It's been a little over three months since that first encounter. Ever since, she'd taken to leaving out medical supplies and a bag of food on her fire escape. Most nights it went untouched but every so often, her offerings were missing in the morning. Of course she couldn't be sure that it was Rorscharch, but she comforted herself in the face that someone who needed it got it. But the whole experience had gotten her to thinking about religion again, and her friend Marlene was more than happy to invite her to the synagogue. Which was how she met a Mister Dan Dreiberg on a balmy spring night.
Some kind old ladies who were fussing over her and Marlene called over the stocky man. Her short friend greeted the stocky man with a hug as Christine shot him a friendly, if a little overwhelmed, smile.
"Dan Dreiberg!"
"It's so good to see you!"
"How've you been?"
"We haven't seen you around lately..."
He chuckles goodnaturedly and somehow is able to field the volley of questions directed at him. Once the ladies are satisfied, they turn their attentions onto someone else, graciously leaving the young people to talk amongst themselves. His expression softens into relief and Christine takes a deep breath (steeling herself? In recognition of a kindred spirit?) before holding out her hand.
"I'm Christine, Mar's friend. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dreiberg." His hand is large and warm, his grip is firm. And before she can stop herself, she's comparing it to Rorscharch's small but tight grip. (She'd been doing that a lot lately, obsessing over the small but mighty man, comparing random people to him, when she had no business doing so when she'd only me the man once. Everything in her was screaming at her to get a grip. That he'd never let her see him again, so she should just let it all go. But something about him drew her to him, and she just wanted to know everything.)
"Please call me, Dan," he tells her.
"We were going to eat at the Chinese place down the road, did you want to join us?" He seems to hesitate and Christine jumps in to make him feel more welcome.
"If you don't mind that is, I'd love to pick your brain regarding your experience in Judaism." His smile is soft and sweet as he nods in consent, and Mar links their arms together, surprising a laugh out of Christine.
The three chat with barely a bit of silence between them, mostly due to Mar's interference and wonderfully provoking questions, as well as Christine's own natural curiosity rearing its head. They slowly walk to a nearby station, and Mar bids him a cheery goodnight, followed by Christie's slightly subdued one.
"Did you have a good time?" Mar asks as they huddle together on the train.
"Yeah," Christine isn't exactly surprised that she enjoyed her time, but she is surprised at how badly she wants to return. "I'd like to come again next week if that's okay." Mar squeezes her arm, a warm smile blinding Christie and she smiles fondly back.
~~RR~~RR~~
A/N: I decided to change up the name and description of this story. Also I sorta hate this chapter, but I don't feel right posting the next chapter without this as background.