Neighbour | Eddie Brock

like a knight in shining armor

"This is called physical love," Natasha said, flipping her fiery red hair back lightly.

She had come to Lana's new apartment. Lana had been crying so much on the phone that Natasha couldn't understand a single word the girl was saying, but she was sure it had something to do with Steve. It was no different from their usual weekly gossip—Lana constantly expressed doubts about her relationship with Steve, and Natasha patiently waited for the day when the girl would finally realize the truth. However, she hadn't expected today to be that day. Still, she congratulated herself for bringing mint cupcakes.

Through her tears, Lana asked as she stuffed one of the cupcakes Natasha had brought, into her mouth, "What do you mean by physical love?"

Natasha rolled her eyes. "Lana, what exactly have you been crying about for the last hour, darling?"

Sniffling, Lana corrected her, "I've been crying ever since Steve left."

With motherly tenderness, Natasha touched the frosting-covered chin of the girl in front of her. "Lana, you are very beautiful."

Lana sobbed.

"And Steve is very handsome."

Lana sobbed again.

"But your feelings for him aren't stronger than the lust you feel for his looks."

Lana, through her hiccups, protested, "But he's a good person!"

Natasha pulled her into a hug, resting her chin on Lana's forehead. "I know," she said softly. "But Lana, love isn't like that. Two of the best people in the world can come together, but that doesn't mean they'll be compatible. Not being a match with someone doesn't make them a bad person. I love bananas. I love burgers. But I wouldn't want a banana in my burger."

Lana giggled at the analogy. Hugging Natasha tightly, she whispered, "I don't know what to do." Panic was creeping into her voice.

"Talk to Steve," Natasha suggested. "Be honest about how you feel."

Lana blushed deeply. Every time she tried to talk about the direction of their relationship with Steve, it always ended up like today. All the new emotions she had been discovering with Steve overwhelmed her, and it scared her, but she was sure she loved him. Maybe they just needed to find balance?

As if reading her mind, Natasha asked, "How about this? Try talking to Steve about your relationship in a crowded place. That way, you won't jump on him."

Both Lana and Venom, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation, protested simultaneously, "He jumped on me/her!"

"Whatever!" Natasha dismissed. "Lana, I don't want to see you crying again because of Steve's libido."

Lana nodded. "Okay. I'll talk to him in a crowded place."

"A place where you can't seduce each other, Lana."

"Okay."

* * *

Eddie woke up with a sticky sensation on his lips and screamed, "You psycho! You stupid, slimy little b*tch! How many times do I have to tell you not to do that?!"

Venom retracted the tentacle from the man's lips. "Come on, Eddie, everyone likes being woken up with a kiss."

"Well, I don't!"

"Why so grumpy? Oh, I remember! It's Annie's wedding day today!"

"You know her name is Anne, right?"

Venom slapped him lightly with a tentacle. "I don't care! She's our Annie... or she was. Now you're going to steal the Captain's girl."