A/N: Many, many thanks to those of you who left reviews for the previous chapter, it was great to hear what you thought. I am trying to get at least this chapter and maybe one more up before I move. Don't want to let you hang too long if I can help it. As always your comments are appreciated so if you got the time let me know.

Chapter 3

The following morning proved to be a tension filled one in the Halliwell Manor. Phoebe barely said two words to Cole or anyone for that matter. Her older sister was still nursing a grumpy attitude and when Leo attempted to talk her out of it he was he was met with silence. Opting to let her come to him in her own time, and for the first time he wasn't upset when a jingle came from the Elders. With a quick goodbye to everyone he orbed out.

Cole was over Phoebe's cold shoulder routine and decided to give them both some space by shimmering out.

Having no clue what had transpired the pervious evening Paige happily bounded down the stairs determined to make it to work on time for a change. When she saw her sisters expressions she asked, "What's with the two of you?"

"Nothing" They responded in unison and the same disgruntled tone.

"Okaaaay." Paige let the word draw out. She eyed one sibling then the other and when neither of them made a move to elaborate, she thought it best not to press. If they needed her they knew where to find her.

After Paige had left, Piper straightened up the kitchen before taking a seat across from Phoebe. Instead of wallowing in her own misery, why not listen to someone else's. "So what happened last night?"

Her sister had been toying with a napkin on the table, her left cheek supported by the palm of her hand. Looking up, she reluctantly replayed last night's debacle. "I don't know Piper." She said when she had finished. "Maybe Cole can't suppress that side of him."

"Possibly, but isn't that part of what attracted you to Cole in the first place, his darker side. You've always liked the bad boy image and you definitely got that with Cole in spades."

"You're right, I know. I'm drawn to dangerous types, but I don't know, maybe I should re- think that. I mean I love Cole, I do. I just wish he wasn't quite so dark, so unpredictable. Actually I wish he had a little of Leo in him. Leo is always so even tempered and calm. You never have to worry if he's going to go off on someone."

Piper let out a short "Huh." It was somewhere between a laugh and a groan.

"What?"

Shaking her head, Piper said, "Nothing. It's just I was wishing Leo would be a little more aggressive, not always so understanding about things. I mean the man never seems to get mad or frustrated. I guess sometimes I wish he'd get upset over something instead of always being so level headed."

"Aren't we a pair?" Observed Phoebe with a wan smile. "Each wanting what the other has."

"We're sick aren't we?" Piper tried to joke but it didn't quite have the desired effect.

Up in a potted plant by the window Jid and Jad listened intently to the conversation below. Jid turned to his companion with a huge grin. "This is perfect. This will be the best fun ever."

Jad, not as clever as her mate frowned confused. "What is?"

"Didn't you listen to them you silly girl? They each want what the other has, so let's give it to them."

Jad, slightly put out by being called silly, put that aside as she realized what her partner was saying. "Switch personalities!"

"Exactly. We'll have a bloody good laugh with this." Clasping hands together, they danced around and giggled.

Leo had sensed Piper at P3 and decided to orb home first. He'd give her a call and judge her mood. Leo didn't think of it as being cowardly, but instead a strategically sound move. Orbing into the living room he was pleased to find it empty. The silence was actually kind of nice. He didn't have time to enjoy it as Cole shimmered in right behind him.

"Leo. Cole." They both greeted in neutral tones. It wasn't that they disliked each other; it was just an odd arrangement. An angel and half demon each in love with a Charmed One. Leo always remained friendly but cautious around the demon. While Cole not actually admitting it didn't mind the Whitelighter all that much. Leo wasn't nearly as annoying as most advocates for good usually tended to be.

"Girls aren't home." Offered Leo.

Cole nodded his head and looked around. "Considering Phoebe's present mood that's probably not a bad thing."

The Whitelighter sent him an understanding smile. Having known the girls longer, Leo knew it was not easy loving them, especially for someone like Cole. "If you want to talk about it?"

Cole arched one dark brow and sent Leo a look. Holding up his hands in defense, Leo responded, "Hey I was just asking."

The two caught up in their own uncomfortable exchange did not notice the two tiny figures hovering above their heads. Jid held one hand over Leo's head while Jad did the same to Cole. Linking their other hands together, they closed their eyes and quietly chanted. A black hue began to glimmer around them as they concentrated and continued to chant.

Slowly a white cloudy substance began to rise from Leo as a gray colored one rose from Cole. Using their hands, the tiny figures lifted the cloudy substances higher and when they were high enough they tossed them in opposite directions. Thus causing the white cloud to enter Cole and the gray to enter Leo. The force was so much that it flung the two men backward where they landed hard on the sofa.

Shaking their heads, they looked at one another. "What the hell was that?" A hard edge laced Leo's statement.

"I don't know, I feel kind of strange." Cole answered back softly.

Leo popped to his feet and rubbed his temples. "Whatever it was its over. I feel fine now, how about you?"

Cole also rose to a standing position. "Yeah, I'm fine now I guess. Still strange though."

Leo rolled his shoulders. "I don't know about you but I'm about over Piper's moods. I'm going over to P3. It's about time we cleared the air."

"I think that's a good idea. You two need to talk. I'm sure everything will work out. I should do the same with Phoebe. Good luck."

Leo didn't need luck he just needed to let Piper know he was tired of guessing why she's mad at him. If she has a problem with him then she should just come out and say so instead of playing games."

It was not unusual for P3 to pull in a pretty decent crowd on a week night, but tonight was really busy. Not that Piper minded, it meant a bigger profit. It also kept her busy and her mind off of things. She had been feeling a little guilty about giving Leo the brush off. After all he was only trying to help. Most women would kill for a guy who always listened and gave advice. Piper did realize how lucky she was to have someone as understanding as Leo. He really was an angel in more ways than one. So when she glanced up and saw him enter the club through her office she let a smile form on her lips. It didn't hurt that he was looking especially fine tonight. His blue sweater was just snug enough to accent his broad chest and shoulders. His hair was slightly miffed proving he had recently run a hand through it. He was making a beeline to her and he wore a determined expression. It was something she seldom saw on him but it caused a flicker of excitement in her stomach.

Before she could say anything he came around the bar and took her arm. Not in a bruising grip but a firm one. "Come on, we need to talk,"

Stunned by his tone, well actually his whole demeanor, she went with him without fuss. It wasn't until they made it to her office she got her brain back online. "Leo, what's going on? You can't just drag me away from work. I've got a business to run."

Turning to face her, his eyes were not their usual soft green instead they held a steele glint. Seeing this Piper worried. "Leo, what's going on?"

"We need to talk and I'm not putting it off any longer. You've been giving me the brush off since last night and I'm done playing the guessing game."

"Leo now's not really the time to get into this."

He cut her off. "No, now is the perfect time. You're obviously mad at me and since I've no clue why, you need to tell me."

Piper was taken back by his harsh tone. This was not the soft spoken husband she was used to. In all their time together she couldn't recall a time he had spoken so forceful to her. "What's wrong with you, you're acting really weird."

"Weird? Why because I'm not waiting around until YOU decided to tell me why you're mad?"

Well, yeah thought Piper to herself. That's usually the way it worked and worked well she reasoned. "Look Leo, I don't know what's going on but I really don't have time to get into this. In case ya didn't notice the club is packed and I'm short two waitresses and a bartender, so if you don't mind."

As she attempted to move around him, he crossed his arms in front of his chest and did not budge. "So I guess the club is more important than us."

"No of course not." He was twisting her words around.

There was a knock at the door and before she could answer it Leo did. "Come back later." He yelled out.

Piper did a double take. "Leo!"

"What? I'm not leaving till we clear the air so let's get to it."

She gave up. "Fine! Although I was going to tell you tonight I was sorry for being such a grouch. I wasn't really upset with you. It was just everything that happened last night. I mean all I wanted was a night alone with you and it turned into a disaster."

His eyes soften a little. "I know and I wish anything to change that, but why were you mad at me? I didn't do anything?"

"Exactly. You didn't get upset or mad or frustrated. Nothing. You always take this stuff so easily, like it's no big deal and to me it was a big deal."

"So I should have gotten angry and maybe yelled or threw something?" He asked innocently, knowing her response.

"No, no." She answered exasperated. "It's good you stay calm, especially cause I don't. Can't have both of us going off can we?" She sent him a half smile. "I'm sorry I reacted the way I did. Forgive me?"

"Forgiven." He responded with a heated look. Then without warning he took her in his arms and planted a hard kiss on her surprised lips.

When Piper pulled back she was startled. "Wow, some kiss." Her lips still numb from the assault.

Giving her a sideways look he said, "There's more where that came from baby." And yanked her back to his chest with one hand.

"Ummm Leo, you're still acting weird and I still need to get back to work." Then patting his chest with the palm of her hand and turned to leave. Before she went out the door she turned to look over her shoulder a slight frown marring her forehead. Shaking off the uneasy feeling, she exited the room.