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Eddie Brock , your average San Francisco habitant that has a daily intake of three instant noodles and doesn't shower in a decade , all thanks to his dear old alien mate Venom that was currently living inside of his ass , tapped his foot anxiously seeing people go inside n' out the train station.
He and Venom were standing like a statue in front of the New York Terminal Station for forty minutes waiting for Eddie's british partner, aka the person who is living in Eddie's mind rent free aside from Venom, Steven Grant. Eddie swears he felt a pigeon landing on his shoulder.
It was a funny thing really how they match. You see, he and Steven met during a work trip to London, whereas Eddie was supposed to do a report about the new japanese exposition at the London's National Museum, but got distracted by a certain british fella that lubberly tripped over a mountain of plastic pyramid's at the egyptian expostion’s gift shop. And , by god , what a gorgeous British fella we were talking about.
With the help of Venom dragging his ass over, Eddie approached him and , after some chit-chat and laughter that deserves an oscar for the most awkward laughter ever, invited him to get some churros and sodas. After some chocolate churros and pepsis, they soon discovered that they had so much in common: both loved to teach stuff to others, had strange pets that served as their therapist , were considered weird and unconventional by society and adored tater tots. A perfect match!
Eddie couldn't stop smiling during their date and blushed deeply as Steven clumsyly held his hand ( and with Venom extremely loud scream on his head). He knew it was really crazy how they hit off so quickly and how amazed Steven made him feel. However, there was still one thing, actually two things, left to put on the table.
He remembered like it was yesterday when they were walking in a park nearby Eddie's hotel. It was extremely late at night , but they didn't mind, their time passed as sand in the wind. They were excitedly chatting nonsense , smiling and blushing at each other. Their hands were still embraced.
Steve stopped in front of a Henry VIII's statue and ceased talking, looking Eddie straight in the eye.
"Can I say something kinda crazy?" He asked with his strong accent. He seemed hesitant.
" Shit, he's going to say he is vegan or something" Venom groaned in Eddie's mind, which Eddie ignored and stepped forward to be next to Steven. "Of course!" he said happily.
Steven bit his lip and started to crack his knuckles, looking into his reflection on the brilliant statue. Marc raised an eyebrow at him , making him gulp. "I know we only just met, but I feel like I can tell you everything!" He chuckled, making Eddie blush "I think I never had this connection with…anyone, actually".
"Me too" Eddie sang, bringing Steven's attention "It's almost like I know you for so long! You are so delightful and nice and so open to talk about anything!" He was rambling at the moment, but he didn't mind. Steven's mouth cracked a smile and he hid his face, hiding his blush. Eddie hadn't felt this excitement in such a long time.
"Eddie, I never thought seeing you rambling like a teenager in love could work" Venom said ironically, making Eddie blow a raspberry to hide his annoyance. He continued "It's almost like I can say something way outta' the ordinary an-and you would understand! You are this kind of person! The best kind that exists!"
"Thank you, Eddie," Steven said quietly, ruffling his hair to avoid Eddie's gaze. He turned towards his reflection and Marc mumbled at him “ Steven, whatever you do , do not tell him about us. I know you are excited for this interesting fella, but do.not.do.it.”
They stood quiet for a minute until Steven made a 'pop' sound with his mouth and turned to Eddie, squeezing his hands a bit.
" OH HERE WE GO" Venom screamed like a little girl in Eddie's mind. Steven started caressing Eddie's knuckles , his eyes on the ground.
Can I ask you a crazy thing?" He whispered.
"Yes," Eddie answered, almost hypnotized. "You promised you won't think I'm crazy?" He asked, making Eddie nod.
S teven approached Eddie's face , making him ready for a kiss. " I'VE WAITED SO FUCKING LONG FOR THIS" Venom screamed, like he was watching his favorite melodramatic telenovela.
Eddie closed his eyes, ready for it.
But it never came. Instead, Steven said this:
"What if I told you that I actually have..different personalities sharing my body with me and one of them is actually a mercenary that is the server of Khonshu, the egyptian god of the moon and that he actually killed a bunch of people and we avoided the return of another powerful god…would you still like me, Eddie?" Steven managed to say all of this in one breath.
“GOD DAMMIT, STEVEN!” Marc groaned in the reflection “ IF I HAD SOMETHING TO HIT MY HEAD ON , I WOULD BE DOING RIGHT NOW AND WOULD FUCKING HURT!”
" I..I was not expecting that" Venom coffessed.
Eddie took one step away, blinked and tried to process what he had just learned. Steven's face dropped and he started to apologize, his voice trembled. "I-I knew it.. you must think I'm crazy now. I'm so sorry Eddie! I-I shouldn’t have said that…Oh stars, I ruined everything , didn't I?"
“You are making it worse..” Marc said between his teeth.
He took two steps back, still staring at Eddie looking aimlessly at the ground "I-I should probably go now, I'm so sorry Eddie! I should had kept my mo-"
"OH MY GOD, SAME!" Eddie screamed like a tennager in the middle of nowhere, frowning Steven to the point of jumping. Eddie looked apologetic towards Steven , who looked scared "Sorry! It's just that…I.." he gulped "I kinda have a similar story"
“ What.” Marc perfectly imitated Elmo from Sesame Street as Steven made a confused face, approaching Eddie again with curiosity. "What and, most importantly, how?" . Venom sang in a ironic tune in Eddie's head " Eddie, the fuck are you doing'?"
"I kinda, ugh, have a black alien-thing from outer space living in my body that transforms me into this giant black monster. He loves to eat brains" Steven freezes in fear. Eddie was trying so hard to ignore Venom's screams and groans in his brain. "B-but only bad guys! He also loves tater tots and hates loud noises! He's.. my best friend" Venom groans ceased as Steven made a neutral face.
Eddie looked down, putting his hands on his pockets in shame "Now tell me this ain't a crazy thing." .
“ I’m not buying this shit” Marc grumbled “ Terrible way of flirting , if you ask me”
Out of the blue, Steven broke into laughter, making Eddie awkwardly chuckled.
"I can't believe it.. you and I..are the same! I mean, not really the same, but! But! We have so much in common! I-I! “ He broke into laughter.
“ Steven, are you seriously buying this? Am I the only one not buying this?!” Marc asked, incredulously.
Steven was laughing in such a sweet tune that made Eddie go crazy, to the point of pushing Steven to an embrace, locking lips with him, in a solo movement. And oh boy, did he do that with pride.
“
THAT'S MY BOY!”
Venom screamed as Steven cupped Eddie’s cheeks , deepening the kiss. They broke the embrace and Steven looked down, a sweet smile on his face, still holding each other's hands.
“This is crazy..” He said. Eddie added an ‘Ooh’ sound and they both started to laugh once again, their foreheads touching. Steven stopped and looked at him “You promise you believe me, right?”
Before Eddie could answer , a weird alien black head with a devious smile popped from Eddie’s shoulder, making Steven scream in surprise, hearing a WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT coming from Marc in the reflection. Venom purred “ We promise ”.
Eddie snarled towards Venom as Steven recompose himself “Vee! Do not scare him!” .
“I-It’s quite alright’e! Hello there! I’m Steven! With a V! I would shake your hand but it seems you don’t have any..” Steven said , waving at the head, who looked at him and then at Eddie. Venom grumbled “Two idiots made for each other. I knew you could do it, Eddie.”
“I can’t believe my ears, but I agree with the alien slime” Marc grumbled , a broken smile on his face.
As Eddie complained with his friend, Steven chuckled. “I guess it's my turn to show it, then.” He said. In a blink of an eye, Eddie saw Steven put on a marvelous , all on white, gentleman suit, with terrific glowing eyes. The American made a surprise face as Steven spinned , showing his suit.
"That 's so cool!” Eddie said, touching his suit. Steven nodded and added “Oh! Marc said hello to you!”
“Marc?” Both Eddie and Venom made a confused face
“My..other..uhn…the…the guy who is the avatar of the god of the moon and a mercenary and killed a bunch of people. You know , my mate!”
“ You could have just said your other personality, Steven” Marc hid his face in the reflection as Steven turned back and looked with happy , lovable eyes at Eddie.
This was going to be fun.
💚
Back to the present day, five months after that adorable and strange encounter, Eddie was getting anxious with every new person passing through him. He embraced himself and started to tap furiously his foot onto the ground. Steven wouldn’t dump him on their first New York date, would he? Eddie had bought SIX broadway tickets just because of him, they were hella expensive! He would wear earblock headphones because of the loud noise, so he wouldn’t hear a thing!
“Can I eat his head if he doesn't show up?” Venom asked, annoyed in his voice. Eddie shook his head , avoiding any eye contact “He will come, he’s … just late, that's all..” Eddie was sure that Steven just had got a delay train , but he couldn’t help to dig his nails into his hands, avoiding his insecurities thoughts.
“..He will come , Eddie. If not, I will drag that son of a bitch by his ass” Venom purred, reassuring his friends. Eddie cracked a smile and whispered “Thanks , Vee.”
Fortunately, this terrible feeling was gone when Eddie saw the brunette's curls of his boyfriend , leaving the station and looking both ways. He rushed and locked Steven into a hug , making the British gasp in surprise but soon melt into his dear Eddie’s arms.
“You came!” Eddie said, blushing and cupping his cheeks. Steven nodded and they shared a passionate kiss in front of the station. They did not mind if they got spotted, they were in love, god dammit. “Of course I did, my love.” Steven whispered and kissed his cheeks, making Eddie go crazy.
“Also hello to you too, Venom!” Steven said, cheerfully. Eddie’s fingers turned black as Venom waved towards the British without no one noticing. “Marc says hi, Eddie!” He said, making Eddie smile. Eddie embraced his hand and dragged him out of the crowd in front of the station. They walked through the loud New York’s streets, smiling at each other, as if the world around them wasn’t moving.
Stede was telling Eddie about New York 's National Museum newest medieval exhibition. Eddie had no clue what Charter Letters were , but he adored seeing Steven’s cheeks getting red as he got excited explaining history, how his hands waved through the air frantically and how his smile never left his face.
“Eddie, stop being cringe gay and focus on the date” Venom alerted their friend, annoyed by the silliness , almost cartonnish smile on Eddie’s face. Steven noticed the look and stopped the explanation , looking curious “What is with this smile, hun’?“
“Is just that you are really cute being a teacher” Eddie chuckled, making Steven blushed heavily. They passed through a water puddle on the street and Steven saw Marc doing an ‘OK’ sign at him and winking. They stopped in front of a Shopping Mall and Steven touched his stomach.
“My stomach is rumbling a bit. Love, might we get something to eat?” Eddie looked at his watch and frowned as now we're almost 3 in the afternoon and Venom hasn’t said they were hungry. Well, to be honest they did eat five brains, two McDonnalds meals and a butch of Snickers during their night and had a donut for breakfast, but it was still weird Venom not moaning in his ear that he was hungry.
“I’m on a diet, fyi” Venom responded in his mind, spelling each letter.
“Sure , Steven. Come on, this mall has amazing french fries with chili on top.” Eddie said, curling his hands with Steven’s and entered the mall. Steven was amazed by those colorful , crowded and big stores in the mall. He was not used to going to the mall, or any place instead of museums , so it was almost like going to Disneyland for him.
“He looks like a kid with candy hallucinations. It’s adorable” Venom chuckled as Eddie frowned his eyebrow in annoyance. They arrived at the restaurant and Eddie ordered fries with bacon n’ cheddar for him ( because if not Venom would not stop moaning for cheddar) and just plain fries for Steven.
The couple sat down on a table nearby and Steven curled his head to the side, looking at the plate. “Oh , it’s gigantic!” He exclaimed.
“Yeah, this is the small one.” Eddie said, chewing on some fries. Steven dropped his chin and looked incredulous. “That's small?!”
“Welcome to America” Marc said on the fork reflection as Eddie held his head in his hand, admiring Steven’s confusion over the food. Venom has told him already how silly he may be looking right now , but he did not mind. His main and only focus was on the man who was sitting in front of him , carefully eating a french fries per time.
Steven chewed and looked at Eddie “I wanna apologize for being late today, love. You see, my hotel is in Queens, so I tried to get the train towards the terminal , but I ended up at the airport! Can you believe this? I’m terrible at directions, that’s why I always ask Marc for help!”
“No, no, It’s alright, dear.” Eddie said, cupping Steven’s hand with his. “The only thing that matters is that you are here.” Steven smiled and they shared a quick peck.
“MATTERS OF THE HEART LATER, NOW EAT TIME!” Venom forced Eddie to start eating faster, making Steven chuckled and Marc groaned in disgust.
After their lunch , Eddie and Steven walked together towards Central Park, whereas they had a pleasurable walk to digest their food and just chat about anything, once again. They stopped under a tree on a hill and they sat together. Eddie brought Steven into a hug and embraced him, putting his hands on his lap.
“You know dear, I never thought you would be the romantic type. “ Steven smiled , leaning his head on Eddie’s shoulder. “It’s pretty cute, I won’t lie!”
“Soon you will discover the real cry-moaning-eating baby that is Edward Brock” Venom purred as Eddie mumbled “Shush, Vee.” Steven stared at his green eyes and said “I like that you guys, you and Venom I mean , take care of each other, just like me and Marc!”
“Sometimes I feel he uses me only to eat brains and chickens , but I love the bastard anyways” Eddie scoffed, making Steven chuckled , followed by a “ Rude” from Venom. “We do protect each other in our own way. This is what friends are for, right?”
Steven nodded “Indeed.” He closed his eyes “I’m loving this , Eddie. I’m loving this moment and the scenery and the sky and the food and, of course, you.” He embraced Eddie strongly “I know we just met and so, but I really, really adore you , Eddie. Thank you for being in my life.”
Venom purred “Well, that’s pretty gay if you ask me”. Eddie smiled and closed his eyes “Well thank you for giving a chance for an idiot like me.” They stood there, listening to the birds chipping , the wind blowing , the anxious park’s crowd and their own heartbeat. This couldn’t be a perfect time.
Well , it could have lasted longer than a minute, Eddie thought, if he didn’t was crushed by a seven year old , who smashed him into an embrace. Steven jumped towards the side as Eddie tried to recompose himself, trying to understand what just hit him at the speed of light.
He looked down and smiled bright as he saw the toothless, beautiful smile of his friendly neighbor , Peter. The boy smiled at Eddie and exclaimed “Uncle Eddie! I got you!”
“It seems you did champ, Ahh!” Eddie said, dramatically falling towards the ground and closing his eyes “I died..bleh.” He said, making Peter busted in laughter. Steven recomposed himself and sat straight , a small smile on his face.
Eddie sat down with Peter on his lap and turned towards Steven “Peter, this is Steven Grant.” Steven smiled deppened as did his blush “Steven, this is Peter, my crazy neighbor! “
“I ain’t crazy!” Peter said, with a strong new-yorkian accent. “Nice to meet you , Mr.Steven!”
“Don’t worry, mate, Steven, with a V, it’s just fine” Steven said, smiling at the kid. Peter turned towards Eddie “He talks funny , Uncle Eddie!”.
“Now Peter, that’s impolite to say.” A voice said. The group turned to the left to see a blonde curly man with kind green eyes approaching them. “Sorry dad, sorry Steven '' Peter rushed to get off Eddie’s lap , rushing to his father’s side. “Hi Eddie, who is your friend?” Norman asked.
“Hello Norman!” Eddie said, happily grabbing Steven’s arms “This is Steven, my boyfriend!”.
“Nice to meet you sir! It's Steven Grant, with a V!” He said, making Norman nod and ruffle his little boy’s hair. “My name is Norman Osborn Octavius, I’m the father of this little squirrel over here. Me and my husband , Otto , work in the scientific field.”
“Really nice sir! You know, you know, I’m something of a scientist myself!” Steven said proudly, making Eddie, Norman and Peter curl their heads in confusion “I mean, I do work in a museum, so I’m a historical scientist! I research history.”
Silence. Steven gulped and could swear he heard Marc mumbling ‘Awkward’ on his head.
“Anyway! It’s so nice to meet you!” Steven broke in laughter, lightning the mood. Norman smiled sweetly and Peter pushed his sleeve. “Did dad buy Ice Cream?”
“He said he would, but it has been ten minutes and he did not come back and - oh dear lord, Otto '' Norman signed, crossing his arms as a brunette man with weird four metallic tentacle arms appeared in his sight, holding an Ice Cream cup in each of his hands. Steven jumped in fear and Eddie whispered ‘It’s ok.’ to him, cupping his hand.
“Who wants Ice Cream?” Otto sang as Peter jumped excitedly , grabbing a cone from his bottom tentacle. Norman raised an eyebrow as Otto kissed his cheek “What?” Otto asked playfully. He turned to see the couple next to them and smiled “Hi Eddie, is this the Steven you told me about?”
“You told the tentacle octopus man about me?!” Steven whispered in a desperate, sweet tone to Eddie. Eddie smiled and waved at the man “Hi Otto! Indeed, this is my one and only Steven Grant.”
Steven burst into a blush “My?” he whispered, making Eddie smile. Otto smiled sweetly and took a bite on the Ice Cream cone, stodding two mechanical arms towards the couple. Eddie and Steven hesitantly took it. The British took a bite and moaned in delight “Love! You never told me Ice Cream from New-York was so good!” He said happily. Eddie blushed as the family laughed.
The group stood on that same spot until sunset, talking about favorite ice cream flavours, how British food was awful compared to American ( Steven needed to hold himself on that) , silly things that could make anyone bored, but never them.
As the sun went down, Otto stood up , holding Peter asleep on his back " We shall go, Peter is already dreaming. It was a pleasure meeting you, Steven." He smiled sweetly as he waited for Norman to get his bag.
"You are a good man, Steven. Eddie is lucky to have you" Norman sang, making Steven and Eddie look at each other with smiles. He embraced hands with Otto and the family waved goodbye "Hope we meet again sometime!"
Steven watched as the family slowly faded away and he said , tapping his fingers together "They are a really adorable family."
"I really do like them. They are pretty cool. Some really bad shit happened in their family, but they sure have a heart of stone for each other." Eddie said, getting up and stretching his arms "Sometimes I hear Norman playing the piano as Otto and Peter sing. It's.." he smiled sweetly ''Nice ``.
He stood his hands at Steven, who took it gracefully "Now, onto our last thing to do today!" He smiled and grabbed two tickets in his pockets , waving at Steven.
Steven blinked and Eddie could swear he saw stars on his eyes "Is this..? Oh stars, Eddie! It's the musical about Henry the eighth's wives! Isn't it?" Eddie nodded "Oh dear, I always wanted to go, but I never had the time!" He smiled, kissing Eddie's whole face, making him laugh "Thank you so much, luv!'"
"Come on, history nerd, or we will be late" Eddie chuckled, dragging Steven onto the streets. Steven was practically jumping in excitement as Eddie pointed out important buildings as they passed by.
"I'm so excited for today, and tomorrow 's sightseeing for sure as well! Since we are visiting New York's museum with that exhibition I told you about it!" He sounded like a happy little boy, excited to go to Disneyland.
" Steven, stop. I censor something." Marc said, seriously. He made a brusque pause in front of a dark alley, turning his head towards the left. Eddie cocked his head "Honey, is everything okay?"
" Someone is in danger. We have to help them, Steven! " Marc said. Steven turned to Eddie and opened his mouth to say something, but burst into the alley. Eddie looked incredulously as he quickly followed him.
" No fucking way you are running away from us, Pussy" Venom groaned as Eddie called Steven's name, desperatly. He, however, was brutally stopped by Steven's hand on his chest, making him almost trip over. "Steven!" Eddie said, but was shut down by Steven's finger on his lips.
Steven motioned towards a few steps in front of them , whereas a group of three full adult men were cornering up a young lady dressed in a school uniform.
" Bad Guys!" Venom said in excitement. Eddie and Steven moved slowly in the darkness as the men cornered the girl to the point of making her gasp for air.
" Let me do this, Steven. It will be quick" Marc said, making Steven look down " I promise the body will be yours as soon as I'm finished."
"P-please, I already told you I don't have money! " She cried, tears bursting in her eyes. A man laughed and gagged, putting a hand next to her head "Don't worry dear, there's another way for you to pay."
As they laughed and cornered the girl, pleading for help, Eddie saw what looked like Steven jump from the darkness in another suit, this time with a huge cape like a party magician , attacking the men with something that resembled a croissant.
He watched in fear as Marc beat one to the ground , but was hitted by another, falling to the ground, making the girl scream. "Oh no you fucking did not do that" Eddie groaned in anger, revealing himself.
"Mask!" He shouted, dragging everyone's attention. Eddie felt the familiar protection cover his body as they became Venom " Copy" Venom purred as he screamed, jumping into the man, ripping his head off , and proceeding to do the same with the other one. Marc watched in horror as he protected the girl's vision, covering her eyes from the whole tearing heads apart.
After everything was done, Venom clinged themself back to Eddie's inside, revealing his body once again. Marc removed his cape from the girl's eyes, who looked terrified.
"T-that was a m-monster, a big, giant monster" She trembled. Eddie signed, this was routine, but every time someone was shook by Venom made him feel the worst.
" Let me handle this , Marc," Steve pleaded. He nodded and he soon transformed himself back to normal clothes. He kneeled before the girl and whispered, a sweet smile on his face. "Hey, don't worry dear. You are safe now. It all has been one big nightmare, but it's all over. Go home and ask your parents to make the best lemonade they can do, kay'?"
The girl nodded and rushed off, leaving the two men alone in the alley. Steven looked down to the floor. "So .. seeing your boyfriend bits heads off. First time for everything, I suppose.” He chuckled nervously.
“You probably are uneasy , I know." Eddie said, looking down in shame " I felt the same when we started doing this.” Eddie said , itching his neck. “Yummi Yummi” Venom sounded like a little kid in Eddie's mind.
“Eh. I kinda got used to it thanks to Marc.” He shrugged. He listened to Marc’s scoffing on the puddle next to them, but decided to ignore it. He grabbed Eddie’s hand and smiled “So , ready for an hour and a half of actresses playing deceased wives of an over powerful king of an island?”
“Just a sec’' Eddie said, embracing Steven into a hug once again. He closed his eyes and they stood there, listening to their heartbeats. They shared a quick kiss on the lips and Eddie opened his eyes, smiling “Now I’m ready.”
Steven opened a smile. “So let’s go captain, ahooy!” he imitated a pirate , making Eddie laugh as they walked together towards the Brooks Atkinson Theater.
A person passing by would smile thinking they are just another ordinary couple of idiots. Well , I believe no one would think an idiot with an alien parasite and another one with a mercenary personality trapped in their bodies would end up being a couple, but here we are , eh?