Work Text:
Charlie was lost in thought as he brushed another stroke onto the chalkboard. He had been working on an equation for his following lecture in a few days. He knew some of his students were struggling with this new lesson, so he was trying to find a way to help them out.
Alan was out of town for a business trip with Stan, So Don promised he would come over to crash for the night. Charlie knew the only reason he had promised to come over was because he needed to see if he was actually eating and taking care of himself. But even so, Charlie was excited. It wasn't every day his brother came over for something else besides work.
Speaking about Don’s work, him and the team were working on a case having to do with a recent killer who would murder inside the victim's homes. Apparently, all the victims had stab wounds but of course, no prints or any indication that he was there. Charlie knew Don was having a difficult time with this case, So this was a good time for him to unwind and relax with his brother.
He wrote a few more numbers on his chalkboard and stepped back, admiring his work. Thinking that was a good place to stop for the night. He placed the chalk back onto the chalkboard’s tray and dusted off his hands and sighed, he knew that Don would probably freak out knowing he was in the garage still. ‘I might as well go into the house, maybe I can get some time to unwind before he gets here.’ He thought as he walked into the kitchen.
At that point, Charlie being Charlie was oblivious to the sound of a lock being picked. He walked into the kitchen and grabbed a glass from the cabinet, filling it with water from the kitchen sink. He put the glass up to his lips when he heard it, A small creak coming from the floorboards. Charlie rolled his eyes and began to turn around.
“Don is that you? If you are trying to scare me again it’s not going t-” He paused as he saw the figure in front of him was not Don, but a man dressed head to toe in black.
His eyes widened in panic, the glass slipping from his hand; shattering into pieces. ‘that is not Don!’ He thought as he looked down to see a glint of a knife. He Let out a shaky breath, terrified at the situation that was in front of him.
The stranger’s eyes narrowed as he stretched out his hand, pointing his knife at his target.
“Well, I guess it’s plan B tonight.”
‘Plan B? What does he mean by plan B!?’
As if like a flash of lightning, the mysterious man lunged straight toward Charlie, aiming right at his chest. In a panic, he ducked to his right, falling to the ground, feeling a sting on his left cheek; Instantly feeling the blood trickling down and onto the floor.
‘O-ok, I think I know what he meant now.’
Noticing the stranger had started to regain his balance, Charlie dashed toward the living room, heading straight to the front door. He was almost to victory when the man caught up and tackled him, sending them both to the ground. Feeling a jolt of pain inside his mouth, tasting iron as he swallowed.
“You just had to make this tough didn’t you?” The man grumbled as he grabbed Charlie’s neck, pinning him to the ground. Charlie started to panic, as he saw the man raise his knife, aiming straight for the middle of his back.
The man chuckled. “I can’t wait for your brother to see your lifeless body when he opens that door.”
“Sorry to ruin the surprise.”
The man froze, knowing the voice at the front door.
“Now, step away from my brother.”
Charlie let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He knew he was safe.
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“Ok, thanks David.” Don said as he closed his phone and put it back into his pocket. He walked over to the couch and sat down next to Charlie.
“Ok Charlie, that was David. He and Colby have the guy in custody. He’s going away for a long time.”
Charlie relaxed. “Thank goodness.”
“How's the mouth?”
“Sore. But it’s not bleeding anymore, So that’s a good sign.” He sighed after a beat of silence.
“Don, That guy was the killer you were looking for wasn't he?”
Don nodded. “Yeah. I’m just glad I got here when I did.”
“So do I. He was…really going to kill me.” Charlie said as he looked down, noticing his hands were interesting to look at at the moment. Don put a hand on his shoulder. “And I’m glad he didn’t. I don’t know what I would do without you Chuck.” Charlie smiled.
“Don?” He said, looking up at his brother.
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
“No problem buddy.” He said, giving the shoulder a light squeeze.
“And don’t call me Chuck.”
Don chuckled. “No promises.”