March 14, 2003. 7:00am.

The air was still crisp from the early morning frost, and I looked around at the peaceful neighbourhood. Nothing had changed. Standing on the sidewalk, I stared up at the house. The Halliwell Manor. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, trying to calm myself, trying to gather the courage to walk up the stairs and ring the doorbell. I suddenly realised that the girls may not even live there anymore. By now, they could all be married, or have moved to another city. Being a mortal, I had no way of keeping up with the Charmed Ones. I wasn't even sure if they were still witches.

Once again, I asked myself what I was doing. What was I waiting for? I had to stop stalling, and take a chance. So I walked up the stairs, and raised my hand to ring the doorbell, just as the door itself was flung open.

All I saw was a flash of brown hair as one of the girls came flying out the door, slamming directly into me. Once we had both recovered, we stared at one another, wide eyed.

Phoebe managed to gasp. She pushed me backwards, and closed the door again, shutting us outside.

Where have you been? Why are you here? What the hell is wrong with you? she asked, slapping my arm for emphasis on her last question. For a moment, I was speechless.

Phoebe! I'm so glad you still live here. I finally managed to sputter.

She squinted her eyes and stared at me, replying, We all do, if that's what you're asking.

My face lit up at her words. Really? She's here?

Yes, but come on, we need to take a walk. A lot has happened since you left.

She led me back down to the sidewalk, and we headed off down the street.

We've all been struggling since the day you left, Phoebe began, trying to enlighten me on how much I affected their lives that night. It wasn't just Piper that you left behind. Prue and I lost someone we'd welcomed into our family. Not only did we lose a brother, but we lost our protector as well. Leo, I don't think you realise just how much we relied on you to help us fight evil. You gave us the knowledge we needed to come out on top. Without you, all we had to rely on was the Book of Shadows, and the little supernatural help the Founders provided us with. There were a few demons we almost didn't beat.

We had made our way to the neighbourhood park, and took a seat on a nearby bench.

We all have scars Leo. And I'm not just talking physically. But Piper is the worst. She hasn't been the same since that day. She barely lives her life anymore. She immerses herself in work, and then comes home to us. I can't remember the last time she actually went out and enjoyed herself. She lives like she is waiting for something. Either the day she dies, or the day you come back. It's like.. like you took a piece of her with you when you left. I want her to get that piece back Leo. I want our Piper back.

I want her back too. I'm here because I couldn't stand the thought of another day without her Phoebe. I feel the same way, like a part of me is missing. I haven't stopped loving her for a single day.

Well, then you should orb back to the manor now, and tell her. Oh wait! Maybe I should warn her first. I don't know she trailed off.

Uh, Phoebe, there's something I need to tell you. I'm not a whitelighter anymore.

she asked, completely taken by surprise.

I clipped my wings a couple months after I left.

But why? You loved being a whitelighter.

There were a lot of reasons. The main one being that I didn't want to always have the opportunity to orb in to see her, and know I was never allowed. The temptation would have been too great. The other reason is that the Founders are the ones who forced me to leave. Essentially, they told me that I had become a threat to you three, and that I could no longer be your guide.

Leo, I'm not sure I follow. The Founders told you that you were putting the three of us in danger, so you had to leave. Then, you clip your wings because you're mad at them. And then, even though you're a mortal, and no longer a threat to our safety, you move away from San Francisco, to god knows where, without ever bothering to tell us you were ok?

I sighed, knowing Phoebe had every right to be mad at me, but I was so tired, and all I could think about was seeing Piper again. It's a long story Phoebe. One that I don't really want to get into right now.

Phoebe checked her watch and gasped. Oh my god, I am so late for work! I have to go Leo. Listen, go back to the manor, Piper is there now. Alone. You two can have all day to talk, Prue and I will be back tonight. She reached out and gave me a quick hug. It's so nice to have you back. She smiled, and then dashed off, presumably in the direction of wherever it was she worked.

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A few minutes later, I was standing back at the front door to the manor. With the knowledge of what Phoebe has just told me, I felt more confidant. I felt much more optimistic. I knew we had a chance. All I had to do now, was convince Piper of that.