Disclaimer: I don't own anything Numb3rs, it's all property of CBS and whatnot, so don't sue.
Chapter 10: A Stunned Physicist and Dinner For Two
After lunch, Colby gave Charlie a ride back to CalSci after bidding David and Megan a fond farewell.
When they pulled up to CalSci, the two of them sat in silence a moment before Colby spoke.
" Well, that was a nice turn of events." He said with a smile. Charlie however, seemed lost in some troubled thought.
" Hey, you okay?" Asked Colby as he reached out and gently turned Charlie's head by his chin so that they faced each other.
" I'm gonna have to keep my promise to mom." Said Charlie with a tiny smile. Colby cupped a cheek and felt his smile grow when Charlie leaned into the caress.
" I'll see you tonight." Smiled Charlie.
" Yeah, you will, 8:00,wait for me at the end of the block." Grinned Colby before he leaned in and captured Charlie's lips in a deep kiss. When they broke apart, both men were breathing hard.
" I love you." Whispered Charlie as he opened the car door.
" I love you too." Whispered Colby as he watched the other man get out of the car and with a last, lingering look, turn and walk towards the building.
With a sigh, Colby drove away, back to the FBI Offices, he had a job to do.
When Charlie walked into his office, a certain Physicist and friend was waiting for him.
" Hey Larry." Said Charlie as he took a seat at his desk.
" Hello Charles, how are you this fine day?" Asked Larry.
" I'm good, I'm real good." Smiled Charlie.
The two of them lapsed into silence before Larry spoke.
" Charles, I don't mean to pry but, is everything alright with you?"
" Yes, everything fine, why do you ask?" Answered Charlie.
" Well... You have seemed to be somewhat distracted lately, does it have something to do with Amita leaving for that job at Harvard?" Asked Larry.
" Well, yes, I've been kinda distracted, but not because of Amita leaving. I knew full well that we weren't meant to be together. Besides, she doesn't swing my way and I don't swing hers." Said Charlie, hoping Larry would get the hint.
" Oh... WHAT!" Charlie watched with amusement as Larry's jaw lost all tension and started making good friends with the floor.
" Larry, you're catching flies." Said Charlie with a hesitant smile. Larry snatched his jaw shut and continued to stare dumbly at his young friend.
" Charles, did you just reveal to methat you..." Larry trailed off.
" That I like guys? Yes Larry, I just did." Answered Charlie.
The two of them sat in silence before Larry found his voice.
" Well... This does explain why you haven't had any truely lasting relationships with the female populice." Said Larry absently.
" May I ask if the reason you've been so distracted lately pertains to a new flame?"
At this, Charlie felt a light blush warm his cheek.
" Y-yes, I've been seeing someone, someone we both know." He answered.
This caused more astonishment to etch itself onto Larry's face.
" Who?" He asked.
" Colby." Answered Charlie.
" Dear Lord in heaven! Charles, does Don know about this?" Asked Larry, still utterly bewildered.
Charlie shook his head no.
" But believe me Larry, both my father and brother will know. I can't keep this secret anymore."
When Charlie got home from CalSci it was 6:40 PM. Alan Eppes looked up from the book he was ready.
" Hey Charlie." Said Alan with a smile.
" Hey dad." Said Charlie, returning the smile as he took a seat on the overstuffed sofa and let out a sigh.
" Hey Dad? I'm going out tonight so... don't wait up for me." Said Charlie.
" May I ask where and who you are going out with?" Asked Alan, his curiosity peaked.
" I'm just going out for dinner that's all." Shrugged Charlie.
" But with who?" Grinned Alan.
Charlie shook his head and headed upstairs with his father's soft chuckles behind him.
After he had showered and gelled his hair, Charlie set about getting dressed, a simple black button-up shirt over a pair of dark blue jeans, a black suit jacket with pinstrips finished the outfit. By the time he was done, it was 7:30. He decided that it wouldn't hurt to leave now and maybe think about a few things while he waited that half-hour.
" See ya later dad." Said Charlie as he grabbed his house keys and headed out the door.
" Have a nice night son." Called out Alan from the livingroom, smiling to himself.
Charlie walked slowly to the end of the block, his mind on several things, mainly how he was going to tell his family that he was who he was and that he was in love with another man, a member of his brother's team. When he reached the end of the block, he stood under the golden light of the street lamp and waited.
As the minutes slowly wore on, Charlie slowly paced around until a flash of silver caught his vision.
Charlie felt a smile crack across his face as he spotted Colby's Silver Four Runner. Th man inside the car smiled back at him as he pulled up along the curb. Charlie quickly got in, only to have Colby pounce on him. When the two of them broke apart, Charlie was seeing stars.
" What...What was that for?" He whispered.
" Just because." Whispered Colby, his breath ghosting over Charlie's lips.
" So, where are we having dinner?" Asked Charlie.
" A nice little Italian place, the manager's a friend of mine. We won't have any problems there." Answered Colby as the car fell into motion once again, pulling away from the quiet neighborhood and headed for the city.
Throughout the drive, Colby kept stealing glances at his passenger, who sat with his head propped up on an elbow as he gazed out the window, lost in his own musings.
When they reached the restaurant, Charlie gave Colby a smile before they went in.
A man in his thirties greeted them.
" Hey Granger, how you been?" He asked as he shook Colby's hand.
" Hey Greg, never better man." Grinned Colby.
" My Colby, you bagged yourself a cute one." Smiled Greg when his eyes fell on Charlie, who blushed furiously while he held out his hand.
" Charlie, meet Greg Stillman, tactless dweeb." Smiled Colby, this earned a chuckle from Charlie and a glare from Greg.
" Shut it Granger, your the one who's been going gah-gah- over this Charlie fellow for months, now I can see why." Shrugged Greg before he motioned them to come inside.
Greg led them to a secluded table and handed them menus.
" Gil will be by to take your orders, enjoy yourselves." Smiled Greg as he left the two.
Once Gil the waiter came by, the two of them ordered and them talked quietly while they waited. Colby taking every opportunity he got to make Charlie blush.
Once the food arrived, the two went at it with the best, cause it was real good Italian.
" You weren't kidding, this place is great." Smiled Charlie.
" I'm glad you like it." Smiled Colby.
Meanwhile, back at Casa Eppes, Don had stopped by for dinner and Alan filled him in on his younger sibling's absence.
" He told me not to wait up." Said Alan with a look.
" Guess we won't be seeing him til morning." Chuckled Don as he and his father settled in and watched the football game.
Back at the restaurant, Gil had just cleared the plates away.
" What's for dessert?" Asked Charlie.
At this, he watched as a slow, predatory grin spread across Colby's face.
" Dessert's back at my place." Said Colby, his voice lowering to just above a growl. Charlie felt a shiver roll down his spine at these words as Colby beckoned Gil over to pay the bill. Then they were out the door, with Greg staring at them with a knowing look.
Dessert would turn out to be one of the best Charlie ever had.
Lots of chocolate sauce and whipped... Colby would be needing new sheets in the morning.