Multiply

Prompt: #304, Multiply
Summary: Thirty years on, and its déjà vu in the Eppes family.

"Edgerton." Ian answered his cell casually, not moving from his comfortable sprawl.

"Ian, is. . . God. Is Charlie with you?" Don asked, voice strained.

Ian's brows rose as he sat forward. "Yes. Don, what's going on?"

"I just- Can you bring him over?"

Ian glanced over Charlie's office boards - currently full of swiftly-forming rough equations. "I don't know. I think he wanted to work in the garage."

Don sighed, and there was a slight noise that made Ian wonder if he was watching Alex by himself. "I'll come over, then. When?"

"Twenty."

Don was waiting when they got home, Alex amusing himself on the sofa.

"Charlie! I- I need to talk to you." Don said, obviously relieved to see them.

He glanced at Ian, who shrugged, moving to join Alex. He couldn't make out their muttering conversation, but he didn't really try, either.

It was only moments before Charlie came to crouch by Alex, touching his wrist to get his attention.

"Hi, Charlie." Alex said, his voice soft and nervous.

"Hey, Alex." Charlie replied gently. "Can you tell me something?"

Alex nodded. "Want me to do the numbers, like for Dad?"

Ian straightened, startled. Don nodded, looking a bit pained. Oh. Ohh.

"3,409 times 8,378?" Charlie asked, keeping Alex's gaze.

Ian wanted to reach out for Charlie, but he stayed behind the couch, watching.

Alex's face squinched up, but he didn't close his eyes, and a moment later, he nodded decisively. "28,560,602."

Charlie smiled. "Thank you, Alex. Very good." He looked up at Don. "I'll get some of my old books for him."

Alex, grinning, followed Charlie upstairs.

"Just like Charlie." Don mumbled to himself, watching his son leave. "God, three years old and this. . ."

Ian put a hand on his shoulder. "He's got a great family, Don. You'll be fine."

~Fin~

Far less time between updates this time!

Oh, and I wanted to let people know that I'm asking for any requests - more information on my profile. While this series is all based on prompts from Numb3rs100, I'm open to prompts or requests for any fandom/pairing, including this one, of course.