Multifandom X Reader Stories

John Murphy - Guess I should have stayed closer to you.

The 100 had landed on Earth, and it was clear from the start that the old rules didn't matter. It was survival of the fittest, and Bellamy Blake was quick to step up as the leader, throwing his weight around, daring anyone to challenge him. But that didn't intimidate you. You had your own survival skills and had already learned the hard way to rely on yourself.

Bellamy noticed you didn't take orders easily, that you didn't give him the same awestruck looks as some of the others. He couldn't ignore it — or you. Every time he tried to boss you around, you either brushed him off or straight-up defied him. You weren't reckless; you just had a different sense of the risks worth taking and a lot of knowledge he hadn't even thought of.

One night, while everyone huddled around a campfire, Bellamy called for a planning meeting about securing the camp. You listened, but eventually, you interrupted, "You're just talking about piling sticks together, Blake. It's not gonna keep anything bigger than a rabbit out." A smirk tugged at the corner of your mouth, and the rest of the camp snickered, amused by your bluntness. Bellamy scowled, but when you started talking specifics about building a defensive wall, he begrudgingly listened.

You made enemies with a few loyal Bellamy followers, but you didn't care. You were here to survive, not make friends. Clarke respected your insight, though, and you'd often find her seeking you out, asking for tips. Your guarded nature drew Murphy's interest, too. At first, you were wary of him. He could be unpredictable and sharp-tongued, but you soon noticed there was more to him. He didn't fall in line behind Bellamy either, and he respected that you didn't take any nonsense from him or anyone else.

After a while, Murphy would catch your eye across the campfire, a smirk on his face. He'd roll his eyes when Bellamy postured or sneered when others blindly followed. Despite your general disdain for people here, you found yourself gravitating toward him. He had a sarcastic sense of humor that, while rough, was the only thing that kept things real around here. And he seemed to sense the same in you, appreciating that you didn't just go along with whatever Bellamy or Clarke wanted.

One day, a hunting trip went south. A thick, deadly mist rolled in fast. You'd been separated from Murphy but ended up in a cave with Bellamy and Charlotte, huddling together for safety. Bellamy was all false confidence, trying to reassure Charlotte even as he cast a worried look toward the mist outside.

"Is this your idea of protecting everyone?" you jabbed, not holding back. Bellamy scowled, looking like he wanted to say something back but had nothing. It was satisfying, seeing his bravado falter, even if the mist made the situation tense.

Hours later, the mist finally faded, and you all cautiously ventured out. You didn't expect anything — people here cared for survival, not for each other — but when you stepped out, Murphy was already scanning the woods, his eyes darting around with worry.

When he saw you, his shoulders visibly relaxed, and he crossed the distance to you, his usual smirk replaced by something more vulnerable. "What the hell happened in there?" he asked, trying to sound casual, but you could see the worry he was trying to hide.

"We made it. Bellamy tried to play hero." You rolled your eyes, knowing Murphy would appreciate the jab. But it was hard to keep up your guarded front under the way he was looking at you. In that moment, standing close, words weren't necessary. You both understood.

You gave him a small, grateful nod. "Guess I should've stayed closer to you." It was a concession, and Murphy didn't miss it. He just grinned, the worry finally leaving his face.

"Yeah, maybe you should've," he replied, his voice softer than usual.

You both walked back to camp side-by-side, a silent acknowledgment between you that neither of you had allowed with anyone else.