The dialogue is a reference to the type of portmanteau “shipping” names that fandoms use. Some popular ones among Marvel Cinematic Universe fans include “Stucky” (Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes) and “Clintasha” (Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff).
Frankly, I think it’s for the best this moment was cut. It’s too wink-wink and raises questions: are Nebula and Kraglin supposed to be together? Or does Kraglin just think they are? Even if it’s the latter, he’s not in the movie much and barely talks to Nebula, so this comes out of nowhere. Granted, we’ve only seen the dialogue out of context, so confusion is natural. It might be a holdover of earlier plans for the film, with more shared moments between Nebula and Kraglin. However, I’d argue even that would be unearned.
Nebula and Kraglin’s only memorable interaction before “Vol. 3” was a funny moment in “Vol. 2,” when the former describes her plans of vengeance against Thanos. Kraglin stands in slack-jawed horror and suggests she buy a “pretty necklace” or “nice hat” instead. Not a stirring foundation for a relationship. It’s just as out of place because Nebula’s arc is about overcoming her past through helping others, not through romance. There’s a reason she nips Peter Quill’s (Chris Pratt) crush on her in the bud during “Vol. 3.” That moment is funnier than this and more rooted in established characterization — Quill’s arc in “Vol. 3” is about learning to let go of Gamora (Zoe Saldana) without latching onto a replacement. Sorry Kragula/Neblin, but the movie is better off with you.
“Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3” is playing in theaters. It will be available for digital purchase on July 7 and comes to home media on August 1.
