Work Text:
"This was an awful idea." You thought to yourself as you looked to the glass of water in your hand, your nerves sending waves of nausea in your stomach. Clubbing was most certainly something you never saw yourself getting involved in. Not even for recreational means as tonight was supposed to be. After another day of shooting a music video for their upcoming album, filming for the latest music video was wrapped up in a disastrous but neat bow. No one died or got maimed during the shoot, thank god, but you couldn't recall a day in your career that something had gone so wrong within such a short amount of time.
Yet it seemed like another job done for the band. Was this something that was the norm for Gorlliaz? You could only assume so.
Tonight was a night to forget about such a mess. To relax and have some fun and, as your boss and the bassist have both worded it specifically at you, to "get that damn stick out of yer arse and learn to live a little."
This wasn't relaxing. If anything, it made you anxious. The flashing lights, though pretty to look at for a while, just gave you a headache. Occasionally, a bright colored light would hit your face dead on in your eyes, and you winced each time. You've dealt with studio lights less annoying than this. At least the lights on the dance floor looked cool as each square lit up to the beat of the pop song that blasted the club speakers.
The only spot where the lights didn't blind you were at the corner of the bar, where you sat in a slight slump holding a glass of water as you rested on the bar counter. Your tired eyes surveyed all the club goers. The crew and the band enjoyed themselves amongst the claustrophobic scene of bodies clashing together in dance. Or, whatever you would call awkward bouncing and hip swaying. By the looks of it, most of these people were absolutely plastered. Either or, drinking and dancing was something you didn't bother getting involved with.
... suppose that's why no one stuck around you the moment everyone arrived at the club.
The crew either flocked to the dance floor or the bar first and then off to dance. Some of the lucky ones followed the band to the designated vip lounge, where you watched your boss indulge in some good old ass-kissing with the green skinned bassist. It's what your boss has been doing since day 1 of the project. The sight of Murdoc just relishing in such fake flattery had you rolling your eyes in disdain. Not at him, but more at your boss' constant, insincere brown-nosing.
Your attention then went to a mop of short red hair on a woman that sat next to the drummer, a smile on her face as the two conversed in a well meaning conversation, or so you'd assume given they looked to be enjoying each other's company. A smile snuck on your own face as you watched the only friend you had managed to keep amongst the crew find enjoyment in an environment you both had vocalized discomfort with. You took your sights away, leaving Mona and Russel to their own business, and you felt that smile fading as you continued to observe your surroundings.
The crowded dance floor is where you find yourself returning your gaze to constantly. Among the mess of brightly colored clothes and the eccentric people that wore them, you caught sight of the guitarist and vocalist together in a dance. You scoffed inwardly how you watched Noodle dance her heart out alongside 2-D, who looked to be enjoying their rather sloppy but entertaining swaying and jumping about the floor. Noodle had her fair share of onlookers of both men and women admiring her, and 2-D found himself amongst the company of a few groupies who helped themselves to dancing alongside him.
It looked a lot less like dancing and more like vultures wanting a piece of meat. Albeit, you noted there wasn't a lot of meat on his bones, so they were after his... other meat, obviously. Still, you felt an uncomfortable ache sit in your heart watching them caress and touch him in such a flirtatious way. Mentally, all you could do was shrug it off. You may have been assigned as his personal assistant by Murdoc, but that doesn't mean you're his damn caretaker. 2-D was a grown man and could handle himself. Your interactions with him proved that well enough the longer you spent time with him. If he wanted to have some fun and get lucky with some groupies, then he was more than welcomed to.
You hoped he remembered to bring a rubber.
The longer you watched the dance floor, the more you found yourself lost in self conversation. All of the various people were constrained so close to each other, bodies grinding and bumping along to each song that the DJ played. You felt a twinge of both discomfort and jealousy. How anyone can tolerate being so close and moving around like that was maddening you. And yet, you couldn't help but feel like you were missing out on something that many people were finding so entertaining. How could so many people be so vulnerable and open like this? It was baffling yet a loss on your end. Your heart felt weighed down, and your head was killing you as you drowned yourself in your own thoughts, asking yourself if this was actual envy or if this was just another personal resentment you have against yourself.
They were living and you... you're sitting around waiting. Waiting for what? This wasn't prom where you wait to ask to be danced. Not that it happened to you. Not that it ever happened to you. And you knew it never will. So, here you are again moping in your own self-pity. Suppose you belong with the tired drunks that lined the bar. You looked as miserable as they did. You certainty felt as miserable.
The loud music wasn't helping your headache. You could have enjoyed the song if it wasn't being blasted in your eardrums on high volume. Bile lined your throat, and anxiety boiled in your stomach. Your brain was staring to fog that coupled with a sense of vertigo. You could feel your breath cut short like a heavy weight was enveloping around your lungs. Sitting didn't do any good. Squeezing your eyes shut, you tried to just listen to the music to gain some semblance of enjoyment.
Twilight moon, interlude
Fell in love in my youth
On a cloud, not a sound
Silent kiss just like this
A deep, frustrated sigh escaped your lips. Quickly digging through your hoodie pocket, you slam a £20 on the counter, making yourself flinch rather than anyone around you before getting up from your seat. There, you stood right next to a speaker that blasted right into your ear, causing you to recoil and slink off to find somewhere quiet. Your back hugged the walls of the club whilst you walked.
You considered the bathrooms as an ideal place to hide but then recalled that 4 things happen in club bathrooms: piss, shit, drugs, and cum. In the state you found yourself falling in, none of those were something you wanted to put up with. You could go to your car, but it didn't feel safe going so far out in the parking lot alone. Panicked eyes found themselves darting around for any semblance of your salvation. Each step you took quickened as the sound of your heartbeat synced to music flooding your eardrums to a trance. Your eyes caught a red exit sigh that led to a stairwell: the rooftops would be a perfect place to regain yourself.
Sadly, the exit was blocked by many dancers and club goers. If you wanted out, you had to go through them. A shaken sigh, you hunch yourself as low as possible to try and hide yourself. Despite that, you just looked ridiculous as you swam through the humid filled, sweat scented hell that was human bodies. You press on, the music swarming around you in its entrancing melody of synths and hypnotizing singing.
Talk to me as I am sleeping
Hold me while I'm dreaming
Honestly, I could just breathe you in
Eyes were glowering at you as you brushed by more people. Any futile apology you made was met with an annoyed glare and a mumbled "watch it" or "fuck you" under their breath. You know you were bothering these people, and you understood that you were the asshole here trying to pass through their fun. A part of you wanted to run and just charge these people out of the way with every hastened breath. You were the size of a damn linebacker and could probably mow down everyone here if you had the strength, but you've the bravery of a skittish opossum.
All you could do was try to slink through, fighting your urge to break down then and there. With every frightened beat of your heart, you tried to listen to the music as a distraction from this situation you got yourself in.
Met you when my heart was bleeding
I'm constantly feeling
Drifting through an endless reverie
A sudden shove thanks to a very disgruntled gentleman sent you stumbling into the stairwell. Despite him flipping you off and telling you to 'suck it, cunt' you both apologized and thanked him under your breath as you rushed up the stairs. A slam of your palms and the door swung wide open, the welcoming the cold air filled your lungs with a gasp. A subtle pant escaped your parted lips, looking around for anyone who might have needed refuge as you did.
There was no one. The roof was barren of any company. You were finally alone.
You let your body finally ease. The stiffness in your shoulders lingered, as they always do, but you can feel your muscles lax. Slowly, you remove your warm hoodie from your torso, struggling to get it over your head for a moment, and curled it against your chest similar to an comfort blanket. Another weary sigh escaped you, the cool air hitting your shirt, giving it a gentle billow. Beneath you, you could not only hear the music, but feel it thud against the soles of your shoes. Your eyes scanned the surrounding buildings in wonder how *anyone* could ever get sleep if you lived near a club.
You made your way towards the parapet wall, your balled up hoodie cushioning your busom and arms while you stared out to ahead to nothing in particular. The sounds of the club below overtook the ambiance of the night. The music below began to soften before transitioning to another song. Eyes looked to the streets below, and you couldn't help but wonder if the fall from this height would kill you. Quickly, you brushed it off. You wouldn't want to cause a scene, anyway.
You mentally perked up hearing the intro of more uplifting synths. A woman's voice is a distant echo while she spoke, the guitar coming in during her monologuing. It was faint through the building, but it sounded like she wanted to run away with someone.
I just feel I've been stuck here my whole life
There must be something else out there, waiting, you know?
Just for us
... We could run away
Just leave, never look back
I don't even care where we go
Just far away from here
... I'll come with you
You closed tired eyes and enjoyed the music through muffled walls. Ah, it's a love song. A catchy one, at least. The heel of your boot tapped to the beat aimlessly on the concrete roof. You listened to the singer, the anticipating melody filling you with a sense of excitement you hadn't expected.
Faked our deaths, lit a match
Closed the door, waited for the flash
Greyhound Station, we paid in cash
Miss Lazarus, we're coming back
Your head bopped whilst lolling to the side. Your mind protected itself into a daydream.
Something sounded like a timid mumble peeped behind you. However, you were lost in the moment to acknowledge it.
They say it's darkest before the dawn
We've been in this town for far too long
They say it's darkest before the dawn
We're moving on, we're moving on, we're moving on
"... you alright?"
Jolting from your thoughts, your eyes shot open to the quiet yet apparent voice that had interrupted your fantasy. You whisked your head at the source: tall, blue spikey hair, and no eyeballs, 2-D stood next to you, his hands together and anxiously fidgeting with his fingers.
You straightened up while still resting your torso on the wall, instinctively clutching the hoodie against yourself for a moment before relaxing. "Oh, yeah." You assured him with a hastened response. "Just needed some air is all."
He mouthed a silent 'o' with a slight nod of his head. 2-D looked behind the two of you at the door he came from, watching it slowly shut to a close. He looked back to you, mimicking your position by resting his arms on the ledge. While his eyes were all white and, thus, made it hard to gauge where he was looking exactly, you could see them move about. You swore he kept glancing at you and then ahead gazing at whatever you might have been staring at. Now you find yourself trying to find something in case he wanted to ask about it, mentally preparing another conversation as quickly as you could.
"Some clubs can get a bit stuffy." 2-D spoke, his voice still soft as ever with an empathetic tone, "I used to like this one place back in Brighton. It was more of a pub than a club, but it never felt like you had your head stuck in a plastic bag. Or... sweaty socks plugging your nose."
"You know that feeling from experience?" You asked half teasing but half serious. 2-D seemed to be one to get in questionable predicaments, so you wouldn't be surprised.
You heard him shift in his spot. From the corner of your eye, you saw him fiddling with his thumbs.
"Yeah. Murdoc set off a gas bomb in the basement of Kong to help fix a rat problem back in '05. Oh, wait - maybe it was... '01? It's been a bit... But he never told me he was setting any off. I guess he forgot... so I had to make a homemade helmet out of an old duffle bag. Couldn't see too well, but - uh... I'd sooner huff my own fumes rather than rat poison. That stuff makes you right sick, it does."
As he looked to you expectantly with a wince, you managed to snort a slight inward giggle. You turned your head away and let out a cough to cover your chuckles. "I'm sorry, 2-D." You quickly said, "I'm not laughing at you. That's just a... creative way to go about that." You couldn't really tell if he was serious or not. Given the life he led, perhaps it was true.
You heard 2-D let out a snorted giggle along with a smile, stifling it with a bitten tongue. It wavered when he saw you turn away to look on ahead to nothing again. Still, he tried to follow your gaze again as the conversation between you two died down.
"You come up here for a smoke break, bud?" You questioned the frontman while going through your pants pockets, "I dunno if I have your lighter on me."
"Oh - no, no. I'm not out for a cig, thanks." 2-D quickly stopped you from digging and further into your pockets, his hands reaching out toward you only to reel them back to his chest hastily, once again fiddling with his digits. 2-D looked hesitant to respond, but he could be thinking how to word his answer, you assumed.
"I... wanted some air myself. People down there were getting a bit too grabby for my liking. I think they were nipping for my wallet or somthin."
'Yeah, sure... his 'wallet,' you mentally snide, lips pursing in recollection of how handsy those groupies were all over him. Eyes locked on ahead. That familiar, pained weight sunk your heart once again.
"... You sure you're alright?"
Your head whipped in his direction, and 2-D perked his own at your swiftness. Your silent acknowledgment of 2-D had him shaking where he stood. His wavering tone hesitant and uncertain. Your attention was on him, watching the singer fumble his words as he quickly explained.
"'C-cos I saw ya running out here like ya stole somethin. You looked really... really pale. I don't think I've seen you look like that. Not since this morning when we were filmin'. When the- uh... carbon mah-ox-cide leaked into the studio. And you was, um... o-over me head when I woke up... But-Um... I-I was really worried about y-"
... oh, shit. 2-D was starting to shiver. It was chilly up here. Maybe he was cold?
'Of course he was. Why else would he be shaking so bad?' You internally chastised yourself.
The dead giveaway should have been the subtle chatter of his teeth when he was speaking and the slight quiver of his body. He was holding his arms by the biceps, one hand rubbing said bicep slowly to warm himself up. You mentally cursed yourself for not noticing sooner. Some assistant for him you turned out to be.
Without hesitation, and before he could finish whatever he was going to say, you stood upright and unfurled your hoodie.
"Hold on, lift your arms up, bud." You instructed.
2-D obliged with a befuddled stammer as you put your hoodie on him nice and snug. It was much larger in comparison to his bean pole stature, causing it to hang loosely down, but it was long enough to where the torso reached past his pelvis and the sleeves nearly surpassing his fingertips.
2-D looked to the hoodie, holding the loose top out with a bashful stare. White eyes looked to back yours.
"...Thank you..." He mumbled with a nod, briefly returning his attention to the hoodie and then back to you. You simply nodded back.
You noticed the faint dust of pink was on 2-D's cheeks and the tips of his ears as he played with your hoodie. You thought the poor guy might be a bit tipsy. Any alcohol he had was slowly catching up to him now. But, you don't recall seeing him drink tonight. Maybe a glass or two but nothing to make him look so red in the face like this.
"... alright?"
2-D managed to snap you from your thoughts, and instant regret painted your expression. You watched his mouth move, but you hadn't been listening. You shook your head and held up an assuring hand.
"I'm fine, 2-D." You huffed, "I promise. It's fine."
Though you appreciated his concern, and the fact he wanted to check on you was sweet, you honestly felt awful prying him from the fun downstairs. Despite him admitting he wanted to come outside as well, you still felt responsible for his choice.
2-D awkwardly played about with the sleeves of your hoodie, pulling at the ends meekly in silence. You stood looking to the city sky above, the lights bright enough to block any possible sights of stars. Staring to the night was making you homesick. Sure, you saw the moon plenty enough, but what you wouldn't give to see a constellation again.
A grimace crossed your face. You really were a mood killer. The idea to just book it to your car back to the hotel was more tempting by the second whilst the creeping awkwardness and uncertainty rested in your chest.
Both of you stayed silent, the music from the club beneath your feet still thumping against your soles. A wandering mind was lost once more to the synths.
Make our home, where we stand
One suitcase and half a plan
"Oh!" 2-D lit up with a beaming smile. "This is the Midnight, innit?! I love this tune."
Clearly, the white eyed vocalist knew this song. Like a flip of the switch, 2-D's sweet, squeaky voice changed to his soothing, deep toned singing.
Follow the wolves and sing along
Past the voices to the song
A calm filled you. Watching 2-D in his element was indeed a treat to witness outside the studio. A bashful giggle sneaked from your thinned lips as you watched 2-D's hand smack his hip. He kept a rhythm to the beat, and you could see his head bob along. He looked at you and watched your reactions with a grin as he continued.
They say it's darkest before the dawn
We've been in this town for far too long
They say it's darkest before the dawn
2-D inched himself down the wall closer to you, the two of you still keeping an exchange of a grin and smile. Your shoulders meet and he nudged against yours to the beat.
We're moving on, we're moving on, we're moving on!
An excited 2D hopped behind you with a spin. Long limbs framed your body, leaving you slightly pinned against the ledge. His face brushed by yours as he moved from the left to the right and back through each verse. You felt your face warm with your laughs escaping through a smile while trying to hide in your shoulder. Your sights followed 2-D.
Sunsets, no regrets
First chance, last dance, stuck in the middle
Even bad girls know good love
2-D pulled himself off from behind you, now on your other side. However, he didn't decrease the distance between you two, his other shoulder budded with yours. His face was closing towards your own, but you turned your head inward on yourself to try and stifle more laughter. You could feel his breath of butterscotch and cigarettes tickle your nose.
You taste so sweet it hurts a little
With a leap, 2-D hoisted himself up onto the ledge of the wall at the sounds of a 'yeah' from the song. His arms extended outward to maintain balance as he walked to the flow. You kept alongside him, your heart skipping beats at the energetic rockstar just enjoying the music doing the most awkward but joyful dance while teetering precariously on the ledge. Your hoodie on him gently blew with the light wind, the loose bits billowing lightly against the singer. He turned at another 'yeah', but not for a moment did he take his eyes off of you.
To make sure Murdoc didn't lose his frontman to a freak fall off a nightclub, you extended a hand up to 2-D to hold as he proceeded his dance-like walk. He graciously took the offer, both of your fingers in a gentle intertwine. 2D flashed a toothy smile at you, and you gave him one right back in the form of a bemused grin.
The guitar of the song softened down, and the sound of twinkling synths filled the air. The keyboardist knelt down slightly, his free hand on his thigh as he looked at you.
"C'mon! Dance wiff me!" 2D chimed. His hand moved to take a proper grip of yours. No doubt to make sure he didn't fall off the roof, of course. You wouldn't let that happen. His request got a wheezed laugh out of you and a timid glance to the side.
"Oh, bud, you don't wanna do that." You managed to chuckle out as you turned back at him. "I don't know how to dance."
"Itsa good thing I know how to then!" He chimed. You could feel him lightly squeeze at your hand. "I'm quite a dancer. I was the kori-aug... kor-ah-graph... I taught Noodle how to dance for our Strobelight video! It isn't hard!"
The singer watched your face fall from enjoyment to reservation. Once again, you held yourself back. Eyes darted to the concrete beneath you, your boots a sight you find much more comforting in the moment then having 2-D look at you any longer.
A shake of your head, a silent no.
"... Please... dance wiff me?" 2-D softly pleaded with you. His attention didn't falter. The frontman kept his sights on you, a disheartened frown on his face.
Your mind was racing. Why was he so insistent to have you join in a dance? Wouldn't the pretty people downstairs be a better choice for him? Surely. Many there were much prettier and more attractive. All more than you were, and you felt 2-D would find himself enjoying their company more. Not just in the club or dancing. No doubt they'd end his night in an euphoria of pleasure. Be it in his room or the crummy restrooms downstairs. He'd be with better people, right? You weren't offering that. Was that what he was expecting here?
Your heart sunk at the idea. There is no way that ever crossed his mind. Especially not with you.
You weren't his type. His type was amongst the scene downstairs: a bustling club with beautiful women and handsome men at the ready for fun. That's where you assumed 2-D would want to be.
... Well... That's what you keep telling yourself.
Yet, he was up here with you. No flashing lights to blind you at every random interval, the music wasn't blaring in your ears deafening you till you were overstimulated, and the air was cooler and clearer than the cramped sweat filled human mesh that would send you into an panicking fit that drowned you with overwhelming anxiety.
This was good for you... but was it good for him?
Surely, it had to. He was up here with you. And staying with you. This didn't seem like business. You may be off the clock, technically, but you were still his assistant. And whatever he wanted, you agreed you would do. Was this part of the job, or did 2-D truly care in the less formal sense?
This conundrum fogged up your thoughts. A shaken sigh escaped, and you bravely looked up to meet white orbs imploring to take his request. 2-D gives a subtle nod of his head along with an encouraging squeeze. Something about 2-D's persistence had you cracking against your own will to restrain yourself. You didn't want 2-D to make a mistake here, but he seemed so... certain. His affirmation came in another assuring grip. The two of you were silent, but 2-D's eager expression spoke for him.
A hopeful raise of his brows, and his eyes widened with anticipation. The two of you locked in a stare.
Why stop yourself from having some fun?
The sides of your lips curled upward, and finally, you nodded.
An ecstatic 2-D hopped down from the ledge and onto your body. Long, lanky limbs wrapped around you in an tight embrace. You rushed to hold him up, your hands accidentally grabbing too low on his backside at first before moving them to support him by his thighs instead. His weight fell onto your heels, and the two of you were in a spin to the sounds of an electric guitar. The notes swam around the two of you, and you could both feel and hear 2D laugh under his breath. You couldn't help but giggle along.
His arms and legs squeeze around you during the spin, his embrace incredibly warm for someone who had been shivering only a minute ago. 2-D's heated cheek touched yours, the soft warmth making a blush creep onto your own face.
2-D's feet land to the concrete roof with a light thud. Both of you still locked in a twirl, his hands moved their grip from your arms to your hands, both of you holding the other in a fit of jovial laughter and elated jumps and bounces. 2-D's hold of you never broke, always at a constant like letting you go for even a second would be detrimental. Whatever dance you two were doing, you didn't even know. Your body was just moving with his. It was both unnatural and natural, the contradicting sight to your feelings indescribable.
You felt your heart flutter thinking that 2D truly was enjoying your company up here. This silly attempt of a mess that was dancing was simultaneously goofy and yet... fun. Your sights return to your hands, and 2-D's connection with you felt so alien and otherworldly. No one held your hand at all, let alone this long.
And you're loving every second of it.
Only you and the frontman were on the roof at that moment. The song accompanying both of you with the city's ambiance was your soundtrack. Yet, all you could hear was 2D's enchanting voice chiming along with the chorus.
Sunsets, no regrets
First chance, last dance, stuck in the middle
Even bad girls know good love
You taste so sweet it hurts a little
The lively chorus played one final time beneath you. The energetic vocalist circling you with one hand holding yours, you join along with a slight skip to your step. 2-D follows your moves with a bright open smile, his laughter joining amongst your own.
A daring urge fills you. You are quick to scoop up the singer into your arms, to which you were rewarded a boisterous and hearty laugh from the blue haired sweetheart. You two entranced in a world of your own. A gentle bud of your foreheads, you can see 2D's expression shine like you hadn't seen him before.
As always, you cared for his well-being, given your position as his assistant. It was one you had filled with many other celebrities during your career, and this shouldn't have been any different.
... but it was.
There was something during that fit of giggles that you hadn't noticed before. 2D looked to you... enraptured.
The energetic waves of the song eased to the crooning synths. And you find yourself still staring at 2-D, both of you smiling through a slight pant from your dance. 2-D held onto you with his hands linked behind your neck whilst you held him in your arms. Hesitance lingered in the moment as the two of you were locked to a longing gaze. Your lips parted, an attempt at words failed you. Only a light breath. 2-D mimicked you along with a timid giggle.
A warm, wavering palm cupped behind your neck before gracing its way to your cheek. Despite lacking irises, you could see his eyes scan you whilst holding your head at a tilt. The frontman looked hesitant to speak. Yet, there was confidence in his expression.
After all you have experienced during your time at Kong, a tingle burning your gut told you that this was leading to something. You hoped for a simple friendship, a sense of that blossomed after numerous failed takes, chatty lunch breaks of tea and chocolate, and difficulties with both your temperamental boss and a stubborn Murdoc. All the troubles you've faced melted away in the moment. After being treated like a walking footstool countless times at your job for so long, the frontman of Gorillaz was the only one who treated you like a human being with common decency. A person worth the time of day. Someone willing to spend time with you that wasn't on the clock. He wasn't a work colleague or simply another client. 2-D was a just friend...
But the way you held 2-D in your arms, how his hands held your warmed cheek, the way you two *looked* at each other felt otherwise. His confidence seeped into you. A returning heat sat in your stomach. That weight in your heart finally lifted.
Your faces started closing the gap between you both. Eyes fluttered shut. A hitched breath exchanged against each other's lips...
... a vibration cut through your moment. 2-D and you pull back and pause as it vibrated through again. And again.
Your phone is ringing.
"O-oh damnit!" You muttered under your breath, quickly yet carefully setting 2-D back down onto the ground. Frantically, you patted yourself down, finding the vibrations have eased drastically in comparison. Pausing, you listen for it with focus.
A squeak escaped 2-D's thinned lips. He dug into your hoodie's pocket and, sure enough, pulled your phone out. He didn't hesitate handing it over and watched you respond with furrowed brows.
"About time you picked up, ya ignorant cow!" Murdoc's voice scoffed from the other line. You could practically hear him downstairs hollering at you. You cautiously held the phone a safe distance from your ear. "Where are you!? Did you ditch?!"
"S-sorry. I had my phone on mute for the night like you suggested!" You tried to explain to the frantic bassist, wincing with every shrill Murdoc screeched at you. A concerned 2-D watched, his expression going stern. You hoped it wasn't aimed at you.
A soft, embarrassed huff breathes through your nose. You turn your back to 2-D, pacing yourself back over to the parapet wall. "I-I'm outside. Why? What's going-?!"
Murdoc shushed you without a moment's for you to collect. "Your little friend's currently getting escorted out for maiming a stupid bastard over some bloody chicken wings."
That took a second to process. Your brain was still in a bit of a fog. The heat on your face remained as you brought your hand up to rub your cheek in thought. His voice barely came through past the sounds of your own heartbeat thumping in your ears.
"My- huh...?" You stammered in a lost mumble. You could feel Murdoc's agitation as he sighed.
"That ginger girl! Short, smart-ass, the one you stowed away from the states!"
"She... got into a fight?"
"What is this, 20 questions?!" Murdoc's annoyed tone had your grimacing at your own lack of awareness. You folded an arm over yourself, resting it on your forearm as you continued pacing. "She can give you the damn details. But that girl needs a ride. Russel would take her if not for the... needed medical attention for his knuckles now."
A pang of guilt filled from the situation, your eyes looking down at the front of the building. Sure enough, a mess of red hair was spotted below. You watched the altercation continue as your friend stood up for herself, her voice echoing into the city skies.
"Alright... " You turned back ahead, your head fallen down to stare at the concrete beneath you. Perhaps it was best to leave anyway. "I'll get her back to the studio. Give Russel my condolences."
Murdoc hung up on you before you could even finish, the dial tone beeped violently in your ear.
Turning on your heel, you paused and acknowledged 2-D, who had stood close behind you from where the two of you had been previously. His hand rested on the parapet wall, his fingers curling slightly as you looked at him.
"... we hafta leave?" A worried 2-D questioned.
"Nah, bud. Just me." You quickly assured, eyeing the time on your phone before pocketing it. 2-D looked hurt.
"O-oh..." 2-D stuttered, brows knitted together while watching you step away. He followed after like your shadow, something he's grown accustomed to during your stay.
Obviously, you didn't want to leave, but seeing the situation at hand as well as the hour, you had to head back to the hotel anyway. It wasn't like anyone else was going to actually do the job of editing the footage for the music video. As usual, that was on your shoulders. Despite that not being part of your job description. The fun was over. It was back to work.
Your hand is taken in a ginger grasp and lightly pulled. 2-D keeps his attention to you all whilst holding your hand. You feel his thumb caress the top and brush past your knuckles. Soft white eyes locked to you as he pleaded.
"I'll come wiff you..."
You quickly craned your neck to look up at him, but you were struggling to maintain direct eye contact with the frontman. You shook your head affirmatively. The familiarity of the moment played out earlier seemed to be repeating itself.
"N-no, bud." You somberly uttered. "You still have the night ahead of you. Besides, you know Murdoc wouldn't be too happy if he saw you leaving so early." A forced smile grew on you, gritted teeth containing a venomous scoff. "He'd probably think you're getting desperate. Being around me so much. He'll go off assuming -"
"But I don't care what Murdoc thinks." 2-D was blunt cutting off your self-depreciation then and there. He didn't sound cold. Perhaps a tad frustrated, but 2-D kept calm. "I wanna come wiff you."
2-D keeps his hand together with yours. Another squeeze from him as he looks at you withheld. You could see he's trying to speak out with a struggle. 2-D started to fidget with his free hand.
"Please... I- "
A clamor is heard from the roads below the club. The two of you shoot your attention to the edge of the roof, and your own hands tremble with growing anxiety hearing the start of a fight with Mona's voice echoing against what sounded like a hysterical woman.
That was your cue to leave. Now.
"I can't really stay longer, bud." You were quick but reluctant to break from 2-D's hold. Stepping backward, you maintain contact with him with every inch to the door. Instantly, your brain switched to autopilot with a list of tasks flooding your mind and pouring out of your mouth. "Shoot me a text when you're home. I'll call you at 7:30 sharp so you can take your pills. We'll get you a refill that afternoon then reach out to Mr. Smith and get his lines recorded before wrapping up for the day."
"B-but..."
"We'll catch up later, bud. Have a good night..!"
You pressed the door open with your back. 2-D's voice fell weak at your farewell, a crestfallen look on his face. A turn of your heel, you leave the flustered frontman alone. Making your way back downstairs, the thought of your moment with 2-D fermented in your mind.
The murmurs of club goers are audible now, thanks to the lack of music. No doubt to listen on a possible brawl about to break loose outside. Your eyes catch a glimpse of Noodle and Murdoc by a stationary Russel. The sounds of his joints popping with the curl of his fingers being loud enough for you to hear.
You couldn't help but shudder for the poor sap who got the unfortunate pleasure of getting their face caved in by the drummer of Gorillaz.
Despite the sense of uncertainty the closer you got to the entrance of the club, you're still stuck in a reverie. Your own fingers hovered over your lips, touching them with a slight flinch. Curling your digits, you bring your hand to your chest. Heavy thumps pounded against the side of your palm, each hard thump of your heart growing more intense with every passing thought. How you wanted a second longer on that roof.
But... you felt content. A little glint of hope lingered. Perhaps your feelings for 2-D weren't as one-sided as you had initially thought.