Static Between Us - 2-D x Reader

Chapter 5 - A Bit of Suzuki

You looked between them.

Murdoc was waiting.

Murdoc stood by the door with his arms crossed, foot tapping impatiently on the cold studio floor. He had that look—half-bored, half-annoyed, all control. He jerked his head toward the hallway.

"Well? You coming or not?" he asked, as if the answer was obvious. As if you didn't have a choice.

You hesitated, looking between him and the couch where Noodle and 2-D sat. Noodle had a violin balanced on her knees, her fingers dancing along the strings, testing chords. 2-D watched with interest, giving the occasional nod of encouragement or a dreamy hum of approval. The energy in the room was calm. Genuine. Different from Murdoc's usual chaos.

"I think..." you started slowly, shifting your weight. "I think I'll stay here."

Murdoc blinked, like he hadn't quite heard you right. "What?"

You looked at him this time. Really looked. "I'm staying with Noodle and 2-D. We're working on something together."

His face twisted. "Working on something? What, some kiddie orchestra project?" He let out a short, sarcastic laugh. "Come on, luv. Don't waste your time—"

"I want to be here," you cut in, firm but calm. "We're making something good. Something that matters."

Murdoc's jaw clenched. You could practically hear the gears grinding behind his scowl. He glanced at Noodle—who now held her bow steady against the violin strings—and then at 2-D, who simply gave Murdoc a sheepish smile and a slow wave.

"She's got talent," 2-D said lightly, nodding toward Noodle. "You should hear what she's working on. Real nice, yeah?"

Murdoc stared at you for another long moment. The room went quiet except for the soft tuning sounds coming from the violin.

Then, finally, he scoffed. "Fine. Suit yourself." He turned sharply, his coat flaring behind him as he stormed out of the room, muttering curses under his breath.

The door shut.

A beat passed. Then Noodle looked up at you and grinned. "You okay?"

You nodded, Murdoc truly never bothered you. "Yeah. I am."

"Good," she said, positioning her fingers again. "Then let's continue!"

The soft hum of Noodle's violin echoed through the studio, floating delicately between the walls like a daydream. She sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, the bow she was using was dancing across the strings as she played the beginnings of Left Hand Suzuki Method—the notes still rough, experimental, but already beautiful.

You were watching her closely when you felt a light tug at your sleeve.

2-D stood beside you, smiling faintly. "C'mon," he whispered, nodding toward the sound booth. "S'too noisy out 'ere. Let's go sit."

You followed without much thought, letting him guide you into the booth. It was dimly lit, padded walls absorbing most of the violin's tune until it became a soft, faraway lullaby. He flopped down on the couch against the wall and patted the spot next to him. You sat, the space suddenly smaller than you remembered.

"Sorry 'bout earlier," he said, his voice low. "Y'know... with Murdoc bein' a right goblin and all."

You snorted. "It's fine. I'm used to him being dramatic."

2-D grinned, eyes crinkling slightly. "Still. You didn't have to stick around with us."

"I wanted to," you said, honestly. "I like being here."

A moment passed—quiet except for the soft murmur of the violin outside. Then, gently, 2-D leaned his head back against the wall, turning slightly toward you. "Y'know... not many people do. Like bein' around us. Or me."

You frowned. "That's not true."

He gave a half-shrug, like he didn't believe it but didn't want to argue. Then he looked at you, really looked. "I think it's cool. You stay. Means a lot."

Your heart thudded softly in your chest.

Then, quieter still, like he didn't mean to say it aloud: "I like you bein' 'ere. Especially when it's just us."

You glanced at him, and he quickly looked away, scratching at a sticker on the arm of the couch. A tiny flush dusted his cheeks, and he smiled awkwardly.

Outside, the violin sang...