A/N: Spoilers for Trust Metric. Short little oneshot.
Disclaimer: I don't own Numb3rs
Forgivenes
"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."
-Mark Twain-
David watched through the window as Colby lay in the hospital bed. He could hear the beeps of the machines through the door as visitors, nurses, and doctors came and went. Each one looked at him as they passed, silently inquiring about his vigil. He gave them no answer, never taking his eyes from Colby's form.
He watched as Megan became the other man's first visitor. She sat with Colby as he slept, never making an attempt to wake him but only holding his hand and watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. She stayed for a long time, and when she left she placed a hand on David's shoulder as she passed by him.
After Megan, Charlie and Alan arrived. Colby woke while they were there and David watched them converse. There were no awkward silences. Alan spoke with ease and Charlie and Colby both laughed as though nothing had happened. As they left, Alan whispered to David as he passed.
"He's waiting for you."
David did not reply.
Next was Don. His interaction with Colby was the most awkward, but less so than David would have guessed. Still, Don did not stay for very long. He said his piece; both faces were solemn until the visit ended. A smile appeared on Don's face and Colby followed suite.
"Welcome back," David heard Don say as he opened the door to leave. As he walked down the hall, his eyes fell on David and he halted mid stride to ask, "You going in?"
David shook his head, Don nodded.
"He's waiting for you," Don concluded, then left.
Doctors and Nurses passed in and out, each reminding him that visiting hours were almost over. Finally, they were over, but David still did not leave.
"You have to go," a nurse insisted.
"He's my partner," David said.
"We know, but-"
David cut her off by marching past her and through the door into Colby's room. He sat down on the edge of the other man's bed and pulled his surprised friend into a long, slow kiss. As they pulled apart, he tasted his own tears mixed with Colby's on his lips, and he leaned his head against Colby's.
"I'm sorry," Colby whispered.
"No," David said. "I'm sorry. Sorry I ever doubted who you were."
"David-" Colby started, David shushed him and said nothing. Colby lay back down slowly, and David took up a post in one of the chairs near Colby's bed, his hand grasping the other man's tightly.