Chapter 3

Russel, 2-D and Murdoc were on the road. "I wish Noodle could join us..." 2-D said. "Even if it is a boys night out." Murdoc scoffed. "Fat chance, face-ache!" he said, quite confidently. "Tonight is our night." Once they made it into the city, Russel opened his window; it was a particularly breezy night. "Y'all wanna crack open your windows?" he asked. 2-D clicked the button to open his window several times as his seat's window had a tendency to get stuck. Murdoc didn't open up his window. "Eh, y'can let the cold hit your faces." Russel drove slowly down the street so each of the boys could take in the sights. Eventually they came to a stop when they reached a restaurant called Netherbrew Pub. "Now that is what I'm talkin' about!" Murdoc said. "I'm gettin' pretty hungry." 2-D said.

At Riverpeak, Rie threw open both doors, making quite the entrance. "Helloooo, Tienne Lief!" she shouted. Noodle looked around awkwardly. "Ooh, do you think I'll get a discount because I'm with a celebrity?" Rie said, bouncing up and down slightly with joy. Noodle shrugged. As the two girls walked in, Noodle felt a vibration in her pocket; she got another call. "One moment, please." she said to Rie before answering the phone. When she answered, it was Russel once again.

"Noodle, you good?"

"Yes, I am good. Where are you and the others?"

"We're at a pub."

"Cool. I'm at a cafe with my new friend."

"Alright. You stay safe, ok?"

"Yes, I will stay safe. You stay safe too."

"Bye, Noods."

"Bye."

She hung up the phone and placed it back inside her pocket. "Let's get our food, Noodle!" Rie said. They waited for the last two costumers to finish up in line, then they both walked up to the counter, where a female barista was working. "Alright, what'll it b-" The barista realized who she was serving. "Is that...Noodle? From Gorillaz?" Rie squealed. "Yeah, yeah, it's her!" Noodle waved awkwardly. "Yeah, it's me." The barista gave Noodle a sticker that depicted a bowl of ramen. "I don't have much I can give you, but I hope you like this." Noodle took the sticker and smiled. "Thank you, ma'am." she said, as she stuck it on her chest.

"Isn't that perfect?" Rie said excitedly. "It's a bowl of noodles, and your name is Noodle!" "Yeah, I get it." The barista retained her composure. "Alright, now what'll it be for you lovely ladies?" she asked. "I'll have a cinnamon swirl mocha frappe and a grilled ham and cheese." "And um, I'll get a warm matcha tea, and a tray of sushi." The barista called out the orders to the kitchen and Noodle and Rie waited patiently. "Noodle, if you ever come back here, you have to try the grilled ham and cheese." Rie said. "It's a classic here, and it's to die for." Noodle licked her lips. "Really now? I will take your word for it." About 5 minutes later, the food and drinks were finished. "This one's on me." Rie said, pulling out her wallet. "Alright, that'll be £13 please." the barista said. Rie handed over the money and the girls grabbed their drinks and food. "You two have a splendid day!" the barista said, still awestruck to have Noodle in her presence. Rie and Noodle smiled and waved.

They went back outside and sat down at a table. Noodle immediately took a piece of sushi; she was incredibly hungry. "See, the sushi is actually from a different place." Rie said. "The cafe doesn't make it, so they keep it in the cold container with the drinks!" "Ah, I see. It may not be authentic Japanese sushi, but it'll have to do for now." Rie took a tiny piece off her sandwich and handed it to Noodle. "Tell you what, I'll let you try a little bit of the sandwich." Noodle happily took the offer and popped the piece of sandwich in her mouth. And Rie was right; it was one of the best things Noodle had ever eaten. "Wow. No wonder this dish is popular." she said. Rie took a bite of the sandwich. "Mm! I told you!" Noodle stared into space for a bit. "...ah, I wish the boys could experience this." she sighed, under her breath. "But no. I must have my peaceful weekend." "Noodle, come on! Let's chit-chat!" Rie said. The two girls had various conversations.

After Noodle and Rie finished their meal, they got up and headed for Rie's car. Rie still hadn't finished her frappe, so she took it with her to finish on the way home. "Well, Rie, I had a great time." said Noodle. "But it's getting late." "You're right. Let's get outta here." Rie handed Noodle her car keys. "You wanna take the wheel this time?" Noodle felt strangely honored. "R-really? Are you sure?" "One hundred percent positive!" Rie answered cheerfully. "I wouldn't do this for just anyone!" Noodle smiled. "Alright, I'll do it." Rie squealed in excitement. They both got in the car. "I'll need directions." Noodle explained. Rie got out her phone, opened up the GPS app, and set the directions to her home. "This should help!" Noodle thanked her and drove off. Eventually, Noodle made it to Rie's house. "Yay, you did it!" Rie cheered. "I'm beat." Noodle said. She looked at the time on her phone. 11:36 PM. "I think we best be getting ready for bed." Rie said.

The two girls walked inside the house. Then suddenly, Noodle remembered something important. "Ah, I must ask- do you have any guest bedrooms or something?" "I don't have a guest room," Rie explained. "But my bed is big enough for two!" Noodle was a bit surprised, but there really was no other option, except maybe the couch but sleeping on the couch tended to cause Noodle to have back pain. Rie went to her bathroom to change into her pajamas, and Noodle took off her shoes and headed into Rie's bedroom. Rie's bedroom was pretty tidy. And sure enough, the bed was perfect for two people. Noodle flopped onto the bed. She was still wearing her clothes from that morning. But it was simply a top and shorts so it was comfortable enough to wear to bed, as she didn't bring any real pajamas with her. She tucked herself into Rie's blanket. Soon Rie came into the room, in a nightgown. "Oh, you're here!" Rie said. "I'm glad to see it." She yawned, and joined Noodle in bed. "G'night, Noodle!" she said. "Goodnight, Rie." Rie turned off the lamp on her nightstand, and laid down beside Noodle. They both fell asleep.

Meanwhile, Russel and the boys were still out. They were at a club, where Murdoc was eyeing a couple female pole dancers. "Now this is a show, hmhm~" he purred, holding a cocktail. 2-D was just trying to dance on the floor with everyone else. Unfortunately, everyone was crowding around him. "I-I know I'm famous n' everythin', but gimme some space...!" he said, but the booming music drowned him out. Russel, on the other hand, was outside having a smoke. He didn't feel like getting crazy in there with the other two. Russel tried to call Noodle. But when he did, it just went to voicemail. "Please call me tomorrow." Murdoc said into the phone, then put it away. "Eh, she must be asleep." he said to himself. Suddenly, he noticed a figure in the distance. When they got closer, it turned out to be Jerika, Rie's friend. "Oh my!" she said, when she reached Russel. "Isn't that something? I'm meeting two members of the Gorillaz, all in the same day!" "Huh? Two members?" Russel asked, quite confused. Jerika told him about Noodle and Rie, and where they were. "So you know this girl, who Noodle is stayin' with on an island called Riverpeak, correct?" "Yep!" Jerika said. "Well, I'm gonna go party, see ya!" Jerika skipped towards the club and went inside.

"2-D, come look at these fine ladies!" Murdoc called to 2-D, who was still being crowded by everyone on the dance floor. "Murdoc, I ca-" Suddenly, he was lifted by a bunch of people. "I-I don' feel like crowd surfing!" 2-D shouted. "Ey, do not put your hands there!" Murdoc took notice and cackled as he watched the chaos ensue. The party went on for hours before the boys eventually got bored. The crowd had settled down, and 2-D finally got some space. Murdoc was getting tired of watching the girls dance. "I am just about ready t'pass out..." Murdoc said. "Same here..." 2-D moaned, slumping along behind Murdoc. When they got outside, Russel was in the car, listening to the radio. "Y'all ready to go?" he asked the intoxicated Murdoc and worn-out 2-D. "Yeh..." 2-D said. Murdoc stumbled towards the car, with 2-D still moping about behind him. They got in and drove back home.

"Hey, Murdoc." Russel said, trying to get Murdoc's attention. Russel turned slowly, beer bottle in hand. "What d'you two want?" "Listen, if y'all continue fighting, it's just gonna create more problems." Murdoc grumbled. "Do you see us fighting, Russ?!" "I know you two ain't fighting now." Russel answered. "But I don't want anymore chaos. Neither does Noodle." Murdoc took a swig from his beer. "Where is that girl, anyway?" Russel's eyes widened. "Sh-she's in her room, havin' some alone time." he said. "Don't want anyone comin' in there." 2-D nodded. "Yeah! She's... she's nappin'!" Murdoc looked at them for a few seconds. Russel was worried Murdoc wouldn't buy his story. "...right. I hope she comes around soon." Russel and 2-D both sighed. Russel then whispered in 2-D's ear; he had a plan. "Really now?" 2-D said quietly. "I like that idea." Russel and 2-D walked over to Murdoc.

"Yeh should 'ave seen those girls!" Murdoc said. "Drove me wild!" 2-D was on the verge of falling asleep right there in the car. "Uh, th-there was a huge cr..." he mumbled, before passing out, exhausted. Later, they got back to the studio. Russel tried to wake up 2-D, but he was dead asleep. "Eh, jus' leave 'im there!" Murdoc remarked. "I'm not leaving him in the car, Murdoc." Russel said sternly. "I can carry him inside." Russel lifted up the sleeping 2-D and went inside. Murdoc stumbled inside and headed to his room. Russel placed 2-D onto the couch, and then headed off to bed.

End