Luckily, by the time Russel and 2D return, the pills have eased some of the pain. I was able to get up and gather all the shopping bags. 2D did a good job with the shopping. Even bought the right bra and panty sizes. Normally that would concern me, but by this point I didn't care. New clothes. Huzzah!
So, the boys returned to a pile of clothes and found me sitting in a chair by the window shivering from the cold. Russel sits by the window (outside) and 2D tucks a blanket around me.
"I can get my own blanket," I protest as 2D babies me. He just shakes his head, pulls up another chair, and plops down.
Now to more important business. Murdoc's whereabouts.
"Yew fink 'es back in England?" 2D leans forward. Russel scratches his big head.
"I don't think he's just gonna up and return to England after everything," Russel says. "Too many people know him there."
"Unless he's hiding out," I pipe up. The men turn to set their black and white gazes on me. I set down the sushi roll I was holding. "Think about it. Where else is he gonna go? He can disappear easily in England." I pick the roll back up and pop it in my mouth while the other two sit on that.
"Baby doll has a point," Russel murmurs. "And when he wants the world to see him again-."
"Simple!" 2D exclaims suddenly. "It's the last place people would expect him to be! An' studio equipment is easy t' get yew're 'ands on." He beams at Russel and me. "A flat in England!" Russel rubs the bridge of his nose.
"D, d'you know how many flats there are in, say, London alone?"
"That's exactly why he would be there!" I smile. "No one would expect the famous Murdoc Niccals to be living so simply."
"He'll make an appearance sooner rather than later. We'll get that bastard." Russel grins and turns his gaze on 2D. "You're a genius man." 2D chuckles, looking slightly embarrassed.
"Iss Mudz. 'Es a bit predictable." Well, predictable to us. Not to the rest of the world. He stands up and ruffles my hair. "Yew need more pills, luv?"
Yeah, the pills helped, but not much. Maybe a few more would help, but I've already taken so many. Besides, I don't want to have to depend on them for my comfort.
"No, I'm all right." I give 2D a reassuring smile. He shrugs and disappears into the bathroom. I turn my attention back to Russel, who has a little knowing smile tugging on his lips. I frown. "What?" Russel just shakes his head with a smile.
"Oh, nothin' baby doll. We're all just happy to have you back." There's something Russel's not telling me, and I get the feeling it's about 2D. I decide to not pester him about it until it's just the two of us. Or maybe I'll figure it out on my own. Probably the latter of the two. I reach my hand out for the window and rest it on Russel's large arm.
"I missed you guys." I meant it. 2D, Russel, and Murdoc are the most important people in my life. Murdoc had taken off, and that made me upset. He would just leave me after my five year disappearance? I know Murdoc isn't the best man ever, but I truly missed the nasty bassist and his antics. From the day I landed on the doorstep, I had a very father-daughter relationship with Russel. I still think of Russel as a father, even though there's only a fifteen year age difference between the two of us and I'm an adult now. After concerts, typically the other two would go out and party. Russel would take me home, or to our hotel, and tuck me in for the night and stay with me. I always had a particular zen bond with 2D. Being closest to my age, he took on the role as my brother. Playing with me, singing me to sleep, letting me sleep with him when I had nightmares. We couldn't talk to each other when I was very young; I didn't speak much English, just words like "Duh" and "yeah" and, of course, "Noodle". It took us a while, but soon we were able to communicate with each other through body language. Kind of like a massive game of charades.
But now my perspective on 2D has changed into something...Very different. And the thought made me blush.
Speaking of the blue haired singer, I hear a "thunk" behind me. I turn to find 2D collapsed on the bed, still fully dressed. Hadn't even bothered to take off his shoes. I smile fondly and turn to Russel.
"He's asleep," I say in a low voice. "And you need reset too, Russel. When's the last time you slept?" Russel clicks his tongue.
"Gotta take care of you, Noodle girl." I shake my head.
"I am fine. You and Toochi need reset." Russel sighs and slides his hand gently under me. He picks me up carefully then proceeds to slide me under the white sheets next to 2D. Russel smiles at me from the window.
"I love ya, baby girl." I smile back at him.
"I love you, Russel-Nii." He closes the curtains, then I hear the window shut. I reach a hand out in the dark and touch 2D's face. It hurts for me to roll over, so all I can do is run my hand down to 2D's and hold it gently, not wanting to wake him up. "I love you as well, 2D," I say softly.
Maybe it's the ringing in my ears, but I think I hear 2D whisper, "I love yew too, darlin'."
Whee! That's over! New chapter will be coming soon! Please R&R!