"2D-san?" Noodle's voice popped into 2D's head whilst he had been staring off into space, or rather at the doors of the lift they stood inside of as it made its way up to the study.

"Huh?" He shook his head, bewildered, but then he felt the weight of Noodle in his arms, remembering he was holding her. He smiled widely, now realising that he had her again. "Oh right… Whot do yew need, Noodle?" He looked down at her in his arms. She immediately looked away when his eyes met hers, and moved her focus to her arms crossed over her body. He smile faltered but he tried not to let her reaction phase him. She was still recovering after all. It wasn't just a moment of crying, and then everything would be all sunshine and happiness… No, he knew from personal experience that these things took time, and more often that not, a lot of it, but he wanted to help her pull through, just as she used to do for him.

"May I, er… will you put me down, please," she asked, nervous for how he might react. By all means, she did not want him to become upset and think she hated him out of nowhere. She just felt too out in the open in his arms, off of the ground. She held the upmost hate-filled emotions for the feeling of vulnerability. It almost literally drove her mad.

He tilted his head, confused as to why Noodle sounded as though she believed she wouldn't get what she wished. "A'course, Noodle. Awl yeh 'ad ta do wos ask, yew know," he said cheerfully while carefully placing her back down on her feet. He looked down at her, wondering how he must look from her height. She can' be mo' than five feet tall… maybe fo'-foot-'leven, 2D pondered. He must look enormous from her point of view. He was almost tempted to bend down to her height, just to get a feel for what the world looked like through her eyes… but that wouldn't really work being that he had nothing to compare it to, really… And it might turn out a bit awkward as well if she gave him a funny look.

Once she was standing upright, she inconspicuously stepped away from 2D, trying to put space between them without hurting 2D's feelings. Of course, 2D had noticed her movements, but figured she was still trying to recover from her recent anxiety attack. In all honesty, Noodle didn't want to be so close to 2D only because he scared her, she just couldn't figure out why. She felt safest in his arms; he was her closest friend, she'd open up to him without fuss –whether she wanted to or not –when she would have brushed off anyone else.

When the lift had stopped, 2D stepped out, but turned to make sure Noodle was following. She was frozen in place. Once the doors had opened, she saw a small creature, a human no doubt, but it still caught her off guard. She saw them run through the study and then disappear out of sight. "Awr yew comin, Noodle?" 2D looked at her in confusion. His voice broke her trance, and she realised he clearly hadn't seen what she had.

"Gomen, 2D-san. Yes. I am coming," she bowed shallowly, then began following him.

He chuckled, "T'ere's no need fo' bein so polite, Noods. S'jus' me, afte' awl." 2D led Noodle to a door she hadn't noticed on her previous visit, on the wall opposite to the windows. He opened the unfamiliar door and Noodle found herself to be in a den or a lounge of sorts. She saw a rather large sofa next to one of the walls that's cushions seemed to be pushed in with a permanent dent. She guessed that a certain, very large someone had been sleeping there recently, but oddly enough, every step she took closer to their destination, instead of being excited or uplifted about the prospect of seeing her adopted father-figure, she became more distressed. "Mmmm, smells like Russel's decided t'make breakfas' tis morning," 2D breathed in the air greedily, intoxicated by the scent. Noodle sniffed at the air, but the sweet smelling meat, eggs and the thick smell of the pancakes made her feel sick to her stomach. She clutched at her abdomen with one hand and walked close behind 2D, breathing through her mouth to try and avoid retching.

She'd gone over two-years with no food in Hell. After she'd gotten back, she'd only ever eaten very light food to avoid being sick. Once, when she'd tried eating steak to get the protein her body demanded, she'd spent all night next to the toilet with a bottle of Tums and toothpaste. For a year, she stuck to swallowing loads of vitamins and eating light meals, thus her body was still as skeletal as the day she had escaped. She was slightly relieved to see a lavatory on the way, just a few large steps into to door-less frame that was the entrance of the kitchen. "I have to use the bathroom," she whispered quickly, and ran off without waiting for 2D's response. He turned just in time to see the closing door and scratched his head, confused as to why she hadn't used the loo down next to his room.

"Yo 'D. Y' hungry, man," Russel bellowed, hearing a door close and thinking it was 2D who'd made the noise.

"Huh, er… oh, yeah," 2D began as he walked into the kitchen. "Yeah, definitely, Russ. Really 'ungry," 2D rubbed his stomach, trying to soothe its grumbling and protesting. 2D could see Murdoc sitting at the table at the far end of the room. He had an icepack on his head as well as another he held to his face over his nose. He looked absolutely peeved, and every once in a while, he would raise his bottle of rum and take a swig, staring out the window absentmindedly. He had a pile of bacon and pancakes in front of him, but was clearly ignoring it.

When Russel realised 2D was still standing in the middle of the room, he turned to see the singer looking back out the doorway nervously. "Er, 'D. Are ya jus'gowna stan'there, or are ya gowna come and eat this food? 'Cause if ya don't, I might just have ta make ya," he threatened lightly.

2D gulped, though he knew Russel was just messing with him. "Er, yeah Russ… I'll jus… be righ' back," he left hurriedly, making Russel slightly angered. He'd deal with 2D once he got back. Right now, he would just concentrate on making himself some breakfast, though there was already plenty too much for 2D and Murdoc alone.

When Noodle had escaped to the lavatory, she immediately relieved herself, and then went to the mirror. She brushed out her hair, then rinsed off her face with cold water, patting it dry with a soft towel. Her bruise was still tender, and she feared it would never go away, much like the bruising underneath 2D's eyes. She hated looking at herself in the mirror, knowing it would mark her face for a very long time, still hoping it would leave. It seemed to have gotten a bit lighter since 2D had tended to it for her, which left her slightly stunned. She'd never done that herself –never wanted to take care of herself in that way. She touched her face, brushing the bruise lightly, following its path down her neck.

Sniffing, Noodle, with her hands on the counter, bowed her head forward and watched as tears crawled down her nose and fell, plopping onto the white, porcelain sink. She gasped when she felt a warm hand touch her shoulder, and she looked up to see 2D's reflection, with a very concerned look etched onto his face. She'd not heard him come in. "Whot's te matter, Noodle-girl." She shook her head, looking down again. 2D sighed, then gently turned Noodle so she was facing him. He put his fingers under her chin and coaxed her to look up so he could softly wipe away the wetness. "Don' worry about tha' bruise, Noodle. It'll go away eventually…" He reassured her. She acknowledged his words with a nod, looking down once more. "Yo' still beau'iful, yew know. That bruise can't hide tha' from anybody," he cooed quietly. She jerked her head back up to look at him, unsure if he had actually said that, or what he'd meant by it. He smiled, hoping her reaction meant that she was no longer upset. He didn't like it when his little girl was feeling so low. "Whot's say me an' yew go an' see Russel, now? I don' fink 'e even knows yew're 'ere." He took her hand and led her out of the lavatory. He walked slowly into the room, whilst Noodle began to breathe through her mouth again in an attempt to avoid the thick, overwhelming smell of the food. 2D coughed, "Er… I'm back… I guess." He mumbled that last part, not quite sure of why he'd felt the need to announce his presence.

"Er… alright, 'D. Getchyo white ass ova here an' help me an Muds finish this food, so it don't go ta waste," Russel scolded him without his eyes leaving the stove. 2D just stood right in the doorway, holding onto Noodle's hand. She clutched at her abdomen, trying to hold herself together. She was standing close to the doorway, but was blocked from view by the wall, so from the kitchen it looked as though 2D was just holding his arm out of the doorway. When Russel realised that 2D had yet again taken much too long to respond, he turned around, becoming frustrated with the blue-haired man. "Man, are you jus' gowna stan' there or are ye gowna do what I told ya an' eat," his voice was beginning to reflect his annoyance.

"Er… Um, actually, Russ, I fink t'at maybe breakfas' could wait fo' a momen," 2D tried to explain to him. Russel crossed his arms, about to protest when 2D spoke up again, "I fink t'at there's somefink yew should maybe see firs'."

Finally, Russel noticed 2D's arm, outstretched and out of view through the doorway. He seemed to be holding something. "Oh, yeah," Russel cocked his eyebrow questioningly, and in annoyance. "An' what's that?" He pressed, his arms still folded. By this time, 2D even had Murdoc's attention, though he still had a large grimace plastered onto his face. He'd put his icepack down temporarily, revealing his fat bruise; slightly covered by a large, thick bandage over the bridge of his nose. Even the bruising under his eyes was darker than usual. He took another swig of his rum and sat back to watch the scene unfolding before him curiously. Last night, and that morning, and what had happened, was kind of a blur; he had been drunk after all. He figured it was just a dream or something, but that didn't explain his bruise.

2D sniffed –stifling a chuckle –remembering all too well why Murdoc had that bruise there. He looked back at Russel and smiled his goofiest, gap-toothed smile, as he spoke "Right. I fink yo' gonna like t'is." He turned away towards something unseen by either Russel or Murdoc.

"'D, you bettah stop messing roun' here, or neither of us gowna be happy," he warned.

2D looked back at Russel, surprising the large man with a rather fearsome look on his face. "I fink yew can wait a momen', Russel," he said, the anger leaking into his voice. He sucked in a breath, trying to speak calmly. His face became impassive again. "Just… wait. It'll only be a momen," he pled. Russel nodded, scowling slightly. 2D turned to Noodle, and moved toward her, slightly out of view of both men. "Do yew fink yew can 'andle t'is," he whispered, bending down to her level.

"I… I will try, 2D-san," she whispered. "I do not know… Russel-sama has not seen me in such a long time… What if he's angry at me… or what if he's scared by how I look now…" Her eyes began to dart back to the door, having the urge to make an escape attempt, but at the same time telling herself that she would be okay.

2D smiled sadly, "Dun worry about it. He's nuffink t'be angry fo'. 'E's just missed yew is all. 'E won't care 'ow much yew've changed." He stroked her pale cheek with his fingers. "I don't…Yew can do it, Noodle. I believe in yew. An' I'll be here the whole time if yew need me," he promised.

She nodded, and pulled in a deep breath before releasing it quietly. "I am ready," she whispered. I think.

2D squeezed her hand, "T'at a girl." He stood up straight and began walking slightly backwards towards the entrance. Russel saw him in that odd position, and was losing his patience with the man's overly unusual behavior. He was about to raise his voice and demand what in hell 2D was doing, but his voice stuck in his throat when he saw another, smaller hand come into view, wrapped tightly inside of 2D's grip. But 2D wasn't looking at Russel, he only had eyes for Noodle in this moment, who was looking back at him in turn. He pulled her inside of the kitchen slowly, squeezing her hand to reassure her that he was there for her. She had her free arm wrapped tightly around her abdomen. Murdoc –who had been taking another frightfully large swig of rum –began coughing it back up. He'd thought his encounter with the girl that morning had just been another one of his hungover delusions. 2D smiled widely at Noodle, who looked away immediately in response. Whenever he smiled at her that way, she felt odd. Like something inside her chest was sparking –trying to come back to life. The feeling frightened her.

Noodle looked towards Murdoc first, who was staring at her dumbfoundedly. She felt awkward in his gawking stare and looked away quickly, wondering where his recent injuries had come from. She met Russel, who's eyes were wide and had the beginnings of becoming overflowed with tears. "Baby-girl," he breathed. "S'at really you, Noods?"

"Hallo, Russel-sama. It is… good to see you," she looked down to her feet as she talked to him. "I am… here... I wish… to be with my family again."

"Oi, Noodle," Murdoc caught the attention of the three of them. "I'm… really sorry fer whot 'appened this mornin, gurly. I was still a bit drunk –not thinkin," Murdoc got up and began walking toward her. Noodle flinched, but tried to hide it when he put his hand on her shoulder in what she guessed was to be a kind gesture from the man. "Yer welcome to stay; yeh should know tha, I tell you," he continued. "I'll 'ave yer room fixed up ou' in tha' light'ouse. The key should be out there by the door," his voice began to drift off as he lost interest in the one-sided conversation. She only nodded at him when he paused for a second. "… Anyways, I… I guess I'm glad yer back, love," he grinned, then scowled when he looked back at 2D. He dropped his arm from Noodle's shoulder and stepped toward the dunce. Noodle figured that was as much as a warm welcome as she was ever going to get from Murdoc. "The next time yer cross the line, dullard, I dun care if yeh think yer protectin' Noodle, I'm gonna beatchyer arse inta nex' Tuesday," he growled, leering at the man. "I'm outta here," he reached across the table to grab his food and rum, then left the room to his own, ramming into 2D's shoulder as he walked past him. "Fuck off," he spat before leaving the three of them.

"Well, tha' was lovely," 2D uttered to try and lift the fowled mood. Noodle looked up at 2D, bewildered by the thought that he of all people had done such a thing to Murdoc, and because of her being upset at the time.

Russel brushed off the incident and immediately stepped forward and scooped up Noodle into his arms, hugging her tightly. She gasped rather loudly and her distress quickly began to boil over as her walls began closing in and she felt as though she were being suffocated. Russel hadn't noticed her disturbance, and Noodle was too perturbed to register her situation, only knowing that she was becoming terrified and her breath wasn't coming in fast enough.. "Iie! Shi te kudasai, watashi o kaihoo shi masu!" (No! Please, release me!) She began muttering loudly and struggling to become loose, her wailing taking hold of 2D's concentration. "Iki ga deki nai… Shi te kudasai! Iie iie iie! Watashi ga okonat te miyo u!" (I cannot breathe... Please! No no no! Let me go! )

2D rushed forward, trying to pry Russel's arms open and free Noodle from his iron grip. Finally, Russel realised the situation and immediately dropped his arms. "Man, 'D what the hell are you doin'?" He yelled whilst Noodle jumped back and crouched to the ground, sitting on her knees roughly as she pulled her hands to the sides of her head.

She began to try holding herself together to avoid falling to pieces. She took in deep, uneasy pulls of air, as if she'd been drowning and closed her eyes tightly, shaking her head and chirping, "Iie… Iie iie."

2D bolted down to her side, his hands on her arms to try and calm her down. "S'alright, Noodle," he urged quietly. "'E's just 'appy t'see ye, like I wos." He looked back up at Russel. "Canchya see yew scared 'er? Yew don' know what she's been through fo' years an' yew go an' 'ug her wiffout any warnin? Yew can't jus' do tha, Russel," he frowned angrily, rubbing Noodle's arms to try and soothe her. He rested his face against her hair, whispering to her. "Ih's awright, Noodle-girl… M 'ere…"

Most of 2D's words hadn't quite reached Russel -his mind only able to register worry for upsetting Noodle. How had he scared her? He'd only given her a hug. "Baby-girl, I'm sorry. I didn't think," he explained, confused as to why he was apologizing just because he'd been happy to see her. "I just missed ya real bad. I shoulda warned ya," he continued, more baffled with the words that left his mouth.

She shook her head, looking at the ground between her and 2D blankly, "No, Russel-sama. It… was not your fault. I just… I do not like… It scared me… very much… I do not want you to be upset… for surprising me." She panted, closing her eyes yet again as she further bowed her head forward.

"You okay, baby-girl?" He was genuinely worried, and slightly hurt that she was allowing 2D to touch her, and yet not him. But that's how it'd always seemed to have been, wasn't it? 2D had always been the exception.

She nodded and looked up to 2D, who's face was twisted with worry as well. "I need… a moment," she asked. He nodded with a frown, and stood, leaving her to gather herself.

"You jus' gonna leave 'er like that," Russel demanded, not wanting to just leave Noodle sitting on the floor.

2D sighed, feeling the same as the drummer, but doing his best to do as Noodle asked. "Jus' let 'er be fo a minute…" 2D spoke. Still upset, Russel just stood where he was and stared at 2D, who had moved to open a window. He pulled a fag out of his pocket and stuck it between his lips. He got a plate and filled it with a stack of food, then sat next to the opened window, placing his food on the table and lighting his fag. He inhaled the smoke to allow it to relieve part of his stress. He turned his head toward the opened window to release the smoke, and then took another deep drag.

"So where has Noodle been fo' all these years?" Russel asked 2D, his gaze no longer fixed on her.

He blew out more smoke before answering, "Well, she had been in the Maldives fo' abou' six months." He took another drag, but released the smoke through talk rather than exhaling normally, "S'far as she's told me she's bin in tha' Hellhole fo two-an-a-half years… an' t'en livin by 'erself in Kong till now…" 2D scrunched his face, astonished that Noodle had gone through all of that, and yet he had a feeling he didn't even know the slightest fraction of what she'd been forced to endure.

"Hell? I thought Muds said she wasn' there," Russel bellowed, upset.

2D scowled, looking back to Russel. " Tha's whot I thought…"

"Man, he's lucky I wasn' the one who gave him that bruised face… cuz I would'a done way worse," he grumbled, clenching his fists tightly.

The words they spoke amongst themselves reached Noodle's ears as nothing more than inaudible mumbling. She was trying to be strong, for 2D. Her expression was vacant as always as she willed herself to keep it together and make this a proper reunion. She did not want to see her family so upset, but she did not know if she could handle Russel holding her again… Maybe he would be more careful, like 2D was. He understood her. Noodle became alarmed when she felt someone tap her shoulder. She looked up, expecting 2D once more, but was stunned when found no one to be there. She saw that Russel and 2D were still conversing, never having left their positions they'd taken after 2D had left her alone to be in peace. She looked back down, but then saw a pair of small shoe-covered feet before her. Slowly, her eyes follow these feet up to the person who owned them and froze, alarmed by the presence of this child… this child who looked so horrifyingly familiar.

When the little girl knew she had Noodle's attention, she smiled widely and began to speak, "Fukoo na koto wa shi nai de kudasai. Watashi tachi wa kanashii koto o mi tai to omot te i nai." (Do not be unhappy. We don't want to see you so sad.) The child rubbed Noodle's face lovingly with her small hand, then brushed her fingers through her hair. Noodle just stared at the girl's face, aghast and unsure of what to make of any of what was going on just now. "Ima, mi te kudasai. Anata wa kibun ga yoku naru. Tadashii desu kai?" (Now, look. You feel better. Correct?) Noodle nodded, answering the girl, who grinned again and patted Noodle's face lightly.

"Anata dare?" (Who are you?) Noodle questioned the girl.

"Wossat, Noodle? Yeh feelin' bettah?" 2D asked, flicking the butt of his fag out the window and getting up to walk toward her. She jumped at the sound of his voice, her wide eyes meeting his as he moved to her.

"Huh," Noodle looked at him, confused by his interruption. She looked back at the little girl, but she was gone. Did they not see her? Surely she had been there? She had felt so real. She even talked. "Er… yes, 2D-san, I feel okay now," she nodded, looking back to him. He offered her his hand, and grinned when she took it and pulled herself to her feet. She let go once she was standing and turned to Russel. "Gomen, Russel-sama. I have… missed you… very much. I am glad you are happy to see me," she told him.

He smiled widely and walked toward her, asking for permission this time as he opened his arms to her. She nodded and he wrapped his arms around her lightly, "I missed you, too, baby-girl. Way too much…" When he felt her shift slightly and wrap her own arms around him to return the embrace, he smiled before noticed something that made him upset. "Noodle, you're as thin and a needle, girl," he pulled back to see her face, "When's the las' time you ate?"

"I… yesterday, before I reached the island…" She told them, slightly guilty that yet again she'd been caught not taking care of herself.

"Geez, baby-girl. You feel like you'll snap in half… Come on, let's gitchyew sumthin good t'eat," he insisted. He led her by hand to an empty seat at the table, and 2D sat back down to finish his own food. Russel didn't give her any time to react. He placed a plate of stacked pancakes and bacon in front of her, and got himself a plate. She only stared at her food in horror for about a minute whilst 2D had finished, cleaning his dishes, and then digging in the fridge for orange juice. Russel stopped when he realised Noodle wasn't eating. "What's the matter, baby-girl? It ain't gonna bite chya, just eat it," he told her, biting into his own food again.

She hesitantly cut away a piece of pancake to fit into her mouth and popped it in. She almost moaned when the sweet taste hit her tongue, but it was so much. She knew she wouldn't be able to handle such heavy food, but when her body had been given a nibble, it demanded more, and she complied without thought. She took in bite after bite, each piece, though small, felt all too big and much too good, but her body kept demanding to be satisfied and replenished to heal. Noodle shoved a piece of bacon into her mouth and swallowed quickly, taking in a sip of milk to try and wash it down. After another bite of pancake, though her body urged for more, she pushed her plate away and folded her arms on the table in front of her and rested her head down on her arms. She knew her body would all too soon become overwhelmed by such a change in diet. Her body would reject it, though it wanted it so badly to gain a proper weight. Then, almost as if on queue, she felt a stabbing sensation in her abdomen and moaned loudly. She had barely dented her food in all honesty, but it was too much.

"You alright, Noodle," Russel asked, again worried for her being in pain.

She shook her head and 2D came up behind her, rubbing her back to try to help in any way possible. He noticed her food, now pushed far away from her, and saw as one of her hands moved to clutch her stomach painfully. "Aw, shit," he muttered. "I fink tha' food wos too much fo' her," he told Russel. She moaned again and 2D quickly scooped her up in his arms and ran to the loo. He carefully set her down next to the toilet and she sat on her knees, bending over it. 2D grabbed a towel to put in front of her and combed her hair back with his fingers as her back arched forward and her body began to heave, spilling out all the contents of her stomach into the toilet. He bent down, rubbing her back again while she retched violently into the bowl, flushing it occasionally between every other one of her body's fits.

Russel knocked on the door, "Yo, 'D. S' she alrigh' in dere?" He peeked in to see 2D holding and massaging Noodle while she looked positively drained, and her body heaved again, sputtering more of the bile and contents of her stomach into the porcelain bowl.

2D looked at him and shook his head, "S'gonna be awhile, I fink."

Russel sighed, "A'ight. I'm gowna clean up dis food and the kitchen. M'sorry, baby-girl." She shook her head, protesting against his apology.

"I'll fix her summfink her body kin 'andle when she feels up to it," 2D told him. "Maybe summfink lighter." Russel nodded in agreement.

"Yeah. Sounds good. I'monna be in my room if any a'you need me. Just below 2D's room," he told Noodle. She nodded in understanding and retched into the bowl again. Russel closed the door, deeply concerned for Noodle, but he knew 2D would take care of her. With a resigned sigh, he left, hoping to dull his worries with whatever he could find to distract him in his room, now that it had been fixed up for him again.

After about ten minutes, Noodle was drenched in sweat and her mouth tasted awful. Now standing on his feet, 2D wiped the moisture on her face away with a hand towel and handed her a toothpaste-lathered toothbrush. She took it and cleaned every inch of her mouth, spitting out the last of the remnants of her stomach and 2D took the brush back, throwing it into the sink. He sat back down behind her, and she leaned back into his chest. He felt her forehead with the palm of his hand; her skin was ice-cold. He wrapped his arms around her while she closed her eyes and rested for a few minutes. She would try food again later… soon. Her stomach was already demanding it again.

After a short nap to recuperate, Noodle awoke to the sweet sound of an angel, "I lost my land, like I lost my way. So no loose ends… nothin ta see me down. How are we going to work this out? … Dreams aren't bad, I had turned mad… I love the girl, but God only knows, it's getting hard to see the sun coming through…" She sighed softly and realised she was still in 2D's arms, but not in the lavatory where'd she originally been. She opened her eyes to find that they were lying on the large sofa in the lounge. "Yew feelin bettah, Noodle girl?" He brushed her hair from her face, now completely drained of colour. She was paler now than she was when she'd gotten to the island just last night.

"Hai, 2D-san…" she answered him quietly, her voice hoarse. "Is… is there anyone else here, besides the four of us, and the android," she asked, remembering her situation with that girl earlier.

"Er… there's the engineer… bu' tha's ih… an' e's leavin' soon," he answered, unsure of why she felt she need to know. Now, Noodle was even more confused than before… "Do yew wanna try to eat again?" He offered.

Her stomach began to growl, assisting in her decision. "Yes, I am hungry…again."

"Good," he grinned. "We can't have yew bein' ungry afte' awl." She nodded and sat up. He got up to his feet then offered her his hand again. She took it and he pulled her to her feet, leading her back to the now cleaned kitchen. "Afta, maybe we can go see yo room. Yew wos asleep fo maybe 'alf an hour, but Muds said ih wos awl ready fo' yeh…"

Did I drive you away?
And I know what you'll say.
You'll say, "Oh, sing one we know"
But I promise you this
I'll always look out for you
Yeah, that's what I'll do

You say, ooohh

I say, ooh
And my heart is yours
It's you that I hold on to
That's what I do
And I know I was wrong
But I won't let you down

Oh, yea you will, yea you will, yes I will

I said, oh... cry out…

Yeah, I saw sparks
Yeah I saw sparks
And I saw sparks
Yeah I saw sparks
Singing out

La, la, la, la, oh…
La, la, la, la, oh…
La, la, la, la, oh…
La, la, la, la, oh…

Coldplay - Sparks