Basic info

relations

personality

Rocket comes off as aggressive, confrontational, and very difficult to approach. His tone is often sharp and his patience is seemingly nonexistent - traits that stem directly from his time surviving alone in Craterdust Capital. Back then, any form of hesitation meant you were vulnerable, and being vulnerable resulted in death. He learned to live on the defensive at all times, trusting no one but himself, so as a result, Rocket is highly volatile and prone to assuming the worst in people and their intentions, especially when it comes to strangers. In his experience, kindness almost always came with a price, and he grew used to people only acting friendly when they wanted something from him. While this mindset has softened slightly over time thanks to the people now in his life, it hasn't fully disappeared - just dulled around those he's learned to trust in.In his earlier years as well, Rocket's aggression was far more extreme - he was quick to pick fights, often escalating situations over the smallest of provocations. Violence was not just a defense mechanism, but his way of life, something he relied on to survive and assert a small form of control in an otherwise unstable world. That tendency hasn't fully disappeared either, as it still lingers behind the constant edge behind his words, or in just how quickly his temper flares. However, the incident that cost him his arm and leg forced a harsh moment of self-awareness. Rocket came to recognize just how dangerous he could be, not only to others, but to himself. Since then, he has grown far more restrained and avoids using his gear unless absolutely 'necessary', now treating it as a last resort rather than a first response. But even so, when it comes to protecting the people he cares about, Rocket will not hesitate to push past his fear, his restraint and even his own limits if it means keeping them safe, no matter if it costs him more than what he has already lost.Beneath their volatile exterior, however, Rocket is deeply loyal and far more emotionally driven than they let on. For the few people who manage to break through their many, MANY walls, their loyalty is unwavering, and once you're in their circle, you're there for life. They hold an immense amount of care and respect for those who stayed by their side despite everything, though having them express that openly is another matter entirely. Rocket struggles heavily with vulnerability and finds direct emotional expression 'embarrassing', often defaulting to deflection or irritation when put on the spot. Instead, they show their care through actions, usually sticking close and helping out without being asked, or quietly doing things for others without expecting any acknowledgment. Even then, they still struggle with a lot of doubt, often unsure if they're doing it 'right', still trying to figure out what healthy emotional expression actually looks and feels like.Despite the stability they've found in Crossroads, Rocket is still in the process of healing from years of survival driven behavior. They have a lot of difficulty fully relaxing, even in environments they logically know are safe, and can easily slip back into old habits when under a lot of stress. Their instincts still tell him to expect the worst, to brace for conflict, to prepare for things to go wrong - and unlearning that has proven to be a slow and ongoing process. They're trying their hardest however, to dismantle the belief that everyone is out to get them, even if that belief still silently lingers in the back of their mind.