Chapter: 8

Once your room was all set and done, you decided to take a small nap, which turned into you sleeping the entire day off.

    The others seem to have taken the hint that you went off to bed early, so you weren't bothered.

    Slowly, you felt a rise of energy awake you from your peaceful slumber. A sigh of early excitement came from your mouth, followed by a moan as you stretched in bed.

    Reaching over to your nightstand you grabbed your phone from the stand to see it was 7:30 in the morning.

    "Huh, sleeping on time pays off." You said, swinging your legs over your bed, slipping your feet into your dinosaur slippers that stayed there the night before.

    Scratching at your back, you walked to your bathroom to get ready for the day.

    Once you finished your shower, you stood in front of your bathroom mirror, dressed in your bathrobe, brushing your teeth as "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." Played softly in your room.

    "Wonder when everyone wakes up." You said to yourself, as you finished.

    Finishing your morning routine, you walked your way to your closet to get dressed for the day.

    You put on a pair of dark green shorts with a black tank top, and with the same shade of green high tops.

    Looking yourself over in the mirror, you just admired yourself with your tattoos. You could say you considered yourself pretty attractive.

((This is your room, fully furnished and completed. To those who aren't the colorful type, understand the time era this is all taken place. That being, the middle of phase and opening to phase 2. Enjoy!))

Once you felt ready and dressed, you turned off your music, and made your way out the hall and downstairs.

    All the lights were off, a signal that everyone was still resting peacefully in their rooms.

    The only source of light came from the large windows provided by the building and the dammed sun in the sky.

    Once you reached the kitchen, you flipped on the switch, watching the lights flicker for a moment before staying on.

    "New light bulbs. Got it." You said, walking to the fridge and opening it.

    To your surprise, it was semi-stacked with editable food for you to make breakfast for everyone.

         "I'm sure a nuclear breakfast isn't too bad." You said, taking out the tray of eggs and a package of bacon with the milk and butter.

    Homemade pancakes weren't a problem for you. First grade cooking your opinion.

    Simple pancakes with a fluffy egg omelet with crisp bacon, and probably fresh-squeezed orange juice!

    Nah, adds to the dishes you'll have to clean. In process of cooking, a head poked into the kitchen, eyeing you cook.

    You turned to place a pan in the sink, you let out a small yelp at the morning sight of Russel.

    "Jesus Russel! You scared me!" You told, bringing the drummer to chuckle bashfully.

    "Heh, sorry, didn't mean to scare ya. What are you up to?" He asked. "Just making breakfast for us all. Are you usually awake this early?" You asked.

    You did assume that since they were all musicians, their sleep schedule wasn't on track. Not like yours was.

    "Time from time, but it's usually to wake Noodle, but I let her rest a little longer, she went to bed late." He told.

    You audibly awed to the sound of that. "Awww, that's so cute!" You gushed, making the big man smile.

    "Well good thing you woke up early. Making pancakes." You said. "Smells amazing, need help with anything?" He asked.

    "Yeah actually, mind getting the cups and plates down from up top?" You asked. "On it." He said with a nod, doing so.

    "Need to do anything else Cheeky?" He asked. "Nah, I'm all set. Thanks for the help." You told him.

    "No problem." You both shared a smile before going on with your morning.    
    Slowly, the others shuffled their way down from upstairs. 2D still in his pajamas, came down with Noodle who was also in her pajamas, but held inRussel's arms.

    Murdoc on the other hand came from downstairs in his boxers, which surprised you, but seems normal to the others.

    The welcoming smell of breakfast, made all their stomachs growl in hunger. You found a tray that could hold all the plates and drinks for you

    "Morning Gorillaz." You said, entering the dining room with the food. You got separate good mornings and a low mumble from Murdoc.

    They looked like they've seen better days this morning. "What time did you all sleep last night?" You asked, giving Noodle her meal first, then the three men.

    "Like..1 o'clock in the morning?" 2D answered, definitely unsure of the correct time they all went to bed.

    A visible look of surprise was seen by all of them, which didn't both you. "Why was that?" You asked, sitting down in a chair that was officially marked yours.

    "We're musical gods doll, what do you think?" Murdoc said, taking a large bite from his bacon.

     "You're also musicians who live in a haunted studio with a literal cemetery. Could've been ghost hunting for all I know." You shot back, hearing Noodle squeak up at hearing of "ghost hunting".

    Must be something she enjoys.

    "Too early for that baby girl," Russel told her, panting her head. Noodle nodded and dug into her pancakes.

     "But what about you Cheeky? We didn't see you all day yesterday." 2D spoke up.

    "Oh yeah, that was my bad. After setting everything up, I planned to take a nap and ended up sleeping the day off. Glad I did, would've woken up late."

    And that's how the morning yet, you all speaking on whatever came to mind. Doing so, it seemed like the others don't do it as often.

    So, sitting down and talking to one another this morning definitely was needed.

     Once you were done, you walked to the kitchen to started on the dishes, with Noodle in tow.

    "Arigatōgozaimashita, Cheeky!" ("Thank you very much, Cheeky!") Noodle squeaked, handing you her plate and cup.

    "No problem cutie, ah- boss! I need your plate too!" You hollered, seeing the bassist attempt to just leave his mess on the table.

    "What? Can't get a cup and plate?" He asked, a chuckle following after.

    "What? Can't bring a cup and plate to the sink?" You mocked, hearing a laugh come from 2D followed by a loud SMACK!

    When you turned your head, you saw Murdoc stroll into the kitchen with his things and an innocent smile on his face.

    Followed by 2D who was rubbing his left cheek that had a red tint to it.

    "There you go Cheeky, all the dishes you need." He said.

     "Hearing you say that makes me think there's definitely a lot more dishes around the house." You said.

    "It's your job to find them, good luck, Cheeky." Murdoc winked with a finger snap your way.

    You did the same motion but flipped the bird behind his back.

    Luckily, Noodle didn't see but 2D sure did, given by his cute laugh. Regardless, you carried on with cleaning the dishes.

     "Oh, wait 2D." You spoke, bringing the man to stop at the doorway.

    "I wanna give you this-" You said, digging into the freezer to hand him a small ice packet.

    "That hit looks like it'll swell, so put this on. It'll look like it was never there." You said, putting the packet on his cheek.

    The cold feeling made him flinch, but there was red blush to his cheeks.

    Which you assumed was from the hit. "T-T-Thank you, Cheeky." He said, keeping his hand where your hand was, once you stopped holding up the ice packet.

    "Anytime D, see later okay?" You said, a string of hope tying to your voice.

"Will do."

_________________

    The morning went swimmingly into the afternoon. You continued your job as a maid, which was you cleaning what you see fit. Which is whatever came into sight.

    In the process of doing that, you found an abundance of rooms that showed you a whole new world of Kong Studios.

    "There's a cafe in here!?" You said at the sight of it.

    You met the two little cafe owners who were also of Japanese descent. It was an old man and his young daughter.

    The old man was sweet and told you a short story about tea and the elements of wind, whilst you and the daughter played checkers.

    There was also a cat in the cafe, who was just named "Cafe Cat." He wore a set of headphones that blasted a song called, "Left Hand Suzuki Method".

    You had to admit, it was a good song, and he seemed more than happy to hear that from you,

    You assisted the owners in whatever they needed, getting a reward in a small bowl of uruchimai.

    Once done with your adventure at the cafe, you walked down the hall, feeling a deep sense of tension drown you.

    Followed with that was music. It sounded amazing and pleasant to the ears, it was definitely muffled by the thick walls of the building.

    Yet, you heard it. You followed the sound, stopping at two large doubled doors, hearing the music a bit there.

    On the door were stickers saying "SHUT UP!" Followed by a "Please." Under it with stickers of flowers, hearts, skulls, and much more. It was cute.

    Yet the tension was still there and strong. You huffed in the thought of what to do to get rid of it. It clearly came from the band of four.

    Then the idea came to your head. Lunch! Some sandwiches with lemonade would be great. Plus, it was time for lunch anyway.

    You rushed your way downstairs, jumping down a few flights of stairs. You don't want to toot your own horn, but you're a damn good sandwich maker.

    A sandwich with seared and grilled chicken with bits of bacon, and melted cheese sounded pleasing to the ears.

    While the cooked, you made the fresh lemonade, mixed with a cold can of sprite in the fridge, giving a fizzy taste to the lemony drink.

    Once the entire meal was set and ready, you made your way back to the studio.

    You felt blessed that you had a sharp memory because you definitely would've gotten lost if you didn't remember where that room was.

    You gave a gentle knock to the door, to hear everything just go silent before the doors opened by little Noodle.

    "Cheeky!" She cheered. "Hey, cutie, brought lunch for you all- oh okay." You said as Noodle brought you into the room.

    Musical equipment lined up in the room from the keyboards, to amps, guitar picks, and all. "Woah, you guys are getting busy in here." You said.

    "You can say that again, whatcha got there Cheeky?" Russel asked.

    "Brought you all some lunch. You all have been in here since breakfast." You said, presenting the sandwiches and drinks.

    A visible sight of their faces all lightening up at sound and sight of food, made you snicker.

    They were quick to themselves a fair share and settle down to eat, all careful to not spill their drinks anywhere.

    "Thanks, Cheeky, this really helps!" 2D said with a semi-mouthful. "I can tell. What are you so tense about?" You asked, taking a sip from your drink.

    "There's this sobbing creaking and echo on the mix, and there's way to get rid of the dammed thing." Murdoc huffed, taking a swing from his flask.

    "Didn't have that problem until now. The whole thing is finished, it's just that. Russel told.

    "Startin' to think we should just work on the others, than just that." The bassist huffed.

    "Iya! Ganbaranakya!" ("No! We should keep trying!") Noodle pipped.

    "We could give it one more shot and work about it?" 2D suggested.

    "Like we haven't been doing that for that past hour." Murdoc snapped.

    "Could I listen to it?" You spoke up, getting stares from the band of four.

    "What? No pressure, just wanna-" "Put these on." Murdoc interrupted, handing you a pair of headphones for you to wear.

    You nodded at the instruction, and did so, sitting down in the swivel chair by the equipment.

    Murdoc pressed and moved a few buttons, and gave Russel a nod to press a button in his reach.

    Then you heard it. Music. You swayed in the chair, letting your hand tap against your thigh, matching the beat suppliers by Russel's drums.

     2D's vocals were definitely unmatched with his usual voice, definitely surprised you, but he wouldn't be a singer if he couldn't sing.

    You heard the loud and sharp chords of Murdoc's and Noodle's guitars. The song would sound unfinished without it.

    Then you heard it. The echo and creaking. "I hear it." You said, breaking the silence you didn't hear.

    Then the music stopped as you took off the headphones.

    "Ya hear it? Sounds like ass doesn't it?" Murdoc questioned.

    "That's not it boss, it sounds amazing, but the sound of the creaking echo definitely messes with it. But, the best way to deal with it would be to drown it out." You said. A look of surprise came to their faces at what you said.

    "You think drowning it out will fix it?" 2D asked.

    "Yeah, by Noodle or Murdoc. Since you both are playing as the sound comes along, it would be best for one or both of you to do it. If Russel did it with his drums, that would lead to him adding his own echo, and a delay into 2D's next verse." You informed.

    "You seem to know a lot about this sort of thing," Murdoc commented.

    "Thanks! My dad owns a music shop, and there's a studio in there. Me and brothers would sometimes help out with the inspiring artist." You told.

    "Really? Do you play anything?" Russel asked. "Mhm! I play the violin, harp, and guitar!" You said.

    Noodle would gasp and point to you. "Anata wa sore o purei surubekidesu!" ("You should play it!") She claimed.

    "What she saying?" Murdoc asked. "I think she said..Cheeky should play it..? Right?" Russel looked to you and you replied with a nod.

    "Yeah, but I don't think I should." You told. "Why's that? Afraid you'll ruin it?" Murdoc asked.

    "Yep!" You replied confidently, making your employer laugh at the little confidence in yourself.

    "I'm glad my low self-esteem brought you enjoyment, boss." You snicker, the others joining in.

    "Sure did. Tell you what, bring a guitar in here, and let's see what you got." He told.

    "Uhhhh, sure! Give me a second!" You told, getting up from your seat and making your way out to the hall and to your room.

    "Think this is a good idea?" Russel asked, mainly towards Murdoc. "I think we should give 'er a chance, she might be good."

    2D pipped. "Look, if the annoying sound can disappear then were settin' sails. Haw haw."

    After a minute or so, you entered the studio with your guitar. "Got my guitar!" You said, seeing their brows rise in surprise.

    "What the fuck is that?" Murdoc blurted, getting a hit to the skull from Russel, most likely from the swear.

"My guitar, what else?" You asked.

    It definitely didn't look like a guitar. They all took a close look, seeing the thorns and barbed wires that wrapped and poked around the instrument.

    Seeing the stickers of smiley faces, pentagrams, upside-down crosses, band stickers, and all.

    There were a few spots of dark red and what seemed to be like rust? None of them were sure.

    "Come near anyone with that you'd be considered an ax murderer," Murdoc commented.

     "Haven't heard that one before. But this is the one I'm really confident with." You told. "You ain't got to be nervous around us Cheeky," Russel said.

    "Thanks, Russel, but I still will be. But when your soul is bound to an instrument, you're most likely good at it." You said, putting your strap over your shoulder.

    "You're what?" 2D asked. "Long story for another time." You waved off. "Now, let's get started!"

    Murdoc shrugged, so did the others as they got their instrument, set and ready.

     Once 2D was in the recording booth, headphones on and set, he gave a thumbs up. "Alright, this is your part. Think you can do these." Murdoc asked, handing you a once crumbled paper with clear notes.

    You read through it a few times before giving a nod. "I got it." With your words of confirmation, it was time to put it to the test.

    Of course, you were nervous, but you had enough time to calm yourself before your group play and added solo.

    Your fingers found their place on the frets as your fingers caressed the chords, whilst you played along with Noodle and Murdoc.

    Once it hit your solo, your fingers were watched, moving to smooth speed and loud sound. Just perfect.

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    "It's gone," Murdoc claimed, getting cheers and sighs of relief from you all.

    "That was amazing Y/n, I didn't hear much of it in the booth, but out hear it sounds cooler out here," 2D told you.

    You would laugh with a snort.

     "Thanks, D. But it was all you guys, what you all do is amazing." You said, giving yourself a quick spin in the swivel chair.

    "Thanks, Cheeky, but that solo was all you have a little more faith in yourself. You're definitely cut out to be in a band." Russel told you.

    "Aww, thank you, Russel. I actually used to be in a band. But I wouldn't consider it one, to be honest with you." You said with a hum of thought.

    "Why's that?" Murdoc asked.

    "It was more like, six siblings being exploited for their talents bY some fat club owner that wore a lot of pink and said it was salmon, knowing good and well it was pink." You cursed at the horrid memory of that scum.

    "Damn, what happened to him?" Murdoc asked.

    "I don't know. Me and my older brothers threw him out of his RV, or Winnebago, same thing. Regardless, ain't seen him since we rode off with it." You answered with a shrug, patting at the pockets of your shorts.

    Russel chuckled as you were handed a cigarette from Murdoc.

    "Not hardcore, boss. Remember that." You said, taking out a piece of gum to chew on. Noodle took notice, and she asked for one, which you happily gave.

    "So, yeah, just from that, I don't really have good experiences with being in a band." You shrugged.

    "So why not have a semi-decent one?" Murdoc pipped. "What do you mean?" You asked.

"Wanna join the band?"