When Family Calls Chapter 2, a charmed fanfic

Disclaimer: See First Chapter.

Author's Note: Wow.

THANK YOU so much for all encouragement! The response to this story was overwhelming and I just don't know how to express my thanks. You are all so awesome!

I'm sothrilled that the idea is so well recieved byyou all... it is a stretch and AUafter all, so I was nervous that people wouldn't likeit. lol, obviouslyI was wrong!

Anyway, not many mushy Chris moments in this chapter.I promise the story will have them though... and he'll make up with Leo too (PresentLeo, notfuture Leo... that's a whole different ball game).

Anyway, read on... and I hope you like!

Last Time:

Cole stared at him, then nodded, "Fine. You need to get something to eat, then we'll talk. We should go back to the Manor—all of us." He finished turning and scanning the group gathered by the bar.

"Ye-yeah… good idea…" Phoebe said hesitantly, her gaze on Chris. They were all looking at him.

"No." The subject of their scrutiny stated. "I don't-"

Cole interrupted him, "Funny, did that sound like a question… it wasn't." And with that he grabbed the boy's arm and shimmered out of the club.

Chris yanked himself out of Cole's grasp as soon as they appeared in the kitchen.

A moment later the rest of the family orbed in.

The silence was oppressive.

Chris groaned and glared at Cole, "You see! This is what you did! Now we can't even talk—at least before we could argue!"

Cole rolled his eyes, "Sit down, before you collapse…and it would probably help if spoke to them instead of about them."

The younger man glared at him and didn't sit… he did however, let his gaze roam over to his family. They were all staring at him.

He shrugged, "What?" he asked defensively.

"Why didn't you tell us… me? Why didn't you tell me?" Piper asked hoarsely, still clutching Wyatt.

Chris sighed softly, his gaze dropping, "I'm not supposed to… endanger future events. I was taught… the past wasn't to be meddled with… one of you taught me about future consequences."

"Well, who the heck taught you that?" Paige hissed, recalling how annoying that single phrase was.

Chris's head shot up suddenly, a quick grin on his face, "You did." He whispered.

Her eyes widened, Phoebe elbowed her in the ribs, "Good goin…" she said teasingly, "This is all your fault."

Chris smiled a little, but after a moment it faded and he looked down again.

Piper carefully handed baby Wyatt back to Paige, then took steps towards him, "Chris I just- I want you to know that I'm sorry-"

"No." He looked up again, meeting her dark eyes, "Don't. Don't apologize."

"Chris I have to! I need to you to know that-"

He shook his head, "No you don't. I know, Piper." He said softly, almost gently, "You protect your family… always, from anyone and anything. You don't have to apologize for that… it's what kept me alive as a kid…"

Piper took another step towards, "Maybe so… but I still should have seen it; that you were mine…"

Chris shrugged, not saying anything and breaking eye contact. Not wanting her to see the hurt there, the fact that deep inside he'd expected her to see it…

"So that's you in there," Phoebe said suddenly, grinning as she pointed to Piper's slightly bulging stomach.

A reluctant smirk appeared on his lips, "Yeah, I guess… but could we… not go into that… it kinda freaks me out…"

"I don't believe this." Leo hissed into the momentary silence.

Piper whirled on him, her protective instincts flaring up, "Then maybe you should listen to Cole and leave…"

His eyes widened, "You can't actually be falling for this?" He growled.

"Leo!" Paige cried, horrified at his attitude.

"What? It's true! We're taking Cole and Chris's word on this! They've both shown themselves to be nothing bu-"

"LEO! WOULD YOU JUST SHUT-UP!" Piper yelled at him. The blonde man started in surprise at her furious voice, but a moment later a scowl descended on his features.

"He can't be-"

"He is." Cole interrupted; his voice frigid.

"Don't worry… it's just a genetic circumstance—nothing to stress over." Chris added just as coldly.

Leo's gaze ran over the two men; pausing as he met Chris's eyes. A moment later though he looked away, shaking his head in denial, his eyes going back to Cole as he glared at the man accusingly.

"You're such a jackass." Cole hissed into the silence, "What possible reason would either of us have to lie about this?"

"Get us to trust you, to let our guard down-"

"I can give you proof." Cole interrupted, tired of the man's spiel before it even began.

"No you can't." Chris hissed, turning to glare at his uncle, "You can tell me why you're here and then leave. You shouldn't be here; and who's with the kids?"

"I'm handling this Chris." Cole stated, "And I told you to sit down. Don't make me say it again."

The glare turned into a scowl, he opened his mouth to retort, but Phoebe cut in softly, "Yeah, Chris… you don't look so good…" she said hesitantly.

His gaze shifted to her, she was looking at him with wary hazel… almost afraid of what his reaction would be.

He should be furious with her, with them all, that now they cared. But he wasn't—it could have something to do with the exhaustion he was still battling—but instead of fury what suddenly filled him was amusement. Even when she couldn't stand Cole Phoebe took his side…

"… united front…" he murmured as he moved and sank into a chair by the table.

Cole sent him an amused look, "Always." He said, smiling a little.

"Always what?" Paige asked, as she moved to put Wyatt back in his high chair; and carefully pulled the high chair closer to them all.

Both men were silent.

"You brought it up." Cole said, motioning for Chris to continue.

The boy sighed, "They always… present a united front." He whispered after a moment, "When they're telling… uh, people… what to do …"

The kitchen was silent. Then suddenly Phoebe's eyes lit up as she remembered what Cole had said earlier, as she understood what Chris was saying now, "I have kids!" she said happily.

"I didn't say that!" Chris cried quickly.

"No, but he did!" Phoebe stated, happily, "He said he had kids! And that I'm his wife… therefore—I have kids!"

Chris groaned, shooting his uncle pointed look, "I swear you're as bad as she is!"

Cole grinned, but didn't comment.

"So prove it—if you can." Leo's sharp voice cut into the lighthearted moment; drawing them all back into another and not-nearly as pleasant conversation.

"He can't." Chris hissed at Leo, but his gaze was on Cole.

"I can." The older stated, meeting his nephew's gaze.

"You won't." Chris corrected.

"Gotten used to giving all the orders, huh?" Cole asked a flash of amusement in his eyes, before he turned to Leo.

"Channel Phoebe's powers into my head and take a peak."

"He won't do that. It's personal gain." Chris stated.

"Whoa wait! Channel what? Where? You can do that?" Phoebe asked looking at the two men by turns.

"Yeah, he can." Cole stated, "And because he's running it. He'll know they aren't faked or planted… undeniable proof."

"He doesn't need proof." Piper hissed suddenly, angry eyes fastened on Leo, "I'm telling you, Leo… Chris is the baby." She said her hand on her abdomen again. "I can feel it."

"Only because that thought's been planted in your head." Leo stated, "You feel it because you think you should."

"Don't be a jerk," Phoebe hissed.

"He has your eyes, Leo." Paige offered in a softly accusing voice; willing the man to drop it so he would stop hurting this boy… this boy that so clearly his.

Leo shook his head. Cole rolled his eyes.

"Do it." He ordered the man.

"No!" Chris yelled jumping up from the chair, then quickly bending down to steady himself, "He doesn't believe it." He said, before anyone could comment on his obvious weakness, "… that's fine. It doesn't matter. No big deal, he'll have to eventually. We have bigger fish to fry." He told his uncle.

Cole didn't move. The two men were still glaring at each other; both spoiling for a fight.

"Phoebe, tell him to back off." Chris stated.

Phoebe jumped a little when he addressed her, "Me! Why me!" She asked eyeing the two men who looked about to come to blows.

They looked almost exactly like they had in her vision—furious, tense, cold…

"He'll listen to you." Chris said eyeing both men as if they were powder kegs about to blow—which probably wasn't too far off. She guessed the he was probably Cole…

Slowly she took a step towards them, and cautiously placed a hand Leo's arm— just in case, she didn't want a replay of what had happened in her vision. "Guys, look… if you could just… relax…"

Before she could continue though, Cole reached out and wrapped his fingers around her forearm. "Do it now." He said to Leo.

And a moment a later Phoebe felt a pulse of magic ripple though her.

"Oh!" she cried, wavering a little. Cole's grip on her tightened slightly, then eased when her eyes cleared of dizziness.

"Phoebe!" Piper cried, coming closer.

"What's going on?" Paige asked.

"What are you doing?" Chris roared, ignoring the wave of nausea that hit him when he straightened, "Stop it!"

It was too late though, a moment later Leo was glowing.

"Stop it!" he cried again, "Uncle Cole, make him stop!"

Cole released Phoebe and looked to Chris, "He wants proof."

"He'll have proof in five months!" Chris yelled.

Cole shrugged, "Too late now."

"What's going on? Why's he glowing?" Phoebe asked, "What was that thing you two just did to me?"

Before Cole could answer her though, Leo opened his palm—the glow extended out of his hand and produced what appeared to be fuzzy image out of thin air.

Cole stared at it a moment, trying to see what Leo had pulled out—then he frowned. "Of all the memories you chose this one?" he asked of the blonde man.

Leo too was frowning, "I don't exactly know what I'm doing… I've never done this before…"

Cole rolled his eyes, and groaned, "Great! You did it wrong!" he hissed at him, "I'm telling you, you people are lucky to have survived this year!"

"What do you mean I did it wrong?" Leo asked, frowning.

"You filtered it through her, so you pulled the memory of the vision she saw," he explained in exasperation.

"An Elder can just pull memories out of a person!" Paige cried, "That's so creepy."

"What vision did she get?" Chris asked softly, trying to make out the hazy images; knowing it wouldn't clear until the memory got precise.

"Leo slamming me into a wall." Cole answered, simply.

"When was this?" Chris asked, a bit surprised.

"Last week."

"You saw Dad last week?" Chris asked, surprise coloring his voice and face this time. Completely missing the way Leo jumped at the title.

Cole shifted, "Yeah," he said grimly. Then he eyed his nephew—his standing nephew; his eyes narrowed a little and Chris sighed, slumping back into the chair. Cole nodded satisfied.

The sisters quietly watched the exchange—all were still rather uncomfortable, unsure what to do with this situation. But it was clear that whatever relationship Cole had with Chris it was close.

Cole shrugged as the image began to focus. "Might as well settle in for the show, guys," he said and proceeded to sit next to Chris at the table. Leo didn't move, but the girls followed his advice. Paige sat up on the kitchen counter, while Piper and Phoebe sat at the table as well.

The image focused suddenly and they were looking into the future:

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"Uncle Cole! You're home!" a small girl with a bob of dark hair cried as he walked into the living.

She jumped off Leo's lap and ran full speed into his legs. Cole put the briefcase he held down before bending and lifting the girl into his arms.

"Hey princess," he said warmly, brushing a kiss to her temple.

"Wyatt was here." The girl whispered in his ear, her tone serious, "He took Drew and the twins to dinner. Drew blackmailed the twins—they didn't want to go."

With that she pushed back and grinned into his face, a perfectly guileless grin. "Uncle Leo came to visit us!"

Cole nodded, "Yes, I see." He said, lowering the child to the ground.

A dark-haired boy sat at Leo's feet. He had a box covered with Plexiglas in front of him. "Hey Uncle Cole!" the boy greeted, "Wait till you see what I taught Hubert to do! He did the whole maze with just one piece of cheese!"

Cole smiled at the boy, "You can show me before bedtime." He told him then transferred his gaze to Leo.

He let his eyes scan the man sitting in his living room, the dark clothes he wore, the dull green of the eyes staring back at him.

"Leo." He said evenly.

The blonde man nodded, "Cole." He repeated in the same tone.

"What brings you to our side of the city?" Cole asked as he fully entered the living room; the young girl now holding his hand.

"The kids." Leo stated, "They happen to be related to be as well." His tone dripped with sarcasm.

"Yes." Cole stated, his gaze cold. The silence stretched for a moment, the he seemed to shake himself out of it, "Guys, go to your room for a little while. Your Uncle Leo and I have things to talk about." He stated.

The young boy stood, the box in his hand, "Are you staying for dinner, Uncle Leo?" he asked.

"No," Cole answered for him, "He's not Adam. You know how busy your Uncle Leo is."

Leo made a low growling noise, but the smile he fastened on Adam was sweet, "Give me a hug, buddy. We'll hang out another day." He said.

Adam obliged—as best he could, since he wouldn't put the box down.

"You too Amy, come here and give me a hug." He ordered.

The young girl moved to do so… but more reluctantly. Leo wrapped her in a hug. Cole watched almost suspiciously.

"I love you guys." Leo said softly.

Both children nodded, then turned and did as Cole had asked; disappearing into a room and closing the door behind them.

The living room was silent a moment.

"Where are my kids?" Cole asked, though he knew already.

Leo stood, "Wyatt took them to dinner." He stated.

Cole's eyes flashed, "With whose permission?"

"He doesn't need permission to hang out with his cousins!"

"They're my children!"

"That's beside the point-"

"I don't want your son around my kids." Cole stated, through gritted teeth.

Leo's eyes narrowed, "Don't start with your shit, Cole." He hissed.

"Then respect my wishes, Leo. Don't make me have to take alternate measures."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean!"

"It means you see to keeping your kid away from mine or I'll see to it."

"Wyatt loves those kids, he-"

Cole gave a derisive laugh, "My kids don't need the kind of love your son gives." He hissed.

"My son-"

"-is the reason you're here today." Cole interrupted, "Or you gonna lie? Huh? Go ahead, Leo, tell me you didn't come here today because Wyatt wanted to be here."

"I just told you he loves-"

"He loves their power." Cole cut him off.

Leo bristled, "For your information it was Drew that wanted to see Wyatt tonight. In fact it's been Drew that has sought him, us, out for the last few weeks."

Cole hissed, "I've asked you nicely to keep Wyatt away from my son." He stated evenly.

"Why? What does it-"

Cole growled, "Because I'll be damned if I let Wyatt drag him down the path he's dragged you."

"I haven't been dragged anywhere, Cole."

"Like hell you haven't! I won't let you pump my son full of the bullshit Wyatt feeds you!"

"Kinda the way you pump Chris full of it!" Leo roared.

Cole rolled his eyes in an exasperated gesture, "Are we back to that!" He yelled.

"You should have told me!" Leo cried, "You should have stopped him! Do realize how dangerous that kind of this is!"

"He had already made up his mind when he came to me, Leo and in case you don't remember; your son inherited your wife's stubborn streak!"

Leo continued to glare, "Well then you should have told me anyway! I'm his father! When Chris came to you, you should have told me!"

"What for? So you could tell Wyatt and Wyatt could have him captured and tortured!"

"Wyatt would never do that!"

"New flash Leo: your son's a murdering bastard!"

With a wave of his hand Leo sent Cole crashing into the wall of the living room. Instantly the kids rushed of the bedroom, faces pale, in time to see Cole sit up on floor and shake his head a little.

"Uncle Cole!" Amy cried, running to him, "What happened?"

Adam stood still staring at the scene, "Uncle Leo did you use your powers on Uncle Cole?" he asked seriously, his dark eyes studying both men.

"I told you guys to go to your room." Cole stated as he stood.

"But not to stay there," Adam informed him.

"Are you hurt-ted" Amy asked softly, her dark eyes wide.

He smiled down at her, "No, princess."

"Well, Uncle Leo did you?" Adam pressed, "'cause that's not allowed." The boy informed his uncle, "We're not allowed to use our powers on family."

"Go to your room, guys, and stay there." Cole stated. The children sighed, obviously realizing they were getting no answers. Quietly they went to their room again.

"The fact that those kids are here has kept you from serious injury, Leo." Cole growled.

"I shouldn't have done that. I apologize." Leo stated, "But you… you can't say things like that. Wyatt isn't-"

"Oh but he is Leo." Cole interrupted firmly, then added, switching the train of conversation, "I've asked you to warn me before you come here. I don't want you around them when I'm not here."

Leo's eyes flashed, "I have just as much a right to those kids as you, if not more!"

"Why?" Cole challenged, "Because Paige liked you better!"

"YES actually! Because if anybody should be raising her kids it shou-"

"-should be the Source of All Evil! I sincerely doubt that!"

"Wyatt is not evil!"

"Yes Leo, HE IS. Trust me! I know what it looks like!" Cole yelled back, "And if you took a step back you'd see it! People—innocent people—die at his hands!"

"He kills only those who are threats to him."

"You sound like a fuckin broken record!" Cole hissed; then abruptly turned around and drew in a ragged breath.

"Look," he said evenly as he turned back around, "We have an agreement. I stay away, he stays away… you link. It works…"

"Until Chris."

"Chris came to me because you wouldn't listen." Cole explained.

"It was your job to tell me. He's my son, Cole. I had a right to know what he was planning—and with who! A Phoenix!"

"You chose your son Leo; you made that quite clear with Lizzie."

"That girl was-"

"-was fifteen. And he cared for her, he took responsibility for her…and Wyatt used her to punish him, and you let him do that…"

"It wasn't like that. True she was young, but she was powerful… a threat. She tried to kill Wyatt!"

Cole stared at him, pity in his eyes, "I used to think you just didn't want to see. Now I wonder if maybe you're just too stupid to notice."

Leo bristled, but Cole spoke again before he could utter a word.

"Wyatt used that girl to make a point, Leo. That although he would never kill Chris… he could do worse, he could kill those that Chris loved… and that no one would stop him—not even you."

"No, she was a threat." Leo repeated.

Cole shrugged, "If that helps you sleep at night…" he drawled, "So be it."

Then his expression hardened, "I don't want my kids—any of them, around Wyatt. If he continues to pursue them, I'll take drarastic measures, Leo."

"Adam and Amy-"

"Are mine." Cole interrupted, "As much mine as Prue, Mel, and Drew."

"Dammit Cole! You can't do that! You can't take them too! You've already taken Chris!"

"I didn't take Chris, Leo. You shoved him away!"

"That's not true-"

"You chose Wyatt."

"I love both my sons." Leo said, and his eyes shone with the truth of that statement.

"But its Wyatt you stand by, Wyatt you believe." Cole told him, and Leo's silence confirmed the statement.

"That's what divides us Leo. Wyatt is on the opposite side of the field from the rest of us." He stated, "And you made your choice long ago… you can't take it back now. It's too late. You made your choice the day you let Wyatt use that girl, the day you ignored Chris's pleas." Cole paused, making sure the man was paying attention, "Now I want you to leave."

Leo met the gaze, "You're wrong. What I did that day was for Chris's benefit… he was in the hands of murderer; Wyatt killed her because she was a threat." He stated, "She was young, but she was still a threat; there was no other choice."

"GET OUT, Leo." Cole ground out.

"You're wrong." The Elder repeated, then orbed out of the house.

Cole sighed, staring at the spot the man had just vacated, "And you're blind." He whispered.

The living room was silent for several long heartbeats, then, "Can we come out now?" a small voice asked.

Cole sighed an affectionate grin spreading across his face, "Yeah, come on out…"

The images faded and the kitchen plunged into silence. Silently, Cole looked over them. They all seemed frozen—even Chris. But then again, Chris hadn't seen his father or Amy or Adam in a long time, so that was understandable.

The others were absorbing all the information they'd just seen—and very likely trying to explain it away.

Why?

Because that's what the Halliwell's did, if they didn't like something they explained it away or justified it away. At least these Halliwell's did. They were still such—brats, in this year.

He saw movement suddenly, from Paige, she shifted in her seat and Phoebe drew in a long breath. He tensed… okay, here it comes, he thought, the barrage of endless, pointless, suspicion-filled questions.

But they never came.

"One year and two months." Chris stated in the silent kitchen, before any of the sisters could speak.

Cole sent the boy a questioning glance, "One year and two months, what?"

"That's how long I've been here without spilling a single thing." He stated, then glanced at the clock hanging on the kitchen wall, "It didn't even take you half a day to bombard them with knowledge of future events." He said almost bitterly.

Cole grinned, not in the least put out by his attitude, "Come on Chris, I was married to her for a long time and the girls completely inherited that gene."

Despite his best efforts, a smile tugged at the corner of Chris's mouth, "True, Prue and Mel never kept a secret in their lives."

"You're my son."

Leo's voice made both men's head snap up. All traces of humor gone, Chris met the man's eyes, but didn't say a thing.

Cole glared at him, "You really are unbelievable Leo… here and there—such an utter jackass that it takes my breath away."

The green eyes snapped to Cole, "I didn't kno-"

"I told you." Cole interrupted, "You never believe until you've seen… which is fine; if it weren't for the fact that you're perpetually blind."

"You should have told me, Chris." Leo accused, ignoring Cole.

The young man lifted wide, unbelieving eyes to the Elder.

Cole hissed, sick and tired of watching this man mercilessly batter his own son. Standing, he bristled with anger, "You know that scene you just saw," he growled, "Let's reenact it: GET OUT."

Leo opened his mouth, but Piper spoke first; her voice calm, but underlined with steel.

"Perhaps it would be best if you did leave, Leo." She stated, "You can come back tonight or tomorrow… later on in the week maybe. But right now…" her voice hardened a little, "… you're doing more harm than good."

Leo stared at her, then let his gaze roam over all the occupants of the kitchen, seeing the agreement in all their faces. After a moment, he nodded, "Fine." He said curtly, and orbed out.

Cole watched him orb out then shifted again to look at Chris, "He's a jackass." He repeated, "Not in anyway you're fault."

Chris shrugged, but refused to meet his uncle's gaze. Cole knew why, because his eyes would never be able to hide the hurt.

The urge to remove a few of Leo's vital organs intensified— but he couldn't do that. The man was an Elder after all…

… which reminded him…

"So—" he said, fastening a pointed gaze on Chris's bowed head, "—2004… your father—an Elder?"

Chris's head shot up, his face flushed a little, "Yeah." He said grimacing slightly.

"He wasn't not around enough in your childhood; you wanted to erase him completely?"

"It just happened!" he cried defensively.

"You're lying."

Chris rolled his eyes, "Okay, so it just happened, 'cause I maneuvered it into just happening. But it's not like it makes a difference anyway. I hardly remember him being around… whether he's here for my birth or not isn't important."

"I love how you've made decisions about what is and what isn't important in the lives of you family without consulting them." Cole stated sardonically.

Chris glared at him, "Anyway, what's up with Drew? It's why you're here right?"

Cole nodded, "Yea-"

"Drew is mine, right!" Phoebe asked excitedly, cutting into their conversation as she leaned her chin into her elbows.

Cole let himself look at her, study her, a moment; before chuckling and leaning in close to her, mimicking her pose, "Yes, Phoebe, Drew is yours," then just for the heck of it he added, "—ours."

She shot back away from him as if he'd burned her. He grinned at her, "Keep forgettin that part, huh…? The us married, part…"

She just blinked at him. He chuckled again, the sound faded though, as his gaze landed on Chris.

Jeez, the kid was giving him that Prue-your-in-deep-shit-stare he remembered from long ago.

"So we need to talk right." The younger man stated seriously.

Cole nodded, sighing, "Yeah, we do."

"Okay, let's go someplace private-"

"Nuh-uh!" Phoebe cried, "You can't!"

"Yeah, we just find out that you're our nephew and that Cole and Phoebe have kids and that Cole is raising my kids, which means we've gotta be like dead or something and you want to go someplace private!"

"You can't." Piper reiterated Phoebe's words. "No way."

Chris released a long sigh, "We can't talk about this stuff in front of-"

"Yeah, Chris, you can." Piper stated firmly.

Chris gave her a very petulant scowl and Cole chuckled, "Not fun bein in the kid role again, huh?"

Before Chris could respond though, Cole looked to Piper, his gaze gently reproaching, "If you're gonna fall into mother-mode you might wanna start with the gentle approach—I think Chris's had enough sternness for awhile."

The boy started a little and shot his uncle a nasty glare; Cole ignored it, not in the least perturbed.

Piper, however, looked suddenly guilty, but before she could speak Chris launched himself into business mode and speared his uncle with a look.

"What exactly is going on?" he asked him, and Cole wished he could do something to remove that haunted look in the boy's eyes—the one that said so clearly that the punches just kept on coming.

"You saw some of it in the vision," he began, hating that he had to burden Chris with this too, "Wyatt's been hounding the kids. The girls don't care, they just ignore him and his sales pitches, but Drew… he's… getting pulled in," he confessed softly, "I can't let that happen; so I've… " he took a deep breath, "I've decided it would be best to bind his powers."

Chris's eyes widened, "But that's not safe! He needs his powers!"

"Wyatt wants him for his powers and Drew gravitates towards Wyatt because Wyatt helps him control them, teaches him new ways of using them… but if there is no power, not only will the link be broken, but when I send him into hiding Wyatt won't be able to track him down."

"You're sending him into hiding?" Chris asked alarmed.

"Two nights ago Drew joined Wyatt and one of the squadron's in purging a sector of the city." Cole stated dully.

"Oh god."

"Yeah. I can't wait it out. I may have waited too long as it is. I need to get him away, until this passes at least. I've spoken to some of the more heavily concealed leaders and they've agreed to take Drew on."

Chris shook his head, "They won't be able to handle him…"

"Without his powers he's just a fifteen year old kid." Cole stated.

"But binding his powers!" Chris cried, standing abruptly. Immediately, though the young man doubled over in pain as an explosion of lights went off in his head and the world lurched around him.

"Christ." Cole whispered, moving quickly to his side, "Chris!"

"Oh god!" Piper cried, "What's wrong with him?"

Phoebe and Paige stood up, drawing closer.

"Chris, what's wrong?" Cole asked urgently, "What are you feeling?"

The dark-haired young man shook his head, looking up through slitted, hazy green eyes as he tried to bring the spinning world into focus.

Gently, with careful movements Cole guided Chris back into the chair, where the youth leaned his head down onto his hands; closing his eyes, he drew in shaky breaths.

"Maybe we should call Leo back?" Piper stated, her dark eyes worried as she traced her son's movements.

"Yeah, good idea…" Paige nodded, almost eagerly; her face paler then usual at the abrupt episode.

"No, don't bother," Cole said, kneeling in front of Chris, "Leo can't heal exhaustion."

His dark eyes bored into the young man's profile as he steadily rubbed circles on his back. The kid had nearly passed out… that was not a good sign.

Silently, he grit teeth against the angry words that were bubbling up to his lips. He would wait till the kid could at least sit up straight before he told him what a complete moron he was for doing this to himself.

Of course, the chances of Chris actually paying attention to a word he said were slim. After all, he was a Halliwell.

Green eyes lifted to his then and Cole released a small sigh, as the anger began melting away… the kid was frustrating—but he couldn't help but love him.

"How you feeling?" he asked gently.

Chris drew in another shaky breath, then gave a slow nod, "Okay…" he said quietly, then added, a bit more strongly, "… yeah, okay..."

And Cole couldn't stop the disbelieving snort that left his lips—like he would say anything else anyway.

"Have you eaten anything in the last twenty-fou- no better yet, let's make it forty-eight hours?"

Chris frowned, "Of course."

"Of course, what?"

"Of course I eat."

"When? What did you eat?"

"I don't know! I don't exactly keep track! I'm a busy person!"

Cole sighed, nodding, "Yeah… maybe a little too busy." He said frowning back at the boy.

He stood then and looked down at Chris intent on saying a few things to point how careless he'd been with his health.

But looking down at him, Cole couldn't help—he melted. He looked like such a boy suddenly—sitting there with his sloppy dark hair and pale face that it broke his heart, he looked too young for all this. Hell, at twenty-one, he was too young for all this.

But when the boy looked up at him there was a hard glimmer in his eyes and Cole knew that he'd slipped the mask back on.

"There has to be another way…" he stated, the green eyes almost pleading, "Binding his powers is the absolute last resort. Have you tried talking to him…? Explaining…? I mean… why would he do that? Join Wyatt like that!"

"Wyatt's very persuasive Chris; but more then that… he uses this twisted logic that just…" Cole sighed wearily, "You know him…"

"Yeah, I do." Chris said grimly, "He convinces you it wasn't fair."

The older man nodded, "That they died for nothing; that things should be different…"

"I know. I know how that logic gets into you… how twisted it makes everything. How hard it is to break free of… it's just that… binding powers…" he shook his head, "… they hated that."

"I know…"

"They said it was done to them and they just couldn't do it to us… even if it would give us a normal life—magic was our legacy…"

"I know Chris, but there's nothing else to do!"

Chris sighed, standing again – slowly this time. The sisters and Cole tensed, but the young man seemed steady on his feet this time and they watched as he slowly began to pace.

"Why do you need Chris?" Piper asked softly, her gaze following her son.

"Yeah, why can't you do it yourself?" Paige added.

"Aside from Wyatt, Chris is the only with enough power to bind Drew's. Wyatt and Chris are the only ones who inherited the full Power of Three in their magic." Cole explained.

"The, uh, kids didn't?" Paige asked, hesitantly.

Cole shook his head, "No; I mean all the kids are more powerful than your average witch. Adam is the one with the least power and he's got four, but none of them are in Chris and Wyatt's league."

Chris snorted, "The twins are close, Uncle Cole, when they're together…" he contradicted.

"Yeah, but they can't bind his powers. They're not strong enough for that. Drew's been getting stronger lately, under Wyatt's tutelage. The girls can't do it." He repeated, then added almost regretfully, "I need you to do it, Chris."

Chris shook his head, and slowed his pacing, "I can't…"

"Chris-"

"Aunt Phoebes would have a fit." He said softly, still pacing a few feet away from them, "She wouldn't want me to. She'd want me to find another way."

"There is no other way."

"There's always another way. They would'a found it."

"Yeah, well, they're not around, and I'm doing the best I can." Cole hissed, his voice and posture suddenly defensive.

Chris turned to face his Uncle quickly, his tone soothing, "I know that." He said softly, "I never said you weren't."

The older man sighed, running a hand over his face, suddenly feeling as tired as Chris looked, "It's been a long couple of day's, kid." He said wearily, the only apology he could manage.

Chris nodded, his gaze understanding. After a moment he conceded, "When did you wanna leave?" he asked quietly.

"Now would be good."

Chris seemed to process that request, then nodded, "Yeah, okay…" he said, "…let's go then…"

The two men nodded at each other; the decision made.

"Whoa there!" Piper cried, "Slow down… you can't just leave!"

"Yeah! We just found out- about you… you can't leave now…" Paige stated.

Chris shrugged, "I have to go." He told them simply, "When family calls…"

Piper shook her head, walking over to him, "But you can't leave… I haven't… I haven't' gotten a chance to make it up to you yet…" she whispered.

"I told you-"

"I know what you told me Chris, and I'm not apologizing—even though I am sorry—I just want the chance to make it up to you. I mean… you're my baby." She finished.

His eyes suddenly took on a frantic look and he swallowed hard, taking a step back, "Piper, don't." He warned, not even sure what he was asking her not to do.

"Did you know Chris?" she asked his gently, "Did you know I was happy when I found out I was pregnant? Did you know that I loved my baby from the minute I knew it was there? Did you know that I bought a little pink dress and a little blue sailor suit?"

He swallowed hard again, "You don't have to do this…" he whispered, tears threatening.

"Do what?"

"Act like… like my mother. You don't have to tell me these things… I know… that… my Mom… I know that she loved me…"

Piper stared at him, registering his use of the past tense and what that meant, then very gently she reached up and placed a hand on his cheek, "What's there not to love?" she whispered, "You're a marvelous son…" she stated, "A Halliwell through and through…"

His tears spilled over her fingers.

"We should hug now," Piper whispered softly, gently caressing away the tears. Then she promptly pulled the boy into a tight embrace.

Cole smiled as Chris's expression went from surprise to an attempt to remain aloof to tenderness as he couldn't help but relax in his mother's arms.

"You love him a lot, huh?" Phoebe asked him, jolting him out of his thoughts. Cole looked over at her, meeting those hazel eyes he knew so well.

His smile was still gentle when he answered, "He is my nephew…" he told her cheekily, accompanying the words with a wink.

She didn't jump back this time, didn't look startled, instead she sent him a very deep searching look which he returned in full force.

He didn't know what effect his coming here and telling her that they would marry and have children would cause; didn't know if he'd endangered or secured anything, he hadn't had time to consider those things. He did know though, that no matter what path she chose—it would always end with him.

It was meant to be.

"Don't leave just yet," Piper's voice filled the quiet kitchen, as she pulled back from Chris and held him at arms length. Gently she smoothed his face and hair with her hands, her gaze warm on his face, "Stay a little while; let me make you something to eat. You still look tired, you could nap upstairs." Her tone was hopeful, "I'll make you anything you want…"

"No, I don't think that would be a good idea..." he said softly, pulling away from her.

Cole watched the hopeful light fade from Piper's gaze and he sighed gently, "Listen, kid... we could stay a little while..."

"No, Uncle Cole. We need to get back." Chris stated firmly, "You came here for my help; I'm giving it to you. Trust me on this: we need to get back."

Cole tilted his head to one side and studied the boy, "You're right. I came here for your help; imagine my surprise when I figured out that it was you that needed help."

"I don't-"

"You do." He cut in firmly, "You're making yourself sick, Chris, and I can't stand by and watch that."

Chris's eyes flashed with green fire, "I'm not ten years old, so stop talking to me like I am! I know what I'm doing! In case you missed it, I lead the resistance for two years! And before that I managed the network of spies inside Wyatt's command! So stop treating me like a kid."

Cole's dark eyes flashed with the same anger that shone in Chris's gaze, "So stop acting like one." He growled, "Since you did all that leading and managing then it must have occurred to you that someone running on empty is more of a liability than an asset! It must have occurred to you that someone whose head is pounding and who gets dizzy every time they stand is bad for business! Since you know what you're doing so well, get your head out of your ass and acknowledge the fact that you're falling apart and that you need help!"

Chris's scowl deepened, "Don't yell at me," he stated, but the light of anger in his eyes had fizzled out about mid-way through Cole's lecture, "I know all that... but I can't stop just yet... afterwards... when everything is over... then I can stop and rest... but not yet."

Cole shook his head, walking forward, "Nope, not gonna work. I'm in charge and I say you need to get some sleep."

"I did sleep!"

"Not enough you didn't."

He sighed, "I can't sleep," meeting his uncle's gaze, "I try, but I just can't."

"I'll stay with you," Cole offered simply, "I promise." He watched the younger man sigh softly.

"You're no good to me like this, kid. No help to Drew." Cole added softly; knowing exactly what buttons to push.

"Okay, fine... let's stay a little..." he agreed, then scowled fiercely, "I do not have my head stuck up my ass!"

Cole grinned, "Maybe not... but it got your attention didn't it...?" then added, "I know you know what you're doing Chris, I've seen you do it; but that doesn't mean I'm going to stand back and let you do it on your own."

The younger man sighed, "I know I'm not working at my best; and I know that's dangerous. I mean, I'm here to protect Wyatt and if I'm drowsy or something I'm not going to notice all the details... but lately... I just can't seem to help it."

"Have you tried relaxing? Letting your guard down? Letting yourself grieve?" Cole asked gently, all traces of anger gone, "You're going through something… it's alright to not be fine."

The boy's head snapped up, his eyes suddenly glazed and his mouth drawn into a thin line, "I am fine." He grit out.

And Cole rolled his eyes-- just like the sisters-- stubborn as hell.

"Yeah, okay, sure…" he said, letting the sarcasm drip off his words.

"I agreed we'd stay… but I'm not gonna sleep-"

"Chris-"

"—I'll just close my eyes for a little while," the boy said quickly, before his uncle could further protest. "… but while I'm doing that, you can't go on and on about future stuff." He finished firmly.

Cole met his gaze—the kid was bending as far as he was willing to go, so he'd meet him half way, he nodded after a moment, "Fair enough."

"You can go up to the guest bedroom-" Piper started.

"No, that's okay. I'll stick with the couch." Chris interrupted quickly, then turned and abruptly headed out.

Cole watched the sisters follow him into the living room without hesitation; Piper pausing only long enough to lift Wyatt into her arms, and he couldn't stop the grin that covered his face.

Chris was trying to keep them at a distance and they were following him around like eager, little puppies... it should be quite a show.

Chris settled himself back on the sofa and tried to ignore not just the waves of dizziness that wouldn't leave him alone, but the intense stares of the three women who'd followed his lead into the living room.

Three women, who were even now settling themselves into what appeared to be, perfect positions to watch him rest!

He looked around in time to see his Uncle Cole stroll in and shot him a desperate look.

Cole shrugged, "If you think I can shake'm off your tail you really do need to get some sleep."

Paige frowned, "Get who off who's tale?"

"Not us?" Phoebe exclaimed.

Paige shook her head, "We're not anyone's tail..."

"We just want to make sure you're okay, Chris, that's all." Piper finished gently, adjusting Wyatt on her lap.

"Oh, but haven't you heard, he's fine." Cole responded, before the younger man could say a word.

Phoebe chuckled at the look Chris sent his uncle, "You guys are funny together." She said.

Both men remained silent, a moment later, though Cole did release a small humphing sound.

Chris stretched out on the sofa and Cole took a seat in a nearby armchair. The sisters said nothing. All three of them simply looked from one man to the other.

"So..." Cole began, "Piper... Feelin the need to feed your son yet?" he asked, cheekily, "'Cause seein as I'm the one who told you he was your son— I deserve some food too..." he wheedled.

Piper turned her gaze from Chris to Cole and blinked; he was sprawled out in her armchair, looking completely at home and relaxed.

"You really do re-marry Phoebe, huh?" she couldn't help but ask. She heard said younger sister gasp and could practically feel Paige's disapproval, but Cole just smiled at her.

"Yep, and you make the best cheese ravioli in the world—hint, hint."

Chris chuckled, his eyes were closed as he lay on the sofa, and his voice was adorably husky when he spoke, "Nice; very subtle."

"Hunger prevents subtleness— how 'bout it, Piper? Willing to feed the travelers from the future?"

She met Cole's amused gaze and couldn't help but grin, "Cheese Ravioli, huh?"

"With the special sauce," Chris called from the sofa, while snuggling in deeper. His tone was decidedly sleepy and it looked like he was revising his not-sleep-just-rest idea.

Piper's gaze shifted to his still form, "It'll be ready when you wake up." She said softly.

"Sure, I ask and I get silence. He asks and he gets an immediate affirmative response—" Cole grumbled, but there was smile on his face.

Chris chuckled sleepily, but didn't comment. In silence they all watched his breathing even out as he slipped into a deep, and hopefully, dreamless sleep.

"Do you really think that's all that's wrong with him?" Paige asked softly, "…that he's just tired… I mean he was attacked… what if there's something else?"

"But Leo healed him?" Phoebe said, shaking her head, "He should be fine…"

"I know, it's just he looks so worn out…"

"He is worn out." Cole stated simply, "Chris always dives in headfirst into whatever he's doing—it's up to family to pull back a bit before slams his head against a rock, metaphorically speaking of course."

Phoebe and Paige just stared at him… not responding to his attempt at humor. Piper was still staring at Chris.

"We haven't been doing our job," she said softly after a moment.

"We didn't know." Phoebe justified.

Piper shook her head, "We should have."

"Stop dwelling on that and go make Ravioli, woman!" Cole growled playfully at Piper, his lips upturned in a smile.

A small smile tugged at Piper's lips, "Hungry are you?"

"You could say that," he stated then urged with a smile, "Go ahead with your routines— I'll just sit here," he repeated as he had earlier in the day, "I won't cause trouble—I promise."

Paige made a huffing sound, "Oh please!"

Piper made a shushing sound, "Shhh, don't wake him…! I'm going to the kitchen. I want to be finished by the time he wakes up. Here." She finished, handing Wyatt to his Auntie Paige.

"Oh! And please don't ask either of them to help." Cole pleaded as Piper headed for the door.

"What's that supposed to mean!" Paige asked, her tone quieter but no less outraged.

"It means all, and I do mean ALL, the culinary skills gene went to Piper; you and Phoebe suck."

Both younger women stared at him in outrage. Piper chuckled as she left, making no comment.

"We do NOT suck!" Paige hissed quietly.

"I can cook." Phoebe defended.

Cole shot her a skeptical look, "Granted, I'm not around this particular year, but come on, I have been married to you once by now; I know the truth!"

"You loved my scrambled eggs!"

"I told you I loved your scrambled eggs—just like I'll tell you I love your pancakes." He stated simply, then winced and shot a quick glance at Chris's sleeping form, "I didn't say that." He said quickly.

Phoebe blinked a little then grinned and practically bounced over to one of sofa across from, "Can you not say what the twins are like too!" she asked excitedly.

Paige nodded, joining her sister on the sofa, "We'll avoid the depressing subject—you know our death; but come on! Tell us about all our kids!"

Cole shook his head, "Nope, sorry."

"Fine then, tell us about our deaths." Paige stated.

She said it lightly, almost jokingly, but the flash of sorrow that crossed Cole's face wasn't a joke.

It wiped the smiles off both their faces and reminded them that although to them this was all still theoretical, to him it was reality.

"That's not something I like to talk about, Paige." He said seriously, "… not something I like to remember."

She swallowed hard, nodding.

"Was it sudden?" Phoebe asked.

His gaze shifted to her and he felt something inside him quiver. It was easy to think of this woman as "Phoebe" and not his wife. Easy until she looked at him like that—like she saw him and all he was. Images of that day flashed in his mind and suddenly he couldn't stop his fists from clenching or his mouth from drawing into a tight line.

"Yes." Was all he was able to grit out, before he stood and walked quickly to the other side of the room.

Wishing he could outrun the memories as easily.

"We didn't mean to upset you."

Phoebe's quiet voice broke into his thoughts and he sighed. He couldn't let them upset him, though, that would be a problem for them all.

There was one surefire way to get his mind on a happier track, of that he was sure.

Abruptly he turned back to them, making the decision to drive away those ghastly, blood-red images with the brightest things in his life…

"Mel and Prue look just like you, Phoebe." He said, and watched her light up a little—the same way the girls did.

"They're identical twins—physically anyway. Personality wise, they're night and day. Mel's the hot-head… she runs into things without thinking; impulsive, it's freakin hard to keep tabs on her," he growled, "While Prue… she's a lot like the original Prue. Level headed, calm, assured—together they make one hell of a teenage girl."

Phoebe giggled, "Melinda and Prudence, right?"

"Piper Melinda and Prudence Paige, actually. I tried real hard to talk you out'a that second middle name there, but you were adamant."

It took them a moment, but they caught on and Paige hissed at him and threw a cushion at him. He caught it and chuckled. "Anyway, your little girl," he said to Paige, "Is an angel. If I could get mine to behave like that I'd be happy man. Amy is the sweetest kid in the world." He finished and his affection for the girl was obvious.

"You really-"

"Phoebe." Piper said poking her head in the door and interrupting Paige, "Phone for you."

Phoebe frowned, "Who is it? I mean, come on Piper—kinda busy here, future events and all."

"I know. It's just—long distance and all…" Piper said pointedly.

Phoebe frowned, "Long distance?"

Piper frowned back, "Yeah, Phoebe, long, long distance." She said knowingly.

But her younger sister simply blinked at her in stupefaction.

Cole chuckled, "Jason. She means its Jason on the phone… my god you had extraordinary luck in this year."

"Oh, oh! Jason!" she cried, jumping up from her seat. "Yeah, yeah. Of course…" she headed for the doorway where Piper was rolling her eyes.

"Remember, Phoebe: don't get too attached." Cole called out after her without bothering to even turn around.

He didn't have to turn around to know she'd paused, didn't have to see her to know that her eyes had widen a little or that she'd bitten her bottom lip just tad— simply he knew.

"You look very pleased with yourself." Paige murmured and he realized suddenly that he was alone with her.

He let his gaze rest on the women. They'd never had a stellar relationship, never would. But they would learn to trust each other and he would lay down his life for her children in a heartbeat.

"No reason why I shouldn't be." He told her smugly; seeing no reason to not get a rise out of her.

"You're still an arrogant jerk."

He smiled pleasantly, "And you'll always be a suspicious pit-bull—we're even."

"Do we ever get along?"

Cole shrugged, "Eventually, I guess. At some point, I'm not sure what point, but at some point our arguing becomes friendly. We'll always argue though." He finished.

"But… my kids…" Paige began hesitantly.

"—are a whole different story." Cole interrupted, "I love'm both. Adam's great… but Amy's mine." He grinned, "I told you so when I saw her."

Paige frowned, "Excuse me? You told me what? About my daughter? Didn't you have daughters of you own by then?"

"Yeah, but the twins were always Phoebe's darlings. When Amy was born, I claimed her." He said simply, "… and you had no say."

Paige rolled her eyes, "MY daughter."

He shrugged, "It's okay. I shared."

"You're obnoxious."

"You're-"

"Be nice to each other." Phoebe reprimanded, cutting Cole's words off and shooting Paige a warning look as she walked back into the room. "What's going on in here?"

"Nothing much," Cole stated, before Paige could open her mouth, "Just the usual—trading insults and all."

A moment later the grandfather clock struck four cords and Paige jumped up from her chair, "Ah! I'm late!" she cried and ran out of the room.

Chris jumped, startled out of his sleep. Quickly Cole moved to his side, kneeling in front of the sofa, "It's okay, buddy; that was Paige… she's late…"

A sleepy smile covered the boy's face as he nodded, "… always is…" he murmured, before letting his eyes slide shut again.

Cole sighed softly as he stood and headed back to the chair. Thank god the kid hadn't really woken up… if he had, he would have gotten into his pig-headed head that he'd slept enough and wanted to leave.

"What's she late for?" he asked, wryly.

"Temp job." Phoebe stated quietly.

He realized it then—he was alone with Phoebe.

She was staring at him again—as intently as she had been before.

He sighed, might as well face up to the music. He braced himself, you should always brace yourself when asking a woman, any woman but especially one of these women, the question he was about to ask.

"What are you thinking?"

She blinked a little, then answered seriously, "I'm trying to figure out—what I'm going to feel or think… when you show up, you know— for real. What's gonna go through my head that's gonna lead me to marry you again… that kinda stuff…"

Cole nodded slowly, "Oh."

"No input on that."

"No, not really. I think you knowing we get married and have kids is more then enough to see you through my reappearance."

She scowled, "I could just decide to not marry you!"

"You could. But you won't." He said confidently.

"I could marry Jason!" she said defiantly.

He shrugged, "Go ahead. There's this thing called divorce… very popular these days."

"He's not a demon."

"Exactly. Mortals—very boring."

"He is not! He owns a jet! And a newspaper! And… and… lots of other stuff! He's interesting and loves me and doesn't try to kill me or trick me or get me to rule the underworld with him!"

"Exactly. Mortal—very boring." Cole repeated, his lips twitching. "Can you imagine being married to one— Grocery shopping, laundry, mini-van, car-pooling, ironing, vacuuming, window-washing, cooking and not even a good old fashion demon vanquish to break up the monotony?"

She glared at him, "You're insane!"

"You'll marry me, Phoebe." He said confidently, his tone steady, "Because otherwise your life'll never start."

Her eyes widened as she absorbed the words and he watched panic set in. She stood abruptly, "You made me hurt like no else I've ever known."

He looked up at her, meeting her hazel eyes unflinchingly, "I know." He acknowledge, then added, "I also I made and I will make you happier than anyone else in the world ever could." He stated.

She would run now, how thought, she wasn't ready to hear any of this; wouldn't be for years.

But it was fun to see her try to absorb it.

A moment later his prediction proved true as she back away from him, "I… I have to… I can't… I just… I can't deal with… I have to go… I'm sorry, but this is just… I can't…" she stammered and quickly left the room.

He smirked a little as she retreated, then sighed, settling himself into the sofa again as his gaze shifted to Chris. So far the kid seemed to be getting a fair amount of dreamless sleep.

Of course, that could have a lot to do with the fact that he had very nearly exhausted every available resource his body had—both physiologically and magically.

The exhaustion was working to keep the dreams at bay—probably his plan.

Yeah, he thought, as he let his mind wander… it sounded like just the sort of plan Chris would concoct—illogical, dangerous, and successful.

The smells from the kitchen were making his stomach rumble. Chris had been sleeping for almost two hours now without so much as stirring. And Cole had spent the time carefully analyzing what they were going to do when they got home.

A cloaking spell would keep them safe while they exited the museum. He'd left the kids with Jeff, a resistance leader who worked above ground. He knew though, he didn't need to worry about them—they were still under Wyatt's protection. Wyatt still had faith that he could turn them.

Drew though, he'd sent underground with a couple of the more rough sergeant's of the movement. The boy had been mad as hell, but… then again, so had his father.

They were evenly matched when it came to temper. If it weren't for the twins and for the mutual understanding that all the older members of the family had, to keep Adam and Amy sheltered for as long as possible—the two would have come blows.

But they hadn't and Cole had come to his sense—Drew was just fifteen, no matter what, and he wasn't lost yet. He wouldn't be either if he had anything to do about it.

Before the boy knew what hit him, he'd be powerless. A few months at the mercy of some boot-camp officials should do wonders for him. Hell, a few months of living in that city without having the prerogative of being a blessed Halliwell should be enough.

Then he would get Chris back here if the boy wanted.

It would be okay, now… for him to come here and stay. The sisters would help him, protect him, guide him…

Leo's being a jackass couldn't be helped; and as horrible as it was—Chris was used to his father's ways.

Cole stood slowly, stretching his legs as the thoughts faded in his mind. He was hungry and Chris was sleeping peacefully.

It was time to see what progress Piper had made on that Ravioli…

They both shut-up the minute he entered the kitchen.

He grinned, "Please continue… I'd love to hear the latest gossip of the Charmed minds."

Phoebe rolled her eyes and shifted away from him.

Piper met his gaze, "How is he?" she asked.

"Same as he was three minutes ago when you poked your head in for the twenty-seventh time."

She scowled, "Don't start with me Cole—or I'm keeping the food." She threatened.

Threats! Just like old times.

He grinned, "He's sleeping like a perfect little angel." He told her sweetly. "Is that ravioli ready?"

She laughed, "Yeah. Phoebe, get it for him. I'm gonna go sit with Chris." She said quickly and left.

Great.

Alone.

With Phoebe.

Again.

'Cause last time went so well.

"It's okay. I'll help myself. I know where everything is." He told her, amused at the way she avoided his gaze.

He moved to get a plate and fill it.

"You think this is funny."

Her voice was curt and he realized that the smirk was still planted on his face.

That wouldn't go over too well.

"Of course not." He said as neutrally as he could, keeping his gaze on the food.

"Oh come on Cole! You're not the only one who was married in our marriage!" she cried and that statement brought a full blown smile onto his face.

"I'm aware that marriage takes two people." He told her.

"You think its funny, to come here and drop all this on me-"

"Phoebe." He cut her off, straightening with his plate of food, "I didn't mean to drop anything on you at all." He stated simply, "I didn't even mean to talk to you. If I'd found Chris when I looked you wouldn't even have known I was here."

"But now you've told me that I'm gonna marry you again and I'll never get that out of my head…" she complained.

He shrugged carelessly, "I guess that sucks for you, huh." He said just as carelessly then proceeded to retrieve a fork.

She stared at him, "I trusted you and you-"

"Phoebe." He interrupted again, the fork half way up to his mouth, "I don't wanna get into that with you. I already did. A long time ago. You save those arguments and you get into them with the right version of Cole. This version is hungry." Then he forked half a ravioli in his mouth.

She watched him for a moment, then rolled her eyes, "At least sit down, will ya! Your acting like you haven't' eaten in months."

"Piper's food…? Years." He said quickly, but instead of heading for the table he headed for the door.

He'd promised to stay with Chris.

When he walked in he found Piper sitting on the sofa where Chris was lay, his head on her lap.

She looked up when he walked in.

"He was frowning and mumbling…" she said softly, "… and when I touched him… he stopped." She finished, her voice full of wonder, "I touched his cheek and he… he stopped and he… he turned into my hand; like… he, just… knew me."

Cole smiled a little as he sat in the armchair again, balancing the plate carefully. "You're his mother." He told Piper matter-a-factly.

"I know, I just…" she shook her head, her words trailing off. Her eyes were fixed on Chris's face, her hand smoothing his dark hair.

He watched her a moment, then figured she didn't want to talk anymore. Okay, by him. They sat in companionable silence for awhile, she was content staring at her future son and he was content wolfing down his plate of ravioli.

When Phoebe walked in, he had finished his ravioli, but Piper was still staring at Chris—go figure.

"How is he?" she asked softly, eyeing Chris almost anxiously.

Cole almost rolled his eyes; three hours ago the kid had almost bled to death in front of her and she hadn't batted an eyelash, now she was worried about his dreams?

They still had so much growing up to do, he thought, they probably wouldn't appreciate him saying so, though.

"He's okay… no nightmares that I can tell." Piper responded just as softly.

Phoebe nodded sitting down, then looked at Cole, "Before at the club… he had a nightmare about that girl… the one you and Leo were arguing about in the future, right?"

He tensed, "Yeah, he did. But I don't think that's something we should be discussing."

"I was just wondering... I mean, it seems like Leo did something that..."

"-did something that Chris will never forgive." Cole finished, when Phoebe trailed off.

"What happened?" Piper's voice was almost fearful as she asked.

Cole met her gaze, "I wasn't there. By that time Chris had already started pulling away from everyone. He was leading the resistance, not living with me or Leo anymore. One day he brought Lizzie to me. She was tiny and terrified and clinging to him. He wanted me to take her in; and I would have, no problem... but she wouldn't stay… she didn't want to leave Chris." he paused, then repeated, "When it happened I wasn't there. But it appears that she went after Wyatt—to make Chris's life easier; and when she was caught, Wyatt sent word to Chris to go get her."

"It was a trap." Piper stated dully.

"It was cruel." Cole answered, "He had Chris restrained by demons and made him watch as he tortured the girl to death. I didn't know, didn't hear about until late that night— it took that long for the information to work its way through the network."

"Network?" Phoebe asked.

"But what about Chris's powers?" Piper asked.

"Network of spies." Cole answered Phoebe, then shifted his gaze to Piper, "Wyatt set it up so that Chris's powers don't work within that monstrosity he calls a home." He answered her, but his gaze was still focused on memories of the past.

"Leo was there." Piper stated after a moment. It wasn't really a question, but Cole answered anyway.

"It's what he kept repeating that night— when I went to him. That he'd begged his father. He hadn't begged Wyatt to stop, he'd known that was useless... he'd begged his Dad to stop Wyatt... but Leo... he didn't."

"Oh god." Phoebe said, horrified.

Piper's hand slowed as she caressed Chris's hair, "He must have been so— heartbroken." She whispered.

"He was more determined after that... to change things. I should have seen it then, that he was going to come up with something like this—"

"You keep saying that... you should have this and you should have that and Chris went to you and you didn't hear it... it sounds like... I don't know, like you're the one responsible for him or something."

Cole eyed Phoebe oddly, "I am responsible for him." he said dully.

"His father should be responsible for him." Piper stated, her eyes burning with dull fury.

Cole leaned back, releasing a long sigh, "Leo and I... we were supposed to share it. Work it out together—raising all the kids. But well... with Wyatt, the way he is... plans changed."

"I can't believe Leo would do that. To his own son!" Piper whispered.

"You heard him in that vision, Piper, that's always been his argument. Chris was in the hands of a murderer, the girl was a threat, she tried to kill Wyatt... he won't see anything else. I've stopped trying."

She opened her mouth to respond, but was cut off by Chris. He started shifting and mumbling under his breath, his brow furrowed and his jaw clenching.

"Oh! That can't be good!" Phoebe cried.

"Sshhhh, baby... its okay..." Piper whispered, "You're okay, Chris..."

But it wasn't working. He whimpered and stiffened, turning one way, then the other.

Cole sighed, "He's going to wake up." he said wearily.

"No, Chris... you're okay... shhhh, please relax, baby... you need to rest..." Piper continued cooing in soft comforting tones, "You're safe here, baby... you can sleep..."

Her hand caressed his face and hair and slowly, the boy seemed to relax. Piper released a breath slowly and carefully bent over him to press a gentle kiss on his forehead.

She sat up and found Cole looking at her with a smile on his lips. She didn't get to comment though, because a moment later Chris shot up into a sitting position from her lap.

His breathing suddenly erratic and his eyes wide and still glazed from sleep.

"Whoa there!" Piper cried, her hands reaching out to his shoulders. "You're okay Chris, it was nightmare," she told him.

He drew in a ragged breath and turned his head to stare at her. Their eyes met for a moment and then he frowned and looked to the other side of him, where Phoebe was also staring at him with wide, concerned eyes.

His frown intensified, before looking at his uncle.

"What's goin on here?" he asked suspiciously, his voice husky.

Cole grinned, "Ravioli, kid, really good ravioli..."

Chris continued to frown, turning back to his mother and taking in where she was sitting and where he had just been lying.

"Was I..." he paused then stood up abruptly, cutting off his own words.

Immediately his head swam, but nothing as dramatic or as painful as the last time he'd stood up like that.

"You're still sick!" Phoebe cried, standing and reaching out to grab his arm as he wavered.

He pulled away from her, steadying himself on his own, before shooting them all a collective frown.

Cole couldn't help it, "Careful, your face'll freeze that way." He commented.

The scowl deepened, "You look way too comfortable and they look way too concerned; what did you say to them?" he looked around, "And where's Paige and Wyatt?"

"Paige went to work—she was late; very late." Phoebe stated, "You said she's always…"

"And Wyatt's upstairs napping," Piper interrupted, reaching over to the coffee table, "Baby monitor." She added, waving it at him.

Chris's gaze went Cole, he arched an eyebrow – like his mother – and waited for his uncle to answer his question.

Cole returned the stare—minus the arched eyebrow.

"You told them stuff!" Chris accused.

Cole grinned, "Only a little bit." He said, quoting Chris.

Before the younger man could respond Piper stood, "Come to the kitchen Chris. I made cheese ravioli and baked, stuffed chicken and fudge chocolate cake for desert; but if you… want something else I can-"

"Hey! I didn't know there was chicken and chocolate cake!" Cole cried, standing.

Chris's frown didn't ease and he didn't move. Cole studied him a moment; the light in his eyes slowly dimming. When he spoke his voice was serious, all business, "You need to eat something. Then we'll leave."

Chris nodded. "Fine." He said firmly, then moved towards the kitchen ignoring the almost longing look his mother was sending him.

"He hates me." Piper whispered, when he'd left the room, "You were wrong. I knew it… I knew he was going to hate… you were wrong…" she muttered as she slowly followed behind her son.

Cole shook his head, "No. I wasn't." he said simply, but offered no explanation. Without another word he followed Chris into the kitchen.

This visit was coming to an end.

Cole entered the kitchen first; he saw the way Chris quickly straightened, where a moment earlier he'd been supporting himself with the counter.

He didn't comment on it though, what was the point?

Without a word, or a glance to Chris or the sisters, he got a plate filled it to capacity set it on the table and pointed to a chair, "Sit down. I don't want to hear a single word from you until you eat every single thing on that plate."

Chris stared at it, then up at his uncle, "With my hands or can I get a fork?"

Phoebe giggled and Cole shot her a sharp look, "Don't encourage him." He grit out, then went and handed the boy a fork. "Everything on the plate."

Chris rolled his eyes as he sat down, "You sure you don't just want me to eat the plate too…"

"Save room for the cake." Piper stated.

"How did you have time to bake a cake?" Cole asked, slowly nearing the counter.

"Two hours is a lot of time if you know what you're doing." She said, her gaze on Chris.

The baby monitor sprang to life before Cole could respond. Piper jumped a little, "Oh… let me go get him…"

Cole nodded, "Phoebe, why don't you help her with that." He stated and met her hazel eyes. This time Phoebe caught the message clearly and nodded slowly.

"Okay, yeah…"

"You can meet us in the attic." Chris called out from the table. "Uncle Cole and I will leave right after I'm finished."

"But the cake-"

"We have to leave, Piper." He stated, ignoring the way she flinched when he said her name. "The cake'll hafta stay."

She nodded and he turned away from that sad look in her eyes. A moment later both women had left the room.

Cole took a seat across from Chris, "Tell me how you're feeling?" he said. "And don't say fine, because I know that's a lie. You've been pushing yourself too hard and that club clearly showed signs that you'd released an energy blast."

Chris sighed, "Tired." He said softly, "If I turn my head too fast the world shifts, if I stand up too quick I see lights and sometimes its just hard to draw a breath."

"Have tried taking something to help you sleep, Chris. You can't just go on without sleeping…"

"I know…" the boy agreed as he continued eating, "I haven't… but I guess I will, eventually…"

Cole watched him, he did definitely need sleep; but the food was helping, already his eyes were a little brighter and he looked less like the walking dead.

"So, after we or rather you bind Drew's powers… you coming back here?" Cole asked seriously.

Chris paused and sighed, "I don't know." He answered and then went back to eating.

Watching him, Cole decided not to press the issue— after all, there were others that would do it for him.

"I'm home! Where is everybody?" Paige's voice carried up to them in the attic.

"In the attic Paige!" Phoebe yelled.

A moment later orbs filled the room.

"You couldn't walk up here?" Piper asked, frowning.

Paige shrugged, "Orbing is easier. So what's up? What're we doin?" she asked.

"Chris and Cole are leaving." Piper answered, her voice oddly devoid of emotion.

"Oh." The youngest sisters said as she eyed both men standing in front of the Triquetra symbol.

"Chris won't tell us if he's coming back or not." Piper continued.

"I don't know if I'm coming back or not." Chris countered.

"How can you not know!" Phoebe cried.

"I just don't… it depends on what I find; on how the situation is. I can't just abandon them if they need me!"

Piper's eyes flashed, "But us you can abandon! We need you too!"

Chris's eyes flashed back, "This morning you would've paid someone to get me out of you hair!"

"This morning I didn't know you were my son!" she yelled at him.

"ENOUGH." Cole cried, his gaze shooting daggers at them all.

"You know it's true!" Chris whirled on him, "You know I can't possibly know whether or not it's okay for me to come back until I've seen the state of the resistance."

Cole regarded him silently for a moment, "I know you've never turned your back on a mission before now." He told him steadily.

"That's not what I'm doing."

"You are. You're scared."

The boy scoffed, but they both knew the truth was lurking in his eyes, "What could I possibly be scared of in this time, huh? No evil tyrant killing people here… just regular demons trying to organize the underworld and bring chaos to the world—nothing special…"

"The Charmed Ones are here."

"They've already kicked me out, what's the worse they could do?"

"Chris we didn't know-" Phoebe began, but didn't finish. Cole shot her a silencing stare. Chris had to be confronted about this… but by someone who knew what the issue was.

"That's right, Chris, they already kicked you out. So what do you have to be afraid of?"

The boy glared at him, "Don't do this."

"You insist whatever it is gets to Wyatt before your born…" Cole said.

Chris's fists clenched, "Stop it."

"In five months this will all blow up…"

"I've left notes; they can handle it-"

With utter calm, Cole continued, "In five months the destiny of millions will be determined."

"I warned them, I've led them, they can do it on their own! They're the Charmed Ones remember!"

"I remember."

"The most powerful forces of good in existence! They can stop it with out me! Do it without me! They don't need me!" He yelled fiercely.

"You're running."

"You don't know what your talking about!" the boy roared suddenly. "Yeah, they kicked me out and never wanted to see me again, but that is NOTHING compared to what will happen if I come back here! What will happen will be worse!"

"What will happen?"

"They'll love me!" he cried, "They'll make me their son and their nephew!" he hissed.

Cole waited, knowing that now was not the time to approach the boy.

"And I'll lose them again!" Chris continued, a film a shiny tears appearing over his eyes.

"Oh, Chris-" he sighed.

"NO! Don't say it like that!" he cried. "You don't know what it's like…"

"Chris it's a chance…"

"NO." He hissed bitterly, "It's torture!"

Cole sighed, "Don't look at it like that-"

Chris rolled his eyes, "Oh please! Do you really think you'd be saying that if Phoebe were acting like you wife!" he yelled.

Cole didn't respond, only stared at him, a moment later, Chris released a long breath, obviously trying to calm himself down, "If that was your wife standing there instead of just Phoebe what would you do, huh?" he posed the question almost calmly and Cole answered it with utter honesty.

"If that was my wife I would wrap her in my arms, kiss her, and then hold her for as I could. I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to have in my arms one last time."

Chris shook his head, "And then just go back to a world without her?" he asked hoarsely.

"That's the world your trying to change, Chris," he said softly, knowing that it was now okay to approach the boy. "I know… for you and Wyatt and the twins… it was especially hard to lose them. I know that; but do you honestly think that denying yourself the joy of being around your mother and aunts is for the best?"

"No… but I think it'll hurt less…" he whispered, "I don't want to do that again… go through that again… if I get attached—more attached to this Piper and this Phoebe and this Paige when I go back…" his words trailed off. "I don't want to mourn them again." He finished.

"So don't." Cole whispered back, "This is a gift Chris. An opportunity to be with them and enjoy them… the twins would kill for this and you know it…" he added with a smile.

Chris smiled a little, but didn't look any less miserable. The seconds stretched out and finally the youth released a long sigh.

Cole finished nearing the boy and placed a hand on his shoulder, "It's your mission Chris, you do what you think is best; but make sure it's a decision you can live with."

A tiny smile appeared on the young man's face, "I would always wonder if maybe I couldn't have done more…"

"Exactly."

"I hate it when your right."

Cole grinned, squeezing the boy's shoulder affectionately before dropping his hand, "Funny, I live for the moments."

Chris's small smile widened a little and he inhaled deeply. Then turned to face the three women who were staring them. Cole too turned to face the firing squad—metaphorically speaking of course.

There was silence; and Cole knew that Chris just didn't know what to say. He'd revealed a lot about himself in that conversation—a lot about how important they were to him.

"We're going to leave now." He told the three sisters, slipping back into his polite tone, "Thank you for your patience today… and for not blowing me up," he added after a heartbeat with a wink to Piper.

"Wait!" Paige cried, "I just got back… so I don't know… what just happened here?" She asked looking from the silent Chris to her silent sisters.

"Piper baked Chris a cake, but we don't have time for desert and she told him she's save it for him and Chris told her not bother." Phoebe explained, "Which led to the realization that Chris wasn't coming back… which led to the argument, which to now…"

Paige blinked, "Oh." Then her gaze slid to her nephew, "But you are coming back now aren't you…"

Chris didn't respond right away, but when he did, his voice was soft almost hesitant, "I guess… if that's what you want…"

"It is." Piper cut in firmly, her gaze warm and steady, "It's what we want."

He nodded, "Then yeah… I'll come back."

"When?" Piper asked.

He shrugged, "Time travel… any day I want…"

"Will you…" suddenly Piper was as hesitant as Chris had been, "… can you come back today?" she asked hopefully.

He stared at her a moment, then nodded slowly, "Yeah, I can come back today." He said quietly.

Piper nodded giving him a brilliant smile. Paige too smiled and grinned stating emphatically, "Good."

Now that that was settle Cole went to the Triquetra symbol and softly uttered the spell to take them where they wished to go.

"Where'd you get that?" Chris asked, surprised a little that his uncle had a spell for time travel.

"Prue wrote it." He said, then reached in his pocket and pulled out to vials, "And Mel made this. Cloaking potions… for the guards." He told the boy as he handed him one.

Chris nodded, taking the vial, "Good idea. Are the probes still running?"

"Yeah, but not so much in the attic… more on the lower floors. I'll shimmer us out of there since it's more commonly found in there then orbing."

Both men lifted the vials to their lips and drank. Chris frowned, holding out the empty bottle in front of him, "Is that…?"

"-mint? Yeah, Mel wanted it to taste good." He said grinning.

Chris rolled his eyes, but he was smiling as he said, "I just want it to work."

"Hey, she guarantees it, so who am I to question her potion making skills." Cole stated.

Chris smiled, but his thoughts were obviously running in a different direction, "Okay, let's get this show on the road." He said.

Cole nodded, his gaze though, instinctively sought out Phoebe's. She was looking at him, but not the way he was looking at her. She gazed at him with a mix of fear and curiosity. He gazed at her with the memories of a lifetime in his eyes.

But he said nothing. Not to this Phoebe; as Chris had pointed out if this woman were his wife… or hell, even about to be his wife, it would be different. But this Phoebe, in this godforsaken year, didn't belong to him.

With determination he turned away from her and faced the swirling portal. Chris was already facing it.

"Show on the road, it is kid." He said, and he jumped into it. A moment later he felt Chris's presence as they whirled through time and space.

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