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      Pins and needles traveled Ava's arm as she hit the ground. The texture of the grass like turf on a football field with small bits of rocks in the soil.

She looked up at the younger daughter of Thanos.

"I win." The blue women stated with a proud grin.

Ava knew how much Nebula enjoyed days where it was her turn to train. The two already hated each others guts to start with. Which Ava still didn't know the reason why. To add to the tension, Nebula was highly competitive and finally had a fair chance of beating someone at combat.

Although she was handy with a gun, Ava wanted to brush up on her combat skills. A few S.H.I.E.L.D. agents like Johnson taught her some things. But space was a different territory than earth and Ava wanted to be prepared.

Usually it was Gamora who trained with her. Yet, every once in a while, Nebula would fill in. Gamora went with Peter to pick up more food, fuel and a new space pod since Poe crashed the other.

Ava glared at the assassin. "Let's go again."

She adjusted the strap of her black tank top and pushed a loose strand that fell put of her braid behind her ear.

Nebula smirked in amusement, ready to take another win after 9 rounds.

Yet, Ava was not going to let that happen this time. She was determined to take the victory. If she lost again, then she'd get back up. She would not give up.

Steve Roger's famous words came into mind as she stood in position against her opponent. She held Gamora's godslayer in her hand.

Nebula pulled out her electroshock batons in with a smirk. "You ready to loose again starjunk?" She teased.

Ava sneered and immediate ran up to strike, lifting her weapon above her head. Nebula easily blocked the blade and kicked Ava back.

"Didn't see that one coming." Nebula taunted again. "I feel like you aren't even trying to win at this point."

A frustrated yell came from Ava's mouth as she approach Nebula who dodged her weapon with a side step. Following, Nebula launched her baton at Ava's side, sending a shock through her body.

Nebula chuckled down at the younger Quill sibling. "Get up!"

Ava gripped her sword. "Let me beat you!" She screamed as she planted her feet on the ground. Ava swung her sword up but the batons stopped her again.

"Winning never came easy for me, why should it be for you?" Nebula hissed and pushed pressure down, making Ava lean backwards.

She almost gave in to her downfall again, but was determined to fight it. She looked at her options and thought of something she learned from Gamora the week before.

Ava moved her sword away as gravity brought Nebula off balance. Ava took that chance to crouch, with her hands firm on the ground. Her right foot spun as her left pivoted, crashing into Nebula's legs.

The blue woman tumbled on her back and her weapons fell out of her hands. Ava kicked them away and aimed her sword at Nebula's face.

Ava huffed out a proud laugh. "I think I won."

Nebula stared at her slightly shocked and impressed. That only lasted for a few seconds as Nebula grinned. "Don't get too excited, it's not over yet."

Before she could process, Ava felt a force on her legs, sending her back. Nebula grabbed her batons and slashed them diagonally at Ava who moved before she could be hit.

Ava swung her sword another time but Nebula crossed her batons to block. Ava used her foot to kick her, stealing her technique from before.

Nebula caught herself with her back foot keeping her balanced. She refocused on her opponent, ticked off. Nebula took two steps forward and swung her weapons at Ava.

However, Ava was quick and hit one out of Nebula's grip. The baton skidded across the ground and Ava pointed her sword at Nebula.

Ava smirked feeling confident. Nebula scowled back at her, before using her other sword to move Ava's out of the way. Nebula then quickly sliced her the blade towards Ava.

"Ah!"

A sharp pain traveled in Ava's arm and she found a cut. "What are you crazy Nebula!?" Ava screamed after looking at the small line of blood dripping down her arm.

Nebula let out a chuckle. Before coming at Ava again, ready to give her another injury. Ava kept dodging as an idea popped into Ava's head and it would get her to win.

Right as Nebula's blade came down, Ava blocked it. Then she grabbed kicked the Nebula's other baton out of her hand. It clashed on to the ground below the two fighters. Both reached the handle but Ava snatched it first before Nebula could.

Nebula put her hands in surrender as Ava pointed both weapons at her. She stared down at the daughter of Thanos. Waiting for confirmation that she won this round.

Nebula sneered at her and kept thinking of ways she could take the victory.

"I'd say that I won that one, don't you think?" Ava asked, pressuring her opponent to give in.

With a long sigh coming out of Nebulas blue lips, she nodded. "Fine. You win."

Ava grinned before dropping the swords and offering her hand to Nebula. The women glared at the human hand and smacked it away. Getting up herself.

"Training is over today." Nebula snapped as she grabbed her weapons and put them in her belt. She made her way towards the house. But Ava wasn't going to keep putting up with her attitude any longer.

"What did I ever do to you!?"

Ava's confronted anger caused Nebula to stop in her tracks and look over her shoulder. Ava put her weapon away and marched up to Nebula.

"Ever since I joined the team, you have done nothing but hate me. You always find ways to put me down and judge me for the smallest things. You always stare at me like I'm a deadly disease!

"What is your problem with me!?" Ava gave her last straw. She was done with the way Nebula treated her.

"I don't hate you, Ava." Nebula stated as she stared at the ground.

"Oh hooray!" Ava flung her hands in the air. "Then why do you act like I'm a turd!?"

"Because!" Nebula screamed making Ava jump in her skin. She had seen her angry before, but not this intense. The assassin relax after her sudden outburst. "I just am jealous of you."

Ava's jaw dropped and hung open like a cartoon. "You? Jealous of me?"

Nebula nodded. "Just the way everyone accepted you without a doubt. How easily they could trust you and treat you like a queen."

Speechless, Ava couldnt help but feel sorry for Nebula's tone of voice. It was broken and low self esteem. It tore Ava's heart slightly.

"It took me 5 years of saving the universe to prove I wasn't evil. Being included as one of them and not an enemy." She continued and looked Ava directly into he eyes. "Then you come along. There was no hesitation because you were Peter's sister. You fit in perfectly like a Infinity Stone on Thanos' gaunlet." She finished.

What she said was valid and Ava didn't want to belittle any of it. However, Ava was trigger with that last part. "You think I fit in perfectly? Well I didn't. " She tested Nebula's complaint.

"Peter was the only one who made me feel at home the first few months. Eventually the others did too, but I was lonely before anyone noticed I was there." Ava said as she explained her thoughts.

The two women stared at each other for a moment. Ava realized there was common ground with a crazy blue psychopath.

"You know what? I think it's funny that your jealous of me." Ava smiled, forcing Nebula to return the expression. A rare sight to see her be happy.

"I was jealous of you and that you get to be from space." Ava started. "And I know you hate all the machinery. Since they happened because of Thanos."

Nebula ripped her eyes away to hide tears. Trying to not let the trauma haunt her. A gentle hand on shoulder caused her to gaze up at Ava.

"But I think it's cool. They are your battle scars. Showing you survived and are a strong fighter." Ava said with soft eyes. "You know what, I am always here for you if you ever doubt yourself."

Ava then pulled the broken women in her arms. Nebula, still not used to hugs, stood there in shock before relaxing and accepting it. A rush of air blew in the wind and caused Ava to reacted in pain. She forgot her arm had a cut.

Nebula winced. "Sorry about that. Let's get it cleaned up."

"That's a great idea." Ava said with agreement as the two made their way inside.

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Nebula pulled out a first aid kit as Ava sat on the counter. She took out some gauze and putting pressure on the wound.

"Hold that in place." Nebula instructed and Ava obeyed with her left hand on her left shoulder.

Ava watched as Nebula assembled bandages and other supplies. "Never would have guessed that you'd know how to treat wounds."

Nebula rolled her eyes. "Well, when you have an abusive purple grape as a father you learn."

Ava bit her lip, regretting her comment. "Sorry. My bad." She said.

"Like you said, my battle scars made me stronger and now he can't hurt me anymore." Nebula replied as she began to dab the cut. Ava breathed in air between her teeth at the sting.

She couldn't believe Thanos would think it's okay to torture someone. Especially when he adopted Nebula in the first place. Yet this was the mad Titan who wanted to wipe out the entire universe.

"So," Nebula broke the few seconds of silence.

"You and the pilot seem to be getting along."

Ava frowned for two reasons. She was the opposite of thrilled when Poe was mentioned. And she was confused Nebula wanted to have girl talk.

Nebula didn't share as much investment as Gamora did, but she still had a curiosity.

"Yep," Ava popped the 'p' and forming a straight line with her mouth. "I promised Gamora I wouldn't argue with him."

Luckily, Poe was taking a nap in his shared room so he wouldn't hear this conversation.

She thought about it, her and Poe hadn't really yelled at each other in a while. Maybe there was progress. Yet Ava had no idea what made a sudden switch to a more friendly tone.

Yesterday, all they did was talk as if it was a get to know you activity. Like the one's Ava did on every first day of school. When she knew in reality the teachers didn't want to teach on the first day and forced students to socialize.

Nebula nodded from Ava's answer with unconvincing eyes. "I see. But no need to cover up if you hate him. I hate everyone so I don't judge you."

Ava crossed her arms with raised brow. "I thought you said you didn't hate me." She waited for an answer from Nebula. Wondering if that talk they had earlier was a lie or not.

"I hate everyone, but there are a few people I like. You, Gamora, that Rhodey guy and Tony Stark. The rest are just idiots." Nebula huffed as she listed the names with counting 4 fingers.

A sting shot into Ava's heart at the mention of one of her mentors. A tear escaped her right eye and she caught it with her back hand. "I forgot you got to spend 5 years with Tony."

Another surpise for Ava came when she felt Nebula blue hand on top of hers. Similar to how Ava comforted Gamora the other night.

"He was one of the only people who didn't treat me like wasted parts. And when I met your Avenger friends, I felt like I had a purpose." She stated.

Ava put her free hand on top of Nebula. Realizing they had more in common than she thought. "Not sure if anyone told you this but,"

She paused for a moment and swallow inside her mouth. "Thanks for helping and saving the universe."

Nebula stared back at Ava and fought a smirk. Returning a non-verbal thank you. A warm atmosphere between the two.

Finally breaking down barriers between them.

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Filler chapter (:

I am not the best at writing action so hopefully it makes sense.

But ah! I love Nebula and she deserves more recognition!!!

People literally forget she was part of the team in Engame and has such a great character arch. She literally in my top favorites of Marvel Females. (I like her way more than Wanda tbh)

But yay! Ava and Nebula are becoming a little closer as friends!