Flying Solo

Author's Note:

This very short fic was inspired by events in my own life. For the first time, I have no one to turn to when things go bad at my job…I'm it. Today, I was cleaning out one of my desks and came across a card my mentor had left me. Even though she's gone from this plane, her spirit remains. I miss you Yvonne and I hope wherever you wander brings you peace.

It was quiet on the Eclector, most of the crew having drunk themselves into a stupor from celebrating. They were now the 100th Ravager clan, and Yondu couldn't be prouder with his new ship and crew. His ship…his crew…

He was on his own.

For a moment, he felt as if someone had reached into his chest and squeezed all the air out of his lungs. He was on his own…the phrase just kept repeating itself as he made his way to the Capt-his quarters. Oh Gods! What had he gotten himself into?!

Making his way inside, he sat heavily down on the…his…bunk. True, he had experience leading. True the crew were loyal to him and had chosen to join him from Stakar's crew. But he always had someone to "be" there even when they were not there. It was the thought that if things went to shit, someone had his back. Now there was no one…he was the captain. He was responsible for the lives of the men he led and the ship they traveled on. It was a daunting thought and it was nearly enough to send him scrambling after Stakar and demand he take the ship and crew back. He wasn't ready for this! He-

Something caught his eye.

Sitting on the chest near his bunk was a small envelope with his name neatly written on it. Reaching over and picking it up, he turned it over in his hands to open it:

Don't be a whiney Bitch. You've got this. Stakar.

He choked on the laugh that shot up, all tension gone. He had this…. he was the captain.

The fireworks had finally ended and one by one the Ravager fleet had left with Kraglin returning to Stakar's ship. He was a Ravager, not a Guardian he said as he saluted the others before leaving.

Quill had never felt more alone in his life.

Even when he was coming up and taking off on his own, he knew that Yondu was always there. He knew that no matter what, he would have his back. Now he was on his own. His friends never knew about the late-night calls between them when he first became their leader. They never knew how insecure he was and how Yondu was there to listen and give advice. Now, he was alone. It was almost enough to drive him to tears. He made his way to the Capt-his quarters on the Quadrant. Entering the room, he saw an envelope with his name scrawled on it taped to the wall. He opened it up and choked on a laugh:

Quill, don't be a whiney little Bitch. You've got this son. Yondu

He covered his eyes with his arm as the tears came. He could almost feel Yondu putting his hand on his shoulder as he did when he was younger and things were overwhelming.

"It's alright son, it's going to be alright. I've gotcha."

He could almost hear the whisper and he didn't want to look up and not see him there. The paper in his hand brought him out of his reverie as it crinkled in his grip. Dropping his arm and straightening his shoulders, he could almost hear Yondu whisper "that's my boy!" as he did when Quill did something to make him especially proud. He looked down at the paper once more and smiled. He had this.