When trying to outrun the man hunting them, Quill and Rocket embark on a journey of survival involving their usual banter, some injuries, and a revelation that Rocket can't swim. Aiming for a two-shot, but may end up as a three shot. Friendship story. Rated T mostly out of a few curses and paranoia.

Before he could truly process what was happening, his thumb was taken between their fingers, and snapped, cybernetics tearing. He screamed, and fear pulsed in him, the first bit of true fear that he has felt, and he knows they feel it, too. Alternatively: The time Rocket lost the use of his hands...

'Scientific terms are strange things. How cold and detached they are, words like "dissect" and "terminate". How crisp and clean-sounding, to cover up the horrible realities.' My take on Rocket's origin story. Movie-based.

"It probably won't kill me." In the pause that follows this proclamation, and in the interest of open communication between friends, she adds, "Right away." [Post-movie.]

Build a house, call it home.