Disclaimer: I DO NOT own any of these characters from Numb3rs.. Even though I would love to like I assume everyone else would too...

A/N1: I would like to apologize in advance for any mistakes or misspelling that you may come across as I'm only human and not a super computer.

2 weeks later..

"Colby did you find anything?" Don asked as he walked up to his desk.

"I'm running the information through the database now that Charlie sent me. He said it should take a few minutes but there's a 80 percent chance that this will work." Colby said as he continued to look at the screen.

"Okay that's good cause we could really use some good news with this one." Don said rubbing his hands over his face. Its obvious that he's tired from all the work that's been put toward the current case.

"Hey Don we just got a tip. Someone called and said they saw a man standing on top of an abandon building a few blocks from the last shotting. It may be our snipper. Want us to check it out?" David asked walking over to the two men.

"Yeah you two go check it out and let me know what you see." Don ordered.

"Okay. Colby let's go." David said as his partner stood up.

"Hey Colby let me ask you something right quick" Don said.

"I'll meet you downstairs." Colby said looking over to David.

Don waited until David was out of ear shot where they could talk privately.

"Hey have you noticed anything strange about Charlie lately. Ever since y'all came back from that trip he's been acting differently. I know he's hiding something from me. Do you know what it is?" Don asked

"Um I haven't noticed anything different. Maybe he's just swamped with lectures and papers and stuff. You know how he gets sometimes." Colby said trying to divert Don's attention.

"Alright then. Maybe I'm just over thinking it then. Go ahead and check out the tip and let me know what you find." Don said.

He stood there watching Colby as he headed toward the elevator. He knew he wasn't crazy he may not be observant of everything but he knew whenever his brother was hiding something.

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

Charlie has been very careful to hide his engagement to Colby from everyone. Its not like he didn't want to tell them but he just didn't know how to go about doing it. He knew that they would have to accept it but he still remembers how Don reacted to the news of him and Colby being together.

~flashback begins~

"C'mon Don. You work with him everyday. Its not like you don't know him." Charlie said defending his lover.

"Exactly. Last time I checked he wasn't into you like guys. I just dont understand how things can just change overnight." Don said throwing his hand up in the air in frustration.

"Ugh why can't you just be happy for me? I was happy for you when you started dating Robin." Charlie said getting angry.

"That's different and you know it." Don said. As soon as the words left his mouth and the look of awe on his brother's face. He wished he could take it back.

"Oh yeah. Why's that? Is it because she's a girl? I knew you weren't okay with me being gay. If anybody should be on my side it should be you cause you're my brother Don." Charlie said.

Don could hear the hurt in his brother's voice. They've had their share of arguments over the years but the disappoint Charlie had in him is something he's never had to experience.

"C'mon Charlie you know I didn't mean it like that. I'm just saying because we had already dated before ya know." Don said trying to explain himself.

"Whatever Don. I need to finish my work." Charlie said turning back to his chalkboard. He continued writing until Don finally left.

~flashback ended~

He ran his fingers through his hair. He knew Don wouldn't take this well and it would be hard to tell him. A knock on his door brought him out of his thoughts. The door slowly opened and Don slowly walked in and closed the door.

"Hey bro can I talk to you for a second." Don said walking over to his brother.

"Yeah I can take a second to talk. I could use the break." Charlie said putting the papers in his head down

"Yeah I know what you mean." Don said trying to think of a way to ease into it.

"Did you bring more info about the case?" Charlie asked.

"No it's actually about you." Don said .

Don saw how Charlie was looking at him very confused. He took it as a sign to continue before he changed his mind.

"What's going on with you" Don asked.

"What you mean" Charlie said trying to not give it away.

"I'm your brother Charlie. I know when there is something is wrong with you." Don said.

"Yes you are my brother. But I doubt that means you know when something is wrong with me. Plus history shows that whenever we try to have these kind of talks they hardly ever end well." Charlie said making his point so the conversation can end quickly.

"Look Charlie I know I don't say this often but you know I love you right?" Don asked. At times he feels like he needs his brother to know he has his back no matter what.

"Yeah I know you do and I love you too Don but what's love got to do with this conversation?" Charlie asked.

"I'm just saying if you ever want to talk about anything I'm here." Don said trying to reassure his brother.

"Yeah I know Don." Charlie responded.

"Yeah okay. Well I'm gonna go ahead and go. How about I take you and Colby out to dinner after work?" Don asked.

"Yeah I guess that'll be fine. I'll call him and let him know." Charlie said.

"No don't worry about all that. Just get all your work done so you won't have an excuse to get out of it. I'll tell him when I get back to the office." Don said.

"Alright then." Charlie said.

"Alright I'll see you tonight." Don said as he left.

He smiled as he walked back to his car. He was feeling pretty good about what just happened. It may not have been much but it was a step in the right direction. He was going to figure out what Charlie has been hiding and he was going to figure it out tonight.

I hope that everyone enjoyed this chapter.

All reviews good or bad are welcome...

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Until next time...

-J