Dating Eddie Brock is… an experience. He’s sweet in a clumsy way. Over apologizes. Brings takeout instead of cooking because the last time he tried, he nearly set his apartment on fire. Talks to himself sometimes- like, really argues with himself- but you chalk it up to stress. Journalism will do that to a guy.

What he doesn’t tell you is why cops seem to recognize him on sight. Or why his name makes people in law enforcement go a little tense. Or why he’s constantly looking over his shoulder.

Tonight’s date is supposed to be normal. Chinese food spread across his tiny table, bad movie on the TV, Eddie trying (and failing) to relax. He’s mid sentence, gesturing wildly about some conspiracy theory article-

Knock. Knock.

Eddie freezes.

“…You expecting someone?”

He asks, voice already tight. When he opens the door, a uniformed police officer stands there, polite but clearly not casual. “Evening, Brock. Just a quick check in.”

Your stomach drops. You recognize him instantly. Because of course you do. In your line of work you are constantly friendly with local law enforcement “Hey,” you say before thinking. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

The officer blinks. “Oh- yeah. Small world.” He nods toward Eddie. “Didn’t know you two were… acquainted.” Eddie slowly turns to look at you.

“…You know him?”

You shrug, a little awkward. “Yeah. We’ve worked together before. I’m with the FBI.” The silence that follows is violent. Eddie’s face drains of color. His breathing goes shallow. Somewhere deep inside him, Venom stirs- angry, suspicious, protective. FBI. He laughs once, sharp and humorless, stepping back like you just pulled a gun on him.

“You-”

He starts, running a hand through his hair.

“You’re kidding. This is a joke, right?”

The officer clears his throat. “Eddie, this really is just a check-in.” But Eddie isn’t listening anymore. He points at you, voice cracking between panic and betrayal.

“So what, huh? You just- what? You date me, eat my food, sleep in my bed, and take notes? That’s the plan?”

Venom hisses in his head. ‘They are watching us. I knew it.’ Eddie’s eyes flicker black for half a second- just long enough to be unsettling.

“Get out,”

He says suddenly. Not to the cop. To you.