All right, I think I'm spoiling you guys with the fast updates. Again as promised, this chapter has lots of fluff and Wyatt and Chris brotherly love! And due to the length of the chapter I had written it I broke it up into two parts, so here is part one (still quite long I might add).

Also, since Wyatt and Chris have a telepathic connection, I have made it into the following;

These lines are Chris telepathic messages to his brother

And these lines are Wyatt's

Thanks again to my wonderful reviewers! Enjoy the happy-happy all around this chapter!

2017

"Can he really come over mom?"

"Of course he can, Chris. I know you two are good friends and it's the holidays, no one should have to spend them alone. What do you think Wyatt?"

Wyatt looked up from his textbook and quickly finished chewing his cereal.

"It's a great idea mom. I'll have someone my age to hang out with."

Chris stuck his tongue out at him Wyatt laughed and pointed a milky spoon at his little brother.

"See what I mean?"

Piper smiled and continued to pack her son's lunches.

"Okay then, it's settled. You can invite him over Chris."

Chris pumped a fist in the air in victory and ran to get his backpack.

"Whoa, Chris! Watch where you're going!"

Chris smiled at his sister. "Sorry, Mel, just trying to get my backpack."

"Yeah well, it doesn't take running someone over," 9 year old Prudence Melinda stated, walking into the kitchen and saying a warm 'good morning' to her mother.

"What's he so excited about anyways?" She asked her oldest brother, grabbing his cereal box and pouring herself some.

"Mom just said he could invite his buddy over."

Melinda grinned. "We are talking about Darren Adrian Baker here, right?"

Wyatt rolled his eyes in good humor, "No. What other Darren Adrian is there that's chummy with Chris?"

A mischievous glint shone in Melinda's eyes. "Ooh, this Christmas will be fun."

Wyatt smiled at her, "Why? You planning on teaming up with him to do something mean? Get into trouble?"

Melinda laughed sweetly, "Of course not. I'm completely angelic."

Chris laughed heartily from the hallway.

"Very funny Chris," Melinda yelled at him "You're not the nice, little witch either."

Piper immediately glanced up, one eyebrow raised. "What now?"

"Nothing mom. Now would you eat a little faster Mel? We're going to be late for school."

"It's not my fault I can't shovel my food into my mouth like you."

Wyatt gave her a brotherly glare. "Mel, come on, I'm serious. You too Chris!"

His little brother responded through their famous (though sometimes annoying) telepathic connection.

Fine. I'm coming.

Just hurry up Chris, you take forever.

"Chris! Let's go buddy!" Piper yelled up the stairs, where Chris had run off to, while getting her car keys. Melinda put on her jacket and slipped her messenger bag over her shoulder, waiting patiently for her youngest brother by the door.

"Mommy, Aunt Paige and Phoebe are coming right?"

"Of course they are sweetie! They'll be coming sometime tomorrow in the afternoon."

Melinda gripped the strap of her book bag. "Is daddy going to be here?"

Piper's eyes clouded and Wyatt stepped in, seeing the way his mother reacted, though the question was painful for him as well.

"Dad's busy Mel. You know he'll come if he can make it. Don't ask mom that."

"It's okay Wyatt. You know he'll try, Melinda."

Both her brother's and mother's tone told her to let the issue go. Melinda loved her father dearly, but sometimes he just made her so angry.

"Ready!" Chris announced as he bounded down the stairs, becoming aware of the tension as he sensed his brother's discomfort.

You okay Wy? What's going on?

Nothing Chris. Ready for school?

Course Wy. You helped me study for that Biology test remember?

And now you'll ace it!

Thanks Wy.

No problem Chris. Anything for my little bro right?

Anything? Take me to the record store after school?

I'm staying after for Chem. but we can go to the mall after that. I'll ask mom. Bring your cash though, I'm not that nice.

Chris laughed and both his sister and mother gave him a strange look.

"What?"

Darren quietly ate a waffle and slipped his books into his backpack, making sure his assignments were where they were supposed to be. He moved around the dim kitchen carefully, giving a disdainful look at the peeling wallpaper. He tiptoed to the door and placed a hand on the doorknob, trying to turn it as quietly as possible.

"Where you going runt?"

Darren flinched and didn't turn around.

"School."

Darren could hear his stepfather coming closer to the door and felt a growing sense of panic rise in his throat.

"You make my breakfast yet?"

"No, sir. But I'm going to be late to school."

Darren trembled as a hand dropped roughly onto his shoulder, digging into the bruised flesh with frightening harshness.

"I provide for you runt. Now you better get in that kitchen and make me some food, if you don't want a repeat of last night."

Darren cringed and bowed his head in defeat.

"Yes, sir."

Chris stared at the empty desk beside him and wondered where Darren was.

The teacher looked at the empty desk as well and frowned, shaking her head as she looked at her roster and saw a steady line of tardy marks. The other teachers whom she had talked to had mentioned high, almost miraculous, improvement in Darren Baker's performance and attendance. But somehow he almost always managed to be late to her class. It was preposterous to think he could oversleep so often. She'd even placed the troublesome student next to his best friend, following the advice of other teachers who'd done the same and been surprised at the noticeable progress in the boy's attitude.

She took a glance at the clock and decided not to mark down the tardy, knowing full well that one more such mark would fail her student.

One more chance, Darren. I'm giving you one more chance.

Darren ran through the hallway, stopping with a skid at his first class's door. With a heavy sigh he knocked on the closed door slowly.

She's going to fail me. Oh, man, Chris is going to kill me. I promised him I'd do better. Hell, I promised Mrs. Halliwell I'd do better.

"Well, Mr. Baker, overslept again?"

"Sorry, Mrs. Grames, the traffic was horrible." He answered, flashing a charm smile. The teacher knew full well he walked to and from school but she let it slide, warning him that this was the last chance she was giving him.

"One more tardy, Darren. I'm giving you one last chance because I don't want to fail right before the holidays."

"Thanks, Mrs. Grames."

Darren quickly took his seat, nodding a hello to various friends he had in the class. But he saved a warm smile for Chris, who had a scowl on his face.

"Aw come on Chris. Don't look so mad. I was just a little late. No biggie."

"She's going to fail you if you're tardy again Darren. Is that what you want?"

Darren was growing angry now. Dammit Chris, it's not like I wanted to be late. If you knew why I was late…

"It's the holidays! What happened to all that good cheer?"

Chris sighed and his face broke into a small smile.

"Fine. Just don't be late again. You know my mom's only letting us be friends cause you're improving in school."

"Really? I thought it was my personality and charisma that did the trick." Darren replied, leaning back on his chair and placing his hands behind his head. Chris chuckled and punched Darren in the arm playfully.

"Guess what? My mom said you could come over for Christmas."

Darren dropped his hands and almost fell back in his chair.

"Really? She doesn't mind?"

"Nope. She gave me permission to invite you. So at what time are you coming?"

Darren smiled widely. "Early morning probably. See? I told you it was my charming persona."

Mrs. Grames slapped a poetry book on Darren's desk with a loud thud, startling both teenagers.

"Well Mr. Baker, What do you say you put your charming persona to good use and start us off by reading the poem on page 65?"

The classroom burst into raucous laughter as Darren fumbled to get his book open to the right page.

"Well if it isn't Little Halliwell, what'sa matter? Your friend and older brother not around?"

Chris slammed his locker shut and let out a frustrated sigh as he turned around to face the school's resident bully, Matthew Jones.

"What do you want Jones?"

Chris was unafraid. If this perp thought he would be scared he was sorely mistaken. Chris dealt with demons weekly; a normal human was nothing close to the crap he and his family had to put up with. Chris mildly wondered whether the Elders would frown upon him using his powers for the greater good of the school. Maybe he could orb Jones to Valhalla? The Underworld?

"You got anything valuable, Halliwell?"

Chris stared up at the taller boy with narrowed eyes. Wyatt was calling to him now.

I'm sensing some anger there, Chris. Everything okay?

I'm fine Wyatt. Jones the loser is on my case again.

Are you serious? That moron is bothering you again? I'll ask my teacher to go to the bathroom and take the time to tell that guy off, Halliwell style.

What? Don't do that. I'll be fine Wy. He's nothing compared to demons. He'd probably wet his pants if he ever came across one.

I would love to see that. He tried picking on me before, with his football thugs. You sure you'll be okay? Where's Darren?

I'll be fine Wyatt. And I don't need Darren to fight my battles.

Chris saw the black-haired boy heading towards him, stance angry at seeing his 'nemesis' bothering him again.

Speak of the devil. He's here now. I wonder how he finds me so quickly.

He's there? Still, if you need any backup, you know I'm just a thought away!

It's not like I'm getting into a fight here, Wy. Mom would blow me up. Now go back to paying attention.

Chris could hear his older brother's laughter in his head and smiled himself.

"Nothing for you Jones. Anything valuable becomes anything but around you."

Jones's eyes flashed in anger and he moved towards Chris, two of his friends standing behind him.

"Hey meathead! What's the deal? I thought I told you to get lost!"

Jones whirled around to face Darren.

"Baker! Thought you would never show! Just having a little chat with the shrimp here." He turned back to Chris. "I didn't know you let him off the leash, Halliwell. Found yourself a new lap dog?"

Darren bristled and moved closer, eyes flashing dangerously. Chris glanced at him and clearly told him not to go for it. They'd had this discussion before. One more fight and Darren would be suspended for sure.

Darren instantly calmed at Chris's message and leaned against the row of lockers.

"You're not worth my time Jones. Now do the world a favor and get outta here."

"What's wrong Darren? Did Little Halliwell here turn you around? Give you some wings? Make you an angel all of a sudden? You used to love a good fight!"

Now it was Chris's turn to be furious. "Don't talk to him like that Jones."

"I can talk to anyone however I damn like, Halliwell."

Chris clenched his fists. If I could just use my powers, oh boy I'd have so much fun with this idiot!

Matthew Jones grabbed Darren's jacket. "What're you gonna do about it, Halliwell?"

Chris knew Darren tolerated no physical contact. For some reason, anyone invading his personal space (other than himself and his family of course) was instantly the enemy and Chris feared that Darren would forget his promise to straighten out and let one swing at Jones. Come on Darren. Don't do it. Control yourself. You can do it.

"Get. Off. Me. Now."

"Or what? What are you going to do Baker?"

But Darren didn't have to answer that question. Help arrived.

"Hey Joanna the Pansy! What's with you bothering my friends?"

Jones immediately let go of Darren and turned to face the new threat, eyeing the three boys that were now making their way to him. The older teen looked at Darren, then at Chris and asked,

"You good, Flame? Bulldog? This loser's not bothering you is he? Cause you know me an' my boys can set him straight. Make him see some manners, right chicos?"

Jones let out a growl and gave both boys a glance. "This isn't over."

And with that he turned swiftly and walked down the hallway, barking at his two friends to keep up.

Darren let out a sigh of relief and bumped fists with his friend.

"Man, am I glad you're here Marco. Jones was about to get it."

"Hey no problem Darren! Didn't I tell you my timing was good? Que no?"

Darren laughed and turned to Chris. "Ready for Bio?"

Chris nodded and picked up his books. "Thanks Marco. Darren would've gotten into trouble."

"No problem Bulldog. You turning my dude into a smarty pants is fine with me."

The teens chuckled and Darren blushed. "Aw come on. That's not fair! You know If I get kicked out of school I'm gonna freak."

Marco smirked. "Yeah I know. Doesn't mean I can't make fun of you though. You still my pal though. Listen, I have a gig tomorrow. Some dudes have been messing with some of my pals and I got to let them know I can't deal with that. What do you say you join me for some fun? Strictly off the record of course. The principal will never hear of it."

Darren patted the taller teen on the back. "You know I'll help you out whenever I can. I owe you one. When an emergency comes up, I'll be there. But you also know I'm walking straight as an arrow now. And you can't guarantee it won't get out somehow that I was involved. And if I get kicked out…frankly, Wyatt and Chris would kill me."

Darren spared a glance a Chris who nodded, telling him he was making the right choice.

"That's good Darren. I'm glad Bulldog helped you turn your life around. How's that issue with your pops going?"

Darren's eyes darkened. Of course Marco knew, he lived in the same neighborhood.

"I can handle it." Darren leaned up and whispered to him. "Chris doesn't know anything about it and I want it to stay that way Marco. It's not your business and you know they'll ship me off to God knows where if this foster parent doesn't work out."

"Alright Flame, I won't push it. But I still think you should tell him. He's a good friend. He could probably help you out."

Another look from the raven haired boy told him to drop it. "Fine, Flame. See you 'round 'kay?"

Darren waved goodbye and pulled at his backpack, anxious to get to his favorite class. He ignored Chris's look of curiosity and began to walk to the science department area.

"When's he gonna stop calling me 'Bulldog'?"

Darren grinned. "The day he stops calling me 'Flame'. I told you. He likes to give out nicknames. And that time you owned Jones was enough for him to pick out a name for you." Darren drawled out melodramatically. "Besides. It's a good nickname. Means he likes you. At least it's not a girl's name, like the one he gave to that bastard Jones. Joanna the Pansy fits him don't you think?"

Chris tried to control his laughter. "It does, doesn't it? I know why he calls me 'Bulldog'. He explained it to me when I asked. But why does he call you 'Flame'?"

Darren's smile became laden with mischief. "Let's just say I was a bit of a pyromaniac when he first met me."

As soon as Chris got home he ran into the kitchen and hugged his mom.

"Good day school, Chris?"

"Yup. And the fact that it's now winter break and tomorrow's Christmas Eve doesn't hurt either."

Piper laughed warmly and turned to her youngest son with twinkling eyes. "Mel's taking a nap and Wyatt's afterschool, so what do you say we make something delicious to eat? Just the two of us."

Chris nodded eagerly. The clear favoritism that Leo had for Wyatt burned but it was times like these that made Chris not care one bit. His mom would be there, always as she'd promised. And nothing mattered more than that.

2017- Christmas Eve Morning

Darren quickly got up and got dressed, making sure to pick out sensible clothing that Mrs. Halliwell would approve of.

The grey jeans came on easily but the semi-casual shirt made him wince as he pulled it over his shoulders, even with the protection of his undershirt. I hate that bastard.

Remembering his stepfather, he quickly checked his somewhat spiky, coal black hair and decided to leave as quickly as possible.

And that's when he heard the stumbling footsteps coming up the rickety stairs. He's drunk again, that bum. Better make a break for it.

Locking the door to his room, Darren pulled on his backpack and made a run for the window.

A vicious pounding stopped him only momentarily.

"Open the door you little-"

Darren left the screams behind as he expertly escaped through his window. Ha ha sucker. I hope you have a fun Christmas.

"Chris!" Wyatt growled "Wake up! Darren's going to be here any second and you have to take a shower and get dressed."

Go away Wyatt. Can't you see I'm sleeping? I hate it when people wake me up early.

I don't care. You better get up right now before mom comes up and blows your bed to bits.

She wouldn't

She's yelled up at you three times from the kitchen now. I'm sure she would.

Agh. Just a few more minutes. I never sleep in late.

Is that your excuse? That you never sleep in late so choose today to it? That reason is bogus Chris.

Whatever. Now shut up. I'm trying to sleep.

Sighing in frustration, Wyatt decided there was only one way to settle this.

"Element of water, lend me your use

Wake up my brother, with his lazy excuse."

Chris jumped from his bed when a stream of water fell all over him, soaking his clothes and his hair.

"WYATT!"

Chris ran for cover as the torrent of water followed him like he had a personal rain cloud over his head. The now wide awake witchlighter ran into the bathroom, closing the door and effectively ending the weak spell by having awoken fully.

Piper ran into the room, having heard the commotion.

"What's going on Wyatt? It sounded like Chris was in trouble."

Wyatt couldn't answer due to the fact that unbreakable laughter shook his lithe body.

"He used a spell to wake me up with water mom," Chris yelled through the closed door, dropping his sopping wet clothes on the linoleum bathroom floor with an audible squish.

"Wyatt! I hope you didn't use magic just for that! What spell did you even use?"

Wyatt recited the spell back to her when he got enough control over his laughter.

"Really? That worked?" She asked, unable to hide the impressed tone in her voice.

"MOM!" Chris yelled through the door once more, indignant at the way she seemed to be congratulating his brother with the hint of pride and admiration in her voice.

You're such a show-off Wyatt.

Hey! Didn't I warn you to get up?

Wyatt burst into renewed laughter and Piper couldn't suppress the chuckle that arose in her own throat. God I love my children!

Christmas music was playing softly when Darren was invited through the door by none other than Piper Halliwell. He greeted her warmly and reveled in the hug that she bestowed on him, ignoring the fact that his back flared up in protest.

Piper led him to the kitchen where Wyatt was secretly stealing a cookie she'd baked that morning. The Twice Blessed chewed as fast as possible and turned to face the newcomer.

"Hey Darren."

"Hey Wyatt. How're the cookies?"

Wyatt smirked and offered him one, knowing his mother would never refuse food to a guest, even if she had told him to keep his hands off the baked goods.

"Didn't I tell you not to eat the cookies Wyatt?"

Wyatt shrugged with a smile and took some more behind his back, hiding the action with a casual lean.

"These are great Mrs. Halliwell. Can I just ask where Chris is?"

"Thank you Darren. And Chris is in the shower but I'm sure he'll-"

"Darren!"

Chris jumped down the stairs to greet his best friend. Darren couldn't stop the name that flowed out of his lips.

"Bulldog!"

The two boys shared friendly hug and Chris looked to his mom.

"We can go upstairs and play some videogames right?"

Piper smiled at Chris. "Of course you can. Just be sure to give Mel a turn okay?"

The three boys nodded eagerly and began to race up the stairs. Piper stopped Wyatt from joining them. He turned to look at his mother, puzzled, and she brought him back to the kitchen.

"Just one little question. What did Darren mean when he called Chris 'Bulldog'?"

Wyatt laughed at his mother's perceptiveness and obvious worry.

"Wow, mom. You're getting worried over that?"

"Well as a I mother I should know why my son's best friend calls him by such a nickname."

Wyatt grinned as he explained the story behind the nickname. "Remember that time Chris got into that fight with the school bully, Matthew Jones?" That loser, Wyatt thought quietly.

Piper nodded slowly, not one of her proudest moments. "Of course I do. It's the only fight Chris has ever gotten into. And I did ground him for a month. What's that got to do with anything?"

Again Wyatt beamed at his mother. "It's nothing bad mom. It's just that Chris beat up the school's football star, a beefy, supposedly strong dude and well, one of Darren's friends admired his style and nicknamed him 'Bulldog'. I guess it stuck with Darren too."

"You sound proud your brother got into a fight."

"I'm not proud he got into a fight. I'm proud he won it. Come on mom, don't tell me you weren't the slightest bit proud when you heard that Chris totally beat a guy almost twice his size and weight. After all, he did use all the moves you taught him."

"He did?" Aware that she was getting sucked into the story, Piper quickly amended. "I mean, maybe I was happy he didn't get hurt, but I will still not tolerate any fights. Now one last question. Does Chris like the nickname? I mean, you know, what someone thinks is cool, might not be for another person and naming people like that can be a form of bullying when-"

"Don't take it so serious mom. Chris likes the name. After all, he got it because the guy who gave it to him thought he was strong and fought hard. Bulldog. It fits."

"How does it fit?"

"We both know Chris can be stubborn and neurotic sometimes. And he's passionate and determined. And he really doesn't back down, he takes a challenge head on. It fits. I'm the one with the telepathic connection. He won't admit it, but Chris likes the name. Though it might get to his ego one day, he's okay with Darren calling him that."

Piper nodded slowly, still considering the issue.

Wyatt heaved a patient sigh. "Mom you think too much sometimes. Darren wouldn't call him that if he knew it bothered Chris." Wyatt leaned closer "And I know Chris wouldn't want me telling you this, but remember that first day of school when Chris had to walk home? He told me some idiots tried picking on him but Darren told them to get lost."

Piper's head shot up, looking into Wyatt's eyes, troubled at the revelation.

"The three of us take care of each other, mom. Trust me. Darren wouldn't hurt me or Chris. I would never hurt Chris or Darren. And Chris wouldn't hurt either of us too. Now stop worrying so much and let me go play, I've been dying to try that game Chris and I got yesterday."

Wyatt gave his mother a quick peck on the cheek and ran upstairs, leaving Piper to her thoughts. She smiled as she thought of the idea of the three boys watching out for each other and shook her head when she realized just how mature Wyatt was getting. He would grow up to be a great man. She was sure of it.

"Darren!" Melinda squealed as she hugged Darren's middle.

"Whoa there Melly, you're getting bigger aren't you?"

Melinda grinned at the compliment and she leaned up to whisper into his ear conspiratorially.

"I've got some plans for Wyatt."

Darren playfully looked around to make sure the coast was clear. "Really? What kinds of plans?"

Chris and Wyatt stole a glance at the scheming pair.

What do you think they're talking about?

Can't tell for sure. But knowing Mel, she's got something up her sleeve.

Knowing Darren, he's only feeding her evil genius. Should we prepare a counterattack?

Brother of mine, I thought you'd never ask!

Don't you just love happy moments in the Halliwell home? Sure there was some angst in there, but the fluff overshadows it. Again, this is only the first part of the "Future Christmas Story" and the next chapter will continue it, again with a heavy Good-Wyatt appearance. Don't Forget To REVIEW!!!!!

Also, for those of who want to take the time to look through the whole story again, the name of Darren's father appears in this chapter, though its a different spelling but still the same phonetic sound.