Baseball Fever (86/90): Don and Charlie make careful plans
Title: Baseball Fever (86/90)
Summary of the story (only updated through chap 42)
Full Chapter List (up to date)
Fandom: NUMB3RS
Pairing/characters: Don Eppes/Charlie Eppes
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Charlie discovers some unexpected things about his sexy older brother.
Part 86: Don and Charlie make careful plans
Don and Charlie finally have some time alone.
Word Count: 2752
Notes/Warnings: (Spoilers) Sibling incest, abusive relationship, suicidal thoughts
Previously in "Baseball Fever": Still reeling from being dumped by his abusive boyfriend Colby, Don gets himself injured by a former sex partner. Charlie rescues Don and nurses him back to health. After Don is recovered, they allow their mutual attraction to flare again, an attraction that Charlie has struggled with all his life but that Don only recently discovered at a hotel getaway. They agree that there is no future in a romantic relationship between them. Charlie decides that he needs to find Don a boyfriend, and chooses a family friend, Alexei. Don and Alexei begin dating, though Don is still in the closet. They date for almost six months.
Don gets a jolt when he receives a letter from his landlord which reminds him that he used to pay for his rent with sex. Though Alexei is supportive of Don getting help, all of Don's deep hatred for himself comes roaring back and he is certain he can never have a healthy, normal relationship. He breaks up with Alexei and goes home to drown his sorrows. There he discovers that Alan has left for two weeks, and more importantly, Charlie's not been eating much since Don got together with Alexei, and also walking to excess.
Don spends the next two weeks taking care of Charlie, including taking him to work, to see the doctor, and feeding and aiding him. Charlie has hidden his deterioration from his doctor as well, and his doctor almost puts Charlie in the hospital. Don manages to convince the doctor to give him time to improve Charlie's condition. Don and Charlie both struggle with their own demons while trying to rescue Charlie's health. Don begs Charlie, 'If you try to stay with me, I will try to stay with you.'
With Don's constant attentions, slowly Charlie's mind and body begin to improve and he's able to stay out of the hospital. He insists on giving Don regular blowjobs, which Don is very conflicted about. Charlie is not able to have a erection of his own. After two weeks of healing, Charlie is finally able to have an erection, relieving them both.
Alan returns home and Don chews him out for letting Charlie get into that state. Don also has to explain to Alan why he broke up with Alexei. The three Eppes go to start clearing out Don's apartment. Charlie's sleeping difficulties begin to threaten his recovery. In an attempt to prove to Charlie that he is improving himself, Don tries out therapy - with the truth. He goes home to find Charlie has made all the wrong assumptions, so he tells them about the therapy.
Part 86: Don and Charlie make careful plans
"It's disgusting," Charlie grumbled.
"I know, but it puts a check on Dr. Ray's checklist so you gotta do it," Don replied.
They both stared at the glass full of brown milk with flecks floating in it. It was the hated protein powder drink and every day it was a challenge to get Charlie to drink it.
"Maybe it needs to be stirred some more," Don said and reached for the spoon. "What do we think, four more days to finish it off?"
Charlie picked up the container and stared into it. Don was almost as happy to be nearly done with it as Charlie. And, maybe more, Don was happy to see Charlie's brain working as he estimated the servings left in the container. Four weeks ago, when Charlie first started with the powder, he would have just shrugged when asked for an estimate.
"Five days," Charlie said grudgingly. "Unless we overfill the teaspoon measurement and I don't think I can handle that."
Don pulled out the stirring spoon and set it aside. Then he smiled and leaned closer. "Will you drink it for a kiss?"
Charlie's eyes lit up and he looked around.
It still gave Don a warm, unsteady feeling when he saw how much Charlie longed for his physical touch, even just a kiss.
Don said, "Dad's on the phone with Aunt Elsie. We're safe for a kiss."
"Nothing more, though," Charlie said regretfully.
Don smiled in sympathy. It had been hard to find times that they could be intimate in the last month. They'd managed some kissing and two quick blows, but nothing more. Don's body ached with desperation, but he didn't have the desire to go anywhere else for his needs. This desperation was focused on Charlie only.
"Kiss first," Don said. "I don't want to taste that stuff."
Charlie laughed wryly but he stood up and came around the kitchen table. Don stood up as well and glanced towards the door. He could still hear his father debating with Aunt Elsie about dam building, water conservation, and river smelt. They could go on like that for hours.
Don wrapped his arms about Charlie's shoulders, still too thin, and leaned down for a kiss.
It was like all other kisses they'd manage to sneak in lately - warm, deep, and full of promise delayed. Still, he enjoyed kissing Charlie, and it was far better than nothing.
They broke apart, breathing a little harder, and smiled at each other.
Don ran his hand through Charlie's hair and said huskily, "Now you have to drink it."
Charlie made a noise somewhere between a laugh and a groan. He pulled himself out of Don's arms and went and sat back down. He picked up the glass and, making an anticipatory grimace, started to drink.
Don sat down as well, then put his hand on Charlie's knee, out of sight, and watched the progress.
The last month had been all about progress, even with the sexual frustration. Dr. Ray was cautiously optimistic about Charlie's improvement. Don and his father had implemented a plan called "Sleep Charlie." Alan had agreed to Charlie having Don's car keys every night, and got Charlie the keys if Don fell asleep without remembering. Alan had agreed that it was good not to have Don slip out to somewhere or someone that would land him in the ER again. Don and Alan were now alternating reading Charlie to sleep every night. If Don's reading nights sometimes were interrupted by kisses, Alan didn't need to know. They also implemented other sleep hygiene measures - no heavy foods late, a warm bath or shower before bed, going to bed at the same time every night, and new soft sheets and bedding. The plan seemed to be working since Charlie had been approved by Dr. Ray to go down to one quarter of a sleeping pill each night.
As for eating, Dr. Ray had Charlie on a complex eating chart, detailing all his nutritional needs that had to be checked off every day. Charlie also still had restrictions on any activity, physical or mental, and he was growing bored. They all agreed that boredom was a good sign, a sign of Charlie's cognition returning, but Charlie wasn't the easiest patient. There was plenty to keep Alan, Don, and sometimes Penny busy. They all celebrated whenever Charlie gained a pound.
Don was working on his own progress. He had gone three times more to see Sandy, and they'd made a standing appointment for every Wednesday, at least until one of her slots on a regular workday became free. Don had been relieved when Sandy had told him he could pay on a sliding scale of what he could afford. His health insurance didn't cover outside therapy and the location of Sandy's posh office spoke of high prices. Don would happily pay what he could, and he'd have more cash soon since his apartment lease had expired and Charlie hadn't mentioned anything about paying rent at home. The experience of therapy where Don told the truth continued to be terrifying but relieving, like pulling off the scab of an unhealed wound and watching fresh blood seep out.
Even with all the wound opening, Don had somehow found himself sleeping better. Maybe it was the therapy, maybe the 'Sleep Charlie' program was helping him as well. He still craved a fuck, but it was a dull ache, manageable in the short term.
That's why he was so looking forward to this Friday evening.
Don smiled at Charlie, and Charlie's return smile told him that Charlie was also thinking about Friday.
On Friday evening, Alan was going to his semi-regular poker night with his friends. That meant Don and Charlie would have the house to themselves for hours. Don knew that Charlie wasn't up for a marathon sex session, but Charlie had already indicated he was ready for some of his special long, slow lovemaking. Don's body ached fiercely at the idea. Though it had been a very long time since their last unfettered sex, free of broken ribs or illness, Don's body remembered every moment. Don didn't know if Charlie would have much of his incredible stamina back, but Don had the feeling that Charlie at twenty-five percent was better than most men at a hundred percent.
Charlie finished his drink with a dreamy look on his face. Don loved being the source of those pleasant dreams.
Dammit, Don was going to jump Charlie right now, Dad or no Dad, if he didn't get away from him.
"I need to go on a run," Don said. "Then maybe take a cold shower."
Charlie's cheeks heated. "Good idea."
Don nodded and got up. He took Charlie's empty glass over to the sink, then went to Charlie's nutritional checklist on the fridge door. He put the mark in the right place, made sure there was nothing else Charlie needed right away, then turned to head upstairs to get changed.
This time before exercise, Don wasn't thinking about how Charlie struggled every time Don went to the gym or about how he missed working out with Alexei. Instead, his every footstep whispered Friday, Friday, Friday…
After a very long week, Friday evening finally arrived. Don sent Charlie to go nap in the sunroom, since he had a terrible poker face. Don helped clean up supper with his father and drew on all his undercover experience to pretend like he'd forgotten Alan had a poker night planned. After the dishes were done, Don picked up a case file he'd brought home and suggested watching a old movie together while he read.
Alan gave him a look and reminded him he was heading out soon. Don managed to sound disappointed and went to go turn on an old movie himself. He got distracted by a baseball game replay and was legitimately surprised when his father said goodbye and headed out the door.
Don made himself sit for ten minutes, staring unseeing at the screen, before he jumped up. He checked the front door and the empty driveway. Then he hurried to the sunroom.
Charlie was asleep on the couch, laying on his back, one arm thrown over his face. His mouth was open and he was snoring.
"Hello, Sleeping Beauty," Don said with a grin.
Charlie didn't stir, so Don leaned down. He couldn't get a kiss in around Charlie's arm and snoring mouth.
"Prince Charming didn't have this problem," he said with a mock grumble. His body was already revved up and ready to go. He thought of climbing on top of Charlie but the old couch couldn't take that kind of activity. And Don intended on some very vigorous activity.
He sat on the floor next to the couch and began to run his fingers up and down Charlie's bare arm. Charlie twitched and shifted, and Don's fingers followed. He ran his hand up Charlie's neck and then down over his torso and hip.
Charlie snorted and opened his eyes.
"Daaad's gonnne, Charlieee," Don said in a sing-song. "Just you and me alone, for hours."
Charlie blinked a few times, then a big smile spread across his face. "Finally…"
Sitting up, Charlie held out his hands. Don took his hands and sat down next to him. They came together for a long kiss. Their kisses for the last month had been quick, furtive things, but now they took their time.
Charlie moaned in happiness and Don agreed. His body was heating up in the slow-burn way only Charlie had ever been able to give him. He wasn't feeling the sharp, desperate urgency of his usual encounters, but a deep, ready anticipation and a calm surety that Charlie would satisfy his needs and desires.
Don squeezed Charlie's shoulder and ran his hand down Charlie's back. Charlie was still too skinny but he was improving. Don had some hope that Charlie's stamina might be returning as well.
Shifting, Don kissed Charlie's face and throat.
"This week was so long," Charlie said, his hands pulling Don's shirt out of his waistband.
Don made a sound of agreement as he nibbled Charlie's ear.
When he felt Charlie's hands on his stomach, Don pulled back and smiled at Charlie. "Let's take this to your bed."
Charlie smiled back, his eyes glowing with eagerness.
"I will never get tired of the way you look at me," Don said huskily. "Like I'm better than ice cream."
"You are better than math," Charlie said.
"Whoa," Don laughed in surprise. "It has been a long week."
Don stood up and pulled Charlie to his feet. He leaned over and kissed him again and again, because he could.
"Bed," Charlie said breathlessly. "Or your cock in my mouth, right now."
"Bed," Don agreed. "Then cock in mouth."
"Yess."
They hurried together to Charlie's bedroom. Charlie shut and locked the door behind them, then they were on the bed, kissing and pressing their whole bodies against each other. Don buried his hand in Charlie's curls and Charlie slid his hand up Don's back, under his shirt.
They kissed for a long time, hands roaming.
Suddenly Charlie stiffened.
Don opened his eyes to see Charlie staring over Don's shoulder, his eyes wide.
With a sense of dread, Don turned to look over his shoulder.
Their father was standing there, in the open doorway, his hand over his mouth. His face was bloodless.
"Dad, what are you-" Don started.
"Downstairs," Alan said with a harsh, hollow voice. "Now."
Then he turned around and left.
Don said, "I thought you locked the door!"
"I did!" Charlie replied, his voice shaking. "The lock sticks! You know that!"
"Still?" Don said, unable to think further. "Why haven't you gotten it repaired yet?"
"I haven't needed it!" Charlie cried. "What are we going to do?"
Don shook his head. "Just, just let me do the talking. He didn't see much."
"If he'd come in just five minutes later…"
"What is he doing here at all?"
Charlie rolled off the other side of the bed, wiping his mouth. "C'mon. We gotta go fix this."
More slowly, Don sat up and began to tuck his shirt back in. He tried to think, to build an explanation that his father would swallow, but his mind was empty. All he could see was his father's white face.
Silently, they made their way down the stairs. Their father was standing in the family room, his arms crossed.
Don said quickly, "Dad, it's not what it looked like, we were just-"
"Shut it," Alan said coldly.
Don was startled into silence.
Alan shook his head. "I don't even know where to start." He paced back and forth. "It's one thing to suspect and something else to actually see it."
Don asked carefully, "What did you suspect?"
"What am I, an idiot?" Alan snapped. "I have no eyes, no brain? I knew something was up between you two since that private resort you went to."
A leaden feeling began to settle in Don's gut. He'd rarely seen his father so angry. Don had to resist the urge to reach over and take Charlie's hand.
Alan shook his head again. "I thought with Alexei that it was past, a brief fling, but now you're both back here and you're…" He waved his hand in a negating gesture. "It was like a punch to the gut to see you two."
"And you!" Alan pointed to Charlie. "You starving yourself out of jealousy? What is this, some sort of gothic opera? And Don getting himself beat up and abused, over and over. It's insanity! The last year or two has been insanity!"
He sighed heavily. "I wish Margaret was here. She would know what to say. She always knew what to say." He scoffed. "Maybe not. What can you say when you find out your two sons are sleeping together? When you know that as soon as you leave for the evening, they're going to go mess around?"
Don exchanged uneasy looks with Charlie.
"I knew," Alan growled. "But I still opened that damned door because part of me still couldn't believe it."
He sat heavily on a nearby chair. To Don's eyes, he looked old and tired.
"Mike showed up drunk to poker again," Alan said vaguely. "We sent him home in a taxi. We're going to have to find another player. I'd ask Penny but she'd wipe the floor with us."
Alan was silent and Don tried to gather his shattered thoughts to say something.
Suddenly, Alan pointed at Don. "Do you love Charlie?"
"Y-yes," Don managed. "Of course."
"No, no, not like that. Are you in love, like romance and flowers, with your brother?"
A cold flush went over Don. "I, uh, I've said the words to so many people, women and men, that I don't really know what it means. I don't think I've ever been in love. So, uh, no."
Charlie made a choking sound, but Don steeled himself and didn't look at him.
"I do lo-" Charlie started.
"I don't have to ask you," Alan cut him off. "You've been infatuated with Don since puberty. Your mother and I hoped you'd grow out of it. I thought you had grown out of it. But I guess not." Alan growled under his breath and continued, "Did you plan that resort thing with this happening? Did you start this?"
This time Don looked over, and Charlie looked shaken and wide-eyed.
"Maybe?" Charlie said in a small voice.
"Ugh!" Alan said, surging to his feet. "So many lies! Lies which almost got Don battered to death! Lies that almost killed you! How could this family become so full of lies?"
Alan stormed across the room and grabbed his keys and wallet from the front table. "I am going to a hotel. I cannot stand to be around you two. It makes me sick. I will be back Monday morning after Don leaves for work to take care of Charlie only. I can't be here anymore."
He put his hand on the front door and looked back, his eyes glittering and hard. "Don't try and call me. This is no longer my home."
He opened the door, walked out, and slammed the door behind him.
Don and Charlie stood, rooted to their spots, as they heard their father's car start up and pull out of the driveway.
Then there was silence.
Softly, Charlie said, "My God, what just happened?"