Wrapped In You [mpreg|sequel]

xxvi

Eddie finds Abel feeding a tiny bundle mewling in his arms.  He enters the room quietly and offers the teen a small smile.  Abel returns it, though Eddie can see the fear that flashes in his eyes, the embarrassment and self-consciousness that makes him tug at the gown to hide himself, hide his scars.

"Hey," he greets softly.

"Hi," Abel whispers, gaze falling on the baby.

Eddie can't help the way his smile grows.  Despite everything, Abel looks well, good, alive.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better," Abel answers honestly, "but still a little, sore."

Eddie nods in understanding as he takes a seat beside the hospital bed.  The silence that falls between them doesn't last long when Carnage appears from Abel's exposed shoulder.  Venom chooses to manifest as well.  Both Eddie and Venom don't expect Carnage to practically bow to them in gratitude.  Yet he does, shocking them into silence.

"Thank you," the red symbiote rasps, "Thank you for saving Abel and our offspring."

Eddie will admit he is left at a loss for words and his eyes widen when Abel follows suit, offering his thanks for being saved by Venom.

"You are welcome," Venom finally responds sincerely, reaching out and patting Carnage's glob of a head and cupping Abel's hand over the bundle's bottom, "We would do it all over, a thousand times and more, if it means you are all well and happy and safe.  I have never wanted your downfall, Carnage, or malaise and we are sorry for our past, though we hope for a better future."

Carnage nods and Abel can't help but feel lighter.  The relationship between progenitor and offspring is far from mended but it is no longer broken.  He begins to suspect that it never was.

But this is a new start and Eddie takes the moment to say what's on his mind.

"Patrick went to your house, Abel, to see your mother and while he and Toxin were there, they gathered your belongings."

Abel frowns.  He knows he shouldn't go back, but he has no where else to go.  Panic swells within him.  Where can he even go when he has a newborn in his arms and he's still weak.  He-

"Come home," Eddie offers gently, resting his hand on Abel's, "come live with us, where you and Canrage and your baby boy will be safe, welcomed."

Abel considers it as he bites his bottom lip.  But where will they sleep?  The apartment is too small with only two bedrooms and Mason and Sleeper already occupy one.  There's no space, no-

"We found a house, one big enough for everyone," Eddie continues, soothing Abel's fears, "We've finalized a few things and will be moving within the month.  You are welcomed to live with us."

"I don't," Abel clears his sore throat, "I don't want to impose."

"Nonsense," Venom rumbles, "You are welcomed, you and my son and our grandchild.  We want you there, here, with us.  You are important to us."

"Really?" the younger asks, too scared to hope.

"Yes," Eddie smiles, "Really, you are family and I'll say it again and again until you understand.  You are wanted and we want nothing more than to know you're safe.  Even if it's temporary, even if it's just until you get back on your feet, you have a home, always."

"As if there is any doubt," Carnage agrees, "Though grudgingly, we accept your offer."

Abel can't protest, doesn't really.

It's just one less thing he has to worry about, "Okay... Okay, thank you."