Yes, you can call me a monster for my utterly awful updating habits. But in my defense I did write this chapter a while ago during my English final, which was probably not that smartest decision as they didn't let me take that scrap paper home. Oops! But I re-wrote it and hopefully it is better and worth the wait? I'm sorry (as always). Here goes:
Myka decides to spend some time with Pete. If she is not going to remember him, she wants their last moments together to memorable, but even as she says that aloud she can see how ironic it is. Pete smiles when Myka proposes the idea of some alone time, he too, after all will be losing all memories of his partner. He can tie up his loose ends later.
Helena promises to remind Myka about Pete every day. She promises to never let her forget the man who will save her, but even as she makes her promises she can no longer bear to be with them. Helena does not recall the exact moment she went soft. The older H. G. Wells would have lied and deceived her way through this mess with swift ease. The older H. G. Wells would not have been thwarted by a guilty conscience of all things. She wonders, perhaps it is her wife that has made her soft, her love? But she knows it is not that, but the ordeal that this entire journey has been and perhaps in her quest to be better for Myka she has indeed grown a conscience.
While Pete and Myka make their way to the Warehouse for a day of inventory and little reminder of endless wonder Helena, Claudia and Steve take on an artifact chase, something that they haven't been keeping up with lately. Mrs. Fredrick drops by before they can leave and warns the only other people who know: Artie, Pete and Helena about the consequences and the repercussions, which of course involve the wrath of the regents. Though before she vanishes into the early morning air she does take a moment to rest her hand on Pete's shoulder and they know it is the closest thing to approval they are going to receive.
Myka and Pete laugh over old stories in the Warehouse office when Artie comes grumbling in. That is how the two of them find themselves on a plane on what is most probably their final artifact retrieval. The only reason Artie lets Myka go is that it is a simple retrieval op, but knowing those two he is sure things won't stay that simple. He hovers until they are securely in the SUV, asking Myka over and over if she is set to do this, if she has her medication, if she would rather be resting and Myka almost considers jolting him with the tesla just to make him shut up.
The plane ride is short; Pete tries to watch a movie but ends up staring out the window.
"We had better get this thing before I croak. God knows what mess you guys will make of the place without me."
Pete laughs. "We'll manage just fine. You go right ahead with the croaking"
Myka feigns shock and punches Pete in the shoulder. "You'd miss me"
"I would, but I'd get over it."
At that they both just laugh. With the imminent threat of death looming over their heads for so long, they mostly just feel numb to the initial shock by now.
Pete is the first to walk into the hardware shop. Myka on the other hand has to pause a moment, she leans against the door frame and catches her breath. Pete strolls in and straight into a decorative pile of cogs and nuts causing it to tumble down into a loud commotion.
Myka frowns at him but before she can reprimand him they come face to face with a woman holding a gun.
"If you're here for the oscillator you are not getting it," she waves her gun at the man she is holding in her other arm. "Gun. Floor. Now!" She barks pointing to the tesla in Pete's hand.
Pete follows her instruction and places the tesla carefully on the floor sliding it towards her.
"You are going to be fine, Thomas. It's okay" Pete nods trying to reassure him.
"Oscillator? Really?" Myka raises her eyebrows.
"Yeah so it can oscillate the life back into you," Pete makes a swaying motion. "I like it."
The woman frowns wiping the beads of sweat forming on her forehead with the back of the hand she has the gun in.
"There, against the wall. Move!" She motions for the two of them to go.
They both follow, as Myka notices distraction she pulls out her own tesla and fires it at the woman. Pete rushes to her and grabs the gun from her hand.
"Wow that was easy"
"Way too easy" Myka frowns.
"Maybe we've gotten too good at this."
"Maybe they've gotten worse."
Pete chuckles. "Could be that too"
He goes to check if Thomas is fine. Thomas nods and hands over the oscillator. "All yours, man"
"Thanks"
"We're even now, Lattimer"
"Yeah, we're square"
"Okay. I'll see you around"
"Not for a while. You take care of the wife and kids"
Pete shakes his hand and they both exit the store. Myka raises her eyebrows but says nothing.
They stay quite on the flight back. Myka holds tightly onto the only thing that has any chance of saving her anymore. Her grip is tight Pete can see her knuckles whiten. He says nothing about it. He doesn't ask her to put it down or in the bag.
When they return it is almost midnight and all Myka can think about is her bed. She just wants to sink into its warmth and let it swallow her whole. But when they enter the front door of the B&B Myka finds herself on the receiving end of a stern glare from Jane Lattimer.
Myka walks in and shakes her hand. She smiles but before they can exchange pleasantries Jane cuts right to the chase.
"Myka, I know you. I know that you are not selfish. I know you are kind and caring and even selfless and that you love my son with all of your heart. I know this about you and I know that I am not wrong. I know that, Myka. Which is why the only thing that would makes sense is that you do not know, you do not know that you are taking away my child from me"
Myka takes step back and almost walks into Pete who has just entered the room. She turns to face him, her eyes brimming with betrayal.
"What?" She is not sure if the word actually left her lips or if she merely thought it to herself, but Pete backing away confirms what she has been denying ever since the magic cure came into play.
Well this has officially veered wayyy off track. But I really like this fic which is why I can't let go. I hope I'm not jerking you around and if I am, I hope I'm doing it superbly if not in a timely fashion. This was supposed to be over quite a while ago, but-but it still has more to tell, right? I mean wtf is even happening anymore? Is she dying? Is she not? What?! I know how you feel :)