human.
Nebula has never been held like this.
She's never been held so closely and tenderly and carefully. She's never shown such...weakness in the presence of someone else. Because she's an assassin, a killer, and people should know this. She should not show any sign of weakness so that people do know, so there is no chance of her losing a fight.
But all of this goes out the window when Mantis holds her. Because no one else has ever shown her such gentleness; there's no fear in Mantis's eyes as her warm fingers dance across the cold metal that is Nebula's skin, and a distant part of Nebula that feels tingly with each gentle brush of fingers.
"You feel love. Undying affection."
Mantis smiles as she says this. There are a million other emotions running through Nebula right now (anxiety fear confusion love love love) but the strongest is love, so this is what Mantis shares.
Mantis's voice is as soft as gentle as her fingers and it sends Nebula's heart beating a mile a minute.
"Love." Nebula repeats, pauses, and continued with: "What else?"
Mantis seems to hesitate for a moment. "Anxiety. Fear. Confusion."
Nebula scowls, "Weakness."
"No." Mantis says quickly. She cups Nebula's cheeks in her hands and brings them to her. Presses warm lips against cold ones. Short and sweet, Mantis pulls away after a moment, but the feeling still lingers on Nebula's lips.
It's all so new.
"Not weakness." Mantis says, "Human."