Guitar Lessons (A Frank Iero Fanfic)

Chapter Seven

Frank's POV

I knew instantly that I had made the right decision. No matter how much mocking I would get from the rest of the band; I knew that inviting Ruby back to the flat was the right thing to do.

It was about three in the afternoon and the warm light was slowly beginning to fade as I reached my hand out to her. She smiled, her beautiful features portrayed a sense of anxiety which was probably to do with the people she was about to meet.

"Come on," I said taking her hand in mine. Electricity ran up my arm when our hands touched but I ignored the sensation as we walked along the cracked sidewalk towards the flat. "Are you okay Ruby? You haven't said anything this whole time," I asked hearing the concern in my voice. She nodded.

"I'm just a bit nervous," She said with a weak smile. It was understandable.

"Aw, I know we look all big and scary but we're just cuddly nerds really," I teased wrapping an arm around her shoulders. She raised an eyebrow in response and poked me in the ribs.

"Not funny," Ruby replied sticking out her bottom lip. At first, I thought she was going to push my arm from her shoulders but, to my surprise, she cuddled into my side. "What if they don't like me?" she asked.

"Ruby, you are one of the most like able people I know and, so long as you have good taste in comic books, music and films, the band is gonna love you," I reassured her.

After turning a few more corners, the block of flats was in sight; Ruby detached herself from my side leaving me cold and wishing we had stayed like that for just a little bit longer. I pressed the intercom and we were buzzed through a couple of seconds later.

Together, we climbed a few flights of stairs to the front door. "Here goes nothing," I mumbled as she pushed the door open.

Ruby's POV

Coffee. That was the first thing that registered as I walked into My Chemical Romance's flat. The smell was warm and reassuring allowing my nerves to be replaced with excitement.

I stood behind Frank as he walked into the house; we were basically the same height which was good as it meant I could hide behind him. He placed my guitar down and motioned for me to stay where I was while he walked off and poked his head into a few rooms.

"Is anyone home?" Frank called. The flat was surprisingly large and spread across two levels. I heard footsteps at the top of the stairs.

"Yeah," Gerard called as he walked down the steps "You went to meet that girl again didn't you? Aw, ickle Fwankie's in lur-" he stopped when he laid his eyes on me and muttered something to himself. I smiled at him and he waved, the embarrassment clear on his face.

"Um... Hey," I said awkwardly, looking over to Frank to see a facial expression which resembled that of someone who was about to go on a killing spree.

"Hi, sorry about that, mocking Frank is kind of my job. I'm Gerard, nice to meet you" he said holding out his hand. I shook it, failing to hold back the grin that was plastered to my face. I didn't want this moment to end.

"I'm Ruby, nice to meet you," I said as Mikey and Ray walked in. They were arguing about some film; Mikey pointing out plot holes and Ray defending them. The pair noticed me standing there in my skinny jeans and Fall Out Boy t-shirt.

"Hey Ruby," they both said enthusiastically, they noticed my shirt and smiled. "So, are you Frank's girlfriend or..." Mikey trailed off. I went to argue but Frank interrupted me before I could say anything.

"Guys! Leave off! We're just friends!" he said defensively. My heart dropped; did he really think that? I pushed the question to the back of my mind and instead focused on the Gerard's face which was easily readable as: 'we've heard that one before'.

Frank picked up my guitar and walked towards the stairs. "Come on Ruby," he said like a stroppy three year old.

I rolled my eyes at Frank's reaction and the band laughed as we waved good bye. I followed him upstairs to his bedroom.