Chapter 9: Sweet Vengeance

When the opportunity came, Brian booked it. He left Rachel to wallow in whatever pity she felt for herself, but he couldn't have run out of the lobby fast enough. He had no way of knowing if she were going to come rushing after him and he definitely didn't wish to be confronted by her. Not now while his mind was running sporadically; it would betray him one way or another if she came running after him.

The situation could have been avoided.

Brian could have just kept his mouth shut, he could have just been grateful, but his greedy heart had finally won the battle, but overall...Stewie had won. Now all Brian could think about was getting home to him...whether he was accepted or not, he had to get to him.

As he ran to his car, practically flinging the door open, his thoughts were overcome with a sense of relief, like a burden had been lifted off his shoulders that now he didn't need to concern himself with Rachel any longer; the woman most likely would never want to associate with him again which was fine. He had loved the idea of her and had been more than prepared to see his future become intertwined with hers...at first.

Now…

...all he could really recall from the relationship with this woman was how blinded he was throughout the experience.

He had tried to run away from his true motives...his true feelings.

He knew he should have felt sympathy towards Rachel who hadn't been anything but kind and loving to him.

Patient and authentic.

However, when he started his car and began to leave the hotel parking lot, he couldn't feel any kind of remorse for his actions tonight. If anything, he felt more liberated the further he got from her and his mind only became more clear the longer he drove.

Still...he couldn't recall actually getting into his car just like he couldn't remember how fast he was going. He just drove and he drove...like his mind was on autopilot, not blinking, not even breathing...not fully there, but aware. The emotional state was such a numbing sensation and it was quite a surreal moment. Not worrying about anything, not fearing anything, and not feeling anything.

Perhaps when he and Stewie were on talking terms again...maybe he'd tell the boy about this drive. How the mutt hadn't felt anything but the emptiness of it all...the knowledge of losing everything, but...finding solace in such a situation. He knew that Stewie would understand because the kid always understood.

No matter what the dog was trying to convey, Stewie just seemed to always be a step ahead of him and he'd make such simple remarks that just made sense and pulled the pieces together.

Only Stewie had such remarkable perception; the kind of perception that only he could possess. It wasn't making estimated guesses, it was factual and blunt.

Stewie was just perfect in every way and Brian was only coming to realize that.

Though he tried to keep his thoughts at bay while he drove because it would only make him remember what he had done to Rachel and how poorly he had treated her; he didn't want to think about that. He just wanted to drive and get home.

And that's what he did.

He continued to drive, heart barely beating now.

He drove without making any stops until he was about to cross the line to Rhode Island. He could recognize some of the landmarks which gave him a moment of panic, but he didn't dare stop.

He drove as far as he could, getting closer to Rhode Island until he felt his stomach begin to growl. He sighed heavily and shook his head.

He was hungry.

He knew that he couldn't keep driving on an empty stomach. For the past several hours, he was running solely on nervous fumes, the pesky nervousness keeping him awake and just aware enough to drive without being reckless. Perhaps he should be grateful to his insomnia and anxiety for getting him so far.

He looked around, trying to find at least a pit stop with rest rooms and perhaps a vending machine, but he ended up finding something better. He turned off the intersection and drove into a fast food parking lot where he could already see a few cars parked.

Perhaps those were the employees getting prepared for the morning rush.

He drove up to the drive-thru and he waited patiently. In fact, he was quite stunned by how calm he was. Most of the time, he was not particularly thrilled with having to wait for his food, but right now...just sitting in his car while he had the heat blasting...he was as calm as he'd ever been.

Thankfully he didn't have to wait too long.

Even though the few employees who had been there were a little nerved they had to start cooking so soon, but they didn't give Brian too much grief who had ordered a large combo meal. He just needed to eat something so he could continue driving. Plus he hadn't taken notice to just how hungry he was until his sensory nerves kicked in and his mouth began to water.

If only fast food joints provided alcohol though. Alcohol to the pathetic like him, the people who couldn't handle the stresses of a day and immediately took refuge with a bottle in hand. He would have given anything at that moment to have a cold, sudsy drink.

He got his meal along with the large soda he had ordered. At least a soda would sate his hunger for a tall glass of beer...a drink he didn't go to much unless he was desperate.

He parked his car and began to eat as fast as he could. Though the display of him chowing down on the burger and the fries must have been something quite awful. He was eating the food with such voracity, his mouth only watering more as he ate and ate and ate.

The food was really hitting the spot and thank goodness for that.

Though now that he didn't have the road to distract him, he began to think...slowly he began to think about the past few days, the events in Austin, Texas. He remembered feeling miserable on the drive to Austin and more miserable when he got there. He hadn't paid much attention to it at the time, but now he was alone and he was able to really contemplate everything.

The drive to Austin had been quiet. Rachel hadn't spoken to him much...maybe because she could feel Brian's anxiety and the poor woman didn't want to address it in fear of the dog and her getting into an argument. She must have wanted this trip to have meant something...and in a way, Brian had, too. Though he couldn't figure out why he was so miserable on that drive.

He took another bite of his food, eyes staring out the window towards the road before him. It was still pitch black outside, the only amount of light coming from the few scattered power line lamps and the few cars that passed the fast food restaurant.

It suddenly came clear to him.

He hadn't wanted to go to Austin. Not with her.

And driving there felt like driving to the inevitable doom he knew would come about. He had tried to make it work...make the trip enjoyable. Even going so far as to take her to the place he was born and all he got was absolutely nothing. It was as though some divine intervention took place and he was left with the broken pieces yet again...to pick up by himself and put back together as carelessly as he had always done.

He was such a shit of a person and yet Stewie saw something else in him that Rachel must have seen, too.

Though Stewie never felt afraid to call the dog out on his bullshit. He had never been shy to remind Brian if he were acting selfish.

He growled a little and reached to take his soda, chugging it down. The coolness providing a small amount of relief from a migraine that was slowly creeping up on him along with keeping his thoughts to a minimum at best.

It was such a short lived relief.

As Brian placed his drink back into the cup holder, he could feel it then...his heart began to race and his fingers began to tremble. Distractions could only go so far...and now that Brian was alone and left to tend to these thoughts, it was only clear now just how fragile he had become.

Harboring negative thoughts and feelings was never going to give positive results and the moment Brian began to whimper...chest heaving and he himself coming to rapid breathing...everything came crashing down. He braced his hands onto his head as he felt the inexcusable pain of his harsh reality.

Images of Stewie...Stewie and him having sex for the first time. God, how wonderful it felt at the moment, but what Brian would have done to prevent it from ever happening since that was where all the troubles began. A horrendous decision on his part, a mistake that gave the boy nothing but grief.

Brian...discarding Stewie when the boy had served his own selfish purpose. Like the kid had been nothing more than a body he could lust after when he saw fit...and the moment it had taken place, ended...the dog tossed that poor boy aside, acting as though the experience never meant a damn thing to Stewie.

No...that night must have been the world to Stewie. He must have felt so loved...all those ridiculous fuzzy feelings that embraced you with such warmth. Brian took those wonderful sensations, ripped them apart from the boy like Stewie had no right to feel them in the first place.

And he found Rachel. The pinnacle image of perfection. Brian found her and he must have told himself he loved her, but the truth of the matter was...was that he was looking for Stewie in her. At least when he had sex with her, he'd be reminded of Stewie...but having sex with her wasn't wrong. That must have been what it came down to.

It had all been a way to cope with the knowledge Brian had lusted after Stewie without even realizing. He had wanted that kid the same way he lusted after his women.

His breath quickened.

He had hurt Stewie so many times throughout the boy's short life. He had used Stewie, he had neglected Stewie...he had abused Stewie and the boy just kept coming back to him, forgiving him...loving him.

God...why did that boy have to love him?

Brian's fingers dug into his fur and he coiled in his seat, his whimpers growing louder as time ticked by. The silence just added onto his misery and before he knew it...he was screaming.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

He screamed…

...and he screamed

and he screamed.

"GOD FUCKING DAMMIT!" He began to kick anything he could. Wild and intrusive thoughts of abandoning Stewie...the same way the dog hadn't wanted to be abandoned, but he did it to the boy and because of those actions, he may have lost the kid forever.

"FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!"

He slammed his hand on his steering wheel, punched the windows on his side of the car.

Everything that had happened just came back to one thing only...and that was Stewie.

"ARE YOU HAPPY, STEWIE?! ARE YOU?! YOU FUCKING WON!"

Brian continued to thrash wildly, punching and hitting...kicking and screaming until he could barely handle it anymore. He slumped into his seat and he began to wail. The way Stewie must have done…

Gross and detestable Brian...Stewie must have hated him. There was no way around this...there was no way the boy would ever forgive him.

Brian could delude himself all he wanted that no matter what he did...the boy would take him back and forgive him for his trespasses. This...went farther than that...it hurt farther than anything and Stewie must have felt so lost. The poor thing...probably cried himself to sleep every night while Brian was fucking a gorgeous female body.

Stewie's hurt and his pain must have been worse than what Brian was feeling and that child had been forced to keep it all to himself...no manner of releasing it, just keeping it all in for the sake of face...so Brian...wouldn't feel guilty.

The dog's eyes widened then.

Stewie hadn't said a word, hadn't given the dog any indication that he was in turmoil. The boy had sacrificed the dog of feeling remorse. He did that...for him.

"Oh...Stewie…"

The dog's sobs just grew louder, tears cascading so profusely.

"I'm so sorry...please...Stewie…"

This was all so fucked up; Brian had fucked up royally this time and even though he was trying so hard to keep himself calm, nothing could keep the tears from stopping and the cries for Stewie to cease.

The dog repeated the boy's name, his finger reaching to wipe the persistent tears that just kept coming...such pesky things.

"Stewie...oh my god...I'm…so sorry…"

It didn't matter.

Brian lost him and even though he wanted him in such a bad way, he lost him and it was entirely his fault.

Stewie had moved on...he had to have. He had every right to do so...but now Brian just wished over and over that the boy would come rushing back like he always did.

He wanted him…

"Stewie…"

Brian sniffled and he braced his face into the palms of his hands and he leaned forward until he was resting against the steering wheel.

"Please...forgive me…"

He knew it was pointless though. There was absolutely no way...that Stewie was going to forgive him.

Brian had done the worst thing he could ever do to that boy, so really...why would it be a shock when Stewie refused to give Brian the forgiveness he so desperately wanted.

He chuckled sadly.

It's always the ones you really love who you end up hurting the most...

Several hours after his meltdown in the car, Brian finally arrived on Spooner Street. He slowly pulled into the driveway before leaning back in his seat and taking a moment to just...look at this house...his home. Despite still feeling incredibly anxious about...well...everything, he couldn't help but feel a small sense of relief upon seeing the exterior of the building.

He sighed and cut the engine to his car, ready to just go inside and pass out. It would be a small comfort but a comfort all the same.

The dog unbuckled his seatbelt and was about to step out of the vehicle. He opened the door slightly and was immediately assaulted by the cold, night breeze. He shivered and shut the door.

Cold. Too cold.

...Maybe he could stay in the car just a little longer.

He restarted his car and cranked the heat back up, eyes wandering up to stare at the second floor... a very specific area of the second floor.

Stewie's room was right there. They were only feet apart right now.

He wanted nothing more than to rush upstairs and tackle that kid, pull him in close and apologize over and over, beg Stewie to let him back into his life.

What would Stewie say if he did just that…?

The canine gulped and began to feel uncertain. He could picture it clearly, Stewie pushing him away, yelling at him, explaining he would never forgive him and that he had gone too far this last time…

That he had used up his last chance.

It made his heart feel constricted. He couldn't stand it, and even worse, he couldn't shake the idea that what he had just envisioned was a very real possibility.

God, if Stewie did that...if he said those things…

That would be it. He'd have nothing.

A shaky gasp suddenly shot out of him.

He had to find out, though, right? He couldn't just...stay out here.

...Then again…

He didn't exactly have to face Stewie just yet, either. Maybe he could...give it some time...try and gauge whether or not Stewie was missing him, too?

He shook his head at the thought.

So, what? I'm going to spy on him or something?

He went to laugh at the very notion but paused as he gave it some serious consideration.

Yes.

That was exactly what he was going to do. He couldn't bear the thought of Stewie rejecting him and throwing him away for good, but if he could find something...anything to indicate that Stewie still wanted him back…

Besides, everyone thought he was away with Rachel for the next several days, anyway. If he suddenly showed up again, he'd not only have to explain his return but also her absence, and he just...did not have that in him, right now, not on top of everything else, not on top of trying to fix things with Stewie. He needed to deal with one thing at a time here. He'd truly go mad otherwise.

Not that I have exactly been a shining example of sanity or anything.

He laughed at his own little morbid joke before swallowing thickly.

Jeez…he couldn't wait to be through all this mess.

His mind was pretty made up, though.

He'd confront Stewie...in time...maybe. It all just depended on what he observed over the next day or two.

The dog buckled himself back in and pulled out of the driveway, hoping that nobody had noticed him for the several minutes he had been sitting outside. He backed up about a block down the street and parked on the side of the road before setting an alarm on his phone.

6:30 am. That should give me enough time to try and get some rest before everyone leaves for the day.

He set the phone on top of the dashboard and cut the engine to his car again before leaning his seat back and shutting his eyes.

He was excited.

As pathetic as it was, the idea of getting to see Stewie again, even from a distance was enough to make his heart race in anticipation for morning. Funny enough, it felt like the kind of excitement he used to experience on Christmas eve as a pup, the feeling that you simply have to get to sleep just so you can wake up and get to the good part once the sun was up.

He sighed and unbuckled his seatbelt before rolling over onto his side, hoping that his excitement wouldn't prevent him for getting a good night's rest.

He was going to need it.

The following morning, Brian jolted awake with a start.

His alarm had blasted on, familiar music filling his ears. He must have set his phone on a very loud volume; the sound was so ear shattering.

He fiddled around his dashboard before finding his cell and turning the alarm off.

He stretched.

He sighed.

"6:30...this is about the time that Stewie is woken up."

The sun was barely seeping through the big and puffy clouds, giving the sky such a romantic glow of pink and purple. When all this was over...and he had somehow gotten into Stewie's good graces, he would take the boy out before the sun would rise and they'd watch it together.

Both would be lying on the hood of Brian's car, watching the sun shine and sun rays pierce the clouds like daggers. They'd listen to the birds sing and then they would turn to face one another.

Brian would reach out to stroke Stewie's cheek and he would lean in...the boy would lean in as well, meeting the dog half way into a passionate kiss.

The dog would wrap his arms around the boy, stroking over the length of his back while his other hand ran over the child's cheek. They'd kiss each other earnestly, daring to not pull away. The warmth from the sun would embrace them and Brian would move up so he could climb over the boy, towering over him as their kiss grew furious.

Stewie would moan.

Brian would moan as well.

The dog's hands would begin to follow Stewie's curves, finding a place just on his hip.

The infant would break their kiss then, looking into the dog's eyes with passion and need.

"Brian…"

The dog would smile and he'd lean back for another kiss...and-...

Brian's fantasy of course was short lived. He came back to reality when he watched a car drive past him. He arched an eyebrow, finding it a little odd that someone would be coming onto Spooner Street so early in the morning.

He decided to watch the car, thinking nothing of it at first...but as the car slowed down, the more suspicious he got. He just had a sick feeling that the car was going to pull over to the Griffin home.

Of course...he was correct.

Perhaps he should trust his gut more often; it seemed to always be right.

He continued to watch.

With a hard gaze, he saw the car door open and a man step out. He leaned forward, hands gripping his steering wheel so he could get a better look at the man walking to the Griffin house.

"...Is that David?"

He squinted his eyes, having a hard time making out the man, but he didn't need to be close. He knew that that was David...he was just trying to play ignorant...perhaps to keep himself calm.

Though his fears were realized when his eyes met Stewie...that beautiful boy...running to the man. David had knelt down to his knees, arms open for the boy as the kid tackled the man into a warm and strong hug. Stewie wrapped his arms around his neck and...smothered his face into the space just between his neck and shoulder.

It was so hard to watch.

Brian watched David stand on his two feet and he held the boy tightly in one arm while the other waved towards what the dog assumed was Lois saying her goodbyes.

David then turned and headed for his car, his hand gently resting on the back of Stewie's head.

Brian growled.

"Fuck off, David…"

It drove Brian absolutely crazy...seeing such sweet affection being given by a man lesser than himself.

He would have rushed out of his car...to plummet the man down, but with Stewie there...and with him being witness to Brian's drastic behavior, the idea of getting back with Stewie would have been for nothing. Driving back here would have been a waste.

So he sighed and breathed, repeating to himself that he needed to calm down and just watch.

He observed David who was now at his car...he gave Stewie a kiss on his cheek...or what appeared to be as such and then placed the boy in the backseat of his car.

Brian assumed that was where he kept the car seat.

He snickered to himself.

"Stewie likes being up front, asshole."

He waited patiently...he let David close the back seat door and then circle around the front of his car...and for a moment, Brian thought about running him over.

After all, it wasn't like Stewie would get hurt with him in the safety of the man's backseat.

But…

Brian continued to sit there in his car...in the same spot.

Eyes wide...disbelieving, he waited until David was in his car and started it up.

For a short while, David didn't move and Brian was feeling his anxiety get the best of him. "Move, you fucker!" Yet he didn't begin driving until the dog was about ready to get out of his own car. That was when David began to drive towards him.

"Oh...shit!"

Panic.

Brian quickly slouched down in his seat, heart beating so fast, he felt a sharp pain there. He just hoped that David hadn't seen him or recognized his car.

He watched David's car pass him...he watched Stewie pass him. The dog lied there...trying to relax himself as best he could. "Stewie…"

Time ticked by and Brian hadn't moved...he thought for a while on how he was going to go about this and whether or not he could get away with not being seen by David...and worst of all, Stewie.

Though he couldn't find it in himself to care about the consequences. He had to see the boy...he had to see Stewie to settle his nerves. Even if he had to watch the boy from afar...without being detected, that was what he would do.

The mutt took the detour to Stewie's preschool, not wanting to be obvious because even though David hadn't noticed his car, that didn't mean other people wouldn't. After all, Brian was the only person in Quahog to have a Prius as far as he was concerned and Lois tended to have a big mouth. She would have told everyone the canine had gone off on a getaway trip with his then girlfriend.

So being caught was putting him at risk and he really was putting a lot at risk by doing this, but he couldn't help himself.

Seeing the preschool building, Brian pulled off into a secluded area...a place that not many people ventured to since it was landmarked as private property, but Brian had been there before. This was where he went some nights with a few of his dates...because it was dark and it was private.

For the very thing that probably many people did as well.

The best part about it was that it had a clear view of the preschool and the inside of Stewie's classroom. It was perfect.

And that's where Brian was for the past few hours. He watched Stewie and David throughout the day, never leaving their sight.

Though there had been times where Brian couldn't quite see the boy, so he had to get out of his car...so he could discreetly peer inside the classroom; he was careful, nonetheless and always went back to his car when there was a risk of being seen. From there, he'd go back to his car and he'd wait.

And Brian stayed there, not daring to move a muscle.

Of course Brian's most personal favorite of time was when Stewie went for recess. There Brian got a good view of the boy and it just made him so excited to see him...it turned him on...watching the boy bend down to pick up a ball or do something as simple as playing in the sandbox.

A brief afterthought came to him while he watched the boy continue to play. He wondered how the kid would react...knowing Brian was just a few feet away from him, watching with intent and hungry eyes.

Would Stewie find that intrusive?

Most likely...any sane individual would think this kind of behavior abnormal, but Stewie wasn't exactly stable either.

There had been instances where Stewie proved how insane he could be. However, the big difference between him and the dog was the fact the boy was aware of his own instability.

Brian had no clue for himself.

But this wasn't important. Right now, he was focusing on the boy. His primal and animalistic instincts taking over while his mind replayed over and over the consequences if the boy were to find him...find him stalking the kid, his destined mate.

"Brian?!"

The dog smirked, the baby's mental voice clouding his judgement.

"You look good, baby."

"What the fuck are you doing here?"

"Watching you."

He could imagine the boy staring up at him with those big eyes...partly angered, but another part of him amused.

"So you stalk little kids now?"

Brian feigned hurt. He even dramatically placed a hand over his heart.

"Ouch."

"It is an appropriate question to ask."

Brian growled a little, growling a little frustrated with just how true to reality his mental image of Stewie was so true to the actual, palpable Stewie.

"Just shut up and play, kid."

The image of his mental Stewie just smirked and the boy crossed his arms. He then did as the dog asked, obviously knowing the dog too well to really care.

Brian then registered himself and he watched the boy who was still outside...so close by...playing blissfully with the other kids.

It was just the way Stewie was doing it...that really drove Brian crazy and while the boy was playing...the dog began to touch himself furiously, yanking and tugging helplessly to quench his inevitable thirst for lust he had.

"Ahh...Stewie, oh fuck yes...Stewie…"

He couldn't help it any longer. He had held back long enough...he had driven his lust for Stewie enough, so he gladly opened the forbidden mental room deep within his mind...and the dog felt an intense relief and pleasure just overwhelm him; it felt incredible.

He yanked harder on himself, following the length of his shaft to his tip. It was so furious, it was just so unbelievable. If Stewie were to ever find out that Brian was watching him...and jerking off to him...the boy would probably find it incredibly hot.

That thought alone really gave Brian a rush of pleasure and he closed his eyes for the briefest of moments. He could hear Stewie telling him to jerk faster...and calling him a dirty dog for doing such a thing.

"Yeah...you like that, baby?"

"I like it, Bri...keep going."

"Yeah...yeah...yeah! Ahhh!"

Brian felt his climax, hard and intense. He moaned loudly, his eyes opening...to still see Stewie playing obliviously.

"Haa...ah...mm…"

Brian sighed heavily and he grinned a little, feeling satisfied while he let Stewie's mental voice overwhelm him.

"Good boy...you dirty doggy."

Jesus. I just got back from the convenience store. Fuck, I'm tired. I can't stand this shit. My car is starting to get really cramped. Thank god for alcohol. Thank god for liquor stores, amiright? Fuck...it's early. It's so goddamn early. Whatever. Following David and Stewie is getting old, but damn...I can't see the kid yet. I have to try and get a clear idea of this...guy, this David. Why the fuck am I so intimidated by him? I could fucking take him. Fuck him. Douchebag. He took Stewie from me. Damn...I need cigarettes, too.

…

Same detour as always. Stewie looked especially happy today. What did I miss…? Is this flask empty already? Shit. Oh, well. I'll be parking soon. The preschool is only a few more blocks. Then I wait. For hours. Just to catch glimpses. Worth it. It will all be worth it. I need to see that Stewie is unhappy without me. He has to be. He has to be pretending around David. Dammit! Why is he always around that guy!? I can never see him alone! In order to do that, I'd have to… No. Not yet. Just have to keep watching. Need to know how Stewie is without that guy. Damn. It is empty. Oh, shit! Almost missed the turn. Damn. I can't be that buzzed already…

…

Fuck man. This is getting annoying. Stewie is hanging around this guy too much. He never hung out with me that much! Fuck. Whatever. Whatever. Whatever. I need to come up with a game plan. First I need to get more alcohol. Being drunk somehow makes it easier. Fuck. David is being so loving towards Stewie. I fucking hate this asshole. He has no right being around my Stewie like this. Keep it up, buddy. See where you'll end up. Damn. I'm out of cigarettes again. What the fuck? What the fuck is he doing? Stewie is so cute today. He has to be fucking with me. What if Stewie knows I'm watching him? I think I'm going to pass out. Stewie. Suck a dick, David. You're going to be the end of me, kid.

…

This really is kind of fucked up, right? I mean, I'm spying on a preschool and jerking off. Granted, it's Stewie I'm focusing on, but jesus, if someone caught me, right now… I just need him so bad, though. It's not fucking fair. I made one goddamned mistake! Ok! One! I shouldn't have to lose everything because of it… Ahhhhhhh! ...Fuck… That's a big mess… Were there still napkins in that fast food bag?

…

Do I have time to stop at the convenience store? Are they even open right now? Fuck me. I wish I had some weed. Stewie looks really good today. What the hell has he got goin' on? You goin' somewhere, baby? Yeah, good luck gettin' good sex from that prick. Haha! Damn, I'm fucked. I need to keep watching. Damn...what did I do with my binoculars? Can you believe this guy? Wow! What a real piece of work. Acting like the knight in shining armor. Fuck you, man. I'll kill you.

…

Stop kissing his cheek! Jesus! Does no one at this fucking preschool find it odd that you keep smooching on one of the kids!? God! I should be so lucky that they'd find it odd. They'd cart you away. Then, I could swoop in and console Stewie in the way you never could. It would be perfect. Everything would go back to the way it's supposed to be. No David. ...No Rachel. Just us. Brian and Stewie. The perfect pair. We don't need anyone else…

…

Look at that beautiful boy! Fuck, I drank too much. Here we go...another day, woohoo. Such a life. I should try and clean out my car. Goddamn...this kid is killing me slowly. I think he knows. Fuck, what if he does?! Fuck! Need some cigarettes. Need some alcohol. Do I have time to go to the convenience store? Dammit. David, you're pissing me off. This is torture. I wish I had my gun. I could blow my brains out. Ah...fuck, Stewie…! I'm so close. God...fuck, I'm going to vomit. Dammit...I need to clean my damn seats now…

…

There! That was definitely a frown! Well...kinda. It certainly wasn't a smile. What are you hiding Stewie…? Are those kids picking on you? Oh… Was that it…? Wait! Maybe I could… Dammit! Fuck off, David! Stewie doesn't need you coming to his rescue. He can handle himself. Give the kid some credit, sheesh. Surely, Stewie finds that demeaning, right? Oh…they're hugging. ...And he's smiling again…

…

Wow. A break from David, huh? Stewie is with Lois today. Yeah...what a good parent you are, Lois. Letting your baby be in the primary care of a damn predator. Do I have time to go to the convenience store? Damn. I'm drunk. I wonder if I could make a hooker fuck in the seat I threw up in. No...no, that's...not what I want. I want Stewie. Stop kissing him, Stewie. This is getting ridiculous. What do I need to do to get a goddamn frown?! Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck. Yeah, okay. I'm tired. I hadn't slept in days...I'm tired.

...

It's a damn shame that Stewie is inside so much… What I really need are like...some pictures of him or something. I guess I could try and take some on my phone. It doesn't exactly have the best camera, though. Ohhhhh, man. When this is all over… When I have him again… I should arrange a little photo shoot. Yeeeeeaaah! Get some nice dirty shots and they'd be mine. All mine. For my eyes only. ...Actually…didn't Stewie have some pictures like that made before…? Wait! He did! He totally did! Who the fuck took those!? Is that someone I'm going to have to worry about later? ...Did he keep those pictures? It's hard to remember, but...I think I remember him taking them back. So...he might. Probably has them hidden away somewhere. Where would he keep them? ...Would he notice if they were gone? Maybe I could sneak in when no one is around and have a look for myself. Those sure would be nice to have… Oh, shit! Here comes David's car!

…

Fuck this fucking place. A poor excuse of a preschool. I hate it the more I look at it. Where are those pictures? Knowing Stewie, he's hidden them somewhere no one would think to look. Dammit...he makes everything difficult. Aw...come on, baby. Let me get a good look at you. Just stay still while I take this picture. Do I have time to go to the convenience store? Give me a break. Give me a fucking break! Is Stewie dreaming about me? Fuck! Someone almost saw me. Dammit. I need to be more careful. Stewie…! Stewie, I'm going to…! Ah! I'm out of napkins. Great.

...

Ok…what was the plan again? How long am I supposed to be doing this? This...isn't really getting me anywhere. Every day is pretty much the same, and...it's only getting harder. Sitting here. Watching from afar. Stewie…I wish I had the courage to reach out to you. ...But, that man... Why are you so happy with that guy…? How could you replace me so easily? I know that's how it must have felt for you when I started dating Rachel, but...it wasn't like that, kid. She meant nothing. I didn't know it at the time, but...she didn't. I didn't replace you. You're...irreplaceable. Maybe...that's how it is with David? Maybe you don't know it yet? Know that he actually means nothing to you? God...I hope so…I can't do this much longer…I hate who I'm becoming…

He had to hurry. Nap time was almost over and it was probably the one time in the day where he had good opportunity to clean up his car.

...Which he really needed to do.

It was really quite...disgusting how filthy he had allowed things to get in there, but yesterday he had resolved to finally do something about it. He was depressed, sure, but he was…God, he was better than this!

...Right!?

He definitely wanted to believe it…

Either way, this was a good first step. He hadn't cleaned out his car in days, not since he had first started watching Stewie and he couldn't help but feel just the smallest bit better about himself as he quickly gathered up all the trash and dumped it off in the trashcan of a nearby gas station. It wasn't exactly pristine or anything, but he at least didn't have trash littering his floor. And, hey, when he did get Stewie back he wouldn't have all that to be embarrassed about.

Satisfied with his work, he quickly hopped back into his car. Stewie would be waking up in five minutes. He had to hurry.

The dog sped off down the street, not bothering to mind the speed limit as he passed several cars in his rush.

He was back at the preschool in no time, quickly taking his usual parking spot before killing the engine and grabbing his binoculars.

The canine peered through them, using them see past a window and into Stewie's classroom. He could only just barely see Stewie off to the side, partially obscured.

He growled.

So frustrating.

Oh, but he had a perfect view of David, though! The man was sitting in a chair in the middle of the room. It must have been his turn to look over the kids during nap time or something.

Creep.

"Ok, man. Nap time is over. You can wake them up and stop staring now."

Brian knew how much of a hypocrite he was being, but he honestly didn't care. He really did despise this guy. It was simply WRONG just how much time he was allowed to spend with Stewie. He never would have guessed that they were together so much prior to following Stewie around. What was this guy's deal? Didn't have some actual adult friends to hang out with or something? For fucks sake, leave the boy alone you weirdo!

"Two minutes past nap time, David. What's your excuse for that? Hmmmm!?"

The dog just continued to watch as the man finally looked at his watch. David jumped in his seat a bit, looking a bit nervous as he finally stood up and cut on the lights.

"There you go. See? That wasn't so hard. You really are terrible at your job, dude."

All the children were waking up, now, but of course, David was going right for Stewie. Brian saw the man kneel down next to the boy, but he couldn't see anything else because that portion of the room was blocked from his view. It wasn't until Stewie stirred and sat up that he was able to see them both again.

My god...he's so adorable…

Brian's heart fluttered a bit as he watched the infant rub at his tired eyes before stretching and yawning. He looked up at David and smiled.

...Of course.

Brian shook his head, disappointment settling into his chest, but he simply refused to look away.

I just need you mess up one time! Just one time, David! Come on. Can you do that for me? Could you stop being so damn perfect so Stewie can finally get over you!?

It seemed like a hopeless wish. What he really needed was for David to just...disappear from Stewie's life. If that were to happen...maybe...just maybe...Stewie would be distraught enough to accept him back. He just needed one more chance. That was all. Just one more chance to be there for Stewie and to show the boy that he was always going to be there from now on.

David was picking Stewie up, now. What was that Stewie was holding? Construction paper?

Oh! It's a drawing. Stewie drew something for David...again.

Oh, don't look so proud of yourself, asshole. He's given me waaaaaay more drawings than you.

The sight of David taking the gift and smiling so sincerely made Brian want to vomit.

He didn't, though. It had been hell to clean up the last time he did that.

The man was setting the boy down now and walking over the far end of the room, over to the portion of the wall that had several lockers for the children as well as staff. Brian had seen David go over there plenty. He knew exactly which locker was his and everything. There was nothing interesting in there or anything. Well...there was now that he was putting that drawing in there.

Why even bother opening it, moron? Just slide the paper through that gap. It's small enough. Why make things harder on yourself. Any piece of paper could easily…

...Wait…

Brian finally set his binoculars down as an idea struck him. He laughed, the most sincere display of joy he'd bothered demonstrating in a long time.

Oh my god...could that work? If it did…

He tossed the binoculars to the side. After so many days watching every little moment he could, he felt like he had finally seen enough. It was time for a change in tactics. He started his car and buckled himself in.

He's mine, David, and I will get him back.

The canine pulled out onto the street and began to drive away.

At any cost…