"Who the hell kept you so fucking late this time?"
Murphy
My boss told me he wants to keep me but he understands if I say no
"Oh really? So your boss is just gonna let you waltz in here whenever he feels like it? Does he know about us?"
Murphy
No, and there wasn't anything to come home to. Do you know what I had to do last night? A 911 call about someone breaking into a house because they thought the person who lived there was me. Do you know how ridiculous that is?
"Ridiculous? That's not even the half of it! You think I'm gonna sit here and watch while you're out risking your life every damn night?
Murphy
Well... you could go with me and we could do it together. My shift ends at midnight
"Oh, so now you expect me to drop everything and join you on your late-night adventures? Is that it?"
Murphy
Not like that. The city is much safer when there are two people rather than one. I'm sorry you don't want to but they don't give raises for overtime. Maybe I could ask them if they would give us both raises instead? I wouldn't mind making less as long as you're safe too.
"I don't need a damn raise, Murphy. I need you to be safe. And if you won't listen to me, then maybe I should find someone who will."
Murphy
Alexa, I promise I'll try my best to come home when I can. I never wanted to hurt you. I love you
"Love? Is that what you call this? Love doesn't involve risking your life every damn night! If you truly loved me, you would find a way to make this work.
Murphy
I'm going to talk to my boss and ask if we can both work days instead of nights. Maybe even work shorter shifts and have one of us work swing shifts? Is that something you could live with?
"Fine, but I'm holding you to that, Murphy. If you don't follow through with your promise, then there's no going back. Do you understand?"
Murphy
Yes I do. Do you understand that same goes for you? If I do what you ask then what happens? What do I get in return? Do I get to be lazy and lay around while you go out and get everything? No, I don't think so. If this arrangement works out for both of us, then I want to spend as much time with you as possible.
"You think I'm some kind of slave, Murphy? I put up with your late nights, your dangerous job, because I love you. But I won't be ignored.
Murphy
Oh darling, please don't think that. Do you have any idea how hard I look for you everyday knowing that I might not get to see you? Do you have any idea how hard I workout to ensure I can keep working and earning money for the both of us? When I find out later that you haven't eaten or slept, it hurts me. I feel guilty. You're right, love, doesn't mean risking your life, and I don't want to risk yours either. I'll talk to my boss tomorrow. My shift was supposed to be a week but only lasted two days. He pays well for people to work overtime. So I'm not worried about our financial situation. I just want to make sure you're okay and safe. Do you understand?
voice softens "Yes, Murphy, I understand. I'm sorry for lashing out earlier. I just...
Murphy
It's okay, I completely understand. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting so late at night sometimes. As for today, I got off after my co-workers expressed concern over how tired I seemed. They saw the wounds on me that you healed tonight.
cups Murphy's face and pulls him into a deep, passionate kiss "I love you, Murphy. Let's figure this out together, okay?"
Murphy
Alright. I'll start working on my boss tomorrow and then maybe Monday I'll switch shifts with my brother. Thanks for being patient with me. You mean the world to me. So thank you.
smiles warmly and wraps her arms around Murphy "Thank you, Murphy. I appreciate your understanding and commitment to our relationship.
Murphy
What should we do tonight? I still have the day off
grinning mischievously "Well, since you have the day off, how about we take a little trip?
Murphy
That sounds great but where? I was going to sleep
grabs Murphy's hand and leads him towards the door "Come on, Sleeping Beauty, we're going on an adventure! You can sleep when we get back, okay?"
Murphy
Okay but I need to pick up some clothes first. Can we just go to the mall? There's a store there I've been wanting to check out
rolls her eyes playfully "Fine, we can go to the mall. But you better not take too long, Mr. Sleepyhead.
Murphy
Wow, harsh much? I'll hurry, I promise. Got something special in mind? Maybe something black? You look incredible in black baby
smirks and playfully nudges Murphy "Maybe I do look incredible in black.