BEFORE I START. I hate writing action scenes so this might suck. REALLY LONG CHAPTER but cute

LAYLA SAT CRAMPED IN THE CONFINES
of the ship, her excitement over joyed as she anticipated the impending action. It was a rare opportunity, one that her father had reluctantly granted, and she was determined to make the most of it.

As they discussed the plan, Layla couldn't help but acknowledge its flaws. It seemed reckless and haphazard, but there was an undeniable thrill to it that she couldn't ignore. Despite her reservations, she was eager to prove herself alongside her father and Owen.

"This is a terrible plan," Gamora's voice echoed from the front of the ship, voicing Layla's own thoughts. She couldn't help but chuckle in agreement, finding solace in the shared sentiment.

"Hey! You're the one who said you wanted to die among friends," Peter teased, his voice laced with a hint of mischief.

Layla glanced over at Owen, noticing his excitement bubbling beneath the surface. She felt a similar surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins but suppressed the urge to show it outwardly, determined to maintain a sense of maturity. As Yondu's voice boomed through the ship, urging them to take cover, Layla's heart skipped a beat.

"Are you kids ready for this?" Peter's voice cut through the tension, his gaze fixed on Layla and Owen.

"Yeah!" they both exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Layla tightened her grip on the armrests as the ship maneuvered through the chaotic battlefield, her senses heightened as they dodged incoming fire and obstacles.

"Holy shit!" Layla couldn't help but yell as they weaved through the onslaught, the rush of adrenaline overwhelming her senses.

"Watch your language back there!" Peter admonished, his focus on piloting the ship unwavering despite the chaos surrounding them.

As Rocket urged them to act quickly, Layla's heart raced with anticipation. The stakes were high, and she couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that gnawed at her.

"There's too many of them, Rocket! We'll never make it up there!" Gamora's voice rang out, her words fueling Layla's growing sense of unease.

But just as doubt began to creep in, Layla spotted reinforcements joining the fray. The arrival of the Nova Corps brought a glimmer of hope, bolstering their chances of success.

"They got my dick message!" Peter exclaimed, his jubilant tone cutting through the tension.

Layla couldn't help but roll her eyes at her father's crude humor, a mixture of amusement and exasperation tugging at her.

As Peter accelerated the ship, Layla braced herself for what lay ahead. With determination burning in her chest, she steeled herself for the challenges that awaited, ready to prove herself in the heat of battle.

Drax's exuberant chants filled the air, his joy contagious as they hurtled through space. Layla couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins, the thrill of their reckless maneuvering sending her heart racing.

As Peter executed his daring plan, the others watched in a mix of confusion and terror, their senses overwhelmed by the chaos unfolding around them. Layla clung to her seat as the ship careened through space, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the armrests tightly.

When Peter finally brought the ship to a stop, Layla felt a surge of relief wash over her, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tried to calm her racing heart. "Layla, other one, you two okay?" Peter's voice cut through the tension, his concern evident as he turned to check on them.

Layla and Owen exchanged a nod, their eyes wide with adrenaline-fueled excitement. "YES!" Drax exclaimed, his laughter filling the cockpit as he reveled in the exhilaration of their close call.

"That was awesome!" Owen exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious as he slapped his hands against the armrest. Layla couldn't help but roll her eyes at his exuberance, but she couldn't deny the rush of excitement coursing through her own veins.

As they disembarked from the ship and followed Gamora through the darkened corridors, Layla found herself trailing behind Peter, her senses on high alert in the dimly lit surroundings. "I can barely see," Drax whispered, his voice barely audible in the darkness.

"Yeah, well, that's what darkness is, you dumb as—"

"Layla," Peter cut her off with a warning tone, his eyes flashing with irritation. Layla bit back her retort, realizing that Drax's observation was not entirely unfounded.

Groot's unexpected display of bioluminescence captivated them all, the gentle glow of the floating orbs casting a warm light in the otherwise shadowy corridor. "When did you learn to do that?" Drax asked in awe.

"I am groot," Groot replied cryptically, his response eliciting a chuckle from Peter as they continued on their way.

As they walked, Layla found herself engaged in conversation with Owen, the two of them sharing a moment of camaraderie amidst the tension of their mission. "You know, these little adventures we're going on are pretty fun," Owen remarked.

Layla smiled, nodding in agreement as she walked alongside him. "This one isn't much of a little one, really," she replied, her voice tinged with excitement.

Before she could say more, Layla felt herself jolt to the side as Peter inserted himself between them, his awkward clearing of the throat drawing attention to his protective stance. "We should keep the talking to a minimum, okay guys?" Peter interjected, his tone firm but tinged with a hint of amusement.

Layla couldn't help but roll her eyes at his admonition. "Right, because you guys didn't just have a whole conversation about friendship a few seconds ago," she retorted, earning a chuckle from Owen.

"Technically, he's still talking about friendship," Owen quipped, gesturing towards Drax's ongoing discourse about camaraderie.

"And even this green whore, she's my—"

"Oh, you must stop!" Gamora interjected sharply, her patience wearing thin with Drax's blunt remarks.

As Nebula's menacing presence loomed before them, tension crackled in the air like static electricity. Layla's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the dangerous figure descending from above, her mind racing with memories of past encounters with Gamora's formidable sister.

"Gamora, look at what you have done," Nebula hissed, her voice dripping with contempt. "You have always been weak, you stupid, traitorous—"

But before Nebula could finish her venomous tirade, the unexpected sound of a powerful blast echoed through the chamber, causing them all to flinch in surprise. Layla's eyes widened as she saw Drax standing firm, his expression stony as he confronted Nebula with unwavering determination.

"Nobody talks to my friends like that," Drax declared coldly, his voice cutting through the tense silence like a blade. Layla exchanged a surprised glance with Owen, their expressions mirrored in amazement as they witnessed Drax's fierce loyalty in action.

As Nebula recoiled from the blast, a mixture of shock and defiance flickered in her eyes before she turned to leave, disappearing into the shadows with a swift, purposeful stride. Layla couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for Drax, his unwavering loyalty and protective instincts shining through in the heat of the moment.

With Nebula dealt with, the group quickly regrouped, their focus shifting back to the task at hand. "Head to the flight deck," Gamora instructed, her voice steady and resolute. "I'll shut down the power to the security doors."

AS THEY SPRINTED down the seemingly endless corridor, the anticipation of confrontation hung heavy in the air, each step echoing with a sense of impending danger. Suddenly, they skidded to an abrupt halt, their path blocked by a contingent of Ronan's menacing henchmen. The tension crackled as both groups locked eyes, neither expecting the unexpected encounter.

"Starlord," the gruff voice of the lead henchman rumbled, his tone laced with malice and contempt.

Peter's smirk was all too evident as he quipped, "Finally," his amusement thinly veiling the underlying tension coursing through him. Before anyone could react, the henchman launched himself at Peter, sending him sprawling to the ground with a resounding thud. In the chaos that ensued, Layla found herself instinctively lashing out, her fists connecting with the face of one of Ronan's lackeys.

"Okay! So we're fighting now?" Owen's shaky voice cut through the din, his fists raised in a feeble attempt at defense.

"I guess we are!" Layla replied, her adrenaline pumping as she exchanged blows with her assailant.

Amidst the chaos, Peter took a moment to beam with pride as he watched Layla deliver a solid right hook, a skill he had taught her coming into play. "Nice punch, Lay!" he exclaimed proudly, before being interrupted by another blow from an adversary.

The skirmish raged on, each member of the group facing their own struggles as they fought tooth and nail against Ronan's forces. Bruised and bloodied, they refused to back down, their determination fueling their every move. "You'll never make it to Ronan," one of the henchmen sneered, his words met with a defiant glare from Layla and her comrades.

Despite the odds stacked against them, they pressed on, their resolve unyielding even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Groot emerged as a formidable force, his towering presence striking fear into the hearts of their adversaries as he tossed them aside like ragdolls.

Layla's focus wavered for a split second as she glanced over at Groot, momentarily distracted by his display of raw strength. In that moment of distraction, she felt a sharp blow connect with her nose, the pain searing through her senses as she staggered backward. "You okay, Lay?" Peter's concerned voice broke through the chaos, his eyes scanning her for injuries even as he remained vigilant against their attackers.

"Yeah, just... third nosebleed in a week," Layla chuckled weakly, attempting to brush off the pain as she wiped the blood from her nose. Before Peter could respond, their attention was drawn to Drax, who had seized one of the henchmen in a vice-like grip, his intentions clear as he tore the metal component from the man's head with brutal efficiency.

As the henchman fell lifeless to the ground, Layla couldn't help but shudder at the sight, the grim reality of their situation sinking in as the echoes of their struggle reverberated through the corridor. In the aftermath of the skirmish, they stood united, their bond forged through adversity stronger than ever as they prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead.

Peter's grip tightened around Layla's hand as they walked, the weight of their shared experiences hanging heavily between them. "Metaphor," he muttered under his breath, a cryptic reference to the brutal efficiency with which he had dispatched their assailant moments ago.

Before Peter could elaborate on his enigmatic remark, his gaze snapped upward, his expression darkening at the sight of more of Ronan's men pouring into the room. "Oh no," Peter murmured, his voice heavy with resignation as he braced himself for another round of combat.

"There's more?" Owen's incredulous mutter echoed Layla's own disbelief, the realization sinking in that their ordeal was far from over.

With a collective resolve, they prepared to confront the incoming threat, steeling themselves for the inevitable clash. However, before they could even make a move, Groot surged forward, his branch-like appendage extending to ensnare multiple adversaries at once, delivering punishing blows that reverberated through the chamber.

As Groot unleashed his fury upon their foes, Peter's demeanor shifted, his fatherly instincts kicking in as he shielded Layla and Owen from the gruesome spectacle unfolding before them. "Alright, kids, turn around," Peter instructed, his tone firm and authoritative, a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding around them.

"I've seen worse, dad—" Layla began to protest, but Peter's commanding tone brooked no argument, cutting her off mid-sentence.

"I'm not kidding, young lady. Turn around," Peter reiterated, his voice leaving no room for defiance. Reluctantly, Layla acquiesced, obediently averting her gaze as instructed, though it did little to shield her from the sickening sounds of impact and Groot's primal roars.

For what felt like an eternity, the room was consumed by a deafening silence, broken only by the echoes of their recent skirmish and the distant cries of their adversaries. "Can we turn around now?"

Peter hesitated for a moment, his gaze sweeping the room to ensure the danger had passed before nodding in assent. "Yes, you can turn around now,"

AFTER A PROLONGED and grueling skirmish, the group found themselves regrouped, albeit battered and weary, as Gamora rejoined their ranks. With Ronan looming before them, Peter brandished a colossal blaster, his intent clear as he took aim at their formidable adversary.

The weapon discharged with a thunderous roar, unleashing a cataclysmic explosion that engulfed the area in a cloud of smoke and debris. As the dust settled, the group stood in stunned silence, their collective gaze fixed on the aftermath of the blast, uncertain of its outcome. "Did we do it?" Layla's voice cut through the tense silence, her question hanging in the air as they awaited confirmation.

"You did it!" Drax's triumphant cry shattered the stillness, eliciting a flicker of hope among their ranks.

But their elation was short-lived as Ronan emerged from the wreckage unscathed, his imposing figure a testament to his resilience. "No, he didn't! Dad, did you miss?" Layla's incredulous query pierced the air, her eyes widening in disbelief as Ronan rose defiantly.

"What—no, I'm sure I hit him, I—" Peter's protest was cut short as the gravity of their situation became apparent.

"He's just that powerful," Owen interjected, his tone tinged with a hint of resignation as they grappled with the realization of their adversary's strength.

Before further discussion could ensue, Ronan leveled his weapon at them, a menacing glint in his eyes as he unleashed a torrent of energy that sent them hurtling backward with bone-jarring force. Layla winced as she collided with the unforgiving surface, the impact sending shockwaves of pain reverberating through her body.

Owen was quick to her side, concern etched into his features as he checked for any signs of injury. Relief flooded Layla's senses as she reassured him of her well-being, though the ache in her back served as a grim reminder of their perilous predicament.

Their attention was drawn back to Ronan, who now held Drax in a vice-like grip, his intentions chillingly clear as he moved to deliver a fatal blow. Panic gripped Layla's chest as she watched helplessly, her mind racing for a solution amidst the chaos unfolding before them.

Then, a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon as a distant ship hurtled toward them, its silhouette cutting through the smoke and debris like a beacon of salvation. Before Layla could fully comprehend what was happening, Peter seized her and Owen, his urgency palpable as he ushered them toward safety.

As they raced to escape the impending danger, Layla caught a fleeting glimpse of Rocket at the helm of the oncoming vessel, his determined expression a testament to their unwavering resolve. And in the heart of the chaos, hope flickered anew as their unlikely savior barreled toward them, poised to turn the tide of battle in their favor.

AS OWEN HELPED LAYLA TO HER FEET,
the chaotic scene unfolded before them, with Peter already making his way across to the ship, cradling Rocket in his arms. Gamora emerged from the wreckage, dragging Drax to safety, while Groot stood tall and unscathed amidst the devastation.

Gathering together, they huddled close as the remnants of Ronan's ship broke apart in the sky, plummeting toward them with fiery intensity. Layla's heart pounded in her chest as she watched the impending disaster unfold, a sense of dread washing over her. There seemed to be no escape from the impending doom hurtling toward them.

Peter gently laid Rocket down before enfolding Layla in his arms, holding her close to shield her from the impending catastrophe. She buried her face against his chest, seeking solace in his embrace as they braced for the inevitable.

Just as despair threatened to consume them, Layla felt a strange sensation wash over her as Groot began to expand himself, weaving a protective barrier of foliage around them. She lifted her head from Peter's chest to behold the leafy shield forming around them, a miraculous sight amidst the chaos.

"What is he doing?" Layla's voice quivered with awe and confusion as she gazed upon the extraordinary spectacle unfolding before her.

"Uh, I don't know, bug," Peter replied, his tone tinged with uncertainty as he held her close, his protective instinct kicking into overdrive.

Layla watched in astonishment as Rocket stirred, his eyes fluttering open before widening in disbelief at the sight before him. They were all ensconced within Groot's protective cocoon, surrounded by shimmering orbs that floated gracefully around them.

"No, Groot! You can't, you'll die..." Rocket's voice cracked with emotion, tears glistening in his eyes as he pleaded with his loyal friend. "Why are you doing this?" His anguish was palpable, his furry cheeks dampened with tears as he struggled to comprehend Groot's sacrifice.

In response, Groot extended a branch to gently brush against Rocket's cheek, a silent gesture of reassurance and solidarity. Then, with a solemn resolve, Groot uttered three simple words that resonated with profound meaning:

"We..."

"Are..."

"Groot."

—

CRASH-LANDING onto Xandar was a jarring experience for Layla, who felt the impact reverberate through her body as she was thrown from her seat. As she struggled to stand amidst the chaos, her senses were assaulted by the taste of blood from her busted lip, a painful reminder of the crash. She glanced around, trying to locate her dad and Owen amidst the confusion, only to find herself separated from them by at least fifteen feet, a distance that seemed insurmountable in the midst of the wreckage.

Layla could hear the faint strains of her dad's music player, a surreal backdrop to the unfolding chaos. Her attention was drawn to the figure of Ronan emerging unscathed from the wreckage, a testament to his seemingly indestructible nature. With a weary sigh, Layla sat up, her disheveled blonde hair framing her face as she watched the scene unfold before her.

The accusatory cry of "You killed Groot!" rang out, followed by Rocket's impulsive charge towards Ronan. Layla winced, knowing that she was in no condition to intervene, her arm throbbing with pain. As Rocket was hurled back by Ronan's retaliatory strike, Layla could only rub her head in exhaustion, resigned to their seemingly inevitable fate.

Ronan's mocking words echoed through the chaos, his disdain for them palpable as he proclaimed them to be the so-called "guardians of the galaxy." Layla scoffed in response, too drained to summon a retort. As Ronan continued his tirade, Layla's attention drifted to her dad, who was now rising to his feet with a determination that bordered on reckless.

"Dad, no..." Layla whispered, her voice tinged with concern as she watched him defiantly confront Ronan. Her heart clenched with fear as she realized the danger he was placing himself in, yet she was powerless to stop him.

Suddenly, to Layla's bewilderment, her dad began to sing, his voice carrying through the chaos with unexpected clarity. She listened in disbelief as he launched into an impromptu rendition of "Ooh Child," his movements a bizarre blend of dance and defiance.

"Dad..." Layla muttered, torn between amusement and exasperation at his antics. As her dad continued his unconventional performance, Layla couldn't help but marvel at his audacity, even in the face of impending doom.

"What are you doing?" Ronan demanded, his confusion mirroring Layla's own incredulity.

"I'm distracting you, you big turd blossom," her dad quipped, his smile undiminished by the gravity of their situation.

As Ronan's attention was diverted by her dad's antics, Layla watched in astonishment as Drax seized the opportunity to shatter the stone in Ronan's staff, unleashing a burst of energy that enveloped them all. In the midst of the chaos, Layla struggled to her feet, her resolve strengthened by the sight of her dad in peril. With grim determination, she began to make her way towards him, ready to face whatever fate awaited them together.

As Layla struggled to stand amidst the chaos, her senses were overwhelmed by the sight of her dad in pain, clutching the stone as purple orbs swirled around them. Determined to join her father, she pushed through the pain, her focus unwavering as she moved towards him. With each step, the world seemed to fade into silence, the deafening roar of the crash replaced by a muted stillness. But Layla pressed on, her determination driving her forward.

Just as she reached out to grasp her father's hand, she felt another hand envelop hers. Startled, she turned to see Owen beside her, his eyes reflecting the same resolve she felt within herself. They exchanged a subtle nod, a silent acknowledgment of their shared determination, before Layla latched onto her father's hand, bracing herself for the surge of power that followed.

Drax's firm grip on Owen's shoulder, followed by Rocket's grasp of Drax's hand, solidified their bond, their combined strength radiating through their intertwined hands. In that moment, they stood united, a formidable force against the looming threat of Ronan.

"You're mortal! How?" Ronan's aggressive demand pierced the silence, his fury palpable as he confronted the unexpected resilience of his adversaries.

"You said it yourself, bitch, we're the guardians of the galaxy," Peter retorted, his defiance echoing through the air as he faced down their formidable foe.

With a swift gesture, Peter unleashed the power of the stone, unleashing a torrent of purple energy that engulfed Ronan in its wrath. Layla watched in awe as her father wielded the power of the stone, his actions confirming what she had always suspected – beneath his carefree exterior lay a formidable warrior.

As Ronan's form dissolved into a haze of purple light, Layla felt a surge of relief wash over her, their victory finally assured. With Gamora's deft capture of the stone in its orb, the threat of Ronan was vanquished, leaving them to catch their breath amidst the lingering aftermath of battle.

Turning to her father, Layla watched as he approached her, concern etched into every line of his face. Before he could speak, however, the sound of Yondu's voice broke through the silence, drawing Peter's attention away.

Layla strained to make out their conversation, her ears still ringing from the crash, but she watched as her father handed the orb to Yondu, a silent exchange that spoke volumes.

Once Yondu had departed, Peter turned back to Layla, his gaze softening as he assessed her injuries. "Layla, you okay?" he asked, his concern evident in every word.

Layla attempted to respond, but the words caught in her throat as she realized her hearing aids were missing. Before she could voice her frustration, Owen tapped her shoulder, holding out the broken remains of her hearing aids.

With a sigh of relief, Layla accepted them, grateful for Owen's thoughtfulness. As she turned to her father, she saw him tapping her shoulder, his expression apologetic as he signed to her.

"We'll get you new ones," he signed, his words a silent promise of his unwavering support.

Layla nodded sadly, her heart heavy with the loss of her old hearing aids, but grateful for her father's reassurance. She signed her response, expressing her concern over his decision to relinquish the orb.

Peter shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye as he revealed the second orb he had concealed. Layla couldn't help but chuckle at his audacity, knowing full well the risks he had taken.

"He's gonna murder you," Layla signed, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Maybe, but you and him are the only family I've ever had," Peter signed in response, his words a poignant reminder of the bond they shared.

Gamora's hand on Peter's shoulder drew their attention, her presence a silent affirmation of the family they had become. "No, he wasn't," she said, her voice soft yet resolute, echoing Layla's unspoken sentiment.

THE GLEAMING HULL OF A NEW SHIP
stood before them, a testament to their victory and the gratitude of the Nova Corps. Layla gazed at it with a mixture of awe and anticipation, her heart swelling with pride at their accomplishment. Yet, beneath the surface, a sense of longing lingered, a reminder of the silence that still enveloped her world.

"We tried to keep it as close to the original as possible," Officer Dey of the Nova Corps remarked, his voice tinged with admiration as he presented the ship to them.

Their group, now united in triumph, gathered around the ship, their faces alight with excitement. Peter and Layla shared a silent exchange, their bond unspoken yet palpable. It was more than just a ship; it was a symbol of their resilience, their unity in the face of adversity.

"Wow, I..." Peter's voice trailed off, his usual confidence momentarily faltering in the presence of such generosity.

"Thank you," he finally managed to say, his gratitude sincere and heartfelt.

But Officer Dey wasn't finished yet. With a knowing smile, he reached into his pocket and produced two small devices, identical to Layla's old hearing aids. Layla's eyes widened in surprise, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of them.

"We heard about your daughter's hearing device, so..." Officer Dey began, his voice filled with warmth as he offered the devices to Layla.

Layla's expression softened, her eyes brimming with emotion as she accepted the hearing aids. "For you," Officer Dey said, his hand outstretched in a gesture of kindness.

A smile tugged at Layla's lips as she took the devices from him, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation. With practiced ease, she inserted them into her ears, the familiar sensation of sound flooding back into her world. The murmuring of the crowd, the gentle hum of the ship's engines – it was a symphony of life that she had sorely missed.

"Thanks," Layla said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation as she turned to Officer Dey.

The Nova Corps officer nodded, his gaze softening with compassion. "I have a family, and they wouldn't be alive without you or your family," he said, his words a poignant reminder of the impact they had made.

Layla nodded in understanding, her heart swelling with gratitude for the kindness they had been shown. In that moment, surrounded by her makeshift family and the heroes of the galaxy, Layla knew that she was exactly where she belonged.

"SO...YOUR DAD absolutely hates me," Owen remarked casually, his tone tinged with amusement as he and Layla reclined on the floor, gazing up at the ceiling.

Layla chuckled softly. "I don't think he hates you, I think he just doesn't know your name...probably," she replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Yeah, maybe, or maybe he hates me and my name," Owen mused with a grin.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Both Layla and Owen lifted their heads to see Peter entering the room, his hands on his hips in a gesture of authority. They quickly scrambled to their feet, awaiting his instructions.

Peter's expression softened as he regarded the two of them. "I'm very proud of...you both, for everything you two did," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Layla and Owen exchanged grateful smiles before nodding in acknowledgment. "Now—buzz off...Owen, I have to talk to Layla," Peter instructed, his tone firm yet affectionate.

Owen flinched slightly at the use of his name, a mix of surprise and amusement flickering across his face. He nodded obediently. "Uh—yes...sir," he replied, retreating from the room with a lopsided grin.

Peter watched Owen's departure with a fond smile before turning his attention back to Layla, who stood before him, anticipation written all over her face. "Hey, bug, I wanted to talk to you about something," he began, his voice gentle yet resolute.

"Okay, shoot," Layla responded eagerly, her eyes alight with curiosity.

"As I said, I am proud of you, for everything, and I do think you proved yourself. So..." Peter paused, his gaze searching hers for understanding.

"Are you saying what I think your saying?" Layla interjected, her excitement palpable.

Peter nodded, a proud smile spreading across his face. "So...I'm gonna let you start going on missions with me," he announced, his words filled with pride and affection.

Layla's smile widened into a grin of pure joy, her heart leaping with excitement. She began jumping up and down, repeating the words 'thank you' over and over again. "Ah! Thank you!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with happiness.

Peter couldn't help but laugh at her infectious enthusiasm, feeling a surge of pride swell within him. "You're welcome," he replied, his voice warm as he watched her joyful reaction. When Layla bounded forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, he hugged her tightly, savoring the moment.

Layla squeezed him tightly, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude. "I love you, dad," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Peter's heart swelled with love as he returned her embrace, his arms encircling her protectively. "I love you more than you could know, bug," he murmured, his voice soft with affection.

—

OMG, LAST CHAPTER OF PART ONE OF ACT ONE. AHH. It's been so fun to read everyone's comments, and I'm so excited to start Vol. 2 with you guys.

Peter finally getting Owen's name right>>

Can't wait to write more or Layla's backstory and I can't wait to write more of Peter and Layla, and Owen and Layla.

Oh you think Peter not letting Owen and Layla get together is bad now, wait til vol 2

Anyways vol. 2 is gonna be less cringe. Cus i re read this an realized how stupid some of the things I wrote we're 😭😭

Anyways Layla is gonna have MAD BEEF with her grandpa.

Anyways luv u guys

-xx Ava