Their meetings continued for six months. Little by little Walter seemed to open up to her. But not much. It was after one of her lunch meetings with Walter, and she had been grinning ever since. Her boss, Anna the elderly owner of the shop, pulled her aside. She smiled at Emma kindly.
"Who is your beau, little Emma?" She asked.
"My beau...? Oh! No I don't have a boyfriend, ." She replied.
"Ah-ah-ah. I know what a young woman in love looks like. You have been beaming. Who inspires your beautiful smile?" She grinned at Emma.
What did she mean? Who inspires her smile...? Well Walter of course but-but...
Oh.
Oh no...!
Anna watched with a sly smile as Emma turned bright red.
"Oh my god!" She hid her face in her hands.
She couldn't have fallen in love with Walter! He was her best friend but he was still a mystery to her. And he was probably homeless, although she didn't think that was important. He was at least twice her age! Not that she cared but he surely would. He definitely thought of her as a kid, especially with her happy-go-lucky attitude. Oh god, how embarrassing! She was like an infatuated child!
She felt tears begin to stream down her face. Anna stopped smiling.
"Oh honey, no-no, it's okay. I am sorry." Anna apologized.
"I can't love him! He won't want me!" She cried out
"Of course he will, you are a beautiful, sweet, smart young woman. He has eyes doesn't he!" Anna tutted at her
"Oh you don't understand!" she despaired
"Perhaps I don't, why don't you take the rest of the day off little Emma?" She spoke guiltily.
And so she did.
When she got home and into her room she nearly choked. Her room was filled with Rorschach merchandise. A wave of dread washed over her. Rorschach was her first love, she had always maintained the idea that they would meet again. She felt as though she was betraying him by falling in love with Walter
She was torn. In the end she decided to ignore her feelings and try to go back to the way things were before with Walter. 'Good luck' she thought to herself.
The next day when she returned to work it was one of the days where Walter didn't show. She felt guilty at the relief she felt. And one of her coworkers at the shop was sick, so she had to cover her shift. She didn't get off of work until 10:30pm. The neighborhood was relatively harmless during the day. But now that it was dark, the predatory criminals began to emerge.
She had just locked up the shop and was taking out the trash in the back alley. She heard the thump of someone landing behind her. She froze in fear.
"What are you doing here? S'Dangerous." A rough voice spoke.
She was flooded with relief, it was Walter! She turned around and saw Rorschach's shifting face. Oh, not Walter. Then she grinned. He was really here again!
"Rorschach!" She smiled up at him warmly. Then she reached out and rested her hand on his covered cheek. He froze, but didn't push her away like she expected, just lowered her hand from his face.
"Go home." He spoke seriously.
"Okay I live close by-" he cut her off abruptly by covering her mouth with his hand. A gang of about five men walked past the alley. When they were gone he huffed.
"Take ya there. Not safe alone."
He lead her out of the alley and they made the journey to her apartment. When they got there she opened the door and before she walked in, he stopped her.
"Don't stay out late. Stupid, ya trying to get attacked?" he reprimanded, sounding genuinely angry.
She pouted and was about to respond when she heard the sound of police sirens. Her eyes widened in panic and without thinking pulled him into the apartment with her then shut and locked the door. She looked at him fear for him shining in her eyes.
"You have to be careful. I don't want you to get caught!" She said frantically.
"Never caught before"
She let out a breath she'd been holding and grinned.
"I know." She laughed lightly. Her expression changed suddenly into a serious one.
"Before you leave, please tell me, do you remember me from ten years ago?" She asked desperately.
He was silent for a moment before he answered:
"...Emma" was all he said.
(A/N): Well hope you enjoyed it. We finally have the first reunion between Emma and Rorschach (So she thinks). And Emma realizes her feelings for Walter! If you enjoyed it please Review. Reviews are what keep me motivated to continue. Thank you.