Just Another Day
Originally submitted for the Birthday challenge at savecolby
Title: Just Another Day
Character(s)/Pairings: Colby/OFC-Callie
Rating: PG-13
Summary: His birthday was just another day...
Author’s Notes: This is pre-series and was written for the birthday challenge. Please note that Callie Walker is mustangcandi's OFC and both women were kind enough to let Callie make a guest appearance in my fic. Thanks ladies. : ) I've written a piece that would take place some years earlier. You can read it here: Winter Carnival.
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer:I don't own anything affiliated with Numb3rs...sad.
Today was just like any other day, Colby told himself as he trudged through the sand. He stopped for a moment and took a look around. There was nothing but desert for as far as the eye could see and as he took a long drink from his canteen, he mused that he’d almost forgotten what trees looked like and what grass felt like beneath his bare feet.
He wiped the sweat from his brow and adjusted his hat as his hand once again went to his weapon before he continued on towards camp. It had been a long day and as was the norm lately, it had been one full of fighting. These bastards were persistent, he’d give them that. He was tired, sweaty, bloody, and all he could think about was a shower and his bunk.
His men were all quiet, probably all contemplating the same things as they kept an ever watchful eye, knowing that there was never really a safe time to take one’s guard down - not here. Afghanistan was a dangerous place no matter who you were, but especially for the American soldiers that had been posted there.
He was sure they all breathed a sigh of relief when finally they entered the perimeter and knew that they would have others to help watch their back now and they could relax at least a little. Colby headed straight for his tent and took off all of his gear before heading to the shower area. Even though he knew that he would only be covered in sand a few moments afterwards, it always felt good to get the layers off at least for a little while.
When he was finished, he opted to ignore protocol and left the area only half dressed. His boots were unlaced and he carried his shirt and jacket in his hands and enjoyed the way the breeze washed over his wet skin and his dog tags felt cool against his chest. He had nearly made it to his tent when he was stopped, “Granger!”
He closed his eyes and muttered an expletive under his breath before slowly turning around, fully expecting a reprimand. Instead, he found his second in command, Hunter, grinning at him. “Dude, you got a shitload of mail waiting for you here. Why the hell didn’t you tell us it was your birthday? We would have let you kill more of those bastards out there yourself today.”
Colby shook his head, “Seriously, it’s no big deal. It’s just another day.”
Hunter handed him the mail and then sighed, “There was also a package that came for you today, but we thought it would be safer to just go ahead and put it in your tent instead of risking someone around here opening it. You know how these guys get.”
Colby smiled, “Thanks, man.”
Hunter pat him on the back and sighed, “Anytime, Granger. Listen…maybe it won’t be tonight, but we’re going to find some way to celebrate. I am sure some of the guys know where we can get good alcohol around here.”
Colby chuckled, “Unfortunately I know you well enough that you’re not going to let this go. I’ll gladly take you up on that offer, but for tonight I just want to collapse into my bunk and get some much needed rest.”
Hunter nodded, “You got it. I’ll personally make sure that no one bothers you for the rest of the night. Get some rest.”
Colby nodded and as he walked back to his tent, he looked down at all of the mail in his hands. Of course all of it was from friends and loved ones, but there was something in particular that he was looking for…the only thing that he really wanted today. His heart skipped when he saw the familiar flow of handwriting - the handwriting of his Callie. He loved her more than he could ever express and hearing from her was the one thing that really kept him going over here. When his nights were lonely and cold or when he tried to sleep, but only saw the faces of the men he’d killed…he would open her letters that always carried the subtle smell of her perfume, even over all these miles, and her words would calm and soothe him and make him think of better times and to know that everything that he was doing here…everything that he was fighting for was worth it.
He slipped into his tent and immediately turned to fasten the flap closed when he suddenly stood nearly at attention, not daring to move or even breathe. He closed his eyes and swallowed hard, knowing that he wasn’t alone. He’d let his guard down and now as his heart began to pound and adrenaline rushed through his system he knew that his men had been in on this and now he realized that it had been all too easy to convince them to leave him alone for the night.
Finally, he decided that there was only one thing that he could do now. He tossed his shirt and jacket aside and gently placed the mail on the makeshift table he kept by the entrance. Then, with a deep breath, he kept his movements slow as he turned to face the intruder.
“You knew I was here. Did you see me?”
Colby shook his head and quietly answered, “I could smell your hair…”
He stood perfectly still, her voice sending familiar tingles rushing through his entire body. He watched as she stepped out of the shadows and walked towards him and he knew that nothing in the world could have prepared him for this moment. Callie Walker, his high school sweetheart and the only girl he’d ever loved had been his bright spot during this dark time in his life and just when he needed her the most, somehow, she was here.
She was standing only inches from him now, looking up into his eyes and he was terrified - terrified that if he moved to touch her, or if he blinked, then she would be gone and he’d find that exhaustion had taken over him and none of this was real. His breath quickened as she moistened her lips and then slowly ran her hands up over his stomach and his chest before she kissed him slowly, exploring him after their long time apart.
Colby groaned against her and instinctively pulled her closer to him. He returned her kiss and was getting lost in her when he suddenly pulled away, “No…no…Christ! Cal…this isn’t right. You shouldn’t be here…”
He was already longing for her and hating himself for putting distance between them and before she could answer him, his lips crashed over hers and he felt a jolt of excitement rush through him as his hands found her soft skin when he moved to ease her camisole up over her perfect body.
She sighed his name and this once again seemed to bring him back to reality and he pulled back from her. Breathlessly he protested, “Cal…this place…it’s too dangerous here…my god, if anything were to happen to you…”
Callie reached up and took his face into her hands as she stated, “Colby…I know the risks. I know it’s dangerous and that this might have been the craziest thing that I’ve ever done, but I had to. I had to come here and I had to see you. I…had to tell you that I love you.”
It was real. She was here…here in this awful place that he never wanted her to know. She’d come here, risking her own safety for him…to give him this, to be with him on his birthday and to tell him that she loved him.
Emotion swept over him as he looked into the most beautiful eyes that he’d ever seen, eyes that had always been able to see right into his soul. “Callie…I love you too. God, I hope you know just how much. I can’t believe you’re here…I just can’t and I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful…I just…”
Callie silenced him with a slow and seductive kiss that left them both reeling. “Colby…it’s only your birthday for a few more hours…”
Colby knew that she was right and that there would be time for talking later. He wanted to take his time with her, but desire won over and soon the two were tearing at one another’s clothing and had barely made it to the bunk before they clutched at one another in a passionate release that took them both by surprise.
Once Colby caught his breath again, he looked down at her, flushed from their encounter and knew that she was the most incredible woman that he’d ever known and that he was the luckiest man alive to have won her heart. He kissed her sweetly then, conveying to her all that he was feeling in his heart and this time they made love soft and slow for hours.
As dawn’s light began creeping in around them, the two finally lay still in one another’s arms, wrapped up tightly as if they never meant to let the other go. Colby closed his eyes and whispered, “Cal?”
Her voice was hoarse when she answered, “Yeah?”
He asked, “Would it be all right if I gave you a present since you came all this way?”
Curious now, she propped herself up and looked down at him, “A present?”
He nodded, “Yeah. I…uh…I debated about whether or not to give it to you before I came over here, but then decided to wait until I got back. But…seeing you here now…knowing that you came all this way and honestly, I don’t know how the hell you managed to pull this off, but I know it couldn’t have been easy. I just…I just realized that even though I thought I was doing the right thing before, I should have given this to you.”
She nodded, “Ok. I’m intrigued now. So yes…you can give me the present.”
He smiled softly and playfully kissed her nose before he sighed, “It’s under the bunk. Let me just grab it real quick.”
Though he was reluctant to leave her arms for only the few seconds that he knew it would take him to locate the gift, he slid off of the bunk and reached underneath. As his hand touched it, he flashed her another smile, “Ok…are you ready?”
She nodded enthusiastically and he stayed where he was, crouched down on the floor of the tent as he handed her the box and waited in anticipation as she eyed him suspiciously before opening it. Immediately when she took in the contents, she uttered a sound that he was sure he’d never heard before and she looked at him wide-eyed.
Colby breathed, “Callasandra Walker…will you marry me?”
Callie covered her mouth and tried to fight the tears that rushed to her eyes before she threw her arms around his neck and showered his face with kisses, accenting each one with an enthusiastic: YES.
Colby couldn’t contain his happiness as he let out a loud cheer and kissed her deeply before with shaking hands, he moved to carefully take the ring from the box and slip it onto her left hand.
As she looked at him again with love shining in her eyes, he knew that this was one birthday that he would never forget for as long as he lived.
Title: Just Another Day
Character(s)/Pairings: Colby/OFC-Callie
Rating: PG-13
Summary: His birthday was just another day...
Author’s Notes: This is pre-series and was written for the birthday challenge. Please note that Callie Walker is mustangcandi's OFC and both women were kind enough to let Callie make a guest appearance in my fic. Thanks ladies. : ) I've written a piece that would take place some years earlier. You can read it here: Winter Carnival.
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer:I don't own anything affiliated with Numb3rs...sad.
Today was just like any other day, Colby told himself as he trudged through the sand. He stopped for a moment and took a look around. There was nothing but desert for as far as the eye could see and as he took a long drink from his canteen, he mused that he’d almost forgotten what trees looked like and what grass felt like beneath his bare feet.
He wiped the sweat from his brow and adjusted his hat as his hand once again went to his weapon before he continued on towards camp. It had been a long day and as was the norm lately, it had been one full of fighting. These bastards were persistent, he’d give them that. He was tired, sweaty, bloody, and all he could think about was a shower and his bunk.
His men were all quiet, probably all contemplating the same things as they kept an ever watchful eye, knowing that there was never really a safe time to take one’s guard down - not here. Afghanistan was a dangerous place no matter who you were, but especially for the American soldiers that had been posted there.
He was sure they all breathed a sigh of relief when finally they entered the perimeter and knew that they would have others to help watch their back now and they could relax at least a little. Colby headed straight for his tent and took off all of his gear before heading to the shower area. Even though he knew that he would only be covered in sand a few moments afterwards, it always felt good to get the layers off at least for a little while.
When he was finished, he opted to ignore protocol and left the area only half dressed. His boots were unlaced and he carried his shirt and jacket in his hands and enjoyed the way the breeze washed over his wet skin and his dog tags felt cool against his chest. He had nearly made it to his tent when he was stopped, “Granger!”
He closed his eyes and muttered an expletive under his breath before slowly turning around, fully expecting a reprimand. Instead, he found his second in command, Hunter, grinning at him. “Dude, you got a shitload of mail waiting for you here. Why the hell didn’t you tell us it was your birthday? We would have let you kill more of those bastards out there yourself today.”
Colby shook his head, “Seriously, it’s no big deal. It’s just another day.”
Hunter handed him the mail and then sighed, “There was also a package that came for you today, but we thought it would be safer to just go ahead and put it in your tent instead of risking someone around here opening it. You know how these guys get.”
Colby smiled, “Thanks, man.”
Hunter pat him on the back and sighed, “Anytime, Granger. Listen…maybe it won’t be tonight, but we’re going to find some way to celebrate. I am sure some of the guys know where we can get good alcohol around here.”
Colby chuckled, “Unfortunately I know you well enough that you’re not going to let this go. I’ll gladly take you up on that offer, but for tonight I just want to collapse into my bunk and get some much needed rest.”
Hunter nodded, “You got it. I’ll personally make sure that no one bothers you for the rest of the night. Get some rest.”
Colby nodded and as he walked back to his tent, he looked down at all of the mail in his hands. Of course all of it was from friends and loved ones, but there was something in particular that he was looking for…the only thing that he really wanted today. His heart skipped when he saw the familiar flow of handwriting - the handwriting of his Callie. He loved her more than he could ever express and hearing from her was the one thing that really kept him going over here. When his nights were lonely and cold or when he tried to sleep, but only saw the faces of the men he’d killed…he would open her letters that always carried the subtle smell of her perfume, even over all these miles, and her words would calm and soothe him and make him think of better times and to know that everything that he was doing here…everything that he was fighting for was worth it.
He slipped into his tent and immediately turned to fasten the flap closed when he suddenly stood nearly at attention, not daring to move or even breathe. He closed his eyes and swallowed hard, knowing that he wasn’t alone. He’d let his guard down and now as his heart began to pound and adrenaline rushed through his system he knew that his men had been in on this and now he realized that it had been all too easy to convince them to leave him alone for the night.
Finally, he decided that there was only one thing that he could do now. He tossed his shirt and jacket aside and gently placed the mail on the makeshift table he kept by the entrance. Then, with a deep breath, he kept his movements slow as he turned to face the intruder.
“You knew I was here. Did you see me?”
Colby shook his head and quietly answered, “I could smell your hair…”
He stood perfectly still, her voice sending familiar tingles rushing through his entire body. He watched as she stepped out of the shadows and walked towards him and he knew that nothing in the world could have prepared him for this moment. Callie Walker, his high school sweetheart and the only girl he’d ever loved had been his bright spot during this dark time in his life and just when he needed her the most, somehow, she was here.
She was standing only inches from him now, looking up into his eyes and he was terrified - terrified that if he moved to touch her, or if he blinked, then she would be gone and he’d find that exhaustion had taken over him and none of this was real. His breath quickened as she moistened her lips and then slowly ran her hands up over his stomach and his chest before she kissed him slowly, exploring him after their long time apart.
Colby groaned against her and instinctively pulled her closer to him. He returned her kiss and was getting lost in her when he suddenly pulled away, “No…no…Christ! Cal…this isn’t right. You shouldn’t be here…”
He was already longing for her and hating himself for putting distance between them and before she could answer him, his lips crashed over hers and he felt a jolt of excitement rush through him as his hands found her soft skin when he moved to ease her camisole up over her perfect body.
She sighed his name and this once again seemed to bring him back to reality and he pulled back from her. Breathlessly he protested, “Cal…this place…it’s too dangerous here…my god, if anything were to happen to you…”
Callie reached up and took his face into her hands as she stated, “Colby…I know the risks. I know it’s dangerous and that this might have been the craziest thing that I’ve ever done, but I had to. I had to come here and I had to see you. I…had to tell you that I love you.”
It was real. She was here…here in this awful place that he never wanted her to know. She’d come here, risking her own safety for him…to give him this, to be with him on his birthday and to tell him that she loved him.
Emotion swept over him as he looked into the most beautiful eyes that he’d ever seen, eyes that had always been able to see right into his soul. “Callie…I love you too. God, I hope you know just how much. I can’t believe you’re here…I just can’t and I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful…I just…”
Callie silenced him with a slow and seductive kiss that left them both reeling. “Colby…it’s only your birthday for a few more hours…”
Colby knew that she was right and that there would be time for talking later. He wanted to take his time with her, but desire won over and soon the two were tearing at one another’s clothing and had barely made it to the bunk before they clutched at one another in a passionate release that took them both by surprise.
Once Colby caught his breath again, he looked down at her, flushed from their encounter and knew that she was the most incredible woman that he’d ever known and that he was the luckiest man alive to have won her heart. He kissed her sweetly then, conveying to her all that he was feeling in his heart and this time they made love soft and slow for hours.
As dawn’s light began creeping in around them, the two finally lay still in one another’s arms, wrapped up tightly as if they never meant to let the other go. Colby closed his eyes and whispered, “Cal?”
Her voice was hoarse when she answered, “Yeah?”
He asked, “Would it be all right if I gave you a present since you came all this way?”
Curious now, she propped herself up and looked down at him, “A present?”
He nodded, “Yeah. I…uh…I debated about whether or not to give it to you before I came over here, but then decided to wait until I got back. But…seeing you here now…knowing that you came all this way and honestly, I don’t know how the hell you managed to pull this off, but I know it couldn’t have been easy. I just…I just realized that even though I thought I was doing the right thing before, I should have given this to you.”
She nodded, “Ok. I’m intrigued now. So yes…you can give me the present.”
He smiled softly and playfully kissed her nose before he sighed, “It’s under the bunk. Let me just grab it real quick.”
Though he was reluctant to leave her arms for only the few seconds that he knew it would take him to locate the gift, he slid off of the bunk and reached underneath. As his hand touched it, he flashed her another smile, “Ok…are you ready?”
She nodded enthusiastically and he stayed where he was, crouched down on the floor of the tent as he handed her the box and waited in anticipation as she eyed him suspiciously before opening it. Immediately when she took in the contents, she uttered a sound that he was sure he’d never heard before and she looked at him wide-eyed.
Colby breathed, “Callasandra Walker…will you marry me?”
Callie covered her mouth and tried to fight the tears that rushed to her eyes before she threw her arms around his neck and showered his face with kisses, accenting each one with an enthusiastic: YES.
Colby couldn’t contain his happiness as he let out a loud cheer and kissed her deeply before with shaking hands, he moved to carefully take the ring from the box and slip it onto her left hand.
As she looked at him again with love shining in her eyes, he knew that this was one birthday that he would never forget for as long as he lived.