Collins.

3.

~One year later~

William groaned, waking up and rubbing his eyes before looking over at the makeshift cot where Malo was already awake, standing and giggling as his brother woke up, the six year old smiling and going over, picking up his brother who giggled and stuck a hand in his mouth. William smiled wider at that,

"Hungry are we Mal?" William asked and Malo made a squealing noise, Will placing the baby on his hip and heading downstairs, putting Malo into a highchair before rooting around the cabinets for baby food. Malo gurgling and slapping his hands against the little tray of the highchair.

"Impatient" William teased Malo who just babbled, the boy finding two bottles of baby food and he got down from the counter, placing both on the tray,

"Okay Mal, we have carrot or peas" William said, pointing to each option for his brother, "Which one would you like?"

Malo stared at the bottles, scrunching his little nose up like his choice would decide the fate of the universe before he slapped the green container and yelled out. William smiled and went to put away the carrot jar before sitting back down and opening it, offering a spoonful to Malo who happily accepted the food.

Williams own stomach growled and he hoped his dad would be back with food for the two of them soon, but for now, he fed Malo. The baby happily munching away on the mush that was once peas.

~~~~~~

"Come here Malo!" William urged, motioning with his hands for the sitting child to come to him and Malo tilted his head at his brother before clapping his hands together. William laughed,

"No silly! Come to me!" William said and motioned again the baby slapping his hands on the floor and very stumbling, crawled over to William who grabbed him gently and lifted him onto his lap.

"You did it Mal!" William cheered, "You crawled all by yourself, I'm so proud of you!"

Malo cooed and the door downstairs slammed, William flinching and looking at his brother, mumbling as he stood up with his brother, "Lets get you to bed.."

~~~~~~

William sat across from Malo, narrowing his eyes at the toddler who narrowed his eyes back however a smile gave the little tot away. William motioning with his hand and Malo stood shakily, teetering before he toddled over to his brother, collapsing into his waiting arms and William smiled brightly.

"You did it Mal!" William exclaimed enthusiastically, "You walked all by yourself!"

Malo cooed and William looked over to where David was sitting on a chair reading the paper, "did you see that dad? Malo walked!"

David grunted and turned the page, William slumping slowly and looking back at Malo who was still beaming proudly. It made William smile and kiss his brothers forehead.

"I love you Mal" William whispered and then tickled his brothers sides, making him shriek with delight.

~~~~~

Malo sat, staring at his brother and father in front of him, the man having his arms crossed and scowling at his now two year old son while William gazed at him hopefully.

"Face it Will, you have a goddamn mute for a brother" David said and William shook his head,

"He's not mute, he's probably just shy" the seven year old said and looked at Malo, "You can talk right?"

"He's stupid William" David snarled and stomped off, one word stopping him,

"dada!!"

David turned back around and reddened at Malo looking at William as he spoke, David scowling before he left the motel room, slamming the door so hard a picture fell off the wall.