Disclaimer: Ha! I own Charmed? As if.

A/N: Ok I know I said I'd get this chapter up faster. So I lied. Anyways here's the final chapter (and the longest) that ties it all together. It takes place some time after "Time and Time Again."

Chapter 4

New York City 5:36 pm

Cole looked around at his surroundings, amused. His new posh office overlooked a busy intersection of the Big Apple. He leaned back into his armchair, putting his feet up onto the solid mahogany desk he was sitting behind. Of all the jobs in New York, he'd ended up as a stock broker on Wall Street. How They set that one up, he didn't know. Cole stood at last and headed toward the door.

He stepped into the general chaos outside of his office, where the rest of the workers of the investment firm conducted their businesses. Nodding a goodbye to his secretary, Cole made his way toward the elevator. The employees immediately quieted as their new boss walked past, still unsure what to make of this tall imposing figure that carried such a commanding air about him. Cole gave a rueful smile as the elevator doors clanged shut, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He felt a pang in his heart as he thought of Phoebe again. Try as he might, he just could not put their past from his mind. It had consumed too much of his life. Yet, what is life worth living for now?

The elevator shuddered to a halt and Cole walked out into the lobby, heading towards his chauffeured limo. Mortals led the same, dull life day in and day out. How long could he put up with this?

San Francisco 9:16 pm

Phoebe sat on the couch in the living room, wordlessly staring at something that only she could see. Piper and Paige sat besides her and watched her with concern. Tentatively, Piper reached out and placed a hand on her knee.

"Phoebe, honey, are you all right?" she asked gently.

Phoebe turned to look at her with saddened eyes.

"I was so horrible to him, Piper. How could I have treated him like that? Cole didn't deserve what I did to him." The words came out in a rush as Phoebe fought to control her emotions.

"But it wasn't your fault, Phoebe. Anybody would have done what you did under such situations. Cole was evil, remember?" Paige tried to comfort her.

"No! Don't you see? I was probably the one who pushed him over the edge. He was trying so hard to be good, and I didn't even give him a chance. Cole never gave up on me. Why couldn't I have done the same for him?" Phoebe looked down at her hands. Piper and Paige glanced at each other, unsure of what to say.

Phoebe continued, "I need to go see Cole, talk to him. I know he doesn't want to see me, but I have to let him know how sorry I am." She stood up. "I'm going to New York for a few days."

"But Phoebe," Piper started to protest, but Phoebe cut her off.

"Please understand. I have to do this. I…I think I still love him." These last few words came out a whisper. Phoebe seemed unsure, even terrified, as she said this.

"My flight leaves in a few hours," Phoebe said to break the silence that followed her statement.

"Phoebe, you bought a plane ticket?" Piper wailed even as Paige cried,

"You're leaving now?"

She nodded, unable to meet their eyes.

"Oh, sweetie, at least wait until morning and let Leo orb you or something," Piper tried to appeal to her sister's common sense. Phoebe shook her head.

"I have to do this by myself, Piper, and I can't leave it any longer." Her eyes pleaded with them.

"It's not safe for you to wander around New York by yourself. And with Cole there…" Paige didn't bother to mask her distrust of the ex-demon.

"Cole won't hurt me, you know that," Phoebe said firmly, "and I could always call for Leo if I run into any trouble," she paused. "I'm going one way or the other. I was hoping to do it with your support."

Piper and Paige could see that nothing they say would make her change her mind. Piper reached out and gave her a hug.

"Ok, but you be careful, you hear?"

Paige did likewise. "I still think this is a bad idea," she muttered quietly as she pulled away. A few minutes later, the door closed, leaving the remaining two sisters alone in the Manor.

New York City 11:54 pm

Cole slipped into his black track jacket and did some stretches, limbering up for his run. Lately, he had taken to jogging during the late hours of the night. Sleep was a thing that didn't come easy for him anymore. No matter what Cole did during the day, however he tried to tire himself out, it was in these cruel hours of early morning that a sense of despair and loneliness started to sink in. He could feel it like a weight on his chest, dragging him down under a sea of darkness. So he ran. The steady pounding of his feet on the sidewalks, his breath fogging up the cold night air, and the blur of New York nightlife passing him served as some means of distraction. But what was he running from?

Cole kept up a smooth gait, his legs pumping strongly. It felt good just to be able to run like this, as if he could leave all his troubles behind. The cold numbed his thoughts and left him no room to think of her. Coming up to a dark stretch of an alleyway, Cole slowed down. Had he imagined it, or did there seem to be something there? Shaking his head at his own paranoia, Cole moved on. Out of the darkness flew a fist that connected solidly with his jaw. The force and surprise of the blow knocked him down to the ground. A bit dazed, he tried to seek out his attacker. Three shadowy figures loomed over him, and he could see the glint of a knife in the hand of one of them. Grimacing, Cole wiped away a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth and reached for an energy ball out of habit. He swore as he remembered that he was human now and possessed no such powers.

"Hand over your wallet and any valuables. Now." A cold voice commanded. Cole scoffed at the irony of his situation. After all these years of combating witches, demons, and the Source, was his it ultimately his fate to be killed by this measly band of muggers? Not in this lifetime, Cole thought. With a snarl, he launched himself at the one with the knife. Cole prowled into him and they both went down heavily, the knife skittering across the ground. The two of them struggled fiercely for control, and Cole was able to land several blows. Suddenly, the other two muggers seized his arms from behind and slammed him back against the side of the alley. A fist punched into his stomach, making him double over with pain. He could use a bit of Belthazor's strength right about now, Cole thought wistfully as he fended off more blows from his attackers.

A ball of blue light shot out of nowhere, and one of the muggers screamed as he was engulfed in flames. The energy ball was followed with an athame that thudded into the chest of a second attacker. The third and final mugger stared at the scene with terrified eyes before turning to flee. He tripped and fell several times before he finally got clear of the alley, running for his life.

Cole stood on shaky legs and took a couple of deep breaths. Gingerly, he moved his arms around. Good, nothing seems to be broken. Except for a few bruises and a nasty cut above his right eye, everything was in working order. He finally diverted his attention to his…rescuer?

Cole felt as if the wind got knocked out of him again. Stepping from the shadows was someone he hadn't ever expected to see again.

"Leia?" he asked tentatively, not knowing if his eyes were deceiving him.

"Hello, Cole," she smiled at him.

"Leia, what are you doing here?" Cole questioned her. "How did you know I was alive?"

She didn't answer, but finally said, "It seems we have a lot to talk about."

"That we do," Cole agreed. "Let's go back to my apartment. I could use a shower anyways."

Leia nodded, "I'll shimmer us." And they were gone.

1:49 am

Cole came out of the bathroom in a puff of steam, toweling his hair dry. He wore a clean white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of black pants. He sat down across from Leia, who had amused herself with the stack of magazines he'd piled in a rack. At once, however, her eyes took on a more serious tone.

"So what have you been up to?" Cole spoke first.

"Raynor finished my training, after you left." Her sharp blue eyes pierced into his with an intensity Cole couldn't shake.

"Raynor." he scowled slightly at the mention of the name. "Of course."

" Cole, it's changed. Everything." She spoke calmly, but Cole could see something was troubling her.

"What do you mean?"

"You turned, Cole. You betrayed our kind. You had to go and run off with that witch."

"Leia, I thought you, of all people, would understand," his voice held just a small hint of hurt.

"Cole, I did understand. I still do. Which is what makes this all the more difficult." She continued to gaze at him steadily.

He watched her, puzzled. Just then his door buzzed.

Who makes house calls at this hour? He thought to himself as he stood. To Leia he said,

"We'll continue this conversation in a minute." He could feel her eyes on him as he moved to answer the door.

Cole opened the door, bracing an arm against the door frame. He froze when he saw who it was. Phoebe had been staring blankly at the door for a good 15 minutes, debating with herself. Now, however, she peered up at him through her lashes and heard his sharp intake of breath. Something flickered behind his eyes, something like fear, maybe. She could feel his hurt and anger, definitely. But was there something more?

She saw him back away slowly. His face took on a look of stubbornness, and she could tell he wanted to shut the door in her face. Before Cole could do so, however, she reached out and braced her hand on the door.

"Cole, hear me out, please," Phoebe said quietly.

He didn't answer, but let her in. Phoebe didn't notice the young female demon lounging on the couch. She only had eyes for him.

"First of all, I wanted to say, that I am so very sorry. I know I've said and done some terrible things to you," she shook her head. "You didn't deserve that." Phoebe's voice caught in her throat, and she could feel the emotion welling up in her. The tears threatened to come. "Just say the word. I'll leave now and you'll never have to see me ever again." Her gaze never left his face. "Cole, I never stopped loving you. All this time, I was just lying to myself. I'm sorry that you had to suffer for it. Please remember my love, if nothing else." His face was still unreadable, his eyes, uncompromising. There was nothing more to say, so Phoebe turned to go. Sorrow and regret filled her heart, as if it was happening all over again.

Suddenly, a hand caught her wrist, gently holding her back. Cole's strong arms encircled her in a warm embrace. Phoebe finally lost control of her tears. She sobbed into his chest, her tears soaking his shirt. She was back in the arms of the man she loved. Cole laid his head on top of hers and closed his eyes, breathing in the soft fragrance that he'd missed so much.

"Oh, Phoebe," he sighed. "I'm sorry too." He gently wiped away her tears. After a while, Cole stepped back, still holding her hand.

"I can't do this, Phoebe." His voice broke. "This, between us, can't last. It never does. I don't want to hurt you again." It almost killed him to say this.

Phoebe rested her hands on his arms. "Cole, we can make this work. And I'll be behind you every step of the way this time." She looked trustingly into his eyes.

"Please stop that," a silky voice spoke.

Phoebe jumped and looked for the source of the voice. Cole's eyes flew wide in surprise when he saw that Leia was pointing a gun at them.

"Leia, what are you doing?" Cole moved to stand in front of Phoebe. The barrel of the gun followed him as he moved.

"Cole, who's that?" Phoebe asked him, a tinge of fear creeping into her voice.

Without taking his eyes off of the gun he replied, "Leia. She was my former apprentice. A half demon, like me."

He held out his hands in front of him and advanced slowly toward her.

"Come on, Leia, you don't want to do this. Put the gun down."

Leia's face was a blank mask as she answered him. "Don't come any closer."

Cole stopped. "Why are you doing this? And what's with the gun? Last time, I checked, you still had your powers. In fact, didn't you just use them to save me from the muggers? And now you want to shoot me?" He spoke calmly, running through a dozen possibilities in his mind.

"My assignment was to kill you," Leia said simply. Her voice was cold. "As for the muggers, I wanted to talk to you first, and of course, I couldn't have them stealing my kill." She brushed a finger down the icy metal barrel of the gun. "Besides, guns are so much more fun to use," She laughed lightly.

Cole's eyes were sad. "Leia, when did you become so cold-hearted?" He asked softly. "I did not train you this way." For a brief moment, Cole thought he saw a flicker pass over her face, but then the expressionless mask was back in place.

"Goodbye, Cole," Leia said with finality. The shot was thunderous in the quiet room. Leia disappeared a second later.

"Leo!" Phoebe screamed.

Cole staggered back against the wall, looking down in surprise at a pool of crimson blossoming across his chest. Then his knees buckled and he sank towards the floor. He heard a distant roaring as the blood pounded in his ears. As if in slow motion, he saw Phoebe rushing to his side. In these precious few seconds between life and death, Cole was able to look deep into Phoebe's beautiful brown eyes, now swimming with tears. It was almost as if he could see into her soul. And he knew. She had meant everything she had said to him tonight. With the last of his strength, Cole reached out and grasped her hand. He managed a weak smile and whispered,

"I love you, Phoebe. Always." His eyes closed.

Just then a shimmer of blue light appeared behind Phoebe as Leo orbed in, looking harried.

"Phoebe, we were attacked at the Manor. I couldn't get away What---" He finally saw Cole lying against the wall. "Oh no…" Leo hurried and knelt down beside him, spreading his palms over the bullet wound. After what seemed like an eternity, Leo dropped his hands to his sides, dejected. "I'm so sorry, Pheebs. It's too late, he said in a ragged whisper. He had failed both of them.

"No! Leo, bring him back, please. There has to be something you can do!" Phoebe pleaded in a strangled voice. "Cole? Come back to me, please, Cole." She tightly clutched his lifeless body to her. She couldn't have found him only to lose him so soon again! A hand squeezed her shoulders. Leo. He came and knelt down besides her putting his arm around her shoulders, his face drawn with pain. Cole had been a friend, and he'd let him down. Phoebe's shoulders shook with sobs; the two of them stayed like that for a long, long time.

The Underworld

A low glow flickered inside the dim cavern. The sand had lain undisturbed for quite some time now. The cave was empty, deserted. Even the flames were dying down, burning away feebly.

Leia walked in slowly. In her hand she held a milky white orb. She ran her other hand over the walls, tracing the numerous burn marks that scorched it. Her mind vividly replayed the scene from last night. It was one that would forever haunt her dreams.

She leaned against one wall, sighing, her eyes closed. The glass orb pulsed slightly in her hands, emanating fierce white light. Cole's soul. Her heart throbbed painfully.

Cole, could you ever forgive me, ever understand? The new Source had sent demons after you, seeking to imprison your soul. I had asked for the assignment and pledged my loyalty to him, if he would let me have it. He consented, only because he knew there was no coming back for you this time. But I've saved you from a fate far worse than death, Cole, did you know that?

Leia looked down upon the orb one last time and then threw it hard against the cavern wall; it shattered on impact. A bright white light lingered in the air for a second, hovering near her, and then it faded away, free at last to move on.

San Francisco

The first rays of the spring sun danced upon the city of San Francisco. It was a cheerful sort of day, for some people at least. As always, though, the graveyards remained dark and gloomy. A small congregation of people was gathered near a large and imposing tomb, the Turner family mausoleum.

They were all there. The three sisters, of course. Leo, Darryl, Victor. Some former colleagues of Cole's and even a few new ones who had flown in from New York. Not too many people, though.

Throughout the service, Phoebe had sat stone-faced, staring dead ahead. Piper and Paige were worried about her. She hasn't spoken much at all since returning from New York, spending her time either quietly in her room or lingering around the mausoleum. Now Phoebe looked down at the ground. There hasn't been a single day gone by where she hadn't thought of him, hadn't cried about him. Her face now was dry, though. She had used up all her tears, and she didn't have the energy to break down again. What's left instead was this gaping void inside of her, one she knew would never be filled. Her heart ached for Cole painfully, and what she wanted most was to just be able to be in his arms again. Phoebe longed to rest her head against his chest, to listen to his steady heartbeat, to hear him murmur sweet nothings in her ear. But theirs was a lost battle from the beginning. What chance did they have, when fate itself was against them?

Phoebe wondered where he was now. With Mom, Grandma, and Prue? Would the Powers permit his soul a peaceful rest at last? She closed her eyes and lifted her head up toward the sky, feeling the warmth of the sun shining down on her. A brisk breeze picked up and swept past her, caressing her face and blowing a few stray strands of her hair back. Phoebe, it seemed to whisper as it whistled past her ear.

Her tears flowed freely.

The End

A/N: Yeah I know it's cruel, and I didn't really plan it this way, but I guess the story just kinda wrote itself. Seriously. But I'll try writing one with a happier ending next time. I hoped you enjoyed this one though. And you'll review, if you know what's good for you :)