Friday Dawn

"...and this is another old friend and companion of mine, Curie. She will be joining us and providing her medical knowledge and expertise to all of us."

Curie waved and said with her French accent, "'Hello! It is a pleasure to meet you all! I am hoping we shall be doing the "getting along" and become good friends!"

"Salutations, Curie!" Penny said excitedly... again.

During and after breakfast he introduced ED-E, Ada, KL-E-O, P.A.M. and Curie to the others. Penny had been thrilled with meeting all the other droids and robots as well. But Curie was a bit like her.

"It is wonderful to meet you!" Penny told her smiling and taking her hands. "I hope that we can also become very good friends!"

Penny was unique in her world. And while Friday, the droids, robots and now Curie were different from her they all had personalities! They were individuals just like her! More than the sum of their parts.

Walt was happy too as the ladies excepted each of his old friends and new household and welcomed them as family members... well most of them.

"Another machine?" Mystique commented. "Are you somekind of technology fetishist?"

Walt and even some of the others were about to say something but KL-E-O spoke up. "I'm all woman, sweetheart. Likely more than you can handle!"

"I predict that your statement is 98.17643529% calculated to try to be upsetting on purpose but I doubt it's efficacy by an almost equal amount," P.A.M said.

Ada agreed adding, "It's unfortunate that you seem to feel that way as the majority seem to be readily accepting of us and vice-versa. Perhaps you will change your mind in time."

ED-E chimes in by playing "Lonesome Town" while T3-M4 chirps and whistles.

Sergeant RL-3 queries, "What is your major malfunction, maggot? There's no need for that kind of talk and attitude in this man's army!"

HK-47 simply sighs. "Meatbag problems."

The others giggled as the newest members piled on her but Walt shook his head and stepped up placing a hand on her shoulder. "Alright that's enough. Mystique and everyone else is free to their own individual opinions. That being said do try to get along."

Everyone signals their acknowledgement and some even apologize. Mystique is surprised that he'd defended her. So much that she doesn't even manage to comment on the friendly shoulder patting before he walks away.

Another surprise for everyone was Raven kissing Walt. She'd immediately been bombarded with questions and congratulations which were embaressing and made her blush. She and Walt explained their adventures yesterday. Manami was most upset... it would have been great to have gotten it on "film"! She immediately asked Friday to give her as much "footage" as she could gather together for her.

"It's a majorly missed opportunity!" She said. "We could have gotten the story out there before the media! We can still slap something together though while it's hot! I need to work quickly!" She whipped her camera out. "Walt what was it like battling a Hulk?"

Walt scratched his cheek. "Greenish?"

She sighed shaking her head. "Please come up with something better than "greenish"... and don't say "angry", either!" Walt nodded as she changed tack and turned to Raven. "How was it working with 3S and PWBI to take down escaped prisioners alongside Walt?"

"Uhh... it was alright," she said. "Everyone was pretty professional."

Manami sighed again as the others softly chuckle. "You're almost as bad as he is."

Neo tapped her shoulder. [Let's give them sometime to prepare and get "into it" first]

Manami nodded. "You're right of course. You two we're going again later. Please get into your "hero" roles! Tsu, coach them!"

"Ugh," Walt and Raven said in unison making the others laugh.

"Come on, heroes," said Tsuyu leading them away. "It's not my favorite part of the job either but let's ribbit about interviews for a bit. First, Walt have you decided on your hero persona and name yet? And don't ribbit, "Batman"."

Walt blinked. "I wasn't aware that I needed one. I'm not doing that!"

"Too bad "Lone Ranger" is out," Raven said. "That'd be a good fit."

"But-" Walt protested.

"Not necessarily," Tsuyu said. "It's a classic so it has the appeal but not a lot of younger fans would recognize it. But I agree. We shouldn't use it. But we can get derivative. What do you think of Lone Rider? Last Ranger? High Plains Froppy? Ribbit."

Raven looked at her. "Is that last one for you? Are you trying to workshop your own name while we do this?"

Tsuyu nods. "Just a little. There's potentially hundreds or thousands of "Froppy"s out there now. I realized the otherday I need to think about seizing on individuality of my "brand" you know?"

Raven looks surprised. "That's a good point, Tsu! Maybe I need to think about that too..."

Walt sighed as they dragged him away giving up. If you can't beat them... "I nominate "Hopalong Froppy", then."

Tsuyu smiled.

"... and it was a pleasure to be of service. If I'm proud of anything it's that none of the parks patrons or any bystanders were harmed thanks to 3S, PWBI and local emergency responders timely efforts. In the end, that's the most important thing!"

Seeing them give him the sign he said, "Happy trails to you folks!" He turned Teddy and rode off aways.

"Aaand that's a wrap!" Manami Shouted. "Much better! And we had a little bit of the sunrise behind you! It looks fantastic! Riding off into the sunset would have been better but I'll take what we can get!"

Walt trotted back. "Glad you're happy. It still feels unnatural to me."

Neo claps smiling. The others join in.

"You're sure you won't change your mind about the "hero" thing? Maybe a small eye mask? Ribbit." Tsuyu asked.

Walt shook his head dismounting. "I'm just me. I don't need that other stuff."

Manami nodded. "Well it works. This will be good for the channel and 3S as well since you don't want anonymity... and some heroes have used their own names and made it work before."

Walt sighed. "I honestly don't care about the "hero" stuff but as you said it's good publicity on a number of levels."

Manami smiled happily. "You may not care about it but I know some folks will. Including myself. You're a natural at this stuff when you get into it and..." she blushed. "Thank you. You're my hero and I think you're wonderful!"

Neo smiles and nods her head. Penny and Pyrrha do too. She gently takes the camera from Manami as Penny and Pyrrha lift her up to sit with Walt on horseback blushing. "What-"

Blake grinned. "Go on and ride off you two!"

Walt chuckled and wrapped an arm around Manami. "Hold on tight."

Manami does as he turns Teddy around and they ride off... together!

She's embarrassed and nervous. They're so close. She's practically in his lap as they bounce in the saddle. His big, powerful arm wrapped protectively around her pulling her body tightly to his. His strong body rising to push against hers to cushion their ride.

But that quickly passes. It's too exciting and thrilling... and just fun and wonderful! There is just the three of them in this moment. Her, Walter and the horse "Teddy". Enjoying the thrill of moving together. A morning ride! Trying to chase and become the wind for awhile! Happy and free together!

They ride like that for awhile before Walt slowly settles them down to a slower pace and turns them back towards home. "I almost wish we could just keep going."

Manami's heart skipped. "You too? I mean, you do?" She blushed.

Walt nods. He'd heard. "Me too and I do." He couldn't see it on her face but her ears looked very pink. "Manami... you're a wonderful woman. You do so much for us and I want you to know that we... that I appreciate you. I think you're amazing in your talents but also your courage."

She shook her head. "B-but I'm not!"

Walt smiled and gently squeezed her in his arm. "Courage is being afraid and scared and acting anyway. I see you. I notice. You're amazing."

She's so happy. Her hero is proud of her. Thinks she's "wonderful" and "amazing" as a "woman"... and "courageous". She nods to herself and grips his arm tightly. "Walt?"

"What is it, Manami?" He asked.

"I l-like you!" She stated thinking, *Dummy he knows that much if he's always watching you!*

Walt nodded and stopped Teddy. He knew what she meant. He turned her towards him a bit so he could see her face. It was there in, in her eyes. He knew. It was obvious how she felt.

The question was could he live up to those expectations for her? She was sweet in her way and earnest and while a little problematic about certain things he felt she was a wonderful person with an incredible heart. He brushed a strand of her hair out of her face. She's actually very cute and lovely in her own way and I...

"I'm glad. Because I like you too. Infact I'm incredibly fond of you... I think I'm falling in love with you, Manami. Would you mind... if I took you on a date sometime, please?"

Manami was momentarily stunned! He'd confessed first! To her! She thought her heart might explode as happy tears welled in her eyes! "P-please do! I think... I love you, too!"

Walt smiled. He would live up to making her dreams come true or die trying. She deserved no less and he was genuinely falling for her. He wiped her tears away and then slowly bent down and lightly kissed her.

Manami was ecstatic! He kissed her. On horse back! After confessing his feelings for her! Her hero! It was so romantic! It was a dream come true! And despite how sweet it was there was definitely passion underneath that kiss! He wanted to go slow with her if she wanted. He wouldn't mind at all. She was as safe with him as she wanted to be!

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back slowly. She also desired him but she wanted to savor this moment. This perfect moment! Draw it out as long as possible.

Walt did too. He kissed her and didn't want to stop.

(("I do hate to interrupt, you two. Shall I cancel today's appointments, plans and classes?"))

They slowly broke apart. "To be continued?"

He nodded happily and kissed her softly again. "Definitely, to be continued." He nudged Teddy and they slowly walked back. "I'm not sure exactly when but I definitely want to continue that!"

Manami nodded and lay her head against his chest listening to his heart. "Me too!" She said softly but determinedly. "Maybe after the wedding?"

Walt nodded. "Definitely, if not before."

"I see! You also had a previous relationship, like Ahnassi did."

"Oui," Curie told Penny. "Walter said to talk with you all about it first. Specifically with you. I admit your proposal is intriguing to me!"

Penny smiled and took her hand. "I am so glad to hear that, Curie! I want you to be happy too! If you'd like to join us in our happiness, I think that would be wonderful!"

Curie smiled. Penny was a delight! "I think I would like a little time to prepare myself for that. Get to know the rest of you a bit better. But I do like the idea!" She looked in Walter's direction smiling. "He is still the wonderful man who changed my life. The person I fell in love with." She looked around at the others and then Penny. "I can tell. He is doing the same with many here as well, non? That is his gift! It makes him a very special person and friend."

Penny nodded. "It is. Walt has a way of bringing people happiness. Coupled with his love of second chances and if someone is receptive to it he brings happiness into the lives of others. Not his happiness but their own." She smiles. "I want to gather that happiness and the love that blossoms from some of it and surround him with it. Because seeing that happiness in others, loving others, is what makes him happiest... and he deserves the same. Like a garden."

Curie smiled and squeezed her hand. "And a gardener. It is a beautiful idea and I like it very much! Oui! I wish to become a part of this. Give me a short time to "bloom"?" She laughed.

Penny grinned and joined in as well but gave Curie a hug. "Yes! Of course my friend!"

Curie smiled hugging her back. "You know this is one of my favorite things about being changed... hugs are..."

Penny nods and squeezed her just a little bit more. "Hugs are warm! They're one of my favorite things as well!"

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

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Friday

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