6

Takes place between Season 2 and 3

Charlie was walking into the FBI office when he noticed Don talking with an agent that looked familiar to him but he couldn't place it.

Whatever they were talking about, it wasn't going well from the looks of it, if Don looking like he was fighting the urge to rub his head and/or facepalm in frustration was any indication.

As he got closer to the two other men, he immediately realized where he recognized that guy from and he soon found himself fuming at the fact they had to deal with this guy again.

"I'm just saying, Don, you could use better agents, especially since you and your team seem to be slipping, given that you lost that suspect today." The Man said, "What? Is the great Don Eppes losing his touch?"

Before Don could do or say anything, Charlie beat him to the punch.

"Before you go anything further, may I remind you that my brother and his team have a high closure rate?" Charlie said as he gave his best glare towards the man.

The man just found himself smirking before speaking again.

"Charlie Eppes, been a long time, when did we last see each other?" The man asked with an arrogant smile.

"High school junior year and it still hasn't been long enough, Jay." Charlie said firmly

Jason 'Jay' McPherson was a teammate of Don's during that year after transferring from New York City and he terrorized the entire school, including the Eppes brothers before being suspended and later moved away.

"You're an agent now?" Charlie asked, just wondering what he was even doing in the FBI offices.

"Nope, DEA, what's it to you?" Jay said with a bigger grin

"Depends, why are you here?" Charlie asked, already thinking of talking to some people about this man.

"The DEA and FBI had a joint operation, and your brother here let one of the bad guys get away."

"Excuse me, I was busy giving CPR to a seriously injured kid, what about you?" Don challenged, angry but relieved that the kid survived.

"I was too far away." Jay defended

"Whatever the case, my brother would have done everything he could to get the guy but, unlike you it seems, he would try to save someone first." Charlie said, now really upset that this guy would dare question his brother's integrity.

Jay had stopped smiling and was clearly angry now and Charlie, much to Don's dismay, was now in between them.

"So, please leave Don alone and just focus on getting the bad guy first." Charlie finished, as he noted the crowd gathering around them.

"Fine, I have paperwork to do anyway." Jay huffed before walking away

Charlie breathed and turned to Don, who was still surprised by what had just happened.

"Charlie…" Don began before Charlie interrupted

"Before you say anything, I did because I hate it when people question your skills and dedication to the job, as you are one of the best and, if too much at times, really dedicated to your job." Charlie said before pulling his brother into a hug, which Don immediately returned, and were surprised to hear cheering from their fellow agents.

Charlie had to ask

"Has that guy been causing problems around here?"

"Like you wouldn't believe, Whiz Kid." Colby said with a tired smile

When Charlie smiled, Don immediately knew his brother was up to something.

"What are you thinkin', Buddy?"

"I'll tell you later over lunch, if you are able." Charlie said smiling.

"Sure, I needed a break anyway." Don said, relieved as he grabbed his coat.

Charlie was glad as he wondered how the office would think if he were to call either the DEA hotline or bring up Jay's background to the higher ups.

Either way, one does not mess with the Brothers Eppes.