The Girl Gunner?

Chapter Eleven

It had been a few awkward weeks since that kiss. I wanted to focus on playing in time with Slash, because obviously I wasn't Izzy and I wasn't as good as he was. Slash and him had this aura, as if they were talking, but without words and with their Gibsons. I on the other hand, was slower, easily frustrated and insecure.

Currently, we were all situated in the living room/bedroom. Duff was sitting on a chair with his bass resting on his thighs, his amp next to the chair. He was being patient and smoking a cigarette.

Slash was on the couch, his Les Paul securely on his lap as well. He was playing random riffs that he made up, and his ash tray was on his amp.

I was sitting on the floor, my Les Paul on the floor in front of me. This wasn't working out the way I had planned. Steven was out, Axl was raging — mainly at me for not being able to 'keep up with the band's standards'. Slash would push his hair out of his face and give me a reassuring look, but I could tell his patience was wearing thin, even if he didn't want to admit it.

I huffed out a long sigh, standing up, walking out of the room and into the kitchen to fill up a glass of water. Then, as I leant on the bench, Slash sauntered over to me, wrapping his heavy arm around my shoulders and pulling me into his body slowly.

"Try not to let Axl get to you. He's just a perfectionist and he doesn't really like change. Don't worry about keeping up with me, you just need some practice. When you're on stage, you'll be great."

I listened to his words, breathing into his shoulder heavily. I could feel the tears coming on, but choked them back for as long as possible. It wasn't so much Axl, but the fact that I couldn't perform, and I couldn't perform under pressure. Axl was just another few drops in a quickly filling bucket that tipped everything over the edge.

I sucked in a deep breath, looking up to Slash with slightly irritated, red eyes.

"Thanks, Slash," I mumbled softly, wiping at my eyes quickly as I heard the front door open and close. I then turned around to grab the glass of water, taking a few sips before returning to the group.

Steven was now back, and I felt my face heat up a touch as I sat down at my place in the room.

Let's get this right now, Nellie.

"Now that Steven's back, you should be able to keep up this time, hey?" Axl asked bitchily, his brows creased as he sneered his words at me.

Slash perked up, winking at me from under his hair. A small smile spread its way onto my lips. He was a charmer. Any girl would be lucky to have him.

Steven squirmed in his seat, a look of displeasure on his face. I assume he saw Slash and I's little exchange because he wouldn't look at either of us.

Another sigh left my lips and I picked up my instrument, waiting for Steven to count us all in. As he did, everything seemed to be running smoothly. I was keeping up with minimal mistakes, but it was Axl who was getting mad. Not at me this time, but himself.

Duff groaned to himself audibly, standing up.

"I've had enough of this. Axl, you're being a fucking dick to Nellie. It's not her fault that she's new here. She's not Izzy, as much as you'd like her to be, so get used to it! I'm getting drinks." He announced, making Slash giggle and Steven nod with his words, both men stand up to follow Duff. I did too after a few moments.

Luckily we were dressed for the bar then!

(A/N: again, I'm back. I feel horrible for abandoning this work and I want to get back to writing again. Anyway, I know this chapter is a little boring — it's a filler, something is coming up next... Also, if you would like, please send me a message about any requests you would like!)