Disclaimer: The Charmed Characters are the property of Aaron Spelling and Constance Burge. I just borrow them for your enjoyment and my writing addiction.

The Lyrics to Sand and Water are the property of Beth Neilsen Chapman

Dead Man Dating

Piper made her way down the stairs quietly not wanting to wake her sisters, though she started her usual routine as she knew Prue would be down soon for her coffee. It was hard to believe that just last night the Manor was full of people for Prue's birthday, and Prue was happy about it. She couldn't remember the last time Prue was happy about her birthday. But as she then looked back she knew why Prue was happy about it. Mark. He had told Prue how precious they were and she took it to heart. She smiled when she recalled too, that Phoebe had even got her sister a present. "A first I think." She said to no one as she placed the coffee craft into the coffee maker.

"Morning Piper."

"Prue. You're up early."

"Yeah I had a few things to take care of at work."

"You are not going into work, you promised Phoebe a day shopping as I recall."

"I know, but I want to get this done with. We have an auction in a few days."

"Prue." Piper looked over at her big sister.

Prue caught the look Piper was sending her and she realized the unsaid words. "I'll be fast. I'll be home before she wakes up."

"Prue."

"Ok, ok. I won't go." She held up her hands in defence.

"Where aren't you going?" Phoebe walked in the kitchen rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"Hey Phoebs. No where I am spending the day with you remember. Part of my birthday present. You buying everything." Prue smiled at her little sister before she pulled her to her lap. "Which I am looking forward to. A first. You buying instead of me."

"Yeah well. Let's just say Mr. 'You saved my life.' Was very grateful for me saving his life." She laughed as she placed kiss on Prue's check before getting up and getting her cereal.

Piper made her way quietly along the path she had taken already a few times. She still wished for something she would never find. A lifetime before to meet him.

She crossed her feet and guided herself down to a sitting position in front of his grave stone.

All alone I didn't like the feeling.
All alone I sat and cried.
All alone I had to find some meaning,
In the center of the pain I felt inside.

All alone I came into this world.
All alone I will someday die.
Solid stone is just sand and water, baby;
Sand and water, and a million years gone by.

"I wish I knew you before you died. I can see us cooking up a storm in any kitchen together."

She opened up the book that was in her hands. "Camoo. I thought I would read a bit to you. Though you probably already know how it ends. You said you were going to ask him."

I will see you in the light of a thousand suns.
I will hear you in the sound of the waves.
I will know you when I come, as we all will come,
Through the doors beyond the grave.

"I miss you Mark. I only just met you and I feel the loss in my heart." Piper felt the tear sliding down her face but made no move to wipe it away.

All alone I heal this heart of sorrow.
All alone I raise this child.
Flesh and bone, he's just bursting towards tomorrow,
And his laughter fills my world and wears your smile.

"I remember your smile and the sound of your voice. The only other person I have felt this close to was my mum. And she left me too soon too."

I will see you in the light of a thousand suns.
I will hear you in the sound of the waves.
I will know you when I come, as we all will come,
Through the doors beyond the grave.

"I wish I could have saved you from the early death. I think there was a reason we met when we did. And maybe we will see each other some day. But until then I will walk alone knowing you are beside me silently."

All alone I came into this world.
All alone I will someday die.
Solid stone is just sand and water, baby.
Sand and water and a million years gone by.

Piper stood up, kissing her hadn she placed it gently on the cold stone before her, "Until we met again Mark." She held her hand on the tombstone a bit longer before walking away. It was then she finally wiped away the tears she shed for a man she barely knew, but a man she could have easily loved.

"Where is she?"

"She is fine Phoebe would you just relax." Prue pulled her sister to her as she sat on the couch.

"She is never late. And she isn't answering her cell."

"She is fine." Prue tried to calm down her baby sister.

Piper walked up the steps and into the Victorian Manor she shared with her sisters.

"Where have you been?" Phoebe jumped at her sister as soon as she saw her, but when she really saw her she wish she hadn't, "Oh honey." Phoebe drew Piper into her arms knowing why she was upset.

Prue looked up and saw the tear stained face of her younger sister. Getting up she went to Piper and joined in the hug. She would never be able to understand the hurt her sister was going through, but she had an idea.

"He will always be with you Piper." She spoke softly as the three of them remained where they were. Thinking of the man who they would never get to know, but knew he was meant to know them.