My Charming Valentine

[mcharmed21]

My Charming Valentine

Halliwell Manor Attic

“ . . . Cross now the great divide.” Paige stood alone in the attic. In front of her a circle of pyrite crystals and candles. She sighed. This was the fourth time she had attempted to bring Grams forth, to no avail. She marched over to the BoS again to make sure she had everything correct. ‘Why was it so easy for Phoebe and Piper to summon Grams?’ Frustrated she flipped a few pages; then flipped them back.
Phoebe entered the attic reading a paperback novel. “Whatchya doing Paige?” She flopped on the sofa, turning a page of the novel, completely enthralled. Dripping in sarcasm, Paige replied, “Not that you’re really interested Phoebe, but I’m trying to summon our Grandmother.” Phoebe lowered her book perplexed.
“What for?”<br> “Well, there are a few things I need to speak with her about and I wanted to do it today. This is my first time trying to summon her and I can’t seem to get it right.” Paige flipped a few more pages in the book.
“I can help if you like.” Phoebe stood and walked over to Paige. “Do you have the crystals arranged in a circle?”<br> “Check.”<br> “Ok, did you arrange the yellow candles at the five points of a pentagram?”<br> “Check.”<br> “Hmm . . . Did you recite the spell correctly?” Phoebe moved around to the Book of Shadows.
“Check and double check. Four times I tell ya.” Paige threw up her hands in disgust and started pacing.
“Now calm down Paige. It won’t do any good to get your thong in a twist. Let’s see.” Phoebe read the spell in her head from the pages of the book. She mentally looked at the circle and candles and confirmed that Paige had indeed done that much exactly right.
“Did you remember to open the circle by sprinkling salt before you placed the crystals and candles?”<br> “What are you talking about? There isn’t anything in there about salt?” Paige stopped pacing and approached the book and Phoebe.
“Yeah, I know. We really should update these pages. You have to open the circle and protect it from evil by sprinkling salt first. Sorry honey.” Phoebe walked over to the herbal cabinet and grabbed the salt. Paige made a face at her as she snatched it from Phoebe’s hands completely exasperated. Phoebe stood back and watched as Paige re-did the placement of the crystals and candles, then stood back and recited the spell.
In a whirlwind of white sparkles, orbs and smoke Grams appeared. “Well it’s about damn time you got the ritual right. I was up there watching you for the past hour and a half your time.” She smiled as she stepped out of the circle and became corporeal.
“Well, you wouldn’t have had to wait so long if you had bothered to update the book with the whole salt thing.” Paige leaned in for a quick hug and kiss from Grams and then watched Phoebe do the same.
“Don’t get sassy with me Paige. You disappoint me. You’re supposed to be my shining full time witch. All that training you went through the past few years and you are a much better witch than I was at your age. The salt thing though is elementary darling.” Grams shook her head and clucked her tongue. “It’s that Richard you’re engaged too; he’s too much of a distraction for you. He’s too high maintenance as you girls would say. You need to dump him Paige, and soon.”<br> Paige stood there completely baffled and not altogether happy with Grams. Phoebe empathically picked up on Paige’s lethal vibe and decided to run interference. She steered Grams down stairs. Paige followed silently in a huff.

[mcharmed21]

P3 same day . . .

Richard ran down the stairs at P3 looking for Chris. He saw him behind the bar wiping down the counter. Slowing down, he tried to act calm.
“Richard. What brings you here?” Chris took some glasses out of the small dish washer behind the bar; dipping them in a sink of clean water he began drying them by one by one.
“I came to see you Chris. I kind of need your assistance with something.” Richard looked around nervously.
“Oh, yeah. What can I do for you?” Chris finished the last glass carefully hanging it in the rack above the bar.
“You know I kind of have a problem with magic, right?” Chris shook his head inspecting the liquors. “Well, I want to show Paige that it doesn’t have to be a burden and I don’t have to ‘bind’ my powers.”<br> “Ok, I’m listening.”<br> “I thought maybe I could use my powers for good the same way she and her sisters do. You know saving innocents and all.”<br> “You what?!” Chris stopped what he was doing and came around to sit next to Richard.
“Yeah, maybe I can reign in this bad reaction I have with magic if I use it strictly to help innocents.” Chris looked at him skeptically. “What I need from you is back up. I need a whitelighter. Are you up for the job?”<br> “No way. The girls would kill me and besides I don’t have the ability to heal yet.”<br> “Oh. I thought you did.” Richard thought quietly for a minute. “You wouldn’t happen to have the name of a good white lighter I could hook up with do you?” Chris shook his head.
“Paige is not going to be pleased about this Richard. Look I know things have been rough for you, but you should really consider letting Paige bind your powers.” Chris stood and went back around the bar. “I’m sorry Richard I just don’t think I can help you out buddy.”<br> Richard sat there quietly thinking for a minute. He stood up to leave. “No problem man. I’ll figure something out. Thanks anyway.” He walked up the stairs and out of the club completely dejected.
Chris finished tidying up to get ready for the night. It was so neat being at the club in this reality. If only he could tell Piper that he had been working at the club like this ever since he was a teenager. She just wouldn’t get it. He decided it was time to head home, so he went back to the back, making sure no one could see him and orbed to the manor.


Alleyway somewhere in the city . . .

“Leave me alone!” A beautiful woman held off her feet at her throat, by an angry man.
“I bought you dinner, sent you a hundred dollars worth of flowers to your office; where all of your co-workers could see and be envious of you, then I gave you this diamond bracelet and what do I get? Nothing. No sleep over, no invitation, no love.” The man lowered the woman’s feet to the ground. Gently he traced his finger down her face, then neck and slowly between her breasts. She was terrified convinced he would kill her. Shaking uncontrollably she flinched as he ripped her blouse open.
“I’m sorry Steve. It was very thoughtful of you to do all of that for me. I told you I’m just not ready to sleep with you yet. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to.” Not wanting to be a victim, she empowered herself with a plan. Hopeful for her life she stepped closer to him and wrapping her arms around his neck. She covered his mouth with hers, plunging her tongue in an erotic dance as old as time. Swiftly she had worked him into a frenzy of male need.
The man could hardly catch his breath. Her perfume was driving him wild. He couldn’t think straight; only knew he had to have her right there; right then. He forcefully spun her around up against the wall. He trailed harsh kisses along her neck as he undid his pants.
The woman thought she was the one in control and let her head fall back. Her plan was to distract him enough so that she could pretend to promise him sex and then get him to take her home; where she could call the police. She didn’t realize her plan had already failed.
“You are such a little tease Tracy. Let’s see if you like this.” She screamed as he hiked her dress up and ripped her panties off. He was just about to enter her when he was thrown across the alley hitting the wall and then ground with bone crunching clarity.
“Are you ok miss?” Richard stood in front of the hysterical woman. She was sobbing uncontrollably as he tried to assure her everything was alright. She shook her head as she frantically pulled her dress back down and in place. “He was going to rape me.” She stammered a bit.
“He won’t be able to do that again. Are you ok enough to call the police?” She nodded, looked back at her date briefly, then ran out of the alley limping as she realized she’d lost a shoe.
Richard walked over to the man lying crumpled on the ground. He nudged him with the toe of his shoe until the guy came to.
“She deserved it man. She was nothing but a tease. Didn’t you see the way she was all over me?” The man, Steve, attempted to get up. Richard assisted by picking him up by his shirt front.
“All I saw was a pathetic excuse for a human being trying to rape a helpless young women. How romantic for you, you piece of sh*t.” Richard roundhoused the guy in the midsection. “How dare you take what’s not yours; especially on Valentine’s Day buddy? Do you have so little respect for yourself?” Richard didn’t wait for an answer as he shook his head. He was beyond pissed and decided a swift kick to the guys jaw was in order. As the man was bent in two, Richard grabbed a fistful of hair and dragged him to the entrance of the alleyway. It wasn’t long before he heard sirens approaching. “Lucky for you the cops are here.”<br> Not wanting to answer questions, Richard left the guy in a heap and quickly blinked himself back to his house. Once there he took a shower, changed clothes and waited for Paige. Swirling a brandy in hand while sitting in his favorite leather chair, he decided it hadn’t been a bad first save at all. He toasted himself silently.

[mcharmed21]

Halliwell Manor . . . same night.

“Uhm . . Phoebe? Could you come here for a minute?” Piper had Wyatt on her hip, diaper bag on her shoulder, and stroller in her hand. Phoebe came running out of the kitchen.
“What the . . .?” She stopped short as she spied a frozen Greg standing in the hall way directly behind Piper.
“Yep, that’s exactly what I said, WHEN I WALKED IN WITH GREG AND SAW THAT!” Piper dropped the stroller and pointed in the living room. Inside Grams was hovering in the middle of the room surrounded by small light orbs as Leo was teaching her and Paige how he meditated. At the sound of Piper’s screaming, Grams fell to the couch and Paige to the floor. Leo still hovered smiling at Piper.
“Hi honey. Did you guys have a good time at the Park?” Leo floated gently down to his feet.
“Don’t ‘Hi honey, me.’ We have company Leo.” Piper stood aside so Leo could see Greg. Not at all thrilled to see Pipers ex, Leo made a face.
“Did you really have to bring the firefighter here Piper? Didn’t you tell him we have been back together since before Christmas? Can’t the guy take a hint?”<br> “Well, Leo it’s not like I let him know what’s been going on. We’ve kind of been a little busy what with the Trekk demon, the Crone, the holidays and all.” Piper looked back at Greg feeling guilty. “I should have called him. I should have told him. He saw us in the park and I didn’t know what to say. He insisted on helping me bring all this stuff in.” She rolled her eyes. This wasn’t going to be easy. “Ok, you all take a seat. I will get rid of him quickly.” Piper got back in place and unfroze Greg.
“Thank you so much for helping me bring all of this in. It was really nice seeing you at the park today.” Piper moved into the living room to hand Wyatt over to Leo. Greg stood there obviously confused.
“No problem Piper.”<br> “Greg this is my husband Leo.” Leo reached a hand out to Greg, who after hesitating for a fraction of a second finally took it.
“This is my Grandmother Penny, and of course you know Paige and Phoebe.” Grams stood to shake Greg’s hand as Phoebe and Paige nodded at Greg.
“It was nice meeting you all. Piper could I have a word with you before I leave.” Greg backed up and turned to go outside. Piper made a face at Leo as he shook his head.
“Sure.” She followed Greg outside shutting the door behind her.
“You’re back together with your husband. I guess that’s why I hadn’t heard from you. All those messages I left with no response. What an idiot I am.” Greg shook his head.
“I’m sorry Greg. It was completely unexpected. I meant to return your calls, but with the holidays and everything going on around here I just got so busy.” She hung her head ashamed. “I guess I was a little embarrassed. I never thought Leo and I would work things out, but I’m so happy that we did. I was selfish not to let you know. I’m sorry, really I am.”<br> Greg stood there for a minute not sure if he was pissed or not. Finally he lifted his head and looked Piper in the eye. “We had something pretty amazing for a short time there. I wouldn’t trade our time together for anything. You are a fantastic woman and I’m glad you’re happy. You know I thought it was kismet being Valentine’s Day and all; seeing you and Wyatt at the park.” He laughed. “I guess it was in a way. I got to spend a little time with you and get some closure all at once.” He leaned down and kissed Piper on the cheek briefly. “Take care Piper.” He walked down the stairs and got into his car. Piper stood there touched and saddened that she hurt him and watched as he drove off.


Halliwell Manor Kitchen: A little later

“Ok Paige, now that we have some time alone are you going to tell me why you summoned me?” Penny stood at the sink filling the tea pot with water.
“Well, . . . you see I have this friend and she has this boyfriend, and he kind of has this problem with magic and all.”<br> “What kind of problem, dear?” Penny set the pot on the burner and with a twist of her finger the burner lit.
“Well, he sort of can’t control his magic. He becomes absorbed by, does all the wrong things for a variety of reasons that he thinks is all right.” Paige started pacing in front of the island. “He just doesn’t know how to not use magic once he has started. I think he should bind his powers. I mean my friend thinks she should bind his powers.” Paige looked sheepishly away from Penny’s arched brow.
“Paige dear we both know who you are referring too. Besides how many friends do you have that have powers?” Paige began to protest but Penny silenced her with her hand. “Binding his powers is a good idea, but only if he wants to do it. He has to want this for himself darling, otherwise he will resent you for pushing this on him.” Penny turned as the pot started to whistle, pouring a cup for she and Paige.
“I know Grams, it’s just that he is way out of control and I can’t worry about him and the evil after Wyatt too.” Paige took the offered cup of tea, sat on the stool at the island and sipped. “I love him so much Grams. I want us to be able to get married without having to worry that he is going to go off half cocked on some magic binge.” She shook her head, turning her neck as it started to hurt again.
“It will all work out in the end honey, just don’t worry about it now.” They sat there for awhile talking about other things as they finished their tea. Paige felt a little better. She knew it was hard for Grams to give sage advice concerning Richard. Paige decided to just let the cards fall where they may.
“Thanks Grams.” With that she kissed Grams on the cheek and decided to head over to Richards. This was one Valentines date she was not going to miss.
“I guess I will check on little Wyatt.” Penny grabbed the baby monitor and walked from the kitchen into the sun room. Wyatt was spread out face down in his play pen sleeping with his thumb in his mouth. Penny smiled stroking Wyatt’s back.
“I used to wish for you to do that to me when I was a little older than that.” Penny turned to find Chris walking in the room.
“I know. I was always with you Christopher, as I am now.” Penny walked to him and caught him in a grandmotherly hug. “I told Paige once that I just peek now and then, but in actuality I always keep an eye out up there.” She let him go and smiled at him. “Don’t tell your parents. They would freak out.”<br>“Hey they don’t even know they’re my parents. It’s so hard keeping that secret. It’s hard trying not to be made at Leo for leaving us so long ago, in my reality.” Chris strode over to a chair and sat down.
“You know you are going to have to tell them everything soon and then you are going to have to go back to the future Christopher.” He hung his head and sighed.
“I know. I just wish I could figure out what gets to Wyatt and turns him evil. This whole mission can not have been for nothing.” He ran his hands through his hair. “For God’s sake, I’ve lost my fiancée in all of this!” He shook his head disgusted with himself. “I just wish I could know for sure that Wyatt turns out ok.”<br>“Honey you may never know what actually turns him. I know you carry the burden of this, but all I can tell you is that you have already set certain things in motion. You have already changed a lot. The future is going to be different when you go back honey. You just need to have faith in your self and family.” Penny stroked his head.
“Your parents are celebrating Valentines Day. It’s such a silly little holiday, but I remember having loved celebrating it too when I was young and well, . . . alive.” Penny laughed at her self. “Let’s just the three of us have our own little valentine’s day down here, sound good?” Chris lifted his head and smiled at his great-grandmother.
“Sounds great.”<br>

[mcharmed21]

Snowy mountainside cabin in Colorado . . .

“Don’t open your eyes!” Piper could hear Leo rushing around the room, doing something not too far off from in front of her.
“Hurry up Leo, it’s freezing!” Piper stood with her hands across her eyes, laughing.
“Ok, you can look.” Leo stood off to the side of a huge stone fireplace that now had a roaring fire in it. The room was large and boasted wide wooden planked floors, two huge leather couches divided only by a large coffee table. On it was a small wrapped box.
“Oh my God! Leo this is breath taking. How did you arrange all of this?” She looked up and saw small dancing orbs rain down in various colors and shapes of hearts and then dissipate before they touched the top of her hair. Candles were lit magically as Leo waved his hand walking toward her.
“Don’t worry about how I arranged it. Just enjoy it.” He took her by the nape and drew her mouth to his. The kiss instantly deepened as Piper snaked her arms around his waist drawing him even nearer. They stood like that for a small eternity.
“Happy Valentines Day Piper.” Leo drew back, then took her hand to show her the cabin. She laughed, delighted in the opulence of the furnishings. The rugs on the floor were thick and hand made. Each room had different patterns of dancing orbs from the ceiling. They ran from one room to the next finally falling together on the rose petal strewn bed.
Rushing in a frenzy of need and want, they quickly discarded their clothing. Meeting need for need they came together in an explosion of heat that left after shocks of tingles and sparks in the air. Laying beneath the covers stroking each other as they caught their breath Piper whispered.
“I have something for you Leo.” Holding the sheets in place to cover her she reached down to find her jacket. Their she pulled out small box.
“Wait I have yours in the living room let me go get it.” Leo ran off unashamed of his nakedness as Piper sat there waiting patiently. He was back within seconds.
“I want you to open yours first.” Leo laid the long thin box in Pipers lap. She smiled at him, then opened the gift with enthusiasm.
“Oh it’s so beautiful!” She held up the thin silver necklace out of the box. At the end dangled the Celtic symbol of the triquetra. “I love it honey, thank you.” She leaned over and kissed him quickly. “Now yours.”<br>Leo unwrapped his gift with the slowness of a man who is savoring his last meal. Excited Piper watched worrying her bottom lip as she waited. Leo pulled out the strange contraption, not quite sure what to make of it. His brow furrowed. Piper laughed.
“Thank you honey, I . . . love it.” Leo dropped it back in the box and brushed his lips over Pipers.
“You don’t even know what it is, do you?” Piper’s eyes twinkled as she picked it up and explained. “It’s a test. Pink your pregnant, white your not.” She watched his face as realization dawned.
“You’re kidding me?! Were going to have another baby?” He grabbed Piper and pulled her into his lap. “We’re having another baby! Oh my God, this is amazing! I love you, you know that right?” Leo grabbed her face in both hands and drew her lips toward him. He nibbled a bit on her bottom lip, made her giggle as he trailed kisses all over her neck, but had her sighing with pleasure when he laid her back marking every place from her mouth to her toes gently with wet lips.
“Happy Valentines Day Leo.” He hesitated long enough to look into her eyes before he took her again and again and again that night.


The end for now.