The Noose (A Perfect Circle/Marilyn Manson Fanfic)

the Singer

The next morning, Maynard and I got to work in the studio, laying down vocals. he already had most of the tracks laid out for the album and I was okay with that. we sang a song together and I tried my best to keep my backing vocals short and sweet and low so that I didn't overcome his beautiful, sultry voice. I know he's never been one for the spotlight and he usually hides himself on stage or dresses up, but the best thing about his music is his voice and I don't want to take away from that.

"You're holding back" he turned the track down and stopped playback.

"I don't want to take anything from you. your voice is too perfect."

"we are equals. are we not?" He pulled me to him. "You already have over a million views on YouTube now."

"well Justin beiber does too and he's horrible!" I pouted. "what if people end up hating me for ruining the sound of the band. I'll be the new aged yoko ono. I don't want that!"

Maynard laughed. "well I'm sorry to say that you're already dating me so people will already hate you. but fuck them. if it's how we want it to sound then that's all that matters. and your voice deserves to be heard." he kissed my forehead.

I grinned. "you really are a softy"

"shh keep it down" he laughed and patted my head.

We took a break and I walked down the hallway, hearing shushed voices in one of the back rooms of the house. 

"He's just using her.." Jeordie complained. "Didn't you say he's done this several times?"

"But not like this...I mean, it may be different. He seems genuinely interested in her." Billy argued. 

"The others he fucked around with more frequently, I think it's less so with Cara" James said.

"Well, I hope so. It's not fair. I like Cara. She's awesome" Jeordie frowned. 

"Hey guys" I said, nonchalantly entering the room.

The guys clamored to keep composure. "What are you keeping from me?" 

Jeordie got a sad look on his face and so did James. Billy kept his head turned away. "Listen if there's a problem, I want to know." 

"Just...." Jeordie walked up and placed a hand on my shoulder, "Watch yourself." he muttered and they dissapated. 

"What the hell have I gotten myself into? I thought

** 

5 days later was the first concert I was scheduled to perform on. We went to Chicago and got a couple hotel rooms. Maynard, me, James and Billy all shared a room and next door was Manson and Jeordie in a single. 

Maynard was gone all of a sudden, and I was worried. My nerves were wrecked. I sat on the edge of the bed and went over the lyrics in my head. Jeordie knocked on the door and then let himself in. 

"Jeordie" I stood up and ran to him and put my arms around him. "Please help me. I'm a wreck." 

"Come hither" he grinned and dragged me out into the hallway and next door to his and Manson's room. Manson was applying makeup in the tall mirror. 

"Fix this lady up, kind sir" he said in a british accent. 

Manson did a crooked grin which almost melted me. He turned and stretched out a hand. "Leave it to me Sir Jeordie of the White. She's in good hands" 

Jeordie laughed and walked out. I grabbed Manson's hand and he pulled me beside him. "Now what on earth is the matter with you? You're about to be a star out there, kid" he smirked, his big black lips taunting me. 

"There's something going on that nobody is telling me about. I want to know. I want answers. And also, I'm so nervous I could die of fever" I grunted. 

Manson brushed my hair aside and immediately began applying makeup to my face as he talked. "Words are nothing unless followed by action. Unless they're lies. In which case, you need to be aware of the signs." He stroked my cheek with his thumb, then continued. "Now Maynard is a very kept to himself kind of man, but I don't think he's as sweet and kept together as everyone thinks"

"Now what does that mean?" I frowned. 

"Don't frown. You'll mess up the makeup and your pretty face" he tried to make me smile. It didn't work. 

His deep brown eyes met mine. "It's not within my rights to say. And if it was, I wouldn't. Because I couldn't stand to see your heart break. but when it does, you can always come to me for anything you need. I may not be the best of people. Hell, I think I'm worse than he is, but at least I'm open about it." 

I plopped down on the bed and felt like I was about to cry. "Please don't" he said in a low tone and scooted next to me on the bed. I faced toward him and he pulled me to his chest, where I snuggled my head into it. "It'll be alright, Cara. With or without him, you have us." 

"Who's us?" I whispered sadly into his chest. 

"Twiggy and I at least." he lifted my face up by trailing his finger under my chin. He kissed my nose. "Now go out there and be as awesome as I know you are" 

I let out a sigh and stood up. I walked out into the hallway where Maynard was just now coming back to the room. He stopped and stared and then entered the room. I followed him in there. 

"what's up with your face? Did you let Manson get ahold of you?" 

"Where were you?" I diverted his questions. I wanted to know. 

"Just out looking around. Y'know I'm glad we're gonna be behind a curtain. You look like a clown" 

I frowned. I didn't even get a chance to look in the mirror and see what I looked like. I'm sure it wasn't a clown. 

"Oh come on. Don't look so hurt." 

I crossed my arms and walked to the window. 

"Don't fret precious I'm here. Step away from the window..." He sang to me.

My lips curled into a smile. Why does he have this hold on me?