#mantisnebula

“I think Nebula hates me,” Mantis announces one morning.

“She hates everyone,” Rocket says. “Don’t take it personal.”

Mantis isn’t taking it personal, per se. In fact, if asked, Mantis would probably say that not taking it personal is both a startlingly accurate summary of herself and something she should probably work on. It’s just that Nebula seems to tolerate everyone except for her, in her own little way.

“Just give it some time,” Rocket says. “Eventually, she’ll start to pretend to tolerate you like she does the rest of us.”

Or: four times Mantis thinks Nebula hates her, and one time she realizes she doesn't.

Quill: Don't be jealous, you're pretty, too.

Gamora and Nebula were on a little bit more than speaking terms now, thank god. Nebula couldn’t imagine if she and Gamora were on fighting terms. They go shopping together, and talk to each other. 

She was the first to know about Neb proposing to Mantis, in fact. 

“You have to learn how to dance,” Gamora says. 

“I’m not asking Quill,” Nebula responds, crossing her arms. “I am not ever going to do that. I would rather step on Mantis’ toes. Besides, you’re not a dancer.” 

“Where you can see,” Gamora says, smiling. “Drax doesn’t know everything, sister.” 

Nebula meets her early in the morning. It’s just like learning how to fight; you know the moves, you execute them. Minus the knives, guns, swords, fists, teeth, cuffs, daggers, spears, and the occasional trident. 

“You’re going to do great,” Gamora says. “Don’t be nervous. And don’t wear your blue boots.” 

“Mantis likes them!” 

“That is because Mantis likes her fashion sense. Wear the boots you like. You won’t be able to dance in the blue ones.” 

Gamora smiles at her sister. Their first dance will be beautiful–Mantis has been discussing her dress with Drax, who has been sworn to secrecy. (And been really bad at it.) 

There are steps that take Nebula a little bit longer. She’s still too awkward with the spins, but it’ll all work out. 

Gamora sees her handiwork on the day of, when Mantis and Nebula dance to Peter’s soundtracks, and Mantis giggles as she swings out too wide and nearly hits Yondu’s punch glass. 

“I didn’t know Nebula was a dancer,” Peter says. Gamora nods. 

“She likes to move. She just usually doesn’t do it to music.” 

“Much like yourself,” Peter says. “Do you think Drax still thinks we’re an odd fit?” 

“We fit,” Gamora says. “Hasn’t all this time proved it?”