Groot and Rocket are a pair of (former) criminals, partners, and best friends. They have been best friends and partners-in-crime since before the Beginning of the series. Rocket is literally the only person who understands Groot, as he often translates what "I am Groot" is. Throughout the entire films, Groot acts as Rocket's protector. In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, it's vice versa,