Bumblebee and Friends

"Wrench?"

"Here," Blake said placing it in Walt's waiting hand.

"Thanks, Blake," he said smiling but he hadn't changed his focus from the machinery infront of him.

It didn't bother her at all though. What did bother her was... "I can't believe that this was what you asked for."

"Huh," Yang said glancing up from where she crouched on the otherside of Bumblebee, her bike, while rubbing a hand absent mindedly against her cheek leaving a smudge of something dark. "You say somethin'?" She asked.

Blake sighed but smiled. "I was saying I don't know what I was thinking letting you choose the activity for "spending time together" with Walt. I should have known better."

Yang blinked. "What? We're together and Walt is happy to help! Isn't that right?"

There was no response and they both looked his direction. "Or at least... I thought so...," Yang said a small bit of doubt sneaking into her voice.

But Blake shook her head still smiling. "He's fine. His hyper focus kicked in. Any minute now he'll-"

"There," Walt said happy with how things were tightened now handing back the wrench. "That got it. Sonic screwdriver?"

T3-M4 chirped and the Astrodroid rolled forward with the device in an out stretched manipulator handing it to him.

Walt smiled. "Thanks," he said and the little droid made a low whistle. He heard it, blinked and looked up at the other two. "Sorry... I got distracted. Did you say something?"

Blake rolled her eyes at Yang who shrugged but asked anyway. "You happy?"

Walt quickly nodded and tossed her bandana before going right back to work. "You got a little on your cheek. Yup! That part's a bit of a tight fit but it's perfect now that it's tightened in there properly. I'm going to finish the connection now. Couldn't be better!"

Yang grinned wiping at her cheek, the wrong one, and said, "Awesome!" going back to work as well as Blake shook her head at the two of them. There's laughter and Pepper strolled in with a Sixpack of beer. "Sorry... It's like old times! He and Tony were the same way working on cars. It's a gearhead thing. Some of the others broke out the beer. Thought you guys might be thirsty."

Blake smiled at her. "I see... You expected this behavior from past experience."

Pepper nodded. "Yes." She grinned. "Actually it's a bit charming in it's own way once you get used to it... but it definitely takes getting used to. But see," she pointed. "They're bonding!"

Blake smiled and she did see. Yang and Walt were both alternating between grunts and silence and then yammering away about mechanical functions and ratios and such with each other that frankly went right over her head. It was like a foreign language half the time that she didn't understand... But they did and she agreed with Pepper. They were definitely even closer for it. "You're right. Thank you!"

Pepper smiled at her. "You're very welcome. Trust me. You're a part of the process too though it might not feel like it. Just you being here makes them happy. Right? Walter?"

Walt looked up and saw Pepper. His eyes widened and so did his smile until it became a grin. "Pepper! When did you get here?" She was wearing a t-shirt and some denim cutoffs and holding beer. She'd always been a lovely woman and when she was all dressed up for business or a social function was a looker. But he always enjoyed when she dressed down and thought she never looked lovier. Like this, with beer in hand, it reminded him of those happy times too. "It's good to see you!"

Pepper smiled thinking the same thing as she watched his expression. She had known him a long while and his tastes and knew that dressing this way was something he would enjoy. *He's still easy to please like that,* she thought as his eyes lingered on her, taking her all in. She bit her lip slightly, suddenly wishing they were alone. They'd always been attracted to each other but as he'd said the other night the timing had always been "bad". *That's no longer the case! And now there'll be plenty of opportunities... but I don't want to get in the other ladies way either. Be supportive and they'll be supportive back!* "Just thought I'd bring you guys some refreshments," she set down the drinks. "Some of the others are already getting started!"

Walt rolled his eyes but smiled. "Well it's five o'clock somewhere!"

The ladies chuckled. "That Harley is more trouble than Neo," Yang said taking a beer. She smiled cracking it open and taking a sip. "But... They're both pretty fun. Sorry I'm still getting used to Neo NOT being a "bad guy", I guess."

Walt chuckled but nodded. "Some people like that about those kinds of Characters... myself included. But that's good, Yang. You are getting used to the idea."

Yang blinked thinking about her words and her experiences with her here and smiled. "Ya know... I am. Sure she's still a brat punk who's up to trouble... but I can see how she and Harley aren't awful necessarily. Just... different and different can be good."

Blake smiled at her and squeezed her shoulder. Walt smiled too. "That's good to hear," he said taking a drink and then going back to work. "You're growing but I had a feeling that you would. You ladies are great that way. So much potential."

"Speaking of...?" Blake said leaving the question open.

He chuckled but nodded. "Back to the proformance review? Yeah, alright I suppose but like I said I don't want to harp on stuff. I definitely could but it's unfair without your teammates and honestly without them here it's hard for me to analyze how extensive the failures are... that being said your whole team make-up and roles are kind of problematic but there's somethings we can adress individually. I think Yangs the biggest problem-"

"Ouch," Yang butted in. "Really? But during the training thing you said my record is the best over all."

Walt nodded. "It is actually. You have the most "wins" by far which makes your losses stand out more but you didn't let me finish. You're already self aware about your areas you need to improve yourself... it's how you're utilized and your role that's the problem."

Yang nodded in the beginning she was self aware of her own need for improvement as they'd discussed previously but that last bit- "Whoa you lost me there chief. Utilized and role?"

Walt sighed and looked up. "Seriously?" He saw her nod.

Blake did too. "I'm also unclear on your exact meaning though I think I have a bit of an understanding. You're referring to her combat style and role in the team correct?"

Walt smiled and nodded. "That's right. Very good, Blake! You're a smart student and your training is starting to show if you've pieced that much together on your own." He went back to working on the bike as he explained. "Yang is generally more of a close in front line fighter with some ranged options. She generally fills the role of the "tank" in team RWBY's dynamics and while She's easily the best of you four in filling that role... it's kind of a less than ideal fit for her however."

"A tank?" Yang asked.

Walt nodded. "Your world is closest to a fantasy type despite the technological elements so its easier to explain it using those roles and types. The general best all around four person fantasy team makeup is a frontline "Tank", a specialist, a healer or medic type and a caster. Essentially the "Tanks" job or role is be the damage sponge. Take the extra blows and punishment for their teammates. Toughness and durability are generally the Tanks biggest assets... but you're not really suited well for the role yourself. Granted your semblance lets you deal out more damage the more you take. But that's a retribution ability and as you know reliance on it is a double edged sword. How much is "too much"? What if it gets negated or your attack fails? It leaves you in an even more vulnerable position... and as tough as you are you're not specialized for filling a Tanks role. You can't take massive damage and just shrug it off and we see that several times when you get in trouble. Most notoriously during your first Adam encounter. You've a martial artist/brawler skillset with a barbarian's rage and damage abilities which makes you a very unique sort trying to fill a role that's not a good fit."

Yang rubbed her mechanical arm and nodded. "Yeah... ok so I'm not a very effective "Tank" because that's not what I'm suited for?"

Walt hummed. "Well I wouldn't say that exactly. Nobody else on team RWBY is suited for it either if I'm being honest. It's kind of what y'all are lacking. You've got an uneven team balance. You're obviously the bruiser trying to fill an additional role. Jaune is a better example of a traditional Tank. Pyrrha too in a way though that's not her primary role either. But as strong and tough as she is, as well as armored and shielded, she is an excellent secondary Tank to help Jaune who is their combat medic. They're both seconday Tanks but by both doubling up like that it rather effectively negates the lack of a primary Tank as long as they worked together. It was doubly effective as they were both shielders. They could shield wall together. It's also a major part of why Team JNPR really doesn't work as well with Pyrrha gone. Jaune has to be the healer, the tank and the commander as well as the caller. He's doing too many things and either struggling at best or ineffective at worst."

Blake nodded. "That makes a lot of sense actually. Nora is obviously the damage dealer and Ren is a specialist of somekind." Her ears perked up as she realized. "Wait is that my role?"

Walt chuckled. "Sort of. Good instincts. Actually you're a double duty specialist and Slayer type. You occupy that same niche as Ren. Yang is a damage dealing brawler trying to cover the Tank position. Weiss is obviously the "caster"/summoner with a bit of the duelist thrown in and Ruby herself is yet another Slayer trying to fill the commander and caller roles." He hummed as set down the tools and started double checking his work to a moment. "Y'all are mostly damage/attack specialists. Which is why you're hell on wheels when you combine and overwhelm an opponent but it makes y'all a bit on the fragile side defensively speaking. Also why when your attack plans fall apart they're hard to recover from. Leaves y'all in a tough spot if your plans fall through. That's how it is with uneven special teams."

"Just curious but how would you categorize me," Pepper asked. "I have a feeling I'm a Tank but also more?"

Walt nodded. "Definitely. Armored tanks are kind of the definition of "Tanks" and Tony's suits take that to extremes... But Tony for example with all his specialized suits of armor meant he could fill specialist roles as well. Power armor is no different though so still definitely "Tanks", generally speaking. But super hero stuff is a bit different from the general fantasy style were discussing here. Also Tony was a rather effective commander/caller as well as a huge tech specialist."

"You've mentioned those terms several times now," Blake said."They seem pretty obvious from the names but could you clarify? "

Walt smiled. "They are super obvious. The commander or "leader" gives the commands. It's their job to analyze, plan and direct their comrades. Usually they're also the caller out of necessity but not always. The "caller" observes the battlefield, calls out what they see, keeps their allies appraised of any changes to the battle, who should do what under the commander or leaders orders and keeps everyone informed. Caster is shortened from "magic caster" and are essentially "magic" specialists but not always. Weiss with the variety of different elemental dusts she uses, her many different glyphs and summons pretty much puts her in the Caster slot for example even though she's not technically a "magic user". She's too versatile, gifted and skilled that way. "Slayers" are combatants who specialize in taking down tough opponents quickly. Usually "monsters". "Specialists" are short for "skill specialists" and are a blanket term for many different types of specialists. Stealth and infiltration specialists, wilderness experts, mechanic's, engineers, tech specialists, pick pockets, information gatherers, pilots and drivers of all kinds, etc. Each unique but each bringing valuable skill sets that they have expertise in."

Yang smiled punching her right fist into her left palm. "I get it. You're an example of a commander/caller type!"

Walt shrugged but nodded. "Often times when I'm working in a group that's exactly the case. The wedding is a perfect example of that type of situation. We had two teams leading the direction on two fronts, with two commanders/callers. One on active defense and the other on problem solving. The other night too though that was a more chaotic mess and required many smaller groups to form together and act independently together, if that makes sense. I was directing further back from the wedding and having to play on a more chess like level before seeing the opening I was looking for." He sighed. "Infact it was more like playing chess, poker and several other games simultaneously but I'm a bit of an old hand at operating on multiple different levels that way and a different kind of specialist, a pinch hitter. If given time I can fill different specific roles and I've had experience filling all of them. Stealth, support, front line combatant, medic, "caster", tank, ranged damage dealer, survivalist..." He smirked picking up the tool box. "Mechanic, cowboy, bottle washer, diaper changer and more." He winked.

They all laughed. "Comedian," Yang added.

"Wedding?" Pepper asked raising an eyebrow. "As bad as they are in my world?"

Walt laughed now and nodded. "Yup and potentially even worse. The one we went to recently was definitely "eventful" but not not worse case scenario bad. Just exhausting and lots of property damage mostly."

Blake sighed but smiled. "It was nice though... and Walt's 3S has a "no weddings" policy and I understand why now."

Walt shrugged. "Too many variables. Family functions are bad like that. Birthdays, coming of age ceremonies, anniversaries, family reunions, etcetera... but weddings tend to be consistently the worst. Even after the dust settles there's the medical, insurance, clean up and containment and other pain in the ass factors. Hard to cover in every expense and then turn a profit. At the end of the day we are a business and we need to do that. Weddings became losses usually financially speaking and struggles to break even on top of the general difficulty level. So I cut them. 3S doesn't cover weddings generally speaking anymore though we do handle after action cleanup, extractions, evacuations and triage... and "scorched earth" contingencies."

He smiled though looking at the bike. "I think she's ready so let's finish up and end this on a high note. Despite some serious blunders and "errors of judgment" in your past since you've come under my responsibility I'm happy to say your overall responses and actions as well as judgements have been more than acceptable. You've handled yourselves well. Reacted appropriately and shown relatively good judgment so far. I think those bad instances in your pasts were just that. Failures of guidance and training... and poor and inconsistent writing in your stories. I suspect that's the number one factor here. It still makes me wary and when we find your teammates I definitely want to get to the bottom of the problems and give you all some serious focus on threat assessment and appropriate response training. Perhaps train Ruby herself and the rest of you under some strategy specialists... but you two in particular have shown me how well you can do. You've handled yourselves well and even better your judgements have been generally good. You've worked well not only with yourselves but also others. Unlike your stories, you have prioritized the safety of others consistently as I would expect of good huntresses. You've stayed on mission without getting sidetracked. You've responded with appropriate force and actions when need be. You haven't struck teammates, allies or friendlies. You've communicated well with each other as well as those around you. You've consistently shown good attitudes, values, behaviors and judgment so far. Well done! Keep it up, ladies!"

They smiled at the praise. Walt was good like that. Pointing out the areas that needed improvement while also the areas that were improving as well. Blake looked at Yang and she nodded. "Maybe you could take us under your wing and show team RWBY personally?"

Walt blinked but paused seriously considering it while he scratched his chin. "Perhaps I should... Honestly, I wouldn't mind that though it'd have to wait until we find Weiss and Ruby first obviously. I'm only semiretired... I suppose once your team is reassembled and training is completed we could under take several appropriate missions from time to time. Perhaps even before then if we take some of the others- Whoa!"

Blake and Yang had practically flown to his side hugging him excitedly. "Yes, please!" "Awesome!"

Pepper giggled watching him blush at all of their attention but smiled. They were in good hands with someone caring and earnest like Walter looking out for them. Infact... All of them were including herself. That's why she trusted him and made the decision she had.

He was no different now then he was before... just a bit older. But in her minds eye she could still see him calling Tony out while being a friend and building him up at the same time. Unlike others he never let any of Tony's bullshit slide... But he'd never harped on him about it either. He'd been supportive, encouraging him to do and be better for Tony's own sake. Walt approached improving others like he would himself. Acknowledge every flaw and strength. Overlook nothing. Do better and challenge oneself, whenever possible. But age had given him even more of a mature and accepting personality. He was even stronger and more incredible than before... But more important he'd kept so many of the things that made him a decent person.

Blake looked thoughtful a moment however. "Glynda would be a caster type by virtue of her versatility, right? And Penny is obviously a caster type now because of magic... But what is Neo? A specialist?"

Walt shook his head. "Well you're right on the first two and Neo is a special case. She has other qualities as well but she's a tank."

Yang blinked. "Huh? How? She seems even less suited to the role than I do!"

Walt chuckled and nodded. "Like I said she's a special case. She's an agility tank. Her job is to draw an enemies attacks and then instead of taking the hits... Not get hit at all. It's why she's a particularly tough opponent for you. She gets into her enemies heads, using her wits and abilities to confuse, misdirect, negate and counter attacks and then dismantle them in their confusion. It's an extremely specialized form of Tanking that takes incredible focus, concentration and skill... It's also why when those things are disrupted she's vulnerable. Unlike you all with your usual teams of four or more to rely upon, she and Penny are used to operating in teams of two or even less... solo. They've had to work differently. Penny was always impressive as a robotic damage dealing powerhouse. Glynda had a solo huntress career which she was apparently exceptional at before becoming recruited as an instructor/agent for Ozpin... And Neo and Roman were a duo who could work effectively together as well as separately. They have had different experiences than you all and you could learn a lot from them and the others."

He smiled at Pepper. "As the heroine Rescue, Pepper here has worked with even larger groups but also solo regularly. It's the same for Tsuyu, Sayoko, Roberta, Anastasia, Demona, Pirotess, Gwen, Jen, Jubes, Linda and Shocker... And myself. You ladies can learn a lot from those around you and in so doing... Learn even more about yourselves."

Pepper smiled and nodded. "It's true and he's right you know. You learn different things about yourself when working in large groups and when working solo. I, like Tsu, tend to specialize in search and rescue. Responding to emergencies you never know if you'll be working alone or in a quickly formed groups. You learn a lot about yourself and how you approach the job working with different types of people."

"That makes a lot of sense actually," Yang said and Blake nodded adding, "That's true. Everyone does things differently. Wait," Blake said her ears perked up and her eyes widened as a thought struck her and she turned towards Walt. "You... did this on purpose... didn't you?"

"Hmm... did I?" Walt asked as he cleaned the tools. Wiping away grime and placing each one back in its place purposefully and meticulously. He even tossed a rag to Yang. "Think fast," and when she caught it told her, "Let's make sure we wipe down the bike. I'm sure you can't wait to ride and then plan to wash her but it's a good habit maintain."

Yang grinned, still with the smudge on her face. "You read my mind! I definitely want to open her up, get her dirty then clean and polish."

Pepper laughed and Blake smiled, shaking her head... but she was even more certain about her suspicions. Walt was just that kind of a low-key planner. Any job worth doing was worth doing well. "You planned this. That's why you have us going through all the training. You're trying to up Yang's "Game" by having her train with The Joy and others, aren't you?"

Yang looked up at Blake then Walt catching on and blinked. "Seriously? That's... kind of awesomely considerate if so. You were thinking about me before I even got here!"

Walt shrugged continuing tidying up. "I don't think it's as special as y'all are making out to be. Sure I'll admit... On some level I was aware and thinking that way but everyone needed some basic evaluation and training to some extent anyway. That just made sense." He smiled. "Two birds, one shot." He looked up thoughtful expression on his face. "Talking with Yang it seems even Tai was thinking similarly. Ruby is the heart of the team. Weiss is the brains. Blake is the talent. But Yang? You're the backbone of the team in many ways. They all rely upon you. You'll never be Neo." He shook his head slightly. "Even without her abilities she's kind of a natural genius at what she does and she'll only keep getting better at it." He saw Yang start to frown slightly but he continued on. "But you can be like me," he saw her eyes widened. "It takes tons of practice and dedication. Going into a fight and not just fighting but anticipating, thinking about moves and countermoves." He tapped his head. "The fight starts here before it even begins. CQC and training with Joy is a good place to start with that. The rest is simply a matter of time, practice and facing as many different opponents, gaining experience and dedication towards improving."

Yang slowly grinned. "You think I can be "like" you, big guy?"

Walt chuckled but nodded. "Yup. I told you before. Not all of them but some of my motivations weren't any different from yours. Our roads or paths might not be the same... but they ain't exactly dissimilar either. Just like your father." He even reached out and gently wiped her face of the grime tenderly.

Yang rolled her eyes but kept smiling all the same. "Okay, guess I could call you "Dad~dy", then." She said teasingly with a flirtatious wink while leaning forward drawing his eyes to her cleavage. "You should have stopped while you were ahead. That was almost cool for a minute there... You... Uhmmm..." she looked at him blushing and looking away. "You okay, dude?"

"Daddy," Blake whispered blushing as Pepper giggled saying, "Yup!"

"Woooo," T3-M4 whistled.

Yang blushed red and immediately backpeddled. "It uh, was a joke! Just a joke! You know me! Eh heh! Kidding all the time and not serious! Right? Right?! G-guys?"

"I uhh... I got chores to see to," Walt cleared his throat and stood... and realized his mistake as they very obviously eyed the bulge in his jeans made by his erection. "I uh... I'll just er...go! Just be safe when you're riding. The back roads are dirty... I meant bumpy! They'll really shake yer bust-er, bones! With all a the... *ahem* See y'all later!" He beat a hasty retreat.

Pepper had devolved into a full blown giggle fit as Blake looked at Yang and grinned and gave Yang a peck on the cheek. "See? He's almost as bad as you are when he meltdowns!"

"Oh, Sh-shut up!" Yang lamely retorted. Her face felt like it was on fire as she took a long pull from a beer. "We riding or not?"

"Yup," Blake said picking up a beer bottle with a smile. "And you know that was Walters beer, right? This one was yours. Indirectly Kay-Eye-Ess-Ess-Eye-Ehn-Gee Dee-Ayy-Dee-Dee-Why? Because she has a daddy complex!" She sang, finishing it off as she walked away.

Yang got even redder as she sputtered and put up the kickstand rolling Bumblebee after her out of the garage. "Wha- I- Shut up! Takes one to know one, daddy's girl!"

Pepper wiped her eyes. "Priceless! Hoo! You girls are fucking adorable and a riot! I can't wait to meet the rest!"

"Heya Pepper," Shocket said as she Linda wandered in. She jerked her thumb over her shoulder. "Where are they going?"

Pepper smiled at her and pulled out a couple beers offering it to them. "They just finished working on fixing up Yang's motorcycle. Apparently it was trashed fighting a badguy but Walt salvaged it so they could fix it up together."

"Ooohhh beer!" Linda said smiling and accepting. "Don't mind if we do! Thank you, Pepper!" She elbowed her sister. "See? I told you this looked like the vehicle hanger to me. Wish we'd gotten here sooner. Would've been neat to watch and join in with repairs."

Shocket looked around. "Yeah," She agreed. "Hanger or Garage or whatever is cool... maybe we can work in here until later? This place is huge. Which ways the armory from here? It's near here right?"

Pepper smiled and taking a swig of beer pointed left. "Armory is the next building over."

Shocket grinned. "Ya don't say... convenient!"

T3-M4 chirped and whistled.

"What did that thing say?" Shocket asked.

Linda smiled. "I think it was an introduction and an offer to show you the way."

T3-M4 whistled assent and approval.

Linda shrugged. "You're welcome, I think. I don't really understand you... yet! Give me a little while to pickup your programming language and I'm sure I'll get it. Shall we begin?"

Shocket grinned. "Let's! I'll get the flight gear we've been working on and the weaponry. Lead the way!" She followed T3-M4 out as Linda started poking around in the tools.

Pepper grinned thinking, *These girls are cute too!* "I'll give you hand until it's time to meet up with the others. I've picked up a little know how about that kind of gear."

Linda smiled. "Thanks that'd be great!"

[Walter Stark - Penny Polendina - F.R.I.D.A.Y - Neopolitan - Pyrrha Nikos - Nora Valkyrie - Yang Xiao Long - Blake Belladonna - Kali Belladonna - Sienna Khan - Willow Schnee - Glynda Goodwitch - Zwei - Ahnassi - Lifts-Her-Tail - Senko - Sayoko Shinozaki - Roberta Cisneros - Haruna - Sasha Blouse - Ilulu - Rachel "Raven" Roth - Manami "La Brava" Aiba - Tsuyu "Froppy" Asui - Haruhime Sanjouno - Anastasia "The Baroness" Cisarovna/DeCobray - Demona - Raven "Mystique" Darkhölme - Pirotess - Lydia - Aela the Huntress - Serana - Mission Vao - Curie - Ada - PAM - KL-E-O - Merida - Gwen "Gwenom" Stacy - Jubilation "Jubilee" Lee - Jennifer "She-Hulk" Walters - Linda T. Duck - Shocket Raccoon - Lady Loki - Elizabeth "Betty" Brant - Gloria "Glory" Grant - Mary Jane "MJ" Watson - Emma Frost and Virginia "Pepper" Potts

Will Return In

Fitting In

Coming Soon]