Compromise.

The press conference wrapped up nicely in a bow, if a bit disappointing that I didn't get to show off my powers.

At least I didn't die.

Due to my own stupidity.

"Computer." I asked with a chilling tone.

"Why was I not infirmed about this obvious flaw in the shard? Didn't I tell you to compile a report of everything my logical self does and deliver it to me every morning?"

"I delivered the report as demanded, sir." The A. I. replied.

"Oh did yo-"

A file popped into my vision on the contacts display, dated last week.

I checked it, and found the highlighted statement.

'Maybe cause sensory overload if not taken under the condition of enhanced cognition.'

It was written in white ink. On a white back ground.

That asshole!

My logical side did this purposefully.

Did it think it could scare me into a state of perpetual mega seed high if it did this?

I ground my teeth in annoyance when I felt an assuring hand on my chest.

"What happened? Is something wrong?" Paige asked.

I sighed, and let go of the anger. I'll deal with this later.

"Nothing. Not when you're being so cute." I lifted her up in my arms, snuggled into her chest.

"Someone's excited." She giggled, cupping my face, "But I'm not against it."

"No. I mean yes, but later. I think we have something to discuss, don't we?" I said, and almost immediately I could feel her expression sour, like a wet cat.

"Paige~" I tickled her, as she looked away trying her hardest to not laugh.

Involuntarily, her body gave way though and she burst into peals of soft, musical laughter.

Man, her voice is so cute!

"Fhine! Jushtheheheheha stop!" She protested, beating into my chest harmlessly.

"There! Was it so hard?" I smiled.

"I can see something else that's hard down here..." She said, reaching for my pants.

It was hard to resist.

Especially when she's all dolled up like this.

But bad air needs to be cleared. And I'd rather do it now, rather than minutes before I leave this world.

Give her time to get closure.

I did care about Paige, if only as a casual girlfriend.

I caught her.

"Paige." I said sternly.

"Fine. If you're going to be like this..." Paige muttered, crossing her arms, as she sat down on the sofa.

I sat down beside her, and gave her the go.

Paige sighed.

"Before we begin, I want you to promise me something." She put her hand on mine. "I will come clean, but so will you. Deal?"

I nodded.

"Go on."

"Do you love me?" She went in with a haymaker.

Straight to the jaw.

Sheesh.

"Uh..." I hesitated.

Paige gasped, pursing her lips.

"Are you just using me? Do you even like me-" She asked, anger slowly seeping into her voice.

I grabbed Paige by the shoulders, and pulled her close.

"I like you, Paige. A lot. Like a lot lot." I said, hugging her.

"I sense a but....." She said.

I grabbed her butt, and gave it a squeeze.

She squeaked in surprise and mirth.

"What a coincidence, so do I!"

"Be serious!"

"Alright. Alright.." I relented.

She slapped my arm off playfully, as I picked her up and put her in my lap, putting my arms around her, resting my chin against her head.

"Paige, it's difficult to say what I feel and love.... it's such a strong word. I don't know if I'm ready for this." I said.

"What about you?"

"I ...think I'm ready for it. I'm ready for love. And you're...so much. Just so much.

But....." She hesitated for a moment, and sighed.

"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 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.

"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.

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

I sighed.

I was a bit pissed at her admission, but at least she was being truthful.

And even if it hurt a little, it wasn't going to put me under.

And that even made it easier for me to say my part.

"Paige. You've been....awesome. All this time. Any guy would be lucky to have you as his girlfriend. But I have something to confess.

I came to this world to save my wife." I came clean.

"Your...dead wife?" Paige asked confused.

"Well the thing is, she isn't actually dead. Yet."

"She's alive?!" Paige exclaimed.

"Not quite. When my wife died, I rescuscitated her and immediately put her in cryosleep. She's seconds away from dying. That's the real reason I came to this world. To save her life."

Paige just looked on, silent.

"And now I'm this close to achieving it. So I want to put this on the table right now. I might have my wife," I said, adding another calculated term, one that would tug at her heartstrings, "the mother of my children back this week. And while she is okay with me having other wives, I don't want to force you to do the same.

I will understand if you want to break up with me. Just forgive me with a couple of slaps?" I offered.

"And I can't convince you not to do it, can I?" She caught herself, horrified at her own thoughts, "No. What am I even saying! Of course not!"

Paige's shoulders slumped as she replied, flustered.

"If you could, would you?" I asked, "Would you rob Star of his mother?"

Not subtle as far as manipulation goes but it should do. At least she will take this easier this way.

All so she can get closure and move on with her life.

Find someone better.

And more importantly, I get to move onto the next world guilt free, unlike that time with Ahsoka.

It's a win-win for the both of us.

"No." She muttered, turning away as she paced the room uncomfortably.

"As I said, you can slap me a couple of times if it makes you feel better. Don't hesitate." I repeated.

"You deserve a slap alright!" She snapped, landing a slap on my cheeks that left a mark.

"For thinking that I would ever do such a thing."

"I get the feeling there's more to the slap than that...." I teased, nursing my cheek.

"Of course I'm angry. I don't like it at all." Paige replied.

"I see." I nodded, and extended a hand to her.

"Let's end this relationship on good terms."

"No." Paige said, slapping my hand away, as she came close.

"Uh...this is where you slap me again and we break up...." I pointed out.

"For all your intelligence, you're a grade A idiot!" Paige shook her head.

"I love you. And I don't want to lose you. If your wife can share, so can I."

"You mean..."

"Yes. I can't leave you when you're being so unreasonably reasonable!" She huffed angrily.

"Would you rather I act like a two timing asshole and rough you up? Act like a telenovela villain?" I laughed.

"It'd make it easier to not love you, you idiot!" She shrugged, sitting back down.

I ran my hand along her thigh, patting it gently.

"I'm sorry."

"You better be." Paige said, scooching closer, until she was leaning on my shoulder.

"It doesn't feel good to share the man I love. I want you all to myself." She said posessively.

"I know." I replied.

"So you better make it up to me." She added, climbing onto me as she went in for a kiss.

"Gladly." I replied, taking her in.

____________________

This isn't yet canon. If you guys want I can just delete this.

Note, MC won't take Paige into the multiverse, no matter the choice.

And technically, still not a harem since Offee isn't alive yet!

And we all know Offee's not coming back till the epilogue.

Do tell me in the comments!

This is the 300 powerstones chapter.

Thanks for reading!

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

www.patr-eon.com/goldenfingers