Disclaimer: The characters from the show numb3rs do not belongith to me…. ith.

-Just thanking people, sorry if it's in those "no nonsense" people's way!

Kippling Croft: Ha! Let's hope Charlie can find a way out of this –wink- Thanks!
LotRseer3350: I'm planning some big things for Charlie, but I can't spoil anything, really! And as for Don… GRR! Can't spoil things. I like "Great work" thank you.
WynterSnow: That IS a good mental picture… -drools-
Kado shujin Sara: Me too, thanks!
reannablue: I messed up when I submitted it, that's probably why. I'm glad you still reviewed though, so here's the next chappy just for you! Thanks.
Midnight Dove: Yeah, Larry has GOT to stop letting Charlie drag him into these things. Lol.
Igiveup: Yeah! I know! I'm terrible with Larry speak, but I'm happy you still like it even though it sounds nothing like him.
graceofnight: Interesting choice. I like Charlie and Don pretty equal, then Larry. Thanks for the review.
lindzs: A lot of wandering through a forest is bound to have some funny parts. Ha, thanks.
Corie: Yay! Thanks, I'm not so good coming up with ideas for fics.
Angeleyes46: Thanks, here have a cookie!
Zhao: Woo, thanks so much – I just love these self-esteem boosters.
D. Lerious: I'm happy you think so.
Alamo Girl: Ha, at least one person brought that up. Thanks
Gypsy: Don't sweat it – Don worry one the way!
Xanthia Morgan: I'm honored to get a review from you –happy- seriously. I love ALL of your stories. Ahem, sorry. I know, I'm trying to work on the characters, but I'm just never good at keeping them in character. Thanks.
Anneack: I forgot! Thanks. I'm trying to cut back on his complaining, there isn't much time for it anyways!

Thank you all for the reviews! I never posted any stories because I was always so afraid that I would get NO feedback, but this is really touching. Thank you! I don't think I missed anyone, but if I did, I am SO sorry. Tell me and I'll add ya'. Again thanks!

"It's been a while but all that shit seems to disappear when I'm with you." –Staind

Into the Woods - Chapter Three

"No, no, no," He repeated desperately as he slid back down the now much steeper wall. He desperately willed himself to stop, closing his eyes tight and digging his finger nails an inch deep into the muddy surface. It didn't help much. He whimpered, bowing his head about to give up when his hand caught a rock.

Grabbing it in a vice-like grip and pulled his other arm over and hung there. The way he fell caused Larry to be jostled and just as he came to a halt the older man fell backwards. The ropes tied around his forearms wrapped around Charlie's neck and dug into the sensitive skin. He gasped from the contact but the air never made it in. He was being strangled by the rope.

He shifted in horror trying to relieve some of the pressure but it only made things worse. He had to climb all the way up on one breath and even he knew it just was not possible. Even with his death hanging in the near future, he struggled on. Most of the dirt was being washed away revealing hidden rocks that gave him more of a hold, but now that the dirt was gone there wasn't much of a slope for him.

He would have to manage. He got about two more feet up and tried to breathe in but again was denied. His head spun and he jerked it forward shutting his eyes tightly. Maybe tying Larry on to his back like that wasn't his brightest idea. Not having much other choice, Charlie threw a hand haphazardly upwards and was surprised when it hit the top. He had only taken a few steps up, how could he already be there?

Choosing to not pay any attention to the science, he used what little remaining strength and air he had to hoist both him and Larry to the top. He rolled onto his back and struggled against the ropes. They came loose almost instantly and Charlie breathed in. His damaged lungs choked on the air and he ended up coughing it back out. It took a little while to get his breathing back, but he was glad to have made it.

The river that they had been at earlier was only fifteen to twenty feet away. Charlie wasn't sure how it rose so fast so he just blamed it on the slope. It was a good thing they had gotten out of the hole before it reached them. He shifted over to Larry and checked on him. Everything seemed to be in line, though the roped had caused some damage to the older man's arms. They were a raw red and some areas were scratched open.

He could only imagine what his own neck looked like. With that thought he brought a shaky hand up and rubbed at it gingerly. It burned and the rain only made it worse. They had to find somewhere to wait this out and get warm. Lifting himself up and pulling Larry across his shoulders with strength he never really new he had, Charlie began to walk again.

"I'm going to hurt you when you wake up," He said hoarsely. He new the threat was pointless, but talking to Larry made him feel less alone. "Yeah, no amount of helping me with my brother and anything else will make up for this one Larry." He said slipping on the mud. He caught himself on a tree and stood still for a moment.

His legs wobbled uncontrollably under him. It was the same way he'd felt when he would talk to a large group of people, or even when Don's friends would pick on him. A strong gust of wind blew in and he shivered. His clothing clung to him and his shoes squeaked, but what he saw in the distance made him forget about it.

A rock hanging far out was about a quarter-mile ahead and from what he would see; the ground under it was bone-dry. That was where they could stop. He got a better hold on Larry and started in its direction. There wouldn't be any dry enough wood to make a fire, but at least there wouldn't be any rain hitting against them.

Once he was there he gently laid Larry on the leafy ground. The rock was big enough for him to lay in, both of them actually, so space was not an issue. The problem was how low it was. They could maybe both sit up at the most, but standing was completely out of the question. He took both of there bags and checked the contents. Everything in them was soaked just like they were, but Larry brought a first aid kit with him. Its plastic box covering kept it relatively dry.

He set out to tending to Larry's wounds. The head injury didn't look so bad, but he wasn't a doctor. A lot of hair was obscuring his vision which made it even more difficult. So trying to put the worry out of his mind, he cleaned up Larry's arms instead. Once done with that, he went back to his friend's head. The bleeding had stopped, and Charlie figured that was a good sign.

He dabbed the area with some peroxide to clean it out and checked every other inch of Larry but only found some minor cuts and bruises. With that out of the way he took a minute to finally rest. Leaning his back against the damp rock, he closed his eyes and tried to think clearly.

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The first thing that Larry realized when he came into awareness was the unusual throbbing in his temples; next was the pain in his back and neck. He shifted slightly and gasped as his muscles burned. The last thing he remembered was the rain… the rain and Charlie's surprised face as he fell.

Opening his eyes he took in the surroundings. He was under a large low hanging rock. The rain still fell outside but it was lighter now. He wasn't sure how he got there but he knew he was in no condition to investigate.

Taking a deep breath he moved his head slightly and gazed behind where he sat. Charlie sat there, lying limply against the wall. There were cuts all across his face and the younger man's neck was scratched up too.

"Charles?" He asked, pulling what little strength he had and sat up. After the first initial dizziness left, he was surprised at how much better he felt. He looked back to Charlie but he hadn't stirred. Reaching a hand out, Larry shook Charlie's shoulder. The motion woke him and Larry sat up a little straighter. The rock above them was pretty low, but it spared enough room for him to sit up all the way.

Charlie lifted his head and smiled lightly. "Hey," Was all he said. His voice sounded weird as if he'd been screaming for hours before. The younger man reached up and moved some of his curly hair out of his eyes.

"What happened?" Larry asked, choosing to lie back down when a wave of dizziness over-took him. "I seem to remember falling…" He trailed off and brought a cold hand up to his forehead.

"It rained," Charlie replied simply, his voice still sounding strained to Larry. "I'd make us a fire, but everything is too wet." He looked down and shuddered. "We're lost. I tried to think of every turn we made, but it's too hard." Larry nodded in answer and hid the fear that swelled up in him.

He was used to hikes but out in the middle of no where with wild animals and no way of getting back was a different story all together. "We'll find our way." He reassured and turned to Charlie when he got no response. The younger man was staring wide-eyed out into the woods.

"Bear," He breathed barely above a whisper.

"Pardon?" Larry asked, looking to where Charlie was. He didn't need the other man to repeat it though because his eyes too landed on the large animal poised about fifty feet away. Its nose was in the dirt as it walked slowly sniffing.

The bear suddenly turned and started heading for them. Larry didn't make a sound; he didn't even breathe, though he wasn't sure if he could. He could feel Charlie tense up behind him as the bear looked up, its cold black eyes scanning the area.

Its fur was matted from the rain and the curly tendrils around its paws were covered in a thick layer of mud. It stuck its head in the air and sniffed. They both sat stone still until suddenly a shot rang out in the air. It echoed loudly and the bear roared. It made a feeble attempt at running; its legs not responding well, but before it could make it to safety another shot was fired and it fell to the ground.

Larry watched and waited for whoever shot the animal to come out, but before he could Charlie grabbed his arm and hauled him up. They ran to the other side of the rock, successfully out of the view of the new arrivals that chose that moment to come walking out. There were two of them. They wore old worn-out jackets and torn brown pants. They both looked to be around their late forties, but he couldn't be sure without letting their presence be known. As they approached the bear, he and Charlie were not able to see them anymore so Larry turned to his friend.

"I'm not sure I am following you. They could show us the way out. They obviously have been here before and know their way around, Charles." Charlie gave him a look of confusion as if he had no idea what Larry had just said. He couldn't help but get frustrated. His idea was their best bet.

"Are you suggesting we approach two armed men? Out in the middle of no where?" He whispered quickly, straining not to raise his voice.

"What else are we going to do, sit here and get eaten?" Larry argued, trying to shake his light-headedness. The whole situation was not helping his headache.

"I suggest we sit here and wait for them to leave." Charlie shot back, biting his nails with nervousness. Larry just couldn't see where Charlie was coming from. They were lost, and here were two people that could help them. Obviously his own wisdom outmatched his friend's. Instead of talking to Charlie, he poked out from behind the rock.

"Umm… excuse me?" He shouted out to get their attention. Before the one man even looked up, he brought his rifle up and fired. Fortunately, Charlie pulled Larry back behind the rock just in time.

"What were you thinking?" He shouted, unable to mask his outrage.

"It could have possibly been an accident," Larry whispered timidly, he rarely heard Charlie shout like that. Another shot and a chunk of rock flew out. Larry winced.

"What do we do?" Charlie started mumbling repeatedly. This time he understood. If they ran, they would be shot, if they stayed there they would also be shot, and well… turning themselves in didn't seem like a great option at that point considering -

"We'll be shot," Larry said, putting his back against the rock. Charlie shot him an incredulous look as if saying 'No duh!"

"We have to make a break for it," His friend said, searching the area for somewhere to run. This time it was Larry's turn to be angry.

"They have guns! What do you propose Charles; we outrun a bullet hurtling at us at 1500 meters per second?" He threw his hands up.

"Maybe they'll miss. If we stay here, they'll shoot us from four feet away, but from 100 there is a greater chance of missing." Charlie suggested, still looking for somewhere to go.

"They didn't miss the bear," Larry said dryly, but he did see the logic in what Charlie had said.

"Ah yes, but the bear was hardly moving. And we know to hide behind trees. We'll split up so it's harder for them to get us." Even before Charlie finished, Larry shook his head. He wasn't sure he could outrun anything the way he was feeling, but a snap of a twig behind them startled Charlie into motion. He ran left faster than Larry had ever seen him go.

Knowing it was useless to stay there, he ran right. His first goal was a rather large tree not far away. He ducked behind the smaller ones and blanched when he heard the first shot. He wasn't sure who it was directed at, but it terrified him that these people were still shooting. He was about to look for Charlie, but decided against it.

He was almost to the big tree when there was a shout and another shot from not too far behind him. Something hit the tree next to him and he rocketed himself behind a small tree. Breathing was difficult and the objects in front of him all swirled into a mess. He couldn't do this.

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Don walked into his little brother's house feeling a little better than he did a few days before. He and Charlie had gotten into another fight and just like all of the other ones two or three days later he realized that he was wrong. It was a little before dinner time as he entered the house and walked into the kitchen. His father was sitting at the table nursing a cup of tea while talking to the bird. He kept repeating the same word in hopes that the bird would pick up.

"Alan," He sounded out, leaning in as the bird looked away. "Aaaalahn." He said again, a frustrated look appearing on his face. Don couldn't help but laugh. His father looked up, but instead of looking happy, a nervous look flowed through his features. He turned back to the bird.

"Hey dad, I just came by to talk to Charlie, is he around?" He asked, trying to ignore his father's strange behavior.

"He's… he's out with Larry," He said, getting up and taking his cold tea to the sink and dumping it out.

"Any idea when he's coming back? It's kind of important." Don said slowly, not sure what was going on.

"I don't think he's coming back for about a week," Alan said, avoiding his eyes.

"A week? Were did he go?" Don asked, taking a seat; sensing that it was going to take a while. His father put his cup down and sat down also. The fan on above their heads made a strange creaky noise, another thing for Charlie to fix. After a few minutes, Alan talked.

"He went on some group hike up in Oregon. He'd been planning it for the weekend and tied up all of his things for school, then he left." Alan said quietly. Don looked down. Sometimes he forgot that his brother has a life of his own – even if it was quite small.

"And…?" Don asked, knowing that his father was acting weird for a reason.

"He was supposed to call right when he got there, but he hasn't yet." Alan sighed. "He should've gotten there last night Don, what if something happened?" Don tried to act compassionate, but on the inside his rage boiled. How could Charlie make their father worry like that? He could just see Charlie having the time of his life while his dad sat in the kitchen almost sick with worry.

"Don't even worry; it's just like Charlie to forget something like that."

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Oh boy, trouble is on the horizon. You think Don will realize something is up before it's too late? I sure hope so. Ha. Please review! It helps me, really. Suggestions or just… anything. I don't care! REVIEW!