First, I want to thank everyone reviewing on last chapter and putting me on their alert-lists :-) That makes me very happy.

I hope you will like this as well.

Chapter 12

When Wyatt rematerialized completely, Chris, who he had held on to orbing them together, broke free, shoving Wyatt slightly to extend the distance between them. The blonde didn't even stumble; it was more a gesture to state the point that the younger didn't need his brother to deal with the situation. However, Wyatt appreciated the distance right now. He took a deep breath trying to calm his nerves to figure out what were his own feelings.

He had orbed to Magic School to meet his father. But Wyatt had realized Leo wasn't alone in his office and therefore decided to stay in the hallway first, instead of bursting into the room. Especially in the condition both boys were in right now. No need to worry their father even more. In a few minutes, Wyatt would have regained his composure enough to break the sad news to their dad.

The sound of glass crashing startled him. He looked up and saw a large vase, that had been standing a few feet away from them, lay in broken fragments on the pedestal it had been resting on and on the floor. It must have basically exploded from the inside. He sighed and turned to his brother, who was sitting on the ground leaning against the wall next to the door to their father's office, his legs pulled up close to his chest burying his face in his arms.

Wyatt all of a sudden felt like he had been in the exact same situation before. Just not in Magic School but in the Manor.

The day his mother had been killed and he had watched helplessly, how his brother was suffering while he himself was focusing to hold up a strong façade when in the inside he was hurting just as bad. At the same time, knowing that he was not alone with his grief was a bit comforting at least.

Wyatt crouched down in front of Chris and touched his elbow to get his attention risking to be pushed away.

"I'm sad too you know. But we've got to pull it together," he said quietly.

"Why? Because you say so?" Chris asked his voice muffled as he didn't look up.

Wyatt didn't answer and after a while Chris finally raised his head. "And, why do you care, anyway? Only hours ago you practically threw me out. Don't you remember? You were so upset and now you forgot all about that because you find it your duty to pity me?"

It was a childish outburst.

"I don't pity you. See, you are not the only one hurt," he replied. "But sometimes a situation changes within the twinkling of an eye and what seemed to be important suddenly means nothing anymore."

"Nicely said. So, grief replaces hatred."

"I never hated you, what nonsense." Wyatt sat down next to Chris and put an arm around his shoulder. "Listen, who can we hold on to if not each other? Don't you see that I need you, too?"

"Excuse me," a male voice caught their attention. "I'm trying to teach in here if you don't mind."

Wyatt sat up; out of the corner of his eye he noticed his brother's hateful glare at the grey haired Elder that had stepped out of a classroom across the hall. Still, he couldn't react fast enough but could only witness how the Elder was thrown back into the room through an invisible force.

"Chris," Wyatt scolded. "Get your powers in control. Now, before they strip them off."

"Let them try," the 22 year old replied through gritted teeth.

Wyatt stood up and crossed that hall to check on the Elder. "It was an accident. Really, we are sorry. We are quite emotional right now." He ignored the few young teenagers that starred at him and helped the teacher to stand up.

The Elder wiped dust from his black robe. Apparently, he wasn't hurt. "I suggest, you take your emotions away from our school then. It is unnecessary to say, that attacking a teacher for whatever reason is not tolerated."

"It was no attack on a teacher; or an Elder for that matter," Wyatt stood straight, firmly looking into the Elder's eyes. He was positive this one was strict, someone they shouldn't deal with. "All we can do is hoping, you might accept our apology. Sometimes, it is not easy to separate our emotions from our powers, which I'm sure an experienced Elder understands and also teaches the students."

"If you can't handle your powers, there are ways to take that burden from you."

"Thanks", Wyatt crossed his arms in front of his chest. "But we were raised to not hide our feelings as they are no sign of weakness. We are only human nevertheless. We were also taught to be responsible for our actions and clean up if our magic leads to unwished encounters." The young witch was a bit worried about the pulsing vein on the Elder's forehead and the violet-red color his face turned into but he calmed himself remembering this man was already dead. "We were raised by the Charmed Ones and the headmaster of your precious school."

"I know who you are, young man. I also know the Charmed Ones and your father, of course, and your brother, whose doubtable methods tend to do more harm than good. I also understand it's him you are so kindly speaking for. However, this is neither the time nor the place to express my opinion about you or your family." The Elder turned to his class. "Let's focus again and discuss what Alexander had just read."

Wyatt felt anger rising. This Elder had practically cut him off and dismissed him, showing his disrespect towards Wyatt and the whole Halliwell family openly. His blue eyes were icy. He took a step forward standing close to the other man towering over him almost two heads high.

"Who or what gives you the right to judge my family? Your Elder status doesn't entitle you to disgrace the Charmed Ones, who had put their lives at stake and put their own interests and needs aside, saving innocents and the world in your name. Without my father, you wouldn't have any school. And my brother's doubtful methods serve nothing but the greater good you are so concerned about. My family has enough reasons to break away from you but we show your respect and we understand your purpose, so we can expect the same from you."

The Elder's lips were pressed together and his right eyelid twitched.

The witch lowered his voice. "You think, you know me, fine, but believe me, you have no idea what I'm capable of when it comes to protecting my family. And if you feel threatened now, that was the intention."

"Wyatt, what's going on here?" Leo asked.

Wyatt desisted from the Elder and left the classroom. He was tended to slam the door shut behind him but seeing Leo and Kevin, another much more likeable Elder, made him forget about it. Especially, his father's worried frown while he was crouching down next to Chris.

"Tell me, what happened, Wyatt," the headmaster repeated. He had probably tried to get his younger son to talk first but had to give up, realizing he'd not get a reasonable answer at this point.

"Can we go into your office? I think we have caught enough attention."

"Sure. Let's go inside."

"Was there a problem with one of our teachers?" Kevin asked.

"Yes, indeed. However, that is not the reason, why we are here. You Elders should not forget what it means to be human. But I'm sure he will tell you the rest and if you want to hear the truth you can contact me. Otherwise, this incident is finished for me."

Kevin only nodded. "I could let you bring a calming drink, if you like," he offered the boys that had taken seats in the office.

Wyatt understood it was also an apology and he accepted. Moreover, he'd appreciate something soothing; especially for his brother, so he wouldn't have to deal with those emotions as well. "That would be nice. Thank you."

"Sure, I'll leave you," Kevin said and closed the door behind him.

"Dad, maybe you should sit down," Wyatt suggested. His dad seemed very pale and the young man wondered if they really looked that horrible, to worry Leo like this.

Wyatt felt very exhausted suddenly.

"Just tell me what happened, please." Leo pushed a chair close to the sofa on which his sons were sitting and sat down.

Before Wyatt could finally tell Leo, an elf appeared in the room with two clay-made mugs. It was the brothers' former nanny that had cared for them occasionally when they had been very little.

She handed them the cups. With a knowing look on her face, she bowed her head lightly and quietly said: "I'm very sorry." She then disappeared again.

Leo narrowed his eyes becoming more worried.

"Do me a favor and drink that." Wyatt took a sip – it didn't taste too bad at first, however, the aftertaste was bitter. Apparently, Chris had realized this as well and despised the rest.

"Come on, it's not that bad. Just drink it up." Wyatt emptied his cup. The older brother felt pleasurable warmth – although the drink was cold – spreading from his stomach into the rest of his body. It was indeed calming but it also made him even more tired.

Leo took the empty mugs and put them on a small table. He waited for them to explain the situation. He got more nervous by every second that passed but he didn't want to pressure them. He looked at his boys and it hurt him to see them so miserable.

Chris slumped down on the fluffy sofa, one of the large purple pillows pressed to his chest, like he often did to find some comfort when he was upset.

Wyatt's eyes were red and he blinked new tears away. He took a deep breath, ran a hand though his blonde locks and bent forward his elbows resting on his tights.

"Dad, we have sad news. Grandpa passed away," Wyatt finally said.

Leo stared at his son a moment comprehending the meaning of the words slowly. That was the least, he had expected. "Victor is dead? But when? What happened?" he almost whispered. He heard papers rustle and looked over his shoulder. Some files slowly swayed through the air before falling to the ground.

He ignored it as no one else seemed to have noticed and Wyatt was already talking again: "Just now, a few minutes ago. I don't know what happened. I wasn't there. I only came when..." he trailed off and gestured helplessly in his brother's direction.

Leo nodded. "Boys, I'm very sorry for you. I know how much you loved your grandfather. It's a great loss. For all of us. For everyone who knew him."

Chris scoffed. It was muffled by the pillow but Wyatt had heard it. He glared at his little brother angrily. The least he wanted to hear right now, was his brother and father arguing. "Chris, don't let your sorrow turn into rage. Especially not, towards Dad. He's only trying to console."

He only got a shrug as reply and shook his head.

"It's no secret, me and Victor weren't always one opinion," Leo admitted. "Yes, we had a bad start and we had our disagreements and frankly, we weren't the greatest friends. But he showed respect for me and I respected him as well. I even understood him once I was a father myself. Who could ever judge him for disliking magic after losing two daughters to it? I think, it is unimportant that we fought in the past. Victor was a great person, especially a wonderful grandfather for you and your cousins. I'm happy, I knew him and am honored to call him my father-in-law. And for what it's worth, I know he wouldn't want either of you to suffer like this."

"Unfortunately, it doesn't make it hurt any less."

"Of course. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I don't think so. Aunt Phoebe came with Uncle Coop. She said, she would take care of everything. I'm sure she'll contact Aunt Paige if she needs anything."

Leo smiled a little. "I meant, how can I help you?"

"I don't know," the 25 year old replied. From what he still sensed from his brother, he got the feeling that this calming drink didn't work on everyone or it simply wasn't strong enough.

"I think, I should return to New York. I left there in haste with a weird explanation."

"If that is what you want," his father replied.

"Yes, those vibes hitting me are easier to shut out when I'm further away, to be honest."

"Alright. I just don't want you to stay all by yourself in New York."

"Don't worry. I don't mind some time alone." Wyatt wondered, if it was selfish of him to leave. But there was nothing he could do. His aunt had enough support and she knew, she could call him if needed. He couldn't take the pain from his brother and it was difficult for Wyatt to help anyone, anyway, as long as he felt so upset himself. "If anyone needs me, I'm only an orb away. And if I want company, I'll just come back. Really, I know what's best for me, dad."

Leo nodded. He knew his first born son wouldn't hesitate to contact a family member or a friend, if he needed someone to talk to or lean on to.

His sons were raised to not hold back their feelings. No one in the Halliwell family saw openly shown emotions as a weakness, not as boys or girls.

He turned to his second son.

For Chris it was not easy to voice feelings. He usually put on his unapproachable façade around others, even around friends and family members. Tears were his only way to get it out, luckily; it had taken a long time for him to learn that he couldn't suppress his feelings forever or keep them to himself covered by denial and sarcasm. Leo had to admit only a few years ago, he would have persuaded Wyatt to stay and take care of his brother as no one else seemed to be able to get through to the boy. But by now, father and son had found a way towards each other and Leo trusted, he would be able to help his youngest.

"Chris, stay with dad, okay? I'm going back to New York," Wyatt said.

"Sure, why not?"

Wyatt didn't miss the hurt undertone. His attention was drawn to a little crack on a glass vase with three tulips resting on the coffee table that extended slowly. Water dripped on the table top. "I'm sure I could block your powers, if you want."

"I can handle my powers."

"Obviously not." The water was now dripping from the table top onto the floor. "Listen, I know that this crashed on us totally unexpected but I won't risk that you hurt anyone or yourself, for that matter. And I know, you don't want that either."

Chris looked up at his brother with narrowed eyes. "I can handle my powers."

Wyatt shrugged. He had no energy to argue with his brother. "Well, okay, I hope so."

"Come on, Wyatt, I'm not relying on your amazing generosity," Chris hissed. "You want to present yourself as this great savior of the world, the mighty Twice Blessed. Then why didn't you use your such enormous powers and save grandpa? You didn't even try. How can you just accept everything?"

Wyatt sighed defeated. He rubbed his forehead feeling a headache coming up. It was not like he hadn't expected an outburst like this. This was nothing new. Chris often accused Wyatt to not do enough. Although, they had both learnt that not everything was meant to be changed.

"I do not accept everything. I know grandpa was old and not healthy. He had a fulfilled life. I don't know why and I don't like it but it was time for him to leave now. Moreover, he was already dead when I arrived and I can't heal the dead so why try and disappoint everyone including myself when I fail?" With these words, a thought came up and watching new tears welling up in his brother's eyes told him, he wasn't totally wrong. "But maybe, he was still alive when you found him."

Chris closed his eyes and grabbed the pillow tighter.

"Then why didn't you call for me at once? Or healed him yourself?"

Silence filled the room when Chris suddenly jumped up, the pillow falling to the floor, the glass vase breaking in pieces. "Why not?" he exclaimed. "Because…because." He let his arms hang defeated and lent with his back against the wall. "Because he denied."

"I don't understand," Wyatt said. He stood up.

"He pushed me away." Chris looked down on the floor.

Wyatt glanced at their father who only shook his head with a tormented glance on his face.

"But, then you didn't do anything wrong," Wyatt said quietly standing close to Chris. "You only did what you were told." He put a hand on his little brother's shoulder. "You couldn't disobey grandpa's wish. You had no other choice. Why do you feel so guilty? It was not your decision. No one will ever even consider, it could be your fault. No one is blaming you; apart from yourself, which you have to stop right now. You can grieve; actually, you have to grieve properly. But don't punish yourself; especially not by thinking it through over and over again. There is no need for you to suffer like this. We can't change anyone's destiny."

"Maybe so. But then why did I go there? Why was I there if I wasn't supposed to help, to do anything?"

"But you did do something," Leo spoke up. He had approached his sons unnoticed by either of them. "You were there, he was not alone in that very moment."

"Dad's right." Wyatt agreed. "And who else would have been better to stay with grandpa than you?" Wyatt stepped forward closing the small gap between them hugging his brother tightly a moment before separating again. "Don't be so very sad. It's okay." He made Chris look at him. "Hey, remember that mom always said, she'd always be close and watch over us? Now, we have yet another person protecting us. Frankly, no whitelighter could ever put up to them. Trust me, it'll be alright. I mean, it sure does not seem to be right now but eventually."

Although, Chris' face showed, he thought it was unlikely, he nodded. With a tiny half smile, he asked: "Promise?"

Wyatt had to smile, too, remembering their routine from childhood days. "I promise. I'll make sure of it." He hugged his brother again quickly. "I love you." He waited a moment but as expected there came no reply. It was of course not necessary but sometimes Wyatt whished his brother would be a bit more giving in voicing his feelings. He stepped out of the embrace. "I'll leave. I'll be back tomorrow. Stay with dad, will you?" He turned to his father. "I'll orb in tomorrow," he repeated.

"Sure, Wyatt. Take care."

When Wyatt had left there was a long pause in silence before Chris stood up straight taking in a deep shivering breath. He combed his bangs out of his face with his fingers.

"Chris..." Leo started.

"I have to work," his son interrupted. "I have to go to the club. I should be there already." He wiped his face with the sleeve of his shirt. "Alright. I have to orb home quickly and then go to the club."

Leo contemplated to discuss this decision but decided against it. "I'll come with you."

"To the club?"

"Home."

"Dad, I'm not staying at home. I have to be in the club."

"Did I disagree? I'll come with you to the Manor."

"Why?"

Leo shrugged. "Didn't you say you have to be quick? Do you want to discuss this?"

The young man shook his head and took his father's hand. Together, they orbed into Halliwell Manor. They arrived in the second floor hall.

"What now? I gotta change and leave," Chris said.

"Well, then go ahead."

Chris hesitated. He was obviously unsure what to do with his father and was confused about his intention. However a glance at the clock on the wall made him forget about Leo.

Once he had closed the bedroom door behind him, Brandon came out of his own room buttoning the last buttons of his white shirt. He looked at Leo surprised with raised eyebrows.

"Haven't I heard Chris talking?" he asked. "I thought he had already left."

"Yes," Leo answered. He came back to change. "Could you…" the ex-Elder trailed off. He gestured Brandon to follow him and they went into the other bedroom that Chris' used as an office.

"Did something happen?" Brandon asked.

"Chris' and Wyatt's grandfather passed away."

The dark haired man frowned. "But didn't Chris just go there, like an hour ago?"

"Yes."

Brandon was in deep thoughts for a moment. "That's bad," he finally said. "Can I do something?" The slender man knew the other witch well enough by now. Considering everything he had found out within his late wife about every Halliwell, he had a quite good idea how his housemate would be dealing with the loss.

"Actually, yes. I know, it's an unusual question but as Chris is determined to go the club…"

"You want me to go with him and keep an eye on him," Brandon interrupted. "In this case it is no problem. I wanted to go anyway. We had already talked about it earlier. In fact, I think it's easier to go as planned than finding an excuse to stay home."

Leo nodded knowingly. "Thanks. I think it's important that a friend is with him right now."

"Oh, then, I'm the wrong choice."

"I don't believe that. Moreover, you are a witch. You could cover magical accidents, if necessary."

"Power turmoil due to emotional overdose? Then I'm an even worse choice. I have no active powers. And I fear, I could be used as punching bag."

"I'm sure you have ways maybe it is not necessary and don't mention it," Leo advised.

"Sure, that would be way too risky."

They heard Chris call for his father and left the room together.

"Could you maybe bring me home first?" he asked his son.

Chris crossed his arms over his chest when he realized his dad had been talking to Brandon.

"Your dad just told me. I'm very sorry for your loss," Brandon explained.

"Thanks." The answer came automatically and did not sound the least grateful.

The three men stood in silence. Each waiting for the other to make a move. Finally, Chris let his arms drop.

"Sure, dad. I'll take you home. Are you still coming to the club?" he asked Brandon.

"Yes, sure as planned. I would come with you right away. I won't have to get a taxi or a potion then," he said.

When Chris and Brandon arrived in P3 it was almost time to open. It was a night when Chris would cover the first two hours alone behind the bar with two girls to help and bus tables before the other bartender started.

As he arrived later than planned, Brandon suggested calling the barkeeper to ask if he would start earlier. A proposal that was dismissed at once, of course. So Brandon offered to help maintaining the finishing touches.

The two waitresses came on time and Brandon managed to tell them what had happened while Chris was in the storage room.

Both reacted shocked. Apparently they had known Victor Bennett quite well.

One girl, Pamela, wanted to offer her boss to take the night off but her colleague, Dionne, made her forget about that plan at once. "Say that and you risk your job tonight, trust me. Let's just work and do everything even more perfect than usual."

Pamela grinned. "I'll check the coffee machine."

Brandon took a seat on a bar stool while Dionne sliced oranges and lemons putting them in tupperware boxes.

He asked, if she was working in the club for long now.

The young woman smirked at him. "You mean because I know how to handle my boss? No, not that long. Until two months ago I was working in the restaurant for Wyatt. I was there for four years. Ever since I started to study. I think I was one of the first to be selected by Wyatt himself. Anyway, I practically saw Chris whenever I was there. And overheard one or the other argument between the brothers. Actually, I overheard their arguments every time I was working. That gave me a pretty good idea how to deal with both of them. I know about human nature. And I have a brother as well."

Brandon nodded. "I live with him."

"So I've heard," she replied and winked. "What can I get you?"

"I think, coffee's not the worst idea." He expected a long night.

If you find time during shopping for Christmas, feel free to send me your thoughts on this chapter.

Sorry, it's still quite sad, I'm afraid.