphy growled looking up at the blue eyes shining back at him. “The cops-”

“I lied. I thought it would make them leave.” The girl said with a small smile.

“Clarke.” Murphy looked over to see Wells fucking Jaha walking into the room, why he was at the party Murphy had no idea. “We should go.”

“Just a minute Wells.” Clarke said, turning back to Murphy, hand moving to the bottom of his shirt. Murphy quickly grabbed her hand stopping her.

“I’m fine. Go.” He snapped, she hovered for a moment before nodding and following Wells out. Murphy looked around the room. Eyes landing on Bellamy. He waited for the click of the door closing before he was launching himself off of the couch and at Bellamy. Body slamming into him sending them both slamming into the floor. He came up a second later, fist reeling back and slamming into the smug grin on the mans face.

“Murphy!” Miller called. Moving to his side quickly, Murphy managed to get another two punches in before he was being hauled off of Bellamy.

“Let go! That fucking dick! I’ll kill you!” He roared.

“Bellamy are you okay?” Octavia asked, slipping down next to Bellamy who just continued to grin.

“I’m good.” he said after a moment, wiping the blood from his face and looking to Murphy. “What’s wrong Murph?

“Why the fuck did you do that?”

“What did he do?” Miller asked, shoving Murphy another few steps back. Murphy spotted Monty and Jasper hovering off to the side watching them nervously.

“He put a fucking butt plug in my room! Who even does that?!” Bellamy answered by laughing. “It’s not fucking funny!”

“Wait so it wasn’t yours?” miller asked curiously.

“No!”

“It’s just a joke Murphy. Chill out.”

“A joke? Everyone thinks I’m gay!”

“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with being gay.” Miller said seriously leaving Murphy groaning.

“I know that! But you heard them. They don’t exactly seem thrilled at having a gay guy around school.”

“But you’re not gay.” Jasper said from the side. “I mean, you had a girlfriend.”

“Thank you Einstein, I really needed you to tell me my sexual orientation! They called me a faggot.”

“That was just a few. I’m sure it’ll be-”

“Get him out of my house before I kill him.” Murphy growled. Miller nodded. Turning back to Octavia and nodding towards the door. The girl quickly grabbed her brother and pulled him up.

“I’m sorry.” she mumbled before she was disappearing off with Bellamy. Monty and Jasper quickly making their escape a second later.

“It’ll blow over soon. They’ll be some new gossip before you know it.” Miller tried. Murphy gave a short nod.

“Yeah. Sure.”

“Murph.”

“I’m going to bed.”

“Murphy.”

“Night.”

*

They’d managed to clean the house before David got home on Sunday night. The three sitting down for dinner Murphy trying to pretend he didn’t feel like throwing up whenever he thought about school the next day.

“John. You still want to drive?” David asked halfway through dinner.

“Uh. Yeah.” Murphy mumbled, pushing his food around his plate.

“Good, Then how do you feel about starting to learn.”

“Wait seriously?”

“Of course. I’d teach Nate but he doesn’t seem that interested.”

“Murphy wants to drive, once he does I’ll have a ride everywhere.” Miller said with a small shrug.

“I’m not going to be your chauffeur Miller.”

“You’ll drive him to school though right?”

“Depends if he’s annoying me that day.” Murphy said making David laugh.

*

Monday came all too quickly and before Murphy knew it he and Miller were waking to school, David having had to go in for an early shift at the station.

“It’ll be fine.” Miller said for the thousandth time.

“Yeah. Sure.” Murphy grunted. “..We could always ditch.”

“Or, we could go to school and you could punch anyone who talks shit. I know you enjoy punching people.” Miller said, looking over to Miller with a small smile.

“You’ll have my back?”

“When don’t I?” Miller said, making some of the anxiety in Murphy’s stomach ease.

Murphy walked into the hallway with Miller at his side like every other morning, unlike every other morning however people actually noticed them and didn’t just duck away from them as if the two might start a fight. Instead they turned to each other whispering, some laughing, others looking over in disgust.

“Well..This should be fun.” Murphy grumbled. Before he was standing up straighter and trying to walk through the corridors with his usual swagger. Miller didn’t say anything, which wasn’t unusual for first thing in the morning. Murphy couldn’t help but smirk when he saw Bellamy. Face splotched with bruises and a scab from Murphy’s fists.

“Fag.” Someone muttered as they past him, shoulder slamming into Murphy causing him to stumble. Miller grabbed his arm before he could turn and run after the guy.

“Lets try to make it to first period before my dad gets called in yeah?” Miller said. “Then I’ll help you kill anyone you want.”

“Can we start with Bellamy?”

“I said anyone didn’t I.”

“Murphy!” Murphy turned to spot Clarke rushing over. Wells trailing behind her. “Are you okay? If you want we can talk to Well’s dad and-”

“I’m fine.” Murphy muttered. “No need to go running to Jaha.”

“Are you sure?” Wells asked.

“Positive. Now leave me alone.” Murphy snapped storming off, Miller rolling his eyes, muttering a quick thanks to the two and running after Murphy.

*

“Mr Murphy” Mrs Griffin called.

“Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell” Murphy replied, hearing the sniggers from the rest of the class and watching as Mrs Griffin sighed.

“I want you to take this note to the principals office. Mr Murphy.”

“Why me?”

“Because the other members of this class are at least attempting to listen.”

“Oh. Alright.” Murphy said, knowing he couldn’t argue with that. Standing up he quickly moved grabbing the note from Mrs Griffin. Murphy took his time, despite Jaha’s office only being a two minute walk from the biology room. He went to his locker first, grabbing a chocolate bar from the back and quickly scoffing it down. Then he read the note, it wasn’t too interesting, a simple thing about test scores dropping in her sophmore class. A stop in the nearest bathroom which was only round the corner from Jaha’s office and he was finally ready to go to Jaha.

“Murphy.” A voice called. Murphy looked over his shoulder to see a Dax, a few years older than him, the only reason Murphy knew him was because they’d spent a lot of time sitting in detention together.

“Dax.” Murphy replied turning around fully, shoving his hands in his pockets and eyeing the guy. “What do you want?”

“Is it true what they’re saying?”

“Depends what they’re saying.”

“That you’re a fag.”

“Oh…That.” Murphy huffed.

“So is it true?”

“I don’t see why it’s any of your business.” Murphy snapped, turning back towards the end of the corridor. He heard Dax following him as he walked. Murphy sighed before he was turning round again. Dax stopping a foot in front of him.

“You know if you’re avoiding it it must be true.”

“Or I’m just trying to avoid stupid questions.”

“I don’t want you near me if it’s true.”

“So you thought you’d corner me in an empty hallway. Great thinking Dax, you’re a real genius. “Seems more like you’re trying to get me alone, maybe you want it be true.”

“You saying I’m a fag?”

“I’m implying it yeah.” Murphy said, he knew it wasn’t the smartest idea to say it, but Murphy had never claimed to be a genius.

He saw the fist coming, quickly dodging and throwing his own punch. It landed, slamming across Dax’s cheek. Not that it stopped Dax as a second later Murphy was slamming back into the lockers. A fist slamming into his stomach then another into his face. Murphy quickly shoved Dax back, tasting copper as he aimed his own punch, this one missed. Dax’s next punch didn’t.

Murphy’ head snapped to the side as the guys fist lammed into his face, taking a stumbling step back Murphy moved to retaliate only for someone to rush past him, body slamming into the guys taking them both to the floor with a loud crash. Murphy watched shocked as the two rolled on the floor. Fists flying. A familiar head of curly black hair flashing through the fight. He heard the claps as Bellamy’s fist found Dax’s face again, and again. Then footsteps. Murphy stood still as Jaha yanked Bellamy off of Dax. The older boy stopped the instant he saw who it was pulling him away, holding his hands up in surrender. Eyes flickering behind him to look at Murphy.

“Bellamy?” Murphy asked.

“You okay?” Bellamy said, eyeing the corner of Murphy’s mouth, Murphy could taste the blood, could feel the warmth of it trickling onto his chin.

“You three. My office, now.” Jaha ordered. Murphy gave a short nod to answer Bellamy’s question then followed Jaha into the office. Dax stumbling behind them. Jackson, the school nurse was called to the office. Quickly patching up Dax’s face as Jaha called the parents. Murphy shrugged off Jackson when he tried to look at his face.

“I’m fine.”

“What happened?” Jaha asked

“That freak just attacked me!” Dax snapped pointing to Bellamy.

“After you attacked Murphy. I figured at least I might be an even fight for you.”

“I could have taken him.”

“You were about to get your ass handed to you.”

“I was-”

“Be quiet!” Jaha snapped.

*

Miller came before David. Not bothering to knock on the door before he was strolling into the principals office and grabbing Murphy’s face, eyeing the bruise that Murphy knew was forming.

“You good?”

“Bit thirsty.” Murphy mumbled, watching Miller roll his eyes, trying to suppress the smile on his face.

“Mr Miller, you can’t-”

“I’m not leaving, at least not until my dad’s here.” Miller said quickly.

“Miller, it’s fine, go-”

“Bellamy?” The door flew open again and Murphy almost wanted to laugh at Jaha’s frustrated groan. Octavia raced over to her brother, checking his face to see if there where any new cuts on his bruised faced.

“I’m fine O. He only managed to hit me once and it didn’t even hurt.” Bellamy said calmly.

Dax’s mother was the first person to turn up who was actually meant to be there. Followed shortly by David Miller.

“Again?” He asked as he looked to Murphy eyes burning with disappointment.

“This one wasn’t exactly my fault.” Murphy admitted.

“And who’s fault was it?”

“His.” Murphy and Bellamy said at the same time the two pointing to Dax.

“You two.” Jaha said, pointing to Dax and Bellamy. “Wait in the hall. I’ll talk to you all separately.” Bellamy and Dax stood quickly making their way into the hall. Octavia and Dax’s mom following him. “Now John. What happened?” Jaha asked, sitting down and eyeing Murphy.

“I was delivering a note to you. Oh yeah. Here.” Murphy said pulling out the note and putting it on Jaha’s desk, Jaha made no move to get it. “And then Dax came up to me and started picking a fight. He punched me, I punched him, self defence and all. After a bit Bellamy came out of nowhere and got Dax on the floor, then you came out.”

“What happened between you and him before the fight?”

“Nothing.”

“John.”

“Murph.”

“He was pissing because a rumours going round that I’m gay. Then he attacked me BECAUSE HE’S A HOMOPHOBIC DICK!” Murphy shouted leaning back in his chair to get closer to the door.

“John.” David and Jaha scolded. Murphy gave a small shrug as if to say 'oh well what’s done is done’ which didn’t seem to be enough for Jaha as he kept looking at Murphy, waiting for him to say more.

“Look, that’s what happened. Now can I go, I really am thirsty.”

“Send Bellamy in, and don’t go I want to talk to you again.” Jaha said, Murphy jumped up leaving the room, Miller and David following him.

“He wants you Blake.” Murphy said before he was going for the nearest water fountain. After a quick drink Murphy turned to see Miller and David watching him.

“Are you okay?” David asked.

“I’m fine.”

“I’m sorry for assuming you did something.”

“I’ve given you plenty of reasons to assume it would be me, but for once I’m in the clear. Unless you count punching Dax bad.”

“If it was self defence then no.”

“Then I’m good.” Murphy said casually. “Really Miller, I’m fine.” Murphy mumbled after a moment seeing Millers worried face.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to have your back.”

“Miller, it’s cool.”

“Bu-”

“So when can I start learning to drive?” Murphy asked, changing the subject.

Before long Jaha was finished with both Bellamy and Dax. Murphy sat with a smug grin when Jaha suspended him, he saw David trying not to smile when Murphy blew Dax a kiss as he left the room his mother scolding him as they went.

“Now. Do any of you know how this rumour started? If we find the start then we might be able to stop it before-”

“everyone’s already heard it. Nothing you can do.” Murphy said with a shrug.

“You can’t know that everyone heard it.” Jaha started.

“Enough have.”

“So how did it start?”

“Murphy and Miller threw a party on Friday.”

“O!” Bellamy hissed

“Octavia” Miller and Murphy growled.

“Oh they did did they?” David asked, looking at Murphy and Miller.

“Sorry dad.” Miller mumbled. “It wasn’t meant to be big!” Miller lied. “Just a few friends but then more people heard and suddenly the house was packed. Anyway so then the party’s going okay but then this guy comes down stairs and-”

“Miller man come on. They don’t need to know this.” Murphy snapped.

“A few people had found this butt plug in Murphy’s room.”

“It wasn’t mine!” Murphy said quickly, eyes flicking the David. “Some dick who thought it’d be a funny prank put it there to screw with me.”

“Do you know who put it there?” Jaha asked, Murphy saw Bellamy shifting uncomfortably from the corner of his eye.

“…No…No idea.” Murphy grumbled, gritting his teeth.

Protecting Bellamy fucking Blake, what is wrong with me Murphy thought angrily.

“But like Miller said. A lot of people randomly turned up at the party that was really only meant to be like 5 friends.” Murphy said casually. “So finding who did it would be really hard and everyone must know by now. Look… Are we in trouble?”

“No.” Jaha said slowly.

“Then can we please go. I don’t see why we need to stay here. You know you’re interrupting our learning and that’s just not right! Let us go to class”

“That’s something I never thought I’d hear you say.” David muttered.

*

The five of them left Jaha’s office, David looking over the teens.

“Thank you for helping him.” David said to Bellamy who gave a small nod, eyes shifting away guiltily.

“I’ll see you two at home straight after school.”

“We grounded?”

“Oh yeah.” David said before he was clapping a hand on his boys backs and walking off.

“Thanks…For not ratting me out.” Bellamy said.

“I still hate you.” Murphy replied. “Come on Miller, it’s practically lunch.”

“They’ll probably be more people like Dax.” Miller said as they walked.

“Yeah. Probably, but at least Monty’ll get to see you defending a gay guys honour and being all manly and shit. Maybe he’ll swoon.”

“Shut up.” Miller grumbled.

*

There were more like Dax, unfortunately for Miller Monty didn’t swoon. Fortunately for Murphy he quickly got a reputation as someone who you didn’t want to fight with. Especially not if Miller was around. Murphy had almost laughed at the rumours spreading that he had murdered his mother but, since he and Miller were so very gay for each other David had bribed the jury and taken Murphy in and then he’d murdered Verna because she hadn’t supported her and Miller. Almost. They had to ruin it by bringing in Verna. When Murphy got his driving licenses a few months later everything seemed to be going pretty well.

Murphy was waiting patiently, looking for a way to get back at Bellamy for what he would forever refer to as the butt plug incident. There were rumours about he and Bellamy too, apparently Bellamy defending him against Dax was also code for Big Gay Love. When someone had asked Murphy if he and Bellamy were together he’d laughed so hard he cried. Miller had to practically carry him out of the cafeteria.

A year past, Murphy turned 16 and with only a year and half left of high school he realised he needed to get Bellamy back before the time had slipped past and they were going their separate ways. He also really need to get Miller laid, like…seriously.

“I haven’t even talked to him since the party.” Miller moaned.

“I know. You’re pathetic.” Murphy mumbled.

“What am I meant do? He’s friends with Octavia, her brothers Bellamy, you beat Bellamy up in front of him and I’m your best friend! That reflects badly on me!”

“I’m so sorry that I didn’t think about your love life when I found out that Bellamy had convinced the whole school I was gay. Although, I don’t get that. A straight guy could use a butt plug too.”

“I just want to talk to him.”

“With your dick.” Murphy mumbled making Miller let out a surprised bark of laughter. Miller eyed Monty’s table to see Monty watching them. Monty noticed his gaze and quickly turned back to Octavia. “Just go say hey. Or sit next to him in class one day.”

“I can’t.”

“why?”

“Because…It’s weird..I don’t know” Miller sighed leaving Murphy groaning, luckily, an answer to his prayers was on it’s way, in the shape of biology class. A lesson he hated so deeply he would rather cut out his own spleen with a rusty spoon than go to it. Unfortunately, he was constantly dragged to it by Miller. Because 'oh no Monty’s in that class you have to come I can’t sit on my own!’

pathetic Murphy thought.

“Mr Murphy, what did I just say?”

“That mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell?” Murphy asked, smirking as Mrs Griffin looked about ready to cry.

“I said, That you will be doing a project. You’ll be working with a partner, you can choose your own topic but it has to have to do with biology. I want-” Murphy phased out again. Turning to watch Miller gaze lovingly at Monty.

“Monty Green and Nathan Miller.” Mrs Griffin said, Murphy’s eyes slid to the teacher, a grin forming onto his face as he turned to look back at Miller who was staring at the teacher wide eyed, looking a lot like he’d love to run up and give her a hug.

“If you get a boner just because you hear his name being called next to yours I’m leaving.” Murphy whispered, Millers elbow suddenly jolting off the table and stabbing him in the side. Murphy groaned. Watching as Monty turned to look at Miller, looking a lot like someone had just murdered his cat before he did an awkward wave and turned back around.

“Well that’s a good sign.” Murphy joked.

“Screw you Murphy.” Miller huffed.

“John Murphy you’ll be with…Bellamy Blake.” Mrs Griffin said.

“NOOOOOO!” Murphy howled, he noticed Bellamy doing the same.

“You can’t put me with him!” Murphy spat.

“I’ll kill him. Literally, do you want me to go to jail?” Bellamy said dramatically.

“Can’t we switch partners with someone? Miller?” Murphy begged.

“No fucking way.” Miller said quickly.

“Language Nathan. Bellamy. John your partners will stay as assigned. I’m sure you two will be able to deal with any issues you have. Now, Clarke and-” Abby Griffin hated him, he’d used Mitochondria one too many times and she wanted him dead. That was the only explanation, there was no other reason he’d be put with Bellamy.

The class ended and Murphy jumped up, storming for the door. He needed a plan, some way to make this project bearable. Something brilliant, something original…or…maybe not. Maybe just something proven to fuck someone over.

Murphy smirked before a hand was catching on his shoulder.

“Murphy.” Miller snapped, dragging Murphy back a few steps, Murphy let out an indignant squawk. “Bellamy’s learnt his lesson. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Miller said comfortingly.

“Yeah. Sure. It’ll be great.” Murphy said, ignoring the way Miller looked at him nervously before he was shrugging of Miller hand and pointing behind him. “So, lunch?”

“Uh..Sure.”

*

Bellamy approached their table at lunch. Hoovering with a scowl, eyes on the wall behind Murphy as if it would hurt to even look at him.

“Can I help you?” Murphy drawled, raising an eyebrow.

“Come round tomorrow so we can work on the project.”

“Nah.”

“Murphy.”

“I’m busy Blake. Chill.”

“Then the next night.”

“Sure…whatever.” Murphy said watching as Bellamy stormed back over to his own table, flopping down in between Octavia and Jasper.

“Why can’t I talk to Monty like that?”

“What, with underlying hatred and a not so subtle want for the other one to rot in hell?”

“You know what I mean.”

“I really don’t.”

“Like…casually. Like I do with you.”

“Just go over to his table and ask him about the project.”

“No. not during lunch.”

“Why?”

“If Bellamy did it to you it means it’s probably a rude thing to do.” Miller mumbled, Murphy couldn’t fault that logic and gave a swift nod. “I’ll catch him before his next class, once he’s finished eating.” Miller decided, of course he didn’t catch him, much to Murphy dismay as for the next 23 hours he had to listen to Miller whining about it.

“He hates me.” Miller said 23 hours later, falling into his usual seat next to Murphy with a frown.

“And how did you come to that conclusion?” Murphy asked

“He said he needed to go to class, I told him it was lunch and he didn’t even correct himself, just ran off.” Miller mumbled, Murphy could feel his lips twitching, trying not to laugh he looked to the table, eyeing the graffiti scribbled across it from years of use.

“I’m sure he was just nervous.”

“He hates me”

“Then you’ll have to make a good impression tomorrow.”

“How?”

“I don’t know…try smiling more. Come on, try it now.” Murphy ordered. Miller raised his head from his arms and did as he was told, pulling his lips back.

“Dude. It just looks like you’re barring your teeth at me.” Murphy snorted.

It apparently wasn’t what Miller needed to here and so the rest of lunch was spent with Miller pining and Murphy wishing he could smash his head against the table and knock himself out without drawing too much attention.

The following day with worse. Murphy having to sit through five lessons of Miller vibrating next to him. It would have been funny if Murphy hadn’t been worried that his friend might have a heart attack or something similar. Each time he looked over to Miller Millers eyes were glued to the back on Monty’s house, his friend shaking ever so slightly, eyes wide and afraid. He was ecstatic when the bell finally rang signalling time to leave. Bellamy stopping him before he could leave the table.

“Remember to come to mine.”

“Obviously.” Murphy snapped, shoving past him and wandering into the halls. He made it to the car park quickly, Miller following him to the dingy car Murphy had named Emori.

“Can’t give you a lift today, got somewhere to be.” Murphy stated as he tried to jimmy the lock open.

“Isn’t your first attempt at doing the project with Bellamy today?” Miller asked, Murphy sighed, he knew that Bellamy and Monty didn’t live far apart, Miller obviously did too meaning that Murphy would have to let him in on the plan.

“Yeah..I need to prepare.” Murphy said causally.

“prepare?”

“Got a date with a label maker and a dildo.” Murphy said, flicking Miller a smirk as the locks finally clicked.

“What are you planning?

“Leaving 'bellamys’ dildo on his sisters bed.”

“Murphy. Don’t.” Miller warned.

“I still need to get him back for the butt plug incident.” Murphy growled, besides, this was way nicer than the butt plug incident, Sure O would find it and there would be some awkwardness but it would be cleared up quickly, leaving maybe 5 minutes of screaming and mental scarring tops. “If you want to come label a dildo with me be my guest, I’ll drop you off after if not then you’re walking.” Murphy threatened, moving over to his side of the car. Murphy knew from Miller groan that he was in.

“You tell anyone I allowed you to pull this shit and I’ll never speak to you again.” Miller threatened, which honestly, when you live someone is a very shitty threat and one Murphy knew Miller could never uphold.

“And that’d be awful” Murphy sung sarcastically, pretending he thought Miller could actually pull off his threat. Murphy clamoured into the drivers seat, launching his backpack into the back along with Millers. “blakes going to flip,” Murphy said happily as he tried to start up the engine to his painfully bad car.

Murphy realised he probably should have mentioned to Miller that he hadn’t actually bought the dildo yet which lead to the two of them arguing outside a sex shop.

“Man just go in and buy it. They don’t know you, you’ll never see them again!” Murphy snapped, shoving Miller towards the door.

“No. No fucking way. What if somehow Monty knows I was in there before I went over to his house.”

“Maybe he’s into some kinky stuff. Just go!”

“Bu-”

“The quicker you buy the dildo the quicker I can get you to Monty’s.” That seemed to work as a second later Miller was turning and marching into the shop leaving Murphy leaning against the bonnet of his car waiting for Miller to come out. Five minutes later and the man was appearing, cheeks flushed as he sped walked towards him, Murphy barely caught the oncoming dildo that Miller launched at him before the two were diving into the car praying that no one saw them.

Murphy drove them off into an alleyway to label the dildo, and spread a nice coating of Vaseline over it.

“To make it look used.” He said to Miller who just shook his head obviously re-evaluating his friendship with Murphy.

Haha you’re stuck with me dickhead Murphy thought proudly as he packed away the slimy dildo and set off for Monty’s.

“I’m going to be in his room. What do I do?” Miller asked, tugging at the collar of his shirt. Eyes flickering around the road.

“Talk to him?” Murphy guessed, noting Millers bitch face he went for the next option “give him a blow job.”

“Dude.”

“Not like I know what you’re meant to do to court a guy. Search his room, see if he has gay porn, at least then you’ll know if you have a chance.” Murphy offered.

“I think he hates me. He didn’t seem very happy to have me as his partner.” Miller said just as they pulled up.

“You do give off a scary aura. Maybe he’s just freaked out.” Murphy said with a casual shrug before he was shoving Miller’s arm. “Now get the fuck out of my car, I’ve got a Blake to terrorize.” Murphy said giddily.

“Don’t let him kill you.” Miller mumbled, jumping out of the car and leaving Murphy to take off down the road. Emori coughing and lurching her way towards the Blake’s residence.

*

Murphy turned up a minute and a half later with the dildo tucked in his bag. Kicking at the door and waiting impatiently for it to open, despite the fact it had only taken a minute or so for Bellamy to get to the door he’d kicked it at least 12 times. Bellamy pulled the door open, eyeing Murphy critically before he stepped aside and let Murphy wander in.

“Is O here?” Murphy asked.

“No. why?” Bellamy replied as he kicked the door closed.

“Damn, was hoping I’d at least have some half decent company.” Murphy mumbled, Bellamy seemed to take the lie because he was nodding to the stairs.

“I’m going to the bathroom, you know where my room is. Don’t touch anything.” Bellamy ordered before he was storming towards the back of the house. Murphy smirked and moved quickly up the stairs. Octavia’s room was at the end of the hall, furthest from the stairs, also right above the bathroom leaving Murphy trying to sneak his way along praying that a floorboard wouldn’t creak. He got there quickly enough. Taking the dildo out of his bag and walking into the room, he made quick work off messing up the bed, throwing a pillow from it and then dropping the dildo onto the bed. He heard the flush of the toilet and rushed back to Bellamy’s room. Throwing his bag onto the bed and grabbing the closest thing towards him. He knew Bellamy knew that if he was told not to do something he would do it, not touching something would give away that Murphy was up to something.

Bellamy came up a minute later, Murphy turned to see him and quickly put down what he was holding. Bellamy just rolled his eyes and tossed him a bottle of water.

“Lets just get this over and done with.” The older man grumbled before he was moving towards his bed and sitting down. Murphy followed him, flopping down next to him as if he owned the place.

“I was thinking we could do it on-” Bellamy begun.

“Boringgg” Murphy sung.

“What?I haven’t even said wh-”

“So dull. Wow. Now I’m thinking something more interesting. Lets try and prove the existence of mermaids.”

“Are you fucking with me right now?”

“Nah, you’re not my type.” Murphy retorted easily leaving Bellamy groaning. “So I’m thinking we look back over-”

“We’re not doing it on mermaids.” Bellamy snapped.

“why?”

“Well for one, It’s meant to be a science project.”

“So we do it scientifically. Like…with covalent bonds and shit.”

“Murphy.”

“Look. I don’t like you, you don’t like me. We could at least try to enjoy it by doing a project about something interesting.”

“Like mermaids.”

“Well yeah! We can try and figure out all the different ways that scientifically they could have existed or something.” Murphy turned to Bellamy to see him eyeing Murphy looking ready to kill him. “Listen man, it’s mermaids or dragons, your pick.” Bellamy sat thinking for a second before he let out a small sigh.

“Fine. Mermaids, but you pass everything through me first. I don’t want you dragging my grades down.”

“Deal.” The two spent the next hour or so sitting on Bellamy’s bed trying to figure out how they could link 'mermaids are real’ into science. They decided to go with evolution and talk about the evolutionary process from fish, to mermaids, to humans. Then Murphy’s phone was buzzing. Murphy ignored whatever Bellamy was saying, wiggling up the bed slightly to grab his phone.

“I fucked up.” Was Miller’s greeting.

“What did you do?” Murphy asked.

“Oi. Murphy get your ass off the phone, we’re doing a project.” Bellamy growled, reaching for the phone. Murphy quickly stuck his foot out, placing it against Bellamy’s chest to keep him out of reach.

“He’s making me talk, or more his face is and I’m just saying complete shit, I talked about covalent bonds. Pick me up, I can’t do this.” Miller begged. Murphy tried to stifle a laugh.

“Wow, you’re taking without being tortured into it? You must like him.” Murphy admitted, Bellamy stopped for a moment in his struggling to get the the phone and eyed Murphy he mouthed Miller leaving Murphy to nod.

“I’m dying here Murphy.” Miller whined.

“Is he in the bathroom?”

“Nah, Making food.”

“Well that’s a good sign.” Murphy admitted.

“How is that a good sign? He made food to get away from me?”

“No, you don’t do that unless you actually like the person.” Murphy said seriously, he rolled his eyes as Miller made a 'yeah right’ noise turning to Bellamy. “Bellamy can we go make some food, I’m starving?” Murphy asked

“Wait till you get home.” Bellamy muttered, looking back at his book.

“See, People who dislike each other don’t eat meals together. I’m telling you, searching his room for porn, that way you’ll know if he swings your way.”

“I’m not going to do that.”

“Do it! Or at least to see what he’s into that way you can have an actual conversation that isn’t about how cool covalent bonds are.”

“Will you get off the damn phone and help me finish this so you can get out of my house.” Bellamy growled. Murphy rolled his eyes.

“Search his room. I’ll see you later. If you need a lift message me.” Murphy mumbled before hanging up and turning to Bellamy. “I’m trying to get my friend a boyfriend, it’s a good deed. Way better than a stupid science project.”

“I don’t think looking at someone’s porn will get them a boyfriend.”

“Well, sees how much you know.”

“Really? Okay, how many times have you looked at a guys porn and ended up with a boyfriend?” Bellamy asked with a smug little smirk.

“Well, I’ve never ended up with a boyfriend but I have ended up getting a blow job from a very hot girl. So I’d say that it’s worth a shot.” Murphy said confidently

“You…Really?” Bellamy asked, gaping at him.

“Totally.” Murphy lied. Bellamy nodded slowly, a thoughtful look coming over his face before he turned back to his laptop.

“Lets do the project.” Bellamy mumbled

oh god please look through someone’s porn Murphy thought hopefully. Knowing there was a good chance Bellamy would end up getting a slap or a knee to the balls.

Another half hour and Bellamy was reaching for his phone.

“I’m gunna order a pizza, you like Hawaiian?”

“God no.” Murphy said quickly.

“Good.” Bellamy mumbled before he was dialling and ordering a large Hawaiian pizza. Murphy wasn’t sure whether to laugh or punch the guy so instead he settled on turning back to his book and writing down a few notes on the evolutionary process of mermaids.

The pizza came after a while. Bellamy quickly grabbing it and bringing it up to the room. Murphy watched bemused as Bellamy begun picking the pineapple off half of the pizza.

“It’s O’s favourite.” Bellamy mumbled before grabbing a slice and moving back to the books. Murphy quickly leant forwards and snatched a slice, shoving the entire thing in his mouth before Bellamy could protest.

*

When the door opened and Octavia shouted hello Murphy slid off the bed.

“I’m gunna head home.” Murphy said, knowing full well the shit he was going to in soon. He snatched up his books, shoving them into his bag as Octavia appeared in the doorway.

“Do I smell pizza?” She asked with a cheery smile, looking straight through Murphy.

“Hawaiian.” Bellamy said, nodding to the box. Octavia moved into the room, grabbing the box which now only had half a pizza in. Murphy had managed to snatch one more slice of Bellamy’s pineapple picked half during his stay.

“Thanks Bell. You leaving?” She asked, turning to Murphy. Murphy gave a small nod.

“Yeah. Once I find my other shoe.” Murphy mumbled, dropping to the floor and peering under the bed. He’d kicked his shoes off around the same time the pizza had arrived. He saw it just as Octavia left the room. Quickly slipping it on and grabbing his bag. Then the scream sounded. Bellamy jumping up instantly and rushing for his sisters room. Murphy slipped from Bellamy’s room, eyeing the end of the hallway watching with a smirk as Octavia squealed at Bellamy point to the bed. Bellamy’s face paled as he looked to something before he begun trying to defend himself.

“It’s not mine! Why the hell would i-oh that little shit.” Bellamy growled turning to face Murphy Murphy gave a quick wave before he was leaping over the banister, dropping onto the ground floor and scampering out of the house. Keys in his hand as he quickly unlocked the car and dived in. Hands shaking as he tried to start the car up. The front door slammed open again. Bellamy racing out. The car spluttered to life and Murphy slammed his foot down on the accelerator. The car lurched forwards. Moving slowly as Murphy drummed his hands against the wheel.

“Little bit faster. Come on Emori.” Murphy pleaded. He wasn’t all too curious to find out what Bellamy would do if he caught him. The car moved slightly faster leaving Murphy to fish his phone from his bag, quickly hitting speed dial.

Miller picked up relatively quickly leaving Murphy to quickly shout that he’d be there soon and wouldn’t be stopping before he was hanging up and looking in the rear-view mirror and Bellamy sprinting along behind him screaming.

It was a minute before he reached Monty’s road. Turning onto it, Bellamy still stumbling along behind the car. Murphy spotted Miller outside the house, standing next to Monty. Then he was moving forwards kissing Monty and dashing for the curb. Murphy felt himself smiling as he pulled towards the curb, leaning over and throwing the passenger side door open. Miller dove in, slamming the door and Murphy continued on the drive. Happy that Miller knew him well enough to know he wasn’t joking about not stopping the car and so had actually ran along next to it.

“So he didn’t take the joke very well?” Miller asked casually looking behind him at Bellamy.

“What joke. It was revenge for the butt plug incident. Did I just see you kiss Monty?” Murphy asked. Watching the way Miller ducked his head, a private smile slipping onto his face.

“Yeah. Apparently he’s liked me for longer than I’ve liked him.”

“So you found his porn?”

“I found his stash of Monty Miller stuff.

“Seriously?” Murphy asked turning to Miller who gave a short nod making Miller laugh. “Come on man, details. Tell me everything.”

“Such a girl.” Miller joked before he dove into telling Murphy everything that had happened while in Monty’s house.

*

Murphy swaggered into school the next day. Backpack thrown over one shoulder. Miller at his side, he saw Bellamy 30 seconds after walking into. The man seeing him and immediately storming towards them.

“You going to run?” Miller asked.

“No way.” Murphy said, tilting his chin up slightly. “this is going to be fun.”

“If he hits you I’m not helping.”

“We both know you’ll help.” Murphy said confidently.

“You little shit!” Bellamy growled, hands fisting in Murphy’s top before Murphy was being turned and slammed up against the lockers with an echoing thud. The chatter in the hall stopped all eyes turning to them. Miller hovering in the middle of the hallway giving a long suffering sigh.

“Bellamy. How are you?” Murphy asked with a smile.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“I have no idea what you mean.” Murphy said innocently.

“What I mean. YOU LEFT MY DILDO ON MY SISTERS BED WHAT THE FUCK WHO DOES THAT!” If the hallway wasn’t quiet before it was then, for a second before the whispers begun to filter through. Murphy let out an undignified snort of laughter.

“So you do have a dildo? Kinky.”

“Oh fuck off you know what I mean! How did you even get a dildo?”

“Miller bought it for me.”

“Miller!” Bellamy hissed turning to the man.

“This is between you two.” Miller said, moving to his locker casually.

“Why would you do that?”

“One word. Butt plug.”

“That’s two words you absolute moron! And that was years ago!”

“Revenge is a dish best served cold my friend.” Murphy said.

“I hate you.”

“Oh come on. It’s not like your sister actually thought it was yours. It has a fucking label on it. What kind off freak would label their dildo.”

“I’m so done with you.”

“Oh. No. That’s awful.” Murphy drawled watching as Bellamy’s face turned red at how bored Murphy looked.

“Bellamy.” Octavia snapped appearing at the end of the hallway with Monty and Jasper at her sides. “Leave it, he was just screwing around. We all know Murphy’s a dick.”

“He put it on your bed!”

“An unused dildo. It’s not that bad.” Octavia said earnestly. “it is unused right?” she asked looking to Murphy who gave a stiff nod before he was shoving Bellamy away from him.

“Just take it as me giving your sister a nice present, that can give her hours of fun.” Murphy offered. He knew the second he said it he was going to get hit but he didn’t really care. He felt the sting of Bellamy’s fist on his face before the man was storming off leaving Murphy standing, back to the lockers, jaw throbbing.

“You’re a pig Murphy.” Octavia snapped before she was racing after her brother. Monty and Jasper going after her. Monty stopping to smile and wave at Miller leaving the man looking dreamily after him.

“So worth it.” Murphy mumbled.

“You really are a pig.”

“You love me.”

“Whatever.”

*

He should have guessed when there was a random locker search a few hours later that something off was going on. The school had never cared enough to do a random locker search, although it seemed Murphy went to school with a bunch of delinquents nothing. Especially when Monty came to stand next to Miller smelling of weed.

“Dude.” Miller whispered.

“What. I couldn’t have them find it in my locker.” Monty mumbled, scratching the back of his head as he eyed where his locker was just getting cracked open.

“You knew this was coming?” Murphy asked.

“Well I…umm….No?” Monty lied, badly. Leaving Miller and Murphy looking to each other as if to say 'what the fuck’. It because clear a few minutes later when Murphy’s locker was cracked open and a very familiar looking dildo flopped out onto the floor.

“You’re dating my best friend you traitor!” Murphy hissed as all eyes turned to him.

“O’s my best friend, Best friend trumps boyfriends best friend.”

“So not true. Tell him Miller.”

“Well I..” Miller trickled off, eyes flickering between the two leaving Murphy gaping over dramatically.

“Oh. So that’s how it is?”

“John Murphy and Bellamy Blake. My office. Now.” Jaha announced. Holding the dildo carefully, hands in thin latex gloves. “Keep searching the lockers.” He said before turning towards his office. Murphy glared at Miller, flicked his middle finger up at Monty who stuttered and then followed Jaha into the office. Bellamy came a few seconds after. Falling into the seat next to Murphy as Jaha placed the dildo onto his desk.

“why am I in here?” Bellamy asked, obviously confused. Murphy spotted the label still pressed onto the base of the dildo and felt a laugh bubbling out of him.

“Oh you moron! You left the label on. Ahahah you fucking.pfftt ahahahah” Murphy chortled.

When he finally quieted down he sat through an awkward talk with Jaha about how sex and their personal lives was for outside the school halls and things such as the dildo were to be kept far far away.

“What. No…Me and him aren’t-” Bellamy begun frantically.

“It’s okay son. But things like this, aren’t welcome in the school. Now if you could return to your classes.”

“But you don’t understand. That isn’t. I mean. Yes it’s got my name on it and it was in his locker but we didn’t ever use it. No one’s used it, especially not me and him together if that’s what you’re thinking and why are you thinking that I mean if we were going to do that then I have a dick I don’t need that.” Bellamy gushed.

“Please, who says you’d top?” Murphy asked.

“Everyone knows if we where to do that I’d be the one doing you.”

“No. Really. No.” Murphy snapped. “I’m no bottom. I wouldn’t-”

“John, Bellamy.” Jaha said, voice tense.

“Sorry sir.” The two mumbled.

“Seriously though. That’s not ours. Well. Technically it is mine, or maybe his sisters but it’s just for a stupid prank and he was trying to get back at me by putting it in my locker before the inspection.”

“Is this true?”

“Yes!” Bellamy said eagerly. “Like I said, me and him is a major no.”

“I thought that you two would realise how something like this can affect someone’s reputation.” Jaha said seriously THE BUTT PLUG INCIDENT! Murphy thought angrily. “I want to see you both in detention. Now get back to class.”

“What but-”

“Now.” Jaha ordered. The two sighed before making their way from the room.

*

Miller, the horrible, friend deserting prick he was had plans to meet Monty again which meant Murphy had the eighteen minutes it took to get from school to Monty’s to bitch.

“-and then fucking Bellamy says that I’d bottom! Like. What? Really? He thinks I’d fucking roll over and take it. Please! There Is no chance I’d ever bottom from him. If we were fucking then I’d be the one fucking. I’d make him beg for me to take him.”

“That’s the gayest thing I’ve ever heard.” Miller sighed.

“I’m dropping you off to make out with a guy!” Murphy pointed out.

“Yeah. And still you taking about Bellamy is the gayest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“You’re a dick.”

“You want the dick.”

“I’d rather get stabbed in the eye….Fine. Talk about your love life.” Murphy sighed.

“We’re going on a date. We’re going to go to that diner after some work and get some food.” Miller started his rant. Murphy hated that he enjoyed listening, even more so that he ended up slipping his money from his wallet and slapping it in Millers hand before he could get out of the car.

“There’s a cinema round the corner from there. Take him to see something, or at least go bowling.”

“Seriously?”

“I wasted money on a dildo, I can waste money on you actually getting close to getting laid. Now go.” Murphy ordered “USE PROTECTION!” Murphy called, laughing at Miller flipping his middle finger up before he was cranking Emori into gear and spinning the car around, ready to spend the rest of the evening at home.

*

Miller’s date went well, the guy practically gliding into Murphy’s room hours later with a serene smile. Murphy wished he could take the piss but instead he just felt himself grinning along and asking questions like “yeah but how did he say goodnight?” because apparently he was a fucking girl.

*

The next day Murphy woke up to someone pounding at the door. Groggily Murphy rolled out of bed. Stumbling down the stairs and to the front door. Pulling it open and blinking sleepily at the new comer.

“No.” Murphy moaned as Bellamy’s face came into focus.

“Morning dickhead. We’ve got a project to do.”

“Bu-”

“Make some coffee, I’ll be in your room.”

“I don’t make coffee for people I don’t like!” Murphy snapped, voice husky and tired.

“I meant for you.” Bellamy said with a small laugh. “I’ll be in your room.”

Murphy, for once, did as he was told. Making himself a pot of coffee and carrying the entire thing up to his room. Bellamy was already sprawled across his bed and raised an eyebrow when he saw Murphy gulping the scalding liquid from the pot.

“Get off my bed.” Murphy growled.

“You sit on my bed.” Bellamy pointed out.

“That doesn’t matter. I don’t want you on mine and hey! Don’t just ignore me!” Murphy huffed, placing the pot off coffee down with a loud thump and moving to grab Bellamy’s leg trying to yank him off the edge of the bed.

“Murphy.” Bellamy said after a moment, moving to look at him over his shoulder. “Unless you’re trying to get me out of my pants your plan isn’t working.” Murphy’s eyes trailed down Bellamy’s body to his jeans which Murphy had managed to pull down somewhat. Bellamy’s top riding up showing a slither of skin, grey boxers showing beneath the black jeans that had been shifted to skater boy level of wearing, meaning half of the curve of Bellamy’s ass was poking out of them.

“I hate you.” Murphy grumbled.

“Yeah. Sure, now get off my leg so I can pull my jeans up. My ass is getting cold.” Bellamy said, kicking out slightly to make Murphy let go. A moment later and his jeans were readjusted. “So, Mermaids.” Bellamy said casually.

“You know this isn’t how I planned on spending my day.” Murphy mumbled an hour later looking up at Bellamy who’s legs were resting across Murphy’s chest.

“How did you plan on spending your day? Wait, let me guess. Steal candies from babies and have a wank?”

“I don’t think babies and wank should ever be used in the same sentence.” Murphy mumbled making Bellamy snort. “How’s the power point coming along?”

“Fine.”

“You put in any sound effects?”

“We’re not having sound effects.”

“You can’t just not put sound effects!” Murphy snapped

“What sound effects would we even have! It’s a presentation about mermaid evolution!” Bellamy huffed. Murphy thought for a second before he smirked.

“Gimmie the laptop for a few minutes.”

“No.”

“If you don’t like it you can get rid of it just give it to me. You need to write some of this fucking essay anyway.” Murphy said. Bellamy sighed and relinquished the laptop to Murphy. A few minutes later and Murphy was shoving Bellamy’s legs off of him and crawling further up the bed to sit next to him placing the laptop on his thighs and quickly pressing play.

The power point begun rolling, slides fading in and out with the music. Murphy turned to Bellamy with a smirk and tried to hold in his laugh as Bellamy glared at the laptop screen.

“Murphy.” Bellamy said slowly. “Is that the fucking fish song from High school musical 2?”

“If you mean humu humu then yes. Yes it is. I think it fits the project because you know it’s about a fish becoming a prince.” Murphy said leaving Bellamy rolling his eyes and quickly trying to delete the track. A few clicks later and he was frowning at the computer screen looking confused.

“Murphy. Why can’t I get rid of it?” Bellamy asked.

“I put it under password protection.” Murphy said casually picking up his note pad. He noted Bellamy slowly moving the laptop from his lap to the bedside table.

“Will you delete it?”

“No. I like it.” Murphy said.

“Please.” Bellamy tried, the word coming out chocked like it physically hurt him to say. Murphy looked to the celling, pretending to think.

“Still no.” he said after a moment. Then Bellamy was slamming himself into Murphy. Murphy let out a small squawk as the two toppled off of the bed, crashing to the floor with a groan. Bellamy recovered quickly, grabbing Murphy’s wrists and trying to pin him.

“Delete it!”

“No! Get off me you fucki-” Bellamy shoved his face against the carpet making Murphy growl. Bucking up trying to dislodge him. “Fucking prick!”

“Everything okay in here?” Miller asked leaning against the door frame. The two froze on the floor. Eyes flicking to Miller.

“Miller. Get this idiot off of me.” Murphy grumbled, voice muffled by the carpet

“Miller, get this moron to delete the high school musical track from our school project.” Bellamy said

“So everything’s good then. I’m going to Monty’s. See you later.” Miller said before quickly escaping, the two stayed in the lull for a second. Bellamy’s grip releasing somewhat. Murphy took his chance quickly ripping an arm free and swinging blindly behind him trying to hit Bellamy.

*

The day their project was due finally came. Murphy smirked throughout Miller and Monty’s presentation, making as many obscene gestures as he could before Mrs Griffin caught him.

“Bellamy, John, you’re next.” She said once Miller and Monty took their seats. Murphy sighed, sliding out of his seat and grabbing his half of the project before he was strutting to the front of the class.

“Don’t fuck this up.” Bellamy whispered.

“I think you already fucked it by axing my humu humu background music.” Murphy grumbled.

“I’m serious. Don’t screw around”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Murphy mumbled before he was turning back. “SO! Mermaids fact. Or fiction. J.K Rowlings truthful rendition of the wizarding war says they’re real.” Murphy begun, ignoring Bellamy’s groan from behind him.

Surprisingly it actually went quite well. The two only getting into one shouting match in front of the class during the presentation. No detentions were dolled out so it was a win. Murphy was also surprisingly proud of their written part of the work.

“Thank you for that…interesting project.” Mrs Griffin said.

“I bet I can get her to quit before I go to college.” Murphy breathed to Miller who stifled a laugh.

*

Murphy figured a month after Monty and Miller started dating that he should start getting to know Monty better, as all he really knew about the kid was that his best friend was Jasper Jordan, he smoked weed and seemed friendly to literally everyone who he talked to. A ball of sunshine and so knowing that Miller was meeting with a tutor after school Murphy caught up with Monty and Jasper in the car park quickly dropping his arms around their shoulders and steering them away from the gates.

“Green. You’re coming round mine..”

“What?” Monty asked nervously. “but Nate-”

“Yeah, Millers got tutoring, this is a chance for me and you to get to know each other.”

“Um.”

“I got some weed.” Jasper said with a small shrug.

“Then you’re invited too. Come on, get in Emori.”

“What?” The two said together.

“My car.” Murphy said nodding to his pile of junk.

“We going on a road trip?” Murphy twisted to see Octavia watching them looking amused.

“Well if you get in the car I’ll take us on a romantic drive off a cliff.”

“Sounds fun.” Octavia said, moving towards the car and joining the three as if she were invited.

“What the hell are you doing?” Miller asked as he stormed into Murphy’s room two hours later. He stopped short as he noticed Monty spread across the bed next to Murphy, Octavia laying across both of them and Jasper curled up on the beanbag next to the bed.

“Getting to know your boyfriend and his friends.” Murphy said casually as he bought the joint to his lips and took a deep draw of smoke.

“Hey Nate.” Monty said with a dopey smile that made Miller want to melt instantly and join the puppy pile that seemed to be happening on the bed.

“My dads and cop Murphy, you can’t smoke in here.”

“Your dad loves me.” Murphy said flippantly.

“Murphy” Miller warned before Murphy looked to him with a grin, hand sticking out to hold out the joint for Miller.

“He called earlier man, said he was staying at the station all night. Left money for a pizza and everything.” Murphy mumbled. Miller stood in the doorway for a moment before he gave a small sigh and walked towards the bed, snatching the joint from Murphy and perching himself on the end as he took a toke.

“If he comes home I’m taking Monty and jumping out the window, I’ll say I stayed at his.”

“And you think your dad won’t be mad that you spent the night at your boyfriends without asking?” Murphy said with a small smirk.

“I think he’d be less mad about that than he would be about drugs.”

“Fair point.” Murphy mumbled, before he was shoving Octavia off of him. “Make some more room for Miller.” He ordered before the three on the bed were rearranging themselves so Miller could sit down properly. Murphy rolled his eyes when he quickly stole the place next to Monty and wrapped an arm around him before passing the joint on.

Murphy decided later that he liked Monty. Despite the fact he’d seemed scared of Murphy since a few years after Murphy joined the school he held his own against Murphy’s jabs, coming back with quick, sarcastic comments that had Murphy laughing despite the insult being thrown at him. Octavia wasn’t too bad, once again she had a quick tongue, she’d even admitted that had she known about the butt plug incident before it happened she would have stopped it, which gave her points in Murphy book. Jasper…well Jasper had weed so he was allowed to stay for the time being.

The night rolled on, the four ordering a pizza. Murphy hated that he’d ordered a Hawaiian for Octavia Especially when he begun picking the pineapple of half of it and eating. He shouldn’t even know a Blake’s order, he definitely shouldn’t be eating the same pizza he’d seen Bellamy eat. Once the pizza and weed were gone the five lolled around Murphy’s room. Octavia complaining that Murphy didn’t have any games console. Something that Murphy had disproved by pulling out an old, battered purple gameboy from his top draw. When he noticed Jasper beginning to nod off he realised it was time to send everyone home. He really didn’t want to wake up to Jasper Jordan in his room.

“Come on.” Murphy said standing up and stretching out. “You got 40 seconds to get to my car before I pretend I never offered to give you guys a lift home.” Jasper rolled off the beanbag with a grunt before he made his way for the door. Octavia stood and quickly collected her stuff before slinking from the room. “Monty.” Murphy said, nodding to the door.

“Uh..” Monty said, eyes flickering to Miller who looked to Murphy.

“Monty’s going to stay tonight.” He said, trying to keep eye contact only for his eyes to quickly slip to the wall by Murphy’s head.

“Go to your own room before you have sex. Use protection.” Murphy said, turning and making his way downstairs. Ignoring the angry 'shut it’ and pillow launched at his head. Murphy dropped Jasper off first. The dopey kid stumbling from the car before he gave a lethargic wave and made his way to the front door. Murphy spent a few minutes attempting to get the car to start up again before it was spluttering it’s way down the road.

“Just so you know, when we get to yours I’m not stopping. I’ll slow down and you can jump out.” Murphy said seriously. Eyes slipping to the rear-view mirror only to see Octavia curled up, head lolling back, breathing even. “Oi!” He snapped, the girl didn’t even shift. “fucking hell.” He grumbled, before he turned his attention back to the road and continued on his drive. It only took another 5 minutes to get to the Blake’s house. Murphy groaned as he parked the car sloppily. “Octavia. Hey! Wake up.” The girl grumbled angrily and shifted slightly.

Murphy slammed the car door with extra vigour, not that it made any difference to Octavia who just slid further down her seat. He eyed the girl awkward. He could wake her up..probably. Murphy groaned before he turned and made his way to the front door. Kicking against it a few times, listening to the rattling sound it made. It only took a few seconds for the door to fly open.

“Where the hell have you b-oh..What the hell are you doing here?” Bellamy asked. Crossing his arms across his chest.

“Got your sister in the car. She’s asleep and I’d prefer not to have her freak out and punch me when she wakes up.” Murphy admitted. Bellamy eyed him for a second, as if trying to figure out whether or not he was being lead into another prank.

“She been with you all day?” Bellamy asked.

“Yeah.” Murphy said.

“Oh…Good.” Bellamy said before he was pushing past Murphy and making his way to the wreck Murphy tried to pretend was a car. Murphy followed him back to the car. Watching as Bellamy opened up the back door and tried to wake Octavia up, after a moment he gave up, unhooked her seatbelt and shifted her until she was in his arms carefully removing her from the car making sure not to bang her head. He shifted her once she was fully out of the car. Throwing her slightly in his arms so she sat easier. The girl mumbled before she turned and pressed her face into her brothers chest. Murphy refused to let himself smile at the cute sight.

“Thanks for bringing her back.” Bellamy grunted, looking physically pained at thanking Murphy for something before he was turning and making his way back to the house. Murphy quickly turned back to his car and getting to work on closing the back door. It took 4 attempts before it sat right and then Murphy was diving into the drivers seat and revving the engine, or at least trying to.

It was a minute later when the door opened and Bellamy slid into the passenger seat.

“You know. I think you need a new car.” Bellamy said looking to Murphy with a cocky grin.

“Yeah. No shit.” Murphy grumbled, once again revving the spluttering engine only for it to die a second later.

“I wasn’t imagining the smell of weed on her was I?” Bellamy asked.

“It’s what happens when you let your sister hang out with bad influences like me. Now get out of my car before I actually manage to start it because I really don’t want to have to take you home with me.”

“You’d love to take me home with you.”

“Out of the car Blake.” Murphy said. Bellamy did as he was told slipping from the car only to lean in through the open window as Murphy continued on his fight to get the car started.

“Was Lincoln there?” He asked.

“Who?”

“Some college guy, they’ve been meeting a lot lately” Bellamy said with a frown.

“No. Just us high schoolers tonight.” Murphy replied

“Okay good.”

“Good?” Murphy asked, looking over to Bellamy confused before he understood. “what, and you’re not worried that I might take your dear sisters virtue.”

“O has standards.” Bellamy said seriously, despite the insult it made Murphy let out a small laugh, just then the car came to life.

“GET AWAY FROM HER!” Murphy shrieked, slamming his foot down on the accelerated and sliding slowly from the curb as Bellamy slid away from the window. “YES! EMORI YOU GOD, THANK YOU BABY.” Murphy cheered as the car groaned down the road.

*

The next day Miller stopped Murphy outside the cafeteria.

“Monty asked me to eat lunch with him.” Miller said nervously.

“Oh.” Murphy mumbled. Eyeing the doors. “Alright. Uh..Sounds good.” Murphy lied, he watched as Miller’s face lit in a smile and he walked into the cafeteria, Murphy plodding along behind him. It wasn’t that he didn’t know this would happen, that Miller would realise that with a boyfriend he didn’t need to spend every lunch sitting with Murphy, or every night lounging around their house but still. It stung, Miller had been going out on more and more dates leaving Murphy sitting having dinner with David, not that he didn’t like dinner with David. It was fine, nice even. If Murphy asked nicely he’d even tell Murphy about the closed cases he’d worked on but still, there was a Miller shaped hole at the dinner table, he didn’t want one at the lunch table too.

“Murph. You coming?”

“hu?”

“To sit with Monty and everyone?” Miller asked, nodding back at the table.

“Oh..You meant me as well?” Murphy said, dumbstruck.

“Yeah. Of course. What, you thought I was just saying I’m ditching you to eat with my boyfriend?”

“Well. Yeah..”

“Idiot, come on.”

“I don’t know. Bellamy’s there an-”

“Talk to me or Monty, you won’t even have to look at Bellamy.” Miller assured him before he was dragging Murphy over to the table and shoving him into a seat opposite Bellamy.

“Hey.” Miller said looking to Monty with a small grin as he slipped into the seat next to him.

“Hey.” Monty replied giving a little smile that Murphy thought was disgustingly adorable.

“Hey Murphy, thanks for the lift last night.” Jasper said with a grin. Murphy gave a short nod before he was turning yanking his lunch from his bag and pulling out his sandwich. “Whatcha got?” Jasper asked curiously, leaning his way into Murphy’s personal space. Murphy quickly slid closer to Miller.

“PB&J” Murphy said unwrapping the cling film and taking a bite.

“Oh.” Jasper mumbled, rearing back, face twisting up in disgust. “Well I’m allergic to peanuts.”

“So? It’s my lunch, just don’t fucking touch it.” Murphy snapped, pulling his sandwich into his chest protectively.

“O…Why are they sitting with us?” Bellamy mock whispered.

“Chill Regina. We’re just here for today…Right Miller?”

“Did you just reference mean girls?” Bellamy asked with an amused raise of his eyebrow. “I don’t see how anyone in this school can be scared of you. Especially with you following Miller around like a lost duckling.”

“Please Miller follows me around.”

“Oh really. Miller, who’s idea was it to sit here today?” Bellamy asked. Murphy turned to Miller and saw him glaring at Bellamy, jaw ticking before he huffed out a breath.

“Monty’s.” Miller said casually.

“And then Murphy just had to join us right? You couldn’t leave him sitting with his other friends for one lunch..oh..wait…he doesn’t have any other friends.”

“Fuck this. I’ll see you in class Miller.” Murphy snapped grabbing his bag and storming away, he realised as he left that he’d dropped his sandwich onto the table. Murphy let out a pained sigh knowing he couldn’t turn back round and grab it unless he wanted Bellamy laughing at him.

“Aww come on ducky! Don’t be like that.” Bellamy called, Murphy quickly flipped him off over his shoulder and made his way to the car park. Marching out of the front doors he saw a few freshmen notice him and take off round the corner. Apparently his reputation still held. One kid stayed, leaning up against the wall a cigarette dangling from his lips, his eyes sliding over to Murphy. Slowly he slipped his hand into his jeans pocket and produced the pack of cigarettes.

“Want one?” The guy said, holding them out towards Murphy. Murphy’s eyes flickered behind him, back to the doors as if Miller would pop out and tell him what to do. When he didn’t Murphy turned back to the guy.

“Yeah. Sure.” Murphy said quickly striding over and stealing one from the packet. Once the cigarette was sparked he noticed the other guy’s eyes running over him, brows drawn in concentration.

“You Murphy?” Murphy gave a stiff nod. “Mbege, I’m a junior.”

“Haven’t seen you around.” Murphy noted, not that that meant a lot, he’d never paid all too much attention to any not in his class, unless they were looking for a fight.

“Just transferred.” Mbege said Murphy sighed, leaning back against the wall and bringing the cigarette to his lips again. It was different from a joint, harsher on his throat. Still Murphy continued to take down the smoke trying to ignore the slight burn in his lungs.

“I’m starving.” Murphy mumbled a few minutes later, dropping the cigarette butt onto the floor and stamping the burning embers out. Mbege just held out another cigarette.

“Can help with the hunger.” He said casually.

“..Cheers.” Murphy mumbled, taking the cigarette and lighting it.

The bell eventually went when Murphy’s throat felt hoarse and burnt. The two wandering back through the school doors and into the hall. Mbege turning off quickly to get to his locker with little more than a nod in Murphy’s direction.

“Here.” Miller said, handing Murphy his sandwich as Murphy approached his next class.

“You’re a god.” Murphy mumbled before he was quickly shoving the sandwich into his mouth, letting out a small moan.

“You smell of smoke.” Miller said eyeing Murphy critically.

*

The next day at lunch was met with Murphy once again following Miller into the cafeteria.

“Do we have to sit with them again?”

“It’ll be fine. Just ignore Bellamy. You know the only reason he says anything to you is to try and get a rise out of you.”

“He’s a dick.”

“So are you. You’re just pissed you didn’t have a comeback for once.” Miller said, which was unfortunately true and so Murphy found himself sitting between Miller and Jasper again, ignoring Jaspers wince when he took out his sandwich.

“The ugly duckling has returned I see. How was your tantrum yesterday?” Bellamy asked with a cocky grin. Murphy went to retort when he spotted Mbege wandering into the cafeteria. Mbege’s eyes caught his and Murphy did a small nod of his head. He seemed to get the meaning because a moment later he was walking over to the table.

He stopped by Murphy. Murphy watched as his eyes roamed over the table, seemingly noting everybody and trying to fit their faces to the names he’d heard since he’d got to school. He eventually looked back to Murphy.

“Want to come to a party on Friday?” Mbege asked.

“Sure.” Murphy said, ignoring the excitement bubbling in his chest.

Take that Blake, I have friends, I’m getting invited to parties! He thought happily.

“I’m going for a fag, you coming?” Mbege said, he didn’t wait for a reply before he was marching back out of the cafeteria leaving Murphy beaming.

“See ya later Miller.” Murphy said quickly jumping up and shoving the remainder of his sandwich into his mouth.

“What? Murphy, I thought we were sitting here.” Miller said, quickly grabbing Murphy’s arm before he could walk after Mbege.

“We can sit at different places for lunch Miller.” Murphy said calmly.

“You can’t smoke on school grounds.” Jasper noted leaving Murphy rolling his eyes.

“I’ll see you in class Miller. Later Monty.” Murphy mumbled, nodding to the black haired boy before he was making his way out of the building.

*

The rest of the week was spent in mostly the same way. Murphy stopping off at the lunch table to quickly scoff down his sandwich before he was clapping Miller on the back and making his way off to find Mbege. On Friday he even managed to get his own pack of cigarettes.

“Murphy!” Miller snapped as he stood ready to find Mbege. “Just sit with us for one lunch.”

“I see you all the time, I hang out with Monty when he’s round ours. I can have lunch break with Mbege.” Murphy said watching Miller as he frowned at him.

“Fine… But we’re doing a movie night at Monty’s tonight, we need to know what you want to watch.”

“Nothing, got that party remember.”

“Murphy.”

“Sorry man, gotta go.” Murphy said before he was dashing off. He was almost to the doors that he knew Mbege would be behind, leaning against the wall puffing away like a chimney when he was spun round by a hand on his shoulder. Murphy’s fist went out instantly, ready to punch whoever it was.

“Relax!” Bellamy snapped as he dove out of the way of the fist. “Just me.”

“It being you makes the temptation of punching someone even bigger you know.” Murphy said.

“Come back to the table.”

“I told Mbege-”

“I don’t care what you told Mbege. The only reason Millers been sitting with us is because he’s been trying to get you to actually talk to everyone now you’re running off every lunch.”

“He just wants to sit with Monty.”

“He wants you to sit with Monty.”

“I think I know Miller a little bit better than you.”

“Murphy come on. Just bring Mbege.”

“I’m good outside. If Miller wants to hang out with me so bad he’ll convince everyone to come stand with us.”

“You’re impossible.”

“Thanks.” Murphy said before he was shoving out of the school and walking towards Mbege, slipping the cigarettes out of his pocket and reaching for the lighter Mbege was already holding out for him. “So the party tonight.” Murphy started. “Do I get an address or am I just going to have to follow the yellow brick road?”

“I’ll send you a text, won’t be till late though.”

“Do I need to bring anything?”

“Booze if you can get it.”

*

Murphy rolled up to Monty’s house a few hours later some beer stashed in the boot. He quickly climbed from the car and made his way up to the house knocking on the door.

“Murphy?” Monty said when he opened the door. “I thought you had a party.”

“Got some time to kill before it. Figured I’d come for a bit but if you’re watching a chick flick I’m gone.”

“No chick flicks here. I promise.” Murphy said with a small grin, letting Murphy in. Murphy had never actually been in Monty’s house. Apart from the few times he’d stood just inside the door waiting for Miller to be ready to go.

“So. Do I get to see your collection of Monty Miller things?” Murphy asked

“Nate told you about that?” Monty asked, cheeks flushing red causing Murphy to grin

“Oh yeah. It’s my fault he found it actually he was searching for your porn.”

“My porns on my laptop.”

“Good to know.” Murphy said for lack of any other retort. Monty quickly pushed his way into his room. Murphy trailing after him, eyeing the group sprawled across the area. Monty quickly taking the last remaining space on the bed between Octavia and Miller. Jasper spinning on a desk chair and Bellamy sat leaning against the chest of draws.

“What are we watching?”

“Transformers.” Jasper said happily. Murphy nodded and shut the door behind him, dropping down next to Bellamy for lack of anywhere else to sit and turning to look at the screen as Monty clicked play.

Murphy didn’t exactly get sucked into the movie, mainly because it sucked. Also because every time he started to get invested someone would make a snarky comment drawing him back out of the film. More than once he felt Bellamy’s eyes on him. Half way through the movie he turned raising an eyebrow at Bellamy.

“Glad you made it.” Bellamy said sincerely which only left Murphy gaping at him “You may be a dick but Miller seems to like you.” Bellamy mumbled quickly. “He mopes when you’re not here.”

“You sure you haven’t just been missing me Blake?” Murphy asked with a cocky grin, whatever affection Bellamy had been feeling for Murphy moments before was gone with a roll of his eyes. Shoulder slamming into Murphy’s side before he was looking back to the screen. Paying no attention to Murphy for the rest of the film.

It was 9 before Murphy got the text, transformers two well on it’s way. Murphy quickly dug out his phone ignoring Bellamy’s huff of protest as the light shone too bright in the dark room.

“Gotta go.” Murphy mumbled quickly standing up. “Later.”

“What, where are you going?” Miller asked.

“The party.”

“You’re still going?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Dude I don’t think you should.”

“Why?”

“I just…stay here with us.” Miller said, voice close to plea.

“I told Mbege I’d go.”

“So?” Miller asked “When has anyone asking you to do something meant you actually do it.”

“Miller, it’s just a party. It’ll be fine.” Murphy assured him, Miller huffed. Settling back into the bed with a bitch face. Arm slipping around Monty’s waist as his eyes slid over to the wall.

“Give me a lift.” Octavia ordered jumping off the bed. Jasper quickly dived for her vacated spot.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Bellamy inquired

“To see Lincoln.” Octavia said easily before she was walking past Murphy, grabbing his hand and dragging him from the room. Ignoring Bellamy shouting after her.

*

Murphy probably should have waited for Lincoln to arrive before leaving Octavia standing on a street corner but he didn’t, instead he just gave a small wave and drove off. He reached the party quickly. Parking outside a large house, people spilling across the garden. Murphy jumped out of the car, slamming the door and locking it up before he was pulling the beer from the boot and eyeing the crowd.

“Murphy!” Murphy turned at Mbege’s voice watching the man stumble towards him with an easy grin, the first smile Murphy had ever seen him do. “You made it. Come on man. Lets go meet everyone.” Mbege said dragging Murphy away from his car and through the throngs of people. Murphy eyed them as he walked past and couldn’t help but notice everyone seemed to be older than him. More Bellamy’s age if he had to guess.

“Dude. Is it just me or do we look like 5 compared to everyone else?” Murphy muttered

“college party man.” Mbege said easily. Murphy cracked open one of the beers as Mbege lead him through the house. Murphy slurping it down quickly, trying to pretend he enjoyed the too loud music.

“YO! This is Murphy.”

*

The party was going well. Mbeges college friends didn’t seem too bad and once Murphy’s beer had run out they’d made quick work of getting him a new drink. Murphy soon found himself amongst a group of drunken people laughing loudly as he ranted about 'Bellamy fucking Blake’ and his stupid freckles and arms, somewhere amongst the bitching was the story of the dildo on his sisters bed. Murphy standing with a grin as he tried to imitate Octavia’s yell when she’d spotted the dildo. Murphy wasn’t sure if he was just really drunk or if he did a very good job of screaming like a girl. He guessed it was probably a bit of both.

“COPS! SCATTER!” Someone bellowed, suddenly everyone was running shoving at each other. Murphy watched as Mbege and his friends took off before he was turning the other way, running the other direction from where everyone else seemed to be going. Leaping over the fence and taking off running down the street. Feet pounding on the pavement. He couldn’t help but laugh as he heard the screams behind him Mixing with the loud ringing of police sirens. It stopped quickly when a police car pulled out ahead of him. Murphy skidded to a stop, feet almost slipping out from beneath him. Eyes scanning the area Murphy saw an Alley way to his left and turned for it. Dashing into it. Climbing the chain link fence before he was off again. Head turning for a moment to see a few teens drunker than him trying to same thing only to fail. He heard the stern voice of an officer behind them and turned his face forwards. Every cop in the city knew of him and Miller, it wouldn’t do good if one caught sight of him.

Murphy wasn’t sure how long he ran for, just that his lungs burnt and his legs ached. He finally stopped leaning a hand against the closest wall and doubling over taking in greedy lungfuls of air as he tried to figure out how long it would be until it was safe to go back and get his car.

He huffed realising the idea was a pointless one, there was no way he could drive yet, he’d probably just end up wrapped around a tree. Murphy stood up straight again, looking around trying to get an idea of where he was.

“hu.” Murphy mumbled as he eyed the streets. “No clue.” He breathed before he was darting out of the alley way, crossing the street and moving into the alley across the road. He doubted if any cops saw him now they’d guess he was from the party, not unless they pulled over, which. Judging by the fact it was assoclock in the morning and he was a 16 year old they probably would do and so Murphy conceded to staying hidden in alley ways.

He’d been walking for a few minutes, darting through the alleys and backstreet’s when he heard it, the sound of loud obnoxious laughing that could only mean two things. Druggies or teenagers. Maybe both. Murphy turned the corner, coming out in a hidden sort of courtyard. Eyes scanning the area and noting the people on the other side. Three of them, bottles littering the floor around them as they made loud jokes. He was ready to leave them to it, to walk off into the closest exit and keep walking when he noticed the edge of flashing neon sign on the street behind them, just visible through the alley way. Murphy watched the colours for a moment, trying to place where he’d seen it before.

His mind flashed back to earlier in the evening, Octavia hoping out of the car, lights dancing across her face as she pulled out her phone and texted Lincoln that she was there.

I know my way from there. Murphy thought. Sucking in a breath Murphy started walking towards the alleyway that lead onto the road. The teens noticed him soon enough. Their laughter stopping.

“Well well well, what do we have here?” One asked, a guy with a crude smirk that made Murphy sneer. “Someone out past their bedtime?” Murphy ignored him, fully intending on keeping walking and leaving them too it. The one who talked moved forwards, quickly darting into Murphy’s way. Hand coming out and slamming against Murphy’s chest. “Oi. I’m talking to you.”

“I don’t care.” Murphy said, stepping to the side and trying to walk forwards again. The guy laughed, his friend moving forwards to form a line in front of Murphy. Murphy stopped his attempt at leaving, grinding his teeth as he looked up meeting the guys eyes. The guy took a step forwards, shoes hitting the front of Murphy’s face coming inches from his. Murphy inhaled and got the whiff of alcohol that he was sure wasn’t coming from here.

“Your hair pisses me off. It’s too long.” the guy said hand coming up and picking at a sweaty lock of Murphy’s hair.

“don’t fucking touch me.” Murphy growled, shoving the guy away from him. “

“Ohh got ourselves a tough guy.” One of the lackeys cooed. Eyeing Murphy with a smirk.

“You got yourself a guy who wants to get home.” Murphy grumbled. Trying to slip past them again only to get shoved back. Murphy stumbled, foot crunching down on one of the bottles. The sound of it shattering seemed to echo around the courtyard. “Get out of my way.” Murphy hissed.

“Nah.” The guy said stepping in a slow circle around Murphy. Murphy’s eyes flickered from the lackeys to him, forcing himself not to turn his head and watch the guy circle him. “How old are you kid?”

“I don’t see why that’s any of your business.” The guy laughed at that. Stopping and wrapping an arm round Murphy’s shoulders.

“Just asking.” Murphy ducked out from underneath the arm, elbow slamming into the mans side.

“I said don’t to-”

The punch, when it came, wasn’t exactly a shock. Still it hurt worse than any punch Murphy had ever taken, making his jaw feel like it had broken in half. The area flaring in pain leaving Murphy letting out a surprised yelp. Murphy stumbled back, hand coming to cup his jaw.

“Mother fucker.” He grumbled. Suddenly the guy was back, hand grabbing Murphy’s chin and pulling him closer. Murphy quickly raised his hand slamming his palm flat against the guys chest, hand sliding up until it crashed into his windpipe. Murphy watched satisfied as the guy stumbled back eyes wide hands clawing at his throat as he tried to suck in a breath.

“Bad idea kid.” One of the lackys said moving in, fists clenched. He dodged the first punch quickly moving to throw his own. Slamming it into the guys kidney before he following it with his left hand crashing it into the man’s face. Another two hits and the other lacky was joining in. racing forwards and throwing badly aimed punches. Murphy moving quickly, trying to dodge them, breathing coming out in panicked bursts as each hit got a little bit closer. One finally hit, right over the ear making Murphy stumble to the side. Murphy quickly kicked, slamming his foot into the side of the mans leg making him buckle to the floor. Murphy clenched his fist, and quickly bought it down on the man’s face. Bone met bone, Murphy’s hand screaming in pain leaving him hoping that the punch did the same about of damage to the guys face as it did his knuckle.

He’d forgotten about the original guy when hands grabbed at him. Scooping beneath his arms and tugging him back against his chest apparently recovered from Murphy’s earlier hit to his throat.

“GET THE FUCK Oooph” Murphy whined as a punch landed in his the soft part of his stomach. He tried to double over, to protect the aching area only for the guy to yank him back, offering Murphy up as a personal piñata to the other two. The next punch came to his face. Murphy barely being able to spit out the blood before he was being hit again and again. He wasn’t sure how long he was stuck there, struggling against the guy holding him, trying to kick out and keep the others at bay

Murphy felt the world swaying, before the arms dropped from around his side. A swift jab between his shoulder blades from the guy behind him and Murphy was crashing to the floor, letting out a hiss as he felt glass stab into his side. A moment later and he was screaming as a boot slammed down on his hand. He saw the next hit coming as the foot moved off of his throbbing hand. A kick to his collar.

Murphy had been in many fights but he’d never been in this position, at least, not since he was a child, when his mother drank too much. Usually he was still the one standing, or if he had hit the floor then Miller was there, tugging his opponent away from him and making sure the fight stopped. This time there was no Miller. Murphy let out a yelp as a foot slammed into his back, hearing a cruel laugh as Murphy quickly pulled his legs up trying to shield his stomach and chest, arms covering his face.

He felt a boot crush down on him again, this time right on his side sucking the air right out of him leaving him gasping as more kicks came, mixed in with the occasional stomp on his side or leg. Murphy was aware of the whimpers coming from him as much as he hated to admit it.

You need to move Murphy thought, as a foot slipped past the barrier he’d made and crashed into his face. He could feel the blood dripping, slowly forming a pool beneath him. Ears ringing from the earlier punch to his head.

Taking in a shuddering breath Murphy kicked out a leg. He felt it hit, a yell coming from whoever he hit, Murphy didn’t pay it much attention, to busy in clamouring up, using their shock to his advantage. Murphy shoved through them and ran. Feet falling clumsily on the floor, ribs screaming in pain, begging for Murphy to drop back to the floor. Blood dripped past his eye, vision swimming as he ran. He didn’t look behind him, he wasn’t interested in whether or not they were following him. Either way he knew he had to run, if they weren’t and they saw him stop they’d probably run for him. If they were and he stopped then he’d be back on the floor in seconds and Murphy was pretty sure he wouldn’t be able to get up again for a long while.

Murphy jumped when something smashed next to him. Glass splintering and flying every which way. He did look behind him then. Watching as they picked up bottles and threw them towards him. Smashing around him and exploding into a thousand pieces. He shouted as white hot pain flared in his leg causing it to buckle for a second sending him tumbling onto the glass. An arm out to stop his fall, he felt the same pain in his arm, skidding across the floor leaving a line of blood in his wake

get up. Murphy’s brain screamed at him and he did, heaving himself back off of the floor and taking a stumbling step forwards. He didn’t get very far, leg buckling again. Murphy held out his hands, this time he felt the cool feel of metal against his fingers as he caught onto a fence. Hands fisting around the wire as he attempted to suck in a breath. It didn’t work, his chest feeling like it was constricting. Murphy eyed the top of the fence,shaking his head gently as he saw two identical fences standing in front of him, one blurrier than the other. Murphy flipped himself round. Eyes landing on the ground moving towards the alleyway. There were more now Murphy noted, exactly double the number.

Well shit Murphy thought as he bought out a hand in front of him and saw two swollen knuckles one rippling like he was looking at it from beneath water. Warm blood flowed down his arm and over his hand, dripping onto the floor in a constant rhythm. Head thumping back against the fence Murphy let out a shaky breath. Then he saw them, two more people appearing by the group. His vision fading as he tried to figure out what was going on. It seemed to come in bits, a flash of the two, cutting to the group staring the two down, then to the group walking away and the two making their way into the alley.

Murphy’s body sagged against the fence, legs buckling before he was sliding to the ground. Ignoring the harsh tugs at his hair as chunks got caught in the wire.

“Murphy!” Murphy tipped his head up, trying to squint past the blood that stung at his eyes. “oh my god.” Murphy felt a hand ghosting against his shoulder and quickly threw out his own hand, he felt it connect with skin, heard the startled yelp. “It’s me you dick!” Octavia’s harsh, pained voice came. Murphy bought up a shaky hand, scrubbing at his eyes, wincing as he caught the multitude of cuts and gashes. A few blinks and then he could see her blurry face hoovering in front of him. He would have smiled at the small red patch blooming on her cheek if it didn’t hurt so bad. “Okay, Come on, lets get you to a hospital.” She decided. Creeping forwards, hands grabbing at Murphy’s arm ignoring the hiss he let out and trying to heave him to his feet. Murphy felt bile rise in his throat, head pounding, the word spinning. His hands darted out trying to find something solid, something stable to hold onto.

“No hospital.” Murphy said, although it came out as more of a slur. Blood pouring from his mouth the second he opened his mouth. “david’ll flip.” he grumbled. “He’s meant to be working.”

“Murphy we have to-”

“No.” Murphy growled. He heard the lull in the conversation, the way Octavia paused, hands tightening on him before he heard a small sigh.

“Okay…Okay, then I’m taking you to Bellamy.”

“Octavia.” The guy she was with said, voice pinched.

“If he doesn’t want to go to the hospital we won’t get him there believe me he’s a stubborn little shit.”

why thank you Murphy thought.

“I’ll carry him.” The guy decided. Murphy watched him approach, even through the blurry mess of blood and swollen skin he could tell he was huge. Muscular with dark skin.

“Okay, but be careful Lincoln.” A moment later Octavia’s arms were gone, replaced by Lincoln’s. Murphy didn’t fight as he was swept up into the guys arms. Head lolling back uselessly, he could hear the blood rushing in his ears, hear his heartbeat sing in a thump thump thump.

“I think he’s passing out.” Lincoln’s voice came, faded and muffled.

“Nomnot” Murphy slurred as his vision slipped away.

*

Bellamy threw down his phone, hands running through his hair giving it a small tug. It was gone 1 and Octavia was still not home and now she wasn’t picking up her cell. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.

She’ll be fine, she’s okay, she’s just out. She’ll be home soon Bellamy thought, he waited a second before he was darting back over to his phone and dialling Octavia’s number again. It was on the second ring when he heard the door crash open.

“BELLAMY! I NEED HELP!” Octavia screamed up the stairs, voice high and panicked. Bellamy waisted no time in leaving his room. Heart in his throat as he launched himself down the stairs, palms growing sweaty as his heart jackhammered.

She’s here, she’s okay he tried to tell himself then why does she sound like that. He caught sight of her. Eyes skimming over her, freezing when he saw the blood coating her right hand side.

“O..” Bellamy breathed, closing the distance hands grabbing at her, yanking up her top, trying to find the wound.

“I’m fine!” Octavia snapped, slapping him away with shaking hands. “It’s Murphy.”

wait what?

“what?” Bellamy asked. “Murphy’s fine, he’s at that party an-” Bellamy heard the loud clumping of heavy footfalls. A panting breath his eyes moving from Octavia to the door. Lincoln stumbling in, usually Bellamy was ready to scream at him, to kick him out and send him home but his eyes fell on the boy in his arms. Face swollen and bloody, hair stained and matted with it.

“Put him on the couch.” Octavia ordered. “He didn’t want to go to the hospital an-”

“What the hell happened?” Bellamy asked, moving over as Lincoln placed Murphy as carefully as he could on the couch. Murphy let out a small groan. Face twitching.

“I don’t know, we saw him running and went after him. Bellamy he didn’t want to go to the hospital but-”

“Call Clarke.”

“What?”

“Call Clarke now. Tell her to get over here.”

“What the hell is she going to do?”

“She knows first aid, if he needs to go to the hospital she’ll tell us.”

“Bu-”

“Octavia just call her!” Bellamy growled. “There’s a first aid kit in the bathroom, get me that and some towels.” Bellamy ordered, Lincoln nodded and rushed off as Bellamy sunk down next to Murphy eyes running over him ,trying to figure out were to start. Lincoln came back with the towels aid kit.

“Thanks. Okay….so if I…Um..” Bellamyy floundered, hands flailing above Murphy. Everything looked bruised or bleeding.

Where the hell do I start?

“Move.” Lincoln ordered. Quickly moving into Bellamy’s space. Bellamy stood back, watching as Lincoln grabbed the top of Murphy’s t-shirt with two hands and then pulled, tearing the fabric apart and revealing Murphy’s quickly bruising chest.

“Clarke’s on her way.” Octavia said as Bellamy watched the drips of blood slowly falling from Murphy’s limp hand.

“Miller.” Bellamy mumbled. “We need to tell Miller.”

“He’s round Monty’s I could go ge-”

“No. No I’ll go.”

“But-”

“I’m not letting you go out there.”

“Why?”

“Because I can’t risk you coming back looking like Murphy.” Bellamy said earnestly. Still, his eyes flickered back to Murphy. To his chest rising and falling rapidly. Lincoln pressed down on one of the deepest wounds, a gash running along Murphy’s forearm, Bellamy flinched as Murphy let out a pathetic whine.

“I’ll be back in a minute okay.” Bellamy assured he wasn’t sure who he was talking to, Octavia or the unconscious Murphy. Either way he was leaving, shoving his shoes on and rushing out the door.

He made it to Monty’s in two minutes fist pounding on the door. It wasn’t long before he saw a light flip on, the door slowly pulling open.

“Bellamy?” Mr Green said nervously. Bellamy paid him no mind, quickly shoving past him, ignoring the shout of protest and he ran up the stairs. Crashing into Monty’s room. The two turning to him from where they were lying on the bed. Monty’s hair mused and eyes tired.

“Bellamy?” Monty mumbled sleepily.

“Miller.”

“What are you doing here?” Miller asked, voice husky and hoarse. Hand scrubbing across his eyes.

“It’s Murphy he-” Miller was up in a second, all traces of sleep gone as he stumbled towards Bellamy.

“What’s wrong? Where is he?”

“At mine he-” Miller moved past him, not even saying bye to Monty as he ran off. Bellamy went after him. The two sprinting out into the street. Bellamy could hear the soft pad of Millers bare feet against the concrete as they ran. Miller made it to the house first. Crashing through the door, Bellamy following after him a moment later only to crash into his back. The two stumbled forwards managing to catch themselves before they hit the floor. Bellamy couldn’t see Millers face as he looked to Murphy but he could picture it. The way colour would drain, he heard the hitch in his breath, the way he stood frozen. Bellamy’s own eyes found Murphy. He hated that he looked better than he did a few minutes before as he still looked wrecked, covered in blood and bruises. Octavia was pressing a towel to the gash on his arm as Lincoln tried to clean his face.

“You two. I need you to help stem the bleeding on these.” Lincoln ordered. The two men making their way to Murphy instantly, following Lincoln’s instructions. Bellamy took a puncture wound on Murphy’s leg, hands clamping down over it, feeling the warmth of the blood as it pooled beneath his hands.

Bellamy dully noted Monty appearing a minute later but he didn’t look away from Murphy’s leg and blood slowly seeping over the tops of his fingers until he heard Clarke. His eyes flickering over to meet hers. She was looking at Murphy taking a few steps closer before her eyes widened. Quickly running over each of the points the five of them had their hands clamped around.

“Hospital.” She said before she was walking over, shrugging out of her jacket and ripping up bits of towel. “Tie this around the wound. I can take him and two others in the back of the car, one up front with me.

“Bellamy.” Miller said as he reached for the slip of towel to tie around the wound on Murphy’s leg.

“Yeh. O or Lincoln too. They’re the ones who found him.” Bellamy said.

“I’ll go, Lincoln has his car he can follow along behind us.” Octavia said after a moment.

“Okay. Everyone done??” Clarke asked, eyes scanning over the new additions of towels tied around Murphy. “Good. Lets get him in the car.”

“Could you go to the station? Tell my dad?” Miller asked.

“I’ll tell him. Lincoln can drop me off.” Monty offered.

“Thank you. Alright, Bellamy you got him?”

“Yeah.” The two quickly lifted Murphy off of the couch, following Clarke to the car. The two slipped into the back. Murphy laying across them. Bellamy quickly found two of the wounds, pressing his hands down over the towels, Miller did the same as Clarke and Octavia jumped in.

*

“Do you know what happened?” The nurse asked as the two watched Murphy being packed onto the gurny and taken off down the corridor. Octavia stepped up, quickly telling the nurse what she knew before the nurse was moving through the doors Murphy disappeared behind.

“He’ll be okay.” Bellamy said. Going to lay a comforting hand on Millers shoulder but thinking better of it when he spotted the crimson staining them.

It was 15 minutes before Monty, Lincoln and David Miller came sprinting through the halls. Miller was up in a instant greeting is father. Telling with a shaky voice what he knew which, really wasn’t a lot.

“I should have bought him here straight away.” Octavia muttered.

“If you’d tried after he told you not to he’d probably have died just to spite you.” Bellamy said, smiling gently at the wet laugh Octavia let out.

Bellamy wasn’t sure when Clarke slipped away and went home. He couldn’t even bring himself to care when Lincoln kissed his sister and went home. Instead he just eyed his bloody hands and pyjama pants.

Someone came out to talk to them eventually, pulling Miller and his father aside and talking to them in a whisper. Bellamy tried to figure out what they were saying, watching their lips but it didn’t work. Before long the two were turning back to the rest of the group. Bellamy sat up straighter, hands curling into fists in his lap.

He’ll be fine, He’ll be fine

*

Murphy woke up slowly, eyes blinking open hazily, Mouth dry and lights too bright.

“Murph?” Miller voice came. Murphy let his head flop to the side, spotting Miller sitting next to his bed. “You okay?” He breathed. Murphy blinked again, head swirling around the room. The white walls, scratchy sheets. Worried faces.

Ah..right..Murphy thought memory coming back.

“Fucking thirsty.” Murphy grumbled rather than an actual answer. He tried to push himself up only for Miller to quickly stick his arm out, gently forcing him back down.

“Just lay still alright.”

“Alright.” Murphy said. “How bad is it?” he asked. Turning to David.

“Two cracked ribs, broken knuckle and collar bone, Multiple contusions.”

“oh..That it?” Murphy asked with a forced grin. David sighed. “shouldn’t you be at work?”

“One of my kids is in hospital. I’m right where I’m meant to be.”

“Pfft, how cheesy.” Murphy mumbled, feeling a happy swell in his chest. Miller had called him his brother a thousand times, Murphy had returned the statement just as many but David rarely referred to Murphy as his kid.

“You remember what happened?”

“I remember Octavia has a really muscley guy. Like seriously. He’s bigger than Bellamy and Bellamy’s buff.”

“Thanks.” Bellamy said, face appearing at the corner of Murphy’s vision.

“Whys he here?” Murphy asked with a scowl.

“I was hoping whoever attacked you would come back to finish you off so I could give them a hand.”

“I hate you.”

“Yeah, but you also think I’m buff.”

“David, Kick him out.” Murphy whined.

“Monty and Octavia are here too. They went to get some food.” Miller said, leaning his head against the edge of the bed.

“You reckon they’d get me a milkshake. I really am thirsty.”

*

Murphy had only been forced to stay in the hospital for 2 nights. Then he was being loaded into the car for a week and a half of house arrest. Miller looking guilty each time David shooed him out of the house for school.

When David finally relented letting Murphy go back to school Murphy could have cried he was so happy and so two weeks later Murphy was limping his way through the doors. Miller at his side, glaring at anyone who got any closer than a meter away from Murphy.

“God, it’s so good to be out of the house.” Murphy breathed. “Reckon I can take this off now?” Murphy asked, wiggling his arm clutched in the sling, flinching as it only caused his shoulder to ache.

“You try and I’ll kick your ass.” Miller mumbled. “You sure you’re up for being back at school?”

“Jesus, yes. For the hundredth time.” Murphy groaned. “I have to ask though. Are people still scared of me? Or do they take this as my defeat? Am I the new Monty? A little ball of sunshine that anyone could hurt but no one would want to?”

“Never compare yourself to my boyfriend.” Miller said making Murphy smirk. “Your reputations fine. Everyone’s wondering what happened to the other guy. They figure you killed him and threw his body in the river. Your original refusal to go the hospital helped that theory.”

“Good.” Murphy said proudly. Reaching his locker and using his good hand to unlock it quickly pulling out his Biology book. “I never thought I’d be looking forward to Biology.”

The two made their way to biology at a slow pace, Miller matching Murphy’s limp. The bell ran and the last few people trickled from the halls leaving the two walking together.

“First day back and I’m late.” Murphy mumbled.

“You disappointed?”

“Nah. Makes it more dramatic.” Murphy said with a grin. Miller pulled the door open letting Murphy walk in in front of him.

“Mr Murphy.” Mrs Griffin said as the two walked in.

“Mitochondria is the power house of the cell.” Murphy said, watching as she sighed.

“Take your seats boys.” She said. Murphy gave a short nod to Clarke as he walked past, he even attempt a smile. Even if she had got them to take him to the hospital she’d also made it so he didn’t bleed out on the Blakes couch.

“How you feeling?” Octavia asked once he was sat down.

“Great.” Murphy said casually. As if there weren’t a constant nagging pain in his chest from the cracked ribs.

“cough.”

“Dude.”

“They say you have to cough or take a deep breath once an hour.” Miller growled. With a sigh Murphy took a deep breath, wincing as it made the pain worse before he blew out and settled back into his chair, trying to find a comfortable place for his arm to rest that didn’t bother his collar or knuckle.

Lunch came quickly enough, Murphy smirked at the silence that engulfed the cafeteria as he walked in, Murphy swaggered towards the usual table. The others already sat down. He and Miller slid into their seats Jasper gaping at him.

“Dude. You look awful.” Jasper mumbled, hand moving towards Murphy’s face as if about to poke one of the wounds. Murphy quickly batted him away with his good hand.

“He looks a hell of a lot better than he did last time I saw him.” Bellamy admitted. Murphy noticed Octavia nodding along in agreement, Monty had been the only one who’d seen him since the night in the hospital having had come round with Miller from time to time.

“I’m still hotter than you.” Murphy said.

“Still no luck finding who did it to you?” Octavia asked. Murphy and Miller shook their heads.

“Dads looking for them.”

“How did you scare them off? You’re not exactly the scariest person.” Murphy pondered, looking to Octavia. “and I mean sure Lincoln’s big but still there were three of them.”

“Lincoln has a reputation too.” Octavia said proudly. Murphy saw Bellamy scowling and smirked.

“Well I definitely approve of him.”

“I don’t.” Bellamy grumbled. “And I don’t want you hanging around that area again.”

“Bu-”

“If you’re going to see him then he comes to you.” Bellamy growled.

“You know you secretly like him.”

“I really don’t.”

“Well you like him more now he’s saved Murphy.”

“Saving Murphy makes me like people less.” Bellamy grunted.

“Sure.” Octavia said with a small laugh. “Because you weren’t at all scared when you saw him. You should have seen him Murphy, just standing there white as sheet, he looked ready to cry.”

“Like you were so calm and collected.” Bellamy said with a scoff. “Oh Bellamy we need help, big brother save me.” Bellamy mocked.

“Anyone think that we maybe should be talking about the traumatic event Murphy went through?” Monty asked. “He might not want to sit here and have to discuss almost getting killed.”

“I miss all the dramatic moments.” Jasper whined causing Monty to shoot him a glare.

“Next time I get the shit beaten out of me I promise to come to yours to die.” Murphy assured.

“Murphy.” Mbege’s voice floated from behind him. Murphy turned round slowly. “How you doing?”

“Peachy.” Murphy mumbled. “You?”

“Good yeah. You wanna come for a smoke?”

“No.” Miller said quickly. “No smoking, no going outside. You’re sitting there and staying quiet. Mbege if you want to join us fine but he’s not going off with you.”

“It turns me on when you get all controlling.” Murphy dead panned. Miller quickly slapping him across the back of the head.

“I’ll see you later.” Mbege grumbled before he was stalking off leaving Murphy to turn back to the others.

“So…Murphy called me hot in the hospital.” Bellamy said.

“I think I said buff. Buff doesn’t mean hot, just means I can see you have muscles.”

“You like looking at my muscles?”

“I’d like to drive my car over your muscles.” Murphy retorted, nudging Miller who quickly grabbed his sandwich unwrapping it and handing it to Murphy.

“Thank you honey.”

“I’m telling my dad that he needs to kick you out.” Miller said.