The best kind

When the ladies came out of the washroom Susan Storm was waiting. "Everything alright, Ladies?"

Penny nodded and was about to say something but Pamela surprised Susan giving the other two a one arm hug drawing them all together. "Everything is all good here, Sue."

Susan smiled at the unexpected but positive response and then clapped her hands back to business mode. " Excellent then! Pamela please escort her back to her table and finish taking their order. Diana I could use your help setting up for the evening. We're about to be busy, ladies."

"Yes, Ma'am." "Understood."

Diana gave Penny a wave and hurried off with Susan. While Pamela showed Penny back to her seat.

Walt stood up seeing Penny return. "Is Everything alright, Penny?"

Penny blushed but genuinely smiled at him and then Pamela. "I think It is." She paused a tense moment but when no hiccup came she was relieved. *It must be true! I can be ok. Be brave.* She shyly steped forward and then gave Walt a hug. *This feels good. Safe* "Thank you for waiting for me."

Walt was surprised but happy Penny was feeling better and the hug was nice. *I want to keep her safe. She feels good to hold close like this.*

"Awww" "Look they made up" "That's adorable"

Blushing as they realized they were the center of attention, except for Pamela who was trying to look anywhere but at them, they released the hug and sat down in the circular booth. But Pamela smiled realizing that now they were sitting side by side and holding hands. She decided not to comment on it as she asked for their order watching as they shared the same menu together placing their order. Ordering one appetizer, two, three... four... an entrée, two, three?... f-four?!

"I think that's a good start. We can order more later if need be and look at the desserts menu." "Oh, yes I agree. Oh we will need more drinks though..." "Good thinking. Could you add two more beers for myself and... what would you try this time?" "I'm looking at these but I can't decide which one to get." "Well that's easy. We'll just get both. Pamela can we get one of each of these and I think that'll do for now. Thank you."

"Of course," Pamela scribbled that down on the third sheet thinking *That'll do for now?! I better warn the kitchen we have a couple of extra-dimensional stomachs* "I'll go place your order, have them put a rush on your appetizers and bring you your drinks right away."

"Thank you, Pamela." "You're very welcome."

As soon as they were alone again Walt wasn't sure what to say next and that was when he realized they were holding hands again. *I hadn't noticed before. Is that the second or the third time we've done that tonight? Her hands are surprisingly delicate feeling but there's definitely strength there the way she's holding mine. Oh crud. Should I be thinking about her hands? No... yes... I don't know. Maybe I should let go. No dummy! She's squeezing your hand and she was just crying. If she wants to hold your hand, let her hold your damn hand! What are you some hormonal teenager? Get your act together dammit! You're old enough to- don't you dare finish that thought! Distraction. Any kind of distraction!*

Meanwhile Penny was thinking much the same. *By the Brothers! We're holding hands again. Why does that just keep happening? His hand is so big and rough but it's surprisingly gentle and warm. Didn't Yang say something once about big hands? I can't recall just now. I know I shall ask or look up the information later. I wonder how they'd feel- whoa. No. Don't go there just now brain! Wait. What do I mean "just now"? Do I want to think about that "later"? About how his hands might feel touching me? Touching me later... Touching me where? Oh! Oh, that isn't really a friend thing to do and Walt is my fri-*hiccup*Oh, What is wrong with me? Did he notice that? Do I want him to notice? Notice me. Notice me more! Wait, what? Quick... distraction. Any distraction!*