Dead Promises

by NextGeneration

He had been forced to live in a world of pain but he would risk it all to save him.Leo and the sisters,however,are fed up with future consequences so they team up with the Elders to learn the truth and force Chris to relive things he would like to forget.

14. Living Is Hard Enough

Author's Note: So, here is another update, one that I had to rush and get done because I had family and friends over yesterday, and I have more family flying in on Wednesday and today is Monday, so not a lot of time there. I also want to update my series before I go, which is why I rushed to get this updated. So that is my way of warning you, there may be some mistakes in this because I didn't edit it so closely. I hope there is though, but if there is, I'm sorry. Also, I hope you enjoy thiis update and REVIEW ;)

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Chapter Fourteen : Living Is Hard Enough

Paige winced in worry as they once against appeared in the attic. She was really beginning to hate the attic, nothing good ever happened in the attic; especially not in the future. Okay, that was basically suggesting that there had been a good memory, but there really hadn't been. All of the memories had been somewhat sad or filled with pain, it was with that thought Paige looked for Memory Chris. Not seeing the forever-missing version of her white lighter, the youngest Charmed One frowned as she looked around, smiling fully when she actually saw the Book of Shadows. This was the attic, only this time it was their attic. At least from what she could tell.

"Thank God," she exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around herself, all thoughts of throwing up gone from her mind. "We're home," she stated as her smile got even wider as she looked around. She knew it was sad, but she had never been so happy to see the inside of the Manor. Okay, when Cole had re-written history and almost succeeded in killing her, Paige would admit she had been thrilled when she had orbed back into her home. But that didn't even seem to compare to the happiness she was feeling now. "I've missed home," she said, spinning on the spot so she could take in the attic, memorizing every detail. Pausing when she saw Piper's look though, Paige's smile fell and was replaced by a frown. "We are home, aren't we?"

"Yes this is our version of the Manor," Piper said as she nodded, arching an eyebrow at her baby sister. Seeing Paige mimic her, Piper almost laughed when she noticed that Paige wasn't catching on to what she was saying. "Missy Paige, I hate to break it to you - but both you and Phoebe moved out," she said as she reminded them of the decision that had been made months ago. The same night Chris had lost Bianca, that almost made her wince but she wasn't going to let those memories consume her life. It wasn't going to happen this time around; she wouldn't let it. "Only Wyatt and I live here now."

It was with those words that Piper's mind drifted to her son. Her sweet little boy who had brought her so much joy when she had brought him into the world, despite the fact that her father's demon wife had tried to take him from her. The moment she had seen his sweet blond head she had sworn nothing bad would happen to him. It was then the image of a twenty-three year old Wyatt appeared in her mind's eye; clad in black clothes with a ruthless expression on his face. Shaking her head, Piper pushed that from her mind and forced memories of the sweet Wyatt into her head as she looked to Leo.

"Leo," Piper began, trying to put on a brave face for her family. She wasn't an idiot; she knew she wasn't fooling them. Piper had been affected by seeing that evil version of her Twice Blessed son. There was no other way of saying it. But she was not going the let this get her down; she was not going to curl up under her covers and die. Ever since Leo had left for Up There, Piper had tried so hard to be strong and she would be - for her family. She would endure it all for Wyatt.

It was funny, how much she had in common with Chris these days.

"Will you go get Wyatt?" Piper continued, looking to Wyatt's father with pleading eyes. Seeing Leo nod and orb out, Piper finally then allowed herself to cringe at what just happened. Her voice had been strained as she had said Wyatt's name. No one seemed to notice though, no one other than her and she was thankful for that. After this was over, she was going down into Wyatt's nursery and staying with him all night, watching him sleep. It was what she had to do, to reinforce the knowledge that Wyatt was good, that he could be saved. It was also what she needed. All she wanted was for the images of an evil Wyatt to leave her mind.

Hearing the jingling sound that announced the departure of Leo, Phoebe sighed she rubbed her eyes. It had been such a long and trying day, something that made her happy that she didn't have to face Jason tonight. She was home for a couple more days before he came back - and that had been when she was considering tell him the truth. To simply show Paige that she didn't have any problems with conflict. That was a plan she was seriously debating on now, all she wanted to do was sleep. Something told her she wouldn't be able to though, not with everything that was playing in her mind; all of the frightful images of what was to come if they didn't stop it from happening.

Only to add to her stress was the return of her powers. Once they were back in their time, no longer in the memories, Phoebe's empathy had hit her full force. As if the emotional strain she was feeling from the day hadn't been enough to drain her, then the continuing assault of the others' emotions were. Even the blocking potion Chris had given her wasn't enough to block out the emotions everyone else was emitting. Life had been so much simpler when she had only had her emotions to deal with. Those alone were enough to drive her insane on some days, and it seemed that today was one of those days.

One of the most dominant emotions was sorrow and her thoughts were those of her nephew, Wyatt. She was not going to allow anyone to get to Wyatt for she loved that little boy as if he were her own. From the moment they had learned of Piper's pregnancy, Phoebe had loved that child, something that had only been strengthened when she had aided Paige in the delivery of Wyatt. Her sweet nephew was not going to become that thing this time around. Not one hair on his blond head would be harmed.

The other emotion that was getting the best of her was her guilt, as well as the guilt of the others. The guilt was for what she - they had all done to Chris. Not one of them were innocent in that vile act. They had all done or said something to Chris somewhere along the line - the one person who had come back to save Wyatt. The very person who had traveled back through time to save his best friend; to help them save his best friend. Though he had tried to help them, they had never aided Chris at all. Instead, they had mistreated him and basically abused him for months.

"Chris," the empath said softly, deciding to take a chance at trying to earn Chris' forgiveness. Not only for what they had done for the last few months, but for what he had endured today as a result of their curiosity and unwillingness to accept the truth. She had tried to help. She had been against it. Right to the end she had fought for him, it had been Paige who had wavered. As the tears sprung into her eyes once more, Phoebe looked at Chris intently. "Chris, I am so sorry."

Phoebe needed his forgiveness. For she was truly sorry. Sorry for everything they had done to him, as well as everything they hadn't done. Chris wasn't unreasonable; he had told her and Piper that during a lunch break one day. Everything Chris had said was true. Saving Wyatt was a lot more important than one of her dates or a deadline with her column; Elise would have to understand. Sacrificing some of her time was the least she could do, especially with as much as Chris had sacrificed. He had come here with nothing more than the knowledge he had and came to save Wyatt; his best friend and her nephew.

Chris on the other hand, gave Phoebe a half-hearted smile. Though every accusation had cut into his heart to the extent Chris believed there was no heart left, Chris wanted a clean slate. He couldn't forgive them for everything they had done, but he was willing to see pass it for Wyatt. Thinking of Wyatt, Chris immediately thought of Piper and turned around, only to have his Jade eyes meet her brown. Before they could move forward, he needed her to know that he hadn't meant to lie. Well he had, but he hadn't wanted to lie to them - to her. And she needed to know that.

While they didn't have his forgiveness, Chris needed Piper's more than anyone else's. Though he tried to ignore it, he couldn't any longer. No matter how much he tried to deny it, Piper Halliwell was his mother, no matter the time he was in. Sure, this Piper was a good fourteen years younger with less grey hair - a result of not having to raise three magical children on her own who enjoyed spreading their magical wings - but it was her. His mother was Piper Halliwell and Chris knew he wouldn't be able to deal with her hate. That would be enough to break his already fragile heart.

"You know I didn't want to lie, don't you?" Chris asked as he stared into her eyes while trying to keep up his façade at the same time. His protective block was the only thing that was keeping him together. It was all he had now, other than the belief he could save his brother and his family. His block was his protection. It was as if he had a knife of sadness in his heart blocking everything and everyone out and as long as it was there, he was untouchable. With it, nothing could tear him down for too long. Nevertheless, Chris knew the moment it was gone he would be left exposed, naked, and venerable.

"I know," Piper admitted as she looked into Chris' eyes, suddenly becoming overwhelmed with a sense of déja vu. She had noticed it before, but there was just something about those eyes that seemed so familiar to her. It was like when she stared into them, she was so close to being close to him, to understanding him but at the same time she couldn't read them. It was his eyes that made Chris seem so far away to her. That was a thought for another day though, Piper decided once she saw the desperation in Chris' expression. He needed her to forgive him and something told her that she would have that very same expression on her face when she pleaded for his forgiveness.

"But it doesn't change the fact that you lied," Piper pointed out as she saw Chris' face fall at her words. She didn't say them to be hurtful and she didn't say them to get in one last bitter comment before she tried to repent. It was just how she felt and that was something she couldn't change.

Before anyone could comment on Piper's answer to her white lighter's question, Leo appeared in a flurry of blue and white lights. "I just put Wyatt in the nursery," he said as he looked around. He knew that he had taken several minutes to get back, but he had needed a moment to just look at Wyatt; to ensure himself that he was safe. Everyone's serious expressions kept Leo quiet as he sighed. He knew what had to be done - what had to be said because he knew Chris needed this. Hell, they all needed this because they needed to get over the mistrust they had for each other and move on. Wyatt depended on it.

Chris sighed as he read his would-be father's expression and sighed, rubbing his tired eyes with the palms of his hands. Who knew that it only took his whole family to hate him and then invade his privacy by looking at his memories for his father to give him a second thought? If that were all took, Chris would have tried it years ago. Hell, Chris was amazed that Leo wasn't still down in the nursery with Wyatt. After all, Wyatt had always been the child that mattered the most.

"I know that I lied," Chris said as he stopped rubbing his eyes, finally ready to comment on Piper's words. "And I know betrayed your trust," he winced as he thought that over, "several times," he amended as he looked back up and Piper and smiled hesitantly. "But I was hoping we could start over," he suggested as he held out his hand to Piper, searching her eyes imploringly. "How about we see if we can both get it right this time?"

Piper would admit that what Chris was suggesting was a good idea, but what had happened between both parties was too much to forgive. She knew that, but Piper was willing to look pass it and move on so they could concentrate on Wyatt and, in Chris' words, get it right this time.

Therefore, as she eyed his hand carefully, Piper let out a deep breath and resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she noted that her sisters' eyes were glued to her hand, only bouncing over to Chris' ever few seconds. Piper knew they were worried of her reaction, hell it had been her and Leo who hadn't been able to forgive Chris in the first place. The two of them had forced them all to endure emotional hell. Still, Piper didn't want to think she was so bad that her sisters' were afraid of her reaction. She was not that bad, at least, she would never admit to being that untrusting. It was just that they had been burned too many times before, but she had to admit that Chris had a good idea. Starting with a clean slate was a brilliant idea and it would give them all a chance to allow the pieces to fall where they may.

"Too much has happened for us to look pass everything," Piper admitted and once she saw Chris nod, she knew he agreed. After this, he had as much reason not to trust them as they used to think they had towards him. "But," Piper began as she smiled warily and gripped Chris' outstretched hand after what seemed like an eternity to Chris. "I'm willing to look pass it where it concerns Wyatt, other than that we still have issues to work out."

Thinking over Piper's words, Chris arched an eyebrow. "One day at a time?"

"Now I think we can do that," Piper admitted, finally rolling her eyes when she heard her sisters breathe out in relief. Honestly, her temper was not that bad. Seeing Phoebe jump up and down, clapping over the newfound agreement, Piper rolled her eyes and confirmed everything by nodding at Chris. "One day at a time."

"One day at a time," Paige agreed as she laughed at Phoebe, secretly hoping that her sister never changed. Something that Chris would be able to reassure wouldn't happen. Seeing as Piper and Chris sized each other up - she almost choked at that though, not in the sexual way, but in the way that they were each awaiting the other's reaction, she had to smirk. Something told her that things were going to get better.

"Besides," Piper shrugged as she released Chris' hand. "If I have anyone to blame for all of the lies and secrecy, I have Leo, right?" Piper questioned as she smirked at her husband…late husband…ex-husband? "After all," she continued as she shook her hand and placed her hands on her hips. "You were going to be honest with us until he told you not to be." She narrowed her eyes at Leo who was smiling slightly at her attempt to ease the tension with some humour, "so Leo, we're going to need to have a talk about that secrecy later."

"Sucker," Paige chuckled as she shook her head at Leo's expression. She had been on the receiving end of Piper's anger several times in the past and it was not something the half-white lighter wanted to endure ever again. It simply wasn't fun. "So," she began as she looked to Chris, "I think it's time for reintroductions." She smirked, "hi, I'm Paige. I understand that you're…?"

"Christopher Perry, but I prefer Chris," Chris answered and though his tone was light, he had to ensure that Halliwell didn't slip out of his mouth. After the trying day he had because of his memories, that was the last thing he needed. He had to guard that secret with his life and one emotional day was not going to make him breakdown. "It's nice to meet you."

"You too," Paige said as she smirked. As she watched her white lighter, Paige knew her eyes were sparkling with glee over all of this. They knew all of this about him, they knew his name and they knew that he was only part-witch. But while they were on good terms, she decided to give him the chance to clear his name and tell the truth. "So Future-Boy, it's my understanding that we have several things in common," she mused as she wrapped her arm around his. "Rumour has it that you're sarcastic, and not to mention the fact that you're-"

"Part witch and part white lighter," Chris finished for his would-be aunt. Okay, so he knew that was a lie, not a complete lie because he was part-witch, but he wasn't a white lighter. By the time he had been conceived, his father had already been made an Elder and as a result, Chris had received several powers from his father. Which was the only thing Leo had ever given him, but that didn't mean Chris was about to tell them about his powers. That would make things a little too obvious.

Leo chuckled and met Chris' eyes and seeing Chris' subtle nod; he knew that Chris understood where Leo stood with him. On Leo's part, there was no hatred anymore, for the simple fact that he had nothing to use against Chris. Not everything that Leo had ever hated about Chris was Chris' fault, but there were still some trust issues. Issues that would need to be discussed, but not tonight.

"Well, I personally say we have tea with a side of Advil and then hit the hay," Phoebe announced as she looked over at Paige. "And they you can leave and you can go annoy Richard."

"At least Richard and I don't have issues with conflict," Paige retorted.

"There is no issue!"

"Then why doesn't he know that you are a witch?"

"He does."

"Not Richard, the he we're talking about is Jason," Paige explained as if she were trying to tell a two-year-old Phoebe the difference between right and wrong. "Why doesn't your he know that you are a witch?"

"Because he's never here!"

"Neither are you," Paige retorted as she rolled her eyes. "If I remember correctly it was you that moved all the way to Hong Kong to check things out and to ensure the survival of your relationship. So, my dear sister, what is keeping you from telling him now?"

"I already told you that I was going to tell him when he came back to San Francisco, Paige."

"Yeah-"

"Enough," Piper ordered as she looked around to all of the people in the room who had instantly been silenced when she spoke. Nodding to herself in satisfaction when no one made a peep, Piper sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Okay, I for one agree with Phoebe; after the day we've had we should just go to bed and get some rest, and then we can move on tomorrow and talk this to the ground if need be," she met Chris' eyes. "And you, my very neurotic and bitchy white lighter, are allowed to hunt for demons that you want us to vanquish."

"As long as it isn't during my lunch break," Paige reminded.

"Hey," Chris defended as he frowned at his would-be favourite aunt. "I already told you that I am not unreasonable," at those familiar words the three sisters rolled their eyes as they looked to their white lighter who once again had his confident smirk on his face. This time though, it didn't reach his eyes. "We can hunt demons after lunch."

"Yeah, yeah," Paige muttered as she rolled her eyes upwards in annoyance, even though there was a small smile on her mouth. On the one hand, something told her that she wasn't going to have much of a life during the next few months, which was true if Chris had any say. It seemed as though it was going to be even more trying on her in her attempt at being all the people she needed to be. Not only did she need to be Super Witch, she also needed to be a Charmed One, a wonderful girlfriend to Richard and a supportive sister to both Piper and Phoebe. Then there was also the major detail of saving Wyatt. In other words, she had her plate full.

Still, Paige knew that in the long hull she wouldn't mind. If going through the next few hectic months from hell, Paige wouldn't mind if it meant it saved her family. While she had grown up with loving parents, a grams that loved her, and an uncle and aunt she loved more than anything, Paige loved this new family she had just as much. Things had been a little bumpy at first, Paige would admit to that but she had understood that it was a result of Phoebe and Piper not knowing how to react to a new sister, just as she had difficulty understanding it all.

If there was one thing the youngest Charmed One now knew, it was that Piper was always right. The oldest sister that she had met had been right in all of her teachings. You never knew when you needed a good potion, and knowing the basic types of demons was helpful when trying to identify the demon. The most important lesson though, had been the words family comes first.

So that was what Paige would do for now, everything else was going to be sidelined and she was going to put her family first - for it was the right thing to do. She would help make sure the future was everything that it should have been and she would help Chris. Not because she felt sorry for him or because she needed his forgiveness, it was because it was the right thing to do.

"You just try and take my lunch break from me," Paige continued as she smirked at her white lighter. "But I'll have you know that I am not going to be hunting these demons if you're going back at this with a vengeance." The half-white lighter shook her head back and forth to emphasize her point, "no sir. It's not going to happen; I have other things to do as well. Like…Richard and…"

"Honey," Phoebe interrupted as a sly grin appeared on her face, "we do not need to hear about the other things you have to do; and we especially don't need to hear about how you need to do Richard."

Seeing her two sisters chuckle, Paige rolled her eyes and sent Leo a withering glare when he too cracked a smile. Her only saving grace was Chris, which wasn't saying a lot considering he looked disgusted…apparently he didn't want to hear about her apparent sex life either. Not that she could blame him.

"Why do I still come here?" Paige demanded as she threw her hands up in frustration, repeating the very question she had asked that night in P3; the night Bianca had come back. "I mean seriously, you know that was so not what I meant? I'm starting to think that I only come around here to get picked on!"

"And because we love you," Phoebe reminded.

"Yeah, not so sure about that one right now," Paige muttered as she crossed her arms, still upset that her family was finding pleasure in picking on her. Sighing, Paige shook her head and sighed. "So if you all don't mind, I'm going to orb on over to Richard's now - at least he loves me."

"Oh...we know," Phoebe smirked.

"I hate you," Paige muttered as she went to orb out of the room, her body managing to form into a column of blue and white orbs. But before the youngest Charmed One could orb out, she froze and stared at the far wall as she saw it light up in the distinct pattern of her coven's crest. A symbol she could remember seeing when Memory Chris had came to the past and back to the future. It was that thought that had her frowning as she watched on, knowing full well that it probably meant that someone was coming to the past…and knowing their luck they were from Chris' time. Something that Paige couldn't decide if it was good thing or not…

…another thing that bothered her was the age-old question; were they friend or foe?

With the day they had all had, Paige was hoping for friend.

"Seriously?" Piper groaned and she tilted her head back in annoyance, "today of all days?" She muttered as she raised her hands and watched as her attic wall glowed in a blue colour, something that was sadly nothing new to her. Still, she was ready to flex her fingers that threatened to harm her family in any way.

"Couldn't this wait for tomorrow?" Phoebe asked as she frowned, watching as her older sister stood, gently flexing her fingers to prepare for an upcoming attack. Studying Piper though, Phoebe hadn't even noticed that two figures had walked through the portal, but seeing how Piper's hands had instantly dropped at the sight, the empath found herself looking over to the portal. Only for a frown to appear on her own face. "Um, hi?"

Hearing Phoebe's greeting, Chris decided not to say anything. Unlike the sisters and Leo who were probably beyond confused at the moment, Chris just focused on one of the figures that was now standing in front of him. There she stood in all of her glory, her hair nothing but a mass of brown hair curls as she wore nothing but black instead of her normally 'happy colours.' Still, after everything, it seemed surreal for her to be there.

Rubbing his eyes though, Chris was surprised to see that she was still standing there when his eyes opened. It was then that his green eyes met her brown ones and Chris slowly felt a small smile appear on his face. She was there and Chris was pretty sure he had never been so happy to see her in his life.

"Oh my God," Chris muttered as he stared at his cousin in surprise. She was there, she was standing there with him - something that Chris wasn't all too fond of, but he could let that go for now. That was something that he could deal with later, but at the moment he was simply happy to see Prue.

Seeing Chris' eyes go wide as he looked at her, Prue couldn't help but to chuckle humourlessly as she met his green eyes. "Hey Chris," she said lightly as she scratched the back of her head, knowing that Chris wasn't going to be all to pleased to see her. Not because he wouldn't be happy to see her, but because she had promised him that she wouldn't go jumping through any portals after him…her bad. "Um, we can totally explain," she rushed as Chris arched an eyebrow and crossed his arms slowly as she frowned. "Okay…maybe I can't," she amended as she looked to her Uncle Leo. "So, do you want to explain this one?"

Future Leo looked to Prue and frowned at his eldest niece, but seeing her pleading look he sighed. "Fine," he muttered as he looked back at his youngest son, as well as the younger version of his family and he suddenly felt a small smile appear on his face as he thought about what they had been. As much as it pained Future Leo to admit it, they were not a family in his time and honestly, he hadn't been a part of the family long before they had started losing family members. He had chosen being an Elder over being a father and husband; and even after all of these years, he still didn't know why.

"Um, hi," Future Leo finally said as he watched as the shock appeared on their faces, but mostly he only watched Paige. If only for the simply fact that she was still alive…okay she had died and had become a full white lighter, but she was still around in the future, unlike the rest of the ones he had loved. Not only had he lost Phoebe, the one he had loved as a sister, but he also lost all of his children; Melinda to death, Wyatt to evil, and then there was Chris. However, something told him that he had never really had Chris to begin with, or at least he had, but then he had lost him. Much like he had with Piper. Piper. The sound of her name could still have tears appearing in his eyes. "It's nice to see you."

"I would say it's nice to see you too," Phoebe said as she laughed slightly, looking around the room. Gesturing to the Leo that belonged in her time, she sighed as she met Future Leo's eyes. "But you haven't really gone away so…"

"I understand," Future Leo chuckled as he nodded. Oh, he understood all to well that they were not his family. They didn't have the experience or memories of what had happened to truly be his family and he wasn't about to get them mixed up. Still, seeing Phoebe's look he couldn't help but smile. He had missed her. Clearing his throat, he noted that they all looked surprised by his abrupt appearance and he chuckled when he noticed they were all staring at him, all except Chris. "So, I assume you want some answers then?"

"Yeah, okay you all have fun with that!" Prue announced loudly as she ran over to Chris and grabbed him by the arm, her nails almost digging into his skin as a result of her grip. Seeing him wince she rolled her eyes, "big baby," she muttered before smiling at her Uncle Leo. "We'll just…" she looked around the attic, "wait over there while you all talk! Come on Christopher," she said dragging Chris. "We don't want to listen to their boring conversation and let's face it, we need to catch up!"

"You're cutting through my skin!" Chris hissed as his younger cousin dragged him off.

"Suck it up, Princess!"

Watching as the woman who they had been told was Charlie in the memories, pull Chris across the room, Piper sighed and looked back at Future Leo with narrowed eyes.

"You're damn right I want answers," she said simply, not at all afraid of the Future Leo, but her tone only caused him to chuckle at her, something that irritated her to no end. "And you listen here Mister," she warned, "I want answers not some poor thought-out attempt at covering your ass and keeping the future consequences to a minimal, you hear me? If I hear one mention of that future consequences bull that you had Chris told us, I will blast you back to the future orbs and all. Get it? Got it? G-"

"Good," Future Leo finished the familiar phrase as he smiled slightly, only to look over at his past self with a raised eyebrow; silently asking what had brought forth Piper's somewhat snippy attitude. More than that, how did she know of the conversation that he and Chris had concerning the consequences of his actions in the past?

Reading the confused look on his future counterpart's face, Leo chuckled at the expression and felt the need to explain Piper's actions. "Um, we went through some of Chris' memories today," he said sheepishly, and seeing the look of shock on Future Leo's face, Leo almost felt guilty. "So we know that it was you that told Chris not to be honest with us."

"And I stand by my decision," Future Leo said simply as he made a mental note to ask Chris about the memories later; but something told him that wouldn't go all to well. It was no secret that he and Chris didn't have the best relationship.

"I'd watch it if I were you," Phoebe cautioned when she noted how Piper's posture became more tense and her eyes narrowed to the point they were nothing more than slits. "She really will blast you back to the future orbs and all; she's threatened to do it to Chris on several occasions."

Hearing that, Future Leo felt his head snap up and he looked at Piper with wide eyes. How could Piper have said that to Chris? On the other hand, how could she even say that about Chris at all? Whether she knew he was her son or not, in all the time he had known Piper, he had never known her to be so…spiteful to anymore. Except to Cole and the Source; but each of them had destroyed one of her sisters. Cole had broken Phoebe's heart on a scale so big no one was sure if she could ever truly open up to someone again and The Source had sent Shax to kill Prue.

In all of this though, the only thing Future Leo could mutter was "what?"

XxX

Across the room and away from their would-be parents, Chris smiled as he looked at Prue. Using his eyes to gesture towards the sisters who were in deep conversation with the two Leo-s, Chris almost smiled when he saw Prue's eyes light up as they sat on Aunt Pearl's couch.

"So," Chris said slowly as he looked to Prue, whispering low enough that the others in the room couldn't hear them. Not that they were listening to begin with, glancing over Chris almost rolled his eyes when he noted that his father was trying to explain something to the sisters and Leo. Oh yes, it was not Leo that was now in the past to annoy him, it was his own father. The half-Elder could just tell that this was going to go great. Shaking that from his thoughts, he looked back to Prue with a small smile when he saw her scolding look. "You missed me so much that you had to jump through a portal to come see me?"

Hearing that comment, Prue couldn't help but scoff in feigned disbelief as she rolled her eyes. "Please," she said in her best snob voice. "As if you're worthy enough to be missed by me." She teased as she smiled at him, only before rolling her eyes when he kept staring at her. "Ahh okay, okay! I missed you! So much that life was almost unbearable, is that what you wanted to hear?"

"It was better," Chris deadpanned as he looked at Prue with an arched eyebrow. He knew he was staring at her, but he could not erase the feelings that if he looked away that she would simply disappear. Not something he was fond of because for the first time since he had been in the past, he felt like he had family with him. And he did, he had Prue. "Now, correct me if I'm wrong," Chris sent telepathically, looking at Prue."But wasn't I supposed to be the only Halliwell jumping back in time?"

"Okay, first of all, what have I told you about rooting around in my head?" Prue thought bitterly, glaring at Chris she noted that he had a smile on his face because of her comment. "It's not funny mister. And second of all, I technically didn't jump," she mentally defended as her cousin let out a long sigh. "I walked through that portal thank-you very much. And why did we suddenly switch from verbal to mental?"

Chris rolled his eyes at his cousin and with only using his eyes, he managed to gesture to the group that consisted of the sisters and two Leo-s; neither of which he was all too fond of. "Because I don't want them eavesdropping on some of this conversation! Unless you're okay with them knowing who you are, Halliwell!"

"Hey you can't use that as an insult-y thingy!" Prue mentally whined as she pouted at Chris. "You're a Halliwell too. Or have you been in the past so long, Perry, that you've lost all sense with reality and actually think you are Chris Perry?"

"I haven't forgotten," Chris murmured aloud as he thought of all the months he had been pretending he was someone he wasn't and he would admit that he had gotten lost in his made-up identity. To the point that he hadn't cared what he did or who he hurt; it had been easier that way. But something told him that since his memories had been shown for them to see that things were going to change. Shaking those thoughts away, he sighed as he met Prue's eyes and asked the one question that had been plaguing him most. "So, how long are you here?"

Prue smiled at that question, knowing that Chris wasn't only asking how long she was going to be there. Watching as his green eyes searched out his father; she sighed and rolled her own brown irises. "Well you will be please to know that Leo is only here for forty-eight hours," she said simply, almost rolling her eyes she saw him let out a breath of relief. She understood his hate for his father, she really did! But seriously, he was here to help but could Chris accept that and get along with him? Oh no! That would be dreadful. "And me? Well, I'm here as long as you're here, Chrissie-Boy."

Hearing that simple answer, Chris' eyes widened and his head snapped towards Prue as she muttered the words in a low voice. A voice so low that he wouldn't have heard her if a pin had dropped. However, looking at her, Chris felt his eyes narrow as his voice lowered into a dangerous tone. "What?"

"Oh come on, Peanut!" Prue murmured as she rolled her eyes, "you know you missed me and well, let's face it! I love Wyatt too so I want to help," seeing Chris' look she shook her head as she slowly crossed her arms across her chest and locked her gaze on Chris. "So I will help and there is nothing you can do about it! And what the hell is with the attitude," she huffed. "And I thought Wyatt was rude."

Hearing Prue hiss at him, Chris frowned as he detected the change in her tone as she spat out Wyatt's name. Something that normally wouldn't bother him, but it was her tone that had him frowning. Something had happened in the future, it concerned Wyatt, and if Chris were being honest, that would explain Prue's sudden trip to the past.

Chris sighed loudly as his frustration showed through and he look at Prue and felt his anger dissolved as his concern for her and the ones he loved seeped through. "What happened?" He asked telepathically as he felt fear grip his heart when Prue didn't answer him right away. If something happened to someone when he was gone - whether it was his fault or not - Chris knew he would never be able to forgive himself. "Prue, did something happen to someone?"

"Nothing happened, Chris." Prue answered in a soft voice, not even bothering to look at him as she sighed. She wasn't going to say anything that the ones from the past would understand so there was no need to keep it telepathic. "Besides the fact that Emily went off her head worrying over us because she promised you that she would take care of us," she said simply as she leaned back into the couch and sighed. "We just got Intel that Wyatt was planning something. He's pissed, Peanut. And I don't mean he's pissed as in how pissed he was when you stole Wuevy when you were two and never gave it back to him. I mean he's really pissed."

Chris nodded and looked up to the ceiling. "Do you know what he's planning?"

"No," Prue sent back sadly as she sighed once more. "All we know is that he is up to something and we know you're not weak; not by any standards, but we were afraid that without back-up or at least some sort of warning that you would be blind-sighted. And then he has that damn spell that brings him back and forward in time so we thought-"

"-that he was planning on coming back to get me himself." Chris finished as he sighed both mentally and externally. Little did Prue know, Chris had been expecting his brother to come back at some point. He didn't know when, but Chris knew of that damned spell, Bianca had informed him of that when she had come to the past and in all honestly, Chris was amazed that Wyatt hadn't been back already. Patience had never been Wyatt's strong point.

"Yeah, and we couldn't risk that happening." Prue added as she tried to massage a kink out of her neck. "Hence why me and your father-"hearing Chris mentally growl at the term, Prue sighed. She knew what mistake she had made then, she had called Leo his father. According to Chris, he had no father; her Uncle Leo had only been the sperm donor. "And Leo," she corrected as she looked at him. "Came back so I could help you and he could ensure that they trusted you - but it seems you have that under control."

"Does that mean we can get rid of him sooner?"

"No," Prue answered as she looked at Chris. "So, is there anything that I need to know before I make my wonderful introduction…as your non-family? Because I hate to break it to you, that might make things a little-"

"-Suspicious." Chris murmured aloud, knowing that if anyone were to be listening to their conversation that they would be confused beyond all belief by now; which was fine by him. Sighing, he winced knowing that Prue wasn't going to like this at all. "You have to go by Charlie by the way."

Prue froze at that and finally looked in Chris' direction, sending him the most ferocious glare she could muster as her lips turned downward into a frown. "And why is that, Christopher?"

"Because they used a potion that they got from the Elders so they could see the future, or more accurately, my memories." Seeing Prue's look, he nodded as his frustration returned. "And you were in one of the memories, and I didn't want them to know who any of our family was, so I kept out last names…and no offence, but your first name was a little obvious so I had to think of something!"

Prue nodded at what Chris was saying and felt her glare wipe off her face as she arched a curious eyebrow at him. "So, Charlie is a result of my middle name?" Prue questioned as she thought over her name. That was the only place where she could understand Chris getting the name Charlie from. Seeing him nod, she ran her hands over her face, the telltale that she was nervous. "So, what do they know about?"

"Magic School, Wyatt, the witch trials, the witch hunters, my powers, Emily, Caleb, our plan for me not to tell them anything, Katy, Mel,"Chris listed. "Bianca-"

"So basically everything but your identity."

"Pretty much."

"I see, well Chris," Prue said as she looked at her cousin. "I'm sorry about this," she sent out simply but before Chris could ask what she meant, Prue waved her hand in Chris' direction and sent him flying across the room. "You total idiot," she shrieked as she stood on her feet and glared at him in a very Paige like pose. "How could you be so stupid? You…you utter moron!"

Not noticing that they now had an audience from the moment Prue had sent him across the room, Chris huffed and got to his feet and glared at his cousin, he too standing in a pose that could be linked to a Charmed One. The only difference was the fact that his pose was so much like one of his mother's. "Come on! It wasn't as if I willingly let them see the future! I had no choice in the matter!"

Hearing what their conversation was about and why Charlie was so mad at Chris, the Charmed Ones and Leo all winced and looked down at shame at that comment. More than that, the fact that Future Leo was stood beside them, an angered expression on his face that had been there since the moment Phoebe had made the comment about Piper threatening to blow Chris up, they couldn't help but feel like children who just disappointed their parent.

"That is beside the point, Chris!" Prue shouted as she narrowed her eyes at her cousin, walking up so they were almost nose-to-nose. Granted, she had to stand on her tippy-toes in order to be at eyelevel with him, but poking him sharply in the chest with a finger she let out a mangled shriek. "It's them! You should have been prepared for them to have some backup plan like this! They always do!"

"I'm sorry," Chris shouted, but it was easy to detect from his voice that he really wasn't all that sorry for what had happened. "You are so right," he said sarcastically. "I should have known that they would have went to those self absorbed asses that sit Up There on their mighty thrones all day because they do that so often in the future, right!?"

Both Leo-s frowned at that statement; did that mean that Chris believed that they were nothing more than self-absorbed asses? Something told them that Chris did, not a fact they were all too fond of.

"Fine, I'll give you that one," Prue relented as she turned around and stalked away from Chris, muttering under her breath before looking back at him. "But you know them, Chris! You should have known that they were going to try something the moment they found out about Wyatt! And you said they used a potion, meaning that you had to have seen it before they threw it at you! Have you ever heard of these wonderful little things called powers? Why didn't you use your telekinesis or why didn't you orb away! How can you answer that one?"

"I'm sorry, but I really didn't want to orb away and risk being held at sword-point by Leo later! And I really didn't want to be blown up by Piper! They were the ones behind the brilliant plan."

Knowing that his past self and Piper didn't know Chris well enough to detect the pain in his voice as he shouted those frightful words, Future Leo sighed and looked at Chris' would-be parents in disdain. It was not as if he could truly blame them - they didn't know who Chris was so they didn't know how much their words cut into Chris' heart, but that wasn't an excuse. There was no reason to treat any being like that.

"Well you should have risked it!" Prue shouted, regretting them the minute they were out of her mouth. Still, this had been bottled up and she didn't care if her words were going to crash into a shore of devastation when she was done but she needed to get this out. "It wasn't only you that were affected by those memories. How do you think I feel, knowing that they saw my little sister die, Chris?"

"And how do you think I felt watching her die again?" Chris shouted back as some smaller objects in the room began shaking as his powers went a little out of control. "I loved Katy like a sister and you know it!"

"It's not the same Chris; she was my sister. They very sister I swore to protect and I really don't want other people involved in things that are none of their business! I lost my sister!"

"And I lost Mel; you don't see me bitching about it now, do you? And I'm the one who had relive it!"

"That's not my point, Chris! You should have stopped it!"

"Them seeing the memories or them dying?" Chris asked bitterly, almost smirking when he saw Prue stop short as her eyes narrowed into slits as her eyes filled with anger. "Is that what this is really about? You blame me for their deaths?"

"God Chris, no!"

"Then what?"

"Okay," Phoebe began as she walked towards the two people who were threatening to destroy the Manor with the way that their powers were acting. "Why don't we all calm down and talk this through? This wasn't anyone's fault, especially not Chris'." She pointed out, "we saw what happened! It wasn't-"

"And that is my point," Prue pointed out as she once again pointed at Chris in anger, ignoring what her would-be mother was saying while Chris sent a withering glare in Phoebe's direction. "You shouldn't know about that! God Chris, I know you hate Leo but we all agreed when he said they were not meant to know these things! There were reasons, Chris! Some things may not change! Some things are just meant to happen and there is nothing that can be done to change it!"

"Why don't you stop spitting out that recycled crap and actually say what you're thinking!" Chris retorted bitterly.

"Oh, that's rich coming from you."

"Now why don't we-" Leo began.

"I don't want to meditate," Prue snapped bitterly as she threw the past version of her uncle a glare, something that had a small smile appearing on Chris' face. Seeing it out of the corner of her eyes, she looked back at Chris and huffed. "Wipe that smile off your face, Perry!"

"I will when you start acting your age and not like some spoiled brat," Chris pointed out, only to wince when Prue narrowed her eyes and sent enough telekinetic force at Chris to make him fall on his ass. "Oh, that was real mature!"

"Do not start with me now!"

Seeing Prue stalk at him, Chris rolled his eyes. "I didn't know what they were planning!"

"But yet you're still surprised?" Prue demanded as she went to kick Chris in his chest with her Converse clad foot. Pausing as her foot hovered above her cousin's chest, she rolled her eyes. "You've known them your entire life but you didn't stop and maybe think -- 'hey, I just let them find out that their precious Wyatt is the future of all evil and they don't believe me! Hmm, maybe I should be slightly more cautious because they're going to want proof and will do anything to get it!' -- Huh, did you? It's them, Christopher!"

"You two are going to destroy my house," Piper shouted as an empty vial flew at her. Growling in frustration, Piper held up her hand and flexed her fingers before it could hit anyone. "Okay," she began as she knocked the frozen vial to the ground before crossing her arms as her motherly instincts took over. "That's enough!"

Ignoring Piper's shouts, Chris took Prue's distraction into account and smirked as he knocked her free foot out from un under, causing her to call on top of him as a result of being on one foot and off balance. Feeling his cousin's weight fall on him, Chris didn't waste anytime, rolled them over, and pinned her under him. "Pinned ya," he teased as he looked down at her, "So, are you going to calm down?"

"No!" Prue shouted.

"Well I hate to break it to you, but you're staying down there until you accept that it wasn't my fault!" Chris said simply. "So why don't you just shut the hell up, Ladybug?"

"Chris," Prue growled as she turned her head so she could glare at her cousin. "Get the hell," she hissed as she rolled over so she was on her back and began kicking her legs. "Off of me now!" Prue shouted, only to pause and look at Chris as a small smirk appeared on her own face. "Or you will no longer be considered a male of the species, meaning there goes any chance of you ever being able to have any children. Hell, I'll bet some people will consider it to be a public service - God knows the world will never be ready for any offspring of you. I might even get a Nobel Prize."

Looking into Prue's eyes, Chris felt himself silently curse as he got up. He wasn't stupid; Prue didn't make empty threats meaning that she wasn't bluffing. Ignoring the amused smirk on Paige's face, Chris sighed and held out a hand to Prue. "Truce?"

"Fine." Prue said as she smirked, accepting Chris' hand as she was pulled to her feet. Once she was firm on the ground though, she couldn't help but shrug as she turned away from Chris and met the eyes of the people watching them. "I knew you would see things my way, Perry."

"Shut up, Charlie."

Seeing the way his youngest son looked into his eyes at the comment, Future Leo nodded slightly in understanding before letting out a sigh as he frowned at Prue and Chris. "Christopher, Charlie," he said as he met Prue's eyes with a small smile. Pinching the bridge of his nose to prevent the oncoming headache, he sighed. "You two go," he said simply as he looked to the Leo and sisters from the past. "I'll talk to them on my own."

Knowing that those words were code for go and get your emotions under control Prue crossed her arms and locked her jaw, her Halliwell stubbornness shining through. "But-"

"Fine," Chris interrupted with a note of finality, not wanting to get into another argument with his cousin yet. He would even admit that he was not all too fond of leaving them alone with his…father but Chris knew it was not the time for his daddy-issues to come into play.

"Chris-"

"We'll be back," Chris assured when he saw Phoebe's concerned frown as she watched Prue who was still insistent on protesting. "But if one of us doesn't stop they will be coming back unconscious!" Chris threatened.

"Oh you try and-" Prue was once again cut off as she and Chris disappeared in a blur of blue and white orbs, leaving behind the Leo-s and the sisters in an awkward silence.

Seeing his son and niece dissolve into millions of bright lights, Future Leo could not help but frown. He knew that he needed to talk to the sisters, as well as his past self, especially now that he knew that they had seen some of the future. He needed to know how much they knew, but he couldn't help but feel the need to talk to Chris. His relationship with his son, Future Leo almost groaned at the thought of it. He didn't know how he had let it get so bad and he wasn't naïve enough to believe that forty-eight hours would be enough to mend it. Nevertheless, he at least wanted to be on better terms. Only somewhat, that was all he wanted. For Chris was all he had left.

One thing that was for sure though, was the fact that Future Leo was not going to let anyone walk over his son as long as he was in the past. No matter whom it was; whether it be a demon, the sisters, or past Leo. His friendship with Chris had never been good because he had never been there for him, but as for the next forty-eight hours, Future Leo swore he would be.

Phoebe broke the silence that had descended upon them the moment the two had been orbed away as she let out a loud, long-suffering sigh as she looked around. "Okay, I wasn't kidding when I said that I wanted tea and tons of Advil for the headache I have, and I can already tell this is going to be a long conversation…" Phoebe trailed off as she turned to look at Piper, giving her sister a pout. "So Piper, can we please go somewhere where we can sit and talk," she pleaded as she clasped her hands in front of her, causing Piper to frown at her sister. "Come on, my feet have been killing me since the second memory and we went through…" she paused in speech as she met eyes with Future Leo who arched an eyebrow. "Um…oh….wow." Phoebe muttered before waving her hand dismissively. "Okay, I don't remember how many memories we saw because we were jumping all over the place and…can we please just go sit?"

"I have no problem with it," Future Leo stated as he smiled at Phoebe's little mini rant, finally realising how much he had missed her and why he had loved her in the first place. Pushing those thoughts away, he looked over in Piper's direction, but he couldn't meet her eyes for the fear he would fall apart. Instead, he stared at an object behind her, "but all the same, this isn't my house." He sighed and momentarily met Piper's eyes, "I guess it's up to you."

Deciding to help Phoebe out, Paige turned to Piper and added her pout to the cause as she looped arms with her older sister. "Come on Piper, please!" Seeing that Piper was breaking, she continued. "Please Piper? Pwease, pwetty pwease? Pwease, pwease, pw-"

"Fine," Piper caved as she rolled her eyes as her younger sisters high-fived each other. "I swear you two are more immature than Wyatt," she muttered as she began shooing her sisters out of the attic and down the stairs. "Hell, I'm willing to bet that even at twenty-three Wyatt is more is still mature than you!"

"Hey!" Phoebe and Paige protested in unison as they paused in their steps down the stairs, pausing to glare at Piper as the three sisters walked down the stairs. "Wait up!" They yelled as Piper chuckled and walked pass them.

Seeing the three sisters leave, the two Leo-s stood at the top of the stairs, shaking their heads as they watched the three disappear from sight.

"They never change," Future Leo said as he smiled, looking to his past self who looked at him in surprise. Looking to where the sisters had been, Future Leo nodded to himself as he headed down the stairs to follow them. "That's a comforting thought."

Watching as his future self walked away, Leo couldn't help but frown as he thought about what he had witnessed. He would admit that he could be blind to things, but by no means was he a blind man. He had noticed the way his other self had looked at Piper, or not looked at Piper. Even when Future Leo's green eyes had rested on Piper for several seconds it looked as though his very heart was breaking.

And Leo didn't doubt he looked the same when Piper went out on dates, especially with Greg. He had tried to put a brave face on for Piper, knowing that it wasn't fair to him to drag her back into this. Not with how much pain she had went through when he had became an Elder.

Also, it appeared that even over twenty years in the future, he still loved Piper. Something that Leo had been counting on, he hadn't proposed to her for no reason; it had been because that he had never met someone he thought he could love forever before. Not even his first wife; he had simply believed he would love her until he died, which he had. But he had always known that he would love Piper forever, and being an Elder and immortal, that was very possible.

He would never get over Piper; he would always love her. His future self was proof of that.

---

Now that he was finally away from the sisters and Leo, Chris felt as though he could finally let out the breath he was holding as he and Prue appeared on the bridge. He knew that things should be less stressful now that he had there trust but their were two problems that had surfaced as a result of their actions today.

Problem one - there was a part of Chris that didn't think he would be able to keep his distance as much as he had been in the past and that truly worried him. He couldn't get close to them but something in the pit of his stomach told him that they weren't going to make his plan of avoiding them all too easy.

Problem two - while he now had the trust of Leo and the sisters, he didn't trust them.

That statement alone may be considered hypocritical to some considering some of the stunts he had pulled in the past but he hadn't betrayed them so fully. At least not in his opinion. Sure, he had lied and manipulated but he had never done anything that had been so vile. Even when he had went to Gith to have them put in what they thought was their dream life, it had been for a purpose and he hadn't let anything happened to him. The arrow they had found embedded in his stomach had been proof of that.

Things were going to get more complicated, and it was with that thought that Chris took a deep breath and allowed his telekinesis to lift him up so he was sitting on the highest beam of the Golden Gate Bridge. Crossing his legs, Chris leaned foreword and almost growled in frustration.

He didn't know what was wrong with him. He wasn't supposed to be like…this. He wasn't supposed to let his emotions to get the best of him because he couldn't. Especially not now, not with Prue there with him. He couldn't allow himself to lose sight of what was happening and what needed to be done. His breakdown could wait because saving Wyatt was all that mattered. They could only handle one Halliwell hazard at a time.

And for now, that hazard was Wyatt.

Hearing a sniff to his right, he looked over and saw that at some point when he was lost in his thoughts that Prue had climbed up to sit beside him. But that wasn't what had his attention, it was the fact that she had silent tears to streaming down her cheeks; tears that he could tell she was trying to keep at bay.

Feeling his heartache when he saw she was in pain, he frowned, draped an arm over her shoulder, and pulled her close to him. "Ladybug," he cooed gently as he heard her sniff once more and watched as she tried to wipe the tears away. "What's wrong?"

"Well for starters," Prue said as she tried to wipe her tears away, only to groan when more replaced them. "I'm still pissed at you for being such an idiot and allowing them to find out about the future, but more than that I'm not immune to feelings and emotions like you are." She burst as she glared at him with narrowed eyes, "remember? I am an empath and the tension there was enough to drive me even more insane. Not to mention the fact that your emotions are so strong that I feel like they could literally tear me apart," she whined. "And…"

Watching as Prue rolled her head so it was resting against his arm, Chris smiled softly at her childish attitude and nudged her playfully. "Come on Pr-" he caught himself and sighed. "Charlie," he amended, but hearing her scoff he chuckled. "We always tell each other everything," he pointed out when she looked up to meet his eyes. "And if both of us being in the past is going to work, we can't start hiding things from each other now."

Seeing Chris' expression and knowing that he was telling the truth, Prue sighed and looked up at the dark night's sky and blinked away her tears. "Okay, I know that I'm about to sound so childish and that is shouldn't be bothering me but it is and I can't help it because I don't control my emotions." She groaned in frustration, "It's just so stupid!"

"Not if it's bothering you like this," Chris argued simply as he looked at her, "so why don't you let me be the judge of that?"

"She didn't recognize me."

Chris frowned at those words, even though he was pretty sure that he knew what Prue was referring to. He had gone through the exact same thing. "What?"

"My mother," Prue whispered as she thought about how Phoebe hadn't even given her a second look when she had been there. "And I know that it's a childish thing to be upset over, but it's her, you know? I mean, I know that I didn't want her to know who I was because it would complicate things but I have lived without her for eight years, Chris! Eight years…and she didn't even look at me twice! Do you have any idea what that's like?" She demanded as she looked at her cousin, but feeling Chris tense, she sighed. "Right…sorry…forgot about that one for a moment. I guess you do, huh?"

"Yeah," Chris answered as he chuckled somewhat bitterly. "You know, I can still remember the first day I orbed in? It was Phoebe that saw me," he admitted as he thought back to that day. "And I remember that she just…looked at me."

"She probably thought you were hot."

"Ewe, that's…gross for even you," Chris said as he looked at his cousin in disgust. Seeing her shrug, he rolled his eyes and continued. "And by saying she looked at me, I mean that she studied every feature I had and…for a moment I thought she was going to know was and my cover would be completely blown." He sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck, "but by some miracle she didn't."

"That isn't what's bothering you though," Prue said simply as she frowned at her cousin who looked away from on her. "So come on Chris, I told you what was bothering me," she pointed out. "And we can't start hiding things from each other now," she quoted as she nudged Chris in the side. "More than that I am getting all sorts of readings off of you and if you don't tell me I'll only keep bothering you until you tell me."

"Prue," Chris said as a smirk appeared on his face as his eyes rolled upwards. "I'm fine," he assured as he looked at her, but seeing her disbelieving face, he sighed. "I swear to you, it's noth-"

"Don't even finish that sentence, Perry," Prue warned as she scrunched up her nose. She couldn't help it, but for a moment, she was thrown off thought as she realised that his name just didn't sound right. Christopher Perry just did not sound correct without the Halliwell on the end of it, but seeing Chris' look, she shook her head once she realised that his name was a musing for another day.

"If you say nothing," Prue continued as she narrowed her eyes at him, "I swear upon everything holy and unholy that I will beat you within an inch of your life," she threatened, knowing that Chris knew that she didn't make idle threats. "So, out with it, Mister."

Knowing Prue was just as persistent as her mother; Chris removed his arm and shrugged. "What do you want me to say, Charlie?" He asked a bitter tone in his voice as he looked out over the city; avoiding her eyes. "Do you want me to say that knowing that my family couldn't stand me for the longest time was breaking my heart and that I am days from having a complete breakdown? Or maybe you want me to have a heart to heart about how I was forced to relive some of the worst days of my life today, just to satisfy their curiosity!"

Hearing thunder roar in the background, Prue winced. Demons didn't bother her, nor did Wyatt. She could easily stand up to her eldest cousin, even now when he was the Source of all "Power," but the moment thunder came around her courage left her. And the fact that thunder was rumbling, it meant Chris' temper was getting the best of him.

Looking up as she felt rain, Prue frowned when she felt it fall gently against her face. It wasn't enough to make her wet right away, but this was bound to be a long conversation, meaning that by the end of the conversation she would be soaked. Just thinking about it Prue felt a cold shiver run up her spine so she leaned back into Chris and sighed.

"Our mission is getting to you, huh?" She asked in understanding; in all honesty, it was getting to all of them.

"But it can't," Chris snapped as he looked up and sighed as the rain fell onto his face and he admitted something that he hadn't said aloud in what felt like forever. "We're Halliwells, Prue," he stated, not even caring if someone could hear him. "We don't have breakdowns no matter what is thrown our way. We deal with it and do what we have to do."

"Yeah," Prue snorted as her eyes rolled all on their own. She swore it was just a reflex by now, but thinking it over she frowned. "That is what our family tends to do, but we're not them, Chris." Prue pointed out as she patted his arm, "and guess what? Today is a new day and now have me!" She exclaimed as she clapped her hands.

"Woo-hoo."

"Don't sound so enthusiastic," Prue muttered as she detected the sarcasm in Chris' voice. "Really, it is too much," she said as she rolled her eyes. "Anyway, moving on. If you need a few days to relax and have to yourself, that is fine with me. Not a problem," she rambled to ensure Chris couldn't get a chance to answer. "As long as you can convince Piper to bake double chocolate chip cookies, then we have a deal!" She exclaimed, "And considering they are living on Guilt Rock at the moment, that shouldn't be too hard and in the mean time, while I wait for those delicious cookies, you can relax and I'll take care of your leads and whatnot for you! See! Aren't you so blessed to have me here?"

"No," Chris said weakly as he shook his head. Seeing Prue's narrowed brown eyes, Chris continued to shake his head as he sat to his full height and looked at her square in the eyes. "No," he said a little more firmly as he swallowed. "Since Wyatt has gone off the wagon I've been the oldest," he pointed out. "Except for Emily, but Wyatt is my brother so it's my job to take care of everything."

"Chris…"

"I'm fine!"

"You know Chris, after the event that was something Wyatt would have said," Prue snapped bitterly, causing Chris to wince at her tone. "And do you remember what happened?" She demanded, but not getting an answer, she reached over, grabbed Chris' chin, and turned his head so he was forced to look at her. "Do you? Because if you don't, I can tell you! He got quiet and was always sneaking out and he would say that he was fine. And we all believed him and made excuses for him; he's not home because he had to be somewhere, his hunting demons, he wants to be alone-"

"Stop it!"

"No Chris, because you need to hear this! Time and time again, we never said anything even though we concerned, until one-day Wyatt's baby brother called him out on it and do you remember what happened between you and Wyatt? The two of you had your first major fight…ever and that was when we knew something was wrong but we ignored the signs and we lost him!"

"I know that, I was there!"

"Yeah and by not telling me what's wrong, by not accepting my help, and by not allowing me to be there for you and saying that you're fine - you're sounding exactly like Wyatt!" Prue shouted as she jumped off the support beam and stood on the platform, glaring hatefully at Chris as she wrapped her arms around herself. "And I will be damned to hell if I stand back and ignore everything happening with you, Chris!" Prue once again blinked as tears built up in her eyes. "I can't lose you too; I wont survive that."

"Ladybug," Chris whispered as he hopped down from where he was sitting and walked over to Prue and pulled her into a hug, holding onto her tightly; knowing they wouldn't be able to act so close around the sisters and Leo for the fact they would become suspicious. "I'm sorry," he admitted as he kissed her temple, "I'm just…an ass sometimes," he admitted, causing Prue's strangled chuckle to reach his ears. "And I swear to you, you wont lose me like we lost him." Chris vowed as he gripped Prue's shoulders and pulled her away so she was at arms length and he could look into her eyes. "You can't get rid of me that easily, Prue."

Nodding, Prue smiled sadly at Chris and corrected him on his mistake as he wiped away her tears. "It's Charlie you moron, you're going to give away my cover," Chris chuckled as he shook her head. "If you're not thinking about future consequences then you're not thinking clearly…you definitely need a break."

Feeling the argument come up again, Chris frowned at her and gave her a warning look. "Ladybug-"

"Peanut," Prue mocked as she crossed her arms, standing in a pose that similar to the one Paige had when she wasn't willing to give up her argument. "Listen to me; you have been fighting this for seven years, Chris." She pointed out simply, "we started losing him eight years ago, but it was you who started the Resistance and it was you who fought tooth and nail against Wyatt; your own brother. And since then you've been putting up with having your family so close but being so far away; being a stranger in your own home…and you've lost Bianca and I want to save Wy, too, but not at the expense of you."

"Okay," Chris whispered. "I'll take it easy," seeing Prue's smirk, Chris added, "by my standards."

"Damn it, you're still going to work yourself to death." Prue muttered as she leaned against the beam and sighed when Chris stood beside her. "So, no more conversations like this," she said simply as she looked to her cousin. "Right? … I mean, it will be too risky, wont it? They'll want answers."

"I know."

"And Chris, I know that look," Prue said simply, causing him to look up at her. "That's your oh-my-God-I-have-to-be-strong-for-them-and-I-can't-breakdown-like-this look and I am sick of it, Chris. And you know what, I'm glad you're finding this hard. This is supposed to be hard, you're supposed to be emotional; a breakdown during a time like this only proves that you're human."

Chris simply chuckled.

"Which I'll have you know I was seriously starting to doubt," Prue said honestly, as her smile once again lit up her face. "So, I personally think that a nervous breakdown would do you some good; not harm."

"But nervous breakdowns are for normal people," Chris pointed out as he arched an eyebrow. "Not for members of the Halliwell family," he said simply as he shrugged it off. "I'll get over it, so, how has everyone been since I left? Were they going through Chris-withdraw yet?"

Frowning at Chris, Prue took a deep breath for the simple fact that she didn't want to drop the subject. Chris' question though had been his indirect plead for a subject change, a change Prue didn't want. But she knew full well that Chris wouldn't talk until he was ready. Therefore, fortunately for the green-eyed boy, she dropped the subject.

"Prue?" Chris asked. "Really, no one misses me?"

"Of course they all miss you, they started missing you the moment you and Bianca left the Stronghold to sneak into the tour," Prue admitted as she looked up at the dark clouds that were resting overhead. "It's to the point that Callie and Beth are moping around because no one knows how to make decent pancakes since you've left and Henry is being a jerk and keeps going off with teams to get supplies," seeing Chris' silent question about what was wrong with that, she rolled her eyes. "He leaves without telling Emily where he's going and Paige is just depressed because her favourite nephew isn't around to annoy her anymore."

Chris smiled. "She finally admitted I was her favourite?"

"Yeah, but considering her only other option is Wyatt; who is evil, I wouldn't take as a compliment."

"Ha-ha," Chris muttered as he rolled his eyes. "So, how's Emily?" Chris asked, seeing Prue's surprised face, he almost laughed. But the wellbeing of the ones he loved was not something to laugh at or joke about. "You never really mentioned, so how is she?"

"She's been finding it hard," Prue confessed. "She's basically become you; she always has to know where we are and if we don't tell her she's such a grouch and she's stressed out all the time. But, she's a strong girl. She's handling it better than most would."

"She's a lot like my mom in that way," Chris said simply as a small smile appeared on his face as he felt pride for how far his unofficial-sister had come since she had left Wyatt; how far they had all come. Which immediately sent him to a completely new level of homesickness? "She's a true Halliwell, with or without the last name."

"Same could be said about you Chris," Prue said honestly, only to become amused as Chris blushed at her comment. "Come on, you're just like Piper and let's face it, you're a true Halliwell," she pointed out. "Last name or no, Perry."

"Yeah, I guess." Chris said as he glanced down at the cars passing along below them on the bridge. No matter whom he pretended to be he knew he would always be a Halliwell and have to face the burdens that came with being a member of the Warren line. "So, what about the others?" He asked but feeling Prue tense up beside him, he couldn't help but frown as he rolled his eyes. There was only one person in the Stronghold that could get that reaction out of Prue. "So, what did Ian do now? How has he been?"

"No worse than he's always been."

"Not really making me feel better."

"He's been at Emily's throat since you left her basically in charge; he wasn't all too happy with that. He's was making comments to her again one day-"

"I should have let Henry do more than punch him that day," Chris muttered as he crossed his arms. "Actually, I should have done more than break a few bones. I should have vanquished him."

"Not to worry, Perry," Prue stated as she reached over and patted his back. "Ian wont be picking on Emily for a long time," she stated, but when Chris looked at her she noted that he looked simply intrigued by what she had to say. "When he gave her a hard time, he got an introduction to my fist and shut up after that." She smirked. "Apparently I hit hard for a girl," she winked. "Henry said he had never been so proud in his life."

"And who taught you how to punch?" Chris asked as he arched an eyebrow.

"It was the one useful thing Wyatt ever taught me." Prue stated as images of her once beloved cousin filled her mind as she remembered all the things he had done for all of them before he turned. Clearing her throat, she looked at Chris. "So, Perry, what's my cover story going to be?" She questioned. "I mean…we can't be related anymore."

"Thank you God, my prayers have been answered," Chris deadpanned, but seeing Prue's glare he reached over and ruffled her hair affectionately. "Friends," he said simply. "We're friends - we can't be anything more, there would be too many questions. So, we can only be friends."

Prue frowned and bit her lip as fake tears appeared in her eyes. "Are you breaking up with me?"

Chris chuckled and shook his head at Prue's comment. "No, you know love you too much for that." Seeing Prue throw her head back in laughter, Chris continued. "You, Wyatt, Caleb, Henry, Emily and I were all friends. They only saw one memory of before Wyatt attacked Magic School so that will work. I mean it is true, we were all friends."

"We're just leaving out the major detail of us being related."

"Exactly, we're not lying," Chris admitted. "We're just not telling the whole truth; there is a difference."

"Riight," Prue drawled as she hopped over so she was standing in front of Chris, frowning at him as cold rain drops continued to fall onto her face. "So, I'll have you know that our therapy session is over and the doctor is letting you go."

"So we can go back now?"

"Oh not, you're bringing me to P3 first," she said simply as she grabbed his hand. Feeling him hold her smaller hand in a grip though, she smiled when she felt him hold it tighter than needed; she was his support system now. "That way I can change, but my bag is still in the Attic so I'm going to…kind of borrow one of your shirts."

"Ladybug…"

"Do you want me to get the flu?"

"Fine, but you're talking to them when they start snickering." Chris declared as he looked at Prue simply. "Because I can imagine the thoughts that will be going through Phoebe and Paige's heads when you reappear wearing my shirt…and they're not pleasant."

"They always did have their minds in the gutter, didn't they?"

Chris just sighed since it wasn't required for him to answer because they both knew it was true. Instead, he just held even tighter onto Prue's hand and orbed them away; the blue and white orbs standing out against the night sky.

---

"This is heaven," Phoebe murmured as she sat down on the couch, taking a sip of her tea as she did so. Her hands had been to shaky to pour it herself, so Future Leo had kindly told her to go get her Advil and allow him to make her tea; and she had, reluctantly. She knew it was childish and even a little spoiled, but she had to have her tea a certain way and Future Leo had made it exactly to her preference, even putting in an ice cube so she wouldn't burn her tongue. Phoebe hated burning her tongue and somehow, Future Leo knew that.

"I'm glad I passed the test," Future Leo commented as he watched the three sisters sit on the couch as he and his past counterpart sat in the chairs that were opposite the sofa. Seeing Phoebe nod, he chuckled softly. "It's been so long that I'd been afraid that I forgot how to make it," he confessed. Seeing their looks, he rushed to cover up a mistake on his part. "I just haven't made you tea in a while…my Phoebe, that is."

"Well I don't care how long it has been in the future," Phoebe admitted as she took another sip from the delightful drink. "You did good."

Rolling her eyes at her younger sister, Piper locked eyes with Future Leo the moment he looked away from Phoebe. He had been avoiding her eyes since the moment he had been in the past, and she didn't know why. She wanted to know, but she knew that wasn't what this conversation was about. It could be anything but if Piper had to guess, she would say that Future Leo was afraid because he thought that she blamed him for what happened to Wyatt in the future.

"So," the eldest Charmed One began as she arched an eyebrow after clearing her throat. Looking around, she noted that everyone looked slightly uncomfortable and she didn't blame them; not after the day they had. "How are we going to do this?" She questioned as she looked over at Future Leo once more, but as she predicted, he was looking away from her direction all together. "Because I hate to break it to you, but we know you're not going to tell us everything so why-"

"I would if I could," Future Leo interrupted as he looked over to Phoebe when he saw her confused expression. "Really I would love nothing more than to tell you every bad thing that happens to this family over the next twenty-three years so you could prevent it…" he trailed off as thoughts and images plagued his mind of the horrors that were in their future if Wyatt wasn't saved - and some, possibly even if they did save Wyatt. "But I just can't." He sighed, "and I know you may find it difficult to believe because you've seen how horrible the future gets," he said as he looked up and his green eyes bounced from person to person. "But there were some good things that happened - good things - and I would never do anything to risk changing them. So, I'm sorry but I can't tell you everything."

"There's also the fact that some things may not change," Paige added, locking onto Future Leo's thought process as she thought it over. Chris had told them that several times, but knowing that all they were trying to do was prevent people and good memories from being erased, she felt more at ease. Simply because there had been good times that were worth saving. "No matter what we do in this time to change the future."

"Exactly…so, what exactly do you know about?" Future Leo asked as a frown marred his face; confusion evident as his eyebrows furrowed together and he tried to think of what things they could have learned. "I mean, I know you said you saw Chris' memories…but that's vague."

"Right," Leo said as he entered the conversation for the first time. "Well, we learned that Wyatt and Chris attend magic school with some little boy named Henry and Wyatt's friend, Emily-"

"You know about Emily?"

Leo nodded, "yeah, she was in several of the memories," he admitted as he looked to the sisters who were nodding to show that he was telling the truth. "We saw them at Magic School, it was the day that Wyatt let the demons in…" he explained, trailing off slightly when he saw how his future self had to take a deep breath as he closed his eyes. "And we also saw that she joined Wyatt, but she later went to the Resistance."

"And she's still there 'til this day," Future Leo said simply when he saw the silent question on Phoebe's face. "She's actually the one that Chris left in charge to look after the others, she's uh…actually trying their patience on a daily basis; from what I've heard she's worst than Chris ever was."

"Oh, that's bad," Phoebe said as she winced at the thought.

"Yes, so, what else did you see?"

"We saw a lot actually," Phoebe said as she thought it over. "We had known about Wyatt beforehand…but we actually got the proof that we needed," she explained as she tilted her head as she thought things over. "And we saw that Nathaniel still managed to bring back the Witch Trials despite everything, which I don't understand-"

"It may have been possible that the Witch Trials were meant to come back regardless," Leo intervened before Phoebe got started on another rant and before his future counterpart could interrupt. "It's like…" Leo trailed off as he looked to his future self, not sure what to call him. "Like Leo said," he said as he raised his eyebrows, causing the others to chuckle as he shook his head and continued. "Anyway, as he said there are some things that are meant to happen. And we saw that this time around that the Witch Trials came back at a later date. It's inevitable that they'll come back, but that doesn't mean we can't postpone them."

Future Leo sent his past self a wary smile. "I couldn't have said it better myself."

"Thanks," Leo said as he thought of how weird the moment was.

"Well if you ask me," Paige said as she thought to Nathaniel Pratt, remembering all the things she had seen him do to Chris and countless others, as well as what she had heard he had attempt to do Phoebe. "To prevent the trials all we have to do is kill Pratt."

"I'm up for that," Piper said.

"Me too," Phoebe said as she nodded, "I really don't want to risk him killing me in the future…or Katy," she said sadly as she thought to how young the girl had been. "She had been far too young to die."

Hearing Phoebe's comment, Future Leo closed his eyes as he realised that though they didn't know who Katy was, they had still seen her die. In addition, while it most likely didn't affect them as much as it would have if they knew the truth, it had affected them enough.

"We save the innocent," he gently reminded. "Not punish the guilty."

"Yeah, Yeah - I still think she was too young."

"As do I," Future Leo assured as he thought back to what had been exposed in the attic during Prue and Chris' argument. "So, in the attic Chris mentioned that not only did he see Katy die, but he also saw his sister."

"Yeah," Piper said in guilt as she looked down in shame. "It was Leo and I that had decided to use the potion but if we had known that he would have had to relieve that and all those other terrible things…" she trailed off as she looked into Future Leo's eyes, begging for him to believe her. "We never would have used it."

"I believe you."

"I have a question," Phoebe spoke up as she looked to Future Leo. "I guess I can understand why you didn't want Chris to tell us everything about the future - there were too many consequences."

A statement that made Piper scoff, she didn't mean to but she had heard that phrase one too many times for her own liking.

Sending Piper a glare, Phoebe continued as she looked to Leo. "But why the cover story? Why couldn't you have just sent Chris back with the truth - he was Wyatt's best friend and something happened to him that he came back to prevent? Why have him pass himself off as a white lighter?"

"Yeah, we could have used his power boost on the vanquishes he sent us on," Paige added. "That boy has some mean powers; he's like a mean, green-eyed fighting machine!"

"Because we thought it would be easier for you to accept him as a white lighter than as a friend of Wyatt's." Future Leo admitted, "I was going to become an Elder anyway," he admitted as he lowered his face into his hands; a decision he had regretted everyday, but it had been one that had needed to be done. "So it was an opening for Chris and because it would have been easier on Chris, at least we thought it would have been."

"But why?" Phoebe persisted.

"Because Chris wanted to come back and simply save Wyatt and in doing so, he would save the world, but Wyatt was Chris' main concern," Future Leo admitted. "He knew that saving Wyatt was the key to saving all the innocents that had been lost in the future but he couldn't have you think of him as someone you should care about. He needed you to be annoyed with him and to take him seriously and treat him as an outside otherwise it would have been too hard on him. It would have only-"

"Distracted him," Piper finished.

"Yes," Future Leo said softly as he looked down.

"That's also why he never told us about all the pain he had endured," Phoebe realised as it all began to make sense. "Because he didn't want us to feel pity for him or anything, he simply wanted to get his job done. That's why he never told us about Katy, Mel…or even about what had happened to Bianca when they had returned to the future."

"Those were things you weren't meant to know," Future Leo said simply as he swallowed loudly; thinking about how much pain and suffering the knowledge would truly cause them if they had known all the facts. Which, by some miracle, they had not. They hadn't even learned of Chris' real identity. "Some things are best left unknown."

"Sure, but we know what we know and there is no use in crying over spilled milk," Piper stated as she crossed her arms; singaling that while she felt guilty about what they had forced to Chris, it was her job to protect her family and she didn't regret learning that she could trust Chris with her family. "But if you had left Chris alone and allowed him to tell all of this from the beginning we would have trusted Chris more," she argued. "Meaning he wouldn't have had to endure the emotional hell that I'm sure he went through today, not to mention that we wouldn't have treated Chris so terribly."

"He came back because he was Wyatt's best friend, but that was irrelevant. Why it was him that came back shouldn't have mattered; the fact he came back to save your son should have been enough!"

"But we didn't know his true intentions! For all we knew, he could have been back here to harm Wyatt."

"Chris would never harm Wyatt!"

"We know that now," Paige blurted out in an attempt to cease the would-have-been argument between Piper and the future version of her ex-husband. "But we didn't know that from the beginning; we've spent the entire time thinking Chris was a threat to Wyatt!"

"Yes, but at least now you know the truth," Future Leo reminded. "Now you have no reason to distrust Chris, I'll admit that he can be a little devious at times and he avoids some questions, but nine chances out of ten it's because he has it covered or he doesn't want to worry you." Future Leo stated as he sighed. "And despite the fact that I aided Chris in manipulating the Titan event, it should have been enough for him to earn your trust, or at least the benefit of the doubt."

"Yeah but-" Leo began.

"There is no but," Future Leo argued once more as he cut off his past self, his irritation shining through. Now he understood what people meant when they said he was thick…is this how everyone felt when they tried to get through to him? "Chris' only purpose is saving Wyatt and saving the future. He's no threat to Wyatt; I would bet my life on it."

"Wyatt's as well?"

"Of course, more so than mine." Future Leo admitted and though he would never tell them, it was simply because if it came down to him and Wyatt - he knew who Chris would choose. The young half-Elder would choose the one who had been there for him most of his life, who sadly, was not him. It was Wyatt.

Knowing that Future Leo was right and that should have been enough; a conclusion they had all come to earlier, but they just didn't know why it hadn't been, Phoebe frowned. Moving on though, the empath frowned and arched a delicate eyebrow at Future Leo. "Um…Leo," she said, shaking her head, knowing that she was going to be beyond confused as long as the Elder from the future was present. "The girl that came with you…Charlie, she was in a couple of the memories, but who is she?"

You're eldest daughter was what Future Leo wanted to say.

"She was a friend of Wyatt's," is what he did say though; knowing that the truth would be too much for them to hear and too much for Prue to deal with. Smiling at Phoebe, he lied through his teeth. "More often than not Wyatt was hanging around with Emily, Caleb, Henry, Charlie, and Chris of course. Henry and Charlie were younger," he admitted as he smiled. "But they were inseparable, there was nothing they wouldn't do for each other."

Piper went to make a comment as she noted that Phoebe had accepted that as an answer and was ready to move on. Before she had the chance to open her mouth though, the eldest Charmed One heard the telltale sounds of someone orbing and watched as millions of blue and white orbs formed into Chris and Charlie.

"Hey," she greeted quietly as she avoided Chris' eyes, not sure how to approach Chris now. They had agreed to take it one day at a time, but that didn't get rid of the feeling she had; the feeling that her heart was going to burst as a result of the pain. But that wasn't what was important now, they would deal with that in time.

"Hello past beings!" Prue greeted as she smiled widely, but any who knew her could tell that it was a fake smile. When Prue was attempting to prove to people she was all right, she had a fake smile that would appear on her face, one that only people close to her could recognize.

Arching their eyebrows, Paige and Phoebe snickered as they took in Charlie's look when they noted that she was no longer wearing the clothes she had been wearing earlier. Instead, she was wearing the pink button-up shirt that they remembered seeing Chris wearing several times before. That was enough to have their minds in the gutter.

Ignoring how her would-be mother and Aunt Paige were snickering at her appearance, Prue frowned and moved on. Pretending that she didn't know what was going through their minds, even though it was clear from their expressions. "So," she said slowly, trying to hide the blush that was appearing on her face. "What are we all talking about at this lovely hour?" Seeing their looks though, noting how they all looked down and shifted, she nodded. "Oh, that."

Looking to the clock, Future Leo nodded and sighed. "Well, I say we all go and get some rest," he suggested even though his tone sounded more like he was ordering them to do it; which he probably was. "From the sounds of everything, you've all had a trying day," he said as he locked eyes with his son; almost cringing when he saw the anger, hatred, but more so, the disappointment. "We can talk tomorrow."

"I wouldn't hold my breath on that one," Chris muttered to himself as he raised his eyebrows at his father.

"Easy, tiger," Prue ordered as she patted her older cousin on the arm and sighed. "But I have to say that I agree with him, so…" she trailed off as she looked to the ones from the past and gave them a small wave. "Nice to see you all…except you Leo," she amended but seeing his look, she rushed to explain even if it was a total lie. "It's just…I never got rid of you…you've been annoying me all day, well not you but the future you-"

Chris cleared his throat; preventing Prue from exposing something.

"Riight," she said slowly as she waved her hand dismissively. "Anyway, that was so not the point of that comment, I just wanted to say that I will see you all bright and early tomorrow!" She cheered which automatically resulted in her getting a groan from her would-be Aunt Paige. Rolling her eyes, Prue held out her hand to Chris and smiled at him. "P3 my fine sir!"

"Wait!" Piper called before Chris could orb out and frowned when she saw him looking at her expectantly, a sheepish expression on her face as she met his eyes. "It's just that Paige is going back to Richard's house," she said simply as she decided that it was just as well to start mending those broken fences now. "So…you two could stay in her old room if you wanted…she bitched so much that her room has been set-up the way it was before. So there's a bed and you could…" she trailed off.

"Sure," Prue answered before Chris could answer his would-be mother, knowing that his answer was most likely to be no. Not that she blamed him, but smiling she winked at Future Leo with a smug smirk. "It looks like you are sleeping on the couch."

Watching as Chris looked uncomfortable for a moment before bobbing his head in agreement; he paused as he walked up the stairs and sighed. "I know you trust me now," he said as the room once again became silent, looking back at them as he turned his head. "And I'm willing to work with you for Wyatt's sake," he admitted as he looked at them with a blank expression. "I just…I don't trust you now," he admitted. "I'm sorry, but I just can't.

"I understand," Piper admitted as she watched as her white lighter once again bobbed his head for a moment before taking back off up the stairs as she sighed. Only to frown when she felt a small hand on her shoulder, looking over she was surprised to see it was Charlie who had a sympathetic expression on her face. "Wh-?"

"Nice chip at the wall," Prue said simply.

"Who said I was trying to chip at the wall?"

"You didn't," Prue admitted. "But I know you," she pointed out as she smiled and walked over to the stairs and began walking. "If you want my advice though," she said as she paused and looked to them. "You should be nice to him from now on because I don't care who you are. If you hurt him I will kick your asses."

"Anything else?" Leo asked as he arched an eyebrow.

"Yeah," Prue said as she stared into Leo's eyes, almost wishing she could tell him of all of the pain he would put Chris through in later years if he stayed on the path he was on. Deciding not to, she settled with a vague expression of the truth; hoping that they would all note that the words were meant for all of them, not just Leo. "Be careful with his heart," she said simply. "It's more fragile than you think."

With that, Prue nodded to them and walked up the stairs, leaving everyone to their thoughts until Piper rolled her eyes and looked to Phoebe who was frowning at her. "What?" The eldest Charmed One asked as she arched an eyebrow. "What do you have to say now?"

"You changed Paige's room back." Phoebe said simply as she frowned. "So she's allowed to move back because she has a room, but I can't?"

"It's not that, you know you can always come back home." Piper said as she draped one of her arms across Phoebe's shoulder. "Changing your room back isn't that hard, I just changed Missy Paige's back because she's the baby of the family and whines all the time."

"Exactly!" Paige said as she beamed at her two sisters as they all burst into laughter, only to frown when the force of the words hit her as realization dawned on her. "Wait…" she trailed off. "I do not."

Author's Note :