Peter stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jacket as he quietly followed Eddie down to the corner store.
"Sorry man, I thought I had enough in the fridge but I guess Venom had another midnight snack while I was sleeping."
"I did not!" Venom yelled.
"Then explain why you've been getting so fat lately," Eddie hissed, annoyed with the symbiote.
"I am not getting fat! You are!"
Peter sighed, only halfway paying attention. "It's no big deal."
Eddie and Venom both stopped bickering and turned their attention to the other man. "You alright dude?"
Peter, realizing how he was acting finally looked up. "What? Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry, I just got something on my mind." He smiled.
"You want to talk about it?" Eddie offered.
Peter met Eddie's gaze, "Nah, don't worry about it. I promise I'm fine."
Eddie frowned but knew better than to push. "Alright. Just know I'm here if you do need to talk." He reminded him before continuing to walk.
Peter sighed, the truth was he would love nothing more than to talk to him. He just didn't know where to start. After his and Venom's conversation on the rooftop the other night, it was all he could think of. According to the symbiote, Eddie liked him and apparently as more than just a friend.
He found this both exciting and terrifying at the same time. Peter hadn't dated anyone in years because he was scared they would end up getting hurt. With Eddie that wasn't really an issue, but it could risk their friendship. A friendship he didn't want to lose. Peter had grown very attached to Eddie rather quickly, and losing him would be beyond devastating at this point.
But on the other hand, he did find Eddie to be a rather attractive man; something he couldn't help but notice since the first day they met. His somewhat spastic personality was beyond enduring and rather cute.
Then again, the thought that maybe Venom was lying crossed his mind too. It was no secret that from the moment Venom kidnapped him, he liked him. What if this was some type of plan to try and get them together? Eddie didn't exactly scream gay, but Peter supposed he could be bi. He could live with Eddie being bi.
All those thoughts were running through his head as they came to a sudden stop at the door of the small shop. "So you are about to meet Mrs. Chen, she's one of the people that knows about Venom. Just play it cool."
Peter glanced inside. "Ok? Do you think she won't like me or something?"
Eddie shook his head. "No, but when she finds out who you are she's going to embarrass me. She and Venom like to talk."
"Want me to wait out here?" He offered.
"No, I'm just mentally preparing myself," he sighed before holding the door open for him.
Peter winked at the other man as he stepped in and looked around.
"Hi Mrs. Chen," Eddie called out as he made a beeline for the coolers, Peter staying a few steps behind him.
"Evening Eddie, Hello Venom," Mrs. Chen responded, barely looking up until she noticed the extra set of footsteps.
Immediately her eyes zoomed in on the other guy following her best customer. "Eddie.... who is that?" She asked, eyeballing him suspiciously.
Eddie instinctively glanced at Peter then back at Mrs. Chen. "This... is my friend." He offered, like a child introducing their friend to their mother for the first time.
"He is my friend too!" Venom interjected.
Peter put on his best smile and offered a small wave. "Hi, I'm Peter Parker."
Mrs. Chen squinted then suddenly realization spread across her face. "Oh? So you're Peter? This is the Peter?" She asked, pointing at him.
Eddie was now wishing Peter had waited outside.
"I am...I think? Eddie hasn't mentioned another Peter to me."
Eddie did his best to hold it together as he grabbed a few snacks for them to eat. "He's the Peter."
Mrs. Chen motioned for Peter to come closer, and without warning pinched his cheek.
"What are you doing?" Eddie yelled.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it," she winked, leaning closer to get a better look at Peter's butt, not bothering to be coy.
Eddie instinctively stood in front of his friend and held out his arms in an attempt to block him from her view.
"Sorry Mrs. Chen, Eddie gets jealous when people look at his boyfriend." Venom piped in.
"He's not my boyfriend, he is my friend that is a boy," Eddie snapped trying not to blush.
Peter just watched quietly, enjoying the show with a warm smile spread across his face. He really did find something special. He felt so calm, accepted and relaxed, like he was truly home.
"Right? Just a friend, I get it. So you won't care if I just take a look. Peter, would you mind taking your shirt off? I'm trying to get a clear reading of your spirit and it would help." Mrs. Chen asked.
"No, Peter, do not start stripping in this store." Eddie demanded as he paid for their stuff.
"It's a bit cold, pretty lady, maybe when it warms up." Peter smiled as Eddie pushed the drinks into his arms and turned him around.
"Good night, Mrs. Chen. Let me know when you get those chocolate waffles in." Eddie yelled, pushing Peter out the door.
"You!" Eddied yelled pointing at the other man after taking a few steps away from the store.
Peter just smiled innocently, "Yes Eddie?"
"Did you enjoy that?"
"I did, yes. But I do have a question."
"What?" Eddie grumbled.
"Were you blushing in there? Because I'm pretty sure you were. I mean if you really want I can take my shirt off, but you would have to return the favor."
Eddie turned bright red. "What?.... no. I mean if you want you can... no. I mean it's fine if you want to. I'm not going to...wait? Why are we even having this conversation? Let's go!" He demanded as he turned to leave.
Peter smiled as he watched him stomp off. Maybe it was worth the risk, and now he really wanted to see Eddie with his shirt off.