Title: Silent Understanding
Fandom: NUMB3RS
Chapter: 1 out of 2
Characters: Don Eppes ; Charlie Eppes
Type: Angst, Drama
Summary: Charlie reflects on his mother's death and visits his brother late at night.
Spoilers: none
Rating: none
Note: This was supposed to be a oneshot but when I finished writing the first part I felt like writing some more and made a second chapter, fore more closure.
Disclaimer: Don’t own the show, don’t own the boys. Song is ‘Everybody Hurts’ of REM.

It was close to eleven and as he emptied his beer bottle Agent Donald Eppes was about to call it a night and head to his bed to get the few hours of sleep he had well earned.
He was half way through when a soft thumping reached his ears. He cursed loudly to whoever was bothering him at such a late hour but his lips couldn't help but turn into a small smile when he opened the door to let in his brother.

Of course time was just another data to a mathematician and there was no big difference between an eleven or an eight. Don was about to comment on the late hour nonetheless but the words died on his lips when he noticed the pain in his brother's eyes.

"What is it?" He cautiously asked crossing his arms on his chest while his brother sat on the sofa murmuring something that sounded like 'Nothing'.

The eldest sighed and sat on the coffee table in front of the youngest. He didn't like how his brother's hands were shaking softly, nor the unusual brightness in his eyes.

"Charlie?" He call out softly "Tell me what's wrong,"

The younger bit his lip and kept his gaze firmly on the floor. 37 inches - prime number - the distance between his eyes and the floor. Twice the distance between his brother's eyes and his - not a prime. Prime numbers are good, better, he thought; keep looking down.
His wondering thoughts came to a stop when he felt a hand on his shoulder and he remembered where he was and why. He shuddered unconsciously at the thought and Don called out his name again. The voice was barely above whisper. Softer than usual, filled with worry and concern.

"What is it Charlie?" He asked again when his brother finally looked up and their eyes locked.

Charlie quickly blinked and let his eyes wonder around as he started to explain what had happened.
He'd been working hard on a new equation after the class had ended and when he'd got too tired to think straight decided to go back home. He'd passed by some kids in the parking lot, some were his students and they said hi. He was about to reply when he suddenly felt his heart constrict in his chest. His eyes grew damp and he found it was hard to breath. The music resounded in his ears as he got on his bike. He pushed hard on the pedals, put as much distance as he could between him and the song but it was never enough.
Charlie was shaking softly now, and Don felt his chest constrict. He tightened his grasp on his brother's shoulder, not knowing what else he could do to help.

"What song was it?" He asked quietly when he realised that his brother wouldn't give him more details.

"Everybody hurts," the younger quickly muttered, fighting to hold back the tears.

"Oh," was all his brother managed to say. It was their mother's song; her favourite. The one she was humming while gardening, the one she was softly singing to lull them to sleep when they were kids. The song that had been playing when the coffin was carried out of the church.

"Charlie," Don simply said. It wasn't a question, wasn't a reproach. It was so little – a simple two syllabic word – yet it held so much meaning. It was 'I'm here for you', 'I'm sorry' and 'I love you' at the same time and even more.
Charlie looked up and leant in forward, slowly reducing the distance between his brother and himself until his head rested on Don's shoulder. His arms found their way around his back and he tightly gripped his brother's shirt. Tears ran free on his cheeks and the cloth absorbed them in a silent understanding.
Don said nothing but returned the embrace, stroking his brother's back with his right hand while the other got tangled in his unruly curly hair. He felt his eyes grow damp as well but fought to keep the tears at bay. Now was not the time to cry, he had to be strong for his brother.

Charlie cried himself to sleep in his brother's arms and when his breath evened out Don gently laid him back on the sofa. He covered him with a warm blanket and brushed away the remaining offending tears with his thumb.

"Oh Charlie," He said softly, his voice cracking a little. He continued, his hand stroking curls of brown hair absently.

"I’m so sorry. I know you hurt buddy and I wish I knew what to say to make it all go away." He moved his hand down a little and stroked his brother’s shoulder and upper arm gently. Tears were harder to hold now and a few escaped his eyes, leaving wet paths on his cheeks.

"I’m here for you Charlie, always will."

"I love you," he whispered before placing a soft kiss on his brother's forehead. He stood up and with one last glance at the sleeping form, walked to his own bed. But he made sure to leave the bedroom door open, just in case.
As he laid down in the dark he hoped that nightmares would spare him tonight, but things never really go the way you want them to, do they?

"Sometimes everything is wrong. Now it's time to sing along.
When your day is night alone, if you feel like letting go,
When you think you've had too much of this life, well hang on.

"Everybody hurts. Take comfort in your friends.
Everybody hurts. Don't throw your hand. Oh, no. Don't throw your hand.
If you feel like you're alone, no, no, no, you are not alone"

TBC