Xandar Part 1
Ronan had barely blocked himself off in time to keep his Terran from feeling the explosive hatred and rage that was charging through his soul and spirit like a battery. After being sure that his bonded knew he had felt nothing but pride in his accomplishment, he’d left. Hearing Gamora’s announcement was too much and though he tried to ignore the familiar and even welcoming hatred, it was too old a friend.
Regardless of the role the boy played in his life, he refused to have Peter Quill distrust him when so very much was at stake. If Peter felt his burning ire for the Xandarians than he might be inclined to forgo looking for the missing pieces of Ronan’s body. That could not be allowed to happen. He would not force Peter to share his body and he certainly refused to spend more time in it than necessary.
He watched as the three slowly left the room, bitching and moaning at one another about their poor language skills. He focused his gaze on The Destroyer. Spending time with the inferior alien was as likely to produce unrivaled migraines as spending time with Peter was. He found himself wishing, not for the first time, that Groot or Gamora would be accompanying them to Xandar.
While he didn’t actually like or enjoy the company of a single Guardian, he could at least tolerate his former compatriot and the mostly silent tree. It’s first incarnation had been much preferable to Gamora as it seemed kinder and wiser, but even as an aggressive little sprout, it could only speak three words and they weren’t all that antagonizing.
He moved to the cockpit and watched as Xandar came into view. He still couldn’t look at it without sneering. Peter may have brought forth several reasonable arguments to his plans for genocide, but that didn’t lessen the fierce animosity he felt for the people or their planet. His father and his father’s father. Gone…
“Be careful.” He frowned as he turned to see Gamora looking up into Drax’s eyes. “Please.”
The man offered no smile as he brought up a tattooed hand and caressed her cheek with obvious adoration. He bowed his down and brought her head forward until their foreheads touched in a gentle acknowledgment of her request.
Ronan grimaced uncomfortably as he observed them. They both closed their eyes, but while Gamora’s face was tinged with worry and her lips pulled into a frown, her bonded’s face was at peace, his lips quirked up in a subtle smile.
“The fates themselves could not forestall my return, My Reluctant One,” He whispered and Ronan couldn’t help but feel as if he were an intruder. This was not something he should be present to witness.
Gamora’s worries must have been alleviated by her soulmate’s words because he watched her smile before whispering something he couldn’t make out. Again he questioned his own motives for remaining. This was not his business nor did he care if their relationship had grown to such a point that they were now using pet names. To have even noticed made him wonder just how much Peter influenced him even when he was trying to block their connection. He moved to leave the cock pit when Gamora began to speak again.
“He’s going to be dangerous, Drax. There’s no way he’s going to let the Xandarians see him which means you’ll both be blind. He’ll be easily angered and since you won’t see him, you won’t be able to prepare for him or his explosive temper. Whatever happens, you must prevent him from using Peter to harm the people of Xandar.”
Drax nodded, caressing her cheek yet again with his thumb, though he didn’t allow her to pull away from him or his contact. They remained in the same position, Gamora’s eyes open as she searched his expression for a sign of weakness; Drax’s were firmly closed as he simply reveled in his contact with the assassin.
“Drax…?” She frowned.
“I know, Gamora,” He finally opened his pale blue eyes. “I will not allow Peter to harm anyone. The Accuser will not prevent me from protecting our fearless and often brainless leader.”
Ronan growled at the insult, but nothing more. He wasn’t sure how much damage he could do in this state, but it was probably for the best that he didn’t find out. After all, he had acknowledged more than once now that he should not be watching this intimate scene between Peter’s friends.
“Thought it may be at odds with what we know of the slaughterer, I do not believe he would want Peter’s hands to bare the blood of his wrath.”
“After all that he did to you, how can you…trust him so?” Gamora frowned, finally stepping back and folding her arms with irritation.
He had to admit, he too was curious to hear this explanation, so once again he found himself rooted in place.
“What else can I do, Gamora?” He asked. “My options are limited to isolating Peter or myself and I desire neither of these. We have discussed this at length, my only real choice, that leaves the least amount of pain for us all is to take a chance and trust the Accuser to be the man of honor he so insistently claims to be.
“As for why I don’t believe he would want Peter’s hands doing his dirty work, there are many reasons. As a warrior I myself would not want anyone questioning who’s kills were who’s. I want the honor or dishonor of those I slay. It’s as much a matter of personal pride as it is protection of my bonded.
“The other is obviously the protection of Peter. Even with his strength and skill, Peter is not as durable as a Kree. We don’t know what, if any protections his powers give him, and if he were my bonded I would not wish him harm through my own actions.”
“At least not while you weren’t sure how you saw him.” Gamora nodded, seeming to understand Drax’s thoughts.
“There is also the fact that should Peter be injured or worse, I would have no one to build me a body,” Drax added with a smirk. “If I were Ronan, I would be very, very careful about putting Peter into any direct danger.”
Ronan felt his anger surge as he began to wonder if the damned fool could sense his presence nearby. His words were too pointed, his tone far too lecturing. As if Drax knew he was watching him and Gamora! He didn’t care how inferior Drax’s species was supposed to be, he didn’t appreciate having to view Drax as a formidable foe. It was yet another concern that he didn’t want to dwell on while seeking out whatever was left of his body.
How dare the Destroyer lecture him about how to take care of his Terran? He wasn’t a fool, nor was he incompetent in the ways of lesser creatures. He knew Terrans were fragile and weak. Not only were their bodies prone to destruction through the simplest of methods, but their minds and spirits were even more frail and unreliable. They suffered through anxiety and panic attacks that made them believe they were experiencing some trauma they couldn’t always recognize.
Yet another out of a thousand reasons why Peter wouldn’t do as a nemesis. He wasn’t sturdy enough. Possibly one for why he wouldn’t be a good companion, either. Kree were passionate, intense beings that showed nearly every emotion through physical contact. Anger, love, grief…there was always some touch associated with it. He’d seen lesser beings paired with Kree before. Excited touching left bruises, lacerations. He’d even seen broken bones or punctured organs in frail. lesser species.
Not that Peter seemed comfortable with the idea of being with him in such a manner. Then again, Peter hadn’t been resistant either. More inexperienced and shy than opposed to it. He couldn’t help but recall the way his Terran shivered when he spoke or the way Peter felt when pressed against his front while exploring his hand.
He blinked slowly and reached out mentally as his anger dissolved. He wished to be near the Terran. His Terran. He still didn’t know for certain what he wanted long term from the delicate being, but there was no reason he couldn’t enjoy the warmth that the younger man’s aura radiated while he was stuck in this state.
Besides, he was a Kree. Whether Peter was his bonded or not, he would have no problems disassociating himself if and when it was necessary; namely once he had his body. If Peter was truly as breakable as he feared, no. No. If he was as breakable as he believed, then he would simply allow him to be his devoted friend and ally. After all, they both wanted to keep the infinity stones from Thanos’ grasp and would likely work well at such a partnership.
Xandar
Peter stood in the foyer of a large, extravagant hotel near Nova Prime’s offices. It might not seem like the wisest place to say, considering what they were there to do, but this place had been suggested a few times by the Prime. There was also the promise of some kind of discount and Peter was curious just how much of price cut they’d get.
The whole place was gaudy and ‘modern’ with black, white and gold coloring. The tiles beneath his and Drax’ feet were black with gold marbled through out. The walls were clean and a nearly blinding white. Once again, gold crown moldings or other odd little accents were there to break up the monotony of the two simple colors.
When they finally reached the bar-height reception desk, Peter leaned his upper body against it as he crossed his ankles; the very picture of smarmy charm. He winked at the pink Xandarian woman in her short white dress and offered her the most brilliant and charming smile he had in his arsenal.
“Hey gorgeous, you got any rooms available?”
When the pink Xandarian giggled, he knew he could get her to take care of more than their reservations if he really wanted. He glanced around him, waiting to see the glaring eyes of his soul-mate, but as had been the case for several hours now, Ronan was nowhere to be found.
“For you, Star-Lord? Anything.” She immediately began tapping on her screen before her orange eyes found his once more. “It seem the only rooms currently available are the four bedroom penthouses.”
“Yeah?” Well so much for this place. He and Drax were going to need to find somewhere else to bunk for a while because he certainly wasn’t going to put up the credits to afford a place like this. He made deliberate eye contact as he leaned his head a little closer, willing to at least hear how much their discount would make this place. “And how much is that gonna cost us?”
She giggled again. “For the Guardians of the Galaxy? Nothing.”
“Really?” Peter blinked in obvious shock. “You sure about that?”
“We wouldn’t even exist without you, so yes.” The woman assured him. “How long will you and Drax be staying?”
“Oh uh,” He looked to his friend, but the grayish blue warrior was too preoccupied with taking in their surroundings. “Not sure, to be honest. Could be a few days, could be a few weeks?”
“Well, I can promise you that you are welcome to stay for as long as you’d like.” She smiled suggestively before tapping her screen again. “Will the other Guardians be joining you?” “Possibly. Depends on how well their mission goes.” He answered with a shrug. He almost straightened his posture when he caught her eying him again. With a lazy smile he offered another wink.
“Is this trip for business or pleasure?” She asked, the words completely professional but the tone was anything but.
“Oh, uh,” He blushed and fully expected some kind of…reaction from his abnormally silent and distant soul-mate. But, there was nothing. It kind of took the fun out of it knowing that he wasn’t bothering the Kree war-lord. Still, he shrugged his shoulders and in a playful tone that wasn’t as genuine as usual, responded; “Bit of both.”
Apparently sensing his reluctance or lack of sincerity the Xandarian became all business and quickly pulled out four key cards and began activating them. “I’m going to go ahead and book the room for you until the middle of the month. However, if you need more time please don’t hesitate to ask. All of our amenities will also be provided free of charge, including room service and spa services.”
“Thank you.” Peter nodded as he took the cards she handed him. “Let’s go Drax.”
He straightened up and looked about him, once more hoping for a flash of something from Ronan, but again he wasn’t seeing, feeling or hearing a damned thing. He looked to Drax and wondered if perhaps he was doing the same thing, though for different reasons. He figured that the big guy was probably trying to ascertain whether Ronan was a threat at the moment, especially since his pale eyes kept returning to Peter and watching him warily.
Not being able to see Ronan wasn’t all that unexpected, he supposed. It wasn’t like they could get their mission accomplished with him ghosting around behind them. If they wanted to keep the Xandarians off their backs and find the pieces to his body, Ronan needed to stay out of sight.
What did surprise him was the fact that he still couldn’t feel or hear the big blue ass-hat! There weren’t any growls or insults tossed about. No huffing when Peter had deliberately flirted with the receptionist! Honestly, he was a flirtatious guy to begin with, but he really had intended on ignoring her if Ronan had shown any sign of…something!
He hadn’t been without Ronan’s constant presence since the dreams had begun. Not that he always knew it back then, but now he did! And it was disconcerting not to feel him. He was so sure that flirting with the receptionist would have earned him someone kind of acknowledgement! Maybe he’d misread something?
Had he pissed Ronan off back in the ship somehow? He didn’t think so, but then, according to Kraglin he’d always had a knack for pissing everyone off. Especially the more aggressive species. Yondu hated it most days, but on occasion it was used to distract during missions or even for a bit of fun when they made port. Tullk often used him to cause such a scene that they could skip out on the bar tab during his early teen years.
The last thing he felt before Ronan seemed to disappear was pride over the hand, and then a feeling of smugness when his friends talked about stopping him from being possessed by Ronan or something. Since then though, he’d felt nothing from the Kree. He even tried calling out to him, but honestly, he might not have been doing that right.
“We need to figure out a way to communicate with him, Peter.” Drax stated softly as they walked to the elevator. “How do you two normally…come together?”
Peter’s eyes widened as he blushed. He knew Drax hadn’t meant it that way, but his mind was in the gutter on the best of days. “We don’t! I mean…We usually, uh…we usually sleep and talk in my dreams.”
“How did he get control of you when he fought me?” Drax asked.
When they stepped on the elevator, it seemed a given that they would not speak of Ronan, nameless or not, in the small space. They both knew the elevators had cameras in them, though Peter had to admit he was shocked by how well hidden they were in glaringly white space.
“He just took control without my permission.” Peter shrugged once they were out of the elevator. “If I let him in, it’s easier. We like…hold hands with our souls or something.”
“It is a shame Rocket isn’t here to berate you. He would probably know of a better insult than what I could come up with.” The Destroyer frowned as if truly saddened by his lack of creativity.
“Jerk,” Peter rolled his eyes as they came to stop in front of a large black door with gold door knobs and a gold card reader for their keys. He slid one of the keys over the locking mechanism and walked inside.
“This place is far too large for the two of us.” Drax frowned. “I do not like its opulence.”
Peter nodded, “I gotta agree with you. This is…a bit much.”
“Perhaps it would be more enjoyable with Gamora and Groot nearby.” Drax pondered.
“And Rocket?” Peter’s green eyes cut to Drax as he tried to focus on anything but the ultra clean and sharp lines of the décor.
“Not really.” Drax shook his head. “Still, I shall make contact with Gamora. Perhaps I can convince her to come and stay with us.”
“Just point out how much nicer this place is than the Milano, how expensive it is.” Peter suggested. “Even if she doesn’t agree to it, Rocket’s gonna wanna pilfer as much shit as he can. When he leaves, Groot will follow and when Groot follows, Gamora will be right behind them to keep them out of trouble.”
“An excellent strategy.” Drax decided and headed off into a room to make the call.
After getting a feel of the layout, Peter did a thorough search for any type of security devices that could be used to spy on them. They may have been heroes to this planet, but he wasn’t taking any chances that the Nova Corp wouldn’t want them under surveillance. Most of them were pretty scary criminals, after all. Thankfully, he found that only the hall outside of the penthouse had cameras and that was fairly standard for hotels all over the galaxy.
Standing alone in a large room with a large circular bed, Peter felt a little lonely. This place wasn’t as big as the ship and, yet the layout was far more open, making it seem as if it were larger. He wondered if that was what Drax didn’t like about it either and why he wanted the others to join them. He just hoped if they came, they wouldn’t compromise the mission. Gamora and Rocket in particular were not okay with this plan.
Once more he closed his eyes softly and tried to ‘reach out’ to Ronan but felt absolutely nothing in response. Was he doing it wrong or had something happened? He was tired of that same thought circling around and around in his mind, but honestly, it was a major distraction not knowing what in the fuck Ronan the Accuser was up to.
After a few seconds of trying to figure out what it was that Ronan did when he wasn’t there to pester Peter, he felt a sharp electric snap to his left. “Ronan?” He immediately hated how hopeful he sounded.
Ronan appeared before him, his purple eyes flashing irritably. “What?” He growled.
“Hey, don’t ‘what’ me! You’re the one who disappeared back on the ship!” Peter glared back, because he damned sure wasn’t going to be pushed around by a pissy Kree ghost. “It’s not like your ghost can just follow me and Drax all over the city, so we have to figure out a method of communicating!”
“Your communication skills appear to be in find working order!” Ronan hissed in a sound that would have frightened if only he’d had a body.
Okay, so maybe flirting to get the guy’s attention had been a huge miscalculation on his part. He cringed and tried again. “Look, I’m sorry for whatever I did to upset you, but we have to find the easiest, least obvious way of talking to each other or we’ll never find your body.”
The blue alien looked even angrier if it were possible, his eyes narrowing as his lips curled into a sneer. “The solution would be unpleasant for the both of us, I assure you.”
Taken aback by the implied insult that it would apparently be to share his body, Peter stared quietly for a brief moment. Finally, his mouth caught up to his brain. “What the fuck is your problem?”
“Do not speak to me in such a manner, Terran. I will not tolerate your rabid mouth, not on this day, in this place.” The Kree warned venomously.
At once, Peter felt like an ass as he understood exactly what was wrong. “It’s being here on Xandar, isn’t it?” He ran his hands through his hair and frowned. “I’m, I’m sorry Ronan. I should have known this would be painful for you. I really should have.
“I’ve been seeing you as the bad guy for so long that it’s sometimes hard to relate to your feelings about Xandar.” Peter took only one step toward the ghost, before he stopped himself. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you or antagonized you when I was flirting with the receptionist. I was just irritated when I couldn’t feel or see you anywhere and I guess I got a little desperate to draw you out.”
At first, he wasn’t sure how The Accuser took his apology. Ronan looked perplexed, though still furious. Then again, when didn’t Ronan look pissed off? The man was so intensely angry he could probably power the entire Dark Side of the Force, if it were a real thing.
“You,” Ronan hesitated, something that immediately caught Peter’s attention and forced him to focus and not let his mind stray. “You missed my presence?”
He asked it in such a way that once more, Peter was at a loss. Was he disgusted by the idea? Was he embarrassed of it like Peter was? Because he certainly didn’t see Ronan’s cheeks change colors like he was sure his own were doing at the moment. Could a ghost blush? He knew Kree could and he was fairly certain he’d seen Ronan blush in his dreams before, too.
“Look, Man, I’ve gotten used to your presence and it was a little…worrying when I couldn’t find you.”
“First you apologize for the pain you believe I feel and now you worry for my well-being because you thought I wasn’t near?” Ronan still looked more confused than he did anything else.
“Yeah so?” Peter snapped, unsure of himself or of Ronan’s interpretation of what was going on. “Don’t be all flattered, it’s really easy for me to get attached to all people, not just you so,”
“Silence.” Ronan ordered as he raised his hand. “Your mouth is about to undo everything it has created within me.”
“Sorry.” Peter mumbled as he looked down at the plush white carpet beneath his boots. What had he created within him? It sounded like it had been a good thing. He looked up to say something and was shocked to see Ronan standing only inches from him, still looking…Holy shit! It was vulnerable! That was the look the big bad Kree Accuser was displaying. “You okay, Man?”
“Peter Quill, I hate this planet. I hate nearly everyone on it. Despite how much I have attempted to hide from you the sheer volume and depth of this loathing I feel for the Xandarians and their wretched planet, I can do it no longer.” Ronan started. “Not if I am to keep the pathways of our bond open.”
“You were hiding your anger from me? That’s why you disappeared?” Peter demanded, feeling a little pissed off. “I know you hate them! Why would you spend so much of your energy and time trying to hide the obvious from me?”
“Because while you may know of my feelings, you have never felt the intensity of them.” Ronan explained. “You told the others once that I am too intense, that I swallow you up and it frightens you that all that I am might consume you.”
With a startled laugh, Peter blew out a breath of relief. “You were trying to protect me?”
“I was trying to make you feel comfortable so that you would not distrust me.” Ronan shook his head. “If you felt how strongly I feel toward them, I believed it likely that you would choose not to find or build my body.”
“I guess that’s a reasonable fear.” Peter decided with a nod. He really didn’t want to know how much he hated the Xandarians, it was true. “But if you heard all that, then you know I believe you capable of anything.” The Kree blinked, but nothing more. “You’re such a stubborn bastard that if you were to tell me right now that you will not harm anyone unless our lives are in danger, then I’m gonna believe ya.”
“You wouldn’t doubt me?” The Accuser sneered skeptically.
“No.” Peter assured him. “Cross my heart, Dude.” Ronan grimaced at the term, while Peter’s hand crossed over the left of center point of his chest. “I just need to hear you say it and then we’re good.”
Ronan’s chin jutted forward in a determined pout as he took a deep breath. “Very well. Unless lives are in danger, I will not harm or bring about harm to the Xandarians or their planet at this time.”
With a grin, Peter nodded. “That’s good enough for me.”
“We’ll see.” Ronan snorted. “Now that you have given me peace of mind, I will do the same for you.”
“For me?”
“Yes. You said worried when you could not feel me,” Ronan started. “However; Tanaleer did not mislead you when he told you before that I am tethered to you.”
He waited for further explanation, but he realized at once that Ronan wasn’t going to continue. “Meaning?” He tried prompting.
“It means that even when you can’t see or feel me, I am always nearby.” Ronan huffed irritably. “How is it that you can be so detail oriented and instinctive one moment, but as daft as a space mite the next?”
“I don’t know.” Peter shrugged. “But, I think I get what you’re trying to tell me. You’re always around, whether I like it or not.”
“Precisely. If I were destroyed, you would be the first to know it.” Ronan added cryptically.
“But what good does that do if you’re dead? Will I know then?” He asked and immediately hated how panicked he sounded at the thought.
He watched Ronan tilt his head, those intensely black and lavender eyes surveying him carefully. Peter felt the same self-consciousness return that was present during his dream, but this time he didn’t back away as he had then. He really, really didn’t want to upset Ronan again. Especially while there were on Xandar.
“Yes, I believe so.” When he answered, Peter felt it was safe to assume the Kree had found whatever it was he’d been looking for. “My mother knew when my father died, and they were systems apart at the time.” The deep timbre of his voice remained steady, even as Peter saw the pain reflected in his eyes. “She had been tending to her daily obligations when she lost the urge to do anything.
“She told me that at first she felt neither sadness nor pain. Only an overwhelming loss of energy and drive. That lifting her own eyes toward the door felt like a waste of energy she didn’t have. After sitting in the middle of her office for nearly two hours, just staring blankly at a wall, she felt the first pangs of heartache. She described it taking another three hours to fully embrace the sorrow she’d wanted desperately to feel when she first realized what her apathy meant.”
Peter shook his head, his jaw opening in horror and before he could thing twice, the words were blurted out of his mouth. “Fuck having a soul-mate, that sucks ass!” He didn’t want that, he didn’t. And he especially didn’t like the idea that Yondu had felt it before he died, too! “I’m sorry she went through that but, who would want a soulmate knowing that? I mean what a terrible, awful thing to,”
“She is reunited with him, Peter.” Ronan interrupted, somehow moving close to Peter without actually brushing against him. Still, the static charge between them was more than obvious and that settled Peter a little, as did Ronan’s words. “It was the first thing I demanded of the Priests of Hala when they told me of her passing and they wouldn’t dare lie to an Accuser.”
“She didn’t, you know? She didn’t try to…” It felt wrong to ask it aloud, especially since Peter was so afraid of the answer. He didn’t want to believe that Yondu had killed himself because he didn’t have the will to live. It would have marred the sacrifice he’d made for Peter if he learned that Yondu had only done it because he couldn’t handle Tullk’s passing.
“No.” He shook his head. “My mother was never suicidal, even during those first few hours. She was just despondent. She only ever expressed being grateful that I was a teen and more than capable of taking care of myself for the day, as she would not have been able to. She lived another ten years after my father’s death.”
Silence reigned between the two as Peter felt Ronan’s heavy gaze upon him. He knew he was being childish and that he should try to offer Ronan comfort of some kind, but he didn’t know if he’d really want it. Besides, he was too focused on Yondu. It hurt to think of him losing the will to live and while he was grateful that it didn’t seem to be a side effect of losing your soulmate, he still couldn’t help but doubt it.
“You are thinking of Udonta?”
“How are you so good at reading me?” Peter laughed softly, but his heart wasn’t really in it. When the accuser didn’t respond, Peter hugged himself and took a deep breath. “Yeah, he uh…I guess he didn’t survive very long after his soulmate’s passing and I…” Another deep breath, “He sacrificed himself for me and I guess I was, I am worried about…” Why was this so hard to say? “I mean, did he really want to sacrifice himself for me, or was he just too depressed to go on because of Tullk?”
Confusion stole the Kree’s expression before understanding chased it away. His deep voice filled Peter’s ears when he finally spoke, the words firm but surprisingly reverent. “The Centaurians are hunters and survivalists in all things. They do not give up, even if they know failure is imminent. It is why they are so highly prized as allies, slaves, and mercenaries.
“If Udonta chose to give his life for yours, I would have little reason to believe it was done for any other motivation than to see you live. Knowing his bonded awaited him might have eased the pain of leaving, but if he didn’t lie down during the prior fight with Ego or while taking back his ship, then you have no reason to doubt his mental health.”
“He didn’t even last a day.” Peter felt his voice crack and hoped Ronan would ignore it. “You said your mother was all messed up for at least the first day. How do I know that he would have thought it was worth it if he had more time to think about it? You know, when he was stable?”
“Because your bounty stated that you must be brought in alive.” Ronan answered so quickly, it startled Peter.
“What?”
“The bounty that the vermin and his tree were collecting on; it demanded you be brought in alive or nothing would be paid to the hunter. It was why I didn’t bother with them, I knew you would be safe if they got a hold of you.” Ronan explained in such a casual tone, Peter half-way expected him to shrug. “I have dealt with Udonta and his Ravagers in the past, though briefly. They never made stipulations like that unless it was requested by the client. They especially never allowed one to be made of someone who betrayed or stole from them, either.”
Peter blinked back his tears and then forced a laugh. He wanted physical contact, he wanted a hug as lame as it sounded. He shook his head and wiped the tears away with the back of his hands when the blinking wasn’t enough. “You’re such a fucking jerk.”
Ronan nodded. “I am sorry. Speaking of my mother made you doubt the motives and mental health of your father. I should not have spoken.”
“NO!” Peter’s eyes widened and damn it, why couldn’t he just reach out and touch him? “That’s not why you’re a jerk at all! I’m thrilled that you were willing to tell me something like that! Honest.”
“Then why are you insulting me this time, Terran?” Ronan pouted in obvious frustration.
“Because I can’t touch you! I can’t…I can’t hug you or hit you or any of it!” Peter laughed as he wiped away another tear. “You won’t even let me hug my friends! That’s why you’re a fucking jerk.”
Ronan didn’t appear very appeased by the explanation which did leave Peter feeling a little guilty. The Accuser had opened up to him and what did he do? Squashed him like a bug again!
“Ronan?” He frowned as he realized the Kree had disappeared again. He tried to think of what he could say to calm to the Kree when he had an idea that he hoped wouldn’t make things worse.
Placing his hands together he calmed his mind and recalled the first time the image appeared there. It had been crystal clear, as if one were sitting right in front of him, rather than being shoved in his mind by the pompous Kree. He focused on every detail he could recall, the velvety petals, the deep black color, the large almost spiky, thorns.
“Peter!” Drax called as he walked in. “I have done it! I have convinced the others to join us in our stay at this decadent though horrid dwelling.”
“That’s great.” Peter smiled as he quickly shoved the completed, rose looking flower behind his back.
“Was that?” Drax approached with concern in his pale blue eyes. “Was that a Nessifer flower?”
“You know it?” Peter frowned, still unable to feel Ronan. Damn, he really wasn’t doing well with the Kree as of late. For the past 24 hours all it felt like he’d done was insult and hurt the man’s pride.
“I know everything about the Kree.”
Peter felt the scoff, even felt the roll of Ronan’s purple eyes and was at once relieved. “Oh yeah?”
“To defeat them, you must know all that you can about your enemies.” Drax stated. “You are grieving, is it for your Ravager father?”
“Is it that obvious?” He tried to snicker, but felt his heart clench instead. He didn’t think that Ronan would appreciate Peter talking to Drax about the loss of his parents. He probably also wouldn’t want Drax to know that Peter made the flower for him in an attempt to apologize for running him off again.
There was no humor in Drax’ face as he nodded. The man’s chest rose as he took a on very determined look. It was very similar to the way he looked when he was either going into battle or about to say something to Gamora that they all knew she didn’t want to hear.
“I didn’t like the Ravagers. They were without honor and were spineless thieves with no loyalty or direction.” Drax stated. “You are better off without them.”
“Gee, thanks.” Peter rolled his eyes, resisting the urge to punch Drax. What the fuck did he know?
Drax could be…insensitive at best. The mutiny of the Elector had resulted in the deaths of Yondu’s most loyal men, most of which had been Peter’s friend’s growing up. Hard as it was to believe, Drax was even worse at trying to make him feel better than Ronan. At least the latter attempted to be comforting.
“Yondu wasn’t very different from them except in one way,” Drax stated softly. “He spoke coldly, and behaved at times as if he were indifferent, but I look back and see now that it was a ruse.”
“Oh yeah?” Peter really, really didn’t want to hear whatever insult was about to come out of his mouth, but he didn’t have much of a choice. With Drax and Rocket, it was best just to let them say what they wanted and then do your best to ignore it.
“When it came to you, he was weak and soft-hearted. Despite issuing cruel and outlandish threats, he never followed through on any of them. His loyalty was not to his men, but to you.” Drax stated. “He was a terrible and ineffective leader,” Drax took hold of Peter’s shoulder in a strong grip as his pale blue eyes looked him over intently. “but that’s because he chose to be as good a father as he could be, instead.”
Peter couldn’t help the smile that broke out across his face at his friend’s words. “Come, let us embrace as family and ease the sorrow settling within you.”
The bone crushing hug was everything Peter needed and had missed these past weeks since Ronan had started taking over his body. The contact with another, especially someone he cared for, was more than enough to soothe the heartache that had been threatening to crush him.
Drax might have been the most tactless, unintentionally cruel man he’d ever met, but when he came through, it was worth it.
“Thanks, Man.” Peter smiled and sniffled just a little.
“Peter,” Drax started as they pulled away from each other. “I know what it is to have loved someone that no one else understood. To have seen the good that few others could find even after years of searching. My Hovat was grim, merciless and without laughter to anyone who was not me or our daughter Kamaria. No one enjoyed her company.
“You and I are much alike in this way. While we are both charismatic, charming and well liked, we both find our selves drawn and attached to men and women who are reviled and unwanted by the general populace.” Drax explained. “If you ever have a wish to discuss this again, I would listen to the tales of your father and your own youth.”
“Thanks, Drax. If you ever want to talk about Hovat or Kamaria, I’m interested as well.” Peter offered, more than a little surprised that Drax had not only helped him, but that Ronan hadn’t interrupted or prevented them from touching.
Drax bowed his head and then looked toward the corner. His pale eyes narrowed and then he looked to Peter once more. “The others will be here shortly. Once they have arrived, we should set off to find what we can of the Accuser.”
“Yeah, okay.”