Disclaimer: I don't own Charmed nor do I own anything related to Natalie Cole's song, "I Miss You Like Crazy." This takes place towards the end of the episode, "Give Me A Sign," after they vanquish Litvack, but before the scene at P3.

Through the Years

Six: I Miss You Like Crazy

Even though it's been so long
My love for you keeps going strong
I remember the things that we used to do
A kiss in the rain till the sun shine through
I tried to deny it but I'm still in love with you


I miss you like crazy
I miss you like crazy
Ever since you went away
Every hour of every day

-Natalie Cole, "Miss You Like Crazy"

"Dan, I'm a witch. A good witch. A witch with magical powers." Piper smiled at herself in the mirror and tried to look convincing. "I save people. I fight demons and warlocks." She sighed. "I've just lost you forever."

At times like this she wished she had a better relationship with her dad; then she could just call him up and ask him how Mom had broken the news to him in a way that hadn't made him run out the door immediately.

Maybe Dad loved Mom enough to not let it get in the way.

Shut up, brain, thought Piper. If that were true he wouldn't have ever left.

You know magic was only part of it. There were extenuating circumstances.

Piper made a face at herself in the mirror. She did know that, but it didn't mean she wanted to accept it or believe it. It was so much easier to think that magic was the root of all of relationship problems in the Halliwell family. If that were so, then it made sense that she gave up Leo, who had magic imbedded into his life as deeply as it was imbedded in hers. If magic was the only thing standing in the way of true love, then it didn't matter that she had let the man of her dreams go without a fight.

The man of your dreams, huh? True love? Strange you should say that. You're supposed to be thinking of a way to be truthful with Dan so you can finally move to the next level in your relationship. That is, unless you're doing this to get rid of him and leave things free and clear for Leo.

Ugh. Her mind was not supposed to be so divided on this issue, let alone arguing with her. And why did the voice in her head sound so much like Phoebe?

You're thinking too much. Just admit it. You love Leo. You love him and you miss him and you wish that right this minute you were in his arms instead of debating with yourself in front of a mirror.

But what about Dan, she couldn't help but argue back whiningly. He's been so good to me. And he loves me. And I...love...him.

But not like you love Leo. Let's review, shall we? Who was the first man you ever got the nerve to approach with any romantic intentions?

Leo.

And who was the first person you ever considered telling you were a witch?

Leo.

Who is the first person you think about in the morning?

Well, you know...it's early and...

Who?

...Leo.

Uh huh. And when you wake up in the morning, for a split second you think you're in whose arms?

Leo's. Alright. Fine. Happy? I'll admit it. I love Leo. I'm head over heels in love with him.

And...?

And I miss him a lot. An awful lot. When he was gone I couldn't stop thinking about him and now that he's back it's even worse. And, God, Valentine's Day...

You finally gave into your fantasies...

I felt guilty all night because I was with Dan but all I could think about was Leo.

Exactly. You love him. But instead of doing anything about it you've been wasting your time debating back and forth and letting Phoebe cast spells to help guide your heart. And every single time you've come to the same conclusion. You just don't want to admit it.

Well...yeah. I know. I...Well, you know. When we were fighting Litvack tonight I really thought I was going to die, and the first person I thought I'd never see again was...

Leo. Yeah. I know. You, on the other hand, seem to be having a very difficult time with something so simple.

It's not simple. There are other people involved now. And what if Leo and I can't make it work? What if he gets his powers back? Or what if he never does and he starts to resent me for it?

What if you live your entire life and at the end of it you have to say that you never gave true love a chance because you were too scared?

Piper blinked at her reflection and then nodded slowly. Finally, she knew what she had to do.