Thunder-gazing [Thorquill]

Chapter 3: Is this enough space?

The next day, everyone that needed to was leaving Wakanda. Before they left, Tony offered T'Challa to be an Avenger, which he respectfully declined. "I have a Kingdom to run." He said. "But feel free to visit anytime. Shuri can design a Base for you if you need to flee here."

"Thank you," Steve said. "But we caused enough trouble for you guys. I wouldn't want to rope you into our situations like I did today."

Shuri, Peter, and Groot were busy having a conversation of their own.

"So your Guardians seem really cool!" Shuri beamed. "If you guys ever find yourself back at Earth, let me know."

"I am Groot."

"You guys are staying? Why's that?" Peter questioned, cocking his head.

"I am Groot."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that." Shuri pulled Groot into a hug, which Peter joined, accidentally lifting the two with his strength. He immediately put them back down, and Shuri handed Groot a bracelet made of black beads. "Don't worry, if you need someone to cry on, touch the bead with the blue dot, and you'll be able to call me anytime."

"Groot!" Rocket called from somewhere. "We gotta go!"

After Groot said his goodbyes and met back up with Rocket, they made their way back to the Milano.

"The others are getting the ship ready, so when we get there, buckle up right away. And because we're not going far you can play that dumb game of yours, alright?" Rocket debriefed.

"I am Groot?"

"Quill said we're staying at the Avengers Facility, wherever and whatever that is. As for how long, I dunno. Quill wants to get caught up on everything he missed after he was abducted, so definitely not short?"

"I am Groot."

"What makes you think I'm doing this for him?" Rocket forced a snicker. "With the law passed that we can't interfere with Earth, and with all this junk that no one but us can get to space, we're gonna be rich!"

The rest of the walk was silent, but Groot knew he was lying. He obviously felt pity (and maybe empathy) for Peter. With Gamora dead, it would take a while for the Guardians to adjust.

They reached the Milano and went up the ramp and to the piloting room. Peter, Mantis, and Drax were already seated in their seats talking away.

"What do you think Earth is like?" Mantis asked Drax, her eyes full of hope and curiosity. "Do you think the people will act like Peter?"

"God, I hope not." Rocket fake gagged. "I only have amount capacity to handle one Quill and that's it."

"I am Groot."

"Well maybe we could get that Stark guy to get us a tour."

"Of the entire planet?"

Groot pulled his focus away from the conversation and to Peter himself, who wasn't a part of the conversation. He was listening to his Zune, staring out the window, his eyes that were usually full of optimism were composed of remorse and abandonment. His lips were in a full on frown, which was different from the playful smirk that resided on his mouth.

If Groot had eyebrows, they'd be knit together in concern, then they'd rise up when he got an idea. He lifted up his left palm and concentrated on growing a daisy. Those were Peter's favorite and they always seemed to cheer him up. When the flower was done growing, he plucked it off his hand, flinching a little when he did, and put it in Peter's lap, hoping it would lighten his mood.

He didn't even look up from his Zune.

Groot did consider this a possibility, but was still stunned when it turned out. He guessed it was wishful thinking. He sighed and sat in his seat and buckled up with a frown.