With that simple smile and nod of assurance, Christian looked away and left Penny to her own devices. Charles did seem harmless enough, and he clearly liked Penny. Christian wasn’t jealous of Penny’s growing friendships. If anything, he was glad she was experiencing a sense of normalcy and something good in her life after so much turmoil.

Things seemed to be going well, and then Charles made a comment that had Christian returning his focus to Penny and her reddening face. Christian stood when Penny did, alarmed for her, but she quickly dashed off to the bathroom. Christian’s brow furrowed slightly before he composed himself and sat back down.

Charles looked at Dylan, amused by Christian’s behaviour. “You’re a bit of an odd one, aren’t you?” 

Christian set his water glass down and looked at Charles. [color=#B0E0E6]”I’ve been told I have an old soul. I suppose that can make me seem odd. Truthfully, my parents raised me with a different view. I was raised outside of America,”[/color] Christian explained.

Charles gave Christian the once over and nodded. “Yes, that makes sense. Have you known Penny long?” 

Christian smiled at Charles. [color=#B0E0E6]”Almost seems like I’ve known her my whole life,”[/color] he said, without elaborating further. 

Christian looked back towards the bathrooms when the food arrived, wondering if he should check on Penny. He waited until she returned before he even thought about eating his food. He could smell the spices the cook had used and knew somewhere in his mind that it would taste good, but Christian wasn’t sure he would taste that.

He gathered a helping onto his fork and slipped it into his mouth, rolling the food around before he swallowed it. It tasted like nothing to him. Christian was disappointed; he hoped he could gain something from eating, but it was just another human action that made him seem normal.

Charles smiled when Penny rejoined them. However, she teased him about his mashed potatoes, and he frowned. “Mashed potatoes are a classic stable and good in any condition. They are the best compliment to any dish,” he declared passionately. He ate a forkful proudly and swallowed before grinning at Penny. "I'm a sucker for comfort food," he explained.