In the midst of an entire galaxy, the Milano hung in orbit drifting off into space, alone in peace and away from trouble. The headquarters of the Guardians of the Galaxy now had a peaceful ambiance, and each member had all the time they needed to relax, and Rocket hated it.

Sitting in the living room, the cybernetic raccoon leaned against the couch and stared up into the ceiling, fiddling with a prototype battery. After the Infinity orb fiasco had came and passed, things had become fairly docile within the galaxy. Only the occasional freelance bounty mission came along, but after a few months even that became a meager occurrence; taking down a couple of thugs came nowhere near as exciting, or challenging, as fighting Ronan had, and without the danger the missions just lost the fun, or at least in Rocket's opinion it did.

What was hard to believe was that no-one else seemed to mind. Peter continued happily listening and dancing to his cassette tapes, Gamora and Drax both seemed content to wait for the next mission or contract, ultimately the one involving Thanos, and Groot was just...Groot. Rocket himself didn't mind either, initially at least. The lack of serious criminal activity had, in fact, freed up most of Rocket's spare time to build, maintain, repair and improve the spaceship's mechanics and technology, making the usual improvements 'here and there' at his own leisure. The problem was, that was all Rocket could actually do.

And so Rocket sat, staring up and around the room, looking for inspiration on what he could do. His thoughts hadn't given him very many options; he couldn't exactly take up a new hobby, unless he asked Quill for some dancing lessons.

God, I can't be that desperate, can I?

Rocket mentally shook his head, even as a last resort he'd barely consider it.

What else?

He could always strike up a conversation with Groot; it's not like the little guy had much to do either. Rocket looked over to the where the tiny plant creature stood, Groot had grown quite a bit over the few months since the "incident", Rocket had always noticed, but not enough to walk freely and safely outside his pot. It wasn't the worst idea in the world.

But what would we even talk about? I already know the guy inside out. Besides, I'm not a conversation guy; I hardly have anything interesting to talk about.

Groot noticed Rocket, and smiled back, waving one of his hands in response.

"I am Groot."

"Nothing much." Rocket replied with a sigh. "I'm just bored, that's all."

"I am Groot."

"Yeah, but I've already fixed everything that needs to be fixed, I've messed with the desktop wallpapers of everybody on this ship and now I've made enough batteries to power an entire Nova Corps fleet. I've got nothing else to do!"

Groot hardened his expression in thought. Only a few seconds later he came up with an idea: "I am Groot!"

Rocket gave him a look, then grimaced away. "Uh, maybe not the best idea."

"I am Groot?"

"You know how I am with people, especially with..."

"I am Groot."

"Yeah yeah, I know. I gotta try new things." Rocket folded his arms with a. "Doesn't mean I'm gonna enjoy it, ya know."

"I am Groot."

"Yes, we will see." Rocket stood up. "If I mess everything up, which I probably will, I'm gonna blame it on you."

"I am Groot." The small plant creature replied, with a satisfied grin on his face.

Rocket turned and made his way back to the ship cabin rooms, another change made to the Milano during the recent months, after Peter had realized that the spaceship wouldn't be holding just the one or two people living there, but five. Everyone had a fairly similar room in terms of space, with the exception of Groot, ironically, whose room was made for when the tree creature grew back to full size. Rocket had been very surprised when he first saw his room, in fact it was one of his fonder memories. Not only did he have a decent place to live in, for the first time, it was a way of saying how much the group wanted him to stay, and the size of it implied that they treated Rocket like a proper person would be treated. It had really touched him.

Not that I'd tell 'em that.

Rocket had made it to front door of Peter's cabin, but hesitated. For about a minute he stood there, trying to think of a reason not to knock on the door. Surprisingly, nothing came.

I'm gonna look like such a jackass...

Rocket knocked on the door, waited until he heard a "Come in!" from the other side and went inside.

Peter sat up from his bed with a slight look of surprise. "Hey, Rocket!" His face changed to a grin. "I never took you for a 'knocking' person."

Play it cool.

Rocket managed to smile back, leaning against the door frame. "I'm guess I'm full of surprises..."

"Aren't we all?" Peter laughed, turning himself to face his crew mate. "So what's up, Ranger Rick?"

"Well I..." Rocket started, but then paused.

How the hell do I word this?

"I...I was bored and..." Rocket continued, getting the words out slowly.

"Yeah?"

"I was wondering if...well..."

"Go on..." Peter urged.

"I was wondering if... you'd wanna hang out someplace, or do somethin'..." Rocket looked down, unable to look Quill in the eyes . "I mean, it's not like we're busy or anything..."

"That sounds fantastic!"

Rocket looked back up. "Really?"

"Yeah, of course!" Peter couldn't have looked more excited, and Rocket wasn't one hundred percent certain if that was a good thing. "What did you have in mind? Anything you enjoy doing?"

Not really. Outside the building, shooting and drinking, I'm not good at much.

"I was thinking you might have an idea, that doesn't involve dancing or singing for that matter."

Peter made an exaggerated gasp, and put his hand to his chest in mock offence. "But that's all I do around here! Other than flying this ship like a bad-ass, of course."

Rocket rolled his eyes. "So we've got absolutely nothing do then..."

"Of course we do! Just not in here..." Peter smiled in return. "Question is, would you be down for a completely unprepared impromptu day trip to a planet you've never even seen?"

Flark it. "Sure, why the hell not?"

"Sweet!" Peter stood up from the bed. "You know, it's about time we had our own vacation, and what better opportunity to show off my home planet to you guys?"

"I guess it's better than doing nothing."

"Anything's better than nothing, Rocky. That's why we have to seize the day!" Peter was at the door by this time. "I'll tell Drax and Gams what's happening, and you gotta to be the one to tell Groot, ok?"

Rocket nodded. "Alrighty then." And with that, Peter left through the corridor, a cheerful skip in his step.

When Peter was out of sight, Rocket pressed his hands to his face.

Who the hell says 'alrighty', you idiot?

It could have gone much worse though, with Rocket's expectations. At least Peter didn't laugh at him or his suggestion, or make a smart-ass comment about his boredom; in fact, he seemed overjoyed with the idea.

Rocket made his way back to the living room, and sat back down on the couch. Groot sat smugly, as if he already knew Peter's response.

"I am Groot."

"Yeah, you were right after all, and now because of you, we're heading to Terra!"

"I am Groot."

"It could be fun, I guess. If I don't manage to screw things up."

"I am Groot."

"A LOT of things could go wrong!"

"I am Groot."

"Ok, now you're being a smart-ass."

"I am Groot."

"I know..." Rocket looked back up the ceiling . "I should be thanking you, Groot, you've always been a pal to me. At least I ain't bored anymore!" Rocket made a chuckle.

Not bored, but sure as hell nervous.

So yeah, first GOTG fanfic, and it's a slash; well, at least later it will be. For all those still interested, I assure you that more chapters will be coming, just don't expect them to be there within a week. All good things take time, and I want this story to be as good as it can be.

Hope you enjoyed the read.

-V