I DO NOT OWN GORILLAZ, OR ANY OF THE BAND MEMBERS FEATURED IN THIS STORY!

Make that Four

Russel, Noodle, and 2D all looked to Murdoc expectantly. They had just realized their appetites, and it was apparently Murdoc's responsibility to feed them. What do these kids even eat? He'd seen what they ate for breakfast each day as adults, but he didn't know if it would be the same here. He'd just have to find something that they could all eat. "Fine, let's go."

He watched as the children raced ahead towards the stairs before crawling into a nearby opening in the wall. Noodle struggled to climb in, though. She wasn't quite tall enough to pull herself up.

"What the-Where'd that come from?" He asked them, then rolled his eyes as he eventually helped Noodle since she began to fuss.

"You built it for us," Russel said. "It's a big slide, like the one's on the playground."

"A slide?" Murdoc honestly thought the stairs were enough.

"Yeah, and it's really great!" 2D exclaimed, nearly slipping down the slope. "You should slide with us this time!"

"Nope," Murdoc left suddenly, allowing no room for them to protest, to which the children whined. "Too old for that."

"But, you went with us last time." Russel argued.

"Sorry, can't hear you. I'm halfway down now."

Now on the first floor and walking through the living room, Murdoc found the kids waiting there for him. He assumed that's where the slide led since they hadn't gone straight to the kitchen. He also figured the Murdoc they knew spoiled them rotten, because toys and play furniture littered every inch of the space. They even had a youth scale pirate ship for some reason. A whole ship!

"When did this place become a playground?" He muttered, kicking a stuffed toy from his path. "It's a studio for crying out loud!"

Once they arrived, he was relieved to find a familiar kitchen. It was much more normal than any other room, since it wasn't considered to be a play space. The only difference was that there were many more magnets on the fridge. Looking through the cabinets and refrigerator, Murdoc began to list off possible food options. "Alright, there's oatmeal, bacon, eggs, frozen waffles-"

"Waffles, please!" Russel exclaimed, jumping excitedly. "Can we have those? They're the best!"

"Aw, but we had waffles yesterday," 2D said. "I want pancakes!"

Murdoc mentally facepalmed as he looked between the two. "You two realize that they're both the same thing, right? The only difference is that one is made in a pan, and the other one isn't."

"Waffles are made in a pan?" 2D asked, utterly confused. "I thought you put them in the toaster..."

"Ugh, no, kid." That question made him wonder if 2D actually knew what pancakes were. Pan was literally in the name. They're called pan-cakes for a reason. "You know what? We'll just have cereal today. We always keep a box or two somewhere."

A collective groan came from Russel and 2D, but they agreed and went to take their seats at the table. Russel was able to get into his chair all by himself, however, 2D and Noodle needed a little help from Murdoc, who had to pick them up. The boys sat on booster seats while Noodle had her own highchair. There were actually two highchairs at the table, but Murdoc didn't give it much thought as he fastened her in.

After he set out bowls and spoons, Murdoc went to gather the cereal from the pantry. He paused however, when he found Noodle inside sneaking around with a cookie of sorts. "Huh, Noodle? How did you-?" Murdoc turned back to look at the table, but Noodle was just as he left her. There can't be two... Right?

Confused, he lifted the doppelganger and looked her over. She was nearly the same as the first Noodle. The second Noodle squirmed in his hold to protect her cookie, not knowing if Murdoc planned to take it away. The cookie was the least of his worries, though; He was more focused on finding out who this new kid was. And, it wasn't until he caught a glimmer of silver in her pupils did Murdoc realize whom he had discovered.

"C...Cyborg Noodle?"

Saying that name made his heart ache out of both anger and sorrow. He didn't like to think about what led to her creation, nor what became of her during the destruction of Plastic Beach. A lot of interesting decisions were made during that time. Calmly walking her to the table, Murdoc blinked away emotion he refused to acknowledge. He truly wasn't expecting this. Why did Eva have to include her, too? ...There better not be an Ace anywhere.

As he fastened Cyborg into the other highchair, 2D stood in his seat. "Hey, no fair! How come Cy gets to have a cookie for breakfast?"

"Leave it be, Stuart," Murdoc sighed warily, going back to grab the cereal he had forgotten. This day had only just started and he wanted it to be over already. "Just sit back down."

2D did as he was told, not wanting to upset Murdoc even further. He could tell that the bassist seemed sad, they all could. Remaining quiet, he, Russel, Noodle, and Cyborg all watched silently as Murdoc prepared their bowls. They then ate without another word.