Chapter six: Strengthening bonds.
A/N: I will continue if I get five reviews. I've also numbered Prue and Marc's dates so it doesn't get confusing.
Disclaimer: I own none of the charmed characters.
Prue: Marc, what are you doing here?
Marc: I like spontaneity plus I couldn't wait to see you again.
Prue: Well I guess I should go get ready then.
Marc: What you're wearing is perfect though.
Prue: Okay, where are we going this time and it better not be something you have to be insane to do.
Marc: (laughs.) Don't worry; I decided that low key would be best tonight.
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Hotel Piper and Leo have just entered their room.
Piper: This place is great.
Leo: I'm just happy to be away from the manor for a while, and to be alone with you.
Piper: I think this time alone is just what we need.
Leo: I think the general ambiance of the manor was just making us stressed like a hypnotic trance.
Piper: Are you saying the manor was creating all these strange feelings?
Leo: No but I think you were right when you said this is about more than marital spats.
Piper: Now that you mention it I did feel a lot more secure about our relationship after spending that night outside. It's probably just all the stress going around with the demons, and there is obvious tension between Phoebe and Cole, also Prue hasn't been all that lucky with relationships.
Leo: Yeah you are probably right.
Piper: I've just felt like I can't be sure of anything lately.
Leo: Anything in particular?
Piper: (quietly.) Whether you love me.
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At the door of the manor.
(End of second date.)
Prue: Well this was a great date.
Marc: I think so too.
Their eyes meet and they look into each other's eyes and move closer, and they share a soft magical kiss. They break apart and just stand smiling at each other.
Marc: Well I should be going.
Prue: Okay goodnight, thanks for a great time.
Marc: Listen I know this might sound pushy, but I'm going to be busy for a few days so I wondering whether we could go out tomorrow night as well. I now this might sound strange because we've only known each other for a few days but I want to see you as much as I can.
Prue: I don't think that sounds strange at all I feel that connection as well.
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Leo: I don't know how to convince you that I do love you, after all we've been through if you still think that I don't love you. I don't think there is anything I can say or do that will convince you.
Piper: It is only recently I have started to feel this way, it's like I'm in high school again.
Leo: Well then I'll just have to remind you how far you are from high school right now.
Piper: I do think we can make everything all right; I just need to find my self-belief and my belief in you again.
(They continued talking and before they realised it the sun was rising, their attention was drawn towards the window as the first rays of daylight streamed through.)
Piper: I can't believe we talked through the entire night. I don't even remember the sun setting.
Leo: Well I think it did us a lot of good, I can actually feel our connection growing stronger again. Why don't we sit outside and watch the sunrise.
Piper: I'd like that.
(Outside.)
Piper: This is really beautiful.
Leo: I know, almost as beautiful as you.
Piper: I love you.
Leo: I love you too.
Piper: Hey Leo, do me a favour; if I ever talk about divorce again hit me over the head with a frying pan.
Leo: (laughs) Speaking of pans, I wonder how your kitchen looks with Phoebe trying to make breakfast.
Piper: Ah, another reason to look forward to going home, having to clean up the upside down kitchen.
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( third date.)
Night, Prue and Marc have just come back from their date.
Prue: So do you want to come in?
Marc: Sure I would.
Prue: Would you like something to drink?
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Next morning, kitchen.
Phoebe: So Piper called and said she and Leo are back on track and they'll be back this afternoon and…okay Prue what happened on your date last night you've been smiling like a Cheshire cat non-stop. (As if in answer to her question Marc walks into the kitchen.) Oh (She says with a grin.)
Prue: Hi
Marc: Hi (They stare at each other.)
Phoebe: Okay I'm going to leave you two lovebirds alone. (She exits.)
Marc: I'll see you then.
Prue: Hopefully soon.
Marc: Definitely.
Prue: Bye.
Marc: Bye.
Prue: Bye.
Marc: Bye.
Prue: Bye.
Marc: Bye, okay I really need to go now. (He leaves.)
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Mausoleum, Phoebe enters.
Phoebe: Hi Cole.
Cole: Hi Phoebe.
Phoebe: Here. (She hands him something covered in dark blue wrapping paper.)
Cole: What is this?
Phoebe: I just came to say happy birthday.
Cole: Oh, I didn't realise it was we don't really celebrate birthdays in the underworld, how did you know it was my birthday?
Phoebe: I have my ways, so are you going to open it or not?
Cole: (he rips the wrapping paper off, there is a beautifully carved silver photo frame with the word FAMILY carved at the bottom inside was a photo of Leo, Piper, Prue, Phoebe and himself all smiling into the camera.) This is amazing where did you find this photo?
Phoebe: I don't remember when it was taken, but I know how you have been feeling like you aren't part of our family and feeling not accepted by the others that's why you have been so snappy so I decided to show you that we all see you as part of the family, take the photo out and look at the back of it.
Cole: (He turned the photo around and on the back he saw that each person had written a couple of lines-even Prue- who he thought still hated him. His heart filled with warmth at the things they had written.) Thank you this is a wonderful gift.
Phoebe: Are you crying?
Cole: (In a teary voice.) No.
Phoebe: I'm glad you like it.
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The manor, Piper and Lei are back, everyone is there. They all give Cole presents and they are talking about family and stuff. They say they will all make it through together, and Piper and Leo agree to never let their insecurities get such a strong hold on them again. They are all united, their bonds are stronger than ever but will the might of their bonds be able to withstand the power of dreams?