novas always gotta step up.

we did what we had to do. what we always do. the right thing. (closed rp blog for fightasone.)

[centurioned]

lastzenwhoberian‌:

Gamora smiled. She made a new friend and didn’t even punch him, which was a huge improvement compared to how she used to meet new people a few years ago. “I think I can find a way to make the rest of the guardians trust you and not just see you as a Nova. They… have an issue with authority.” she didn’t include herself in this, but Gamora definitely had issues with authority before. She was just more… open to listen than the others.

But he was still her friend. That was a nice feeling.

“Of course you did” At the mention of Peter, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes. That wasn’t surprising, Star-Lord probably encountered half of all the Nova Corps in the galaxy. “He’s not bad but he was probably extremely annoying wasn’t he? He was insufferable when I met him. What was it? Theft or public intoxication?”

"Theft. His bail got posted the next morning, though, so it didn’t turn out to be much of anything, in the end.” Unfortunately, this doesn’t fall under the category of super great blackmail material, if Gamora were to happen to be in the market for that. “As the arresting officer, I had to guard his holding cell, and I remember hearing the stupid Piña Colada Song all night. I think he was trying to get under my skin, but honestly, I just found it funny. Points for creativity, you know?” A beat, and then he adds: “And, okay, maybe it was a little annoying.”

After hearing that song about twenty times in a row, at least, any sane person has to acknowledge that.

He laughs.

But, circling back to what she’d said before, about not just seeing him as a Nova:

“Listen, though, if it’d help — I’m stuck in the uniform for a couple of more weeks because of quarantine, but after that, I can definitely ditch it and show up in something a lot less stuffy. I feel kinda like a jerk sometimes walking around in this thing, anyway.”

His face forms something like an exaggerated grimace for effect. What he’s going for here is light, jokey — but he’s also serious.

[centurioned]

strongestavengerbruce‌:

“A lot of the people here aren’t exactly from Earth.” Bruce pointed out, wondering what his younger self might say if he heard that sentence, if he knew he would one day be standing in a room filled with aliens and gods. “I think dress codes are deemed irrelevant when people are accustomed to such differing levels of formality.” He smiled at the man, raising his eyebrows at the mention of his surname. “Rider?” He asked quietly, taking his hand and shaking it. He never had been one to enjoy physical contact when it came to people he didn’t know, but it would be impolite to ignore the gesture. “I don’t suppose you’re related to Ralph Rider? I crossed paths with him at university a… long time ago now. I’m Dr Banner. Bruce, I mean. You can call me Bruce.” 

It makes sense, what he says. Rich has been to a whole variety of different planets during his time with the Nova Corps, and each have their own equally varying standards; at something that brings a bunch of people together, trying to enforce one would be impossible.

He nods, returning the smile.

“I am, actually. He’s my uncle.” Small world. But considering that this is an event hosted by Tony Stark, though — maybe he shouldn’t be surprised that he’s just run into one of his uncle’s old colleagues. That he’s just run into... Bruce Banner. Even if his face hadn’t clicked, the name certainly does. “I gotta be honest, a lot of his work stories used to go over my head as a kid, but I definitely remember him mentioning you. My brother wouldn’t shut up about it for weeks.”

He can hear Robbie’s voice in his head now — you met Bruce Banner? And you didn’t even recognize him before he introduced himself?

It’s all he can do not to laugh at the thought. “My brother’s gonna be so jealous that I’m talking to you right now. You’re, like, his hero.”

[centurioned]

mightiestfightiest‌:

Carol couldn’t understand if he was nervous or if he truly was like this. Either way, she was sure the conversation ended until he spoke and pulled her attention to someone else (probably preferred that than on himself).

“What about him?”

“Check out his jacket.” The guy in question, wearing a real eyesore combination of bright colors, begins to move, and Rich casts his eyes meaningfully in that direction before turning back. “I don’t know about you, but I think that counts as one of those ugly ones you were talking about. Not that I’m an expert, but...”

Something had to be said.

[centurioned]

princessxwakanda‌:

Shuri raises an eyebrow. This is an interesting puzzle. Jurisdiction - some kind of law and order professional. But not one with powers on American soil. He doesn’t sound European. A Canadian cop? It would be a good theory, except for one thing. He doesn’t seem to recognise her. She’s not exactly an obscure figure. Even if he wasn’t into geopolitics, her Daily Bugle crimefighting appearance didn’t exactly go unnoticed. “…you’re not from around here, are you?”

She isn’t the first person to recently assume that he — well, as she’d said, isn’t from around here; in this moment, that makes him take pause. Sure, he’s been gone for a while, and he finds himself feeling like a fish out of water on an almost daily basis now, but the fact that it’s apparently so obvious, even when he isn’t wearing his uniform? It’s... it’s weird, in a way that he can’t really quantify.

But that’s an existential crisis for another time. Like when he isn’t stuck in a ridiculous tux that’s probably going to suffocate him soon.

“Actually, I’m from Long Island.” He lifts a shoulder in a shrug. “But I guess you can tell I haven’t really been there much in a while.”

[centurioned]

strongestavengerbruce‌:

Bruce had made a conscious effort to dress down for the occasion, dragging his feet for show in the hope of frustrating Tony who was so determined to force him into making an appearance. It was all affectionate teasing, Tony knew Bruce would never ask him to do anything he wasn’t comfortable with and he was the same. Always making an effort to ensure he wasn’t feeling anxious or overwhelmed, always making it clear that he had the option to say no. The party was no exception. His felt sure his friendship with the billionaire was responsible for the majority of his stress, but for everything he did to trigger his worry, he did something to ease it at the very same time, something to help him relax and feel at home. It was relatively clear to anybody who might stumble across the scene that no official dress code had been given. Some people, like Pepper, had decided to use the opportunity to dress up, some people, like himself, could easily have wandered in from the comfort of their own home. Then again… this was his home. He laughed quietly, glancing down at the expensive suit the man beside him was wearing. “Tony loves a tuxedo.” He assured his new company. “And you aren’t the only person here in a suit.”

"Thanks,” Rich says, and actually manages to breathe out a quick laugh himself. “That’s... good to know. I was beginning to think I’d definitely messed up on the dress code.”

(Or, well, you know, that his mother and her insistence to spend way too much money renting this tux for him had.)

He doesn’t instantly feel comfortable, no, because a party like this has never been his scene and probably never will be, but — he definitely feels a lot better than he had just a couple of minutes ago. His shoulders relax, and he lets out another long breath.

“Sorry, I should’ve introduced myself.” He extends a hand for the other man to shake. “Rich Rider.”

[centurioned]

mightiestfightiest‌:

Carol wasn’t sure if he was trying to make her feel better for just coming in jeans and a long-sleeve. Like she’d even bother with a jacket, everyone knew Carol didn’t get cold. They were lucky she didn’t come in shorts and a tank top. Then again it wasn’t as if she had anyone to impress. Her clothes weren’t ugly but were far more casual than what most people probably expected at party. Especially a Stark party. Then again she did catch the sweaters on some of the guests, there really was no dress code.

“Alright…” Yet he seemed more uncomfortable than she was. Which was strange and made Carol uncomfortable so she tried not to look at him directly.

“I doubt Tony cares what you wear. I mean, did you see the ugly holiday jackets?” Not that Carol would be one to disapprove of someone’s sense of style. God knows she could use some style advice. In fact if she were feeling festive she probably would have joined in on the holiday apparel, but this year wasn’t so cheery.

Oh no. Had he managed to offend her, somehow? It’d only been meant as a self-deprecating joke, something to try to lift the awkwardness that he’s painfully aware has been surrounding him all night, but for a moment in there, he thinks that might have backfired. Badly.

Even before — space and everything else, social occasions had never been his forte, exactly, and now? If it doesn’t involve official Nova Corps business, he’s rusty, apparently.

But he lets an easy smile form on his mouth, and he hopes that the second attempt to de-awkward the air is the charm. “Fair point.”

There’s a beat of silence as he jerks his head over toward the group of people milling around several feet away. “That guy over there? Wow.”

[centurioned]

lastzenwhoberian‌:

It was probably to soon to hug him, which is why the nova looked so strange right after. Gamora could tell he was avoiding to look at her and maybe hugging him wasn’t acceptable at this stage of their relationship. They just met.

Good job, Gamora.

She couldn’t help but think how easier it must be for him to remember his loved ones who passed away if he has pictures of them. Gamora could only count on her memory and with the years it became harder to see her mother’s face. Only the sound of her voice remained clear in her head.

“So that means you’re planning on staying in touch?” Gamora smiled, “For official Nova Corps business or…?” She stopped. It felt suddenly too much to admit that she would enjoy seeing him again. Making new friends wasn’t something that was easy for her and she hated how vulnerable it made her feel to hope that someone would like her enough to enjoy be in her presence again.

 “I’m sure Star-Lord would be pleased to meet you. He often thought he was the only human living in space.”

Gamora had said that he didn’t have to, but — Rich decides he’s determined. The first thing he’s going to do when he leaves here is call Robbie for help with the helmet tech. It’d be nice for her to have the physical still image of her home, if he can swing it. Maybe they don’t know each other that well at this point, and they’re not exactly at the stage of Christmas presents or anything like that, but it’d clearly mean a lot to her. Any small thing he can do help.

And, besides, even if it takes some time to figure out, he’ll be around. Speaking of —

“Not just for business, I hope,” he answers her with a smile. “I’d like for us to be friends. And not just the two of us, specifically, but — all of us.”

The raccoon, too, wherever he is; consider the hand of friendship extended far and wide. But Gamora in particular? Yeah, he’d definitely like to see her again.

He reaches for his helmet and lifts it up off of the counter. He’s not ready to leave at this exact moment, no, but that’d be a pretty terrible thing to leave behind.

“You know, I’ve actually met Star-Lord before. Once, years ago, when I arrested him.” Should he even be telling this story? Maybe not, but it’s an expunged record anyway. Can’t hurt anything. “He wasn’t a bad guy. Made holding cell duty that one night more entertaining than it usually is.”

[centurioned]

cosmicjive‌:

That doesn’t make Peter any less grumpy. He’s a two-time galaxy saver and he’s being laughed at! By a cop! He officially hates all of the Nova Corps, effective immediately, except maybe that guy with the candy bowl who pretends he doesn’t notice Rocket and Peter swiping it whenever they’ve gotta come meet Dey.  “Shit, y’mean t’say there’s two of ya like this? The galaxy really does suck sometimes. Y’wanted somethin’ other than t’screw me over ‘bout my officially erased criminal record?””

And that doesn’t make Space-Lord any less funny, pouting like a little kid like that, but Rich, for his part, manages not to laugh again.

With that last bit, though, he holds his hands up in surrender. “Hey, man, I didn’t mean to offend. I just —”

On second thought, it occurs to him, it’s probably best if he doesn’t finish that sentence. One, that’s definitely not in the diplomatic protocol, and two, it isn’t good manners to keep laughing at a guy who clearly doesn’t want to be in on the joke. His mom raised him better than that.

“Look, I talked to Gamora already, and we agreed it was in everyone’s best interests for us to be able to work together. All of us.” There’s a pause as he thinks over his next words. “Me arresting you, that’s... all in the past.” He waves a hand for emphasis. “Let’s just start over.”

[oxymitch-archive]

Nova (Richard Rider) was forced to team up with Annihilus because Negative Zone was under the threat by the invasion of the Cancerverse monsters and Annihilus needed his help. They go to the house at Yancy Street to ask the Fantastic Four for help. However, instead of the Fantastic Four, Franklin and Valeria Richards were at home and they warily answered the door. Because of Annihilus’ presence, they were suspicious that they refused to let them in and when Richard forces the door open, the kids grabbed the guns and shot at Annihilus to knock him out. Then, while Richard tries to clear up the misunderstandings, the kids doodled at Annhilus’ face to humiliate the alien. 

- Annhilation Scourge: Nova #1, 2019

[centurioned]

lastzenwhoberian‌:

When he put his arms around her, Gamora’s body suddenly got tense. Oh, she should have warned him not to do that. She hugged him but had no desire to be hugged back, it was such an intimate thing that she probably shouldn’t have done in the first place. It was her fault.

But if she was honest with herself, hugging wasn’t so bad. Is it cheating to hug someone that is not your partner?

“I wish people would stop doing that” she said, “Like you weren’t allowed to talk to me about the pain you felt for losing someone you loved, because you think what I’ve been through is worse. I can’t tell if people feel sad for me or are just scared of my reaction.” It was probably both. “So, what I’m trying to say is… losing people is horrible and I don’t want people to think they can’t express their pain when I’m around.”

“And do you still remember him? Your grand-father, I mean.”

In spite of his best efforts, it had gotten awkward. For one thing, he hadn’t missed the way she’d gotten tense against him for a second in there, and for another, unrelatedly, there’d been this part of him that... maybe hadn’t wanted to pull away so quickly. As silence falls between them again, it’s something his mind kind of keeps drifting back to, and that feels a little weirder each time, and —

What she says next doesn’t really help this whole feeling-like-he’s-made-this-awkward thing.

The word “sorry” is about half-formed on his mouth when he manages to stop it right in its tracks. It’s reflex, but that kind of apology is probably about the last thing she wants from him. And when he puts himself in her shoes for a second, he can easily figure how frustrating it must be for people to walk on eggshells around you all the time and not treat you like a normal person.

So, that’s exactly what he decides he’s gonna do. Give her the kindness and dignity of being treated like a normal person.

(And, well, he still feels bad, but probably the best first step is to take her words to heart and move on.)

He nods, both in understanding and in answer.

“Yeah. I remember lots of good things about him. Maybe not as many as I did when I was younger, but —” He trails off. There’s a delay before he picks back up again. “Enough to still count, you know?”

He manages a smile, nevertheless. “Some of ‘em still make good stories. I’ll tell you one sometime, if you want.”

[centurioned]

lastzenwhoberian‌:

“I am an expert on Thanos” she said, sarcastically, one more proof that she was around Peter for too long.

Gamora had no doubt that the Nova was sincere and that he didn’t ask for anything in return (She suspected that he was trying to flirt, at first.) But she never imagined that he would give her something that meant so much to her. “You don’t have to. I– I saw my planet the way it used to be. Beautiful and peaceful. I only had the images of everyone screaming and crying for so long. But now… I’m starting to remember good things.” she smiled “I don’t think you realise how wonderful this is for me.”

Gamora got up from her seat and moved closer to him, she slowly reached for him in an attempt to hug him as a thank you (the terran protocol, apparently) but she was also careful, in case he wanted to reject that hug.

Of all the responses he might’ve expected from Gamora, her being the one to initiate a hug would’ve been close to the bottom of the list.

For a moment, he’s still out of sheer surprise, but soon enough, he wraps his arms loosely around her shoulders, returning the gesture. He makes sure he doesn’t hold that for long, because he doesn’t want it to get to the point of being awkward (and that’s always a tricky line, especially with someone you don’t know very well).

When he pulls away, he smiles gently. “They’re part of you. All those good memories.” He drops his gaze to the counter for a beat as he considers, then looks back up at her. “It’s like something my mom said to us after my grandpa died. I was pretty little at the time, and I was scared that everything I remembered about him was gonna disappear. She said it wasn’t possible to lose something that would always be a part of you.” His throat goes dry, and he has to swallow that down before continuing. “Obviously, that doesn’t even begin to compare to what you went through, but — I think about that sometimes.”

[centurioned]

couldbetricky‌:

     “Oh, absolutely.”

Natasha shifts, her demeanor indicating that every trace of attention is centered on him.

     “My first piece of advice? Just make something up. Maybe you’re a business associate of Stark’s here to celebrate the holidays. Maybe your girlfriend dragged you here– or vice versa. Or maybe you figured it’s an open event, what else are you going to do on Christmas Eve?”

     “Any of those too close to the truth?”

Just make something up. That’s actually pretty solid advice, but there’s one little hiccup — he’s terrible at that kind of thing. Not for a lack of trying (there’d been a couple of times when he’d had grand plans to pull something over his parents as a kid, among other things), but almost every time, someone’s called him on it.

Still, he laughs good-naturedly.

“Well, the outfit definitely wasn’t my idea.” Which, clearly, no one could tell by looking at him. Subtlety, thy name is Rich Rider. “I could swing the one about the girlfriend. Maybe.”

[centurioned]

cosmicjive‌:

Quill crosses his arms, stubbornly, and absolutely does not pout. Not at all. He knows things! Just not pointless stuff like that! What kinda nerd remembers the names of crimes? A cop, that’s who. Killjoys.

“Why didn’t y’lead with that?! Ooh, look at me, I’m a space cop and | got fancy book-learnins!” It’s not a good impression, but Quill appears entirely unfazed by its quality or lack thereof. 

“’Sides, I didn’t do nothin’ to nobody who didn’t deserve it.” 

Rich can’t help it — he bursts out laughing.

Maybe this isn’t what he should be doing, maybe this really isn’t the way to smooth anything over, but between the arm-crossing, the (not) pouting, and everything that comes with all of that, it’s too much.

Thank you, Space-Lord. A part of him had kinda needed that.

“Have to say,” he breathes out when his laughter finally calms down, “that’s the first time I’ve ever been accused of being smart.” For a second, it looks like he might start laughing again, but he manages to hold it back. “God, you’d hate my brother. He’s the actual brains of the family.”

[centurioned]

lastzenwhoberian‌:

“But don’t call him that, he hates it.” Even if he was a raccoon he just didn’t seem to like being called that. But Rocket hated pretty much everything that wasn’t bombs and explosions. Still, he had a good heart.

“I’m… Am I supposed to answer that question or was it just rhetorical or something like that?” There was, once again, teasing in her voice. Gamora didn’t want to talk aout him anymore. And thinking about how he may become more dangerous would only make her more agitated.

When she finally removed the helmet, she wiped her tears and fixed her hair. She looked at it for a while before giving it back to its owner. Gamora glanced back at him. “Thank you.” she said, softly. “I almost forgot how beautiful my planet was. It brought back memories. Good ones. It scares me, you know? The idea of forgetting about my world and the people. It feels like I’m killing them all over again.”

The raccoon hates being called a raccoon. Considering this is someone who’s escaped from prison over 20 times, at least according to the records, Rich thinks that might be useful for his later survival. He makes a mental note.

"Totally rhetorical,” he says in response to her question. “I don’t think anyone really wants the answer to that, to be honest, and you probably know that a lot better than me.”

Like a lot of things. He can’t pretend he relates to something so awful as losing a whole planet full of people. His heart goes out to her as she pours out hers, and, man, he feels completely useless just sitting here. Part of him wants to give her a hug, or — something, but they don’t know each other that well, and he’s not sure how she’d take that from a near-stranger. (If he had to guess, though, probably not well.)

So, all he has is:

“You’re welcome,” accompanied by a soft smile as he takes his helmet back and places it on the counter beside him. “I wish I had something physical to give you, like a picture you could put on your mantle to look at whenever you wanted. But I don’t think the holo tech works like that.” As soon as that’s out of his mouth, though, he gets another idea. “Or maybe it could, somehow. I could look into it.”

Robbie’s so smart that he could probably figure out how to connect the helmet to wi-fi and do something with the display. It’s worth a shot.

[centurioned]

cosmicjive‌:

“Wait, y’accusin’ me of fuckin’ her? Is that what that’s s’posed t’mean?! I didn’t! I never even met her! An’ that ain’t even a crime!”

Whoa, hold up there, buddy.

Where he’d once, not so long ago, been about this close to laughing, Rich is now stunned into complete silence, legitimately not understanding the turn this conversation has taken or how they seem to actually be standing in two separate universes right now.

“Uh —”

Probably time for a different track. 

“Larceny, you know, like, theft of personal property. That’s, um... not actually a person.” A beat. “Just so we’re on the same page.”

[princessxwakanda]

“Yes, that is my drink. Your laws are stupid, so I’ve decided to ignore them.”

[centurioned]

Sure, he’s all about enforcing laws; that’s his literal job description. But, one, no one really cares about a drinking age in space, and, two —

“Not my jurisdiction.” He shrugs, a hint of a smile on his mouth. “I won’t tell if you don’t.”

[centurioned]

couldbetricky‌:

     “True– and fair, as you said.”

A flicker of amusement sparks in her chest as she watches the man– slight tells in his body language speaking of a discomfort or uncertainty she can’t quite place.

     “You’ll fit in just fine. Just act like you belong here.”

If he seems uncomfortable or uncertain, the nervous laugh he gives her isn’t convincing of otherwise.

“Got any tips? Think it might take a lot for me to not stick out like a sore thumb.”