Alright, I'm back! Thanks for all the awesome reviews! Anyways, here's Chapter Four. Enjoy!
Brian's apartment building looked like nothing special. It was decent compared to many of the other complexes that littered New York City, however, Stewie wasn't about to let the man know that. They both stood silent as the grave as the elevator slowly climbed floor after floor until they finally reached the 12th level. As the doors parted, Brian let out a breath as if he had been holding it the entire time. Brian led Stewie down a brightly lit hallway. Stewie stared at the man's back. How in the hell is this happening?he thought. He's gone for seventeen years and when I'm about to off myself, he shows up out of nowhere? Now I'm following the person I have been waiting for my whole life to his apartment. This is too much.
Brian halted in front of a door. Undoubtedly to his apartment. He unlocked the door and stepped inside. As Stewie followed him, he looked around. The apartment seemed quite open. A decently sized living room with a tan couch and chair sitting in front of a large flat screen television. Behind the couch was the counters that separated the kitchen. The apartment itself was actually pretty nice. Better than what Stewie was thinking it would be.
Brian set his keys down at the dining room table sitting diagonal from the couch. He took a seat and motioned for Stewie to do the same. The teen obliged and cautiously sat down at the table. Brian grabbed a bottle of dry gin and began pouring it into a glass. His eyes darted up to the man sitting across from him as he asked, "You want a drink?"
Stewie rolled his eyes, "Do you even know how old I am anymore?"
"You're eighteen. Now do you want a drink or not?"
So he does know my age. Did he forget he was supposed to call me when I turned that age? Stewie stayed silent as he nodded. Brian poured him a glass and slid it over to him. Stewie gingerly took a sip of the drink, avoiding eye contact with Brian the entire time.
Brian cleared his throat. "So, do you mind telling me what the hell you were doing earlier?"
Stewie scoffed, "You know what I was doing earlier, Dog."he made sure to emphasize the word dog.
"But why?"
Stewie glanced over to the man and noticed he had a scolding look on his face. What? He hasn't seen me for all this time, and now he expects me to open up for his judgmental comments just like before? Like him abandoning me never even happened?Stewie rolled his eyes at the thought. "I think that's none of your business. Personally I don't care to be talking about any of my issues with you. In fact, I plan on leaving in the morning."
"To do what?"
Stewie's ears burned. "Once again, you flea bitten mongrel, that's none of your concern! I'm not some fucking toddler you have to watch out for anymore. I can take care of myself!"
"Obviously not."
Stewie couldn't find any words to retaliate with, so he remained silent as Brian continued. "Stewie, look. I know we haven't seen each other for a long time, but if you think I am going to let you go out there by yourself after that stunt you pulled, you've got another thing coming. Now, how about we sit here like adults and talk about this? Like, why do you happen to be in New York with no place to stay?"
Stewie looked down. Being stubborn was getting him nowhere. "I came here to try and get on Broadway in acting. I didn't get in anywhere, and some thief stole my wallet."
"What about Lois and Peter? Do they know where you've gone?"
Stewie's eyes shot up, anger returning to them as he said, "Jesus Christ, Brian! I am not a fucking child! For your information, I told Lois to fuck off and that I was never going to see her again, and left to come here. Meg drove me. Is there anything else you want to fucking know, dog?"
Brian sighed as he took another drink of his gin. Stewie had plenty of reason to be hostile towards Brian. Hell, he had plenty of reason to hate the man. However, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at the defeated look Brian was giving him. Brian hesitated before he returned his gaze toward Stewie. "Look, I know you don't want to be here. In a way, I don't blame you, kid. I have to work in the morning, so I technically can't stop you from leaving. So if you do, I just have one favor to ask. I know you don't owe me anything, Stewie, but just hear me out, okay?"
Stewie, who was about to retort on Brian's asking for a favor, paused and nodded slowly. Brian continued, "Just promise me, you won't try that again, okay. The last thing I want to see is your face on the news. If you decide to stay for a while, we can talk more when I get back. You know, catch up on things. You sure as hell look different than the last time I saw you." he gave a slight grin before adding, "And it seems like your anger hasn't improved at all either."
Stewie rolled his eyes. Brian held up a hand to signify it was a lighthearted statement. "Anyways, I need to go to bed if I am to get up on time tomorrow. You can have the guest bedroom. All the way down the hall to the left. I hope you find it suitable."
Brian rose from his seat and stretched. Stewie stood as well. "Where do you work, Brian?"
Brian shrugged, "New York Times. Good night, Stewie." He turned and walked off to enter his bedroom.
Stewie sighed. Well this has been a hell of a night. He took one last look around the apartment before heading down the hall and opening the door to the guest room. The room was small; and the only thing that occupied the space was a dresser, a full size bed, and a small nightstand beside it. A window sat behind the bed facing the city outside. Stewie didn't pay much mind to his surroundings as he placed his bag on the dresser and collapsed onto the bed.
So Brian works at the New York Times, I should have guessed that much.Though, he wanted to think the job as nothing special, he couldn't help but admire the fact that the man could actually find a job there. Not many writers could land a position there. Stewie shook his head in an attempt to clear the thoughts. What the hell am I doing? Why should I care what he does for a living?
He let out a long sigh as he laid there. To be honest, Stewie didn't know what to think about the situation. He hadn't seen Brian in seventeen years, and now, all of a sudden he appears back in his life; and deep down, it seemed as if he never left. It took everything within Stewie not to just revert back to their old ways. Act as if this had never happened. As much as Stewie secretly wanted that, he didn't think anything like that would ever happen again. It has been too long; and I don't know if I'll ever let down my walls to let him in ever again.
Stewie became saddened by this. To think that Brian was here and how it was if nothing changed. Stewie felt alone, and his heart still felt empty. In a way, he wanted to give Brian another chance, but then he also wanted Brian to suffer. To feel the amount of pain that Stewie went through for most of his life. Fuck it. he thought to himself. It's too late for him to just waltz in and expect everything to be okay between them. The shit has already hit the fan, and now the dog can roll in it all.
Stewie closed his eyes. He knew he had made his decision. No matter how much he secretly wanted to stay, he was leaving tomorrow. Whether or not he would fulfill his previous intention, that would be for him to decide tomorrow. Despite the fact that he knew he would not go back on this decision, he still felt a stray tear fall down his cheek as he drifted off into sleep.
When Stewie awoke, Brian was already gone. He decided he would eat something before he left. He ended up eating some scrambled eggs and bacon that Brian had stored in the refrigerator. He also chose to take a shower as well.
He entered the bathroom and shed himself of his clothes, which were quite dirty from the day before when he was walking. He stepped into the shower and turned the water on. As the warm water fell onto his face, he relaxed his body. It felt so good to be in the shower again. Even though it had only been two days, it felt as if it had been years since he had last felt clean.
He exited the shower, and put on a fresh pair of clothes. He looked at himself in the mirror and briefly, he was reminded of himself as a toddler. He was wearing a yellow shirt with bright red skinny jeans. He was surprised he never took the time to notice this before. He gave himself a slight smile and exited the bathroom.
He did a small personal tour around the apartment, briefly opening drawers and peeking inside. Usually, he wouldn't be so curious, but deep down, he felt like he deserved an explanation for why Brian seemed like he was over him. He continued looking around the house before he made his way into Brian's bedroom. As he opened the door and peered inside, he couldn't help but feel a small sense if nostalgia.
The room was one-hundred percent Brian. Queen size bed with a blue comforter on it. The mostly plain walls were painted blue as well, with various framed newspaper clippings. Undoubtedly his own work. Off to the right was a small desk with a desktop computer sitting on top of it. Stewie assumed that if there was any explanation, it would be in there. He probably found some bimbo and stopped wanting me a long time ago.
He began opening the drawers one by one, finding only random papers and office supplies. He attempted to open the last drawer, but realized it was locked, Damn. He thought for a moment as to where Brian would store his key. He stood there for a good five minutes thinking before he glanced at a picture he did not notice on the wall. It was of Brian as a dog, sitting in front of the Griffin house.
Stewie carefully lifted the picture off of the wall and smiled upon the sight. Just seeing Brian as a dog made Stewie nostalgic. He did miss all of the good times he and Brian shared when he was young. Stewie sighed and started to put the picture back on the wall, he paused, however, when he noticed something on it in his peripheral vision. He flipped the picture over, and on the back of the frame was a key held on by a single strip of tape.
Feeling victorious, Stewie plucked the key from it's resting place and slid it into the drawer. To his pleasure, it unlocked. He slid the drawer open, and peered inside. The compartment was full of papers. All of which Stewie would have ignored had he not seen the red collar sitting on top of them all. He picked up the old memorable item and stared at it. Memories swimming through his mind, he momentarily placed it against his chest, then laid it on top of the desk.
He began to rummage through the mess in the drawer. He found various pictures of him and Brian inside. Stewie was utterly shocked to find these. He expected to find pictures of Brian and some girl, or dick pics, or something among those lines. Instead, he was finding pictures of them. He quickly found hope as he continued to go through Brian's personal belongings. Eventually, he found a letter. He opened it to find his own name at the top, scribbled in Brian's mediocre handwriting. Interested, Stewie began to read.
Dear Stewie,
I've missed you so much, kid. You have no idea all of the pain I've been going through, living a life without you. It seems so unreal right now. I hope you're doing okay. Please don't take this too hard, kid. I will see you again, I promise; and when I do, no one will be able to keep us apart. I just hope you'll still want me when that day comes. Anyway, enough of this mushy shit. I'll let you in on what's been going on in my life. I've found a decent apartment here in New York City. Yup, I'm in New York. I'll have to take you here, someday, Stewie. It's marvelous. I think you'd love it here. Right now, I'm working at a small casino. Not something I imagined myself doing, but it pays the bills. I seriously hope you're doing okay, Stewie. I do miss you kid, and I wish you were right here with me. I know what you're going through right now, and trust me, I feel the same way. I just hope you're okay. I wish I could hear back from you, but I doubt that's possible right now, not with Lois watching. Don't take any chances, kid. When I get the chance, I'll write you again. Just make sure you check the mail before anyone else. Anyways, I love you, Stewie. More than you'll ever know.
Yours,
Brian
Stewie's hands shook as he finished reading the heartfelt letter. So he didn't give up on me right away, then. I wonder why he never sent this.
He searched for more letter and he came up with two more. He looked the dates and decided to read the older one first.
Dear Stewie,
I don't even know why I'm writing this. I'm probably going to chicken out like I did two years ago. I hope you're doing okay, kid. Just want to let you know that I still love you and I still miss you every day. I'll admit, I've had a few dates since we last seen each other, but none have lasted more than a day or two. They just can't take your place. In a way, I hate that, due to the fact that I am just destined to see your face everywhere I go. I can't go for one fucking day without thinking about you. I can't even try to look for a relationship, because with every girl I'm with, I imagine it's you. It's left me dealing with depression for all this time. Two years, and I can't get over you. Yes, Stewie, in a small way, I want to get over you for now. Just to ease the pain, just to keep myself from feeling numb to everyone around me. Goddamn it. Now, I'm crying. See what you do to me? Seriously, though. I know, I won't send this, and I hate myself for it. I know you are wanting to hear from me, Stewie. I wish I could work up the guts to take a chance and see if it could reach you before Lois. The last thing I need is her tracking me down or calling the cops and getting me for child molestation. I just need to keep my distance right now. I still intend to keep that promise, Stewie. You'll be hearing from me on your eighteenth birthday. Then we can finally be together, and won't have to worry about being separated ever again. Jesus Christ, I feel like some obsessive ex-girlfriend right now. I've become the very thing I hate. lol. Well that's one good reason why I'm not sending this. I love you, Stewie. More than you'll ever know. Take care of yourself.
Yours,
Brian
Stewie felt a knot inside his stomach as he struggled to fight tears from emerging from his eyes. He quickly opened the last letter. He took note of the date as he took a deep breath to attempt to compose himself as he began reading again.
5/20/2017
Dear Stewie,
Seventeen years. My god. Seventeen years. It's felt like an eternity. I can't help but wonder what you look like now. I can't even imagine, being as the last time I saw you, you were an infant. You know, I haven't aged a day. Your machine fully worked, kid. Now I only have two months until my first birthday in seventeen years. I'm dreading it. I-
(The rest of that paragraph was scribbled out and Stewie couldn't make out the words. He continued onto the next paragraph)
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Stewie. I meant to call you. I did. I spent all this time waiting for that moment, and I chickened out. I mean, how would you even react? You might have forgotten about today. Hell you might have forgotten about me entirely. Besides, what if Lois answered. I still don't think I could bear another salvo of her protective mother instincts. This doesn't mean I don't love you, Stewie. I do. Even after all this time, I still haven't forgotten about you. I have learned to deal with it over time, but still when I lay my head down, I can't help but wish you were here with me, sharing a life together like we always dreamed. Now I just don't think that will ever happen. I don't know how you could ever want me after this, and I don't blame you. I think it's time I start to try and move on. It just seems hopeless anymore. How could I ever get to you? How can I tell you where I am? Not to mention, I doubt you'd come in the first place. I'm going to try and move on, as I'm sure you did the same years ago. I hope you have a great life, kid. When you were just a baby, you were smarter than anyone I had ever known. You were brilliant. I can't even imagine how you are now. Even though we used to despise each other, I knew you were special the moment I laid eyes on you. You can be anything you want, Stewie, as long as you have the motivation to do it. Who knows, maybe one day, I'll find your face on TV as some big CEO of an international business. Either that, a terrorist. (Joke). Banters aside, I will always love you, Stewie. You've got a whole world out there waiting for you. Happy Birthday, kid.
Yours Always,
Brian.
Stewie couldn't stop smiling. Even back when they were together, no one had ever said anything so nice and genuinely...from the heart. Brian still loved him. He never stopped. Though, Stewie was still a little angered by the fact that he chickened out on calling him, deep down, after the second letter, he had already forgiven Brian. How could he not? Brian basically just poured his heart out to the teen in three letters. Something he had never truly done before. Stewie sniffed as he folded the letters back up and and gently laid them back in the drawer.
When he had locked everything back up, he laid down on his bed. After all of this, he was actually exited for Brian to come back home. Stewie silently cursed himself for thinking this. Brian was an egotistical alcoholic who took advantage of various women througout his life. Not to mention had, on several occasions, verbally abused Stewie when he was younger. Why did he have to have such a blind love for the ex-dog? Yes, Brian loved him, but why did Stewie have to love him back? Why did he have to go through almost eighteen years of torture because he couldn't have what he wanted most? How, in any way, was Brian worth all of that pain? Stewie sighed as he folded his arms under his head and stared at the ceiling; lost in thought. No matter how much he resented the fact that he was unconditionally in love with Brian, there was nothing he could do to prevent what was to come. So right then, he decided not to fight it.
Okay. So, some important news regarding this fanfic. As of now, I am currently putting this project on hiatus, due to a busy schedule and my needing to get caught up on it. This chapter wasn't even supposed to end here, but I've found no time to finish it completely. Also, when I get the chance, I will be beginning work on a new project that I WILL NOT be releasing until it is finished. It will not be a Brewie story, but a Morby one instead (MordecaixRigby). It will be a multi chapter story, but I doubt there will be any sequels as it will be a simple side project. Once I end up making some progress on it, I will release news on it AND New Beginnings on my LiveJournal. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause some of you, but yeah, shit happens. This story WILL get finished, though, as it is my main project. If you guys have any questions, feel free to message me.
Thanks for understanding,
~Dawn