Qallw Ειρήνη ([info]peacefulspring) wrote,
@ 2009-03-04 11:24:00
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Entry tags:family: clark, friend: pepper potts, friend: rachel dawes, verse: sws

First Dinner Party
Things are supposed to be perfect for a person's first dinner event with more than their husband. Eirene has been thinking long and hard on who to invite, and it had recently occurred to her that she didn't really know Virginia Potts well, called Pepper by everyone, who had only come to Kansas for their wedding reception. The goddess doesn't know her well, but first impressions were favorable, and you can never have too many friends. Or, at least, you should never stop trying to make them.

So she's invited Pepper for dinner, and Pepper's friend Rachel, with ulterior motives. Fine. Mostly ulterior motives. One, they can taste test the one dessert she knows how to make, two, they both know Clark, and three, well, they seem very nice. The menu for the evening is meatloaf (because it's another of the few items she can make, shut up), mashed potatoes, asparagus (it's healthy and she's pregnant okay?), wine for her guests and cupcakes for the aforementioned desert.

Opting for a blue plaid dress and sandals, Eirene makes sure the table is set, the food is kept heated, takes off her sandals at least three times in ten minutes before putting them back on everytime someone walks past her apartment, and generally paces the length of her living room.

Waiting for guests to arrive is difficult.


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[info]hero_farmboy
2009-03-04 06:42 pm UTC (link)
Dinner parties aren't exactly something Clark is used to, either. The last one he can remember was Thanksgiving a few years ago, and his mom had done most of the work on that one. But it is kind of exciting. He feels more like a grown up, somehow.

Most importantly, Eirene needs friends, people she can talk to. Not that Clark isn't looking forward to getting to know Rachel and Pepper better himself, but there are certain aspects he can't handle on his own. Like girl talk. Chloe and Kara fit that bill, but they're Clark's family; Eirene needs more unbiased sounding boards, too.

Dressing up for the event isn't all that bad, either. He's used to it, working at the Planet now. He actually has more than one outfit to choose from, but opts for more casual dressy than, well, a suit.

When he's ready, he joins his wife in the living room, stopping her pacing to plant a kiss on her forehead. "It's going to be fine. Stop worrying."

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[info]only_pepper
2009-03-04 06:55 pm UTC (link)
Pepper has somehow managed to wrangle Rachel into coming, which wasn't too hard when she said it was for Clark and Eirene. Of course, Pepper will still try to convince Rachel to stay in New York for the evening after the dinner, but that's for later.

The drive into Smallville from Metropolis doesn't take as long as Pepper thought, and it was filled with good conversation. Now, arriving in front of the apartment building, she turns off the car, and looks to Rachel.

"You ready for this?," she asks, unbuckling her seatbelt. "Should we have a code word? Like rutabaga if we need to save each other?" She's teasing -- the evening should go well. After all, the young couple are friends, perhaps not as close as Pepper would like, but tonight seems to be a good step forward.

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[info]rattle_thecages
2009-03-04 07:03 pm UTC (link)
Rachel won't be convinced to stay for the night. Aside from the fact she has motions to write and an impossible significant other, she's made it clear she isn't easily swayed. She will not be persuaded into staying, no matter what look Pepper gives her and no matter what dessert she bribes her with.

(Rachel is so staying for the night).

Bruce has a penthouse in Metropolis, and so Rachel's visited a few times. She's nervous, but only a little. Clark's always been wonderful, and Eirene seems nothing short of wonderful herself.

"Rutabaga?" Rachel echoes in amusement, following after her friend. "I think we'll say Kermit if either of us unintentionally says something inappropriate. I'll touch my ear lobe if you go on a rant about plaid, how's that?"

Ringing the doorbell, she steps back, and next to Pepper they wait for their hosts to let them in.

Edited at 2009-03-04 07:04 pm UTC

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[info]peacefulspring
2009-03-04 07:15 pm UTC (link)
Eirene pauses to accept said kiss, though the worried look on her face isn't going to go anywhere until their guests arrive. "But what if I poison them? My cooking is nowhere near as good as your mother's." It's only half hearted this time, because she knows she's getting better at it. Still, being nervous is allowed, she thinks.

Clark will have to suffer being hugged by his wife for a minute or two, until the doorbell rings, and she literally jumps. After realizing what the noise was, since they really don't get many visitors and family members have keys, Eirene straights her dress, takes a deep breath and smiles nervously as she opens the door.

"Hi! Welcome to Smallville. I hope your drive was alright, and isn't the country side pretty? It should be getting warmer soon, since spring is coming. Please come inside, I'll put the coats in the bedroom, and there is coffee in the maker if anyone would like some."

Did the narration mention she rambles?

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[info]hero_farmboy
2009-03-04 07:20 pm UTC (link)
She does and it's adorable, so Rachel and Pepper are just going to have to put up with a moment or two of Clark smiling at his wife fondly before he attempts to rescue them.

"Come on in," he tells them, tugging Eirene from the doorway so their guests have room to do so. Some soft whining can be heard from down a hallway and Clark gives Pepper a small smile. "We barricaded him in the bedroom, so you don't have to worry about surprise puppy raids."

Rachel also gets a warm smile. "I'm glad you two could make it."

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[info]only_pepper
2009-03-04 07:33 pm UTC (link)
Pepper smiles widely. Clark is so considerate. "I thank you for preventing puppy raids," she says, stepping in. Her heels click on the floor, and she isn't sure if she should take them off or not.

She'll watch and see what Rachel does. "And also for inviting us for dinner. It's nice to get out of the city sometimes, and just have a nice quiet night with friends." Now the smile is warmer than before, her eyes crinkling slightly in the corners. Their place looks so comfortable, it's hard not to feel at ease.

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[info]rattle_thecages
2009-03-04 07:41 pm UTC (link)
"What she means to say it's nice to actually give work a break every now and then and not have to cook things herself," Rachel teases, but only slightly. She's never been one to talk. She can't cook and she's been known to work overnight.

She watches the newlyweds, a smile blossoming into her face at their obvious affection. Rachel then looks over to Eirene, her hands holding a a small basket with goodies. It has cookies - that weren't cooked by Rachel, they're safe, really! - and Godiva chocolate.

"Hello, Eirene. This is for you. I hope you like chocolate." Rachel extends it to the woman. She doesn't take off her shoes, and doesn't think to. Sorry, Pep.

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[info]peacefulspring
2009-03-04 08:18 pm UTC (link)
"Oh, that's right. We did." Eirene looks phased briefly, before she smiles again, and amends her previous statement. Well, one of them. "So I'll just put your coats on the couch." There's a brief glance at Clark to make sure this is acceptable American behavior. Also, because she hasn't remembered to put a coat rack inside the apartment yet.

To the casual eye, the Kent apartment is a little Spartan in decoration, at least in regards to furniture. There's a couch and two chairs in the living room, a table in the alcove that serves as a dining room next to the kitchen, and not much else. Unless you count the floor pillows scattered around the coffee table in front of the couch. Not to mention all of the elephant knicknacks here and there. Someone is slightly obssessed.

"Oh, thank you, Rachel. It's my favorite sugar substance aside from oreos." Eirene takes the gift gently, and moves it to safety on a kitchen counter, before checking the food. Perceptive people may notice she's showing now, just a little. When the hostess comes back, she gestures towards the furniture. "Why don't we sit down and talk for a few minutes before dinner?"

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[info]hero_farmboy
2009-03-04 08:21 pm UTC (link)
"I'll take care of the coats," Clark offers, taking them from his wife so she can attend to her gift and check the food. Once they're safely stowed in the almost nursery, he rejoins the ladies.

"Absolutely. Please, make yourselves comfortable. Can I get anyone something to drink?"

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[info]only_pepper
2009-03-04 08:28 pm UTC (link)
"Whatever you're having," Pepper responds, sitting down on the couch. "I would hate to have you go to any trouble for us. Like I said, I'm just enjoying the respite from ..everything. Work included," she adds for Rachel's benefit.

"And how have you guys been? I know I've been a terrible friend lately, just showing up for your reception and barely even staying at that but," she smiles determinedly, "I'm changing that. I want to be around more often, and actually be a friend."

"Even Rachel hardly sees me now."

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[info]rattle_thecages
2009-03-04 08:40 pm UTC (link)
"Well, I've been no better about keeping in touch," Rachel admits after she's given Clark her coat, offering him a thankful smile. It's his manners and his sweet disposition that had made Rachel want to get to know him better.

"But that's what this is for, right?"

She sits next to Pepper, her hands pressed neatly into her lap. "How is the married life treating you?"

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[info]peacefulspring
2009-03-04 08:46 pm UTC (link)
Eirene retrieves three coffees from the kitchen, including one for Rachel, who hasn't stated her preference. She's sort of hoping that caffeine is the right choice, since someone gave her a set with cute little blue damask serving containers for milk and sugar. Not that she knows what damask is, or anything.

The other cups and saucers go to Clark and Pepper respectively, and a few minutes later, Eirene rejoins them with some herbal tea, settling in the other chair. "It's absolutely groovy, even with everything I still have to learn about modern life in the United States. Did you know they have things called garage and yard sales, where no garages or yards are actually sold?"

This was the lesson last week.

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[info]hero_farmboy
2009-03-04 08:50 pm UTC (link)
Yes, Clark would be smiling stupidly again as he takes a seat of his own. Clearly, there's no absence of 'honeymoon phase' in this apartment.

"It's been great," he confirms. "Even if I'm not home as much as I'd like, but with trying to keep up with things at the Planet and still going over to help dad out with chores, I do what I can."

Eirene gets yet another adoring look. "I'm lucky I have such an understanding wife to come home to."

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[info]only_pepper
2009-03-04 09:09 pm UTC (link)
They're such newlyweds that it makes Pepper want to giggle, if only because she's convinced thats the only way she'd prevent cavities.

She picks up her coffee, with just the smallest amount of sugar and cream, and takes a sip, nodding her approval. "And so what do you do, Eirene, when you're home alone? Do you ever get bored?"

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[info]rattle_thecages
2009-03-04 09:24 pm UTC (link)
Caffeine was definitely the right choice. She mostly lives on her coffee, not that Alfred Pennyworth approves. Rachel sips contentedly as the chatter goes on about, and even she has to admit the newlyweds are cute.

Love is in the air, it seems, definitely.

"I'd been meaning to ask you about how you've been doing at the Planet, Clark," Rachel comments and doesn't say anything about his intrepid co-worker and Rachel's run-ins with her. Instead, she looks at Eirene expectantly at hearing Pepper's question.

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[info]peacefulspring
2009-03-04 09:46 pm UTC (link)
Sorry, what? There were questions? The hostess may have been gazing back at her husband with a completely smitten expression. The soft sigh is just bonus, really. She blinks, mentally replays the last couple of questions and sneaks another glance at Clark, looking a little nervous now.

Eirene isn't quite sure how much Rachel and Pepper know about her.

"I keep myself busy with errands in the morning, and the afternoons are for getting to know my neighbors and the organizations around town. There's even classes starting in the summer for people who want to get their citizenship. Too much to do to be bored."

And back to the smile.

Edited at 2009-03-04 09:50 pm UTC

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[info]hero_farmboy
2009-03-04 09:53 pm UTC (link)
There's a sigh from Clark's direction, too, but for entirely different reasons. They'll both be illegally legal. He has mixed feelings about that.

"We both have plenty to talk about over dinner." Then he'll get to Rachel's comment. "The Planet's been going well. I've submitted a couple of articles, but nothing's made it to print, yet. I'm keeping at it, though. Have to pay my dues."

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[info]only_pepper
2009-03-04 10:10 pm UTC (link)
Pepper nods at Clark's words.

"So true. You can't just expect to wake up and be head of anything. You have to work hard for it." She wraps her hands around her mug, relishing the warmth before she continues speaking. "I mean, it helps to know the right people as well, so if you ever need anything..."

She trails off and takes another sip of her coffee. The offer is there, even though she knows full well Clark will not take it. She still feels like offering.

"Although, Rachel here did it all on her own." Her voice is filled with pride at this. "Was even interim DA for a while there." If Clark and Eirene can be all doting on each other, then damnit, Pepper can be doting on her wife too.

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[info]rattle_thecages
2009-03-04 10:49 pm UTC (link)
Rachel doesn't really want to talk about her time as the interim DA. The only reason she became the DA in the first place was because her then boss wound up dead. As did the second boss, and that hits close to home. She doesn't really want to talk about her job at all, either, though she doesn't blame Pepper for bringing it up.

So she'll laugh lightly and brush it aside. "She's boasting," Rachel tells them, sending Pepper a sneaky glance.

"Besides, she's the co-president of Stark Industries. Can't really get higher up than that, can you?"

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[info]peacefulspring
2009-03-05 09:00 pm UTC (link)
And it's Eirene to the rescue, attention shifting away from the conversation and towards the direction of the kitchen. "I've been reading up on Stark Industries, and their environmental policies are astounding. Would it be possible to get a tour sometime?"

From the goddess? That's high praise. She adds, "And I believe dinner is ready, so whenever you are, please let me know."

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[info]hero_farmboy
2009-03-05 09:33 pm UTC (link)
Clark stands, naturally, and waits for the ladies to make their way ahead of him to the table.

"That would be kind of neat, actually. A tour. Might even make for an interesting piece for the paper." Because him going with Eirene would have nothing to do with him needing to keep an eye on her. Not at all.

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[info]only_pepper
2009-03-05 10:44 pm UTC (link)
That's exactly how you get Pepper's attention: talk about how wonderful her job is.

"I can most certainly set something up," she says cheerfully. She walks to the table, and sits down, smiling the entire time. "Just let me know when you want one. I mean, I can't guarantee you can see everything," -- and that's directed to Clark -- "due to confidentiality and everything, but I'm sure I can make it memorable at least. We have so many new green ideas, and I'd love to talk about them. Of course," she adds, "if you want the generic tour, you can just call SI for that but I'd rather show you guys around."

A beat.

"Or you could ask Rachel to do it too. She's been given the tour so many times, I'm sure she could recite it in her sleep."

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[info]rattle_thecages
2009-03-05 10:57 pm UTC (link)
"This is true," Rachel says with a sage nod as she followed them to the table. "I've been victim of it one too many times."

It was how she met Tony, and also had she had met Happy.

"And who knows," Rachel adds with a slight smile, "Maybe both of you can also visit Gotham one day. Pepper isn't fond of it but it really is a beautiful place once you get to know it."

Most of the people who were fond of the town were natives, but that never stopped Rachel from trying.

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[info]peacefulspring
2009-03-06 12:39 am UTC (link)
Eirene perks up at that. "I won't be doing too much traveling after Zoe is born. Visiting a city I've never been to before sounds fun. What's it like? I mean, aside from what the tourist board sends out."

But don't think she's been completely sidetracked away from SI. "Do you think it's possible to plan a trip to Stark Industries and Gotham, Clark?" She's not entirely sure how his vacation time works so soon after the honeymoon.

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[info]hero_farmboy
2009-03-06 01:55 am UTC (link)
"I'm sure we can arrange something. We have weekends," he replies, holding his wife's chair for her. Besides, it's not like they'd need to worry about losing time for transportation.

"Gotham would be interesting. I keep hearing about it, but I've never been."

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[info]only_pepper
2009-03-06 07:40 pm UTC (link)
Pepper can't help but roll her eyes slightly at this. She's never been the biggest fan of Gotham. It's dirty, and noisy and even though NYC is as well, there's just this sense of despair in Gotham she can't stand.

Maybe it's because Gotham only has one superhero, where NYC has numerous -- does that make the place safer?

"I only go randomly," she comments, "When Rachel's worn me down. To be honest, I've only had good experiences there, but sometimes you just have to be at home. That's it."

It's why Rachel went back after all, no?

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[info]rattle_thecages
2009-03-07 01:17 am UTC (link)
"It's understandable that you won't be able to travel until after Zoe is born," Rachel says to Eirene lightly. She ignores Pepper's eye roll. Ten years of friendship and she's learned to ignore a lot of things. Saves her headaches.

"Interesting is a good word for it." She turns slightly so she can face Clark. "It's good to be back. If you ever want to visit you let me know and I'll be happy to help with the accommodations."

She likes Metropolis, though. It's so different from Gotham, but fast-paced and elusive in its own way.

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