Time worked differently in the space between the living and the dead. After Christian agreed to meet Penny at the restaurant, he teleported from her hotel room in America, to a small village in the Jordan desert. He had reaped four souls before opening the door to the small diner Penny sat in with her new comrades. Christian figured if he could continue his work without raising too much suspicion, Death would leave him alone.
Christian made a courtesy glance around the diner, although he already knew Penny sat in the back next to Charles who was actively trying to get her attention. When Penny waved, Christian turned to look at her. He smiled slightly and nodded his acknowledgment before making his way through the diner to their table.
"My apologies for being late," he said, speaking softly. He shrugged out of his jacket before taking the seat Penny offered. Christian had changed into dark green slacks, with a black, buttoned up, long-sleeved shirt that had the top button undone. He paired the outfit with brown loafers, and a jacket. The piercing in his ear seemed to catch the light and if one looked closely to the watch he wore, they wouldn't see a typical timepiece but one that moved and rotated to follow the phases of the moon and the earth's rotation. It was a unique piece that kept time differently.
"I hope you will allow me to pay for tonight's meal as a thank you for helping Penny in avenging my sister's death," Christian said, dropping his gaze to the table as a wave of emotion overtook him. Christian could play any part he needed to. It was what allowed him to help so many souls cross over.
Charles eyed the man who joined their table, not entirely comfortable with the presence of this well dressed man. He was too pretty for Charles' liking. He shifted in his seat, draping his arm over the back of Penny's chair casually before he smiled brightly in an effort to seem relaxed.
"Of course, Penny was a natural. Why is it you didn't avenge your sister, thought?" The question seemed casual enough but there was a tone Christian caught that told him it wasn't.
Christian looked at Charles and smiled painfully. He could see Charles as clearly as if he looked through glass. He knew the man was suddenly uncomfortable with his presence and the familiarity Penny seemed to show. It amused Christian, and although he was usually more reserved, he wanted to play with the man a little.
"I understand what you mean. But I am not made for the life of hunting. I work in the medical field and see death too much. I try to keep myself away from it when I can. That is why I am so grateful to you and Penny." He shifted his focus to her, his smile shifting to something warmer and brighter. Charles slid closer to Penny. "I have no doubts Penny was able to rise to the occasion. She is made stronger than most of us can ever hope to be." The words Christian spoke were true enough. He believed them wholly and wanted Penny to see the strength she possessed as well, but if it got under Charles' skin in the process, all the more better.
Charles cleared his throat, not liking the direction the conversation was taking. "Exactly, you should be doing this more, Penny. We can teach you more ways to hunt," he said, eagerly trying to pull her attention back.
The serving staff came over then to take drink orders and Christian sat back quietly in his seat while he looked through the menu. The food all sounded familiar to him. Many people spoke of food after death, wishing they could have one last steak or homemade pie. Christian found food to be the universal language. Everyone came together and bonded over meals, much like this one, despite cultural barriers. Still, food held no sway of Christian. He didn't require it and had never had it. He stared at the menu, looking for something that would be adequate for someone of his size while he listened the other conversations at the table.
