Nebula (Andromache×fem!OC)

VIII

Nebula scurried after Andy, not understanding why she could feel a tension between them nor why the boys were grinning wide as Nile fived them in the background. Yet, she listened because what else could she do? Andy could snap her neck in a second. Worse and more likely, she would be upset if she was ignored and as much as Nebula had been enjoying the company the others, she didn't want to do that to her.

Once they were alone and out of the house, Andy sighed slowly and sat in a meditative pose on the grass, taking in a few deep breaths. Nebula subconsciously began to mirror her, movements hesitant. She was sure Andy would explain what was so important they had to be away from everyone soon enough but she didn't mind some time with her. It was easier to admire her features while her eyes were closed.

Andy didn't know what to talk about but anything was better than the admittance of her discomfort hearing Nebula ask Nile if she wanted to share a kiss. She exhaled one last time and held out her hands, smiling when Nebula let the scarred arms she'd kept hidden half of her life be held and observed with no greater protest than a soft scoff.

"Nothing since, right?"

"You really are the ultimate mom friend. The rest did their best to stay cool about it but here you are."

"I'm not fond of being vague or indirect. Especially not with people I care about." Nebula blinked, gaze drifting to the ground. Andy couldn't help but chuckle softly at her sudden shyness. "Nothing to add, raven? You're looking a little flushed-"

"No, no, it's okay. I'm okay and so is my arm. You can stop holding onto me, now if you want."

"...hmm. It's definitely been too long since I've done this. Or are you really that oblivious?" Nebula's face flamed up as she looked away again. She didn't understand what was happening. It was always nice, yet slightly overwhelming to get Andy's attention but this felt too confusing to stick around for. She glanced back at the house, not noticing she'd leaned towards the entrance till Andy tenderly brushed steady fingers over her jaw, retracting her hand the moment their gazes met. "Stay, Nebula? Just... For a while."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Only if you want to. This isn't an order and as strong as you are, you're much more than a soldier."

"...I will."

"Good. You've fought many battles, haven't you?"

"Not in the same way you have."

"The comparison isn't necessary. It was difficult for both of us but look at you... You won them all just like I did. The proof is in your being here. Not without memories of the scuffles, of course, some of which you carved into yourself in much too cruel a way... Sorry. Am I triggering you?" Nebula smiled weakly and shrugged. Because yes, she was but it was nice to hear herself being spoken about as if she was a courageous person. Someone who'd done something more with her life beyond wishing it would end. "I just mean that you've been through a lot. Yet, you're still alive. It's something to be proud of. Even if you aren't, just know that I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, Andromeda. Really."

"No need to spare me any of your gratitude when I only said what I've observed. I can only imagine what kind of thoughts pushed you in that direction. I used to be like that some time ago. At the beginning when I had just discovered my ability, cursing myself for just how different I was. I used to be quite vicious to myself, I think. I don't remember all I did... Scars do heal and even fade eventually, especially for people like us. You're a feeler, Nebula. I've watched your range of emotions and wondered what it was like... I think the centuries of existence have taken out my humanity piece by piece. I think I'm too old to experience as much of it as real people do. You've been a refreshing change to my normalcy, Nebula. I was scared of that at first. Of you. But now, I'm... Happy? Weird."