for @imareporter

[have_no_mercy]

Tess sits in an upscale restaurant in the heart of San Francisco, expecting Eddie any moment. Poor thing can barely afford dinner, she wasn't about to ask him to fly to Metropolis for what is supposed to be a job interview. They can cross that logistics bridge if they get to it.

Having ordered a bottle of wine she sips her glass thoughtfully, staring out the window as she waits.

Comments

[imareporter]

He keeps a good suit. Just one suit of course. Sometimes he'll wear the jacket or the pants. It's immaculate, strictly for moments like these. Try not to beg.

The great big brilliant Eddie Brock. Star of Television News Networks. Begging for help.

We will not beg!

"This doesn't mean I'm begging. Please don't embarrass me with this. She's a friend." Back when he was a young cocky reporter. Back when he had a chance.

We don't give you a chance?

I need something normal. I need something normal please. He puts on a cocky grin and speaks to the host who nods and smiles.

"Tess."

[have_no_mercy]

"Eddie." She stands, returning the smile and gestures toward the seat across from her. "Please, have a seat."

It's been a while since she's seen him. He looks like hell. This should be interesting.

[imareporter]

Despite his gaunt features he's put on muscle, at least it shows in his handshake. Hesitating (do I move in for a hug?)

We must be polite

He tries to navigate that, awkwardly offering her his hand with a grin before settling in, "...Very high class. I'll try and behave."

His grin dissolves, "You look great."

[have_no_mercy]

Awkward all over the place. She shakes his hand and sits back down.

"I look rich," she corrects. "But thank you. You look better than I expected."

Then she calls for a waiter to pour him a glass of wine.

[imareporter]

Settling in, he leans back before -

We smell food Eddie.

And he did all different kinds of food. Enough that he has to look away and twitch when the wine gets poured before gently reaching for the bread.

"How are things at the top of the world?"

Good food Eddie.

[have_no_mercy]

The twitch is noted. Tess has become a hell of a lot more observant since she was a beach bum surfer girl in California. She'd had to be.

"Incredibly stressful." She's also a lot more blunt.

Her face softens. "How have you been?"