A rotund man in his early thirties walked past the pub outside which Alain and Mal were seated. Trailing behind him, trotting in order to keep up, was a young dog - ridgeback crossed with something darker - tethered by a lead to the man's hand.

"Man"said Alain, "looks like it's gonna be a tough dog when it grows up."
"You reckon?"

"Shit, yeah. Dude's kitted it out that way, hasn't he? Studded collar, all that shit."

"Didn't you see its eyes, though?" asked Mal.

"What about them?"

"They were puppy-dog eyes!"

"Well it is a puppy" pointed out Alain.

Mal shook his head. "Not like that. I mean - you can just tell when you look in their eyes, whether a dog's mean or not."

"Man" smiled Alain, "where do you get this hippy shit from? You've been hanging out with that guy - whatsisame, sings in your band - too much."

"I keep telling you, man, we're rehearsing! I'm hanging out with you now, aren't I?"
Alain shook his head. "That's not what I meant."

"Oh. Well anyway, it's not hippy shit. Don't make fun of dogs, man, a dog'll be your best fucking friend for life."

"Apart from me" grinned Alain. After a while he said: "So, why are you hanging out with me, anyway? I mean, it's awesome and all, but dude! You could totally have a girlfriend! I mean, you're such a cool guy, you play in a band and all that shit, they should be queuing 'round the block for you."

"I don't have time for a girlfriend" Mal retorted defensively. "I'm too busy rehear-"

"Oh, don't give me that rehearsing shit again, man! You're such a lightweight! You've got to get out there."

"Are you trying to get me to come out with you again?"

"Fuck yeah! Hey, I got Hannah a girlfriend when she came out with me, didn't I!"

"One she doesn't want."

"Not the point."

"Whatever" said Mal. "But - I kinda don't really feel like I need a girlfriend."

"Well of course you don't need one! Gees."

"But I mean, I'm pretty happy how I am now. Just concentrating on the music, man."

"Bullshit! One good root'll have you out there again. Just one."

"But I don't want to get out there! I like where I am now!"

Alain gave Mal a sideways look. "Man" he said, "you know I love you like a little brother - but you're fucking weird sometimes."