Disclaimer: don't own

A.N: Sorry for taking SO long to finally get back around to this...there's just a lot going on. I'm back writing though!

Sound check sucked. There was yelling, cussing, things being thrown, and eventually, Murdoc smashing his back-up bass. This sent one of the backstage workers out to buy another one on Murdoc's expense. The concert was just around the corner. Murdoc was in the 'Bago smoking and 2D was in his dressing room. Jamie and Damon were on stage talking in whispers about the whole situation. Noodle walked down the hall of the backstage rooms until she came to 2D's. She lightly knocked on the door.

"Go away!" He was acting like a four year old.

"2D-san, it's ME!" cried Noodle. There was an audible click from the door letting Noodle know that the door was no longer locked. Noodle slowly opened the door.

"2D?"

The singer looked up at the Jap, his eyes bloodshot from crying.

"Aww...Stuart," sighed Noodle shutting the door behind her. "Please don't cry."

"I'm tryin' love," sighed 2D, "but to be 'onest, I miss 'im. I put up this whole front about him being a total asshole tah me and I jus' - I jus' miss 'im.

Noodle sat on the floor in front of the chair 2D was sitting in,

"I think he misses you too."

"No, 'e doesn't."

Realizing that she wasn't going to get anywhere with the man, she stood up.

"I'm going to go get hair and makeup done," she said, "but think of it this way...after tonight you can forget about him...never have to think about him or see him again. I don't know if you want to think that way, 2D-san, but that's how it's going to be if something doesn't work out tonight..."

Reality can be cruel.

The crowds were roaring, wanting their favorite band. It was loud...louder than normal. The three remaining band mates stood in the wings of the stage, not daring to talk to each other. How were they going to explain that Russel wasn't there? After checking the time and realizing they still had a moment, Murdoc pulled Noodle to the side.

"Listen," he muttered gruffly, "I know we 'ad this all planned out...ya know...telling the audience 'bout Russ...but I dunno if I can, love..."

Noodle frowned. She could see that the guilt of his actions that had made Russel leave hadn't left him...or they were catching up to him now.

"I'll tell them, Murdoc-san." She said it so quietly that she could barely hear herself over the crowds' noise. Completely out of character, Murdoc then reached out and wrapped his arms around the girl.

"You're a good kid," he muttered, "stay tha' way."

Noodle opened her mouth to reply but them Jamie came around the corner.

"There you two are!" he yelled. "You need to get your asses on stage!" He shoved a bass into Murdoc's hand and a guitar into Noodle's.

"Out! Out! Out!" He directed them onto the stage.

Blinding lights, shouting, screaming. 2D was already at his microphone and staring out at the crowd. Noodle's eyes adjusted to the bright lights and she walked up to 2D's side. He looked down at her and she pointed at the microphone. He understood and took the mic from the stand and handed to her.

"Good evening, everyone," she said. The crowed noise got even louder. She waited for them to die down. "I am sorry to announce this, but Russel will not be joining us tonight and you are here to witness our last concert."

Dead silence.

A.N: More tomorrow...or the next day! It feels good to be back!