CHARMED

"Flushing Away Love?"

By Teri Thibeault (a.k.a. Tessalynne) and J. B. Tilton (a.k.a. centexmale)

K+ (for mild language)

Disclaimer: "Charmed" and all related characters and events are the property of the WB television network, except for those characters specifically created for this story. This is a work of fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.

(Authors note: This story takes place between season 4 episodes "Muse To My Ears" and "Paige From The Past".

Special thanks to Misty Thibeault for the title to this story.)

When Phoebe and Cole have a fight that threatens to break them up they receive help from an unlikely source.

ONE

"Phoebe" Piper screamed from upstairs.

Phoebe flinched visibly, she knew that tone, Piper was not happy. Phoebe hurried upstairs to see what had upset her so much.

"What is it Piper?" Phoebe walked into the bathroom at the top of the stairs.

"This," Piper said, pointing grimly to the open toilet. "Cole left the seat up again. I keep asking him to put it down but he doesn't listen. Can you please try to get it through his thick head that he needs to put the seat down."

"Sure," said Phoebe. "I'll talk to him about it. I know he's having trouble adjusting to being without his powers. He does have a lot on his mind."

"I know Phoebe. But it's not rocket science and putting it down should be natural to him by now living in a house with three women."

"No problem," said Phoebe

Piper left the bathroom and Phoebe headed to her room. Cole had said something about looking for a job and would be getting ready to go out. Had she been less irritated the sight that greeted her would have been amusing. Cole was standing in front of the mirror, shirtless and grinning, flexing his muscle, singing along to the song "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred that was playing on the radio.

As Phoebe entered the room he turned toward her. He continued to sing the song as he moved toward her slowly in a slow gyrating dance. She just smiled for him as he moved up to her.

"Very nice," she said. "Piper asked me to talk to you about putting the seat on the toilet down. She's fit to be tied. Can you just try to remember to put the seat down from now on, please?"

"Wasn't me," said Cole, looking over two shirts.

"Well, Leo orbed out a while ago. And I know it wasn't Piper or me and Paige is off at work. Kind of narrows down the culprit a bit."

"I told you it wasn't me," said Cole innocently. "Not sure what to tell you but I didn't do it."

"Look, I know you're not used to doing it. You've been a bachelor for so long you haven't had a need to worry about it. But there are three women in this house, babe. Got to start thinking of others."

"You think I'm lying to you?" Cole's smile vanished.

"No, sweetie. Maybe you just forgot that's all."

"I didn't forget. I think I've been pretty good about fitting in. And I have been putting the seat down. I don't know who left it up but it wasn't me."

"I suppose Piper just imagined it?"

"I don't know. All I know is it wasn't me. I may be guilty of a lot of things but that's not one of them."

"I'm just asking you to think a little more in the future, that's all. Just show a little consideration for the others who live here." Phoebe was becoming irritated that this small request seemed such a problem.

"What's that supposed to mean? You tell me how much help I am without my powers and how much I help around here. Now you're telling me I need to be more considerate? Make up your mind. You can't have it both ways."

"You are a big help. And you can be a lot of help even without your powers. But there's a lot more to it than just that."

"Like being accused of something I didn't do?" Cole snapped back. "Look, if I've done something wrong I'm more than willing to take my lumps for it. But I'm not guilty and I don't think it's fair to blame me just because I happen to be the only male in the house."

"If the shoe fits."

"So you're telling me if the toilet seat is left up it has to be a man"

"Just try to be a bit more conscious of what you're doing, okay? I don't like Piper jumping me for something I didn't do."

She didn't wait for Cole's response. She turned and walked out of the bedroom and headed downstairs. Cole just stared as she walked out of the room.