Looks Can Be Deceiving
by Catheryne@leopiper.cjb.net

Living Room

Piper is eating the green mangoes that Leo's paring and slicing for her.

Phoe : Isn't that cute, Prue? He's become domesticated in less than six hours.

Prue : (looking at Piper) I can't believe she's eating that. (wincing when her sister bites into the fruit) That is so sour!

Piper : It's delicious.

Prue : Ugh! I don't think I wanna be pregnant if I'm gonna have to eat that.

Phoe : Right! Like you have anyone who'd run to the tropics for you and get you exotic fruits!

Prue : Yeah, you're right.

Phoe : So, Pipe, your powers have really grown haven't they?

Piper : Yeah. Isn't it cool?

Phoe : Do you think you can freeze an entire building?

Piper : Probably.

Prue : Isn't it ironic that darklighters revealed the extent of your powers to you?

Leo : They'd do anything if it would benefit them.

Phoe : So what else can you do now?

Piper : I dunno. They were talking about the possibility of my turning back time.

Leo : I don't think you should tamper with what already happened.

Phoe : What about when they helped me then?

Leo : That was okay because your present self was being threatened. But to turn back time for the purpose of just turning back time is pure disaster.

Prue : I wonder when Phoebe's other powers will be revealed to us.

Piper : It would probably be something cool like flying.

Phoe : Nah. With my luck it would be dull. Like telepathy.

Leo : Well, passive powers are fine. One of you should have passive powers. (looks up)

Piper : You have to go?

Leo : Sorry. Phoebe can slice the rest for you.

Phoe : Wha— (seeing Prue glare at her) I'd be happy to.

Piper : Awww, that's so sweet, Pheebs.

Phoe : Don't tell me you're gonna cry again!

Leo : I'll be back.

Piper : I know.

Leo kisses her and orbs out.

Prue : I'd better get going too. I have to develop the pics I took.

Phoe : The gorgeous hunks?

Prue : Yeah. We really need to have a darkroom here. As it is, I'm lucky a photographer I met is allowing me to use his darkroom.

Phoe : Oh, I wanna see 'em!

Prue (picks up a slice of green mango and bites) Oh man, that's strong!

Phoe : Wait 'til you smell the sauce she's dipping them in.

Prue : No, thanks. And Phoebe, you have to stay here with Piper.

Piper : Why? Phoebe can go. Leo and Michael sealed up the portal right? No one's coming after me. Besides, the two of you have to be exposed to the sight of gorgeous men.

Phoe : Aww, I wish you could come with us.

Piper : Nahh… I got all the gorgeous I need. (laughs) Anyway, I have to go to the club later.

Prue : Are you sure? I don't think that's a good idea. You're still pretty beaten up.

Piper : I'm fine. Leo healed me, didn't he? Anyway, he'll probably be home by the time I have to go.

Phoe : Ok. If you're sure. Bye.

Prue : Cya.



Road to P3



Piper is stopped at the red light. A boy knocks at her window.

Piper : What is it, little boy? Are you lost? Hop in. I'll give you a ride.

Boy : I know where I am. I need your help. I was born a warlock but I don't want to be evil. I want to be ordinary.

Piper was touched because she wasn't too sure about being a witch either. She also wanted her baby to have a choice.

Piper : Come in and we'll figure something out. (she sees the green light) Come in. Where did he go?



P3



Leo orbs in in time to stop Piper from drinking alcohol.

Leo : Hey, mommy! What do you think you're doing?

Piper : What? Oh! I guess I forgot.

Leo : I think I'm gonna have to keep an eye on you.

Piper : Like you don't do that already.

Leo : What are you doing here anyway? You're supposed to be at home.

Piper : I had nothing to do. So what happened?

Leo : I was informed that a warlock family, shapeshifters, is after the Charmed Ones.

Piper : Oh! I think you should stay up there for a few days. At least until we defeat the warlock. (seeing his expression) Or not…

Leo : I think we already settled this. We cannot protect each other this way. You're not letting anything hurt me. And I sure as heck isn't standing back and let you fight your battles by yourself.

Piper : Your job is to watch.

Leo : Someone told me once that she wanted it when "this didn't use to be just a job" to me. Well, I like it better this way too.

Pipers smiles. Leo pulls her to the stage and asks the band playing to stop.

Piper : Leo, what are you doing?

Leo : (takes the mic) People, this is Piper Halliwell, the owner of the club. My name's Leo Wyatt. I used to tend bar here before I went back to my real job. (greetings came from those who remembered him)

Man : Great to see you again, Leo!

Leo : Thanks. I had something to ask her that I needed you guys around for so I'd have a favorable answer. (laughter from the audience) Piper, we've created so many memories here. And I wanted another memory added to that. (kneels and takes out a ring) Will you marry me?

Women : Awww.

Piper : Oh!! Leo! (kisses him) Of course! (applause)

They descend and they're congratulated by everybody.

Ted : Hey Leo! I knew you were something else. Want to celebrate? (holds out a bottle of champagne)

Leo : I'll have one. She's gonna have iced tea.

Piper elbows him in the ribs.

Ted : Long island?

Leo : Just iced tea.

Ted : Piper?

Piper : Yeah, yeah… Oh! I have to call Prue and Phoebe! They're gonna kill you. You didn't even wait for them. (dials) I can't contact them! Oh no.. What if—

Leo : (hold a finger to her lips) I'll check on them. You stay here and be calm.

Piper : I'll see you out.

Leo orbs out outside the club. Piper sees the boy standing there again.

Piper : Hey! How did you get here?

Boy : Help me.

Leo : I told you to be careful, didn't I? Warlocks are after the Charmed Ones.

Piper : Leo, I thought you orbed.

Leo : I came back. Stay away from him.

Piper : But he's so young and he needs my help.

Leo : Come to me.

Piper : Wait. (goes to the boy) Would you like to come home with me?

The boy shapeshifts into a man. Piper freezes the warlock and turns to Leo.

Piper : I'm sorry. I really thought…

Leo : It's okay. Do you trust me?

Piper : Of course!

Leo : Then come with me. Go inside the car.

Piper : Why do you have a car?

Leo : Just trust me.

Piper climbs into the car. Prue and Phoebe were inside already.

Piper : I'm sorry about the boy, Leo.

Leo : It's okay. It was an easy mistake. After all, looks can be deceiving.

Piper watches as his face shifts and is no longer Leo, but a stranger. She looked at the passengers of the car and they have also shifted into strange men. The family of shapeshifters!



The car door shut and Piper stares at the warlock outside. Her eyes widen at the sight. He shifts into her.

Piper2: Well, isn't this nice? I've always wanted to feel what a woman does. (sees a blue light) Ooohh.. what's that?

Leo : Piper, you're still here? I thought you went inside already.

Piper2: Umm…I was waiting for you?

Leo : You shouldn't have. Anyway, they're okay.

Piper2 : Who?

Leo : (patiently) Prue asked Phoebe to charge her phone and Phoebe forgot. Anyway, I didn't tell them yet. I thought you would want to at dinner.

Piper2 : (laughs) Oh, you should have told them. Well, you tell them at dinner.

Leo : I thought you said you wanted to.

Piper2 : Just… tell them.

Leo : It's ok. Wanna go home? They're probably there already. Prue's cooking dinner.

Piper2: Prue and Phoebe are there? Let's go!



Kitchen



Phoebe, Piper and Leo are all sitting down and waiting for Prue.

Prue : Here it is! Try my salad, everybody. (bowl slips) Oh no!

Phoe : Ugh! My dress.

Prue : (looks at Piper) Why didn't you freeze bowl?

Piper2: Umm.. I forgot. Leo, could you pass the bread. Hey, watch your hand.

Her sisters look at her funny.

Leo : Is something wrong?

Prue : Hormones.

Phoe : Yeah. But it's weird. I never saw anyone affected that much. Maybe it's weird when a witch gets pregnant. (looks at Piper) Why do you have that look on your face?

Leo : Hey, I have to go. Sorry to disrupt dinner. I'll be right back.

Piper2 : Where are those lips going?

Leo : I'm kissing you goodbye.

Piper2 : Fine.

Leo orbs out.

Piper2 : Wow, huh? Just imagine the powers of a whitelighter.

Phoe : Honey, is something wrong?

Piper2 : Nah. Listen, I have to go to the bathroom.

Prue : Oh, we understand. In your condition, you'd have to go there always.



Bathroom



Piper2 : (to a bird on the window) What is going on here?

The bird transforms into a man.

Man : There were some things we did not know about.

Piper2 : Well hurry up and tell me! How do you expect me to do a good job without all the facts?

Man : Let the whitelighter touch you.

Piper2 : I thought he was to be trusted because he is the whitelighter, and that is all.

Man : The whitelighter is her lover.

Piper2 : Is that all?

Man : You're supposed to be pregnant.

Piper2 : What?

The man turns into a bird and flies away.



Kitchen



Leo orbs in.

Leo : Where is she?

Phoe : In the bathroom.

Prue : So what was it that you wanted to tell us?

Leo : Here she is. Why don't you tell them , Piper?

Piper2 : Tell them what?

Leo : The news.

Piper2 : They already know that I'm pregnant.

Leo (extending her hand) Come here.

Piper2 : Okay, sweetheart.

The moment her hand touched his, his eyes flashed. He pushed her to the wall.

Phoe : Leo, what are you doing!

Leo : Where's the ring?

Piper2 : What ring? Missing!

Leo : Where is she?

Piper2 : What are you talking about?

Leo : Piper!

Prue : Get away from my sister, Leo.

Leo : You don't understand, Prue. It's—

Piper : You're hurting me!

Prue flings Leo away from Piper.

Prue : Run!

Leo gets a knife and catches her foot. Piper falls down. Leo holds the knife to her throat.

Phoe : Leo, stop that! (closes her eyes and gasps) I just saw Piper standing in front of a mirror. But the image isn't her. That's not Piper, Prue.

Piper2 : Kill me then. I won't tell you. Go ahead, if you dare.

Leo pushes the knife and looks at her eyes.

Leo : I can't.

Piper2 : I thought so. (pushes him off her and shifts into a cat, then runs away)

Leo : (looks at Prue and Phoebe) I'm sorry.

Phoe : I would not have been able to do it either.

Prue : It took a great amount of will to do what you did. You had to see past her. Did they tell you when you were called?

Leo : They just told me that looks can be deceiving. She wasn't acting normally and she wasn't wearing the engagement ring.

Prue : You're engaged?

Leo : Nice way to find out huh?

Phoe : Where's the wedding?

Leo : First things first, Phoebe. Where's the bride?



Phoe : All right. The Book of Shadows says that the family of shapeshifters live like normal human beings. They're in a large place just south of here.

Prue : I have a question. How can there be a family of warlocks when they're all men?

Leo : Actually, the term is used loosely. It's much like a brotherhood or a closely knit group. They adopt and train young shapeshifters. Lately, they've also acquired some witches gone bad. Some of whom have actually learned how to shapeshift. Maybe one or two have had offsprings with them. They're quite formidable.

Prue : Why do they want the Charmed Ones?

Leo : They're unlike all the other supernatural beings who went after you. They don't want your powers. But like some of the others, they do want you dead. They are strong and canny, but shapeshifting can't do much more than deceive. They want to control. Without you, they'd be one of the strongest groups on earth.

Prue : If they're so formidable, how are we going to beat them?

Phoe : There's nothing here on how to vanquish them. But here's something interesting. We can throw them this potion to relieve them of their powers for a few moments.

Prue : How long is that?

Phoe : Doesn't say.

Leo : However long that is, we have to make it now. I don't like Piper being in their clutches for very long.

Prue : (touching his shoulders) Neither do we. Phoebe, do we have everything we need.

Phoe : I think so. Oops. Except for one. I'm gonna run to the grocery and get some of this powder.

Prue : Hurry.

Leo : Why don't I go? You two stay here and wait for me.

Phoe : Do you know what this is? (hands her the piece of paper)

Leo : No. But I can ask the salesboy.

Phoe : Then, no. (takes the paper from his hand) Every minute is precious. Stay here.



Grocery



Phoe : (bumping into someone) Oh, I'm sorry.

Woman : It's okay.

Phoe : (sees the face) What the—

Woman : Yes?

Phoe : Oh, nothing. I thought you were somebody else. (walks away, wondering why she thought the woman looked like Piper for a second) It was probably me missing her so much.

She looked to her right and saw Piper walking along the canned good aisle.

Phoe : (runs after her) Piper! Piper!

The woman looks at her and she sees that it wasn't Piper. A group of giggling girls in uniform passed by with a gallon of ice cream. That was weird. They all had long brown hair.

Phoe : Oh my—

Everywhere she turned she could see Piper. And they were no longer changing their forms. They were all looking at her.

Phoe : Shapeshifters! They're closing in.

Shapeshifters : What's wrong, Pheebs? Don't you love me anymore?

She sees Piper, in the torn blouse she knew she wore to P3 when she vanished, at the end of one aisle.

Piper : Over here, Phoebe!

Phoe : You escaped! (running towards her and holding her hand) How did you get away from all of them?

Piper : I didn't.

Phoebe's face whitens when she realizes there was no ring in Piper's hand. She looks at her face and sees that it was no longer Piper.

Man : Gotcha!



Living Room



Prue : Where is Phoebe?

Leo : I knew I should have gone. I'd have been faster because I don't need to drive.

Michael orbs in.

Michael : I'd like to speak with you, Leo.

Leo and Michael huddle for a while. Leo combs his hair with his fingers and shakes his head.

Prue : Can anyone tell me what's going on?

Leo : They've taken Phoebe too.

Michael : We're going to have to guard you. You're the only one they need now.

Leo : Stay with her here and I'll get the missing ingredient. (orbs out)



Phoe : (into the room) Piper… Are you here?

Piper : Pheebs! (runs to her and hugs her)

Phoe : Lemme see your hand.

Piper (showing her hand) Why?

Phoe : I had to be sure it was you. They kept shapeshifting into you but they never got the ring in the picture. I had to make sure it was you. Can you believe how stupid they are to not even get that minor detail?

Piper : I don't think they really saw me wearing it. When they got me in the car, I took it off and put it in my pocket. I didn't want them to connect me to Leo like that. They might use him against me.

Phoe : Well, this time your protecting Leo had a positive result. He was the one who noticed that the Piper we had at home can't be you.

Piper : Oh. Did he kiss her first?

Phoe : Once.

Piper : I'm gonna kill him.

Phoe : He didn't notice. (looks at her hand again) It's beautiful, isn't it? Wow. Look at how that sparkles.

Piper : Phoebe, we've been imprisoned and you're oohing at my engagement ring.

Phoe : Well, what else is there to do?

Piper : (pauses) It is a very lovely piece, isn't it?

Man at the door : Yes, it is. I wonder why we never noticed it before. Hand it over.



Foot of the stairs



Prue : They live here? It's fabulous.

They ring the bell at the door. Within moments, it opens. A young woman smiles at them.

Woman : Welcome. We've been expecting you for quite a while now.

They are led to a room with only one chair as furniture. Andy sat there.

Andy : Hey there, Prue. Missed me?

Leo : Prue—

Prue : I know, Leo. That's pretty obvious, warlock. Can't you think of something better?

Andy : Are you sure you want to see this?

Prue : Give it your best shot.

Andy : Bring her in.

Phoebe comes in and brings in some tea.

Phoe : With milk?

Andy : Yeah. (to Prue, Leo and Michael) How about you?

Michael : No, thank you.

Prue : This is the best you can do?

Andy : Kiss me, Phoebe.

Phoebe leans down and kisses him.

Michael : I hope that that is the witch they thought how to shapeshift because if that's really a warlock, I'm going to barf.

Leo : Look, we know that isn't phoebe so you may just as well cut the crap and show them to us.

Andy : Hmmm.. how about having the middle sister join this group?

Another Phoebe and a Piper enters the room.

Andy : C'mere to Andy, Piper.

Piper : You shapeshifted to Andy? You don't even respect the dead!

Leo tenses up.

Prue : (squeezing his arm) It's not Piper, Leo. It' just a good actress.

Andy : I said come here.

Phoebe : Shut up!

Andy : Morris, bring her over here.

The Phoebe who brought the tea shifted into the form of Detective Morris and grabbed Piper, dragging her to Andy.

Andy : There's a good partner. Thanks for the kiss, man.

Michael : That's it! I am throwing up the minute we get out of here.

Andy : Kiss me.

Piper : In your dreams.

Andy : (grabs her head and forces her lips to his) You want pain, Piper?

Leo : Dammit, it's Piper!

Prue : Look at her hand, Leo. It's not her.

Piper : (looks at Leo) Help me!

Leo : You're right.

Andy : Hey, what's this hard thing? (fishes out the ring in her blouse) Diamond? Slip it on. You didn't need to hide it from us. We're warlocks, not thieves.

Leo : Piper! (runs towards them)

Phoebe : Leo, that's not Piper!

Two feet high spikes rise from the floor, catching at Leo's leg. Michael heals it for him.

Prue : Is that Phoebe?

Michael : Obviously, Detective Morris isn't Phoebe. That other one isn't saying much.

Andy : Lower them.

Another Piper and the third Phoebe hangs by their waist from an opening in the ceiling. Directly below them are the spikes.

Prue : Phoebe! Piper!

Phoe on the ceiling: Get me down from here, Prue!

Phoe on the floor : I'm the real Phoebe, Prue!

Piper on the ceiling: Leo, please.

Leo : (to the Piper beside Andy, who is struggling) I'll get you out, honey. I promise.

Andy : Why do you suddenly believe me now, White lighter? A while ago, you just let me have my way with her.

Phoebe on the floor : Don't mind her, Leo! He can do as he pleases with her. Save the Piper on the ceiling!

Andy chuckles. Four men appear from behind him, all laughing.

Man : This is the one enjoyable comedy. And you thought a trip to the moviehouse would be better, Jules.

Andy : You know, I think I'm gonna make this better. You can all pick only one of each to try and save. Keith, take little Phoebe to the platform. (waits) If you save the Phoebe way up there, Phoebe on that square floor falls into the fires below. If you save Phoebe on the platform, little flying Phoebe gets barbecued on those friendly fences separating us. Take Piper from those ropes and I slit this one's throat. Leap over and save ringed Piper and hanging Piper meets the same fate as Phoebe up there. If you don't save anyone in twenty seconds, they all die. It's safe to say that with just one of the Charmed Ones out of the way, the remaining two will be rendered useless. Our time starts now.

Prue : They're too far apart. This powder can only be thrown at one of them.

Leo closes his eyes. He tries to reach into the minds of those around him. He hears her thoughts. "Always," she said. He opens them and looks at the eyes of the one with Andy and then the eyes of the one hanging on the ceiling. Whoever was not Piper was a good actress. He closes his eyes again.

Leo : Throw it at the Phoebe on the ceiling.

The Phoebe at the ceiling turns into a man. Michael orbs beside Phoebe on the platform and orbs out with her. The man falls but Morris runs and prevents him from getting barbecued. Leo levitates and cuts off Piper from the ceiling. Prue stares hard at Andy and her Piper.

Leo : (holding Piper close) Let's go, Prue.

Prue : Wait for me outside.

Leo : Hurry up. That's not Andy.

Prue : Just go.

Piper's arms were around Leo's neck as he carried her outside. She was silent.

Leo : Don't worry. I'm taking you to the hospital first.

He felt her bury her face in the crook of his neck.



Living room



Piper is lying on the couch, her head on Leo's lap. He's stroking her hair.

Phoe : Thanks, Michael.

Michael : Don't mention it.

Phoe : You're so curt.

Michael : You're not my responsibility.

Phoe : But you saved me.

Michael : Leo was busy. And he's my friend. I decided to help out.

Phoe : (frowns) Well, thank you all the same.

Prue : So, Leo, how did you know that it was Piper hanging on the ceiling?

Leo : I listened to my heart. I tried to hear her voice in my mind.

Prue : How could you have known that the one you were hearing was the one hanging?

Piper : My angel knows me.

Leo : She said… Well… she said, "always." That was what I wrote in my Valentine's card to her.

Prue : You still could not have known that the one who said that was the one you saved.

Piper : Leave it, you guys.

Leo : Piper and I have to go.

Prue : You ok, Piper? I know the doctor said you just need rest, but how about you? You feel well?

Piper : Yeah. I'm just sorry I lost my ring.

Leo : I'll get you another one, sweetheart.

Piper : I know there's no use crying over spilled milk, but it won't be the same. That was the one you proposed to me with.

Prue : Well then, contrary to what Leo thinks, I didn't stay behind and stare at them because I was reminiscing about Andy. I was retrieving this (holds up the ring) for you.

Piper : (sits up) Oh Prue! Thanks! You're the best. (crying)

Leo : (kisses Prue's cheek) Thanks Prue. (takes Piper into his arms)

They vanish in blue light.

Prue : They kept mum about that.

Phoe : So, what do you suppose it was that she thought which made him recognize who she was.

Prue : I have no idea.

Phoe : Did you hear it, Michael?

Michael : No. I wasn't attuned to your sister.

Phoe : (sighs dreamily) I guess it's something so romantic, so ideal and so mushy that even the two of them cannot bear to embarrass themselves by saying out loud.

Prue : Ahh.. it makes me so jealous.


Piper's Bedroom

Leo : (pulling her tight to him in bed) I'm glad we didn't tell them.

Piper : I'm glad we're connected enough that you heard me.

Leo : I'm glad the doctor said we're okay. I got nervous about the baby too.

Piper puts his hand on her belly.

Leo : I was so afraid. I wasn't sure who it was who said "always." I'm glad you gave me a clue like that.

Piper : And they'll never know what I told you.

Leo : Well, "Get your whitelighter's ass up here—these ropes are hurting the baby" isn't exactly romantic, is it? I don't want your sisters to find out that beneath all the wings and declarations and sacrifices, our relationship is all too human.

They laugh together.

Piper : I love you, Leo.

Leo : I love you, Piper.

end

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