It's been Quite a Ride
A Gorillaz Fanfiction
Summary: With the profit running low and the name of Gorillaz beginning to wear thin, the band just might have to go their separate ways for good this time. Will they be able to bring everything back together, or will this be the last we hear of the cartoon foursome?
Genre(s):
Rating: Mature for strict language, alcohol and minor drug usage
ratings may change
Chapter 2 :: Time for a Change
Chapter Rating: Teen for minor language and mention of alcohol.
A.N.:: How's it going, guys? Well I've started up working on this again – I sort of separately wrote bits and pieces here and there and sort of just mashed it up all together. I do that sometimes. Here's how it turned out, I hope it satisfies.
All right, before we get there, I want to formally announce that, yes, I have introduced sort of an OC into this. No, not really much of a detailed original character. But I wanted to put in someone to sort of symbolize something more. I'm sure you'll understand what I mean once you read more into this. Yes, she will be sort of significant to the story line, but she will in no way interfere like most annoying OCs out there. (I mean no offence, but let's be honest – there is a majority of OCs for any fandom that can get on the sensible fan's nerves, am I right?)
Enjoy this chapter guys. It sort of gets things going I suppose.
Disclaimer: Gorillaz, and all characters associated with it belongs solely to Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett.
"Hey, 2D."
The sound of a familiar voice brought the blunette out of his usual day-dreaming state. He had been leaning against the front counter at his driving school, cheek rested on one hand, and lazily staring out the window on the opposite side of the empty front office. Yep, this was his job: a boring receptionist at a boring driving school doing nothing but staring at the boring gray-blue office. How boring.
About a month had passed since the band had gone their separate ways. 2D still felt like it was only yesterday; he could remember it so well. Even in that time, 2D had not managed to grab hold of a better job. He did, however, find a hotel to stay in. A cheap one, but it was affordable, at least. He had been living in there ever since he left the flat.
After leaving, he had not spoken to any of his band mates face-to-face; he did, however, call some of them up. Mainly Russel, who was the only one who'd actually talk to him. Noodle was as antisocial as he had left her, and, come on, like Murdoc would want to talk to him. Turns out Russel actually shrunk down to a relatively decent size; he was still taller than he used to be (Russel described himself as being almost 2D's height), but it was better than the behemoth size he possessed before.
Now that 2D had the chance, he asked each of his band members what they were off doing now. Murdoc mentioned something about, quote-on-quote, "Seein' tha world! Again! I goh places ta see, ladies ta meet, and laws to fuck up! Livin' the life, y'know? And when you're travelin' with Cap'n Murdoc, yew ain't got no money problems ta worry 'bout! All I need is me trust camaro, and me lucky stash o' beer!" So, you know, typical Murdoc.
Russel and Noodle spent the first few days together, but as the drummer informed 2D, Noodle claimed she wanted to go on her own. She didn't really give any other reason than that, Russel says. She had taken the Windmill Island, which Russel helped fix up a little, and had been gone ever since.
2D had spoken to Noodle only once since the band's split. She was mostly quiet during their conversation, making it a bit awkward, though when she would speak, she sounded rather content, which made 2D happy. She told him bluntly that she had no plans for what she was going to do now, but she was considering going to Japan again. She was likely planning to get a job somewhere there, perhaps at a music store. 2D had not spoken to her after that one call.
Russel himself was also still in London, like 2D, but he said he was going to try and earn enough money for a ticket back to the states. He mentioned wanting to see his folks. He didn't tell 2D his job, though.
Well, here 2D was, at his own boring job. He glanced first at the clock that hung on the wall to his right, and then looked over to who spoke, even though he already knew who it was. He acknowledged his co-worker with a nod and a small, "'Ello, Becca."
The American woman was standing at the doorway in the corner, hands in the pockets of her Sudden Impact Driving School uniform jacket – one that matched 2D's. She had brown hair, which was short, but pulled back in a pony tail, and had thin framed rectangle glasses. She was wearing dark blue-jeans, and black converse. Quite a casual look for one of the instructors of the school. 2D always thought that. But after all those weeks of working at this place, he had evidently concluded how laid back his friend Becca was. Honestly, she's the only co-worker he cared to talk to. All the others were mainly smart-ass instructors who didn't give two cares for anything the singer did. Becca, however, connected with him rather quickly.
"Were you dozing off again?" she asked, with a shake of her head. "You know Rodgers hates that."
2D grunted with annoyance at the mention of his boss. Damn, he hated Mr. Rodgers. What a strict ass. None the less, he just sighed with a shake of his head. "I know. Wos jus' thinkin', s'all."
"You think a lot," she commented with a small huff of laughter, stepping further into the room. 2D shrugged without replying. Becca's brow furrowed. "Thinking about your band again?" she asked, her amused tone lost.
"Yeh," he murmured. "Awlways." He pushed off of the counter to stand up straighter.
"We've talked about all of that before," Becca sighed. "Nothing you can do."
"I know," he muttered, glancing away. "Buh tha' don' mean I can't be upset abouh ih." The singer crossed his arms stubbornly, before leaning against the wall just behind him.
Becca frowned, before silently leaning against the wall next to him. "I'm sorry," she said softly, mind searching for words. 2D didn't reply.
"It's been an awfully quiet day," Becca commented in a vain attempt to start up a friendly conversation with her friend. But to no avail. She furrowed her brow again, this time in a bit of frustration. Becca was persistant, and optimistic. "You know, 2D," she prompted. "If you're so bothered by it, why don't you do something?"
He let out a huff. "Like wot? It's noh like tha pounds will jus' fall outta tha sky!" He threw a hand up to figuratively bat away the stupid thought.
"No," she admitted, "but moping around with a lame-ass job like this isn't getting you anywhere."
"Wot else can I exactly do, love?" 2D said in a softer tone, feeling a headache begin to pulse behind his eyes. He grabbed hold of the bridge of his nose before clenching his eyes shut. "I'm noh the most useful person around. Or the smar'est."
"Well, that goes without saying," Becca said, sarcastically. "But," she went on quickly as 2D glared at her, "you're the former singer of Gorillaz, 2D! That's got to count for something, right?"
2D looked down. "I s'pose so." He shrugged.
"You can get a part-time job at some pubs," she went on, observing the nails on her left hand.
"Yeh."
"Or even get in touch with your old collaborators. Maybe they can help you out."
"Per'aps."
"Or simply pull together a new band."
2D immediately pushed off the wall, catching Becca by surprise as he rounded on her, black voids glaring, finger pointing accusingly at her face. "I. Will. Neva'. Start a new band," he hissed.
Becca held up both of her hands defensively. "Chill, Too-too," she yelped. "I was just throwing out ideas."
"Well, that was a bad one," he grumbled before crossing his arms and looking away. Becca was quiet, before she shoved her hands in her pockets again. "Sorry," she murmured. She let a few moments of quiet go by, before she said, "Hmm. Well, you know, maybe things just need to change, for once."
When 2D didn't reply, she turned to walk out. "Well, I have a student coming in," she announced, glancing at the wall clock. "And it's about time for your shift to end. See you tomorrow, 2D." And with that, she was gone.
"See ya, Becks," 2D called to her absently, his mind still fixed on her last bit of advice. What did she mean by that? What sort of change was she talking about? Was she suggesting he change his way of life? He supposed that all good things have to come to an end sometime, but… Was he really willing to change his life so soon? With a glance at the clock, he confirmed that, sure enough, it was seven o'clock, and time for him to head home. All this thinking was intensifying his headache, anyway. He walked around the counter, zipped up his jacket, and left the school.
Once outside, the warm spring breeze greeted him affectionately, and he took a breath of the generous air. He felt almost bad for snapping at his friend that way, but he just did not want to consider the thought of starting another band. The idea of… replacing Gorillaz, of replacing the friends he seemingly grew to love, just made him sick, and his slow mind just didn't want to even acknowledge the thought's existence.
Though he couldn't shake that other thought off of his mind. A change… Maybe he did need a change, even if he didn't want to accept it…
He started down the street to where the bus stop was; however, once he was there, he thought for a moment, before swerving his path and heading down the opposite side of the street. 'You can get a part-time job at some pubs.' The words echoed through his hollowed noggin as he scanned the signs he passed. He knew there was some pub down this road. Called 'Red Bridge' or something. He didn't really know, nor did he care. All he knew was it was the local place to witness some nice live music, so surely they'd be looking for new entertainment every now and then?
Finally he spotted it: Yeah, the 'Red Bridge Pub'. He pushed open the door, greeted by the scent of alcohol and cigarettes; one he was used to, of course. When he walked inside the dimly lit atmosphere, he heard the sound of, sure enough, live music. Well, partially. Through his years of experience, 2D was able to tell the difference between a recording and that of live music. This sounded like both, the only live instrument being the drums. Well, that's all right. He knew that famous drummers would tend to have their instrumental bits where they, well, drum along to music.
He stepped a bit further in, as he was in this small corridor-for-an-entryway. Once in the full room, he was greeted by the sight of the bar, which was riddled with a few patrons here and there, drinking away. There were a few tables around, some with people, some not, and a small little crowd gathered around the stage, which was on the other side of the room. Sure enough, 2D only caught sight of a drummer on the stage, not a full band.
Wait a second…
Was that… Russel?
2D blinked a few times, wondering if his eyes were deceiving him. No, he couldn't mistake the familiar, large build, dark skin, and pure white eyes of his old friend. And now that 2D was more focused on the performance, he began to recognize that the song that Russel was drumming along to was Slow Country – of course, without vocals, and with a bit more of a drum part. 2D was so accustomed to hearing their own music, he must not have noticed it at first. Sounded like Russel had just wrapped up the song, because the recording stopped and the little crowd began clapping.
"And that was Russel Hobbes, former drummer to the Gorillaz!" That came from one of the workers at the pub, who had stepped onto the small stage with a mic. "Up next for you folks tonight, we have…"
2D stopped listening; rather, he was focused on Russel, who had stood up and walked down the small stairs at the side of the stage. 2D hurried over, just as Russel leaned down, back facing the singer, as he grabbed something from a table next to the stage.
"Russel!" 2D greeted happily, coming up behind his friend.
"Huh?" The American glanced over, greeted by the gap-toothed smile 2D granted. "2D?" He smiled before standing straight and turning to face the singer. 2D was caught a bit by surprise at the height of the man; while he once before stood over Russel by a few inches, Russel now towered over him by several. Sure, he was taller than this before, but it was still unusual seeing him towering over him. Almost intimidating, even.
"'D! Man, it's good to see you!" Russel exclaimed, slapping 2D on the shoulder, rather hard.
"Oof! Yeah, great ta see yew too, Russ!" 2D replied before rubbing his shoulder, which was throbbing slightly.
"What are you doing here, 'D?" Russel asked, clearly not taking much notice at the pain he caused his friend. Rather, he turned around again, gathering what looked to be his drum sticks and a jacket, which he pulled on before setting the sticks in one of the loose pockets.
"I was just checkin' this place ou', y'know," 2D answered casually. "Wot about yew, though? I see yew just played, yeah?"
"Oh, yeah, that," Russel shrugged. "I've played here a couple of times, getting a little bit of money. Speaking of which, I gotta go talk to the manager to get my other half of the payment. You planning on sticking around here much at all?"
"Noh really, unless yew are."
"Nah, I've gotta get home after this."
"Where are yew stayin' at?"
"Oh, just a hotel a few blocks down." He shrugged. "It's nothing impressive really. Just pretty temporary."
"I'll walk with yew, if yew'd like?"
"Sure, 'D! I'll see you outside then, I guess?" He didn't really wait for an answer before he headed to the front bar to speak to one of the workers.
As planned, 2D waited outside for the drummer to come out. It took a little while, maybe ten minutes. "Dumb ass didn't wanna pay me all he promised me," Russel had said. "Guess they aren't wanting me to play there anymore. Good, cuz I wasn't planning on it."
The two walked down the streets, which were relatively empty, despite the time (it was approximately eight by now.) They shared casual talk, joking about things, talking about stuff that happened ever since the whole group split up all those weeks ago.
"So, how have Murdoc and Noodle been?" Russel asked. "Have you spoken to them at all?"
"Noh very much," 2D admit with a shrug. "Mur'oc is probably off being, well, y'know. Murdoc. I'm not too sure abou' Noods, though…" He glanced away. "I feel awkward talkin' to her now. Y'know, after she came back from…"
"Oh, c'mon 'D. Do you really believe Murdoc brought her back from Hell?" Russel scoffed. "That's probably one of his stupid tales again. Besides, as if Noodle-girl would ever go there."
2D looked at Russel; he hadn't really considered it was a lie before. He sort of agreed that it was pretty doubtful that Noodle would go to Hell, seeing as though she's probably the nicest little angel he had ever met. He shrugged. "I dunno."
"I'm sure she'll be fine," Russel went on. "She grew up pretty well, despite all of us she was surrounded by. I'm sure she'll find a pretty reliable future."
"Yeh," 2D agreed. "Hopefully the same can be said for awl of us."
Russel only replied with a small, slow, "Mhm…" but nothing more.
As they walked on in silence, 2D took the chance to actually think. He couldn't help but wonder what Russel's opinion on everything was. Did he accept the end of Gorillaz? Or did he, too, have the slightest bit of hope for the band to continue on? 2D could not deny that small shred of light in the very edge of his mind. He couldn't deny how much he wanted everything to just go back and fix itself. Yet he considered what Becca told him earlier. All good things must come to an end, no matter how soon or late it may seem. 2D can accept that, but… Was he ready to let go of the one thing he truly loved? No… No, 2D just didn't want give up so easily.
But yet… Maybe he had to.
"Hey, 'D," Russel broke the silence, making 2D flinch slightly at the sudden, deep voice from the large man. Before the singer could say anything, though, Russel spoke again, "I don't want Gorillaz to be over."
2D blinked. "W-wot?" He stammered in surprise at the fact that his own thoughts were basically echoed, before sighing. "I don't either, Russ. But what can we do, eh?"
"There's gotta be something we can do," Russel insisted with evident persistence, stopping in his tracks to look directly down at 2D. "Even if the time was coming, it shouldn't have been now. I know that there has to be something we can do to bring us all back together again, and to get enough cash to move on."
2D had stopped walking as well and was looking at the drummer, his hands now out of his pockets as he wrung his wrists in confusion. "…I dunno, Russ," he murmured, casting a side glance away as he tried to think while talking at the same time. "I want us to go on too, but…" He inadvertently thought back to what Becca said to him earlier that day. "Maybe… Maybe it's just time for a change."
"You sound like Murdoc," Russel muttered in a low tone. 2D swore he could pick up disappointment.
"Maybe Mur'oc was right though," 2D defended. "I mean… We have had a damn good run, Russ. Maybe it's just time ta slow down and think of otha things for a while. Y'know?
Russel frowned, his brow furrowing. "Wow, 2D," his voice was more shocked than intimidating, quite the contrary to his current expression. "Of all of us, I figured you would have wanted to get back together the most."
2D gulped, but couldn't find any words. Taking his silence as an answer, Russel just sighed. "Well… I should head to my hotel. My bus is leaving early tomorrow, and I gotta pack my things."
"Wot?" 2D snapped straight to attention, making his voice crack slightly. "Yeh're leaving?"
"I'm headed for Falmouth. There's a pretty big gig at one of the pubs down there. I was gonna go check it out. Hopefully I'll be able to pull together enough for a ticket down there." Russel pat 2D on the arm – not as hard this time – before saying, "It was good to see you again, 'D. Keep in touch, aight?"
2D did nothing but nod, as his American friend retracted his hand and started down the sidewalk again, before turning at the next block. The former singer was left standing there, staring blankly at nothing at all. He just felt like every shred of hope he had was falling down around him. Perhaps the fact that Russel was leaving London just made him feel even more alone. In any case, after letting out a prolonged sigh, he settled his hands in his jacket pockets again as he continued onward down the sidewalk, heading for his own hotel.
…
"Rough night or something?"
"Eh?" Becca's voice, again, snapped 2D to attention. It was the next morning, and 2D was just on his way to the driving school. He had just gotten off the bus and was walking down the block when Becca evidently spotted him on her own way to work. It was rare for the two of them to run into each other on their way, but it's not like it never happened before. "Oh. Good mornin'," 2D greeted wearily, slightly taking note at the fact that his friend seemed to always notice when he was downcast. "Sort of, I s'pose," he went on, answering her introductory question with a sigh.
"What happened?" she prompted casually, yet gently, knowing all too well the singer's current, delicate state of mind.
2D shrugged. "Nothin' new, Becks," he replied simply, scratching the back of his neck. He could have told Becca about his encounter with the drummer, but that'd raise more questions from her, and he knew he didn't want to have to answer all that much right now. After all, his slow mind could only focus so much, and right now he only wanted to focus on his job, on his new life. He tried to put everything behind him, like the woman herself suggested.
"You know, I hate seeing you so upset," she said. 2D slightly rolled his eyes; he was used to hearing her rant on about his well being. He knew that she was only a concerned friend, so of course she'd care about his feelings. But as stated before, he wanted to put everything behind him. Hell, isn't that exactly what Becca had suggested the day before? "I really wish something would happen for you to get your band back together, you know? Like what I suggested yesterday – "
"But didn't yew say I should forge' about ih?" 2D interrupted sharply, his irritation taking a hold of him for the moment. "Yew said, 'Maybe things jus' need ta change fo' once'. I though' you wanted me ta leave it awl and let it go. Why do yew keep bringing the damn thing back up, Becca?"
Becca was silent for a moment, and 2D suddenly realized how harsh he may have sounded. There he goes, snapping at her again. Damn it. But before he could take back what he said, the American woman began to speak once more. "The Hell are you on, Too-too? I didn't mean it that way. When I said things needed to 'change', I meant your band. Didn't you guys like to experiment a bit? Maybe you just have to switch it up, again. Try something new. Get it?"
The singer remained silent for a second, but his black voids for eyes were widened in realization. That's what she meant? Hell, that's what he had originally had in mind! If she's supporting the idea, maybe… Maybe it just might be enough.
2D stopped in his tracks. "Becca?" The woman stopped as well, glancing back at him. "What?"
"Yew are a genius." And with that, he turned and jogged off, almost immediately, leaving the woman behind, dumbfounded. "Where are you going?" she called after him.
"To bring my band back togetha!" He replied over his shoulder. "Cover for me, yeah?" And he turned the block, vanishing.
"Russel!"
The familiar, shrill call alerted the American as he halted where he stood, half inside the bus. He stepped down, looking around to the source of 2D's voice; sure enough, there was the singer, sprinting down the sidewalk toward him. As the lanky man neared he slowed, eventually halting right in front of Russel, and taking this time to bend over, hands on knees, catching his breath.
"2D? What on Earth are you doing here?" he asked while watching as the blunette panted. 2D, after letting his heartbeat slow considerably, stood up straight. He still sucked in some deep breaths, but he managed to speak in between them, "I've goh' it, Russ! I know what we're gonna do!"
"What do you mean?" Russel glanced nervously at the bus driver, who seemed to be watching the whole ordeal with evident impatience. 2D noticed this, and he waved his hand in the driver's direction. "Russ, yew don't need ta leave. I know how we're going ta get Gorillaz alive again."
"What do you mean?" Russel repeated the question, a little more irritably this time, as he countered, "I thought you said we should just let it all be forgotten."
"No, no," 2D insisted. "You.. misheard. Er, no, I misheard, my- " he trailed off, sort of confusing himself now. "Nevermind, forget awl tha'. I didn't mean it. I want Gorillaz back, and we're going ta do it. You gotta listen ta me!"
Russel hesitated, before letting out a long sigh. He glanced up at the bus driver and told him he wouldn't be board the bus. After the doors closed and the bus was off, he turned to 2D once more, then set down the small suitcase he had been holding. "I'm listening," he said. "But it better be worth it; that was the only bus today, and I ain't gonna want to-"
"We need ta make a new album!" 2D interrupted, throwing out his hands to exaggerate his idea.
Russel's snowy white eyes widened in surprise and confusion. "Wait, what?"
"Yeah!" The singer insisted, lowering his arms and crossing them. His teethy smile remained on his face, however, as he elaborated further, "See, haven't yew noticed? Each of our four albums seem ta come straight from one of our styles… If tha' makes any sense. Our first album, uh, Gorillaz had yer hip-hop rock style, an' Demon Days had Noodle's dark an' creepy view of the world. Murdoc had his whole piratey thing going on wif Plastic Beach, and The Fall had my techno touch…" Russel's expression changed more to confused, and 2D said, "Well, wot I'm tryin' ta say is, we should sor' of… Mash it awl togetha, y'know? Try something new, yet the same! I believe that maybe, jus' maybe, we'd be able ta pull that off, and once we get that in the shops, the income will return! Ya know?"
Russel was silent for a moment, and 2D's smile faded. He immediately started to think that his whole explanation may have sounded pretty stupid, and getting a little self cautious, he began tapping his index fingers together awkwardly. However, Russel gave off a small nod. "Y'know, that sounds pretty interesting. Not sure why we haven't thought of that before…"
2D gave another gap toothed smile. "I know!"
"But how will we be able to pull that off, 'D?" Russel shook his head. "We don't have a studio, and we lack our guitarist and bassist."
The blunette frowned again. "I… I dunno." He really was at a loss there. Damn it, why didn't he think things out thoroughly? He did do The Fall with just an iPad, but if they really were to use everyone's different styles, they'd need more than that. Besides, he used the studio to re-master all of that, too.
"Well, you know what, 'D?" Russel went on, his suddenly optimistic tone snapping 2D from his thoughts. "I don't really care. I think we might just be able to work on your idea there. We just gotta go get Muds and Noodle. With any luck, they'll have something in mind, don't you think?"
"Yew're right!" 2D agreed gleefully. "We can do this, Russ!"
"Yeah," the American agreed, patting 2D on the shoulder. "We can. C'mon, can we go over to your place? Looks like we got some phone calls to do, and a couple of old friends to hunt down."
As 2D nodded, Russel picked his suitcase back up, and the two headed off. The singer wore a smile that stretched from ear to ear; yes, thank you Becca!
We're going to get the band together again!
A.N.:: I like ending chapters with cheesy lines ._.
I wanna go ahead and say that I don't plan to have the Gorillaz Live Band in here anywhere. I tried tying them into the story, but, I dunno, it bothers me too much. So I'm leaving this in the total cartoon world. Though, I may still mention some of their collaborators.
'The Red Bridge Pub' is a name I pulled right out of my Asgard. I have no idea if any pubs like that exist, and I have no experience of any pubs in London. Also Falmouth is a random city I chose. I've never been to the UK so I don't know too much about stuff there… Hopefully I don't offend any die-hard tally-ho gentlemen who are strict about their UK lifestyles.
Oh and by the way… You might have guessed this all ready. There might be a little bit of 2D/Noodle in this; nothing major, but a little bit of cutesy stuff. They won't officially get together though; I want to keep this interesting for those who are Gorillaz fans and do not support them. asreligiouslyasIdo.
Hope Becca isn't annoying anyone.
Thanks to The9Tard for 'prooflistening'. And thanks to you for reading. Stay tuned!
Feel free to Review! Like I said, suggestions for fillers are welcome!