Revelations & Repercussions 5/10
Pairing(s): Don/Coop/Lia(OFC)
Rating: R more so for language
Warning(s):Slash
Author's Notes: I was teasing sororcula telling her I was gonna make the college girls her and neur0vanity but alas that did not come out of my muse. I was gonna try to make this scene a little longer just for the humor of it. Having either NV or soro ask for Billy’s number. Alas, the inspiration never came but the idea still tickles me.
The song Billy is playing is “Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room (She Wore Red Dresses)” by Dwight Yoakam and you can download the song HERE . Please comment if you are downloading. I included the song cause well I thought it would give you a better picture of that scene. It is a very sad song and I hate to say it makes me laugh. Why you ask? No, I am not sick in the head. Ok I am but the reason is Because the first time I heard it I was like “Oh how pretty. What a lovely intro.” and then I heard the words and I was like OMG. Ah poor Dwight you are such a country singer and this is how I sort of envision Coop. In chapter 7 I think I will mention Coop’s background as I see it.
Thanks again to all who read and take care.
As always thank you my beta
bubbleslayer who as always helps me with content and reigns me in when needed.
Billy held open the door for two young women who were exiting the building. He gave them one of his best smiles as he watched them check him out when they walked by. One of the girls turned her head to give Billy one last sidelong glance from top to bottom before giggling with her friend. He heard the other girl reply, "Mmmhmmm, he’s hot." Billy shook his head and thought “college girls.” He walked down the hallway with purpose, examining students as they rushed or strolled by him. He reached Charlie’s office and waited by the door while Charlie talked to a couple of students. Coop watched Charlie finish speaking to his students before turning back to one of his blackboards. He stepped aside to allow the students to leave the room before he lightly knocked on the doorframe and stepped inside.
Charlie said, with his back still to Coop, “I’ll be with you in a sec.” He then wrote a symbol and a few numbers on the board before turning around. He gave Billy a puzzled looked. “Agent Cooper, can I help you with something?”
Slightly amused by Charlie being so formal with him, Coop nodded. “I was hoping I could have a moment of your time, Professor Eppes.”
“Uh,” Charlie looked at his watch. “I have a class in about thirty minutes or so but, uh yeah, sure.”
Coop closed the door behind him as he stepped further into the office. He looked around Charlie’s office, at all the items that were on his desk and table. He stopped at the bowl of gumballs and peered into it.
“Please.” Charlie gestured. “Just let me know what color you chose.”
“Uh, okay.” Coop leaned forward and pulled out a pink gumball, held it for Charlie to see, and then popped it into his mouth.
“Interesting,” Charlie muttered as he wrote in a small notebook. “Don always picks that color too.”
Coop chuckled. “Hmm, I think it reminds him of ball playing. He always bought pink Big League Chew when were out on the road.” He snorted, “Now he buy sugarless Extra.”
“Oh.” They lapsed into silence for a few minutes. Charlie looked uncomfortable. “So uh, how is my brother? I haven’t, um, talked to him since, well uh, for a couple of days.”
“He’s okay.” Coop chewed on the gum as he thought, I guess, since he really hasn’t talked that much to Lia, or me either. “Umm, that’s why I’m here, to talk to you about your brother.”
“Yeah?” Charlie furrowed his brow. “About what?”
Coop studied Charlie for a moment before replying. “I was hoping to help patch things up between you and him. You know, help you understand and be okay with what he told you.”
“Oh.” Charlie tapped the pen in his hand on the edge of the desk. “Don was pretty upset when he left the house. Uh, he thinks that we wouldn’t be okay with it, but we are, I mean, I am.”
“Well, I don't think he knows that. Maybe you should tell him that.”
”Yeah, maybe.” Coop watched Charlie scratched the side of his head as if he was deciding on what to say. “See, the things is, I don’t care if about his um, preference. I just wish he’d thought that he could’ve told me. That he could’ve trusted me enough to talk to me more. He makes it real hard to get to know him.”
“Ah, well, that’s how Don is. It’s not you. It’s pretty much all him.”
Charlie snorted.
“If it makes you feel any better, we didn’t tell anyone. I do know that Don wanted to tell you and your dad at some point, but, you know, it’s was pretty rocky for a while. So we thought it would be sort of premature to tell people even the people we are close with.” Coop offered. “It hasn’t been easy for us.”
“I couldn’t even imagine,” Charlie mused, almost to himself. “So, Don’s upset?”
“Yeah. He is.”
“I didn’t mean to upset him. I mean, I knew he might get upset when I told him I had seen you and Lia out that night. I thought I was protecting him, like he always does with me.”
Coop sighed, “Charlie, you did what any brother would do. So don’t feel bad about that. You did what was best for Don. If I had a brother I would have done the same thing.” He scratched his head. “I don’t want you thinking this is your fault. If it’s anyone’s, it’s Lia’s and mine for not being careful and bringing this into the open before Don was ready. I guess before any of us were ready.”
“Do you think I should go and talk to him,” Charlie asked tentatively. “The way he left, I’m sure talking to me is the last thing he wants.”
“Nah Charlie. You know how your brother is. He’s not mad at you. I think he’s more mad at himself, but maybe it would help him to know you’re okay with it.” Coop shrugged, “Tell him the reason why you said what you said to him, what you told me. I think it would mean a lot to him to have your support.”
Charlie looked down at the floor before looking Coop in the eye. The two men stared at each other for a moment. “Well Charlie, that was all I really wanted to say.”
“Okay, well, I guess thanks.”
“Think on what I said,” Coop asked. “’Cause your brother, he means a lot to me, and to Lia.”
“I can do that.” Charlie nodded his head. “And it’s good to know that, to know that he’s with people that do care about him. You know, when he lets them.”
Coop smirked. “Ah, see, you know you brother better than you think.”
Charlie let out a small laugh. “I guess, maybe I do.”
“I guess I should let you get to class.” Coop looked at his watch. “I told Lia I’d be home for dinner.” He shook his head in mild amusement. “She gets really pissed when Don and I are late.”
Charlie raised his eyebrows. “Lia has a temper?”
Coop barked out a laugh. ”You have no idea. So, we good?”
“Yeah, we’re good.” Charlie started to gather his things for class. “Thanks for stopping by, Billy.”
“Yeah sure, and you can call me Coop. Only Lia calls me Billy, or Bill.”
“Yeah?”
“Yup.” Coop started to walk towards the door. “So, does this mean I can call you Chuck?”
Charlie’s face darkened. “No.”
Coop chuckled, “Didn’t think so,” and sauntered out the door.
&&&&&&
Don had left work, not early, but not quite late, hoping to get home so he could talk to Coop and Lia. He felt bad for the way things had gone down a couple of days ago and he knew he needed to do some apologizing. He had wanted to do it before now, but he hadn’t had the chance, since in the morning the DA’s office had called telling him he would have to testify, coupled with the fact that the last two days he’d come home well after both Lia and Coop had gone to bed. When he walked into the apartment he heard soft music playing and smelled the distinct aroma of garlic. He took off his sports jacket and sunglasses and headed in the direction of the kitchen. Coop was chopping something on the counter in the kitchen and Lia was pulling something out of the fridge. She’d been talking to Coop but had stopped mid sentence when she saw Don in the entranceway. Her eyes tightened slightly as she said, “Hi.” She cleared her throat as she cast a glance at Coop. “I didn’t think you would be joining us.”
Don grinned, tying to put her at ease. “It’s Thursday. You know I hate missing pasta night.” He turned to Coop. “Hey.”
Coop nodded back at him. "Hey."
He watched them for a moment. “Uh, do you need any help?”
“No. We’ve got it covered,” She answered with a slight edge to her voice.
Solemnly Don said, “Oh.”
He saw her face soften. “But, you can set the table, and maybe open some wine. If you want.”
“Sure, I can do that.” Don asked, "So what do you think? Red?"
Coop spoke, "Red should work. Lee?"
"Uh yeah, maybe the Shiraz would be good."
"You got it." Don went to wash his hands before grabbing a bottle of wine from the rack and popping the cork. He placed the bottle on the counter to let it breath while he went to grab the plates and silverware. Don carried them to the table and began to put them out. He heard the doorbell ring and Lia say, “I wonder who that is,” before she went to answer it.
He stepped back in the kitchen and looked over at Coop. He met his former partner’s blue eyes, trying to read what was in them. They still held none of the normal mischievous twinkle in them and were lined in pain. The both of them looked over as Lia walked back into the room saying, “No worries Charlie. He’s in the kitchen.”
Don, mildly surprised, looked at his brother. “Charlie?”
Charlie looked nervously around. “Hey Don. Sorry, did I come at a bad time?”
‘Um, no, it’s fine, bro.”
"Okay, um, hey Billy." Charlie sniffed the air. "Whatever you’re cooking smells good."
"Thanks." Lia replied. "It's pasta night. Would you like to join us?"
Coop agreed. "You should. We made plenty."
"Yeah, umm, if it's alright. I'd like that."
Don said. “Sure, you're always welcome here.” Don noticed a small look between his brother and Coop. “Let me set out a plate for you.”
Charlie followed him to the table. Don paused and saw his brother studying him. “Charlie?”
Charlie looked back into the kitchen. “Yeah? Oh um, listen. Can we talk or something?”
Don raised an eyebrow. “Sure. Let’s go talk in the other room.” He motioned for Charlie to follow him down the hallway to the bedroom. Once there he closed the door behind them.
Charlie looked around the bedroom before perching on the foot of the bed.
Don leaned against the bureau. “You wanted to talk about something?”
Charlie still was looking around the room but turned his eyes back to Don. “Huh? Oh um, well, I just wanted to tell you that I’m okay with what you told, erm, me and dad the other night.” He cleared his throat, “I just thought you should know that.”
“Oh, all right Buddy. Thanks”
He took a deep breath and rapidly spoke the next words. “Listen Don, I guess I can understand why you didn’t tell me, but I want you to know that you can trust me. Trust me with whatever, and I guess that’s why I was a bit upset and all. But, seriously, as long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. So that’s pretty much it.”
Don rubbed his forehead. “I do trust you Buddy, more then you know, and you’re right, I know I can tell you anything. It was just something I hadn’t shared with anyone. But you’re right, I should have known I could tell you.”
Charlie gave Don a small grin. “It’s fine. I mean, it will be. Coop said that you’d wanted to tell us for a while.”
Don’s eyebrow shot up. “Coop?”
“Er, well, he came to talk to me today.”
“He did, did he?” Don shook his head and smiled to himself.
“He did. He was only trying to help,” Charlie added.
“It’s fine Charlie.”
Charlie asked, “You’re happy right?”
“Yeah Charlie. I’m happy.”
“Good. Then that’s all that matters.”
“Thanks. That means a lot to me.” Don looked at his watch. “Come on, we’d better go eat, I’m sure dinner is ready.”
Charlie stood up and followed Don to the door. He looked back at the bed for a second, looking like he might ask something, but seemed to change his mind based on the look that Don gave him. Don was relieved. He was still getting use to this openness thing, but Charlie asking questions about his actual sex life might be too much for even the seasoned agent.
&&&&&
"Thanks for inviting me to dinner. It was really good," Charlie said.
"You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Maybe next time you can try something with tofu."
Charlie shot Don a look before he quickly answered. "Um, yeah, maybe."
Before Lia could ask about Charlie's reply Don spoke, "Come on Chuck, I'll walk you to the door." At the door Don squeezed Charlie's shoulder. “Listen, I really appreciate you coming over. It means a lot to me."
"Me too Don." He scratched his head. "So what about Dad?"
"I don't know Charlie."
"You want me to talk to him," Charlie asked.
"Nah, don't worry about it. I’m sure Dad and I will work it out, okay?"
"Oh, all right then. Well, I’ll talk to you later."
“All right, night then." Don watched his brother give him a tentative smile before he waved good-bye.
Don took a deep breath and headed back into the living room. Coop was sitting on the easy chair plucking absentmindedly at random chords while Lia sat on the couch, legs stretched out, a paperback in her hand. They both looked up at him when he came in, watching him with some intensity.
Don ran hand through his hair and then sat on the other end of the couch. "Mind if I put the TV on?"
Lia shook her head in answer.
Coop replied, "Naw man, go ahead."
Don nodded and grabbed the remote, flipping till he found something to watch. He settled back to watch the TV, but was actually watching Lia and Coop out of the corner of his eye.
After a few minutes Lia spoke. "So, you and Charlie work things out?"
"Yeah, we did," Don answered. He watched Lia look at Coop before responding.
"Good, I'm glad to hear that."
Don gave her a small smile. "Me too." Don looked over at Billy. “So, what is that you're playing?"
"Nothing much. Just playing with a few chords."
“Probably something depressing and tragic, you know some Dwight Yoakam song.”
Coop let out a little laugh. “Maybe.” He strummed a few notes of a familiar song making Lia roll her eyes. “Like I said, depressing, tragic and now add on gruesome.”
"Ah. Well it sounds good."
"Thanks," Coop said before looking down at the guitar again.
Don suppressed a sigh before settling into the couch. As he watched the program that was on he laid his hand on Lia's ankle, rubbing the flesh with his thumb in a circular motion. Don wished that Lia would move and sit closer to him as she read her book, maybe lean up against him so he could touch her hair. He heard her yawn.
"Yikes," she said after she yawned again. "I’m gonna head off to bed. I'm starting to fade." She stood up. “Will you two be coming soon?”
“Yeah, I’m beat too.” Coop gave her a weary smile.
She looked at Don. “Don?”
“I’ll be in soon,” he replied.
She nodded. “Okay.” Don noticed her hesitate for a split second before leaning over to brush her lips on his cheek. “Well, night then,” she said, doing the same to Coop’s cheek and then headed towards the bedroom.
Coop stood up and placed his guitar in its stand.
“Coop?”
He turned around. “Hmm?”
Don sat forward on the couch. “I was hoping I could talk to you alone for a minute.”
“Okay.” Coop crossed his arms in front of his chest.
Don cursed to himself that he’d gotten himself into this mess. “Listen, I want to thank you for talking to Charlie for me. You didn’t have to do that.”
Coop shrugged. “I know.”
“Well, thanks all the same.” Both of them lapsed into silence.
“Is that all,” Coop warily asked.
“No.” Don cleared his throat. “I want you to know that no matter what anyone else thinks or does, I don’t want you to go anywhere.” He ran his hands throw his hair. “You mean a great deal to me and it would hurt bad if you weren’t there.”
Coop looked away for a second. He said quietly, “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good.” Don smirked. “Also, I wanted to say that I’m sorry I was such a prick. You and Lia didn’t deserve me acting like that, this has been just as hard on the both of you as me. I guess it was selfish, and for that I’m sorry.”
“Yeah you were a prick,” Coop said, a ghost of one his usual smiles on his lips. “But I guess that’s part of your charm.”
Don snorted. “So, we’re okay now?”
Coop bobbed his head. “We are.” His face relaxed a bit and he no longer looked sad.
“All right.” Don stood up. “I guess we should head to bed. It’s been a long day.”
“Sure has.”
“Hey Billy,” Don said as he reached out to touch the other man’s shoulder. “Please don’t doubt how I feel about you. You know right? You know how I feel?”
“Uh huh. I know man.”
The two of them stood in silence with Don’s hand on Coop’s shoulder. Don noticed the twinkle that had been gone from Billy crystal blue eyes were returning.
From the hallway they heard a snort of disgust and Lia mutter, “For God’s sake, will you two stop being all manly and say I love you?”
Coop grinned at Don as he gave him a slow wink. “Sorry Lee. We’re men, not chicks.”
Don started to laugh cause he knew exactly what consequence would present himself with Coop teasing Lia. She swiftly came up behind Coop and thwacked him on the back on the head with a couch pillow.
“Ow!” He yelled.
“I thought you were manly. You gonna cry now,” she replied mockingly.
Coop tossed a grin at Don before giving Lia his best leer and grabbing her. He hoisted her over his shoulder, fireman style, and gave her a slap on her ass when she started to struggle.
Lia cursed, “Put me down now Billy Cooper or so help me god.”
“Or what? I believe I have you at the disadvantage.” He patted her on the ass again before turning to Don and saying, “Come on, you have a lot of begging to do to get back into our good graces. And the dues are heavy duty makeup sex.”
Lia giggled, “Ohh, yes, indeed he does lots of begging.”
“I’m coming.” Don smiled, feeling relieved that he’d been able to work things out.
“Don’t you mean I’ll be making you come,” Coop quipped back as he strolled to the bedroom.
Don laughed and quickly followed behind them.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Hours later, Don laid in between Coop and Lia with an arm around each of them. The moonlight streamed in through his bedroom windows illuminating everything with a pale glow. He kissed Lia on the side of her head making her unconsciously snuggle closer to him. He listened to her steady breathing and wondered to himself why it had taken him so long to find her. He turned his head gently to gaze at Coop, whose eyes were closed as he slept peacefully. The lines of pain and sorrow had long been erased from his face and Don knew that he would have to be more careful not to put them there again by taking thing for granted. He leaned over and kissed Coop’s brow and whispered, “I love you.”
Don started to close his eyes to sleep but flicked them back open when he heard Coop say, “You’re such a chick, and I love you too.”
Rating: R more so for language
Warning(s):Slash
Author's Notes: I was teasing sororcula telling her I was gonna make the college girls her and neur0vanity but alas that did not come out of my muse. I was gonna try to make this scene a little longer just for the humor of it. Having either NV or soro ask for Billy’s number. Alas, the inspiration never came but the idea still tickles me.
The song Billy is playing is “Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room (She Wore Red Dresses)” by Dwight Yoakam and you can download the song HERE . Please comment if you are downloading. I included the song cause well I thought it would give you a better picture of that scene. It is a very sad song and I hate to say it makes me laugh. Why you ask? No, I am not sick in the head. Ok I am but the reason is Because the first time I heard it I was like “Oh how pretty. What a lovely intro.” and then I heard the words and I was like OMG. Ah poor Dwight you are such a country singer and this is how I sort of envision Coop. In chapter 7 I think I will mention Coop’s background as I see it.
Thanks again to all who read and take care.
As always thank you my beta
bubbleslayer who as always helps me with content and reigns me in when needed.
Billy held open the door for two young women who were exiting the building. He gave them one of his best smiles as he watched them check him out when they walked by. One of the girls turned her head to give Billy one last sidelong glance from top to bottom before giggling with her friend. He heard the other girl reply, "Mmmhmmm, he’s hot." Billy shook his head and thought “college girls.” He walked down the hallway with purpose, examining students as they rushed or strolled by him. He reached Charlie’s office and waited by the door while Charlie talked to a couple of students. Coop watched Charlie finish speaking to his students before turning back to one of his blackboards. He stepped aside to allow the students to leave the room before he lightly knocked on the doorframe and stepped inside.
Charlie said, with his back still to Coop, “I’ll be with you in a sec.” He then wrote a symbol and a few numbers on the board before turning around. He gave Billy a puzzled looked. “Agent Cooper, can I help you with something?”
Slightly amused by Charlie being so formal with him, Coop nodded. “I was hoping I could have a moment of your time, Professor Eppes.”
“Uh,” Charlie looked at his watch. “I have a class in about thirty minutes or so but, uh yeah, sure.”
Coop closed the door behind him as he stepped further into the office. He looked around Charlie’s office, at all the items that were on his desk and table. He stopped at the bowl of gumballs and peered into it.
“Please.” Charlie gestured. “Just let me know what color you chose.”
“Uh, okay.” Coop leaned forward and pulled out a pink gumball, held it for Charlie to see, and then popped it into his mouth.
“Interesting,” Charlie muttered as he wrote in a small notebook. “Don always picks that color too.”
Coop chuckled. “Hmm, I think it reminds him of ball playing. He always bought pink Big League Chew when were out on the road.” He snorted, “Now he buy sugarless Extra.”
“Oh.” They lapsed into silence for a few minutes. Charlie looked uncomfortable. “So uh, how is my brother? I haven’t, um, talked to him since, well uh, for a couple of days.”
“He’s okay.” Coop chewed on the gum as he thought, I guess, since he really hasn’t talked that much to Lia, or me either. “Umm, that’s why I’m here, to talk to you about your brother.”
“Yeah?” Charlie furrowed his brow. “About what?”
Coop studied Charlie for a moment before replying. “I was hoping to help patch things up between you and him. You know, help you understand and be okay with what he told you.”
“Oh.” Charlie tapped the pen in his hand on the edge of the desk. “Don was pretty upset when he left the house. Uh, he thinks that we wouldn’t be okay with it, but we are, I mean, I am.”
“Well, I don't think he knows that. Maybe you should tell him that.”
”Yeah, maybe.” Coop watched Charlie scratched the side of his head as if he was deciding on what to say. “See, the things is, I don’t care if about his um, preference. I just wish he’d thought that he could’ve told me. That he could’ve trusted me enough to talk to me more. He makes it real hard to get to know him.”
“Ah, well, that’s how Don is. It’s not you. It’s pretty much all him.”
Charlie snorted.
“If it makes you feel any better, we didn’t tell anyone. I do know that Don wanted to tell you and your dad at some point, but, you know, it’s was pretty rocky for a while. So we thought it would be sort of premature to tell people even the people we are close with.” Coop offered. “It hasn’t been easy for us.”
“I couldn’t even imagine,” Charlie mused, almost to himself. “So, Don’s upset?”
“Yeah. He is.”
“I didn’t mean to upset him. I mean, I knew he might get upset when I told him I had seen you and Lia out that night. I thought I was protecting him, like he always does with me.”
Coop sighed, “Charlie, you did what any brother would do. So don’t feel bad about that. You did what was best for Don. If I had a brother I would have done the same thing.” He scratched his head. “I don’t want you thinking this is your fault. If it’s anyone’s, it’s Lia’s and mine for not being careful and bringing this into the open before Don was ready. I guess before any of us were ready.”
“Do you think I should go and talk to him,” Charlie asked tentatively. “The way he left, I’m sure talking to me is the last thing he wants.”
“Nah Charlie. You know how your brother is. He’s not mad at you. I think he’s more mad at himself, but maybe it would help him to know you’re okay with it.” Coop shrugged, “Tell him the reason why you said what you said to him, what you told me. I think it would mean a lot to him to have your support.”
Charlie looked down at the floor before looking Coop in the eye. The two men stared at each other for a moment. “Well Charlie, that was all I really wanted to say.”
“Okay, well, I guess thanks.”
“Think on what I said,” Coop asked. “’Cause your brother, he means a lot to me, and to Lia.”
“I can do that.” Charlie nodded his head. “And it’s good to know that, to know that he’s with people that do care about him. You know, when he lets them.”
Coop smirked. “Ah, see, you know you brother better than you think.”
Charlie let out a small laugh. “I guess, maybe I do.”
“I guess I should let you get to class.” Coop looked at his watch. “I told Lia I’d be home for dinner.” He shook his head in mild amusement. “She gets really pissed when Don and I are late.”
Charlie raised his eyebrows. “Lia has a temper?”
Coop barked out a laugh. ”You have no idea. So, we good?”
“Yeah, we’re good.” Charlie started to gather his things for class. “Thanks for stopping by, Billy.”
“Yeah sure, and you can call me Coop. Only Lia calls me Billy, or Bill.”
“Yeah?”
“Yup.” Coop started to walk towards the door. “So, does this mean I can call you Chuck?”
Charlie’s face darkened. “No.”
Coop chuckled, “Didn’t think so,” and sauntered out the door.
&&&&&&
Don had left work, not early, but not quite late, hoping to get home so he could talk to Coop and Lia. He felt bad for the way things had gone down a couple of days ago and he knew he needed to do some apologizing. He had wanted to do it before now, but he hadn’t had the chance, since in the morning the DA’s office had called telling him he would have to testify, coupled with the fact that the last two days he’d come home well after both Lia and Coop had gone to bed. When he walked into the apartment he heard soft music playing and smelled the distinct aroma of garlic. He took off his sports jacket and sunglasses and headed in the direction of the kitchen. Coop was chopping something on the counter in the kitchen and Lia was pulling something out of the fridge. She’d been talking to Coop but had stopped mid sentence when she saw Don in the entranceway. Her eyes tightened slightly as she said, “Hi.” She cleared her throat as she cast a glance at Coop. “I didn’t think you would be joining us.”
Don grinned, tying to put her at ease. “It’s Thursday. You know I hate missing pasta night.” He turned to Coop. “Hey.”
Coop nodded back at him. "Hey."
He watched them for a moment. “Uh, do you need any help?”
“No. We’ve got it covered,” She answered with a slight edge to her voice.
Solemnly Don said, “Oh.”
He saw her face soften. “But, you can set the table, and maybe open some wine. If you want.”
“Sure, I can do that.” Don asked, "So what do you think? Red?"
Coop spoke, "Red should work. Lee?"
"Uh yeah, maybe the Shiraz would be good."
"You got it." Don went to wash his hands before grabbing a bottle of wine from the rack and popping the cork. He placed the bottle on the counter to let it breath while he went to grab the plates and silverware. Don carried them to the table and began to put them out. He heard the doorbell ring and Lia say, “I wonder who that is,” before she went to answer it.
He stepped back in the kitchen and looked over at Coop. He met his former partner’s blue eyes, trying to read what was in them. They still held none of the normal mischievous twinkle in them and were lined in pain. The both of them looked over as Lia walked back into the room saying, “No worries Charlie. He’s in the kitchen.”
Don, mildly surprised, looked at his brother. “Charlie?”
Charlie looked nervously around. “Hey Don. Sorry, did I come at a bad time?”
‘Um, no, it’s fine, bro.”
"Okay, um, hey Billy." Charlie sniffed the air. "Whatever you’re cooking smells good."
"Thanks." Lia replied. "It's pasta night. Would you like to join us?"
Coop agreed. "You should. We made plenty."
"Yeah, umm, if it's alright. I'd like that."
Don said. “Sure, you're always welcome here.” Don noticed a small look between his brother and Coop. “Let me set out a plate for you.”
Charlie followed him to the table. Don paused and saw his brother studying him. “Charlie?”
Charlie looked back into the kitchen. “Yeah? Oh um, listen. Can we talk or something?”
Don raised an eyebrow. “Sure. Let’s go talk in the other room.” He motioned for Charlie to follow him down the hallway to the bedroom. Once there he closed the door behind them.
Charlie looked around the bedroom before perching on the foot of the bed.
Don leaned against the bureau. “You wanted to talk about something?”
Charlie still was looking around the room but turned his eyes back to Don. “Huh? Oh um, well, I just wanted to tell you that I’m okay with what you told, erm, me and dad the other night.” He cleared his throat, “I just thought you should know that.”
“Oh, all right Buddy. Thanks”
He took a deep breath and rapidly spoke the next words. “Listen Don, I guess I can understand why you didn’t tell me, but I want you to know that you can trust me. Trust me with whatever, and I guess that’s why I was a bit upset and all. But, seriously, as long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. So that’s pretty much it.”
Don rubbed his forehead. “I do trust you Buddy, more then you know, and you’re right, I know I can tell you anything. It was just something I hadn’t shared with anyone. But you’re right, I should have known I could tell you.”
Charlie gave Don a small grin. “It’s fine. I mean, it will be. Coop said that you’d wanted to tell us for a while.”
Don’s eyebrow shot up. “Coop?”
“Er, well, he came to talk to me today.”
“He did, did he?” Don shook his head and smiled to himself.
“He did. He was only trying to help,” Charlie added.
“It’s fine Charlie.”
Charlie asked, “You’re happy right?”
“Yeah Charlie. I’m happy.”
“Good. Then that’s all that matters.”
“Thanks. That means a lot to me.” Don looked at his watch. “Come on, we’d better go eat, I’m sure dinner is ready.”
Charlie stood up and followed Don to the door. He looked back at the bed for a second, looking like he might ask something, but seemed to change his mind based on the look that Don gave him. Don was relieved. He was still getting use to this openness thing, but Charlie asking questions about his actual sex life might be too much for even the seasoned agent.
&&&&&
"Thanks for inviting me to dinner. It was really good," Charlie said.
"You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Maybe next time you can try something with tofu."
Charlie shot Don a look before he quickly answered. "Um, yeah, maybe."
Before Lia could ask about Charlie's reply Don spoke, "Come on Chuck, I'll walk you to the door." At the door Don squeezed Charlie's shoulder. “Listen, I really appreciate you coming over. It means a lot to me."
"Me too Don." He scratched his head. "So what about Dad?"
"I don't know Charlie."
"You want me to talk to him," Charlie asked.
"Nah, don't worry about it. I’m sure Dad and I will work it out, okay?"
"Oh, all right then. Well, I’ll talk to you later."
“All right, night then." Don watched his brother give him a tentative smile before he waved good-bye.
Don took a deep breath and headed back into the living room. Coop was sitting on the easy chair plucking absentmindedly at random chords while Lia sat on the couch, legs stretched out, a paperback in her hand. They both looked up at him when he came in, watching him with some intensity.
Don ran hand through his hair and then sat on the other end of the couch. "Mind if I put the TV on?"
Lia shook her head in answer.
Coop replied, "Naw man, go ahead."
Don nodded and grabbed the remote, flipping till he found something to watch. He settled back to watch the TV, but was actually watching Lia and Coop out of the corner of his eye.
After a few minutes Lia spoke. "So, you and Charlie work things out?"
"Yeah, we did," Don answered. He watched Lia look at Coop before responding.
"Good, I'm glad to hear that."
Don gave her a small smile. "Me too." Don looked over at Billy. “So, what is that you're playing?"
"Nothing much. Just playing with a few chords."
“Probably something depressing and tragic, you know some Dwight Yoakam song.”
Coop let out a little laugh. “Maybe.” He strummed a few notes of a familiar song making Lia roll her eyes. “Like I said, depressing, tragic and now add on gruesome.”
"Ah. Well it sounds good."
"Thanks," Coop said before looking down at the guitar again.
Don suppressed a sigh before settling into the couch. As he watched the program that was on he laid his hand on Lia's ankle, rubbing the flesh with his thumb in a circular motion. Don wished that Lia would move and sit closer to him as she read her book, maybe lean up against him so he could touch her hair. He heard her yawn.
"Yikes," she said after she yawned again. "I’m gonna head off to bed. I'm starting to fade." She stood up. “Will you two be coming soon?”
“Yeah, I’m beat too.” Coop gave her a weary smile.
She looked at Don. “Don?”
“I’ll be in soon,” he replied.
She nodded. “Okay.” Don noticed her hesitate for a split second before leaning over to brush her lips on his cheek. “Well, night then,” she said, doing the same to Coop’s cheek and then headed towards the bedroom.
Coop stood up and placed his guitar in its stand.
“Coop?”
He turned around. “Hmm?”
Don sat forward on the couch. “I was hoping I could talk to you alone for a minute.”
“Okay.” Coop crossed his arms in front of his chest.
Don cursed to himself that he’d gotten himself into this mess. “Listen, I want to thank you for talking to Charlie for me. You didn’t have to do that.”
Coop shrugged. “I know.”
“Well, thanks all the same.” Both of them lapsed into silence.
“Is that all,” Coop warily asked.
“No.” Don cleared his throat. “I want you to know that no matter what anyone else thinks or does, I don’t want you to go anywhere.” He ran his hands throw his hair. “You mean a great deal to me and it would hurt bad if you weren’t there.”
Coop looked away for a second. He said quietly, “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good.” Don smirked. “Also, I wanted to say that I’m sorry I was such a prick. You and Lia didn’t deserve me acting like that, this has been just as hard on the both of you as me. I guess it was selfish, and for that I’m sorry.”
“Yeah you were a prick,” Coop said, a ghost of one his usual smiles on his lips. “But I guess that’s part of your charm.”
Don snorted. “So, we’re okay now?”
Coop bobbed his head. “We are.” His face relaxed a bit and he no longer looked sad.
“All right.” Don stood up. “I guess we should head to bed. It’s been a long day.”
“Sure has.”
“Hey Billy,” Don said as he reached out to touch the other man’s shoulder. “Please don’t doubt how I feel about you. You know right? You know how I feel?”
“Uh huh. I know man.”
The two of them stood in silence with Don’s hand on Coop’s shoulder. Don noticed the twinkle that had been gone from Billy crystal blue eyes were returning.
From the hallway they heard a snort of disgust and Lia mutter, “For God’s sake, will you two stop being all manly and say I love you?”
Coop grinned at Don as he gave him a slow wink. “Sorry Lee. We’re men, not chicks.”
Don started to laugh cause he knew exactly what consequence would present himself with Coop teasing Lia. She swiftly came up behind Coop and thwacked him on the back on the head with a couch pillow.
“Ow!” He yelled.
“I thought you were manly. You gonna cry now,” she replied mockingly.
Coop tossed a grin at Don before giving Lia his best leer and grabbing her. He hoisted her over his shoulder, fireman style, and gave her a slap on her ass when she started to struggle.
Lia cursed, “Put me down now Billy Cooper or so help me god.”
“Or what? I believe I have you at the disadvantage.” He patted her on the ass again before turning to Don and saying, “Come on, you have a lot of begging to do to get back into our good graces. And the dues are heavy duty makeup sex.”
Lia giggled, “Ohh, yes, indeed he does lots of begging.”
“I’m coming.” Don smiled, feeling relieved that he’d been able to work things out.
“Don’t you mean I’ll be making you come,” Coop quipped back as he strolled to the bedroom.
Don laughed and quickly followed behind them.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Hours later, Don laid in between Coop and Lia with an arm around each of them. The moonlight streamed in through his bedroom windows illuminating everything with a pale glow. He kissed Lia on the side of her head making her unconsciously snuggle closer to him. He listened to her steady breathing and wondered to himself why it had taken him so long to find her. He turned his head gently to gaze at Coop, whose eyes were closed as he slept peacefully. The lines of pain and sorrow had long been erased from his face and Don knew that he would have to be more careful not to put them there again by taking thing for granted. He leaned over and kissed Coop’s brow and whispered, “I love you.”
Don started to close his eyes to sleep but flicked them back open when he heard Coop say, “You’re such a chick, and I love you too.”