#ray x mikey

[resourcesiero]

mcr stamps

f2u reposts ok with credit

[horroribledeath]

Imagine you die and this is what you see

[cosmicwolfboy]

☆ THESE HANDS! STAINED RED! ★

[s1ushyz]

'Tis the season for some festive red hair gerard!

[fangirlinc]

HELP WANTED! Where/when is this photo from?

The origins of this Gerard Way photo have alluded me too long. I’ve seen it all over Pinterest and tumblr and I’ve scoured the internet and My Chemical Romance archives and cannot find it.

Posted my query on Reddit but no one knew on there either. Some assumptions about it being pre-2004(due to haircut, proximity, and possible booger sugar nosebleed). Could also NOT be a live performance photo. I’m desperate for My Chemical Romance experts to help me in my quest PLEASE HEAR MY PLEAS.

I’m gonna tag some of my favorite My Chemical Romance archive/expert blogs that I love so so dearly <3. Please tag more in the comments if you guys have any more blogs that have expert knowledge!

@earlycuntsets <3

@callmeblake <3

@mcroutfits <3

@mcrchivemedia <3

(Love y’all)

[2therazor]

hi :))) ive been craving content about basement era gee x reader

imagine him being just the sweetest nerd in the world experiencing love for the first time <3 so dear

could you write something about that? :)

maybe ill turn this into a full blown fic sometime but for now here’s some of my hcs >:)

- i just imagine he would be so awkward, especially when it comes to approaching people

- he probably had a few classes with you and was too nervous to even say anything but the second you said something to him he was so excited because he wouldn’t have been the initiator

- I feel like once you start to get to know each other he’d be so much more talkative, like was that even the same kid who sat next to you in your still life drawing class? and was he always this fucking cool?

- one day after class you saw him waiting for you by the door and he had finally gained the courage to ask you to “hang out” or yknow… pretty much a date, and you would happily oblige

-after a few coffee dates you quickly became inseparable, it was so nice to have someone that was so easy to talk to and shared the same interests as you

-gerard quickly became “gee” and all of your friends would tease you about how giddy you became when you mentioned him

-gerard on the other hand, hadn’t really experienced feelings like these before and quickly began to realize; wow this is love! after days of pondering to his friends, he finally decided to ask you to be his significant other.

-he was always so attentive to you and so kind, which had kind of shocked you due to past (not so great) relationships

-you shared many nights in his parent’s basement in his room listening to countless records and CDs he had piled up on the floor, always finding each other with tangled limbs and shirtless by the morning :)

(holy shit guys I GOTTAAAAA turn this into a fic, just made myself all hot and heavy not gonna lie)

[girlofthesunxoxo]

are you mine now ? | mikey way

synopsis : mikey way and y/n had a pretty serious rivalry going on which always made things tense when they were together with the band. but what happens when the boys purposely put them in the same hotel room for a night ?

note : decided to make this at four in the morning ! with a migraine and fantasy in mind !😉 also this may not be completely realistic lololol

includes. handjob (male receiving), no actual smut (sorry) kissing, making out (😭) and i think that’s all.

*******************

none of the fans knew of the feud mikey way and y/n had. or had they suspected it. the only ones who knew were their closest friends / bandmates and they had disregarded it as silly bickering or as frank liked to call it, “weird flirting tactics.” but both mikey and y/n knew it was more than that.

mikey, at first had no problem with y/n, that was until she pointed out something he was a little insecure about. and from then on, he just assumed she was a bitch. disregarding whatever his bandmates said trying to convince him saying, “she really is a nice girl but they just got off on the wrong foot.”

y/n just loved getting under mikeys skin. sure, some might call her a bitch because of that but it was just so fun. when y/n pointed out that little habit mikey did, she didnt do it out of bad intention. she literally had a crush on the boy at first and she felt terrible that he took the remark as an insult. she had tried to apologize but he would just ignore her and whenever he did talk to her, it was to criticize her about something. and from then on, his title of “her crush” was long forgotten about and was replaced with “her enemy” as childish as it may seem.

after a concert where everybody was exhausted, they headed towards the hotel. during the ride there, gerard, ray and frank sent each other nervous glances while y/n looked at them weirdly.

“why are y’all looking at each other that way ?”

they stayed silent besides frank who smirked and scooted closer to her, “say, you dont care who you room with, right ?” making her even more confused.

“i literally dont care as long as i get some sleep.”

frank just looked at gerard and ray before throwing his arm over y/n’s shoulder. he sighed and smiled as if he knew something she didnt. y/n rolled her eyes and rested her head on franks shoulder trying to get some sleep before they get to the hotel.

mikey noticed them and clenched his jaw while rolling his eyes. something that did not go unnoticed by ray who nudged gerards arm and mumbled something he couldnt hear.

they finally stopped at the hotel, mikey being the first one out but not before “accidentally” stepping on y/n’s shoe making her jolt awake. “ow !” which mikey only responded with a mumbled, “whoops.” y/n bit her tongue as to not say anything. frank chuckled as he led her into the hotel.

“hello !”

the receptionist politely nodded her head in greeting to ray. y/n dozed off on the hotels couch next to gerard as frank, ray and mikey got the room keys. she only awoke when she heard a loud, “what” coming from mikey as he looked over at her.

she and gerard walked towards the rest of the group as mikey eyed y/n. “what happened ?” she questioned as everybody stayed silent until ray broke the silence, “you and mikey are rooming together…” he trailed off, waiting for a reaction.

y/n only pursed her lips and muttered a quiet, “great.” anybody could tell that was sarcasm which made mikey scoff.

y/n didnt care that she was rooming with mikey. she really didnt. okay, maybe a little but only because of her small crush on the boy. even through all the insults hes thrown at her, she still harbored feelings for him. which only angered her more.

she took the key card out of his hand and made her way over to the elevator. she noticed he wasnt following her instead glaring at his brother and friends. “im going to lock you out if you dont hurry up, mikey.”

he finally looked at her and quickly walked inside the elevator with her and as the doors closed, she caught a glimpse of the boys snickering.

she could not even begin to explain how awkward she felt alone with him in that elevator. not only was it small, it was also really hot. she could only hope it wasnt too hot in the room. she also hoped mikey couldnt see the blush rising to her cheeks as she felt his shoulders brush against hers and their fingers would lightly tap each other.

after what felt like an eternity, the doors finally opened and she quickly walked towards their room as mikey slowly followed after her. she unlocked the door and held it open for mikey before laying down on the bed and letting out a sigh.

“we’re both going to be adults and share the bed, right ? because im really not in the mood to fight with you, mikey.”

she felt the bed dip beside her and opened her eyes to see mikey nod. after gathering her pajamas, which just consisted of a shirt and little shorts because as expected, it was slightly hot in the room. she made her way towards the shower as mikey laid on the bed waiting for her to finish.

when y/n returned from her well needed shower, she noticed mikeys eyes trail over her body before he blushed and quickly walked over to the bathroom.

it was only a couple of minutes before she saw him exit the bathroom with a towel in his hand as he rubbed it against his hair. shamelessly, she watched with butterflies in her stomach, a light blush on her cheeks and a tingling sensation in her core.

she couldnt believe she getting turned on by mikey way drying his hair.

she shook her head before moving her gaze to the book she brought and began reading. mikey returned to his space on the bed, laying next to her on his side facing her. she could feel eyes on her but she couldnt bring herself to look at him. she was already feeling hot and she was sure if she made eye contact with him, she would turn into a tomato and explode everywhere. thats how much of a crush she still has on him.

but she decided it was worth the risk of exploding so she turned her head towards him which caught him off guard causing him to cough lightly and try to look somewhere else.

“mikey ?”

“hm ?”

“why…why dont you like me ?”

mikey turned to see her pout and slightly furrowed eyebrows as she asked him a simple question.

a simple question that left him speechless. he didnt necessarily not like her. she just made him upset. really upset, sometimes. hell, at first he had a huge crush on her. but he tossed his feelings aside during the beginning of their “rivalry” because he was afraid she didnt feel the same way.

“i…i.” he couldnt finish his sentence.

y/n only nodded before putting her book on the beside table and turning off the lamp next to it. she tried not to let it affect her as she turned over so she wasnt facing him anymore. seriously, he has said much worse in the past but actually hearing him not able to say anything stung worse than the insults.

“wait, y/n.”

he turned his bedside lamp on so only his side of the room was lit up in dim lighting. she turned around and sat up so she was facing him, he exhaled a breath before explaining himself.

“i dont actually hate you… i just - i just thought you didnt like me because of what you said when we first talked.”

“gerard told me you took it in that way but i seriously didnt mean it in a bad way. i actually kind of thought it was cute and meant it as a compliment but then you started insulting me so i gave up on trying to talk to you. but i am sorry it seemed i meant it in a bad way.”

she finally apologized which caused a weight to be lifted off her shoulders.

mikey felt horrible. knowing the girl he had a crush on didnt insult him and actually found him cute and that he misunderstood the whole thing was so embarrassing. he could feel himself grow red as he covered his face with his hands.

y/n furrowed her eyebrows before moving in front of him and taking his hands from his face.

“whats wrong ?”

“i feel so embarrassed. this whole ‘rivalry’ happened because i misunderstood a simple compliment. im so sorry, y/n.

y/n lightly chuckled before holding his hands and lifting his chin with her other hand so he was looking at her.

“its okay. at least we’re friends now, right ?”

mikey smiled before nodding his head. he looked into her eyes before he glanced at her lips causing her to blush for what felt like the millionth time in the last couple of hours. she could feel her whole body heat up before feeling an ache between her legs.

“can i kiss you ?”

she didnt even think when she said those words. mikey was caught off guard as his eyes widened but he quickly nodded his head. she instantly leaned forward and met his lips, it was a soft kiss that only lasted a couple of seconds before she pulled away. it was as if she could see mikeys eyes sparkling before he pulled her back into another kiss.

this one more heated and intense than the first as she wrapped her arm around his neck and started lightly tugging on his hair while her other hand was caressing his blushed cheek. after a particularly harsh tug, he groaned and she pulled away to apologize but the whine that came out of his mouth told her to do otherwise.

mikey tugged on her shirt and she quickly pulled it off before doing the same for mikey. she gently pushed him down on the bed before climbing on top of him and sitting down on his clothed erection. they kissed sloppily and with a few breathy giggles, they finally broke away once reality began to set in.

“are you sure you want to do this ?” y/n had never been more sure of anything in her life.

“of course. do you want this, mikey ?”

“god yes, please.” mikey felt so desperate that he was willing to beg on his knees just for anything to happen.

y/n trailed her hand down mikeys stomach to his thighs, completely ignoring where he wants her to touch him the most at. he whines against her lips when he feels her nails trail up and down his thighs, teasing him and he could feel himself growing harder by the second. he was starting to feel impatient so he grabbed her hand and placed it on his clothed dick, he moaned slightly from the pressure she was putting on it.

she rubbed his dick a few more times before pulling his sweatpants and underwear down, she glanced at mikeys flushed face and back down to his dick which was leaking a little pre-cum. he wasnt too big and he wasnt too small, which came as a relief to y/n. nobody wants to feel like they’re getting split in half.

she gently wrapped a hand around his hardened dick and stroked a few times, she heard his whines and moans and could see his stomach tensing as she stroked faster.

he quickly put his hand over hers and stopped her from continuing.

“what, whats wrong ? do you want to stop ?” her concern evident in her hurried voice.

“nonono, its not that !! i just dont want to c-cum too fast.” he said, looking anywhere but her.

she softly giggled while slowly continuing her movements, “awww you dont want to cum so soon ?”

he only nodded in response while letting out small moans.

“dont worry baby, i want to make you feel good.”

[rdiowx]

MCR + GIDEON GRAVES AUDIO LIST

Mikey

Roommate Ghost mikey

“Watching” scary movies

He’s your popular college friend

Sigh, fucking your friends bother

Gerard

Fucking him, but hes sick

Fucking him, but YOU’RE sick

I think its cold in this audio?

Tired gee 😸

Frank

I think this counts as puppy Frank

Church boy frank

Pretty sure you guys hook up in an alley in this one

Puppy frank 👍🏽

RAY

Incubus Ray!

More demon Ray

Needy ray

HE BAKES!

GIDEON

Now,,why did he start playing angry birds

Is this more somnophilia

G-man has to be his alternate personality

Enemies to lovers😔

Bonus audios i was gonna add but didnt know who for

I was sorta flabbergasted tbh

Even more mythos

Gulp

Alright im done now 🥳

[mcrimagines]

Imagine: the Super Bowel with them.

Frank: Takes you to the big game and you get on the kiss cam, he laughs and says "Nooo me and y/n are just friends" You cry all night.

Mikey: He asks if you want to play your own foot ball and. I'll let you guess what happens next.

Gerard: He does not let you watch. The only superbowl you get is the Pot.

Ray: His team loses and he throws a beer bottle at your head and you have to call your dad and have him take you to the hospital :(.

[redroses07]

Last night I had a dream that Gerard Way was my therapist, and he told me that mcr5 was being released soon. Reputable source?

[mimilovesnumetal]

gerard way probably tastes like cinnamon and coffee.. or cyanide.. smth like that

[dumblilb]

till my jaw locks and my tonsils are raw

[horroribledeath]

No one talks about red blazer Gerard enough and I wish they did

[forthosetunedin]

body - megan thee stallion x you know what they do to guys like us in prison - mcr

my other megan x mcr mashup

[sibsteria]

Our lady of sorrows…

Mikey Way x Fem!Reader, Secret!xReader

part two

Warnings/Content: angst, fluff, mentions of abuse, not proofread too much, I think this part is rather lazy with writing so I apologise, part three out soon!

Summary: forgot to mention, this is around 1998-2004 I didn’t wanna put a specific year so I can include a variety of things :) I also don’t want to include things such as Gerard’s alcoholism and drug addiction, personal troubles the boys had, etc. as this is meant to be fiction for fun, any troubles within the story with be fictional and apart of my story. Maybe just maybe Y/n’s ex boyfriend is name dropped in this? Can her and Mikey figure this whole thing out?

1 | 2 | 3

The air that followed was a sting to your skin, a million thoughts a minute, racing against one another. The next step is lost, he remains buried deep inside you, thick swallows and breaths slowing to shallow.

“I’ll uhm-I’m gonna go clean up a little. You wanna take a shower or something?” He slides out and it’s such a bearing feeling, empty, as if he had pulled out the air in your lungs. You fail to notice his hopeful eyes casting down at you when he stood, he was never one with words.

Stupid. Stupid! You are so fucking stupid, Mikey, God. Say something to her….his inner monologue harassing him, desperate to open up his heart.

Yet.

He stood there, mouth dry, head heavy. He was silent, nothing was coming out- something had ripped his voice right from him.

Frustrated and angry at himself, he leaves, a dusty towel from the floor protecting his nudity as he leaves for the bathroom.

Was that it…? Was this a one time thing? Not that you wanted to put that pressure on him but there were no words of comfort or confirmation. Tears bite at your waterline, fighting to escape, no. That’s just embarrassing. The disdain in your heart would never last long- even if your feelings got hurt- your love for him would return right back to how it always was. You couldn’t stop loving him, dreaming of this moment in the past, it was a sure shock to you.

Mikey is fighting with himself in the bathroom, close to tears himself, that’s just embarrassing. Why didn’t he say anything? He knew you were looking at him, watching, waiting for him. Now you probably sat there, confused and most definitely upset. He didn’t want you to think this was nothing because it wasn’t to him, but he just couldn’t say it.

Your throat clenched, you felt like throwing up, and you were sure you weren’t just pulling green.

You had to make a choice, endure this night next to him, lay in darkness. Or do you leave?

He probably wanted you to go, not sparing you a word or a glance, that’s why he’s been gone so long. Just waiting for you to leave.

You begrudgingly make your choice, wiping yourself off with some tissues you found on his nightstand, grabbing your bag and clothes. Thanking above that you still had his shirt on, you slowly crept out, tiptoeing through the silent house. Barefoot at the too of the basement stairs, you knew Gee wouldn’t mind the intrusion, but what’s your reason?

Hey Gee, I fucked your younger brother and can’t bear the awkwardness and heartbreak?

No, that would be for Frankie, later.

You could think about it whilst you tried to sleep, Gee wouldn’t notice you come in.

Still fighting tears, you had manage to creep down into his room, a perfect space for you to slide into bed next to him.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Okay, he could explain when he came back, right? He would apologise and hold you close, all out of any possible excuse he could use. Yes, that’s the plan.

Partly confident, he left the bathroom, using silent breathing exercises to amp himself up.

He pushed open the door, still hearing the stereo playing, he started to speak.

“Y/n- listen…I-“ His breath catches, you weren’t there?

He swallows his heart down his throat, the thought of you leaving had made it launch up. Was he that bad? Oh god, was it him saying nothing? Had he ruined a sure, good thing he could have had?

Had you left the house, completely?

Biting his lip, he didn’t know what to do, did you have your phone today?

He decided nothing could go wrong if he sent you a message.

Where R U? U Ok? We need 2 talk

He hits send, praying for a reply, it wouldn’t be your fault if you had left it in your house but he hoped that wasn’t the case.

Laying in the dimly lit basement, you hear a chime from your bag, you couldn’t sleep anyways.

You sit up, leaning over the side of the bed, swimming your hand in your bag until you felt something that resembled your phone.

You read the message, oh, he was definitely going to break your heart. We need to talk? This was for sure a one time thing.

You sighed quietly, debating a reply.

Talk tmr, nite

You bit your lip and hit send, you really needed to get some sleep.

Yeah, he deserved that response, he thought in his head. He hoped you were safe, he was sure he would have heard the front door if you left?

He better get some sleep, too.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

You slept decently despite the fact of all that happened, the comfort that Gee could give, even in a non response state, was a great aid to an ailment.

You were shaken awake, met with questions, as expected.

“Hey, sugar? You awake, yet?” Gee shook your arm.

“Yes, I’m god damn awake.” You groan with a mumble and then giggle as he tickles your nose with a strand of your hair.

“What’ya doing here? Thought you were with Mikes last night?” He questioned, not necessarily suspicious of anything at all.

“Snored too much, couldn’t sleep, y’know.” Impeccable acting from you, this wasn’t exactly a lie, he was like a foghorn most nights. This had happened a couple of times, you’d smack him on the arm a couple times before dipping to sleep with Gerard. A believable stunt you thought of late last night.

“Ah, well, guess I’m the lucky one, my future partner will praise me for my lack of snoring.” He beamed, he totally believed what you said.

“Future partner, my ass. You and Frank will live in a dirty apartment with fourteen cats at fifty.” He knocked his shoulder, before yawning.

He hummed in agreement.

“Well, you will be there with us, I see no romance in your life, missy.” He got you there.

“So true it stings.” You half smiled.

“Whatever happened to your old boyfriend? The one from Chi-“ You cut him off at the mention of your ex, the only other person you could say you had been in love with and probably still in love with. You told Gee about him, and just how amazing that relationship had been, gushing and mourning the loss of a great partner. Of course he was the one you had lost your virginity to, both of you together and unsure, learning with each other and it was perfect.

And the worst part was it wasn’t a terrible breakup, it wasn’t your fault you were forced to move state, it wasn’t your fault you broke your cell phone when you got here- losing his number forever. You remember that night more than you wished to.

And the day you left.

You both cried, hugging, refusing to let each other go on moving day, he promised you would always be the last good thing about that part of town. He was your everything. He was sweet and kind, absolutely adorable. God, you did miss him. But there was no way you would see him again, he probably thought you’d stopped talking to him on purpose- that you didn’t want to see him again. Didn’t love him.

That was way off, but there was no chance he would ever come looking for you after that.

“He definitely doesn’t want to see me.” Forlorn and defeated you lean on Gee’s shoulder.

“We could get married at forty? If we are still miserable souls not having found our match?” He sighs.

“Sounds like a plan, we would have to adopt Frank, of course.”

“Oh, it goes without saying.”

You had been indefinitely cheered up as a couple of hours went by. You had to get up and get ready eventually, the boys were coming round for band practise, and then later you were gonna go into this underground dive bar that Frank and you had been to a couple of times before bringing the guys- and they let in under 21s, letting you guys play there a lot of times, too. You secretly thanked yourself for developing a wardrobe box of sorts in Gee’s room, your best clothing piled inside.

You decided to take off Mikey’s shirt, putting on some comfy clean clothes, you had no idea who out of all of you each piece belonged to but it didn’t matter.

Seeing Mikey was playing on your mind, were you ready to face that mess?

You had no choice, you couldn’t let Gee know anything was up, so you had to.

Trailing after your best friend up the stairs, you peek into the living room, Mikey already sat on the couch- zoning out to the TV.

“Mornin’” Gee greets his brother, his ears perking up, immediately looking to see if you were there. His heart stops when he sees you, god, you looked so beautiful- even after everything last night.

“Hi, Y/n.” He waves, trying his chances.

“H-hey.” You avoid his eyes, darting off to the kitchen to get a glass of water, even treating yourself to some ice.

He fucked up, you couldn’t even look at him.

“I’m gonna’ go out and get some snacks later, want anything?” Mikes turned to his brother.

Gerard mumbles a loose list of items, the usual snack run.

You walk back into the room, standing and sipping your glass, well aware of the tension between Mikey and you. You were almost sweating because of how thick the air is, painful.

“Got it. Y/n, will you come with? Could use a hand or two?” Your eyes widen for a moment, you look between him and Gee. Well, fuck, you can’t say no can you?

“Sure, give me a moment to fix my hair.” You still can’t look at him, running to the closest mirror to tie it up with a hair tie you had found, preparing for the worst.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

The walk to the store was silent for a while, neither of you had the guts to speak, until Mikey decides to break it.

He grabs your wrist, ever so gently.

“Y/n. Can we talk?” He doesn’t let go of your wrist, you finally meet his eyes after avoiding it for so long.

“I guess.” You act distant prepared for heartbreak.

“Listen. I know I didn’t say anything last night and I am not gonna’ stand here and make excuses, you don’t deserve that from me. I really don’t know what happened, it’s like I couldn’t speak, nothing would come out. I am so unbelievably sorry if I made you feel like shit, that was not what I wanted, at all.” He wasn’t done but he felt like continuing to ramble an apology would do him worse off, he wanted this to be a conversation.

“Okay…thank you for that. I wasn’t the best either. I left because I thought you didn’t wanna see me, I thought you were waiting for me to leave. Like, when you said nothing and just left, I thought that was it. I guess I just want to know what your feelings are?” You open up, you don’t have the energy to do any less for Mikey.

His feelings? He didn’t even know what they were. He knew he had feelings for you, strong ones. But the definition? No clue at all.

“M-my feelings? Uhm-“ You took a deep breath, here it comes, “I really don’t know, I wish I did. I have feelings for you…I do, really. I just don’t know where we take this from here? I don’t do relationships, I never have, I don’t know where to start, but I know I want you, somehow.” That wasn’t too bad. “I think you are so beautiful and obviously I see you as one of my best friends-“ He is starting to lose you with that.

“Think of it this way. Do you want to date me? Do you want to fuck me? Anything like that springing to mind?” He winces at the word fuck.

“I…I don’t know.”

“Think about it and get back to me. Could I do one last thing?” You don’t know what possesses you, or where you found the courage for this, but it’s better now than never. You would give him something to think about.

“Sure…anything.” Mikey fixes his glasses, as you take a step closer to him.

“Can I kiss you?” Your heart stammers, if this is goodbye to it all, then you want one last kiss.

Mikey doesn’t reply with words, he just nods, his ears turning pink.

You swallow your nerves, cupping his face before bringing him down to meet your lips with his, somehow all your nerves melted away.

The sensation of him kissing you makes you lighter than air, you hope this isn’t goodbye and that he has the sense to love you.

Mikey starts kissing back harder but you pull away, if he wants to kiss you again, he knows the decisions he has to make.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Band practise was in full swing, switching from written originals to winged pieces from Iron Maiden, to just pure chaotic screaming and noise.

You stood in for the drummer most practises, unable to find one that would stay for long, you didn’t want the spotlight in your life but that didn’t mean you would let your friends fail. If you had to be the drummer indefinitely, you would, for them.

“Can we take a break? I am dying for a cigarette….” Frank huffs, stretching out his back.

“Yeah, yeah, we’ll take ten.” Gee waves him off, leaving the room, presumably to wet his windpipes after some decent screaming.

“You are so locked in, Y/n, this is a sick as fuck practise, today.” Frank compliments, mumbling half through his cigarette as he lights it.

“Why thank you, Frankenstein, trying my best as always.” You got the hang of perfecting a drumstick spin, adding one to the end of your sentence letting it spin between your fingers.

I wonder what had you so drum happy today? Small, stolen glances during your haphazard set between you and Mikey had you blushing, easily hidden by the violent act of drumming making you red in the face. Could that be why? The awkwardness had slowly melted away during the day, just leaving a sense of nervousness.

You decide you had to eat something, having gone without all day. You grab what you could guess was a blueberry muffin from the counter, that would do.

You sit on the couch, Frank across from you on a chair and Mikey sat on the floor near the drum kit.

There’s a weird look on Frank’s face, one you can’t quite make sense of, you raise your eyebrow at him.

“Enjoying your muffin?” He stifles a giggle, what in the world was he playing at?

“Yes…why?” You question, slowly.

“That’s not important- What does that muffin taste like?” He hums, tilting his head.

“Um….blueberry?” You roll your eyes, weirdo.

“And?” He bites his lip.

“And what? Blueberry, that’s it.” You stop eating, confused at what he was playing at.

“And…” He drags out his word, raising his eyebrows at you, it dawns on you. Not again.

“DID YOU FUCKING LICK THIS?” You scream, jaw dropping.

“Like a LOLLIPOP!” He cackles, dodging the muffin that flew at him, you grunt, tackling him off the chair.

“You little freak- swear I’m gonna-“ Mikey silently chuckles, covering his mouth in the corner as you attempt to smack him in the head, tousling on the floor.

“Hey! Knock it off!” Ray runs in, having followed Gee, he snatches his guitar off the floor as it is dangerously close to getting kicked.

“Thank you, Ray. She’s, crazy!” Frank is heaving, still dodging your hits

“Sorry, Ray, he licked my fucking food, again.” You growl.

“Oh, never mind, please yourself then.” Ray shrugs.

“Ha!” You scream down Frank’s ear.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

You stare at yourself in the mirror, was this too much? Not enough?

You had actually done something with your hair, it sat in perfect, teased curls, having used an ancient curling iron Gerard had found.

A dress you had been saving for a special occasion, hugs you perfectly- a lovely mix between grunge and gorgeous. Some would say ruined- you would say improved by fishnets and your docs- comfort over classy. Picking up Frank’s old leather jacket, that he had bought to be a baggy item, was just as baggy on you. You let the jackets shoulder slide down resting on your upper arm, like a shawl or sorts.

You took more time on your makeup, going a little more out than you normally would, even you could admit shyly to yourself you looked kinda good. Heavy eyeliner, all smoked out and big, not like the usual under eye- it makes you wanna put this effort in again. You finish it off with a black lip, not the usual red-purple that stained your lips for days. You fix your piercings that were a little crooked, putting some cooler earrings in too.

You do a final look, dusting off your clothes and spraying some sweet perfume to mask the smell of the Way’s.

You hear the door to Gerard’s bedroom creak open, you turn your head to find Ray.

“Oh, sorry Y/n-“ He smiles when he sees you. “You look really beautiful, y’know.” He nods toward you. You laugh a little.

“I think for once I can say I do look a little pretty today.”

“I don’t mean just now either, you are beautiful, and I know you don’t see it.” Your heart tugs itself, trust Ray to make everything feel better.

“Thank you, means a lot to me, Toro.” You avoid his eyes to avoid crying and ruining your makeup.

“I think you are missing something, though.” You raise your brow at him.

“What might that be.”

Ray looks around the room, a bouquet of artificial black roses stood in a vase, he immediately goes up to them. Picking one up, he finds some scissors and cuts the stem close to the head so just the flower head and a bit of stem is left. He grabs a few of your bobby pins he found near your makeup before pinning it into your hair.

“Now it’s all together.” He fixes a few fly-away hairs, like a dad or a brother would on prom night.

“It looks perfect, why didn’t I think of that?”

“Make sure to turn some heads.”

“I will.”

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

“I heard there’s a new band playing tonight, their turn in the hot seat.” Frank muses, all of you stood around in the Way living room, still waiting on Mikey.

“I love it when a new band comes along, like seeing how they play and what drum techniques different people use.” You shrug.

“Well, they aren’t better than us, that’s guaranteed, which is why we have a half an hour set after them.” Frank tells his little secret and all of your groan a little.

“C’mon, I thought we were getting fucked up tonight? You remember what happened last time we were hammered.” You cringe at the memory of Frank falling into your drums and ruining the whole performance after breaking the snare.

“We are going to control ourselves, have a couple of drinks, and thennnnnn- afterwards we can let hell loose?” He proposes, like it was his plan all along.

“Fine.” You smile, the rest of the band in agreement. You can start to hear Mikey’s footsteps coming closer and closer to the room, you do a quick pat down when no one was looking making sure there was nothing stuck on you.

He uses the entrance behind you, announcing himself.

Mikey’s world turns in slow motion as you turn around, meeting his eyes, you looked more breathtaking than ever.

He wished it was his jacket you were wearing, not Frank’s, but he doesn’t want to rush this.

“Don’t she look drop dead gorgeous?” Gerard hums to Mikey, all he can do is nod and stare, pushing back his thoughts and wants- the ones screaming kiss her.

For now, he would have to behave himself.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Ray never drank too much anyway, a glass or two for night and due to Frank putting you down for a performance you decided to bring the van to use your own instruments- all except your drums- that was too much effort- so Ray would be the casually designated driver.

The drive there was fun, cigarette smoke slipping through the open windows whilst hard rock and the occasional ballad (definitely not Frank’s mix) blared through the speakers.

You saw the entertainment sign as you neared.

Tonight at ‘Puzzles’:

Introducing-

Fall Out Boy !

(appearances from My Chemical Romance)

Cool name, but not as cool as yours, you had thought. Your exes band didn’t even have a name when you had left them, it wouldn’t be them, surely. Although the thought always played on your mind- one day would they find their way here?

You parked round the back like always, opting to leave your stuff in the van.

You walked into the bar and everything was in full swing, just how it always was, The dirty floor, the sound of smashing bottles from behind the bar, the music playing heavy through the speakers and an abundance of drunken laughter.

The band wasn’t on yet, you hadn’t missed the opportunity to judge them, deciding to grab a drink you yanked Frank by the hand to join you.

“Hey, Y/n! Frank, what’s up, man!” The bartender bro bumps Frank before giving you a friendly wink and a smile.

“Hey, Ted, bud.” You wave, he automatically points to the cheapest bottles beer and you both nod in amusement.

Your coins clink together as you lay them down on the bar, paying for yours and Frank’s, he would get the next one anyways.

“Thanks, hun.” Frank cheers’ you, before you both bring the bottles to your lips, chugging half.

The rest of the guys join you shortly after, creating a messy semi circle near the bar.

“I know we said go easy but…shots?” Gerard’s eyes sparkle mischievously, you all cave immediately.

“I’m in.” Mikey.

“Fine, you’re paying.” Frank.

“I can’t say no.” You.

“I’ll just take a beer.” Ray, smart.

The shots are poured and you all clink them and table tap them before knocking them back.

You put your shot glasses back on the table before someone taps on your shoulder.

It couldn’t be the guys as you’re facing them, and you don’t really know anyone else so who would that be?

You spin around with a confused look on your face, your eyes widening as you see who tapped you.

“Pete! What the hell, man, What are you doing here?” You are pulled in for a hug, god, you missed him- your old best friend. Did he bring him? Was Pete on his own?

The guys give you a confused look, you wave them with your hand- you would explain later.

“Hey, Y/n- actually, we are play-“ He was cut off by the stage microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen! New here tonight and ready to play for you all- I want you to give a wild, Jersey, welcome to Fall Out Boy!” The new band is called to the stage. The crowd murmurs a little giving a cheer.

“We are here to play!” Pete beams, gauging your reaction. Your face drops, you can’t swallow, he can’t be here on his own. That must mean-

“See you after the set, Y/n. Somehow I just knew you would be here.” Pete bids you goodbye, heading to the stage.

You watch as they all pick up their instruments.

You run to stand in between Gee and Mikey.

“He’s here.” You whisper in Gee’s ear, he gives you wide eyes, knowing exactly who you mean.

First there’s Andy, heading to the drums- you remember when he first let you on his kit- you fell in love with them. He gave you pointers and helped you fuel your love for them more throughout the years.

Joe, sweet old Joe. The laughter filled afternoons, where you sat around trying to throw candy in each other’s mouths.

Pete, your old best friend, the tears shared and times you spent together never seemed to leave your mind.

And then…

Patrick.

He looks good, so good. You hadn’t seen him since moving day, the day you left Illinois.

Damn it.

You watch with awe, as he shyly introduces themselves again, picking up his guitar. You can’t draw your eyes away from him.

You don’t notice how Mikey looks at you, do you know this band?

“Uhm, so there’s someone here in Jersey, who I- we lost a long time ago- a lot of these songs we wrote about her. I hope to see her whilst I’m here. This is- Grand Theft Autumn!” Could he be talking about you?

Before Patrick starts singing, Pete whispers in his ear and his eyes widen. He must know your here now.

The pressure is on.

“Where is your boy, tonight? I hope he is a gentleman.”

“Maybe he won’t find out what I know.”

He sounds amazing as ever, you can’t help but smile.

“You were the last good thing about this of town.”

You gasp as he sings with full chest, the last thing he ever said to you before you left Chicago.

Tears brim your eyes, he must think about you too.

The band is in full motion, Patrick’s eyes searching the crowd, you know he is looking for you. Are you ready to face him? After all these years?

You realise shortly you will have to play in front of him, show him what your band is made of.

What about Mikey?

You start the ponder the unresolved feelings, snatched away from you in Chicago. The new blooming feelings in Jersey.

You can’t stop staring at Patrick, the way the stage lights hit his face, all your feelings swarming inside the hive that is your stomach.

“I need another round.” You mumble in Frank’s ear, he grabs you and pushes you up to the bar ordering four more beers, two for you and two for him.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but something is clearly fucking with you.” Frank half smiles, paying for the drinks.

“I fear the truth would break you, my love.” You laugh, feigning a sadness.

“Try me.” He ponders at you, you debate to tell him the situation.

On one hand, Frank would never tell anyone if you told him to stay quiet. On the other hand- ah, screw it.

“I fucked Mikey-“ Frank’s mouth drops open, like you just shot a dog in front of him, “mm not done, babe. My ex is up there and I am for sure still in love with him-“ Frank just stares, wide eyed, “and I’m in love with Mikey.”

“What the fuck.”

“I know-“

“You fucked Mikey?”

“Yeah, last night and-“

“Dude!”

“What!”

“I always thought it would be Gerard.”

“Shut up, you did not.”

“Uh, yeah.”

“He is like a damn brother to me!”

“Yeah, now he is.” Frank snorts, dodging a smack from you as you giggle at him.

“Rude!”

“So what’s the deal with your ex? The band actually play pretty good so, before I praise them on their skills I’d like to know if I should punch anyone or not?”

“I haven’t spoke. to Patrick for like, three years. I broke my phone when I got to Jersey and it had all my numbers in. Thought he’d be angry and forget about me, turns out, half their set is about me. He might still be angry at me- for thinking I just stopped talking to him. Oh, god, do you think he is here to yell at me?” You hold your temple, stressing out.

“Hey, hey. If he yells at you- you know I’ll- actually you don’t need to know what I’ll do.” He chuckles, giving you a side hug.

“Thanks, Frankie. You’re the best.” He smiles with his tongue between his teeth.

“You know, I’d ask you for more details on Mikey but I think that’s a conversation for later as he is comingrightthiswaybyeeeee!” He rushes out the last few words before sneaking off.

“Hey…” You turn around, Frank already lost to the crowd.

“Hi, Mikes.”

There is a nervous pause.

“You know the band?” He comes right out with it.

“Yeah…the bassist, Pete was my best friend and…yeah I knew them in Chicago- they didn’t even have a name then.” You decide to spare the information about Patrick.

“Cool, so…you and this Pete guy…it wasn’t him who you-“ You cut him off.

“Oh! No, no…Pete is- was just a friend.” You smile forlornly, remembering the friendship of the past. Maybe now you could get back in touch?

“Okay, good. I’m..not much of a fighter.” He laughs and gestures to himself.

“Aw, no, come on. I’m sure you could pull a punch.” You punch his shoulder, so gently, he only moves an inch.

“Let’s hope I never find out.” You look into Mikey’s eyes and feel a certain guilt.

A guilt that you still love Patrick.

A guilt that he doesn’t know anything.

A guilt that you love him.

“Mikey, I-“ You are cut off by a pair of lips on yours.

He pulls you insanely close, cradling your head in his, it’s passionate- more than any other kiss you’ve shared. He pulls away, shocked at himself.

“I am so sorry, you just looked so gorgeous in the light and- I have had a few drinks- I am so sorry.” He apologises, rambling on.

You look up to the stage discreetly, their last song ends and they start to exit the stage, you lose all the members in the crowd.

You panic. He deserves to know the truth.

“Mikey don’t be sorry. It’s not that I don’t want to kiss you- I just-“ You groan, trying to think of a way to explain, “I just want you to be sure of your feelings. I’m not someone that enjoys being fucked around with. Which is why you should know-“

“Y/n.”. A familiar voice behind you makes your stomach drop.

“Know what?” Mikey grabs your hand, pleading with you to tell him what’s wrong.

“I can’t believe it’s you.” You turn around, there he is, sure as day.

“Pat-“ Before you can speak, he pulls you into a hug and suddenly you’re eight years old again- meeting Patrick for the first time.

He smells the same, you feel a tear roll down your cheek, losing it as it falls onto his jacket.

“Your brother told me everything, back home. How your dad had told him you broke your phone and lost all your numbers- and I just knew you never stopped talking to me- I knew it.”

Your brother, being old enough to stay in Chicago, had one phone call with your dad when you moved, you mentioned about a broken phone- the only nice thing he had ever done was replace it. And that was only so he could now where you were at the press of a button- you wouldn’t dare reject his calls.

You missed your brother so much, but he knew you would have called if you could.

He must have told your brother- who told Patrick, who must have told the boys.

Who-

“Nice to meet one of Y/n’s friends from Illinois.” Mikey nods at him, Patrick looks at him confused.

“Friend? Did you not-“ Patrick turns to you, but before you can say anything, Mikey is kidnapped by Gerard and Ray- forcing him to come help them get their instruments.

“You looked like you could use a little help.” Frank whispers in your ear, before motioning that your set is on soon.

“Thank you.” You whisper back.

“What’s going on, Y/n? Did you not tell anyone about us?” Patrick doesn’t seem upset, just confused.

“I did…I promise. I just…I missed you too much to cope at all, I just couldn’t talk about it. I thought I’d never see you again.” You look at him, defeated- overwhelmed by everything all at once.

“I missed you, too. More than anything.” He grabs your hand, your heart flutters. You look a little different to how he remembers you, well, you are a lot different now. He still thinks you are drop dead gorgeous, more so even.

“I um, I gotta go prepare for my band to play. But here-“ You grab the pen hanging out of his jacket top pocket before scribbling your new number on his hand, “If we don’t get a chance, we will talk soon?” You smile.

“Yeah, yeah, of course, we are here for a couple weeks- Joe’s visiting his aunt a couple of towns over, so- I’ll be here. Wait- you’re My Chemical Romance?” His eyes shine, he’s never seen you play like you do now, you can’t wait.

“You know what- seems like I am.” You giggle before downing your beer and waving goodbye, running to the van parked out back to get your sticks, opting to use the house drums already on stage.

Your heart hangs heavy with all of tonight.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

“And now welcome to the stage- a favourite here at Puzzles, you know them, you love them. They got a new album out in a couple of months- it’s My Chemical Romance!” Marshall, the announcer for most nights, gives you a high five as you all step out. You had decided to play a a few songs from your only album- I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love.

Of course the new one was in the making, and how things were looking seems you would be the drummer indefinitely. You often helped with the writing process, giving you a deep understanding to each lyric and beat.

Gerard amps up the crowd and you try to spot the boys in the audience, you do, you can see them by the bar.

Pete noticed you looking and gave you a wave, nudging Patrick, who gave you a shy wave too. Andy gives you a thumbs up, and Joe just smiles, nodding over.

“We decided tonight, we’re gonna start with a little something called Headfirst for Halos-“ Gerard motions over to me and I start my cue.

“1, 2, 3-“ You blur into the microphone next to you and as soon as your sticks hit the set- you know this is gonna be a good show.

Every song makes you sweat even more, your swinging your hair around, trying to keep it from sticking to your forehead. Frank’s nearly hit Mikey in the head five times and has already licked Gerard, Ray is stood- grounded- head banging like usual and definitely with more grace than you.

You guys finish off with the song that meant the most to you, Demolition Lovers. Having wrote a lot of the lyrics about Mikey- you felt a special connection to this one specifically- it was the band’s lovechild which basically gave you all (mostly Gee) the idea of the next album.

As Gerard sings, you can’t help but find Mikey with your eyes, he usually stand on his side of the stage, moving a klmetre or two but this time- he walks closer. He’s now playing at you- putting his heart into his bass

“I’m trying, I’m trying.”

“To let you know how much you mean”

“As days fade and nights grow”

“And we grow cold”

You start the cry a little, the lyrics you wrote, you feel it in your soul.

The song ends and you can’t do anything but sit there, the hot lights shining down on you.

“Our CD’s are behind the bar as usual if anyone would like one, we have been My Chemical Romance, thank you so much!” Gerard screams down the mic, you look at Mikey, he offers out his hand.

You take it, letting him pull you off stage with the guys, as you walk out the bitter cold air is pleasure against your skin- hot like metal.

Everyone starts putting their equipment back into the van.

“Cigarette?” Frank quips, having his own today he offers out the box.

“Deadly.” You breathe, taking one out, using Frank’s cigarette to light it as you forgot your bag at home.

“How about you just…be our drummer? You’re already the best out there, you never let us down. I know you don’t like spotlight and all but you write songs the way we do and we need you-“

“I’ll do it.” You laugh.

“Really?” Frank’s hopeful eyes shining at you, they had asked a few times with you always declining.

“Yeah, I’ll do it.”

“Guys! She’s in!” Frank screams, all of a sudden you are surrounded by sweaty, stinking males putting their paws all over you as they hug you.

“Finally!” Gerard kisses your forehead.

You just hope your whole boy situation doesn’t break up the band.

“You need me, what can I say?” You pretend to play it off cool.

What a night you are in for.

[misfits-in-motion]

pluck my strings

(ray toro x reader)

☾ — not proofread, not word counted, this is RAW everyone. first public story in years. crazy guys. trying to keep it gender neutral for my folks but,,, i am but a molar — ☾

summary: you're a guitarist coming into the 2000s emo scene. much like many others, you have just a basic knowledge of guitar. thus, feeling a little bold, you contact your friend with the most knowledge. and,,, yeah, maybe you just wanted an excuse to see him. when you finally do make it to the studio, you can't help but let your mind wander. can anyone blame you? he's just so close....

tw?: uhhhhmm not that i can think of. sliiiiight smut if you squint. really just suggestive and tense.

☾-☾-☾

⠀Your band had come in with a fever. One second, you were working job to job, trying to desperately cram your hobbies into your free time whilst also managing friendships and your ever-crumbling dating life. Then, one half-slurred, half-mumbled, half-thought hangout idea spewed by one of your close friends led to this moment. You had a show in exactly two weeks, and still only knew maybe five or so chords. Sure, you could switch between them pretty fast and come up with decent riffs and progressions, but nothing that would sound like more than a dead kennedys knock off on stage.

⠀While my chemical romance was making their way up the ranks, they still held you and your band in close regard. You and the guys had been tight since early 2002, and you even witnessed a lot of bullets being made. which, to say the least, showed off their talents. Out of the bunch, you tended to lean toward Ray for a number of reasons. He was quiet, but not terribly quiet. Quiet outwardly, but not in an introverted sense. Ray just reserved his words for when they mattered. You could appreciate that, along with his utterly charming smile, insanely good taste in movies, appreciation for music, among other things.

⠀It seemed everyone but Ray knew you had a total thing for him. Even when you called him up in the middle of your friend's mom's house, they snickered and made obscene gestures toward you deserving of a middle finger from hell, that of which you gave to them in full.

⠀Now, standing outside the recording studio, your previous idea felt a bit more ominous. Just as you were heading in, Frank was heading out. You bumped shoulders, that unmistakeable little laugh coming from the other guitarist.

⠀"Gotcha!" Frank grinned, turning to face you as you turned simultaneously. "Knew you were coming. Ray won't shut up about it."

⠀"Oh?" He'd piqued your interest. You couldn't help the smile on your lips, your head tilted a bit to the side as you watched Frank. Maybe you'd entertain this. "How are you so sure?"

⠀Frank playfully glanced off into the sky, hands in his pockets as he rocked on his heels with an excited little smile. "Oh, you knoooow," He shrugged, "Just the way he instantly got up and started making sure everything was juuust right for your arrival. I can recite it verbatim, dude. 'you know who called-? yeah! yeah. gonna help 'em with some guitar stuff- hey, do you remember where that one amp is-?'. Gay." Frank shook his head with a laugh.

⠀The image in your mind brought some warmth to your chest. He was that excited just to see you?

⠀"You guys are so gay. Look at that fuckin' smile on your face. Unbelieveable. Well, don't let me keep you from your date."

⠀Before you could protest, Frank had already turned and raised a hand in goodbye, leaving you outside the doors of the studio in the brisk air.

⠀You turned, looking at the doors with slightly wider eyes than a few moments before. Figuring the last thing you wanted to do was keep Ray waiting, you pulled open the door and walked inside.

⠀As usual, the smell hit you first. Wood, metal, a bit of sweaty musk, and a certain "clean" smell, but clean the way carpets are. It was warmer inside, but only warm enough to keep everyone from shivering considering the instruments and equipment were top priority. You walked down the hall, finally finding the recording room Ray was settled in. As if on cue, he looked up to see you through the window in the door. You smiled, and waved enthusiastically.

⠀Ray returned the smile, and you opened the door to realize there was no one else but him. Well of course there was no one else but him, but still it was a bit jarring to be alone with him. It was always a bit difficult to come to terms with the fact that you had the fattest crush on Ray. It was obvious to a pathetic point, hence the embarrassment.

"Glad you could make it. I mean, I was getting a little worried, y'know."

"Oh- pff, yeah. I had to walk here... No car, and all..."

"What-!?"

⠀The way Ray's jaw dropped made you nearly shrink.

"You walked here? Dude-! I-..." He let out a small laugh of disbelief, "I could have come picked you up. It's way too cold outside to be walking. Besides, what if someone kidnapped you?" Ray shook his head as he pulled two chairs close together, facing each other.

"I mean, I didn't want to bother you-"

"Oh shut up! You can always bother me. Always. Takes only a little gas to get to you. And if it meant you were gonna be warm, then that's what I would have opted for."

⠀Again, that same little smile crept up your lips along with a certain warm flush to your face. It was nice for him to worry so much. For him to care. It almost gave you a liiiiittle spark of hope that he felt the same.

⠀You pulled off your jacket, which Ray was quick to take. Just for a moment, his finger tips brushed along your biceps. The ghostly sensation was enough to raise instant goosebumps along your arms. And oddly enough, you couldn't help but think about how warm his touch was despite it being barely there. You wondered what it'd feel like for him to hold you with purpose. With his hands placed strategically, with meaning. Just for a second, you wondered what that warmth would feel like on the more private areas of your body. How would his hand feel clasping the back of your neck? Cradling the underside of your thighs snaking further up until he could cradle your ass in his palms? Would he be gentle? No. No, Ray would be gentle in theory. But he'd want to grab you. Hold you. Make sure you fit just right in his hands, slotted together like pieces of a puzzle.

"You ready?"

⠀You turned quickly. "Yeah! Yeah, sorry. Lot on my mind, I totally zoned out."

"All good... You okay? Do you want to talk about it?"

⠀You could have laughed if you weren't so tensed with both embarrassment and anxiety. Paralyzed with the realization that was now setting in: the man you had dumbly imagined a future with, sex with, dates with, and intimacy with was now going to be mere inches away from you while your mind strayed and tried to come up with every last sexual situation this moment could lead to. What a set up.

"No! No, it's nothing like that!" You gave a nervous laugh, waving your hand as you finally convinced your feet to move and walk you to the chair beside him. "Just... Nervous I guess. It'll be my first time playing on stage like that. I don't think high school band and choir count." You laughed again, softer this time. What you didn't see was the way Ray's lips curled up slightly at your more genuine laugh. The sound was sweet, no matter how much you tried to deny it. He loved it.

"That's okay. Here, we'll start simple? Okay? Just nailing down some scales and stuff? You gotta remember scales from band and all, right? These'll be your base blocks."

⠀You gave a few nods and desperately tried to focus on the guitar he placed in your hands. It only took a few seconds to realize it was one of his personal electrics. Ray carefully reached forward and guided your fingers into position. Again, you felt that same rush of heat. His hands were larger than yours, and now closely studying them, you wondered what they'd feel like in your hair. Running through it, or perhaps holding it tightly. Maybe even tugging on it.

"My fingers go here?" You quickly tried to end run your thoughts by paying attention, which was most likely important considering these lessons were meant to help you get ready for being in a proper band.

"Yeah. Just like that. See? You're already catching on."

⠀The little amount of praise nearly made your stomach jump into your chest. It was practically like he was trying to give your mind ammunition to fluster you with.

"Alright. You've done picking before, right?"

"Just some. I'm not too good, if I'm being honest."

"Don't say that. I'm sure you're great, but don't put yourself down. Try picking top string to bottom string. That's your low E to high E."

⠀You did as he instructed, and for a little while it was just that. Ray told you what to do, showing you little tips and tricks along with some position corrections and adjustments while you desperately tried to fight everything off in your mind. Now wasn't the time to debate whether Ray was into you. Now wasn't the time to question if Ray found you just as attractive as you found him. Attractive didn't even cut it.

⠀It seemed everyone knew about your 'thing with Ray', so you had spoken to your friends about it in the past. And boy, could you gush. Between his eyes that seemed to twinkle and shine whenever he was interested in something, to his smile that creased up his eyes in the most adorable way, and then there were his lips which were so plush and perfect looking. They paired perfectly with his cut jaw, which led down to an oddly hot-looking neck, and don't even get started on his broad shoulders-

"Are you really okay?"

You nearly jumped three feet in the air.

"Fine! Sorry, I'm so sorry... I think I'm just ready to move on. If you think I'm ready, that is."

"Yeah, I'd say you're pretty good on scales for now. I mean, if it comes down to it I can just give you another lesson. Meet back here again and polish everything, you know?"

"I... I'd really appreciate that, yeah."

"Great. Then we'll meet again for lessons. Until then, why don't we move on to some chord progressions?"

"Sounds good to me."

⠀Ray explained a few shapes, but it was a bit difficult considering he didn't have a guitar in his hands, too. He was moreso explaining them to you, guiding your fingers, and then having you strum. And for the simpler chords, it worked. But as they grew more complex, you could feel the gears slowing in your brain. Not to mention, being able to smell Ray's shampoo, deodorant, and cologne didn't help. You were growing desperate. Fast. You wanted to smell like him. Be so close, so enveloped in him, that your skin took to his cologne. Your skin smelled like his skin.

"Okay, this obviously isn't going amazingly, so let's try something a little different. I'm gonna move you, okay?"

⠀You nearly got up before you felt your chair move with you on it. Ray had tugged your chair over directly in front of his. So close you could see his shoes beside your chair. Then, his arms came from behind you. One of his hands settled on your waist, the other wrapped around your hand on the fret board. You could scream.

⠀He was so close. You could feel the heat radiating off of him. Hold me. Hold me, not the guitar. Say whatever you'd like, just hold me, please. I want your arms to squeeze me.

⠀You decided to royally fuck any mental restraint now. You wouldn't feed into it physically, but there was no point restraining your thoughts now. God, this had to be purposeful. Friends don't hold each other gently by the waist, thumb absentmindedly stroking back and forth along the fabric of your shirt. He had to be moving in on you, and you weren't complaining a bit.

"Here. Your index, or first finger, goes here, second here, third here, and your pinky goes here. Hold that, and strum a few times."

⠀His voice had dropped lower. Slightly softer, but richer. He was speaking just to you. Just for you. Saying words he only wanted you to here. The way his fingers tightened ever so slightly around your side made your breath hitch slightly. You assumed it was because you strummed the chord beautifully.

"Sorry, is this okay?" Ray asked gently, his voice carrying a slight gravelly undertone from being lowered.

⠀Realizing what he meant, you flashed a reassuring smile. "You're okay." You nodded a few times.

"Good."

⠀Ray's hand shifted a bit lower, his grip hugging the side of your thigh as he moved in closer. His head was over your shoulder and you could feel his chest pressed against your back. If it weren't for the stupid fucking chair, you'd be able to be perfectly snug against his figure. And, fuck, did you want to be.

"Let's try another chord. You're doing great."

⠀Ray's lips nearly brushed along your ear. You could feel his breath warming your skin, even feeling his chest rise and fall. If you paid any closer attention, you would be able to tell that his heart was racing the same way yours was. Being so close to you was a blessing for Ray. One you didn't exactly know about, but could guess by now. His fingers guided yours again, and made a different chord. You strummed, and and a string buzzed obnoxiously, as if wanting to be seen.

"That's okay, I think it's your pinky. Shift it a little to the right. Strum again?"

You did as he directed.

"Perfect." Along with his praise, he gave a small rub and squeeze to the side of your thigh. There was a small, trapped sound that caught in your throat, whether out of surprise or enjoyment. Either way, you didn't see the smile plastered on Ray's face.

⠀Just as Ray was about to say something else, his phone buzzed in his back pocket and played a Bauhaus song.

"Shit- sorry. One second."

⠀Just as his warmth had wrapped around you, it was gone twice as fast. He had pulled away and gotten up, answering the phone in the corner of the room. If you listened close enough, you would be able to make out whatever he was saying. You opted to pluck mindlessly at the guitar, even practicing a few of the picking patterns Ray had taught you.

"Okay, sorry about that. Gerard called, wanted to know if I would be down to practice with everyone else. Which, in Gerard talk, means everyone else wants to practice and needs me too. But, uh, I wanted to ask you, first." He stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"Ask me..?"

"If you didn't mind ending this lesson here. But not forever-! Just... For now. How does same time tomorrow sound?"

⠀You stood, leaning over to switch off the amp before you unplugged the cable and guitar. You handed the guitar over to Ray with a sweet smile, that of which he returned. It wasn't hard to see you were both seeing each other as newer people.

"It sounds perfect to me."

"Perfect. So I'll... Come pick you up, too?"

"I dunno. Maybe I'll... Walk here again. Just so that you'll have to do whatever you did back there to warm me up."

⠀Ray faltered for a moment, then laughed as he registered you addressing the moment. "Right. I'll do you one better. I'll pick you up a little early and make sure you're nice and warm in my car, yeah?" Ray took the guitar from you and put it away, safely in its case. He then grabbed your jacket, and held it open for you to slip your arms into.

"I don't think I can argue with that one." You grinned.

"Good. It's settled." Ray helped your coat on, then rested his hands on your biceps. He leaned down beside your shoulder again. "See you tomorrow?"

⠀Your face flushed again, this time, you turned slightly so that your lips were a few inches from his own.

"See you tomorrow."

☾ — mueheheheeeee i hope this was good. any comments are greatly appreciated, positive or constructive critcism, either way i'm down. ermmm debating a part two?? but idk it feels kinda finished to me ',:|. either way, hope u liked ittttt tags n shiz below but yeah :3 — ☾