UN: The Brock Report

[imareporter]

So Hanukkah's just kicking off. Means we're close to Christmas. Given how many people are here from other places do you have any winter, solstice, or yule traditions?

Looking for cool Holiday stories. Totally not trying to chase away Seasonal Affective Disorder

Private to Tony Stark

hey so.

I had a weird dream. You and Anne were trying to convince Venom to reveal itself on camera. I know that Venom asked Anne to come but ever since this every time he's clammed up. Only answers yes or no. Seems super worried about me. I've tried to leave the house and talk to people three times and nearly barked at them.

I'm not mad. Just...trying to put together what happened. Did this thing I dream actually happen?

Comments

[can_fight_ugly]

I'm sure you've already heard all my stories. We should figure out how to decorate here with what we have. Certainly no lack of wreath making materials!

[imareporter]

[She's so creative. It's on the tip of his tongue to mention their last Christmas.

Aw shit. How long has it been since they were going to get married? His Holiday proposal? The cat?]

You think they have poinsettia somewhere?

[can_fight_ugly]

[Yes - best not to mention that particular Christmas.]

Maybe? I haven't had a poinsettia at home for years - poisonous to cats, you know. I've seen them out in the wild. What kind of climate do they grow in?

[imareporter]

Fuck if I know.

Private;

This is gonna sound really stupid but I want to make sure V has a special Christmas.

Private;

[imareporter]

I mean he's stuck, in me. And even if he goes out at night he's all by himself and like...I dunno if he can see through my eyes maybe he'd really appreciate earth and what we do for the holidays.

[can_fight_ugly]

[Yeah, no, that's not awkward at all. Anne's already trying to help them settle into the village for an eventual public release so things will be easier for them and they won't have to sneak around, why not add wowwing him with the Christmas spirit to that list?]

I'm sure we can work up something.

Are you sure it'd be alright coming from me? I think Venom might be a little sore at me for yelling at him.

[imareporter]

...So I didn't dream that.

He's not sore. I think he's just worried that I'm going to get hurt. With us fused together, if one of us goes the other goes too.

I'm "sore" if anything. I had to find out you and stark wanted to put my symbiote on TV via dream sequence.

[Sent 5 minutes later]

I'm sorry. I'm not upset. I'm just- we're trying okay? I'm. I'm trying. Going to zero to sixty from mild mannered reporter to giant alien superhero is tougher then I thought it would be.

[can_fight_ugly]

[If you think she's not replying in those five minutes you're wrong.]

Eddie, we're not just going to pop you on the network like some sideshow freak. We'r trying to find a good compromise so you don't have to hide away half the time, trying to figure out how we can present Venom so the rest of the village won't panic and he'll get some freedom. If you've got any concerns, let me know. I'll bring them up with Tony. I won't let anyone do anything you don't want, but you have to understand we've got your - and Venom's - best interests at heart.

[And then after Eddie's apology --]

If you ever need a sounding board, Eddie, you know how to reach me. You don't have to get thought this alone.

[It's a dangerous line she's treading, trying to offer support and encouragement without giving him hope that their relationship is worth salvaging - without falling prey to normal habits herself. But she had to help. She would not leave him behind.]

[imareporter]

I miss holding him.

He's kind of cuddly.

There. That's my biggest deep dark secret.

[can_fight_ugly]

[Eddie, how can you be so disconcertingly odd and yet endearingly vulnerable in one moment? Anne knew the fierce, raw power of Venom, but was having a little difficulty reconciling this ... warmer, fuzzier side. Her reply doesn't come for a couple minutes.]

Maybe you should get a cat.

[imareporter]

Animals don't like me when he's in me.

Hell they don't like me period. You know that. Mr. Belvedere tried to eat your wedding ring. Still convinced that cat has designs on you.

[Trying for a joke. That said.]

Venom is the first...I dunno. He's just there. I was asleep and I guess he sensed I needed something and next thing I know there's this big...gooey cat in my arms.

Please don't judge me for this

[can_fight_ugly]

[The joke falls flat, because Maybe he was just trying to warn me. But she doesn't tell Eddie that. She doesn't want to revisit that night, not now.]

I'm not judging you.

But as you said he can't be that for you right now.

We can at least try; there's plenty of fauna here, maybe we can find something that'll get along with both you and Venom.

[imareporter]

...It's pointless. I mean, I don't want you to waste your time. Anne. This is tough enough I don't need a...a...

We can try it.

And if he eats it we can abandon the project.

[What if it likes Venom better then him.

I wouldn't eat it! Unless it was delicious.]

See? He just said "I wouldn't eat it unless it was delicious."

[can_fight_ugly]

Tell Venom if an animal is helping you, he is expressly forbidden to eat it. He wants to help? He can start by not sabotaging attempts to help you.

Remember what Tony said about compromise? This could be one of those moments.

[imareporter]

...If it doesn't work it doesn't work but shit.

I guess.

Animals hate me Anne. You know that. I've wanted a pet ever since I was a kid...

[can_fight_ugly]

We'll figure something out, Eddie, I promise.

[imareporter]

Maybe.

I really want to do something nice for V.

[can_fight_ugly]

[She catches herself wondering why; why is she spending so much time and energy helping him figure out life with his glive-in goopyfriend when she's trying to deal with her own loss. She doesn't even have Mr. Belvedere and here she's trying to set Eddie up with an emotional support animal. He needs it more, she thinks, but reminds herself that she deserves to be happy too.

Eventually.]

Just give me some time, and I'll find something for you two, okay? Don't lose hope.