𝐁𝐀𝐃 𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐀 ━ connor murphy x reader.

Three

[Bethesda, Maryland.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015.]

After taking a shower, Connor tossed the used and damp towel into a laundry hamper that was placed in the corner of the bathroom before changing into some more comfortable clothes which just really consisted of some baggy shorts and a plain t-shirt. Once he exited the bathroom and started to make his way toward his room through the narrow hallway, he stopped in his tracks when the doorbell rang.

And when it did, Zoe came flying out of her room like a bat out of hell. It spooked Connor initially, but couldn't help but wonder what's got her in an antsy mood. Did she order some food? Did she buy something online? "Who is at the door?" He mumbled out when his sister was halfway down the stairs.

"Y/n," Zoe momentarily acknowledged her brother by looking over her shoulder. "She's coming over to study."

"Oh," Connor replied. Looks like no matter what he did today, he couldn't get away from that girl. Y/n was there this morning talking with Zoe, defending him against Jared & Zach, had to spend detention together, and now this... maybe he was cursed; he has to endure her presence for the end of time until death does them part.

With that, Zoe ran down the remainder of the stairs and made her way toward the entrance area of the house where Connor watched as their mother went to open the door. "I got it!" The young girl exclaimed, gently intercepting and flinging the front door to reveal Y/n who was holding a few textbooks in her arms.

Waving with what little mobility she had, she greeted the pair, "Hi, Zoe and Miss Murphy."

"Oh, Cynthia is fine, but... Y/n, honey... Zoe didn't tell me that you were coming over." Cynthia stated, casting a puzzled glance at her daughter. It was a little unorthodox that she wouldn't keep her mother in the loop of things. "But we're glad to have you." She quickly added.

"I'm sorry," Y/n was quick to apologize. "I can go if now isn't a good time." She suggested, not wanting to be a bother for showing up so unexpectedly.

"No, no, it's okay." Cynthia smiled warmly before continuing, "Come on in. My husband is actually almost home, so I was just about to start dinner. Your timing is perfect." With that, she headed towards the kitchen, leaving Y/n standing in the doorway.

Zoe, leaning in close, whispered, "Come, I'll show you my room," as she closed the front door behind them. They ascended the stairs, only to find Connor lurking at the top. Zoe rolled her eyes as they all congregated in the hallway upstairs, "You'll have to excuse my brother," she groaned. "He's a bit of a stalker." She shot him a glare which he wholeheartedly reciprocated.

Undeterred, Y/n chuckled, "It's fine, I don't mind. Hello again, Connor." She greeted him with a big smile.

"Hi." He replied.

What followed was an expected silence. There was nothing to talk about. This is technically the first time they've hung out socially, and it's when his sister wants a study session. As far as they're concerned, they're strangers; only knowing of each other's existence by association because they have a mutual. That and they share a few classes... but they've never made an effort to talk to one another. Looks like Y/n is trying to change that by forcibly making her way into Connor's life.

Yippee for him.

"Well, this has been sufficiently awkward. Let's go, Y/n." Zoe turned her heel and headed toward her room where she could only hope Connor won't disturb them. Only to realize that she wasn't following her until she was at the threshold of her bedroom door. "... Y/n?" She called out her friend's name, her eyebrows furrowing. She looked behind her only to see that Y/n was still standing in front of Connor.

Not wanting their conversation to end on a bad note, Y/n wracked her brain for what she could say to him. To her, he just didn't seem to be behind all those terrifying stories that Zoe told her. Slowly, the h/c-haired girl noticed that Connor's nails were painted black. She let out a small gasp at the sight, slightly taken aback, but it wasn't of disgust. It looked good on him. "I like your nails." She praised.

It wasn't like Connor was the type of person to receive compliments, especially from a person that he hardly knew, so this was a surprise, but a pleasure one at that. "Really?" He blinked with surprise.

"Mhm!" Y/n eagerly nodded to further prove her point as Zoe couldn't help but scoff from afar. Connor has been nothing but terrible — he is abusive towards her, claiming he slammed on her door, trying to punch a hole through it, and screaming at the top of his lungs that he's going to kill her for no reason. Or how about all the times he's asked her for money only to fuel his drug addiction? He is no saint.

"Thank you. Uh, I like your..." Connor trailed off, giving Y/n's outfit a brief once over. Did she change before she came here? He had to say that this outfit is a far improvement from the one that she was wearing at school. For starters, she is now donning a Placebo t-shirt and an MCR bracelet. Two of the large sum of bands that he enjoyed he listened to. "Shirt." He was finally able to muster. He would've mentioned the bracelet but ended up not doing so for fear that it would look like he was trying too hard to be in Y/n's good graces. He didn't really care what she thought of him.

After all, it's not like they were close.

"Really?" Y/n tilts her head to the side playfully, looking on in amusement as Connor nods his head to further drive his point. "I grew up listening to them because my dad would always be playing them. He's got a load of music downloaded..."

"How much are we talking here?"

"Like..." Y/n thought for a moment. "Over nine thousand songs. I wish I was kidding..." She rubbed the back of her neck as she stated this. Since her mother isn't involved in her life anymore, Y/n got most of her attributes from her father. Most importantly music. Thanks to how many songs he has stored on his phone — which Y/n is surprised hasn't imploded at this point — she too has a broad music taste. However, they don't always agree on everything.

At the sound of the astounding number, Connor's mouth dropped to the floor. It seemed almost comedic. "Well..." he fought off laughing by clearing his throat. "At least your dad has taste. Hopefully, that doesn't change."

"I hate to break this tender moment, really, but N/n and I have some serious studying for our Calculus exam next week. Try not to bother us, 'kay?" Zoe said, walking over to Y/n only to grab her by the arm and move her away from her brother. Who knows when he could become argumentative again, but maybe he'll ease up on it because they have a guest.

"Wouldn't dream of it."

With that, Zoe closed her bedroom door behind Y/n, leaving Connor to his own devices.