Here's another chapter in the big brother/little brother friendship relationship between Eddie and Venom!

-aggiefrogger


That Feeling When You're No Longer a Loser or a Loner

Eddie sat on the floor of his bedroom, leaning back against his bed, his report card laying on the floor nearby.

EDDIE, Venom asked, a little confused by what had just happened, ARE YOU OKAY.

"I'm fine," the teen replied, though the symbiote could tell he was lying, and clearly upset. The human had told him that humans his age (which was thirteen), were about to go through something called "puberty," which apparently was a time where children humans transitioned into adulthood. Part of the change included awkward growth spurts, spots on the face, and an increase in hormones that affected one's mood. The alien could sense the change already starting to begin, but if his planet could survive multiple wars, he could survive eight years of dealing with Eddie.

However, the young boy still confused him, especially with his interactions with other humans. For example, what had just happened with his dad; Eddie had gotten something from school called a "report card," which apparently was a piece of paper showing that he was passing all of his school classes. He had all A's, which was the highest a kid could score, and apparently difficult to do, given some of the advanced courses that the boy was taking.

The preteen was ecstatic on the way home, his chest bursting with pride and happiness, especially to show his dad, who came home later that afternoon from work. Venom had been tired around that time, but perked up as the boy went up to the older human. The symbiote had seen him before, and knew that the young human felt a mix of emotions to his father: love, fear, sadness, and a sort of longing.

"Dad," Eddie said excitedly, holding out the paper to him. "I got my report card today; all A's!"

The man was drinking a can of some foul-smelling liquid, but paused to look at the page, face devoid of expression. He didn't say anything, but handed the paper back to his son. Venom sensed Eddie's happiness dissipate, and the boy ran up the stairs, shutting his bedroom door with some force.

Venom was still pondering why the response was insufficient when Eddie slammed his fist on the ground beside him.

"Stop thinking about it," he snapped at Venom. "Just forget it, okay? Who cares what he thinks? If he doesn't care, why should I?"

The symbiote could sense the young boy's sadness, and knew that the kid was going to burst into tears at one point. It suddenly clicked in his mind what was wrong, and he knew that something must be done.

LET'S GO, he said, forcing the kid to his feet.

"What," the boy started, now confused and a little frightened. "What are you-"

WE'RE GOING OUTSIDE. WE NEED TO STRETCH OUR LEGS. The black goo started to cover the teen's body.

"Wait, Venom, where are we-" Eddie's voice was cut off as his head morphed into the sharp-toothed, grinning face of the alien.

"SOMEWHERE WHERE WE CAN FEEL BETTER."

And with that, he leaped out the window.


Venom had never been to the spot before, but he vaguely pulled it from the boy's memories, and, leaping across buildings, he finally leaped over a large gate, sprinted into the trees, and stopped.

Where are we, Eddie's voice demanded in his mind. Where'd you take me?

"CALM DOWN," Venom answered, shrinking back into the boy's skin, leaving the fourteen-year-old by himself in the trees. BETTER?

"Not really," the teen muttered, looking around. "Where are we? I'm going home, and-" His legs walked him through the trees, away from the gate. "Venom!"

SHUT UP AND LOOK, the alien snapped, and the teen was about to snap back when they broke through the trees, and they both froze, shock all over their faces.

They were standing by a large pond (or a small lake), the moon reflected on the surface of the water. Around the edges were several trees, but they weren't regular trees; there were Japanese cherry trees, camellias, azaleas, Japanese Maples, and even a few pines. Ancient-looking statues sat nearby, along with stone benches where one could enjoy the view. In front of them, a small hill sat, and several small buildings covered it, all of them modeled after authentic Ancient Japanese architecture, including a pagoda. A few large rocks also sat nearby, like solemn guardians of the place. The smell was incredible, and the whole place gave off an aura of peace and security.

"Woah," the teen muttered, staring open-mouthed at the scene around him. Venom had to agree; he'd heard Mrs. Chen mention this place, and even saw a flier for it behind her register, but he had no idea anyplace on this planet could be so… so beautiful. He noticed that the teen's attitude had slightly improved, so he brought the kid to the water's edge. Looking down, the boy saw not his reflection in the pond, but the alien's. "Where are we?"

THE JAPANESE TEA GARDEN; MRS. CHEN HAD A POSTER AT HER STORE. WE COULD TELL YOU NEEDED TO GET AWAY FOR A WHILE.

"That's none of your business," the teen growled, starting to grow angry. "You have no right to-"

BACK ON MY PLANET, the symbiote started, his voice echoing in the boy's head, but the mouth in the reflection moving, WE HAVE TWO CHOICES. WE EITHER BOND WITH ONE OF THE CREATURES THAT CO-EXISTS ON THE PLANET WITH US, OR WE ARE SENT INTO THE COSMOS IN HOPES OF FINDING A SUITABLE HOST.

Eddie was confused, but he decided he might as well listen; he'd never heard Venom talk about his past before. "So… you obviously chose to leave?"

I WAS FORCED TO. WE CANNOT BOND WITH WHATEVER CREATURE WE COME ACROSS; THINK OF IT AS… OUR HOST MUST FIT LIKE A GLOVE, IN A WAY. IF WE TRY TO STAY WITH AN UNSUITABLE HOST, THEY DIE, AND WE MAY DIE AS WELL.

A dark look crossed the teen's face. "You mean when I found you on that camping trip and you latched yourself onto me I could've-"

BUT YOU DIDN'T. THAT IS NOT THE REASON WE'RE TELLING YOU THIS. The symbiote hesitated a little before speaking. WE… WE HAVE A FAMILY ON KLYNTAR AS WELL. ALL OF THEM FOUND SUITABLE HOSTS ON THE PLANET. MAYBE THERE WAS ONE, BUT THEY ONLY LET US TRY A CERTAIN NUMBER OF TIMES BEFORE WE'RE FORCED TO LEAVE, OR DIE. OUR FAMILY WAS UPSET WITH US FOR NOT BEING "WORTHY" ENOUGH TO BE LIKE THEM, AND WHILE MOST SYMBIOTES CAN RETURN TO THE PLANET SOMEDAY, THEY TOLD US TO NEVER RETURN.

Eddie stared at the reflection in shock, the words sinking in as he realized where the alien was going with this.

WE… WE COULD NOT TELL OUR FAMILY'S THOUGHTS, BUT WE KNEW, JUST BY WATCHING YOU, THAT YOU FELT THE SAME WAY YOU DID. LIKE YOUR FATHER, THEY WERE NOT PROUD OF US. Venom paused before continuing. WE THOUGHT YOUR SPECIES WERE WEAK, BUT WE SEE NOW HOW WRONG WE WERE. YOU ARE NOT SO DIFFERENT FROM US, AND EVEN TOLERABLE MOST OF THE TIME. The black glove covered the boy's hand again, seeming to hug his fingers. KNOW THAT NO MATTER IF YOUR SPECIES ABANDONS YOU, WE WILL NOT. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU. IF YOUR DAD DOES NOT SEE THAT, THEN THAT IS HIS LOSS.

Eddie was speechless. What could he say after that story. Usually, the parasitic creature was rude and annoying most of the time, occasionally showing some kindness towards him, but this… this was different. However, he felt that he should say something, and cleared his throat. "So… your family… disowned you?"

YEAH.

The boy felt sorry for the parasitic creature, and couldn't help but notice that the creature had a hint of sadness in its voice. "Well… I never had a friend before you came here. Sure, I had friends, but I never had a best friend that I could hang out with and do regular stuff with. And… while I haven't been disowned, I might as well be." He looked back at the reflection, struggling to think of the right words.. "Even if my dad doesn't give a crap about me, at least you do… Thank you, for being my friend."

THANK YOU FOR BEING OURS.

And with that, they sat in the peaceful garden, glad that they were no longer alone.


That's it! I know I kinda messed with the symbiote origin story, but I think it ended up pretty good, and I got the name of the planet right.

Also, some of you have wondered what universe this takes place in, like Fox or Sony or Marvel (which I do NOT own in any way, shape or form!). Since there's a whole multiverse in the Marvel comics, then I think that this FF takes place in one of them. And for those that were wondering, the date from the earlier story went fine, but they remained friends, meaning Eddie'll have more dates with girls in the future (I may write a chapter about one of these dates, so mention it in your review if you'd like).

Favorite and follow if you want more best friend adventures, and have a great day!

I do NOT own the Japanese Tea Garden or Venom in ANY way, shape or form!