Heaven's Mistaken Gift
by: Piper Chris Melinda Halliwell
Co-written by: That70sShoLova
Chapter 16: Running Deep, Running Away
BOOM! Came her sister's explosion and he fell to the ground, gritting his teeth in pain.
"Piper!" she whined. "Why did you do that? We were only talking!" Phoebe said as she went to help him up.
"Phoebe, touch him and you'll be blown up too!" Piper threatened.
She sighed, standing back up and looking at him. "So much for the bonds of sisterhood."
The demon half of him said 'kill the witch' but he knew Phoebe wouldn't like that. He shrugged. "They're your sisters. They—OW!" he yelled as a pain connected in his stomach.
"You don't get to talk! Athame!" Paige called. It disappeared from the table and reformed in her hand.
"Whoa! Wait!" Phoebe yelled, stepping in front of him. "You don't even know him! Why do you want to kill him?"
"You don't even know him, Phoebe! Why are you defending him?" Piper asked, stalking over to her and grabbing her by the shoulders. "He's a demon. You're a witch. He's evil. You're good. He's yin. You're yang. You're too different."
Phoebe sighed. No matter how much she argued, Phoebe had a feeling her sisters might never see her side. "But I do know him, Piper!" she shoved her away and helped Cole up, glaring at Paige. "Go ahead, throw the damn Athame, Paige, but don't be surprised if it kills me instead!"
A loud thud was heard as the Athame was dropped to the floor. "No. I won't," she said, walking over. "You're my sister and you deserve to be heard." She whipped her head around to the sound of disgust behind her. "Right Piper?"
She walked up behind her. "Yeah, yeah. What do you have to say about him, Phoebe?"
She bit her lip as she and Cole went over and sat on the couch, her sisters following. "I remember."
Cole raised a brow. "What do you remember exactly?"
She looked like she was about to cry, but kept the tears back. "Everything. I remember how upset Grams was. I remember how supportive Piper and Prue were. I re—remember the pain, the bruises from when Jared would go to the bar and come back to beat me." She looked to her sisters, noticing their pain-filled expressions. "Piper, Jared never worked for Cole's parents. He never did much of anything really," she squeezed Cole's hand, "but Cole did. He defended me. He helped me when I was sick and felt useless—"
"—you never told me that," he interjected, wiping her eyes.
She scoffed. "Didn't think I needed to."
Piper sat beside her. "You know something, Phoebe? As the months passed and we saw less of you, Prue and I always wondered if anyone was mistreating you. We always assumed that if they—or in this case he—were, you'd call us to come home and we'd figure something out."
"What did you expect me to say? That I was living with demons and carrying their spawn?"
She smiled lightly, laying her hand on her leg. "Who would've believed that story?"
Phoebe nodded.
"Why would he abuse you?" Paige asked.
"Alcohol does strange things to people. I would think you'd know that from your previous profession," Phoebe stated.
"Yeah, but generally one person has to offend the other or do something wrong," Paige said, sitting on the floor in front of them. "What did you do?"
"I think I can answer that one," Cole cut in. "Jared said I could help her and it got to the point where he wanted nothing more to do with her. One night when he came home, Phoebe had been extremely ill and we were snuggled on the couch." Paige raised an eyebrow. He chuckled. "No, it wasn't like that, Paige. She needed comfort. Anyway, he came home and immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion—"
"—and you stepped in and saved her?" Piper concluded. He nodded. "H-how many times did that happen?"
Phoebe sighed. "Twice. The last time Cole said The Source killed him."
"Ah."
She looked to Piper. "What?"
She shook her head, sighing. "Nothing, its just… what were you two talking about before—"
"Before we were so rudely interrupted?" Phoebe asked. "My daughter. I asked if I could see her…then it got personal."
"Personal how?" Paige asked.
Phoebe shook her head.
Cole looked at her and how hurt she looked having to recount the awful events. He laid one arm on the back of the couch to stretch and Phoebe snuggled up against him.
"Okay, I think…we're not needed right now so um, come on Paige," she said standing up and walking to the doorway, "let's go."
"Bu-bu-but…" Paige repeated as Piper drug her out by her shirt when she noticed she wasn't moving.
Phoebe laughed, seeing them walk out after Paige stood. "Hey Piper?"
"Yeah?"
"I'll be down in a bit."
She nodded, sighing.
"So you said everything would change for me if I went down there with you, right?" Phoebe asked.
"Yes, though I would love nothing more."
"Really? Even after all these years?"
He inclined his head to look at her. "Phoebe, I always knew you would become a Charmed One. I always knew you would grow up without me here. Age doesn't matter to me. When you said that spell, I never imagined you would find me again."
"Dream come true?" she asked sarcastically.
He laughed. "Honestly? Yes. But what about you?"
"I didn't really know who you were, but my emotions did. I know it sounds crazy but—"
"It doesn't. I wiped your mind, not your heart."
"Yeah. Hey, can we start over? Or is it still against the big rules?" she asked.
He chuckled. "Your danger streak hasn't decreased over the years I see. Its still breaking major rules."
"Oh," she said disheartened, "forget I asked then."
He thought it sounded like she was crying. "Phoebe?"
"What?" she asked looking down.
He cupped her chin and brought her face to his. "I didn't say we couldn't, its just…you and your sisters would be in even more danger if we did."
"But you said you were like The Source's right-hand man, so can't you do something to make them stay away from my sisters?"
He sighed. "Yes I am, but—"
"But what? You always said you'd protect me."
"Yes, but you're one person. I can't be in three places at once." He stroked her hair.
"You would want to? Protect them, not just me?"
After inhaling through his teeth, he answered. "No, but they're important to you—"
"—my sisters."
He nodded. "Yes, so for you I would."
She hesitated as she looked into his eyes. It was almost a stupid question. "You said you didn't want me down there so…what are the chances of you living here on Earth?"
Smiling, he pulled his wallet from his pocket and handed her a business card.
"Cole Turner, attorney…" she turned the card over in her fingertips. "So you're a demon masquerading as a human attorney?"
He laughed. "I've always been a demon, but it doesn't pay good money," he yawned, stretching, "so I went to law school a few years back."
"You never answered my question," Phoebe said, laying the card on his hand.
He chuckled. "Really? I'd have thought my address and phone number would've answered that." He pressed the card back into her hand. "Keep it. Just try not to call me on my work phone."
"They charge you?" Phoebe asked incredulously. "I would think the company pays for it."
He shook his head. "Not when it's my company. Cell phones are just…easier. I usually have mine on vibrate during meetings."
A knock on the closed door interrupted them. Phoebe slipped the card into her bra, causing his grin to widen as Piper opened the door. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"No, no, its fine," Cole insisted. "I have a meeting to get to anyway," he said as he stood up.
"Awwwww!" She pouted.
"I'll be back later. If you need me before, just call."
Piper sighed. "Or you could come for dinner…I guess."
"Really?" Phoebe asked excitedly.
"Yeah, I mean, overall he saved your life so…I guess we can tolerate him. As long as he behaves." And doesn't try to kill us was etched into her expression.
"Sounds great! Bye!" He shimmered away.
Piper went to walk out. "Hey, Piper?"
She turned around. "Yeah?"
"Thanks. Really."
"He deserves a shot and you seem pretty head-over-heels for him." With that, she walked out.
Phoebe blew out a happy, nervous breath and walked downstairs. She couldn't believe it. He was back! That was enough to plaster a smile on her face and make her want to jump up and dance around the room. What really made her excited though, was that she might get to meet her daughter, after all these years.
Would she be mad at her?
Would she be different? She did grow up in the Underworld after all...
Most importantly, will she like her?
That made Phoebe nervous. After all, Phoebe hadn't seen her for years. Why would she like her? She must think I kept away from her on purpose, Phoebe thought, but that's not true! I didn't know! I love her, even if I haven't met her, I do! That stopped her in her tracks. All of these unanswered questions, thoughts, they were making her nervous.
She shook them away, annoyed.
"Phoebe?" Piper called, walking into the living room, "How'd it go?"
She smiled widely. "He's so sweet, Piper!"
She raised an eyebrow, wanting to say, How could he be? When he stole your child? She didn't though, knowing it would upset her younger sister.
Phoebe rolled her eyes, already knowing what she was thinking, "He's protected her over all these years and he didn't have to. Stop holding such a grudge." She smiled. "He likes you, Piper," it was a lie. At least Phoebe thought it was, he never said such a thing.
Piper's relaxed brow shot up again. "Oh really?"
"You're very strong-willed, Piper, it's something to admire," Phoebe confirmed. She didn't say he said, so it wasn't exactly a lie.
"He's so sweet!" Phoebe gushed. "He knows it's going to be difficult, but he wants to protect all of us because he knows you and Paige mean so much to me." She collapsed against the couch, sighing contently, "Remember how I used to love Cinderella?"
Piper chuckled. "It was 'ever so romantic' after all."
"Shut up," Phoebe said playfully, "The point is, he's my prince. My prince, Piper!"
Leo walked in. "Who is?" he grinned. "Me? I'm so flattered."
Phoebe stood up and hugged Leo's chest. "Yes! How'd you know? Take me away, Leo!" she pulled back and smiled at Piper who's eyes were twinkling with amusement.
"Cole is," Phoebe answered, "Cole is my prince." She grinned. "Princess, Phoebe. How does that sound?"
"Cole?" Leo asked walked over to Piper and wrapping an arm around her waist, kissing the top of her head.
She nodded. "Yes, I summoned Cole. And guess what? He's coming for dinner!"
"Dinner? Is that such a good idea?" Leo asked, looking down at Piper. "He did help the kidnapper of her child—"
"Yes, but he let the Source kill him," Phoebe insisted.
"And I hear Balthazar is practically the Source's right-hand man."
"Yes, but—"
"And—"
"Alright, I get it!" Phoebe snapped, "But I love him, and he loves my daughter, Melinda, enough to raise her and protect her, so that counts for something!"
Leo dropped his hands that held Piper and held them up in surrender, "All right, all right." He grinned suddenly. "Melinda?"
She smiled, "Yes! Melinda, Melinda Kali."
"Kali?" Leo asked, "Isn't that a demon name?"
Phoebe gasped. "D-Demon?"
He nodded. "Yeah, something about it being the child of Shiva and Devi. The child is detailed pretty gruesomely."
Phoebe scowled, wanting to stomp her foot like a child, "Jared chose her middle name,"
"That would explain it," Piper said while looking at her watch. "Dinner should be ready..."
Phoebe grinned wickedly and stuck her hand in bra, pulling out the card. Piper gave her a look and Leo looked away awkwardly. She stuck her tongue out at her older sister and pulled out her cell phone. She quickly punched in the numbers, and it went to voice mail. She hung up and a shimmer of air rippled in the corner.
Piper screamed and blew it up. "Demon!"
Paige orbed into the room, panic-stricken, holding an all-purpose (or all-demon) vanquishing potion.
Cole knocked backwards, gripping wildly at the air for something to grab on to. Phoebe ran over to Paige and pulled the potion away from her, glaring.
"I'm okay." Cole said, shaking his head slightly to get a hold of his thoughts. He held up his phone, "Got your call. I take it dinner is ready?"
"Dinner?" Paige demanded. She turned on her sisters. "Why is he talking about dinner?"
Phoebe smiled, "Because Piper invited him."
"You invited a demon to dinner?" Paige exploded. "I know he's the parental figure to your child, but come on, Phoebe! He's evil! Evil! How do you know he doesn't have an ulterior motive, hmm?"
"Because I love him!" Phoebe growled. She paused, and looked back at Cole. She had just gotten her memories back, but it seemed like she'd known him all her life. It shocked her to hear that out loud. She walked over to Cole and gripped his hand.
Paige rolled her eyes. "Yeah, like that explains it. Maybe he's tricking you Phoebe. Maybe this is all a job set up by The Source."
"I wouldn't do that—"
Paige got in his face. "Well, how do we know? I mean after all, you are a demon." Hearing the word made Cole flinch, reminding him that he wasn't human, just pure evil.
Phoebe placed a gentle hand on his face, reminding him that he was good. "He's not all demon," she defended.
Paige sighed as Piper gave her 'the look'. "I'm not saying this to be mean, Phoebe. I just don't want you to get hurt. It's happened before."
Phoebe was touched and it showed in her facial features. She smiled a small smile to her younger sister and pulled Cole towards the dining room.
Dinner was awkward. The tension was thick and Phoebe imagined cutting it with a knife. Paige sent untrusting daggers at Cole, her body tense for when he was going to attack. Leo ate quickly, saying he had to go soon and Piper scowled, upset at how little time they had together.
Cole finished his last bite of pasta and turned to praise Piper. "That was great, Piper! Thank you so much for inviting me. You do get paid for cooking, don't you?"
"Compliments will get you nowhere," Piper said, but smiled nonetheless.
He grinned and got up. Phoebe kissed his cheek. "Well, I need to get going. I've got a couple trials to prepare for."
Paige cocked a brow. "Trials?"
"He's an attorney," Phoebe said before anyone could throw an answer in.
"Really?"
He nodded. "Yep, but if you ever want confirmation, feel free to stop by my office. Phoebe has my card."
"You sound pretty sure of yourself," Paige said as Piper began clearing the table. "You hearing this, Piper?"
"Yes!" she called from the kitchen, irritated.
He sighed, pushing the chair in. Phoebe stood up and followed him into the entryway. Once they were alone, she threw her arms around him. "I'm sorry that Paige is so critical."
"But I'm right!" she shouted, walking out. "I am, Phoebe."
She rolled her eyes, pleading with him to get her away. He sucked in a breath, but wrapped his arms around her and shimmered up to her room.
He sat with her on her bed. "I know, but you have no reason to be. Your sisters love you and want to protect you. I would think they were really weird if they weren't suspicious of me. Piper is too, though she's more grateful to me than Paige so she hides it," he sighed.
"What's wrong?" she asked interlacing their fingers on the bed. "I'm not s kid anymore and I know the infamous danger involved in being with you. I accept it. Just like I accepted you," she brought his face to hers, "so what's got you looking so upset?"
Cole shook her away. "Phoebe, it's not going to be easy. Us, that is. The Source...The Source won't take too kindly about you knowing again. It scares me."
"He wouldn't...?" Phoebe trailed off in horror.
"No! No!" Cole shook his head fiercely and took a hold of her hands again, "At least I don't think..." Phoebe's face took upon a look of panic again. "He wouldn't hurt Melinda. He needs her for something. She's too valuable to him."
Phoebe looked a little put off that the Source was using her child, but she didn't say anything about it, he was evil, and that explained it all.
"He's not going to want you to convert her back to good. Not after everything he has gone through to get her to become evil."
She sighed. "I'm not surprised. Although, I'm not happy about her being partially his either."
"You mean because Jared was taken over by him when it happened?"
She nodded. "I really want to see her. I'd give anything for anything. A glimpse or a photograph, a day…" she trailed off.
"I'm sure you would," he said, wrapping an arm around her. Then Cole looked at the wall, noticing his Shadow was calling him to the Underworld. He let go, making sure Phoebe's face was nestled into his neck so she couldn't see and ordered the shadow away. But it didn't move and grew, signaling it was furious.
He raised his head. "I really do need to leave, Phoebe."
"When will you be back?"
He stood up. "I really don't know, but don't summon me anymore. Please, for your own safety?"
She pouted, but agreed nodding. "So can we try to date? Please? Pretty please? I'll follow any rule, I swear!"
"Even if it means lying to your sisters, stabbing them in the back? Because that's what might end up happening."
"Why would it be lying? They know you."
He sighed again. "No, not that kind of—look, if you're really serious about me, you have to make some unpleasant sacrifices."
"What would—"
"I don't know off hand. But I have to go. Now!" he shimmered out.
Her eyes were so sad. Maybe she really did love him? No, he decided, she can't. No one ever can.
He shimmered into The Source's lair.
The Source paced across the cave floor when Cole shimmered in. "Balthazar," he growled, "Where have you been?"
Cole's face was stoic, calm. "Where you asked me to go, my Liege. I was destroying the Avain clan."
He nodded suspiciously, "Good. We always need less clans on the side of good."
A shimmer formed on Cole's back and the little blonde girl kissed his cheek. "Daddy! I missed you! Guess what I did today? I killed ten demons all by myself."
The Source nodded. "Yes, feisty little creature, aren't you?"
She nodded proudly, "You got it," she winked. "Watch out, or you might be next."
Cole looked at him and nodded.
"That's great, Mel! I'm so proud of you!" he said as he grabbed her from his back and hugged her.
A fireball flew past her, causing a panicked look on her face and the girl almost cried. Almost. She couldn't cry. She was a demon and demons didn't show pain, weren't supposed to. Cole stroked her face and, instantly, she calmed down. A shiver ran down his spine. Oh, how she looked like her mother in that moment. "Mel," he whispered. "Go back to our room. You're safe there."
"But why? He doesn't throw fireballs at you unless he's mad. What happened?"
He sighed. For being only ten, the young half-demoness was extremely observant, a trait she, no doubt, inherited from her beautiful mother. "It's nothing to worry about. Just go."
She sighed sadly, shimmering out.
The Source beckoned the Shadow to come to him. The Shadow recapped what happened in his mind, unwillingly. The Source brought his hands in the air, flames licking his flesh, angrily. He struck his hand against the wall and the flames crawled up the wall before extinguishing from the cold stone.
"I wouldn't call your betrayal nothing, Balthazar," he hissed.
"Who says I betrayed you?" he shot back. "Most demons must go to the spot they are summoned." He saw The Source's eyes flash. He held up his hands defensively. "I had no choice but to go."
"But you didn't need to stay."
Now it was his turn to think. Why did he stay when he could've easily left right before he fully formed?
"Balthazar!" he hissed. "You said she was just a job years ago!"
"That was years ago," he argued.
He raised a brow. "And…now?"
"Now?" he repeated in confusion.
"What do you feel? Hatred…anger or even love per…haps?" Cole's eyes widened at the last word. The Source began to laugh. "Love of a Charmed One, Balthazar? That is a dangerous place."
He cleared his throat. "Not necessarily."
He looked almost enthused without expression. "Go on."
"She wants to see her. Asked if I could live on Earth. An—and I already have a condo there."
"But what of her sisters? How do you plan on keeping her with you? Turning her evil didn't work the first time around…" his eyes widened again. "Yes, I knew, but as you said you were protecting the child so I let you have your way."
He thought a moment. He didn't want her nature to change. So sweet, probably a bit more sexually hungry now, but that was something he knew he could handle… "I wonder, My Liege, are there specific Power Brokers who deal in…"
"I think there are. What are you implying?"
"If I'm going to turn her against her sisters, it has to be very slow and certain that she wants me and her daughter in her life that badly."
His eyes blazed on him. "You said you would protect them."
Cole grinned wickedly. "Only for a bit. In time, I'll no longer need to."
"Do as you wish, but if I require you—"
"—I will be at your beck and call," he bowed. The Source gestured toward the door. Cole shimmered away.
Author's note: So what do you think?
Reviews are much appreciated. Please?
Review thanks to: That70sshowlova & HalliwellMB
Piper Chris Melinda Halliwell & That70sShowLova