Please Be Careful With My Heart

Disclaimer: 'Charmed' is not mine. I just love it so much so I did this. So, please don't sue me.

Sorry, sweeties. I had a problem with my internet connection so I wasn't able to update, read or review. It was hell! I'm really sorry. Peace? Now, as a token of apology and appreciation, this chapter has 3,202 words, not my usual 1000 plus words. Enjoy!

Thanks to all those who reviewed, I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Chapter 12 - Now That I Found You

It's been a week since Piper and Leo went out for their first snack together.

'Today's Friday, this would be our third date… wait, no, not date, just snack, we just eat together. I will kill Paige.' Piper reminded her as she walked to the school gate. Apparently, Paige always finds an excuse not to go with Piper and Leo. Well, she's just giving them some time alone to get to know each other. 'Such a matchmaker, my friend.' Then she thought about the bullies at school. 'I wonder why there hasn't been any threat to Leo. Well, I'm happy but scared at the same time since they wouldn't just stop for no apparent reason, right? Maybe there is, but Leo won't link it to me. Oh well, it's really strange. What if their planning something big?'

'Leo Wyatt, his name sounds familiar. Oh well, he is really fun to be with. We could be really good friends, if not lovers.'

'Shut up!' she scolded herself.

'I feel comfortable every time I'm with him. Add that to his cute smile and strong physique with a loving nature. I think I'm falling for him, considering it's only our third date… no! Not date! Just snack together. Silly!' she mentally slapped herself.

Piper's train of thoughts was suspended when she saw Leo by the gate waiting for her, she accelerated her walking pace, almost running.

'She looks like a fairy running around in a paradise.' Leo watched Piper in awe, 'Her hair dancing with the wind, and her face glowing from the race of the sun shining on her.' 'Oh! Since when did I become so poetic?' he wondered. 'This girl is life-changing.' He shook his head in amusement.

"Hey" Piper jumped at the last step in front of Leo. "Why are you smiling like that" Piper asked Leo suspicously, he had this big, contented smile on his face.

Leo sighed deeply and just shrugged"Nothing. Do I have to have a reason to smile and be happy" Leo asked innocently.

"No." She pouted making her look like a child.

Then Leo started walking to the right and then Piper stopped him and pulled his hand. "Wait! I thought we are going to the Pizza Place. That's the way to the Pizza Place." Piper pointed to the other direction, she was still holding Leo hand.

Leo was staring at their hands and wondering how they fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.

"Leo"

He looked up to face Piper and he was mesmerised at how beautiful she can be at that distance.

"Change of plans. Come on." He pulled Piper and started to run Piper in tow.

"Where are we going? Leo" Piper didn't have a choice but to run with him, since he got a hold of her hand.

Leo suddenly halted and faced Piper. "Do you always have to know things before you commit to it"

Piper, surprised by the question, answered"Yes. To prepare myself" She was not even sure of her reason.

"Don't you believe in taking risks and just doing it without any knowledge of what's to come" Leo was inching closer to her.

Piper swallowed hard. "I…I do. But if there's a possibility of knowing, why not" Piper was looking anywhere but Leo, 'I'm not used to this type of closeness with any guy. Well, I've never felt this kind of feeling towards any guy either.'

Leo sensed Piper uneasiness so he stepped back. "Just trust me ok"

"I do trust you." Piper answered.

"Well, come on." Leo started to run again and was pulling her.

They did not notice the car park by the school gate.

"Are those Piper, Phoebe's sister and Leo, Phoebe's new prospect" Ashley asked herself. "Hmmm… wait till Phoebe finds out about this." She smiled devilishly as she watched the couple run.

As Piper and Leo passed an alley, another car was there, Cole's.

"So he's the one, huh" Cole was looking at Leo with a smile as if he was planning something devilish.

"Yeah. Come on let's beat him up and show him who's boss." His buddy, James, was sitting in the passenger seat, his right hand punch his left.

"Easy." Cole calmed his friend. "There is time for that. I think we should observe more. This guy deserves the best misfortune possible. I wonder who that girl is. They look like a couple to me. Damn it, he's two-timing Phoebe. What a jerk." Cole said in a devilish voice.

"You did that. That makes you a jerk too." James said.

Cole slapped his forehead. "That's different! That's me."

"If you say so." James shrugged.

Piper and Leo were running, Leo was fast and they are now in the park. But Piper couldn't keep up, breathing was becoming really hard, 'Not now, please. Not now.' she thought but a sharp pain in the heart stopped her on her track. She never felt that kind of pain before.

"Leo… wait." Piper whispered breathlessly. Leo stopped and looked behind him. Piper was bent over, her left hand holding Leo's hand tightly, her other hand clutching her chest, she looked really pale, she was trying to breathe deeply but it was really difficult.

"Piper" Leo immediately came to her aid and helped her to a nearby bench. He rubbed her back but it wasn't helping. He saw the tears starting to form in her eyes caused by the pain in her chest. Leo didn't know what to do. He looked helpless, 'I've never been in this situation before!' So he just hugged her tightly to his chest and brushed away Piper's tears. "You'll be ok. I'm here. Shhh… shhh…" He whispered to her.

"Leo… The m-medicine." Piper whispered softly in between breaths.

"What" Leo didn't hear her the first time.

"In the- in the bag. Ahh" She winced again as another sharp pain attacked. "My medicine… it's- it's in the b-bag." 'God! This is taking so long!' Piper thought.

Leo hurriedly went for Piper's shoulder bag, they left it on the grass. "Medicine. Medicine. Where are you" He was mumbling while looking for the pills. He found a half-empty bottle of pills inside the side-pocket of Piper's bag.

He looked up to see Piper gripping the armrest of the bench, her eyes closed tightly with fresh tears on her cheeks. He stood up and went to Piper"Is this it" He asked frantically but received no response from Piper just the sound of her heaves. He opened the bottle fast and took a single pill, two pills were thrown away in the process because of his panic and his shaking hands. He opened his bag, 'Good thing I always carry this.' He took out his bottled water. He gave the pill to Piper and offered her his water. He waited until she was finished to take the medicine and he took the bottled water from her and set it aside. Then he continued to embrace her from behind and whispered soothing words to her while he rubbed her arms. She leaned back on Leo, tightly holding his arm that was hugging her across the chest. She was still breathing hard but he could see that it was starting to subside.

"Thank you." she whispered breathlessly to him and closed her eyes. 'The sharp pain, I've never felt that before. What caused it?'

He wanted to ask her so many questions but, 'I think I'm going to let it pass. I'll just ask her some other time. She's really exhausted from that blow.' He thought deeply.

After a few minutes, he felt her relax in his embrace. Her hand that was holding his arm gently let go and fell to his knee. She was asleep. 'Thank God! What was that? Whatever it is, it scared me to death. I just met her!' He screamed to God in his head.

He looked down at the girl in his arms. 'I hope it's nothing serious. I think I've fallen in love with you. I don't want to lose you. I just found you.' He thought.

He looked up to see the colour of the sky slowly changing from blue and slightly orange, to indigo. "It's getting dark. We'll go home after you wake up." He whispered to her as he held her tighter and he gently slipped his fingers to her hand that has fallen upon his knee.

Leo walked Piper home, all the way supporting her, she could tell he was on the look-out for another lapse from her. 'Oh no. What does he think of me now? Why isn't he saying anything? Maybe he thinks I'm a weakling with a deadly illness or something. He's the first guy I've ever been this close with and I don't want to lose him. I just found him. Damn sickness!' Piper thought with frustration.

They arrived at the manor at around 9 P.M., the walk was quiet and dull, just some sympathetic looks from Leo and grateful looks from Piper. When they were in the front porch, there was awkwardness.

"So… um… Thank you…for taking me home. Thanks, really." Piper started.

"Yeah, you're welcome, always." Leo replied.

Then silent again.

"Oh! Here's your bag." Leo handed Piper her stuff.

"Thanks. You didn't have to."

"But I insisted. And you know me! I don't take 'no' for an answer." Leo joked and they laughed together.

"Yeah. You were pretty stubborn." Piper retorted. "Sorry for ruining your plans." She apologised.

'You didn't ruin it. You just postponed it. We can do it some other time. Don't worry about that." Leo shrugged. "Well, it's getting late." Leo stopped when he looked at his watch. "No, wait. It is late. You better get inside and I better get going."

"OK, Thanks again." Piper tiptoed to kiss Leo's cheek but Leo was confused which side and they would both go to one side, it looked really funny, and they looked like they were playing some kiddie game. They both smiled. Then Piper touched Leo's shoulder to keep him still, and she kissed him on right cheek. When Piper looked up at Leo, her hands still on his shoulders…there's the look again, the 'Look of Love', 'This is the look that leads to a kissing scene in the movies.' Piper thought, then she felt Leo's hands resting on her sides. 'When did he put those there?' she wondered. 'Oh well, it feels good. It feels right.'

'God, what are you doing to me?' Leo thought looking into Piper's eyes. 'She's an epitome of perfection, of beauty.' Leo was captivated. 'Should I try to kiss her? What if she doesn't want me to? What if she doesn't feel the same way I do? Then I will screw up and push her away. Oh well, when in doubt, do.' He brushed Piper's long hair to the back of her ear. It was smooth, silky and cool from the night breeze. 'It feels so good.' Leo thought as his hand rested at the back of her neck.

'How long have we been standing here? It feels like forever.'

Piper sighed. 'Oh! That 'hand-at-the-back-of-the-neck' thing… sends shivers down my spine.'

'He looked like he's going to do it. He's going to kiss me.' Piper smiled inwardly.

Leo saw Piper leaned back, her head still facing up at him and she closed her eyes, her lips welcoming him. 'Ok. Here goes.' He closed his eyes.

Then it happened, Piper's first kiss with her first love.

The kiss deepened but still gentle.

Her lips were so soft and sweet.

His lips… oh it feels so perfect. Like it was specifically made for mine.

His hand on her side travelled up to cradle her cheek.

But she was still. She doesn't want make a move. What if she does something wrong? She doesn't want this moment to end. Let her head and lips do the actions.

They were too engrossed with each other they didn't even notice Prue by the door flashing a wide grin watching them.

'Ok that's enough 'lovers watching' for me.' Prue thought as she cleared her throat to inform the couple of a spectator.

But they continued kissing, still oblivious to the realm outside theirs. Prue was shocked, so instead of just clearing her throat she said"Hey" It worked. Piper and Leo stopped kissing and looked to see who disturbed them.

"Hi! That was a NICE evening, don't you think" Prue was still smiling, then she raised her eyebrows at Piper, waiting for her sister's excuse or at least any reaction.

Piper looked dazed, she was licking her lips. Then she sighed deeply, composed herself and inched away from Leo but they were still holding hands.

"Uhh… Prue, this is Leo. Leo, Prue, my sister." Piper introduced.

Leo, too, looked pretty disoriented. "Hey! Nice meeting you."

"Nice" Prue smiled and shook Leo's hand. Her tone of the word 'nice' was still describing the kissing thing.

"Uhm… Piper, you should get inside and rest. I'll go now." Leo averted his attention to Piper.

"Uhh… yeah. I think you should." Piper sighed again. "Bye."

"Yeah… uhh… bye." Leo stuttered. They were saying their goodbyes but they were still clasping each other's hands. Then they gave Prue a pleading look. Prue waved her hand"Go on."

They kissed again, this time it was short but sweet lingering kiss.

"Bye." They said in unison and let go of each other.

Piper stepped up beside Prue and looked at Leo.

"Rest, ok" Leo said with so much concern. Prue noticed this. "You scared me to death." Leo continued.

"Sorry." Piper apologised. "Take care. Be safe going home."

Leo walked down to the street while stealing glances at Piper.

"Be careful! Look at your steps or you'll trip" Prue shouted.

Piper laughed at Prue's remark and looked lovingly at the boy afar.

Leo saw someone in the attic window of Piper's house, but he ignored it, he's too happy.

Phoebe was by the attic window and she saw the kiss, just the kiss. With the phone in hand, she had this 'pissed off' look. 'What a kiss, huh?' She just talked to Ashley on the phone, her friend told her everything, and she didn't like what she found out.

"They were all over each other, Phoebe. I'm telling yah" Asley informed her. "You should have seen them. It was gross! Major PDA. At first, Leo was ignoring her but then she went flaunting herself in front of him. I mean, you can't blame Leo. He's just a guy. She made the first move. What a slut"

Phoebe's blood was boiling out of anger. "You asked for it, you'll get it." Phoebe said while watching Piper and Prue on the porch.

Back to the front porch…

"Let's go inside, Lover girl" Prue led Piper to her room, when they entered Piper's room, Prue exclaimed"My baby sister is in love." Piper just smiled with so much bliss and sat on the bed.

Then Prue's face became serious"Now I just wanna ask, what was he talking about, when he said you scared him to death" Prue sat beside Piper.

Piper's smile suddenly disappeared and she looked down at her hands"Oh, that." She was contemplating, 'Should I tell Prue? I don't want to worry her, but what if it's something serious?'

She looked up at Prue with fear in her eyes"I had an attack." Then she looked at wall"We were running, he was going to take me somewhere. But then it happened."

Prue put her hands around Piper and pulled her closer. "And?" She asked. "There's something else, right? I know you. Tell me." She encouraged Piper.

Piper decided to tell Prue, 'I can't keep anything from her.' "The attack, it was different."

"What do you mean 'different'?" Prue asked worriedly.

"Usually, I just feel shortness of breath and too much exhaustion. But earlier, there was this sharp pain. I felt it twice." Piper explained. "I've never felt that before." She looked up at Prue and they both have frightened face. Piper's eyes were glazed with tears. "Prue, I'm scared." Piper whispered softly and she sounded like a little child.

When Prue saw Piper's tears, it was heart shattering. 'I don't want to, but I'm starting to hate you, Lord. The fact that you gave her this illness was enough damage. She doesn't deserve this! Why don't you just give it to me?' Prue thought with anger as she embraced Piper and kissed her on the forehead.

"We will go to the doctor right after your class tomorrow. Ok? Don't worry. I'm sure it's nothing serious." But in Prue's mind, 'It might be something serious. It always has been, when something happened, it is always something serious.'

Prue felt Piper pulled out of her embrace and looked at her with distress. "What if it is? What if it's something big?" Piper asked Prue. 'That's what I was thinking… what if?' Prue thought.

"Prue, I don't wanna die" Piper exclaimed with exasperation. "Not anymore." She said in a lower voice. "That's what I wanted then, I wanted to die because it was supposed to be me, if mom didn't took that blow for me. It was my time!" She looked away from Prue to hide her guilt. "And I know that was what's on your mind too."

Prue shook her head no. But Piper continued…

"You didn't have to say it, I know, you all blamed me for what happened. Phoebe's the only one who is expressive enough to let me and everyone know what she is feeling. But I know, deep inside, you all feel that way. That's why I wanted to die, to end all of your miseries."

Prue put her hands to her mouth, she was crushed by Piper's revelations. Then she heard Piper's whisper…

"Until I met Leo. Prue, I want to live for him. I want to spend more time with him. This is the first time I felt this passion and desire to live and breathe for someone. Before… every breath, every heartbeat feels like a mistake. God's mistake. I know it's impossible. But for me, He made a mistake when he took mom and let me live." Prue held Piper's hands tightly as she watched her sister pour herself out to her. She had seen Piper cry and blame herself but not this way, but not this emotional.

"Prue, I don't want to lose him and I don't want him to lose me." Piper looked up at Prue with tear-streaked eyes.

Prue wiped away the tears on Piper's cheeks and brushed away the stray strands of hair from Piper's face. ""You won't. Leo won't. I will make sure of that, I promise. I won't let Him take you away. I promise." Prue wrapped around her sister and she herself cried. 'She was just happy and elated minutes ago, and now she's devastated.' Prue thought.

Both were crying because of life's injustice and harshness.

Reviews, please. Thanks so much! Take care and God Bless. Till next chap!