Review response: thank you so much partly cloudy! I'm so glad you like the story! Honestly I hadn't been motivated to revisit this , but when I saw your review it made me smile so big for like an hour and I spent DAYS working on this draft (...and then still didn't post it for weeks haha). Please do let me know if you find any inconsistencies when you re-read the story! The one thing that really bugs me personally is how much I emphasise Cassy's gloves at the start (because that was going to be super important - but ended up just being a way to make Chris wonder if she was already married hahah that's why he wanted her to take them off). I can go more in depth about anything/everything if you're interested, please let me know your thoughts about it all from an outside perspective!

Anyway! On with the story! ...That is getting progressively more AU but hopefully not too OOC hahah

I'm pulled from sleep by the incessant chirping of my phone.

Chris moans from beside me, pulling me closer to his chest. "Turn it off," he complains in a sleepy mutter next to my ear.

I giggle softly, very tempted to stay wrapped in his arms and ignore my phone entirely... but if someone was calling this late, it was probably important. With a sigh, I begin to wriggle from his grip. He protests the movement, but doesn't try to stop me. Still, I don't make it to the phone in time - the caller must have hung up too quickly.

I glance at the caller ID and immediately hit redial. "It was Piper," I tell him, holding the phone with my shoulder while I put some pants on.

All trace of sleep is wiped from him in an instant as he sits up in bed, looking concerned.

She picks up on the first ring.

"Piper?"

"Cassy, I'm- I'm so sorry, I didn't realise how late it was when I called and-" the words pour out in a frantic jumble, and it makes my heart jump with fright.

"Piper, breath," I tell her, trying to be calm for the both of us. I hear her take a few shaky breaks as I continue, "It's okay, just tell me what happened."

"Some- some kind of warlock was after Wyatt and they're gone now, but I don't know if they're coming back or-!" She worries, beginning to panic again.

The blood freezes in my veins and I cut her off again, "Chris and I are on our way."

"What? No, Cassy, I-I can't ask you to do that."

I look to Chris and he nods, placing a hand gently on my shoulder.

"You're not asking," I tell Piper just before we materialise in the nursery. "We're insisting."

She turns to us with tears in her eyes, and smiles gratefully. Wyatt is wrapped in her arms, looking uncharacteristically quiet. "I'm sorry to bother you guys," she tells us immediately, using a free hand to wipe the tear tracks from her face and rub her nose.

"No, it's no bother," I assure her empathetically, wrapping my arms around her gently. "We're glad you called us."

She lets out a shaky breath and nods her head, looking down at her toddler.

I lean down to be level with the boy and pull a funny face hoping to get some kind of reaction from him, but he just blinks sleepily. It's quite concerning, he's usually very exuberant.

With precision, I extend my ability to cover the toddler's magical essence. The room seems to become cooler with the removal of such a powerful force. I step back and lean against the side of the wall for support, not having the strength to stand alone, and seeing that Chris is busy inspecting the crib for some trace of evidence. Wyatt was getting stronger and I was still fully waking up so it was difficult.

Piper sighs with relief, beginning to look more composed. "Thanks Cassy."

Chris looks back at me, giving me an appraising look to check that I'm okay - he knew how quickly Wyatt's ability was growing and that it was starting to take a toll on me. I offer a small smile and he nods with a straight face, returning to his inspection.

"So, what happened exactly. I need to know every detail," he orders gently.

I close my eyes as Piper recants the terrifying scene she had walked in on, giving him a detailed description of the warlock that had been performing some kind of magic on Wyatt with a strange wand.

A hand is placed on my shoulder and I startle at the sudden contact, but relax immediately when I open my eyes to see Chris' concerned expression.

"I'm going to see if I can find out any more information on this guy. Will you be okay here?" He asks gently, rubbing my shoulders.

I nod slowly, not wanting to push myself too much. "Be safe, okay?" I request, wrapping him into a hug.

His chest expands against my own before he says softly, "Just for you." Then transforming into sparkling white lights, slowly moving down through the floor. His departure leaves my arms to gently collapse and wrap around myself.

It was concerning to know that he was going... down there... but, I knew he could handle himself.

I try to offer to take Wyatt so Piper can get some rest but she declines. She tells me she just wants to hold him and wouldn't be able to sleep anyway.

That makes two of us.

Taking a seat on the nearby couch, I try to take her mind off the looming threat that seems to constantly follow our family. "So, what did you want for your birthday? It's tomorrow now, right?"

She laughs softly, but there is no humour in it. "Honestly I hadn't even thought about it."

I nod sympathetically.

"He said his first word, you know?" She tells me, brushing the hair on her son's head.

"Oh, he did!" I grin, only needing to force it a little. "What was it?"

"Mama," her eyes start to water as she admits, "That's what woke me up. He was being attacked by a demon and he was calling out to me."

"Oh, Piper..." I give her another hug, pressing Wyatt between us softly.

She lets out a sob, and Wyatt makes a noise of discomfort. Without looking at him, she immediately tries to pull herself together by taking deep, slow breaths.

I smile encouragingly, trying not to let it show how heavily affected I was at seeing the woman I considered my oldest sister being so torn apart.

After a few moments, when she is more composed, she asks the question I'd been hoping might slip her notice. "So... you and Chris, huh?"

My cheeks go hot as I avoid her gaze. "I'd, uh, really rather not talk about it right now."

"Okay," she accepts easily, and I remember why we get along so well. Paige would be chatting my ear off about it whether I wanted to talk or not. "Well, what should we tall about then?"

"Anything else," I say directly, and she lets out a startled laugh.

So we do. We banter for a while, moving on to discuss P3 and how the staff were going there - who was still working since I had quit. She even asked how I felt about running the place while she was pregnant last year, and listened quite attentive as I rambled about the different aspects of the business I hadn't realised were so critical to it running smoothly.

Eventually, I see her close her eyes as she gently falls asleep with her baby safely in her lap. I make sure to stay awake, unable to help worrying about my boyfriend and still not sure if I would be able to hold my suppression of his magic while unconscious. I hadn't really thought about trying it properly, I'll have to test that out with Chris at some point.

A few hours after the sun has risen, I hear distinct footsteps as four people try to sneak into the house. Their muffled voices are easily hear through the vents - even if their discussion is inaudible.

It definitely Paige and Phoebe, but I'm not quite sure who the others are that are with them... I can only assume it's Darryl and his wife, Shelia, considering I knew they were going to be coming over for Piper's birthday dinner.

Ever since we realised a few weeks ago that I seemed able to sense magic, I'd been trying to enhance my capabilities. The main way I practiced was by trying to detect where in the manor each of the charmed ones were at any given point, which meant I was getting quite aware of their distinct auras. I had asked them about it in advance, of course, and they were happy to help me develop my abilities.

I roll my eyes as I hear the ruckus they make. Those women are so terrible at staying quiet, it's ridiculous.

"Guess they're getting ready for the surprise party," Piper says and I jump, not realising that she was awake already.

I try to think of something to say, and realise a straight up denial is pointless. "I can neither confirm or deny anything," I tell her cheekily.

"Smooth," she comments lightly, but its lacking her usual humor. It's obvious she's still upset about what happened last night, but trying to move past it.

I was glad she told me to take the day off today, although it was hard leaving Wyatt. I still needed to get the final piece for her birthday present, it was charm bracelet that she had seen in a store a few months before. Phoebe had once mentioned that Piper had lost one she held dear, and this one just looked perfect for her. I had convinced each of the sisters each to pick a charm - and even gotten one in honor of Prue. I had only met her a few times before she died, and every interaction was brief so it was difficult to decide, but I thought I had encapsulated the strong woman well with my decision. I hoped Piper liked it.

Today, I still had to get one that represented myself. I wasn't sure if I should, but after last night I wanted to convey how important she was to me.

That wasn't the only reason I was in town today though...

I still couldn't face being home.

It was too much - I didn't want to risk running into Beth again. It was cowardly, I know, but she was my best friend and I... I was still struggling to come to terms with my decision to wipe her memory.

It really wasn't fair of me to make that call.

But, I didn't want any of the sisters to know I was still struggling with my decision. They would only worry, or feel guilty, or try to make me have a heart to heart with Beth - and I just didn't want to face any of that. Besides, they had enough going on at the moment.

So, I was at the laundromat again. For some reason Piper didn't think it was a high priority to have a washing machine at P3, go figure.

Chris was always with me while I was running errands around town, although I made him wait outside of the jewelers so I could select my gift without his scrutiny. His overbearing nature could get on my nerves every now and then - honestly if something happened I could always just call for him, he was still my whitelighter after all - but I tried to remind myself it was his way of showing that he cared.

And, it gave us a chance to talk about things - even if we had to make sure to watch out language and not mention anything specifically supernatural.

"I still can't believe that Piper is swearing off men," he complains grumpily.

I look to him with a raised eyebrow, not sure why it seemed to bug him so much. "Well, I'm not surprised. I told you not to pull her away from all her dates," I jest lightheartedly, folding the clothes that had just come out of the dryer.

He is unamused. "That's not funny."

"Why are you so worked up about this?" I ask curiously.

"B-because," he stutters awkwardly, grabbing some clothes to keep himself busy. "This isn't meant to happen."

"Well, you're changing things," I point out carefully. "Obviously it's not all going to be like you... thought."

"Yeah," he agrees, understanding my hidden meaning and passing me the folded clothes so I could stack them with the others. "But - she's talking about selling the club. She said she'd make you the official manager if she could, so she'd be able to focus all her attention on Wyatt."

I pull back abruptly, knocking my washing power to the floor in my hast. It barely registers for me as I look to him with complete surprise. "What?"

He blinks, looking at me and the power laying on the floor by my feet. "What? You didn't know?" He wonders, kneeling and trying to scoop it back into the box.

"No!" I exclaim, and drop to my knees to start scooping it up with my hands. "I was with her all last night, and she didn't mention it once!"

"So.. what do you think?"

"What do I think? I think she should have asked me before just assuming I'd do it," I exclaim, slapping my hands on my thighs and thoughtlessly covering them in the white powder. Great. I huff as I kneel on the floor.

Chris chuckles at my predicament, giving me a hand up and trying to brush it off for me.

Pouting, I let him while continuing to complain, "I don't even like management."

"You're a good leader though," he compliments reflexively, still wiping me down.

"Pfft, yeah right," I dismiss.

"I'm serious Cas, you make split second decisions that save people's lives."

I look at him closely, noticing the familiar far off look in his eyes that makes trepidation spiral through me uncomfortably. "When have I ever done that?"

Chris stills and straightens to look at me. "Err..." his eyes flicker around the room and he knows he needs to be considerate of what he says with the few people nearby. "Well, you did the right thing with Beth."

I looks down, feeling guilt at the reminder. "I don't think everyone would agree with you there."

He puts a hand under my chin and ducks down slightly so he can meet my eyes directly. "You're going to have to forgive yourself eventually. You did the best you could in the situation."

"I don't know about that."

"I do," he tells me firmly. "I know you wouldn't do anything less."

My cheeks grow red at his show of faith in me. Unable to help the rush of affection I feel for this man, I reach on my toes and connect my lips to his quickly. He makes a slight noise of surprise but quickly wraps his arms around me to hold me firmly against him and I try to convey without words how happy I am to have him as part of my life.

The kiss deepens quickly, both of us getting carried away. He lifts me up and places me on the nearby counter, lips staying connected through the whole process. I run my hands along the collar of his shirt, wishing I could just-

We're interrupted by a not so discreet cough that reminds us we're still in a quite public place.

I pull away from him with a gasp of mortification and he chuckles, gently releasing his hold on me.

Blushing I grab the rest of my clothes and throw them in the basket - folding be dammed. He grabs it before I can, and we walk out side by side.

The whole time I can't help but grin like an idiot.

I was so falling for this guy.

It had been a last minute idea for me to pick up a gag gift for Piper's birthday, based on my conversation with Chris I thought an apron with "kiss the chef" on it would be ironic enough, and lower her expectation for when I eventually gave her the real gift.

For that reason, I was one of the last people to arrive - not considering Darryl or Sheila.

As soon as I walked through the door I could tell that something was definitely wrong. Chris, Paige and Phoebe all looked incredibly solemn as they sat on the couches.

"What happened?" I ask immediately, smile dropping from my face.

"Another warlock came after Wyatt," Chris tells me gravely. "They impersonated Darryl to get in the house."

Guilt flares through me, I should have been here. Piper had given me the day off, but I should have insisted to stay after what happened last night. "Really? Is he okay?"

"Wyatt's fine, just a little shook up," Phoebe tells me with a forced smile.

I nod in appreciation and put my largely wrapped gag gift on the table, keeping the real present securely in my bag. "And what about Darryl?" I ask, kicking my shoes off and sitting on the arm of the couch beside Paige so I could face the others. I was still pretty uncomfortable showing affection with Chris while the sisters were around, so this seemed like the safer option.

"Leo's gone to check on him now," She explains with worry - she and Darryl had become a lot closer after the magical incident a while back.

I rest a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure he's fine."

Leo orbs in before us, and Phoebe us the first to ask. "Darryl?"

"He's okay," he explains immediately, "He said they didn't get anywhere near him."

"Oh thank God," she says with relief.

Paige interjects angrily, "Yeah, well, my question is how did they even know to impersonate him?"

Leo's answer doesn't help the situation at all. "Well they must have been watching you, to see who you trusted and let near."

"That's really creepy," Phoebe notes.

I nod in agreement while Paige shivers, trying to shake off the unsettling idea.

"It's going to get a lot creepier if we don't stop them getting to Wyatt," Chris states matter of factly, and I connect eyes with him from across the room. He was clearly more concerned than he was letting on, and I wish I could be by his side to comfort him.

"Well, we might have a thought about that," Piper tells us all as she carries Wyatt down the stairs with a handsome latino man following close behind her.

I lean in to whisper to Paige, "Who is that?"

She gives me a proud smirk. "My birthday gift to Piper." She brushes off my questioning look, stating, "I'll explain later."

"Guess my gag gifts not so funny now..." I mutter appreciatively, then scold myself for checking out the incredibly attractive man.

"...I think we need to give Chris' idea another chance." Piper says. I look to Chris questioningly while he nods slightly towards her in gratitude.

"What idea?" Phoebe asks for us all.

"About binding Wyatt's powers," she clarifies.

"What?" The remaining sisters and I ask in unison. My gaze flickers to Chris - he hadn't mention anything about that to me. He avoids my gaze, keeping his eyes on Piper.

Oh boy, was I going to have a long conversation about this with him later. We had literally just been talking about Piper earlier today and he didn't think to bring this up? The tension in my body makes my fingers clamp around the frame of the couch, but I hold back from saying anything drastic.

She takes a seat with Wyatt in her lap and the latino standing by her side, "Well, I'm just saying we should consider it, I mean. If you think about it, it makes sense."

"You can't be serious," Leo refutes immediately.

"Actually, she's never been more serious." The latino finally speaks, and something about his voice makes me quiver.

I shift awkwardly and see Chris' gaze lock on me for a moment, and there's a small flicker of something dark in them. I would usually try to smile at him to appease what I assume is his jealousy but instead I give a pointed look - too mad at him for hiding things from me to care about comforting his irrational jealousy.

"Actually I was talking to her," Leo says harshly.

Paige look to her oldest sister, uncertain. "This doesn't sound like you Piper."

"Doesn't it? Piper wants to protect her son. She wants to have a normal life. This way she can have both." The man tells us in his dreamy voice.

"Hey, that was my argument," Chris points out.

I look to him with a full glare, hurt he didn't discuss it with me. Why didn't I hear that argument? We could have gone to discuss this with Piper together - and I could have balanced out his passionate rant with clear logic. Binding Wyatt's powers was not the right thing to do.

"Well it's a good one," he compliments.

"It's not that simple," I refute to them both and turn to my boyfriend, so incredibly frustrated. "Piper may want that, but she knows the world needs someone like Wyatt. Why else would he have been given his ability?"

Chris leans forward and opens his mouth quickly to retort, but stops himself. Holding his tongue and leaning back in his chair with a frustrated expression. The action only infuriates me more.

What was he hiding now?

"Yeah, this option has been discussed and discarded already." Phoebe agrees.

Piper responds, "Yes, but that was before demonic cults started targeting him. Clearly Cassy can't be around all the time."

A flare of uncontrollable guilt swells inside of me once more. Part of me wonders if I had been honest and told Piper about my situation with Beth, would she have offered for me to stay at the Manor with her? Was it selfish of me to be spending so much time with Chris when Wyatt could be in danger? But, if I were blocking his ability all the time then how would that be different from binding his powers? He needs to use them and be acquainted with them. If only I was able to hide him from detection without limiting his ability, but I don't think that's possible...

I vaguely hear Leo say, "That still isn't a good enough reason."

"Well, Piper thinks it is," the other man responds.

"Hey, buddy, don't forget who made you," Phoebe instructs him.

"I'm sorry, what? You made him? Is that why he-" I cut myself off and look to Chris, blushing.

"Why he, what?" my boyfriend asks skeptically.

"Nothing!" I quickly deflect. I should not be the one in trouble here!

He seems understandably a bit annoyed by my reaction to the very attractive man, but doesn't dwell on it. Instead, he looks to my sister. "That's right, you did make him, didn't you?"

Phoebe doesn't bother responding to Chris, instead she looks to her sister. "Piper, I don't understand. Yesterday you were willing to give up everything for Wyatt's future. Why this now?"

"Well, you should know. You're the ones who showed me what I really wanted and, uhm, really need," she points out looking, at the hunky man.

"She's got us there," Paige admits reluctantly.

"Yeah, well, it doesn't matter because it's going to take the power of three to bind someone as powerful as Wyatt and-" Phoebe takes a deep breath "-I'm not going to support it."

"Neither am I," Paige adds resolutely.

I pat her knee in solidarity. "I agree. Piper, you really need to think about this. Is it what's best for Wyatt or just what's best for you?"

"It's what's best for both of us," she replies, level headed. "Think about it Cassy, this way you could have your life too. You wouldn't have to worry about coming over anymore to look after him."

Her assumption hurts. I look down and fiddle with my clothes, not wanting her to see how upset her words had made me. I actually really enjoy coming around here to the Manor and spending time with them both. I'd grown attached to the little guy and at this point I felt closer with Piper than I was with my own sister. I thought even without needing to hide Wyatt's ability, she might still want me around... but.. I guess I was wrong.

"Alright, why don't we all just take a deep breath, okay?" Chris tells us, moving forward and placing a hand on my shoulder.

If I weren't so upset I might have shook him off, because I was definitely still angry with him. As it was, his touch gave me a deep sense of peace and I reached up to grab his hand. I give it a light squeeze and keep it in place, showing my appreciation for the gesture.

He continues, "Leo, why don't you orb Wyatt up there until we can figure this one out?"

"But I-" I try to offer, wanting to feel useful, but he squeezes my shoulder to interrupt.

"Cas, he's safer up there and you know it."

I nod in acceptance, but still don't feel right about it...

"Gladly." Leo turns to the stranger. "Do you mind?" He asks with attitude.

The hot latino - who's name I really have to learn - says, "No, please," pointing to Wyatt and Piper.

Leo hoists his son into his arms, ignoring the raised eyebrow Piper gives him, and wastes no time orbing up to join the rest of the elders.

Chris starts to approach the man, "Alright and why don't we... David right?" He asks.

"David," the man consents.

I can't help but sigh, "David..." I jolt and slap a hand to my mouth. What the fuck Cassidy? Not cool.

Chris' green eyes find mine again, I try to appologise with a guilty smile and the squeeze of his hand.

"Why don't you come upstairs with me and leave the girls to talk alone for a minute," Chris instructs stoically, giving one quick squeeze back before guiding David up the stairs.

I'm so glad to have some space from both of them so I can think clearly without being distracted by the incredibly attractive man and the guilt because my handsome boyfriend is right there!

What the hell was going on with me?

I make some tea while the girls discuss what to do about Wyatt. As much as I want to have my input, I know it's not my place - Phoebe and Paige are championing my cause anyway.

When I walk into the dining room, holding two cups in each hand, David is massaging Phoebe's shoulders. She looked way too into it, while Paige pouted angrily

Weird, but okay.

I set three tea cups down for the sisters and hold mine in both hands as I stand next to Chris. David is murmuring something in Phoebe's ears but his smooth voice doesn't seem to be affecting me the same way it was earlier. I shrug it off happily, glad I seemed to have acclimatised to the guy who honestly wasn't actually that attractive anyway. Taking a sip of my tea, I lean in to my boyfriend's shoulder and relish in the calm feeling that washes over me.

"So, what do we think about binding Wyatt's powers?" Chris asks them intently.

I jolt away, standing up straight to glare at him.

Before they can respond, we're interrupted by a deep verbal, "Knock, knock," to signal the other guests' arrival.

"Surprise!" Sheila adds with a bright smile.

Darryl practically trips over the quartz crystal as he enters the front door. He casually picks it up, stating "you guys need this? I found it by the front door."

Phoebe rushes over to insist, "Yes, we need it by the door." She snatches it with a smile and half-jokingly commands, "Don't touch our crystals."

"At least we know it's really Darryl," Paige comments and I laugh softly at the remark.

David is quick to move behind Piper and begin softly massaging her shoulders.

"Hey," Darryl says uncertainly when he sees the stranger.

Shelia already seems to be slightly checking out the man who was clearly there with and for Piper. "Oh, and who is he?" She asks a little too friendly.

"Oh, ah, this is David," Piper tells them. She raises to her feet slowly and gives them a smile.

David gives the new arrives a move salute. "Hi."

The married woman gives a small wave back.

Chris intercepts to say, "Actually guys, the dinner has been cancelled. Sorry."

I look to him curiously, "Um, since when?"

"Yeah, why?" David agrees. "The girls still want to party, don't you?"

The three sisters respond very enthusiastically to the idea, and I try to match their energy. I was really only here for Piper, but I got the feeling her other sisters might have ulterior motives.

"But, the dinner isn't even made," Chris tries to protest.

"Oh, I can fix that," Paige says easily, waving her hands. "On Piper's day, set this table, with all the favours you are able."

Suddenly everything on the table, including the tea I had just made, vanishes. In its place a new tablecloth and Turkey feast appear, along with a pure white cake with the frosted pink words of 'happy birthday piper' and plenty of balloons and streamers for extra flare.

I grin and clap in appreciation, Piper deserved all this and more.

"Not bad, huh?" She remarks cockily.

"Where did all this even come from?" I ask in wonder, reaching out to touch one of the balloons and confirming it was a solid object, not simply an illusion. Her spell hadn't even mentioned decorations around the room! Paige is definitely a powerful witch.

She waves her hand dismissively. "Oh,we had it all in the cupboard already, I just used magic to put it all together instantly."

"No, no, this isn't right," Chris exclaims with frustration. "It's not what they want."

I grab his arm gently, "Honey, it seems like everyone's happy about this. Why aren't you?"

"Yeah, if it makes them happy, it's all I want," David says with open arms. What a cool guy. "Come on, have a seat," he offers jovially to everyone.

Everyone else takes a place at the table but Chris as he yells, "What about Wyatt? Anyone?"

"Chris, Wyatt's with the Elders, he's as safe as can be. Just relax, you don't have to worry about him right now." I try to sooth him, but he shakes me off in frustration.

I frown and move to take a seat at the table, when I suddenly double over with a sharp pain on my mind. Both of my hands grip the corner of the table as I wince with pain.

He quickly rushes to my side, tilting my face up to meet his concerned gaze. "What happened? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I try to reassure him, feeling better already just with the feeling of his warm hands cupping my face. "Just got a sudden headache that's all. I'm sure it's nothing."

He doesn't look convinced but nods his head in acceptance. He moves to leave but I grab his hand, not wanting to break our connection.

"Stay?"

He sighs, but nods. It's only slightly awkward to have him hovering by my side standing ad the rest of us eat the delicious meal.

But soon, that's not the most awkward part of the lunch.

Honestly, I don't think anyone cared about Chris' silent refusal to sit down because we were all too astounded at the three grown women who were clearly lusting after the same man. It makes everyone else at the table extremely uncomfortable. Chris and I get a clear view of it, as I'm seated at the head of the table opposite the object of their joined affections.

David switches from sister to sister, telling each of them exactly what they want to hear. Piper remains a little dignified about it at least, but Paige and Phoebe are practically drooling on the guy. He seems to be handling it pretty gracefully though.

The sight makes me uncomfortable. The two of them already have boyfriends, and the whole point of making David in the first place was for Piper's birthday. They're not being very good sisters, or girlfriends, right now. I don't understand how they could let themselves get carried away like this - David honestly isn't even that attractive! It made no sense.

"What is going on with them?" I murmur mostly to myself, but partly to Chris who has still not taken a seat at the table with the rest of us.

He squeezes my hand and takes a moment to respond, "Can I tell you later?"

My gaze flickers to lock onto him, "You mean you know?" I hiss quietly, not wanting the whole table to hear our discussion.

"Maybe," he allows and I give him a flat look. "Okay, yes. I do. I might have had something to do with it, but it's for a good reason, I swear," he tells me honestly.

I glower at him, mad he didn't tell me sooner, but do my best to reign it in. "And what would that be?"

He hesitates, so I press further.

"You know I don't like secrets Chris."

"I know, Cas, but-" he starts

Before we can discuss it further Darryl interrupts with, "Is this some kind of demonic thing?" He gestures at Paige who was now sitting in David's lap while Phoebe and Piper look at them longingly.

"No, it's some kind of messed up thing," Chris answers, jumping on the opportunity to have a different discussion.

I glare at him, letting him know I fully intend to interrogate him further.

"Maybe we should go," Sheila suggests, placing her napkin on the table.

In unison, Chris and I respond;
"Good idea."
"I think that would be best."

The married couple quickly leave the table and we try to escort them out. Before we even reach the door, Piper starts pulling Paige off David's lap which causes Paige to throw a plate of peas in her face.

I gasp at her audacity. "Paige, it's her birthday! You can't do that!"

But she either doesn't hear me or simply ignores me, too riled up with passion. The next thing she throws is the birthday cake, which luckily Piper is able to freeze mid air.

"Oh my God," I gape, but the worst is yet to come.

Piper grabs the frozen cake and chucks it back at Paige, who is quick to redirect it with her orbs to instead hit Phoebe directly in the face.

White frosting and bits of chocolate cake explode, the other sisters laugh at the resulting mess on Phoebe's face.

"Girls, girls, come on, there's plenty of me to go around!" David tries to quell the building food fight, to no avail.

Food starts flying in every direction. Darryl and Sheila jump at the sudden projectile, but Chris doesn't even flinch. Some of it comes out way and Chris is quick to pull me closer to avoid it, so the food flies past us without hitting anyone.

"Well, er, thanks for dinner," Darryl comments as they rush out of the house.

Chris raises his free hand without looking to say goodbye to them, seemingly resigned to the immaturity unfolding around him.

"Thanks for coming! Sorry about all this," I call after them, end it with an awkward chuckle.

Chris leaves my side as he stalks towards David, and my headache returns with a sharp jolt that makes me gasp and search for something to hold onto. It felt like the floor was falling out from beneath me, and I lean on the doorframe uneasily. What was with me today?

My boyfriend doesn't notice my struggle, as he rips David from the table. "How the hell are you making them happy if they're fighting?! Get them to bind Wyatt's powers now."

"Fine," David exclaims, throwing his hands in the air.

"Is that what this has all been about?" I ask breathlessly to Chris, holding my head in an attempt to stop it from spinning.

He turns to me with an apology in his eyes. "It's for the greater good, Cas."

"Is it?" I ask, doing my best to ignoring the throbbing pain pressing into my skull and using all my strength to remain upright. "What if some great evil arises and Wyatt doesn't have the ability, or the training, to stop it? What are we meant to do then?!" I'm hurling the words at him, and it strangely starts to make the pain in my mind ease slightly as I give into my anger.

He wants to argue back, its obvious. I know him well enough now that I can see he has a retort right on the tip of his tongue, and it must be a good one. There's this look in his eyes like he's thinking, 'I could easily win this entire argument'

...But, he won't say it.

He's still keeping secrets from me.

I'm reminded again that there's still so much I don't know about this man.

I've allowed him into my life, practically moved in with him, and I'm definitely developing real feelings for him... but he's still hiding something. Something big. Even after all my tough talk about needing the truth from him, I know he's not being entirely honest and I'm just letting him get away with it because I lo...

Tears well up in my eyes, and it's more from the realisation than the harsh throbbing in my brain.

I ask in a soft voice, "What aren't you telling me?"

His face hardens as he admits guardedly, "A few things." I hate that tone he uses - I thought we were past that stoic wall he held up for others; I thought I was his exception. "You know I can't risk changing the future."

"That's such bullshit and you know it. If you were so concerned about preserving the future, I'd be with Derek right now!" It's a low blow, but the truth. I feel an unfamiliar energy flowing through me as I externalise the pain within me and direct it towards the man who manages to make my blood boil with passion and fury.

He flinches at the reminder, but I find that I don't really care. He deserves this. I've told him what my standards are, and he is not meeting them. He should be weary. He should be doing more. He should be honest with me.

"So, tell me - what's going on? Why are you so determined to bind Wyatt's powers?" I demand hotly.

He refuses to answer, dismissing me swiftly. "I don't have time for this. The sister are going to do it and then I can focus on getting us back to the future."

"Us?" I question with a derogatory laugh, folding my arms in front of my chest. "How can you expect me to go with you, leave everything I know here, if you still won't even be honest with me?"

"Cas, don't be like that," he complains.

I scoff, "What? Honest?"

"We'll talk about it later," he says, avoiding my question. He grabs my hand to follow the sisters upstairs, and my body feels so tired suddenly. I'm hit with a sudden embarrassment and remorse for my petulant behaviour. Chris steadfastly refuses to meet my eyes, and knowing that I've hurt him makes my chest ache. I want to say I'm sorry, but there's no time to have a proper discussion about this... still.

"I'm sorry," I murmur quietly, "I shouldn't have- that was rude."

He looks at me intently and gives my hand a gentle squeeze to let me know that all is forgiven.

Still, remorse weighs heavily on me.

The sisters still seem unconvinced about binding Wyatt's powers as we enter the attic, but Chris summons Leo anyway. I bite my tongue, still embarrassed by my our of character outburst. Sure, I was mad but that didn't give me the right to unload on him like that. I didn't want to hurt Chris' feeling like I knew I had.

Leo brings Wyatt with him, and puts him in the play pen before turning to see the sister's state of appearance. The evidence of their food fight was impossible to miss.

"What happened?" He asks

Chris answers for everyone, "You don't want to know."

"We're binding Wyatt's powers," Piper declares in a whimsical voice.

"What?" Leo asks dejectedly, a similar reaction to the one I had earlier when she first suggested it to us all.

"We've already decided," she claims.

This situation really doesn't sit well with me, knowing that Chris has somehow manipulated them into this decision. I drop my hold on his hand and take a step back, only to be hit with a blinding pain once again. It's worse now than it ever had been, and almost overwhelms me.

Then, suddenly, the gentle warmth of Wyatt's presence in the room is replaced by a cold and bitter feeling that chills me to my core.

I gasp from the impact of it, a horrible feeling sending shivers down my spine as Wyatt's aura is suddenly replaced by something so incredibly dark. "Chris," I call weakly, feeling my legs about to give out from under me. "Wyatt..."

In almost that exact moment, Leo is suddenly flung into us from the impact of Wyatt's force-field. Chris tries to grab me, but his attempt fails because of the distance I had put between us. Leo's boot hits me right in the abdomen and I struggle for breath as the impact pushes all the air out of me.

We all sit up just in them to see three robed figures step into Wyatt's bubble.

"He's one of us now," one claims in a dark voice, before they all shimmer away.

Chris helps me to my feet, visually checking if I'm okay. Before either of us have a chance to say anything, the sisters all start backing him into a corner.

"Listen to me, what are you doing?" He asks them, holding his hands up in defense and taking steps back. I might be offended that he so quickly left my side, but I got the feeling it was to protect me from the intensity of the three angry women.

They continue to approach him. "The phenomenons wore off, right after they took my son," Piper tells him forcefully.

His back hits a table and he stumbles slightly before catching himself. "You don't seriously believe this is my fault, do you?"

"Oh right, so it's just a big coincidence that all of us, except Cas, fell under Mr. Right's spell?" Paige asks sarcastically.

Phoebe adds, "And then suddenly we all want to bind Wyatt's powers?"

Chris starts to look a bit nervous, and David interjects, "You see Chris, what they really want is-"

"For you to leave," Paige finishes for him, giving David a pointed look.

David looks mildly embarrassed as he replies, "I knew that." He makes his way out of the attic quickly.

"This is crazy. Cas, tell them," he requests, giving me a pleading look.

My decision isn't too hard as I cross my arms and respond, "I'm not going to lie to my sisters for you."

He seems to have expected me to say something like that because he doesn't hesitate before backtracking quickly, "Okay, so what if I did? I was only trying to protect Wyatt."

Piper is aghast. "By tricking us?"

"I had to," he defends.

"Why?" Phoebe asks angrily, and I'm wondering the same thing myself.

Chris finally breaks as he exclaims, "Because the only reason I came here is to keep Wyatt from turning Evil and killing the woman I love."

There's a moment of pause as we all look to each other.

What?

But...

Leo is the one to break the silence, deciding to focus on Wyatt, "'Turning evil'?"

Paige also ignores that last part and I'm grateful for it. "Don't you mean 'stop evil from hurting him'?"

Chris let's out a sigh, "I didn't think you'd help me if you knew the truth. I knew you wouldn't," his eyes flicker to mine as he says it, and my heart squeezes in my chest. "The evil from the future I came back to stop isn't a demon," he continues, taking another breath, "It's Wyatt."

No...

"You're lying," Piper accuses immediately.

Chris meets her eyes earnestly, "No, I'm not. He's going to grow up and terrorize people with his powers. Take over. Kill, indiscriminately."

Piper lowers her eyes in deep thought. That's not what any mother wants to hear.

"Why should we believe you after all the lies?" Leo asks him.

I look to him with heartbreak, asking softly, "How can we believe anything you say?"

He takes a step towards me, "Cas..."

Taking a step back, I shake my head at him, fighting the tears that start to well in my eyes.

Chris' answer is simple, "Because you have to."

"No Chris, we don't actually," Piper corrects.

Chris throws up his hands in frustration, "Fine then don't! Either way, we need to save Wyatt, now. And I'm the one who knows how to do it."

"Oh really, how?" Phoebe asks with attitude.

"The order," he explains, "They used their powers to turn him, to reverse his morality. See, he thinks bad is good now and good is bad." He looks to Leo as he tells him, "That's why his shield repelled you."

"So?" Leo asks curiously.

"So, Wyatt brings his shield up around me. He thinks I'm a threat," Chris admits to us all.

He - what?

My mind flutters back to all the times I was holding Wyatt and Chris would make sure to stay as far away from me as possible. I thought he was backing away from me, but the truth was he didn't want to get close enough to trigger Wyatt's defenses. I had worried I did something wrong, I even asked Chris about it but...

It all made sense now.

How could I not notice this major red flag?

...I guess it's true what they say. When you love someone, you look at them with rose coloured glasses and all their red flags just look like regular flags.

"Yeah, so do I," Piper tells him blankly. I catch the split second of pain that flashes through his eyes at the statement before he covers it up.

"Listen to me," he declares, stepping towards her, "They reversed his sense of morality. That means his shield will protect him from you, but not from me. Please. I'm the only one who can save him. Let me help."

Piper refuses, "Chris, we do not need your help. I will get my son back, and when I do, I don't want to see you anymore."

The pain is now clear on his face as he looks between each of us. As his green eyes look to me I turn away, not wanting him to see my tears.

"I'm sorry," he says softly, before orbing out of the room.

As soon as he's gone, I release the sob I had been holding back.

"Take me home," I ask Leo.

He had quickly orbed me to the parking lot of my apparentment building, and I don't even need to pretend to go inside. He's already left to join the sisters. I wish I could help them, but the revelation of the evening had made it impossible for me to focus. I wouldn't be of any help anyway. My powers were as passive as they come.

I was left wondering what to do. I went inside but... this doesn't feel like home anymore. None of my things are here now. My clothes, my plants, my toiletries... its all be slowly moved to the back room of P3 where Chris and I would stay.

It was foolish of me to not drive myself home, I had my car at the Manor, but I just wasn't thinking clearly. I just needed to get out of there.

I don't think I've been thinking clearly at all lately.

How could I not have realised that Chris was lying about something so important? How could I have brushed all my concerns aside like that?

Grams was right. Once a liar...

I need time, I need space. I need to think about everything and not let myself get distracted.

That's just part of what I write in my note to Beth, as I stuff next months rent into our mail box, along with my set of keys. It was a horrible way to end our almost decade long friendship, but I hope she can understand one day... If we ever see each other again.

I get a cab to P3, just because I need to get some of my stuff. Toiletries I buy, but there were a few particularly sentimental items I couldn't bare leaving town without.

My bag is almost filled to the bring when a sudden glow of energy tells me I will not be alone in the room for much longer.

I could run, I could hide, I could leave without saying goodbye...

But that wouldn't be fair.

"I'm sorry Cas," Chris tells me quietly after a moment of silence.

I don't bother to look at him. He doesn't deserve it. "I know."

"Can't we just... talk about this?" He asks quietly.

"Yeah. We could have," I retort. "But you chose not to."

"Look, I know you're upset, but-

"Do you? Good." I say flatly, but can't help the emotions pouring out of me, "Because I am, Chris. I am very upset. I made it very clear I needed honesty from you, but it seems like every other week I'm catching you in a lie!" I punctuate myself by stuffing another shirt into my bag angrily.

"That's not... entirely true," he weakly denies.

I finally turn to look at him, tears still fresh on my cheeks. "It seems like nothing is with you."

"Cas, come on-"

"No. I've given you too many chances already."

"...what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that- that I need time, okay? I need to think about all this and decide what I want to do." I zip up my bag, punctuating that I was done with the conversation

"Everything I've done here in the past has just been to protect you."

"I highly doubt that," I bite back.

He stares at me resolutely and grabs my hand. "I know you Cas."

"No, chris. You know A me," I remind him.

"I know you wouldn't believe me," he continues as if I hadn't interrupted him. "If I told you Wyatt was evil, you wouldn't believe it. You never believed it. Even in the future you tried to go reason with him and it got you killed."

"Wyatt wouldn't-" I immediately refute, because how could such a beautiful baby do something like that?

"He did, Cas. He left you frozen in the town square and when I tried to save you he shattered you, right in front of me." The sorrow in his tone makes my heart ache as he explains exactly what happened to future me.

"That's horrible," I remark softly, unable to help my sympathy.

He looks to me with tears in his green eyes. "I don't want to loose you Cas."

"Then stop lying to me," I plead. "If you promise me right now that you will tell me everything I need to know about the future, I will unpack my bag right now."

He stares at me, faltering, and that's all the answer I need.

"Goodbye Chris."

"Wait," he grabs my arm, and I feel the familiar sparks his touch always brings.

Only now, they make me recoil, and he releases me sadly. I wait expectantly, and it's obvious he hadn't expected me to give him another opportunity.

"Where will you go?"

"I'm going to stay with my parents." His brow furrows with confusion, so I sigh and explain, "after our parents died, Paige was put in the foster system but I was adopted again. I still keep in contact with them, and try to visit when I can."

He nods in acceptance, looking at me with something indiscernible.

I get an idea from the interaction, and say spitefully, "See what I did there? Before you even had to ask me, I explained what was happening. That's the kind of honesty I need from you Chris."

"Cas..." he hesitates. "I don't know if I can do that."

"Then I don't know if we can be together anymore."

"Please, don't say that."

"I cant keep going in circles like this okay?" I say, pulling my bag onto my shoulders. "Just.. give me some time."

"But-"

"No, Chris. There's nothing more to say. I'll see you in a... a while, okay?"

I leave before he can say anything more to convince me to stay, tears flowing down my cheeks.

That may have been the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but I know it's the right decision for both of us.

Author's Note: I DID IT! DONE! I'm just posting this right now before I procrastinate for another few week haha

What did you think of it all? I absolutely love their lil interaction in town, I want to have more moments like that away from the plot, but we'll see how the story unfolds.

I hope this is all fitting and in character enough. OH! It was totally the presence of the evil warlocks that was giving her the headache and making her be so rude haha was that obvious? I felt like I couldn't be like 'oh she senses peoples presence' and then NOT have her detect them... although maybe I should have just made their invisibility spell cover that, that woulda been smart... oh well! It's done now and I'm moving forward with the story and other fics!

So excited for the next chapter! We're skipping magic school's intro, but I have PLANS for the one after that. It's basically done already, bar one interaction between Cas, Chris and Leo.

Reviews make this story progess - so please please let me know how you feel about it!