Chapter 1
Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
"El Manana is a soppy song, I had nothing to do with it."
The growling voice of the bassist echoed out of the radio room and into the larger waiting area next door.
"I like that song," said 2D, glaring through the window at his fellow band member.
As usually, Murdoc was taking more than his fair share of time blabbing away to Tom on 102FM. It was usually crap as well.
"Its not his band," mumbled 2D, unaware he had just spoken out loud.
"Ignore him, he is too proud, and the proud always fall," said Noodle. She crossed her legs and pulled her skirt over her knees in a civilised manner.
"But what if he falls and drags us down too?" spoke Russel, his eyes hidden by his truckers cap. "I seen it happen before. A brother goes down and takes his whole posse."
"We will not let him take us down. We are three and he is one."
Russel cast Noodle a dubious look. She was always thinking, that girl. Always one step ahead.
There was a loud laugh from the recording room. "The lyrics? We all help with that. Except 2D of course, he's too stupid to string two words together."
2D's mouth fell open. "That's not true!" He was on his feet, pointing furiously at the door. "That's not true!" He would have rushed in if the big red sign that said "on air" wasn't glowing angrily at him. After all, he didn't want to ruin the interview or make Tom upset. He felt a hand on his wrist and let it pull him back down to the seat.
"That's not true though, it ain't true," muttered 2D, his eyes squinted to dark slits.
"We know it isn't true, D, Murdoc don't know what he's on about. And he don't help with no lyrics!"
"Except for White Light," cut in Noodle, her face expressionless as she stared at the wooden floor.
2D sniffed and stood up, his hands held behind his back. It was always like this at interviews. Murdoc talked and talked and lied and lied while the other three listened to his ramblings with growing agitation. The fans loved him. He spilled secrets, he swore, he bitched and he didn't talk about the important (if not slightly boring) things like who helped collaborate it or what influenced the members.
A man ushered 2D into the room and the lanky blue haired man sat next to Murdoc, who was smoking despite the no smoking sign.
"And now we have the singer 2D here with us. Now tell us 2D, where did you get such a nickname?" Tom was staring at him with a knowing smile on his face. It made 2D feel strange and insignificant.
"I had a few car ax-ee-dents and got two bumps on me head," he said hesitantly.
"But that's not why he's so slow. Born that way I'm guessing," said Murdoc, chortling.
"I'm not-"
"What was it like watching other people perform your songs at Manchester?" interrupted Tom, smiling though the listeners couldn't see him.
"It was cool coz they're all talented moosicians-"
"Then I knocked him out with a frying pan coz he kept singing along too loudly," said Murdoc.
"No one could hear me!"
"I could! I had to pay to sit there, I didn't wanna pay to listen to you screech!"
2D opened his mouth and closed it again like a fish.
"Damon Albarn did very well singing-"
"He did better. We should get him permanently and chuck out this dullard."
"I'm not a –"
"Ok that's it for the Gorillaz. 2D, Murdoc, thanks for coming in."
"No problem mate."
2D just stared at the ground moodily.
Outside of the radio room, Noodle pushed past Murdoc and took up 2D's hand and led him to the taxi. Russel cast Murdoc an angry look.
"What's wrong with you lot?" asked Murdoc, marching after the other band members.
Without replying, they piled into the large taxi.
"Renford Hotel please," said Noodle.
"Can we make a quick stop to the offy? I'm not spending a night with you lot without alcohol," said Murdoc, leaning forward.
"No. We go straight to the hotel. Up early tomorrow."
Murdoc turned to Noodle with a sneer on his face. "I'm a big boy now mother, I can buy a drink if I want to."
"2D is tired and we are all hungry. We go straight to the hotel." She said this sternly but it only made Murdoc growl.
"We can drop him off," suggested Russel.
"I'm not walking, it's raining. Oi, driver, drop me off at the offy."
Noodle went to argue but Murdoc silenced her.
"Don't start telling me what I can and can't do, missy."
"We have to get up early. Rehearsals for the Grammy's start at 6am." Noodle's voice was very calm but she showed no sign of backing down, no matter how hard Murdoc glared at her.
"I don't like your attitude. Who made you the boss of us, huh?"
"I am only looking out for your well being," said Noodle, looking past Murdoc and at the buildings whizzing by.
"I don't need anyone to look out for me. Driver, pull over, NOW."
The worried cab driver pulled over, causing the many cabs behind them to beep angrily.
"If she tells you to drive off," said Murdoc, jabbing a finger at Noodle, "ignore her."
2D cast a worried look at the fourteen year old. She was staring after Murdoc unblinkingly and when he disappeared into the large off license she looked at 2D suddenly, which made him jump.
"Thank you for backing me up," she said quietly.
Russel rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly while 2D stared at her.
"We didn't though," he said, confused.
Noodle let out an exasperated noise and looked away.
By the time they got to the hotel Murdoc was already swaying and cursing at inanimate objects.
"Its 1 am, Murdoc, I think its time you got some sleep," said Russel, watching Murdoc glare angrily at a picture of a boat.
"Not before I kill this boat, it's staring at me…" He hiccupped violently and fell head first into the picture.
"Ah fuck it got me!"
Noodle came out of the door near the now dinted picture wearing pink pyjamas.
"Murdoc, I think it time for you to sleep. You wake up whole hotel."
"Feck off."
Russel stepped forward threateningly.
"I'm going to take you to your room." He placed his hand on Murdoc but he slapped it off.
"Don't fucking…fucking touch me, mate. I'll go to bed when I go to bed!"
Someone opened a nearby door and shushed them loudly.
"Don't you fucking shush me, mate! I'll fucking-"
"Murdoc! Go to bed!" said Noodle loudly. "汚いマン!"
"What did you just say? Don't speak that gibberish to me!"
A weary 2D came out of another room. He wore just his jeans and his hair was sticking out in odd angles.
"What's with the bangin'?" he asked, stifling a yawn.
Murdoc turned to him like an angry bull would to a red cloth. 2D's eyes opened widely and he spun around to run back into his room, but totally missed the door and hit into the wall. Murdoc grabbed him by the hair and lifted him up.
"Put him down!" yelled Noodle.
Russel marched over and held Murdoc by the collar.
"I think it's best if you put him down," he said in a low voice. "And then go to bed."
The drunk Murdoc growled like an angry dog but let go of the wriggling 2D. He then marched off into his room, slamming the door loudly behind him.
2D rubbed his head and sniffed loudly.
"No more pancakes for me…" he said, and then stood up.
"I HATE HIM!" screeched Noodle suddenly, causing 2D to jump again and fall back down.
"He's gone to bed now-" started Russel.
"But tomorrow – tomorrow I have to deal him HIM," said Noodle, clenching her small fists. "I am sick of him. SICK!"
She stormed off into her room.
"Is she annoyed with Murdoc?" asked 2D, leaning against the wall as he stood up again.
Russel rolled his white eyes. "I wish I could switch you off sometimes," he said.
"Huh? I'm not a TV…"
Russel's eyes twitched and he went into his room, banging his door closed.
"Was it something I said?" he called to no one.
The morning was mad but things got done. Murdoc called it bedlam while Noodle said it was organized chaos. Her anger for Murdoc seemed to have faded away and she even sat next to him in the cab to the Grammies.
"So this Madonna, she's cutting into her song?" asked Murdoc for the fifth time.
"Yes, Murdoc-san. I play guitar and she sing."
"Why though? Can't we just play and the old lady sing another time?"
"She's about the same age as you, Murdoc," said 2D.
"Yeah but who looks better, eh?"
"Madonna looks great for her age," said 2D.
"You saying I don't?"
"I haven't said that, but now you mention it-"
"Watch your mouth, sonny boy," growled Murdoc.
"She's an amazing woman. It'll be an honor to perform with her," said Russel.
"Humph…she better not steal my limelight, that's all I'm saying," muttered Murdoc.
"I am not looking forward to getting on that stool again," said Noodle, rubbing her ankle absentmindedly.
-2 days later-
"Dinner is ready!" yelled Noodle, ringing a dinner bell. She had set the table out neatly and it was arrayed with various oriental dishes.
"Looks good enough to eat!" said Russel, filling his plate before he had already sat down.
"Good enough to eat!" echoed 2D.
"What's this?" asked Murdoc, peering at a heap of prawns.
"It is traditional dishes from Japan and Korea. I thought it would be nicer than pizza," said Noodle, beaming.
"Is that fish even cooked?" asked Murdoc in a disgusted voice.
Noodle blinked. "No, it is sushi. Uncooked fish. Its nice, try it."
Murdoc laughed disbelievingly. "No thanks luv, I want to live a few more years. Is there any pizza leftover?"
"Noodle has just slaved over this dinner, the least you can do is try it," said Russel.
"Listen mate, I'm all for foreign food, but I like it cooked," grumbled Murdoc as he rummaged through the fridge.
"The rest is cooked," said Noodle, her bottom lip wobbling dangerously.
"Ish vair nishe," said 2D, his mouth full of stir fry.
"You'd eat anything, you would," said Murdoc. "Why is this fridge empty?"
"I chucked the food away. It was old and rotting," said Noodle. She still hadn't sat down.
Murdoc slammed the fridge. "Well that's just fucking great! Now what can I eat?"
"You can try my food."
"I'm not eating that mess! Half of it isn't even cooked!"
"It isn't mess!" yelled Noodle. "I spent three hours cooking!"
Murdoc sighed. "Ok, it isn't mess, but it's just not my cup of tea, ok?"
"You haven't tried it yet! Just try it, Murdoc, please?"
Murdoc's face wavered slightly but then he shook his head.
"Murdoc, just try some," said Russel, not even looking up from his food.
"I don't wanna, right? People die from uncooked food!"
"I wouldn't poison you!" cried Noodle furiously.
Murdoc laughed. "Sure luv. You wouldn't be the first."
"Its perfectly edible!"
"Noodle, just sit down and eat. If he wants to eat junk, let him."
"Well I would if there was anyway!" said Murdoc to Russel. "But little miss here and to chuck it."
"It was rotten!" screamed Noodle.
"Your stuff is rotten! You throw my food away again and you're in for it!" yelled Murdoc.
"Are you threatening me?" asked Noodle, stepping forward.
Murdoc blinked at her and frowned. "Just don't touch my food."
"What will you do if I do?" asked Noodle, her voice steady. "Will you hit me?"
"I don't like your attitude," growled Murdoc.
"Why don't you hit me, Murdoc?" asked Noodle, stepping forward with her hands held out.
2D was staring open mouthed, food still unchewed on his tongue.
"You're a girl, I don't hit girls, especially not midget ones," grumbled Murdoc, clearly uncomfortable with the whole ordeal.
"Leave then."
"Fine, I'll go order some decent food."
"I mean leave the house," said Noodle, staring up at him.
"You what? You're off your rocker, you are," said Murdoc. He eyed a bread roll on the table and picked it up but Noodle kicked it out of his hand.
"OI!"
"You not touching my food. You get out, now."
"You're mad! You're fucking schizo-"
"I said leave."
"This is my home too-"
"Not anymore. You're out of the band."
"WHAT? When was this decided, eh?"
Russel stood up. "Noodle, I think you'd better just sit down and eat."
"No Russel. Murdoc has to leave. His rude behavior can no longer be allowed," said Noodle.
"So this isn't a group decision? You just decided this on your own?" asked Murdoc, a sneer creeping on his lips.
"They both agree with me." She turned to 2D.
"Er…I…I think I left my oven on," said 2D. He stood up quickly and left.
"Well that was a clear "yes" if I've ever heard one," joked Murdoc.
Noodle turned to Russel, who shook his head.
"We are a family, Noodle, and as a family, we have to decide things together."
Noodle clenched her fists. "You do agree! Stop acting scared!"
He shook his head again. "I'm not scared of Murdoc, and you know that. This band is his as much as any of ours."
"More so, since I started it," said Murdoc, straightening himself up. "Who knows where you lot would be without me?"
Noodle looked away, her hair falling over her eyes to hide the tears.
"Russel, you'd probably be in a loony bin, mate, no offence."
Russel shrugged his shoulders.
"Noodle would be in an orphanage or summat. 2D would be-"
"Undamaged!" Noodle spat out. "Its your fault he's so…so…"
"So what?" sneered Murdoc.
"Slow and…and just not fully with it!"
"Is that what you think of me?"
Noodle looked around and saw the blue haired singer standing in the doorway, his arms hanging limply by his side. Murdoc laughed loudly.
"No 2D-san, I didn't mean it like that," said Noodle quickly.
"Yes you did. You think I'm some sort of…some sort of retard or summat. You all do…"
"No we don't-"
"I do!" piped in Murdoc, before cracking up with laughter again.
"Shut up you fool," snapped Noodle. "We don't think you a retard, 2D-san. We know you have headaches-"
"You don't know! They hurt!" cut in 2D.
"Yes, yes they do! And that why you think slower, it not your fault!" Noodle said quickly. She found it harder to speak fast in English.
"I don't think slow! I ain't a halfwit!"
"You're damn good at acting like one then," chortled Murdoc, wiping a tear from his eye.
"Shut up you stupid…you-"
"Hurry up with an insult, I ain't got all day," said Murdoc.
"Shut up! I'll show you! I ain't slow, I'm faster than any of you!" And with that, 2D walked out of the mansion in the middle of the night with his bunny slippers on, without money or a mobile phone.
"What. An. Idiot," said Murdoc. "Well, pizza beckons. I hope that fit bird delivers it again, I might get a free dessert, hehehe."
He left Noodle and Russel in the kitchen. Noodle was staring at her own hands in shock.
"What have I done…"
"He'll come back. He has nowhere else to go," said Russel, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"I made him upset, Russel-san, did you see his face? He was so sad…"
"He'll be back," repeated Russel, hugging Noodle as she sobbed on his shoulder.
