(Untitled)

[drmoonstone]

WHO: E. Nygma and K. Sofen
WHAT: Dinner
WHERE: Only the most expensive restaurant in Manhattan
WHEN: Saturday
WARNINGS: Scheming? Egos? Riddles that I can't solve?
SUMMARY: Really, it's just dinner.

Comments

[drmoonstone]

The restaurant was, obviously, impressive, and after spending the past few months in a shoddy run-down apartment, living on just barely above minimum wage since she'd been to sick to find a job when scientists and magicians weren't making her deal with Squirrel Girls, Fat Tony Starks and deformed claymation Clint Bartons, she felt justified in thinking that she deserved this.

This was the kind of life that she'd been missing, the life she could afford when she was a Thunderbolt and could really enjoy as an Avenger, the kind that screamed multimillion dollar salary. Oh yes, if anything was going to come out of this evening, she'd at the very least enjoy the meal.

"Eddie!" She smiled and graciously took his hand as he led her to her seat. "Really, this has been long overdue. You're feeling better now, right?"

Karla might have been playing it a bit safe, but that's just how she was. Yes, Eddie knew more about her than most people here did, but she hadn't told him anything that could really incriminate her, and she was going to be certain to keep it that way, at least until she was certain about just what kind of man he was.

[enigmaestro]

"Quite better, thank you." Not entirely true, but his recent triumphs (however small) were indeed the sort of medication he needed. The bumps and boils merely stimulated his ambition to discover what this world was about, and that was all achievable as long as he maintained his ability and resources.

Her hand felt warm and soft in his. It was a feeling that gave him pause, a surprisingly enjoyable feeling. He took his seat soon, releasing her hand.

"I hope you're just as well? You look divine," he said with a smirk. There was no need to fake the flattery in this conversation. He brushed over the drink menu, idly looking down the listed selections. Nothing younger than two decades was available, how perfect.

"Are you in the mood for a red, or a white?"

[drmoonstone]

"Thank you," She smiled at the flattery, feeling a bit more comfortable with the situation and having no qualms with sitting up a little straighter, shoulders back, and chest out. This really was the first time that she had gone out, at all really, but especially since their illness had hit the boils stage. Thankfully that had finally cleared up, and she was feeling better than ever. "I've been feeling much better lately, and especially now that I'm in such handsome company."

She waved her hand dismissively at his question about their wine selection. One thing that she could not boast being an expert on was wine or any other alcohol. She wasn't a fan of drinking, and would avoid it altogether if given the option, though, with the Avengers she'd been thrown into plenty of social situations where it was expected. However, this was a special occasion, and she at least could have one or two glasses with him. "How about a red? I'll leave the choice to your undoubtedly refined tastes."

Karla found it remarkably easy to feel comfortable around Eddie... Which meant that there was definitely something not quite right about him, which kept her on her guard. "So what brought you to Manhattan, besides our date?"

[enigmaestro]

"Isn't that reason enough?"

A smooth sip echoed his casual sentiment. The water was designer and chilled, and undoubtedly part of the thousand dollar tab, but he barely registered pleasure with it. His focus was on Karla, his eyes far more appreciative of the woman before him than his throat was pleased by some artisan liquid. She possessed a draw that Melissa Gold lacked, a particular type of charm.

Sociopath.

Eddie smiled, almost amused at the thought. Well, of course she was. Karla Sofen could afford to be, this is why he wanted to see her. A waiter materialized, a nearly grovelling polite one, and Eddie eased off his order for a bottle of pinot noir.

"Truthfully, my investment is entangled with Seattle. I haven't any other reason to haunt Manhattan streets." He shrugged, smiling. No mention of Dr. Strange founds it way to his lips; he purposefully spoke in present tense.

[drmoonstone]

"No, it's not, but the sentiment is appreciated."

She was definitely enjoying this. From Eddie's flattery to the quality and price of every item on the menu, not a single luxury was going to be lost on her. This was the kind of life she had working for Norman, the kind she had as an Avenger, and what she had worked for her entire life, anything to escape the conditions of her childhood and the fate of her mother.

Eddie was infinitely better company than she'd been dealing with lately too. He had the type of charisma that she could find attractive, and he was smart and resourceful enough too, she was beginning to surmise. He was dangerous, like Norman, which she could respect, but he was going to be attracted to her as well, and, at a glance, he was infinitely better than Bullseye or Daken.

"I should be flattered that you came all this way, then." She knew that he wasn't being completely honest, but that was just fine for now. She didn't expect total honesty to begin with, and if things went well, his secrets would come to light.

"Maybe soon, I can visit you in Seattle. I have business that needs to be taken care of there." Songbird, of course.

[enigmaestro]

"Oh?" He traced his fingers up the curve of his wine flute, casually laying glance down Karla's own feminine figure. She was something else, a woman well worth his attention. Excitement tingled, and he kept her gaze as the waitress brought out the appetizer. Seared scallop with Umeboshi pickled-plum glaze and shredded Shiso, something Eddie had taken the liberty to order shortly before Karla made her way in, something infused with wealth and prestige. He banked on her appreciation.

"Business that I'm sure could wait after our second encounter?" He leaned forward, engaged by her scent. Everything about Karla Sofen electrified his senses. He knew she had an angle, a hook -- didn't they all? -- but his actual concern melted before his enjoyment. She was dynamic and deadly and he wanted that.

"It concerns that woman, doesn't it? Melissa Gold?" Eddie's lips curved around his wineglass. He shot a quick wink. "I've chatted with her, in person. Seems so vindictive against you. Poor thing. So embroiled in her own hatred, her own... Jealousy, as it were."

His eyes glanced down at the scallop dish.

"After you."