Oh my goodness my muse feels so special she decided to get hopping on a new chapter right away. She gives special thanks to the anonymous guest reviewer, Anthony and Callisto Nicol for feeding her.
Borrowed a few lines from A Wrong Days Journey into Right
2026
As she orbed into Wyatt's apartment, Molly let out a frustrated yell before immediately starting to pace in front of her future brother–in-law, who didn't even bother looking up from the pot on the stove where he was stirring something. The young whitelighter didn't notice her audience's distraction far too upset over the day's events to even have seen he was busy. She just needed to vent. Badly.
"I hate her," she started. "I know whitelighters are supposed to be calm and peaceful, but that woman is evil. And mean. She's just mean. Did I mention I am pretty sure she's evil? I mean, she threatened me with an energy ball. After insulting me. Okay, so yeah, she's really pretty in an obvious sex-kitten kind of way, but I'm not ugly. I'm not. I'm just German-Irish and curvy in a non-model kind of way. So what if she's got perfect skin and is all busty and tough and mysterious. I'm a good person, damn it. I do not deserve this."
Wyatt removed a pair of ear buds and smiled warmly up at Molly. "Hey. When did you get here?"
Molly glared at him. "You didn't a hear word of that did you?"
"Word of what?" he asked, confused. He glanced down at the ear buds, realizing what had happened. "Oh, sorry. I like to listen to music when I make potions. Helps me relax."
The young woman flopped down on his sofa, putting her head in her hands. "I can't do this. I just can't, Wyatt. How could they do this to me?"
Wyatt pulled his music player from his pocket and tossed it and the ear buds on the counter. He then flipped off the burner and covered his pot with a lid before making his way to sit next to her on the sofa. He put a hand on her shoulder, his brow creased in concern. "Hey, Molly, what's wrong? Talk to me. I promise nothing in my ears right now."
"You know if Chris were here," Molly began with a soft, sad laugh, "he'd say you didn't have anything between them either."
Wyatt chuckled nodding. "Yeah, I guess I did leave myself wide open. He would've definitely jumped on that one. I'm getting sloppy without him here to give me grief."
She bit her lip, her eyes watering, "I miss him so much. I've been trying to stay strong and positive, but I just can't anymore. My heart just hurts, Wyatt. All the time. I feel empty and alone – like my life is just on pause. I'm not really here. I'm just floating through the days. It was sort of fine that way until the Elders decided to turn me into their cosmic punching bag."
"What did they do?"
"Your parents told you all about the other timeline, right?" Off his nod, "Well, did they happen to mention Chris' incredibly sexy former fiancée, Bianca?"
Wyatt's mouth fell open in shock. "You met Bianca too?"
"She's my charge," Molly answered bitterly. She frowned as she fully comprehended what he'd said. "Wait. Too?"
The Twice Blessed pursed his lips, not really wanting to talk about his encounter with the Phoenix Witch. As worried and upset as Molly already seemed to be about the woman, he didn't think hearing how Bianca planned to give Chris a soul-binding potion would help. He darted his eyes to the side, looking sheepish. "Uh, she sort of stopped by P3."
"And . . .?"
He shrugged, playing nonchalant with a bit too much enthusiasm. "Didn't seem so great to me. I thought she was kinda harsh looking. Very demonatrix vibe – totally not Chris' type at all. Really." He made a face which included sticking out his tongue. "Blech."
"What aren't you telling me?"
The witchlighter tried to change the subject. "So . . . the Elders suck. I cannot believe they assigned you Bianca. That's just not right. Do you want me to go talk to them?" He rose from the sofa nervously. "I'll go talk to them. Yeah, I will just go, and I'll give them what's-for. You just stay here, and I'll go, uh, do . . . that."
Just as he started to orb he heard Molly sharply say, "Wyatt Matthew Halliwell sit."
Orb lights shifted to the sofa forming one very uncomfortable looking Twice Blessed. He fidgeted nervously as his friend stared him down, one eyebrow arched in question. He finally let out a deep breath. "Okay, so it's come to my attention Bianca may remember the other timeline."
Molly's face went slack and pale. "What?"
The pain and fear in that one word made Wyatt wince. He forced himself to look at her stricken face as he continued gently, "In exchange for information on the demon who went after Lucky, she asked me to make a potion for her . . . one to bind souls through lifetimes. Aunt Paige thinks she wants to give it to Chris to permanently bring back his version from the other timeline."
Molly's eyes drifted over to the stove then back to Wyatt, betrayal and horror in her gaze. "Wyatt . . ."
Realizing what she was thinking, Wyatt threw his hands up in defense. "No. No, no, no, no." He pointed over to the pot. "Just a vanquishing potion - I promise. My charge in Ireland is having some trouble with a Sluagh."
Molly let out a shuttered breath. "Oh, thank god. I mean, not that your charge is in danger, just . . . I'm glad you aren't helping that . . . that woman."
"Of course I'm not helping her," Wyatt remarked, a bit insulted. "You are the only sister-in-law I want, okay? She's not getting anywhere near Chris, I promise."
The whitelighter hugged herself, her eyes dropping as she nodded. "Yeah, but unfortunately, you're not the one who gets to make that call. Who knows what Chris will want when he comes back."
"Lucky said you two were married in his future, right?" Off her nod, "Then you have nothing to worry about."
Molly smiled warmly. "Okay. You're right. I heard it straight from the future. I just need to have faith and stay strong and try not to kill my charge."
"Atta, Girl."
The doorbell rang and Wyatt frowned as he moved to open the door. Standing on the other side was a small man a few years younger than Wyatt with short black hair and soft brown eyes mostly hidden behind the thick black frames of his glasses. He was currently scowling at the Twice Blessed.
"Lucy, you got some spainin' to do," the young man scolded in a fake latin accent.
"Kip!" Molly cried out, a huge smile forming on her face as she ran to the door and threw her arms around the newcomer, hugging him tightly.
As the two pulled apart, Kip smiled at her fondly. "Aw, hey, Mols, how's my favorite dead girl?"
"Been better."
"Yeah, I heard about C-squared." He shot a look over at Wyatt, adding bitterly, "Months after the fact. Dude, there's this thing called a phone. You should use it when my two best friends get sucked into the past. A guy has a right to know these things."
Wyatt rolled his eyes. "You're not my friend."
"Ouch," Kip put a hand to his chest. "That hurts. Right here."
Without asking, the young man entered the apartment taking it in. He shook his head, throwing Wyatt a disapproving look. "You know, for the ruler of the magical community, your pad is pretty sad. Not even an island in the kitchen? Casey's got to hate that."
"We're picking out a new place when she gets back, alright?" Wyatt answered, annoyed.
Molly's head whipped around to look at him. "Wait. You and Casey are moving in together?"
He smiled warmly, his blue eyes twinkling. "Yeah. She said yes right before she left after Lucky."
"That's so wonderful, Wyatt. I'm so happy for you guys."
"Thanks."
Kip went into the kitchen and grabbed an apple, taking out a big bite before hopping up onto the counter.
"Hey, I was saving that," Wyatt whined. "Why are you here? Stealing my food?"
"Not that I'm not glad to see you," Molly said, gently nudging Wyatt to be nice, "but how did you find out about Chris and Casey?"
"Jess told me," Kip answered. "Casey called her a few months ago when Chris vanished. Then she had a premonition the other night about Casey and saw her and Lucky with Chris' aunts looking super young and fighting some sort of Elvira looking lady."
"You spoke to Jess?" Molly asked softly. She'd been sad to hear Kip and Jessica had broken up after high school. The news they were speaking again gave her hope for reconciliation.
"We're grown-ups," he answered. Off Wyatt's arched brow and rather loud scoff, he added, "More or less. Just because I'm not with her doesn't mean we can't be friendly. Besides, she knew you might need some support, and she couldn't come what with starring in that off Broadway production – I forget the name. Something artsy and boring."
As Kip reached for another piece of fruit, Wyatt snatched the bowl away. "Would you stop stealing my food? We're not friends. I put up with you for Casey and Chris' sakes, but they're not here right now. How did you even know where my apartment is?"
Kip rolled his eyes. "I stopped at the manor, and your mother, who adores me by the way, told me where to find you. I figured with C-squared gone, Mols would come here. Not to mention, I wanted to give you a piece of my mind for not telling me about this whole big mess. Seriously, someone targets my Godson and no one thinks to clue me in? Evil Jedi can help. Bad ass telepath, remember?"
Wyatt went to block his fridge as Kip hopped off the counter and started heading toward it. He leaned against the door; one foot crossed over the other and arms over his chest, smiling smugly as the telepath pouted.
"In medieval times, you were supposed to be gracious to guests, King Arthur," Kip grumbled.
"I didn't invite you. You're not a guest. You're an intruder."
"Actually, his timing could not be more perfect," Molly said, a plan forming.
Wyatt shot her a quizzical look. "How so? I just went grocery shopping?"
"It's perfect because Bianca doesn't know Kip," she said slowly. "What if we send him to find out for sure what she's really after and why? Or better yet, he can telepath the information we need."
Kip tilted his head to the side, confused. "Who's Bianca?"
The Twice Blessed considered it a moment before having to concede it might actually work. While he could use telepathy himself, it wasn't his strong suite. Kip was definitely far more advanced with the power than he was. "That may not be a terrible idea."
"What idea?" Kip wondered. "Is she the one after Lucky?"
"Then you don't have to make the potion, we find out her real intentions and stop the demon," Molly finished, smiling brightly.
"What demon? What potion? Don't make me telepath you two."
Wyatt put a hand on Kip's shoulder, finally smiling at the younger man. "Kip, I think you may just prove to be useful yet."
The telepath's face fell. "I'm so not going to like this am I?"
The Twice Blessed just smiled wider.
000
2026
Bianca smiled darkly at the man sitting with his back away from her on the bed. She moved swiftly and silently across the mattress to wrap her arms around his torso and plant a warm kiss on his neck and shoulder. Her hands caressed his firm chest, and she smiled fully. "I've missed you."
The dark haired man turned toward her, twisting her down into his lap where he claimed her mouth with a hard, passionate kiss. When he released her, he gave her a dimpled grin. "I take it things are progressing well?"
"I think the little whitelighter may have a nervous breakdown. The look on her face when she saw me was absolutely priceless. She'll be running for the hills in no time."
He pushed the hair from her face, giving her a roguish smile. "Good girl. And the Twice Blessed? Have the seeds of doubt been planted in his mind yet?"
"No," she replied. "Though, it's only a matter of time. Once you show him exactly what's going on in the past, the poor fool will have no choice but to see the truth."
"Sweet, Morgana, you are finally going to get your revenge on Merlin and Arthur. I promise."
The man kissed her roughly once more before tossing her back onto the bed and rising to his feet. At her pout, he smiled down at her. "Don't worry, Love, I'll be back. I just have to check in with the seer. I want to make sure our friend in the past is doing his part in the plan."
"Hurry, Nomed. I'm not a patient woman."
"I know."
As he shimmered out of the apartment, Bianca's love struck face fell to a deep scowl, and she wiped the back of her mouth with her arm. She let out a breath and shook her head, glaring up at the ceiling. "You better be right about this you halo wearing sadists because right now, whoever Chris Halliwell is, he seems like way more trouble than he's worth."
000
2004
Chris was sitting hunched over on a tiny cot, his arms across his knees with his forehead resting against his arms. He couldn't believe this was happening. He was sitting in a jail cell. A powerful source in the fight against evil, and he was stuck here like some common criminal. It's not like he really stole the Porsche. He was just trying to catch the demon. If that's what it even could be called. Paige's own personal gain consequence gone way wrong.
He had to admit, it'd been pretty funny to see Casey's face when she and Lucky had come up the stairs in the middle of his and Phoebe's lecturing Paige about summoning a sex toy. He'd never seen his friend flush like that before. It was nice to have someone around who understood how very disturbing it was to hear about and see all the sisters' sexual adventures. She'd almost gagged when she heard Paige say they'd done the same thing for Piper. It seemed his mom was a surrogate mother to her, and the idea of Piper doing those things bothered Casey as much as it did Chris. Though, he had to admit, it was less scarring than trying to stop her from making him half-fireman. He seriously hated Greg.
Then there was the fact poor Lucky had been standing behind Casey. When he'd asked so innocently, "What's a sex toy?" the conversation halted pretty quickly. Chris liked to think the boy would forget about his question, but he knew his son better than that by now. Once the kid got an idea in his head, he was relentless. Chris had figured that out once he realized Lucky wanted him and Casey back together.
He and Casey had been walking on egg shells around each other ever since their confrontation at P3, but Lucky didn't understand why, so he was constantly forcing them into situations where they had to be together. He'd often switch chairs so his parents had to sit next to one another at the table. One time he'd randomly called for Chris and then orbed out leaving him and Casey alone in the attic. She'd mumbled something about going to find him and left right away. Chris hated the whole situation. Lucky wanted his parents together, and Chris couldn't deny he was in love with Casey, but after hearing what his other version had done to her . . . Chris was surprised she hadn't taken Lucky and gotten as far away from him as possible. How she managed to stay friends with his counterpart he would never know.
Chris let out a frustrated groan. Being in this cell was giving him far too much time to think. He was running out of time to save Wyatt. His birthday was just around the corner, and he was no closer to figuring out what turned him. His situation with Casey was also driving him crazy. Lucky was a welcome distraction, but a distraction none the less.
The little boy had looked horrified when Morris showed up to arrest him. Chris had never felt more humiliated in his life than when his son had seen him cuffed and shoved into the back of a cruiser. Paige had promised to get him out of here, but he'd been in this cell for over an hour already. Maybe more. Where was she?
Orb lights slowly formed to his right, forming into Leo. Chris shook his head. No wonder it'd taken forever for someone to come. It wasn't like Chris would ever be a priority for the Elder. He remarked bitterly, "Took you long enough."
"Shh, not so loud," Leo whispered, glancing back toward the hallway, checking to make sure the coast was clear. "I'm getting you outta here."
He asked, not quite able to believe it, "Great. So Darryl's gonna cover?"
Leo turned toward him gesturing for him to get to his feet. "Forget about Darryl. Come on."
Chris leaned forward on the cot, shooting the Elder an incredulous look. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. We're just gonna orb out of here? What about exposure?"
"Right now, I'm more worried about them exposing you," Leo replied, his gaze locked on Chris'. The concern in his voice a sound Chris wasn't used to hearing directed at him.
"Yeah, but-"
"-Look, son . . ." Leo began, emphasizing 'son'.
Chris flinched, more affected by the title than he would have thought. It'd been so long since any version of Leo had actually called him that. The man he grew up with barely remembered he existed, and when he did, he didn't claim Chris that way. It was more, "Wyatt's little brother." The way this Leo said it . . . Chris couldn't deny it felt good.
". . . I'm not gonna let you hang here, okay?" the Elder continued. His tone left no room for argument as he finished, "Now come on. You've got an aunt to save."
Chris studied him for a second, not believing what he was hearing. Leo, the Elder who always followed the rules, who put the greater good and his job and pretty much everything else before him was actually willing to risk exposure just to get him out of a jail cell? Maybe Casey was right. Maybe this Leo really was completely different than the man he'd grown up knowing. He couldn't help but smile a little at the possibility.
The young man rose to his feet, his eyes fixed on Leo and purposefully remarked, "Thanks, Dad."
The two of them shared a moment before both orbing out of the cell and back to the manor. As they reappeared in the attic Phoebe was in the middle of talking to Paige's Mr. Right while Casey was cleaning up potion supplies, and Lucky stood in the middle of the attic, arms folded and glaring at Chris.
"Chris, you're out," Phoebe said, happily.
"Yeah, thank god," he breathed before noticing his son's deep scowl focused in his direction. He smiled weakly. "Hey, Buddy, what's wrong?"
"You stole a car!" the little boy cried, his arms flying up in the air. "I got grounded for two weeks for stealing Joey's pudding, and you stole a car!"
Leo and Phoebe exchanged smiles, amused at what was clearly deemed an injustice by the child.
Chris held up a hand. "Hey, hey, hey. Firstly, I did not steal the car. I borrowed it to chase a demon. Secondly, what about pudding?" He shot a look at Casey to clarify.
"He wanted his friend's chocolate pudding, so he orbed it out of the kid's bag into his own," Casey explained. "We gave him a long lecture on how stealing is wrong, and how what he did was an abuse of his powers. You then doled out a two week grounding from all electronics."
"Two weeks," Lucky said again, still fuming, "for pudding. You stole a car you big hippo!"
Chris rolled his eyes. "I did not steal-" He paused mid defense and frowned, "Did you just call me a hippo?"
"Yup," Lucky said. "Cause you are."
Chris turned to Casey, "Why is he calling me a hippo?" When she just shrugged, not understanding any more than he did, he turned to Lucky. "Why are you calling me a hippo?"
"Cause you say not to do stuff then you do it even worse. You're a hippo."
"Oooh," Casey realized, "Hippo-crit. Lucky, you mean to say your dad is a hypocrite."
Chris glared at her. "Don't encourage him."
"I'm just teaching him the correct word," she said smiling far too sweetly for his taste.
"Yeah, well, you're enjoying this way too much."
Leo cut in, "So, Phoebe, how's the potion coming? Chris has an idea on how you can find Paige."
"It works perfectly," Mr. Right answered for her, showing his bleeding hand as proof. After all, if he could bleed, his evil counterpart could be vanquished.
"Come on, Lucky," Casey held her hand out to her son. "Time for us to get out of the way, so they can save your Aunt Paige."
"Actually," Chris cut-in. "My plan involves you too."
"Me?" she asked, her voice going up a pitch.
"Phoebe doesn't have an active power, so she's going to need back up," he explained. "You two are going to have to sneak in."
Leo picked up, "Then, once you're in, we'll bring you the potion that makes the demon real."
Phoebe and Casey exchanged worried looks. Phoebe finally asked nervously, "And how exactly are we going to sneak in?"
Chris smirked while Leo looked guilty. Then, the men shared a look, causing both of them to smile knowing how both women were really going to hate the answer. Finally, Chris slowly explained, "You'll have to dress up like demonatrix."
"What's a demonaxtrix?" Lucky asked.
Leo scooped the little boy up. "You know, I bet you're hungry. How about I make you some supper, huh?"
Before the little boy could answer, Leo gave Chris a pat on the shoulder and carried his grandson down the stairs to the kitchen.
"Oh, just get it over with," Phoebe relented, gesturing vaguely with her hand.
Casey folded her arms over her chest and glared at him. "Fine. Hurry."
Chris snapped his fingers and both women were decked out in head to toe leather. Casey was in a leather corset and tight black pants with knee high boots. Phoebe was in a crisscrossed halter, leather pants, boots and a blonde wig.
Phoebe glanced over to Casey and pulled a face. "Hey, why doesn't she have to wear a wig?
"Because no one will recognize her," Chris answered as though it were obvious. "You're a Charmed One. Everyone knows what you look like."
"This sucks," Phoebe whined.
Casey glanced down at herself and shrugged. "It beats dressing like a wood nymph." Off their confused looks, "Never mind. Shall we?"
When Phoebe gave a nod, Chris raised his hand and orbed them both to the underworld where he knew the secret hideout of the demonatrix was located. Now, all he could do was wait.
000
2004
The girls had been gone for too long. Chris was getting worried. Maybe he shouldn't have let Casey go down there. He just didn't like the idea of Phoebe going alone without her active powers, and it wasn't like Casey was a rookie. She'd been fighting demons since she was a kid. Still, the more time went by, the more anxious he felt. His son's mother could be in danger, and he was just sitting here.
He thought about going to check on Lucky again downstairs, but he was pretty sure his son was getting annoyed with his constant hovering. Last time he'd gone to see how the homework was coming he'd gotten a huge sigh and eye roll combo. Though, at least Lucky wasn't calling him a hippo anymore . . .
"Something's wrong," Leo said, his eyes closed in concentration. "I can't sense them."
Chris rose from his seat. "I'm going back down there."
Leo moved to his side, putting a hand on his chest to calm him down. "No, you can't. Lucky needs you here."
"Leo, they need the potion, alright?"
His father shook his head. "It's too dangerous. I'm not risking you too. Casey strikes me as a resourceful woman, and Phoebe always finds a way. They'll be okay."
Chris pursed his lips, his gaze slipping to the floor. His eyes grew distant as he thought of the time in his life Casey hadn't been okay. After a moment, he felt Leo's hand on his shoulder and looked up to find the man looking down at him with deep concern.
"Chris what is it?" The Elder's voice was soft, almost hesitant. "I know we're not close in your time, but I've noticed things have been a bit tense between the two of you lately. You don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to, but . . . I'd like to help if I can. I'm told I'm a good listener."
Chris normally would have brushed him off, pushed him away with some sarcastic retort, but something in Leo's gaze gave him pause. The man had just broken some major rules for him earlier. He found himself slowly answering, "She died when I was fourteen. In my time, Casey was killed by a warlock. She bled to death in my arms."
Leo's lips parted as horror filled his soft blue-green eyes. "Oh, Son . . ."
"I screamed for you," Chris quietly told him. "I begged for you to come, but you never did. It's part of the reason I hated you for so long."
The elder shook his head, flabbergasted. "I don't understand. Why didn't I come? Where was I?"
Chris shrugged. "I don't know. You never told me." He took a breath, "Sorry, I didn't mean to bring it up. It's just . . . she died. She was the first girl I ever loved, and I watched her die. Then years later, Wyatt sent Bianca after me because he knew she'd remind me of Casey. He was hoping she'd turn me evil." He smiled softly, "He never expected I'd turn her. She started off so hard and cold, but it was an act. She was scared and felt so alone and hopeless. Once I got to know the real Bianca . . . she was ridiculously cunning, but she could be sweet and thoughtful. She was tough, never cut me any slack and didn't put up with my attitude. I couldn't help but fall in love with her. We fought side by side for years, trusting each other with our lives as we worked in secret against Wyatt. She taught me everything I needed to know to survive. She was my everything. Then, irony of ironies, she ended up bleeding to death in my arms too."
Leo's heart broke for his son. "Chris, I'm so sorry. You never said what happened. . .I had hoped it wasn't that."
"After I lost Bianca, I was done," Chris said, not really focusing on anything anymore. "She was the love of my life, and she was gone. Every woman I had loved died. Love was clearly not meant to be part of my life. Fine. So be it. I had bigger priorities anyway. Then all the sudden this precocious five year old shows up here, and he's incredible, and he talks about his mom, and then it ends up being Casey. She's alive. She's alive and gorgeous and sweet and sassy and an amazing mother, and I can't stop . . ." Chris looked up at Leo his eyes soft, "I'm falling in love with her, and I can't make myself stop."
Leo smiled softly. "Why do you need to? Chris, I know you've been hurt by love horribly in the past, but maybe, this is the universe's way of making it up to you? From what I can tell, she's an amazing girl and a great fit with you. Not to mention, Lucky – he could have his parents together."
Chris let out a breath, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I know all that, but it's not that simple, Dad. Other me did something awful. He didn't just break her heart; he put it through a shredder. I kissed her, and it brought all the pain right back for her. You should have seen her - just reliving it was making her fall apart. I don't know how to fix it."
"It's not yours to fix," Leo replied. "You're not the one who did it. You also can't ignore it happened, and it was obviously traumatic for her from what you're saying."
Chris flopped onto the sofa. "So what do I do?"
Leo took a seat next to him, giving him a thin lipped smile. "I wish I could tell you, but that's something only you can decide. On the one hand, you two may be perfect for each other, and given some time, you may be able to fight for her and win. On the other hand, sometimes when we truly love someone the best thing for them is to let them go."
His son put his head back against the couch. "Yeah, I was afraid you were gonna say that."
000
After helping Phoebe kick some major demonatrix butt, saving Piper (who couldn't resist making a snide comment about her outfit) and Paige (who at least kept her mocking focused on Phoebe), Casey was more than ready to change into her pajamas, find a book and just relax for a little bit. Unfortunately, when she went up to the attic to find something to read, Chris was sitting on the couch flipping through the Book of Shadows.
He glanced up at the sound of her entrance. "Hey. Sounds like everything went well?"
"Your mom thinks this is part of my normal wardrobe, but sure, aside from that, just peachy."
"Sorry," Chris offered. "Want me to conjure you a sweatshirt?"
"No. Thanks." She shifted uncomfortably. For some reason she just didn't know what to say to him now. He looked so guilty every time she'd seen him since P3. She hadn't meant to be so harsh. Once the flood gates opened, she hadn't been able to stop herself. She'd taken out her hurt and anger on him, and he hadn't even been the one to do it. Not really anyway. She settled on a safe topic. "So, Lucky was good for you? No more name calling?"
Chris chuckled. "Uh, yeah. He was fine. Leo made him a frozen pizza, and he worked on his homework."
"Good. That's good."
"Listen, Casey, about what you told me, I just want to say . . ." he paused, a strange look crossing his face.
Little did Casey know an astral version of Barbas was whispering in his ear. She looks so very beautiful, doesn't she? You know you love her. You weren't the one to hurt her. You would never hurt her. You love her. You could be a family. You should be a family. Fight for her.
". . . I can't give up on us," Chris found himself saying. He rose to his feet as shock kept her stone still, mouth hanging open. "I wasn't the one to hurt you. You have to see he's not me. Look in my eyes and tell me if you see him there."
Barbas smirked, moving to croon in her ear. He isn't the man you knew. So similar but so veeeery different. Maybe there's a reason you two are here together. You loved him for a such a veeeery loooong time. All those old feelings are coming back. Your heart is racing . . .
Casey's hand went to her chest as she felt her heart flutter. She stared into Chris' jade eyes and had to admit, the green orbs somehow looked older and harder than the pair she was used to seeing on her friend's face. This was a man who'd seen too much, who'd been hurt as deeply as she had.
You can't deny you've always had such . . . chemistry. You miss the heat. You miss the passion. Barbas tilted his head, taking glee in his power of suggestion as he hissed in her ear. Kiss him.
Before she really had any conscious notion of what she was doing, Casey threw herself into Chris' arms, her hands burying themselves in his silky hair as she kissed him, deeply. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tight against his chest, returning the embrace with equal fervor. It wasn't until his hand moved to her lower back and started creeping lower she realized what was happening.
She jumped back, horrified. Her hands went up to her mouth. "Oh no. No, no, no, no, no."
"Casey?" Chris asked, confused.
"Why did I do that?" she asked, confused herself. "What the hell was that?"
Chris smiled softly, moving toward her. "Amazing."
She pointed a finger at him, backing away. "No. Not amazing. Horrible. Wrong. So very, very wrong. You don't understand. I never got a chance to tell you everything. You need to know I am completely in love with W-"
You can't tell him about Wyatt. He won't understand. He'll hate you.
"With who?" Chris asked. "Who is this guy you keep talking about in the future? Do I know him?"
Casey found she couldn't bring herself to tell him. She shook her head. "It doesn't matter. This," she gestured between the two of them, "cannot happen."
Barbas smirked, his hands behind his back as he sauntered back to Chris. She's just soooo veeery scared. Obviously she wants you. She did kiss you after all.
"I get that you're scared after what my other version did to you, Case, but I love you." He took her hands, staring into her eyes, which had gone wide at his declaration. "I swear to you I will never hurt you. I lost you once, and I'm not losing you again. Not ever."
She squeezed her eyes shut. "I'm so sorry, Chris. I don't want to hurt you, but I don't . . ."
You can't tell him you don't love him. It's not true, is it? He's your best friend. The father of your child. You can't deny the truth – you are deeeeply connected. You can't deny you love him. You've always loved him. Now, he returns your affection, and you simply cannot resist temptation. Fall to it. Give in to your darkest desires. Claim him.
Casey grabbed Chris by the shirt, pulling him down to her, capturing his mouth with her own again. Her hands slipped around his back, her fingers digging into his shoulders before sliding down his back to his butt. Her lips moved to his ear, lightly teasing the sensitive lobe. Her breath was hot on his ear and sent shivers through him.
Swept up in the passion, Chris picked her up, smiling as her legs wrapped around his waist. He moved her to the sofa, lying her gently on her back before moving on top, kissing her throat while his hands caressed her. He was just about to start untying the leather corset she was wearing when a tiny voice broke the spell.
"Dad? Momma?"
The fog suddenly lifted, Casey shoved Chris off her, sitting up and moving away from him. Her face was horrified as she spotted their son in the doorway. "Oh god. Lucky."
The little boy broke out in a wide smile his arms going up in the air as he cried, "YES!"
Chris ran a hand through his hair, red with embarrassment but still smiling at the child's enthusiasm. "Uh, Lucky, did you need something?"
The little boy shook his head, his smile completely irremovable. "Nope. I'm good. Super good now. I'll just go put myself to bed. You keep kissing. I won't come back. Promise."
As the little boy took off out of the room, Chris let out a short chuckle. "Well, that was interesting." He turned to Casey, about to pick up where they left off, but she'd risen to her feet. Her back was to him, but he could see she was holding herself and her shoulders were shaking.
"Case?" He was on his feet in an instant, gently turning her around. "Hey, look at me."
"I have to find Lucky," she murmured, her face downcast. "I have to explain this wasn't what he thought."
The joy he'd felt only moments ago fell to a sharp stab of pain. Chris set his jaw, his eyes dark, "So what was it then? You keep telling me no, but then you kiss me. Twice. You're giving me whiplash here."
"I don't know. I have no idea why I did that," she answered quietly. She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. "I can't be around you right now. I'm so sorry."
Before he could say a word, she bolted out of the room. Chris felt his chest constrict painfully as he watched her go. He felt like they'd been so close to breaking through whatever issues she had with his other version. Then again, hadn't he planned on telling her he was going to abide by her wishes and leave her alone? That he was letting her go? What had made him change his mind?
Don't give up on her, Barbas ordered. She's your chance for the family you've always dreamed of having.
Chris shoved his hands in his pockets. "I'm not giving up on you, Case. We belong together."
As Chris walked out of the room, Barbas' astral form disappeared, joining with his body in the underworld. He struck out at a table of potion supplies, growling in frustration. "Damn that insufferable brat. If he wouldn't have interrupted them, the future would be mine."
"Yours?" the seer asked. "I thought you were working with our compatriot in the future to save us all from King Arthur's reign."
"Now that you've already told me about how to turn the Twice Blessed evil, I don't really need either of you, do I?"
Before the seer could react, Barbas incinerated her. He put his hands behind his head, grinning wickedly. "I feel much better now."
He would make certain those the Twice Blessed held most dear betrayed him. Then, he would serve the dark King as the new Merlin, guiding him in his brother's place. He will become unstoppable, and the world will be full of darkness and oh, so much fear. Oh, yes, so much wonderful fear.
TBC . . .
