It sure was going to be an eventful part of Pickles' life. Getting back with Snakes 'n Barrels to perform in front of an audience when they've gone soft (literally and figuratively) ... well, it was a challenge in more ways than one. The day had been long, and the amount of alcohol and drugs that were consumed by merely one person was enough to kill a fully grown mammoth. It was strange how, despite the fact that he was so used to being a drummer for Dethklok, he still perfectly fit back into the place as lead singer. It was something that felt natural.
Sitting thoughtfully down on a couch, Pickles perked up to the sound of footsteps hitting his eardrums. "Oh, hey dere, Tony." He stared at the man in front of him, an image of how he appeared before the departure flashing through his mind. It seemed, in a way, that the drugs kept them in shape. Held them together. It was, after all, the glue of Snakes 'n Barrels. "Hey Pickles." The atmosphere was uncomfortable.
To keep from too much of an awkward silence to start, the lead singer scooted over and patted the spot next to him. This earned a couch partner for the time being. "I've been meaning to talk." ...'Oh crap. If he's coming out of the closet, I'm high-tailin' it outta here.' There was a pause. "Well, what did ya plan on tahkin' about?" "Well, mainly about how things were after... uh... well, you know. I know you hoped we wouldn't be too different when you came to visit us. It really took a toll on everyone, y'know? Once a band loses their lead singer, well... they aren't a band anymore."
Well, that was obvious. What was the point he was trying to make? "Uh... yeeah... but, I don't see where ya goin' wit dis." It was an odd thing to talk about, and definitely not Pickles' cup of tea, so to speak. "Listen. The band mates and I were talking about... maybe it would be the best if you came back. For good. After you left, we all just kinda... fell apart. Snakes 'n Barrels needs you, Pickles." It took a minute for him to even realize what was being asked of him.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... Tony. Listen, buddy..." a nervous laugh escaped him. "I know the band ain't doin' so well, but, Dethklahk is my life. I ceean't just leave 'em because you guys are havin' troubles." This brought a frown to his semi-bandmate's face. "Pickles, we need you. I know you care about your band, but what about us? What are WE supposed to do?" This was beginning to sound unbelievably selfish of the bassist. "I don't know, but ya ceean't say anything to git me away from Dethklahk! We're like... a feeamily now." "Then what are we to you, Pickles? We're not your family? Were we ever your family? Did you ever take time away from your booze and drugs to even realize anything?"
A low growl emitted from Pickles' chest. "Tony, dood, you're bein' selfish! I ceeared about you guys, and I still do, but...!" He pinched the bridge of his nose irritably. "The world don't revolve areeound you, okay? How do ya think I feel about this situation? I'm doin' it for fun, naht to get back with the beeand! I should be able ta do what makes me heeappy, and you should respect theeat!" It seemed like reality was starting to smack Tony in the face. "I... understand. Look, it's just been rough, okay? You're right. Your band- your family, they need you more than we ever will. Sorry for gettin' all soft on you, man. Come on, we should practice for the show."
During that show, Pickles had witnessed his former family being destroyed, on stage, for everyone to see. It was nauseating. There was this feeling in his gut that things wouldn't be the same after that. Not for him, and definitely not for Snakes 'n Barrels. The event was somewhat like watching his past go up in an explosion of uncontrollable flames. It was devastating (and somewhat brutal) to witness, but something that Tony had said back there really stood out in his mind. Something that was truer than he would ever realize in his lifetime.
"Your band- your family, they need you more than we ever will".