Chapter Three: The Walk

Disclaimer: I don't own Family Guy

While breakfast was in the midst, Peter and Brian both woke-with horrible hangovers, so they didn't want to be disturbed. All the while, the rest of the family had to speak in whispers to help their headaches. Peter decided to go upstairs and lay down for a while and rest up, while Brian sat in the kitchen and drank some coffee to help him.

"Mom," Chris whispered. "Pass the syrup?"

"God, Chris, not so loud." complained Brian as he held his head with his paws and shook.

"Kids, maybe we should give Brian some alone time." said Lois to her children, making Brian flinch.

She, Meg, and Chris left the kitchen, but Stewie stayed seated in his high chair next to Brian. He wanted to start a conversation, but he didn't want to hurt Brian's headache, which was weird, because he usually loved bringing pain. But after the day at the pool, his emotions truly changed.

Stewie took the picture he drew of Brian and himself and handed it to Brian, wordlessly. Brian looked at it, without really looking. "What's this?" he asked, examining it. Stewie was afraid of what might come next, he didn't want to be rejected like when he gave his parents to picture he drew, and they spit on it as soon as they thought he left the room. "Wow, Stewie, thanks." said Brian.

Stewie nodded, smiling. "You actually like it?" he tried being as low as possible, but he was excited that Brian liked the picture.

"Yeah," said Brian. "I love it. It's about the nicest thing anyone ever gave me. Right from the heart."

Stewie could tell that Brian meant it. He looked over Brian's shoulder and took pride in the picture he drew. "It's me and you." he said proudly, beaming.

"Yeah, you're right, I do look like Snoopy." Brian chuckled a bit.

Laughing along, Stewie never took his gaze off of Brian. Even when recovering from drunkenness, he was still adorable, and Stewie still loved him, even if he was a drunk.

"Hey, hey Brain." said Stewie, excitedly. "Can I pet your ears?"

"Sure, kid." said Brian, thinking that it would soothe his headache, which it did.

Stewie bit his lip and began petting behind Brian's ears, which Brian began thumping his leg to. Stewie grinned, stifling the urge to giggle, put his kept rubbing behind Brian's ears with his little hands.

"Let's go for a walk, Brian." Stewie offered, getting from his high chair and tugging on Brian's arm as he stood on the table.

Brian agreed, his headache lessening. Stewie jumped from the table and took the leash from the counter. Brian stood up and Stewie attached the leash to Brian's collar and they walked out, telling Lois where they were heading. At least Brian told Lois where they were going, Stewie ignored her and went right out the door.

"So, Stewie..." started Brian, trying to have light conversation of their little walk.

"Thanks again for saving my life, Brian, without you, I wouldn't be here." said Stewie meaningfully and abruptly, his words were a bit rushed, but he showed emotion in each word.

"Aw, don't say that." said Brian. "It was nothing really. You were in trouble, so I felt like I had to help."

Stewie looked down. "It still meant a lot to me." he said.

Brian smiled and put his paw on Stewie's shoulder. "If it meant that much to make you go all mushy on me, then I'll always be here to save you, buddy." said Brian.

"Thanks, Brian." thanked Stewie.

"Sure thing."

Stewie smiled and his heart fluttered, he pet Brian's head and let a giggle escape from his mouth. He actually began skipping as they walked, which Brian found a bit unusual but didn't bother to ask. They took a walk to the local park and Stewie took Brian off the leash. They played Frisbee for a little bit and then went to get ice cream (Brian had spare money on him).

"So Brian, what's it like to be a hero?" asked Stewie.

"I'm not a hero." replied Brian. "Just because I saved your life it doesn't make me a hero. I didn't do it for fame, I felt like it was my responsibility."

"You love me don't you?" he tried to sound like he was teasing him, but he was really anxious for the answer.

"Yeah, Stewie, I love you."

He wanted to jump up and down and scream and shout and just kiss Brian right there, but he felt the hint of sarcasm in Brian's voice, so stopped himself. Even if he did love him, it was probably brotherly, if anything.

"I don't like that sarcasm." Stewie said pouting. Brian thought that was kind of cute, so he put his arm around Stewie's shoulder and assured him that he loved him, and that he's like the son he never had, but is happy to be apart in raising. That wasn't the love Stewie was looking for though, but he thought that was good enough.

Stewie finished his strawberry ice cream and jumped on Brian's back, almost tackling him, but Brian regained balance.

"What are you doing?" he asked a little annoyed.

"Oh, give me a doggy-back-ride, Brian? Please?" pleaded Stewie.

Brian sighed and had Stewie on his back the whole way home. This maybe the closest I'll ever get to Brian, thought Stewie and he kissed the top of Brian's head. Without Stewie seeing, Brian smiled. Stewie closed his eyes, tired and fell asleep on Brian's back.

They arrived back home where Lois insisted of taking Stewie from Brian, apologizing for him having to carry Stewie the whole way home. Brian said that he didn't mind, and offered to bring Stewie up to bed. He carried the baby up the steps and placed him in, tucking him under the covers. Cautiously, Brian leaned down and kisses Stewie's forehead, then exited the room, for he promised to help Chris with his homework. He shut the door behind him, and from the crib, Stewie had a small, sleepy smile placed on his face.