Note the first: Thank you so much to sise87, Anthony and weiliya for your kind reviews. They never fail to bring a big goofy smile to my face. Not to mention my muse thanks you as well for she'd take off on me without your help.

Note the second: I do not own the special guest stars save for Mary since I made her up, and she's obviously AU since when I wrote New Beginnings I had no idea they'd still be going strong all these years later. Not complaining on that front ;)

Final Note: If references to homosexuality bother you in anyway skip down to the 000. It's very minor in my opinion, but you've been warned if that sort of thing bothers you.

Chapter 26

Casey is going to die. Again.

Those were the words which kept repeating in Perry's mind on a loop ever since he saw his friend collapse in the attic. Her face had lost all color save for the tiny flecks of crimson on her lips and chin. She had barely been breathing. Wyatt had caught her in his arms and just vanished in a frenzied flurry of orbs without a word.

Perry had wanted to follow him, but Chris had stopped him. Reminded him about the stupid lust potion he was still under. His twin had told him to start researching the book for powerful cleansing potions to see if any might work to cure his condition. Then Chris orbed away after Wyatt and Casey while Molly went to look after Lucky.

So, here he was, standing at the Book of Shadows feeling completely useless as his childhood friend potentially lay dying. He couldn't believe he was going to lose her all over again. It wasn't right. It wasn't fair.

"Cheer up, Halliwell. It's not the end of the world. Your family stopped that last week, remember?" Casey's voice from his memory teased him, and he closed his eyes as the moment from his past played in his mind.

They were thirteen years old and walking home after a particularly trying day of school for Perry. A demon attack destroyed his science project the night before, and he hadn't had time to redo it, which meant he got a failing score. Then, he'd discovered he hadn't made the junior varsity football team, which his nemesis, Sam, had and rubbed in his face all day. Finally, he had been cornered at his locker by Sara Burnheart, who had asked him to go with her to the winter formal, and when he said no spread a rumor he was gay.

In response to Casey's earlier statement, Perry replied, "Every girl at school thinks I'm gay."

Casey was reading a book as they walked and said without looking up, "I don't."

Perry rolled his eyes. "That's real helpful. Thanks."

"What's the big deal?" she wondered. "So what if people think you're gay? I know you don't have a problem with that sort of thing."

"Not for other people," he said. "It's just I'm not gay. I like kissing girls. I would like to kiss more girls in the future. I would like to eventually go on a date with a girl. Maybe the winter formal. Only, all the girls think I'm gay."

Casey closed her book, hugging it to her chest, and stopped walking. She tilted her head to the side and frowned in curiosity as she asked, "What girls have you kissed?"

Perry paused, nervously shoving his hands in his coat pockets as he shrugged. He avoided looking at her as he hedged, "Well, uh, I kissed you that one time. I guess that was really it."

Casey grinned mischievously, "Ah vale, I turned you gay." She barely avoided the smack to her arm that was coming her way, bolting ahead of him with a laugh. When she was a safe distance away she turned around with a serious expression, one hand on her heart as she told him, "You do you, Chris. Love is love. No judgement."

"I hate you," Perry replied grumpily.

She laughed again. "Oh, come on. It's a little funny."

"Fine," he challenged, "let's tell all the guys at school you're a lesbian, and we'll see how funny you think it is."

She shrugged. "Go for it. Wouldn't bother me. There's only one guy I like anyway."

Perry frowned, folding his arms over his chest. "Who?"

Her amusement vanished, brown eyes wide before she immediately buried her face back in her book and resumed walking.

Perry quickly caught up to her, snatching her book from behind her and holding it up over his head, grinning when even as she jumped she couldn't get anywhere close to reaching it. He laughed. "God you're short."

She glared at him. "Give it back, Halliwell."

"Not until you tell me who you have a crush on."

Rolling her eyes she started to walk away from him only to immediately turn back around and leap toward him, reaching for the book. Catching him off guard, the result was the two of them tumbling onto someone's lawn, rolling around on the ground as they playfully wrestled over the book. It soon turned into a tickle fight leaving both of them laughing breathlessly.

Perry, having longer limbs and more strength, finally pinned his still laughing friend. He was chuckling and trying to catch his breath as he looked down on her, and as he saw her flushed, smiling face below him, her chest rising and falling with her laughter, his mirth faded to something else. Something that had been growing stronger the last few months.

"What?" she asked between gasps.

"Do you want to go to the dance with me?"

Casey stopped laughing and blinked. "Seriously?"

Trying to play it cool he shrugged. "Why not? We're friends, right?"

She smiled up at him answering, "Cradle to grave."

Cradle to grave. It was a saying they'd used a thousand times growing up. Only, he'd actually seen her put in a grave about six months later. Now, in a changed timeline, he might be forced to do it again.

Slamming shut the cover of The Book of Shadows, not having found anything useful, Perry cursed in frustration, fear and anger. He felt the heat of his magic burning his hand in reaction to his intense emotions, and he released a bolt of electricity across the attic. It burned a black mark into the wall. He found the destruction cathartic, so he let off a wild stream of lightning until a startled yip made him look over to the attic door.

Kip was standing in the doorway, hands covering his head. He remarked, "You about done there, Thor?" He glanced over to the scorch marks on the wall before turning to the elder. "What'd the wall do to you?"

Growing up, Perry had been friends with Kip in his timeline, but it had ended once Wyatt turned evil. The telepath, fearing for his life, had joined Wyatt. It had really put a damper on their friendship when Kip started killing other witches for his brother. Apparently, this version was a funny guy. Perry didn't find him amusing.

"What are you doing here?" he asked crossly.

"Had a run in with a Noxon demon, and I'm out of imp powder."

Perry had a smarting retort on his tongue, but suddenly, as he was looking at Kip, a warmth spread through him, and his thoughts grew fuzzy. His heart started racing, palms sweating as he observed the other witch. Kip was small for a man. Short and lean. Dark hair and dark eyes. Perry always had been drawn to dark features . . .

"You have got to be kidding me," Perry groaned as he realized where his thoughts were leading him. He started rubbing his forehead and taking deep breaths. "Kip, go away."

"Did you just think something about my eyes being pretty?" Kip questioned with a mix of shock and amusement.

Perry glared at him. "No. Now, get your imp powder and go."

Kip rolled his eyes before he sauntered over to the ingredient cabinet. Rifling through the various containers of magical herbs and powders, the telepath suddenly whipped around to give a wide-eyed look to Perry, who was gripping the podium for the Book of Shadows so tightly his knuckles were white. "What did you just think about my ass?"

The Elder squeezed his eyes shut in a wince. He took a deep breath through his nose and released it slowly out his mouth. When he opened his eyes, he found Kip staring at him, arms folded and one foot tapping waiting for an explanation. He scowled back at him. "Stop telepathing me."

"I would love to," Kip countered, "but your thoughts are practically screaming at me. About me, which is super distracting. Though, I guess this means I owe Chris fifty bucks."

"Why do you owe Chris fifty dollars?" Perry asked, completely lost.

Kip smirked. "Remember when we were in high school and Sara spread that rumor about you?"

Perry's face fell to shock. He knew the elders had changed people's memories to include him in this timeline's history, so it wasn't the idea of Kip thinking they'd all gone to high school together that surprised him. It was the fact the elders had included that particular episode of his life in their memory manipulation that floored him. He could have done without it. He supposed they found it amusing. He seriously hated the other elders. After all that crossed his mind, he finally realized what Kip was implying. "Wait. What? You and Chris bet whether or not it was true?"

"At the time I was pretty sure it was because you were both trying to get with Casey, but yeah, he totally said you were gay," Kip answered. "Which, based on the thoughts you're having about me . . ."

"No, no, no," Perry argued. "Not gay."

Kip shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Hey, Man, it's kind of silly to lie to a telepath. Besides, what's the big deal? The old stigmas died out a long time ago. Though, I do have to say, I'm not interested. I mean, let's face it, I'm a little out of your league."

Perry blinked. "Excuse me?" He pointed to Kip as he said, "You? You think you're out of my league?"

"Short, dark and ruggedly handsome is in," Kip replied. "You're just a little too pretty. Even if I was into guys, which I'm not, this . . ." He wagged a finger between them. ". . . would never happen."

The Elder crossed his arms replying indignantly, "If I wanted you, I could get you."

"Nope," Kip shot back popping the 'p'.

Perry crossed the distance between them, staring down at the telepath with a challenging look. "Oh really?"

"Never. Gonna. Happen," Kip drawled.

The potion sent a flash of heat through Perry. His heart started to race, breathing growing ragged as his thoughts took a decidedly strange but erotic turn. The next thing Perry knew, he was pushing Kip against the potion cabinet kissing him.

"Oh, for the love of-!" Chris cried as he entered the attic and saw the other two. He telekinetically slid Perry backwards several feet. Turning to Kip, he questioned, "Him I get. He's under the effect of a potion, but is there something you'd like to tell me?"

"No, I'm not gay," Kip replied with a laugh. "I am, however, confident enough in my sexuality that it was totally worth it just to screw with your neurotic, stuffy, stick-in-the-mud twin though." Addressing Perry, "Kudos on the kiss. Didn't think you had it in you, Mr. Tightwad."

"If you think I'm a good kisser, you should see what else I can do," Perry replied huskily moving back toward the telepath.

Chris raised a hand, stopping him with his telekinesis. Sounding eerily similar to their mother, he threatened, "Do I have to put you in a crystal cage? Because I'll do it."

It was enough to temporarily snap Perry out of his lust driven fog, making him realize just what he'd done. Complete mortification crossed his face before he buried it in his hands. "This is officially the worst potion ever." To Kip, "I seriously hate you."

"Well, angry sex is the best," Kip retorted with a wink.

Perry fidgeted in distinct discomfort while making a face mixed with rage and frustration. While at the same time, Chris sharply addressed Kip, "Stop messing with him. What are you doing here anyway?"

Kip frowned, taken back by the harsh tone. "Geez, where's your sense of humor? I figured it was a potion or spell gone wrong. I wouldn't have let anything really happen. Lighten up."

"No, Kip, I will not lighten up because there is nothing funny about anything right now, so just tell me what the hell you want so we can all move on," he snapped.

Perry's mouth fell open in horrible realization. "Casey. Chris, is she. . .?"

Kip's head jerked back and forth between the brothers, instant worry on his face. "What's wrong with Casey?"

"She's in the hospital because she has a rare lung disease," Chris answered thickly. He moistened his lips, struggling to finish, "She's dying. She's got maybe six months unless Perry can save her."

Perry whipped his head around. "What? What do you mean unless I can save her? Don't you mean Wyatt? He's the all powerful one."

"I just found out when Lucky came back from the future the second time, he said you figured out a way to save her," Chris answered.

The other twin crossed numbly to the sofa, sitting down to put his head in his hands. He shook his head, completely terrified at the idea of having his friend's life in his hands. Especially considering he had no idea where to even begin to help her.

Kip had grabbed the imp powder off the shelf, and now turned back to look at Chris shifting nervously. "Listen, I'm sorry I was messing with Perry. I didn't know. I'll get out of your hair. Just . . . tell Casey I'm thinking of her? I'll try to visit her after I deal with the Noxon demon." He crossed to the door, pausing at the threshold to add, "Oh, and I'll break the news to Jess, so you don't have to."

"Thanks."

After Kip had left, Chris turned to Perry. "Okay, let's get you cured, so you can cure Casey."

"Great, no pressure there," Perry replied.

"If anyone can take the pressure," Chris said, "it's you."

Perry took a deep breath. He nodded digesting the statement. If Lucky said he was the one to save Casey then there had to be a way. Something he could do to save his nephew's mother. Whatever it was he swore to himself then and there he'd find it and make it happen. He met Chris' gaze and said, "Okay. Let's do this."

000

Perry had been cured of the lust potion two days ago but had been missing ever since. Chris assumed he'd become obsessed with finding a way to save their friend. Whenever he tried to sense for his twin the other man was either in the Magic School library, Up There, or in the Underworld. Perry's frantic, non-stop research suited Chris just fine mostly, but today was Lucky's birthday, and Chris had promised Casey their son would have a good time, and Lucky had specifically requested both of his uncles be present. Wyatt had been here earlier helping decorate and taking some pictures for Casey. He'd given Lucky his present then left for the hospital, but Perry was a complete no show.

Not that things were really off to a great start anyway. Chris was not a baker. He could bake, but it had never been his favorite part of cooking. It's why he and Casey were the perfect culinary team. She was an extraordinary baker and a trained chocolatier, so he handled appetizers and entrees while she created desserts so beautiful it was almost a pity to cut into them. Only, she wasn't here, so Chris was left to try to make the rather tricky chocolate cake their son had requested. It wasn't going well.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it," Chris cursed, throwing the bowl he'd been working with across the kitchen.

It did not splatter or even hit the ground though. It hung mid-air with tiny particles of chocolate suspended above it. A moment later, Piper Halliwell appeared in the kitchen and grabbed it, using her hand to knock down the particles which had escaped the bowl. Done assuring her kitchen remained clean, she turned a questioning look to her son.

Chris let out a huff. "Sorry."

Looking down in the bowl, Piper spotted a very liquidy chocolate sauce. She turned a soft gaze to Chris and asked, "Trouble with the royal icing?"

"It won't thicken," he grumbled. "I tried everything. Now it tastes funny too."

Piper gave a nod before gently setting the bowl down on the counter. She moved to stand in front of her baby boy, who was now a grown man trying to do right by his own baby boy. It broke her heart. The whole situation did. With a sad smile she told him, "You've done such a wonderful job getting everything ready for the party. Why don't you let me finish the cake?"

"Mom," Chris started, a shine growing to his eyes, "I know Casey and I aren't together, but for the first time, I feel like a single parent, and . . ." His head bowed. "I hate this."

Piper quickly pulled her son into an embrace, stroking his head just as she had done when he was little. Her own brown eyes starting to blur with tears she told him, "I know, Peanut. Me too."

Someone cleared their throat, and Chris looked up to find his father giving him a soft smile. Running a hand over his face to clear his emotions from it, Chris addressed his Dad with a strained voice, "Hey."

"Hi," Leo returned, blue-green eyes reflecting the man's desire to do just as his wife had and take his son into his arms and comfort him. He refrained though. Instead he took a deep breath and asked, "Is there anything else I can help with?"

"The games are set up out back?" Chris asked.

"Yeah, Lucky and Henry Jr. are playing with the bean bag toss," Leo confirmed. "The rest of your cousins are enjoying the other yard games and the appetizers you made. Your aunts are drinking punch in the conservatory, and if I'm not mistaken, I think the final guests just pulled up."

Andy's impressed voice could be heard from the entry, "Is that a '67 Chevy Impala? I haven't seen one of those in . . . I don't even know when."

"Sure is," Henry answered him. "Beautiful isn't it? I would love to drive her, but the owner is crazy possessive."

Coop must have joined them because he could be heard commenting, "It's not possessiveness. It's love."

Chris could imagine the eye rolls that comment drew from his other uncles. As it was he knew who the car belonged to and went to go greet them. The fact they were able to make it was going to really be the highlight of Lucky's party. Hopefully, it might finally put a smile on his son's face. Lucky had been the picture of miserable since the night Chris had broken the news to him. His normally energetic, mischievous son was walking around a shadow of himself. Chris feared what would happen to Lucky if Casey actually did die.

Pushing past his three uncles who were crowding the door to get views of the car, Chris forced a smile to his face as he spotted the trio coming up the driveway. Two middle aged men, who managed to still look in their thirties despite their harsh lives, and a very pretty young girl.

The younger and much taller of the men gave Chris a big smile upon seeing him. He extended a hand, "Chris, hey, it's good to see you."

"You too, Sam," Chris returned. He gave a nod to the shorter of the brothers. "Dean."

Dean gave a tight smile in return. "Hi there, so I assume there's food at this shindig?"

Sam shot his brother a reproachful look. "Dean."

The other man looked completely unapologetic. "What? I'm starving. We've been on the road for hours, and you wouldn't let me stop at that diner for pie."

"Is Lucky inside?" the little girl with soft brown hair and big green eyes asked Chris.

Chris smiled fondly down at her. "He's in the backyard. Head on back. I know he'll be super excited to see you, Mary." Once the girl had disappeared into the house, Chris addressed Dean, "Yes, there's lots of food. Feel free to help yourself to anything you find."

The man's face split into a big smile before he hurried after his niece into the house to find said food.

Sam laughed after his brother, shaking his head while sticking his hands in his pockets. "Uh, sorry for him. You know how he is when he's hungry."

"Don't sweat it," Chris replied. "As a chef, I appreciate his enthusiasm for food. I also appreciate you guys coming all this way for Lucky's party."

"I was glad Casey called me," Sam countered. "Our lives being what they are Mary doesn't often get the opportunity to just be a kid. Not to mention she adores Lucky. He's probably the only real friend she has with us moving around so much."

Chris nodded understanding. "Well, the feeling is mutual. Lucky actually has a bit of a crush on your daughter."

Sam chuckled. "Well, don't tell Dean. He's bound and determined to make sure she doesn't date until she's thirty. Not to mention while he likes you and your family, the whole witch thing is still a hang up of his."

"I guess if you hunt enough warlocks and dark witches that'll happen."

Sam glanced back toward the manor with a slightly confused frown. When he turned to Chris he asked, "Speaking of Casey, where is she? I'm surprised she isn't ushering us both inside for cake already. Every time we drop Mary off she's feeding us some new dessert. I think Dean's a little in love with her after that pie she gave him last time."

Chris couldn't stop the wince from forming. He dropped his eyes to the ground. "She, uh . . . she's . . ."

Sam Winchester was intimately familiar with the look on his young friend's face. He didn't need the words to know what was coming. He put a hand on the witchlighter's shoulder, giving him a sympathetic look that no one could resist opening up to. "What happened?"

Like so many others before him, Chris found himself telling Sam everything. Sharing feelings he hadn't even expressed with his family yet. When he had finished, he felt drained but somehow lighter.

Sam let out a breath taking it all in and feeling great sorrow over Casey's fate. He then told Chris, "I think I have an idea how you might be able to stop her from dying, but it'd break all kinds of rules."

There was no hesitation. "Tell me."

000

Lucky didn't feel like celebrating his birthday this year. Maybe never again. As much as all his big cousins tried to cheer him up, he just felt scared and sad and angry. He'd numbly played two games of bean bag toss with Henry Jr. before saying he was bored and going to get some punch. He was now sitting under the gazebo staring into his cup of fruit punch wishing very much to be somewhere else.

He didn't notice at first when someone sat next to him. Until a distinctly girly hand stole his punch cup and said, "What's up with you?"

The six year old turned his head to find Mary Winchester sitting next to him staring at him inquisitively with her bright green eyes. Her long brown hair was tossed up in a ponytail and she was wearing a brown flannel shirt over a white top with light jeans tucked into pink workman's boots. She was the prettiest girl Lucky had ever seen in real life, and he blushed at her attention before ducking his head back down.

She kissed his cheek. "Happy birthday, Kid."

Lucky turned red to his hairline, but a tiny smile formed. He couldn't stop the little fluttering feeling in his stomach. It was like being on the fastest, highest roller coaster ever. He was pretty sure he was in love. The grown ups would all laugh at him or call him cute, so he'd never say so out loud, but he was pretty sure he was going to marry Mary Winchester someday.

"Quite some party you got here," the young hunter remarked, taking in the sight of all the balloons, streamers, and games filling the yard. "Your dad really went all out."

The boy shrugged. "Guess so."

Eyeing her friend knowingly, she asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he mumbled, not looking at her.

Mary nudged him with her shoulder. "Come on now. It's me. You can tell me anything."

"My mom is sick," Lucky answered softly. The back of his eyes started to sting at the thought. He quickly rubbed his face on the back of his arm. He didn't want the girl he liked to think he was a baby. She already saw him as a silly little kid.

Mary put her arm around him looking at him softly, sympathy in her face. "I'm sorry. Must be pretty bad if all the angels in your family can't heal it."

"It's not magical, so they're not allowed," Lucky explained. He swallowed hard, fighting really hard not to cry in front of her. "I think she might die."

The girl gave him a gentle squeeze. "I hope not, Lucky. I know what it's like to lose your mom, and I don't want that for you."

"I'm sorry too," Lucky offered. The two sat in a sorrow filled silence for a while. Finally, Lucky said, "I don't want to be here. I want to be with my mom. Dad won't let me see her. Says she needs to rest. Only, Uncle Wyatt is with her all the time. He's with her now. I think Dad just thinks seeing her look sick might scare me. It won't though."

Mary tilted her head to the side contemplating what her younger friend was telling her. After a beat, she handed him his punch cup and got to her feet. "Wait here. I have an idea." Then she ran into the manor.

Molly came over then taking Mary's place next to her charge. "What were you and Mary talking about? Looked pretty serious."

Lucky shrugged and said nothing.

"Okay, well, are you having fun?" she tried.

The six year old slid her a look as though to say 'are you serious?' before turning his head away from her.

His whitelighter put her hand on his back looking worriedly down at him. "I know this must be really hard for you, but your mom would want you to try to enjoy yourself. Your dad got all your favorite food made and your Grams is finishing up the cake as we speak. Do you want me to get you a plate?"

"No."

Molly took a heavy breath. "Lucky, I'm worried about you. I know how scared and sad you must feel, so if you need to talk I want you to know I am always here for you. I love you very much."

Green eyes like hot emeralds narrowed at her. "You're not my mom, Molly. Déjame solo."

Molly felt her heart crack a little at the words. While she never would try to take Casey's place in Lucky's life or heart, she loved the little boy as much as if he were her own child. She had been there the day he was born. The day he took his first steps. She'd watched him grow up and helped raise him. His dismissal hurt.

It was about this time Mary came back with her Uncle Dean in tow. The hunter had a plate overflowing with food. He tossed a bacon wrapped jalapeño popper in his mouth. Smiling through the chewing, Dean gave a little wave to Molly with a garbled, "Hey."

"Hi, Dean," Molly returned, trying to keep the sadness out of her voice. She stood from her spot next to Lucky and looked down at the little boy with a sad smile. "I'll, uh, just let you catch up with Mary. I love you, Lucas. I'll see you later."

Lucky didn't look at her.

Dean frowned at him. Swallowing his food, he scolded, "Hey, not cool. Molly is talking to you. Show some respect."

The six year old looked up at Molly. He mumbled, "Sorry. Love you too."

As Molly went to go find Chris and see if he needed help with anything, Dean took a seat next to Lucky while Mary leaned against the gazebo. The hunter held his plate toward the boy. "Want a popper? They're delicious."

"No thanks," Lucky answered. Remembering who he was talking to he added, "Sir."

Dean shrugged before putting another in his mouth. Chewing minimally before swallowing, he said, "So, my niece here tells me you aren't enjoying your party. Looks like your dad put in an awful lot a work trying to make it nice for you. What gives?"

"I want to see my mom."

"I see," Dean said nodding. "Thing is, I was talking to your grandparents, and they said your mom is pretty sick, and I get you wanting to see her. Really I do. Just, she may not look so hot right now. Tubes and wires and machines all over. She probably doesn't want you to see her that way. Grown ups don't like looking weak in front of the kids they love."

Lucky let out a breath, thinking of what he wanted to say. His green eyes met Dean's, firm and resolute. "She's my mom. I don't care what she looks like. I miss her, and I'm scared I'm never gonna see her again. Please, Mr. Winchester, can you take me to her?"

The hunter's face softened, his mouth falling into an understanding line. He took a deep breath, putting his plate down on the ground. "If we do this thing, you can't look sad or scared. You've got to be tough for your mom. Can you do that?"

"I'm a lot tougher than people think," Lucky answered, the look in his eyes reminding the hunter of a boy much older than six.

Dean turned to find his niece looking at him in a pleading, hopeful manner. He blew out a long breath. "Yeah, all right, Kid. I'll bust you out of here. We'll go see your mom."

As Lucky threw his arms around Dean's neck, the hunter knew he was doing the right thing. He just hoped Chris Halliwell didn't try to vanquish him for it.

000

Wyatt spent all his free time by Casey's bedside. Today was the first day he hadn't been able to come right away. He'd been busy with a shipment emergency at the club and helping Chris with Lucky's birthday party by blowing up balloons and hanging decorations. He'd promised to get Casey some digi-captures of the party and bring them by, but Lucky looked so miserable in all the shots Wyatt was contemplating telling her he'd forgotten.

Lucky had begged him to let him come with to the hospital, but Chris had made it very clear he didn't want his son seeing his mother looking so sickly. He was worried it would make Lucky even more afraid of losing her. Not to mention Casey was so tired all the time, and the drugs often made her a bit loopy. Wyatt had told him not this time, and thankfully, Henry Jr. had distracted Lucky with a game of bean bag toss so Wyatt could sneak off.

Long used to the winding halls of the hospital, Wyatt could have found Casey's room with his eyes closed at this point. He came up to her room and spotted a new nurse, a young woman with strawberry blonde hair and a sweet smile, checking Casey's vitals and noting them in a tablet.

"This must be the famous Wyatt," the nurse said. She shot an approving look to her patient. Through the side of her mouth she said none too quietly, "You're right. He is ridiculously good looking."

Casey nodded enthusiastically. Her voice sounding a bit drugged she added, "You should see him when he turns around. Best butt in San Fran."

The most powerful witch to ever live turned a lovely shade of red. He drew out her name in admonishment. When the two women merely started to laugh in response, he resigned himself to eye-candy status and gave his girlfriend a chaste kiss before resuming his normal spot by her bedside.

Giving Casey a jealous head shake and smile, the nurse said, "Doting boyfriend that looks like that - You're a lucky lady."

"No te jode," Casey agreed taking Wyatt's hand and smiling up at him.

After the nurse informed them both she'd be back in an hour to recheck vitals and give more medicine, she told Wyatt it was nice to meet him then took her leave.

"It's true you know," Casey said, looking up at him with complete adoration. Only the slightly sleepy quality to her tone gave away her less than sober status. "You're the most beautiful man inside and out. Blue eyes as calming as watching ocean waves roll in. Smile as warming as the sun."

Palming her face, Wyatt smiled down at her and said teasingly, "Aw, Sweetie, they gave you the good drugs today didn't they?"

She wrinkled her nose at him. "I'm saying how much love you, and you're making fun of me."

"I love you too," Wyatt replied stroking her cheek with his thumb. "You're just not normally so sentimental that's all."

"Pain meds are nice. Either that or dying has that effect on me." She frowned. "The word dying makes everything sound so melodramatic."

Wyatt shook his head. "Don't joke about it. It's not funny."

Casey put her hand up to his face and smiled faintly. "Wyatt, don't look so sad. We've got a little time left, and I don't want to spend it with everyone being miserable. And when it's all said and done, I want you to be happy. I know it won't happen right away, but promise me, someday, you'll move on. Find a nice woman who-"

"-Stop it," Wyatt ordered sharply. His eyes were full of pain and sadness as he looked down on her. "I'm not talking about this. I'm not thinking about it because you're not going anywhere. Even if you did . . . you're it for me. You are the love of my life. I have never loved anyone else, and I never will."

The time stopping witch took his hand, giving it a squeeze. "Wyatt, we have to be realistic. My lungs are full of cysts and tumors. The tumors have spread to my kidneys, which are failing. Sure, I can do dialysis and take a ton of drugs to help with symptoms, but it's not curable."

"Dialysis?" Wyatt questioned. "When did they talk about that?"

"After they release me next week, since I'll be off all the high dose pain meds by then," Casey answered. "Four hours three times a week. They want me to come early for chest x-rays those days too in order to make sure the medicine for my LAM is doing what it's supposed to do."

Wyatt rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. He couldn't look at her face just then for fear of what may happen to his emotions. He'd flashed flooded the city the day she'd been admitted, and while there, luckily, hadn't been any damage he still felt guilty for losing control like that. It was just when it came to this woman, she was his everything. The idea of losing her broke something in him.

"Have Molly and Chris finished the plans for the wedding?" Casey asked, breaking into his thoughts.

"Angel, they aren't going to have a wedding with you being sick," Wyatt said gently. "No one feels like celebrating."

The tiny woman rolled her eyes. "Idiotas. They cannot put this off because of me. Besides, I'll be out by then, and I, for one, think we need something to celebrate. Next time I see Chris I'm going to have to give him a piece of my mind. He needs to marry Molly, and I would like to be around to see it."

Wyatt moistened his lips, closing his eyes in pain. "Please, stop saying things like that."

"Siento," Casey told him. For his sake, she changed the subject. "So, I haven't seen Perry. I thought Chris said he cured the lust potion after he caught him making out with Kip." She laughed. "God, saying that does not get old. I wish I could have seen the look on his face when he realized what he was doing."

Wyatt smiled. "Anyone ever tell you, you've got a bit of a mean streak?" When she just shrugged, he laughed. "Yeah, he's been cured. Though, I haven't seen him either. Chris says he's working on something important, but he hasn't told me what."

"I guess I'm a little surprised he hasn't come to visit me," Casey said, looking a little hurt.

Now, why would she be so bothered by Perry not visiting? Unless perhaps she has feelings for him, hmm? a voice whispered in Wyatt's ear.

"What does it matter?" Wyatt found himself asking, sounding irritated. "It's not like you've known each other all that long."

Casey frowned, taken back by the edge to his tone. "We're still friends. I thought he'd care."

Sounds like she wants him to care . . . your love and attention aren't enough for her.

"What? I'm not enough?" Wyatt challenged, suddenly feeling jealous and angry.

The other witch did a double take. For a minute all she could do was blink in shock. Confused, she asked, "I know I'm a little high at the moment, but did I miss a turn somewhere back there? How did saying I was surprised my friend hasn't visited result in you not being enough for me?"

Didn't really answer the question, did she? Funny that. Wonder if maybe, just maaaybe she knows you won't like the answer. After all, you know she let him kiss her. Maybe she liked it more than you know. Maybe there's more to it.

"You're avoiding the question," Wyatt said, the timbre of his voice lower and colder. "We never got a chance to talk about the kiss between you and Perry because you got sick. Was there more to it? Do you have feelings for my brother?"

Casey felt like she'd been slapped. Her face grew warm and her brain temporarily wouldn't think. She had no idea what was happening or why Wyatt was suddenly so angry. He'd said he'd forgiven the kiss, but maybe not? Maybe he found out more had happened between her and Perry? But then why not say so? What had triggered the bomb that had just gone off? Just mentioning Perry? It didn't make sense.

She certainly is taking her time answering what should be such an easy question. Trying to think of a suitable lie perhaps?

"Answer me," Wyatt demanded in a voice with far too much control. Like at any minute things were going to start exploding.

Casey was about to answer a resounding no and demand right back what had gotten into him when she saw a new arrival at her door. Her face melted into surprised happiness. Tears welled in her eyes, her focus entirely on the little boy standing unsurely at the threshold. "Lucerito?"

Lucky ran across the distance between them jumping up onto the edge of her bed to hug her tightly. He buried his face in her hair murmuring, "Te extrañé mucho, Mamá. Te amo."

"Te amo también," she replied, holding her little boy close, ignoring the burn in her chest as her stitches pulled. It was worth it. She eventually pulled back slightly, but cupped his head in her hands to drink in the sight of him. "What about your party?"

Lucky shrugged. "I know Dad tried really hard, but I don't want my birthday without you."

"Oh, Lucerito, we just didn't want to worry you. You're a little boy. You deserve to have fun and be happy."

The child fixed her a resolute stare. "I wanted to be with you. I'm not a dumb kid. I can handle it."

Casey lovingly brushed his bangs from his face. "You're not dumb. Far from it. Your dad and I just want you to enjoy being a kid while you can. Your magical destiny makes things hard enough for you. I don't want you to worry about me."

"I had to see you," he told her. "Seeing you makes it better not worse."

Casey pulled him into her again, kissing the top of his head. She had no words. She just clung to him, soaking in the feel of her son in her arms. The smell of his rain scented shampoo. He was her world, and out of everything she was terrified of letting go, he was the top one. No contest. Her love for her child was the only reason she wasn't sinking into a pit of despair with her diagnosis. She had to be strong for him. She would go down fighting because of him.

Lucky's muffled voice shakily confessed, "I don't want you to die."

Tears slipped down his mother's face. "I don't want to leave you, Lucky. Never. You are the best thing I ever did. I love you so much." She pulled him back gently to stare into his downcast face. "Listen to me - I'm going to fight for all I'm worth, okay? But, no matter what happens, I'm going to need you to be extra good for your dad. He's scared and sad too, so you need to look out for each other. Can you promise me you'll do that?"

Lucky nodded. "Sí. I promise."

"Now," Casey said, "does your dad know where you are?"

The little boy shifted nervously, face sheepish. "Um . . . no?"

"Lucky, did you orb here alone?"

Lucky shook his head. "No, I rode in the impala with Dean and Mary." He broke into a big smile. "The impala is wicked cool. You should ask Dean for a ride. You'd love it."

"Hi there," Dean made his presence known with a small wave. "Hope you don't mind, but the kid wasn't taking no for an answer."

Casey, smiling widely, shook her head. "No, it's fine. Thank you for bringing him that was very nice of you. Right, Wyatt?" She turned to where her boyfriend had been sitting but found the chair empty. She glanced around the room with a puzzled frown. "Wyatt?"

Dean shoved his hands in his pockets, rocking back on his heels awkwardly. "Uh, hate to break it to you, but he took off right when we got here."

Mary, who was standing next to her uncle added, "He went into the supply closet and then did that orbing thing. I could see the light under the door."

Casey felt a knot grow deep in the pit of her stomach. Wyatt left without saying goodbye. Picked a fight with her and then vanished before they could have it out. It wasn't like him. She didn't get a chance to focus on it though as Lucky had started telling her about the party, making a special point to tell her Chris had to redo the cake three times because it wouldn't turn out and Grams ended up finishing it.

Listening to her son, Casey smiled feeling better than she had in a long time. Her eyes met Dean's across the room, and she mouthed a 'thank you' to him. The hunter broke out into a humble half-smile and nodded back to her.

At least Casey knew there were plenty of people who loved her son. Who would even risk going against the wrath of Chris Halliwell to assure his happiness. It was a huge comfort to her. Especially given the news the doctor had given her this morning.

Chances were, she wouldn't make it to see the end of the month.

TBC . . .