Chapter 15: Epilogue
Disclaimer: See chapter 1
. . .
Thunk, thunk, thunk…
2D's crutch tapped a steady beat against the hospital's white tile floors. The singer made his way slowly down the brightly-lit hall, staggering awkwardly with the weight of the thick cast on his right leg. It didn't bother him much anymore; he'd been putting up with the bulky cast for… Well… He couldn't remember exactly how long, but it had been a while. It hadn't been easy at first, of course, since his balance was never great to begin with. However, after weeks of effort, it had become second nature for him to balance most of his weight on his good leg as he walked, to swing his crutch instead of his right foot, to feel the pressure of each step not at his hip but under his arm, chafing against his armpit…
2D grimaced. He could never figure out how to walk with this thing without it rubbing his underarm and making him sore.
As he plodded forth, numerous other patrons of the hospital passed him by: a grouchy-looking woman with her arm in a sling, a man glancing awkwardly down at his phone over a neck brace, doctors and nurses in pristine white uniforms with their heads bowed over clipboards. The atmosphere was clean and overcrowded.
2D didn't mind the crowd. After all, the hospital wasn't nearly as busy as it had been 3 months ago…
The singer shivered at the memory. His bandmates had carried him to this hospital not long after they had stabilized the worst of his injuries following the spirit incident. He couldn't remember it perfectly since he had been on heavy medication at the time, but in his mind's eye he recalled the packed emergency room, the flurry of overworked medics and overflowing patients. He felt the atmosphere of panic and pain, the fabric of the creaking gurney as he was strapped into it, the rapid beating of his heart which probably would have burst out of his chest if Noodle hadn't been holding his hand through the whole ordeal.
2D shook his head, attempting to clear his mind. That time was over. Naturally, there had been casualties, but most of the city's residents had managed to get through the spirit crisis unscathed by locking their doors and staying in their homes. The event had been blamed on a combination of bad weather, exploding gas lines, and hooligans. Now, aside from some pending infrastructure repairs, the town was more or less back to normal.
A loud squeal made 2D look up.
A young girl darted energetically down the hall, hobbling slightly, glancing back at a set of parents who were shouting after her to stop so they could put on her ankle brace. The girl grew closer, her speed unceasing, and 2D stalled nervously, noticing that the distracted child's course was set to run right into him. Fortunately, the girl faced forward just in time to notice the man she was about to run into and skidded to a stop.
Expecting the girl to step around him before continuing his sprint, 2D was surprised when she turned her wide eyes up to meet his dark ones. The girl stared blankly up at him for a long moment, causing 2D to shift awkwardly in place. Suddenly, the girl's face split into a wide smile. "Hiya! My name's Addie and I just turned 5 today!"
"Oh," said 2D, forgetting his discomfort as he smiled for the girl. "Happy birthday!"
The girl beamed. "I was having a really happy birthday, 'cause my parents hired a man with a horsey to be at my party and I got to ride it! And then I fell off, and then my ankle hurt a lot, and then they took me here, and then the doctor stuck a needle in my leg, and now it doesn't hurt anymore! But they want me to wear a stupid-looking brace thing, but I don't want to wear it 'cause I feel fine and it's my birthday!"
2D nodded, sympathizing with the girl. "Yeah, I don't like those brace things. My doctor makes me wear this big thing on my leg, and now I have to walk with this stupid crutch-thing."
"Oh. Yeah, that thing on your leg looks pretty stupid. So does the crutch. I hope they don't make me have one of those-"
"ADDIE, ARE YOU TALKING TO STRANGERS AGAIN?"
The girl glanced back at her parents, who had almost caught up with them. Smiling up at 2D, she said, "I have to go run away before they catch up and make me wear that stupid brace. See ya!"
"Bye!" 2D responded with a grin as the girl stepped around him, preparing to take off down the hallway. Just when it seemed she was about to sprint away, the girl turned back to 2D curiously, tilting her head. "Hey, where's your family? Didn't they come with you to make sure your leg is okay?"
2D's smile faltered. Forcing the grin back onto his face for the girl's sake, he responded, "Not today. They usually come, but they were too busy today."
"ADDIE, GET OVER HERE THIS INSTANT! WE HAVE TO PUT THIS ON YOUR LEG!"
"Ok, mister… uh…"
"2D."
"2D? That's a funny name. I hope your leg gets better!" And then the girl was gone, dashing down the hallway as a set of distressed parents charged past the standing singer.
His company gone, 2D allowed his smile to fall, rolling his black eyes towards the floor as he continued limping down the hallway. What he had said was true; someone from the band would usually come with him to these appointments. Noodle in particular usually made sure that he was never alone, knowing that the singer often found doctors confusing and their equipment scary. However, the new album was going to be released in the coming spring and there was too much going on for his bandmates to be here today. Murdoc was picking up supplies they would need for a promo video, Russel was revising the electronic elements of their songs, and Noodle had been called in by Jamie Hewlett to discuss design elements for their promotional media. She had seen 2D to his cab earlier that morning to wish him luck with his appointment, given him a kiss on the cheek, and sped off on her damaged motorcycle to meet Hewlett.
2D paused thoughtfully, tilting his head to the side as he recalled Noodle's enthusiastic smile and sparkling eyes as she had spoken with him about his appointment. Did she say there was something special about this appointment? I think she did, but I don't remember what. The singer shrugged. Whatever it is, the doctor will probably remind me. Or Noodle will remind me this evening, when we all meet back up at the house.
The singer continued down the hallway until it intersected with a new corridor. Glancing from left to right, 2D found himself suddenly disoriented. It occurred to him that although he had walked through these hallways many times over the past few weeks, he had never been here on his own. One of his bandmates had always taken the lead, knowing exactly where his doctor's office was. Nervously running his fingers through his spiky blue hair, 2D felt a strange sinking sensation in his stomach. Standing here at this intersection between hallways, patients and doctors alike strolling past him without so much as a glance in his direction, stuck in the middle of a bunch of busy, crowded hallways that all looked the same, he found himself feeling…
Sick? No, not exactly…
Nervous? Hmmm… a bit closer, but still not quite it…
Alone?
2D shivered as the word crossed his mind. He turned his head, opening his mouth to ask his bandmate which way to go-
Oh yeah.
Yep, the feeling was definitely alone.
It didn't make 2D feel better to put a word to his feelings.
Hunching his shoulders, the man's eyes flickered nervously towards either end of the hallway. His fist tightened around his crutch. The doctor's office has to be around here somewhere, but I don't remember where! 2D bowed his head and sniffled, feeling his chest clench uncomfortably. This is stupid. I hate hospitals.
"Mr. Pot! Over here, Mr. Pot!"
2D jumped, twisting his head instantly to see a familiar physician waving at him from the end of the hallway to his left. Releasing a short sigh of relief, the singer mustered a small smile and hobbled in her direction. "Hi, doctor!"
She raised an eyebrow as the singer approached. "Mr. Pot, did you forget my name again? We've been meeting every week for 3 months."
2D quirked his head to the side, confused. "I thought your name was doctor."
She opened her mouth as if to say something, closed it, then shook her head. "Sigh… Well, there's no point trying to nail it down now. Come this way, Mr. Pot."
He followed her into a clean white room and instinctively sat down on the paper-covered patient seat, propping his crutch against the wall. The doctor crouched next to his casted leg and examined it with sharp eyes. "Well, we've had our work cut out for us fixing both your tibia and your fibula, but it looks like things have finally panned out. Have you experienced any pain in your leg since we took you off your pain prescription?"
"No; not that I remember, anyway," 2D replied, swinging his free leg casually back and forth.
"Excellent! We're set to finish things up. I'll be sad to see you go; you've been a wonderful patient."
"Sad to see me go…?" 2D's eyes widened with horror, his knuckled blanching as his fingers clenched around the edges of his seat. "Wait, am I dying?"
"No, no! You're not dying!" The doctor quickly assured, her own eyes widening as her patient began to hyperventilate. "Don't you remember what we talked about last week? As long as everything looks good today, this is your last appointment. We're removing your cast."
"Oh," 2D sighed with relief, relaxing in his seat.
2 seconds later, 2D's eyes went wide again and his head jerked forward with excitement. "It's coming off? It's over? I get to stop using that walking-stick thing that makes my arm hurt?" The singer smiled, bouncing up and down in his seat.
"Yes! Now hold still," the doctor said, turning to retrieve something from the table behind her.
His previous sorrow all but forgotten, 2D was bursting with excitement. Finally! I'll be able to walk normally again, and not use that stupid crutch-stick thing, and carry things around while I walk, and not be useless! The first thing I want to do when I get back home is walk around with 2 cups of orange juice, one in each hand, and get around the whole house without stumbling and spilling one!
2D's train of thought was broken by a loud buzzing noise. He looked up to see his doctor wielding an electric circular saw. The singer's throat went dry.
"If the saw scares you, you can close your eyes while I'm removing your cast. And try not to move, it would be unfortunate if I sliced your leg open and we had to cast it all over again."
Suppressing a whimper, 2D squeezed his eyes shut. He heard the saw as it moved, approaching his leg. He felt a pressure coming through the cast, something pressing down, vibrating, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end as the machinery whined and buzzed. He inched his hand across the seat of his chair as if expecting to find Noodle's hand ready to comfort him. Finding only empty air, 2D gritted his teeth and tried to ignore the awful clamor of the saw, the vibrations running through his leg, the tear forming in the corner of his eye-
Then he felt air.
The buzzing stopped. "You can open your eyes now, Mr. Pot."
Tentatively, 2D cracked open an eyelid and peered down at his leg. His gaze met a stretch of pale, sun-deprived skin, leg hair slicked down after months trapped in a sweaty cast, bruise and scratch free save for a single pale-pink scar etched over his shin. The singer rotated his ankle hesitantly, watching as the thin muscles beneath his skin shifted to cause pain-free movement. Slowly, the singer smiled, the gap in his teeth peeking out from between his lips as he set his foot gently on the floor, applying a light pressure to his limb. "My leg is free…"
"Yes, Mr. Pot. Now, there will be some paperwork for you to fill out at the front desk. Don't be surprised if your leg is weaker than you remember. It'll take some time for your muscles to-"
"I'M FREE!" 2D shouted, leaping from his seat. He immediately overbalanced and found himself sprawled across the floor. Not to be stalled, the singer clambered back to his feet and sped out the office door.
He could distantly hear the doctor shouting something after him, but he was too ecstatic to care. As he rocketed down the hallway, tripping occasionally and bouncing off walls, doctors and patients scrambled to get out of the singer's way. His smile was widening, his heart was pounding as he felt his steps becoming surer, his speed increasing, moving ten times as fast as he had managed in the past weeks with his cast slowing him down. Taking no notice of the indignant shouts of the hospital's other occupants, he raced through the hallways, not entirely sure where he was going, but overjoyed to watch people flash past him, disappearing from view as his feet propelled him across the tile floor. When he eventually found himself in the reception lobby nearing the doors to the outside world, his thoughts cried, Forget cabs! I'm running home! Or skipping! Or jumping! Or…
2D threw out his arms, shoving the doors out of his way.
The singer jerked to a stop, blinking as the late fall sunlight filled his eyes. Heaving in deep breaths of crisp air, 2D gazed across the hospital lawn. His jaw dropped.
There was a small stretch of grass between the hospital and the parking lot. When 2D had arrived earlier that morning, the grass had hosted a few nurses eating lunch on a bench and various pieces of litter scattered across the ground. The litter was still there, but instead of nurses on the bench, there were three very familiar people watching him and smiling, holding a banner that said "Congratulations, 2D." 2D stood staring, his mouth hanging open as the shortest of the trio dropped her end of the banner and approached him, her green eyes glowing with the bright sunlight as she arrived, wrapped her warm arms around his waist, and tilted her head up to press a lingering kiss to his chin. "Congrats on getting your cast off, Toochie."
"Noodle…" Snapping out of his trance, 2D threw her arms around her, squeezing the guitarist in a tight embrace. "What- I thought you were all busy today-"
"We couldn't miss your surprise getting-well party, could we?" Noodle purred into his ear. 2D picked her up and spun her around, feeling her warm breath on his face as they laughed joyfully and the world spun around them. When his weak leg muscles gave out, he nearly dumped both of them onto the ground. Fortunately, Russel had had the foresight to stroll to 2D's side and was there to steady the singer and Noodle as they toppled. "Whoa there, 'D. Didn't Dr. Lacey tell you to take it easy when she took that thing off?"
"I don't know, I wasn't listening!" 2D piped happily, placing Noodle on the ground so that he could throw his arms around the large drummer. The drummer returned the hug, squeezing 2D snugly against his wide stomach.
A sharp popping noise made 2D start, releasing Russel to turn towards Murdoc, who was standing over their fallen banner holding a frothing bottle of champagne. "Cheers, mate!" The bassist said, brandishing the bottle in the air before bringing it to his lips.
"Hey, Muds, save some of that for me!" 2D chuckled, running towards the drinking man. To his dismay, the bassist held him back with a palm on his chest. "Sorry, 'D. You can't have any."
"What? Why?" 2D asked, his face falling slightly. "I don't have to take meds anymore, so it won't interfere with my healing!"
"2D, we all want you to stay safe," Murdoc growled, pointing the bottom of the bottle at the singer. "And I'll have you know that drinking before driving is very dangerous."
"Drinking before driving?" 2D said, confused.
"Yes. You've got enough dents already, and we can't have you smashing up your new motorcycle."
"Ummm… I don't have a motorcycle…"
2D heard someone clear their throat. He turned to see that Russel had moved to the edge of the parking lot and was standing next to a shining, jet-black motorcycle with a blue bow tied around its handlebars. At first, 2D stared undiscerningly at the bike, glancing from it to his bandmates with undisguised confusion. As he took in their meaningful smiles, something clicked in his brain. For the second time that day, 2D's jaw dropped. "Wha- i-is that… for… me?"
He heard Murdoc chuckle. "Consider it a get-well gift from the band. We're all going to get new motorcycles just like that one to use for a promo video, but the shop only had one in stock until next month. Since you need some time to learn how to ride it, we decided that you could have the first one."
His black eyes shining, 2D approached the vehicle. Stopping beside it, he stretched out a hand to run his palm over the sleek metal body, reverently feeling the cool material beneath his fingertips. "Wow…" he whispered under his breath. He sensed his bandmates coming to stand behind him, watching him as he took in the sleek machine. Grinning from ear to ear, the singer spun around to wrap his long arms around all his bandmates in a big group hug. "Thank you guys so much! This is so cool and awesome and I can't wait to ride it! You guys are the best!" He felt his bandmates returning the hug, their warm embrace making the sun seem to shine brighter and the sky seem bluer.
In that moment, 2D knew he was the luckiest person on earth. The warmth of his bandmates encircled him, keeping the cool autumn air at bay, and he could sense their smiles as clearly as he could feel his own stretching across his face. He was free from injury, it was a truly beautiful day, and he had an amazing family to share the day with. An amazing family to share every day with.
When they let go, 2D turned back to the bike, stroking a handlebar adoringly. He still couldn't believe that they'd gotten him a motorcycle! "I guess when we get back to the house, I should watch a few YouTube videos on how to ride these-"
"Or," Noodle interrupted, "you could ask your girlfriend to show you how-"
Before she could so much as blink, Noodle found herself being crushed in another of the singer's smothering hugs. "You're the best, Noodle!" He cried, tilting his face to press his nose against hers.
Noodle grinned back at him, tilting her face to give him a quick peck on the lips. "Excellent. I'll drive us down to the racetrack and show you the ropes."
. . .
He felt the warm leather seat beneath him, the cool handlebars under his fingers, his jacket formed snugly around him as he used his toes to balance the still machine. His breath pooled inside of his new, sleek black helmet, warming his face and dispersing before it could fog his view. The bike shifted as a new source of warmth pressed to his back and a set of arms entwined around his waist.
This time, he would be driving.
2D looked ahead at the deserted racetrack. There were no delinquent schoolkids here today. From what he had heard, the city's youth had grown fond of a deserted complex of buildings along a damaged road no one had cared to repair. This meant that he had the whole loop of abandoned racetrack to himself.
Well, himself and-
"Whenever you're ready," Noodle encouraged, her voice drifting over his shoulder and through his helmet.
2D gave a short nod. Noodle had spent the past hour showing 2D all the controls, finishing by leading 2D forward a few feet as he slowly practiced starting up and shifting into first gear. Noodle had been pleased with his progress and decided he was ready to try putting on a bit of speed.
The singer's hand trembled slightly as he twisted the key in the ignition. The bike was already in neutral, so he flipped the kill switch into the "on" position. Instantly, the bike rumbled beneath him. 2D's shoulders tensed as his seat vibrated and mechanical noise filled the air.
He could feel Noodle leaning into his back. "You're doing great, Toochie. Now shift into first gear and release the clutch slowly."
Squeezing the clutch tightly, 2D pulled his foot up against the gear shift. Gradually, nervously, his grip on the clutch loosened. The bike began to roll forward.
"That's it," Noodle said, raising her voice to be heard over the rumbling motorcycle. "Start out slow. Use the throttle and the gear shift when you feel comfortable."
2D allowed her words to bolster him as he released the clutch more, pulling back on the throttle as the bike picked up speed. He could feel the breeze washing against his neck just above the collar of his jacket as the bike moved faster, balancing neatly as it cruised down the track. 2D breathed quickly as he felt his body moving forward, felt the wind tugging at his clothes, felt his bandmate's warmth against his back. This wasn't anything like driving a car…
2D grinned. This was so much better.
"Ready for second gear?" Noodle shouted over the wind.
2D's teeth appeared between his lips as his foot pulled up on the gear shift.
The wind was faster, the bike was faster, his pulse, his heartbeat, his breathing all accelerating as stretches of track disappeared beneath the bike's wheels. The first turn was approaching. 2D leaned into it, feeling Noodle lean with him, and entered the turn, picking up speed as they rounded onto the next straight stretch of track. Gears shifted. Wind howled as they shot forward.
It was exhilarating. 2D found himself laughing as excitement bubbled in his chest. Soon, he and Noodle were both howling with joy as they raced down the track. 2D couldn't remember to be nervous or afraid, couldn't spare a thought to the possibility of him messing things up. Sure, he was notorious for making mindless mistakes and letting his fear get the better of him. That didn't matter right now. Noodle was confident in him.
More importantly, he was confident in himself.
They sped down the track, their jubilant cries mingling with the screaming wind. 2D felt weightless as they flew over the asphalt, coasting through turns and beaming down straight stretches. He was high on adrenaline, loving the sensation of speed, the wind whistling around his helmet, the warm arms clinging to his waist…
Completing another loop around the track, 2D slowed down, pulling in the clutch and hearing the gear shift click as their speed dropped. In a few meters they came to a stop. 2D felt Noodle climb off the bike as he flipped the kill switch and pocketed the keys. He followed the guitarist off the bike, staggering on the legs he had almost forgotten existed as he pulled the helmet off his head, blinking as cool air struck his face. He set his helmet on the ground as Noodle did likewise with hers. She was facing away from him as she did so, her back turned towards him as she stooped to place the helmet on the edge of the track, breathing heavily in the aftermath of their exciting ride. By the time she turned around to grin at 2D, the singer was right in front of her, tugging her into his tight embrace. He barely gave her time to gasp as he pressed his lips to hers, fingers tracing up her spine to hold the back of her head as his face pressed forward. He felt her relaxing into his grip, her hands sliding up his chest and around his neck as her lips molded to his.
Since they were both already out of breath, it was only moments before their faces broke apart, gasping, their warm breaths heating the air between them. 2D smiled down adoringly at the beautiful guitarist – his beautiful guitarist – loving the feeling of her fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. Leaning forward, he traced his lips below her hairline, over her cheek, on the tip of her nose. "Thank you," he whispered, leaning his forehead against hers and closing his eyes.
"You're welcome," Noodle replied smilingly, a hint of a laugh in her voice. "I'm here whenever you need motorcycle practice."
"Not just for teaching me how to ride…" 2D murmured, raising his lidded eyes to meet hers. "For everything… helping me with the spirits… helping me recover… always being here-"
Noodle cut him off by pressing his lips against his still open mouth. 2D felt her teeth nip his bottom lip and moaned softly before she pulled away. "I've already told you, you don't need to thank me for any of that. I want to be here with you, helping you when you need it and enjoying life with you when you don't." Her lips ghosted over his before she whispered, "I love you."
2D smiled. "I love you too," he responded, closing the distance with another heartfelt kiss.
. . .
A few months later, in Spring…
"WHERE HAVE YOU TWO BEEN?"
Noodle felt 2D's arm tense over her shoulders as he averted his eyes from Murdoc's accusing glare. Noodle rolled her eyes, easing out of 2D's grip to close the door behind them as they stepped into the foyer. "I told you before we left where we were going. We had dinner at the new restaurant downtown then hit the rollerblading center."
"You've been gone for three hours!" Murdoc howled.
"Yes, we don't take a stopwatch to our date nights!" Noodle retorted. She narrowed her eyes at the bassist and placed a hand on her hip. "These things are meant to be enjoyed!"
Growling, Murdoc paced around the foyer. He gesticulated wildly as he continued his rant. "Oh, yes, and what better time to enjoy a long, luxurious date than the middle of the production of our new album? Are you two even taking this band seriously?"
"We've been working on this album nonstop for months!"
"I've been working on this album nonstop for months! Meanwhile, you two have been gallivanting around town like puppies in a park!"
Noodle breathed in deeply. At some point in the past minute, her hand had curled into a tight fist. As she breathed out, she focused on loosening those fingers. "Murdoc, I understand that that you feel a lot of pressure to make this album great, and I'm glad you're dedicated to making this band a success. However, we all need to take breaks every now and then. You should try to relax a bit. Enjoy the production process."
Murdoc glowered coldly at them. "This is our first album in years, our comeback album! Don't go acting like I'm the one at fault for taking this seriously!"
"Er… Muds…" 2D stammered, taking a step to stand by Noodle's side. "I feel like – like – you've been getting really stressed out lately, and – ummm – you're less nice when you're stressed. Maybe you could take just a little break from producing so that we could all spend some family time together – "
"THERE WILL BE TIME FOR BREAKS WHEN THE ALBUM IS FINISHED!" Murdoc screamed. Noodle felt 2D cringe beside her as Murdoc turned his back to them and stomped loudly up the stairway, muttering under his breath, "lousy slackers… Trying to double-team me… Got to do all the work myself…"
The bassist disappeared from view. There was the squeak of a door opening and a slam as it shut violently.
Temperamental control freak, Noodle thought bitterly to herself. With a sigh and a roll of her eyes, she began to walk towards the basement door, speaking aloud to 2D as she went, "You'd think waking up at 5:30 AM to help the man fill out all of that international sales paperwork then continuing to do all of his chores for us until 7 in the evening would be enough for him… I'll be glad when we've got this album out the door and he can stop shouting at us." Noodle raised a hand to rub a tired eye. "Well, it has been a busy day for all of us, and I'm ready for some shuteye. Goodnight, 2D."
A moment of silence passed as Noodle stepped towards the basement door. She had just grasped the cool brass doorknob when she heard a soft noise…
Sniffle…
Noodle paused. Her grip around the doorknob loosened.
Sniffle… and another soft sound, like hitched breathing…
Slowly, Noodle turned to face her bandmate. "2D? Is everything okay?"
She saw the man standing where she had left him, halfway between the front door and the stairs. His head was bowed, and he was rubbing his arm across his face, over his eyes. When he noticed Noodle staring he glanced up briefly, allowing the guitarist a glimpse at one pink-rimmed eye before fleeing from her gaze, bowing his head once more. "'m fine... Just… just Murdoc, he's… I… sniffle… I thought that we…"
Noodle could see the singer's face contorting and frowned. He never had been good at hiding his emotions. Stepping forward, Noodle reached up and stretched out her fingers to gently lift 2D's chin. Hesitantly, he met her searching gaze with both of his wet, sore eyes. Noodle could only watch as something snapped in their depths.
"I thought we were okay!" he suddenly sobbed, his eyes squeezing closed as a few tears leaked out. "He was being so nice after- after the spirit stuff, and we were finally acting like a family, but now he's- sniffle – he's all angry and frustrated at us all the time, and it's like nothing's changed!
He was shaking, his chest heaving as he pulled in shuddering breaths. Her own heart twisting, Noodle wrapped the crying singer in a tight hug, cooing into his ear, "shhh, Toochie, it's okay… it's okay…"
Gently, she steered the singer towards the base of the stairs and sat him down on the bottom step. She allowed 2D's face to rest on her shoulder as his sorrow continued to spill out of him. "I- I just w-wanted us all t-to be h-happy – sniffle – but we always – we a-always seem to – to end up back here, with everyone upset and h-hurting…"
Noodle closed her eyes. She felt a sad tug at her own memory, remembering how often the band had smiled together following the spirit incident, happy to simply be together and alive. She remembered how, slowly but surely, the pressure of the coming album release had made Murdoc's smiles less frequent, worn his patience thin, and brought back some of the bassist's snappish temperament. A stressed Murdoc made for an unhappy Gorillaz…
But even now, it wasn't as bad as it had been in the past.
They'd been here before, when they had briefly broken apart after their first album and during the Plastic Beach fiasco. Murdoc would withdraw from his bandmates, drink ten times as much as usual, and occasionally resort to physical violence to relieve his stress.
The Murdoc they had seen today hadn't withdrawn from them – he had asked them to be there with him.
The Murdoc they had seen today – although still a heavy drinker – was drinking no more than was usual for him.
The Murdoc they had seen today hadn't hit 2D in months.
Noodle's lips curved into a small smile.
"Toochie… I understand how sad and scared you are. I wish we could all be happy too." She smoothed down his spiky hair, running her fingers comfortingly over the soft locks. "But think hard about how Murdoc's been acting. He's stressed, he frowns and shouts more, but he seems to be controlling himself much more now than he has in the past. He doesn't hit you, he only gets blackout drunk once a week, and he's not pushing us away. He wants us to help him complete the album, and that proves that no matter how angry he gets from here on out, he intends to keep us close. He wants us to be a family too."
2D sniffled. He raised his head off Noodle's shoulder, hesitantly meeting the guitarist's eyes. "You… you r-really think he wants us to stay together and be a family?"
Noodle pecked 2D's nose with her lips. "Of course. And when the album is finally out, he'll spend more time with us being happy. Besides, you know how much he enjoys being the center of attention. He won't be able to stop smiling when the publicity from this album puts Gorillaz back in the spotlight."
2D smiled back at her hopefully, his sniffles becoming softer as he wiped some of the moisture out of his eyes. "Y-yeah… he always does like marching into interviews as if the whole world is w-watching him… And sometimes he lets us all get ice cream together after concerts."
Noodle grinned as the sorrow gradually dissipated from her friend's face. Together, they relaxed against the staircase. It wasn't the most comfortable surface to lay across, but they managed to make do with their heads resting on their arms, propped over the ascending steps, laying side by side. As 2D's breathing fell back into an easy pattern, Noodle took one of his hands in hers, pulling their entwined fingers into the small space between their bodies.
"Hey, Noodle…" 2D murmured, his jaw rubbing against the skin of his arm. "Do you think, when all of the touring and everything is over, Murdoc might let us all go on a… A family vacation, or something?"
"Did you have someplace in mind?" Noodle asked, running her thumb over his knuckles.
2D stared down at their hands, his black eyes reflecting the movements of Noodle's thumb as he explained, "Well… When we - Me and Murdoc and Cyborg - were touring for Plastic Beach, we were in California for a concert. Some of the people touring with us decided to take a short trip to Venice Beach, and it sounded really nice, but I was too scared to go with them 'cause there might be whales… Murdoc probably wouldn't have let me go with them anyway; he was more controlling then… But when the others got back, it sounded as if they had had a lot of fun, and I kinda wished I had been able to go with them. I was thinking it might be nice if we could all go there together, and… and also…"
Noodle looked curiously at 2D's face. His cheeks had gone slightly pink. The singer glanced up from their hands for a moment to meet her eyes shyly before glancing back down and continuing in a soft voice, "walks on the beach are supposed to be romantic, right? so… I thought it would be a nice place to visit with you."
Noodle pulled her hand away from his. A moment later her fingers were on his cheek, holding his head as she pressed her lips into his. She could feel his face relaxing, his lips moving slowly under hers in a soothing rhythm. She sighed as she felt his tongue brush her lips, the slight opening of her mouth allowing them to press closer together, to feel each other's warmth. She could feel his hand on her waist, a slight tickle as his fingers brushed her ribs through her thin shirt. She curled her body close to his chest. 2D's mouth opened and their tongues slid against each other.
They laid there for a minute, each enjoying the feel of the other's fingertips on their cheeks, in their hair, on their waist, melting into the warmth of each other's faces. When they broke apart, their heavy breaths filled the air between them with soothing warmth. Leaning her forehead into his, Noodle whispered, "I'd love to take a walk on Venice Beach with you, Toochie. In the meantime, remember that you don't need a beach to be romantic."
2D grinned at her, the gap in his teeth peeking adorably from between his lips. "Sure thing, love."
. . .
Dear Cyborg,
The album just got released! Murdoc already has a bunch of interviews scheduled, and he looks much happier now that production in finished. He still has us practicing a lot, though. We have to stay in practice for when we start touring. It would be nice to see you at one of our concerts this Summer! You can bring Henry and we can all go out for ice cream together!
Noodle and I talked with Russ and Muds about the vacation I mentioned in my last letter. Russel seems up for it, but Murdoc says we should avoid beaches for a while. I thought I heard him mutter something about a pirate he owes 2 bottles of gin…
Oh well. At least he's not mad anymore. Someday I'll get to take Noodle to Venice Beach, but maybe not for another couple of years. You know what Murdoc is like; he's probably already decided what we'll be doing for the next five years.
Anyway, we're all doing fine, and I hope you and Henry are doing well too! Noodle and Russel say hello! Murdoc says he wants his spare computer parts back!
Sincerely,
2D
Gears whirred behind Cyborgs face as her mouth shifted into a small smile. Leaning back in a creaky wooden chair, she allowed the pale sunlight streaming through the window of Henry's kitchen to illuminate the words on the card she held in her hand.
She could hear Henry tinkering in the next room over, creating some sort of extension device which would allow her to become taller. She'd gotten tired of the way people looked down at her all the time and had requested the device so that she could be the one looking down on others. As always, her trusty (and cute) mechanic had been happy to oblige.
Reaching forward, Cyborg plucked her mug off of the kitchen table and sipped some high-quality motor oil as she pondered the letter from her friend. It sounds like they're doing pretty well, she thought, detecting optimism in 2D's writing. However…
Cyborg's eyes narrowed as they skimmed over the section on Murdoc's behavior. He could use some work. I'll admit he was nicer than usual the last time I saw him, but he's still not letting his bandmates live their best lives. Someone needs to teach him not to be so controlling…
Cyborg smirked.
Maybe if he was forced to watch from the sidelines for a while…
Glancing at the kitchen table, Cyborg surveyed an assortment of letters stacked in a high pile.
Months ago, when she had first heard about Murdoc's worrying behavior, Cyborg had decided that she needed to keep a close eye on how the band was doing. She had begun doing numerous small things to keep tabs on them. Like reading their interviews. And stalking them on social media.
And intercepting their mail.
When she had seen what the city police department was sending Murdoc, she formed a devious plan.
They were parking tickets.
Apparently, since Murdoc had been renting the convention center the day the city got wrecked, he was being held responsible for all the parking tickets on all the cars left in the convention center parking lot after the event. It was a lot of tickets. Since no one had bothered to move any of the wrecked cars from the lot that nobody used anyway, the parking fines got bigger each week.
Cyborg grinned as she sipped her drink. Now, I could tell Murdoc about these fines so that he can pay them and move the cars before things get worse. Or… She glanced at a notice she had intercepted from their mail just today. It was a warning from the police department, stating that if the fines were not paid, Murdoc would face at least 6 months of jail time.
Like I said earlier, Murdoc could use a break from his band for a while, and his band could use a break from him. I think it would be a good experience for him to learn that they can function without him directing their lives. Cyborg's grin twisted into a devious smirk as she poured the last dregs of her motor oil onto the notice. I think I'll let Murdoc cool down for a while. Then 2D can have his trip to Venice Beach and the band can have some freedom.
I must say, I'm curious to see what the others will get up to with Murdoc out of the picture. 2D may be a bit dull, but with all of his creativity and enthusiasm, I always thought he had the makings of a good leader…
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That's all, folks!
I guess I can check writing a multi-chapter story off my bucket list now. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
I'd like to thank everyone who's reviewed the story. Every review, both the long ones and the short ones, was extremely motivating and encouraging. You guys inspired me to try my best to make every chapter worth the wait! And to Natashi: I'd love it if you made fan art! Let me know if you do; I'd love to see!
Feel free to let me know what you think of the story as a whole! Any tips/criticisms/advice on anything from plot to characterization and beyond are appreciated!
Looking ahead, I have 2 ideas for future stories. I won't make any promises on if or when I'll get around to these (I'll be busy for at least the next month) but I thought I'd show you guys the ideas anyway and see if I can get some early feedback! Leave a review or a PM and tell me what you think of them! Both ideas would feature Noodle as the main character whose perspective the story is told from, and I'm thinking of experimenting with a first-person perspective:
Mastermind
That fic where the character everyone thinks is stupid turns out to be a secret genius with a manipulative twist. Starring a very OOC 2D and a very concerned Noodle. Genre: Drama/Mystery
Phase Z
An 85-year-old Noodle thinks she's on her deathbed. Things change when she finds out that the bandmates she hasn't seen in years aren't dead… They're undead! Genre: Horror/Drama
TTFN!