LAYLA QUILL WAS TOLD TO GO TO BED.
Weird bed, she didn't know how much she liked it. Peter was sharing the room with her, for the sake of him being close to her to make sure she didn't run off. Peter wasn't sure how much he trusted his father yet, so he didn't want to take any chances.

There was a couch there too, Layla sat there. She curled her knees to her chest, stress taking over. So much ran through her head. Why did her dad care so much for what she did? Why did she feel the urge to be so angry all of the time? She didn't know, she didn't know if she ever will.

Peter was tired too, he walked to the room where him and Layla would be staying. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with unspoken words and heavy thoughts. Layla had been distant and moody for weeks, an uncharacteristic behavior that Peter found increasingly troubling.

He had tried to reach out to her, but every attempt seemed to push her further away. He was beginning to feel helpless, caught between the responsibilities of a father and the complexities of their current predicament.

When he walked into the room, Peter found Layla sitting on the couch with her knees drawn up to her chest. She looked up as he entered, her eyes reflecting a mixture of defiance and sadness.

He felt terrible to see his kid this way.

Peter hesitated for a moment before moving to sit beside her. "Hey, Layla," he said softly, trying to gauge her mood. "How are you holding up?"

Layla shrugged, not meeting his eyes. "Fine," she replied curtly.

Peter sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know things have been tough lately. I just want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

Layla remained silent, her gaze fixed on a distant point outside the window. Peter felt a pang of frustration mixed with concern. He wanted to break through the wall she had built around herself, but he didn't know how.

Suddenly, Layla shifted and laid her head on his shoulder, catching him off guard. Peter froze for a moment before wrapping an arm around her, pulling her close. The gesture was unexpected but deeply welcomed.

They sat in silence for a long time, the only sounds the faint hum of the ship and the distant calls of the planet's exotic wildlife. Peter felt Layla's tension gradually ease as she relaxed against him, and he took a deep breath, savoring the rare moment of closeness. Peter knew when she was like this, not to push her. She typically just needed time and then she would be happy to talk.

After what felt like an eternity, Layla finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, Dad."

Peter looked down at her, his heart aching at the vulnerability in her voice. "What are you sorry for, kiddo?"

Layla took a deep breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "For being so distant. I know I've been pushing you away. I just... I don't know how to handle everything sometimes."

Peter nodded, keeping his voice gentle. "It's okay, Layla. I understand."

Layla's tears spilled over as she looked up at him. "I just get so frustrated. You're always so protective, and it feels like you don't trust me to handle things on my own. I want to prove that I can take care of myself."

Peter sighed, pulling her into a tighter hug. "Layla, it's not that I don't trust you. I know you're strong and capable. But you're also my daughter, and I love you more than anything in this universe. It's my job to keep you safe."

Layla sniffled, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "I know you love me, Dad. But sometimes it feels like you're smothering me. I need to make my own mistakes and learn from them."

Peter nodded, understanding her frustration. "I get it, Layla. It's hard for me to let go because I've seen how dangerous the universe can be. I just want to protect you from all the bad things out there. But I promise I'll try to give you more space. I'll try to trust you more."

Layla leaned into him, her tears soaking into his shirt. "Thank you, Dad. That's all I want."

Peter stroked her hair, his fingers gentle and soothing. "I love you, Lay. I just want you to be safe and happy. That's all I've ever wanted."

Layla nodded, her eyes drooping with exhaustion. "I know." Layla yawned.

Peter smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "You're tired." He told Herz Just close your eyes and rest. I'll be right here."

Layla shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not tired."

Peter chuckled softly. "Sure you're not. Just humor your old man and close your eyes for a bit, okay? I'll stay with you."

Layla mumbled something incoherent, her eyes fluttering shut. Peter continued to soothe her, humming a soft tune under his breath. He remembered how he used to sing her to sleep when she was little, and the memory brought a bittersweet smile to his face.

"Do you remember when you were little and I used to sing you to sleep?" Peter asked quietly, his voice filled with tenderness.

Layla nodded slightly, her breathing slowing as she drifted closer to sleep. "Yeah, I remember," she whispered, her words slurred with exhaustion.

Peter began to softly hum the tune he used to sing, his voice a gentle lullaby in the quiet room. He felt Layla's body go limp in his arms, her breaths evening out as she finally succumbed to sleep.

He looked down at her, his heart full of love and worry. Being a father wasn't easy, especially in a universe as unpredictable as theirs. But moments like this reminded him of how much he cherished his daughter and how important it was to be there for her, no matter what.

As he sat there with Layla sleeping peacefully in his arms, Peter made a silent promise to himself. He would learn to balance his protective instincts with giving Layla the freedom she needed. He would trust her more and support her in every way he could. Because no matter how much she grew and changed, she would always be his little girl, and he would always be there to catch her when she fell.

After a while, Peter carefully adjusted his position, making sure Layla was comfortable. He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch tender and full of love. Layla stirred slightly but didn't wake, her breathing steady and calm.

Peter's mind wandered back to his conversation with Ego. The revelations had been overwhelming, but sitting here with Layla in his arms, he found a sense of clarity. He realized that no matter what his origins were or what powers he might possess, his most important role was being a father to Layla. She grounded him and gave his life purpose beyond the stars and the battles they fought.

Lost in his thoughts, Peter barely noticed when Gamora walked in. She paused at the sight of Peter and Layla, a soft smile playing on her lips. She approached quietly, not wanting to disturb the peaceful scene.

"How is she?" Gamora whispered, her eyes full of concern.

Peter looked up, his expression weary but content. "She's okay. Just needed some time to talk and... to rest."

Gamora nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "You're a good father, Peter."

Peter sighed, his gaze returning to Layla. "I'm trying. It's hard, you know? Balancing everything. But moments like this make it all worth it."

Gamora placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You're doing great. She's lucky to have you."

Peter offered a grateful smile. "Thanks, Gamora. That means a lot."

THE NEXT DAY LAYLA WOKE UP,
to find Peter gone. She noticed one of his jackets draped over her, a small gesture of his care. As she stood up, rubbing her eyes, a sense of unease began to creep in.

"Layla! Layla!" Gamora's urgent voice echoed through the ship.

Layla quickly sat up, her heart racing. "What? Huh?" she stammered, alarmed by the urgency in Gamora's voice.

Gamora rushed into the room, her face etched with worry. "Come on! We have to go, now!" she said, grabbing Layla's hand and pulling her toward the exit.

"Wait! Gamora—!" Layla tried to protest, confusion and fear mixing in her voice.

"No time, Layla, come on!" Gamora shouted, her grip firm as she tugged Layla along.

As they hurried through the corridors, Gamora explained hastily, "This planet is not safe! We have to get out of here! We need to find your father and Drax, right now!"

Layla's mind whirled with questions, but she kept silent, trusting Gamora's urgency. They soon arrived at a room where Drax, Mantis, and Nebula were gathered. Gamora released Layla's hand and stormed toward Mantis, gripping her by the neck and pinning her against the wall.

"Who are you people?" Gamora demanded, her voice trembling with rage and fear. Layla instinctively backed toward Drax, her eyes wide with confusion. "What is this place?"

"Gamora, let her go!" Drax shouted, stepping forward to intervene. Layla stood there, bewildered and scared.

"The bodies in the cavern... who are they?" Gamora shouted, her grip on Mantis tightening.

Layla turned to Drax, her voice small and scared. "The bodies...?" she echoed, still trying to piece together what was happening.

Mantis' antennas glowed softly. "You are scared..." she said weakly, her voice strained.

Gamora, her face a mix of fury and fear, finally let Mantis go, and she fell to the ground with a rough thud. Gamora stepped back, her breathing ragged. Layla ran to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Gamora! What's happening?" Layla asked, her voice trembling with concern.

Gamora didn't answer immediately, still trying to regain her composure. Layla then turned to Nebula, her desperation clear. "Where's Owen?"

Nebula's silence was piercing, offering no solace. "We need to find Peter now and get the hell off this damn planet," Gamora said, her voice shaky but determined.

"Ego will have won him over by now," Mantis said quietly.

Layla's eyes snapped to Mantis. "Won him over? What the hell do you mean?" she demanded.

Mantis began to explain, "He has a way—"

But Nebula cut her off, her voice cold and practical. "Then we just go."

"No! We can't just leave my dad here," Layla protested fiercely.

Nebula scoffed. "Forgot he was your father."

"Yeah, and he's our friend," Gamora shot back.

"All you two do is yell at each other. You are not friends," Nebula retorted.

Drax hopped in. "You're right." He said. "We're family."

Layla looked Drax so did everyone else. Layla slightly smiled at the thought of her being considered family to people that weren't her dad or Yondu. "We will leave no one behind." Drax said and then turning to Nebula. "Except maybe you."

Layla shrugged. "Probably the smarter thing he's ever said." She said, referring to both the family thing and leaving Nebula behind.

"Shut it, child." Nebula said. "Oh, my god." She said shaking her head.