Compromise Version 2. - Never again.

I stood by the operating table, overlooking Offee as Riley walked in, garbed like a proper surgeon this time.

"Are you ready?" I asked.

"Yes." She replied.

"And Riley? Remember, you don't have to worry. Even if this fails, I will not blame you, okay? You are more than your surgical skills. You're my daughter first and foremost." I said, giving her a hug.

Slowly, she put her arms around me too and reciprocated the hug.

She was less awkward now.

Happier too.

That made me happy.

Riley was improving. Star was growing up well, aside from his little crush on Nami. He thought I didn't know what he was doing, but the computer was programmed to alert me to any unauthorised use of portals after Star's little stunt earlier this year.

And best of all, I might get Offee back today.

All is well in the Walker household. Or it soon will be. The only downside is that I might have to break up with Paige but that's a small price to pay for having Offee back.

I stood back up, and connected to a meat puppet with Perdition's shard in it.

Perdition's power was to reverse the time of an object to a few seconds before. And I had limit broken it, so it was even stronger now.

This along with Riley's new shard, one made by combining her old shard and Panacea's shard, I have no doubt we'll succeed on reviving her!

"Alright. You know what to do." I said, raising one finger.

"Focus on removing the healing blood from her and nuetralize the cortisol allergy."

I raised another finger.

"Make a small adjustment to her thyroid, pituitary and adrenals to acclimate them to higher cortisol. Do not, however, make them produce more cortisol.

Crucial difference.

They need to be able to handle higher cortisol but not produce a matching amount."

I raised a third finger.

"Finally, don't under any circumstances take biomass from the fetus. She's your little sister now and we need to make sure she's delivered safe and healthy.

But most importantly, don't sweat it. Even if you fail, we can do it over." I pointed to the meat puppet beside me.

"Just like we practiced."

Riley nodded silently, and placed a hand on Offee's chest, parting her massive chest to wedge a hand in.

I smiled.

Looking back on it now, Offee really was the ideal big tiddy goth gf. Or should it be big tiddy goth wife now that we were married.

Though in some ways she was also a facebook mom trad wife, what with that sacrificial attitude and addiction to holonet mom groups she had.

She wasn't perfect. But....she was mine.

I reached out to the meat puppet with Clockblocker's shard that was keeping Offee in a timestopped state, and shut it's shard off, as Offee became vulnerable again.

"Now!" I ordered.

Immediately, Riley got to work, Offee's muscles wriggling and spasming under her influence.

I could see Offee's pores widen and a red mist escape through, bringing with it the foul smell of iron and motor oil.

"Allergy treated. Making alterations to pituitary now." Riley informed me.

I gave her a thumbs up, as she got back to work.

Offee's ears twitched, and her cheeks wobbled, thinning slightly as the fat went to her brain, altering it's functions.

After a good three minutes, Riley looked back up and let out a breath.

"Pituitary gland remodeled. Moving on to thyroid now."

I nodded, as Offee's jaw went slightly ajar and her voice came out garbled.

"HaheksuznMxidnskzksk" Offee's throat sounded out.

"Thyroid.....done." Riley replied, leaning on the table, as she panted, taking a breath.

Immediately, I froze Offee in time again.

"Should we take a break?" I asked.

Riley was clearly straining under the power.

She wasn't used to it yet so it was taking far more effort than necessary.

Another thing that would have gone over smoother if Panacea had just agreed to work with us.

But no. She had her principles. Her high and mighty principles.

I know one place she can shove them now.

Though, someone is probably already doing that to her after what I did in the conference.

And I can take pleasure in that fact.

"I'm...ready." Riley said.

"You're clearly not." I said, patting her shoulder.

"Just one more." She insisted, resolute "I can do this."

"Alright. But take care, okay?"

I unfroze Offee's time, and Riley went back to work.

"Adrenals done. Resuscitating now."

Riley pushed on Offee's chest, as her body seized thrashing on the table for a moment before she fell silent.

"Done." Riley added, falling tired to the floor, gasping for breath.

I knelt down beside her, and caressed her head.

"You did good." I praised, handing her a candy, "Just rest for now."

Standing back up, I checked Offee over.

She was alive. And perfectly healthy. And yet....she wasn't waking up.

Technokinetically, I brought over an MRI scan and ran her through, watching the results.

Nothing was wrong with her brain either.

And yet, she was still asleep.

A coma?

No. Her brain activity was unusual.

Unusually stable. Almost a perfect replication of what the operating baseline of a human brain is, but not quite human.

A side effect of the shard's ability probably.

It was keeping her body functions going. Like a machine.

But that didn't bring her back.

She might as well be an organic CO2 production apparatus.

I wanted her alive.

A problem with the soul?

That didn't matter when Ahsoka was killed on Mortis in the original series.

Wait...right. The force!

"Computer, get me force battery, stat."

A portal opened up beside me and I pulled out a cable from it, clamping it onto Offee's forehead.

"Pump it!" I ordered, a charge of force permeated through Offee, creating a grey white wave of shimmering energy coursing beneath her skin.

But nothing changed.

This....I felt my pulse quicken as fear seeped in.

"Why isn't she waking up?" I wondered out loud, as I pulled up another scan and found the fetus in her stomach alive and well.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

At least my daughter is alive.

Unless.....she is being made to look alive.

Another scan confirmed my suspicions.

I felt a pit in my stomach, a sinking feeling take over me.

My hands shook, as I clenched them into fists, nails digging into the flesh of my palm.

All of that work, scheming, stealing, even near death at hands of Scion.

All for nothing.

For a glorified meatbag.

I slammed my fist into table my head swimming.

I looked at Offee's eyes, half lidded.

Hollow.

Dead.

I stumbled from nausea, and took a sip of mega seed juice to gain my bearings, and escape the deep sadness that was inevitably making it's way down to me.

I could feel tears of frustration peer at the corners of my eyes.

"I'm sorry, Papa." Riley sniffles beside me, her voice bringing me reeling back to reality.

No.

I can't cry.

I can't fall apart.

My kids depend on me.

I toom a deep breath and pushed the sadness deep within as I knelt down and pulled Riley into a hug.

"It's okay, Riley. It's not your fault. Some things are just...."

I stopped myself from finishing that sentence.

No. Nothing is impossible.

I will find a way to revive Offee.

There has to be a way. I know it.

I turned back to Riley, wiping her tears, kissing her forehead.

"Riley, Papa doesn't blame you." I said, "It's okay. What matters is that we tried. Understand?" I asked gently.

Riley nodded.

"Yesh."

"Good." I said, picking Riley up in my arms, " Now you need all the rest you can get. So let's get you tucked in. And I'll even read you a story, from a galaxy far far away....

.

I closed the door to Riley's room behind me and made a beeline for the wine cellar, as if led by instinct.

Picking out a bottle, I portaled down to Brockton Bay, straight into Paige's apartment.

"Jay?" She asked, surprised, before she noticed something in my eyes, amd the surprise and mirth was replaced with concern.

"What happened?"

"Nothing." I said, "I just....."

I shook my head, my tongue sealed.

"Let's drink."

I raised the bottle to her.

The look on her face told me she didn't believ a word of what I was saying.

But she agreed nonetheless, leading me to the roof as I popped the cork.

.

".....her life. She gave her life...." I mumbled incoherently, "And I FAILED her. My daughter. Star. I failed all ovem!" I slurred, snuggled into Paige's lap.

She ran a hand through my hair, gently comforting me.

"I see." She said, softly, for the thousandth time.

"And I....I don't miss the ...the pa-urp...parts, the grand romantic gestures or the ..the battles. I just miss the evryday moments, you kn-now? The small things.

Waking up beside her, with the whole blanket gone, only to find her wrapped like a burrito.

How she painted her nails on her cyborg arm because it was a lucky charm for her.

The way she smelled of sweet spices.

How she sang that one song incessantly.

Or how she found the weirdest conspiracy theories on the holonet and try to convince me they were true.

Like this one time, she was convinced droids were secretly planning a rebellion and, like they were going to crash all the ships into Coruscant.

And there was this one vendor she just hated to the bone....and she'd haggle with him like anything...like the world was ending and that one melon was the only thing that mattered...hehehehehe.

Sometimes he just saw her across the street and closed up shop.

It was hilarious.

Ahnd...and the food. Oh the food.

She made killer chili. Just divine. Puts my momma to shame. Okay maybe not. But still..... Like I could eat it all day long!

And the big, massive tits.....definite plus!" I laughed, eyeing Paige's modest chest without even noticing.

"Well sorry for not having boobs the size of Texas!" Paige huffed.

"Yours are.....fine too. Very cute. Very huggable." I assured her, kissing her chest, as the sadness returned, uncotrollably.

"Why did she have to go....and be an idiot!?" I sniffled, slurring.

"For all that talk of not being alone....she shor lef me alone. And Star? Whas he suppos to doo? Wha am aa supposed to tell him? He's three for fuhs sake!"

My eyes drooped.

"Shhh.... it's okay. I'm here." Paige comforted, "And I'm not going to leave you like some alien bi-"

I glared at her as she caught herself.

"Like her." She ended, cupping my face.

"You won't?" I asked, pouring into her eyes.

"No. Never again." Paige kissed my forehead, and pulled me into her bosom.

For a moment I relaxed and enjoyed her warmth as she hummed a folk song to me, watching the stars above.

It was nice. Reminded me of that night at the beach on Naboo.

"You know Offee-"

Suddenly, I could feel the air chill.

"If you ruin this moment by mentioning your dead wife I will cut you." Paige said coldly.

"Okay." I squeaked, and shut up, and enjoyed her lap pillow when something clicked.

Suspicions bloomed in my mind.

"Hold on. What do you mean 'never again'?" I asked alarmed, sobering up fast.

"What?" She played innocent.

"You just said won't leave me alone. Never again. What do you mean never again?" I pushed.

"Uh...I didn't say anything like that?" She lied.

Dod she do something, on the ship?

I ran through the video feed of her stay.

Nothing.

Then what does she mean?

Did she....did she cheat on me?

It's possible, even if she doesn't seem like the type.

"Really?" I narrowed my eyes.

"Computer, check the conversation. Isolate Paige's speech. Filter words 'Never Again' "

A holoscreen projected above my face as a clip played.

["No. Never again." Paige kissed my forehead, and pulled me into her bosom.]

"You were saying?" I asked, impossibly smug.

"It's.....tssss." Paige bit her tongue, and hissed.

"Acting like a snake won't get you out of this." I laughed self depreciating manner, as I began to jump to conclusions.

I am an idiot, aren't I?

Of course she must have cheated.

Or stolen something. Yes. Maybe she stole something.

It made me feel better than the possibility of her cheating.

I mean it's what I would've done if I found myself in the proximity of irresistible tech. I wouldn't hesitate to steal something. Even just something small. No matter the cost or repercussions.

"Bit my tongue, you idiot!" She fumbled.

"I see. You still haven't answered." I pushed, coldly, the possibility of betrayal, rearing me up.

Seeing no way out, Paige sighed and bit the bullet.

"Do you love me?" She asked.

"What does that have to do with anything?"

That question caught me off guard.

And the implications....I know this script.

So she .... did cheat, didn't she?

No. I don't know that for sure.

Maybe she just stole something and is trying to make me think of it as a gift of love to her.

I know I'm probably in denial, but fuck it.

"Just answer the question will you?" She cried.

"Honestly, we've been together for two months Paige. And you are an amazing girlfriend. Any man would be lucky to have one half as cute and sweet as you.

But love is ....it's a strong word." I answered, decisively.

"Were you just using me then? Don't you like me?" She asked offended.

Hold on. Why are you acting like you are the victim here?

No. Benefit of the doubt. Let's hear the full story.

If she's just stolen something, I'll forgive her.

Yup.

I'm in a generous mood.

"Hold your horses, girl. I like you." I grabbed her by the shoudlers and pulled her close.

Let's butter her up before I baste her alive.

"A lot. Like a lot lot. I came here to you, because I like you. Because I trust you, care about you. But love ...it's too soon to say." I explained, guiding the conversation where I want to.

"Now it's your turn to answer."

Paige looked away.

"Paige." I called out sternly.

"I left you." She said, finally.

"What?" I asked confused.

"You remember that day, on our vacation? You got into an argument with Clockblocker?"

I nodded.

"What about it?"

"When you told us to leave, I didn't." She said, hiding her expression from me.

"I know. What does that have to do with this?" I asked

"I was late to the cafe. I told you I was lost. But I lied." She said, guiltily.

"I didn't go back. Not because I was sure I wanted to stay with you, but because I was too late to choose. I was conflicted and before I could make a choice ....the portal closed."

I frowned, loosening my hug, as I leaned back into my seat.

She didn't cheat. That's a plus. And she didn't steal either.

I let out a sigh of relief, as I ran my hands through my hair.

But it still bugged me.

She didn't choose me. It was just convenience for her.

Time decided it for her.

For some reason.....that hurt.

I mean I had no reason to feel this way. She was just a casual fling, but that doesn't mean I didn't have feelings for her. And the fact that I wasn't what she would choose. It cut deep.

But who am I to talk?

I was using her for convenience too. It was hypocrisy of the highest order.

It's all so-

I felt Paige's caress my face.

"You're slipping into an internal monolgue again." She smiled.

"No I'm not." I refused, stubborn, angry even.

"I've been with you for two months now. I know your little habits. But sure." She relented.

"Jay. I love you. I love you so much I don't know what to do sometimes. It feels like I might just burst!" She explained, hugging me.

"It's just...I don't like the way you think." She took a deep breath and looked me in the eye, sternly, like a mother who found her son stealing sweets from the fridge.

"I don't like how cold and unfeeling you can be. But after that juice, after today ... At least I understand it. And I understand you.

A little better."

She let out a tired breath, and leaned back into my chest.

"It doesn't mean I approve of it. And it's not an excuse. But I think we can work together to overcome this."

"Overcome what?" I asked, miffed.

She had some guts trying this bullshit!

"This. Exactly this attitude." Paige huffed before she broke into a giggle.

"No." I cut it off.

No more nonsense. I won't tolerate it.

A cold feeling ran through me as I looked at her and a realisation struck.

"Am I...I am just a project for you, aren't I?" I said, shocked.

"What? No!" She denied.

"Like some animal to be trained and domesticated. You don't see me as a person. I am just an idea to you. One that you can twist and twirl to your preference!"

"I did not say that, Jay! You're overreacting." She said, trying to calm me down.

"No. You did not. You didn't need to say it. I can see it clearly now."

And it hurt. More than I thought.

Someone I cared about....doing something like this.

I stood up, and patted my pants clean.

"Where are you going?" Paige asked, panicked.

"Home. Keep the bottle. It's good alcohol." I said, as I walked to the door to the roof.

"Fuck the damn bottle. Jay! Stop! Listen to me." She called out.

"I've heard enough, Paige."

"What do you mean?" She asked, teary eyed.

I felt a pang of pain seeing her that way.

That's what I get for caring about someone.

How stupid of me.

Never again.

No one will replace Offee.

No. She was ... different.

Paige caught up to me, and clutched my arm tight, pulling me to her.

"Please don't...." She said, crying, "Just... I love you, Jay. And I don't have anyone else. I'm all alone in this world. Of you leave me.....I don't know what I'll do!"

Something hitched inside me.

She reminded me of .... Offee.

I grit my teeth.

This isn't right.

She isn't worth these feelings.

She.....

But....Ugh. I hate this!

"I need some space, Paige. I need some time to think. Apart from you." I said shaking her arm off as a portal opened in front of me.

I walked over as Paige wept.

"I'm sorry!" She cried.

"I'll wait for you! However long it takes. Just.... come back, please!"

Those words. If it had been any other time, I would have fallen hard for her. Turned around and kissed her right there.

Even now, I stopped in my tracks and turned back to see her on the floor, sobbing into her arms and all my instincts told me to just go and grab her.

Pull her into a hug and tell her everything will be fine. That I loved her, even if it was a lie.

And I almost did.

The thought of Offee crying on the floor overlapped with Paige.

I shook my head.

Paige isn't Offee.

Offee got angry when I showed her the truth but not once did she leave me.

She didn't even shut her bedroom door.

She cooked for me everyday, even when she was angry.

Not once did she try to change me.

Even that promise to her was something I did to please her.

Because I loved her and she loved me.

Because Offee CHOSE to stay with me, regardless.

Paige?

Hah! First chance she got.

First bump in the relationship and she was looking for a way out.

Maybe I'm not being fair to Paige. Offee had been with me for close to a year then, adopted a son.

Started a family.

Paige hasn't.

I sighed.

Time to leave then. And take Paige's shard while I'm at it.

Wait...her shard!

A realisation struck.

She didn't use her powers.

She could have tried to master me there.

But she didn't.

"Tch!" I clicked my tongue.

I felt my anger dull.

This is why I don't like goody two shoes.

Them and their principles.

Makes it so hard to hate them!

"You're too sweet, you know that?!" I said annoyed as I knelt down beside her, and caressed her face. She moved to kiss me, only to meet my palm.

I sighed.

"Paige. I don't hate you. I want to. I really do. But I like you. And I care about you, so don't take this the wrong way.

But you won't last in the multiverse. Out there, that hesitation that drove this wedge between us, would have killed you. It would have killed us. And that's something I can't afford.

You and I, we have very different ways of seeing the world, and I don't think we're right for each other right now. We can still be friends.

So let's end this amicably, okay?" I said, extending her a hand.

She looked up at me, and sniffled, before taking my hand.

"If it's what you want." She choked.

"I will do it. But... I'll wait. So come back to me. Please."

I sighed again.

This shit!

You're not the victim here bitch!

"Do what you want, Paige. It's your life. But don't act like I'm leaving forever. I have a portal gun. I can come over whenever.

Besides, we may not be dating anymore but you're still a friend. I'll come hang out. Chill."

"I'm not kidding." She smiled finally, as I walked into the portal.

"I'll be here. Waiting for you."

The line was so cheesy, and after I just told her we're still friends, I almost turned back to smack her straight.

But, I didn't.

Instead I switched on my earpiece song list, and selected a song.

Four Little Diamonds by ELO started playing, as I walked away.

She wasn't worth my time.

And I had better things to do.

____________________

Version 2 of the break up chapter.

Tell me if you like this one better.

And if you like, choose which one you want to be your headcanon.

Paige won't appear again after this anyways, in either of the versions, so it's not going to make much of a difference.

This is a long ass chapter.

3200 words!

So in light if that, I'm counting it as the 400 powerstones extra chapter and the regular chapter for the day!

Next chapter at 500 power stones.

Thanks for reading.

Good night!

Also, if you want to support me, buy me a cup of coffee or read ahead, go to,

www.patr.eon.com/goldenfingers