“What was that yesterday?” Zacky asked as we made our way back to the cars. Throughout the entire lunch, he had been staring at me like a hawk, and I didn’t need to be a genius to know he wanted to talk to me.

“What was what?”

He rolled his eyes before nodding his head toward Brian, who was walking ahead of us with Audrey and Katherine. “With him,” Zacky clarified, “You guys spent all night together, and when I called you this morning, you were sleeping on his bed.”

I shrugged my shoulders, finding the situation not that strange, “We talked it out and we’re good again. That’s it.”

“For two ex-friends that barely looked at each other, you guys are pretty close now.”

First of all, he was the one mad at me. And secondly, what’s wrong with us being close now?”

Zacky raised his hands, in defense, “I’m just saying…”

“Seriously, what do you want with this?” I queried, stopping dead in tracks and crossing my arms over my chest. “I’m not dumb, you know?”

Sighing, Zacky diverted his gaze from mine, “I want you to be careful.”

I shook my head, laughing, “Careful about what? Brian? Yeah, because I don’t know him at all.” I said dryly.

“It’s not that, Lara, and you know it.” As Zacky turned his emerald eyes back to me, I saw the seriousness dancing in his orbs, that earnest look that our parents gave us when they were scolding us, and that was enough to make me lower my head.

“You’re overreacting. I don’t get it. It’s not a big deal.”

Ok. Maybe I did get his point. What I didn’t need was for Zacky to think that Brian and I had any intentions to go back to each other’s arms, because that was not the plan. We didn’t even want that. Or did we?

“Of course you do, Lara!” Zacky exclaimed, throwing his arms into the air, and for the minimal, slightest second I feared I had voiced my thoughts.

Again.

“Of course you get it!”

Damn, I need to stop thinking too much.

Lara!” I jumped at the way Zacky shouted my name, his fingers snapping right in front of my face.

“Hey!” I slapped his hand away, frowning, “Fuck off!”

“I’m just trying to talk to you!”

“Well, I don’t want to talk about Brian. Nothing happened, okay? So stop worrying.” I pushed past Zacky just to catch Jimmy giving him a look.

Oh, now, shit was about to get serious.

I stomped toward Jimmy, grabbed him by the wrist, and pulled both he and Zacky away from the others. I was aware of the intrigued glances from Brian as he waited by the car, but I chose to ignore it. I would handle him later. Turning to my two new guardians, I lifted my chin up and fixed my gaze on them defiantly, “Alright, spill your guts, you little bastards.” I told them, my voice unwavering. They shared a quick glance, guilt written all over their faces. “I’m waiting.” I tapped my foot on the floor.

“We think that you and Brian are a little too excited with this. With your newfriendship .” Jimmy spoke.

“Why is that?”

“We can see the look on your faces.”

I arched an eyebrow at Zacky, pondering over his words. “We’re just happy we’re friends again. I guess we missed each other.”

“Is that really all?” Jimmy pried, a bit of concern dripping from his usual cheery voice.

My shoulders slumped as I let my arms fall to my sides, “Yeah.” I answered tiredly, “I promise.”

Promise was a pretty big word to carry over my shoulders, but if I didn’t stop myself now, I was afraid I’d get myself in deep shit because of Brian. I didn’t know how strong my feelings were for him and neither did I know how strong his were.

“We don’t want any of you to get hurt. That’s all.”

“Aw, I know, Jim. But sometimes it’s worse when you guys keep insinuating things. It makes me think and it’s never good when I think too much.”

They both chuckled at that, but then said they were going to try to keep the issue Lara & Brian out of conversation, which I was grateful for.

“Besides, I’m a big girl now. Mentally, at least.” I added with a frown as if an afterthought. “And I can take care of myself.” I said quickly, smiling proudly.

“We can take care of you better.” Jimmy countered smugly.

“Oh, shut it.” I pushed him slightly on the chest and turned around, bouncing away toward Brian, whose face lit up when I approached him.

“Serious talk over there, uh?” He joked, probably knowing the reason behind the stress with Jimmy and Zacky.

I chuckled and shrugged my shoulders, “I’ve got everything under control.”

“At least one of us has.”

What did that mean?

“Shorty, talk to me.” Brian demanded, his fist hitting my shoulder lightly. I pulled away from my own world. Images of yesterday’s conversation had haunted me since, well, yesterday, and no matter how hard I tried to push it to the back of my mind, I just couldn’t. Looking away from the window, I peeked up at Brian, seeing that he was glowering. “It’s early and I’m sleepy. You have to entertain me.” He mumbled.

I fought back a giggle and turned up the radio a little, “You’re such a princess. Where’s the store?” I asked. We were heading there because, as promised, Brian was taking me to one of his guitar classes.

“You still haven’t seen the store.” Brian said, his tone between quizzical and affirmative.

“If I had, do you think I’d be asking this?”

“I thought Zacky had already taken you there. What an idiot.” He said, shaking his head, “That should’ve been the first thing to do when you guys started talking.”

I smiled, “But now you have the chance to do it yourself. Isn’t it better?”

He seemed to deliberate for a moment, and when the corner of his lips curved in a “you-won” smile, I let out a small laugh.

“But tell me more about it. Is it big? Do you have those sound-proof rooms to teach the kids?”

“Yeah. Prepare yourself, because your jaw will hit the ground so hard, you won’t be able to close your mouth for weeks straight.”

I cringed at his words, but after repeating the sentence in my head over and over again, I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

“What is it?” Brian asked, deeply confused, flickering his eyes between me and the road. “What is it?” He repeated, this time more annoyed. But I couldn’t get a grip on myself as I laughed uncontrollably in my seat. “Stop!” He grabbed my arm and shook me, even though that was only adding fuel to my fit of laughter. “Oh my god. What did I do?” Brian wondered out loud, giving in to an amused chuckle that fell from his lips.

“You sounded so dirty!” I choked out, once I’d inhaled enough air to speak.

“What?”

“You said I wouldn’t be able to close my mouth for weeks straight! That’s so gross!” I laughed, and Brian rolled his eyes before setting them back on the road.

“Oh my god, are you serious? You’re such a perv.”

“Oh boy…” I wiped at the tears in my eyes as my breathing finally started to slow down.

“I didn’t remember how naughty your mind was.”

“Are you scarred for life now?” I queried, rubbing my hand on his thigh, teasing. He squinted up at me, his eyes narrowed, somehow darker than just a mere second before.

“You better take that hand off, miss funny-perv.” Though his voice sounded calm and playful for the others, I knew damn well he was everything but that. His hands had tightened on the steering wheel and his jaw was clenched, as if he was trying to control himself.

Sensitive nerve I hit.

“Are you getting turned on, Brian?” I smirked.

“Oh, please!” He scoffed, pushing my hand away from him. However, from the corner of my eye, I could see the effort he was making to keep his smile from showing. I giggled, and he looked at me briefly, “I’m not turned on, just so you know.”

“Okay.” I said.

“I’m not!” He insisted, giving me a punch when I started laughing. “Perv! That’s what you are!”

“Oh, why thank you.” I smiled.

“Jeez.” Shaking his head, Brian turned his attention back to the road, but he was no longer sleepy, that much I could tell. Successful work!

“So… now that you’re perfectly awake,” I started, giggling, “can I check your glove compartment? Or am I gonna find some porn magazines, and condoms, and weird shit like that?” I bit my bottom lip, watching attentively his reaction to my words, and when he grunted desperately, I leaned back and started laughing all over again. Why was he so bothered?

“I’m gonna kick you out of my car if you don’t stop with that.” He warned, but I knew it was an empty threat.

“I’m just kidding.” I chuckled, opening the glove department and rummaging through his stuff. I found CDs and some documents, but decided to go for the CDs. Metallica, Pantera, Bruno Mars. Bruno Mars? As I turned to him, with the CD in my hand, he held his own hand up to stop me from saying anything.

“Don’t even ask.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Okay.”

I continued to see what CDs he had in the car, but there was one that caught my attention. It was wrapped in a white paper and it read Avenged Sevenfold - Tape III. I turned it over and there were several names of songs.

Holy shit!

"Oh my god! Is this your music?" I asked Brian, not keeping the excitement out of my voice. When he glanced at what I was holding in my hands, Brian gasped.

"You’re not supposed to see that!" He tried to steal the CD from me, but I was faster than him and retrieved it in time. “Give me that." He demanded, his tone telling me he was not in the mood for games.

"What’s the problem?" I was honestly confused by his reaction.

"I didn’t want you to see that. Please, give it to me." He held his right hand out while the other took control of the steering wheel.

Frowning, I brought the CD to my chest. “Why can’t I see it? I want to listen to it."

"That’s why." Brian replied coldly. “Please." His brown eyes gave me a silent plead as he looked briefly at me, and I couldn’t say no to that. With a last peek at the CD, I handed it back to him. He placed it down on the side of the door and kept driving, in silence.

Jeez, it’s just a CD. Get a grip.

I turned to the window, gazing outside and watching as the houses passed us by, fast and blurred. Why was he so angry? Why couldn’t I listen to Avenged Sevenfold? It’s not like it was the first time.

"You don’t need to stay quiet and ignore me." Brian said, this time much softer, almost rueful.

I looked at him cautiously, and he found me halfway, sending me an apologetic smile. “What bug bit your ass, anyway?"

Chuckling, he let out what sounded a sigh of relief, “I don’t know… I’m sorry, okay? Let’s just not talk about it."

"Fine." I held my hands up. “Tell me, how many classes do you have?"

"Two. Fifteen kids each." He smiled.

"All same ages?"

"No, no. I’ve got one with kids between 4 and 7." He began, making my eyes pop out of my head. Between 4 and fucking 7?

"That’s so young!" I told him, the shock betraying my voice.

"I know, right? It’s crazy, but there are actually pretty good players. Almost better than I am now."

A slight smile crossed my lips at the humbleness of his speech, however, I decided to tease him a little, “It’s not like you’re good. I mean… you can play some riffs but even I could play them."

"Ah. Ah." He narrowed his eyes at me, “Coming from the person who once squealed and writhed whenever I did a guitar solo."

I laughed, remembering those good times in his basement. “That was just acting."

"Go fool my ass!" He scoffed.

I wiggled my eyebrows suggestively, “Bring it on, baby."

Brian’s gaze fell on me, the smirk on his lips turning into a full smile as I started chuckling. “Oh, man. What am I gonna do with you?"

I could think of some things.

"Nothing." I said instead, “You were saying you had two classes." Changing the subject was always a helpful thing.

"Oh, right. The other class is for kids from 14 to 20.They have more capacity to assimilate certain things, so my method is pretty different. It’s a different approach." He explained, “Maybe you’ll see it someday."

"Little kids today, then, right?"

"That was our deal." Brian smiled.

"Oh my god, I can’t wait!" I clapped my hands excitedly, “This is gonna be epic. Brian Haner with kids! Ah!"

He chuckled, rolling his eyes at me yet another time, “Stop fucking doubting my skills to handle kids. I told you, they love me."

---

"Holy fucking shit! This is huge!" I said, my mouth hanging open in pure amazement. I never thought this would be this big. “This store makes three of my apartment back in New York. It’s ridiculous."

Brian snickered, amused by my enthusiasm. I spun around to face him, just to find his well figure leant against the reception counter, his arms folded across his chest. “Impressed?" He asked.

"A fucking lot." I beamed, ambling toward him as I looked around again. Wow.

The store was very modern-like, and it was full of CDs, music magazines, some old vinyl, and then of course, guitars, drum sets, and all those supplies that came along with the instruments. It was truly awesome. I was fascinated.

"And you didn’t even see the rest. You’ll freak out." Brian stated, waving so I would follow him. We climbed some stairs that led to a big corridor where many doors were displayed. There were at least six doors.

On the walls hung pictures of artists, and musicians, and others of kids. As I took a closer look, I realized those photos were from the guys’ classes. I couldn’t avoid a smile as I spotted a photo of Brian surrounded by kids. One was even on his back, his arms around Brian’s neck and a bright smile on his face.

"Cute." I muttered to myself.

"What was that?"

"Nothing." Brian’s brow lifted in suspicion, so I gave him a sheepish smile to win him over. He sighed, defeated, and I high-fived myself internally, happy with my ways. “What’s this?" I queried, pointing to a white paper on the door, with names and hours.

"It’s a schedule."

Of course. It makes sense.

As I eyed it more carefully, I saw that the guys were also named for some sort of work on the store. “What does this mean?"

"This is a store, right? We need to have someone to actually be in the store, to sell things to the eventual costumers. You know what I mean?"

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes, “Yeah, I just thought you had someone else doing that for you." I told him.

"We don’t work with other people. It saves us some troubles."

And here I was, thinking he was humble.

"Damn, can you be any more selfish and arrogant?"

"It’s not about that, it’s about…" He trailed off, probably not knowing what to say, or what excuse making up.

"It’s about being selfish and arrogant? Cocky bastards? Just idiots?" I suggested, cocking my head to the side.

Brian grimaced and stuck his tongue out at me, “Shut up. It’s our business."

"Cocky fuckers."

"Perv!"

"Fat ass."

"Midget!"

"That’s Johnny!" I countered.

Brian chuckled, tapping my shoulder lightly, “I’m sorry to break it to you, but you’re shorter than little Johnny."

Pushing him hard on his chest, I tried to stop the smile that was desperately forcing its way up to my lips, but to no avail. “Asshole!" I chuckled.

"What’s going on here?" Both Brian and I looked behind our shoulders, seeing Johnny walking in our direction.

Speaking of the devil…

"What are you doing here, short shit?" Brian asked.

"Store day for me." He replied casually, as he high-fisted Brian. “What about you? Showing the place around?" He wanted to know, as he hugged me.

"Yeah, kind of." Brian said, “And I have a guitar lesson in a while."

"Cool. I wish it was my day. I hate to be at the store." Johnny sighed, exasperated, “It’s so fucking boring."

"You should hire another person." I said, and Brian glared at me, even though it was a fake glare.

"We’re fine." He pointed.

"She’s right, dude." Johnny sided with me, surprising me a little, and Brian, too. “No one fucking likes being there, behind the counter, smiling at the costumers. We are not meant for it."

"It’s what we have."

"No, we’ve got enough money to hire ten fucking employees." Johnny argued.

Brian massaged his temples with his fingers, “We’ve discussed that already, and we’re not doing it again. Not now."

Johnny raised both of his hands in surrender, “Fine. Well I gotta go prepare the store. See you, guys, in a bit."

"Bye, Johnny."

However, just as he reached the end of the hall, he turned back to us, “Oh, and Lara, if you get tired of him, you can always make me some company downstairs."

Chuckling, I sent him thumbs up, “I’ll highly consider that, Johnny! Thank you!"

He winked at me and then jogged down the stairs, leaving Brian and I to ourselves.

"Oh, is that how it works now?"

I looked up at Brian, a smirk slowly forming on my lips, “What?"

"Traitor." Brian pouted.

"I’m just happy he’s not mad at me anymore."

Brian frowned, “He was not mad at you."

"Well, he was very protective of you. His claws were on display a few days ago."

"He’s a good friend." He smiled, placing a hand on the wall to support his weight.

"And you’re selfish."

"Because I want you all to myself?"

Wait. What? When did this talk become something serious?

"I’m just kidding." He chuckled as he saw the panic in my face.

Was I that obvious?

"Come on." Grinning in a very boyish way, Brian opened the door, the first one to our right, leaving enough space for me to pass through.

I stumbled out of my thoughts and stepped into the room, aware of the smiling Brian right behind me. “Is this your classroom?" I asked in an attempt to ignore the fuzzy tingling in my stomach. He nodded. “It’s really cool."

"It is. I decorated it."

"That explains the carpet." I said mockingly, making Brian slap my arm with the back of his hand.

"Stop making fun of me." He whined, his bottom lip coming out into a pout.

"Sorry,” I told him, stifling a chuckle. “I just can’t help it."

"This is my life. It’s not funny."

"I’m sorry ." I repeated, emphasizing the word, “Don’t be such a wimp."

"Oh, please! You’ve seen nothing!" He replied in a high school girl voice that made me start laughing, and when he joined me in a fit of laughter, we both just couldn’t stop.

Brian was laughing so hard he had to kneel down and roll to the floor. I didn’t know what was wrong with us, but the laughter only ceased when we heard a loud knock on the door.

"Oh, shit!" Brian whispered, still chuckling and wiping at the corner of his eyes. He stood up real quickly and straightened his clothes before going for the door. With a brief glance in my direction to check if I was in proper conditions, he pulled on the knob and opened the door.

"Hi, Brian." It was a woman’s voice, “Johnny said you were already here, so I came up. Drake was impatient, I couldn’t keep him downstairs."

"No problem." Brian smiled, “Where’s he?"

"Drake, come on!" The woman shouted.

I stood there awkwardly, kicking my feet on the floor, as some loud running echoed from the hall.

"Hey, dude!" I looked up, some blonde kid had arrived, and I saw him giving a firm handshake to Brian. My eyebrow lifted, intrigued.

"Hey, Brian!" He replied just as excited.

The kid was as tall as Brian’s stomach, yet Brian treated him like a friend, like they were the same age. How adorable was that?

"Damn, you have a brand new guitar!"

"His dad gave him for birthday." The kid’s mom said, smoothing her hand over his son’s hair, even though he tried to veer off her touch.

"Cool, right? I wanted to show you before class!" The kid beamed, showing off his new possession.

"Come in, let me see it."

"Well, I better go. I’ll come pick him up in an hour."

"Sure thing." Brian said, “See you later!"

It was only when the kid walked in further that he noticed me, acting shy all of a sudden. “Hi."

"Hey, kiddo!" I grinned.

He turned to Brian, and I could almost swear that six year old kid was smirking. “She’s pretty." He whispered, nudging Brian on his side.

Acting shy. Pff.

Brown eyes locked with my green ones and I felt self-conscious under his intense gaze. “Yup. I’ve got a good taste, uh?"

What?

"Is she your girlfriend?"

"I’m just his friend." I clarified, before Brian could have his word, “I’m Lara." I approached them a little.

Brian chuckled at me, knowing perfectly well why I was glaring at him, because I was. Madly!

"I’m Drake. I want to be like Brian one day and be an awesome guitarist!" The kid explained. “He can play some really cool solos and he promised he would teach me how to play them when I’m older enough, and I’ll get all girls I want!" He blurt out, his breathing suddenly heavy.

"Easy, buddy!" Brian patted his head, laughing.

"What are you teaching these kids?"

The next ten minutes were filled with mothers and fathers dropping their kids off, and soon the room was full of loud talking and sheering voices.

"Well, I gotta take control of this mess." Brian told me, and ran to the front, whistling as loud as he could to catch their attention. “Take your seats, and let’s start, okay?"

I sat at the back of the room, just watching him, watching how he explained the little details to a certain chord, watching him help each kid individually, answering questions that might have been asked, and time flew by way faster than I wanted.

By the end of the class, I noticed a little boy, probably in his five, having some troubles with the tuning. I jumped from my seat and walked over to him, crouching beside his chair, “What’s wrong?” I asked gently.

“I don’t know.” He mumbled, subdued, “The sound is just not right.”

“Can I see it?”

He handed me the small guitar and I quickly figured out what the issue was. I switched a button and told him to try again. As I saw the delight in his blue eyes, I knew I had done a good job.

“Thank you!” He said in a little, cute voice.

“You’re welcome, buddy.” I propped up on my feet, feeling eyes on me. I looked to my side and there was Brian, arms folded across his chest, a curious glint in his brown orbs, and a sweet smile adorning his thin lips.

He made his smooth way to me, “Didn’t know you knew about this stuff.”

“I still remember some things you taught me.”

“Maybe I should retire and you could take my job.”

I giggled, “Don’t be silly.

"Hey, everyone. It’s time to pack everything up. We’re done for today." Brian announced, and the room went crazy again as the young kids took care of their instruments. Brian’s attention focused back on me, the smile still plastered all over his face.

"I’m impressed." I said in all honesty, “You’re a really good teacher. You’re fun, nice, serious, when you have to.”

“So I did pass the test, uh?” He smirked, taking a step forward.

I dropped my gaze to the floor for a moment, his body too close to me for my own good, “You could say that.”

“You own me a date then.”

My head shot up in less than a second, “What?”

“I won the bet, so I get to choose the prize. And I choose a date.”

“Oh.” I was speechless for some reason.

Lara. It’s Brian, just Brian and his silly self.

“Okay.” I said.

Brian’s smile grew wider and he seemed happy, rubbing his hands together nervously, “Come lunch with me today.”

I couldn’t help the chuckle that climbed up my throat, “Fine, fine. Do I have to pay?”

His eyebrows knitted at the center of his forehead as he thought about it, but then he shook his head, “No. Your company is enough.”

Aw.

“Corny.” I joked.

Narrowing his eyes, he pointed a finger at me, “Don’t make me change my mind, shorty.”

I grabbed his finger and put it down, tickling his stomach in the process, “You wouldn’t.” I said, smiling, and then I walked away to look out of the window. The view was gorgeous, with the beach not too far. It’d been a month since I’d come back, and I couldn’t believe how things had worked out so well.

"Practice at home and I’m sure you’ll nail it."

I smiled. Brian’s voice was still strange but familiar all at the same time. I peeked behind my shoulder, not able to fight the urge to look at him, and the way he interacted with the kids brought me comfort. Why? I didn’t know.

"Thank you again, Brian. See you Thursday."

"Only you left to go, Jo." He said to a little girl.

"Where’s Rachel?" She asked, her tone innocent, soft. “She was nice."

Rachel?

Brian glanced at me timidly, but he forced a smile as he turned to Jo again, “She’s not coming anymore."

Notes

Ooh Rachel! Who do you think she is? ;)

Comments are always appreciated, guys. Come on, don't be shy :')

Thanks for reading! xo