Halliwell Manor, present day
During the next few days, Alex was a breath of fresh air. She didn't seem to take things seriously though she put in more work then Chris at helping the Charmed Ones. She had given each aunt a diary that was individually charmed to each where they could store their thoughts, dreams, memories, and so forth with no worry about the books falling into the wrong hands.
She joined Phoebe in her meditations, floating in the air along side her on the attic rug. Alex even got Chris to join them and it greatly calmed him down.
Paige and Richard once joined them but stopped after one session after Richard rolled off the edge of the floating rug while trying to get his legs crossed right.
Chris was still a bit to handle, wanting to know what each sister was up to and where they were but it didn't seem as intrusive or as interrogative as before.
Phoebe did learn one thing; Alex knew her future husband and kids. (The plural for kids was the only thing definite Phoebe was able to get out of her, thanks to Chris.) The two had been making pancakes, obviously a favorite since they cooked them a lot- when Phoebe had rushed thru getting ready for a date.
Alex has looked at her funny and said, "What about Uncle …" Chris cut her off, covering her mouth and pulling her back.
"Sh, Aunt Pheebs and Paige aren't married yet. They don't know and you can't tell them!"
Phoebe had tried to interrogate Alex without Chris around. Alex had only smiled that Cheshire smile she obviously learned from Chris and handed her an 8-ball. Though she'd be loath to admit it, Phoebe actually consulted the ball, comparing her results to the tarot cards and her feelings. Alex also introduced Phoebe to rune stones and druid letters.
Of course Paige wasn't left out of the weirdness. Alex completely rearranged and restocked all things magical. She developed a rotation chart for magical herbs, so that they could be kept fresher and more potent. Alex also precurred herbs, stones, candles, spices, and potion supplies that were hard to get or unusual.
Alex helped Phoebe keep her lunches at work. Though the woman would have rather not have gone thru that experience. Since Piper was a chef, she packed delicious lunches that often disappeared from the lunch room fridge, much to Phoebe's dismay. After the first time Alex cooked, Phoebe, Leo, and Paige became dedicated vegetarians (while in the manor.)
The first lunch Alex packed for Phoebe was an exotic stir fry- with extra crickets. (What grossed out the aunts the most was this was genuinely Chris's favorite- besides pancakes and tomato soup.) The following days found Phoebe's lunch made up of mini-mice fillets (sometimes with ribs inside but that was very rare) and Kendle demon burgers (that really grossed out the aunts. Alex had lots of recipes for vanquished demon flesh.)
Of course one of the most disturbing things was when Alex and Chris fought over Swarm demon flesh, arguing on which herbs and spices were the best. Chris kept insisting on mesquite seasonings. Alex kept saying honey and pepper. Alex threw a full blown hissy fit when Chris threw in some curry seasonings with black salt when she wasn't looking.
The aunts had to keep them separate the next two days.
Despite this button pressing, Chris and Alex would disappear together. A couple of times, Leo would discover them on top of the bridge arch, leaning into each other. Chris holding Alex as they watched the sun set and the city. Upon hearing this, nosey Phoebe tried to play subtle match maker. Chris seemed to figure it out right away but never really called his aunt on it. Alex seemed completely oblivious.
Once, on a demon reconnaissance mission, Alex got separated from Chris. She quickly became confused and really upset. She handled herself well, establishing a fortification against demons and cutting down any that came near her.
She stayed in that spot until Chris found her, returning her home.
Alex started crying hard, really hard while Chris held onto her, rocking her and wiping away her tears and getting her to blow her nose. Chris was patient and held her for several hours until Alex cried her self to sleep.
Chris sat in one of the overstuffed chairs; Alex curled up with her head turned into Chris's chest and warm presence. He was stroking her long, free flowing hair and would press a kiss into the locks from time to time. His other hand was caught fast in Alex's grip. She would not let go for anything and her young protector seemed loath to try.
Once Alex was asleep, Phoebe came in with juice and a sandwich for Chris. She sat on the edge of a stool, facing Chris. While Chris ate with his free hand, Phoebe rubbed soothing strokes over Alex's back, channeling peaceful thoughts.
"You love her, don't you?"
"Yes, of course."
"No, I means you love her, not just as a friend but as in a girl friend, like… like Bianca."
"No, I," Chris quickly cut himself off, knowing any denial would be clearly seen thru as a lie. He sat pondering for a while, twining his fingers around and thru Alex's- who kept a firm grip on him.
"I do," he wailed, as if his heart was breaking. "I do love her, so much but its wrong to love her like that."
"Love is never wrong. Hard, yes, but love is never wrong," Phoebe said, taking hold of Chris and Alex's entwined hands. "You should tell her, let her know how you feel. I know she feels the same way. Keeping in this holding pattern won't do either of you any good."
"But Bianca, what about her?"
"I thought you said she was dead?"
"She is but if I succeed in saving Wyatt, if I succeed in changing the future, she could probably be alive."
"And what if she isn't and what if you don't. Will Alex still be there, waiting?"
"But I will save Wyatt, I have to."
"It's been a year since you came back and we're no closer in figuring out what turns Wyatt then before. Chris, I've watched you fight for Wyatt, sacrificing nearly everything, even your very existence. I'm tired of seeing you alone and hurt. I know I can't change that for you. But Alex? She's completely capable of making you happy. I see joy and happiness and love when you look at Alex. Even without my empathic abilities I'd know it."
"I don't know if I could, if I should"
"Chris, one thing I've figured out in my life as a charmed one is that love will always find a way. Look at Piper and Leo."
"You and Cole."
"Chris, that was an atypical situation thou we did in fact find a way. We were married and had a child together. Sure it was evil and was vanquished before it was born but love did find a way. We had a good life together; our love made him good and brought him back from death. Have faith, Chris. Hold onto love whenever you can because it's a rare and beautiful thing and should always be embraced."
Alex snuffled in her sleep, burying herself trustingly into Chris's embrace. The young witch/white lighter had to think that maybe his aunt was right. Here was love in his hands, someone who he cared deeply about, someone who he'd known for a long time. Sure, they'd been best friends (with benefits sometimes) but pursuing a romantic relationship with Alex would be a hard step. He knew it wouldn't be a betrayal of Bianca. She would want him to be happy and would be more then pleased that it was Alex.
It was true that Alex was his sister but she'd been adopted and they didn't share any blood. Alex did need him and he knew he could always be there for her. He'd always watched out for her and she depended upon him so much.
But would that dependency be too much for a relationship?
No, that wouldn't matter. Chris would be there and take care of Alex even if they didn't take this step. Chris studied Alex, her soft lips, her slightly upturned nose, ears that wanted to be pointed. She had such a carefree, happy soul- despite what had happened. Chris wouldn't be surprised if she turned into an elf (a trickster elf, of course) and disappear into the woods.
He loved that about her.
No matter how serious Chris took himself and his responsibilities, Alex was there to slap him upside the head and tell him to laugh. She was just as good for him as he was for her.
Chris closed his eyes and kissed Alex lightly. She responded to his kiss, even in her sleep. Her presence warm and comforting, reminding him that he wasn't alone and didn't have to be.
Chris took his opportunity when it presented itself.
They had watched the sunset over the sea, sitting close together on the bridge top. It was a great place to be alone with Alex and only had to worry about his aunts needing him or Leo orbing in. Of course, Leo was always in Elder land or at the school. (He really hoped the school since Piper was there.)
It was a romantic setting and Alex was leaning close, her head resting on his shoulder. He'd already put his arm around her, drawing her closer and had taken her hand in his. He marveled at how their fingers twined together. Her pale, thin fingers in his own. A touch of pink on her short nails and Chris had to wonder which aunt was responsible for that. Her hand was a patchwork of calluses and softness. Hands willing and able to do work; to do hard labor but gentle and kind when needed to be. Alex loved people, especially kids and was a good teacher, if not better then Paige was.
Alex was patient and helped you find the answers instead of giving them to you. Yes, a very kind woman who Chris could see as the mother of his children.
Chris ached at that. He could clearly see Alex nursing a brown haired, green eyed baby. Her body sexy and plump and radiantly beautiful.
Gods, how he wanted Alex.
His face pressed into her hair, smelling the gentle smell of vanilla shampoo and salt sea air. She smelled like wild herbs, wind in the trees, and starlight on cool summer nights.
He raised her hand, kissing the pale skin, his lips moving over the softness. Alex tried to pull away asking "Chris?" but he held her tight to him.
She turned towards him and Chris looked deep into her haunted jade eyes. They were a storm of emotions, windows to a complex soul that he wanted to connect with, become a part of. Chris traced her face, touching soft cheeks, warm lips, gently fluttering eyes.
"I love you, Alex," he whispered.
"I love you too, big brother," Alex replied.
Chris hushed her, putting his fingers over her lips. "No Chris. Call me Chris." He drew her to him, kissing her deeply, tasting those lips he admired. His hands tangled in her hair, loving the feel of her, loving the sensation of her. All Alex, all precious. He pulled back a fraction, whispering again, his lips almost brushing hers as he said it again.
"I love you."
"Oh."
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Paige and Richard took Chris and Alex on a double date to the park. They claimed one of the picnic tables and grills. Richard took command and tried to start the fire- using no magic. Chris and Alex kept trying to help, since living off campfire food for the last several years gave them advantages but the older man would have none of that.
Instead, Paige shooed them off to go play on the swing sets. The two troubled teens laughed and played like their toddler counterparts, though being big kids they were patient to wait their turn.
Paige has secretly brought a digital camera and would sneak pictures. The one she knew she liked the best was when Chris gave Alex a piggy back ride. The two big kids were competing against some younger ones, racing around the playground. Alex kept covering Chris's eyes and would shout directions at him. Chris kept getting so turned around that the other team won easily. There were also contests to see how high they could swing and running thru the obstacle course on the playground. Since the equipment was made for small kids, Chris had a hard time crawling thru everything and Alex kept stopping to push or pull him along.
They lost the race.
Of course, all the kids were having too much fun to really care. The smaller ones dragged their bigger, stronger buddies to the merry-go-round. They wouldn't take no for an answer thou Chris tried valiantly to worm his way out of being the horse. The kids climbed on and cheered Chris on as he ran faster and faster, getting the marry-go-round to spin with ease. After taking a spin on the marry-go-round himself, he stumbled off. He was having real trouble keeping his feet and was starting to turn green. Alex grabbed him, trying to lead him to a close by bench but his knees gave out and he landed on the round, dry heaving.
"Oh shit! Richard, Chris is in trouble," Paige yelled, going over to her sick nephew. He was shaking and was having trouble catching his breath. Both Paige and Alex talked to him, trying to get him to calm down before he had a full blown panic attack.
The kids kept crowding around, trying to find out what was wrong with their new found friend. Eventually Chris was calm enough and didn't look so green that Richard and Alex helped him back to the picnic table. Alex dumped out a few things from a paper bag and handed it to Chris, telling him to breath. Then she slapped his arm lightly, yelling.
"Why didn't you tell me you still suffer from vertigo?"
"Um, I didn't know," Chris mumbled into the bag.
"Chris…" Alex moaned in exasperation. "Well, we'll have to get you home, get you to bed."
"Oh, no, you don't have to…" Chris had raised his head, instantly turning green.
Richard just shrugged, tossing in the cooking hot dogs and burgers back into the cooler. Paige was making quick work of the table.
"We'll have to get you home before it gets worse and you know it will. Come on, can you get to the car?"
Chris started to nod but thought better of it and gave his assent. Richard took hold of Chris, helping him to stand and walked slowly to the car. The girls did a quick relay, getting everything in the van and pulling it around closer to where Chris and Richard were.
"Mister? Is he going to be ok?" asked one of the kids from the playground. He had jumped in to help Richard steady Chris.
"I don't know, I'm sure he will be," he answered.
"I'll be ok, kid." Chris ruffled his hair. "I just gotta not use my head to stop any more rock walls." The kid nodded sagely, understanding.
Between the three of them, the adults got Chris in the car and lying down. Paige didn't even need to be told to take it slow. Alex kept Chris's head in her lap, rubbing his temples and helping him focus. He kept breathing into the paper bag, keeping himself from hyperventilating. Once home, it was a slow walk up the stairs into the house.
Once inside, Phoebe came rushing to the door at all the noise. "What happened?" she asked concerned.
"The merry-go-round doesn't like Chris. Come on, let's get you to bed." Before anyone could say anything, Paige orbed Chris upstairs.
"No! Wait! You can't…" There was a loud thump upstairs and Paige started yelling. "You can't orb, damn."
The group rushed upstairs to find Chris pale and passed out on the floor.
"Paige, you can't orb someone with vertigo. It makes it worse." Alex took Chris under the arms but thought better of it. She lifted her hands, TK'ing Chris up and sliding him onto the bed.
"Does this happen often?" Paige asked as she took off Chris's shoes and helped arrange Chris on the bed.
"It used to, until we found a white-lighter to heal him. He got hit in the head really hard during a battle. Concussion, blown pupils, nausea, the whole nine yards. He couldn't sit up without help. Took us nearly a month to find a white lighter to heal him."
"What about Leo?"
"Na, injury's too old. Won't do much good."
"No, I mean, why didn't Leo heal him in the future? Wasn't he around? Wouldn't he help?"
Alex looked blankly at the aunts.
"When Chris was injured, why didn't Leo heal him?"
"Leo was gone," Alex said, still confused.
"You mean he was dead?"
"Oh, no, Leo was alive. We'd hear about him from time to time but he'd left several of our years ago." Alex waved her hand to indicate her and Chris. "I think the last time Leo and Chris saw each other or talked was after I was captured. Wyatt used him as an intermediary between them. No, we never really had contact with Leo, didn't care to."
"But why not? Leo is Chris's father? What happened between them? Why does Chris hate Leo so much?"
Alex was silent and the aunts were starting to think she was going to ignore the question.
"It's really Chris's decision if he'll tell you or not."
Before the aunts could try and weasel more details, Chris's eyes fluttered open and he groaned.
"Oh. Ow."
"I'm so sorry, Chris. I was trying to help. I didn't know it'd make it worse."
"It's ok, I should have warned you. Orbing can mess with your sense of balance if you're not used to it. Vertigo just makes it really bad." Chris tried to sit up but his eyes started rolling in their sockets. Alex was quick to steady him, orbing extra pillows in for him to lean back against. "Gods, I forgot how bad it could be. I think, yeah, I'm going to throw up again."
Paige quickly got the trash can, just in time too as what was left of breakfast came up. Richard stood by with a glass of green stuff.
"Here, this'll help with the nausea. Sip slow."
Alex let Chris sip a few mouthfuls before taking away the glass and running a soothing hand across his brow.
"Chris, have you been hit in the head recently or anything?"
Chris snorted. "I hunt demons. Of course I have. I keep finding myself being thrown into walls. Piper even threw me thru a door while she was a goddess."
"Oh, Chris, you numbskull. No more demon fighting. No, no, I mean it. You're taking a vacation. One week, no demons."
"Yeah, Chris, you're grounded," Phoebe chuckled in her little girl voice.
"I'm 22, an adult. You cannot ground me."
"Oh, yes I can and I can make sure you stay grounded."
Chris gulped, turning pale. "You wouldn't."
Alex smirked. "Yes, I would."
"You can't!"
"Just watch me." Alex started to hold out her hand, palm up but Chris lunged, pulling her hand down.
"No need. I'll behave. No demon hunting, one week. Nice good long restful vacation. Yep, no demons for me."
"Good boy," Alex petted him on the head. He blew a razz berry at her. "Now you rest up, get some sleep. You'll feel better when you wake up and we'll have dinner and watch some TV." Alex tucked the pouting Chris in while Phoebe giggled at her nephew.
Sarcastically, Paige kissed his forehead and wished him a long nappy time.
Chris flipped her the bird.
Still laughing, the girls left.
"So, Alex, what were you going to do?"
"Oh, a little old trick I picked up. Comes in handy when he won't listen to reason."
"So you use that a lot?"
Alex smirked, "More then he'd like."
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So how do you like the universe so far? The shit hasn't hit the fan but it will. The future doesn't just come knocking, it blows down the house. LOL.
