Charlotte was happy to admit that their plan was better than the last. She was almost proud of it.

The main objective was to save Xandar. The infinity gem Ronan possed could wipe out the planet with just a touch to the surface, meaning  the team and the Ravengers had to keep Ronan from landing on the ground.

Rocket and Charlotte would use ships provided by the Ravengers to fight against Ronan's air force.

The Ravengers would first blow a hole in the Dark Astor large enough for Peter and Yondu to run their own ships through.

Gamora would make her way to the console and take down the walls that Ronan hid behind while Peter, Drax and Groot fought their way to those doors. 

"All Ronan needs to do is touch the stone to the ground, then, everything: plants, animals, Nova Corps, gone," Peter interjected, giving an insight to the Ravengers.

"Everything will die," Gamora clarified.

"So, the Dark Astor does not touch the ground," Charlotte said.

"Won't there be hundreds of Sakaaran soldiers inside?" A Ravenger asked.

"I think of Sakaarans as paper people," Drax said.

The Ravenger grinned, punching his shoulder excitedly. Drax lunged, the Ravenger flinched.

Charlotte giggled, beginning to pass out the Orb containers.

"Once Peter has killed Ronan with the Hadron Enforcer, we will retrieve the stone," Charlotte explained.

Gamora and Peter grabbed spheres identical to the containment that the gem was hidden in.

"Use these devices to contain the stone. If you touch it, it will kill you," Charlotte said.

"There is one more thing we need to complete the plan!" Rocket announced. He pointed to one of the Ravengers,"That guy's eye!"

"No! No, we don't," Charlotte called, shaking her head, "He's kidding."

"Get yourselves ready!" Yondu yelled.

Peter slid a containment orb into the outer pocket of Charlie's jacket. He slid his hand from her pocket and to her palm, interlocking their fingers.

Charlie followed as he led her around the corner. In better privacy, Peter took a shaky breath.

"Charlie, I want you to know something," Peter started, "I've spent my entire life stuck in space with you and for the longest time, I looked at you like a sister." 

Charlie grimaced. If his confession was about to turn into the 'I don't like you like that' talk, she would rather not hear it. She started to pull her hands out of his grasp.

"Until the night you beat up the Kree girl," he quickly continued, and she paused, "I realized that I've been living with the girl that I was meant to spend the rest of my life with." 

Charlie felt a warm feeling rush over her. She sheepishly smiled, trying to keep herself from coming off too happy. 

"We're probably going to die today. So, what I'm trying to say, is that I refuse to die without you knowing that I have very strong feelings for you." 

Charlie closed her eyes in satisfaction. All those years she had been waiting for him to say those words. Of course, it took her almost dying and a gem that could kill millions for him to admit it, but at least it happened. 

"Peter Jason Quill.." she mumbled, shaking her head, "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for you to say that." 

Charlie buried her head into his chest, grinning like the Cheshire cat. 

"Oh, what? Dude, I meant I like you as a friend.." 

Charlie gasped and tried to push herself back. Peter tightened his arms around her and shook his head, laughing.

"I'm kidding. I really, truly like you as my girlfriend," Peter said. 

Charlie shot him a warning glance, a little peeved that he joked in their special moment.

"Is that what I am?" she asked. 

"Is that what you want to be?" Peter retorted. 

"I hope you understand this means that I'm your one and only. Just me and you," Charlie clarified. 

"Against the galaxy, my love."

"Hey!" Rocket yelled, "Someone has to call Corpsman Dey!" 

Charlie groaned, dropping her head against Peter's chest in defeat.

It seemed like ever since the team got together, the two could never get a moment alone. 

What a bunch of a-holes..

Peter twirled Charlie out from his chest and spun her back in, her back against his front. He kissed the top of her head. 

"Find me before you leave?" 

"Of course." 

He released his grip on her. She left, allowing him the time he needed to Corpsman Dey. 

---------

Gamora and Charlotte were crammed into a bathroom together, debating on outfits.

There wasn't much to choose from: a few shirts, three differently styled jackets, boots and pants. Everything was the same dark maroon color. 

Charlotte pulled on the leather pants and the loose short-sleeved shirt with laced up ankle boots.

Gamora chose the identical pair of leather pants, but with a leather jacket. 

Charlotte figured if anyone could make a restricting leather jacket work, it would be Gamora. She was almost positive the woman could fight flawlessly in anything. 

When the two were situated, they sat down across from each other. 

"We haven't really had the most time to get to one another, but I think if we both survive this that we should have a sleepover," Charlotte suggested. 

"When," Gamora corrected, "There's not a chance in the galaxy Peter would let you die." 

Charlotte smiled at his name. Gamora noticed her expression and gasped. 

"What happened between you two?"

"Well, we're finally together," Charlie summed up. 

"Oh, no. I want details," Gamora demanded. Realizing what came from her mouth, she paused. "Wait-- I am an assassin. I should not be excited about girly things such as this." 

Charlotte waved her hand, "You're a woman. It's natural." 

Gamora took a moment to accept that fact, "Well, I am thrilled for you and Quill. You two make a wonderful couple."

Gamora gripped Charlie's wrists and effortlessly pulled her to her feet. 

"Gamora! What are you doing with my girlfriend in a bathroom?" 

Charlie closed her eyes, smiling to herself. It was refreshing to hear him refer to her as his girlfriend. 

"You know what? Forget it. Can I see her?" Peter asked. 

Gamora glanced at Charlotte and winked before slipping out of the door.

Peter wiggled his way in, "Hey, girlfriend."

Charlie felt the corners of her mouth tip up, "Hello, boyfriend. What did you say to Corpsman Dey?"

"I told him the plan. Then, I added something along the lines of 'I may be an asshole, but I'm not 100% a dick.' Just to be sure that he understood I wasn't joking," he explained.

Charlie rolled her eyes. Only Peter could say something like that and not think it strange.  

"What can I do for you?" she inquired.

Peter pulled a fake thinking face. Charlie pressed her chest against his, waiting for him to utter some words. 

"I was thinking.. If it's my last chance to do​ it, I would love to kiss those wonderful lips of yours," he said. 

Charlie loudly laughed and shook her head. Inside, her heart was pounding against her chest. Deep inside, she wanted to succumb to his offer, but she knew she couldn't make it easy on him.

"Oh, pretty boy.." Charlie whispered, leaning up closer to his face, "If you want to kiss me, you'll have to survive today." 

Charlie left a lingering kiss on his jaw (the only part of his face she could reach) and sent him a dazzling smile.

Opening the door, she sauntered out, starting her way towards the ship she would be piloting. 

It took the threat of an entire galaxy dead to bring her something she always wanted: normalcy.

Charlotte finally had friends, although they were assholes. She knew Peter felt the same about her.

And if she were to die tonight, she would happily go.