Disclaimer: I do not own Fringe nor am I associated with Joshua Jackson, Anna Torv, John Noble or JJ Abrams.

The World According to Walter

Walter groaned, pulling the covers up over his head. "Five more minutes," he complained, even as Astrid dragged the bedspread down again.

"Come on, Mr. Bishop. Up and at 'em," she announced, twisting open the blinds so light flooded the room.

Sighing, he reluctantly climbed out of bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "What's for breakfast?" he asked, still sounding grouchy.

"I heard something about fresh strawberries. Come on, let's get you dressed before they're all gone," she promised, raising an eyebrow with a smile. "But more importantly… it's Sat-ur-day…"

Walter's eyes lit up. "Saturday? Oh splendid! Peter and Olivia! I do so miss them since they moved out."

Her smile faltered slightly but she nodded, patting his arm. "I know, Walter. I know."

"Although I don't miss Olivia's things in the bathroom. I never could understand the female persuasion towards…" Astrid shook her head as he walked into the adjoining bath, still muttering to himself.

Half an hour later, she finally got him downstairs, whispering her apologies to Olivia for having kept them waiting. The blond only smiled and squeezed her arm.

"Ah, Peter, my boy!" Walter hugged his son tightly, earning himself a choked laugh.

"Walter, Walter, not so tight," Peter gasped, clapping his father on the shoulder.

Walter pulled away but only to repeat the process with Olivia. She chuckled, kissing his cheek. "Morning, Walter." Reaching behind herself, she pulled the little girl hugging her leg out to stand in front of her. "Say hello to your grandfather, Olive." Tipping her head back, she grinned suddenly and launched herself into his arms. Walter chuckled, hugging her (although not so tightly this time.)

Breakfast passed far too quickly for Walter's tastes and all too soon, Broyles was calling Peter and Olivia away again. They stood, gathering their coats, when Walter posed a question that seemed to spike the tension in the room tenfold: "Before you go, Agent Dunham, is there any news on the last case yet?"

Olivia stumbled over her words for a moment, glancing between Peter and Astrid. "Ah, um, n-no. We've… hit a dead end," she answered finally.

"Ah, well, that's too bad. I found it so interesting. Just imagine: true invisibility! The implications are outstanding," Walter mused, shrugging a shoulder. "Well, it was lovely to see you all." He smiled and everyone relaxed again, saying their goodbyes.

Peter picked up little Olive (Elizabeth Olivia, that is, but Olive had quickly stuck), following his wife, Broyles and Astrid outside. "He seems to have more good days than bad lately," Olivia remarked, sliding her arm through his.

Nodding, Astrid clasped her hands in front of her. "It comes and goes but I agree." She smiled. "He certainly does best when you're all here."

Broyles shook Peter's hand firmly. "We all care greatly about Walter around here. It's good to see there are others that do as well," he murmured gruffly.

"I only wish it hadn't taken me so many years to visit." Peter swallowed hard, glancing down at Olivia remorsefully. Until three years ago, he had never been to see his father.

"All that matters is that you do now," Astrid promised, squeezing his arm with a pleasant smile. "Go on. We'll see you next Saturday."

And so the Bishop family climbed back in the car, leaving St. Claire's behind for another week.

Now there's a plot twist for you: it's all in Walter's head! :D