A languishing bunny for Numb3rs
I had a little bunny hop through my head when I saw pfreak's video (youtube.com/watch). This actually had been sitting on my computer for when I had a lack of things to post, but I had such an outpouring of ideas since then that I figured I'd post it.
It is kinda long, but I couldn't find a way to break it up other than making it a series of drabbles, each with its own page. I'm feeling lazy, so here goes...
Charlie
I just got back from a date with Amita, and for the first time in two weeks, she didn't come to stay the night. It’s a relief, as tonight, my thoughts weren't on her. All I could think about was Colby. I can't believe that he did that. I have to believe that he's one of the good guys. There are just some things that don't add up. The whole Janus List hunt was a bit too pat, too neat. As a mathematician, I like clean answers, but if all the terms fall out and combine too quickly, you know something is fishy. Oh, let's be truthful...I can't think of him as a traitor because I have this connection to him. I can't explain it, Larry would call it quantum entanglement, but even at my deepest into work, away from 'real life', I can't think of this in those types of terms. I'll tell it like it is, I think I'm falling in love with him. Its way beyond what my feelings ever were for Susan or Amita, or even Kevin, my first NSA handler, who I gave my virginity the week after my 18th birthday. I'm almost ready to call Bob and get him to call me away for a consult for a week or two to get my mind off the whole thing. I'm always so busy with work when I go that I'll have no time to think about anything but the math.
Colby
Dwayne’s whining about how the Chinese haven't worked out how to get him off the hook, yet again. I got leave to have a pad of paper and a pencil during my weekly meetings with Kirkland. They won't let me keep what I wrote, which I understand, but I wish I could at least let Charlie know what's up. Well, maybe David too, but he has almost no security clearance in comparison to Charlie and me, even Megan, with her secret DOJ stuff at Gitmo, is well down in the hierarchy. I worry about how this whole thing will affect Charlie.
I've always known where my interests lie. Five generations of service, and I can't help it. Fumbling in the dark, I relieved my tensions, but for Charlie...
Charlie
Bob didn't come through with a consult, so I told Amita that I have lots of work to do for collaborations. I'm considering a trip away for the term break to clear my head, get away from Don's constant anger, which is making Dad more irritable....
I don't have the energy, physically or emotionally, to actually break up with her, so avoidance will have to do for now.
Colby
Kirkland said he's arranging an escape, so soon... If only they can forgive me.
I really hope that these aren't going in a file somewhere, because I'll explode if I don't get this off my chest. I had a dream last night, and in it, I was able to drop the op a week after Dwayne's arrest, so Charlie and I had worked out all the issues. Don and Alan tag-teamed me with "the talk" (don't hurt him; don't let him hurt you, etc). I was just sitting on the couch with Charlie. He was annotating his copy of the Journal of Applied Mathematics, outlining a rebuttal of Penfield’s latest, and I was reading case files. Every page or so, he'd lean over and kiss me. We'd make out for a few minutes, then return contently to our tasks. Dammit, don't cry, Granger!
Charlie
Oh, Colby...I knew you were a good man.
I can't deal with Don now. I need to get away from the FBI. I can't go home, as Dad's on edge enough. I still need to avoid Amita, so my office is out. I guess I'll hide in the library stacks for a few hours with my phone on vibrate, waiting for Colby to call again. I need to tweak the final I’m giving tomorrow, so now’s as good a time as any.
Colby
Oh, shit. Dwayne's arranged to go to China. I don't want to go, screw the spymasters.
For a spy, Dwayne sure is transparent. He wasn't even going to bother cleaning up or covering up until I suggested it. I hate helping him elude capture, but orders are orders. I just hope at the end of all this...
Charlie
Don just called, he found Colby, but he's in the hospital on a ventilator. Thankfully, I’m almost done grading; I'm only a few blocks away, and Don will be at the office.
He looks so gaunt, though I probably don't look much better. I haven't been able to eat well the past weeks. Dad's been worried, but he had enough to do keeping Don away from a breakdown. He lost his faith in his own abilities, and it was taking a toll.
Megan's the only one in the room, so I climb up on the bed, curling up against Colby on the side opposite all the machines and bandages. I can't stay awake much longer, I've been running on adrenaline since he called my cell. I'll be gone before he wakes up, but for now, I can hold on to him.
Megan
Charlie's here, and I really should report in, but my shift's just started, so they have some time. I'll wake Charlie before I go home, but for now...They'll sleep.
I knew about their feelings, though they don't know about the others'. I for one think they'd be good for each other. Charlie will get Colby to stop acting like a knuckle-dragger, and Colby will get Charlie in better touch with the outside world. No one else besides Don and the AD seem to realize this, but Colby has a Masters in Chemical Engineering and had almost finished a law degree while in CID, restarting it last year. I just hope Don and Alan see it that way.
Charlie
Megan woke me near the end of her shift, so I'd best head home. One more kiss to Colby's temple, and I'll gather my things. I got the best sleep I've had in weeks, and I'm actually feeling a bit hungry.
"Megan, would you like to call Larry to meet us for dinner? Unless you have paperwork..."
"Anything to put off paperwork about our not-quite legal raid. Though a dinner with two of my favorite guys would be nice. Maybe Bar Celona?"
Colby
I wake slowly to harsh lighting. I panic for a second, thinking I'm in the morgue, but I don't feel a toe tag. I try to take a breath, and cough around a tube. Oh, I'm on a vent. Now where am I? The nurse that responds first is Asian, and I start to panic, until I recognize the doc that fixed up a perp a few weeks before my arrest, the ex-squid. Thank whoever's listening, I'm still in LA.
"Kim, I specifically told you, it would be best if you weren't in here. He was held hostage and tortured by people working for the Chinese. Your face is probably not the first one he'd want to see...Sorry about that, Granger. I'll take the tube out, then we'll talk more...Better?"
Rasping a bit, I answer, "Yeah, except my chest hurts. Am I under guard? How long will I hafta stay?"
"I'll give you something for that in a minute, but it’s perfectly normal after KCl injection. There's an agent outside the room, Agent Reeves was here until about an hour ago. You'll be able to go home in a few days, but nothing but rest and light desk duty for about a month, though that might change."
Alan
Donnie's calmed down a lot since Colby was cleared. Charlie, on the other hand, seems healthier, but as if he has a lot on his mind. And not math, it’s the look he gets when he has an emotional hurdle to deal with. If he doesn't seem to have figured it out in the next day or so, I'll talk with him. Maggie could always read him so well...
Megan and Larry are coming over for dinner tonight, and thankfully that Liz girl isn't coming, she isn't good for Donnie. She wants him to be someone that's not him. I may not agree with Donnie's career, but he does it from his heart.
Charlie
Megan suspects, she kept giving me sly hints when we went to dinner, and now she's coming here. This must be what having an older sister is like. I think Dad knows something's up, too. As long as Donnie doesn't catch on until everyone's moods are more level, it will be fine. His reaction will be explosive, and I'd like a chance to actually talk to Colby first, and break it off with Amita, no matter the outcome.
Colby
I'm allowed real food, as the doc has determined that the drugs are out of my system. My chest muscles are still sore and twitchy, and the two cracked ribs don't exactly help. Megan brought me my favorite SoCal affectation, a marinated portobello sandwich with avocado, so things are looking up. Now if she'd stop smirking at me for a few minutes and 'fess up to whatever is so amusing, this day would be good.
David and Don still aren't happy with me, and this Liz character, now that I actually had to spend time with her, is a twit, so I've had few interesting visitors, as they aren't letting Alan, Larry, or Charlie visit, though Megan for some reason found that list funny. I'll get it out of her eventually.
Larry
My nebula has revealed a monumental occurrence. It seems Charles may have his feelings reciprocated. Agent Granger is equally besotted. In many ways they are as a binary star, they are not sound without the other, as evidenced the last weeks. I wish them many untwinable moments.
Colby
I'm out of the hospital, so its time to corner Charlie in his lair. Not the garage, Alan and Don might interrupt. At CalSci, just go outside office hours and close the door. Yeah, that'll work.
Megan finally told me that Charlie had something interesting to talk to me about, so here goes.
Charlie
Colby came by right before I headed home. I know I've been avoiding him, but I needed to work up the nerve.
He cornered me in my office, closing the door behind him, saying that Megan told him to come talk to me. My mouth went dry, and when I swallowed to relieve it, his eyes were riveted to my mouth. Now I see why Larry kept going on about binary stars the last few days, we have our own gravity...
He kissed me! We just stood in each other's arms, basking. We'll have to talk later, but for now, I'm content.
Don
Something’s up in brainy-land. Larry, Megan, and Chuck have all been odd the last week, basically since we rescued Colby. Well, not that one notices much with Larry, but nonetheless. I'll interrogate Megan, she'll be the most likely to tell me.
Megan
Shit! Don's been sniffing around about why Charlie's been so strange lately, or at least so that Don would notice, now that his own head's on straight enough to actually pay attention to his surroundings. I'll ask Charlie if he minds my dropping some hints in Don's path.
I heard all about their hook-up, and they are both so happy. I just hope that Don doesn't blow his top.
Alan
Charlie has obviously figured out his emotional dilemma, he looks much calmer. Hopefully he'll let me in on the secret.
Charlie
I told Amita today that it just wasn't working out. She wasn't pleased, but once I made it clear that I wouldn't be dissuaded, and that I felt she expected me to be something I wasn't, she couldn't do anything but leave. Millie will probably come by later, but hey, I'm finally happy.
That reminds me, I'm supposed to meet Colby in a few minutes.
Millie
Amita was in a huff when she came to see me, but for the life of me, I can't see why. She's been using Charlie mercilessly since they became involved. He's well sprung of her. For formality's sake, I should go see Charlie 'in an attempt to preserve a harmonious work environment'.
I didn't catch him before he left, but I saw him heading to the parking lot. He got into a car that I didn't recognize, so I'll talk to him tomorrow. That will be soon enough.
Charlie
As soon as I arrived this morning, a bit tired, as our date ran until the wee hours, Millie called me into her office. It turned out she had to grill me on my side of what happened yesterday with Amita, to fulfill Chair duties. She seemed satisfied with my vague answers, then put on her 'gossipy biddy' mask and asked for details. I refused, she kept pushing, I relented after getting a promise not to tell Dad or Donnie.
Don
Megan kept going on about binary stars, comets, Amita, and Charlie. I'm very confused; maybe it will be more clear after I talk to Charlie in person.
It’s not much clearer after talking to Charlie, but I heard that he broke up with Amita. Good move, she's fine as a person, but she and Charlie don't fit as well as she seems to think.
It just occurred to me, Amita's the comet, she can't be near him without changing them both, and is best off staying away. Who's Charlie's complement, the other star in the binary? See, I did pay attention in science class, or at least to Larry the last few years...
Colby
Our date went really well. We stayed out until 3, talking for hours after our dinner and a movie. Thankfully, I'm still on leave for a few more days, so I could sleep in, but I knew I should have had Charlie home earlier. At least he doesn't have to teach until 11 today.
Megan called to give me all kinds of warnings about Don, that somehow he'd figured out something was up. I'm not about to hide the situation from him, but I won't be forthcoming unless Charlie makes the first move to out us to him.
Alan
Charlie got back pretty late last night, as I never heard him come in, and I stayed up until 1. If I hadn't heard from Donnie that Charlie had broken up with Amita, I would have thought he was on a date. I just hope he wasn't drinking away his sorrows.
David
Colby’s still on my shit list, but I’m getting over it, if for no other reason than that I’ve seen how happy Charlie’s been the last few days. Before the whole crisis, he was tense, and even more so when Amita was around. While Colby was gone, he was downright frigid, I was sure he’d break a molar, he was gritting so hard. Now he seems free, somehow. I just hope it lasts after Don figures out what’s up.
Charlie
Had another date with Colby last night. Everything was going well, we were enjoying the outdoor movie when Amita crashed our date. That reminds me, its time to change my email password; she must have gotten into my campus email. Thankfully, all of my consulting work comes through the NSA servers. Why is Amita having so much trouble seeing we didn’t fit well? We weren’t really even together for weeks before Colby kissed me. Thankfully, the guys walking around keeping the peace at the showing escorted her away. That means I at least get Millie’s backing tomorrow when she comes by for another screaming episode.
I’m going to ask Colby to stay over, as Don’s finally back in his apartment, and Dad went to Santa Barbara for a meeting. Nothing heavy, but despite my age, the quiet of an empty house still creeps me out. Besides, I want to feel his arms around me and his heartbeat under my ear in the morning.
Colby
I stayed over at Charlie’s last night, and thankfully, my blood-spatter change of clothes were in the trunk and weren’t blood-spattered. We didn’t actually do much, but the trial playing-house felt so right: maneuvering around each other in the bathroom at night and in the morning, spooning together through the night, waking up together, and breakfast-tasting kisses. I dropped Charlie at CalSci for his office hours before I headed to work; we were accosted by Millie, the nosy Chair. She seemed happy for us though, so one less authority figure to deal with.
Millie
I finally saw Charlie’s lover-boy. He’s quite the looker, and after I Googled him, I think he’s even better. Agent Granger is obviously a smart man, but has the real world experience that Charlie lacks, and can anchor Charlie like he needs. Despite the fuzziness of Larry’s metaphor, it fits; they really do compliment each other.
Amita’s still making waves, but I’ve had another talk with her about professionalism, and therefore the need to keep personal frictions out of the workplace. Academic argument? Fine, but bringing a messy break-up into the workplace is crossing the line. I’m not expecting everything to be normal, but its possible for her to avoid him for a few weeks to iron out her feelings, he certainly has been for the past week.
Don
I walked in on something that I’d find cute, if it wasn’t my baby brother and one of my agents, that is. I found out I’m out of cereal, and I figured I’d stop by the house for breakfast with Charlie before dropping him off at work. I opened the door with my key, and was about to call out for Charlie when I saw him in the dining room, leaning against Colby, sharing a plate of toast and a single cup of coffee. I quietly let myself out. Thankfully, they never looked away from each other to notice I was there. I guess I’ll have to have a talk with Colby when he gets to work, and settle for a danish and coffee from the breakroom
Liz
I got kicked off Don’s team for this lump? He can’t have been that good a spy if they caught him. Now he’s back and taking my dream job. He’s a fag too, great! He snagged the Professor, but that couldn’t have been too hard, act the opposite of Amita and he’ll come running.
Colby
Walked into work 10 minutes early, and David had a warning look on his face. No one else was around, so I was confused why he was worried. I’d just decided to disregard his warning for the time being and had relaxed my guard. Big mistake! Don grabbed my shoulder and dragged me toward the conference room. As we passed Megan, she smiled encouragingly, though didn’t interfere.
Don
Despite what everyone seems to think, I’m not going to disembowel Colby. If I weren’t still angry about the whole China affair, I’d probably get angry at him more, but I realized if I made his life hell, he’ll leave, and then I’ll be in trouble with the AD and Charlie. Not a good combination.
I let Colby go with a stern warning not to hurt Charlie, or let Chuck hurt him. I also told him there’d be flack from some of the brass and Dad would interrogate him rigorously, so be prepared.
Charlie
Just got a call from Colby. Don’s obviously figured out what’s up, as Colby got the ‘hurt him and they won’t find a body’ talk. He doesn’t seem discouraged or scared off, so I’m happy. They got a case, and Colby’s in charge of gathering background check stuff, as he’s on desk duty for the next two weeks. That means there’s a high probability that he gets to come visit this afternoon, which I’m much looking forward to. No office hours for the next two weeks. Hmmm, this has possibilities.
Colby
It seems Charlie had the same idea, as seconds after I put the file on his ‘consult table’, he was flush up against me, leaning against the desk. I didn’t even have a chance to kick the door shut. What seemed like seconds later, we pulled away for air, panting out greetings. I feel like a high-school kid with their first SO.
Amita
That bastard! I come by to apologize, trying to get back together, and he’s already moved on. At the movie, that seemed like two friends out for fun, but now? I have half a mind to storm in there, but I’m already on Millie’s shit list. Maybe I’ll collaborate on Marshall’s next refutation, give him inside information. I can’t seem to do anything on a personal level without getting Millie’s negative attention.
To: CalSci TriSci Dept
From: Mfinch@calsci.edu
Date: 24 June 3:14.15 PM
Subject: Dr. Amita Ramanujan is leaving us.
Colleagues and buddies,
I regret to tell you that Amita is leaving us for Chennai University. She will be a lecturer with the opportunity to take a professor's chair in a few years. We will miss her, but wish her luck. The goodbye party, according to my secretary, who has commandeered the arrangements, will be next Friday at 2 PM, more details to follow.
Millie
To:CEEppes@calsci.edu
From: Mfinch@calsci.edu
Date: 24 June 3:18.00 PM
Subject: Amita, a continuation of the dept email
Charlie,
I put in a few words with a friend who's a dean at Chennai a few weeks ago, and he gave me the perfect solution. She's going far away, but its also a step up career-wise, so she can't complain. The job she was going to take at MIT awhile back has been filled, so this seemed the best path. Also, I'm aware how little you wanted Amita and Penfield within driving distance of each other.
Good luck with your hunk!
Millie
It is kinda long, but I couldn't find a way to break it up other than making it a series of drabbles, each with its own page. I'm feeling lazy, so here goes...
Charlie
I just got back from a date with Amita, and for the first time in two weeks, she didn't come to stay the night. It’s a relief, as tonight, my thoughts weren't on her. All I could think about was Colby. I can't believe that he did that. I have to believe that he's one of the good guys. There are just some things that don't add up. The whole Janus List hunt was a bit too pat, too neat. As a mathematician, I like clean answers, but if all the terms fall out and combine too quickly, you know something is fishy. Oh, let's be truthful...I can't think of him as a traitor because I have this connection to him. I can't explain it, Larry would call it quantum entanglement, but even at my deepest into work, away from 'real life', I can't think of this in those types of terms. I'll tell it like it is, I think I'm falling in love with him. Its way beyond what my feelings ever were for Susan or Amita, or even Kevin, my first NSA handler, who I gave my virginity the week after my 18th birthday. I'm almost ready to call Bob and get him to call me away for a consult for a week or two to get my mind off the whole thing. I'm always so busy with work when I go that I'll have no time to think about anything but the math.
Colby
Dwayne’s whining about how the Chinese haven't worked out how to get him off the hook, yet again. I got leave to have a pad of paper and a pencil during my weekly meetings with Kirkland. They won't let me keep what I wrote, which I understand, but I wish I could at least let Charlie know what's up. Well, maybe David too, but he has almost no security clearance in comparison to Charlie and me, even Megan, with her secret DOJ stuff at Gitmo, is well down in the hierarchy. I worry about how this whole thing will affect Charlie.
I've always known where my interests lie. Five generations of service, and I can't help it. Fumbling in the dark, I relieved my tensions, but for Charlie...
Charlie
Bob didn't come through with a consult, so I told Amita that I have lots of work to do for collaborations. I'm considering a trip away for the term break to clear my head, get away from Don's constant anger, which is making Dad more irritable....
I don't have the energy, physically or emotionally, to actually break up with her, so avoidance will have to do for now.
Colby
Kirkland said he's arranging an escape, so soon... If only they can forgive me.
I really hope that these aren't going in a file somewhere, because I'll explode if I don't get this off my chest. I had a dream last night, and in it, I was able to drop the op a week after Dwayne's arrest, so Charlie and I had worked out all the issues. Don and Alan tag-teamed me with "the talk" (don't hurt him; don't let him hurt you, etc). I was just sitting on the couch with Charlie. He was annotating his copy of the Journal of Applied Mathematics, outlining a rebuttal of Penfield’s latest, and I was reading case files. Every page or so, he'd lean over and kiss me. We'd make out for a few minutes, then return contently to our tasks. Dammit, don't cry, Granger!
Charlie
Oh, Colby...I knew you were a good man.
I can't deal with Don now. I need to get away from the FBI. I can't go home, as Dad's on edge enough. I still need to avoid Amita, so my office is out. I guess I'll hide in the library stacks for a few hours with my phone on vibrate, waiting for Colby to call again. I need to tweak the final I’m giving tomorrow, so now’s as good a time as any.
Colby
Oh, shit. Dwayne's arranged to go to China. I don't want to go, screw the spymasters.
For a spy, Dwayne sure is transparent. He wasn't even going to bother cleaning up or covering up until I suggested it. I hate helping him elude capture, but orders are orders. I just hope at the end of all this...
Charlie
Don just called, he found Colby, but he's in the hospital on a ventilator. Thankfully, I’m almost done grading; I'm only a few blocks away, and Don will be at the office.
He looks so gaunt, though I probably don't look much better. I haven't been able to eat well the past weeks. Dad's been worried, but he had enough to do keeping Don away from a breakdown. He lost his faith in his own abilities, and it was taking a toll.
Megan's the only one in the room, so I climb up on the bed, curling up against Colby on the side opposite all the machines and bandages. I can't stay awake much longer, I've been running on adrenaline since he called my cell. I'll be gone before he wakes up, but for now, I can hold on to him.
Megan
Charlie's here, and I really should report in, but my shift's just started, so they have some time. I'll wake Charlie before I go home, but for now...They'll sleep.
I knew about their feelings, though they don't know about the others'. I for one think they'd be good for each other. Charlie will get Colby to stop acting like a knuckle-dragger, and Colby will get Charlie in better touch with the outside world. No one else besides Don and the AD seem to realize this, but Colby has a Masters in Chemical Engineering and had almost finished a law degree while in CID, restarting it last year. I just hope Don and Alan see it that way.
Charlie
Megan woke me near the end of her shift, so I'd best head home. One more kiss to Colby's temple, and I'll gather my things. I got the best sleep I've had in weeks, and I'm actually feeling a bit hungry.
"Megan, would you like to call Larry to meet us for dinner? Unless you have paperwork..."
"Anything to put off paperwork about our not-quite legal raid. Though a dinner with two of my favorite guys would be nice. Maybe Bar Celona?"
Colby
I wake slowly to harsh lighting. I panic for a second, thinking I'm in the morgue, but I don't feel a toe tag. I try to take a breath, and cough around a tube. Oh, I'm on a vent. Now where am I? The nurse that responds first is Asian, and I start to panic, until I recognize the doc that fixed up a perp a few weeks before my arrest, the ex-squid. Thank whoever's listening, I'm still in LA.
"Kim, I specifically told you, it would be best if you weren't in here. He was held hostage and tortured by people working for the Chinese. Your face is probably not the first one he'd want to see...Sorry about that, Granger. I'll take the tube out, then we'll talk more...Better?"
Rasping a bit, I answer, "Yeah, except my chest hurts. Am I under guard? How long will I hafta stay?"
"I'll give you something for that in a minute, but it’s perfectly normal after KCl injection. There's an agent outside the room, Agent Reeves was here until about an hour ago. You'll be able to go home in a few days, but nothing but rest and light desk duty for about a month, though that might change."
Alan
Donnie's calmed down a lot since Colby was cleared. Charlie, on the other hand, seems healthier, but as if he has a lot on his mind. And not math, it’s the look he gets when he has an emotional hurdle to deal with. If he doesn't seem to have figured it out in the next day or so, I'll talk with him. Maggie could always read him so well...
Megan and Larry are coming over for dinner tonight, and thankfully that Liz girl isn't coming, she isn't good for Donnie. She wants him to be someone that's not him. I may not agree with Donnie's career, but he does it from his heart.
Charlie
Megan suspects, she kept giving me sly hints when we went to dinner, and now she's coming here. This must be what having an older sister is like. I think Dad knows something's up, too. As long as Donnie doesn't catch on until everyone's moods are more level, it will be fine. His reaction will be explosive, and I'd like a chance to actually talk to Colby first, and break it off with Amita, no matter the outcome.
Colby
I'm allowed real food, as the doc has determined that the drugs are out of my system. My chest muscles are still sore and twitchy, and the two cracked ribs don't exactly help. Megan brought me my favorite SoCal affectation, a marinated portobello sandwich with avocado, so things are looking up. Now if she'd stop smirking at me for a few minutes and 'fess up to whatever is so amusing, this day would be good.
David and Don still aren't happy with me, and this Liz character, now that I actually had to spend time with her, is a twit, so I've had few interesting visitors, as they aren't letting Alan, Larry, or Charlie visit, though Megan for some reason found that list funny. I'll get it out of her eventually.
Larry
My nebula has revealed a monumental occurrence. It seems Charles may have his feelings reciprocated. Agent Granger is equally besotted. In many ways they are as a binary star, they are not sound without the other, as evidenced the last weeks. I wish them many untwinable moments.
Colby
I'm out of the hospital, so its time to corner Charlie in his lair. Not the garage, Alan and Don might interrupt. At CalSci, just go outside office hours and close the door. Yeah, that'll work.
Megan finally told me that Charlie had something interesting to talk to me about, so here goes.
Charlie
Colby came by right before I headed home. I know I've been avoiding him, but I needed to work up the nerve.
He cornered me in my office, closing the door behind him, saying that Megan told him to come talk to me. My mouth went dry, and when I swallowed to relieve it, his eyes were riveted to my mouth. Now I see why Larry kept going on about binary stars the last few days, we have our own gravity...
He kissed me! We just stood in each other's arms, basking. We'll have to talk later, but for now, I'm content.
Don
Something’s up in brainy-land. Larry, Megan, and Chuck have all been odd the last week, basically since we rescued Colby. Well, not that one notices much with Larry, but nonetheless. I'll interrogate Megan, she'll be the most likely to tell me.
Megan
Shit! Don's been sniffing around about why Charlie's been so strange lately, or at least so that Don would notice, now that his own head's on straight enough to actually pay attention to his surroundings. I'll ask Charlie if he minds my dropping some hints in Don's path.
I heard all about their hook-up, and they are both so happy. I just hope that Don doesn't blow his top.
Alan
Charlie has obviously figured out his emotional dilemma, he looks much calmer. Hopefully he'll let me in on the secret.
Charlie
I told Amita today that it just wasn't working out. She wasn't pleased, but once I made it clear that I wouldn't be dissuaded, and that I felt she expected me to be something I wasn't, she couldn't do anything but leave. Millie will probably come by later, but hey, I'm finally happy.
That reminds me, I'm supposed to meet Colby in a few minutes.
Millie
Amita was in a huff when she came to see me, but for the life of me, I can't see why. She's been using Charlie mercilessly since they became involved. He's well sprung of her. For formality's sake, I should go see Charlie 'in an attempt to preserve a harmonious work environment'.
I didn't catch him before he left, but I saw him heading to the parking lot. He got into a car that I didn't recognize, so I'll talk to him tomorrow. That will be soon enough.
Charlie
As soon as I arrived this morning, a bit tired, as our date ran until the wee hours, Millie called me into her office. It turned out she had to grill me on my side of what happened yesterday with Amita, to fulfill Chair duties. She seemed satisfied with my vague answers, then put on her 'gossipy biddy' mask and asked for details. I refused, she kept pushing, I relented after getting a promise not to tell Dad or Donnie.
Don
Megan kept going on about binary stars, comets, Amita, and Charlie. I'm very confused; maybe it will be more clear after I talk to Charlie in person.
It’s not much clearer after talking to Charlie, but I heard that he broke up with Amita. Good move, she's fine as a person, but she and Charlie don't fit as well as she seems to think.
It just occurred to me, Amita's the comet, she can't be near him without changing them both, and is best off staying away. Who's Charlie's complement, the other star in the binary? See, I did pay attention in science class, or at least to Larry the last few years...
Colby
Our date went really well. We stayed out until 3, talking for hours after our dinner and a movie. Thankfully, I'm still on leave for a few more days, so I could sleep in, but I knew I should have had Charlie home earlier. At least he doesn't have to teach until 11 today.
Megan called to give me all kinds of warnings about Don, that somehow he'd figured out something was up. I'm not about to hide the situation from him, but I won't be forthcoming unless Charlie makes the first move to out us to him.
Alan
Charlie got back pretty late last night, as I never heard him come in, and I stayed up until 1. If I hadn't heard from Donnie that Charlie had broken up with Amita, I would have thought he was on a date. I just hope he wasn't drinking away his sorrows.
David
Colby’s still on my shit list, but I’m getting over it, if for no other reason than that I’ve seen how happy Charlie’s been the last few days. Before the whole crisis, he was tense, and even more so when Amita was around. While Colby was gone, he was downright frigid, I was sure he’d break a molar, he was gritting so hard. Now he seems free, somehow. I just hope it lasts after Don figures out what’s up.
Charlie
Had another date with Colby last night. Everything was going well, we were enjoying the outdoor movie when Amita crashed our date. That reminds me, its time to change my email password; she must have gotten into my campus email. Thankfully, all of my consulting work comes through the NSA servers. Why is Amita having so much trouble seeing we didn’t fit well? We weren’t really even together for weeks before Colby kissed me. Thankfully, the guys walking around keeping the peace at the showing escorted her away. That means I at least get Millie’s backing tomorrow when she comes by for another screaming episode.
I’m going to ask Colby to stay over, as Don’s finally back in his apartment, and Dad went to Santa Barbara for a meeting. Nothing heavy, but despite my age, the quiet of an empty house still creeps me out. Besides, I want to feel his arms around me and his heartbeat under my ear in the morning.
Colby
I stayed over at Charlie’s last night, and thankfully, my blood-spatter change of clothes were in the trunk and weren’t blood-spattered. We didn’t actually do much, but the trial playing-house felt so right: maneuvering around each other in the bathroom at night and in the morning, spooning together through the night, waking up together, and breakfast-tasting kisses. I dropped Charlie at CalSci for his office hours before I headed to work; we were accosted by Millie, the nosy Chair. She seemed happy for us though, so one less authority figure to deal with.
Millie
I finally saw Charlie’s lover-boy. He’s quite the looker, and after I Googled him, I think he’s even better. Agent Granger is obviously a smart man, but has the real world experience that Charlie lacks, and can anchor Charlie like he needs. Despite the fuzziness of Larry’s metaphor, it fits; they really do compliment each other.
Amita’s still making waves, but I’ve had another talk with her about professionalism, and therefore the need to keep personal frictions out of the workplace. Academic argument? Fine, but bringing a messy break-up into the workplace is crossing the line. I’m not expecting everything to be normal, but its possible for her to avoid him for a few weeks to iron out her feelings, he certainly has been for the past week.
Don
I walked in on something that I’d find cute, if it wasn’t my baby brother and one of my agents, that is. I found out I’m out of cereal, and I figured I’d stop by the house for breakfast with Charlie before dropping him off at work. I opened the door with my key, and was about to call out for Charlie when I saw him in the dining room, leaning against Colby, sharing a plate of toast and a single cup of coffee. I quietly let myself out. Thankfully, they never looked away from each other to notice I was there. I guess I’ll have to have a talk with Colby when he gets to work, and settle for a danish and coffee from the breakroom
Liz
I got kicked off Don’s team for this lump? He can’t have been that good a spy if they caught him. Now he’s back and taking my dream job. He’s a fag too, great! He snagged the Professor, but that couldn’t have been too hard, act the opposite of Amita and he’ll come running.
Colby
Walked into work 10 minutes early, and David had a warning look on his face. No one else was around, so I was confused why he was worried. I’d just decided to disregard his warning for the time being and had relaxed my guard. Big mistake! Don grabbed my shoulder and dragged me toward the conference room. As we passed Megan, she smiled encouragingly, though didn’t interfere.
Don
Despite what everyone seems to think, I’m not going to disembowel Colby. If I weren’t still angry about the whole China affair, I’d probably get angry at him more, but I realized if I made his life hell, he’ll leave, and then I’ll be in trouble with the AD and Charlie. Not a good combination.
I let Colby go with a stern warning not to hurt Charlie, or let Chuck hurt him. I also told him there’d be flack from some of the brass and Dad would interrogate him rigorously, so be prepared.
Charlie
Just got a call from Colby. Don’s obviously figured out what’s up, as Colby got the ‘hurt him and they won’t find a body’ talk. He doesn’t seem discouraged or scared off, so I’m happy. They got a case, and Colby’s in charge of gathering background check stuff, as he’s on desk duty for the next two weeks. That means there’s a high probability that he gets to come visit this afternoon, which I’m much looking forward to. No office hours for the next two weeks. Hmmm, this has possibilities.
Colby
It seems Charlie had the same idea, as seconds after I put the file on his ‘consult table’, he was flush up against me, leaning against the desk. I didn’t even have a chance to kick the door shut. What seemed like seconds later, we pulled away for air, panting out greetings. I feel like a high-school kid with their first SO.
Amita
That bastard! I come by to apologize, trying to get back together, and he’s already moved on. At the movie, that seemed like two friends out for fun, but now? I have half a mind to storm in there, but I’m already on Millie’s shit list. Maybe I’ll collaborate on Marshall’s next refutation, give him inside information. I can’t seem to do anything on a personal level without getting Millie’s negative attention.
To: CalSci TriSci Dept
From: Mfinch@calsci.edu
Date: 24 June 3:14.15 PM
Subject: Dr. Amita Ramanujan is leaving us.
Colleagues and buddies,
I regret to tell you that Amita is leaving us for Chennai University. She will be a lecturer with the opportunity to take a professor's chair in a few years. We will miss her, but wish her luck. The goodbye party, according to my secretary, who has commandeered the arrangements, will be next Friday at 2 PM, more details to follow.
Millie
To:CEEppes@calsci.edu
From: Mfinch@calsci.edu
Date: 24 June 3:18.00 PM
Subject: Amita, a continuation of the dept email
Charlie,
I put in a few words with a friend who's a dean at Chennai a few weeks ago, and he gave me the perfect solution. She's going far away, but its also a step up career-wise, so she can't complain. The job she was going to take at MIT awhile back has been filled, so this seemed the best path. Also, I'm aware how little you wanted Amita and Penfield within driving distance of each other.
Good luck with your hunk!
Millie