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The Bowie whirred quietly in the distance, the gentle thuds of Nebula's footsteps treading lightly around the Guardians' quarters. Rocket's sharp cackle could be heard from a distance, a short "I am Groot!" following right after. Some Guardians were asleep, some were still by the common area talking and loitering around. Regardless if it was late, Nebula still felt like staying up. Mantis however thinks otherwise, and Nebula hates to always fall asleep on her own.
Mantis has her own room, so does Nebula. In most cases though, they never sleep in their respective rooms. They're always sleeping in the other one's room, never willing to sleep alone anymore. Nebula doesn't mind it, neither does Mantis. The other Guardians don't mind it either. Even if it is a bit of an inconvenience.
Back inside Nebula's room sat Mantis on the bed, blinking her eyes open and shut as she awaited Nebula's return. The Luphomoid needed to find more blankets as it was getting cold.
"There were only two more blankets left. The other idiots refuse to do any laundry so we won't be getting anymore soon." Whispered the taller girl, leaning over Mantis' body as she laid on the bed. Mantis purses her lips, pouting. "Ugh, what? Again?" Mantis spoke, rather annoyed. Nebula nods. "I asked Drax if he kept on taking blankets. He said no, but I don't believe him." The taller girl mutters, moving a few inches closer to Mantis' face.
Mantis huffs. "I think he did lie. One time, he used a blanket as a towel after a shower." Nebula grimaces. "That is... Gross. One of us here could be using that same blanket he used." Mantis shrugs with a small smile. "Unlucky for that person I suppose."
The smaller one wrapped an arm around Nebula, bringing her closer as her hand curls around the curve of her waist. Nebula hums, content with the position they're in. It was warm and comfortable. She did not want to move. The PA system crackled softly as music began playing once more. Peter never stopped playing anything on his Zune. He was off in his room again but he was most likely still connected to the PA system to play music.
It was calming and soft, the instruments and rhythmic noises dancing around Nebula's mind. It smoothens her brain, the warmth between her and Mantis only growing.
It was a regular, boring night. Not eventful in the slightest.
But it was one of those nights where Nebula and Mantis just want to be lazy. There were no distress signals or emergency calls today, and they doubt they'll have any tonight.
Unfortunately, Nebula was not the type to fall asleep easily. Mantis could help her, but for a few nights now, Nebula had been refusing. Mantis didn't know why.
"Do you want me to help you sleep?" Mantis says, her voice muffled as her face was nuzzled against Nebula's neck. Nebula closes her eyes. "No. I want to try falling asleep on my own." She whispers. Mantis lazily places her arm on Nebula's back, rubbing small circles to soothe her girlfriend.
A minute or two passes, and she has yet to fall asleep. Mantis was close to completely falling asleep on Nebula's chest. They positioned themselves in a way that Mantis was on Nebula's chest and Nebula was on her back. It was more comfortable than the last one, and yet, the tall luphomoid can't get some shut eye.
"Mmhh, Nebula..." Mantis whines. Nebula looks down at her, worried if she's having a nightmare. Her antennas glow brightly under the dim light that lit up the room. Nebula shakes her once, and she awakens almost immediately. It was in that moment that Nebula realized she wasn't having a nightmare, and the glowing still hasn't stopped. "What's wrong?" Mantis asks, yawning as her eyes still remained closed. Nebula stares at her as Mantis lifts her head to look at her. "I just thought you... I just thought you were having a nightmare."
Mantis' face softens, and she places a hand gently against Nebula's cheek. It wasn't robotic like the rest. It was warm, it was real skin. At least partially. Her antennas glow brighter as she stared at her lover. "I was feeling your emotions in my sleep. I must have touched your skin and accidentally read your emotions." Nebula lifts an eyebrow. "You're tense. Very tense. That's why you can't sleep," Nebula's nightmares occurred less now. Compared to how she was like the first few nights she spent on the Benatar and the Bowie, she has healed. Her attitude has improved, and she is much more laid back now. Why was she still tense?
"Nothing will happen to you. You are safe as long as I'm here. Even if I do know you can protect yourself, I am still willing to protect you as well." Nebula couldn't help it. She smiles very subtly, pressing a small kiss on Mantis' lips. Her lips were soft and warm with touch. The kiss was short, pulling apart to get a good look at Mantis. "Thank you." Nebula mutters.
The Bowie still whirred noisily, but it was already white noise to everyone's ears. Through the years, it became a comforting sound. It became a sound familiar enough to put everyone at ease. Those years of hearing her own deafening screams of pain were long gone. Nebula does not hear them anymore. She never will ever again.
Instead, she falls asleep to the calming noise of Mantis' light, airy snore.