Getting Settled Pt 7

"I'm alright. Ribbit."

Walt smiles and nodded holding Tsuyu's hand. "You're better than alright. You're great."

She smiles his concern is genuine. "I should get to the bunkhouse. Ribbit."

"You're not going anywhere until tomorrow." He told her. "That was a pretty nasty blow you took. Medicine is pretty good. But for tonight I want you here in the house where Friday and I can watch over you. If there's an emergency I can treat you here just as good as at the base. The medics said you're good to go but should be watched overnight and resting, just incase. I'm going to do it personally."

"No," Tsuyu says. "You're not. If I agree to stay here the others can watch me too. You're going to go take Sienna for her date. Ribbit."

Sienna shakes her head. "Don't be ridiculous Tsu."

"I'm not. Ribbit" Tsuyu looks at everyone gathered around her, minus Demona and Mystique. Even Baroness and Pirotess are there albeit awkwardly.

Tsuyu has sensors attached to her head and a few other places. Friday is monitoring her vitals. She sternly looks at all of them.

"There's a ton of people here." Tsuyu says. "Some have had medical training. I'm hooked up to monitors and sensors. I don't need everyone ribbiting over me. I'll agree to stay in the house and one or two persons watching me. No more. Ribbit."

Walt nods. "Alright, Tsu."

Tsuyu looks at him. "This wasn't your fault. Don't blame yourself. Ribbit."

Walt disagrees. "No, Tsu. Just like you, she's my responsibility."

Tsuyu smiles. That's one thing she does like about him. "Alright. If I agree to that, you'll go out with Sienna and you'll promise me not to go after Mystique yourself. Ribbit."

Walt's about to protest but Tsu squeezed his hand. "As my friend? Ribbit."

Walt nods and gently strokes her head saying quietly. "Alright. I promise, I won't go after her personally and Sienna and I will go on our date. But Mystique is my responsibility. You have my word."

Walt looks at the others. "I want someone with her at all times. One with medical or first-aid training and Friday access." Everyone nods.

He looks at the two person medic team. "Yall did fine work. Take the doctor back but stay on standby. If Friday sends you the alert you're back here asap."

"Yes, Boss!"

Walt then stands and hugs Pirotess. "Thank you. Thank you for being there for her."

She blushes and nods. "You're very welcome."

He does the same thing to Sasha. "You too. You both found her so quick. Thank you."

Sasha also blushes but she grins and hugs him back. "That's what friends are for! Next time come fishing with us!"

Walt smiles and nods. He steps outside and off the porch. The rage inside is howling as he walks over to the truck. He grabs a beer out of the cooler. Anastasia joins him. She doesn't say anything. Just grabs that beer they were going to drink together.

"You're angry," she states.

He raises an eyebrow. "I am. But I'm more concerned for her... and she's in there worrying about me. But she's figured me out." He sighs.

Anastasia looks at him. "You really won't go after her yourself?"

Walt nods. "I gave her my word... I've played the spy game myself, like you. Lies, betrayals, intrigue and treachery... I hate it... i try to keep that shit out of my personal life. So when I give my word, I keep it."

She smiles. "I hope you enjoy your date. I will help watch her."

Walt looks at her. "You sure? No escape attempt tonight?"

She nods and smiles. "I have medical training and I was already caught tonight." She taps her beer against his. "I can try again another night perhaps... I give you my word. "

He looks at her then nods and watches the medical team rush the doctor back. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome."

"Friday?"

(("Yes, Boss?"))

"Two things. Keep tracking her and keep everyone safe. I doubt she'll come looking for trouble but if she comes anywhere near the others you protect them."

(("It will be done, Walter. And the other?"))

"Tell the patrol teams that I want her delivered safe and sound in the morning to me."

Anastasia felt the evening air grow cooler.

(("Understood, Walter."))

Sienna looked at Walter. "Are you sure we should be doing this?"

Walt shook his head. "I'm not sure of much... but I promised you and now Tsu." He looked at Sienna and took her hand. "As long as you're still up for this we're going on that date, come hell or high water."

Sienna nodded. "I'm in." She smiled. "Don't tell me where we're going though I want to be surprised. Should I dress a certain way?"

Walt squeezed her hand and shook his head. "Nope. My only suggestion would be with whatever makes you comfortable." He looks down at himself. "I'll probably change into a nicer shirt and jeans but dressed more or less like this. Casual."

She nods. She could do that. "Outdoors?"

Walt nods. "A bit. There's plenty of time though. We won't leave for a little bit and there's something I need to do."

She lifts her eyebrow intrigued. "You're not..."

He shook his head. "No. I promised. This is something else. A home improvement project."

She nods. "Text me when you're finishing up?"

"Count on it," he tells her.

She nods and heads back inside. Walt heads for the workshop. He checks his materials and tools he'll need later and loads them into the truck. Then checks the materials they have on hand. He looks at the blueprints Friday and he had worked on together. Then goes to the house.

He finds who he's looking for in the kitchen. "Hi Senko."

Senko looks up wagging her tail. "Oh! Hello Walter. What can I do for you?"

Walt smiles. "Could I borrow you for a bit and ask you to come with me?"

Senko smiles. "Oh my! Are you asking me to go with you before your date with Sienna? How bold!"

Walt chuckled. "It's not like that... unless you want it to be." He winks.

She blushes but laughs. "What is it you need?"

"Construction advice," he says.

Now she looks confused. "I'm not sure I'm the right person to ask, Walt..."

He laughs. "You're the only person to ask, Senko!"

She nods he seems certain. "Alright. Give me a few minutes and I'll join you."

She joins him at the truck with a small bundle and they make their way up a winding trail.

"Are we going all the way up the mountain?" She asked.

He shook his head. "I hope not but I have several possible locations. I'd prefer one of the ones closer to home and easier to get to though. Ultimately you're the expert."

He stops the truck at a spot that levels out. He gets out and opens her door for her. He leads her down a path that opens up into a clearing. "Well what do you think of this spot, Senko?"

Senko looks around. It's actually a pretty nice spot in general. It looks down over home a bit. The air is nice and there's a good feeling to the spot. "It's a lovely spot in general. It looks just right for picnicking or spending time in. It has a nice feeling. Is this a special place?"

Walt shakes his head. "Yes and no. There's nothing special about it in particular but this was my special spot as kid. I'd come up here and camp or read comicbooks. Build snowforts in the winter. When I got older it was my place to "get away" and do thinking or read books. It always felt special to me so I thought maybe it was special enough. It's not too far from the house and if I build it over there it'll get sun-"

Senko holds up her hand she can tell he's excited. "Hold on, young man. Perhaps you should tell me what it is you're building first."

"Oh," walt says realizing he hadn't said. "Sorry Senko. I'm building you a shrine. I thought you might like one if I built it myself. I don't want you to live here but I wanted to- whoa!" He takes out his bandana. "I'm sorry Senko. I didn't mean to make you cry." He dries her eyes. "If it's a bad location or idea..."

Senko hugs him happily. "It's a wonderful idea and the fact you came up with it yourself and you want to put it in your special place makes me incredibly happy! You're a very kind and sweet young man!"

Walt smiles and strokes her head. "It doesn't have to be here. I want it to be wherever it would make you happiest. I want you to feel at home here." He chuckles. "I know how to build it..." he shows her the blue prints for a small shrine. "But I have no idea what is best or proper for the dignity you deserve. Sorry it's not some grander thing but I thought if I built it myself..."

She nods. "That means far more. Infact it's one of the most important parts... could I be... selfish and ask for two?" She asks shyly.

Walt laughs. "I'll build you a dozen if you like!"

She shakes her head, "Two is plenty. I'd like a miniature one at the house. That way I can link them! Though if you build one at the base I can do that too." She holds up her hands showing a very small size.

Walt nods. "That shouldn't be a problem at all! Are you sure one that size is okay?"

She nods. "Actually your propsed one here is much too large."

They look at the blueprints discuss features. Senko convinces him to make it even smaller and simpler. She shows him the ideal location for it and the gates and how they'd work. He immediately gets to work. Measuring and staking it out where everything will go and the other preparations.

It turns out the bundle she had was snacks and tea for them. When Walter called it quits they ate them together.

"You're certain you want to do this," she asked.

He nodded. "You've already brought so much happiness to our lives. I want you here, Senko. I want you to know you're appreciated and loved by us. I want this place to be a home for you. Always."

He looks at his hands. "I've received many blessings in my life..."

Senko blushes and nods "Yes. I've heard and it was something I had sensed about you when we met... I had no idea how many though..." she sats quietly.

Walt purses his lips. "Ahnassi?"

Senko nods. "Ahnassi. She didn't go into "exact" details but she talked about them in general and..."

Walt nodded. "... and more detail on some than others... boy howdy... my very, special friend probably went over only the embarrassing ones... bet she didn't mention the good ones or the bad ones either."

Senko giggled as she looked at him. "She might not have. Which ones are your favorite then?"

Walt smiles at her. "You mean other than you?"

Senko blushes a little and wags her tail. "You have quite the tongue young man!"

Walt laughs. "I'll choose to take that as a compliment. To answer your question my favorites are the ones that actually help people. Make them happy or help bring them happiness and my least favorite are the selfish ones that only affect me... well actually some of the "dark" ones are a significant pain sometimes."

Senko smiles. "I was right about you... you're a very nice young man. You like helping people and you have a generous heart."

Walt blushes now but smiles. "I don't know about all that but I suppose I have my moments. As I was saying, I've received many blessings but you're the only one that's come home with me. I want you to know how important and welcome you are here. That you'll always have a home here. Always."

Senko nods and rests her head on his shoulder. "If you behave, I'll let you touch my ears."

Walt nodded and pet her head first keeping her relaxed. Then slowly and gently he stroked the fur of one ear, then the other. He payed particular attention to what she seemed to enjoy and what she didn't. She seemed to like gentle stroking and light scratching, especially around the base. She got nervous when he touched the edge of her ears, so he stayed away from the inner ear. Must be sensitive.

Senko was in heaven. The others had been right. His touch was the best! And like a good boy he behaved himself even though he found some weakpoints. Infact she even let him play with a few of those like the tip of her ears, he was so good! She fell asleep.

Walt smiled at her. She was a lovely young woman but she had this adorable side to her too. He let her rest awhile before he carried her back to the truck. Loading up his things he looked at the site. It wouldn't take long and he planned to do as much of the work as he could himself.

It was something he enjoyed. Building and creating something. Doing something for others. It was all to easy to be a negative person and be destructive. He was only human. He wasn't immune. But he liked it better when he could be positive.

He saw Tsu's reasoning. Today had been a mostly good day. Don't ruin it by making a bad moment worse. Deal with tomorrow's problems, tomorrow.

He climbed back in the truck and took Senko home. He laid her on a couch and kissed her forehead. He checked on Tsu before texting Sienna.

"I'm fine, Walt." Tsu said. "But thank you for caring. Ribbit."

He looked at Penny who was sitting with her. "Do not worry, Master. With Friday's help and the training I am nursing ready!"

Feeling better already he kissed her. "I don't doubt it." *Penny herself is good medicine,* he thought. He squeezed their hands then walked upstairs to clean up and get ready.

As soon as he left Senko sat up. She looked mildly frustrated.

Tsu and Penny looked at each other then Senko. "Oh, you're awake. Ribbit."

"We are sorry if we woke you, Senko," Penny said.

"That man... he's an exceptionally good boy but he's not playing fair!" Senko stated her ear and tail twitching in frustration. "He hasn't let me pamper him yet! I thought I had my chance and he put me to sleep!"

Tsuyu and Penny looked at each other, then her and blinked... then laughed.

[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

Getting Settled Pt 8

Coming Soon]