Getting Settled Pt 2

Walt smiled. Willow could tell that this was one of those little things that genuinely made him happy.

She sipped the coffee. It was excellent. Full flavored, robust and yet smooth. He should be proud. But it wasn't the coffee making him smile.

She looked around at the other ladies who had joined them as he served them. The chefs and the maids. A few of the others like the boisterous Sasha. He was wishing them a good morning, asking how they had slept, etcetera. Small talk to most.

But not him. He treated them like guests. No better. Like friends or family. He actually cared about them all. Wanted to see to their needs and most of all... share this moment with them. A moment they could all just be together and happy in. It was important to him. He enjoyed making others happy. They looked happy too.

"This really is quite delightful, Walter!" She told him.

He smiled. "Thank you Willow! I'm so glad you like it!"

He had a certain intensity about him. The other night, dealing with the ruffians and rescuing them, it had been a dangerous thing. Like a **** of nature. Like being trapped in a cage with a powerful beast!

But when that was over he'd been a gentleman and kind. Nurturing even. And now he smiled and despite his age it made him look boyish and young! Like child who'd just received praise.

"You're very welcome, Walter." Se told him thinking. *I wish I could feel that way. That would be nice. I wonder what his secret is?* She blushed a little. *Other than, sleeping with Kali, that is!*

She watched him hand a cup to Lita. He held her hands, stroking her fingers as he kissed tenderly. Like a husband helping his wife start her day before work right. The reptilian maid practically glowed with happiness. He did the same thing with Ahnassi too and then Penny and Pyrrha. *That's right,* she thought. *It's not just Kali he's sleeping with! He's devoted himself to making so many others happy. And they are. Lucky ladies. How can one man be such a good match to so many? And I had the misfortune to get the worst.*

She shook her head. She didn't want to think about Jacque, especially in this happy moment, but it was hard not too make the comparison. Jacque was manipulate. Walter was supportive. Jacque was hurtful and abusive. Walter was kind and protective. Jacque cared only for himself. Walter cared about others first... Jacque was a terrible husband and father. Walter was...

She blushed but thought about it. Walter was a good man. And judging from the way he treated the others his wife must have been happy? She didn't lnow the full story, apparently only a few or none did, but they'd all heard from the others. He was a widower fairly young and they'd never had children and until Penny he'd been very much alone.

She looked at the huge house. It was far more "rustic" than Schnee manor but no less splendid. More warm, inviting and comforting. Somewhere intended to be safe and call home. Not somewhere cold and to fear, putting up appearances.

It was sad to think about the place being empty. It wasn't that kind of home. She looked at Walter. It was sad to think about him being alone in it. *Even some like him, hasn't had a "happily ever after" storybook life,* she thought sadly. *Our stories for all their differences aren't that dissimilar... yet here is. Trying to get it right one more time... I wonder if I could find the courage to do the same someday?*

Kali had joined them. It was time to start cooking for everyone. She also told Walter he had a "delivery" waiting on the porch.

Walt raised his eyebrow and Neo grinned. He couldn't help himself and chuckled. She was the best kind of trouble... and it was funny seeing her looking like Mystique with her feet up, resting on top of said Mystique all tied up. So this was the ladies little secret ritual... he thought about putting a stop to it... but decided against it. This was something for them to work out amongst themselves and he shouldn't interfere with that.

He kissed Neo on the cheek and she pouted when he pulled back. "Change back then. I want to kiss you," he told her.

She quickly did and hoped up and he kissed her on the lips much more lovingly and with passion. "Good morning, Neo dear."

Neo swept her hand to indicate the trussed and bound ladies... including the one she'd hopped up on to reach kissing Walter. Walt knew she was light as feather but Mystique didn't seem appreciative of being stood upon for some reason. He noted that 3S service blankets had been folded up and placed on the railing. There must have been one over each one before Neo had come out. That was nice of his guys. It was still a bit chilly at night/mornings.

"Are you telling me we should open the "packages" we got in the mail this morning?" He asked with a wink.

Neo grinned as Walt played along with her. She pretend to think about it as she put her finger to her chin thoughtfully and tapped her foot. Mystique grunted around the gag. Walt tried not to laugh. Finally Neo nodded.

Walt did too. "Coffee first I think. Hold on." She grinned as he kissed her again and asked the others if they'd like some too before heading back inside while the trussed and bound ladies made more muffled protest noises.

Having returned with a fresh pot of coffee and four more mugs he began to unbind the ladies. He started with Pirotess and ruffled Ilulu's hair playfully when she got up. Several of the other ladies had gathered around to see. Once she was free he helped her up and handed her a mug. "Welcome home."

She blushed but was greatful that he didn't say anything else, wrapping her hands around the warm mug. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome," he told her as he took one of the blankets and wrapped it about her shoulders.

He repeated the process with each one. He didn't comment or ask, until he was done.

Then all he said was, "You ladies missed dinner. You must be hungry. Care to join us for breakfast?"

He didn't judge them. He didn't berate them. He didn't try to change their minds.

He welcomed them home. He made sure they were safe and tried to see to their needs.

Despite their growling stomachs it looked like one ir two of the others were about to protest but Pirotess shook her head. She had her pride but that was foolish in the face of this mans kindness and generosity. She stepped forward. "Yes. Thank you that's very kind. May I?"

He smiled. "Home is open to you always. Come, let's get you something to eat."

He led her inside and the others followed. He seated them at the table then went into the kitchen.

Walt looked around. He saw Kali and Haruna still working on breakfast but Senko was stirring a large pot humming happily. "Good morning, Senko! You're looking lovely this morning and that smells wonderful!" He patted her head.

Senko blushed but smiled quite happily leaning a little into the head pats! "Good morning Walt! Thats so nice of you to say! Do you really think so?"

Walt nodded. She was beautiful young lady but also still very cute. Especially like this. "I do! You're a lovely lady and look cute in that apron." She blushed a little more as he patted her. "I like seeing you happy. It's hard not to reach out and touch you. Maybe someday you'd let me touch your ears and tail? I'd like that very much!"

Senko froze and gave a nervous laugh. Had she found another "fluff master"? Still he didn't seem obsessed with them either and he was asking like a good boy. She relaxed and even wagged her tail as he kept patting her. He was very good at that! Must come from a life around dealing with animals. Lita herself had said her "masters gentle tail handling was the best!"

Senko thought she'd like to experience that for herself someday. "If you continue to be a good boy, I'll consider it." She smiled playfully, wagging her tail. "In the meantime the Miso soup is almost done. I thought after such a big dinner some of us might like something warm and light. Also it's just the right thing when it's cool outside. I made plenty to put into a thermos for you and Sasha to take to work too! Though maybe I made a bit too much?"

"Really? That's perfect Senko! Like a perfect housewife!" He told her and kissed her blushing cheek. That settled it. He needed to check the lumber they had on hand and pick up any supplies he might need. Too many coincidences. He was definitely building a small shrine this weekend if not sooner.

"Housewife?" Senko blushed as Walter gathered four bowls waving away the maids, he'd handle this. They might be trouble but they were his responsibility. "Oh, deary me! Do you think so?"

Sasha, hearing about the soup thermos, drooled and nodded. "I'd marry you!"

Walt, not paying attention though everybody seemed amused by Sasha again, hurriedly filled the four bowls and brought them out. He set one down in front of each lady starting with Pirotess. "Careful. It's probably still very hot but it should be just the thing to warm you all up!"

Pirotess said, "Thank you, Walter," acknowledging rhat he was personally serving them and the others reluctantly offered their thanks as well. The soup was very hot but also delicious! It wasn’t a heavy, greasy food like so many human dishes were. Dark elves tended to be less picky eaters than their light cousins often are but she found she quite liked this dish! "This is wonderful. Did you make this?"

Walt shook his head. "I'm sure it is, but no. Senko did. But I thought you might like this. I know elven palates are different from human ones."

"That was very thoughtful." She was surprised again, though she realized that she shouldn't be. He was an honest sort of person and thoughtful. She sighed thinking about her conversation with Sienna the otherday. Yes. Very dangerous. This man. This place. These people. The danger of contentment, indeed. She could feel it working on her now. It was a hard enchantment to resist.

He brought them seconds and the others joined them. The others took their cue from Walter. Even those who'd been on the porch. They made no mention of their escape attempt and failure other than to politely welcome them home. As if they'd just returned from a trip. There was no condemnation, no calls for punishment or belittling. Just the simple joy of returned comadrades. The joy of sharing a meal together.

Walt was getting ready for work. He said goodbye to the new ladies then wished the original eight, "Have a good day at training ladies." He kissed each of them Penny, Neo, Pyrrha, Lita and Ahnassi then Kali and Blake on the Cheek. He kissed Sienna on the cheek as well but she grabbed his hand. "Walter... do you think I could have some of your time later?"

He was surprised but nodded right away. "Of course, Sienna. Whatever you want!" He noticed the other girls looking at them intensely. Some of them were not subtle at all. Penny had the worst pokerface and Pyrrha wasn't much better. Neo normally had a great pokerface... but only when she cared too, which she didn't as she gave him a grin and a wink. Blake seemed embaressed at her friends antics and she Kali dragged them away. He could read between the lines.

"Soooo..." he sighed. He wasn't good at this. "Sorry, Sienna. I'm terrible at this stuff sometimes... guess, I'll just say it. Would you like to go on a date with me tonight?"

Sienna was quite red but she chuckled and smiled. "Yes. Thank you, Walter. I'd like that."

"Great- I, mean uh, I would like that too." He laughed. "It's so weird to feel so awkward about it!"

Sienna did too. "It does. I didn't have anything in particular in mind by the way."

Walt nodded. "Me neither... I'm just making this up as I go along!"

They both laugh.

"Want me to take you out somewhere fancy?" He asked.

Sienna smiled. "That sounds really nice... but some other time perhaps. What is the "standard" first date on this world? On Remnant it's usually dinner and a show or a movie... or it used to be...I don't really know myself!" She laughed.

Walt chuckled shaking his head. "That's about the standard here as well... or at least it used to be!" *Come to think of it,* he thought. *That was sort of what Pyrrha and I did at home... and I suppose Penny's first date WAS a dinner and a show though that hadn't been the plan.* "Alright, lets do that then."

Sienna grinned. "Alright! I'm looking forward to it!"

"Great! I'll text you the details," he said. They slowly let go of each others hands. "I'll see you later, Sienna."

She nodded. "I'll see you later, Walt."

He stepped back off the porch and headed towards the truck waving. "Friday." He muttered. "Come up with a list of "movie" or "show" attractions for me to pick from later. Thank you."

(("Of course, Boss. Are we "working" now?"))

He knew what that meant she had something but didn't want to interrupt earlier. He climbed into the truck. "We are. What do I need to know?" He started the truck.

(("Robert Kelly is dead."))

Walt started driving as he wracked his brain not coming up with much. "I take it you aren't talking about the marvel character. Jog my memory, please."

(("No Walter. He was a RD employee. The same one-"))

"I had to talk to about Penny the night of the party! The one who gave me a hard time about buying her! Son of a bitch!" Walt slapped the steering wheel.

(("That's correct, Boss... except the parantage statement. From my investigation's his mother was a fairly "nice" person. His father on the other hand..."))

Walt smirked and nodded. "I retract my epithet and ammend it to "son of a bastard", then."

(("Actually that's quite correct, Boss. Robert Kelly, Sr was-"))

"Irrelevant, Friday. Tell me what I need to know."

(("He was found dead today in his home. Asphyxia from a gas leak is the most likely cause of **** according to the officials. Thankfully his family wasn't home at the time as they'd been visiting his wifes, father's house. You were correct he was sleeping with the "nanny" character he got "for the kids". Apparently Mrs Kelly felt a separation was best."))

Walt nodded. "Wasn't hard to figure out. Folks don't usually put those kinds of mods on a Mary Poppins. Is she?"

(("With the wife and kids. Apparently she really was good with the children and Mrs Kelly only blames her husband."))

Walt nodded. "Of course, she is. This was no accident, Friday."

(("You're correct, Boss. It was a suicide. The security footage shows him disabling the safteys, getting excessively as he wrote out his suicide note. He blames his marital and health problems along with stress at work and..."))

Walt had that sinking feeling. "Go ahead, Friday. Say it."

(("He tangently blames you, Sir. Saying his conversation with you that night, when you threatened him, was what led him to slipping up and getting caught with Ms Poppins and started his whole life spinning out of control."))

Walt sighed. "Horse shit. His life was already fubar. Someone pressured him, probably by threatening his family, into this to not only clean up a loose end and put some stink on me... hold on."

Walt stopped the truck. Usually driving was a good way to get his mind thinking but he got out now and started pacing around it.

(("Boss?"))

"I'm thinking... these things are connected. It's definitely not coincidental but there are too many dissimilarities in how they connect."

"On the one hand we have the attack the other night at home as well as the jokers on the road. They were both sloppy. The attack was a good idea but it's execution was ham handed at best. They could have done some actual damage. Snuck some Titans or Kaiju in but they didn't do that. You can play Space Invaders with their forces indefinitely, it's easy for you, Friday."

"And the guys on the road. One was a semi-pro with some experience but the other was a punk and they screwed up a simple tailing/surveillance job."

"Then there's the casino and now Kelly turning up dead. Both were situations I had either already gotten myself into, or was getting myself into, that someone stirred up a little to make me even more trouble. They didn't cost the "enemy" anything but a little time and possibly money. They were hedged, cautious bets on hands they could afford to lose already because they either weren't theirs, like the Yakuza, or they were pieces they were sacrificing anyway, like Kelly."

"They're completely different when you look at them. One's a sloppy statement piece as subtle as a chid and the others are the calculated bets of a gambler."

Walt smiled as he climbed back into the truck. He started driving again.

"Our enemies command structure is at least two individuals, but likely a team of more, and they have different ideas about how to accomplish their goals. Ideas that sometimes work together but often don't mix well at all. One is a planner and schemer with a sense of irony and possibly cruel humor as he "plays", the other likes making sacrifices just to make their statement. One is trying to play a game of poker in a dimly lit room full of shadows and grins and the other is about as subtle as a child, throwing their toys about, in a tantrum wanting to be "noticed", reaching for bigger and bigger toys to throw."

(("PWBI has requested an interview, Boss."))

"Great,"Walt said. "Just what I need. Who did I get? L, Kudo, Kindaichi, Colombo, Mrs Marples or," he reached under the truck seat and pulled out the cheap plastic mask Diana had given him, held it up and made the voice,"The Batman?"

(("It's one of the Robins actually."))

Walt looks a little disappointed. "Really? Jimbo gets "The Batman" and all I get is a Robin?"

(("Walter, James Gardners case is a missing and/or **** person with suspicious information going on. You were only mentioned in a suicide note. You're barely on the radar."))

"But I'm famous! I'm an important person! I deserve to get "The Batman" too! Or at least Nightwing or better The Question or The Spirit or-"

(("Walter! First, stop holding up that mask and making that voice. Second, you generally hate PWBI "interference". Only getting a cursory visit from a Robin should make you happy. Third, this isn't something for you and James to "play" about. Take this seriously. Fourth, you ONLY want a Batman so you can antagonize him with that mask. Fifth, Robin's are fine-"))

"Ok! Friday," he said sighing. "I get it. Tell Robin I'll be happy to meet with the twerp when I can. They can come down whenever, someone can get them a soda while they wait a few minutes and we'll get them in, out and on their way with some candy or a cookie or something, I guess."

(("Very mature of you, Boss. Nice to see you act your age when it's appropriate."))

"..."

(("Walter?"))

"... Fuck it! I'm bringing the mask, anyway."

[Walter Stark Penny Polendina F.R.I.D.A.Y Neopolitan Pyrrha Nikos Blake Belladonna Kali Belladonna Sienna Khan Willow Schnee Glynda Goodwitch Ahnassi Lifts-Her-Tail Senko Sayoko Shinozaki Roberta Cisneros Haruna Sasha Blouse Ilulu Raven Manami Aiba also with Tsuyu Asui Haruhime Sanjouno The Baroness Demona Mystique Pirotess Lydia Aela the Huntress and Serana and special guest Robin

Will Return In

Getting Settled Pt 3

Coming Soon]