THIS CHAP IS KINDA DUMB BUT WHATEVER AT LEAST I UPDATED FINALLY

LAYLA QUILL HAD CONVINCED HERSELF
that her father was her prison warden, and she was the prisoner. She was so about to throw a temper tantrum is she didn't get the hell out of this place very soon. But all she could do at the moment was sit and listen to her father talk to Ego.

As her father and Ego engaged in conversation, discussing matters that Layla found entirely uninteresting, she couldn't help but feel a growing sense of frustration bubbling within her. The urge to break free from this stifling atmosphere consumed her thoughts, fueling her desire to escape.

"So, your kid, you've had her since she was a baby?" Ego's inquiry broke the monotony of the conversation, drawing Layla's attention back to the present.

Peter's response was laced with amusement as he regarded Ego with a bemused expression. "Well, yeah, that's kind of how it works, typically, you know your children when they are babies," he remarked, his tone tinged with sarcasm also popping out the word 'typically'.

Ego nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Ah, I see. What was she like?" he inquired, his gaze shifting to Layla.

Layla bristled at the sudden scrutiny, her defenses rising instinctively. "Why do you wanna know—"

"Oh, Layla was the cutest baby," Peter interjected, a fond smile gracing his features as he reminisced. "But she was a handful, could never get that kid to sit still."

Layla shot her father a reproachful glance, her irritation evident in the furrow of her brow. "I was not..." she protested, her voice tinged with indignation.

Peter merely grinned in response, undeterred by Layla's protests. "Oh, and she had quite the set of teeth on her," he added with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "She bit the hell out of me every chance she had."

Layla's eyes widened in disbelief, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Nuh uh! I would bite anyone." she exclaimed, her voice laced with incredulity.

Peter's grin widened at Layla's reaction, relishing in the opportunity to tease his daughter. "Oh, come on, Layla. You were a little terror when you were a baby, I don't think I can count in my fingers each time you bit me." he teased, his tone playful.

Layla huffed in exasperation, crossing her arms. "I highly doubt that, Dad. I was probably an angel. You're just making things up."

But Peter persisted, enjoying the banter with his daughter. "An angel with a set of razor-sharp teeth," he quipped, waggling his fingers in mock fear.

Layla rolled her eyes, her façade of denial crumbling in the face of her father's teasing. "Fine, fine, maybe I did bite you once, but if I did, you probably deserved it." she admitted shrugging.

Peter chuckled, wrapping an arm around Layla's shoulders affectionately. "That's more like it, Layla. See, admitting your past misdeeds isn't so hard, is it?"

Layla huffed in frustration, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips despite her efforts to maintain her composure. "I'm not admitting anything," she insisted, though the twinkle in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.

(Flashback)

As a baby Layla Quill wobbled around the ship's deck, her tiny hands clutching onto anything within reach for support. Peter watched her with a mixture of amusement and affection, marveling at her newfound mobility.

"Look at you, little explorer," Peter cooed, his voice filled with paternal pride as Layla tottered closer. "You're getting so good at this walking thing."

But as Layla approached him with a mischievous glint in her eyes, he sensed trouble brewing. "Hey there, little troublemaker," Peter teased, reaching out to ruffle Layla's hair affectionately.

Before he could react, Layla leaned in and sank her tiny teeth into his hand, her gums leaving behind a faint imprint.

"Ouch!" Peter yelped, more surprised than hurt by the unexpected bite. He recoiled slightly, his hand instinctively pulling away from Layla's grasp.

Layla giggled mischievously, her eyes sparkling with delight at her newfound skill. She didn't seem to understand the concept of cause and effect just yet, her actions driven purely by curiosity and instinct.

Peter couldn't help but laugh at Layla's antics, despite the slight sting of her bite. He scooped her up into his arms, planting a playful kiss on her forehead.

"Whoa there, Layla," Peter chuckled, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "You've got quite the set of teeth on you." He said as she flashed him a smile to reveal only white nubs where her teeth would one day be.

"God, you really need to stop hanging out with Yondu." Peter chuckled, his heart swelling with love for his spirited daughter. As Layla babbled happily in response, Peter couldn't help but marvel at the wonders of fatherhood, even if it did come with the occasional nibble or two.

"Alright, alright, no more nibbling on Daddy's hand, okay?" Peter teased, holding Layla at arm's length as if inspecting her for any more surprises.

But Layla just grinned toothlessly, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she reached out for Peter's nose. Peter chuckled as Layla's tiny fingers brushed against his face, her touch gentle yet filled with curiosity.

"You're lucky you're so cute," Peter said, giving Layla's nose a playful boop. "Otherwise, I might have to start wearing gloves around here."

(end of flash back)

LAYLA WAS MORE THAN HAPPY
when she was finally able to get away from her newfound grandfather and her dad. She found Gamora. Gamora was just sitting, and she smiled when she saw Layla.

"Layla," Gamora said with a smile. "Come sit." Gamora sat patting the seat next to her.

Layla paused. "Me?" she stuttered out, pointing at herself.

Gamora chuckled. "Yeah, Lay, come sit."

Layla walked over and sat next to Gamora. It was so weird how her mean and sarcastic facade faded when Gamora talked to her. She turned into someone she's totally not, vulnerable and nervous.

Layla had an awkward way of sitting next to Gamora, it was like she craved Gamora to love her like a mother and any wrong or mean move could ruin that for her.

"How do you feel about Ego?" Gamora asked out of the blue.

Layla lingered on the question for a moment. She didn't know how she felt about Ego at all. He was kind of weird, a little suspicious at how happy he was and how he just randomly popped into her father's life saying that he was Peter's dad.

"He's...okay. I guess I don't really have much of an opinion on him, he's just weird."

Gamora nodded thoughtfully. "It's understandable. It's a lot to take in."

Layla gave a small nod, not entirely sure what to say. Silence hung in the air for a few moments before Gamora broke it again.

"How are you doing, Layla? Really?"

Layla hesitated. "I'm fine."

Gamora raised an eyebrow, seeing through the simple answer. "What's on your mind?"

Layla sighed, looking down at her hands. "It's just... my dad. He's so protective over me. He acts like I'm still five years old. I hate how he separates me and Owen just because he doesn't want me growing up."

Gamora listened attentively, her expression softening with understanding. "Your dad loves you, Layla. He's just scared of losing you."

"I know he loves me," Layla said, frustration evident in her voice. "But it's like he doesn't trust me to make my own decisions. Owen is just my friend. He treats me like I can't handle anything on my own."

Gamora reached out, placing a comforting hand on Layla's shoulder. "Peter has been through a lot. He's lost people he cares about. That fear of losing you makes him overprotective, even if it feels suffocating sometimes."

Layla looked up at Gamora, her eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and understanding. "I just want him to see that I'm not a little kid anymore. I can take care of myself."

Gamora smiled gently. "He'll come around. He just needs time to see that you're growing up, and that you're capable. In the meantime, try to be patient with him. He's doing his best."

Layla nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, Gamora. It's just nice to talk to someone who understands."

Gamora squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "Anytime, Layla. You're like family to me."

They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing second. Layla felt a weight lift off her shoulders, grateful for Gamora's understanding and support.

"Do you think he'll ever stop being so overprotective?" Layla asked, breaking the silence.

Gamora chuckled softly. "Maybe not completely. But he'll learn to trust you more. Just give it time."

Layla sighed but felt a bit more hopeful. "I guess I can do that. For now."

Gamora smiled. "That's all anyone can ask for. And remember, you always have me to talk to. You're not alone in this."

Layla leaned in and gave Gamora a quick hug, surprising both of them. "Thanks, Gamora."

Gamora hugged her back, feeling a sense of pride and affection for the young girl. "Anytime, Layla. Anytime."