DISCLAIMER: We do NOT own Charmed and are in NO way afiiliated with the WB (CW)! We also have NO connection whatsoever with ABC and we do NOT own Alias.

Liljdpegasuschic160: Ok, here is the 1st chapter to a combined fanfic. My sister & I both like Charmed & Alias, so we decided to write a fanfic together. However, we didn't want to do a crossover, so instead we decided to take turns writing chapters. Odd chapters are about Phoebe & Cole & even chapters cover Sydney & Vaughn. We noticed that a lot of songs that go well with P/C also work with S/V, so we thought we'd see how alike they really are. The chapters are short stories that can stand on their own really (it's like a collection of one-shots) and we put P/C/ & S/V in similar situations and see how they handle them differently. A lot of people we've noticed are both Charmed & Alias fans, but even if you don't follow both shows you can still just read the even or odd chapters, so we think this will work. Let's hope it does...

P.S. We're going in chronological order. This is set during season 3 of Charmed before Phoebe knows Cole's a demon.

Common Ground

Chapter 1: Love's a Witch

"Piper! Have you seen my white hat that goes with my gloves? You know, the one with big blue flower on the side?"

"Umm, yeah, I think you left it on the kitchen table!"

"Thanks!" Phoebe shouted down the stairs, as she continued to rush around the manor.

She had made plans to meet Cole for lunch today, but as usual she was running late. She continually blamed her hectic charmed lifestyle, but even she had to admit her organizational skills were a little under par.

Taking one last look at herself in the bathroom mirror, Phoebe headed downstairs to collect her hat and her...well Prue's car keys.

As she made her way to the door, Piper called out to her, "What time will you be back? I have to tell Prue incase she expects to see her car anytime soon."

Phoebe glanced down at her watch, "I'm not sure. Tell her to call me if she needs the SUV."

"Will do!" Piper said, as she heard the front door of the manor close.

Once outside, Phoebe took a few seconds to relax. She had been so stressed out trying to get ready, she never really noticed what a beautiful day it was. Pulling her sweater tightly around her shoulders, she inhaled the cool San Francisco air and headed toward the car.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Halfway across town, Cole Turner sat in his office taking one last look at evidence for his new case. He'd been working extra hard these past few weeks; needing a win if he wanted to keep up appearances as Assistant District Attorney. Unfortunately, he lost track of the time.

Grabbing his cell of his desk, Cole proceeded to dial Phoebe's number, which he surprisingly had memorized. It rang. No answer.

'Hmm,' Cole thought. 'That's strange.' Usually Phoebe answered after only one or two rings. 'Knowing Phoebe she's probably running late as well and didn't have time to answer.'

Just then his cell phone rang to confirm his suspicions.

"Cole Turner, Assistant District Attorney, how may I help you?" Cole said, knowing far too well who was on the other end.

"Cole?" he heard Phoebe's voice ask. "It's me, Phoebe."

"Oh, hey Phoebe," he smiled, standing up. "I just tried calling you to tell you I'm going to be a little late." he paused, "Is that ok?"

"It's perfect actually." Phoebe said, "I'm running a little behind schedule myself. Do you still want to meet at Bix? I'm close to the office if you want me to stop by. I don't mind watching you work."

Cole surveyed his work load. "No, that's ok. I'm pretty much done here anyway. I'm leaving now, so I'll see you at Bix in say twenty minutes? The reservation's under my name, so if you get there first...," he said, grabbing his briefcase while heading for the door.

"Ok, I'll see you then." Phoebe said smiling. She terminated the call hoping at least traffic was on her side.

As luck would have it, traffic complied and Phoebe arrived at Bix in only fifteen minutes. She still couldn't believe she hadn't hit a single red light.

Couples of all ages occupied the white round tables in the dimly lit room with the younger pairs, closer to the bar. Staff was everywhere, cleaning empty tables, taking orders, or running to the kitchen. Still the bustling inside was a contrast to the bustling of the city streets. Here, Phoebe felt comfortable and confident. She loved the way the dating scene made her feel. This was her element, and she was willing to take on any challenge...even

"Cole Turner," said a voice from behind her. In response, the hostess nodded and made a mark on her paper.

A voice Phoebe knew from the first syllable uttered. A voice that sent chills and warmth through her body at the same time.

A large hand set itself on her left shoulder and Phoebe felt Cole move up beside her, his presence alone made her heart stop momentarily. Turning and craning her neck, she studied the handsome face atop his six foot three frame.He smiled at her, not a full fledged smile, but a friendly grin. She smiled back, teeth and all.

"Perfect timing", she said motioning toward the door.

"Would you expect anything less than perfect?" he teased as he moved his arm to the small of her back, leading her to their table.

A little more than a half hour later, both Phoebe and Cole had finished the first part of their meals as well as a couple glasses of wine, on Cole's part. Phoebe instead sipped on iced tea. She was honestly enjoying herself, but as usual all the focus remained on her. Sure they talked, a lot actually, but never about Cole. He might make a reference to his work, but he had to keep most of that classified.

'I wonder why he never wants to talk about his family or his past.' Phoebe thought as she finished off her salad. He had made it clear that it was a touchy subject, but she was still curious. She figured if she knew she would be a little bit closer to understanding the mysterious Mr. Turner.

She had little time to ponder this thought when her cell sounded from her small Coach purse. The caller ID read 'home'.

"I'm sorry Cole. It's probably one of my sisters. It might be an emergency."

Cole just nodded, restraining himself from inquiring as to why they seemed to have so many 'family emergencies'. He knew why, but he also knew Phoebe wouldn't have an answer, so he kept quiet.

"Hey Piper, what's up?" Phoebe asked, turning away from Cole. "It isn't anything too strange is it? You know, nothing you and Prue can't handle?"

Phoebe frowned.

"I was hoping you wouldn't say that." She sighed, "Alright I'll be home as soon as I can."

She replaced her phone and looked back at Cole.

"I have to..."

"Go, I know..." Cole said, playing with his food. "I was hoping we could go back to my place, but if it's really that urgent don't worry about it. There's always another time. Right?"

"Most definitely," Phoebe smiled, looking straight into his liquid blue eyes.

Cole broke the connection by signaling for the check.

He stood along with Phoebe, giving her one last peck on the lips before watching sadly as she walked away.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"There better be one heck of a demon after our butts because I just missed the ending to an-invite-you-back-to-my-place-after-lunch-date.' Phoebe complained, taking off her hat and gloves and setting them on the hallway table.

Stepping into the kitchen, Phoebe saw Piper and Prue standing on opposite sides of the table in the center of the room. They stopped talking when they spotted her and walked towards her. Prue had her arms crossed over her chest and Piper's hands chose her jeans pockets as a more appropriate place to rest. From Prue's stern expression and Piper's nervous one, Phoebe knew what was coming.

"Where have you been?" Prue asked, unfolding her arms.

"I was out on a date with Cole," Phoebe said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. She gestured to her other sister. "Piper could have told you that."

Prue looked at Piper without turning her head. "Yeah, well she didn't. She just said you'd gone out."

Phoebe looked and Piper and started to speak when Piper cut her off.

"I didn't tell Prue where you were because I didn't want to create any tension. There's enough of that around here because of all the demons popping in and out. I didn't want my own sisters to become enemies too."

Phoebe accepted her answer and turned her attention toward Prue.

"Why is it such a bad thing that I went out to lunch with Cole. Why do you care?"

Her oldest sister paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully. 'That's just it. I care a lot.' Prue said, in a surprisingly calm tone. "I just don't want to see you get hurt."

Phoebe smiled weakly, Prue always looked out for her, but sometimes her overprotection interfered with Phoebe's happiness, like now.

"I understand that and I appreciate it. I really do," she assured Prue who had opened her mouth to speak again. "It's just that, I don't think Cole's as big of a threat as you think. In fact, I don't think he's a threat at all." Phoebe said, convincing only herself. The looks on her sisters' faces said they didn't quite agree.

"In any case, I'll be careful. I'm not about to go dating demons."

There was a moment of silence as each of the Halliwells thought about Phoebe's words.

"So, anyway, what'd you guys call me home for? Demon, warlock, evil ghost spirit trapped in a mirror ready to possess Piper's body?"

Piper and Prue exchanged glances and Prue was the first to answer.

"Actually, there's nothing after us at the moment."

A look of confusion spread across Phoebe's face.

"I know, surprise right?" Prue continued, "Piper just called you home because I need the car."

Piper looked sheepish and Phoebe's expression changed from disbelief to anger.

"You could've just told me you needed the car instead of getting me all worried that there's another demon in the house!"

"Well, I figured it'd get you here faster." Prue explained while snatching the car keys out of Phoebe's hand and walking out the door.

Phoebe looked at Piper shaking her head slowly.

"What?!" Piper asked, looking around. "You know how Prue gets. I'm not about to argue with her."

"Oh, so you'd rather she argued with me?"

"No, it's just that I kinda can see where she's coming from", Piper said leaving the kitchen and stopping in the hall. Phoebe fallowed.

"How can you say that? What have you got against Cole?"

Phoebe scratched her head, running her fingers through her hair.

"Nothing really, it's just," Piper paused, not sure of how to continue.

"It's just what?"

Phoebe stood there staring at her sister. She could not believe Prue convinced Piper to doubt Cole.

"It's just that we don't know him very well. I'm not even sure you know him very well." Piper said with raised eyebrows.

"I wish I did," Phoebe sighed, "But unfortunately he won't open up to me."

Piper nodded her head as if she'd known this all along.

"I mean, sure we talk, and we laugh, and the sex...don't even get me started on that." Phoebe smiled wide eyed as her sister made a look of disgust.

"The thing is, every time I try to get him to talk about his past, about his family, he just seems to shrug it off. It's almost like he has no past at all. He seems comfortable with me, but maybe he still needs some time. He's a hard one to figure out."

"But that's what you like about him," Piper said, "You always were one for the chase."

Phoebe shrugged lightheartedly.

"Yeah, I guess, but I wish I still knew something."

Piper sensed her disappointment and tried to cheer her up.

"Leo and I both think he really likes you."

"Really?" Phoebe asks, a smile back on her face.

"Really, just give it some time."

Piper placed her hand on Phoebe's shoulder and gave her smile before pulling her into a hug.

"I'll be upstairs if you need me," Piper said as she released her hold on her sister.

"K," Phoebe said and she watched as Piper headed up the large stairs of the manor.

She looked at her watch and figured that enough time had elapsed for Cole to have made it home. 'Maybe I should call him,' she thought, 'No I'll surprise him.' she decided, grabbing her hat and gloves once more.

She left a message for her sisters and headed back out into the cool California air.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Phoebe's hand rose to knock on the door of Cole's apartment, but she pulled it away to check the watch on her other hand. It was late afternoon.

'Maybe Cole went back to Office, or maybe he is home but working on a case. I shouldn't disturb him.' She turned to leave.

"But maybe not." She said aloud, walking back up to the door and knocking twice.

No answer.

When she raised her hand to knock again, it swung open to reveal a very surprised Mr. Turner.

"Phoebe," Cole said, half in disbelief; half in joy. "What are you doing here?"

"Well," Phoebe began looking down at the floor nervously. "I felt bad about running out on our date early...again."

She met his gaze.

"It's ok," Cole reassured her. "I had some more work to get done anyway, and..."

Phoebe cut in, "Oh, well if you have work, I can come back some other time," She paused not sure if she should leave.

"No, no it's fine really." Cole cleared his throat.

Phoebe smiled expectantly.

"Do you want to come in?" Cole asked, after a moment's silence.

"Do you even have to ask?"

Cole smiled and cleared the way for Phoebe to enter his dark, small, but roomy apartment.

Upon entering, Phoebe gave Cole a quick once over. Surprisingly, his black dress shoes still donned his feet and he wore the same grey dress pants from before. He had taken off his suit jacket, but his white, button down shirt remained untouched.

'That will have to change,' Phoebe thought, a small smile playing gently across her lips.

She took a seat on the couch, placing her hat and gloves on the side table. Cole made his way toward her, stopping to turn on a lamp. The soft light illuminated her stunning features.

'God she's beautiful.' Cole thought, trying hard to resist the urge to pick her up and carry her into the bedroom.

"Do you want something to drink?" Cole asked, hoping to suppress any intimate thoughts he was having at the moment.

"Actually," Phoebe replied, "I was hoping we could just talk."

Cole mentally sighed, 'Good, she just wants to talk. I'm not sure if my human half can handle anything more than that.'

He sat down next to her, their thighs touching.

"What do you want to talk about."

His voice was full of concern despite his efforts to remain indifferent.

Phoebe lowered her head.

"I'm not sure. Anything I guess, just not me. Let's not talk about me."

She looked up slowly.

"Can we talk about you for a while?" she asked.

Her right hand rose to caress the side of Cole's face. His eyes closed, concentrating on the sensation of her skin on his. He let out a slow breath and opened his eyes once more.

"Phoebe, I..." He stopped. He couldn't possibly talk about his past, about the countless people he'd murdered, about his life in the underworld. If he told her she would kill him for sure.

'Maybe she wouldn't.' Cole thought, 'Maybe she'd understand...no she couldn't possibly. She's a Charmed One, a protector of innocents, a killer of demons.' He was her enemy.

"Yes?" she said, her hand now resting on his chest.

There seemed like no where out. His human half wanted nothing more than to make love to the witch right then and there, but Balthazor wouldn't allow it.

Killing her now would solve everything. The triad's faith in him would be restored and he'd be forever known as the mighty slayer of the charmed ones, but most importantly the witch's death would end his own emotional suffering.

Cole studied Phoebe's face for what seemed like the millionth time, and just like always his heart skipped a beat. His palms become moist.

'Was this witch really worth it?' He asked himself over and over again.

There was only one way to find out.

Taking her face in his hands, Cole leaned in slowly.

His eyes were open when their lips met, unsure of whether he should stop while ahead or if he should just give in and enjoy the moment. She made his decision for him when her small, but efficient hands began the task of unbuttoning his shirt.

Closing his eyes, he surrendered.

Phoebe finished in record time, pushing the sleeves of his shirt off and over his broad, hard shoulders.

Releasing his hold on her, Cole helped out by pulling off the white, wife beater he wore underneath and he even started to loosen his belt, but Phoebe signaled for him to stop.

"Allow me," She said, ready to unfasten his pants.

Cole watched as Phoebe removed his pants with expert ease. Their eyes locked all the while. He quickly removed his socks and shoes, so he was left in nothing, but his boxers.

Phoebe realized this, and an evil grin spread across her face.

She was going to take advantage of the situation.

Quickly, she positioned herself on top of Cole, and their size difference became evident when her legs barely managed to straddle his nearly exposed hips. She allowed him to undo her sweater and remove her shirt, but the rest was up to her. She stood for a moment to shimmy out of her skirt, and Cole could do nothing but watch as an almost naked Phoebe repositioned herself on top of him.

His heart raced as she playfully sucked at his ear. He could almost see her grinning in delight.

He then felt her tongue on his neck as she gently kissed her way back up to his mouth.

As much as he was enjoying this, Cole needed to be in control. Bracing her back, Cole used all his muscles to lift Phoebe off the couch with her legs wrapped around his firm waist.

He made his way toward the bedroom, deepening their kiss with every step. When they reached the bed, Phoebe laid back, pulling Cole down on top of her; getting herself comfortable in their new position.

Her arms began to explore the tense muscles in his back. Her nails scraped gently at his taught skin. He breathed in sharply and switched his weight to the left, so he could better use his right hand to pleasure her.

As his large powerful hand moved skillfully up and down her side, Phoebe wondered how she could feel such a strong emotional connection to a man who was normally so distant and unattached. How a man so strong and dominate could also be so sweet and gentle. How could she feel his love for her and fear him at the same time. It was as if she were making love to two different men. Men who were one and the same.

Phoebe pushed her confused thoughts aside. The intense feeling of Cole's large body above her own petite frame made it hard to concentrate as it was.

'Why does he have so much power over me?' Phoebe thought, and for a moment she even considered the possibility that her sisters might be right. 'Maybe I am rushing things with Cole and I'm just setting myself up to get hurt. Maybe I don't know enough about him, or about his feelings for me...No,' Phoebe reassured herself.

If there was one thing she knew, it was that she loved Cole, and she had learned from empathic Prue that he was in love too. Why then did she feel a distance growing between them? Not at this moment, no...never during these moments. These were the moments when he felt the most real to her...the most human.

Cole's thoughts raced as his hand made it past her navel. 'Stop! Stop before it's too late! This isn't what you want! Kill her! Kill her now!'

"No!" Cole snarled, silencing his demonic half.

Balthazor had been in control for the last century. It was finally Cole's turn to live, to do what he wanted, and not what Balthazor demanded of him.

Phoebe reached up and turned Cole's eyes toward hers.

"No, what...are you ok honey?"

Cole stared deeply into Phoebe's eyes, captivated by their depth...their light...something he never saw in his own eyes. It was something only someone with a soul was capable of having.

"Nothing," Cole said, looking down at his chest, thinking...

"I just need to get you out of this thing."

Phoebe smiled as Cole played with the strap of her purple, lace, pushup bra. Arching her back, Phoebe sighed as Cole snaked his hands underneath her to undo the clasp.

After a few seconds of silence, she looked at Cole who wore a strained expression.

She was just about to open her mouth to tell him to stop teasing her when she realized that that wasn't the reason for his delay.

'He can't get it off' Phoebe thought, trying not to laugh and bruise his ego.

She didn't want to insult his manhood by taking matters into her own hands, but her back was starting to strain, and she wasn't sure how much longer she could stay in the uncomfortable position.

"Cole?", Phoebe finally asked.

"Dammit!" Cole cursed as he pulled his hands out to let Phoebe relax. He looked away embarrassed. 'How is it that the almighty Balthazor has the power to kill upper level demons when he can't even complete the simple task of removing someone's clothes?'

Phoebe's clear, loud laugh filled the small, dark room.

Cole looked down at her with a hurt expression which made her laugh even harder.

"Oh, baby don't look at me like that!"

His face soften a bit.

"I'm sorry, If I'd known, I would've worn one with a clasp in the front."

Starting to see the humor in the situation, Cole cracked a small smile.

"Actually, I'd just preferred it if you didn't wear one at all." Cole said, as his smile grew into a full fledged grin.

"I'll keep that in mind in the future." Phoebe said as she pulled Cole down into another hot kiss.

'...in the future,' Cole repeated to himself.

His thoughts, and the kiss, were interrupted when Phoebe reached back to remove her stubborn bra.

"Much better," Phoebe said.

The bra lay discarded on the floor.

With all new territory to explore and claim, Cole eagerly began to kiss Phoebe's pale bare skin, starting at her neck, paying special attention to each breast, then finally down to the edge to her bikini bottoms which matched the abandoned bra.

Slowly, Cole pulled the lace, down...down...down, until it too found a place on the floor. Now all that was left was Cole's pair of blue, plaid boxers.

Phoebe fingered the elastic band slowly and Cole's stomach tightened against her knuckles. Instead of drawing out the simple process of removing his underwear, Phoebe decided to just go fo it, and she did.

This didn't mean she wasn't a tease. She just had something else in mind.

Making sure he was ready, she reached for him with the desired result.

Cole inhaled sharply upon contact. His eyes were wide from surprise and through gritted teeth said, "Phoebe...please."

She could have stopped, but Phoebe was feeling a bit obstinate. She wasn't going to give him what he wanted...no, she was going to give him what he needed...what she needed.

At least, she was going to try.

Before she could, Cole grabbed her hands one by one and pinned them on opposite sides of her head.

"I said, please," Cole grumbled, his body heat rising with each passing throb.

Throbs that were silence with a thrust of his hips.

Cole's breathing became heavy and sharp with each advance and Phoebe's followed suit.

The heavy scent of sweat fused with Phoebe's vanilla musk perfume had an intoxicating affect.

Seconds seemed like hours, minutes seemed like days, and neither of them knew or cared what was going on in the outside world. All focus on each other. Each movement for the other.

Cole gritted his teeth once more, and his eyes squeezed shut.

Both gasped for air as the clock counted down...three...two...one...

Phoebe tossed her head back. Her hair garnishing the soft white pillow beneath her.

Cole grunted and collapsed beside her. His heart pounding as his breath returned to normal.

Regaining some strength, Phoebe curled up beside him, her left arm covering Cole's large, wet chest, his left arm holding her against him. She smiled, snuggling closer, resting her head on his shoulder.

Phoebe vanquished any previous doubts she'd had about Cole and replaced them instead with strong feelings off assurance.

All of Cole's apprehensions were tossed aside as well. They would probably resurface in the future, but for now Cole had won.

'In the future...' Cole thought one last time before falling into an exhausted sleep.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

liljdpegasuschic160: Well, that's that! The next chapter will be up shortly, so be prepared for a little S/V action!