Gah, this chapter is so long! It's another one of those that I just couldn't bear to break up. You'll just have to endure.

Disclaimer.

Back outside in the brilliant sunshine, Noodle initially had to shield her eyes. The singer reached for her hand and pulled her to a stretch of the beach covered in the remains of a war zone. Noodle heard Murdoc yelling at Russel to "Gerroff me, Lards! You can't just step wherever yeh please!" and smiled, glad to have a bit of normality. 2D grabbed the nearest smoldering heap of metal and cloth and dragged it to the shore. Noodle stood and stared at the singer until he looked back, forcing her to blush and grab for the nearest pile.

"So… what happened here, 2D-kun?" The singer looked up and shrugged.

"S'nothin outta the ordinary here. Some pirates attacked and we 'ad to fight 'em off. Course, then yew and Russ showed up, and tha' wos a nice surprise." He finished, smiling. Noodle looked up. Pirates attacked here too?

"Pirates. As in… pirates?"

"Yeah, pirates." 2D grinned and held up a curved sword he had uncovered for effect. He waved it around a bit before losing his grip, sending the sword flying into the nearest plastic tree. Noodle giggled and returned to her pile, focusing on pulling pieces that could be salvaged away from the junk. She really should get around to giving 2D the phial. He didn't seem ready to kill himself in a drug-induced frenzy, but Noodle wasn't sure if she could tell if he was. She decided to broach the subject lightly.

"So… er, how've you been?" She didn't look up as she said this, preferring to keep her burning cheeks towards the rubbish heap in front of her.

"M'fine. It's been lonely, y'know. Wiffout yew." 2D didn't look up either, hiding just how much he actually missed the tiny guitarist. His life had been a figurative Hell without her presence. He hadn't realized how much she interacted with him on a daily basis until she was no longer around. He had moved back to England to try and put some semblance of a life together until Murdoc had quite suddenly showed up again…

The bugger.

"How're your… headaches?" Noodle smacked herself in the forehead. What? Why on earth would she ask that? Could she have found a more awkward way to start the conversation? The singer looked up in surprise.

"Er… fine. Love, are yew awright?" Noodle sighed and turned toward him.

"I heard from… somewhere… that you were mixing pills and…" 2D's eyes bugged out. He stepped closer to her with a concerned look on his face.

"Noodle, love… I've been off me pills for ages now." It was Noodle's turn to be surprised.

"What?" The singer smiled proudly.

"Yeah, I couldn't get any o' me pills when I got here to this island, so… I quit." Noodle was bewildered.

"You quit? Just like that?"

"Just like that. Well, awright, it was 'ard… but I found other fings to do teh keep me mind off me 'ead." Noodle cocked her head to the side, smirking.

"Taking up crack again, Mr. Pot?" He smiled and shook his head in mock exasperation.

"No, Noodle. I'll give you a hint. I've been off me pills for 'bout ten months now. Plastic Beach was released a few days ago."

"You wrote the whole thing by yourself?" The singer nodded.

"Tha' and some… other stuff." Noodle nodded and reached down to pick up the mangled remains of what looked like a gun holster. If he claimed he wasn't on drugs… why did Satan send her here? The singer went back to hauling junk to the shore and Noodle took the chance to look him over properly.

He DID look pretty good. He no longer had the spaced out/ perpetually high look about his eyes. He even moved differently. Where he had once had an almost imperceptible shake in his hands, there was now solid steadiness. Noodle noticed he definitely was more muscular as he hauled a heavy piece of metal off the ground. Her eyes zeroed in on the twitch of his arm muscles as they stressed and worked.

Hot damn.

She shook her head and felt her cheeks heat up. She groped for the glass phial which she had moved to her pocket. Noodle turned the small bottle over in her hands. She supposed she didn't need this now… why had Satan told her 2D needed saving? She shrugged and pocketed the bottle once more. Perhaps she could save it if there was trouble.

When the pair finished clearing the beach as best they could, 2D took Noodle's hand once more and led her back to where Murdoc and Russel were standing. Noodle was amused to find Murdoc sitting on the sand, nursing the hand Russel must have stood on. An angry scowl contorted his features as he glared up at the drummer. The drummer, who was in fact, laughing hysterically at Murdoc's situation.

"-didn't know you were so fragile, man! Should we getcha a sling? A full on body cast?" Murdoc muttered murderously under his breath as the pair walked up. The bassist's eyes zeroed in on the two's intertwined fingers and he raised an eyebrow and smirked. The pair stopped in front of the drummer and bassist.

"Hey Noodle-girl, how's the island?"

"It is amazing, Russel, really." Noodle beamed up at her father figure. 2D turned his head and smiled off out to the sea. The one place he considered a prison, she considered a paradise. He turned his attention to Murdoc, still on the ground, who was staring at him with a knowing half-smile.

"Wot's 'append to yeh're arm there, Muds?" Murdoc glanced down a his injured limb and scowled again at Russel.

"Lards 'ere went an' put 'is foot down on me 'and. 'Urts like mad, too." Russel sniggered, causing Murdoc to childishly stick his tongue out at the drummer. Slowly, Murdoc heaved himself off the ground and turned toward the house. He beckoned the remaining three with a wave of his hand.

"C'mon you lot, I got spare rooms fer Noodle and Lards. 'Cept Lards, we'll afta keep yeh out 'ere until we can find somethin' teh make yeh shrink." Russel rolled his eyes and carefully pulled himself to his full height, following the other two as they made their way up to the house.

...

Satan stood behind his desk gazing at a small orb on its surface. An image of a laughing girl with purple hair was inside the orb. A dark figure came up to stand just behind the Devil. He spoke.

"This Noodle is surprisingly strong for all that has happened to her." The Devil looked up and nodded at the newcomer's presence. He cocked his head to the side.

"Why do you say that, Sitri?" The newcomer, obviously named Sitri, bowed slightly.

"Pardon me, sir. It just surprises me that she has not yet told her friends where she has been these past four years." Satan nodded and swept away from the desk, choosing to stare into the fireplace instead.

"Indeed, the fact that she has not told anyone of her struggle is surprising. I'm not entirely sure what to make of it." Satan's new second in command watched the orb a few seconds longer.

"Sir, what do you plan to do now that she has discovered the boy is perfectly fine?" Satan looked back at Sitri.

"Patience, Sitri. There is still a crucial step missing in our little plan here. In time, she will willingly give up her friends to me. I am sure of it." Sitri gazed back into the orb.

"Have you noticed the affection she has shown this blue-haired one? Will this not throw off your plans?"

"She shows the same affection for the green, smelly one and the fat, huge one. I don't think it will get in the way. Our little Noodle isn't in the best condition right now, but her heart remains the same… for now. She won't want to put the boy in an uncomfortable situation if he does not return the affection. Trust me, you just tend to grow close to the people you put in harm's way."

"I see…" Sitri looked sideways at Satan, "And does that affect you very often?"

"I'm going to pretend you didn't just compare me to those humans."

"I'm only saying, the girl may be unable to be turned." Satan sighed.

"As I said before, Sitri, patience. I know what I am doing… and if she proves to be obstinate, I have a little something that will… help her to obey."

...

Noodle gazed around her new room. It was at least three times bigger than her hotel room in Essex and five times more luxurious. Floor to ceiling glass served as giant windows out onto the ocean. Smooth wood covered the floor and the walls were painted a light blue. The windows had heavy curtains waiting at the edges to pull the room into darkness when the time came. The room was still fairly bare, Murdoc had given her the freedom to decorate as she pleased and bade her and 2D to "behave themselves" before he walked out, hands in pockets. Noodle had just stepped out of her massive closet after hanging up her thin jacket and found 2D standing in front of the window. She silently walked up to his side and brushed his arm, startling him.

"Wahh! Oh…" Noodle gazed out the window with him.

"What are you looking at, 2D-kun?"

"The sky. I can't wait for yeh to see the stars tonight, love. There're so many, it's fantastic! There aren't any lights out here… 'cept the light 'ouse." He turned and grinned at her, making her heart backflip, though she wasn't sure why. She was a bit nervous, being in the same room as 2D. She had missed him so much…

But this wasn't just her missing him. She felt… strange. Like she had finally woken up when she saw him smile. Noodle gazed at the side of the singer's face she could see. He had stubble on his cheeks and chin, it made him look older. Not his full thirty three… but older than she remembered. He glanced down and noticed her staring.

"Wot? 'Ave I got somefin' on me face?" Noodle was brought back to reality.

"Er, no. I was just… never mind. What do you want to do?" 2D shrugged and turned away from the window.

"We could… watch a movie? Or… play a video game? Any 'a those sound good?" The two started walking toward the door and to the lift. The lift was cramped and slightly awkward but they made it work.

"Do you want to play with me?" 2D looked around with wide eyes. A light blush crossed his cheeks and, once Noodle realized what she said, crossed to Noodle's as well. 2D was mentally slapping himself for accidentally thinking what he had been thinking… he felt like a perverted little boy. The pair stuttered at each other for a moment. Both coughed awkwardly and fell into silence, looking down.

"Play… your keyboard… and I'll play guitar…"

"Um, yeah… sounds good." Both gratefully stepped out of the lift when it hit the recording studio level. Noodle went to the far wall where a few guitars were stored as she hadn't had time to grab hers when the ship went down. She selected a plain black one and went about tuning it. 2D slumped over to his second favorite keyboard and plugged it in. When they were both ready, Noodle kicked off the start of Hong Kong. 2D looked at her curiously but came in when his part started.

Noodle played the song with ease and marveled at the fact. She focused on the strings of the guitar, the way her fingers could so easily pull notes from them, the way the sound seemed to course through her body and take up rest in her soul, the way his voice seemed to blend over it all, turning it into a work of art. She closed her eyes and picked out a slow improv. 2D stopped singing and watched her. He smiled at how peaceful she looked and nearly missed his next entrance. The song came to a close and Noodle opened her eyes.

"Why didja pick that song, love?" Noodle looked down and smiled.

"I don't know… I like the way it sounds… it's probably one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard." 2D took a seat on a nearby amp and leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms.

"Yeh can't 'ave 'eard too many, then… I know dozens of pretty songs, love." Noodle looked away and grinned. She couldn't quite explain it, but… her heart was beating faster than it normally did. And this was at least the third time it had happened today. Was she sick? She didn't feel sick. She watched 2D turn and step onto the amp. He used his substantial arm strength to haul his body up and reach for something on a high shelf. Noodle could see his muscles flex.

Definitely not sick.

When he got back down, he turned to find Noodle staring at him. He blushed and raised an eyebrow. She flushed as well and looked down. What was wrong with her?

"Is somefin wrong, love?"

"No, Toochi," He grinned at the old nickname. She walked over and ran her fingers lightly across his arm. 2D fought a shudder and Noodle felt the muscles underneath her hand twitch slightly, "But tell me, when did you get so… ripped?" She giggled. 2D suddenly became very preoccupied with the way her lips twisted up when she smiled.

"Uh… wot now?" She repeated the question.

"Oh! Well, livin' on a island is pretty 'ard work yeh know. Whenever 'ere's a mess teh clean up, I afta do it. And dead robots and stuff is 'eavy." 2D looked up suddenly and found Noodle's face inches from his own. She had the same bewildered look on her face that 2D was sure occupied his. He thought to himself that he should probably pull away, but he couldn't quite find the motivation to move.

Noodle's gaze furtively flicked down to his lips. She wanted to lean forward a bit and press her lips on his. Would that be strange? She and the singer had lived as brother and sister for years at Kong, why was everything so different now? She felt a burning desire in her lips to grab him and pull him close. She decided to go with it. She leaned forward a bit and heard a soft exhalation as 2D did the same. His hand crept up her arm as they drew near. She could feel his breath on her lip. Suddenly, a small voice interrupted the couple.

"Better give him what he wants, before he gets bored, my dear." Noodle yanked herself back, leaving 2D with a startled expression. He looked hurt for a second, but casually arranged his features into a mask of indifference. Noodle didn't notice, she was listening for the voice.

"He's been so desperate for some female companionship, he'd do anything for a little action. Especially from someone as wounded as you…" Noodle looked up, suddenly back in this world. The singer was concentrated on her bruised eye, but met her gaze when she reentered her expression. He looked at her curiously. Noodle backed up and gazed at him almost fearfully.

"I have to go." She dashed to the lift and called it, scurrying in when the doors opened. 2D stood with a dumbstruck expression plastered on his face.

"Noodle…?" He said to the empty air.

Noodle was huddled in a nonexistent corner of the cylindrical lift, chest heaving. How had 2D not heard the voice that spoke in her ear? It had seemed so close. Speaking of close, Noodle was very much aware at how close she and 2D had come to a kiss. It scared her how much she wanted to run back down and press her lips against his, if only once. The lift dinged as she reached the level of her room. She stumbled out and grabbed the wall for support. The voice and almost-kiss was enough to make her feel fatigued. She staggered to her room and more or less collapsed on the bed. She didn't know what to do or what to think about. What did it mean that she wanted to kiss 2D? Why was she suddenly hearing voices?

"Because you are still… MINE!" Noodle sat up and wildly looked around, "Don't forget it, girl. That boy may be alright for now, but think. Does he really want you here? You, all scratched up and broken. The green one didn't want you so much he built a cyborg." Noodle's fist clenched. The Voice didn't have the same timbre as the Prince of Darkness, but the accent and syntax were unmistakable.

"Leave me alone!" She dove under her pillow and buried her head, drowning out the laughter with her pillow.

Though it seemed like seconds later, Noodle was surprised to see the sun setting through the windows when she pulled herself up. Had she been asleep the entire day? She hauled herself out of bed and found that she felt hot and sticky. The sun really did beat down here. She looked down at her dress and stockings and shrugged. Murdoc had sent away for some new clothes for her and demanded they be rushed to the island. She walked over to the dresser and pulled out a pair of denim shorts and a simple camisole. Better to be comfortable than hot, right?

After pulling on her clothes and ditching her shoes in her closet, she strutted out the door to find her friends. Her room was located on the same floor as the kitchen and living room. She walked down the narrow hallway and watched the sun reflected from strategically placed windows play across the floor. If the Devil's voice was playing around in her head, she had to be insane. Cases like that didn't just appear. She felt dirty, unclean that his voice was so near. She rounded the corner to the kitchen and ran into what seemed like a solid mass. She tripped backwards and caught herself on the corner. The thing she fell into gave an "Oi!" in surprise was pushed back a few steps. Noodle looked up and realized she had run into 2D, making his way around the corner. Both looked awkwardly at the other.

"So… er, wotcha doin', Noods?"

"Er, I was going to grab a snack from the kitchen… what were you doing?"

"Oh me? I wos, yeh know, headin' up teh see… yew. But then I- I remembered I wos 'ungry so I was on my way to the kitchen… also."

"Oh."

"Yeah." They stared awkwardly at each other for a few more minutes.

"So, let's go to the kitchen, yeah?"

"Right, right." 2D stood first and stretched out his arm to help Noodle to her feet. The two walked side by side down the remainder of the hallway in relative silence.

"So… why were you coming to see me?"

"Oh, uh… well, yew 'aven't been outta yeh room awl day 'nd I wanted to see if yew were 'ungry. But… I guess yeh are, so…" he trailed off. They arrived at the kitchen. Noodle stepped forward and went to rifle through the contents of the nearest cupboard. She pulled out a can of soup and turned back to 2D for his approval. He nodded and went to the far cupboard to pull out two bowls. Noodle crouched and opened a cabinet door to search for a pot to cook the soup in. In doing so, her camisole rode up a few inches. 2D turned around and stopped at the sight of the tattoo that adorned Noodle's lower back. He tilted his head, had that always been there? As he stared at it, he began to get a strange feeling in his stomach. The way her back muscles twitched and rippled made the tattoo move slightly. More of the tattoo seemed to extend past the hem of her shirt. What else was there? The singer felt the strangest urge to find out… to be able to pull the shirt up and trail his fingers up and down her spine…

A clunk from within the cupboard brought 2D back to the present. Noodle emerged from the cupboard, pot in hand. 2D found it hard to focus on anything but her back as she walked to the stove and started preparing the soup. She shook her head and turned suddenly and caught him, his eyes slowly making their way up to her face.

"Something wrong, 2D-kun?" 2D didn't initially register that she was talking to him.

"Wha-? Oh! Uh… no, nofin' wrong, love. But… is it jus' me or do yew now 'ave some ink where yew didn' befo'?" Noodle grinned. She turned and lifted the back of her shirt for him to see. He felt his heart nearly stop as more of her smooth back was exposed. The tattoo was a mess of Japanese characters all interlocking and making a beautiful design. He wanted to trace the symbols. 2D could feel his head becoming a jumbled mass of thoughts and emotions all pertaining to the drawings decorating the smooth expanse of skin…

"Wos it mean?" He barely was able to choke out. She spoke a sentence in her usual flawless Japanese.

"Watashi no kokoro, watashi no tamashī, watashi no uta." The band had all picked up bits and pieces of her native tongue over the years, Murdoc even managed to recognize when she was cussing him out, but 2D had no idea what she had said.

"… and wos that mean?" Noodle blushed lightly and looked down. She repeated the phrase in English and 2D felt his heart soar and his cheeks heat.

Review, my dears!