This is the new and improved Symphony in C, movement 1: Allegro :)

I know I talked about posting oneshots that were sort of in order, sort of not...turns out I can't let go of the idea of making these oneshots into movements that create an entire "symphony," so here we are, attempt number 2.

If you read the old Symphony in C, the majority of the material in the first three chapters of this movement are virtually untouched. I've done a little editing, but very little has changed content-wise.

I have all four movements planned out, so here's an overview for those of you who are interested (plus I may publish the movements out of order, so that I can finish the bits I have started):

I. Allegro con brio (Colby and Caitlin's first meeting up through Janus List)

II. Adagio, misterioso (most of season 4, will cover Colby's relationship with Caitlin + team post-Janus List)

III. Theme & Variations, scherzo (seasons 5-6)

IV. Rondo (engagement & marriage)

For movement 3, I'm definitely taking requests for variations! Anything with lots of fluff and possibly some angst, not looking for too much plot here :) so if you've got anything, I'd love to hear it! :)

Symphony in C, movement I: Allegro con brio (fast, with spirit)

prelude
"Do you know where I can find Professor Eppes's office?" the young woman asked a passing student.

He pointed. "It's like the second or third door on the right, around the corner there—his door's usually open."

"Thanks." She headed down the hall, glancing at each nameplate to know when she reached the right room. Just as the student said, the second door on the right was swung open about halfway, and she stuck her head inside to see the unmistakable figure of Prof. Charles Edward Eppes inside.

Stepping into the doorway, she knocked twice firmly on the open door.

"I'll be with you in just a minute." He was seated, head bent over the desk, curls bouncing as he quickly made calculations in his notebook. Soon the scribbling slowed, then stopped, and he looked up. "Caity!" he exclaimed.

Caitlin smiled. "Surprise," she said.

"What are you doing here?" Charlie asked his little sister. "I thought you were looking for a job."

Caitlin spread her arms, and replied, "You're looking at it."

"I didn't think CalSci had a musicology department," Charlie told her, puzzled. Caitlin had been the only Eppes child to inherit their mother's musical talents, and had gotten her degrees in musicology and math, among other things.

"They didn't," Caitlin said. "But they were impressed with my Gallatin degree, and said they were looking for a little diversity in their curriculum. They've asked me to head up a brand-new musicology department, developing curriculum for a music theory undergrad major and a math musicology grad program, as well as adding some elective music classes for undergraduates. The department won't officially get off the ground for a couple more years—we have to set curriculum and requirements, and they may have to hire a couple of new professors. But they think math musicology is an interesting field, and they want to be on the forefront of it."

"That's so exciting!" Charlie congratulated her. "And you get to join the rest of the family here in LA," he added with a smile.

Caitlin nodded. "Yeah, that was a bonus."

"Did you get an apartment already?" Charlie asked.

Caitlin shook her head. "No. I found out I got the job about a month ago, and I was supposed to come out in the fall to start preparations for next schoolyear. I wanted to surprise you guys. But then last weekend I got a call from the curriculum committee asking if I'd be willing to start teaching some undergrad math courses for the fall just to get my feet wet here, and start teaching some basic music theory courses starting next semester so that if we get the major program up and running in time to offer it next year, students will be able to jump right in. So I packed up my things, rented a U-Haul, and got in about two hours ago. They showed me my office, gave me my ID and my parking pass, and now here I am."

Charlie looked at his sister incredulously. "Where were you this morning?" he asked.

"Southern Utah?" Caitlin had a feeling she was getting into some hot water with her brother.

Charlie looked at his watch. "Caitlin Rose," he scolded. "You should be at home, resting."

"It was only eight hours!" Caitlin protested. "That's less than I have been driving this whole week."

"Exactly!" Charlie argued. "Listen, I have to get this over to Don at the FBI so they can hopefully close this case tonight, and you're coming with me. Then I'm taking you home, no questions asked. I'll get Don or somebody to come drive your U-Haul home."

"You work for Don now?" Caitlin asked, eyeing her brother. "He must be rubbing off on you. You're never this assertive with me."

Charlie looked at his little sister. "Caity," he began, softer this time, "you've been driving all day and all the days before this. I know it's going to take physical restraint to get you to relax, and if I have to get Don to handcuff you to your bed, I'll do it." He cracked a wry grin. "Now, I really have to get this info to the FBI. Are you coming, or not?"

Caitlin rolled her eyes at her brother. "Yes, I'm coming."

Half an hour later, Charlie rushed into the FBI bullpen. Caitlin was trying to keep up with him, but the exhaustion was setting in and she soon fell behind.

She slowed, taking in the sight before her. She'd never been in the FBI office where her oldest brother worked, and she wanted to look around. She watched Charlie disappear into a room with Don and several other people whom she assumed he worked with, and headed in the same direction.

Caitlin got to the doorway just as two other men left the room. "Is it safe to come in?" she asked Charlie, who was gathering up his things while making small talk with Don.

Don looked up. "Caity?" he asked, unsure of whether his little sister really was standing there. "What are you doing here?"

"He made me come," Caitlin pointed to Charlie. At Don's raised eyebrow, she explicated, "I'm moving back to LA."

"That's awesome!" Don hugged his sister. "I'd love to catch up with you, sis, but I've got to go. David and Colby are getting the tactical teams and SWAT together and I'm supposed to meet them in the armory. But I'll see you at home later?"

"Did you all move in together with Dad or something while I was gone?" Caitlin asked.

Charlie shook his head. "No. Don just doesn't really spend time in the apartment he pays rent on."

Caitlin shrugged. "Works for me." Turning to Don, she answered his original question. "Yeah, I guess so. Charlie's orders."

Don looked at his brother, then shook his head. "I don't have time to sort this out now. I'll see you guys at home." He turned to leave.

"Don, wait!" Charlie hurried to follow him out the door. "Can you or David or Colby or someone go by CalSci and bring Caity's U-Haul home for her?"

"Sure," Don replied. "Leave the keys on my desk and let me know where she's parked and I'll get someone to help me."

"Thanks." Charlie slapped his brother on the shoulder as Don left for the armory. "C'mon, Caity, let's get you home."