Chapter 6: Just Desserts
Brian grumbled to himself as he was brushing his fur. He was in the bathroom of Rachel's apartment, attempting to get ready for, what was supposed to be, a really nice dinner back home. He had just slipped on some nice dress clothes since Lois had requested he and Rachel dress a little more formally for tonight. It was odd, but Brian just figured this was another one of Lois's attempts to live out a lifestyle that she had long given up. He shrugged. It was no matter to him. He was the type to jump at any opportunity to dress up and he was looking forward to, hopefully, having a nice evening with his girlfriend and family.
Things had sort of evened out between him and Rachel since that night she had called him out on his lie.
He had gotten so angry about her prying.
It had taken him a while to actually calm down and go to her to apologize. Unsurprisingly, she wasn't all that willing to forgive him on the spot. He had needed to work pretty hard to get back on even decent terms with her.
He had put in the work, though and it looked like things were getting better. She was beside him right now, fixing her hair and smiling in the mirror. She enjoyed the company of his family and they hadn't really had a nice night out ever since their fight. Brian was hoping that having others around would provide him with a good buffer to have a nice evening with Rachel without too much risk of things going south.
And hey, if they could make it through one night, there was no reason why they couldn't make it for more after that.
He sighed.
Everything is going to be fine. She's still here. You fucked up, but she's still here. She's trying to make this work. You got this. Just don't fuck up again.
Simple advice that he was confident he could follow through on.
So, yeah, he was looking forward to this evening a little bit.
There was just one thing he wasn't looking forward to dealing with…Stewie.
Stewie was probably still just as mopey as ever and he really didn't need or want that in his life; not right now and he didn't need Rachel noticing. What with them having already discussed the topic of Stewie, the dog considered those endless conversations more than enough.
After he had apologized to her, he had told her that he was concerned about his little friend, but that they also just weren't on the best of terms right now. She had found this confession rather...odd. He could tell by the look on her face that she didn't quite understand. After all, Stewie, while smart, was just a baby. What could they possibly be fighting about?
Rachel had tried to be understanding, though, and Brian had even offered to talk to the kid together with her when they next got the chance. It had just been a move to appease her, and from the looks of it, it had worked. All he had to do was keep them away from situations where they had to be around Stewie, which is what he had been doing for the past week.
But, then, Lois invited them both to dinner, and well...here they were. He couldn't exactly decline. Rachel would no doubt find that incredibly odd.
He basically had no choice but to go.
He was determined to be optimistic about it, though, even if certain thoughts about Stewie couldn't help but make him grimace and grumble as he adjusted his tie.
The dog had told Rachel that tonight would probably not be the best night to question Stewie about anything, and luckily she had agreed. They both just wanted to have a nice dinner with his family, so as long as Stewie didn't make too big of a scene, Brian figured he was in the clear.
He grumbled again as he tightened the tie.
Please don't be a brat tonight, Stewie…be on your best behavior. I need you to be on your best behavior…
Rachel leaned down and gave him a kiss on the cheek, prompting the canine to smile big as he watched her exit the bathroom.
It was only a few minutes later when Brian heard his phone start to ring.
He finished slipping on his jacket before reaching into his pants pocket to retrieve his phone. He saw that it was Lois calling, so he quickly answered it.
"Hey, Lois. What's up?"
He had a strange idea that maybe dinner had been cancelled. Maybe Peter had gotten a little too excited about it being Friday and had already gotten up to some less than responsible shenanigans? He really wasn't sure why else Lois would be calling. All their plans were set.
"Hello? Brian? Can you hear me?"
The woman was coming through crystal clear.
The dog nodded his head.
"Yeah. I hear you perfectly. What's going on?"
He heard the woman chuckle before she responded.
"Oh, I was just calling to request a favor of you and Rachel, if it's not too much trouble."
Brian's eyebrow raised at this.
Depends on what the favor is…
"Sure thing. What do you need?"
There was no hesitation before Lois began explaining.
"Well, you see, we actually have another guest who was invited over tonight at the last minute, and I'm afraid that the one bottle of wine I got for all the adults won't quite be enough. It was probably barely enough to begin with, anyway, so I was just wondering if you and Rachel could pick up an extra bottle before coming over? Does that put you too far out of the way?"
Again, Brian was perplexed.
Another guest? Guest? Singular?
Who else could Lois have invited over? If it was someone Brian knew, he felt like Lois would have just said their name, so where was she at and off meeting new people.
...Why was he questioning this so much?
So Lois had made a friend? So what? They were coming to dinner. Big deal.
The dog smiled.
"Oh, yeah, sure. We can do that. There's a store right on the way. It doesn't set us back, at all. We'll still be there on time even."
He laughed, trying to shake his needless suspicion about tonight's mystery guest. He would find out who it was soon enough, and it would be nothing to concern himself with. He knew it.
"Oh, thank you so much! Can't wait to see you two! Tell Rachel I said thank you, as well!"
Brian nodded again.
"Will do, Lois. We'll see you soon."
After that, the two of them exchanged their goodbyes before Brian hung up the phone and slipped it back into his pocket.
He focused his attention back on getting ready, giving himself a quick once over in the mirror before smirking at his reflection, satisfied.
Well, he was ready to go. Now he just had to wait on his lovely lady.
He exited the bathroom and walked into Rachel's bedroom to find her holding up two dresses, looking at them in her full view mirror.
Brian stopped in the doorway, taking in the sight of his beautiful girlfriend modeling and trying to decide on what she wanted to wear for the night. After a few moments, he whistled in her direction, causing the woman to snap out of her focused state with a cute little jump and squeal.
She looked over her should at the dog currently eyeing her up and down, offering her boyfriend a small smile as a blush began to infuse her cheeks. She laughed and waved her hand as if to shoo the dog away.
Brian chuckled and instead began walking in her direction.
"Soooooo, we're gonna need to pick up another bottle of wine on the way to Lois's."
Rachel simply nodded before turning back towards her mirror.
Brian continued to advance on her until he was standing behind her, his own reflection now in the mirror smiling at her warmly as she smiled happily.
"You're so gorgeous, Rachel…"
The red in the woman's cheeks intensified as she let another small laugh pass between her closed lips. She set one of the dresses down and held the other one up as if she had made up mind.
"Trying to get ready here, sweetie. We gotta leave soon, you know."
The canine laughed and nodded his head.
"Sorry. I'm not trying to distract you…"
He chuckled a tad sinisterly before reaching over and pinching her ass playfully, causing her to jump and squeal once more.
"...too much."
The woman just shook her head and pointed at the door.
"Ok, you…get out of here. Go wait on me in the living room. I won't be too much longer."
Brian laughed again before casually making his way out of the room, making sure to get one last good look at his beautiful girl before making his way into the living room where he took a seat on the big comfy couch in front of the television.
He contemplated seeing what was on to watch while he waited, but he eventually decided against it, deciding that he much prefered the peace and quiet of the apartment as a backdrop.
He placed his palms behind his head and reclined back, feeling rather content for the moment. Things were going to work out with Rachel. He knew it. He just knew it. They were going to be ok.
That was the main thing his mind was focused on for a while, and it made him all the more excited to finally get out of the apartment with her again. Tonight was going to be good for everybody.
He closed his eyes.
An image of the last time he saw Stewie flashed before him, causing them to shoot open.
His smile dropped.
Right. Everybody but him…
He knew that Stewie struggled with seeing him with Rachel. That had become very clear, but...what did Stewie honestly expect him to do about it? The dog was happy with Rachel.
Why couldn't Stewie just let it all go?
He began to worry that Stewie seeing the two of them together might cause him to act out tonight, and if that happened…
"Goddammit…"
The canine groaned and slammed the back of his head against the couch as he exhaled heavily.
Please don't ruin this for me, kid…
Stewie was the last thing he wanted to deal with, right now.
Upon arriving at the Griffin home, Brian began to feel his anxiety creep tenfold. It was manageable while the dog and Rachel shopped for an extra bottle of wine, but now it was just the idea of being in the same room as Stewie...the boy who seemed determined to make the dog's life absolutely miserable, it was all just coming to the limelight. Brian was back home and part of him wanted to turn around, get into his car, and leave this place.
Though there was a defiant stubbornness there that just refused to back down. Stewie wasn't supposed to be his responsibility. Lois and Peter just assumed he would be his main caregiver because Stewie always preferred Brian. It was different now. So what if Stewie was going to act out? Was it really too difficult to just simply suggest maybe the kid was acting the way he was because of...fussiness?
There was a slight sting suddenly and Brian flinched.
The canine never...really thought of Stewie as just a baby...a toddler, so to speak. Yet now he was more than willing to exploit the boy's young age for his personal benefit. Whatever to keep the heat off of him. He would be willing to do anything at this point; anything to keep Rachel by his side.
Both Rachel and Brian went to the front door, the dog being the one to knock before letting himself and his lady inside the humble abode. It seemed Lois went all out for tonight. The living room was spotless with candles to accentuate the homey atmosphere. He let Rachel walk in first and the lovely woman took her coat off. Brian offered to take it. "Lois! We're here."
"Good evening, Rachel."
Brian must have not seen him, but suddenly he spun on his heel, shocked to hear...that familiar voice. It was Stewie. The boy was sitting on the couch, looking sharp. A burgundy, red sweater vest and a plaid shirt to compliment that rich red color. With grey trousers as well… Stewie looked...really good. Rachel of course grinned and happily came to sit beside Stewie who was smiling just as big towards her.
"Hey, Stewie!" She quickly complimented how wonderful he looked in his outfit. She even reached a little to poke a finger along the boy's tie, making Stewie laugh. All the while Brian was watching...perplexed, confused, baffled. How was…? What happened to Stewie to make him look so much better in just a week?
Brian recalled the last time he set eyes on the boy. He'd looked absolutely horrible. The darkest circles underneath his eyes, pale face, but the eyes were what really unsettled Brian...they were the deadest eyes he'd ever seen. Those eyes...they had looked like a dead fish; devoid of emotion, of life, of anything. Now...he was laughing, cheerfully bringing up vague conversation about how beautiful Rachel looked this evening; he was acting charming which was how the boy would normally act. So what was the problem? Brian should have felt relieved knowing the boy made such a drastic turn around and there would no longer be a need for a confrontation.
Yet that was just it.
What caused him to suddenly go from that sickly little boy who would have invited and accepted death with joy...to...this?
Once Brian had hung his and Rachel's coats up, he went to the two, but he didn't sit down beside his girlfriend. Instead, he went to rest his hands on one of the couch's armrests with his back facing the front door. He grinned at Stewie, then.
But he was troubled by the boy's odd behavior. He was also a little unnerved Stewie hadn't greeted him, but was more than willing to play nice for Rachel.
"Hey, kid." He softly remarked.
Stewie didn't immediately acknowledge Brian until his eyes drifted a little in the dog's direction. Then the boy was smiling. Brian could see that look of complete bliss and happiness radiate on the boy's face. It made the dog's heart skip and he too...smiled just as generously at the boy. He watched Stewie jump from the couch, rushing in his direction.
Brian felt warmth overwhelm him, watching his little buddy run towards him with his small arms open.
Oh...Stewie…I knew everything with you would work out in the end.
The dog opened his arms as well, ready to hug Stewie...ready to snatch the boy in his arms and hold him close.
Then…
Brian witnessed Stewie rush right past him and jump into the arms of a man who had shown up to the Griffin home perhaps 5 or so minutes after Brian and his girl arrived.
"David!" Stewie squealed.
Brian's eyes couldn't have gotten any wider. He was stunned, he was completely stunned. However, he wasn't sure what caught him off guard the most: Stewie's voice of purity as he giggled or...the fact the boy had totally ignored his very existence. Brian tried to fight the awkward sensation he was feeling and he dropped his arms. He turned his head to look over his shoulder...and his eyes met the image he knew he'd never forget.
Stewie in the arms of another man.
Stewie...smiling and rubbing his cheek against...David's.
Stewie...clinging desperately to this David .
Who the fuck is this guy?!
Brian felt a rush of pure blooded rage fill him and he almost let out an animalistic growl, but he tried hard to keep his disgust to himself. He didn't want to explain anything to Rachel while it was clear the dog felt extremely uncomfortable.
Rachel could pick up on anything. Even the slightest tension, she could sense it. So Brian, despite having so many questions and feeling completely out of place, forced a smile.
He could feel it, however. He could feel the atmosphere in the whole room take on a much darker aura and Brian had no choice but to bite his tongue.
Stewie was so happy, though. Being in David's arms while the man held onto the boy and even rubbed his cheek along with Stewie.
The audacity of this kid...doing this in front of Brian; taunting him by supplying such strong affection towards someone other than HIM .
It pissed Brian off…
He was so...confused about this newcomer that he didn't even take notice to Lois coming to the living room to greet everyone. She must have been getting prepared herself; very typical of Lois to keep someone waiting. That was how she was...even though she meant well. Sometimes her blatant obliviousness and arrogance was too much.
"Oh! David, I'm so glad you're here!" The woman quickly went to the much taller man, reaching to take his hand. Brian watched from the sidelines, he watched Stewie just glare at the woman...like he were beyond angry that she was touching David. It made Brian feel all the more uncomfortable.
Stewie's eyes then glanced in Brian's direction and that frown quickly turned into the most sinister smirk the boy could ever muster. Brian watched Stewie's fingers gently wrap around David's neck while he rubbed his cheek against the man's shoulder. All the while...those eyes were watching Brian, expecting a reaction that dog simply couldn't give...in such circumstances as this.
"Bri-...! Brian!"
"Huh?" Brian quickly averted his gaze, now seeing Lois before him with a concerned look on her face. How long had she been staring at him?
"Are you okay?"
Brian could only grin a little as he cleared his throat. "Yeah...just...sorry, I'm just…" he shook his head and waved nonchalantly, "don't worry about it. Did you need something, Lois?"
"I was asking if you brought the wine."
"Oh!" Brian laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry, I must have dozed off. I did bring an extra bottle. It's some of the best wine money can buy."
Lois grinned. Happy to hear that, it seemed. She even went to kiss Brian on the cheek for being so generous, but the dog's eyes were strictly on Stewie and this...man.
He cleared his throat once more and adjusted his tie while Lois took the wine that Rachel had placed on the counter in the living room.
"So…" Brian slowly...approached David, taking a moment to smell his aroma. Dog habits were always too tough to kick, "I'm afraid we couldn't get better acquainted. My name is Brian."
He extended an arm, paw ready to shake. He was willing to play good dog...for now. He watched David adjust Stewie who still clung to him with the biggest smile.
Brian wanted to slap that damn smirk off his face.
He then felt David's hand in his own and he gave it a firm...shake. "Yeah, I'm sorry. My name is David. It's wonderful to meet you, Brian."
Keep...calm. Keep calm, Brian .
Brian grinned.
"Yeah, pleasure. Are you new to town? I'm sure I would have recognized you before."
David laughed softly and gently...what the hell was he doing? He was softly bouncing Stewie. Surely the kid didn't appreciate that.
No...Stewie was giggling. Giggling with such...an annoying...happiness that made Brian's blood boil and nausea grow worse.
More…
Hot…
Rage.
"I'm new to town, yes. I lived in Pennsylvania for a while, but my hometown is Colorado."
Brian nodded, not really caring. He was just so disturbed by this image. David gently bouncing Stewie just the slightest while the boy happily followed the rhythm.
Cheeky brat .
"Uh...huh. So...how do you know Stewie?"
Brian winced a little. Was he coming off too strong? Was his facade already cracking? It was just so fucking unbearable. This guy...the very guy who seemed like a genuinely kind person...holding onto his Stewie like he had all the right to do so.
Good man or not, Brian hated him.
Though David must have not caught on to Brian's growing hostility.
Fucking moron .
"I'm a volunteer at Stewie's preschool. I've been there for a...week now? And I happened to stumble upon Stewie on my first day and we...just clicked."
Brian twitched. The way David was recalling his and Stewie's fateful encounter sounded as though he were trying to tell a tale of starstruck lovers meeting for the very first time. It was sickening, it was such a horrible...thought.
Stewie was basking in this. Brian could tell that the boy was just taking this all in and eating it up. The boy was being fought over and Brian always knew how Stewie loved a chase.
When he was the one being chased, so to speak. The boy was loving on David, humming in bliss while David held on, now patting and rubbing his back.
Stop touching him.
Brian took a deep, deep breath...calming his nerves the best he knew how. "Yeah. Stewie is...something special, isn't he. Anyway, where is that wine?" The dog was trying to act as though nothing were on his mind, but Stewie knew good and damn well the dog was already having to fight himself.
He loved every minute of the dog's obvious misery. He would surely think of this while he slept tonight and he'd perhaps think about it while David was fucking him senseless.
The boy snickered softly, keeping it to himself and smothered his face against David's neck, lightly inhaling the lovely cologne. He shivered, almost moaning.
"...Wine! Lois, where is that wine? Haha!" Brian immediately charged into the kitchen, shaking and trembling. Rachel in the meantime watched with a slight frown on her face. She could tell Brian was on edge, but from what exactly? There was such a remarkable change in Stewie that she felt the dog would be more than elated, but that's not how Brian was reacting at all.
Upon making it to the kitchen, Brian didn't find Lois, but he did find the wine he had bought, so he quickly made himself at home. He grabbed his typical wine glass from the cupboard, practically slamming the cupboard door shut. His mind cluttered with so many questions...and he wanted answers, but this wasn't the right time nor the right place to be confronting Stewie.
This was EXACTLY what he wanted to avoid at all costs, but that devilish kid was making it so hard for the dog to keep his mouth shut. It took all of Brian to not beat David to a bloody pulp. Grabbing the wine bottle, he popped the cork and threw it aggressively against the wall before pouring a generous amount of wine into his glass. His paw was shaking so much, little drops of wine were carelessly meeting both the counter and floor.
"How fucking dare he!" Brian muttered to himself, drinking just about the whole glass in one sitting. He was beyond angry...he was livid. How dare Stewie do this to him! When he was happy with Rachel! Why couldn't the damn brat just deal with his pain in a more recreational manner?!
"He's not supposed to be over me!" Brian found himself saying. He slammed his paw against the counter, growling low.
How could that kid be capable of moving on so fast? What? Was there something completely undesirable about Brian all of a sudden?
The dog continued to drink his wine, foot tapping impatiently on the kitchen floor. He could hear Rachel and David talking to each other, both seeming to enjoy each other's company. It really made Brian feel all the more useless. Clearly this man was set out to destroy his life or rather...Stewie was.
Brian nodded, placing a hand on his temple to elevate an oncoming headache.
Yeah, it was Stewie. Not David. Stewie was the one pulling the strings and there was absolutely nothing the dog could do about it.
While Brian stayed in the kitchen, David was talking to Rachel, letting her talk about her experience back at home since she herself wasn't from Quahog. She was just making small chit chat, but David was more or less finding himself concerned about Brian. He didn't want to appear rude to the lovely woman before him, so he continued to talk to her, having a pleasant time doing so until Lois grabbed Rachel away. She excused herself, David waving her off. That was when he directed his attention to Stewie who was still rubbing his cheek into his neck.
"Do you think Brian's okay?"
Stewie stiffened, but he forced himself to settle down. After all, he had no reason to concern himself with...Brian of all people. Not while his latest object of affections was here, holding him and tending to him. "He's fine. He's nobody." That was all Stewie could possibly think to say. He just wanted to keep discussions about Brian at a minimum if there must be conversation about the mutt.
"Are you sure…? He seems to know you and well...must think highly of you, Stewie."
The boy shrugged.
He doesn't think of me anymore.
"He's our pet. Don't worry about him. Like I said, he's...nobody."
"..." David finally just nodded and took his place to sit on the couch while Rachel continued to talk to Lois and Peter since Stewie's father always needed to bombard in a conversation. The man had such possessive and jealous tendencies. It was no wonder Stewie never brought up his father to David.
Eventually Lois excused herself so she could tend to dinner that was still cooking. As she left, Rachel came back to sit beside David while her eyes were fixated on Stewie. She just smiled at the boy, watching him cling happily to David. It really warmed her heart to see the boy smiling so big. She couldn't help but continue to tell Stewie just how adorable she was. Of course...Brian had to come out of hiding eventually. He had already finished his first glass of wine and was now on his second. He was nowhere near tipsy enough to handle this god awful night, but he was at least...a little delightfully numb.
When he came to the living room to be with everyone else, he stopped to see Rachel talking to Stewie. She was just all over the boy...and Stewie was just loving it. Hard to believe this kid could go from hating this woman's guts to absolutely enjoying her attention.
No...don't be silly, Brian. Stewie is doing this to tick you off. That's what he does. Mutant.
He glared in Stewie's direction, chugging his wine while his eyes just stayed on the boy in front of him. That was when the boy met his contact with his own gaze. He looked so smug...his fingers on David's tie where Brian watched him tug a little on the fabric...his back against David's chest. Thankfully Rachel was back into her previous conversation with David, so she wasn't aware of both Brian and Stewie sending off threatening glances that they could only understand.
Why are you doing this?
I hope this hurts you just as much as it hurt me.
You better stop.
Try me, bitch.
Brian couldn't take it anymore and he quickly interrupted Rachel's conversation by taking her hand into his own and squeezing it gently. He rubbed his thumb over her hand and kissed her on her cheek. "So...David. How long are you going to be at Stewie's preschool? Since you're only volunteering."
"I'm not too sure. If I had to estimate, I'd say perhaps another week. Maybe a little longer."
"So I'm to understand that you'll be looking for employment elsewhere, then?" Brian couldn't help it. He really couldn't keep it to himself. This man was taking Stewie from him, he was going to be difficult. He knew that Rachel could tell, but he didn't care anymore. If she wanted to have another argument over his behavior at this fucking dinner, then so be it.
David reached a little to adjust his glasses, not too sure how to respond to Brian's question. "Um…I…"
"David."
Stewie gently reached for David's collar, tugging a little with the biggest smile on his face.
Fucking stop it, Stewie.
Brian almost hissed. He almost grabbed Stewie's fingers...he almost grabbed the boy entirely.
God...if he could, he'd take this kid and make him regret making such a spectacle of himself. Acting like...such a little...whore.
David looked down at Stewie, smiling sweetly. "Yeah? What's up, buddy?"
"I drew something for you."
Brian...froze. Of all the things that had been said so far...of all the things that Stewie had done to make this evening such a terrible experience, this really topped it all. The boy...never drew anything for anyone. Only...Brian. The boy loved drawing pictures for Brian because the dog absolutely loved them. He kept them all...even the very first picture that the boy had drawn for him. Though small, it meant so much to Brian that he actually kept it in his wallet.
Every now and then, he'd look at it...thinking back on those fond memories of when the boy and him had become friends. After that trip...their very first trip. Those were memories that the dog would never trade anything for and yet Stewie was doing just that. Was it really too difficult for the boy to be happy for Brian?
Why...why did this kid have to love him?
Wait...no...if Stewie truly did love him, he'd never do this. He'd still be there for Brian. That was what love was. Love was forgiving and love was supposed to be patient. Stewie had been so open to giving his love to the dog, that it just made him remarkably annoyed that this man could come into his life so suddenly and take that affection when he had done nothing to warrant the boy's love and devotion.
Was Stewie just desperate or was there definitely something between the two?
The very thought alone really made Brian feel...isolated.
But...Stewie was so happy. He wanted Stewie to be happy for him, so why couldn't he do the same for this kid? Brian always knew he had abandonment issues, but Stewie was always there. No matter what, he never left.
And now...here he was. Clutching onto this new man who appeared more than happy...and more than capable of giving whatever Stewie wanted and needed.
It was too much.
That's supposed to be me…you can't have him, David. He's mine.
The evening was still young and Brian knew then...this was going to be the worst dinner he'd ever attend.
Everybody was sitting around the table as Lois began serving the meatloaf. Brian was casually sipping at his third glass of wine. ...Or was it his fourth? Had he just chugged another? He couldn't recall.
He shrugged and continued sipping away as Lois set down his plate before taking her seat beside Peter who was at his usual place at the head of the table. Stewie was sitting on the opposite end, still looking as smug as ever with David and Rachel on either end of him, mocking the canine by having the ability to take everything away from him so effortlessly.
At least that's how it certainly seemed to Brian…
David was cutting up the infant's meatloaf.
The dog squeezed the glass in his paw but stopped for fear of it shattering.
The smell of his own food was beginning to waft up into his nostrils, but it wasn't at all that appetizing, not while he was so focused on Stewie. The kid was digging into his meal, now, happily scarfing it down. Brian recalled that he hadn't seen Stewie eat much of anything in the past few weeks. He hadn't really thought much of it before, but seeing yet another shift in Stewie just made it all the more clear how much had changed in the just the week he had been away.
Brian was already feeling a little sick to his stomach.
...Watching Stewie eat just made him feel sicker…
It didn't help that Stewie's gaze pretty much never left David as he ate. Jesus...was that man even aware of just how roughly Stewie was fucking him with his eyes, right now?
And the way the boy would occasionally lick his lips...
It was so...obscene.
Brian turned his attention away, trying to will himself to eat if only for appearances sake. He began cutting into his meat with what was probably more aggression than necessary, his mind still completely focused on Stewie and just how big of a...slut he was.
He couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened between those two, and if that was the case, David sure did a damn good job of hiding it. Kudos to that prick. Who knew what all those two got up to when no one was looking!
Brian took a bite and began chewing furiously, eyes darting back to the infant across the table, a burning desire to scream at the boy slowly consuming him.
He had to fight it down, though.
If he blew up here...in front of everyone…
This was misery, and meanwhile, Stewie was just sitting over there, not paying him hardly any mind without a care in the world, without a care for him, enthusiastic about everything but him.
How had this happened…?
He went to take another sip of wine but found his glass empty, prompting him to reach for the bottle which was sitting on the table just past his girlfriend.
He clumsily reached across Rachel without a second thought, just desperate to refill his glass. He caught the woman looking at him with concern, but he tried to ignore it. Nothing seemed to get past her. He had already resigned himself to the fact that she was going to have plenty of question for him after dinner, anyway.
The canine poured himself another glass, trying his best not to spill and not entirely succeeding. Luckily, everyone else seemed too caught up in their conversations to notice.
Small blessings in hell.
He set the bottle down and took a few gulps before suddenly hearing his name being addressed.
"So, Brian, how have you been?"
It was Lois.
Brian groaned as he put down his glass.
"I've been fine. Just…"
He looked back over at Stewie.
"...fine."
Stewie hadn't seemed to notice he was being watched.
The dog went to eat some more, feeling Rachel place a hand on his shoulder as she chimed in.
"Yeah. We've been doing pretty good. We were actually in the process of planning a little getaway trip for next weekend, should be a lot of fun!"
Lois practically swooned at the thought, obviously thinking in her head how much she wished Peter would plan more such trips for the two of them.
Not that she was ever going to leave that man.
Love sure was a funny thing…
Brian just continued to listen to everyone else as he tried to focus on getting his meal down.
Rachel began speaking again.
"I'm very happy to see you doing so well, Stewie!"
Lois chimed in as well.
"He's taken such a liking to David. It's so wonderful!"
Brian's eyes shifted ever so slightly to the man. He watched him as he adjusted those stupid glasses of his.
Stewie must have finished his food already.
He was just sitting there with his chin cupped in his palms staring at his new friend with dreamy eyes.
God, he wanted so badly to hurl…
"I...well…"
The man chuckled a bit to himself.
"Stewie is a very special boy to me."
Brian's eyes went wide, and he slowly turned his head more in the man's direction.
What the fuck is that supposed to mean, asshole?
The dog was glaring at the man, clenching his teeth hard, trying his damndest to not bare them at him.
"And Stewie just absolutely loves you, David!"
Lois seemed to shout that out much louder than was orthodox.
A growl emitted from the canine, just under his breath.
Stewie just kept staring, giggling like a little whore as he spoke slowly and sensually.
"Mmmmm. I sure do…"
Brian scoffed. Had nobody heard that? Seriously!?
David adjusted his glasses once again.
"Oh...haha!"
He cleared his throat and took a sip from his glass before finishing.
"I'm pretty fond of the little guy, too."
Fuck. YOU. You don't even know him! He's using you, stupid!
Stewie reached a hand out towards the man who immediately seemed to notice, raising his hand up so that the child could take ahold of his finger.
The boy squeezed that finger.
Tightly.
Affectionately.
...And Brian could feel his dinner threatening to come back up.
You don't even...know him…
"David."
The canine spoke without thinking, honestly surprising himself as he finally joined in the conversation.
"What made you want to volunteer at a preschool of all places?"
The man didn't seem all that phased by the inquiry as his face grew contemplative.
"Weeeeeell, I've always loved children and I want to become a teacher. So, I have to get observation experience hours in order to get my certification."
Brian just watched the man carefully as he answered the question in a manner that would have been more than satisfactory to any normal person.
He wasn't feeling very normal, right now, though.
"Uh huh…"
He cleared his throat and took a sip of wine before continuing.
"And what was it exactly that made you take such a strong liking towards Stewie?"
The man tilted his head a bit before letting go of Stewie to adjust his glasses once more.
Stewie seemed a little disappointed to break the contact, though he was still smirking as David answered.
"I mean, that's kind of a long story, I guess…"
The dog just chuckled at the response before taking another sip.
I got all night, motherfucker…
Before David could keep going, though, Lois decided now was the time to rudely interrupt the table.
"So? Would anyone like some dessert?"
Before anyone had responded, the woman was already up to her feet and heading back into the kitchen.
Brian paid her no mind, though. He was turning his attention back towards Stewie, now.
The boy was looking at him for what seemed like the first time since they had sat down at the table, with a grin that the dog was convinced was the most devilish he had ever seen on the boy.
He watched as the baby, reached out towards David once again, and of course, good ole Dave was quick to respond, leaning forward to address the boy.
"What's up, little buddy?"
Stewie smiled at the volunteer before turning his eyes back towards Brian, a sinister chuckle pouring from him before he leaned up and pressed a kiss to the man's cheek, a kiss that seemed to last much too long, and Brian could have sworn that he heard the child moan as he performed the act.
Brian felt heat in his cheeks, his eyes growing all the wider as his breathing sped up along with his heart.
He couldn't take it.
The canine suddenly shot up from his chair, grabbing his wine glass as he did so.
"I think I'll help Lois out by getting some of these empty plates out of the way!"
He laughed a bit madly as he reached over and took Rachel's plate, just barely noticing the frown on her face; he was much more focused on the smile from Stewie. He proceeded around the table grabbing all the dishes he could carry before retreating after Lois into the kitchen.
After dinner, Brian was more than ready to leave. He even tried to usher Rachel to follow suit, but the woman insisted on staying just a little longer.
It seemed she was enjoying her evening...well...at least someone out of the two was enjoying themselves. Though Brian wanted to put up a fight, he eventually relinquished and sucked it up. The dog sighed and went for another glass of wine; thank god there was an extra bottle to his disposal.
He knew he'd need it.
Now everyone was sitting around the living room, all talking amongst themselves...Rachel really did suit well in this type of homelife. Poor Brian being the only member of the family standing while he sipped his wine. More slowly this time...after all, this was the last bottle and it was already half gone. He didn't know how long his girl wanted to stick around.
He sighed, shaking his head. God what he wouldn't give to just go drown his sorrows at the bar; just get so drunk, he'd wake up the next morning...not remembering a damn thing about this horrible evening.
Watching Stewie...just reside comfortably on David's lap was growing worse as time ticked by, but now Brian's thoughts were so jumbled, he didn't know exactly what to think of the sight anymore. He just knew deep down he was suffocating by how tight the room felt to him. He tugged on his tie a bit, trying to breathe easily. His eyes...keeping their focus on the boy and David. They both were smiling at each other, Stewie reaching to tug a little more on the man's tie.
"Ugh…" Brian softly groaned once more and looked down at his feet. He could feel his heart just break...he could feel it.
Just what was Stewie getting from this? Why was he doing this to him?
Brian briefly closed his eyes, paw shaking just a little while he drowned everyone out...except for Stewie and David. He needed to know what they were talking about. They both were just acting as though they were in their own little world...and no one else was allowed there; just the two of them.
There...where they could do whatever they wanted. This world was where David would lay Stewie down and the boy would be beckoning him, hithering him with his pointer finger while that boy...seductive and just...perfect...gave this man everything he could possibly dream of.
In this world, Brian could visualize David and Stewie...doing all sorts of scandalous things.
God…
Brian forgot how vindictive Stewie could be; how cruel he could be. Though both the dog and baby shared that trait, Stewie was just as bad...and if not just as bad, perhaps he was always a little worse.
Shit. Of course he was always a little worse.
This was fucking Stewie.
And at that moment, Brian's heart just shattered. Stewie had finally done it, hadn't he? He replaced Brian so quickly...and the pain was so excruciating. The dog went to place a hand on his chest, actually gripping his shirt while his beating heart just burned. The ache...the misery of it all, now Brian understood…
He took a deep breath and dared to open his eyes. He sipped his wine again and tried his very best to muster up some basic conversation, but when he did open his mouth to speak, nothing came out.
Hahaha...oh, shit…
Brian couldn't believe it.
Stewie was such a devil.
David was casually talking to Peter while the boy was hugging him tightly around his stomach, sighing in content. The bliss, the very look of bliss on that boy's face just aggravated Brian's already devastating migraine. He reached to rub his temples again, trying to soothe the pounding there.
He closed his eyes again and the image of David and Stewie being so close...touching each other...moaning together...bodies wildly thrashing while the boy's fingers dug deep into David's back...came rushing back. The image of it all made Brian's head swim.
"Ah…"
No…
This was ridiculous.
Brian opened his eyes, eyes darting to Stewie where he noticed the boy was looking at him again...like he had been most of the evening. Obviously the boy needed to make sure that Brian was watching every little act. Every little thing…
And what the boy did next really made Brian stiffen. It was...disgusting. He watched the boy actually fiddling with David's belt buckle and he went even further than that...by toying and tugging on the man's pant hem. What really made this situation worse was that David didn't notice a goddamn thing!
Stewie was so slick. Such a clever...evil and wicked child.
The boy snickered and pushed himself to sit up, acting as though he were grinding on David's leg, but he was merely just sitting up straight so he could wrap his arms loosely around the man's neck. In response, David shifted a little and held the boy tightly, squeezing him even.
Brian had to look away.
The conversations just continued on and Brian at this point felt no need to even bring himself into the equation. He just wanted to leave.
Though Lois must have asked David something a little personal...being who she was, that was just her way sometimes. It made the man reach to play with his glasses until they were properly resting on the bridge of his nose. Though this time...Stewie caught on and the baby reached with his small arms to take those glasses.
David looked down at the boy, a little confused as to why Stewie was suddenly taking his glasses away, but when the kid put them on himself, the whole room...everyone there...just aww'd at the sweet little display of Stewie with David's glasses on.
They were far too big.
Lois squealed happily and quickly told Peter to get her camera so she could take a picture.
"Haha! Stewie, are you going to hold onto my glasses for me? Make sure they'll be okay?" He asked the boy softly while he rested his cheek on top of the boy's head.
Stewie softly moaned...eyes rolling back a little. The closeness...the absolute chemistry. He nodded and hugged David a little tighter.
"...Well...Rachel, babe...I think we better get going, huh?" Brian couldn't take it anymore. He'd seen enough...he was ready to go home. Rachel of course looked a little reluctant to leave, but just from looking at Brian...she knew that it was time to go before anything was said that would later be regretted. While Rachel said her goodbyes to everyone, Brian was already grabbing their coats.
The sadness was swelling up inside of him and he couldn't imagine how this could possibly get any worse. However, he just swallowed it and helped his girlfriend get her coat on.
David then approached Brian and he reached to take his paw...to obviously shake it again.
Don't fucking touch me. I'll kill you.
"I'm sorry to see you and Rachel go, Brian, but...it was really lovely to meet you both." It was a shame...this man seemed like a really nice fellow.
Oh well. Too bad. Brian despised him.
"Yeah...you, too." The dog shook David's hand, wanting to be polite...at least for now.
Just touching David made the dog feel sicker.
He sighed and pulled on his coat. From there, he let Rachel say goodbye to Lois and Peter before they stepped outside. Brian was about to step off the threshold when he heard...Stewie picking. "Goodnight...Brian."
The dog looked at the boy from over his shoulder. It was their first time speaking in what seemed to be...ages. Just looking at the boy now...he felt like crying; the child was becoming a stranger to him and he wasn't sure how he was going to handle that…
"...Goodnight, kid…"
Brian quickly left, giving Rachel the keys to his car since there was no way he could drive tonight. Besides...he needed to close his eyes. Exhaustion was overwhelming him and he wanted to try and drift off a little on the way home.
As Rachel piled into the driver's seat, she waited for Brian who took a little longer to get into the passenger side. Though once he did and he had closed his car door, she didn't miss a beat.
"Are you okay, hun…?"
"Yeah...I'm fine. Just really tired. Lois's parties always exhausted me."
Rachel nodded, seeming to be...somewhat satisfied by his answer, but she knew there was something much more to the story and she knew it had to do with Stewie. There was just no other explanation. For tonight, though...she'd let Brian sleep this off and maybe he'd be more willing to open up about what was going on between the two. She just couldn't quite understand how Brian...speaking so fondly of the boy...could suddenly do everything in his power to avoid being near him.
There was something going on…
On the way back to Rachel's, there wasn't any conversation. Just the noise from the music station that Rachel had put on to perhaps make Brian feel better.
It didn't...because it was the swing and jazz station. The station that he and Stewie would listen to...whenever it was just them.
Brian couldn't escape it now. The boy was everywhere...he was in his very being...choking him and taking everything the dog held dear.
He kept his eyes closed the whole ride home and he tried to fight the inevitable nausea from both drinking so much and from...Stewie.
He'd have nightmares tonight, he was sure.
When they finally did make it to Rachel's apartment, the woman had to help Brian to the door since he was struggling to stand up straight. They both staggered until Rachel was able to unlock her apartment door and let the dog in first. Coming inside, she flipped her living room light on and helped Brian to her bedroom.
The dog followed slowly, leaning his weight against her while his head hung low.
"It's okay…"
Rachel's voice was so soothing...but all Brian could hear was Stewie.
It's okay, Bry…your pal Stewie is right here. Shh...shh...
"Nn…" Brian tightly shut his eyes, fighting back the urge to cry. He'd never cry with Rachel there to see.
She was so patient...so darling to help Brian. Now in her bedroom, she gently placed the dog onto the bed and she smiled at him...giving him the most lovely smile she could give in such circumstances.
"I'll let you have the bed tonight."
She leaned to kiss Brian on the nose...she kissed his nose...something that...Stewie would do.
Oh…Brian felt...so remorseful. What had he done?
What could he possibly do to fix this…?
He smiled, though. He smiled softly and nodded towards his girl. Giving her a warm kiss, she soon left so Brian could be alone.
Immediately...the dog collapsed onto his back and he threw an arm over his eyes.
He sniffled, tears now coming from the corners of his eyes and falling of their own free will.
Stewie...he was never supposed to leave…