Starting this chapter you get a bit of a look at Peter's childhood with his sick mother. I'm going on a hunch, but say their granpa wasn't around all that often, and maybe he was ashamed of his daughter getting pregnant out of wedlock so he tried to stay away. Most likely the mom was sick and couldn't work too much, and had to rely on other people to live. So it was entirely possible for her to hitch it up with some asshole. Who just happened to be into punishment, and abused Peter any chance he got.
Picking the child up and holding him close, Kraglin glared at the Captain.
-Yes' sir you won't see us till then.- He said, standing up not breaking eye contact with Yondu, -Anything else you require?-
-Drop by my cabin later, we have things to "discuss". - Leered the Centaurian as he strolled away.
Peter just held on tighter and didn't understand why Mr. Kraglin stiffened.
-Let's go get ya bandaged up,- Kraglin replied quietly, as he headed toward his room, carrying Peter.
By the time the pair made their way to Kraglin's cabin, Peter managed to fall asleep, still holding on to the scrap of the scarf line his life depended on it. Little snores broke through the bloodied nose, while one of his hands rested on Kraglin's shoulder, allowing Peter to stick his thumb in his mouth.
As he was being put down, the boy jostled awake and whined. He saw the older man pull away and reached for him.
-Please don't go Mr. Kraglin. ..- mumbled Peter, still straining to hold on.
Sighing, Kraglin placed Peter on the bed.
-Look kid, I'm gonna bandage you're neck, but then I have to go see what the Captain wants.- He says grimly.
-But he's so mean. -Argued the boy. -Why would you wanna work for him anyways- Asked Peter as he struggled to stay awake and move his limbs wherever the man directed them.
-Because of reasons.- Kraglin answered and he grabbed a first aid kit. He took out some medicine and rubbed it onto the gash on Peter's neck, then placed a cotton pad on it and wrapped a gaze bandage around it. -There, you'll live.-
-Thank you Mr. Kraglin- said Peter and reached up, planting a kiss on the bearded cheek. -You're nice
Kraglin pushed the kid back and wiped where he had kissed his cheek.
-That's not necessary.- He turned to leave, -I should go see what the Captain wants-
As the man walked out, Peter was left alone in a dark room. He looked around. It actually reminded him a lot of his own room back at Mom's. They lived in a tiny apartment, and were never very rich, so Peter didn't really have a lot of stuff to play with. His most prized possession was the WalkMan his mom got him for his 6th birthday. In contrast though, there was no cake, rather only a little cupcake with a candle on it for him to blow out. Peter didn't complain.
So looking around, the pretty sparse cabin of Mr. Kraglin was kinda comforting. A few trinkets here and there, a picture frame he couldn't make out properly in the dark and no windows. Yeah, decided Peter. Pretty much like his own room. He shrugged off his backpack and dropped it next to the bed.
Now he just hoped that the terrifying blue man wouldn't hurt the other too much.
-Captain?- Kraglin knocked on Yondu's cabin door. -It's me, sir.-
-Get in- Was heard through the door.
When the young Xandarian opened the door he was met with the sight of the Captain, standing by the holoscreen projecting the outside.
-What do you think you're gaining by protecting the Terran?- Asked the man without turning around.
Kraglin bit his lip.
-Nothin' sir.- He shifted from one foot to the other, -And I'm not protecting the kid. I just don't want to get in trouble with the client for damaging the cargo.-
-Obfonteri, - Said the Captain, turning around,-Imma let you in on a little secret. There ain't gonna be no client to drop the kid off to. Just got a comm from Spartoii; Bastard's been assassinated, and now we are with only half of our expected units, and no destination for the brat.
-So you tell me,- A blue finger stubbed Kraglin in the chest. - What do we gain from keeping the snot-nosed Terran on the ship? Because if you don't give a good enough reason, next slaver colony will get a new applicant.
The thin male tried to come up with a feasible answer.
-Um… Like earlier! You saw how that stupid Prime just let us go 'cause we had a kid on board! It might work other times too!- He said with a slight smirk.
-Too short-term- Yondu shook his head. - Soon enough they'll notice we're using him too much and just decide it'll be more "humane"- He sneered at that- to kill him. Attempt #2?
-I…..I…..we could…..- He shook his head. -I don't know, sir…-
-That's what you should've said first, Ravager- Stated the Captain, as he turned away. - I've plans for the kid, he'll be brought up as ours. But he won't be one of us. He'll desperately want to though. I'll need you to keep doing what you're doing and stay "friendly'. -He glared at the Xandarian. - But not too much, we don't want him turning soft. Or you for the matter.
Yondu walked over to his table and grabbed something off the top. He threw it to his Second, careless of the buckle that ended up hitting Kraglin in the face.
- Bring him to me in 3 hours, make sure he's wearing this. We're gonna play a game. After I'm done, you'll get him out, let him feel some tenderness, give him a bit of freedom. That kid has to worship you by the end of the week.
Kraglin wince at where he was hit, -What are you goin' to do?! He's just a little kid!-
-Don't chu worry your pretty little head over that- Dismissed him Yondu. -You just make sure to pick up his carcass here after I'm done.
-You can't hurt him!- Kraglin suddenly yelled
The older Ravager raised his brow and let out a sharp whistle. A half-second later Kraglin had an arrow pointed at his neck and the Captain's hard eyes glaring at his, as the man all but stalked closer.
-Obfonteri, you open your mouth one more time, about things that don't concern you, and you'll end up with an extra hole. And it ain't gonna be in a good place either. - Sneered the man.- If I tell you to pick up the kid when I'm done and take care of him after words, that's what you do, and I don't expect to hear another word of protest out of you. Because, and trust me on this, - The blue skinned man leaned close enough to breath into the other's ear - If you don't obey, I won't touch you. No. I'll just do everything to the kid, and not in these rooms, but rather on the bridge. How long do you think he'll live after that?
Kraglin leaned away and shook his head, eyes wide, -I…I'm sorry c-captain…I'll stay quiet…..I'm sorry, sir….-
The Centaurian held his gaze for a moment longer, before grinning.
-You do that, Second. - smirked the man as he whistled a low note, sending the arrow back into its holster.
-Now get out of here, you have a kid to bring over in 3 hours.-
-Yes'sir!'- Kraglin hurried out of the captain's quarters and to his own cabin. Stars captain, please don't hurt him! He opened the door and quickly slammed it shut, looking around the room for the child. -Kid, where are ya! Pete!?- He ordered.
-Muea-ah? -Came a noise from the bed as a head full of hair sticking in every direction popped up from under the blanket.
Kraglin walked over to the bed and pulled the blanket back.
-You hidin', kid?-
-Nah-ah, I was - yawn - sleeping… - Said Peter as he looked at the disheveled face of the older man. His eyes widened as he took in the bruise making its way across one of his cheeks.
-What happened!?- Cried out the little boy, bringing his tiny palm to gingerly hover over the mark.
-It doesn't matter! Look…..Captain Yondu wants to see you in three hours….- Kraglin said, firmly.
Peter froze at those news.
-Wh… What does... does he want with me- Swallowed the child as he bunched up the blanket on his lap.
Kraglin shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck,
-I'm not…I'm not so sure… Just listen to him and behave, alright? Don't talk back or anything. I'll come get you afterwards. You'll be fine, alright? He's not gonna kill ya.-
-But there are worse things- Argued Peter, remembering his Mom's on-again off-again boyfriend, Carl. The man didn't stay with them for too long, but 6 months were enough for Peter to understand what cruel people were capable of.
-I really don't wanna go to him, Mr. Kraglin. Can't I stay here?- Pleaded the child, trying not to cry.
-I'm so sorry, Peter….I wish you could stay here. I'll…I'll try to talk to him.- He sighed, gently touching his bruise.
The boy couldn't help but notice the strange look that overcame the older man's face as he touched the discolored flesh. He hanged his head. What was it that Carl said a few times he was sober enough to talk?
"Take it like a man, ya little wimp. You think anyone will give a damn about you in this world? You think you're valuable? Pah! You're nothing until someone with power says otherwise." That was proceeded by a belting session, earned by him getting an F on the math quiz.
So, Peter Quill, 6 Terran years old, decided to follow the advice. He squared his shoulders, sniffled, and got off the bed. Taking the startled man's hand he led him to the table and chair that were shoved into the corner.
-Sit, - Said Peter quietly. He then proceeded to get the ladybug ice-pack he had in his backpack and put it on the other's cheek, gently lifting his hand to hold it in place.
- I'll go clean up, so I look nicer, maybe if I look adorable he'll hurt me less- Tried to smile the kid. What came out was a crooked smirk.
Kraglin looked at the boy with a shocked and surprised expression. What the hell is this kid's problem?! Maybe he has issues? -Kid, what has got in to you? Did you hit your head in the attack?-
The boy shook his head.
-No, I just want you to get hit again. Its ok, if he hits me, I mean. I don't like it, but its ok. - He hummed a little, glancing around. Peter eyes landed on a black strip of material with a buckle that wasn't there before. They dimmed a bit.
-Is that for me? - He asked, pointing.
-Huh? Yeah, captain said to give it to you.- Shrugged Kraglin, removing the ice pack from his cheek. -Stop being all nice to me… It's kinda freaking me out…. I'm use to gettin' hit and stuff. I'm a Ravager, I'm use to battle injuries.-
-But that doesn't mean he has to hit you out… when your battles are done. Home's not suppose to hurt - Whispered Peter. He strolled over to the black strip picking it up and turning it over in his hands. The boy sighed as he recognized that particular contraption. Taking a deep breath, he put it around his neck, and twisted until the buckle was in the front. Unfortunately his chubby fingers were having trouble with it so he turned to the man still sitting in the chair.
-Can you help me tighten this?-
Kraglin looked at the child with a worried and frightened expression as he shook his head,
-Kid….I can't…..I can't let ya do this…You're just a baby….-
-Won't matter- Argued Peter. He knew that his age was irrelevant when the Captain pulled him close with a knife to his throat and didn't stop until everything he wanted was done. -I won't fight him, but you gotta tighten this for me still. - The few times Carl put a belt around his neck taught him that it was better to tighten the strap yourself rather then struggle with breathing later when someone else's cruel hands did it.
-Kid let me talk to him! Maybe I can change his mind, somehow…or someway….- He sighed. -Just let me talk to him?-
The Terran nibbled his lips and kept his fingers on the buckle. Just as he was about to answer the door hissed open and Yondu strolled into the room.
-I see you know what that's for, kid- Said the Captain as he traced his finger over the material encircling the pale neck, made red where his knife has pierced the delicate flesh. Making quick work of the metal, his fingers snapped close the lock, and tightened the strap until Peter wheezed a bit, and then relaxed it again.
-Come along, Terran.- called the man as he pulled the unresisting child out of the small cabin.
Peter glanced at the blanched Kraglin still sitting at the desk and wiggled hi fingers at him, mouthing bye, and weakly smiling.