Hey, I seem to be getting better with the whole updating thing now that I know where I am heading with it. To all those people who have read and reviewed this story I would like to say a massive thanks since it is great to know that people appreciate the stuff I write. Here is the next chapter, enjoy…

Don heard the door open and he glanced over to see that Charlie had just come in. He watched as Charlie put away his notes that he had used for the lecture that day before he decided to announce his presence.

"Hey Charlie, how was the lecture?" Don asked, watching him carefully for his reaction.

"Hey Don, the lecture was fine like always," Charlie replied. If an outsider were watching in on this conversation it would appear to be completely normal but Don could sense the strain in Charlie's voice which only increased as he continued. "I also talked to Amita, Larry and Megan about dinner and they said that they would come."

"Charlie, I just want you to know that I will be there for you no matter what and just because you're adopted doesn't mean you matter any less to me or dad." Don said as a small smiled flickered on Charlie's face.

"You know me to well." Don grinned encouragingly as though hoping it would increase Charlie's own.

"Well that's what brothers are for," Don said before he added, "but I don't really think I can call myself that now can I?" They stood in silence for a moment as Don tried to workout what they were. They weren't brothers that had become obvious now since their relationship had changed to much to be brothers and they were too close to be friends but too different to be best friends. Deciding to think on that later he then remembered the photo album on the counter.

"Charlie, when I was doing a bit of cleaning…"

"Wait…Did I hear right? Did you just say you were completely voluntarily CLEANING?" Charlie interrupted.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I did and I think I did a pretty good job." Don said defensively, frowning slightly but that quickly faded when he saw the grin plastered on Charlie's face. "Now what I was going to say was I found your old photo album that mum had inscribed on." Without giving Charlie a chance to reply Don went into the kitchen to grab the photo album and handed it over to a stunned Charlie. Don watched silently as Charlie's eyes flickered across the message, tears filling his deep brown eyes. Without a word Don opened his arms to Charlie who quickly accepted the invitation before he burst into tears, Don stroking his hair gently.

"I'm sorry Don, I'm being stupid," Charlie said as he broke away, wiping his eyes on the side of his hands.

"No Charlie you're not being stupid, you've been under a lot of pressure lately. Heck even I would be upset if I was in your position at the moment." Don confessed gently before pulling Charlie back into his arms again. They sat in silence, just enjoying the moment but it was ruined when reality set in once more as the door bell rang. Charlie stood up and turned to face Don, his eyes red from crying.

"Don could you get the door? I think I will go upstairs and freshen up and met you down stairs in a minute." Charlie said before turning to go upstairs and Don went to the door. He ushered the guests into the living room and stated talking to Megan about a new case that had turned up since he was on his 'holiday'. A few minutes later Don heard Charlie coming down stairs again and entered the room. Don saw Amita's eyes light up as she spotted his 'brother' but rather than go over to her or Larry for that matter, he headed directly over to him and sat down. It was almost like Charlie had become afraid to been alone with the other three as he soon began to follow Don everywhere. He would have an excuse but Don could see just how nervous Charlie was.

"Don would you like me to help carry out the bowls," Charlie asked before standing up and following him into the kitchen.

"Charlie, are you ok? It's almost as though I have got an extra shadow." Don said nut upon seeing Charlie's slightly hurt expression he added. "Not that I mind or anything it's just that the other three are starting to wonder why you refuse to be alone in a room with them."

"It's just that I'm not ready to face them yet, I know I will eventually but not at the moment." Charlie said avoiding Don's eyes.

"Charlie, I will here for you when you tell them. Don't worry, they may be a bit surprised but they won't abandon you." Don said, forcing Charlie to meet his eyes. Don had always been envious of Charlie's eyes as they were a dark brown colour that seemed to analyze everything in a single glance, probably because they did.

"Thanks Don, I know Larry and Megan won't but I'm worried about how Amita will take it. Even thought she is my cousin and I have accepted that, she is still very important to me and I would hate myself if I ever hurt her." Charlie said, concern lining his voice. Don was spared from answering when Amita entered the room.

"Hey, you were taking a while so I decided to see what was going on and if you needed any help." She asked looking between the two men.

"Yeah, you could take these two bowls out and put them on the table. Charlie you take in these two and I will bring in the rest." Don said as he indicated to the correct bowls.

Thanks for reading this chapter and I hope you liked it. There will probably only be one or two more chapters left of this story as I am not sure yet. Thanks for reading!