Bianca shakily got to her feet and turned on the bathroom tap. After almost three weeks of it, the morning sickness did not appear to be getting any better.

Much to her displeasure, and despite the fact that it was Christmas, this morning had been particularly horrible. It seemed that babies- even partially angelic ones- did not like to give their mothers a break for the holidays.

"Are you alright?" A sleepy looking Chris asked from the door way.

"Besides the fact that our baby seems to hate me…yeah, I'm fine." She replied after she had splashed some refreshingly cool water on her face. "Did the noise wake you up?"

He shrugged. "I guess. But I suppose I can't complain; I'm the one responsible for getting you pregnant in the first place."

"True." Bianca laughed, and moved into his embrace. "It's a wonder I haven't blown you to pieces with a fire ball yet."

"I'd just reform if you did…you can't get rid of me that easily." He chuckled. "Now, how about I prepare you a super nice Christmas breakfast? Bacon, eggs, waffles…anything you want."

"Mmmm, sounds wonderful." She replied.

Smiling, Chris orbed them both to the kitchen and began to assemble what he needed as Bianca took a seat at the table.

A comforting feeling filled her while she watched her boyfriend rummage through the cupboards; it had been rough not having him around as often as she was used to- she missed these simple moments when it was just the two of them. They had not spent much time together this past week; each evening Chris would orb back late from magic school, after a long day of preparations, and fall asleep about an hour later. Most nights Bianca had wanted nothing more than to wake him- she hadn't left the apartment in days and the only person who she had to talk to was Victor (whom they had found a small apartment for on the third floor of the building) - but she realized that Chris needed to get whatever sleep he could. All of this work was really taking a toll on him.

On the bright side, all of the days she had spent alone had given her a chance to work on the various protection spells she had created to block out members of her coven. She had never really told Chris about her encounter with Elizabeth several weeks ago- she didn't want to burden him with anything else- but she also knew that it was important to avoid any further confrontations.

If Elizabeth or any other phoenix found out about her pregnancy did didn't know what would happen…

The thought gave her chills.

Grabbing the newspaper that was lying on the kitchen table, Bianca began to scan the various headlines. She had been checking frequently for any articles that might help with the fight against Wyatt but it was clear that most newspapers had now been swayed in Wyatt's favour.

Lord Wyatt Captures Four More Witches.

Witches Destroy Historic Building.

Threats to be Eliminated by End of Next Year.

Lord Wyatt announces Plan to Open New Museum...

It was all propaganda that Wyatt had worked carefully to set up- he was portraying himself as some sort of saviour. He had managed to convince many that he had their best interests at heart…if only people had enough sense to see through all of his lies…

The only thing Wyatt cared about was power.

Bianca was glad that the plan for rescuing the witches was going better than expected, but she could not help but wonder what would come after that. Could they possibly reverse all of the damage Wyatt had done?

She didn't thing so.

"Breakfast is served." Chris said cheerily, placing two plates of steaming food on the table.

He really had gone over board this time- bacon, eggs, toast, waffles, sausage and fruit were all heaping over the plate. She could not help but suspect that he had used at least some magical assistance.

"Looks great, as usual." Bianca said with a smile as she hungrily began to dig in. "I've missed your cooking."

Chris laughed and took his place at the table. "Don't worry, as soon as this is over, I'll cook for you everyday."

There was a long silence as Bianca stared sadly down at her plate; her appetite suddenly deteriorating.

"What's wrong?" Chris asked, confused by her strange behaviour.

She sighed. "It's just…these past few days have given me time to think…do you really believe that this will end one day? How can we possibly undo what Wyatt has done?"

"I…I don't know Bianca…but I'm not willing to give up hope yet." He paused and gazed out the window thoughtfully. "Once we save the witches we'll have a lot more power on our side…our chances will be better…"

Chris trailed off and glanced down at the table; it was clear that he was finding it hard to believe his own words. "Lets not talk about this now." He muttered. "It's Christmas…lets enjoy it."

She nodded in agreement, now regretting bringing up the subject.

She didn't know what the future would bring; all she knew for sure was that they had right now.

Chris was right, they needed to enjoy themselves.

"So," she began playfully. "Did you get me a nice present?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Merry Christmas Leo." Katie said as she approached the Elder. Once again, he was hunched over various old tomes in the magic school library. He had been there every day since they had begun to formulate their plan…Katie wasn't even sure if he took time off to sleep anymore…

"Merry Christmas to you too." Leo replied, not looking up from his work.

The girl sighed and seated herself across from him at the table; it was almost five o'clock and she was about to leave for Christmas dinner at Chris and Bianca's…but she wanted to do one last thing before she did.

"You know," She began with an amused smile "I would have thought that Christmas was every angel's favourite holiday …but you obviously don't like it too much if you're willing to stay cooped up in here."

Leo finally looked up from his book. "I do like Christmas, but in light of recent events I can't justify taking any time off." He stated, as if that were his final thought on the issue.

"Come on Leo." Katie persisted stubbornly. "You've worked hard enough for today. Come with me."

"Katie, I…"

"Do it for Chris." Katie cut in, not allowing him to provide any more excuses. "You said that you wanted to make up for not being around when he was a kid…this is a perfect time to start. He wants you there; I know he does."

Leo did not reply and Katie took it as a sign of victory.

"Come on, you can orb us both there." She stated, closing the book he had been reading and grabbing on to his wrist. "You'll only be gone a few hours."

"I don't think that this is a good idea." Leo said quietly.

Katie rolled her eyes; she could see where Chris got some of his stubbornness from. "Don't talk, just orb." She insisted, locking eyes with him.

"Fine." He muttered. "But only for a couple of hours." And with that, the pair dissolved into a swirl of blue.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chris stood alone in the bedroom starring at the small velvet box in his hand.

After all he had been through in the past few months he would have thought that he had built up a little more courage…but he remained terrified.

Opening the lid, Chris stared down at the modest diamond engagement ring he had purchased. He wished that he could have bought her something more extravagant- Bianca deserved the most expensive ring in the world- but this was all he had been able to afford.

He hoped that she'd like it anyway…

He hoped that she would say yes…

'Of course she will, she loves you, and you love her.' The logical part of his brain screamed…but he could not suppress his feeling of doubt. He could never really be sure of anything…the last few months had proven that.

"Chris, can you help me for a second?" Bianca's voice called from the living room.

He quickly closed the box and shoved it back into his pocket.

He would ask her tonight…

"What do you need?" He asked as he walked into the room.

His grandfather had come by about an hour ago and was presently sitting on the couch flipping through the various Christmas specials. Chris was glad to seem him look so happy; he had recovered well from his encounter with Wyatt.

As soon as Bianca caught sight of him she shoved a light bulb into his hand and pointed up to the ceiling. "The old bulb burnt out." She stated. "And I don't feel like going down stairs to get a ladder…could you maybe do the floaty thing?"

He smiled. "You mean hovering? Sure." Chris quickly forced himself to float up towards the ceiling and screwed in the new light. "There." He said satisfactorily as he touched back down on the ground "Glad I could put my power to good use."

Victor gave a quiet laugh from the couch as he watched his grandson in amusement. "You know, if I recall correctly, I believe that is how the girls discovered that your father was a whitelighter." He stated. "He told them that he was a handyman and then Phoebe walked in on him hovering to change a light bulb…I imagine that must have been quite the shock."

Both Chris and Bianca smiled.

"I think I heard that story at one point." Chris recalled as he joined his grandfather on the couch. "Mom refused to believe it at first."

"That's understandable." Bianca stated amusedly. "I can honestly say that I know how it feels to discover that your boyfriend is actually an angel…defiantly hard to believe."

The sound of orbing suddenly tore all three away from their thoughts and Leo and Katie materialized in the middle of the room.

"Hi everyone" Katie said cheerily as she glanced around. "Hope you don't mind, but I talked Leo into finally taking a break."

"Of course we don't mind." Bianca replied, hugging both the young witch and her prospective father in law. "Merry Christmas."

"Um, yeah, hi Dad." Chris said somewhat stiffly, not bothering to move from his spot on the couch.

Katie gave a slight frown; she had hoped that Chris would be a little happier, but she supposed that this behaviour was to be expected- with any luck as the night wore on, the Christmas spirit would help cast aside old issues. She placed the few presents she had brought under the small tree. "So, do you need help in the kitchen?"

"Actually, you could help me rescue my stuffing." Bianca said with a chuckle "I'm not sure what went wrong."

Chris rolled his eyes. "You should have let me do it." He grumbled.

"I don't want to hear it, Chris." Bianca shot back in false anger as she and Katie walked into the next room.

There was a tense silence after the girls left.

"So, Leo…been keeping busy I guess." Victor said, unable to stand the uncomfortable calm.

"Yes. I'm sure Chris has told you all about our plans." Leo replied shortly.

Victor nodded.

There was more silence.

"Chris," Leo said suddenly, his gaze directed at the small tree Chris and Bianca had set up several days ago. "You really shouldn't use magic like that…personal gain issues aside…"

He was referring to the magical orb lights Chris had contributed to the plastic pine.

Chris glared at his father. "I think it's up to me to decide when I use my magic. Spare me the lecture."

"I think they look nice." Victor added unhelpfully.

The tension in the room was becoming almost unbearable.

"The turkey smells great." Leo stated, trying to change the topic away from anything magic related. "I can't remember the last time I had a Christmas turkey."

"That's because you haven't come to Christmas dinner since I was five years old, Dad." Chris said angrily, his green eyes flashing with pent up rage.

Leo sighed; it seemed that no matter what he said, Chris was not in the mood to get along. "Look Chris," he began, standing up from his seat. "If you don't want me here, I can go…it's obvious that you don't enjoy my company…"

"Don't be ridiculous Leo." Bianca's voice cut in from the kitchen door way. "You're not going anywhere. It's Christmas…and that means you're supposed to spend time with family…right Chris?"

Chris grumbled something in response.

"Good." Bianca replied with a forced smile. "Now, dinner is served."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Almost two hours and a whole lot of food later, the five occupants of the small apartment sat happily around the small wooden table.

"Best meal I've had in awhile." Victor said happily as he took a deep sip of his wine.

"I agree." Katie added as she stood to help clear the last of the dishes. "Thanks so much for inviting me, guys."

Thankfully, the dinner had gone a lot smoother than the conversation beforehand; Chris seems to accept that his father legitimately wanted to be there and, with the assistance of a glass of wine or two, seemed quite happy. Leo also seemed content and Katie, Bianca and Victor were just pleased to see father and son getting along.

All present had almost forgotten about the evils they would have to face in the coming days.

"So how's my little grandson doing?" Leo asked, looking down at Bianca's stomach.

She smiled. "Other than making his mommy sick everyday…he…or she…seems to be doing just fine."

Chris nodded and agreement. "Yep, he's even orbed her a few times." He stated with evident pride as he leaned towards the small pregnant bump. "You're gonna be just like your daddy." He cooed in a very sappy baby voice. "Yes you are…yes you are…"

"Umm..Chris?" Bianca questioned with confusion as she watched her boyfriends very uncharacteristic behaviour. "Are you okay?"

"He'll be fine." Leo answered for him. "Unfortunately he seems to have inherited my alcohol tolerance…angels and drinking don't really go together."

Everyone else laughed and continued to watch Chris' rather amusing performance.

"Let's open presents!" He exclaimed happily, suddenly jumping to his feet and dragging Bianca with him into the living room. There was a boyish excitement in his eye and Bianca could not help but imagine what an adorable kid he must have been. She hoped that their child really did take after his (or her) daddy.

Once everyone had taken a seat she helped to distribute the small pile of gifts. They all began to rip back the brightly coloured paper and thanked each other for what they had received- to any onlooker, at that moment they would have appeared to be a completely normal family.

"I'm sorry I didn't bring presents for all of you." Leo said quietly from his position on the couch. "I wasn't expecting to…"

"That's okay!" Chris said cheerfully, jumping to his feet. "I'm just glad you're here, I have something I've been wanting to give you."

Leo looked perplexed as a small square package appeared in Chris' out stretched hand. "Here." He said, shoving it at his father.

The elder noticed that the wrapping paper was torn in several places and looked more than a bit faded- it appeared that Chris had been holding onto this package for a very long time. Leo slowly tore back the paper and found himself speechless as he stared down at the gift. It was a picture frame- made of popsicle sticks, glue, sparkles and paint. It looked as if it had been done by a young child. Inside the frame was an old picture of Piper, Wyatt and Chris- with a cut out picture of himself pasted beside.

If it weren't for the obvious patches of glue attaching his image to the others, it would have looked like a proper family portrait.

"Chris, what-" he began to question, but Chris cut him off.

"I made it for you. When I was six." Chris explained, glancing down at the poorly crafted item. "Since you came for Christmas the year before, I thought that you would be coming back…and I thought that if I gave you a picture of us you might remember to visit more often. But you didn't come, and for some reason I've never been able to throw it out…"

Leo desperately fought back the tears that were beginning to well in his green eyes. He had made a lot of mistakes during the past hundred years, but there was none he regretted more than not being there for his sons. He had fought so hard to be with Piper- and then to have children…but he left them, soon after Chris was born. He had been foolish to think that he could do more good as an elder. His family had needed him…if he had been there, maybe Piper could have been saved…maybe Chris would still love him…maybe Wyatt would be good…

HE wished that there was a way to go back and do it all over again.

"Thanks Chris." He managed to choke out. "It's perfect."

Chris shrugged and turned back towards Bianca. "Do you like it?" he asked, referring to the gift he had given her "I know you love red."

"Of course I like it." Bianca said, giving him a light kiss on the cheek as she held up the sweater he had given her. She couldn't help but feel a little disappointed- from the way he had been acting that morning she had been expecting something more…

Chris grinned at her and she tried to make sense of his expression…it seemed that his alcohol induced haze had now begun to wear off…but she still could not get a clear read off of him.

Maybe he still had plans for later…

"I have something for you too, Bianca." Victor piped up. "Actually, it's more for the baby…but I addressed it to you. It's still in my apartment- couldn't find the strength to carry it up."

She smiled at the old man with whom she had begun to bond with over the past few weeks. She had genuinely enjoyed the hours they had spent together- he was like the grandfather she had never had.

"I'll go get it." Chris said as he began to orb.

Bianca grabbed his wrist and forced him back into solid form. "I don't think so." She stated, giving him her no nonsense look. "You're still not completely sober- you could end up orbing somewhere else instead."

"I'm fine." he pouted adorably. "I just had two glasses."

"Yeah, and evidently that's your limit…I'll get it you stay here." With that Bianca let go of his arm and shimmered out of the room.

"I hope she'll like it…I had a hell of a time picking it out." Victor muttered, taking another sip of his wine.

Chris laughed. "She likes any present." He paused as he caught sight of the shocked expression on Leo's face. "Dad, are you okay?" he asked, suddenly concerned.

Leo was starring at the spot from which Bianca had left…his mouth opening and closing as if he could not find the right words to say.

"She…you…I thought you said Bianca was a witch." The elder said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Chris, Victor and Katie all exchanged puzzled glances.

"Um, she is." Chris stated with confusion. He didn't know why Leo was acting so strange.

"No…" Leo began again, standing bolt upright and walking towards his son. "She just shimmered. Witches don't shimmer, Chris. Demons shimmer."

Now it all made sense. Chris had forgotten the story they had told Leo about Bianca…he had been under the impression that she was just a regular witch…he internally cursed himself; he should have told Bianca not to shimmer…he knew that Leo would react like this.

He had been with the elders for far too long.

"She's not a demon!" Chris defended, getting to his feet so that he could look his father in the eye. He suddenly felt very sober.

"She's obviously been lying to you…I know a demon when I see one." Leo paused and an even more mortified look crossed his face. "You got a demon pregnant, Chris…do you know how serious this is…"

Chris' eyes were flashing with rage. "That's enough!" he exclaimed, not allowing Leo to finish his sentence. "Bianca is not a demon; she's a phoenix…that's why she can shimmer. And even if she was a demon I would have thought that you would have trusted me a bit more to make my own decisions…"

"A phoenix?" the elder questioned. "Aren't they assassins? Witches who were turned demonic by years of murder-"

"Bianca has disowned her coven." Chris responded hotly. "She's not like them. She doesn't kill anymore."

"You can't expect her to fight her nature Chris…the thirst to kill is imbedded in all phoenixes…she may have stopped for now, but she'll go back,"

"I can't believe you're saying this!" Chris exclaimed. "You know Bianca, she's not evil. And you of all people should realize that genetics aren't everything…look at Wyatt, he certainly hasn't turned out to be a pacifist…"

Leo did not respond for several seconds and both father and son glared intensely.

"I'm leaving." Leo stated suddenly as he dissolved into blue orbs and left the room.

There was a long silence.

"Chris." Victor said soothingly as he stood up and moved to his grandson's side. "I'm sure he didn't mean it…he's been under a lot of stress recently."

Chris rolled his eyes. "He meant it. But it's fine. I've never cared what he thinks…why should I start now."

"Once he calms down a bit he'll realize that he's just being stupid." Katie said quietly, feeling a but guilty for dragging Leo with her in the first place. "He was surprised, that's all. He'll get over it."

"Get over what?" Bianca asked as she shimmered back into the room with a large package. "What did I miss?"

"Nothing." Chris lied quickly. "Leo just left…decided that he had taken enough time off. He's always been an over working jackass."

Bianca gave him a comforting smile. "Well at least he came for a bit. And I'm sure he'll come around more often once the baby is born…speaking of the baby…can I open the present now Victor?"

"Of course." Victor replied.

Without another moments hesitation the young woman tore back the Christmas paper to reveal a beautifully carved wooden crib. "It's wonderful!" she gasped, moving across the room to give the old man a hug. "I love it."

Victor shrugged. "I figured you'd need it, and I really liked this one…my great grand child deserves the best."

"Thanks Grandpa." Chris said with a weak smile.

"No problem." He replied. "Now, does anyone feel like some of that apple pie I brought? The guy at the bakery said it was their most popular dessert."

"Count me in!" Katie exclaimed happily as all four returned to the kitchen table to enjoy this last peaceful night.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Wyatt sat alone in his dark chambers, polishing the hilt of his sword.

It was the first Christmas he had spent alone…what remained of his family now officially hated him and he had not seen it fit to replace their company with that of demons.

He had not, however, allowed himself to wallow in self pity- he knew that by this time next year his brother would be at his side…that thought kept him content.

The other day an unexpected informant had told him of his fathers plans to rescue the witches he had taken captive since his rise to power. Wyatt found it rather amusing that his father and brother still believed that there was a chance of defeating him…perhaps they did not fully realize the amount of power he possessed…the amount of power Excalibur possessed…

With any luck, Elizabeth would deliver Bianca within the next few days and he could begin to put his plan into action. If he managed to break Bianca first, then he knew that he could lure Chris to him.

He realized that for this to work, he would need the assistance of one very special demon…

A demon that had come close to breaking the charmed ones on many occasions…

A demon with a very particular power…

The demon of fear.

First thing tomorrow he would summon Barbas and help him to prepare for the very important task ahead…

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Late that night Chris stared up at the dark ceiling of the bedroom he and Bianca now shared.

It had certainly been an eventful Christmas…his little fight with Leo was perhaps the most notable highlight.

That had put him in a rather dark mood and he had decided against giving Bianca her big present; he wanted to do it when everything was perfect…and today's perfect mood had certainly been ruined by his father.

Maybe he would give her the ring after he had completed his first mission.

If he completed it…

He would bring her to their special spot in the park and ask her the question that had been burning on his mind for quite some time.

He didn't care what his father said.

He loved Bianca and he knew that nothing…not Leo…not Wyatt…not anyone…could possibly tear them apart.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A/N Officially my longest chapter yet…which is odd because it was intended to be sort of filler. I guess I just couldn't stop myself. Sorry that it's a Christmas chapter posted a few weeks late…when I started I thought I would make it to this point by the 25th but unfortunately I did not. Hope you had enough residue of the season left in you to enjoy it anyway! Will try to update soon.

(Will update sooner if you REVIEW!)

phoebe turner- Thanks again. I think you may have set the record for the most reviews ;)

lemu91- Thanks for another review!

charmedchick4eva- Glad you enjoyed it! Here is the update.

Patricia L. Bryans- Thanks for the review! It made me smile, and don't worry, I can get nit picky about things too. In answer to your query…I did not see "Oh My Goddess." So I don't know the exact details of the Paige situation, but in "Spin City", Chris tells Paige that, in the future, she was the one he would ask to borrow money (thus implying that she was alive). This is just one of the many inconsistencies in the Charmed universe…but for the purposes of my story I decided to have Paige die in her forties- thus my comparison is not a mistake. Thanks for challenging me; I love to justify myself (seriously)...and if I have made any big mistakes I'd like to know…it's hard to keep track of everything I've said in past chapters. Tata!