Second Chance

Summary: What if Chris was given a second chance at life? Chris-centric, oneshot

Chris groaned and blinked his eyes, trying to shield them from the light. "Where am I?" he groaned.

"Hello, Christopher." said a voice he didn't recognize.

"Who are you? Am I in heaven?" Chris asked, seeing nothing but white-light surrounding him.

The voice chuckled. "No," it said. "You are stuck between life and death." the figure stepped out from the shadows.

"You're an Elder?" Chris asked in surprise.

"Yes," the man said. "And I'm here to offer you a second chance at mortality."

"You-you can do that?" Chris asked.

The Elder shook his head. "We're not supposed to." he admitted. "However, the other Elders, your father included, have agreed that due to the drastic measures that Gideon took to turn Wyatt and the price you had to pay, you should be given a second chance. That is, if you want it."

"Of course," said Chris. "I really miss my family. But what about baby me?"

"We've made it so that you can both exist as one and the same. You managed to change the future, now you will be baby Chris' protector."

"Will I still have my powers?" Chris asked.

The Elder nodded. "You will be just like you were before you came here. It will be just like you hadn't died at all." he told him. "Are you ready?"

Chris nodded and closed his eyes. Suddenly he felt like he was floating on a cloud. Bright light shone around him. Then he was back on the ground.

"Welcome back, Christopher. How do you feel?"

"I feel - alive." Chris said, feeling his heart pounding in his chest.

"As you should," the Elder replied. "I believe your family is waiting for a surprise. Good luck, Christopher." and with that, the Elder orbed out in purple sparkles.

Back on Earth - Halliwell Manor

"What do you mean we're getting a new Whitelighter?" Piper demanded, glaring at her husband.

Leo smiled. "It's not what you think, Piper. I chose this new Whitelighter myself."

"Yes, but we're not comfortable with someone we don't know." Paige replied a bit more calmly than Piper.

"And after what happened with Chris, we don't want to take that chance again." Phoebe added.

"Trust me, you won't be." Leo told them. "Because I've got a surprise for you. Meet your Whitelighter."

They all turned when they heard the sparkle of orbs. When the orbs cleared away, a dark haired man in his mid-twenties was standing there, smiling at them.

"Ch-Chris?" Phoebe asked in shock.

"It's me, Phoebe." Chris replied.

"But - but Leo said you faded away in his arms the night Gideon died..." Paige said, confused.

"The Elders decided that because Gideon decided to take matters into his own hands and because Chris payed the price, he should get a second chance. He and baby Chris are one and the same, Chris is going to be his protector as well as renewing his position as your Whitelighter." Leo explained to them.

"I can't believe this.." Piper whispered, tears in her eyes, her arms outstretched. "Come here, baby."

"I missed you, Mom." Chris whispered, walking into her open arms. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too. I'm glad your back." Piper whispered in his ear.

"I love you, Mom." he said, then looked over at Leo. "I love you too, Dad." he opened an arm, inviting Leo to join the hug.

"I love you too, Son. Welcome home." Leo said softly.