WANTING ATTENTION

SUMMARY: Three months after his wife died Alan is still in a funk. Desperate for attention, from his father, Charlie decides to take action. He didn't count on getting Don's attention instead. Don needs to get his brother back on track…and things get painful for the youngest Eppes

A/N: Jet, I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to get this story done! On the positive side, I've started my story for your 50 prompts! The beta I found is already giving me deadlines and everything!! 

A/N2: The story tends to shift suddenly, sorry about that. If there's any confusion contact me!!

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He watched as they lowered her into her grave. He couldn't help but let the whimper escape his lips. He looked to his dad…wanting him to offer the comfort that only a father can. He looked at his older brother who had wrapped his arms around their father. As the dirt hit her casket he couldn't stop the sobs from coming. He looked at his father once again…he seem oblivious to his young son's distress. It wasn't until the line of people who were putting roses on the fresh grave began to move that he realized he was unable to move. It was ok though, he felt arms around his waist, could feel himself being moved…the rose was put in his hand and another hand helped him release it. It wasn't until he was led back to the car that he realized it wasn't his father's arms around him.

"Don?"

"It's ok, buddy, I got you."

With that Charlie, younger brother of FBI Agent Don Eppes, fell to pieces. Don did his best to hold him together but what Charlie wanted was the one thing he couldn't have…his father's comfort.

3 MONTHS LATER

Charlie woke up to the smell of breakfast; a grin plastered itself to his face. After a quick shower and dressing, he ran downstairs to the kitchen.

"Hey dad what….D-Don; what are you doing here?"

"Good morning to you too buddy." Don smiled at his younger brother.

Charlie blushed, "Sorry; morning Don. What are you doing here?"

"Dad had to stay over for that meeting last night; I thought I'd make breakfast and take you to work. Grab something to drink and go sit down."

"I'm not hungry; I think…"

"I didn't ask if you were hungry buddy. I said grab something to drink and sit down. I'll bring breakfast in a minute."

Charlie glared at Don, not at all happy to be made to eat breakfast. Don raised an eyebrow and glared back causing Charlie to grab some juice and then doing as he was told. Don shook his head; he knew something was wrong but knew that his baby brother wouldn't say anything…yet.

Don dropped Charlie in front of CalSi; he was tempted to wait until Charlie walked into the building but decided against it. With a wave Charlie watched his older brother drive away with a frown. He knew Don meant well…but what he wanted was his father; his father's love, comfort, and reassurance.

Alan was too lost in his own grief to see what his youngest son both needed and wanted. The grief had struck him so quick and so hard he had been unprepared. He was thankful for Don who had taken over the care of Charlie and took care of him too.

Don never broke; at least not in front of other people. He spent two weeks at his father's so that he was around in case he was needed. After that he went back home; which was kind of a joke since he still spent more time at his father's, which he considered home, then at his place.

Charlie had become lost. Don had helped him to keep moving and made sure he ate. Charlie loved his brother and always would. At this moment though he was angry; angry at Don for being so willing to take control, angry at his mom for dieing, angry at himself for feeling the way he was, and angry at his father for not taking care of him.

Sitting in his office brooding Charlie had a sudden thought. He took out some paper and a pencil and started mapping out his plan. He knew the repercussions for his actions could result in a serious lecture, maybe even getting yelled at but he didn't care. It was time for Alan to show he cared.

It had been a week since Don had made breakfast; he hadn't been over since. A case at the FBI had taken up all his spare time; it was common knowledge that he was sleeping at the FBI building as well. Normally Charlie would have been upset but he needed Don away so that he could be allowed to start his plan.

Charlie's internal clock woke him up at six o'clock but he stayed in bed. He'd been doing this every morning; waiting until his dad finally knocked on his door. Not wanting to waste any time Charlie sat at his desk and began grading papers. At seven he got back in bed and closed his eyes. 'Right on time…'

"Charlie, wake up; you're gonna be late for work again."

"I'm not going to work."

"Are you sick?"

"No, I just don't want to go."

Charlie turned around to that his back was to his father. Alan looked at his son in shock not knowing what to do. Had it been just three months before he would have taken his son's temperature and, if finding it normal, would have forced him out of bed.

"If that's what you want to do then that's fine. Make sure you take it easy."

As Alan walked out of the room Charlie began to cry. When he calmed down he decided it was time to step things up. Getting up Charlie walked into the bathroom and stared at himself in the mirror. He hadn't shaved all week but he planned to change that.

After a quick shower, Charlie purposely left his stuff lying all over the bathroom. Going downstairs he made breakfast and did the same as with the bathroom. When Alan came home that night the house looked like a tornado had hit it.

Charlie sat in the upstairs hallway, waiting for his father to yell but there was no sound. Half an hour later he went downstairs to find Alan had cleaned it all. The anger Charlie felt was like nothing he'd ever known. 'If he doesn't care about me then I don't care either!'

The downward spiral of Charlie Eppes went unnoticed by his father. Alan, who was supposed to have been retired, hired on with a company that kept him away from home most nights. Don noticed something was up with his kid brother. Work at the FBI kept him busy and he didn't have a chance to talk to him; something he would regret…

"Eppes…"

"Yes, sir, is this Don Eppes, brother of one Charles Eppes?"

"Yes; who is this?"

"Sir, I'm Officer James Clark of the CPD, we have your brother here at the police station if you'd like to come pick him up."

"I'll be there as soon as I can."

Don swore under his breath. He didn't have time to go chasing after his younger brother; he hadn't even had time for a proper supper! Knowing the chances of being able to come back to work were slim to nil, Don went to ask Merrick for some time off; though reluctant he agreed.

Don hurried to the police station, anxious to find his brother.

"Don Eppes, I was told my brother was here."

"Officer Clark is with him now; just down the hall please sir; fourth door on the right."

Don walked quickly down the hall, counting the door silently in his head. When he got to the right door he knocked and waited to be summoned. It took only half a minute but for Don it felt like hours.

"Are you Don Eppes?"

Don nodded, "What happened?"

Officer Clark looked over at Charlie who refused to look back. Seeing that his young charge wasn't about to sacrifice himself, Clark turned to look back at the FBI agent who was glaring at him; anger obvious in his face and stance.

"It seems your brother went out to a bar, got drunk, and the tried to start a fight. The bar owner intervened on his behalf and offered to call Charlie a cab. Apparently Charlie decided that throwing a bar stool at the actual bar would help matters. The owner, Mr. Ross, called me and said that he didn't want to have to press charges but he needed the young man to leave. I showed up, brought him here, and ran his name. Your father, Alan, is his emergency number but he didn't pick up. When I said asked for someone else to call, Charlie gave me your direct line at the FBI."

"Why did Mr. Ross call you?"

"I'm his nephew…on his wife's side."

"What's going to happen to him?"

"Nothing; per Mr. Ross' request no charges are being brought up and your brother's free to go when ever or if you're willing to take him home."

"Thank you Officer Clark; tell your uncle I'll be in to make restitution and Charlie will apologize. Charlie lets go home."

Charlie stayed where he sat. He knew better then to ignore his older brother but he wanted his father. He didn't know where Alan was but Charlie was willing to stay until he got the message and came to bring his son home himself.

"Charles Edward Eppes, we are going home now."

Charlie flinched at the use of his full name. He glanced at his brother quickly and knew it was a mistake. His brother's face promised desire consequences and Charlie almost faltered. Instead he looked back at his hands and shook his head.

"I'm not telling you again Charlie."

Charlie closed his eyes, fighting the feeling that was urging him to listen to his brother. He jumped when Don put a hand on his shoulder. Don kept his voice low.

"If you don't get up and follow me to my car, I'm going to drag you out of the station by your ear."

Charlie's eyes opened and when wide at the threat. 'He wouldn't…' Looking at his brother's eyes he knew that Don would do exactly what he had threatened. Charlie stood up and started to walk out the door. Don gripped his upper arm in an iron grip and led the way out to his car.

Charlie didn't struggle as Don none to gently put him in the backseat for the ride home. The ride seemed to take forever for both brothers. When they pulled up to the house Charlie tried to get out but found out that Don had activated the child proof locks.

Opening the door Don led his younger brother into the house and stopped at the doorway.

"What the hell happened in here?"

Charlie looked around…'oh yeah…' He looked down at the ground silently praying that Don wouldn't look at him.

"Charles Edward, explain yourself right now!"

Charlie cringed, "What does it matter Don? Jeeze, dad doesn't even care!"

Charlie tried to go around his big brother to upstairs but was stopped.

"Little boy, I don't know what games you THINK you're playing but they stop right now! You've got a lot to answer to so I suggest you go upstairs, take some aspirin, get into your pajamas, and get your butt back down here and fast…MOVE!"

Charlie jumped and ran up the stairs, taking them two at a time. Not wanting to further irritate his brother he did as he was told and within ten minutes was back downstairs. Don was sitting on the couch a frown on his face. When he saw Charlie, he pointed to the seat next to him…Charlie complied quickly.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Charlie shook his head; he knew that answering would save him from what was to come but he just couldn't tell his brother. It was no surprise to the younger man when the older gently but firmly moved him till he was over his lap. Charlie hadn't been afraid of his father's reaction, knowing the most this his dad would do was to yell. Don on the other hand…Don was never afraid to spank his kid brother. The last time he'd been spanked, Charlie was eighteen and visiting his brother in New Mexico…it was then that Charlie had sobbed he was too old to be spanked and Don had told him that he would never be too old.

The first swat caused Charlie to gasp; after that first one he was silent. The only sound that could be heard was the sound of Don's hand hitting the flannel pajama pants Charlie was wearing.

It didn't take long before Charlie started to squirm. Noticing that he was getting practically no reaction out his brother and getting tired himself, Don quickly swiped Charlie's pants and boxers down to his knees.

"Nooo!"

Don started to swat the bare backside with just a tad more force and began to lecture.

"I don't know WHAT you think you were going to accomplish by acting up but it stop this instant! If you think, I'm going to excuse or ignore your behavior then you are very sadly mistaken. I don't know what caused you to think that this behavior was ok but it's NOT! Do I make myself clear?"

"Y-yes, sir! Don, please stop!"

In a desperate move to end the spanking Charlie put his hands to cover his now very red backside. Don said nothing as he simply caught the younger boy's hands and pinned them to the small of his back. Don dropped his left knee and raised his right and started to spank the tender sit stop that had, to this point, been ignored. Charlie's cries got louder.

"Not there!" swat, swat "Don!" swat, swat "I – sorry!" swat, swat "I'll be good!" swat, swat "Promise!" swat, swat "Don! Ahh!" swat, swat

With one final plea to his older brother Charlie hung his head and began to sob. Don took his brothers sobs as his cue to be done so he gave him two of his hardest swats yet and ended the spanking.

He began to rub gently circles over his brother's back. "Shh…it's ok buddy; you're ok" When Charlie's sobs turned to sniffles Don eased his boxers and pajama pants up and then turned Charlie around so that he was now sitting in his older brother's lap. Don made sure not to let Charlie's now glowing backside come in contact with anything. Charlie laid his head against Don's chest.

"You ready to talk buddy?"

"He doesn't love me anymore."

"Who doesn't love you anymore baby?"

Charlie got silent and tried to bury himself into his older brother. Don started to rub his back, knowing that what ever was going on in his kid brother's mind wasn't good.

"Charlie, who do you think doesn't love you?"

"Dad…" The answer was a whisper that was almost missed. Don closed his eyes silently praying for right words to say.

"Charlie, look at me…look at me buddy. Why do you think that dad doesn't love you?"

"I know he doesn't Don." Charlie stood up and began to pace, his hands flying every which way as he talked. "He ignores me all the time! Do you know what I did? I was late to work for a week and then I said I wasn't going and he said 'ok'. OK! I made the house a mess and you know what he said? NOTHING! He cleaned up and went to bed! Then, last week I came home drunk and he said nothing and he didn't help me when I got sick! I mean…why doesn't he l-love me any more Donny…what did I do wrong?"

Don was quickly at his brother's side. "Oh, baby, you didn't do anything wrong. Dad loves you Charlie. He's just…mourning right now. He didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I promise you."

"He doesn't say anything anymore…he just ignores me."

"He's hurting Charlie. He wasn't as prepared as he thought he was and his heart is broken. Trust me buddy, just give him some time. He'll come back around…come here."

Don's open arms were the only invitation Charlie needed. Charlie began to cry silently so Don led them back to the couch where he once again placed Charlie on his lap.

"Why didn't you talk to me?"

"'cause…"

"Charles…" The warning didn't go un-noticed.

"I knew you cared. You took care of me but dad didn't. I wanted to know if he still cared so I was testing him."

"And you didn't need to test me?"

Charlie shook his head in answer.

"I'm glad you didn't feel to test me buddy. Testing dad isn't the smartest move though. You do realize what I gave you is nothing compared to what he would have done?"

Charlie suddenly shuddered.

"Are you gonna tell him?"

"He's going to find out either way so yes, I'll tell him. Don't worry I'll also be telling him that I took care of it."

Charlie blushed and stood up. "I'm tired."

"Let's clean up and then we'll go to bed."

Together the two Eppes brothers cleaned the house. Nothing more was said between them, nothing had to be said. When they were done, Don tucked his younger brother in bed before retiring to bed himself. He would talk to his father in the morning when he came home.

EPILOGUE:

The next morning, after Charlie had gone to work, Don told their father everything that had happened. Alan apologized to his oldest but Don wouldn't hear it.

When Alan got home he and Charlie talked for a few hours and Alan made sure to apologize to his youngest also.

"I love you Charlie. I never stopped, I just got so caught up in my grief that I didn't think about your or Don's grief. I'm sorry."

Charlie hugged his father and together father and son cried. When they composed themselves Alan suddenly spun his son around and gave him three hard swats. Charlie, still sore from the night before, yelped with each one; when he was spun back around he looked up at Alan with tears in his eyes.

"If you ever pull a stunt like you did yesterday, I won't care if your brother spanked you or not, I'll put you over my knee and make his spanking seem like nothing. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir."

"I love you Charlie; nothing will change that."

"Kinda wish you and Don didn't love me so much."

Alan laughed and gave his youngest a hug. "Come on; you're brother's gonna be home and hungry soon."

As Alan cooked Charlie watched with a smile. He knew he had his brother's love but now he knew that he also had his fathers. Rubbing his backside he knew…he didn't have to test that love anymore.

THE END