Tuesday Pt 7 Lodging

"Well here we are ladies."

Kali and Willow followed Walt away from the small aircraft and looked at the cabin. It was bigger than expected. Two stories and built into the side of the mountain it offered incredible views as they were quite high up.

"Spectacular," Willow said taking in the view.

Kali agreed. "The view from home is wonderful but this is amazing... is this the highest cabin, Walt?"

Walt shook his head. "I'm glad you all like it and no. There's a small building that is a little closer to the summit but it's quite rustic looking. Its actually much nicer inside than it looks from the outside but possibly chilly." He was right. This high up there was still quite a bit of snow and the air was considerably cool.

He continued as he led the way. "It's a great spot for skiing or hunting or just getting away with friends. I sometimes let friends come up here and stay for awhile. Chuck and Rog... infact once the Gardners kids got to liking the ranch and playing with "Uncle Hoss" they'd stay with me down there and Chuck and the ladies could come up here for a little private time to themselves." Walt chuckled ruefully. "I used to rib Chuck about that just a wee bit. Trying to make that many ladies happy is a full-time job and now..."

Willow giggled and Kali grabbed his hand as they followed the little lighted path Friday had going from the landing pad. When she looked at Willow she hesitated but seeing Kali nod at her and Walt casually turn his hand in her direction she nodded and took it. She felt him give her a small squeeze. She knew he was a gentleman but was always surprised just how gentle and comforting he could be with such large hands. It was nice.

"Now the shoes on the other foot?" Willow asked smiling.

Walt grinned and laughed. "It sure is! I got me some good natured ribbing coming! But it's fine... they're some of my favorite folks. I consider them kin. I don't know what I ever did to deserve their friendship but they mean the world to me. They helped me through some rough times... and vice-versa! There was this time Dee, er I mean Daisy, well she went through this whole "Metal" phase. Secretly Chuck was tickled but oh did it embaress the kids something fierce! So naturally..."

Willow laughed. "You supported her and them like a good friend, didn't you."

Walt grinned. "Yep. We formed our own little "garage band", even played a few small "gigs". We were terrible... and it was terribly fun. Dee and I still joke about "getting the band back together" from time to time and usually we don't say goodbye or farewell, just "rock on"! We shared a lot of vacations together too. Especially as the kids got older and didn't want to spend time with the adults around. The Pirate adventure was so much fun that we went Space Pirating after that."

Kali remembered from the casino. "And you already had tons of experience with that and ships waiting. So naturally..."

Walt nodded with a grin. "Let's just say we took the opportunity to spice up the kids little adventures. I don't think that particular StarTrek instance will ever be quite the same. Pretty sure Starfleet goes into fits anytime some one mentions pirates."

They laugh but settled down as they got to the cabin. It wasn't anywhere near as big as home but it was a big cabin. It had a rather nice deck area. A few small buildings off to the side. We started pointing things out. Grill area and outside dining that can be set up. A sauna and Kali got excited. "Those are the hot tubs?"

Walt chuckled and nodded. "Yup. That one's the modern kind and got a bunch of features. Friday can turn them on and off and even I got to admit it's convenient!"

Willow was already smiling and pointing to the large wooden tub one. "But that one is your preference isn't it, Walter?"

Walt blinked and nodded. "Yes, it is. But how did you know that?"

Kali and Willow both giggled. "Just a hunch," Willow told him. They could see him heating up the water by hand. Stoking the fires. Putting in the work to relax. It's who he was.

"Well both sound good to me!" Kali stated and Willow quite agreed. "Even the sauna sounds like fun," she added.

The interior had the large spacious greatroom with windows that gave more of that spectacular view. From up here the far off lights seemed even more distant and subdued and when Walt pointed up the nightsky practically filled with stars and color.

Walt left the two ladies there like that while he built a fire for them.

"Friday, status?"

(("Everything is running fine. Links established. Supplies are waiting and stocked including the the things you asked for. Even with the addition of Willow everything should be fine though you may have to make some minor adjustments. Weather should remain clear though most of tomorrow though there's a small chance of activity from a front pushing in on Thursday or Friday. You might see some flurries tomorrow afternoon and evening."))

Walt nodded. "Thank you, Friday. Let me know if we have to change or adjust our plans."

(("Of course, Walter. I do hope that you will all relax and enjoy your brief time away together."))

Walt smiled and nodded. He hoped so too!

He realised something and ran up stairs to quickly make up one of the other nicest rooms farthest from the master one that he and Kali would be using. He was just finishing up as he heard them laughing from the stairs.

Stepping out he waves. "Willow. I think you might like this room!"

She smiles at him and starts approaching. Kali gives him a look and jerks her thumb in the opposite direction. Walt nods on e and she smiles and turns that way. Walt admires her backside as she goes.

Willow smiles at him. "Oh, thank you, Walter. This room is lovely!"

She meant it to. The room was simple but also quite quaint. Antique but simple furniture filled the room. She sees Walt had already made up the bed for her.

He cleared his throat. "Sorry, it's not much-"

"It's wonderful," Willow assured him as she sat and ran her hand over the handmade quilt. "Your wife?" She realized maybe she shouldn't have mentioned her and covers her mouth but Walt laughs.

He shakes his head and sits next to her. "She could sew and honestly some if her friends were into quilting. But she wasn't fond of it. Patch my clothes or fix a button. But she would much rather draw, paint or sculpt." Walt touched the quilt fondly though. "My grandmother made these."

Willow smiled. "She must have been quite the woman."

Walt nodded. "Very special. She loved to cook, sew, tend to the animals, work in her gardens... but most of all she loved family. Seeing it dwindle away over the decades... losing her own children including my father and my mother. Until it was just the three of us. Then grandpa dying. Knowing someday it'd just be me. I think that was her biggest regret. I think she's perhaps the happiest person to have you all here after myself of course."

Willow smiles. "They're not gone to you? The way you talk about them."

Walt chuckles. "Even before all of this and everything changed. I knew that even as a rational man I had seen too many unexplainable things. Then traveling to other realms and realities? Seeing actual ghosts and spirits? Sure. I believe they're "gone but still here" if that makes any sense?"

Willow nodded and looked up into his eyes. "It does to me as well. I always had the feeling father was watching over us. I see a lot of him in Weiss and Winter. Especially Weiss." She shook her head. "They may not be quite as "warm" but they are strong, courageous, determined and they do care about others. A lot of his good qualities."

Walt smiled. He realized that they were awfully close. Their fingers were touching, practically holding hands again... on the bed. She was blushing and he realized that he was too.

He heard Kali call out to them asking about a snack and a drink.

Willow smiled and patted his hand. "We shouldn't keep her waiting."

Walt nodded, smiled and left to go check on Kali in the master bedroom. He knocked at the door. She opened it up smiling. "No need to be bashful Walt."

Walt chuckled. "Not bashful. Careful. I learned it's not nice to disturb a ladies plans."

Kali grins. "Even after I went and disturbed yours myself?"

Walt smiled and stroked her hair. "You didn't. My only plan was to give you the opportunity to do things the way you want. Whether that's alone, or with a friend, clothing "optional" or not... whatever makes you happy is my plan." He kissed her. "Because that's what I want. You happy. Whatever that takes."

Kali kissed him back. "You make me happy, Walt. You're a good person and I want to make you as happy as you make us... we can still be a little "clothing optional" maybe." She smiles. "But first let's all just relax together."

Walt smiles. "I think that's a wonderful idea, Kali!"

They quickly unpacked what little they brought. Kali called Walt over though with a raised eyebrow. He chuckled shaking his head. "Looks like someone forgot something the last time I lent the place out. I'll put it in the "lost and found" and have Friday ask around."

(("Will do, Walter. I'll try to be discreet about it."))

Walt chuckled. "Thank you. Come on let's go."

They went downstairs where Walt made popcorn for them while the ladies opened up a bottle of wine for themselves and a beer for him and prepared some meats, cheeses and crackers. It wasn't long before they were just sitting around talking, laughing and enjoying each other's company.

"That must have been a surprise!" Walt chuckled.

"What did you do then, Willow?" Kali asked grinning.

Willow smiled and said, "I looked at Whitley, in one of Winter's old dresses and my heels and one of his fathers ties looking like a very serious five year old, and I asked him "Whitley, dear. What are you supposed to be?" And he quite seriously told me, "obviously I'm a "business model", mother!"

Walt and Kali laughed. Willow did too. "I told him he was the best business model I'd ever seen! I even took his picture! Weiss had done it of course, poor boy. But it was priceless." She wipes a happy tear from her eye. "So the truth is we did have some good times... admittedly they were mostly when Jacques wasn't around."

Walt smiled. He'd been worried about Kali's suggestion of truth or dare but this had been wonderful so far. Funny stories, embaressing moments and the dares-

"Alright, it's Walt's turn! Truth or dare?"

Walt grinned. "Dare!"

Kali grinned and whispered to Willow who blushed and nodded. "We dare you to dance with us!"

The dares were being intentionally kept friendly and fun. No one wanted to ruin this happy bonding moment.

Walt smiled stood and bowed. "It would be my pleasure."

He and Kali enjoyed a lively little two-step, before Willow requested a waltz which he was happy to do!

Willow was impressed. "You're a very good dancer, Walt. Your wife?"

Walt laughed shaking his head. "My grandparents. They'd make me go to the senior center. You have to be a pretty good dancer if your partner suffers from ailments or infirmities. You need to be graceful as well as gentle and mindful. My wife hated to dance though. Poor dear had two left feet. She knew hiw much I loved it though. She **** me to dance with all of our friends... and she'd try not to get jealous."

Kali laughed from where she sat on the couch. "Was she the jealous type?"

Walt chuckled. "She would claim otherwise and honestly most of the time I don't think she was... but sometimes when out dancing... I'd get a hot earful."

Willow nodded. "No one's perfect. It probably had more to do with her insecurities than you having a good time."

Walt nodded. "It did. But most of the time she was happy. She just... wished it could be her. I did love dancing with her though. And we would at home alone."

The dance wrapped up. "Alright, Kali's turn! Truth or dare?"

Kali smiled at them. "Truth."

Walt thought but Willow beat him to it. "Did you really want a "clothing optional" trip with Walt?"

Walt almost spit his beer while Kali nodded. "Oh, yes! Walt actually said something to the effect in the casino about not having me wear anything. I'm actually very comfortable with my body and I enjoy how he enjoys looking at it. I enjoy looking at his. You saw it, Willow. He's a pleasing specimen, wouldn't you agree?"

Willow blushed but nodded. Walt was blushing too.

Kali grinned and snapped her fingers. "Speaking of, I have a dare for the both of you if you're interested?"

Willow looked a tad worried and Walt raised an eyebrow. "That's not usually how the game is played, Kali."

Kali shrugged. "How about if you both accept I have to go twice? And no penalty if you refuse."

Walt looked at Willow who nodded. "That sounds acceptable but isn't that more of a "suggestion" than a dare?"

Kali smiled. "I don't mind. We're all friends here."

Walt smiled too. "True enough! Alright, Kali. Let's hear your dare."

She smiled. "We have a nice cozy fire and we've enjoyed a few drinks. I dare you two to join me in the hot tub and continue the game."

Willow giggled and Walt laughed. "Alright by me. That really is more of a suggestion. What do you say Willow?"

Before Willow could answer Kali spoke up. "And you let me pick out the suits!"

Walt rolled his eyes. "Not birthday suits and nothing ****."

Kali nodded. "I wouldn't go that far. We're all friends here."

Willow blushed but looked at them. She trusted her friends. She drained her glass. "Very well. Let's go get changed."

Walt nodded. "We'll have to use the other one. The wooden tubs not ready for the season yet and it'd take a while to fill and heat unfortunately." He rose to put some more wood on the fire to keep it going while they were outside. Kali took Willow's hand and they went upstairs. "Walt," she said. "I'll put the suits I want you to wear on the bed. Choose one or not at your discretion."

He chuckled and went to the closet for towels and some comfy robes. The night air was chilly. He put the glasses on and checked. "Friday, please increase the hot tub temperature just a few degrees? Thank you."

(("Certainly, Walter."))

He went upstairs and left two robes outside Willow's room and then went to the master. He looked at the three swimsuits. One was the one he brought. A standard pair of swim trunks. He looked at the other two that he'd certainly never bought and sighed. "Well I don't think I'm wearing a speedo, Kali. Too cool for that." He looked at the middle option. They actually looked like his trunks he brought... minus several inches and shrunk. He sighed. Least he could do was try them on.

While definitely short they were functional and weren't indecent. He shrugged. "If it'll make her happy, why not. I'm more worried about what she'll make Willow wear or pick for herself, to be honest."

He headed out for the tub.

[Walter Stark Penny Polendina F.R.I.D.A.Y Neopolitan Pyrrha Nikos Blake Belladonna Kali Belladonna Sienna Khan Willow Schnee Glynda Goodwitch Zwei 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 Serana and Mission Vao

Will Return In

Tuesday Pt 8

Coming Soon]