*I Won't Pretend I Don't Exist* Brian Haner

*Chapter Seven* Shanlie Tells A Boy.

if it weren't for her....i'd be more than a little lost. Also, because I can only have one dedication on here, I'd like to add Ashybaby91, she is also one of my best friends and her stuff is just as amazing. ya'll should go read it =]

   He let me go and looked at me.

    “Did you have any plans today?” I asked sweetly. He shook his head. “Still want to teach me guitar? If not, that’s ok.” I said, not wanting to be pushy. He grinned.

    “Sure. I think it’s been a while since God cried.” I rolled my eyes.

    “With my playing, it would be more tears of pain rather than tears of joy.” I said, following him out of my room and back down the stairs. The front door opened and a tall, thin man walked in. Hamlet was on his feet, growling.

    “Shan, call him off.” Brian muttered, turning towards the guy. “Hey, Larry.” He said, sticking out his hand for a friendly handshake. I was hesitant to call off Hamlet just yet. “Shanlie.” Brian said, turning his head towards me.

    “You’re Shanlie?” The man Brian called Larry asked. I nodded. He held out his hand for Hamlet to sniff, palm side up. “I feel awful.” He said and I tilted my head. “Eric was my assistant. I sent him over only to see if the guys needed anything to help them with the songs. He wasn’t supposed to threaten you and that he did-just…Well, I took care of it. I’m sorry for what he did.” Larry said, meeting my gaze. I nodded. “So, you’re Matt’s sister.” He mused, still looking at me. I sighed. “I can see it.” He said after a long pause. I looked at him. “You stand the way he does, and your face is the same shape.” I froze. Hamlet deemed him ok and started to lick his hand. Larry looked at me and then at Brian. “Did I say something?” He asked. Brian laughed, bracing his hands on my shoulders from behind.

    “She thinks she’s nothing like her brother, which is why people don’t see that they’re related.” Brian answered, steering me for the living room.

    “Oh, who gives a fuck what anyone else thinks?” Larry muttered, following us. Brian laughed again, pushing me backwards onto the couch. I complied easily.

    “That’s what we’ve been telling her since she got back here.” He said.

    “Good. Well, I just wanted to apologize to Shanlie and see if there was anything you guys needed.” He said. Brian shook his head.

    “I think we’re good. Matt and Johnny were at the studio early this morning. I think Matt had an idea that he was anxious to get down.”

    “Awesome. I can’t wait to hear it.” Larry said. I closed my eyes. No pressure. “It was really nice to meet you, Shanlie. I hope we get to see each other again.” He said politely. I waved with a smile and relaxed into the Quackfa cushions. Brian looked at me.

    “So, does he pass?” He asked. I rolled my eyes at him.

    “Well, Hamlet didn’t eat him, so I guess so.” Brian sighed.

    “He got you, though. Admit it, you sort of like him.” I bit back a grin.

    “Are you going to teach me or not, Guitar God?” He laughed.

    “Stay.” He said, pointing to me. Hamlet sat down and I cracked up. “Well, at least one of you listens to me.” He said, turning away. Hamlet looked at me and I gestured after Brian. My dog trotted after him into the hallway and after a few seconds I heard a strangled groan from Brian.