Chapter 3: And You Look So Divine…

"Nebula, stop fidgeting." Mantis said calmly, wiping lipstick off the corner of Nebula's mouth for the umpteenth time.

"I hate wearing makeup." Nebula grumbled, crossing her arms across her chest. She was in a gorgeous deep purple gown with a slit up the skirt that she borrowed from Gamora.

"No, you're just insecure." Mantis replied simply, her hand on Nebula's shoulder.

"Hey, no readings. That's unfair." Nebula said, batting away Mantis's hand.

"That's what you get for dating an empath, Nebula." Gamora said, turning around from her vanity to give her sister a teasing smile. "No offense, Mantis."

"Oh, none taken. I tell her the same thing all the time."

"How are you feeling, Gamora?"

"Alright, I guess. Really nervous."

"Second thoughts?"

"No, never. You both know I love Peter more than anything. It's just…I don't know. The thought of walking down the aisle alone terrifies me."

"You know, you don't have to go down alone." Said Mantis. "I'm sure Drax would give you away, if you asked."

"Maybe I should…" Gamora mused.

Nebula cleared her throat like she wanted to say something, but remained silent.

"I'll go get him for you." Mantis replied with a smile, placing a comforting hand on Gamora's shoulder, before leaning in to whisper in her ear, "And stop worrying, I can already tell Peter can't wait to see you."

"Mantis!" Gamora exclaimed, giving her bridesmaid a playful shove.

Nebula and Gamora laughed amongst themselves as Mantis headed towards the boy's dressing room; her pretty burgundy cocktail dress swaying behind her.

"You know." Nebula mumbled embarrassedly. "I would give you away, too. If…if you wanted me to."

"Oh, Nebula. Really?"

She shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant. "You'd do the same for me. And…we're really the closest thing to blood either of us has left."

Gamora gave her sister a watery smile, and wrapped her up in a tight hug.

"I would love if you'd give me away." She whispered. Once they pulled apart, Gamora turned back to her vanity and put her brush to her hair.

"And you know." Gamora added. "I may be able to return the favor sooner rather than later."

"What do you mean?"

"Mantis! I see the way she looks at you, and you two clearly work great together. You ever think about asking her to marry you?"

Nebula avoided her sister's gaze, looking for the right words. "I don't know. Mantis, she…she's really special to me. And I don't want to screw anything up by moving too fast."

"I understand. But just know that when you're ready…I'll give you away too. We're sisters. We've got each other's backs, right?"

"Right." Replied Nebula, smiling despite herself. "Thanks, Gamora."

Across the hall, Mantis waltzed into the boy's dressing room.

"Hen in the fox house!" Drax exclaimed, pointing at Mantis as she entered. Peter looked up like he wanted to correct him, but instead turned back to fixing his burgundy bow tie.

"I come in peace. Gamora just wanted to see Drax for a second."

"Uh-oh, beware the wrath of the bridezilla." Rocket gibed.

"Hey, watch it. That's my bride you're talking about." warned Peter, throwing on a sharp navy sports coat.

"Are you coming?" Mantis said, ignoring the bickering.

"Sure." Drax replied, following her down the hall.

"Gamora? You needed something?" Drax asked as they reached the girl's dressing room. Gamora smiled as she walked over to him.

"I just…wanted to thank you. For all your help with the wedding."

Mantis looked confusedly at Nebula, who slightly shook her head.

"Oh! Well, you're welcome. I'm very happy for you and Quill. Seeing you both today, it reminds me of my own wedding day. It was one of the happiest days of my life, and I wanted to give that to you both."

"Thanks, Drax." Said Gamora as she wrapped him in a warm hug.

"I'd better get back. Trying to keep Rocket and Quill from killing each other is enough of a task for one day."

"I'll leave you to it."

As he turned to leave, Gamora called after him, "And no scratches on my husband!"

Drax only chuckled as he shut the door behind him.

Nebula walked up behind Gamora and placed her hand on her back. "C'mon. It's time to put your dress on."

Mantis helped Gamora up on a stool, since her tall stiletto heels caused her to be a bit wobbly. She pulled the gown over Gamora's head and straightened the skirt while Nebula tied the corset.

"There." Nebula said, satisfied with the surprisingly dainty bow she was able to tie out of the corset ribbon.

"Ready?" Asked Mantis.

"Ready." Replied Gamora, taking her bridesmaids by the hand.