"Thank you very much," 2D said to their Uber driver after he exited the car. Murdoc had already made his way in front of the house while the singer was left to pay for their ride. He watched the bassist out of the corner of his eye; He could tell Murdoc was doing the same with him. Too bad Murdoc's pupils give him away, 2D doesn't have that disadvantage.

The car that they arrived in pulled out of the little parking area and started driving away. Taking his gaze away from Murdoc, 2D looked at the items in his hands to make sure they remembered everything. Car stuff: check. Half-full bottle of alcohol: check. Stolen hotel room items: check. Looks like everything was in order.

Murdoc stood on his house's tiny porch with his arms crossed. He can tell that 2D was looking at him, despite that he refused to look away; that would make him seem like a pansy. The bassist started tapping his foot impatiently. He would prefer to go inside before his neighbors decided to come out and have a chat about his recent prison sentence, but 2D must be a gentleman to everyone he meets. It's like the singer doesn't know how to just shut up and move along; if he did then Murdoc's life might have been just a tad easier. However, if 2D minded his own business all the time then he probably wouldn't be here right now. He's still trying to decide whether 2D joining him is a terrible thing or not.

The singer joined the other man on the porch and gave him a small smile. Murdoc didn't say anything in response and reached above the door for the key. 2D can tell that Murdoc is acting a little off. He isn't sure if it's because of him or because he's just gotten out of jail, but it's making him paranoid. The bassist has been quieter than he usually is; And the only time 2D has found him truly obnoxious so far was when he was drunk. He's not planning to kill 2D is he? The singer knows that Murdoc probably wouldn't have him killed, but stranger things have happened.

Snapping 2D out of his thoughts, Murdoc shoved the door opened with a grunt. He turned around and held his arm out to present the doorway to the singer. "Welcome home," He said with a small twirl of his wrist.

"Not really my home, but I appreciate the welcome," 2D replied as he walked past the bassist and into his house. The house was even more familiar to him now that the morning sun is shining through the curtain-less windows. He has spent a lot of mornings waking up on that leather couch. Sometimes he would surprise Murdoc with breakfast or lunch rather since he woke up around noon. He used to try his hardest to impress the Satanist back before they were in a band together with little things like that.

Back then Murdoc wouldn't verbally thank him but instead thank him in other ways. Sometimes the bassist would get some of his favorites foods while he was out to surprise 2D. Murdoc would also take him to the pharmacist and get his pills for him when he was in so much pain that he couldn't move. The nicest thing Murdoc has ever done for him in this house was when he bought him a new keyboard for his birthday. He heard from his uncle that Murdoc threatened to burn the store down unless he let the bassist properly buy a keyboard. It was the thought that counts. When he would thank Murdoc for these things he'd claim that he didn't do anything worth thanking him for.

What had happened to make Murdoc change and start hurting him? The Satanist had always been a mixture of rude, disrespectful, and impolite, but never flat-out abusive until Gorillaz was born. He's only ever regularly hurt 2D as well. Murdoc was always fine with Noodle, minus the windmill incident, and Russel and him would quarrel all the time, but it almost never escalated to violence. So then why did Murdoc only hit and berate him? He doesn't want Murdoc to start harming the others as well, but why only pick on him? And then there was Plastic Beach. He doesn't want to think about Plastic Beach.

Murdoc closed the door behind him and put the key into his pocket. The key that he regularly uses is currently at the prison along with his wallet and other keys. Speaking of keys…

He speed-walked past 2D to the door on the other side of his living room. Silently praying to Satan, he hoped that it was still in here. He opened the door, turned on the light, and cheered to himself at what was in there.

"What's in there, Muds?" 2D asked curiously before walking over to stand by the Satanist and look over his shoulder. When he saw what Murdoc was looking at he gave a small 'ah' in realization.

"This, my dear 2D, is going to be our home for a little while," The 'this' that he was referring to was his old reliable Winnebago sitting in his garage. He hasn't lived in the thing since Kong Studios, but he remembers all the fond memories of him getting black-out drunk in it. He's excited to relive some of those memories.

2D scrunched his nose up and frowned. "You want us to live in your Winnebago? Have you even driven the thing since 2004? Also, isn't there only one bed?" 2D wasn't really sure of this plan Murdoc came up with seemingly on the spot.

Not as worried Murdoc said, "Nah, don't you worry about things like that. I have a garage full of spare parts and such. The couch is also really comfortable, I should know. A lot of lovely people have begged to sleep on that couch."

"That's because you're famous, Murdoc. The fans probably would have begged for you to just look at them as well, doesn't mean the couch is comfy," 2D crossed his arms when the other man looked back at him. "Do you just expect us to drive around England until they get tired of lookin' for you?"

Murdoc's grin slowly morphed into a scowl, "Well what kind of brilliant plan have you come up with then?" When 2D didn't respond he said, "Yeah, that's what I figured. Also, for your information, we can ship this old girl over to the states, it'll take them iway/i longer to find us."

The singer watched as the other man started climbing down the stairs further into his garage. Sighing, he put his handful of stuff onto the couch. He's still supposed to be in charge here, not Murdoc. He hasn't even messed up anything yet. 2D bit his lip. The whole reason he's here is to help Murdoc, not necessarily with his prison sentence, but with his mental health; and he didn't make any progress with that either. 2D doesn't want to go to prison with Murdoc, especially without making any progress at all with the other man's health. However, he refuses to let himself feel like he has failed yet, it's been less than a day after all.

In the garage Murdoc tore open the door to his Winnebago. The nostalgic smell of decade-old cigarettes and Kong Studios hit his nose immediately. Taking in a big whiff with a smile, Murdoc hauled himself into the large vehicle. It's been a long time since he's stepped back in here; and now he's upset with himself that he doesn't come here more often. This tiny house inside of his house might have been the only place where he's ever felt truly 'at home'. He much preferred sleeping in here than in his actual room at Kong Studios. Still the best purchase he's ever made.

2D was standing at the top of the stairs that lead to the garage. From here, he could see that the RV's door was open. He has an idea that he'd like to try regarding helping Murdoc. He has no idea if it will do anything remotely helpful, but it's better than constantly asking Murdoc to talk about his feelings.

Murdoc, currently sitting in the driver's seat, was trying to start the vehicle. He seems to have left the keys in the ignition for at least ten years now. The Winnebago wouldn't even make a sound when he turned the keys. The bassist isn't that surprised from this, the thing is probably carrying nasty, stale, gasoline that he'll need to siphon out. It wouldn't hurt to put in a new battery as well… and get some new tires… headlight's probably out too. Letting out a frustrated grunt, Murdoc let his head fall against the steering wheel.

"You alright, Murdoc?" 2D asked from the doorway of the vehicle. He was watching the other man mutter obscenities to himself for a minute or so. Now seems the perfect time to possibly annoy Murdoc.

"If I tell you to fuck off will you call the police?" Murdoc asked into the steering wheel.

The singer shrugged, knowing the bassist couldn't see he the gesture he said, "Don't know, maybe a little bit."

Murdoc lifted his head off the wheel and gave 2D a puzzled look, "How do you just call the police 'a little bit'?"

"Text them," He replied simply.

Murdoc stayed looking annoyed for about five seconds before snorting out a laugh. 2D smiled as well at the other man's reaction. "You're going to be the death of me, Dents," Murdoc said after some more chuckling.

After some time of the two doing their own thing, Murdoc checking out the other things in the Winnebago, and 2D fiddling with his fingers, 2D finally decided to speak up, "So I've come up with an idea… well more like a compromise."

The Satanist lifted his eyebrow at what the taller man said, "I'm listening."

2D still isn't used to Murdoc just listening to him without much protest. It took him a moment to think of what he wanted to say, "Well um… I was thinkin' that maybe we could go on a road trip. Could be fun, after all, like campin' and all that. But you need to do somethin' for me." He looked up from the floor to see Murdoc watching him intensely. Keeping eye contact now, 2D continued, "I say that it's time for us to start… gettin' better is what I want to say. And I think we can do that by talking to each other."

"You know I will never be comfortable with talking about my bloody feelings with you," Murdoc stated.

"Now hang on! I wasn't done yet," After seeing that Murdoc was listening again 2D cleared his throat and spoke, "We don't need to talk about feelins'. I just want us to talk. I know we're talkin' now, but I mean like really talkin' to each other. Maybe we could be friends again."

Murdoc frowned deeper, "You don't think we're friends?" It shouldn't have hurt him as much as it did to hear that.

2D looked away and bit his lip before saying, "We haven't been friends since Plastic… since Plastic-" Taking in a long breath 2D tried again, "You know what I mean. Maybe even before then, maybe when you started hittin' me instead of properly talkin' to me."

The bassist could only stare wide-eyed at the singer. He was feeling it again, the guilt, it was always either 2D or Noodle that made him feel guilty. With Noodle, though, ever since her scar had healed he stopped feeling it every time he looked at her. 2D always made him feel like shit, he knows it's his fault, but he just… doesn't know how to make it better. He's constantly torn between feeling angry at the singer and then feeling sorry for him. Now however, his anger is replaced with fear for his freedom, maybe that's a good thing.

When the singer didn't hear a response from Murdoc he started tapping his fingers against his hips, one of his usual nervous habits again. "But, I don't want to give up on you, Murdoc. We were friends at one time; and I think we can become friends again, maybe even better friends than we were. We can start small, like I did this thing with my counselor when I was anxious about seeing her and she would ask me some questions about myself and then let me ask questions about her. It helped calm me down a little and maybe it can help us start a conversation. How about whenever I think we should, I'll ask you some questions and then you can ask me the same amount questions so it'll be fair?"

Murdoc locked eyes with 2D once again. He successfully stopped himself from having an emotional breakdown again by paying attention to whatever bullshit his singer was spewing. Once again, he really doesn't have a choice here. 2D is more or less giving him an ultimatum, 'talk to me or go to jail'. Crossing his arms and glaring, he said, "Sure fine, but don't we already know everything there is to know about each other?"

"I'm sure there's things we don't know. Want to try it now?" 2D asked with a timid smile.

"Not really."

"Well I said we'd do it when I wanted to, and I want to right now."

"Yeah, I figured that's what you were going to say, why even ask me?" Murdoc growled as he spoke.

The singer moved to sit on the couch and patted the spot next to him for Murdoc. "It helps me understand your feelins'."

The Satanist took the invitation and sat next to the taller man before saying, "Well next time don't bother asking."

2D ignored the snappy request that came from Murdoc and leaned back on the couch to get comfortable. After hearing a satisfying pop come from his shoulder blade he asked, "Would you like to ask me somethin' first or can I ask you somethin'? Also, how about for now we do five questions?"

Murdoc tapped the armrest with his fingernail, making a noise to distract himself. He motioned with his hand for 2D to get it over with.

"Okay um… how are you feeling right now?"

"Annoyed," Murdoc said quickly. He wasn't saying anything more than that.

The singer stared at Murdoc patiently for a moment before saying, "It's your turn."

Grunting, Murdoc ran his hand through his hair. This is stupid, but he'll play along to get it over with, "Favorite Movie?"

"Oh, I like a bunch of movies. If you're asking about a non-zombie movie than I'd say Cast Away, but if you mean zombie movies than I'd probably go with the Resident Evil series," 2D answered enthusiastically. He thought that Murdoc would probably have more fun if he asked something like that as well, "What is the best trip you've ever gone on?"

The bassist hummed to himself in thought, now this was a better question, "Probably the time I took ecstasy while also chugging some absinthe, I stayed in la la land for probably three hours. Saw the universe and then the universe beyond the universe. Figured out when I came off it that I bought 200 sodding kazoos, still don't know what happened to make me get those."

2D raised his eyebrow in response to this, "I meant like goin' on holiday, mate."

Murdoc glanced at the other man and said, "Well those aren't nearly as enjoyable as the other kind of trips. Alright how about… What is the strongest drug you've ever taken?"

"Why are we talkin' about drugs now?" This isn't how 2D was expecting this to go. However, it's not going terribly, it's actually alright.

The bassist gave 2D a smirk, "Because that's what I want to ask about and you said that I could ask anything I want."

The singer scratched the side of his ear before answering, "I haven't really taken anythin' stronger than my migraine pills. I used to do a lot of marijuana, but that's not very strong at all."

Humming, Murdoc said, "What a boring life for a Rockstar, Dents. Why didn't you ever try anything with me?"

"Because every time you did something strong you'd get all weird and it was kind of scary in a way. Like I thought you might die, sometimes your breathing would get shallow and we'd all get worried." Before he could give Murdoc time to respond he asked, "Did you used to have any pets before Cortez?"

The bassist tried his best to ignore 2D's last answer and give his own, "Satan rest his soul. No, I did not, I wasn't allowed to keep any. Probably a good idea, they'd die quickly in my house."

2D made no effort to hide his questioning look, "I'm sure you would have been a good pet owner. You loved Cortez, that thing that happened to him with the microwave was only a mistake."

Murdoc reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette, "Yeah probably, but I wouldn't want to keep a pet in that bloody house." His brother would probably torture it in front of him for a laugh.

The taller man sat a little straighter at hearing this. It's the type of vague stuff that Murdoc would tell reporters about his past. He shouldn't be excited to hear about these potentially horrible things, but it's taken as a sign of trust to the singer. "Why's that Muds?" He asked carefully.

Murdoc tutted and waggled his finger in 2D's direction, "Not your turn yet to ask questions. Now then, how many birds have you shagged, rough estimate."

2D groaned at the new question, of course Murdoc would start asking questions like these, "Gosh I don't know… between 100 and 200."

Finally, the singer lit the bassist's cigarette for him and he inhaled. After exhaling Murdoc said, "Pretty good I'd say for someone like you."

Scowling, 2D turned further to face Murdoc, "What do you mean someone like me?"

At that Murdoc smirked again and replied with, "You know, sentimental, respectful-" Murdoc trailed his eyes over 2D's body, "Kind of wonky."

The singer almost took offense to that, "How am I wonky?"

"Nah it's my turn now."

"Wait I didn't ask a question yet!"

"Yes you did, you asked-" Murdoc cleared his throat, "'Wot dew yew mean someone loike me?'" He raised his voice a few pitches and put on an exaggerated heavy cockney accent.

"I don't sound like that, you make me sound like a real nutcase!" Despite his words, 2D couldn't help but laugh. Murdoc joined him in laughing. "Fine then I'll remember to only ask questions if I mean it, you tosser."

Murdoc kind of hated that he was having fun. This was supposed to be a thing that Murdoc very much disliked, he doesn't like talking about his feelings. He's not actually doing that though, is he? It's a small price to pay for getting to drive his Winnebago again. "Have you ever shagged a bloke?"

2D bit the inside of his cheek. "Not technically." Truthfully, he's gotten curious and fooled around a few times with men while they were on tour, but he's never full on had sex with them. He'd rather go back to talking about drugs. He was more comfortable with that topic.

"What does that mean?" Murdoc asked now very interested in where this was going. He expected a 'no', but instead got a 'kind of'. He has never seen 2D leave with a man, should he have been paying more attention to him?

The taller man put on a scratchy, low, voice and said, "Nah it's my turn now. You already asked a question."

Murdoc frowned at this but knows he can't complain.

"Will you promise me that you'll talk to me like this more often, just us being friends with each other?" 2D pulled out his own cigarette pack and put one of the sticks between his lips. He grinned at Murdoc while lighting his cigarette.

"That's your last question, really?" Murdoc couldn't complain, it wasn't a tough one to answer, but he couldn't believe 2D wasted the opportunity to get something good out of him for that. The only reply he got was 2D nodding. After taking a puff of his cigarette he said, "Sure, I promise, Dents."

He smiled after hearing that and gently put his arm on Murdoc's shoulder. "Thank you, Muds," He said softly and gave the shoulder an affectionate squeeze before releasing it.

Murdoc tried to hide the smile that was creeping onto his face. That was the first time 2D had touched him since he found him. He knows that he's real now.

"What's your last question?"

Murdoc snapped out of his thoughts, "Oh um… I'll just save it for later."

2D tilted his head, "You sure?"

He nodded and took another drag of his cigarette, "Yeah, but I… it wasn't the worst idea you've ever had."

No, it certainly wasn't. He'd say that it worked quite well.