Chapter Two

After Tony Stark's funeral, the Guardians of the Galaxy took time to pay their respects for the fallen Avenger. They may not be that close to Stark but he's still a part of their lives. After all, he saved them all.

Then they temporarily went on to different directions. Nebula stayed longer. She and Stark have grown closer and have become good friends. It must have been hard for her.

Rocket and Groot went to Thor. Drax and Mantis went inside Stark's house and were welcomed. And Peter Quill went inside the Milano.

He took his leather jacket off, leaving him wearing his black long-sleeved shirt. He also removed his other weapons off his belt and placed it on the table. He sighed as he put his things down. Losing a comrade wasn't easy even though he and Stark weren't close, it still leaves a weight on his shoulders.

He was also responsible for his death. If he could've suppressed his anger on Titan, all this wouldn't have happened. Peter sighed.

As he fixed his things, he came across Gamora's god slayer. Peter slowly took the silver sword in his hand. His fingers traced the linings of the weapon. He stared at it affectionately, being reminded of the times he had with Gamora.

Their meeting on Xandar.

The time he stood up for her during their imprisonment in Klyn.

Their conversation and near kiss in Knowhere.

The time he saved her when she was freezing and suffocating in the outer space.

The moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy were formed.

Their battle against Ronan.

The time they held hands, sharing the energy of the Power Stone.

Their discussion about going with Ego then she suddenly held his hands, and of course, letting them go later.

The time Mantis read Peter's emotions and revealed his feelings for Gamora.

Their dance on the balcony.

The time she assisted him when he was quite injured after a confrontation with Ego.

And he's heard from Rocket that she was adamant about helping him that Rocket had to knock her down for her to stay on the ship.

The time she comforted Quill during Yondu's funeral.

The time she considered talking about the 'unspoken thing' between them.

The time they were singing along to 'The Rubber Band Man' when answering a distress signal.

The time she asked him to kill her if necessary.

The time they kissed which was interrupted by a master of invisibility.

The time when he tried to kill her…

"I love you more than anything."

"I love you, too."

Peter's breathing grew sharp at the memory of that moment. It was the last time they saw each other. And it was one moment he can't forget. He almost killed her. Guilt weighed on Peter's shoulder.

He breathed tiredly as he carefully placed the sword back where it was positioned earlier.

Earlier…

"Do you really have to leave?" Peter asked. He knew that she is not the Gamora who loved him but he still has sentiments about her. One of them being worry. "You know you can just stay-…"

"With you?" Gamora cut him short. She had a tinge of sarcasm in her statement. "Listen, I'm not the person you were with. I'm not her."

Right. She isn't 'her'. The Gamora whom he was in a relationship with was still… dead. Peter felt a lump in his throat at the reminder.

"That's why you should accept that and stop looking out for me. Quit treating me like as if I am her. Because whether you like it or not, I'm not her." Gamora pointed out, repeatedly saying that she isn't her.

"But you are her," Peter said before he can stop himself. Damn, this is confusing. She's two people now?

Gamora sighed and closed her eyes in exasperation. She internally cursed the future her for getting involved in a relationship. How did that even happen?

Peter sighed. "Listen," he began "I know you aren't the girl who knew me and… and…" 'loved me'? Peter tried to find a better word. No way is he going to survive telling her that she actually loved someone romantically. She's not that Gamora.

"And, uh…" He stuttered. "And were in a relationship with me but that doesn't mean my sentiments would change about you. 'Cause whatever version of you, I will always find myself-… I will always…" Peter gulped. He was sure he's going to get kicked on his groin for this. "I'll always love you."

Gamora's eyes widened slightly at this. Who would love a merciless assassin like her? She knows that this man just told her that earlier but that meant a lot for her and it warmed her cold heart a little. She swore that no one looked at her with such gentle eyes before.

No one ever talked to her with so much sincerity and affection. Future Gamora, what the hell did she do for this person to fall for her?

"So, don't tell me to just forget it and let it go 'cause I can't do that. Not to her and not even to you. I know you don't return my feelings; you don't have to but understand that I feel something for you- her and that I can't let that simply go away."

Peter sarcastically applauded himself for delivering such a long speech in his head. He was really gonna get kicked now. Well, at least, he let that out of his head.

Gamora thought about it for a short moment. She sighed as she considered about being empathizing just this one time.

"Alright," Gamora gently answered. "I understand." Peter looked up and locked eyes with her for a moment. With those words said, Gamora walked away and left.

When she was out of sight, Peter muttered "I missed my girlfriend." He didn't even try to say her name because it will just cause another mental hullabaloo.