You have to fix this 2: Afterwards
Chapter 2
By teal-lover
Summary: After her trip to the future, Piper vows to build a better relationship with Chris. Things are going well, or so she thought—and she just has to make sure.
Rating: PG13, T
Disclaimer: I don't own Charmed, just borrowing, promise to give them back when done, don't get any money for this.
AN: This is a sequel of sorts to 'You have to fix this'.
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Piper rushed home from P3 and flung open the front door wildly. She called out loudly, "Anybody home?" She heard no answer and paused breathily, crossing her fingers and silently hoping that she would receive none. She knew that Wyatt and Chris had gone to the movies and were probably still there, but there was always the possibility that Leo was home, or that her sisters had stopped by unannounced. She didn't think any of her family would take well to her meddling in the future yet again, but she was desperate to know.
After what seemed like ages, she finally realized that at least one of her wishes had come true and she was truly alone. She hurried up to the attic and began drawing the triquetra on the wall, stepping through it before anyone could even notice her departure.
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In the future…
Arriving on the other side, she mused thoughtfully as she took in the attic, which looked exactly the same. No one was there, but she prayed that this was a good sign. Maybe she and the boys were out celebrating Chris's birthday or something—after all, she did choose a date exactly four years into the future when she left.
Piper looked up when she heard voices and laughter drawing nearer to the attic. It was only her family, but she had never been so nervous in her entire life. Her palms started to sweat and she tried to prepare herself, smoothing down her clothes and straitening her shoulders as she tossed her hair over her shoulder.
Wyatt entered first, carrying Excalibur and teasing his younger brother in a friendly banter, when suddenly, he sensed another presence. He looked up in shock when he saw her and crossed the attic in a few short steps with his long legs. The cherished sword carelessly clattered to the ground as he bent down and wrapped the small woman in his arms, practically lifting her off the ground. "You're early…" he whispered to her as a flash of confusion passed her features.
Finally setting her down, she turned and looked even more apprehensive to find that Chris hadn't made a move yet. He was still standing on the other side of the room and her heart sunk as she remembered the last time she had made the quick journey to the future. She looked closer, her heart skipping several beats as she began to feel hope again. Gone was the look of indifference she had remembered, to be replaced by silent tears that streamed down his face.
Now more confident, Piper cautiously glided over to him, looking up into the bright green eyes that studied her as if memorizing her features. She wiped the tear that tumbled down his face away with her thumb before pulling him into a hug. He squeezed her so tight, that his embrace threatened to cut off her breathing, but she didn't mind one bit. She felt him shaking in her arms and finally heard him speak. "They said I couldn't see you…Every time I've tried to summon you—so hard—it never worked. I've missed you so much."
She felt the moisture dampening her skin as he leaned into her shoulder and she felt as if her heart was breaking. So fate hadn't been kind to her. If he had tried to summon her, then that could only mean one thing. She was dead in this time. The only good thing she could see, was that Wyatt was still good, and Chris had clearly loved and missed her. It wasn't exactly how she wanted to be remembered by her sons.
She found it difficult to speak at the knot in her throat, but after several long minutes, finally found her voice and stroked his back soothingly like she did when he was little. "Shhh..Baby, it's ok. I'm here now."
"You feel so real…" he mumbled into her shoulder.
She didn't have the heart to tell him that she was, and that his mother was still wandering around in the spirit realm somewhere. Damn them! she mentally cursed the powers that be. How could they do this to her family again after all they had done in the fight against evil? She stiffened in his arms, but quickly forced herself to relax knowing that dwelling on it would only anger her further.
She changed the subject and pulled back from him with a warm smile, staring into his glistening eyes. "Look at you—so grown. My handsome little angel. I bet you're a real heartbreaker aren't you?"
The blonde laughed as he clapped his brother on the back, trying to lighten the mood a little. "Of course he is, Mom. He takes after me."
Pulling himself together, Chris wiped his eyes one last time and stared at the floor shyly, "Don't listen to him, Mom, Wy's an idiot. At least you have one son that grew up to be intelligent."
Wyatt grinned playfully, "Watch it, kid. I'm gonna' be busting your butt later this afternoon when we start your training again."
Chris was now back to himself with the help of his brother's gentle push. "Yeah, we'll see about that. You'll be on the floor before you—" he stopped abruptly and looked up alertly, his expression quickly becoming cold and serious as he sensed the danger near. He pushed his mom behind him and nodded to his brother to look after her.
Before the unspoken communication was understood by their mother, three demons shimmered in, all brandishing swords aimed at her youngest. She was wondering how he sensed them coming, especially when she and her sisters had almost always been surprised when demons attacked. Apparently, his powers had grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years.
Out of instinct, she flicked her wrists to try and eliminate the threat to her son, but he answered without even facing her. "Mom, even if you still had your Wiccan powers, they're immune to them. I don't know if you can be harmed, but please, just stay back ok. I don't want to take any chances."
Before she could question him further, he was already moving forward as the demons began circling him menacingly. She moved to intervene again but Wyatt grabbed her hand and pulled her back.
When he felt her sweaty palms, he looked at her in surprise. That's a sign of nervousness, he thought to himself. But since when do the dead sweat? He wanted to ask her, but refrained in the suddenly awkward moment. Now was just not the time. But when this was over, he was sure going to ask her.
Frustrated that her sons were keeping her out of the fight, she reluctantly let her oldest son take over. In fear for Chris' life, Piper motioned excitedly to the sword at her eldest son's feet, "Wyatt, help him!"
He bent down to retrieve Excalibur, "I got it, Mom."
She breathed a sigh of relief until he orbed the sword away from him, then gasped in surprise as it materialized into Chris' awaiting hands. It wasn't a moment too soon as two of the demons raised their own swords to strike.
She spun around to Wyatt and yelled at him incredulously, "What are you doing?"
He held up his hand in a gesture of silence as he watched the scene unfolding with rapt attention. He hovered as near as he could to his younger brother in case there should be a need to heal him.
Piper spun around again back to the center of the room. She watched in awe as Chris deftly avoided any blows from the three sharp objects constantly aiming for his vital organs. He moved with a grace she didn't know he possessed, and the way he wielded Excalibur as if it were an extension of his own arm, was simply entrancing.
Just a few short moments later, she watched as he dispatched two of the demons in quick succession. The remaining one lay on the ground under Chris' foot, with the sharp end of his sword butting against its neck.
"Who sent you?" he demanded with an air of confidence and authority that surprised her. His demeanor had completely reversed itself from the shy and emotional young man she had held in her arms only moments ago.
He raised his voice and repeated the question, digging the blade in a little further to solidify his point. Everyone, including Piper, was held under captive by the authoritative voice, and she found herself leaning in closer to hear the answer.
Seeing any response as fruitless in the face of his enemy, the remaining demon gulped nervously, causing the blade to nestle itself further into his neck. "Doesn't matter. This isn't over. You're never gonna' make it. They're just going to keep sending more and more—you can't fight them all. One of us will take you out."
"Well, it's not going to be you." Chris retorted as he slashed into his opponent with a stroke of finality.
Chris turned back to his mother, the warmth immediately softening the harshness in his green eyes as she strode over to him. She hugged him quickly, glad that he was safe, before pulling back again. "What was that about? Will somebody explain this to me?"
Wyatt suddenly remembered his question earlier and joined them with a quirky grin. He grabbed one of her hands in his, making sure to emphasize the dampness as he rubbed his fingers together. "I will if you will."
She yanked her hands back, and looked down at the floor shamefully. He was on to her. She tossed her hair over her shoulders indignantly as she replied. "I'm your mother, and I'm not obligated to explain anything to you."
"Well how about to me?" Leo asked softly. His expression as he crossed the room slowly mirrored Chris's when she first arrived.
"Uhm—"
TBC…
AN: thanks so much for all of your lovely reviews. They really made my day:)
JadeAlmasy
Thank you! So glad you liked it.
Calen
Glad you found a horn :) thanks for reviewing
tima
I think they're definitely doing it on purpose. I think the girls are jealous of Drew's popularity and that's why they got rid of him—and that spills over onto the poor little guy.
And don't worry—OATP is almost finished. I have a lot of I have to type up, but I'm hoping for the next few weeks.
Emma15
He is so cute, isn't he. Thanks for reviewing. I hope you like this one too.
The Halliwell's little Angel
Oh thank you so much! Is this fast enough?
Sparkling Cherries
Well, I'm learning to manage with these instead of horns:)
Glad you found the AN funny—I'm seriously considering it.
You're so flattering—thank you. blushing
midnite-magic
Well said! Thank you so much. I hope you like the continuation, which will also be continued in another chapter
Mellaithwen
Funny! And really loud too:) I like! Thanks for reviewing
Good Witch
Thank you so much. I hope this was soon enough.
Alyssa Halliwell
Thank you dear, you're such a sweetheart.
orcasnowleo
Thanks for the toot!
LeoPiper-Forever
Thank you, well there's more to come.
icantthinkofafnicl
clears ears your horn is loud—but I love it! Thanks:)
Stony Angel
Thanks for reviewing dear! Yeah, that's my personal pet peeve too, and the reason I had to write this.
Kawwen
Thanks for digging deep to find one, since I didn't provide one—thank you so much!
Karone Evertree
That's ok, you're here now so that's all that matters :)
Well, he got recognition all right. I'm sure you can guess whats coming next… If not, you'll be happy to know that chris is very special
hybrid88
Oh thank you, I'm blushing. Yeah, I could picture him as a kid too, that's why I wrote him so mischievous. But he's grown up a little now—more to come in the next chapter.
starra86
Thanks so much! I'm glad you like it. Is this soon enough?
Nathy1000000
Yeah, we're on the same wavelength. I love your new story by the way—but I didn't have time to read it until today.
I'm glad you like my little chris, cause I can really picture him as being adorable as a little guy. That episode where Wyatt shrunk piper & leo and baby chris squealed when he played with his blocks—was so funny, that it gave me the idea to write this. I just knew he'd be cute when I saw that.
Your mom is funny. I hope she's joking though:)
Katie
I'm glad I made you smile, as your review did for me:)
Thank you.