One for the Road by Iscaris (NC17)

[spikedluv]

Fandom: NUMB3RS
Pairing: Don/Charlie, Don/Coop
Length: ~12,000 words
Author on LJ: iscaris
Author Website: Magical Intrigue
Why this must be read: This is a beautifully written story about Don trying to figure out who he is and where he belongs; moving on . . . opening up. (Tissue warning. *g*)

Billy said it’s like chasing the wind: you’ll always be running and you’ll never look back. But somewhere along the way the miles behind began to drag and the miles ahead seemed to stretch forever, and Don wasn’t sure forever was what he could give.

By the time he heard that a senior position had opened up in the New Mexico office, Don had almost five years of field experience. When he told Billy he was thinking of putting in for a transfer, it felt like an apology and Don couldn’t look him in the eye.

Billy remained quiet for a moment.

Time to go? he finally asked; and there was no reproach in his tone, as if he’d already seen this coming.

Don forced himself to meet Billy’s gaze.

Yeah, he said.

Billy tilted his head slightly, and his eyes held Don’s.

Then don’t look back, he said, and the tightness in Don’s chest was almost physical.

One For the Road part one and part two