Title: "The Art of Silence" (3 drabbles)
Characters: Ian/Don.
Word count: 2x100 + 1x200.
Rating: PG-13.
Spoilers: Season 5 Premiere - High Exposure.
Warnings: None.
Summary: Being dangerous means being respected. The art of silence is the most essential skill.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything (characters, situations, etcetera) related to Numb3rs.
Beta: The wonderful fredbassett and great Lily G.
Written for: numb3rs100, a great LJ community. Prompts: #162 - Attack, #32 - Metamorphosis and #8 - Deviation.
A/N: I wrote these very late last night. It's a pairing I've never written before, as most of the possible Numb3rs pairings are. I have to admit that I had a lot of fun.
Dedicated to: The adorable mia_dcwut_09, who's been one of my best online friends since I created my LJ and has supported my writing since the very beginning.
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The Art of Silence
1 – Prompt: # 162 - Attack.
His name is Ian Edgerton, and he's trained to kill.
Once described as the bastard son of Yoda and Clint Eastwood, he's aware of the impressions he provokes.
He doesn't care. Being dangerous means being respected. It equals the best shield of all – it discards the need for lies. The art of silence is the most essential skill.
During the phase of attack, he's careful and analytical. Always. Every detail, every move is a source of advantage.
But this time, he changes. He doesn't observe. He acts.
Not this man. Not Don Eppes.
He's not willing to let him go.
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2 – Prompt #32 - Metamorphosis
In the field, some secrets are allowed – or so Ian Edgerton believes.
He approaches Don's shooter and stays in control. His gun is loaded, in place. The clown won't escape.
He wishes he could apply the most severe punishment, but he knows that deep down, regardless of public opinion, he doesn't consider murder as a means for justice to be done. He just claims his territory without a drop of blood being shed.
But when Don asks for details, Ian will transform. His needs will stay quiet and silence will strengthen as his best friend. Hopefully, for long… or not.
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3 – Prompt: # 8 - Deviation
Ian Edgerton doesn't fear anything, except the nearness of Don. Now they're here, side by side, and the locker room has never felt so asphyxiating.
It's been days now. This need has become a challenge, one Ian doesn't want to give up.
So he breaks the rule. He reaches for strong arm next to him and destroys the art of silence.
Only one word – a name. "Don."
There are risks. One inappropriate touch, one suspicious caress over smooth skin, and it's over. Can gestures of friendship reveal desire?
Don looks up, and his eyes aren't the same. They're clear, determined, aware.
Distance is overrated. Dialogue, unnecessary. Contact, desperately wanted.
A simple kiss shouldn't mean this much. But to Ian, this is a first. He experiments. He enjoys.
Rough and demanding, the moment lasts. Too soon, it ends. Don turns around and doesn't look back as he leaves.
The challenge has disappeared. It has become a hallucination that rips off the darkness of the job. For now, it's enough.
Disguises are picked up again. When the shield is ready, the world offers space but claims prudence.
And Ian goes back to basics - silence is the most respected art of all.
The End.