I forgot my disclaimer at the beginning of this story, so I will do so now.
I do not own any of the characters, however I love writing about them.
Thanks so much to Stranded Stargazer, HollyShadow , leo/piper4ever, and Piper Wyatt-Halliwell 1973 for reading the first chapter and kind enough to give a review. Your comments mean so very much and I appreciate it. Glad you are enjoying the story. I always felt there was not enough drama as far as the whole "Piper realizing who she loves dilemma" so I decided to write my own. (
Chapter 2
As the night wore on Leo's mood worsened. As hard as he tried not to, his eyes kept going over to Piper and Dan. She looked so happy. He was glad that she was. All he ever wanted was for her to be happy. To find that normal life she so desperately wanted and it looked like she had found it. Of course Dan didn't know her secret, but Leo had a feeling Dan would accept it, to keep Piper. However, no matter how often he had this conversation with himself, it still hurt like hell.
He thought for sure he would be able to win her back. Thinking their love was so strong, so pure, so lasting. Obviously it was not. He had no idea what he was going to do now. Finally admitting to himself that he had lost Piper as well as his wings. Where did he go from here?
"Hey good looking. What's the matter?" Phoebe's words broke through his dark musings, startling him. "What?" He asked as if coming out of a dream, not realizing he had wandered over to the sisters again. It didn't surprise him. He always felt a special bond with them, even after he lost his wings.
Rubbing his forehead with his fingers, he said. "Sorry, guess I zoned there for a moment. Do you need anything?"
"No, I think we're going to call it a night."
Leo didn't comment, because his gaze had once again drifted over to Piper and Dan.
Prue and Phoebe looked at each other in exasperation. Looks like they were going to have the same conversation with Leo as they did with their sister.
"You know Leo, maybe it's time to move on." Suggested Prue with compassion.
Leo swallowed hard before he answered in a strained voice. "I know, but it's so hard. It's harder than the first time."
The look in his soft green eyes tore at Phoebe's heart. God how she wished she could find a guy who felt about her like Leo did about Piper. "Maybe the first step would be to start dating."
Phoebe had to refrain from grinning at his terrified expression at the mere suggestion.
"Yeah Leo. There are tons of women who would love to go out with you and now that you're mortal, there's no reason not to." Prue pointed out.
"Oh no. No, no, no. I couldn't. Are you kidding? Do you know how long it's been since I asked someone out? Like decades! Besides, how can I go out with someone, when I'm in love with someone else."
Phoebe grabbed his hand in hers. "Listen sweetie. You need to get on with your life just like Piper is. I think meeting new people is a good start."
"I don't know." Leo replied with skepticism. "Just the thought of it scares me to death."
Prue leaned over. "Leo, it's not like you're going to have a hard time getting dates." At his puzzled look, she went on. "Come on. You're a great guy. You're good looking, sweet and a great listener. What's not to like?"
He shook his head, still not convinced. "I still don't know. I'll have to think about it."
Jumping off the barstool, Prue smiled. "It's a start. You ready Pheebs?'
"Yeah, why drag out the inevitable."
Confused, Leo asked. "What's inevitable?"
"That I'm going home alone."
Shaking his head, a bemused Leo watched the two sisters leave the club. There was nothing quite like the Charmed Ones and he didn't mean their destiny or powers. They were simply three incredibly spirited and special ladies. He felt fortunate to have been able to work with them and grateful to call them friends.
Soon after, most of the customers began to leave the club. Leo started cleaning up while his mind drifted back to his talk with the girls. Maybe it was time to seriously start thinking about doing something with his life. He would always love Piper, and nothing would change that. Coming to grips with the fact she had chosen Dan and beginning a normal life helped a little. The life he was unable to give her. Grabbing a large wet cloth, he began wiping down the bar surface. Returning to his thoughts, he had to admit, he had put Piper in an awkward position working here. Maybe he did need to get out and meet more people and even look for another job. He had no idea how long he'd remain a mortal. It might even be permanent. The thought caused his stomach to clench. It was bad enough loosing Piper, but to loose his calling as well was heart wrenching.
Dan had said goodbye to Piper at the club a few hours before. He had to be at work early, and could not keep the same hours as she did. It was just past midnight and the club was closed. Having cleared out the cash register, Piper was counting the night's receipts. Leo and Trish, one of the waitresses, were clearing the rest of the tables. She heard Trish laugh at something Leo had said. The two were working side by side collecting empty glasses and picking up trash. Keeping her back to them, Piper tried to ignore them. Leo's chuckle was followed by another giggle from Trish. Closing her eyes, Piper let out a frustrated sigh as she tried once again to count.
"Whoa! Careful!" Leo warned.
Piper swung her head around to see what the problem was. Trish had been carrying a tray laden with dirty glassware. Coming down off a small step she had lost her balance. Luckily Leo had been right behind her. Throwing his arms out, he grabbed her around the waist with one and steadied the tray with the other.
Having recovered herself mentally from the potential disaster, Trish took advantage of her present situation. Leaning back against Leo's warm chest, she enjoyed the feeling of his strong arm around her trim waist. He smelled great.
"You okay?" He questioned into her ear as she lay against him.
Enjoying her position, she didn't answer right away. Instead she gazed up into his incredibly warm green eyes. She saw genuine concern reflecting in them and she melted just a little. Now here was a guy a girl could have a relationship with. It didn't hurt that he was gorgeous to boot. Sending her a boyish smile, he lifted her back on her feet and removed his arm from her waist to take the tray from her. Instantly she missed his closeness.
"Thanks. Guess I missed the step there."
Still smiling, he said. "No problem, glad I was there to help."
Piper rolled her eyes at the whole scene. Talk about shameless flirtation. Trish had definitely taken advantage of an opportunity. She was all over Leo. And what was with that smile he gave! Letting her disgust at the whole exchange fill her, because it would drown out what she was really feeling. Jealousy.
With tray in hand, Leo moved toward the kitchen. Trish walked toward Piper, although her eyes remained on the departing Leo. "All right Piper, I gotta ask. Are Leo and you..." She hesitated almost afraid to ask. "You know, involved?"
Avoiding the other woman's eyes, Piper replied. "No, of course not. I'm with Dan."
"I know, but it seems like there was something between you two."
Forcing a smile to her lips, Piper said. "No, we're just friends."
"Okay, good. I just wanted to make sure first."
"Why?"
"Because I want to ask him out." The waitress answered with a huge smile.
The forced smile Piper had been wearing was now frozen in place. "Really." She commented through clenched teeth.
"Yeah. I can't wait for him to ask me. He's one of those shy ones. So I'm going to have to make the first move. I just love those quiet ones. Still waters run deep kinda thing."
"Hmmm." Was the only thing Piper managed to get out. She was afraid to say much more for all the rioting emotions claiming her at the moment. Feelings she knew she had no right to have, but experienced all the same. The mind may say one thing, however the heart was a completely different matter.
Smoothing back the stray hairs of her blond ponytail and straightening her clothes, Trish said. "Wish me luck!"
Smile still plastered on her lips, Piper gritted out. "Luck." She watched the other woman flounce off in the direction of the kitchen, and Leo. Not wanting to know the outcome, she grabbed the cash and receipts and headed for her office.
Leo stood in front of the office, hesitant to knock. He'd never asked for a night off before. There had never been a reason before. Working every night and seeing Piper had been his only life for the last few weeks. Now he had a date. He still couldn't believe he had said yes when Trish boldly came up and asked him out for Thursday night. Standing there dumbfounded at first, not knowing how to respond. Sensing his discomfort, she gave a reassuring smile and convinced him they'd have a great time. Before he knew it, he had accepted. Immediately he wanted to take it back, but could not hurt Trish that way. She was a great girl and he liked spending time with her at work. Maybe this would be a good thing. First he needed to get the night off, which meant knocking on this door and seeing Piper. Resolve in place, he gave the door a short rap.
"Come in." Was the answer from within.
Sticking his head through the doorway, Leo asked. "Hey Piper, can I talk to you?"
Looking up from her paperwork, she motioned for him to come in. "Of course. What's up?" She could tell he was nervous, because he kept clasping and unclasping his hands and wouldn't meet her eyes.
"Ummm, I need to..." He paused as if considering what he wanted to say. "I mean I'd like to ask for Thursday night off."
Piper felt like she'd been hit by a train. She knew the reason why he needed the night off. Trish had told her she planned to ask him out. The thing was, it never occurred to Piper that he'd accept. How could he when he was still in love with her. Okay, she was being unreasonable considering she had made it clear it was over between them and she was with Dan. It was unfair not to want Leo to try and find someone else as well. The heart was a very fickle thing and not at all reasonable, hence the present emotions rushing through her.
Keeping her composure, no easy feat, she asked. "Thursday night? I don't see why not." Not able to leave it at that and out of some morbid reason to cause herself more discomfort, she said. "Just out of curiosity, why?"
The uneasiness Leo was feeling multiplied. It was hard enough asking the woman you love for a night off so you could go out with another woman. Not knowing what to do with his hands, he stuck them in the back pockets of his pants, cleared his throat and cast his eyes to the floor. "Trish asked me out."
Busying herself with the papers on her desk, she said calmly. "I see. Well, have a good time."
Leo's head snapped up at her detached tone. He didn't know how she was going to react to his statement, but her cool manner surprised and hurt him. He had this silly notion, that maybe she'd be a little upset by it all. Show some sign that it bothered her even a little. Her reaction smothered any hope of that. It also proved again how much their relationship was over and he did indeed need to move on.
Wanting nothing more that to escape the room, he quickly replied. "Okay, thanks. See you tomorrow."
Not looking up, she answered back. "Night." As soon as she heard the door close, her head popped up and she stared unseeingly at the door. Releasing a ragged breath, she closed her eyes, hoping not to fall apart.
Another body had been found. Yellow crime tape stretched in a large circle. The police swarmed the area shaking their heads. Because of the location of the body, it was in a different police jurisdiction. A different set of detectives just as clueless as to what did this as their counterparts of the first murder. It would be days before the connection would be made. Days the predator would go on hunting, without fear of detection.
Thanks so much to Stranded Stargazer, HollyShadow , leo/piper4ever, and Piper Wyatt-Halliwell 1973 for reading the first chapter and kind enough to give a review. Your comments mean so very much and I appreciate it. Glad you are enjoying the story. I always felt there was not enough drama as far as the whole "Piper realizing who she loves dilemma" so I decided to write my own. (
Chapter 2
As the night wore on Leo's mood worsened. As hard as he tried not to, his eyes kept going over to Piper and Dan. She looked so happy. He was glad that she was. All he ever wanted was for her to be happy. To find that normal life she so desperately wanted and it looked like she had found it. Of course Dan didn't know her secret, but Leo had a feeling Dan would accept it, to keep Piper. However, no matter how often he had this conversation with himself, it still hurt like hell.
He thought for sure he would be able to win her back. Thinking their love was so strong, so pure, so lasting. Obviously it was not. He had no idea what he was going to do now. Finally admitting to himself that he had lost Piper as well as his wings. Where did he go from here?
"Hey good looking. What's the matter?" Phoebe's words broke through his dark musings, startling him. "What?" He asked as if coming out of a dream, not realizing he had wandered over to the sisters again. It didn't surprise him. He always felt a special bond with them, even after he lost his wings.
Rubbing his forehead with his fingers, he said. "Sorry, guess I zoned there for a moment. Do you need anything?"
"No, I think we're going to call it a night."
Leo didn't comment, because his gaze had once again drifted over to Piper and Dan.
Prue and Phoebe looked at each other in exasperation. Looks like they were going to have the same conversation with Leo as they did with their sister.
"You know Leo, maybe it's time to move on." Suggested Prue with compassion.
Leo swallowed hard before he answered in a strained voice. "I know, but it's so hard. It's harder than the first time."
The look in his soft green eyes tore at Phoebe's heart. God how she wished she could find a guy who felt about her like Leo did about Piper. "Maybe the first step would be to start dating."
Phoebe had to refrain from grinning at his terrified expression at the mere suggestion.
"Yeah Leo. There are tons of women who would love to go out with you and now that you're mortal, there's no reason not to." Prue pointed out.
"Oh no. No, no, no. I couldn't. Are you kidding? Do you know how long it's been since I asked someone out? Like decades! Besides, how can I go out with someone, when I'm in love with someone else."
Phoebe grabbed his hand in hers. "Listen sweetie. You need to get on with your life just like Piper is. I think meeting new people is a good start."
"I don't know." Leo replied with skepticism. "Just the thought of it scares me to death."
Prue leaned over. "Leo, it's not like you're going to have a hard time getting dates." At his puzzled look, she went on. "Come on. You're a great guy. You're good looking, sweet and a great listener. What's not to like?"
He shook his head, still not convinced. "I still don't know. I'll have to think about it."
Jumping off the barstool, Prue smiled. "It's a start. You ready Pheebs?'
"Yeah, why drag out the inevitable."
Confused, Leo asked. "What's inevitable?"
"That I'm going home alone."
Shaking his head, a bemused Leo watched the two sisters leave the club. There was nothing quite like the Charmed Ones and he didn't mean their destiny or powers. They were simply three incredibly spirited and special ladies. He felt fortunate to have been able to work with them and grateful to call them friends.
Soon after, most of the customers began to leave the club. Leo started cleaning up while his mind drifted back to his talk with the girls. Maybe it was time to seriously start thinking about doing something with his life. He would always love Piper, and nothing would change that. Coming to grips with the fact she had chosen Dan and beginning a normal life helped a little. The life he was unable to give her. Grabbing a large wet cloth, he began wiping down the bar surface. Returning to his thoughts, he had to admit, he had put Piper in an awkward position working here. Maybe he did need to get out and meet more people and even look for another job. He had no idea how long he'd remain a mortal. It might even be permanent. The thought caused his stomach to clench. It was bad enough loosing Piper, but to loose his calling as well was heart wrenching.
Dan had said goodbye to Piper at the club a few hours before. He had to be at work early, and could not keep the same hours as she did. It was just past midnight and the club was closed. Having cleared out the cash register, Piper was counting the night's receipts. Leo and Trish, one of the waitresses, were clearing the rest of the tables. She heard Trish laugh at something Leo had said. The two were working side by side collecting empty glasses and picking up trash. Keeping her back to them, Piper tried to ignore them. Leo's chuckle was followed by another giggle from Trish. Closing her eyes, Piper let out a frustrated sigh as she tried once again to count.
"Whoa! Careful!" Leo warned.
Piper swung her head around to see what the problem was. Trish had been carrying a tray laden with dirty glassware. Coming down off a small step she had lost her balance. Luckily Leo had been right behind her. Throwing his arms out, he grabbed her around the waist with one and steadied the tray with the other.
Having recovered herself mentally from the potential disaster, Trish took advantage of her present situation. Leaning back against Leo's warm chest, she enjoyed the feeling of his strong arm around her trim waist. He smelled great.
"You okay?" He questioned into her ear as she lay against him.
Enjoying her position, she didn't answer right away. Instead she gazed up into his incredibly warm green eyes. She saw genuine concern reflecting in them and she melted just a little. Now here was a guy a girl could have a relationship with. It didn't hurt that he was gorgeous to boot. Sending her a boyish smile, he lifted her back on her feet and removed his arm from her waist to take the tray from her. Instantly she missed his closeness.
"Thanks. Guess I missed the step there."
Still smiling, he said. "No problem, glad I was there to help."
Piper rolled her eyes at the whole scene. Talk about shameless flirtation. Trish had definitely taken advantage of an opportunity. She was all over Leo. And what was with that smile he gave! Letting her disgust at the whole exchange fill her, because it would drown out what she was really feeling. Jealousy.
With tray in hand, Leo moved toward the kitchen. Trish walked toward Piper, although her eyes remained on the departing Leo. "All right Piper, I gotta ask. Are Leo and you..." She hesitated almost afraid to ask. "You know, involved?"
Avoiding the other woman's eyes, Piper replied. "No, of course not. I'm with Dan."
"I know, but it seems like there was something between you two."
Forcing a smile to her lips, Piper said. "No, we're just friends."
"Okay, good. I just wanted to make sure first."
"Why?"
"Because I want to ask him out." The waitress answered with a huge smile.
The forced smile Piper had been wearing was now frozen in place. "Really." She commented through clenched teeth.
"Yeah. I can't wait for him to ask me. He's one of those shy ones. So I'm going to have to make the first move. I just love those quiet ones. Still waters run deep kinda thing."
"Hmmm." Was the only thing Piper managed to get out. She was afraid to say much more for all the rioting emotions claiming her at the moment. Feelings she knew she had no right to have, but experienced all the same. The mind may say one thing, however the heart was a completely different matter.
Smoothing back the stray hairs of her blond ponytail and straightening her clothes, Trish said. "Wish me luck!"
Smile still plastered on her lips, Piper gritted out. "Luck." She watched the other woman flounce off in the direction of the kitchen, and Leo. Not wanting to know the outcome, she grabbed the cash and receipts and headed for her office.
Leo stood in front of the office, hesitant to knock. He'd never asked for a night off before. There had never been a reason before. Working every night and seeing Piper had been his only life for the last few weeks. Now he had a date. He still couldn't believe he had said yes when Trish boldly came up and asked him out for Thursday night. Standing there dumbfounded at first, not knowing how to respond. Sensing his discomfort, she gave a reassuring smile and convinced him they'd have a great time. Before he knew it, he had accepted. Immediately he wanted to take it back, but could not hurt Trish that way. She was a great girl and he liked spending time with her at work. Maybe this would be a good thing. First he needed to get the night off, which meant knocking on this door and seeing Piper. Resolve in place, he gave the door a short rap.
"Come in." Was the answer from within.
Sticking his head through the doorway, Leo asked. "Hey Piper, can I talk to you?"
Looking up from her paperwork, she motioned for him to come in. "Of course. What's up?" She could tell he was nervous, because he kept clasping and unclasping his hands and wouldn't meet her eyes.
"Ummm, I need to..." He paused as if considering what he wanted to say. "I mean I'd like to ask for Thursday night off."
Piper felt like she'd been hit by a train. She knew the reason why he needed the night off. Trish had told her she planned to ask him out. The thing was, it never occurred to Piper that he'd accept. How could he when he was still in love with her. Okay, she was being unreasonable considering she had made it clear it was over between them and she was with Dan. It was unfair not to want Leo to try and find someone else as well. The heart was a very fickle thing and not at all reasonable, hence the present emotions rushing through her.
Keeping her composure, no easy feat, she asked. "Thursday night? I don't see why not." Not able to leave it at that and out of some morbid reason to cause herself more discomfort, she said. "Just out of curiosity, why?"
The uneasiness Leo was feeling multiplied. It was hard enough asking the woman you love for a night off so you could go out with another woman. Not knowing what to do with his hands, he stuck them in the back pockets of his pants, cleared his throat and cast his eyes to the floor. "Trish asked me out."
Busying herself with the papers on her desk, she said calmly. "I see. Well, have a good time."
Leo's head snapped up at her detached tone. He didn't know how she was going to react to his statement, but her cool manner surprised and hurt him. He had this silly notion, that maybe she'd be a little upset by it all. Show some sign that it bothered her even a little. Her reaction smothered any hope of that. It also proved again how much their relationship was over and he did indeed need to move on.
Wanting nothing more that to escape the room, he quickly replied. "Okay, thanks. See you tomorrow."
Not looking up, she answered back. "Night." As soon as she heard the door close, her head popped up and she stared unseeingly at the door. Releasing a ragged breath, she closed her eyes, hoping not to fall apart.
Another body had been found. Yellow crime tape stretched in a large circle. The police swarmed the area shaking their heads. Because of the location of the body, it was in a different police jurisdiction. A different set of detectives just as clueless as to what did this as their counterparts of the first murder. It would be days before the connection would be made. Days the predator would go on hunting, without fear of detection.