Well-Matched
Prompt: #295, Minor
Summary: When it comes to handling Charlie's genius temperament, Ian has an edge. . .
Don walked into the house and froze, surprised and confused. He could clearly hear Charlie upstairs, moving around huffily and muttering indecipherably.
After a long pause, Don started up the stairs, hesitant to walk into one of his brother's tantrums, but wanting to know what was going on, nonetheless. He was stopped on the second stair, though, by a firm hand on his arm. He turned to face a mildly amused Ian.
"Don't think you want to do that." he suggested calmly. "I'm sure you already know, but I've found it's generally better to allow him to cool off, before reasoning with him."
Don sat down on the stairs and propped his chin on his hand. "Usually, yeah. I suppose you know what's going on, then?"
Ian sighed, leaning against the bottom of the banister. "I do." He stopped, looking up as if he could see through the ceiling to his lover, still muttering angrily upstairs. Don left him to it, waiting patiently. "A minor disagreement, that's all. I-" he broke off suddenly.
Don looked over his shoulder, then jumped up to get out of Charlie's way as he came down, looking far calmer than he had sounded.
"Hello Don." Charlie nodded, stepping past him to flick something Don couldn't see off of Ian's sleeve. Don realised why Ian had looked different. He was wearing a suit. "All right, then. Let's go."
Ian grinned. "No more arguments, then?" Don winced, preparing himself for Charlie's temper to flare again. He could have told Ian that this was not a good time to be smug.
Charlie's response was quiet, though. Shaking his head, he tugged Ian towards the door, murmuring something that didn't sound very complimentary under his breath. Ian laughed.
"At least we won't be late this time. Millie hates that."
~Fin~