You moved into an apartment building a few weeks ago after the previous tenant apparently ditched. It was old and not too safe, but the rent was cheap, which was good enough for you.

You had a neighbor in front of your apartment; some news reporter called Eddie Brock who'd fallen from grace like so many others before him. Nowadays, the man had become a freelance writer and interviewer or something.

Eddie knew about you. He'd seen you around, had politely chatted with you in the corridors. But he tried to keep his distance because of the alien in his head, not wanting to bring you trouble.

Of course, the man knew you must have seen how unusual he seemed. Talking to himself - to Venom - moving suddenly when the symbiote took over, and being a generally awkward mess of a human being.

Still, despite this, you didn't judge Eddie. You didn't mind some strangeness. Plus, he was kind of sweet - truly. So, you stayed and kept talking to the man.