Chapter Text
2D spent the rest of the day wandering around the house and the studio. Sometimes he’d go to the kitchen to make tea that he’d forget to drink; other times he’d turn on the TV but stare more at the opaque white wall than at the glowing screen; other times he’d go to the studio, thinking about his conversation with Noodle about the new album and the heavy responsibility weighing on him.
Noodle, who was sitting on the living room couch, fiddling with her phone, noticed her friend’s restlessness.
“2D! Are…you okay? You’ve already done the same loop from the kitchen to the studio about 8 times in, like…15 minutes!” exclaimed Noodle, more in a joking tone than as an actual complaint.
“Sorry, Noods. I’m completely distracted and didn’t even realize I was walking in circles… I’m going to the studio to work on some lyrics,” replied 2D, a little embarrassed by the situation. But before he could turn around and head toward the studio, Noodle, always cheerful, suggested:
“How about you come with me to the new café that opened about a block from here? I’ve already been there, and it looks great. Besides, you haven’t left the house in over a week. It’ll do you good!”
2D thought for a moment. He loves sweets and couldn’t remember the last time he’d had any. However, he looked down at his sloppy, wrinkled clothes. Noodle noticed the singer’s reaction and added:
“If you want, I can lend you some of my clothes that might fit you. I have some green shorts that would look killer!”
2D nodded, pleased with the idea. Maybe leaving home wouldn’t be so bad after all; besides, the California summer wasn’t for everyone, and staying home was hell. They then went to Noodle’s room, which was filled with various Asian-inspired touches, a nod to her childhood spent in Japan. The room had red walls, an Asian screen with delicately drawn camellias, her kickboxing bag, and in the middle of the room stood a large double bed—even though it was just for her—and in the corner, a tall, narrow wardrobe to match her passion for fashion.
Inside the wardrobe, Noodle opened the drawers and began roughly tossing each piece of clothing onto the floor until she found the outfit she wanted. 2D, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, would sometimes flinch when he felt a piece of clothing coming his way.
“Here it is! Look, it’s perfect for you—now that you’re slimmer, it should fit you beautifully,” Noodle held up a pair of lime-green shorts.
“Well, they might be a little short on you, since you’re almost twice my height, but it doesn’t hurt to try them on!” Noodle continued as he held out the vibrant shorts.
2D grabbed them firmly, examining them. They looked perfect! Ever since Murdoc had been arrested, 2D had stopped caring about his appearance. He didn’t care if he was wearing yesterday’s clothes or if he had deep, dark circles under his eyes. Without Murdoc, none of that mattered to him
…
2D was now looking at himself in the full-length mirror in the corner of his room. He had tried on the shorts Noodle had lent him. They fit perfectly at the waist, though they were a little too short for him, given his height, which Noodle had mentioned earlier. But he didn’t mind.
Besides, he was just going out to the café on his street with his friend (almost sister)
To match his lime green shorts, the lead singer chose a fresh white tank top that highlighted his vibrant blue hair. Before stepping out of his room, he glanced at himself in the mirror once more. He felt and looked like a different person. Of course, his deep blue hair, milky white eyes, and thick black eyebrows were still the singer’s usual features.
Noodle was waiting for her friend at the front door. When he arrived, she looked him up and down with a sweet smile.
“You look amazing! I knew it! Come on, you took forever!” she exclaimed as she opened the front door of the shared apartment building.
A light breeze of warm summer air brushed across 2D and Noodle’s faces. There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. In the distance, the bright blue sea could be seen peeking out from between the tall, luxurious buildings.
Noodle and 2D walked side by side through the streets of Los Angeles. Noodle walked calmly yet elegantly. At times, she would take deep breaths, a habit she’d picked up in her weekly yoga classes.
After a few short minutes of walking, they finally reached their destination. It was a small café, with about three or four tables, and in the corner, a small counter with a display case full of various appetizing cakes and pastries. The space was bright, with several plants and minimalist decor.
As they entered, 2D and Noodle were hit by the strong smell of freshly ground coffee. They sat at one of the tables near the window to get more light.
The lead singer studied the menu, struggling a bit due to his poor eyesight.
“I’m not very hungry… maybe some peppermint tea and… um… a plain croissant.”
“The milkshakes here are great! I’ll have a strawberry one with whipped cream,” Noodle set the menu down on the corner of the table.
“So, how many songs have you written so far? Is there a verse you’re having the most trouble with? Tell me everything!” Noodle was really excited and eager to hear all the singer’s new ideas.
2D was completely stuck. So far, he hadn’t been able to write a single word. He’d spend hours staring at the yellowed pages of his notebook, but no ideas came to mind.
“Umm… actually, nothing’s come out yet… I can’t get my head around anything… sorry, Noods,” 2D confessed, disappointed in himself. He knew he was delaying the production of the new album
Noodle softened her dark almond-shaped eyes as he spoke and said in a calmer tone:
“Well, Russell and I were already expecting this. We thought it would be a good idea to write some songs to take your mind off those thoughts. If you want, Russell and I can write them for you.”
2D thought for a moment. Ever since the band’s first album, the lead singer had dreamed of writing a song and not just singing it. He’d always been better at putting his feelings on paper than into words. And now, when he had the chance to shine and write an entire album, was he backing out?
“No, Noods. I’m going to write this album. I swear. Just give me a few months and I’ll have the whole album written.”
“Great! I’m so glad you’re taking this attitude. I’m sure it’ll be great for your mental health.” Noodle broke into an instant smile and spoke cheerfully.
“By the way, another piece of good news is that we managed to find a new bassist for the band. His name is Ace, and he’s an old friend of Murdoc’s. Murdoc mentioned him before he was arrested, to replace him. He said he needed someone up to the task.”
Ace? A friend of Murdoc’s? 2D was confused. To him, Murdoc was too bitter to have friends, other than himself or the band. Besides, in 20 years of friendship or relationship—whatever they had—Murdoc had never mentioned a friend named Ace. How strange. But 2D was satisfied; at least one more problem solved.
“You seem a little strange to me. Is it because Murdoc has a friend? I thought it was weird too, to be honest. But Ace is actually pretty cool. I talked to him just yesterday about band stuff,” Noodle commented as she sipped her strawberry milkshake.
“I’m fine. I just thought it was a little weird. But still, I’m relieved we have one less problem. Thanks for taking care of it.”
The conversation flowed between the two. Noodle spoke excitedly about the new discoveries she’d made this week, like a new martial arts technique she’d been practicing since she was little, or a book she was currently reading on self-awareness, which she recommended to 2D.
2D listened intently to every detail of the conversation. It had been a long time since he’d had a long conversation with anyone. Sometimes, he would interrupt Noodle and tell a story about something that had happened to him. The stories didn’t make much sense, but Noodle was pleased to see the singer open up.