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The Ties That Bind
Chapter Nine

Piper cast another sideways glance at the clock, for the fifth time that minute by his count. He loved the way her hair cascaded down her back, shiny, perfect, beautiful, he wanted to stroke it again like he used to but held back. Despite their kiss earlier, Leo still wasn't sure where they stood on the whole 'relationship' ground… even though they were married. Even though the divorce papers Piper was sorting out hadn't come through yet. Even though Piper had taken off her ring. Even though he kept his with him always.
Theirs was not a simple matter, never had been never would be.

Mesmerised by each and every little detail, he did not notice when she turned away from the clock, returning her own eyes to gaze at him. Or rather, he realised he now had a different view of her but that didn't register on a conscious level worthy of response. Eyes of the deepest brown, ones he was captivated by on first sight, cheeks, that mouth he loved to kiss, softly pink lips that felt so good against his. He missed her, hated that his Elder responsibilities kept him away, that they meant he was never supposed to be with his family, instead to be with half the world.
"Piper -"

"Leo -"

Unawares of the other's thoughts, both spoke at the same time, both broke off at the same time, and both were interrupted a few seconds later by the loud commotion of Paige, Phoebe and little Wyatt, Chris and Cadey arriving in the attic for the chiming of the first eight o'clock of the day.

Chris took charge immediately, pacing the space in front of the Triquetra bearing wall, "Everybody got their spells and potions?"

After an affirmation from everyone present, except Wyatt, Chris went over the plan again. "When Wyatt comes through again he'll be shocked to see everyone for about two seconds. That's when we've got our window of opportunity. Cadey: you've got the potion that's gonna throw up smoke -he'll expect more and that'll give us time to read the spell that binds his powers to his time only to make him think twice about coming back here. Leo, you and me are gonna just push him through the portal -he'll be expecting magic and that'll surprise him again. Mom, Paige, Phoebe: we'll need to power of three spell to close the portal and stop all portals to this time for awhile, but bindings like that don't last long, just like his won't."

"Can't we just re-cast them?"

Chris shook his head, "No, every time they're reapplied they get weaker and last for shorter and shorter amounts of time… think of it like taping on a video cassette. Eventually the magnetic tape just gets worn too thin and it won't work anymore."

"Sir yes sir!" Paige saluted with a grin, probably trying to lighten the mood. Leo appreciated the attempt, but it didn't work -there wasn't anyway to alleviate the pain this confrontation was going to cause them, even if Piper and he had disowned this future version of Wyatt, the fear of what could be was still there. What they would not let be. Not this time. Chris would get his perfect future.
But still… no boy should have to fight his brother in hopes of saving himself, his mother, his father and, apparently, at least another brother and sister.
Cadey. She stood as close as possible to Chris whilst he paced. According to Phoebe she was eleven. According to Piper, with what she learnt from Victor, in the future they were going to prevent Piper died when Chris was fourteen… Chris was what? Twenty? Twenty-one? That would make Cadey five or maybe six when Piper died.
Not this time. Chris would get his perfect future.

A distant chime from downstairs broke the quiet chatting between the sisters.

It was to begin.

The battle that would decide the future, and who would be alive to see it.

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Author's Note: 'Kay, sortin out my hours... slowly but surely! The next chapter was where I was gonna end it, but don't worry! I got struck with inspiration, have up to seventeen planned so far now :D

Review Thank You's and Replies To:
Prudence Halliwell: Hmmm I didn't think of that :O Okay... let's explain away quick... uuuuh..... (many minutes (literally) later)... they didn't think of that ;) (i.e: i didn't lol!)

melissa-p: Nope! But i'm a late comer to Charmed -i only watched my first episode at the beginning of the summer hols :O So i've been watching the re-runs. Just had a S6 ep with like, NO CHRIS! I was outraged lol! Something about the sword in the stone....
And SSSSSSSSSSSH! No S7 spoilers :P Mean! Even if that's very good... :P Mean!

Raya Halliwell:

Love Angel 1705: :D :D Poor Chris, me hitting him on the nose :O LOL :D

Queen of the Elven City x2: heheheheeee this is freaky! You keep pickin' my favourite lines!
Whose name do you love? :S

ilovedrew88: It was put as soon as I could write it :D Really short though :( Next chapter should be up sooner to make up for it!

charmedsisters x2: Haya! Glad you like :D Hope you follow with it :)