[Rocket does not appear perturbed by Peter's refusal to drink, nor is he particularly invested in the traditional concept of 'winning'] I get another drink and you admit you're a dumbass? Man, this game's easy.
[Honestly. Who pays for something you could easily just steal?]
Probably best not to ask too many questions about it.
[He runs his fingers thoughtfully around the rim of the glass] Alright, if that's how it is, better get this one in under the wire then. Never have I ever done karaoke.
What...no, that's not it... Damn it. Count on you to ruin the spirit of the game.Â
[ He is absolutely not pouting; he's just pursing his lips a bit, and the face he's making clearly screams 'Smartass' at Rocket.
And the answer is Peter. He could have stolen the leg easily, but his conscience would have bothered him. Pesky little thing that he never quite managed to get rid of. ]
We're going to change that. [ Peter sounds almost threatening as he raises his eyebrows and points to Rocket with his glass. Then he chugs it down in seconds, scrunching up his nose briefly as it burns down is throats. ]
Okay, the rest of the game can wait. Pick a song, and I'll do it for ya. I'm dragging you up that stage if I have to.Â
[There's a special kind of joy in putting that look on Peter's face; the one caught halfway between disbelief and straight up sulking that only comes when one of his half-feral alien crewmates has reached new heights of spoiling his fun. Rocket laughs, free and easy in a way that softens the tired lines around his eyes and lifts a few hard-lived years from his face]
Yeah? [He smirks at Peter and foregoes the shot glass entirely in favor of taking a swing straight from the bottle, eyes sparkling with playful challenge] You think you could drag me anywhere I don't wanna be?
[ Every time Peter thinks he's used to his team's antics, he is proven wrong in the worst of ways. But at least he is never bored. ]
You underestimate how much I want to see you on that stage. And also how much I can lift.
[ He's not Drax or Thor, but Peter is still 6′ 2″ feet of muscle and determination. He's sure he can get away with grabbing Rocket by the waist and throwing him over his shoulder at least once. Until it dawns on Rocket what he's doing and starts to either claw at his back, of course, or maybe he will try to shoot him. But it would still be a worthy attempt. He's sure the girls from the bachelorette party would enjoy the impromptu show.
Instead of doing that, though, he leans in and gives Rocket his best puppy eyes. ]
[Rocket's fully aware he's not a big guy, especially not beside some of his more solidly built teammates; never mind Peter, Nebula's taller than him. It's not something he's ever found to be any particular disadvantage in a fight; he's fast and vicious and the cybernetics mean he packs a punch wildly disproportionate to his actual size. Peter's no slouch in a brawl either, but if it comes to it, he likes his chances.
Not that it will come to it. They're just messing around. But there's a part of his brain that's always assessing everyone around him as a potential threat, and even after all these years, he still hasn't found a way to turn it off.
He makes a show of pretending to mull it over as he pours himself another drink, playing at needing to be convinced. He rolls his eyes and knocks back another shot] Quit lookin' pathetic at me, Quill
[He considers the small stage, currently in the process of being vacated by the herd of drunk women who'd previously claimed it. He doesn't know what the repertoire this place has is like, but to hear Peter tell it, everything in his collection is a universally beloved classic]
I don't know why you're tellin' me to pick a song like you don't know damn well most of the terran music I know's all your fault.
[ Size isn't all that matters, and Peter has had enough fights with Rocket in the past to know better than to underestimate him. Not to say it wouldn't be funny to carry the guy like a sack of potatoes or even bridal style to see if that would get him flustered, but he's learned how and when to pick his battles.
They're not here to fight, anyway; they were here to be silly, drink, and embarrass themselves by signing off-key as per tradition when you do Karaoke. Rocket's thoughtful expression doesn't fool him; if the man didn't want to do this, he wouldn't be here in the first place, so he just waits and looks at him with even bigger eyes on purpose. ]
Yesss! [ Peter refrains from fist-bumping the air, but he grabs the bottle and takes one last, quick swing of it, smiling. Then he stands up and links his arm around Rocket's, walking them both to the stage. ]
Yes it is; you're very welcome. [ On a tall table next to the stage, there's a tablet functioning as the karaoke machine, with a lot of playlist lists to choose from and a bunch of microphones. Peter grabs a very flashy pink microphone and handles it to Rocket. But to be fair, he grabs a matching one in a purple color. ]
I was giving you the chance to choose which song you think best displays your musical talents. The songs here are organized by year; I'm sure you know most of the ones listed on the 70s and 80s playlists.
[He wouldn't have thought anything he said right there was that clear an agreement, but it's hard to do anything other than let himself be swept along with the tide of enthusiasm and let Peter tow him up to the stage. Once again he's struck by how little it takes to make the guy happy.
He gives the neon monstrosity in his hand a dubious look, but quickly dismisses it as unimportant in favor of skimming through the song list. He's not particularly invested in finding an opportunity to show off — he knows what his strengths are and singing ain't one of 'em — and pretty much just hits the first one he recognizes. The opening notes of Hooked On A Feeling ring out in the bar as he lets Peter drag him up onto the stage with only minor eyerolling]
Really sorry for the delay, work killing me this week and I'm exhausted X_x
[ Peter isn't looking when Rocket chooses the song, busy making sure his mic is on, but he immediately recognizes the song after the first notes fill the air. If Rocket thought that making him happy was easy before, he's got further confirmation now that Peter's giving him another honest, sunshine smile. ]
Good choice! That's probably one of my all-time favorites.
[ The girls from the bachelorette party eye them as they get on stage, clearly happy about having someone else offer a show, or maybe about having someone to laugh at. Probably both. It's crystal clear that these are not their first round of cocktails. Not that Peter is paying attention to them. Right now, his entire focus is directed at Rocket, and he sings the very familiar lyrics of the songs, starting it. ]
I can't stop this feeling, deep inside of me, girl, you just don't realize what do you do to me.
[ He's not making an effort to sound perfect, but he's sung this song so many times over the decades that it takes him no effort to get the rhythm and tone right. If the drinks keep coming during the night, his capacity to vocalize will be impaired, but for now, it's holding up pretty well. ]
[ He expects Rocket to start signing along eventually, but even if he doesn't, Peter is going to wrap an around his shoulder before he starts on the second verse, and pull him closer. ]
When you hold me, in your arms so tight, you let me know, everything's alright...
Same, this week has been a nightmare 😠also fun fact, I've sung this at karaoke in cosplay as Pet
[There's some token grumbling, and an eyeroll as Peter's arm wraps around his shoulders, but for the most part he just...lets it happen. Weird how that's become such a recurring theme. Peter gets away with things that no-one else would even try for fear of losing limbs.
Performing like this isn't exactly his style, but he knows how to hold a tune at least, and he's heard this song so many times he could echo it back in his fucking sleep. Neither of them are paying any attention at all to the lyrics on the screen.
It's seems like it's going down pretty well — the yelling from the crowd seems more enthusiastic and jeering in any case — and he can't help but grin over at Peter as they hit the chorus, getting into enjoying it a little almost despite himself]
Edited (HIT ENTER BY ACCIDENT THERE MY BAD) 2024-10-24 11:52 (UTC)
Gods, I'm sorry. For the bad week and my delay. And ohhh that sounds like fun! It's a great song.
[ The grumbling is nothing Peter isn't already expecting, and thus he doesn't pay much attention to it. Rocket will be Rocket. He wouldn't have him any other way, and it's not as if that will ever stop Peter from reaching out to the other man in little shows of camaraderie. It's exposure therapy, and maybe if he keeps doing it, Rocket will eventually get a little bit used to friendly contact and stop looking like Grouchy from Sesame Street.
It's not the first time they sang together; all the Guardians do it often when they play music on the ship's sound system during long travels, so it's not that difficult to harmonize together. Rocket has a good voice for singing, even if he might not believe Peter telling him that.
When they get to his favorite part of the song, Peter grins back at Rocket, keeping eye contact with him for the duration of the song. He is pretty sure he's never put so much effort into singing a song properly in his life.
There are some shouts from the audience, but mainly all sound encouraging, and he's sure he even hears some applause, which gets Peter laughing when the song finally ends. ]
That was pretty damn good, if I say so myself. [ Peter murmurs while lowering the mic, so only Rocket hear him. ] Wanna go for another, or...?
[ He will leave the choice to Rocket, but he's sure the rest of the people at the bar won't mind of them doing a reprise. It's not like there's a fixed order about who gets on stage to embarrass themselves. ]
[Peter's enthusiasm is contagious; he can't help but grin back, getting into the song. Whatever he might have thought of it if he'd ever heard it without context, it's now forever the sound of home and people he cares about, part of the background noise of the life they've made for themselves. With all the weight of that behind it, how's he supposed to do anything else?
The final few notes wrap up to the sounds of drunken applause and the odd scattered cheer, which does at least suggest they haven't embarrassed themselves too badly. He gives a fond eyeroll and grabs Peter by the arm to tow him back off the stage]
Don't hog the mic, man, everyone else's got some tunes to butcher too [He sets the mic back down in passing and weaves his way through the crowd towards the seats they'd claimed] If we're goin' again, I need some more to drink first.
Thank you! 💗 This week should be a bit less stressful. I hope yours is good too.
[ This was also one of Meredith's favorite songs, and the reason why she included it in the first cassette she left for Peter. Sharing her music with the people Peter loves was a way to keep his mom's spirit alive, but the best memories he has about the song are forever interlinked with the experiences he's lived with his friends. ]
Aw, spoilsport. But you do have a point; we need refreshments.
[ Peter makes a brief hand gesture toward the audience, half a playful salute and half a wave, as they vacate the stage. A couple of the bride-to-be friends wave back, and another one is already leaving her seat to go grab one of the mics and start a new song herself.
The now half-empty bottle of vodka and their two glass shots are still where they left them by the bar, and Peter reaches for it as he takes a seat.]
Now we can cross Karaoke from your bucket list. You're a natural, trust me on this. [ After filling both glasses, Peter slides one towards Rocket and raises his own for a small toast. ] Cheers!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[Honestly. Who pays for something you could easily just steal?]
Probably best not to ask too many questions about it.
[He runs his fingers thoughtfully around the rim of the glass] Alright, if that's how it is, better get this one in under the wire then. Never have I ever done karaoke.
no subject
[ He is absolutely not pouting; he's just pursing his lips a bit, and the face he's making clearly screams 'Smartass' at Rocket.
And the answer is Peter. He could have stolen the leg easily, but his conscience would have bothered him. Pesky little thing that he never quite managed to get rid of. ]
We're going to change that. [ Peter sounds almost threatening as he raises his eyebrows and points to Rocket with his glass. Then he chugs it down in seconds, scrunching up his nose briefly as it burns down is throats. ]
Okay, the rest of the game can wait. Pick a song, and I'll do it for ya. I'm dragging you up that stage if I have to.Â
no subject
Yeah? [He smirks at Peter and foregoes the shot glass entirely in favor of taking a swing straight from the bottle, eyes sparkling with playful challenge] You think you could drag me anywhere I don't wanna be?
no subject
You underestimate how much I want to see you on that stage. And also how much I can lift.
[ He's not Drax or Thor, but Peter is still 6′ 2″ feet of muscle and determination. He's sure he can get away with grabbing Rocket by the waist and throwing him over his shoulder at least once. Until it dawns on Rocket what he's doing and starts to either claw at his back, of course, or maybe he will try to shoot him. But it would still be a worthy attempt. He's sure the girls from the bachelorette party would enjoy the impromptu show.
Instead of doing that, though, he leans in and gives Rocket his best puppy eyes. ]
You said you would sing, man. Come on, for me?
no subject
Not that it will come to it. They're just messing around. But there's a part of his brain that's always assessing everyone around him as a potential threat, and even after all these years, he still hasn't found a way to turn it off.
He makes a show of pretending to mull it over as he pours himself another drink, playing at needing to be convinced. He rolls his eyes and knocks back another shot] Quit lookin' pathetic at me, Quill
[He considers the small stage, currently in the process of being vacated by the herd of drunk women who'd previously claimed it. He doesn't know what the repertoire this place has is like, but to hear Peter tell it, everything in his collection is a universally beloved classic]
I don't know why you're tellin' me to pick a song like you don't know damn well most of the terran music I know's all your fault.
no subject
They're not here to fight, anyway; they were here to be silly, drink, and embarrass themselves by signing off-key as per tradition when you do Karaoke. Rocket's thoughtful expression doesn't fool him; if the man didn't want to do this, he wouldn't be here in the first place, so he just waits and looks at him with even bigger eyes on purpose. ]
Yesss! [ Peter refrains from fist-bumping the air, but he grabs the bottle and takes one last, quick swing of it, smiling. Then he stands up and links his arm around Rocket's, walking them both to the stage. ]
Yes it is; you're very welcome. [ On a tall table next to the stage, there's a tablet functioning as the karaoke machine, with a lot of playlist lists to choose from and a bunch of microphones. Peter grabs a very flashy pink microphone and handles it to Rocket. But to be fair, he grabs a matching one in a purple color. ]
I was giving you the chance to choose which song you think best displays your musical talents. The songs here are organized by year; I'm sure you know most of the ones listed on the 70s and 80s playlists.
no subject
He gives the neon monstrosity in his hand a dubious look, but quickly dismisses it as unimportant in favor of skimming through the song list. He's not particularly invested in finding an opportunity to show off — he knows what his strengths are and singing ain't one of 'em — and pretty much just hits the first one he recognizes. The opening notes of Hooked On A Feeling ring out in the bar as he lets Peter drag him up onto the stage with only minor eyerolling]
Really sorry for the delay, work killing me this week and I'm exhausted X_x
Good choice! That's probably one of my all-time favorites.
[ The girls from the bachelorette party eye them as they get on stage, clearly happy about having someone else offer a show, or maybe about having someone to laugh at. Probably both. It's crystal clear that these are not their first round of cocktails. Not that Peter is paying attention to them. Right now, his entire focus is directed at Rocket, and he sings the very familiar lyrics of the songs, starting it. ]
I can't stop this feeling, deep inside of me, girl, you just don't realize what do you do to me.
[ He's not making an effort to sound perfect, but he's sung this song so many times over the decades that it takes him no effort to get the rhythm and tone right. If the drinks keep coming during the night, his capacity to vocalize will be impaired, but for now, it's holding up pretty well. ]
[ He expects Rocket to start signing along eventually, but even if he doesn't, Peter is going to wrap an around his shoulder before he starts on the second verse, and pull him closer. ]
When you hold me, in your arms so tight, you let me know, everything's alright...
Same, this week has been a nightmare 😠also fun fact, I've sung this at karaoke in cosplay as Pet
Performing like this isn't exactly his style, but he knows how to hold a tune at least, and he's heard this song so many times he could echo it back in his fucking sleep. Neither of them are paying any attention at all to the lyrics on the screen.
It's seems like it's going down pretty well — the yelling from the crowd seems more enthusiastic and jeering in any case — and he can't help but grin over at Peter as they hit the chorus, getting into enjoying it a little almost despite himself]
Gods, I'm sorry. For the bad week and my delay. And ohhh that sounds like fun! It's a great song.
It's not the first time they sang together; all the Guardians do it often when they play music on the ship's sound system during long travels, so it's not that difficult to harmonize together. Rocket has a good voice for singing, even if he might not believe Peter telling him that.
When they get to his favorite part of the song, Peter grins back at Rocket, keeping eye contact with him for the duration of the song. He is pretty sure he's never put so much effort into singing a song properly in his life.
There are some shouts from the audience, but mainly all sound encouraging, and he's sure he even hears some applause, which gets Peter laughing when the song finally ends. ]
That was pretty damn good, if I say so myself. [ Peter murmurs while lowering the mic, so only Rocket hear him. ] Wanna go for another, or...?
[ He will leave the choice to Rocket, but he's sure the rest of the people at the bar won't mind of them doing a reprise. It's not like there's a fixed order about who gets on stage to embarrass themselves. ]
No worries, take all the time you need <3
The final few notes wrap up to the sounds of drunken applause and the odd scattered cheer, which does at least suggest they haven't embarrassed themselves too badly. He gives a fond eyeroll and grabs Peter by the arm to tow him back off the stage]
Don't hog the mic, man, everyone else's got some tunes to butcher too [He sets the mic back down in passing and weaves his way through the crowd towards the seats they'd claimed] If we're goin' again, I need some more to drink first.
Thank you! 💗 This week should be a bit less stressful. I hope yours is good too.
Aw, spoilsport. But you do have a point; we need refreshments.
[ Peter makes a brief hand gesture toward the audience, half a playful salute and half a wave, as they vacate the stage. A couple of the bride-to-be friends wave back, and another one is already leaving her seat to go grab one of the mics and start a new song herself.
The now half-empty bottle of vodka and their two glass shots are still where they left them by the bar, and Peter reaches for it as he takes a seat.]
Now we can cross Karaoke from your bucket list. You're a natural, trust me on this. [ After filling both glasses, Peter slides one towards Rocket and raises his own for a small toast. ] Cheers!