Settle Up Pt 6

"It's so sad!"

Walt nodded and was drying Penny's eyes. They'd actually made it through the first couple of seasons songs but the video clips as the show took a darker turn had been hard to watch. "I know. I feel the same way watching that happen to you-"

Penny shakes her head. "No. *sniffle* that is hard to watch *snort* but poor Pyrrha! It's one thing to talk about it but another to see it *blows her nose* and poor Neo and Yang and Blake and..."

Walt just hugged her as she let it all out. Penny seeing her friends ending and the others unhappiness had affected her as bad if not worse than her watching her first "****". She even felt bad for Roman now that she and Neo were so close. "I'm sorry Penny. Maybe this was a bad idea. There's a reason why I haven't had yall sit down and watch each other's stories together. I couldn't do that to you, Pyrrha, Sienna or Sasha. Also Roberta, Sayoko, Blake, Willow, Glynda, Manami, Ilulu or any of the others with sad and painful parts. The thought of each of you going over and over those things with each person and again everytime we find the others is too sad. It's different if you all want to talk about them with each other or look them up on your own individually but yall shouldn't have to be subjected to that over and over. That'd be cruel."

Penny nods. "I knew about those things of course... but watching it like that? Seeing those things happening to friends? You're right Walt. It would be cruel to go over everyone's pain and loss, reliving it again and again."

Walt looked up. Their time was about up. "Sorry. Maybe this was a bad idea and I should have-"

Penny shakes her head. "No, Walt. I asked for this and you indulged me. You even warned me about how it might go... and now I am happy."

Walt blinked. "You're happy?"

Penny smiled and nodded. "It just goes to show that as strange as the circumstances are here we do have our second chances! I know it's a little unrealistic to expect everyone to get a better ending and find happiness here but it IS possible... and I want to try for that very, very much!" She held his face looking into his eyes smiling. "And I want you to be as happy as possible too!"

Walt smiled too. "And that's what I want for you and the others too, Penny!" He kissed her.

The little red light above the door blinked. Their time was up. "I can get us an extension to our time?"

Penny shook her head and smiled. "No. I think you're right. That was enough karaoke for one night. Sorry if I ruined the mood."

Walt squeezed her hand and helped her up, wiping and kissing her face. "You didn't ruin anything. It might have been sad but I treasure anytime we can spend together, Penny."

Penny smiled and nodded. "I feel the same way, Walt!" She gave him another kiss and they excited the booth.

Walt signed up for a membership card as Penny had a conversation with Clark. It had been fun in it's own way and maybe some of the others might enjoy coming here sometime. He made sure to leave "Clark" a glowing review in the comments section.

"I hope you enjoyed yourself, Miss," Clark said.

"I did enjoy doing the karaoke. Thank you, Clark!" Said Penny. "Do you enjoy music too? You must to work here."

Clark smiled and nodded. "I quite enjoy show tunes and musicals myself!... uh! W-When I'm not listening to the heavy rock and hard metal, that is! Heheheh..." Walt tried not to laugh as he finished filling out the registration as he listened in on the sweetest former robot girl and the alien boy scout pretending to be dark and edgy's little conversation.

They waved goodbye as they left. The weather appeared to be clearing up a bit. He offered Penny his arm. "The weather looks a bit more promising now. So for later on at the movies it's going to be a little different. There's an old fashioned drive-in theater that's just opening up for the season. We'll be able to watch classic movies from inside the truck. I was thinking we could either go do something else now and then pick up food for that or we can eat now and then get snacks at their concession stand. What do you think, Penny?"

Penny smiled. "Actually I made us some simple sandwiches and snacks in that bag I had earlier since you said we'd be "out"! So I think that would work well for snacking and watching movies in the truck!"

Walt grinned. "I think that's just perfect Penny! So would you like do something else now and do that plus concessions or go get dinner now?"

"It has been a fair bit of activity today and I think-" Penny is interrupted by noises from her stomach and her face goes a little red but it's immediately followed up by Walt's stomach voicing it's opinion on the matter and agreement with her stomach. They both look at each other and laugh!

"It is just like our first date again!" Says Penny amused.

"Boy howdy!" Says Walt between laughs. "It sure is! I suppose that answers that question. Let's go get something to eat!"

(("I don't think it's cause for alarm Walter but there's a minor situation at the truck. Shall I have Alpha team handle it or-"))

Walt can see the "trouble" up ahead. "No, Friday. Let's not make a situation or scene. Locate the nearest LEO though and attract their attention but don't cause any alarm either and do not emgage defenses." He patted Penny's hand. "No matter what these guys say don't get mad. That's what they want and they're not worth it."

Penny nodded. "Alright, Walt. I don't understand the problem but I will do my best to not get upset. Why is that one man kicking the truck?"

"Good question, Penny. Let's go find out." Walking up to the group of people standing around the truck, one if whom was kicking the bumper, he cleared his throat. "Excuse me, folks. Do you mind not damaging my vehicle?"

Turning to face him with sneers on their faces he sees the "Prime" party slogan T-shirts, buttons and patches. The one in the "Prime First Forever" had been kicking his "I'm a proud Terra-ist!" and "3S" Bumper stickers. *Great,* Walt thought. *Just what every date needs. Political bull shit. The one thing Earth Primers and Prime Earthers can agree on... and one of them's from Prime First so we can add a hate group too.*

"Look fellas, here's the character lover now!"

"Out on a "date" with your property? Disgusting. Don't treat things like real people."

"Hey what can you expect from a free thinking radical!"

Walt knew that last was supposed to be an insult but it was such a nice compliment he couldn't help turning to the man and saying, "Thanks!" While that confused their simple minds he intentionally bulled his way through them to open Penny's door for her. Helping her into the truck with a "stay here" to which she nodded. She understood that these folks were saying some of the same things as the protestors had.

(("Boss, Clark has called for law enforcement reporting a "disturbance outside" officers arriving shortly. You're also drawing civilian attention."))

"Thanks, Friday," he said walking around to the drivers side. They were starting to draw a crowd... maybe they could just leave. Of course they were waiting for him.

"Hey! You bumped into us!"

"Yeah! I think you owe us an apology!"

"Don't they teach you no manners where you're from?"

Walt smiled. "Didn't." He sees the blank stares. "I think you meant to say "didn't they teach you any manners". You used the wrong negative and too many of them in your query." More blank stares. "A query is a question."

(("LEO on the scene, Boss."))

The man gets angry now. "If you don't like the way I speak then go take your ass to another world, stinking character loving, Terra-ist!"

Walt shrugged. "I'm honestly sorry you feel that way folks... but I think not. I'm willing to bet I'm older than any of you and as a veteran I fought for this world and the rights you're proudly flaunting. You're free to your opinions just as I am mine... but I was here first. I'm not going anywhere. Courtesy would dictate that you should respect that and if anyone should find another world it be you. But let's say bygones be-"

Walt ducked the man's swing and his fist hit the lamp post behind Walt. He caused a pretty good dent so he'd obviously been enhanced to be strong. Still Walt was certain his hand was broken as he howled.

The other two rushed him. Walt waited to the last second and then bent down to "check" the first man where he knelt clutching his fist. The second man couldn't arrest his movement and careened tumbling over Walt to crash into a trash can upside down, his legs kicking wildly in the air. Walt "helped" the first man stand up asking him, "are you okay, son?" This caused the first man's head to collide with the thirds face as he came charging in. Walt spun out of their way as they then crashed into their friend stuck in the trash can.

Walt shook his head. "You fellas aren't very graceful. Maybe you should consider taking some dance lessons when you're done cracking some books and polishing up on your etiquette? 3S would be happy to help with that if you want to actually learn. We have the best instructors."

Penny laughed and so did many of the people in the small crowd they'd gathered. The law enforcement officers pushed through the crowd and broke up their impromptu show. Looked like a pair of officers teamed up with with a Nicholas Angel and Danny Butterman. They took everyone's statements and reviewed the footage while writing it up for their report.

"That was amazing!" Said Danny making movements and sound effects. "Wacha! Oooh! Crash!"

"Thank you, Danny," said Nick as he rolled his eyes. "Reviewing of surveillance cameras and bystanders footage as well as eyewitness accounts and your own statement, you didn't physically touch any of the would be attackers to intentionally cause harm. Would you say that is correct, Mr Stark?"

Walt nodded. "I only had contact with them two times, Officer Angel. Brushing past as they were loitering around and striking my vehicle and that one tripping over me as I saw to his friend who tried to strike me. I do believe his hands broken from where he struck the lamppost and requires a trip to the emergency room."

"He'll be stuck using Lefty Loosey and her five sisters for awhile, bloody wanker!" Said Danny grinning.

Nicholas sighed while Penny asked Danny to explain, which he was happy to do! Walt nodded and patted Nick's shoulder in sympathy. They were an odd pair.

Nick very briefly smiled before going back to being all business again. "Well I see no reason to detain you or Ms Polendina any further Mr Stark." He hands him both of their cards... Danny always misplaces his.

"Thank you officers Angel and Butterman." They shake their hands.

"Mr Stark?" Walt sees that they've been recorded by quite a few people. "Could we get a couple statements for our channel viewers?"

"Live long and **** be with you." Said Walt. "Be good to your parents they've been good to you. With great power, you know the rest."

"Could I get a picture?" Asks one lady and her kid. Walt looks at Penny who nods and smiles. "Sure one picture should be fine." Walt winks. They let several of them take pictures with them. Some are very typical fan photos but others are just fun and silly mugging for the camera.

"Sir, does this change your political stance at all?"

Walt laughs. "Not even the slightest. This is the usual bull roar every campaign season. I'm a proud "Terra" supporter. I can go on and on about how we're already traveling about the stars and beyond to other realms and dimensions of reality and how we need to wake up, but it's nothing everyone hasn't heard before. In the end it's your decisions and votes that matter not mine or anyone else's. As long as people think and vote for themselves we'll muddle through like we always do!"

"Anything to the 3S critics?"

"Come on down and take a class! From basic firearms instruction and cooking to xenobiology and yodeling, we've got the best experts to instruct you or help you in any field or intrest!"

"Anything you want to say to groups like "Prime First" or the liberation groups?"

"Not especially," he said.

"Why didn't you let Penny protect you?"

Walt looked at Penny and she looked at him. "Because I can handle myself and she's not a 3S character asset. She's mine and I will protect her," he stroked her face. "And I love her." He kissed Penny. He didn't care that they were being watched. That the whole world's would see this.

Penny knew that Walter was taking a stand... but that stand was that he didn't care what anyone else thought. The only thing he cared about was her. He loved her and just declared it to everyone! She kissed him back and when they parted she said, "and I love him!"

(("Congratulations you two. You've both just gone viral."))

"Everyone... take a look at this!"

Manami and Neo start showing clips from channels online of Walt and Penny. Walt's whole confrontation with the would be assailants. Walt and Penny kissing. Declaring their love.

[Then Walt turning and saying, "And I love all my characters at home too! They're the best thing in my life. Each and everyone of them. Friends, family and more. I love you all." He turns to Penny who nods and they both turn back to the camera together. "We love you!"

"Penny how do you personally feel about being owned?"

Penny smiles and looks at Walt. "I can't speak for other Penny's and their situation... but I think the day Walter bought me was one of the best in my entire life!"]

The news media has begun picking up the story late but quick to cash in buying rights to air clips and also showing the previous footage of the protests and the Q&A session and interview with April O'Neal. One commentator said, "When asked what they planned to do next Mr Stark responded."

[Walt still holding Penny. "I'm taking my lady love out to eat." He brushes her hair from her face. "Where do you want to go tonight, Penny?"

Penny looked thoughtful as she cleaned Walters collar. "I want to go back to the SHH but there are still so many places and things I haven't tried yet... Shire Burger was excellent! And Ninja Turtle Pizza is great! Walter doesn't like the clown places like Joker Burger or "that other one"... oh, how about RWBY Thursday?"

Walt nods, "Done! Happy trails folks!" and opens the passenger door for her then climbs in the drivers side and they take off. The picture freezes on the two of them in the truck and the "I'm a proud Terra-ist" and "3S" Bumper stickers.]

"Stock in the previously struggling RWBY Thursday restaurant chain jumped by a significant amount after Ms Polendina's statement," said another news anchor. "As did Shire Burger and the popular Ninja Turtle Pizza. Speculation that the "SHH" might be referring to the Super Human Hideaway restaurant and nightclub saw a surge in it's popularity as well as it's sibling Hidden Kunoichi Village, Monster Girl Grove and parent company Characters Culinary International. Stark Strategic Solutions opinion approval poll hit a new high of 97% and stock in related companies RealDreams and interestingly Reintegration Corporation rose significantly when Ms Polendina commented..."

[Penny smiling at the camera. "3S is a wonderful thing. I've learned so much and made such great friends with so many instructors and personnel. It might sound strange but I think RealDreams is doing good things, making the impossible possible and Rein Corp is amazingly fascinating! They do really great work!" She pumps her fist. "Keep working hard everybody!"]

Everybody is laughing or smiling. "Friday tell Ahnassi what all this means?" She asked.

(("Walter and Penny turned a bad situation into a good one and went viral.")) She explains showing a man speaking to kids in Japanese one wearing a cowboy hat and the other dressing like Penny saying "Salutations!" (("3S will likely see increased business in everything from hiring instructors to babysitters and all the companies and businesses Penny mentioned are showing an increase in popularity, with the exception of clown themed restaurants. The "Terra Movement" climbed from 13% to 17% in the polls. Mustard will likely rise in popularity as a condiment thanks to Walter having some on his collar and the price of Penny Polendina merchandise is currently on the rise. All of these things are likely temporary for now, time will tell, and the bad news is that the groups that hated us before are actively denouncing Walt and Penny but according to my predictions they aren't gaining much additional support either."))

Pyrrha blushed. "And they announced to the world's that they love us... I wonder if this is a little how my mom felt after my "win" interviews. It's very sweet!"

The others nod. Blake shakes her head. "Well we know one other thing..."

Kali looked at her daughter. "What's that dear?"

Blake nodded. "Whoever it is after Penny and any of the rest of us... Walt just declared he'd protect her and us and threw a gauntlet at them!"

The others nod.

In a darkened room lit only by sputtering sparks of smashed displays, terminals and other equipment a sole female stands amidst the carnage in the gloom.

"Fine... if they "love" each other..." a sole amber eye lights up the darkness with flame as she walks on tinkling glass and exits. "... I'll use that love to hurt them..."

[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

Will Return In

Settle Up Pt 7

Coming Soon]