Panic Attack

Untitled Part 3

He heard footsteps running through the hallways as Quill and Gamora approached the bedroom and Groot had finally woken up, standing over his friend with a look of absolute devastation glimmering in his wide eyes.

"What's happening?" Gamora asked, staring at both Drax and the still quaking Rocket with fear and confusion. "Is someone hurt?"

"I knew this wasn't going to end well." Drax heard Quill murmur and his head snapped towards the smaller man with a stern look.

"What do you mean by that?" He asked.

Quill hadn't taken his eyes off of the whimpering creature in his arms, a look of worry plastered on his face. "Earlier today. Something happened when Rocket and I were out. I'm not really sure what it was, I hadn't witnessed the whole thing, but basically, someone attacked him and it was suddenly like he wasn't even there anymore." He tried explaining.

Drax frowned. "This creature can teleport?" He asked, this was news to him.

Quill's gaze flickered towards him and he raised a brow in confusion. "Wha- no! It's a figure of speech. I mean, it was like Rocket couldn't see me anymore, like he was somewhere else in his own mind."

Drax mentally kicked himself for not understanding the metaphor when his thoughts were suddenly cut off by a gasp and a movement in his arms as Rocket bolted upright, clenching his chest where three metal implants jutted out of him as though he were in pain.

The raccoon's eyes were open but dazed as he looked about the room in panic before realizing that he wasn't the only one there and also that he was no longer in his own bed but in something much warmer, and moving. He practically shouted in surprise as he stumbled out of Drax's hold, pressing himself against his bedframe.

"What the hell?" He asked, his defensive voice wavering as he rubbed his eyes blearily. "What are you guys doing here? Can't you let a guy sleep?"

The others exchanged glances warily. "Well we would if you hadn't woken us up with all of your shouting." Gamora stated plainly.

Rocket stiffened instantly, his small hands grasping at his fur, obviously still on edge. "I don't know what you're talking about." He mumbled, looking down at the floor as though it suddenly held some sort of interest to him. "Please leave." His last words came out as more of a whisper.

"Sorry buddy, but we're not leaving until we've got this whole panic attack thing taken care of, this is the second time today." Quill said, crossing his arms to make a point.

Groot grunted behind Drax, holding up a third finger, making Quill's mouth drop open.

"Three?"

Rocket looked up towards his friend with a look of pure betrayal. "I am Groot." The tall figure stated apologetically, leaning down to put a comforting hand on the creature's shoulder.

Rocket only pulled away angrily. "I do not have a problem. I'm perfectly fine!" He seethed, crossing his arms over his chest and turning his gaze back to the floor.

"Rocket." Gamora began. "We can help you. We understand-"

"No you don't!" Rocket shouted, pointing an accusing finger at the green woman. "You don't understand anything! And I don't need you to either. Now please, leave me alone." He finished, turning around to heave himself back onto his messy bed, laying down so his back was facing the others.

Quill let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine." He said, throwing up his arms in defeat.

"Quill." Gamora stared after him in shock, he wasn't usually the type to lose patience so quickly.

"He doesn't want our help." Quill answered back. "I say let him be until he finally learns to trust his own friends." And with that, the man turned on his heel and headed back to his own chambers, closing the door after him.

Gamora wasn't far behind, letting out a small sigh of her own and giving the stubborn raccoon a last glance. Groot stood sadly over his friend, not knowing what to do and Drax took that as his hint to leave.

He stood up from his position on the floor and made his way to the mangled doorway, pausing at the exit and turning back to face Rocket who was taking quivering breaths as if to keep himself from crying again. "Rocket." He began, frowning further when he saw the creature stiffen upon the sound of his name, his ears pressing against the back of his head. "You are my friend, and I protect my friends." He said, looking at Groot who nodded back. "I would like you to know that I will help you and think nothing less of you for it." Rocket said nothing in return, making Drax turn around sadly, finally taking his leave.

He was only about three steps away when he heard the most heart breaking sound to ever come from the raccoon. "That's because there's nothing less to think of a freak."