The first thing 2D noticed when he woke up was the sharp pain on the side of his neck. He slowly moved his head so that his chin was flat against what he was laying on. It still hurt, but this was a little better. The next thing he noticed was the lumpy surface that his body was on. Opening his eyes slightly, he saw what he presumed was Murdoc's chin centimeters away from his face. His pulse quickened for a few seconds until he realized that the other man was still asleep.
As slowly as he could, 2D used his arms to lift his body off Murdoc's. Then the singer scooted so that he was half-way off the couch. He felt what must have been Murdoc's arm fall off his back. He moved his leg until he felt it touch the carpeted floor and finally got the rest of his body off Murdoc and the couch. Surprisingly he hasn't slipped up on the way and woke up Murdoc.
He was fully able to calm down now that both of his feet were planted on the floor. The taller man stretched and held back a groan that was in the back of his throat. His neck cracked when he rolled his head around to try and get rid of the stabbing pain that was there.
Looking back at the sleeping man, he could see Murdoc turning on his side to face the back of the couch. That turned out better than he thought it would. Murdoc didn't seem to be awake the entire time they had their little cuddle session. He was sure that if the other man was awake he would have been shoved off or verbally abused. Or maybe he wouldn't have been; Murdoc has kept his word so far, only slipping up to call 2D dumb when he isn't thinking. Then when he does slip up he apologizes for it.
2D isn't used to this kind of treatment from Murdoc anymore, it's throwing him off a little bit. Through the curtain-less windows the sun was shining brightly. It's only been two days now, he shouldn't get too comfortable around Murdoc. The bassist is probably just pretending to be nice to 2D, so he can get his way like he always does. Then when Murdoc isn't being chased by the police he'll go back to his old ways. 2D started playing with his fingernails. He shouldn't think like that, he can't help Murdoc effectively if he doesn't believe that it will work.
"2D I'm going to try and say this in the nicest way possible, because I don't want to go back to jail, but what you're doing right now is real bloody creepy," Murdoc said now staring at 2D who was also staring at him. The singer practically fell off him and then cracked his neck so loud that Murdoc thought he broke his ankle on the way down. He tried to get comfortable again, but the couch is very uncomfortable when he's been there all night with a bloke on top of him.
The taller man stopped his train of thought when he heard Murdoc's voice. He now realizes that he's been staring at the other man since he's stood back up. He also realized that the bassist had woken up and turned to face him while he was zoned out. "Sorry about that, I was just thinkin' about some stuff," He said and looked away from the other man.
"Thinking about me?" Murdoc asked and smirked despite 2D no longer looking at him. He folded his arms behind his neck to elevate his head. 2D seemed to be zoning out like this quite a bit lately, was it because of him?
"Nah not really, just about what we should do now. Should we put your Winnebago on a boat today? We probably should since it'll take longer for a boat to go 'cross the ocean rather than on a plane," He partially lied to the shorter man. He was most definitely thinking about Murdoc, but they did need to focus on their next move, so they could get to the states.
"Hey props to you, 2D for actually using your head," He rethought his words when he saw the annoyed expression on 2D's face, "Sorry let me rephrase that. Thank you, 2D for worrying about our well-being."
"I would have preferred it if you just answered my question. Were you tryin' to insult me or compliment me?" The singer lazily ran a hand through his hair and before Murdoc could answer he shuffled over to the kitchen.
Murdoc trailed along behind him, "A little of both, just some friendly banter is all. And to answer your question, yes, we should send her off today. Let me call my guy and have that arranged."
2D opened the refrigerator and scanned each row of its contents with his eyes, "Next time just keep the insultin' part to yourself."
"You really never want me to insult you ever again? Even just for fun? Y'know like actual real friends do?" The Satanist asked with his eyebrow raised. He pushed past the almost motionless man and grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator.
Seeing nothing that he wanted to eat, 2D closed the door and leaned his back against the cool surface of the refrigerator. He sees Murdoc's point, friends do playfully insult each other, but they don't mean it. With Murdoc he has no idea if he means each insult or not now. When the band started Murdoc had suddenly more malice on each insult he threw 2D's way. Before the band existed, Murdoc was someone he considered his best friend; His insults would come with pats on the back or a little punch to his shoulder, 2D knew that the bassist was joking each time he did that. But now that he's received bruises and cuts from the other man in the past he associates those insults to come with pain.
2D looked Murdoc in the eyes, seeing his confusion he said to the Satanist, "You're right, Murdoc, friends do insult each other just for fun, but they usually don't follow that insult up with… never mind." He realized while he was saying it that pointing out Murdoc hitting him wouldn't do much good. The other man knew what he did and talking about it would only cause them to start their day out quite negatively. "Just please don't insult me no more, okay?"
Murdoc was at a loss for words. 2D started out sounding like he wanted to argue, he had that annoying look on his face that he gets when he wants to fight. The Satanist didn't want to know what the other man was going to say, but he had a good idea on what it was. He wanted to argue with the singer, he wanted to tell him that he hasn't done anything since he found him. However, he knew that arguing would get him one step closer to going back to jail. Is this how they're going to act around each other for the rest of their lives? If he's able to get a lawyer and prove his innocence, then everything should go back to normal. He just needs to be patient. He turned his head away from the singer's eyes and instead focused on the front door, "I'm going to go arrange a place for the Winnebago on the boat."
The singer frowned as he watched the bassist walk away from him. Murdoc was supposed to promise him that he wouldn't insult him. Oh well, he'll just hope that the bassist had listened to him.
Two hours later the two of them piled some of Murdoc's stuff into the Winnebago and drove off. The first thing they did was fill the vehicle with gas and bought snacks, drinks, and other things they might need at the same petrol station. Surprisingly the station had a lot to choose from, so they should be satisfied until they reach the US.
Because 2D knew that the band had a concert today they went back to the band's hotel room and picked up his stuff like his clothes and his passport. He didn't want to wear the same set of clothes three days in a row, so he changed as soon as he had his clothes. They also went to another shop to buy some stuff for their flight and 2D bought some more clothes just for fun and changed into those.
Right now, the two of them were waiting in the car park outside of the cargo area next to the open ocean. They were sitting in the Winnebago looking for Murdoc's guy. They seemed to have forgotten about the rough morning they've had together.
Murdoc tapped his fingers against the steering wheel impatiently. They had a flight to catch in four hours and he'd prefer to get all the baggage shit over with as soon as possible. He was also incredibly nervous about showing his passport to everyone and having them realize he's supposed to be in prison. He doesn't know what he's going to do if that happens, run maybe? Perhaps they should just ride on the boat with the Winnebago. 2D googled that it would probably take ten days for the boat to reach the United States and he doesn't know if he wants to be on a boat for that long. He stopped his thoughts abruptly by the sound of 2D playing his melodica idly in the passenger seat. He didn't really recognize the melody that the other man was playing.
2D looked ridiculous right now. The blue hair and black eyes were one thing, but the black T-shirt with the English flag on it along with the saying 'I heart London' was another. There wasn't even a heart, just the word 'heart'. He was also wearing a billed hat with the saying 'shit happens' on it; his blue hair was sticking wildly everywhere it could out of the hat. He looked like a sodding tourist, which is ridiculous because he was born in this country. Murdoc glared at him and said, "You know the whole point of us sneaking out of the country is so the police won't find us, so why are you dressed like a walking distraction?"
The singer took the instrument away from his lips and said, "To distract them from you of course. Also, I thought it'd be sort of funny." He smiled and gave a wink in Murdoc's direction before he resumed playing some notes on the melodica.
The Satanist wanted to tell him that it was funny because he looked like a clown, but he wasn't sure if that would be considered an insult, so he kept it to himself. Instead he rolled down the window and leaned his head outside to look around. He groaned at seeing nobody and shouted into the empty car park, "Where the bloody hell are you!?"
Jumping at the unexpected noise, 2D dropped his melodica on the RV's floor. Scowling at his dropped instrument he said, "Y'know we're supposed to not have the cops find us so why are you yellin'?"
"Oh hush, you. I want us to catch our flight on time, we paid a lot to get two plane tickets for today," Murdoc replied with his chin resting where the window was. He still isn't sure if they should go on the plane.
"You mean I paid a lot, you don't have no money," 2D looked out his own window.
Murdoc grimaced, "Well I would have pitched in, but Noodle went and stole all my money when I got locked up." He really needs to have a talk with her about that when he isn't running from the law. Also, he should probably thank her for dealing with El Mierda, so she isn't even more pissed off at him.
"Yeah, she did say somethin' about doin' that, said it'd make you learn your lesson or whatever," The singer said and put his forehead against the glass, his hat moving further up his head as he did so.
"Lesson learned, I will never let Noodle into my bank account ever again," He sat straight up when he saw someone exit the building up ahead. That guy looked both dirty and sketchy, seems like the man they're looking for.
The glass in front of the taller man's face fogged up with each breath he took. When he spoke, the outside was even less visible, "I don't think that was the lesson she was tryin' to teach, but you're probably right about not lettin' her in your account."
The bassist moved to hit the other man's arm to get his attention but stopped when yesterday popped into his mind. He didn't hit him and instead said, "Look alive, Dents." He didn't want a repeat of the incident where 2D was flinching and made him feel horrible.
At this 2D sat back up and looked out the windscreen to see a man who looked like a someone who would smuggle cars come up towards Murdoc's window.
The two greeted each other and discussed minor details about the Winnebago. He assured Murdoc that no problem would occur while on the trip over and gave Murdoc instructions on what to do once the man had the money. The man, who goes by Jeb Bush, despite looking like a homeless pickpocket, was actually quite the nice business man. He promised that he wouldn't cash the check until they had the vehicle on land in the United States in exchange for promising that they'd never give his alias to the police. Murdoc agreed and turned to take the check from 2D.
He can tell that the man was taken aback by 2D's appearance, but nonetheless took the check without any complaints. Murdoc silently cursed at the singer's dumb choice of outfit. Before the man could walk away the Satanist called out to him, "Hey if we wanted to could we ride over on the boat as well?"
It took 2D a moment to understand what Murdoc said but when he did he felt unexplainable fear and worry, "Why are you asking that Murdoc? We have plane tickets."
The man contemplated this while the bassist ignored 2D. Eventually he said, "I mean as long as you can survive in this thing for like a week and a half and don't bother the crew, then I don't see a problem with it."
Murdoc smiled and let a quiet sigh of relief, "Thank you very much, we'll consider it."
Jeb Bush walked away with an extra pep in his step now that he had a check for $20,000 in his hand.
"Murdoc what the hell are you talkin' about? I bought us plane tickets why did you ask about that?" 2D asked.
"They have to look at my passport, if they see that I'm supposed to be in jail then this trip of ours is over before it even starts," Murdoc replied while shifting the Winnebago into drive. Jeb said that there was a ramp around the corner in the cargo yard and he has to drive up that.
2D started jiggling his leg up and down nervously, "We can get you a fake, it'll be fine. We don't have enough water for ten days."
"A fake believable passport takes way more than an hour to make, and I'm sure we can bum some water off of them, these types of people pack enough supplies for months more than they need to," Murdoc glanced over for a second to see 2D looking less than great. "What's your problem, Stu-pot?" He asked as neutrally as he could.
The singer looked out the window to see the ocean and his heart skipped a beat. "Let me out, Murdoc," He said quickly. His eyes widened a bit in alarm.
"What, why?" The bassist asked a little more agitated. Why is he on the verge of having a panic attack?
"I want to get out, Murdoc, let me out!" He was hyperventilating now. Everything suddenly felt too tight, too claustrophobic, he wanted out of this vehicle. When Murdoc didn't stop the car after another minute 2D was thrown into fight or flight mode.
Murdoc heard the door open on the passenger side and slammed his foot onto the break, "2D what the hell are you doing?!" He yelled as he saw 2D scramble out of the Winnebago. His anger lessened considerably when he saw the fear and whiteness in his singer's eyes. "Hey now… Why are you so upset? It was only a suggestion," He said quietly now feeling concern for the other man's mental state.
The now soft tone of Murdoc's voice did little to calm his nerves. He paced back and forth outside of the vehicle, refusing to look at the Satanist. "I am not getting' on a boat with you. I know what you're capable of."
Murdoc put the RV into park and left the vehicle as well. He now stood in front of where the singer was pacing and said, "What do you think I'd do to you on the boat, Stuart? I can't do anything, it's not my boat… I wouldn't do anything to you anyways. Not anymore," He didn't know how to be sympathetic or calm the man down, he's never tried before with 2D until now.
"You… you'd find a way. You'd find a way to take me back to that horrid prison under the ocean with that horrible whale. I can't do it again, Murdoc. You can't do that to me," He was rambling now. He didn't realize how fearful he was of being on a boat until now. The thought of being in the middle of the ocean was too closely related to being on Plastic Beach. It made him terrified and he didn't want Murdoc there right now.
Murdoc was feeling the guilt again, but this time it was so much worse. The tears in 2D's white eyes had him wanting to take it back. He hasn't felt regret like this since El Manana. He wants it to stop. After thinking for a moment on what to say he said, "This boat is going nowhere near Plastic Beach. You can ask everyone who's on the boat."
"They could lie to me. You could be lyin' to me. You have been lyin' to me this entire time!" The singer stopped his pacing and actually looked at Murdoc, that was a mistake, he just felt even more adrenaline flowing through his veins.
"How have I been lying to you? I didn't know you'd be in my house that night, how could I have possibly predicted that and planned to take you to Plastic Beach?" Murdoc understands that 2D might not be thinking rationally right now, but he can't help but feel offended at this.
"Not that, you tosser! You've been just pretendin' to be nice to me so that I won't turn you in. Well I've been actually nice to you this entire time and I actually want you to get better, but you can't get better if you're just pretendin'," He felt a little better after voicing is concerns, but he still wants nothing to do with that boat.
The Satanist thought about this. He hasn't even been that nice to 2D, he isn't faking anything. Sure, he may not exactly believe that he needs any emotional help, but he hasn't been lying to 2D about his attitude. The singer has heard him tell him that he doesn't want to talk. The only thing that would probably change if he wasn't being threatened with prison is that he'd throw more insults at the singer. He wouldn't hit him again or take him to plastic beach at all. "Stuart Pot, I promise you with everything that I have, that I haven't been lying to you. If given the option, sure I'd call you some funny names, but everything that has happened in the past two days is real. I want you to be my friend again. I missed you too, 2D, I really did. I loved the song you wrote for me, and you've been extremely annoying about the feelings stuff. All of that is real. If it makes you feel better, I'll drive my girl up that ramp over there and you can stand right there. Then when we're all done we'll go to the airport, but if I get arrested it's all on you." Murdoc could feel how hot his face was at admitting all of that stuff, but if it meant that 2D was back on board then he'd do it again. He needs 2D even if he doesn't want to need him.
2D couldn't believe what he's heard. It almost made him think that Murdoc really was lying to him, but he's been around Murdoc for a little more than 20 years now and he knows that what he said was the truth. Murdoc has only ever spoken like that to Noodle when she was young and scared of new things, he recognizes the care in his voice. Eventually he finds his own voice again and smiles, "Okay, Muds, if you're alright with that than I'd rather wait here."
Letting out a breath he'd been holding Murdoc nodded and said, "That's fine, just wait for me." Seeing 2D's eyes fade to black made him calm down. He hadn't even known that he had gotten worked up over this as well.
The bassist got back into the vehicle and successfully gotten it up the ramp and onto the boat. He parked it between another vehicle and the side of the boat with some difficulty, but eventually got it comfortably in there. When he took the key out of the ignition he moved to the back and grabbed 2D's suitcase and his suitcase.
When he kicked open the door he heard a yelp and a thump, and he instinctively dropped what he was holding in preparation to defend himself. He was surprised to see 2D clutching the side of his face. The singer was supposed to be back on land. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "You alright?"
"You kicked the door in my face! And my cool hat fell into the ocean!" He was more upset about the hat than his face. He knows that Murdoc probably didn't see him, and his face wasn't hit that bad, it hardly hurt at all.
"Shit happens," He said and smiled at his own joke, the hat was a piece of shit anyways. He saw 2D's disapproval and said, "Sorry, mate, didn't see you there, thought you didn't want to come onto the boat?" He asked and handed the other man's suitcase to him.
2D took the suitcase and place it on the boat next to him. Murdoc stepped out of the Winnebago and shot the singer a confused look. 2D smiled and surprised the bassist even more by pulling him into a tight hug. The taller man rested his forehead on Murdoc's shoulder. "I probably shouldn't, but I trust you, Muds. If you're worried about the plane so much, we can take the boat. I think I'll be fine," He said.
Murdoc, still caught off guard by the whole thing, looked around the boat. He half-thought for a moment that he'd been hallucinating. Everything seemed to be in its place minus 2D suddenly showing him affection. It made him feel warm in his chest. "Am I allowed to hug you back?"
"Of course."
Cautiously, the bassist wrapped his arms around the singer. After a moment of embracing each other, Murdoc untangled them and said, "This boat smells weird. Let's go on the plane instead, you'll need to call us a taxi though."
2D looked surprised, but also relieved. He smiled and asked playfully, "You aren't just doin' this for me, are you?"
The Satanist picked up his suitcase was walked past 2D who picked up his own suitcase and followed. He said as he passed, "Nah, mate, I'm not that nice."