Fic: Questions (Numb3rs, Charlie Eppes / Colby Granger)
Title: Questions
Fandom: Numb3rs
Pair: Charlie Eppes / Colby Granger
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Not mine, etc.
Feedback: Always Welcome
Follows The Thing About Plans
NUMB3RS Main List
“Good morning.” Charlie practically purred when he ran into Megan in the bullpen.
“Morning. And considering it is a Monday morning, I have to ask: What got you
so happy?”
“We had a very good weekend.”
“Right, Colby talked about it. Did you go skiing?”
“No, we had other activities. And this time I actually got paid for my efforts.”
“Paid how?”
“Take a look.” Charlie lifted his left hand and waved his fingers.
“He gave you a ring?” Megan shrieked. She pulled him closer for a hug. “That’s
great! When’s the big day?”
“Big day?”
“Commitment ceremony or whatever it’s called.”
“We haven’t even talked about that.” Charlie chuckled. “It’s just a sign that
we’re serious about this. You know what I mean?”
“Yeah. Congratulations anyway.”
“Thanks.”
“So where`s the other half?”
“On his way. He`s still downstairs talking with that Marcie from reception.”
“I thought she was still on maternity leave.”
“She is. She dropped in to show off her baby and…. Well, Colby`s having that
time again.”
“What time?”
“He has this phase every few months. He gets moody and binges on chocolate.”
“Sounds familiar….”
“It`s not serious. That whole Rural Idaho side takes over. You know, big family
and strong reliable breadwinner, bunch of kids running around….”
“That doesn’t sound so bad.”
“It`s not bad, but the side effects are. Everytime we pass a pram he gets senti-
mental. Last time he actually got beat up.”
“What?”
“We were going to that café next to the campus, and some woman had left her
prams next to the door while she was queing. Colby got all motherly, stuck his
head in to see if everything was fine, the woman comes out and starts beating
him with her purse.”
“Really?”
“Really. But it`s kinda cute.”
“Have you thought about it?”
“About what?”
“Kids.”
Charlie looked slightly uncomfortable. “I don’t think I got the right equipment
for that.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Yeah. We talked about it some time ago.”
“And?”
“And I`m not sure if I want to inflict all my genes on some innocent baby.”
“Come on.” Megan giggled. “Little Charlie with your hair and nose….”
“I don’t even understand kids. Not really… I know the software, but practical
applications don’t work.” Charlie took a long pause. “I think Colby would make
a good dad. If we….”
“What?”
“If we would really do it…. Use a surrogate or something…. I would rather let
Colby do it.”
“Why?”
“I don’t want the kid grow up the same way I did. I mean mom and dad were
great but…. It`s a lot for a kid. The whole thing. Expectations and all that.”
“Maybe you’re right.”
“Hey, you`re back.” David greeted when he came from the break room carrying
two cups of coffee. He handed one to Megan and kept the other one. “So, how
was the weekend? Did he do it?”
“I`m gonna assume you mean what I think you mean.” Charlie vawed his hand.
“And Yes. He did.”
“So what`s next? White tux and a hippy priest?”
“You too…. We`re not gonna do anything for a while so don’t wait for a invitation.
And I`m not wearing a tux, white or red.”
“Is somebody having a wedding again?” Don came from the elevators with a
stack of case files. “Do I need to rent one again?”
“Rent what?” Charlie asked.
“A tux.”
“No, you don’t need a tux. Why did you ask?”
“You said something about a tux.”
“I said I will not wear a tux.”
“Okay. So why are we talking about tuxes at all?”
“Because Colby finally made your brother an honest man.” David grinned.
“Thanks a lot.” Charlie deadpanned. “What was I before? A cheap slice of
good times?”
“That’s not what I mean.” David explained.
“I know.” Charlie smiled. “And so that you know: I wasn’t cheap, but I definitely
showed him some good time.”
“Somebody explain this to me.” Don demanded.
Charlie simple raised his left hand.
“Wow…. Chuck….” Don stared. “Congratulations. When`s the big day?”
“You too….” Charlie groaned. “For the last time: We`re not doing anything like
that for a while. This is just a sign of commitment. Any more questions?”
“Just one.” Don said. “Why`s Granger downstairs cooing to a little baby and
stuffing his face with chocolate?”