Hello....sorry for the delay. Turns out this isn't gonna be a one shot as have some ideas for it now (took me long enough) + certain reviewer convinced me to continue. So I hope you like

piperspeanut - sorry for the delay(again) I tried to make it kinda longer than my normal updates to make up for it. Glad you liked it =] Hadn't planned anything more for this story until about an hour again when thought should add to it. Don't have anymore ideas for it as of yet but will hopefully come up with something some time soon. Planning on updating other stories soon too =] As always, thanks for the review - look forward to reading your comments =] Hope you like it x

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Being tired was something that Chris had always refused to give into. It had been a need forced upon him during his brothers turning in order for survival and it was something that would not change until his brother was safe.

Knowing that time was running out, sleep had been in even shorter supply. Even the sisters had begun to suffer from exhaustion. Though little did they now to what extent of exhaustion Chris would reach before he finally had no choice but to relax.

Today had involved multiple demon hunts, as had most days this week. The charmed ones were sleeping to recover from it, having told Chris to do the same but he brushed aside their concern. They'd been asleep for a few hours now, in which Chris had failed to waste any of his time - he hadn't slept in three days but had almost doubled the number of demon hunts by going when the sisters slept.

He was tired but wouldn't give into it. Sat crossed legged on the attic floor with the book of shadows in front of him he resembled a kid up late trying to catch up on the homework that had been given weeks ago and was in for tomorrow. The difference been the fate of the world rested on this kids homework.

His eyes were protesting against him, blurring the images and text into one. He looked away from the page briefly before returning his attention and glaring at it in order to try and get his eyes to focus on the words. The words mocked him as they buzzed about the page, dancing into one another.

His muscles ached him from the earlier demon hunts and then sitting in the same position on the floor for over an hour. His actions worked against him as his head turned towards the couch, a longing for comfort seemed to pass through him. He quickly turned away, chastising himself for his selfishness. Once again focusing on the book.

Glancing at the ridiculous hour of the morning on his watch, Leo stood in the attic doorway, concerned about the amount of time he had remained their unnoticed. Chris was exhausted, it was obvious for any fool to see. Leo watched him, noticing his inability to focus on the book and the occasional movement to try and ease his aching muscles. He sighed, knowing the confrontation that was inevitably soon to come.

Further analysing and he noticed his torn shirt, blood stripped- most likely the remains of a recent demon confrontation. It occurred to Leo that Chris was looking through the book in order to find further demons to go and interrogate. In that condition. The thought sparked further concern and flooded through him in the form of fatherly worry.

He took a step into the room, closely watching Chris who still hadn't noticed him. Another two steps and he was still invisible.

"When was the last time you actually properly slept?" Leo felt the words slip freely from him.

Chris jumped slightly, each muscle flinching in protest before he looked around the room confused. He finally noticed Leo and a caged expression crossed his eyes.

Leo passed him cautiously, seating himself on the couch so he was looking directly at him. Feeling vulnerable from his position on the ground he went to stand up, only for his muscles to protest and not allow him to move. He covered it up by turning to look at the book. Leo noticed though.

"When was the last time you actually properly slept?" Leo repeated in attempt to break the awkward silence. It took a few moments before Chris finally shrugged in response. Still face down towards the old book.

"Do the sisters know your still up?" Leo asked, attempting to change his approach. He watched Chris shuffle uncomfortably under his gaze. 'The sisters over protectiveness, especially Pipers' seemed to be a good angle.

"Do they know you've been demon hunting and got injured?" he asked, raised eyebrows.

"That's nothing to do with you," the younger stated adamantly, finally looking at him as if daring him to disagree.

"I disagree," Leo couldn't help but state. Chris glared at him, anger tinting his exhausted eyes. He turned then, back to the book.

Leo stood up, took four paces forward, knelt down, closed the book and returned it to the stand before turning back to look at Chris who looked back at him dumbfounded, not sure how to react. Leo spoke before Chris had chance to.

"Your so tired you can barely read the words," he pointed out blatantly, " If a demon showed up now you would be putting your own life at risk from been to exhausted," as if to finally get his point through to his son he added, " You wont be able to change anything if you go and get yourself killed."

Chris looked almost ashamed though still fought against Leo's words. "As long as Wyatt's saved it doesn't matter."

"It meaning your life?!" Leo asked incredulously, failing to hide his shock in his voice.

Chris flinched slightly before looking at Leo unsurely, unnerved by his shock. He nodded slowly, unsurely.

Leo's voice was a lot gentler when he responded, a tone that was worried that what it said wouldn't be believed.

"You shouldn't have to sacrifice your life for this Chris," the words of a broken man reaching a sudden revelation.

A sad smile crossed Chris' face, "It'll be worth it." Confident.

Leo was still stood up by the book, momentarily lost in thought. Chris was confused by how much his words had effected the man and felt almost guilty for it.

"What were you researching?" Leo suddenly asked, changing the subject, a confidence in changing things for his son stirring within him.

Chris' confused state mixed with his tiredness seemed to have somewhat relaxed him slightly. He stood up mutely, muscles creaking as he stepped forward and looked down at where the book lay on the stand. He looked back up at Leo as if wondering if he'd stop him from taking the book. Leo just watched him curiously as he retrieved it and took a place on the couch finally. Muscles relaxed slightly as he leant back into the comfort.

"I don't know…anything I guess," he stated looking at Leo with a hopeless expression. The kid just needed any form of hope that this would all work out.

He was glancing down on an opened page, Leo stepped toward the couch and when there was no objection sat down and cast a gaze over the book.

"There's more books in that chest," he stated quickly after a while, "there one on ancient demons that the warren line may not have come across before and there's some more detailed ones on vanquishing and there's one about spells and curses too."

Was Chris asking him to help? Leo wondered. Looking at his son he noted how he hadn't glanced up from the book and wasn't looking expectant of any response from him.

Leo stood up from his seat and went to the chest he believed Chris to be on about. He didn't see Chris briefly lift his gaze to note that Leo was going to help him nor did he see the unsure smile.

Glancing into the box he saw a collection of books he believed were borrowed from magic school. He counted at least 10 - each had notes attached to some pages and there were diagrams and a vast collection of notes written out on paper of possible threats to his other son. He looked at them sadly, thinking of the time and effort that it had taken.

He picked up a book on ancient demonic activity and examined it. It had a lot of notes but Leo figured it would be a start. Closing the lid to the box of research he returned to his seat. Mutely they both continued reading.

After a while Leo felt the book of shadows drop from it position in Chris' hand so it was now leant against him. Looking at his son he smiled slightly.

Chris was leant against the arm rest, finally asleep. Leo stood up carefully and retrieved the book of shadows, placing it back on its stand. Turning to face his son he was surprised at how young he suddenly looked. Now sprawled across both seats he looked relaxed and content. Leo smiled sadly, thinking how unfair a destiny his son had been dealt and swearing he'd do anything to help him.

Retrieving his book from the armrest Leo sat on the ground and leant against the chest and continued to read through it. Feeling happier in the knowledge that Chris wouldn't be less stressed about sleeping and no work getting done.

Leo looked over at the obvious signs of injuries on Chris, he had an inner battle with himself that now would be a good chance to be able to heal them but not at the risk of actually waking him. They'd be ok for tonight he decided, Chris hadn't seemed in pain from the injuries and he believed sleep would have a good healing effect in itself - not worth disrupting when Chris would probably refuse to go back to sleep if woken.

Leo smiled contently, he'd stay here for tonight to ensure Chris had some undisrupted sleep.

Review and tell me what you think. Any ideas welcome x