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The indicator on the mask kept blinking rhythmically. Arthur froze for a second, then slid the mask over his face.
A moment later, Star-Lord's face filled the visor— big, animated, and unmistakably chaotic.
"Arther? That you?"
Star-Lord's eyes went wide, squinting at the screen like it was smudged.
Arthur sighed. "Who else would it be?"
"Oh, thank God!" Star-Lord let out a dramatic exhale of relief. "You have no idea what I went through just to finally get this call through!"
In the background, Arthur could see movement— figures shifting behind Peter. One of them was a heavily built man with geometric tattoos, another was a green-skinned woman with sharp eyes and an athletic build, and then… wait— was that a walking tree?
A literal tree?
'Groot.'
Peter grinned and jabbed his thumb behind him. "So, see that weird spiral pattern we found on the ship's wall? Super ugly, right? But guess what? I rigged it up into a next-level signal booster! Tell me that's not genius-level engineering."
Arthur arched a brow under the mask.
"…If this call is just so you can brag, I think I'll pass."
Peter chuckled sheepishly. "Okay, okay, fair. But, uh— yeah, we've got a situation."
Arthur folded his arms. "Go on. What mess are you in this time?"
"Well… uh, hehe." Star-Lord gave a laugh so fake that it deserved an award. On that cocky face, it was like watching a raccoon pretend to be innocent— if that raccoon had intergalactic swagger and a mixtape collection.
Arthur couldn't help but grin. "Spit it out. If you've got something to say, say it. If you're just full of hot air, I'm hanging up."
"Alright, alright— look, buddy, I need you. Actually, we need you."
Peter's voice grew serious. "I've made some solid new friends, but we're in kind of a jam."
Arthur narrowed his eyes. "What kind of jam?"
"It's the Kree. Again."
Peter shook his head. "I don't have time to explain everything through this channel, and honestly, I don't even know where to start. I just needed to reach out. Also… I kinda missed you."
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Save the drama. Do you actually need backup?"
Peter puffed up. "Hey, c'mon— do you know who you're talking to? There's nothing in this galaxy I can't handle. I'm just saying… if you're bored and looking to stretch your legs a little, maybe drop in."
Arthur let out a quiet breath and shook his head. "Give me a minute."
Even after all this time, Peter Quill hadn't changed. Still cocky. Still charming in the most annoying way. Arthur couldn't help but smile.
"I really wish Spidey could meet this guy," He thought with amusement. "That would be chaos."
Just then, Lily leaned in from the side. "What's going on?"
Arthur flinched internally. Right. He'd already said yes. But what about her? He hesitated. His mouth opened… then closed again.
Lily tilted her head, watching him. "Is it something important?"
Arthur nodded, slowly, feeling a pinch of guilt tighten in his chest. Their time off was limited— and now, she'd be spending the rest of it alone.
She smiled softly and reached out, gently brushing the furrow from his brow. Then, cupping his face, she looked him in the eye.
"If you've got something to take care of, go. I mean it. Don't overthink it just because of me." Her voice lowered, teasing. "But— that's only when you're busy. The second you're free again, I get to be your whole world. Deal?"
Arthur couldn't help it— he smiled, tapping her nose lightly. "This one might take a while."
"How far?"
Lily's voice held a hint of concern.
"All the way to the other side of the stars," Arthur said quietly. "An old friend's in trouble."
"The other side of the stars… That sounds serious. What is it this time— another galactic war?"
"Something like that," Arthur replied after a pause. "Looks like they crossed the wrong powerful entity. Back when I was out there, I got caught up in the same mess. A lot of old baggage, unfinished business… It's all coming back around."
Lily nodded slowly. "Then you have to be careful. If it's that far, I probably won't be able to contact you…"
"Yeah," Arthur agreed, rising to his feet. "Don't worry— I'll find someone to watch my back, then head out as soon as I can."
"I get it," Lily said, her voice calm. "Every second could make a difference for them."
Arthur looked at her deeply for a moment. Then, with a soft shimmer of light, he vanished from where he stood.
Lily stared at the empty spot where Arthur had just been. The TV show playing in front of her suddenly seemed uninteresting.
"…It's just quieter with one less person in the house."
She laughed softly to herself, curling into the sofa. "Go do what you need to do. Handle it with confidence… But, Arther— what am I supposed to do if I just keep falling harder for you? If something really happened to you one day… I don't know if I'd care about anything anymore. Even living might start to feel pointless."
Suddenly, she stood up and walked back into the bedroom she hadn't stepped into in two days.
She grabbed her sketchpad and, little by little, began to draw. With each stroke of the pencil, Arthur's image started to take form on the page…
High above the city, Arthur stood on the rooftop of a tall building, his battle suit reflecting the soft glow of the New York skyline.
A web shot across the air, and moments later, Spider-Man landed lightly behind him, his red suit bright against the moonlight.
"Why do we always meet on rooftops?" Peter asked with a laugh. "I'm telling you, Harry's office has better coffee and central heating."
Arthur glanced over his shoulder. "Not many people come up here. It keeps things discreet."
"Eh, I feel like the Avengers' base has a few corners even quieter."
Arthur blinked, then sighed. "Come on, you've gotta admit— meeting on rooftops feels way more superheroic."
Peter paused, then gave an exaggerated nod. "You're right. That's the difference between us. That's why I'll always be the kid, and you're the icon!"
"…"
Arthur stared at him blankly. That had to be sarcasm. Had to be.
"How've things been?" Arthur asked, easing into small talk.
Spider-Man tilted his head. "Every time you start with that tone, I know it's a setup. So go ahead— hit me with it."
"…How do you feel about space travel?" Arthur asked, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Wanna take a walk among the stars?"
"Wait, seriously?!" Peter instantly lit up, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
Then he froze, crouched low, and muttered, "No way. Gwen's so not gonna be cool with that…"
(End of Chapter)