#john murphy insert

Your vision swam, drenched in sweat, and all at once you were going down. Your knees hit the sand -- there was so much sand -- and for a moment you were at rest. Maybe you could just rest here for a bit. You could catch up, right? Or maybe you could just wait here, they would come back for you.

Of course they wouldn’t leave you. No sooner had you fallen to your knees, your pack falling from your shoulder, and Murphy was at your side.

“(Y/n)? Love, can you hear me?” And you could, but he sounded so far away. Still, he needed to know you heard him. Nodding, your body slumped against his. He caught you, and he was firm against your side. John held you, and that security roused you from the pool of unconsciousness you were drowning in.

“‘s too hot” You insisted, a dry and heavy tongue causing your words to slur and twist. 

“I know,” He barks out a laugh, though there wasn’t much humor there. “It's a desert.”

“‘r we almos’ there yet?”

“I don’t know (Y/n)... Jaha,” Now he was speaking to your fearless leader.

Cracking your eyes open was difficult enough, in the minute or so they were closed they’d been glued shut by sand. One day, Murphy and you were going to live in a place where there's no sand. At all, it’ll be illegal.

The sun was intense and abrasive, but you made out that your remaining companions were huddled around you. Jaha, the man best imitating the biblical figure Moses, was already on the next dune, looking at the group expectantly.

“We need a break.” It wasn’t a question or request. All of you had been walking for hours, you’d just been the unlucky one to fall first. 

“Nonsense, it isn’t dark yet” As if you weren’t curled into your boyfriend's side, miserable and useless. You knew that once you were hydrated and of your right mind, he’d tease you for this. His damsel in distress.

“Dumbass, we can’t get to your City of Light if we’re all dead!” You weren’t surprised with how pragmatic he was being. You really did feel like death, though he didn’t need to know that.

Mustering what little strength you had, you sat up. “I-I’m fine. I can make it” You were trying to sound convincing... Maybe if you pretend you werent slurring your words or seeing double, everyone else would believe you were fine.

Jaha took this as fact and nodded. “See, they’re fine. Come, we have more ground to cover.” With that, he disappeared over the dune.

Murphy spat curses as the others walked past him and towards the dune. He might also be determined to press on, but you were clearly in no position. And your well being trumped his desires.

“Go, you needa go with Jaha” You pressed, attempting to push him away. 

“Shut up” He mumbled, before scooping you up. He held you bridal style, taking a moment to adjust and shift you in his arms, before pressing on. 

“There’s no way I’d ever even think of leaving you, don’t fucking forget that.” His words are steel, his intent ironclad. His eyes are on the horizon, and all you can do is stare at him. After a moment, he kisses your forehead.