Chapter 9

Early the next morning, Piper awoke to Leo's hand stroking her hair softly. He announced that she was to be released that morning after a few extra tests. When she was taken away, the doctor explained to Leo about the medication Piper still needs to take before she can return to her normal self. Whatever normal is for her. After she came back, they packed and drove home.

When Piper entered her home which she missed so much lately. Surprisingly it was spotlessly cleaned and Piper was impressed. She always thought Leo was very disorganized, but things change when you have children.

Children. That word stabbed Piper in the chest. She wondered quietly if she'll ever be able to heal and have another child with Leo. It seems like the only thing she wanted now. It was constantly on her mind, but she didn't dare let Leo know what she was thinking all the time. He would worry and he's been concerned enough. Meanwhile, she thought about the child they would have had. It pained her so much just to think about it. So, she tried to keep herself busy. That was the only way to keep her mind off depressing things.

It's been a week since Piper came home, and she still wasn't able to talk as freely as she did before. Leo encouraged her, but she only replied with less then five words or so. He hated seeing her like this, but he can only be there to support her through it. He tried to relax her by renting movies or going out for ice cream. It helped a bit, but not a lot. It was even harder for her to be near Angie, that's why Angie was mostly over at the manor with her aunts. She came to visit a few times, but hated that she couldn't see her mother all the time.

One evening, Leo knocked on their bedroom door before coming in. Piper was in the middle of slipping on one of her big t-shirts for bed. A shocked expression formed on her face, but she gave him a sly smile and pulled her shirt completely down. Leo closed the door.

"Coming to check on me?" Piper asked eyeing him while slipping under the covers. "I just wanted to see how you were doing," Leo replied sitting next to her on the side of the bed. Piper eyed the medicine bottle in his hands. "And to give me medicine?" Piper smirked. Leo stated, "I'm just going to clean your cuts." Piper gave him a look he knew so well. "What is it?" Leo asked. Piper questioned, "Haven't you figured it out yet?" Leo stares at her blank. "I thought you would've gotten it figured out by now. Leo, I'm not ready to heal yet. Medicine won't help so you can stop trying," Piper stated pulling the covers over her head.

From under the blankets full of Leo's cologne, Piper heard him sigh out loud. "Why can't you stop being so afraid, and just tell me what the hell is wrong with you? God, what is it going to take to make you trust me?" Leo demanded clearly upset. Just as the door was about to close, Piper sat up in bed suddenly.

"I'm not scared. At least I don't think so. And Leo? I do trust you," Piper stated staring into his mesmerizing eyes that took her by surprise every time. Leo smiled at her. It felt great to hear those words from her, they were really convincing. "It's good to hear that," Leo stated about to close the bedroom door. "Wait!" Piper exclaimed holding back what she wanted to ask him. "Yes, my queen? what can I do for you?" Leo asked in a cheesy grin. Piper smiled back at him, and he swore that could've been the very first time he saw her actually smile since she came home.

"I was won- wondering if you- you would uh..." Piper's voice trailed off in nervousness. Leo finished her sentence, "What? Stay here with you?" Piper nodded. Leo hesitated for a moment lingering by the door to make up his mind. It didn't take long for him to come up with a decision though, and he closed the door to their bedroom.

Making his way over to Piper, he climbed into bed with her. "You going to stare at me all night?" Piper asked laying down on her pillow. Leo replied, "That wouldn't be such a bad idea. They say you can only fall in love once, but every time I look at you. I fall in love all over again." Piper looked intently at him and smiled softly. "Hey, let's get some sleep, huh?" Leo stated turning out the lights. He rested his head on his pillow and closed his eyes. For some odd reason, he felt like someone was staring at him. Leo opened his eyes and looked at Piper, who was staring at him.

"What's wrong, sweetie?" Leo asked. "I can't sleep unless you hold me. You always hold me," Piper answered. "Well, I didn't know how you would feel. Come here," Leo stated cuddling her close like a teddy bear that needed desperate comfort.

Piper was practically burying herself into his warmness. Breathing his scent and wrapping an arm around his waist pulling him closer.

While his eyes adjusted in the darkness, Leo was also looking down at her. She was content and resting in his loving arms that acted like a pillow in the clouds. Piper haven't been so peaceful before.

"Piper?" Leo called for her attention. Piper glanced up at him inches away from his lips. "hmm?" Piper asked seeing that his lips began to quiver. Leo couldn't find it in himself to speak anymore with her this close. "what is it?" Piper asked concerned. "Next week, Friday," Leo replied reminding her of something that seemed to be important. Piper tried to remember what's happening next Friday. It didn't come to her.

She saw that Leo was somewhat disappointed that she didn't remember. Piper felt a bit guilty about it too, whatever it was. "You don't remember, do you?" Leo asked. Piper shook her head slightly looking down. Leo gently lifted her chin and said, "It's okay. Don't worry about it." Piper managed to ask what was happening Friday.

"Our two year anniversary," Leo answered. "Oh, my god. How could I have forgotten?" Piper asked. Leo stated, "It's okay. After all you went through or trying to get through, I didn't expect you to remember. It'll be great if we could just celebrate it, that's all I want." Piper said, "Then let's." "Are you sure?" Leo asked. "Of course! I think we deserve it, or at least you," Piper answered. He leaned down to kiss her forehead as she laid back against him.

Silence filled the air for a few moments. Leo thought she was asleep until she called his name. "Yes?" Leo answered. "Thank you for everything. I mean, you've been so patient with me and all," Piper stated yawning. "Don't mention it," Leo said pulling the covers around them. "I love you berry much," Piper said in a baby voice like. Leo chuckled and said, "I love you, too."

Snuggling into him, piper thought about their two year anniversary. It's sure to be berry magical!

~3~3~3~TBC~3~3~3~

Want more?!?!?! REVIEW!!!