Summary: After a chance meeting, Charlie is intrigued by a new girl…but what becomes of his feelings for Amita? COC or CA

Disclaimer: "A vague disclaimer is nobody's friend" - Willow, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
I do not own the any of the characters nor do I have any rights
to anything involving numb3rs

A/N: Ok so here goes guys, my fifth fanfic (wow! It doesn't seem that long ago that I wrote the first). Hope you guys enjoy!

When Worlds Collide

"Charles you really must slow down" Dr. Larry Fleinhardt called after his friend, Dr. Charlie Eppes

"Come on Larry, I need to get to class" Charlie called over his shoulder to his friend who was lagging behind him

"Charles, why the rush?" Larry said falling farther behind now that they've hit a high traffic area of the campus

"Because I need to get there on time" Charlie shouted back turning briefly to look at Larry, his voice sounding farther away from when he said his first comment

"Charles!" Larry yelled, stopping to let a large clump of girls past. Charlie ceased his speed walking for a moment, then resumed when Larry caught up "Why must you be directly on time?" Larry questioned, wanting to grab his friend and make him stand still

"Because-" Charlie started but then stopped short (both in walking and speaking) for he couldn't shout out why he was in a rush. Larry relieved that he caught up to his friend, laid his hand on his shoulder and huffed out

"Because why?"

"Because I need to see" Charlie paused looking around for any students then whispered "Amita"

"Oh Charles" Larry shook his head. Charlie wanted to know what that statement meant but he couldn't see his friend's face

"Larry, what does that mean?" Charlie asked in a firm voice

"It means-" Larry started but the chimes that indicated the start of the next class sounded

"I have to go" Charlie spoke, already running towards his class. However because he was speaking to Larry he wasn't looking where he was going and did not see the young woman (who was also not looking where she was going) heading towards him

"Charles, look-" Larry yelled but it was too late. His friend had already collided with the woman. Larry had to admit it was quite comical and very movie like the way they collided. All their papers flew in all directions and limbs became entangled

"Ow" The young woman and Charlie moaned in unison as they sat up

"Charles, are you ok?" Larry asked trying to sound concerned (though it is quite hard while you're also trying to stifle laughter) as he helped gather his friends papers.

"Yes, I'm fine. How are you?" Charlie asked taking his papers and then turning to see the young woman still scrambling to gather papers

"I'm- I'm ok" She mumbled Why today? Why him?

"Are you sure? Here let me help you" Charlie spoke trying to catch her eye but she was avoiding his gaze

"Thank you" She mumbled again. Crap, I'm going to be late

"I think that's everything" Charlie said glancing around to see if they missed any papers. After a moment, Charlie realized he was still on the ground. He stood up quickly then looked down to see that the young woman still had not moved "Want help getting up?" Charlie offered holding out his hand

"I think I'll um sit here for another moment" The young woman spoke softly. Wow, that was stupid she scolded herself. Charlie however found it funny and chuckled Oh my god! Did I make him laugh? I cant believe that I made him laugh

"You sure?" Charlie asked again forgetting that no more then two minutes ago he was in a rush. She intrigues me, I wish she would just look at me

"Actually, I'll take you up on that offer" She spoke a little stronger, as if convincing herself that it was ok to take his hand. She placed her hand in his and Charlie couldn't help but notice how soft it was. However she only made it halfway up before collapsing again- her ankle had given out

"Woah!" Charlie shouted while attempting to get her other hand, hoping that would ease to fall…didn't work though

"Ow" She whispered, while gingerly touching her ankle

"Larry, do me a favor and let my class know I'll be late. If I don't show up in fifteen minutes, dismiss them. I'm taking…wow, I never got your name"

"Allison. I'm Allison Arlen" She replied shyly

"I'm taking Allison to the health complex" Charlie spoke then kneeled down to help her up

"Oh gosh, you don't have to do that" Allison replied still avoiding his gaze. Charlie couldn't help thinking about how hesitant she was to look at him. I still haven't seen what she looks like

"This is all my fault, it's the least I can do- especially if you're hurt"

"Charles, I'm going to go to your class, then dropping your books off"

"Ok, thanks Larry"

"You're welcome Charles" Larry said then headed off in the direction of the classroom

"Ok let's try this again. Don't put any weight on your ankle. Just lean on me, I may be skinny but I'm stronger than you think" Charlie said attempting to make a joke. It worked, Charlie couldn't help thinking as she giggled. After a moment they were both on their feet (well Charlie on his feet, Allison on her foot)

"Thank you" Allison said looking at Charlie for the first time. When she did though, Charlie stopped breathing for a moment. She's beautiful "Professor Eppes" Allison spoke softly, breaking Charlie's day dream

"Oh wow, I'm sorry I spaced out. Give me your papers and bag" Charlie said holding out an arm. After taking everything from Allison, Charlie put his other arm around her and Allison hesitatingly put her arm on his shoulders and the two slowly made their way across the campus

A/N: Hope you guys liked the first chapter. Allison likes Charlie, like she's seen him around campus and thinks he's hot. I reread it and realized I didn't make it as obvious as I could have . Also, I'm sorry it took SO long to get that out. I was stuck for some reason. I have no clue where this is going to go (I usually have a rough outline of what I want to happen, this kinda just came to me one day) so I'm crossing my fingers and hoping you guys like it. Drop in a review, let me know if you want me to keep going.