The ship jostled sporadically at night, making it impossible for Cass to sleep soundly. The small clock that Rocket had provided her as a wake up bell ticked away the minutes one by one. Each time the ship shifted Cass gripped the edge of her cot and prayed that this wasn't the time it fell out of the sky. Was that even possible in space? Cass wondered, shivering under the thin blankets that did nothing to hold back the cold.
Before her bell sounded Cass sat up, even though she wasn't a large person it took some maneuvering to change back into her day clothes in the small area. Paranoid that they'd notice something Cass slipped the jacket over her baggy long sleeve shirt and tightened her rope belt. It was cold on this ship anyways so she hoped no one would question her about it.
Why had she let them think she was a man anyways? The question burned in her mind, unrelenting. She told herself it was for a fresh start, because she wanted to be better than before, stronger, untouchable. It wasn't true though, Cass rubbed her hands up and down her sleeves uncomfortably. She'd heard horrifying tales about what men do to women in space, disgusting things that the men would whisper about and look at her when they thought she wasn't paying attention. She hadn't been blind to their disgusting side.
One night when she was leaving the store a group of them had cornered her in the alley behind the building. Held her head back by her long hair and slobbered down her neck, eyes dilated from drug use and reeking of rancid body odor. They ignored her frantic claws to their faces, seemingly unaware she was drawing blood. One man had ripped open her shirt and groped her with his dirty hands, fumbling with her pants. She was saved when the store owner stepped out for a smoke, seeing them on her he'd called out and scared them. His words of condolences were, 'you'll still be in tomorrow right?' while she tried to hold her ripped shirt closed, tears streaming down her face.
Cass drug her hand through her hair, she'd cut the rest off that night, unable to shake the feeling of him yanking her head back. No, for now she'd let them think she was a man. Clearly Quill was taken with Gamora which might be why she'd found immunity, but Cass didn't have anyone out here. She shivered and watched the minutes tick away. She'd never really had anyone though so this wasn't any different. It was this lie that would keep the crew of the Milano at arms distance, she couldn't risk becoming emotionally attached.
Finally, when the clock said thirty minutes till six she became too restless. There wasn't any room in here to pace and she needed to move. Perhaps she could take some time to look around this mess and see what she was really up against.
There were three floors. The top consisted of mostly the cockpit and a small gathering area. Below that was the main area, and where she supposed most of her work would be centered. There were several other rooms on this floor, showers, dining area, and additional seating. The bottom floor was where their rooms were located and the dock was.
Cass poked her head around the kitchen area and took stock of what was available. Nothing fresh and nothing nutritional, how did Quill keep his team moving with this diet? The wakeup call she'd turned off of her clock was set for six, so she assumed that was when the rest of the crew would wake. According to the clock in the kitchen that was in ten minutes. She'd seen coffee around here somewhere. Cass scrounged it up and cleaned the coffee maker in the sink.
Once the pot began to click and bubble away Cass turned to the rest of the mess. Sink full of every dish they owned, counters with crusted food, and cabinets with molding boxes. This was her first task. Unsure how many would drink coffee Cass hummed as she filled one of the sinks half way with water and soap and began soaking enough mugs for everyone. Growing up on a desert planet she'd learned when she was young how to use the least amount of water.
"Well good morning," Quill's voice startled Cass and she tossed the sponge when she jumped. Trying to catch it she slipped in something that had been spilt on the floor and landed hard on her butt, the sponge on her lap. "Crap you're jumpy." Quill offered Cass a hand but she pulled herself up on the cabinets.
"Only because you walk so quiet," Cass said. Pushing her sleeves back up to her elbows she delved back into the dishes.
"Like a ninja!" Quill said, flattening his hand and chopping through the air.
"Something smells divine," Drax said walking into the kitchen behind Quill. "Tell me what it is."
"Breakfast," Cass said simply, edging around them with an armful of plates. Too many men in such a small area, she had to get out. "Excuse me," she said quietly, trying not to touch Drax as she edged around him.
"I wish to eat at once," Drax boomed following too close behind her to the table. She had gotten him a larger serving bowl to eat from and put it in his spot and scurried away.
"It'll be done in a few minutes, coffee?" Cass offered.
"I'll take some," Gamora said, walking into the room looking as perfect as she had yesterday. Back straight and tall, not a hair out of place. Cass caught Quill's eyes following her when she took her seat.
"I shall partake as well," Drax said with a smile.
Cass poured them both a cup but Quill snatched the smaller one from her. "Why don't you let me," he said, making sure not to spill as he walked it over to Gamora. "Here you are, one cup of coffee, nice and hot, just like the captain." Quill exaggerated a hip sway when he walked back and tossed a wink over his shoulder.
Unable to help the smile, Cass dropped Drax's on the table with less bravado.
"Is that coffee I smell?" Rocket pulled his chair out and hopped up to the table. Cass poured the smallest mug she found and delivered it to him. "Come to papa you bitter caffeinated wrench." Rocket took a swig and his tail puffed up.
"I am Groot," Groot held a hand out and Cass got him a cup as well. Apparently even trees could appreciate a little morning pick me up.
Pulling the casserole dish of dried eggs, peppers, onions, and potatoes that she'd rehydrated and doctored up with some unopened spices from the cabinets, she dished it out around the table and put the leftovers in the center. "I did the best with some stuff you had, I hope you don't mind."
"Mind?" Quill shoved a huge forkful in his mouth. "It's like a mouth orgasm," he said while chewing.
"Quill you're never allowed to cook again," Rocket said with his mouthful, "I never want to taste that Ravager food again while he's here."
"I agree with the small one, this is much more pleasing to the palate." Drax dug into his bowl and nodded.
"You didn't have to cook, that wasn't in our original agreement," Gamora cut in. She leveled Cass with a stern warning, as if to tell her that she wasn't about to get paid more. Cass turned back to her own plate and dropped her eyes. After everything she'd still done something wrong.
"Sorry," Cass felt herself shrink back against the heavy stares that dropped on her. But she didn't have to be sorry, Cass set her jaw, perhaps she could try something else on for size. Heart jumping erratically Cass wrung her fingers under the table painfully. "From now on I'll let Quill cook up his Ravager meals instead." Cold adrenaline pumped through her as she mouthed off for the first time she could recall.
"Let's not be hasty here," Quill followed up quickly.
"No it's fine, I thought last night's meat jelly was unlike anything I'd had before." Cass's hands trembled under the cover of the table, but she forced her voice to stay even.
"I didn't mean to say it was unwelcome," Gamora pushed into the conversation, "just that we would have to rework our agreement." She leaned her elbows on the table and laced her green fingers together in thought. "We'll discuss it later." She finally said.
"Thank you," Cass cleared her throat and wiped her sweating palms on her pants. She couldn't believe that actually went her way. As of yet not a single one spit foul words or accused her of being greedy. Her stomach churned heavily waiting for something to go wrong.
"Well get this cleaned up, we should be arriving in an hour or two," Quill pushed up from the table. Instinctually Cass shot up as well, grabbing her plate to do what he said before he had to wait.
Her reaction brought on unusual looks from the others, trying to act casual Cass ducked into the kitchen. She had to hold her thumb down on her fork to keep the utensil from clattering on the plate in her shaking hands. Adrenaline fading from her system she leaned on the sink for a second. Adrenaline from speaking up for herself? Pathetic.
Relief flooded her when she heard the others moving off to the cockpit, leaving their used dishes on the table. That's exactly the reason they needed her here, and the reason they'd be upset when she disappeared.
Clean the kitchen. Cass took a deep breath and pushed up her sleeves. She knew how to clean, she cleaned the shop she worked for now every night, and sometimes she'd take the odd cleaning job at the bar.
It took her a while to locate soap and cleaning cloths, but before they arrived, where ever it was they were heading, she was elbow deep in her task. Everything was a mess, the cabinets, floors, counters, even the ceiling had been sprayed with some sort of red sauce. At least she hoped it was red sauce, but she tried not to think about it in too much depth while she stood on the counter and scrubbed away.
"I am to inform you we are disembarking for-" Drax began, catching Cass off guard. Surprised by the sudden intrusion while she mumbled about unnecessary fervor while cooking, that must have lead to the ceiling mess, her foot slid along the counter when she jumped. Flailing her arms for something to steady herself she knocked against the back while, jostling herself forwards. Cass pitched over the side, bracing for the impact, but instead of a solid smack to the side, two hands braced under her arms.
Cass's eyes flung open, her heart leaping to her throat. If he'd felt the vest under the layers of clothes then he didn't so much as flinch when he dropped her onto her feet. "Thank you!" Cass blurted out, taking a step back to the sink. Even from this distance she could feel the warmth radiating off his body and she shivered. Was it always this cold on a spaceship?
"Your reflexes are that of a toddler," Drax muttered under his breath. "We will be back before the days up." He turned on his heel and left the small space, giving Cass room to breathe again. What was that? He rescued her then called her a child? The places where his hands had gripped her sides blazed with much needed warmth.
Grumbling while she climbed back up to finish her job, she kept glancing back to the doorway, making sure no one else could creep up on her.
It had been hours since they'd left. Cass made and stored lunch in the cooler, before leaning back on the counter for a quick break. "When do you think they'll get back?" Cass asked the little tree that had been hanging around her ankles all day, even though she knew what the answer would be.
"I am Groot," Groot said pulling out a wad of leaves and pressing them into her hand. He sounded sad, perhaps missing Rocket.
"I'm sure they'll be back soon," Cass tried to reassure him. Crumbling the leaves lightly in her palm she smelled them. "Is this basil?" Cass asked. Shocked that he was able to grow what he wanted on command.
Little Groot nodded a bit less enthusiastically than he would have yesterday. If she wasn't mistaken Cass thought he looked taller, perhaps an inch or so.
"Well boys, what do we have here!?" A voice shouted from the docking area. "Looks like the Milano is all ours," the man laughed loudly and a chorus followed him.
"Is it really wise to leave Caden alone on the ship?" Gamora asked, falling in step with Quill.
"Are you saying we should have brought him?" Quill grunted, trying to shoulder through a locked door.
"Hey Quill?" Rocket said in a tone that Quill could practically hear his eyes rolling. He ignored him for now, he had bigger problems, like this freaking door.
"Maybe not brought him, but dropped him off somewhere," Gamora snapped. Like that would be any better, he was supposed to be cleaning the ship, not sitting in a bar somewhere wasting time.
"Quill?" Rocket said again, trying to catch his attention.
Quill rammed his shoulder into the door. It was supposed to be easy. In and out, intimidate some guys, collect the money, bring it to Yondu, be forgiven for the troll doll. Simple.
"Hey fuckface," Rocket growled.
"What!? What is it?" Quill snapped, placing both hands flat on the door and shaking it as violently as possible.
"Isn't this the sort of thing you bring him along for?" Rocket asked, shoving a thumb towards Drax.
"Ah right," Quill took a step back and hooked his thumbs in his belt loops. "Why don't you have a go big guy, I loosened it up for you."
"Loosened it up? You've done nothing but flounder." Drax stepped forward, running his hand along the doorframe. Ever so gently he grabbed the handle and pulled the door open.
"What!" Quill grabbed the door and swung it open. He could have sworn he'd tried to pull the door, hadn't he? "What are you the door whisperer?"
"I do not understand," Drax lowered his voice and leaned closer. "Why would I whisper to a door, it would not understand?"
"No…it's just a saying for being good at something," Quill whined, his shoulder throbbed embarrassingly useless now.
"Wow Quill, that was quite the show," Rocket shook his head and disappeared through the door first, his gun softly humming to life.
"Do not worry, perhaps you can whisper to another object," Drax clapped his hand over Quill's pulsing shoulder and squeezed. If it were anyone else he'd have thought they did it on purpose.
"Where is Yondu now?" Rocket called from the darkened hallway that lead through the underground passages to the meeting rooms they were heading for.
"Said he'd send a ship when we finished," Quill grumbled, snapping the door behind him. Stupid door just wanted to make him look like a fool.
"You don't think Caden will do anything with the ship?" Gamora asked, looking back to Quill. His eyes snapped up when he saw her turn, it was either that or get caught watching her butt.
"Okay, someone else please tell me they think something fishy is going on with him?!" Rocket called from the front of the group. Quill couldn't see him from the back of the group, but he could see his raccoon hands sliding down his face.
"Fishy? He's from a desert planet, I would be surprised if he knew what a fish was." Drax replied quietly. If it hadn't been for the distinct advantage he gave them in the physical intimidation department, Quill wouldn't be able to handle him.
"I agree with you, we cannot let our guards down yet." Gamora nodded.
"No. Look here. You have trust issues, and you, you're suspicious of everything, no exceptions. So both of you need to cool down." Quill shot. Some days he wondered if this was worth leaving the Ravagers for. Then the sway of Gamora's backside reminded him it wasn't all bad. "The meeting room is right up ahead."
It was a group that had used Ravager aid a few months back to gain a foothold in who knows what business. Didn't matter so much to him. What mattered was wiping his debt with Yondu so he could finally put this whole thing behind him. Not that he'd like to admit it, but he'd grown rather fond of Yondu, weather or not he constantly held not letting others eat him over his head while growing up.
"Okay, remember, scare them into paying on time next time, then we leave." Quill reminded them as they pulled up to the door and waited for his signal. Rocket's large gun hummed louder and he smirked. "Without killing anyone." Quill said, firmly holding his hand out to halt the small animal from trying to blow the door off the hinges.
"But what if that person tries to kill me first?" Rocket asked.
Quill widened his eyes with a 'what did I just say' stare. Hoping that would be enough.
"Yes, what if that person attempts to flee pitifully for their lives and I'm forced to break both knees to keep them there?" Drax asked leaning too close.
Quill moved back and glared at them, "don't kill, maim, slaughter, shoot, or disembowel anyone!" he hissed, having a hard time believing he had to explain this.
"I would not disembowel," Drax leaned back and thumbed his nose with a shrug. "Far too messy."
"Can we just go in?" Gamora growled, hand on the door.
Quill exasperatedly gave her the go ahead silently, hoping to get this over before Rocket was able to go full nut job with his home made blaster. One he thought looked distinctly like a shower head that had gone missing. Gamora opened the door to the lighted room, striding in confidently, a trait he found nearly irresistible. Quill shouldered in next, blinking against the light but hoping to keep the other two in check if it came to it.
But it wouldn't, because the room was empty except for a small table standing in the center under a low hanging light. Groaning, Quill drug his feet all the way over to the table, ignoring the others surprised rumblings.
"Where are they?" Gamora asked, tension edging her to keep her eyes darting around the room for an ambush.
Quill's fingers closed around the little toy, the sole occupant of the room. "They're back on the Milano," Quill sighed, squeezing the troll doll tightly.