Disclaimer: I don't own anyone, don't sue me.
A/N: School trip was amazing. Skiing is the coolest thing ever. Thanks to all who reviewed. I'm glad you're all enjoying it.
* * * * *
"I thought you were leaving." Piper said as Phoebe and Cole walked back into the manor. Phoebe closed the door behind them.
"I was. I'm just going to say goodnight to Wade." Cole replied with a smirk.
"Oh." Piper said. "Good." Was all she managed. "Phoebe, can you help me with the dishes?"
Phoebe smiled at her sisters attempt to subtly talk to her. She saw Cole smile slightly as well, indicating that he realised it as well. "Sure." She said. "You go up, I'll be there in a while." She said to Cole, before following Piper into the kitchen. "What's up?"
"What's going on?" Piper asked, getting straight to the point.
"What do you mean?" Phoebe asked.
"I mean, yesterday, you wanted me to make an effort with Cole. This morning, you didn't. Dinner was a total disaster, and you never said a word to him. And now you're inviting him back inside. What's going on?" Piper blurted out. Phoebe smiled vaguely.
"Nothing. We had a fight, we're over it." Phoebe replied.
"That's it?" Piper asked suspiciously.
"That's it." Phoebe reiterated. This seemed to satisfy Piper, who began to gather up the dishes and place them in the dishwasher. She turned back to Phoebe.
"Why don't you invite him to P3 on Saturday night?" Piper offered.
"Maybe I will." Phoebe replied. "I'll be upstairs if you need me."
As Piper turned back to the dirty dishes, Phoebe headed up the stairs to Wades room. The door was slightly open, and as she pushed it open she paused.
". . .but why can't you and mum get back together?" She heard Wade ask. A pause.
"Because your mum's with Brian now." Cole replied.
"But I like you better than Brian." Wade said. Phoebe heard Cole laugh softly.
"Your mum just doesn't feel the same way, Buddy." Cole said softly. "But I'll always be here, okay?"
"Okay." Wade replied, disappointment in his voice. Phoebe pushed open the door.
"Hey. Are you ready for bed?" She asked Wade. Wade nodded, jumping under the covers. "Goodnight sweetie." Phoebe said, kissing Wade on the forehead. Cole bent over and followed suit.
"I'll see you soon." He said, following Phoebe out of the room. As she closed the door behind them, she turned to Cole.
"Listen, there's this up and coming group playing at P3 Saturday night. Why don't you come?" She said, taking up Pipers offer. Cole seemed to contemplate this.
"Is Brian going to be there?" He asked suddenly. Phoebe smiled.
"No, he has to work." She replied.
"Surprise, surprise." Cole muttered.
"Hey." Phoebe warned.
"Sorry." Cole said quickly, hardly meaning it. "I'll be there."
* * * * *
By the time Saturday night arrived, Cole and Phoebe's fight was far behind them. Phoebe had even accepted Cole's offer to drive her to P3. Piper and Paige declined, due to the fact that they were remaining at the club to close up.
Cole knocked lightly on the front door, brushing the dirt off the small flower he had picked from the neighbours garden. He was wearing a dark blue, long-sleeved shirt, which was tucked neatly into his black pants. The door opened to reveal Phoebe, dressed gorgeously in a sparking white, knee length dress. Cole gave her a half smile.
"You look absolutely amazing." He said.
"You do know I'm getting married, don't you?" Phoebe joked.
"That doesn't mean I can't compliment the mother of my child." Cole said with a sideways smirk. He handed her the flower.
"See, unless I'm mistaken, this flower looks almost identical to the ones that old Mrs Wilkins grows next door." Phoebe said accepting the flower.
"Well, you must be mistaken then." Cole replied sheepishly. "Would I steal a gorgeous flower from and old woman?" Phoebe chose not to answer, instead she invited him inside. Piper and Paige had already left for P3, so Phoebe had to instruct the babysitter when she arrived. Ten minutes later, they had said their goodbyes to Wade and Wyatt, and were on their way to P3. They decided to find Piper and Paige as soon as they arrived, which proved an easy task, as both were standing at the bar with Leo.
"Hey." Piper greeted them from behind the counter. "Drinks?" She offered them a tray of a variety of glasses.
"Piper, if you don't dance with me I will be forced to find someone who will." Leo playfully taunted his wife. Piper turned to Phoebe and Cole and sighed.
"He has this endless energy. My feet are already killing me." She explained.
"Alright." Phoebe said, grabbing Leo's arm. "We'll see how much energy you have after dancing with me." They disappeared onto the crowded dance floor.
"It's good to see you here, Cole." Piper said with a genuine smile. Before he could reply, a customer from the other end of the bar called Piper over. She grimaced. "I hate work. . ." She muttered, giving him an apologetic smile and hurrying over to the man. Cole turned his head to see Paige tapping her fingers on the bar to the music. She met his eyes and frowned.
"I may have a lot of doubts about you, Cole. . .but I really need to dance." She admitted, before grabbing his arm and yanking him onto the dance floor before he could reply.
Despite the fact that dancing was not one of Cole's favourite activities, he was having fun. Paige deserted him early in the night for some blonde guy that was eyeing her from the bar, and Piper was finally able to get off work enough to dance with Leo, who led Phoebe to Cole before leaving her. Phoebe smirked at Cole.
"Well? You're not going to leave me without a partner, are you?" Phoebe asked, offering him her hand.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Cole replied, accepting her hand and allowing her to lead him to the dance floor. It wasn't long before his feet were aching. He glanced at his watch, his eyebrows raised. "Hey." He spoke centimetres from Phoebe's ear as the danced. "Didn't you want to be home by Twelve?" Phoebe pulled back.
"Huh?" She swayed slightly. Cole smiled.
"How much have you had to drink?" He asked.
"Not much. . ." Phoebe said with a frown. Cole found this hard to believe. He held one of her hands in his, the other lightly caressing her waist, as he led her to the bar to find Piper. Piper and Leo were deep in conversation when he did finally find them. "Hey." He greeted them. "Phoebe's had a bit too much to drink. I'll take her back to the manor." They said their goodbyes, and Cole helped Phoebe back to his car, before driving her back home. As soon as he pulled into the driveway he walked to the passenger side of the car, opening the door and helping her out. He managed to support her till they reached the front door, where she leaned against the wall in the dim light.
"I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" Cole said, taking a step backwards.
"Wait. . .Cole. . ." Phoebe said quietly.
"Yeah." Cole replied, a smile playing on his lips, amused by how disorientated she seemed.
"Do you ever wonder. . .what would have happened if you hadn't left?" She asked. Cole was taken aback by the question, not expecting the seriousness in the situation.
"Of course." He replied. "All the time."
"I keep thinking that we could have worked things out. And that maybe. . .we'd be a family. You me and Wade." Phoebe said. She smiled. Cole smiled back.
"I guess we'll never know." He said softly. Phoebe looked up, and they held eye contact. She stepped forward, closer to him. She reached out and caressed his cheek, leaned in. . .
"Wait." Cole said, pulling back, but only so they were only centimetres apart. Phoebe frowned.
"What?" She asked confused.
"I don't want this to be one of those mistakes made one late night after you've drunk too much." He said. "I couldn't handle that." He tried to pull away, but Phoebe's other hand on his arm stopped him.
"This isn't one of those times. This is me." Phoebe whispered. She leaned in again, and this time Cole didn't pull back. Their lips met - softly at first, them more passionately. His hands found their way to her waist. Her hands were running through his hair. Then - the door opened. They pulled away from each other abruptly as Brian emerged, his mouth open in shock. No one said anything for a minute. Brian clenched his teeth, looking from Phoebe to Cole. He finally spoke.
"I got off work early. I thought I'd surprise you." He said to Phoebe. "I sent the babysitter home, so you two can enjoy your time together." He pushed past Phoebe and Cole and hurried to his car. Phoebe's eyes met Cole's as he passed, before she turned after Brian.
"Brian!" She called after him. She ran, catching him before he got into his car. "Wait." She said, grabbing hold of his arm. He wrenched free of her.
"Wait? For what, Phoebe? Huh?" He demanded. "I saw it. When he first arrived. I saw how he looked at you. How. . ." He trailed off, fighting to compose himself. "How you looked at him." He finished.
"I didn't--" Phoebe started.
"Maybe you didn't realise it at first either." Brian said. "I saw it. But I didn't want to believe it. I guess I have to now." He finally said, opening the car door. He stopped. "You can keep that." He said, indicating to the engagement ring on her finger. "I won't be needing it." He climbed into the car, before starting it and driving away. Phoebe didn't try to stop him. She waited a moment, standing on the curb as his headlights disappeared down the street. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Cole walk up to her.
"This was one of those drunken mistakes, wasn't it?" He asked softly. Phoebe paused for a moment in thought.
"No." She replied truthfully. She turned to look at him. "I would love to be able to have that excuse. . .but I don't."
Cole smiled slightly. "But. . ." He said, guessing what was next.
"Not now." Phoebe said simply.
"I always have the worst timing." Cole said with a vague smirk. He paused. "Are you okay?"
Phoebe hesitated. "I will be." She answered truthfully.
"Okay." Cole said. He gave her a reassuring grin. "I'll see you. . ." He said softly, before heading to his car and driving away. Phoebe watched Cole leave, before heading back to the manor, feeling surprisingly less upset than she would have expected.
* * * * *
Alrighty. Hope that suffices for now. You probably won't see another chapter for a while, mid term, so all my exams and assignments are coming up. Knowing me, that probably won't stop me anyway. Review and give me your thoughts.
A/N: School trip was amazing. Skiing is the coolest thing ever. Thanks to all who reviewed. I'm glad you're all enjoying it.
* * * * *
"I thought you were leaving." Piper said as Phoebe and Cole walked back into the manor. Phoebe closed the door behind them.
"I was. I'm just going to say goodnight to Wade." Cole replied with a smirk.
"Oh." Piper said. "Good." Was all she managed. "Phoebe, can you help me with the dishes?"
Phoebe smiled at her sisters attempt to subtly talk to her. She saw Cole smile slightly as well, indicating that he realised it as well. "Sure." She said. "You go up, I'll be there in a while." She said to Cole, before following Piper into the kitchen. "What's up?"
"What's going on?" Piper asked, getting straight to the point.
"What do you mean?" Phoebe asked.
"I mean, yesterday, you wanted me to make an effort with Cole. This morning, you didn't. Dinner was a total disaster, and you never said a word to him. And now you're inviting him back inside. What's going on?" Piper blurted out. Phoebe smiled vaguely.
"Nothing. We had a fight, we're over it." Phoebe replied.
"That's it?" Piper asked suspiciously.
"That's it." Phoebe reiterated. This seemed to satisfy Piper, who began to gather up the dishes and place them in the dishwasher. She turned back to Phoebe.
"Why don't you invite him to P3 on Saturday night?" Piper offered.
"Maybe I will." Phoebe replied. "I'll be upstairs if you need me."
As Piper turned back to the dirty dishes, Phoebe headed up the stairs to Wades room. The door was slightly open, and as she pushed it open she paused.
". . .but why can't you and mum get back together?" She heard Wade ask. A pause.
"Because your mum's with Brian now." Cole replied.
"But I like you better than Brian." Wade said. Phoebe heard Cole laugh softly.
"Your mum just doesn't feel the same way, Buddy." Cole said softly. "But I'll always be here, okay?"
"Okay." Wade replied, disappointment in his voice. Phoebe pushed open the door.
"Hey. Are you ready for bed?" She asked Wade. Wade nodded, jumping under the covers. "Goodnight sweetie." Phoebe said, kissing Wade on the forehead. Cole bent over and followed suit.
"I'll see you soon." He said, following Phoebe out of the room. As she closed the door behind them, she turned to Cole.
"Listen, there's this up and coming group playing at P3 Saturday night. Why don't you come?" She said, taking up Pipers offer. Cole seemed to contemplate this.
"Is Brian going to be there?" He asked suddenly. Phoebe smiled.
"No, he has to work." She replied.
"Surprise, surprise." Cole muttered.
"Hey." Phoebe warned.
"Sorry." Cole said quickly, hardly meaning it. "I'll be there."
* * * * *
By the time Saturday night arrived, Cole and Phoebe's fight was far behind them. Phoebe had even accepted Cole's offer to drive her to P3. Piper and Paige declined, due to the fact that they were remaining at the club to close up.
Cole knocked lightly on the front door, brushing the dirt off the small flower he had picked from the neighbours garden. He was wearing a dark blue, long-sleeved shirt, which was tucked neatly into his black pants. The door opened to reveal Phoebe, dressed gorgeously in a sparking white, knee length dress. Cole gave her a half smile.
"You look absolutely amazing." He said.
"You do know I'm getting married, don't you?" Phoebe joked.
"That doesn't mean I can't compliment the mother of my child." Cole said with a sideways smirk. He handed her the flower.
"See, unless I'm mistaken, this flower looks almost identical to the ones that old Mrs Wilkins grows next door." Phoebe said accepting the flower.
"Well, you must be mistaken then." Cole replied sheepishly. "Would I steal a gorgeous flower from and old woman?" Phoebe chose not to answer, instead she invited him inside. Piper and Paige had already left for P3, so Phoebe had to instruct the babysitter when she arrived. Ten minutes later, they had said their goodbyes to Wade and Wyatt, and were on their way to P3. They decided to find Piper and Paige as soon as they arrived, which proved an easy task, as both were standing at the bar with Leo.
"Hey." Piper greeted them from behind the counter. "Drinks?" She offered them a tray of a variety of glasses.
"Piper, if you don't dance with me I will be forced to find someone who will." Leo playfully taunted his wife. Piper turned to Phoebe and Cole and sighed.
"He has this endless energy. My feet are already killing me." She explained.
"Alright." Phoebe said, grabbing Leo's arm. "We'll see how much energy you have after dancing with me." They disappeared onto the crowded dance floor.
"It's good to see you here, Cole." Piper said with a genuine smile. Before he could reply, a customer from the other end of the bar called Piper over. She grimaced. "I hate work. . ." She muttered, giving him an apologetic smile and hurrying over to the man. Cole turned his head to see Paige tapping her fingers on the bar to the music. She met his eyes and frowned.
"I may have a lot of doubts about you, Cole. . .but I really need to dance." She admitted, before grabbing his arm and yanking him onto the dance floor before he could reply.
Despite the fact that dancing was not one of Cole's favourite activities, he was having fun. Paige deserted him early in the night for some blonde guy that was eyeing her from the bar, and Piper was finally able to get off work enough to dance with Leo, who led Phoebe to Cole before leaving her. Phoebe smirked at Cole.
"Well? You're not going to leave me without a partner, are you?" Phoebe asked, offering him her hand.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Cole replied, accepting her hand and allowing her to lead him to the dance floor. It wasn't long before his feet were aching. He glanced at his watch, his eyebrows raised. "Hey." He spoke centimetres from Phoebe's ear as the danced. "Didn't you want to be home by Twelve?" Phoebe pulled back.
"Huh?" She swayed slightly. Cole smiled.
"How much have you had to drink?" He asked.
"Not much. . ." Phoebe said with a frown. Cole found this hard to believe. He held one of her hands in his, the other lightly caressing her waist, as he led her to the bar to find Piper. Piper and Leo were deep in conversation when he did finally find them. "Hey." He greeted them. "Phoebe's had a bit too much to drink. I'll take her back to the manor." They said their goodbyes, and Cole helped Phoebe back to his car, before driving her back home. As soon as he pulled into the driveway he walked to the passenger side of the car, opening the door and helping her out. He managed to support her till they reached the front door, where she leaned against the wall in the dim light.
"I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" Cole said, taking a step backwards.
"Wait. . .Cole. . ." Phoebe said quietly.
"Yeah." Cole replied, a smile playing on his lips, amused by how disorientated she seemed.
"Do you ever wonder. . .what would have happened if you hadn't left?" She asked. Cole was taken aback by the question, not expecting the seriousness in the situation.
"Of course." He replied. "All the time."
"I keep thinking that we could have worked things out. And that maybe. . .we'd be a family. You me and Wade." Phoebe said. She smiled. Cole smiled back.
"I guess we'll never know." He said softly. Phoebe looked up, and they held eye contact. She stepped forward, closer to him. She reached out and caressed his cheek, leaned in. . .
"Wait." Cole said, pulling back, but only so they were only centimetres apart. Phoebe frowned.
"What?" She asked confused.
"I don't want this to be one of those mistakes made one late night after you've drunk too much." He said. "I couldn't handle that." He tried to pull away, but Phoebe's other hand on his arm stopped him.
"This isn't one of those times. This is me." Phoebe whispered. She leaned in again, and this time Cole didn't pull back. Their lips met - softly at first, them more passionately. His hands found their way to her waist. Her hands were running through his hair. Then - the door opened. They pulled away from each other abruptly as Brian emerged, his mouth open in shock. No one said anything for a minute. Brian clenched his teeth, looking from Phoebe to Cole. He finally spoke.
"I got off work early. I thought I'd surprise you." He said to Phoebe. "I sent the babysitter home, so you two can enjoy your time together." He pushed past Phoebe and Cole and hurried to his car. Phoebe's eyes met Cole's as he passed, before she turned after Brian.
"Brian!" She called after him. She ran, catching him before he got into his car. "Wait." She said, grabbing hold of his arm. He wrenched free of her.
"Wait? For what, Phoebe? Huh?" He demanded. "I saw it. When he first arrived. I saw how he looked at you. How. . ." He trailed off, fighting to compose himself. "How you looked at him." He finished.
"I didn't--" Phoebe started.
"Maybe you didn't realise it at first either." Brian said. "I saw it. But I didn't want to believe it. I guess I have to now." He finally said, opening the car door. He stopped. "You can keep that." He said, indicating to the engagement ring on her finger. "I won't be needing it." He climbed into the car, before starting it and driving away. Phoebe didn't try to stop him. She waited a moment, standing on the curb as his headlights disappeared down the street. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Cole walk up to her.
"This was one of those drunken mistakes, wasn't it?" He asked softly. Phoebe paused for a moment in thought.
"No." She replied truthfully. She turned to look at him. "I would love to be able to have that excuse. . .but I don't."
Cole smiled slightly. "But. . ." He said, guessing what was next.
"Not now." Phoebe said simply.
"I always have the worst timing." Cole said with a vague smirk. He paused. "Are you okay?"
Phoebe hesitated. "I will be." She answered truthfully.
"Okay." Cole said. He gave her a reassuring grin. "I'll see you. . ." He said softly, before heading to his car and driving away. Phoebe watched Cole leave, before heading back to the manor, feeling surprisingly less upset than she would have expected.
* * * * *
Alrighty. Hope that suffices for now. You probably won't see another chapter for a while, mid term, so all my exams and assignments are coming up. Knowing me, that probably won't stop me anyway. Review and give me your thoughts.