Gorillaz: Acceptance With The Crime Of Disbelief

Gorillaz: Acceptance With The Crime Of Disbelief
 
Only one chapter (Birthday Special)

Written by Metromachinaze

I've decided to make this chapter for Russell’s birthday. Featuring, Russel and Del
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It was only the beginning of summer and it was already boiling hot, to the point where you could make fried eggs on the sidewalks. However, even the weather could not stop the mighty rhythmic drummer, Russel Hobbs to celebrate his 42nd birthday with his bandmates and friends. Taking a small sip from his beer bottle, he gazed up into the night sky with its beguiling stars that were neatly scattered everywhere. As he admired each and every star, his mind was traveling into a void of pitch black nothingness. For some reason he felt a bit of sadness lurking inside his heart, then it hit. It was just another year of celebrating something without his best friend. Del. Russel again took another sip of his beer as he recalled a somewhat fond memory that took place exactly 16 years ago.
 
(16 Years Ago, Today)
 
Sitting on the ground, resting. Russel started to lean against one of the trees in the park he as in. Sighing contently, this was definitely a nice way to spend one’s birthday, no one was bothering him, he didn’t need to be pestered with balloons and unwanted cake. Closing his eyes, he went into a small slumber. It was all going swell up until Del suddenly emerged from Russel’s resting form. “Yo, man! Whatcha doin’?!” Del asked as he flicked his big finger at Del’s forehead, making his friend’s head hit the tree.
 
“I’m resting, homie. What else does it look like I’m doing?” Russel said, slightly annoyed that his friend interrupted his well deserved nap.
 
“Yeah, obviously.” Del said, rolling his eyes. “I mean whatcha doin’ laying ‘round here and not celebrating your birthday with the others?” He asked. However, at the ghost’s tone it sounded more like a demand to know.
 
“Listen, man. I ain’t got time for that celebrating shiz. I just want to sleep now!” Russel yelled angrily.
 
“Like sleeping in a damn park?” Del taunted.
 
“Leave me alone, man! Don’t you got better things to do than bothering people? Go haunt some prissy rich kids.” The man said as he tried to push Del away as he laid back down on the grassy ground.
 
Even though words are a bit hurtful, it did nothing more than raise the ghost’s curiosity. “What’s shakin’ my, man? You look riled like sum bull ‘bout to get smashed.” Del asked as he flew around the man, waiting for an answer.
 
Russel started to grit his teeth, seething with emotion that even Del could sense something was indeed off with his aura. “I’M TIRED, MAN! I JUST WANT TO SLEEP AND CONTINUE TO DISBELIEVE!” He shouted at the top of his lungs, even some birds that were living in the tree had scattered off find shelter elsewhere. Thank goodness they were the only ones in the park though. Otherwise, people would’ve questioned Russel’s sanity and probably have him reported for causing public disturbances. Almost immediately after his small outburst, Russel sank his head in his arms, hiding his face.
 
Del slouched down, with his head held low in anguish at seeing his friend’s behaving like this. He floated closer towards Russel’s level so he was able to pat and comfort him. “Tell me what’s wrong, homie? What don’ ya wanna believe?” He asked, frowning.
 
“Reason why I didn’t want to celebrate this damned birthday of mine....” Russel began, as he looked up and stared into Del’s large ghostly, white eyes. “It’s cuz, Imma be celebrating another year of knowing you is dead.” He said, voice sinking. It looked as though he had wanted to cry and just let it all out into his friend’s chest. But, he couldn’t...he would not allow himself to.
 
“Russ, come on man. You know I’m still here. I mean, how else am I still talkin’ to you?” Del said, chuckling softly at his own futile effort to ease up the atmosphere.
 
“I know...but what if...what if you’re going to leave me forever? I mean, I’m not stupid, Del. I’m aware that even ghosts have a limited time on roaming on dis earth. So, what’s going to happen when your time is up, Del? You gonna be gone this time for good.” Russel explained to the ghost.
 
“Listen, man. Let’s not think about this now. It’s a good day, let’s not ruin it by getting depressed and shiz.” Del said, trying to divert the man’s attention towards a different topic. However, he was unsuccessful.
 
“But, I can’t, Del. It’s been on my mind ever since you died. I just can’t bring myself to think about it. The fact that you’re gonna leave again...and the fact that you’re dead…you aren’t even able to promise me that you won’t leave again.” Russel said as his head sunk low again. This time for good.
 
Del felt defeated by Russel’s words. The man did in fact have a point, all ghosts have to leave at some point, whether it was today or years later, it was beyond their control even if they did want to stay a bit longer. But, even though Russel had thought he won the argument, Del was never one to give up that easily. Somehow defying matter and physics again, Del grabbed Russel by the face with his two large ghostly hands and violently raised his head up. Clashing their foreheads together, Del had indeed caught his friend’s attention. “Listen, man! I know it’s tough for you, but it’s tough for me too, homie. But, I ain’t dead!” Del declared.
 
“What…?” Russel let out a voice of confusion. Was this man drinking some sort of ghost alcohol? He’s flying in thin air while his body physical body deformed and rotted away at the cemetery, 15 feet beneath. Of course he’s dead.
 
“I ain’t dead as long as you remember who I am and what I did! Cause memories are everythin’, Russ. They are what helps make a person. And as long as you remember me and all the fun we had with each other and what we stood for, I’ll always be alive in you, homie. And fine, Russ. I can’t promise you shit that I can’t leave. But, I’ll always be watching you and cheering you on. No matter where I am, I will always support what’s best for you, what you’ll do later on, and all of your successions in life.” Del said as he embraced his friend, lifting him a little off the ground.
 
Russel looked at the man in awe. “T-Thank you so much, Del.” He said, choking back the tears. His emotions were beyond raw at this point, he couldn’t hold back the tears that were forming in his eyes any longer. He let it all out.
 
“Don’t ever forget how proud you make me, Russ. I love you, brother.” Del, said, holding man tightly in his big arms.
 
“Love you too, Del.” Russel said, smiling.
 
“Now go tell that greedy bastard, Murdoc to actually buy you a cake this time.” Del said, giving a loud contagious laugh to his friend.
 
(Present Day)
 
A small smirk formed on Russel’s cheek as he finished recalling old memories. Taking out a fat cigarette from his pocket, he lit it up and took a smoke. “I hope you’re proud at where we’re at, Del.” He said, smiling.
 
“RUSSEL, THE CAKE IS DONE!” A grouchy male voice called out.
 
“I’m coming, you cracker ass.” Russel said as he threw away the smoke and went back in the house.