AN: This chapter is unbetaed; I apologize for the awful mistakes you find around.
Chapter Two: 13 years old.
"Your brother sure knows how to ruin a good party."
Chris smiled weakly at Coop. Wyatt practically destroyed the manor (again) with his fights; Chris didn't understand why Wyatt insisted on vanquishing demons in their house. He was still a Halliwell and that meant he also owned the house and the prick should be more considerate about it. But of course, consideration and Wyatt couldn't be used in the same sentence, unless it had 'lacks of' in the middle.
"What the hell happened?" Chris cringed. He tried to prevent his Mother from seeing this mess; he hated when she got angry because Wyatt acted like an idiot, which was almost every day lately.
"Just a party out of control," Chris explained quickly.
"And I assume your brother brought demons to celebrate your birthday as well," his Mother saw him with a glint of sadness.
"A birthday without demons is no Halliwell birthday, Mom, you know it," Chris beamed, trying to show that he didn't mind this mess. He hated seeing her feeling guilty about something she had no longer control of. Wyatt was pretty much on his own.
"Coop, do you want to stay over?" Piper looked at Coop with sympathy. Phoebe had died three months ago; Coop only had his Dad and sisters now.
"Prue wants cake," he excused himself. "I promised to take a lot."
It went unsaid why neither of the cousins were at the manor for Chris' birthday; Coop was the only allowed in the house, given that he was more experienced and Chris and he spent most of their time together anyway. The cousins were an easy target for demons, and Coop's Dad didn't want to risk them. They had lost so many Halliwells already, and the girls were the least involved in magic. Aunt Phoebe had decided to stop teaching them when she saw something about the future. Coop didn't know what exactly his Mother had planned, but he knew she was aware of her death and the future events that would lead to the change of magic. Phoebe insisted on making Coop train harder, letting his sisters protected only with spells and amulets; 'the key is in the past', Phoebe said to Coop before dying. It broke Coop's heart having his Mother in his arms, fading away.
Coop had changed since that day; he and Wyatt couldn't be in the same room without fighting endlessly."Take it all," Chris said. "It's the only thing that didn't end up destroyed; it could be a sign for the cousins to eat it and get themselves sick.""Dad doesn't let them eat too much sugar," Coop smirked. "It was fun, Chris.""I imagine." Chris said bitterly. Every year his birthday was ruined either by demons or his Dad being an asshole. He never got a decent party, or even felt excited for the day. He often wondered why he hadn't died already; demons kept targeting him and he wasn't as strong as Wyatt or his Mom. Yet, he was alive … he was alive and Aunt Phoebe was dead. It wasn't fair.
"At least Leo didn't show up." Coop murmured before walking away.Chris nodded lightly at his cousin before seeing him disappear out the door. He was so tired of this, of having crappy birthdays and family dying. For most people, having superpowers was awesome. For Chris it was a curse. He hated it, he didn't want it; he just wanted a normal life with a loving family and no murder attempts. Was that too much to ask for?"Chris," his Mother called, tenderly, "come here.""Yes?" Chris sat down in what was left of the couch.
"Peanut," Piper said gently, taking a few of Chris' strands away from his face, "I know this hasn't been easy for you. I kind of understand the sentiment. Prue was the oldest, too similar to Wyatt, arrogant with her own stubborn mind; and Phoebe was the youngest, the one we thought needed protection from everything. I was in the middle, invisible to others; one time I told your Dad that your Aunts were the super witches, and I was the one tagging along and freezing things. And Paige … well, I didn't even have the chance of knowing her. I know you are our baby, but we have neglected you. Not only your father has failed you, but I have as well. I saw you so independent and centered that I forgot that you are so young and innocent. But you probably haven't been innocent in a long time, right?"
"You did what you could, Mom." Chris didn't like when Piper got sentimental. It made him feel uncomfortable; he loved her Mother so much that he hated when she sounded so vulnerable.
"That excuse has run too long in this family." Piper kissed Chris on the forehead, gently. "We love you. You know that."
"Maybe you love me. Wyatt and Leo just tolerate me because you forbade them to blow me up." Chris chuckled like he was joking. His Mom knew better though.
"Your father acts like a jerk, I'm not denying that. But he does it because he cares, Chris. He doesn't want Wyatt or you in danger, you know him."
"No, I don'." Chris said forcefully
"Chris – "
"I don't know him, Mom. He just orbs here when he's looking for Wyatt or he needs to yell at me for distracting his prodigy son." Chris let out a breath filled with frustration. "He's never around. To me, he doesn't exist."
Piper smiled dejectedly, knowing that she couldn't change what Chris had experienced. Their lives were ruined by magic.
"How about I bake you another cake, uh?" His Mom got up, trying to smile. "I bet the kitchen was left intact."
"I think so; the living room was the one that took most of the blows." Chris got up as well. "Chocolate?"
"You know it's the best," Piper nodded happily. "Go wash your hands and then come to the kitchen and help me."
Chris ran upstairs, feeling torn about what just happened. His Mom had always been the one who made Chris understand magic's importance. The good things they could do, and how they had to protect the innocents. He wondered at which point Wyatt walked away from that path; could it be his fault? His birth had changed his brother and made him like this? It was something Chris always had in mind, the reasons why Wyatt acted so selfishly. If he knew the reason, maybe he could help and Wyatt could change.
Chris was still too young to understand that change was a choice.
He entered his room, smiling. He had so little Moments with his Mom that he took advantage of the small amount of time she could give him. Even when she was still mourning, she tried to spend time with him. His Mother was still carrying a lot of deaths. First, their grandma, then great-grandma, Aunt Prue, Aunt Paige ... and now Aunt Phoebe.
She was the only Charmed one alive now; so much for the power of three.
After glancing himself in the mirror, Chris noticed something on the bed. What was that? When he got closer, he lifted up a small box with a green lace. When he opened it, he saw a small bracelet. It was too small to fit him, but after a closer inspection, Chris widened his gaze. This was the bracelet Leo gave him when he turned six, the only gift he had received from him; Chris knew Piper had forced Leo into coming to Chris' birthday and giving him a present. He had been so happy; his father took time to stop by at his party, before demons arrived and ruined everything. The bracelet was stolen by one of the demons that day, and he couldn't even wear it at least once. He bitched about this with Wyatt for days; of course his brother didn't care, but still listened in silence when Chris cried about it, saying how he lost the only thing his father gave him; Wyatt had said that he was getting it back just so Chris would shut up about it. He noticed a small note next to the bracelet. 'Happy birthday, little brother. I'm trying to give you a nice one, for a change'. Chris gaped after reading the note. It was almost like Wyatt actually cared about his birthday. After 13 years ... why? If he was trying to give him a nice birthday, why in seven Hells he came with a bunch of demons to the manor then?
Maybe Wyatt tried to prevent the demon's attack and failed? That couldn't be it, Wyatt never failed, he was the twice blessed. Still, reading the note and seeing the bracelet Chris couldn't help thinking that perhaps a small part of his brother (a tiny, tiny, tiny part) still loved him. That was a better present for him than the bracelet.
When Chris entered the kitchen, he noticed his grandpa there as well, helping. He smiled widely. Grandpa Victor was the only person in this world who truly understood Chris. He really got what Chris felt, and it was like his father. In fact, he was his father; Leo was just the sperm donor who never shared anything about the kid's life.
Grandpa knew him the best, and he knew Chris' deepest secrets along with Coop.
"Grandpa!" Chris hugged him tightly.
"Hi Chris!" Grandpa smiled tiredly. "Your Mother tells me you had a rocky birthday."
"You know my asshole brother." Chris grinned.
"Chris!" His Mom chastised. "I've told you not to call your brother that."
"But Mom," Chris whined, "he acts like one!"
"Come on Piper, it's Chris' birthday. A little cursing doesn't hurt."
"I hate the boys' club; am I the only one who wants my sons to behave correctly?"
Chris and Victor exchanged looks.
"Yes," they said in unison.
As Piper argued the point with them and baked the cake, Chris laughed the entire night. A homemade cake by his Mother, his grandpa and Mom making jokes and spending time with him, and even a gift from Wyatt ... this was the best birthday Chris has ever had.
"Your brother sure knows how to ruin a good party."
Chris sighed. Wyatt knew about this party, he told him like a hundred times, and still his idiot brother decided that it was a good day to attract demons to the manor. As always, an innocent was involved and instead of just orbing away with her, no, Wyatt had to tAunt the demons into following him where Chris was having his birthday party, which by the way, was Wyatt's idea to begin with. Then, he orbed away again, after destroying everything in the living room.
"What the hell happened?" Chris cringed. His Mother had gone to get the cousins. Aunt Phoebe was behind her, smiling.
"Hum ... the elves did it?" Chris smiled innocently.
"I assume your brother brought demons to celebrate your birthday along with the elves then," his Mother frowned.
"Come on Mom, a birthday without demons is no Halliwell birthday," Chris beamed.
"True story," agreed Aunt Phoebe. "Remember your wedding?"
"Phoebe, don't help." His Mom glared at Aunt Phoebe.
"You're in trouble," mocked Prue.
"I hate you." Mel stomped her foot on the floor. "You and Wyatt always do this, you leave me out from the fun!"
"Melinda, your brothers are reckless; I expect more from you," her Mom entered into 'lecturing mode'.
"But Mom, they always vanquish demons without me! That's not fair, and you promised, no demons today!"
"I didn't plan it, Mel." Chris tried to do some damage control. His sister was getting rather mouthy. "Wyatt found an innocent and decided to drag the demons here, it's not my fault."
"Come Mel," Prue tugged his sister's hand, "let's make a potion to turn our brothers into frogs!"
"Hey! What did I do?" Coop complained. "I was just an innocent bystander!"
"You are Chris' accomplice," Prue said like it was obvious.
"She got you there." Chris flashed a big smile.
"It's your fault." Coop pouted, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
"Where's your brother anyway?" His Mom asked.
"Dad took him upstairs; lecture time." Chris shook his head. "He was banned from my party."
"I imagine your brother's reaction."
Chris' face darkened, being noticed by Piper.
"Phoebe, could you take Coop with you and watch the kids? I need to talk with Chris alone."
"Sure. Let's go gang!" Phoebe smiled.
After they saw everyone disappearing, Piper patted the seat next to her on the couch. Chris sat down slowly.
"What's the matter, Chris? Did something happen?"
Chris took a deep breath. When he was ten, he started having these dreams about Wyatt; he was evil, he destroyed everything ... he killed him. Well, not exactly him, but he had a big involvement in what led to Chris' death according to what he saw and what his parents told him. When they started noticing Chris' behavior, they had a long talk about it (and it was really long). They explained about the changed future, and how things went differently in another timeline or something like that; that Chris wanted to save the future, and in his quest he created another future; a better future. For what Chris had seen in these dreams, it had been indeed a better future. His parents told him how many sacrifices that Chris had to do for them to have a second chance and skillfully related it to the reckless things Wyatt and he did to cause guilt. It kind of worked, at least with him; Wyatt was still too stubborn to care. Apparently his dreams were memories, and the potion triggered them. Wyatt was hurt for a few days when they told him about this issue, particularly because he felt Chris was comparing him to the 'evil Wyatt'. He didn't understand how Chris was having a hard time letting go the images in his head.
Three years later, and he still hadn't managed to do it.
"When Dad told Wyatt he was banned from the party and that he was grounded ... Wyatt made a face."
"Good thing he made a face instead of signaling with his fingers like the last time." His Mother smiled.
Well, that had been a little fun, too bad his Mom and Dad saw him.
"The face ... it looked a lot like the one in my dreams, and it scared me."
"We have been over this, Chris. Wyatt is different; he's not the same from your dreams..."
"But he could be, right?"
"What?" His Mother blinked.
"Wyatt ... he could be the same from my dreams if things change. He has this evil inside that could come up at any time ... I'm not sure I can trust him."
"We all have a dark side, peanut. Have I ever told you the time your Aunts and I fought and used our powers against each other?"
"But that would make the power of three disappear, right? It breaks the sister bond." Chris frowned.
"Exactly. It was a hard time, Prue and Phoebe were having differences, and as always I got stuck in the middle. Prue was the oldest, and she thought she was responsible for raising us, Phoebe was the youngest and she had to be protected; I was the invisible, and I got tired of it. We all carry something dark, but we chose the path we walk on. Evil wouldn't exist if humans didn't have it already inside, don't you think? The demons just feed with that darkness, and entice humans to walk on that path. Wyatt shouldn't pay mistakes that he hasn't even made."
Chris felt like a jerk. His brother loved him, he had proved his good heart and even when he did careless things, it was for a good cause. He shouldn't let these memories that weren't even his own intrude in his relationship with his brother. He knew Wyatt, and he wasn't capable of any malicious action.
His brother was good, and no memories from other times changed that.
"Now, wash up and join me in the kitchen," his Mother stood up, smiling. "It's time for us to bake the cake."
"Mom!" Chris complained again. "You said you were going to stop forcing me to do girly stuff."
"But it's our birthday tradition!" His Mother frowned.
"I'm 13 now, I'm practically a man." Chris grumbled out.
"Yeah, that didn't work with Wyatt and it won't work with you, mister; man or not, you will always be my peanut. Kitchen, we are baking this cake."
"Chocolate?" Chris sighed, resigned.
"You know it's the best."
Chris walked towards the stairway, noticing his father coming down.
"Wyatt?" Chris asked, curious.
"Grounded." His father looked tired. Wyatt must have been really difficult this time. "He practically said I'm not his father and that I ruin everything remotely fun for him."
"Well..." Chris said slowly.
"What? You agree with him? I happen to know what's best for you two. I was once a white-lighter. If I ruin your fun it's because I care."
"Sure Dad." Chris smiled. "We know you love us and that's why you have to be a party pooper."
"You should be more upset; it was your party after all."
"He's my brother. I can't stay mad at him for too long."
"I know, that's why he orbed to magic school for his punishment instead of staying here. You probably would have given him a piece of cake and be with him while he sulked."
Chris shook his head. Their father knew them too well.
"Mom is in the kitchen," Chris said.
"Birthday cake?"
"Yeah; you said you were going to talk with her about making me bake and cook. She has Mel now for the girly things."
"Sorry son, your Mother thinks that you're growing so fast ... she needs some time with you before you fly away and get married."
"Dad, I'm 13; don't you think I'm a little young for that?" Chris shuddered.
"It was only yesterday when you wetted your diapers while Wyatt put marbles up your nose to see how many he could fit there..."
"Fine, I get it. No need to get corny." Chris pouted. He hated when his parents got all sentimental about how much they were growing up.
His Dad smiled, patting him in the back as he walked away. He washed his hands quickly and entered his room to get his 'cooking apron' (he hated it, but every time he tried to lose it, it magically appeared again in his closet); as he took the apron, he noticed something on the bed. Frowning, he wondered who could have possibly left this, all his presents were downstairs. It was a small box with a green lace. When he opened, he saw a bracelet that was too small for him; Wyatt probably got the size wrong, as usual. However, as Chris looked the bracelet with carefulness, he realized this wasn't an ordinary bracelet, but the one his Dad gave him for his sixth birthday. His parents threw a big party, and his Dad told him that this bracelet was a combination of both, his and his Mother Birthstones. Chris loved it immediately, and was so proud of having such a meaningful gift made just for him. Unfortunately, he couldn't even wear it once; demons attacked and took the bracelet with them. It was disappointing, Chris was bitter for days after that, even saying that he no longer wanted his powers and he didn't want to be a Halliwell. Wyatt promised that one day he would return the bracelet to him since he only wanted his brother to be happy. A small note was next to the bracelet. 'Happy birthday, little brother! Being a Halliwell doesn't suck as much now that you have your bracelet back, right?'
Chris smiled. His brother was amazing; he looked for this thing for years, and never gave up until he found it. Chris wondered if he had to kill demons to get it; well, they asked for it, it was his bracelet to begin with. Wyatt was the best, he couldn't be evil.
Putting the bracelet on his nightstand, Chris left his room to go to the kitchen; as he entered, he saw his grandpa there too, helping his Mom. Grandpa Victor was really funny, he let them do things their parents often said weren't allowed; they always had a blast when they had sleepovers at grandpa's house.
"Grandpa!" Chris hugged him tightly.
"Hi, Chris!" Grandpa smiled widely. "Leo tells me you had an interesting birthday."
"You know Wyatt, grandpa," Chris grinned.
"Unfortunately, I do." Grandpa sighed.
"Where's Wyatt?" Melinda asked, entering the kitchen as well.
"Grounded." Clarified his Mother.
"Good, he deserves it. He's an asshole."
"Melinda!" His Mother chastised. "I've told you to watch your language, young lady."
"But Mom, they never take me with them when they're hunting! They suck!"
"Older siblings often do, sweetie," said Aunt Phoebe, standing behind Mel.
"Funny," his Mother glared.
As Aunt Phoebe and his Mother argued, and his Dad and grandpa Victor discussed sports, Chris smiled. They spent the entire night laughing; it wasn't perfect by any means, but as he saw Wyatt orbing back, covered in Troll's buggers and how everyone started cleaning him with spells, Chris knew this was the best birthday he has ever had.
"You had to do it, right?" Chris glared. "You couldn't leave the cousins alone."
"She was in the way." Wyatt shrugged like it wasn't a big deal. "She should have stayed put like I told her to."
"So this is about how she didn't obey your commands." Chris spat. "Not everyone bows before you, Wyatt."
"Oh brother, not yet."
"Asshole." Chris muttered as he saw Wyatt orbing away.
Chris was startled from his angry tirade when he heard noises upstairs. He glanced up seeing Coop with Prue in his arms.
"Coop!" Chris rushed to his side. "What are you doing? You can't move Prue yet, she's hurt."
"We are getting out of here, Chris," Coop said forcefully.
"Okay, are you taking her home?"
"Yes, and she isn't coming back here. We both won't come back to the manor."
Chris felt like someone had punched him, hard. He stared wide-eyed at Coop, who avoided his gaze completely.
"Coop, you can't do that, I know Wyatt is a jerk but..."
"He's not just a jerk, he is the most powerful jerk around; even stronger than the source. Prue almost died today. I can't let that happen, Chris. I have to protect my family."
"We can protect them, Coop."
"There's no 'we' anymore, Chris. I already lost my parents, Prue and Parker are all I have now. I can't help you anymore, I need to be with them."
"I thought we were brothers too, Coop." Chris didn't want to cry, he didn't want to, yet tears were falling down without control, running down his cheeks.
"You have a brother. Wyatt won't kill you, you heard him; he wants you alive. We are the ones at risk, and I'm not putting my sisters in any more danger. Goodbye Chris."
"Please Coop, don't leave me..."
"I can't be here, and you can't come; Wyatt will hunt you down and kill anyone who helped you. I love you Chris, but now everyone has to look out for their own. Good luck, I'm sure you can handle him by yourself."
Coop pushed Chris away with tenderness, without looking him in the eye, not even once. As Coop walked away from the door, Chris knew it was the last time he would see him. He lost another person; he was now on his own ... at least he had his Mother around; if only that was enough.
He cried for hours; Coop leaving made him vulnerable. He had no one to keep his secrets, he had no one who could understand what being a Halliwell was like, he had no one who kept him accompanied during all the hunting his Mother and Wyatt did. He was alone.
"Peanut?" His Mother called gently. He didn't realize that he had stayed on the couch.
"What?" he answered bitterly.
"What's wrong?" His Mother walked towards him quickly.
"Nothing." Chris hated this. This life, this family; everything was a mess.
"Don't lie Chris, tell me what's wrong."
"Coop," he said slowly. "He doesn't want to come here anymore ... he doesn't want to be my cousin. He hates me."
"Oh, peanut." Piper hugged him with sympathy. "He's just a little shaken after what happened. He will come around."
"No, he won't!" Chris said strongly. "He doesn't want his sisters in danger, he needs to protect them ... from us."
"That's the smartest move our dear cousin has done lately."
Chris turned around fast, noticing Wyatt standing close to them.
"It's your fault," Chris glared, getting free from his Mother's arms. "This is your entire fault."
"Why? I did what I'm supposed to do, didn't I? I killed demons and saved innocents," Wyatt said coolly.
"You knew Prue was here! You knew the demon was targeting her."
"Calm down Chris," demanded Wyatt. "You don't need Cooper anyway."
"What do you know about what I need, asswipe?"
"Chris!" His Mother intervened.
"I know plenty, brother. In fact, I know that if you don't move your butt and make that potion I asked about, someone could get hurt ... you wouldn't want that, would you?"
"You wouldn't dare..." Chris gaped again.
"We both know that I would." Wyatt smirked.
"I hate you." Chris said spitefully.
"Chris!" His Mother said again with a strong voice.
Chris orbed away, seeing the sad expression of his Mother and the surprised face Wyatt had after hearing Chris. It was true, he hated his brother, he hated what he was becoming into. But he also loved him, and love always overcame hate.
"You had to do it, right?" Chris glared. "You couldn't vanquish them someplace else."
"I was the tail, Chris." Wyatt explained with remorse. "I thought you were out with the cousins. I didn't know you decided to stay."
"You are supposed to check before you bring demons here."
"It's not my fault she was in the way!" Wyatt defended himself. "I told her to stay put!"
"She didn't know what that meant! God, you're so thoughtless."
"I said I was sorry! What do you want from me?"
"I want you to care, you almost killed Prue today!"
"I saved her! Dammit!"
"What?"
"Dad is calling ... he's in Aunt Phoebe's house."
"Yeah, orb away like you usually do when you make a mess."
"This is our life, Chris, whether you like it or not, we are always at risk; Prue should know by now."
"Asshole." Chris muttered as Wyatt orbed away.
After a few minutes, Chris saw Cooper getting out from his room, where Prue was resting.
"How is she?"
"Good as new." Coop tried to smile. "She's a tough one."
"She's a Halliwell," Chris joked.
"Yeah ... so we were thinking, and I've talked with Mom about this ... we should be out of here soon."
"Okay; are you taking her home?"
"Yes... but I think it will be best if she doesn't come here as often ... Wyatt is the tail, demons are after him. The manor is not safe at the Moment."
"I see. Well, you can't blame Wyatt, he was only doing what he thought best. If he didn't become the tail, they could have gone to less powerful witches and kill them. He did the right thing."
"I'm not saying he didn't, I'm saying that maybe it's time Prue and my sisters don't come here as often, so she isn't coming back soon. We both won't come back to the manor for a while."
Chris frowned. It was the first time he heard Coop so strong-minded; the manor had always been dangerous; the twice blessed lived there among the annoying siblings (Chris hated being called 'the annoying sibling' by demons that were only after Wyatt, but he had learned to accept it). It was weird that Coop decided this just now. Why not before, with the tons of times they have been in danger?
"Coop, come on, don't you think you're overreacting? Prue is fine." Chris tried to convince his cousin about how stupid his decision was.
"Yes, but she almost wasn't fine, Chris. She's young, she doesn't know anything about how to defend herself. We already have a dead Prue in the family; I'm not making my sister the second one."
"She's a Halliwell, Coop; that means she will be targeted sooner or later."
"I prefer later, and if we spend time with you, the risk increases. I know you think I'm being a jerk, Chris, but I have to protect my family. Mom agrees with me."
"We can protect them, Coop, we always have."
"Before, 'we' meant you and me. Now 'we' means you and Wyatt; I'm out of the equation. I love my sisters, and I'm doing everything to protect them. You already have a brother, you don't need another one."
"But Coop..." Chris bit his lower lip, trying to control his tears.
"I'm sorry Chris, I really am. We can't be here and you can't come to our house, Wyatt will follow you and the demos will be with him. You know I love you, but I have to take care of my sisters. Maybe when this is over and you vanquish the demons, we can come back ... eventually. I'm sure you can handle everything with Wyatt."
Coop entered back into the room and Chris saw how he took Prue's hand gently. Prue stirred in her sleep, and Coop smiled, taking her in his arms. Chris sighed; if Wyatt had been in Coop's place, he probably had taken the same decision. He couldn't blame Coop. He was just being an awesome big brother.
It just hurt Chris knowing that he was losing his cousin over demons.
"Need a lift?" Chris asked when he saw Coop walking to the staircase with Prue in his arms.
"No, thanks. You know demons are tracking your orbings," Coop said with bitterness.
"They are monitoring Wyatt's orbings, not mine." Chris defended himself.
"Same thing, really." Coop shook his head. "Goodbye Chris; tell Aunt Piper and uncle Leo that I'm sorry."
"I wonder if you really are," Chris spat, mostly because he was pissed.
"I wonder if you care for others besides Wyatt," Coop said resentfully.
Neither said anything else and as soon as Chris saw Coop disappearing from the door, he walked down the stairs, wondering what he should do. Punching Wyatt for being an idiot sounded like the best plan. He sobbed, letting the tears finally fall without controlling them. He never thought Coop would act like this, but again his sister almost died today. He knew the cousins were still young, and having Mel in the house was something Chris always feared. She was vulnerable, and she had a big mouth that always attracted troubles. Coop had three sisters, he had to take care of them.
Still this did nothing to subdue the loneliness he felt at the Moment, knowing he only will see Coop on birthdays or funerals. No more hanging out, or staying late ... no more confidences or shared secrets. He lost his accomplice. He was alone.
"Peanut?" Chris felt someone touching his shoulder gently, shaking him. He opened his eyes noticing the living room and the worried face of his Mother in front of him.
"What?" He answered groggily.
"I talked with Phoebe." His Mother smiled sadly. "Let me sit with you, honey."
Chris sat up, leaving the space next to him free for his Mother.
"You know how you always complain about Melinda gets hurt here?"
"Yes." Chris knew where his Mother was going with this.
"Well, Phoebe thought that it was best if ... well ... you know Wyatt is the tail, and things..."
"Mom," Chris interrupted her, "Coop already told me that they won't come here anymore."
"Just until we vanquish the demons, honey. It should be quick."
"Wyatt has been the tail for three months, Mom. This will take time, but I get why Coop doesn't want to be here. We are dangerous."
"It's our life, peanut. The manor has always been the target for demons, even before you were born."
"And it's the best thing to do," another voice said.
Chris turned around, seeing Wyatt standing next to his Mother.
"It's your fault anyway," Chris muttered.
"Why? They knew I was the tail; the manor is where I live. I know demons are stupid, but even they can conclude that it would be easier to attack me here than in magic school." Wyatt entered into defensive mode.
"Don't worry asswipe, our cousins won't come here anymore. Now you can kill only Melinda or me," Chris glared.
"Chris!" His Mother frowned at him.
"This is what we do, Chris, I'm tired of repeating this. Aunt Phoebe and uncle Coop better train their children, otherwise they can get killed; we aren't going to be around always to attract the demons away from them, and honestly I'm tired of you blaming me for everything that goes wrong. I'm not him and I'm done trying to prove that I'm one of the good guys." Wyatt took a deep breath. "I'm done with you."
"Wyatt!" Chris saw his Mother standing up quickly, putting a hand on Wyatt's arm.
Chris felt a small pang of guilt, but he subdued it quickly. Wyatt wasn't the only one who had enough. If he wanted things this way, he could give Wyatt that. He could be out of Wyatt's life as easily as Wyatt was willing to give up on him.
"Okay then," Chris said finally, standing up as well. "We are done. You're no longer my brother."
Chris orbed away hearing his Mom's voice calling him with a sad expression. Wyatt looked surprised, and he was about to go back and apologize, but his pride was more. This wasn't about Cooper anymore; for Chris, this just showed how easily Wyatt gave up. How easily Wyatt could turn things around and abandon him as well.
"I want a cat," Chris said solemnly while his Mother was preparing a potion.
"What?" She didn't even bother looking up at Chris; she just kept putting things into the pot.
"I want a cat," repeated Chris slowly.
"Why would you want a cat?"
"I'm lonely." Chris was being brutally honest here, and his Mother must have sensed this since she stopped what she was doing and finally looked up. "You are always away looking for the demon that killed Aunt Phoebe, Wyatt is an asshole, and Grandpa Victor is sick ... I want a cat."
"A cat, uh?" His Mother continued with the potion-making. "We don't have luck with pets, Chris. Kit always paid the price of being our cat."
"I'll take care of it, I promise."
"I don't know, peanut. We have a hard life, I'm not sure if having a pet is proper."
"It will die like everyone in our family."
Chris sighed. Wyatt always appeared when he wasn't wanted.
"Wyatt," his Mother chastised, "watch it."
"We all know it's true," Wyatt smirked.
"This doesn't concern you, jerk," Chris said coldly.
"I beg to differ. I live here as well." Wyatt answered neutrally.
"It's not like you spend time around the manor," Chris scoffed. "Leo has you rather busy with training, right?"
Chris smiled when he noticed how his brother clenched his fists. Oh, he touched a nerve.
"A cat isn't a good idea, Chris." His Mother interrupted whatever thing Wyatt was about to say. "I'm sorry. The answer is no."
"But Mom!" Chris said strongly. "I can take care of it, please."
"I said no, Chris." His Mother looked at him, hard.
Chris tried to contain all his anger. He never got anything in this damned house; it wasn't enough that he was ignored. Now he couldn't even get a stupid cat. He hated here, he hated this stupid family. He orbed away, wiping his tears. He should be used to it by now, still it was hard knowing that you didn't make any difference. He wished for some demon to just kill him. It would spare him the pain of knowing no one cared.
Days went by with Chris staring out the window remorsefully. His Mother was away again, chasing that stupid demon, and Wyatt ... who cared about him? He was probably being an asshole like he was used to. Leo ... Leo who? He stopped coming by the manor a long time ago. If he wanted to see Wyatt, he called him. Chris ... well, for Leo, Chris didn't exist. Grandpa Victor was the only one who kept Chris accompanied, and now he was sick. Why couldn't have been him the one killed instead of Aunt Phoebe? It would have made things easier for everyone, Coop would have his Mother and he would have been spared the pain of being invisible. It would have worked for everyone.
Chris stopped his dark thoughts when he heard a noise. As he paid attention, he frowned. A scratching sound was echoing in his room; as he stood up trying to find the cause of the sound, he realized it was coming from the door. Something was scratching his door. He tried to recall vanquishing spells in case a demon was there ... although scratching doors wasn't exactly demon's material, but he was no longer surprised of the things demons did to get a Halliwell.
He opened the door quickly, ready to throw an energy ball at whoever was on the other side. Nobody was there. Frowning, Chris wondered if he imagined everything; then a 'meow' resounded. Glancing down, he saw a small cat, completely black. Blinking, Chris expected this to be a trick of his mind. No, the cat was still there.
"Who are you?" Chris took the cat gently in his arms.
The cat just accommodated itself in Chris' arms, sniffing his shirt. Chris noticed a small collar, with the 'power of three' symbol. Chris noted blue orbs in front of him, and he saw Wyatt looking at him.
"I was tired of your moping," Wyatt explained. "Don't let Mom see it."
Chris was shocked. Wyatt actually gave him a cat? This was ... one of the most thoughtful things he had done for Chris.
"Thank you," Chris said with sincerity.
Wyatt nodded, disappearing into his room. Chris smiled, holding the cat tightly. He wasn't alone anymore, he had Salem with him.
Five months later, Salem was killed by a demon that was after Wyatt. Chris then understood that being Wyatt's brother also meant being completely alone.
Chris and Wyatt weren't on speaking terms, which made their parents crazy; they wanted for the brothers to just suck up their pride and apologize, but neither wanted to back up. Chris thought he was right in being angry. Wyatt just didn't understand how hard it was for Chris having these stupid memories and no one to talk about them. Coop was the only one who could be trusted with what Chris felt, and now he had lost the only person he used to confine in. Wyatt was just being an idiot.
Melinda was enjoying this too much. Before she had to fight for the brothers' attention; now they mostly talked to her; it was fun. She knew it wouldn't be permanent, those two had a strong bond, but she was taking advantage of it as much as she could.
"I want a cat," Chris said gravely after a month of no speaking to Wyatt. His Mother looked at him with a frown.
"What?" She stopped mixing ingredients for the cookies she planned to make for the asswipe ... Wyatt's new nickname Chris gave him.
"I want a cat." Chris repeated slowly.
"Why would you want a cat?"
"I'm bored," Chris sighed. He didn't want to say he missed his brother like crazy because his Mother would want another intervention. Good thing their father decided to just let them solve their own problems. "And a pet would be great to teach me responsibility and that crap."
"Nice try," his Mother smiled. "A cat, uh? I don't know Chris, it doesn't sound like a good idea."
"Mel has her stupid Guinea Pig," Chris argued.
"Yeah. In a cage, in her room. Kit always paid the price of being our cat, Chris. I'm not sure we are ready to have that kind of pet in this house."
"I'll take care of it, I promise," Chris used his best puppy-eyes.
"They destroy furniture and smell."
Chris turned around, seeing Wyatt standing in the kitchen, trying his best to avoid Chris' eyes.
"Nobody asked you, jerk." Chris muttered.
"Chris!" His Mother chastised. "You two know the new rule. If you don't want to talk to each other because you are too stubborn, at least you have to be civil when we are in the same room with you."
"Yes, Mom." Chris and Wyatt said at the same time.
"So, Mom ... about my cat?" Chris turned back to his Mother, ignoring Wyatt's presence.
"Wyatt has a good point, Chris; we all live here, we must decide this as a family."
"But you hardly spend time here lately, the restaurant has you busy. Dad is on this new job ... Mel spends almost every afternoon in Aunt Phoebe's and..." Chris knew he had to approach the 'my asshole brother' subject in the most tactful way he could find, otherwise he will piss off his Mom and then he won't get a cat.
"And what?" His Mother pressed the matter.
"And Wyatt has to train," Chris said quickly. "He doesn't spend that much time in the manor."
"Maybe I don't have a reason to spend time in the manor since apparently nobody wants me here," Wyatt bit out.
Chris felt guilty; perhaps it was time he let go the stupid fight; Wyatt wasn't that bad and he missed him. He was his brother, he really was having withdrawal syndrome after talking only to Mel for a month. He wanted Wyatt by his side, but still there was a small part of him that refused to admit defeat; Wyatt did something wrong, he never cared about the consequences of his acts. Chris wanted to make sure he got how he felt before he decided to get someone else in the family killed.
"That's not true, Wyatt," his Mother broke the uncomfortable silence, "and you know it. I don't care if you two are being childish, which by the way, proves my point about you not being ready for a pet, Chris; this family is important and I won't tolerate comments hinting otherwise, is that clear, young man?"
"Yes, sir," Wyatt said glumly, which almost made Chris laugh. It was a running joke between them that his Mother acted like one of those crazy generals who likes to torture innocent soldiers. Of course, in this case they hardly are innocent, but it was fun calling their Mom 'sir'. At first she frowned, now she didn't even bat an eyelash.
"Now Chris, a cat isn't a good idea, okay? We have enough people to worry about to add a pet that probably will suffer a lot of stress here. Sorry, the answer is no."
"But Mom! I promise I'll protect it," Chris pleaded.
"No, you have enough innocents to panic about. The answer is no, and it will be no, even if you use your grandpa to get your way."
Damn, his Mother knew him too well. Chris orbed away, trying to show how angry he was. Why couldn't he at least have something normal like a cat? He was tired of being 'special'. He just wanted a glimpse of normality in his life, was that too much to ask for?
Chris tried to convince his father about the cat topic. It didn't go too well either.
"What did your Mother say?" His Dad frowned.
"She was leaning towards the 'no'," Chris admitted, "but Dad, you always do what she says, don't you think is time for us, men, to have a voice in this house?"
"Son," his Dad said acutely, "when you're a Halliwell, the women have the last word. If your Mother said no, then is no."
"But Dad!" Chris felt a small sense of déjà vú. "It just sucks being here without company."
"You could have company if you swallowed your pride and talked to Wyatt."
"He could do the same. It's obvious he doesn't want to, so I'm not backing down." Chris pouted.
"You and your Mother are more alike by each passing day," his Dad chuckled.
"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Chris glared.
His father patted Chris on the back, and walked away. Great, he won't get a cat and he will be a neurotic control freak when he grew up. This was getting better and better.
As he got back from magic school, Chris entered his room to change his clothes, throwing his backpack on the bed. He heard a small sound. Whirling around fast, Chris was ready to blow whatever thing he saw, but nothing was in sight. He frowned; could it be he imagined the noise? No, he heard it again. Walking slowly towards the bed, he was wary of what could happen; maybe demons set up a trap or something; he was ready to orb away if needed. Counting mentally to three, he lifted the backpack, widening his gaze. A 'meow' was heard again, and Chris frowned at the tiny thing on his bed. A completely black cat was there, looking rather bored.
"How did you get here?" Chris took the small cat in his arms. He noticed the cat had a small collar with the 'power of three' symbol. "Who brought you here, kitty?"
The cat just meowed again, accommodating itself in Chris' arms.
"I guess this means you're mine now," Chris smiled. Could it be that Wyatt decided to make peace and bring this cat as an offer? No, Wyatt wouldn't do that. Maybe his father decided that Chris had moped enough and deserved a cat. It was clear that his Mother had nothing to do with this; she loved giving gifts in front of the entire family.
He just needed to hide the cat; maybe when his Mom found out about it the cat will be bigger and he could prove how she didn't even notice it.
"I'll name you Salem … you're a Halliwell now, cat."
The cat meowed again and closed its eyes. Chris smiled widely. Now he won't be alone anymore.
Five months later, Chris was sitting next to Wyatt's bed, watching him sleep while he petted Salem. His brother risked his life for his cat, and he got injured. It wasn't a big deal (their Mother had been worse than the demons when she found out Chris had a cat), but Wyatt needed to rest. Chris refused to leave Wyatt's side.
When Wyatt blinked, regaining consciousness, Chris got up quickly leaving Salem on the chair. He took his brother's hand, and smiled.
"Thank you."
Wyatt smiled back, and they stayed in silence, both reaching an unsaid agreement: All forgiven and forgotten.
Chris expected the blow. He was ready, he finally was going to die, with his Mom in his arms. It was poetic, at this point Chris could appreciate it since he knew he had nothing anymore. This demon was powerful, and he was out of potions. He just saw his Mother get killed, and now it was his turn.
"Don't you dare touch my brother."
Chris looked up, seeing Wyatt standing in front of them. He looked pissed, then again their Mother had just been killed. That could drive anyone insane. Chris understood Wyatt's anger this time.
The demon actually looked scared, he even trembled a little. Wyatt had earned his reputation in the underworld, and now, with their Mother gone, nobody would stop him anymore.
"I will let you live, little rat," Wyatt said, smiling maliciously. "However, you have to deliver a message to the underworld. Tell them to prepare because I'm going down and I'll destroy everything in my path. And I do mean everything. This is the last Halliwell you take, and I'll make sure of it. Now go, before I regret it."
The demon vanished between flames without daring say anything else. He would probably be dead soon enough. Wyatt knelt in front of Chris, looking calm.
"Let go of her, Chris, we need to bury her," Wyatt said mechanically.
"Don't you feel something, Wyatt?" Chris spat between sobs. "Our Mother is dead ... we lost everything."
Wyatt stayed silent for a while, just watching Chris in tears hugging their Mother.
"We didn't lose everything, Chris," Wyatt said finally, touching Chris' shoulder gently. "We have each other."
As Wyatt squeezed his shoulder, Chris felt some relief. His brother was evil, he knew it. But he was all he got now, and he cared for him in an odd way; Chris was so sick of being alone, and he just lost the only person who showed him some love ... if Wyatt was going to be the new source, Chris wouldn't stand a chance in facing him. He loved his brother, and it was better than being by himself.
Chris nodded, knowing he just sold his soul to the Devil. What difference did that make anyway? They were all screwed.
The day their Mother was buried, it was raining. The power of three was gone, their Mother was dead and they were orphans. Leo didn't show up for this, even when he drove his wife to the grave. He was so absent, she never felt supported by her so-called husband. Chris clenched his fists, Leo ruined them as much as the demons did.
"Don't think about him," Wyatt whispered to Chris. "We are here for Mom."
"Yeah," Chris said sadly.
Chris had thought that maybe Cooper would come to say goodbye to his Aunt. At least he owned his Mother that much, she went after the demon that killed Aunt Phoebe, and she ended up sharing the same fate. They both died trying to protect their own. Chris sobbed again, why couldn't he be the one gone? Why his Mother, who was braver and stronger?
Wyatt took Chris' hand gently, surprising the youngest Halliwell. As he glanced up to see his big Brother, he saw the sadness his green eyes reflected. He also loved their Mother, both were drowning in sorrow. Wyatt squeezed Chris' hand lightly, as they watched the coffin disappear from their sight. Ashes to ashes ... dust to dust.
Chris knew they were screwed. His Mother was bleeding in his arms, his father was also injured next to him, and he was out of potions. The demon smiled, probably thinking that he had won already, Chris had no chance in defeating him without the potion, and he probably would be the first one to die. He made sure his Mother was protected, she won't die again. If someone had to, he was willing to make the sacrifice.
He saw the fireball reaching him, but suddenly it went in the opposite direction, crashing into a wall.
"Don't you dare touch my brother."
He saw Wyatt standing in front of them. He glanced at his father, at his Mother, and then at Chris. He knew he must look horrible, and by the face Wyatt made, it was probably worse than what he had thought.
"Orb away, Chris." Wyatt ordered.
"But I –"
"I said orb away! Take Mom and Dad with you, and get the hell out of here."
"Wyatt, I –"
"Go."
Wyatt didn't yell, he didn't even raise his voice, but as Chris saw him looking darkly at the demon, he felt fear. This was the Wyatt he was so afraid of, the one who had no control, no emotions. The one who didn't care about consequences, and he could kill just for the fun of it. This wasn't his brother, and Chris didn't know what to do to get his brother back.
He dragged his Mother near his father, and he touched them. He orbed away, landing in Aunt Phoebe's house.
"Mom!" Melinda said, scared. She was staying in the Aunt's house.
"Oh, my God! What happened?" Aunt Phoebe ran as soon as she saw them.
"Demon," Chris coughed. "I have to get back, Wyatt is alone with it."
"Do you want me to come with you?" Coop asked, worried.
"Like you care." Chris scoffed, noticing the small flinch in Coop. That was uncalled for, he knew it. He had bigger problems now though, he could apologize later to Coop.
"Chris, you need –"
"Just take care of them, please," Chris said, interrupting Aunt Phoebe. "I'll go to get Wyatt."
Before she opposed, Chris orbed back to the manor, expecting to see Wyatt there. Demon's ashes were left in the attic, and Wyatt was nowhere to be seen. He closed his eyes, trying to find his brother. When he felt him, Chris was almost in shock. He was in the underworld. He was repeating history; he had to stop him.
When he orbed where Wyatt was, he saw him throwing energy balls to every demon in his path.
"Wyatt!" Chris rushed to his side, taking his arm. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Killing the scum," Wyatt said darkly. "Go back to the manor, Chris."
"No," Chris said strongly. "You're better than this, Wyatt, please, stop!"
"I'm done with these lowlifes thinking they can kill us whenever they want to. I can kill them all, problem solved."
"You know that's not true." Chris tried to tug his brother away. "Let's go."
"I'm serious, Chris. I'm killing everything that moves."
Chris knew his brother meant that. He felt scared; he knew what Wyatt was capable of; he could destroy everything if he wanted to.
"Then you will be the same," Chris said, sadly. "You will be like them ... you will be like him."
That got Wyatt's attention; he glanced at Chris.
"And you promised you would never be like that." Chris added.
Wyatt closed his eyes, opening them a few seconds later. He still looked angry, but he seemed to be more in control of his emotions.
"Let's go," Chris offered his hand to his brother.
Wyatt took it silently, and as they orbed away, Chris saw the demons getting out from their hideouts. At least they won't be a bother for a while.
Aunt Paige healed their parents perfectly, and they were together again for dinner. Chris went to bed, looking sadly through the window. Even when their parents had made the effort to show them how natural death was, he knew he would never be ready to let go of his loved ones.
He understood in a degree how grief could lead you to a dark path.
"Are you okay, Chris?" Wyatt appeared in front of him.
"It was close, right?" Chris said sorrowfully.
"They won't die, Chris," Wyatt smiled weakly. "I promise."
"Don't make promises you can't keep, Wyatt." Chris snapped. "Sorry, it's just ... these stupid memories..."
"Maybe we can look for a spell to get rid of them, Chris. You can't be like this every time we end up injured."
"No, I don't want to forget. I want to always have in mind how lucky I am..." Salem jumped on the bed, surprising Wyatt and Chris. "See?" Chris said, petting his cat's ear. "Salem agrees with me."
"This cat is getting way too spoiled," Wyatt complained.
"You're jealous because Mom loves him more," Chris smirked.
"She didn't even want a cat in the first place! Now he gets all the good food? It's unfair!" Wyatt pouted.
As Chris saw his brother in a glaring contest with the cat, he smiled fondly. This was it, this was the Moment it made everything different. This was the start of a new future.
Ashes to ashes ... dust to dust.