Author's Note: Short because I have uni assignments to finish still. :(

Somehow the neighbors fell into a sort of routine where Eddie would show up with either groceries – sesos being the main dish half of the time – or take out and then plop himself on their couch to read the book draft as Metz prepared meals for the two. While eating, they'd discuss what Eddie had read so far – what worked for him, what was vague, what could be improved. Metz had taken to keeping the notebook on the dining table now, taking notes between bites of food.

Tonight was one of those nights.

Eddie was engrossed with the binder on his lap, muttering Venom or laughing to himself, occasionally drawing his neighbor's attention. Metz hummed under their breath to the soft music coming from the radio on the dining table as they prepared empanadas, something new for Eddie to try. Even without the firsthand feedback for the book, Metz knew they would've kept cooking for him. It was comforting, Metz had to admit; like having a sense of home again if even for a few hours.

It was a little over two months now since Eddie introduced himself and Metz wouldn't say the two were the bestest of friends, but they at least were past the acquaintances mark and well into friendship territory, considering the consistency with which they met up.

"If you don't mind your own fuckin' business, I swear to god–"

Metz glanced over as Eddie made the stern comment to himself before focusing on the pan again. Even his talking to himself had become a normal aspect of life, Metz noted with a small smile. How the two had slipped into this tentative yet unusually comfortable coexistence was beyond Metz's understanding. As they considered this, though, a sudden thought interrupted. "Hey."

"Hm?" Eddie blinked up from the binder towards Metz, and then flashed a sheepish grin. "Sorry, that wasn't to you."

"I know," Metz said, waving a hand in the air as if to shoo away the apology. "I was just thinking, did you make a decision? About visiting Kasady? I read an execution date was set for him and you haven't mentioned it again, so I was curious."

At the mention of the serial killer, Eddie's face twisted to show his aversion. It wasn't that he was opposed to talking about it with Metz, but this place, this time between the two had become something close to sacred. An impenetrable bubble that kept life and the real world out. He'd been popular growing up, was constantly surrounded by people that called themselves his friends. Yet he couldn't remember a single time where any one of them had just… existed like this with him. Shared a space without the need to speak a word and still find it an enjoyable experience. Even Venom was less talkative in Metz's place, a blessing really, but the symbiote seemed to emulate the peacefulness Eddie felt here.

Metz was used to Eddie going off into his head sometimes, especially when a comment or a conversation seemed to bother him. They waited patiently until he shook his head and came back to the conversation.

"I told you, I don't really have a choice in that."

"There's always a choice, Eddie," Metz replied without hesitation. "You want some company when you go?" The sudden offer caused shock to jump onto Eddie's expression. "It's a tough thing to do, obviously. It wouldn't be a bad thing to have some support for it."

Metz is not afraid of anyone, is she? I vote yes.

His mouth opened to reply before it snapped shut and he looked away, frowning.

"You do not get a say in this," Eddie muttered under his breath.

Why not? She is our friend.

"Not only is that wildly inaccurate, but you are truly insane if you think I'm allowing Metz anywhere near that psychopath," Eddie argued.

Shouldn't it be her choice?

Eddie couldn't help gritting his teeth at this. He wasn't lying when he told Venom he didn't want Kasady anywhere near Metz. But, they had offered right after making sure to mention there is always a choice. Maybe a subtle reminder that Metz can and would make their own decisions, too.

His eyes wandered to Metz who had turned their attention back to the food, pulling a tray out of the oven and letting it cool as they started worked on the sides. Metz could feel his heavy gaze on them, but did their best to ignore it. Pushing people into complying hardly ever worked. It was better to remain silent, let Eddie come to the conclusion that nothing bad could happen if they just tagged along.

"This is a deranged man on death row we're talking about here. Not an invite to some country club gala," Eddie spoke up after the internal struggle.

"Damn. That's really going to put a damper on my outfit of choice for the occasion," Metz said with a roll of their eyes. It earned a half scoff, half laugh from the journalist. "I have a vague idea of what I'd be walking into, Eddie. Okay, it probably won't match up to that idea exactly. If anything it'll probably be much worse, really. But I'm not offering because I expect to be treated civilly by a mass murderer, though."

"Why are you offering?" Eddie asked now, his eyes scrutinizing Metz's every move.

"Because we're friends. We are friends, right?" Metz asked afterwards, as they eyed Eddie back. "Because if we're not, then I have no idea why in the world I keep letting you into my place and cooking for you without compensation."

Of course we are friends! Reassure her, Eddie. We must not lose her over your deficiency in providing appropriate affection.

A choked laugh escaped Eddie at this, both at Metz and the symbiote. "My payment is being your beta reader," he joked when he was able to speak, closing the binder and setting it on the coffee table. He stood and closed the distance, leaning against the counter as Metz returned their attention to the pot. "It's been a while for me, you know? Since I've had someone to call a friend, someone that has my back," he said in a quiet voice some seconds later. "But, if it helps keep you as my favorite cook, yeah, we're friends, Metz." That crooked grin Metz enjoyed looking at graced his features when they turned to look at him, and they flicked a balled up paper towel at him. "You really don't mind coming with me?" Eddie asked as he effortlessly caught the paper.

"And you say I over think," Metz teased now. "I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it, Eddie. Give me a day and a time and I'll be ready." He grew serious once more, mulling over it before he nodded.

We will protect her. You know now that we can.

"Okay," he agreed, that smile appearing on his lips once again "Okay. It's a date."

"Meeting a serial killer on a first date? Bold move, Mr. Brock," Metz replied with a cheeky grin. "I have to say, I'm thoroughly impressed."

Another date secured! You certainly are on a roll, Eddie.

He knew blood was rushing to his features the moment Metz said 'date' and he moved to open the fridge, hoping the air would cool him down enough to dissipate the oncoming blush. He grabbed two beers while he was in there, opening the bottles and setting one down for Metz beside the stove.

"You're a strange one, Metz," Eddie said with a chuckle. He knew calling the hang outs 'dates' was nothing more than friendly ribbing, especially with Metz knowing about Anne and Eddie knowing of their lack of interest in dating. And still, it made his stomach twist just enough to give the sensation of butterflies whenever Metz accepted the invitations. The sweet sentiment was robbed from him when he realized what he had just allowed his first friend to tag along in. "You have to promise one thing, though."

"Depends, Eddie," Metz said with a bit of a side glance. "What do you want me to promise?"

"You keep as far away as physically possible from Kasady's cell," Eddie stated.

Metz relaxed at this and picked up the beer he set out, taking a short sip. "As long as everything goes smoothly, which I'm sure it will, yes. I promise I will stay away from his cell." Eddie was already shaking his head as Metz spoke.

"No. You stay anyway no matter what happens," he insisted firmly. "That's the one condition to taking you along."

She probably requires less protection than you.

Metz tried not to perk up at this. "So it's not a promise, it's a condition," they said with a raised brow and lifted up a hand before Eddie could speak again. "Fine, fine. I agree to that condition then."

Eddie narrowed his eyes for a moment, studying Metz as they now gave him an innocent look, before sighing and nodding. "Kasady is not someone to meddle with, Metz, even behind bars. In fact, don't even speak to him, even if he directs any words to you. Don't even look at him. Got it?"

"Sir, yes, sir," Metz said with a sharp salute, grinning afterwards. "Go sit now. Dinner's ready." Eddie rolled his eyes and took hold of his and Metz's beers to head to the table. "You really liked sesos, didn't you?" they asked as they plated the food and followed Eddie. "I've made like, three different meals with it this week alone."

"It's your cooking I like," Eddie said. "I mean, how many people can actually cook brains in a way that make it not only edible but tasty?" he added hastily.

And with enough phenethylamine still to satiate our hunger. Eddie kept his features as impassive as possible when he heard the voice speak up.

"Lots of people, Eddie," Metz replied with a laugh at the same time as they placed the plates on the table and joined him in a seat. Eddie immediately pulled the plate towards him, sniffing and letting out a pleased sigh at the smell. "But, I'll take the compliment. Dig in."