Blue Lithium

Chapter 2: Burn It

All four band members were comfortably seated around the recording studio. Murdoc had decided it was finally time to work on some songs for a new album, because 'their fans were finding new shit-quality artists to worship.'

"Alright guys, I have a quality song for you all, this one is going to be bigger than Feel Good Inc and Clint Eastwood put together." The green bassist declared, a devious smirk on his face.

"Neat," Said Russel. "What's it's called?"

"Sex Murder Party." Said Murdoc proudly.

"You are one who insisted of us being here, Murdoc. So if you're just wasting our time-"

"How is that even close to quality-"

Noodle and Russel started shouting at Murdoc in unison while he leaned back in his chair, preening, despite the negative feedback he was receiving.

2D was the only one who didn't immediately start protesting. He just sat still and unmoving, something he had never seen the singer do before, and stared at him with dark eyes. God he was perfect.

Murdoc presented his second song, Saturnz Barz, and as he described it to them the anger slowly faded from their faces.

"Well I guess that this is the best we're ever gonna get from him," mumbled Noodle. Russel smirked lightly and Murdoc sat back, smug satisfaction written all over his face. 2D was the only one who didn't react, not even a twitch of the lips.

Noodle shot him a worried look. She had never seen 2D so still and silent and it was worrying her.

Then it was Russel's turn; he had an idea for a song called 'We Got the Power'. Noodle looked excited as Russel described it, a stark contrast to the disdain Murdoc was sprouting while claiming that this song was 'too immature for their audience'.

"That sounds awesome Russ." Noodle said encouragingly. "I have an idea for something else we could do with that song."

"Burn it," suggested Murdoc. Everyone ignored him.

"We should have Jehnny Beth in it as well," continued Noodle as if Murdoc hadn't said anything.

"That sounds awesome. We should definitely ask her." Said Russel

Next, it Noodles turn to present her ideas. She brought out an overflowing cherry blossom binder filled with neatly written song lyrics, pulled out the best 'few' (meaning half the binder) and proceeded to call them all out, ignoring Murdocs consecutive 'no's.

"Momentz?"

"Hell no." Murdoc replied immediately.

"With a z, not an s..." Noodle said.

"Still no," he shot back monotonously, without a moments hesitation.

"I want De La Soul in it," Noodle suggested slyly.

"Okay. It's happening."

This process repeated itself for quite some time with 2D not saying a word. Eventually he stopped paying attention and began to doze off, the voices of his band mates arguing fading out.

****

"Toochi, your turn."  The singer ignored the voice and kept his eyes shut.

"D, what did you write?" This time a different voice was talking. 2D still kept his eyes shut.

"Faceache? Ugh look, he's asleep. Watch this."

Footsteps began to make their way towards him, increasingly getting louder.

"OI FACEACHE!"

Undeniable pain. 2D's eyes flashed open, his arms cradling his head.

"Wot was tha' for?" He yelped, blinking as his eyes watered from the pain.

"Your turn." The green man glowered, slinking back to his chair.

"Oh.. um I wrote a few..."

"Do you want to play them for us?" Asked Noodle. She knew 2D wasn't very good at sharing unless he had an instrument.

The bluenette nodded, and got one of the numerous keyboards lying around. He put a wrinkled sheet of paper on the stand. A few awkward seconds ticked by as he fiddled with the settings, but soon the studio filled with a chill, soft electric piano sound. He took a deep breath and started to sing.

Where does it come from
When everything waltzed outside
Busted and blue

Out in the universe
Through the lithium
Busted and blue

The singers voice cracked a little, and a tear rolled down his cheek.

All my life
All my life
Be my light
On me
I am a satellite
And I can't get back without you

Tears were falling uncontrollably now.

He braved his way through the rest of the song, finished suddenly and slouched back down, shaking, hands tangled through his spiky blue hair.

The room was silent. Nobody moved and nobody spoke, frozen in confusion and shock from what they had just witnessed.

Then suddenly Murdoc interrupted it, with as much tact that could be expected from him.

"Jesus fucking Christ faceache. What's up with you and love songs?"

2D looked up.

Concern was written all over Noodles face and Russel was awkwardly looking at him, his mouth hanging open from shock and a worried look in his eyes. Murdoc was the only one who seemed unconcerned about what had just occurred, simply sitting, almost bored, with a cigarette dangling from his lips.

Suddenly this all felt like a stupid idea. Anger and humiliation coursing through his veins 2D rose up, and stormed over to the door. Tears were still falling, dripping down his chin.

He opened the door, stopped, and turned around looking straight into Murdoc's black, seemingly soulless eyes.

He answered that fucking question.

"You," he spat. Murdoc had never heard 2D sound so vicious before. No matter what Murdoc did to him he always kept his annoyingly upbeat and optimistic personality.

2D slammed the door, and everyone could hear him storm off, even through the closed doors. The sudden impact of the door slamming made the sheet of paper 2D was singing from fall to the ground.

Murdoc picked it up.

It was blank.