He took out his wallet and paid for his bill, leaving a generous tip on the table. I couldn't help but notice the gesture, and it left me with a newfound respect for him.
As he got up to leave, I realized that Spike's portrayal of Venom as a villain might have been a bit exaggerated.
From our conversation, Venom appeared more like a leader trying to navigate a complex situation. Sure, he wouldn't automatically take our side, but he seemed fair and willing to listen.
Still, as I ended my shift that day, uncertainty clouded my thoughts about my future in Moon Burrow and with Spike.
Spike and his MC were only in this mess because of me. Would leaving Moon Burrow solve any problems?
It was the last thing I wanted to do. I was willing to fight Venom if he ordered me to go, but deep down, I knew it might be the only possible solution.
As I trudged up the stairs to my apartment, exhausted. The day at work had been a grueling one, leaving me drained and with little energy left for anything else.
The thought of cooking dinner felt like an impossible task, and I debated just ordering takeout.
But as I turned the corner, my spirits lifted when I saw Spike standing outside my apartment door, holding two large pizzas.
It was a thoughtful gesture that instantly warmed my heart.
"Hey, Gray," Spike greeted with a smile as he saw me approaching. "Long day?"
I nodded wearily, feeling grateful for his unexpected visit.
"You have no idea," I replied, managing a tired smile in return.
Spike held out the pizzas. "Well, I thought you could use a break from cooking tonight. Pizza sound good?"
My stomach rumbled at the mention of food, and I couldn't help but grin.
"Pizza sounds perfect," I said, reaching out to take one of the boxes from him.
"I know we're seeing each other on Sunday," Spike began. "But I couldn't wait. I had to see you because... I missed you."
His honesty caught me off guard, but it was a welcomed surprise.
"I feel the same way, Spike," I confessed. "I've missed you too.”
Having pizza and maybe watching a movie or two while cuddling on the sofa, sounded like heaven.
As we started sharing the mundane details of our respective days at work, I felt a knot form in my stomach.
I promised myself I wouldn’t’ keep anything from Spike, so he had to know about my encounter with Venom earlier that day.
"Spike," I began tentatively, "there's something I need to tell you... I met Venom today.”
Instantly, I could sense a shift in Spike's demeanor. His easy smile faltered, replaced by a furrowed brow and his jaw tensed.
"What did he say?" Spike's voice was low, a dangerous edge creeping into his tone.
I recounted the details of my meeting with Venom, watching as Spike's anger simmered just beneath the surface.
It pained me to see him like this, but I knew he had a right to know.
"He questioned me about you, about Jack... about everything," I explained.
As I spoke, Spike's fists clenched at his sides, his expression darkening.
"He had no right to interrogate you," Spike said. “He should’ve spoken to both of us.”