It was a muggy June day in Essex, England. A light rain trickled down and the sun could barely peck out from the grey clouds. Kong Studios were eerily quiet and very hot as well. The building had not been the same as it used to be. Before the Gorillaz return, unwanted visitors had broken in and ripped the place apart leaving the building wrecked and swarming with zombies and haunting spirits. Besides all of these things, the band was able to return to Kong and put out another CD, "Demon Days" that became a large success. About a year latter, their music was still a hit but the musicians found time to relax in their home.

This day was no exception as each of the band members did as they pleased around the place. Noodle kept herself busy most of the day by reading magazines and cutting out things that interested her in anyway, which were then pasted on paper making collages. Murdoc stayed in his Winnebago plucking at his bass and doing other inexplicable things that need not an explanation. Russel was, on the other hand, tidying up some of the rooms in Kong and trying out new recipes, and God knows what 2D was up to. All together, it was not an exciting or out of the ordinary day.

As the sun and the heat went down, a beat up van stopped at the side of the road. The brakes squeaked as the van lurched to a stop and splashed a small puddle. The door swung open and a tall thin figure tripped out from the passenger seat. The person opened the back doors and pulled out large bags and cases. Closing the sliding door, the lean figure came to the driver's window and extended a hand with an offer of money, but the driver refused and started the car up with a deep rumble. The lean figure backed up and let the van take its coarse back onto the road, waving a hand goodbye.

In Kong, each person had still not seen one another for the entire day. They did everything that day alone, including eating dinner. It was near eleven and the rain was still falling, but barely. The silence that was carried throughout the day was broken when a loud knock came from the door. Noodle sat up in bed, being interrupted from reading her manga. Getting up, she began to walk down to the lobby to get the door.

Russel had heard this as well and was about to get up from the kitchen table when Noodle shouted out, "I'll get it. I'm coming!". The knocking came one more time just seconds before Noodle had arrived at the door.

"I'm opening it." Noodle shouted to the person as she unlocked the door and pulled it open by the handle. There stood a tall, young woman with bags and cases at her feet. Noodle looked at her for a second and then made a realization.

"Hellloooooooooh!" the woman yelped as she was pulled into the building by the teenage girl, followed by the door slamming shut.

"Wait!" the woman called from the floor where she had fallen, "My bags."

Noodle cursed in Japanese under her breath as she opened the door quickly and threw the bags in behind her. The woman awkwardly fumbled for the flying paraphernalia as it came at her. Noodle turned around and was about to speak when Russel popped his head in to look at the scene.

"What's goin' on, Noods? What was all the banging and yelling about? And who is she?" Russel said as he gestured to the girl on the floor.

Noodle walked over to Russel saying, "She was outside with the zombies. I'm surprised they didn't attack her. She, umm, must be a friend or a, uhh, visitor?"

The woman on the floor looked at Russel and Noodle, still a little shocked, and mouthed out the word 'Zombies' and then formed an 'o' shape with her mouth as she realized that she had just put herself in some kind of hazardous situation by being outside of Kong alone.

The woman looked around with a red face and glanced up to the two people above her who returned the looks.

She put her hands up as she exclaimed, "I'm so sorry about this all. I didn't know about the zombies bit and I really shouldn't have come right now. Bad timing, you could say." The tall woman composed herself and lowered her head in embarrassment and total shock that she was with both Russel and Noodle. She had an accent that sounded like a mix of British and American influence and something else that Noodle and Russel didn't pick up right away. The woman steadied herself with one hand as she lifted from the floor.

As she picked up a tall black and red bag, the sound of metal clinging inside was heard, and she proceeded to lean in against the wall. She had some other bags and a type of instrument case that was unfamiliar to Noodle and Russel. They looked her over and studied her from head to toe.

The woman that now stood in front of the two was about five feet and nine inches tall. This made sense since she had an awkwardly long frame. Her arms practically dangled from her torso and her neck and head were set high on her shoulders. Her legs were long and lean as they met her size nine feet. Despite her lanky and awkward stature, she wasn't frail either. She wore a pair of dark denim skinny jeans that met at the hem with a pair of red converse that were old and worn out. A plain black and white tee shirt met the jeans on the other side. Her hair came in shades of brown, caramel, and golden blond and was curled to below her shoulders. A small red headband held the mess of hair back, where small strands of curls were now finding their way in all different direction because of the humidity. She had a simple oval face with pink and freckled cheeks, a pair of green- blue eyes, a beauty mark on right cheek, long nose, and small pink lips.

Russel approached the girl and put a hand on her shoulder reassuring her, "Really, don't worry. It's cool, just be more careful next time."

"Alright." She replied as they heard a groan from the corridor. Murdoc slumped into the room sifting a hand through his hair and muttering to himself.

"Now what the hells all this racket 'bout anyway?" he asked with an angry tone but soon had his attention, and intentions, fixated on the woman standing near the door.

"Why, 'ello luv", he said strutting in her direction, "what brings you 'ere?" Before she could mutter an answer Murdoc interrupted. "If you need a place to stay," Murdoc was now leaning on the wall with one hand, looming over the visitor who was an inch taller than him, "your always welcome t' hitch wit me in my Winny."

Russel now had a hand on Murdoc's shoulder and spoke through clenched teeth. "Do you really have to do that all the time?"

"Wot? Did I do something wrong? I can't help when a highly attractive 'lady' comes 'ere and I wanto get … 'friendly' with 'er." He laughed his throaty laugh after emphasizing the word 'friendly'.

Leaning back to the woman he said, "You wouldn't mind being a 'friend', would you?" but she replied saying,

"Well it depends on what you mean by 'friend'. If you mean the kind of friend that gets under the sheets easily, I don't think so."

At first he was surprised at the turn down, but turned on at the same time by her sarcasm and witty comment and prepared for the next attempt, but instead the woman turned to Russel asking,"What time is it now?"

Russel looked at his watch replying, "Eleven eleven. Funny, huh?" She rolled her eyes from getting the urge to know the time right then.

"Probably could have guessed that myself. Thanks anyway." She stopped for a second and then started to talk once again.

"Umm, I didn't introduce myself, did I? I'm Paige Harris and I'd like to make a proposition for you guys."

Murdoc was now interested again, more interested than the fact that she was sure of herself about the time. With everyone's attention she continued.

"I've been going to an arts university some hours away from here. My forte is music and graphic arts and I would really like to show you some things. I know you probably get people asking to be in the band a lot but I'm not asking for that. I just want to help you inspire people with music and I think I can help, or just make a small contribution at least. Striving to be different has been, is, and always will be my goal in life and I think this band understands that differences make people unique individuals."

2D had heard everything Paige was saying from a distance. He had been spying on the whole scene since Murdoc had been shot down, which made 2D giggle on the inside but suppress the actually laugh to prevent another beating. Who ever this girl was, she was making sense to 2D and he felt he better see her.

"Wot'd I miss?" said the blue haired singer as he entered the room. Noodle, who by now was sitting slumped on the floor, opened an eye as 2D entered the room. She and no one else had seen him all day. He walked over to Paige with his wide gapped smile and extended a hand.

"I'm 2D. Nice t' meet you, er, Paige innit?"

"Uh huh", she replied as she shook his hand.

"You prob'ly know who we are, don't you? We 'ave Murdoc and Russ and lil Noodle." 2D looked and motioned to each person but stopped at Noodle who was practically asleep. Russel placed a hand on her head and helped her off the floor. He led the teenager towards the direction of her room telling her to get some rest.

"She's young still." Russel said as he came back to the three. Paige laughed.

"I was afraid that I put her asleep."

Paige looked at the men awkwardly. "Sooo," she said long and drawn out, "should I be doing anything for you guys? Or maybe I should wait until tomorrow 'cause I probably could get somewhere to stay and come back in the morning. I really don't want to bother you guys and all but I really wanted to show you what I can do."

She was about to continue her rambling but was stopped by a mash of Russel, 2D, and Murdoc saying their shares of 'No's and 'Don't worry's and 'You can stay's.

"Besides, we shouldn't do anything tonight. Especially without Noodle.

"Alright, I understand. Are there any rooms or a couch I can just crash on for the night and somewhere to put these bags?" she asked at she looked at the three men. Murdoc was the first to take the opportunity, of course. He walked up and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"Listen, luv. I know I already offered this but you can always stay with me."

It was a split second before both 2D and Russel objected to the idea. The only thing he could say was, "You just want 'er for yerselves, doncha?" Russel began to think.

"You don't have to stay with one of us, but I'm still worried about you staying in some of the guest rooms. There really not suited for anyone to sleep in."

After a minute of discussion, 2D finally spoke up.

"Oi! I 'ave an idea. She can sleep wif me, if that's awright wif you."

Murdoc grunted.

"You dunce! I could 'ave come up with that."

"I didn't mean it like that. Like a sleep ova, yeh?" Russel stopped them.

"Paige, it's your decision, we aint gonna make you do somethin' you don't wanna?"

"Umm, I don't really care. As long as I have a bed I'm fine."

"So, you don't mind staying with 2D for the night?"

"No, I'll be fine. I'm just thankful that I have a place to stay for the night." Murdoc understood that he had lost this battle so he said good night to everyone but stopped to put a hand on 2D's shoulder, speaking in a low voice that was only meant for 2D to hear.

"You're lucky to be young and…" and paused and made a grimaced face, "pretty. Enjoy… for now." He let go of his shoulder and his deep laugh was heard as he left and disappeared.

"Well I guess I should grab these bags." Oblivious to what was said, Paige picked up a suitcase off the floor and placed it in front of herself with a thud, then turned to get the taller bag that she had leaned against the wall earlier, pulling the strap over he shoulder as the metal clinked again. 2D was still absently looking back to where Murdoc left and was thinking (in 2D's way of thinking) about what Murdoc had meant (also oblivious). Russel nudged 2D with his elbow, bringing him back to earth. 2D looked to Russel with a surprised and innocent look on his face

"Wot?" Russ just cleared his throat and nodded his head in Paige's direction.

"Is sumfink wong wif ya neck?" he asked, clueless of the notion Russel had given.

"Aren't you gonna help her?"

"Wif..?"

"Her stuff." 2D blinked and after a second walked over and picked up a smaller bag. Russel put a palm on his face. Paige giggled with her hand over her mouth.

"Really, it's alright. I'll carry the most I can." She said as she went towards the same exit Noodle and Murdoc had left through carrying most of the bulk. Just as 2D was about to follow, Russel put a hand in the way and stopped him.

"You better not hurt the girl, you know."

"Yeah, you've no need to wowy. I'm as gentle as a ki'en." Russel raised an eye brow.

"I mean don't do anything to her." 2D gave him a blank stare for a second.

"I know."

"Good." Paige just at that moment popped her head into the lobby.

"I'm sort of not sure where I'm going. A little help, please." Picking up two bags, 2D comically walked jogged over to her with high knees making Paige giggle and they both left through the door.

Russel shook his head and quietly muttered to himself, "This is gonna be interesting, I can see it now."

He flicked a light switch and the room went dark.

Paige and 2D walked down a long hall way. They hadn't said a word once, but that changed as Paige turned towards 2D.

"Murdoc was waiting for me."

"In the hallway?"

"Yeah."

"Wot he say, or more likely, ermm do?" Paige smiled and let out a puff of air.

They stopped at the lift door and it opened with a "ding". Both of them stepped in and the lift slowly made its way down. Paige continued.

"He didn't do anything. He was tryin' to be smooth and be all the shit, ya know?" 2D snorted.

"Murdoc is like that. All the birds fink it's attractive, or somefink. I donno."

"Ha, well he's not that bad. He seems like a fun person, I guess. But probably a little old for me. I'm still only twenty one, but I'll be twenty two in September. That's still not that old." She paused and quickly added in, "I have nothing against older guys, their usually sexy and all." After saying this, she blushed for sounding stupid in front of her idol. The door opened just in time and opened up to an open area that led to 2D's room. 2D opened the door and it swung open with a creak. Flicking on the light, the mess could be seen very well. Clothes, shoes, papers, cigarettes, and keyboards were just a few things on the floor.

"Home Swee' Home, ey?" 2D said as he walked into the room.

Paige was actually happy to see the mess of a room since that's how she usually kept her own. Organized chaos she called it. They both placed the bags randomly on the floor and Paige went to look around the room. She looked at posters, amps, silly little nick-knacks, and laughed as she kicked a pair of underwear off her foot. After she was done looking at the room, she turned to see 2D sprawled on the bed face down, legs split, and a hand on his head.

"Tired all ready? I didn't think I'd tire you out. I'm not that exciting." She said sarcastically.

"Nah. It's ma head. Hand me one o' them pill bo'les." He pointed a finger towards the lamp on his night stand, but Paige got the hint and grabbed the orange bottle next to the lamp placing it into 2D's hand. He took the bottle, popped the top open with his thumb, stuck a finger into the bottle, and popped a few pills into his mouth and swallowed.

"Fanks." He said putting the pills down and sat at the edge of the bed.

He patted a spot on the bed next to him and Paige awkwardly went to sit. She looked at him for a second; his head was lowered and eyes closed. She then looked around the room again, picking at her thumb nail, then biting on it (which was a nervous habit of hers), and zoning out a bit. She didn't even notice when 2D had turned to her and asked, "Where's the accent from?"

"Huh?"

"Your accent." She turned towards him and sat Indian style on the bed.

"Well, it's kind of a long explanation", she began but 2D just nodded, "I'm originally from Australia, you see, but I moved to the US of A when I was eleven-ish."

"Really?"

"Yup. Then I decided I wanted to go to collage here so now I live here. Well not here here, but in England. I guess the accent must have morphed over the years."

Paige stopped talking and it was quiet for a second. 2D looked at her with some interest. Suddenly she felt total overwhelmed and her face turned a hue of red. With an effort to hide her red face, Paige clapped her ands up against her face and shook her head a little.

Talking into her hands she said, "This is really too cool. This is the Gorillaz, and I'm in their house, and I'm in your room, and I'm actually staying here, and, and, and …." She stopped and looked at 2D through her fingers. He was looking at her with a bewildered and confused face. He was quite shocked at her sudden outburst. "I should probably shut up now. It's just I'm really excited and I've been trying to hide it." 2D put a hand on her shoulder and smiled.

"Don't have a cow over it. You hid it wealy well so fawr." She laughed at herself a bit and 2D did as well.

"I'm such a drongo. Geez!" They continued to laugh.

"Wot the hells that s'posed t' mean?" She laughed one last time and smiling said, "It means I'm stupid." 2D looked at his digital clock. 12:23. Paige stretched out her back, went into her bag, and took out a pair of boxers, a shirt, and a toiletry bag.

"I'm going to get changed. K?" 2D pointed to the bathroom door.

"Go in there." She walked in and closed the door. After about three minutes she came out of the bathroom with her hair up in a bun and black thick rimmed glasses that made her eyes seem a little smaller. Her shirt had a little cloud with the number nine on it. Paige threw her clothes in the direction of her bag but ended up hitting 2D with them instead.

"Oi!"

"What are you doin' in my bags?" 2D looked around from where he was crouched over her tall bag with her jeans draped on his neck.

"Umm, well, I was just curious and... " He stopped as he pulled a long metal weapon out of the bag.

"A sword? Are you plannin' on killen' me or somefink?" Paige just smiled and rolled her eyes, grabbing the weapon from his hand. She pointed it in his direction, smiled and said in an evil voice, "Yes."

2D gulped and she just rolled her eyes. "I'm kidding. I fence. As a sport. I'm not gonna kill anyone." She put the weapon back in the bag and zipped it up. They both stood up and sat on the bed.

"Don't it hurt when you get hit wif it?"

"Well not really. It's not that bad since we really don't want to hit people too hard. Some times it hurts, though." Paige yawned and stretched. "I feel stuffed."

"Did you eat a lot?"

"Oh, sorry. I really have to stop saying things with a lingo. I mean I'm tired. Today was so long you can't even imagine." Paige was about to get in the bed but stopped.

"Does it matter what side I sleep on?" 2D looked at her and replied.

"Wot side d'ya fancy?"

"I'll take the left side." She replied as she walked around the bed to the other side. "You really don't mind that I'm in here?"

"Not a'all." She sighed and pulled the covers over and put her legs under the sheets. The pillow smelled like greasy hair and the sheets smelt like, well, a man and butterscotch? It wasn't like it was a bad smell; it was natural and very soothing. 2D walked over to a corner of the room and pulled off his shirt and his belt. Paige looked at him from the bed and grinned.

"I didn't know I was getting a strip show." 2D just turned around and put his hands up in defense.

"I'm wearin' pants. Oh, and underwear. If you don't wan' a see, then don' look." She just turned over onto her side and faced the left side. After a minute of clothes rustling and steps, the lights went off and the bed creaked as another person came in. They both faced away form each other, not touching, back to back.

"G'night."

"Night."

And they both fell asleep.