to the stars (that we never really owned as ours) | 7.4k, on ao3
“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.
written (late) for day seven of @bugborgweek2023!