Title: We Three Kings
Author: Très Méchante
Fandom: Numb3rs
Characters/Pairing: Alan Eppes, Charlie Eppes, Don Eppes
Summary: A rare moment of peace in the Eppes Kingdom. Alan's pov.
Rating: G
Spoilers: Nope
Word Count: approx. 385 words
Warning: None
Disclaimer: Well, the story is mine, but the characters, most assuredly, are not. Bummer.
Archive: Only with permission.
Inspired by title: "We Three Kings" by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah Mclachlan
Alan glanced up from his newspaper when the room became silent. He automatically checked on the location of his boys; many years of experience had taught him that sudden silences were often broken by loud arguments even if they were supposed to be adults.
Charlie and Donnie were hunched over some papers on the coffee table. It didn't look work related but they were both intent on whatever it was. Charlie sat on the floor in front of the sofa while Don sat on the sofa leaning over Charlie's shoulder.
Alan had a sudden flashback to the boys in the same position when they were young, both wanting to read the funny page at the same time.
Even now, Donnie's posture spoke of a deep protectiveness toward his baby brother; he'd be such a loving father, mused Alan. And Charlie still had an aura of child-like wonder about him, even after all those terrible cases he'd worked on. Alan could see Charlie introducing a son – or daughter – to the wonders of the universe with as much enthusiasm as a child himself.
He couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for his boys – and maybe for himself. A man's home may be his castle, but a man's family was his legacy, the true measure of his worth. And he feared the boys were missing out on so much, although at least Charlie was dating that nice Amita, so there was still hope. Alan could only pray that he'd live long enough to enjoy any grandchildren.
He watched his boys begin to tussle – a nudge here, a poke there, an elbow, a knee and a shouted "Hey!" and they were rolling around on the floor – just like when they were little.
Alan watched them with fond exasperation even as he feared for any breakables in their path. Well, maybe he could wait for the grandkids; these two were enough of a handful. But if G-d was merciful, one day Donnie and Charlie would know what it was to look out on his family and know all was right in the world, even if only for that moment.
He smiled when his boys came to a stop, both laughing about something that probably only made sense to them, and resumed reading his paper.
Yes, indeed, it was good to be king.
-end-