Fic, Numb3rs, Crossing the Line, Part 1, Don/Ian, 18

[fredbassett]

Title: Crossing the Line, Part 1
Author: fredbassett
Fandom: Numb3rs
Rairing/Characters: Don Eppes/Ian Edgerton
Rating: 18
Warning: None
Summary: Sequel to Spying, posted to Numbers_100
Disclaimer: Not mine, no money made, don’t sue
Author’s Note: It might be a bit optimistic to call this Part 1, but I’d like to write more.

Don Eppes wasn’t in the mood for company.

Specifically, he wasn’t in the mood for Agent Edgerton’s company, but he could hardly withdraw the offer of a bed for the night now.

He sighed and headed to the fridge in search of another beer.

“The kid would have run out of air in that box.”  Edgerton’s voice from the doorway was quiet, neutral.

“We crossed a line.”

“The kid lived.”

Edgerton was right, but that didn’t help any. He still felt cold and empty. Drinking on an empty stomach had made it worse, but he wasn’t in the mood for food, either.

What he really wanted was to go home. Correction, to Charlie’s home. To the place that always provided sanctuary and sanity. He wanted warmth and laughter to drive away the cold. To unlock him from the feeling that had settled into his stomach at the moment he’d stepped back and allowed Edgerton to take over the interrogation.

And the worst of it had been his reaction afterwards. He’d gotten hard. How fucked up did that make him? He’d watched Edgerton quite literally scare a guy shitless and he’d ended up with an erection. Nice one, Eppes.

OK, the guy had been a paedophile who’d killed three kids already, but that still didn’t excuse what he’d done. What he’d allowed Edgerton to do.

The beer slid down his throat and just made him feel colder.

The sniper was watching him. Watching him like he watched all his targets. Unmoving. Guarded. Cold. So bloody cold.

Don shivered. And realised that it was happening again. He was getting hard.

“Stress reaction.” 

And you think that helps? “Do I look like I want to talk about it?”

“No, you look like you want to break something, or drink yourself senseless or jerk off or maybe all three.”

Well, he wasn’t far off with that analysis. Bastard. Cold bastard.

And then something else happened for a second time that day.  The sniper let the mask slip and he looked tired. Looked as tired as Don felt.

Just for a moment, the dark eyes that habitually viewed the world along the barrel of a rifle let a glimpse of humanity show through.  

Then Edgerton blinked, and his guard was back in place. Defences up.

A slight smile curved his lips as he held his hand out and said, “Are you going to share that beer, Eppes, or are we going to fight over that as well?”

Comments

[irena-adler.livejournal.com]

Ooh, more, more!

[fredbassett]

I'll do my best :) I'm sort of feeling my way tentatively around this pair at the moment (oops that sounds unintentionally dirty!), but I would like to continue with it, if they'll let me.

[oddegg.livejournal.com]

Well, you're just going to have to do some more 'cos you can't leave them (and us) hanging like that!
Really like this, especially your Ian!

[fredbassett]

Thanks :) I'm hoping I'll manage more.

[dance-the-code.livejournal.com]

This...is making me like this pairing...a lot.

More?

[fredbassett]

Thanks. I hope so!

[deinonychus-1.livejournal.com]

I did read this yesterday, but then completely failed to comment, sorry. Admitedly I only know one of the characters, but it was still good, and I'm getting a real idea of what Edgerton's like just from your fic now. Another darkish one... what's up with everyone lately?

[fredbassett]

Dunno. Maybe we're having a collective angst-moment? Edgerton rather lends himself to dark stuff. And I think Irena's userpic with Don/Ian and the word "Hunters" sums this pair up beautifully. You must keep watching. Now on ITV, Friday, I think at 11am. Just wait till you meet Ian in Sniper Zero. Everyone told me I'd love it and I certainly did. *quiet swoon*

[byrons-brain.livejournal.com]

I love Agent Edgerton

Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!Pleasewritemore!

::big puppy dog eyes::

::bribes with chocolate truffles::

[fredbassett]

Puppy dog eyes AND chocolate truffles ?????????? How could I possibly resist? You do know my weaknesses all too well, don't you?

I'm in the middle of a second part now, but I'm kinda still twitching nervously over in this sandbox. The whole "Brit writing US characters thing" is as daunting as hell, which is why I started with a drabble and am trying to work up from there. (Did you find "Spying"?)

But I love Agent Edgerton (and Don), so the idea of writing more has taken form root in my brain.

[byrons-brain.livejournal.com]

::big grin:: I try... and I look forward to more... til then I'm off to find spying.

[rubynye.livejournal.com]

I rather do hope you continue this!

[fredbassett]

Thanks! I just did. This pair wouldn't leave me along this weekend, so the results are now up on my LJ. I'll post to the comm tomorrow, but now I need some sleep. *grins and heads off to bed*

[entangled-now.livejournal.com]

I really like the way you write Edgerton, and I think you have internal Don down well too! Write some mo- oh you have done!

*goes to read it*

[fredbassett]

Thanks! It totally freaked me out as to whether I could sustain these two for longer than 100 words, so I'm glad you're liking them.

[paranoid-woman.livejournal.com]

Please, let me tell you that this start has always made me shiver and it's always left me wanting more. :D

Great job!

[fredbassett]

Thanks! I really will finish the series. I actually have the rest more or less mapped out in my head :)