The Noose (A Perfect Circle/Marilyn Manson Fanfic)

Passive

"I'm dead as dead can be" 

Maynard's words reverberated in my ear drums. I woke up and stretched and made my way into the den. The guys were all in there, crowding around a computer screen. Jeordie and James were laughing their asses off. Billy just looked placid like he always did. I wonder what goes on in his head? 

"What's the deal? What's so funny?" I spoke, making my way towards them. 

Jeordie shut the laptop screeen down real quick. James gave him a look. and pulled me into their laps. James opened the laptop. 

"You have over 200,000 views on YouTube already!" James smiled and pointed. 

I stared at the screen. Omg. "Maynard's girlfriend and Billy Howerdel sing 3 libras. There's also a news article linked to it. Click on it" 

James clicked the link and we read the story headline. "Her voice is astounding. She must be dating the lead singer, Maynard James Keenan, for a reason. We have reason to speculate that she may become a permanent member of the band? What the hell?" I questioned.

"I see nothing wrong with it." Billy smiled. "You were good"

"I was buzzed and there is no way that I could do what you guys do! I'm too shy!"

"You? shy?" James poked my stomach. 

"Hey watchit!" I said and pinned him to the couch, tickling him. Jeordie joined in and it was a downright tickle fest. 

Billy just stared his awkward stare. 

"What's all the fuss?" I heard Maynard's sweet voice around the corner. He walked in wearing nothing but sweat pants. Dear God. It's too early to get this hot and bothered. I slid off the guys and into the floor. 

"quit drooling" Jeordie murmured. I slapped his knee and he smirked. 

"Your girlfriend is making it big, big guy! She has over 200,000 views on YouTube already and we just posted the video two days ago."

"Really?" he smiled beneath his hair. 

"Yes. She's amazing." Billy grinned. 

Maynard shrugged as if hearing Billy say it was enough for him. He came and sat next to me on the floor. "Let's hear it" 

The guys grinned really big and then played the video from the night in the bar when we sang 3 libras. 

I sat, stiff the entire time as Maynard's eyes remained transfixed on the screen. At the end, a smile was curling on his lips. I could almost faint from suspense. 

He wrapped himself around me and pressed his face against mine. "You never told me you had a voice on you"

"You never asked" I teased.

"get a room" Jeordie griped.

"Get a house" Maynard retorted.

"fair enough" Jeordie sighed. 

Maynard looked at the tabbed webpage where the newspaper article was and clicked over and began to read. "Media skepticism. Ridiculous" he murmured while his eyes skimmed over the contents of the article. 

"So...what do you think?" James grinned.

"What do I think about what?" Maynard turned towards the guys on the couch.

"Cara joining the band? It could be like Paz 2.0" Jeordie said. 

Maynard turned back towards me and stared at me. "You don't want to be a part of this life, do you?" he mumbled. 

I stared, shocked. "I...I. don't know..." 

James grabbed my shoulder for support. "She has us. She has nothing to worry about. We goof around, but we take care of our own. right, Jeord?"

Jeordie jumped off the couch and onto my lap. "We're here for you, Carebear." he smiled and hugged me. 

Maynard pulled him off me and sighed. "I want something out side of music I can turn to." he stated. 

Jeordie and James frowned. I still stammered. Not knowing what to say. "It's your choice. It's your band. I don't want to be in the way..." I grabbed his hand. 

"You'd never be in the way...just.." He stroked my hand with his thumb. "I love you. I don't want you to get scared off and leave" 

"it's fine" I muttered. "I'm just happy to be here.." I shrugged him off and walked towards the bedroom to take a shower. 

"Buzzkill" Jeordie grumbled. 

Maynard sighed. 

"I understand your concerns" billy added and helped Maynard get up. 

"thanks" Maynard said and headed towards the bedroom as well. 

"That's not gonna be fun" James said and shut the laptop. 

****

Maynard entered the shower behind me, placing his arms around my waist and pulling me towards him. His wig was off of course. He kissed my neck. 

"I don't ever want to dissappoint you" I whispered.

"I'm sorry. I can be harsh at times. Maybe you're better off. I don't want you in this life."

A tear rolled down my cheek and I turned to face him, my hands against his chest and my head under his chin. "Please, don't say that. I don't care what crazy shit happens. I want to know you'll always be there. Don't give up so easily." 

Maynard sighed and his hands fondled my body. "I don't want you to just be around as a plaything either, you know" 

"I hope not." I chuckled and kissed him passionatley. 

"Billy originally planned for his songs to be sang in a female voice, you know" Maynard spoke, stroking my hair. 

"I know."

"Well you can stand with me behind the canvas and sing with me" Maynard smiled.

"Really?! But I don't want to take anything away from you. Your voice is..."

Maynard placed his finger over my lips. "I am nothing without you. My voice was just a murmur until you came along" 

"your voice has filled my soul for years" I stroked his chest.

"And you will fill my soul for more" He pulled me in and hugged me. 

I'm so happy.