CRASH LANDING!

BOOM!

LAYLA STOOD SHOULDER TO SHOULDER with Owen, her gaze drifting off into the distance as she attempted to discern the unfamiliar landscape before them. With each passing moment, the absurdity of their situation became increasingly apparent to her, and she couldn't help but shake her head in disbelief at the sheer incompetence of those around her.

"LOOK AT THIS!" Gamora's voice cut through the tense atmosphere, her frustration palpable as she gestured towards the wreckage of their once-proud ship. "WHERE IS THE OTHER HALF OF OUR SHIP?"

"...my ship," Peter interjected, his tone laced with a hint of defensiveness as he corrected Gamora's assertion.

Layla couldn't help but roll her eyes at her father's unnecessary correction, muttering a disapproving "Dad..." under her breath.

Gamora, undeterred by Peter's interjection, continued to unleash her frustration upon the hapless duo of Peter and Rocket. "Either one of you could've gotten us through that field; have you flown with what was between your ears and not what's between your legs?"

Inwardly, Layla and Owen found themselves silently cheering Gamora on, their respect for her growing with each passing moment. Layla, in particular, couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Gamora's no-nonsense attitude and unwavering resolve.

As Gamora stormed off in a fit of frustration, Peter couldn't resist the urge to interject once more, his tone filled with a hint of bravado. "If what's between my legs had a hand on it, I guarantee I could've landed the ship with it," he boldly declared, earning a collective groan from both Layla and Owen.

"Gross, Dad," Layla chimed in, her expression a mixture of disbelief and exasperation at her father's penchant for inappropriate humor.

"Peter!" Gamora interjected sharply, her voice cutting through the heated exchange. "We almost died because of your arrogance," she chastised him, her words carrying a weight of frustration and concern.

"Or maybe because he stole the Anulex batteries!" Peter retorted, refusing to back down from his argument. Layla couldn't deny that he had a point, but her loyalty lay firmly with Gamora, and she wasn't about to switch sides now.

"They're called 'Harbulary batteries'," Drax interjected boldly, stepping into the fray with his own contribution to the debate.

"No, they're not!" Peter countered, his arms flailing in exasperation as he attempted to assert his point.

As the argument raged on among the adults, Owen and Layla found themselves retreating into their own conversation. "You know, your dad's kind of an idiot," Owen remarked, stating the obvious with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Believe me, I know... try living with him for the past fourteen years," Layla replied, a wry smile playing on her lips as she acknowledged the truth of Owen's observation.

Taking a moment to survey her surroundings, Layla couldn't help but appreciate the verdant beauty of the planet they found themselves on. The lush greenery and fresh scent of the air provided a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding around them, offering a brief respite from the tension and conflict.

"Someone followed us through the jump point," Nebula's voice suddenly broke through Layla's reverie, drawing her attention back to the present moment and refocusing everyone's attention on the looming threat.

Layla's grip tightened on her blaster as she watched a strange white ship descend towards them, her senses alert and adrenaline coursing through her veins. Peter pulled her closer to him, a protective gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Layla, who appreciated the reassurance in the face of uncertainty.

"I bet it's the one-inch man!" Drax exclaimed excitedly, his anticipation palpable as he eagerly awaited the arrival of their mysterious visitors.

As the ship touched down and two figures emerged, Layla felt a surge of apprehension mingled with curiosity. The man and girl made eye contact with their group before the man began to speak, his words sending shockwaves through the assembled Guardians.

"After all these years, I've found you," the man declared, his voice carrying a weight of significance that left Layla and the others on edge.

Confusion etched itself on Layla's features as she glanced up at her father, seeking answers that he couldn't provide. "And who the hell are you?" Peter demanded, his tone laced with suspicion and incredulity.

"I figured my rugged good looks would make that obvious," the man quipped with a hint of amusement. "My name is Ego... and I'm your dad, Peter."

The bombshell revelation hung in the air, leaving Layla and the others stunned into silence as they grappled with the implications of Ego's claim. More than ever, Layla felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down upon her, her gaze flickering between her father and the enigmatic stranger who dared to claim a familial connection.

"GRANDPA?!"

LAYLA QUILL FOUND HERSELF PLUNGED
into a state of utter confusion as Ego recounted his story, weaving a tale of loss and longing that both confounded and intrigued her. She sat beside Owen, her thoughts swirling as she attempted to make sense of the revelations unfolding before her.

As Ego's gaze fell upon her, Layla was jolted out of her reverie, her attention snapping back to the present moment. "So you," Ego began, addressing Layla directly, "you're my granddaughter?" His words hung in the air, weighted with significance and expectation.

"I suppose..." Layla replied tentatively, her voice betraying the uncertainty swirling within her. She couldn't deny the uncanny resemblance between Ego and her father, Peter, a resemblance that now seemed to extend to her as well.

Ego nodded in acknowledgment before turning his gaze towards Owen, prompting Layla to follow suit. "And him?" Ego inquired, his curiosity evident as he pointed towards Owen.

Layla wasted no time in responding, eager to dispel any misconceptions. "Oh no, that's just Owen," she clarified, her tone tinged with amusement at the notion of Owen being mistaken for anything more.

A sly smile graced Ego's lips as he considered Layla's words, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ah! I see, the boyfriend," he remarked, his tone teasing and playful.

Layla felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks as she shot a quick glance at Peter, who was now regarding them both with a raised eyebrow and a knowing expression. Panic surged within her, and she instinctively scooted away from Owen, hoping to distance herself from any potential misunderstanding.

"Oh! Definitely not," Layla interjected hastily, her embarrassment evident in her flushed complexion and fumbling words. She couldn't bear the thought of Peter entertaining the idea that Owen could be anything more than a friend.

Ego seemed to sense the tension in the air and wisely chose to change the subject, but Layla could still feel the weight of his skepticism lingering in the air, along with Peter's silent scrutiny. It seemed they were back to square one, with uncertainty casting a shadow over their newfound family reunion.

PETER AND GAMORA SET OFF
on a leisurely walk, leaving Layla and Owen to their own devices, a perfect opportunity for the restless teenagers to embark on a clandestine adventure. As they wandered through the darkness, illuminated only by the twinkling stars above, Layla and Owen found themselves drawn closer together, the magnetic pull of curiosity and companionship guiding their steps.

"Hey, Roomie," Owen's voice broke the silence, punctuated by the old nickname that had once grated on Layla's nerves but now carried a sense of familiarity and fondness. She turned to him, raising an eyebrow in anticipation of his next words.

"What?" Layla responded, her tone laced with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

"Stargaze with me," Owen's request was simple yet sincere, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he settled onto the ground, his knees drawn up to his chest. Layla hesitated for a moment before joining him, mirroring his posture as she nestled herself beside him. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes of the unspoken bond between them.

As they gazed up at the vast expanse of the night sky, Layla couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder wash over her, her breath catching in her throat at the sheer beauty of the stars above. A soft smile graced her lips, her eyes alight with newfound appreciation for the celestial display unfolding before her. Owen couldn't help but notice the transformation in her demeanor, a warmth spreading through his chest at the sight of her joy.

"Stargirl," Owen's voice broke through the silence, his words carrying a gentle reverence as he turned to look at Layla. She met his gaze, her heart fluttering at the intensity of his stare. It was a moment suspended in time, the weight of unspoken emotions lingering in the air between them.

"You there?" Owen's voice brought Layla back to reality, snapping her out of her reverie. She quickly averted her gaze, a blush creeping up her cheeks as she struggled to find the right words.

"Yeah, I just don't know," Layla replied, her voice soft and uncertain. There was something about this moment that felt different, a shift in the dynamic between them that left her feeling strangely vulnerable.

"You know, you're really pretty, like..." Owen's words trailed off momentarily, his gaze drifting off into the distance before returning to meet Layla's eyes. "...like the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."

Layla felt a rush of conflicting emotions flood her senses, her heart pounding in her chest as she grappled with the intensity of Owen's words. It was a compliment she hadn't expected, one that caught her off guard and left her feeling simultaneously flustered and touched.

Ew, Layla wanted to cringe at the sudden surge of affection directed her way, but beneath the initial discomfort, there was a warmth that spread through her chest, a fluttering sensation that she couldn't quite ignore. She couldn't help but smile in response, her cheeks flushing with a rosy hue as she savored the moment.

And then it happened—a moment she never could have anticipated, a moment that would change everything. Layla leaned in, her heart racing as she closed the distance between them, her lips meeting Owen's in a tender kiss.

They kissed!

In that fleeting moment, as their lips met in a gentle caress, Layla felt a rush of emotions flood her senses—excitement, uncertainty, and a twinge of something she couldn't quite name. It was a whirlwind of sensation, a collision of emotions that left her breathless and exhilarated.

She had never imagined herself kissing someone she once considered an annoyance, someone she had clashed with more times than she could count. But here they were, their lips pressed together in a moment of unexpected intimacy, and Layla couldn't help but revel in the sheer exhilaration of it all.

Nothing could ruin this moment.

Or so she thought...

"Layla Meredith Quill!" The horrified voice pierced the night air, resonating with a mixture of shock and disbelief. Layla quickly pulled away from Owen, her heart racing as she registered the gravity of the situation.

"Dad—!" Her own voice echoed, carrying a note of panic as she scrambled to comprehend the scene unfolding before her. Beside her, Gamora stood with a smirk playing on her lips, her eyes betraying a hint of amusement at the awkward moment.

Layla felt a flush of embarrassment suffuse her cheeks, her entire being burning with mortification. Peter's expression mirrored her distress; his face was pale, his features contorted with a mixture of shock and dismay. He looked as though he had just witnessed a crime of the highest order, when in reality, it was just a simple kiss between two teenagers.

"Get over here!" Peter's voice cracked with urgency, his tone betraying a blend of parental concern and exasperation.

"But dad—" Layla attempted to interject, her voice tinged with a mixture of defiance and apprehension.

"Now!" Peter's command brooked no argument, and Layla found herself rising to her feet obediently. As Peter reached out to grab her hand, his touch was firm yet gentle, guiding her away from the awkward scene with a sense of parental authority.

"IM NOT MAD," I'm just a little freaked out is all," Peter reassured Layla, though the unease in his tone belied his attempt at nonchalance.

"A little?" Layla echoed incredulously, her eyebrows shooting up in disbelief.

Peter sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I mean, yesterday it seems like you were seven years old still begging me to let you buy a new toy, and now you're having face-to-face contact with some... boy!" His expression shifted from frustration to genuine concern, his eyes reflecting a blend of fear and protectiveness that tugged at Layla's heartstrings, even as it irked her.

"You're overreacting," Layla retorted, her voice tinged with annoyance.

Peter's eyes widened in shock at her defiance, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to find the right words. "That's it," he finally declared, his voice firm with resolve, "you and Owen are to stay ten feet away from each other at all times! And from now on, wherever I go, you go."

Layla's jaw dropped in disbelief at the severity of his decree. "That's OUTRAGEOUS!" she protested, her voice rising with indignation.

"It is most certainly not!" Peter countered, his tone growing more assertive. "I think it's pretty justified. You just turned fourteen; you're practically a toddler," he reasoned, though the logic behind his words was lost on Layla.

She scoffed, rolling her eyes in exasperation. "That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard," Layla muttered under her breath, her frustration evident in every syllable.

A/N:

Uhm so finally we have a Layla and Owen kiss ⁉️⁉️

Rip Owen...

Poor Peter 😭😭