[uncledaddy]

Eventually Seven did feel better, and before long he was back to his usual happy self, playing with his brothers and helping with the new baby as though the whole thing had never happened. Randy and Susan still kept an eye on him, and maintained the monthly doctor's visits.
As the months went by, Randy III moved out on his own, and Randy VIII was growing rapidly. Just as predicted, he already seemed fairly attached to Seven, who was always first in line to help look after him. By six months, Eight was crawling about the house non-stop and making the occasional attempt at taking his first steps.

[Red Lion]

Seven never let Eight leave his sight, when the baby tried to stand he would be right behind him to catch him if Eight cried Seven was there to pick him up. Susan commented to Randy that Seven was acting more like a parent than a sibling to his brother.

[uncledaddy]

"There is no doubt at all about what class he is," Randy noted fondly.

Eight, on the other hand, proved to be quite a handful. He was never still for a moment, ever curious, and had quite a temper for such a small child. Whenever one of his brothers picked up something he'd been eying, he would let out an angry screech. He flailed his chubby limbs and snapped his teeth at anyone who came too close when he was feeling cranky, including Seven--though at the end of the day, it was always Seven who was able to put a smile back onto his face. Despite being a bit tempestuous, Randy VIII was equally playful and when he wasn't expressing his disdain for something or wrapped in curiosity, he was laughing. One way or another, he kept his brother busy.

[Red Lion]

As time passed Seven often suffered bites from his brother, which he would bear stoically, with minimal fuss, he calmly cleaned up any messes and always seemed to know just what Eight needed to become contented again.

[uncledaddy]

As such, Eight gravitated toward him more and more. He was a feisty child, often a bit much for his other siblings who were less inclined toward babies naturally and had already had their turns looking after a baby brother.
Soon Eight was walking and talking, and he ran across the yard after having stripped out of his clothes, and proudly presented his brother with a large dead grasshopper. "Here, Sewen! I get it for you."

[Red Lion]

Seven took the grasshopper with a smile, "Thanks Baby Boy! You're gettin' good at huntin' bugs!" he said putting the insect in his pocket.

[uncledaddy]

Little Randy VIII beamed and danced around a bit. "I good?" he questioned, still attempting to get a grasp on his English.

[Red Lion]

Seven gave him a kiss, "You good Baby Boy," he said.

[uncledaddy]

Randy VIII giggled, screeched, and went running back across the yard to find more bugs for his brother.

[Red Lion]

Seven giggled, he loved seeing his brother so happy, he was feeling a little tired but not too sick so he sat and waited for Eight to bring him bugs, doing his best to keep his smile in place...

[uncledaddy]

Randy VIII returned to him with a large grey moth, announcing its name in Schickelgruber. He placed it on Seven's lap.

[Red Lion]

Seven beamed and ruffled his hair, "It's beautiful, it's called a moth,"

[uncledaddy]

Randy VIII listened carefully before trying to repeat the word. "Moff." Then he repeated the Schickelgruber name, associating the two. He looked up at Seven, studying him carefully, then reached out to pat his cheek with one dirt-covered little hand.

[Red Lion]

Seven gave him a smile that was only slightly strained, "That's good, 'moth', he praised.

[uncledaddy]

Sensing that he wasn't feeling his best, Randy VIII climbed onto his lap and wrapped his arms around him.

[Red Lion]

Seven hugged him tightly, "I love you Baby Boy...."