video; @gamora

[godslay]

[ When the camera switches on, Gamora is in her apartment, Godslayer across her lap (diligently cleaned and freshly oiled), and she’s holding her communicator with her usual unreadable expression in place. ]

I want to expand my training opportunities. Those looking to spar or test their abilities – I want a challenge.

[ And with a slight lift of her brow— ]

Or let me know if you simply want others to practice with. Tell me how you prefer to fight, and we can work something out.

[ What a friendly and welcoming message.

… Except definitely the opposite of that.

Gamora is working on that “reaching out” thing, on trying to get a better idea of who and what surrounds her in the city, and she might as well use it as a chance to stretch her legs and potentially come up against a worthy opponent or two. ]

Comments

[godslay]

Then why are you looking at my "competition?"

[ And she's focusing that oh-so pointed, piercing look on him. ]

[nostalgiabomb]

So I can figure out the odds, obviously. "Ten to one on Gamora."

Man, it's like you've never played bookie before.

[godslay]

Maybe you won't be invited to watch.

[ Though the threat is more bland than anything. ]

[nostalgiabomb]

What? [ His face pinches at that. ] Boo.

I'm absolutely coming to watch. And I'm gonna bring popcorn.

[godslay]

I spar all the time, Peter. This won't be anything new.

[ Except potentially with other, more interesting partners. ]

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He gives Gamora a slightly doubtful look, then turns back to his device. ]

This guy says he's got magic. This guy has a an actual, literal lightsaber. And Angela is, like, basically a god.

[ And he uses the comm to point at Gamora. ]

That's "nothing new"?

[godslay]

[ There's a few moments where Gamora just stares levelly at him, and then: ]

Nothing new.

[ No, actually, very new, which is why she's looking forward to it. ]

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He peers up at her, eyes narrowed. Then, ]

... You're kinda excited, huh?

[godslay]

... I didn't say that.

[ But she does look kind of pleased by the whole thing. Feeling challenged is important to her, after all, and while she knows she's not a match for some of the people in the Quarantine, she also thinks there's value in facing others who are stronger than her.

How else will she improve? ]

[nostalgiabomb]

Yeah, but you've got that twinkle in your eye. The one that's like, "I'm about to beat some folks senseless, and I'm gonna enjoy it."

It's adorable.

[godslay]

[ And the unimpressed look is back all over again. ]

I am not adorable.

[ —said oh-so emphatically. ]

And maybe you should be concerned that you think violence is adorable.

[nostalgiabomb]

[ Peter is the opposite of concerned, judging by the easy shrug he offers. He continues scrolling through the responses (oh, that chick's hot) and says absently, ]

I don't think violence is adorable. I think you're adorable.

[godslay]

And you would be wrong.

[ And like the helpful friend that she is, she reaches for one of the couch cushions, intending to drop it onto Peter's communicator. ]

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He at least looks up long enough to see her with the pillow in her hands, and he narrows his eyes at her. ]

Whaaat are you doing?

[godslay]

[ A verbal answer?

Of course not.

Instead, she drops it onto his hands.

If it happens to tumble onto his face instead, that's definitely not her problem. ]

You're snooping.

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He lets out an outraged noise, dropping his comm onto his stomach to catch the pillow. He levels an unimpressed look Gamora's way, though he doesn't retaliate. ]

I'm not snooping.

It's a public message on a public network with public responses. How's that "snooping"?

[godslay]

Because I'm standing right here, and you could be asking me about my prospects instead.

[ Clearly that's how it works. ]

[nostalgiabomb]

[ With that same air of innocence as earlier, ] But you're busy fielding questions and junk. "Are you a sword guy or a gun guy? Should I kick your ass fast or slow?"

I'd hate to distract you.

[godslay]

You live to distract me.

[ Though she doesn't sound aggravated by the statement – more grudgingly accepting. ]

[nostalgiabomb]

[ Another flat look sent Gamora's way. ]

Let me remind you I am currently armed with a pillow. I'm not afraid to use it.

[godslay]

You don't want to find out what will happen if you throw that at me.

[ It sounds like a grave warning, but... really, what's the worst she would do?

Cut off his hand? ]

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He studies Gamora for a second. Then looks back to the pillow.

Gamora. Pillow. Gamora. Pillow. Gamora. ]

Maybe if you take back those hurtful words, I won't have to test you.

[godslay]

[ Challenging, unamused, she eyes the pillow once more, then focuses on Peter's face with that flat look. ]

And what did I say that was hurtful?

[ Clearly, she was just being honest. ]

[nostalgiabomb]

Oh, I dunno. Maybe the part where you said I live to distract you?

Hurtful.

[ he hardly seems wounded for it, though. ]

[godslay]

Do you not purposefully distract me?

[ ... said in that tone that means she definitely doesn't believe him. ]