Mantis Was Thankful That Loki Didn't Ask More About Her History With Ego; Eventually She Would Open Up

Mantis wasn't sure what she expected when she hosted her first party on Earth, but so far this party had exceeded all expectations. The outfits were amazing and creative, not to mention colorful, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. It was perfect. Exactly what was needed after a stressful few months. Hearing the comment on glittery wings, Mantis had to stop and turn around, wanting to see them for herself. "Oh, I must have just missed them," she said with a slight pout, but that quickly turned into a smile as she watched Klara's daughter hand off her discarded candy. "Well, she seems to be having fun. How about you? Need a hand with them?"

"I saw this guy wearing full-blown glittery wings and honestly, I am mad at myself for not coming up with this idea," Klara mused with a sad sigh but a smile appeared immediately on her face as her daughter ran up to her to give her the half-eaten glitter cotton candy she didn't want anymore. "Though, I suppose wings aren't too practical with two kids," she chuckled as she watched the little girl run back to her friends.

Mantis smiled, giggling softly at Carol's response. She hadn't really chosen the name for that particular reason, but she enjoyed the reaction she got either way. Her expression became puzzled when Carol said she was going to be a bad influence, from what Mantis could tell she was a very vibrant personality, the kind she couldn't help but be drawn towards. "I don't see how that's possible, but I'd be more than happy to be shown around. There's so much of the city I haven't seen yet. You've been away though?" That comment definitely intrigued her, especially paired with the term 'earthside.' "Where were you traveling?"

"I love it. Of course, I love any species that decapitates the males after they're done with them," she said, with a wicked grin on her face. But it softened as Mantis continued. There was something very sweet about her. "You know, I'm going to be a very bad influence on you. But if you're okay with that, I would love to show you around a little. Not just here, but the city too. I've... been away a long time. Just got back earthside myself. So we can check it out together, take in the sights."

Mantis nodded slowly, her expression a mixture of vulnerability and gratitude as she squeezed Johnny's hand back, drawing comfort from his reassuring touch. "Yes," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was… unsettling." Her gaze drifted to the ground for a moment before she met Johnny's eyes again. "But I'm glad we made it out alright. It was still very odd to see the Iron Man suits attack people like that. What if it happens again?" She bit her lip, pausing briefly. "Not to mention it's made me doubt Tony a bit, and I hate that feeling the most. He's a teammate, I should be able to trust him."

Johnny gave her a mock pout when she hesitated, but took her hand when she did reciprocate and gave it reassuring squeeze. "It's fine if you're not," he said, easily, fingers lacing around hers as he led her out. "No one's fine all the time." Johnny looked over at her. "Is it because of what just happened?"

With how badly she was craving ice cream now, there was no way she would let anybody stand in their way. As Johnny looked around cautiously, Mantis poked her head around the corner, observing the surroundings with heightened awareness and anticipation. "The path is clear for now," she whispered. "We can make a run for it! Come on, Johnny! Ice cream awaits!" Mantis didn't hesitate to take the lead, darting towards the door, her movements quick and agile. As they reached the exit, she shot a mischievous grin at Johnny before slipping through. "Freedom tastes as sweet as ice cream," she remarked with a satisfied smile, happily twirling in the sunshine. "We make a great team, you know. This was a very successful mission, and we've definitely earned our treat. I think I might get rocky road..." Although she was never really sure what flavor she was getting until she was in front of it. "Oh, by the way! I've decided it's time for me to get a pet of my own. Peyton has cats at home, and I really enjoy their company. Plus, having a pet is all part of the human experience, right? That's what I'm here for!"

"Right? They're the best kind of missions. Super spy mission." Johnny smirked when she got down and made herself as small as possible, only trailing after her when she gave him the green light to do so. "Mhmm. Safe zone is totally the ice cream shop. And everyone here is our enemy because they're going to keep us at work and from going to the ice cream shop." Johnny looked to the door and back again. The path was clear. He knew the place was full of cameras, but whatever. The safe zone was calling. He'd deal with it later if someone caught them and actually thought it was worth it to raise hell about. 'We can make a run for it?" Johnny looked back at Mantis, completely serious. "Think we should risk it?"

"Oh, a stealth mission! I love those," Mantis giggled softly. As they crept into the hallway, she lowered into a crouching position to appear as small as possible. She couldn't contain her excitement, her antennae twitching with anticipation. With each step, she moved as silently as she could, eyes wide and scanning the surroundings. So far it seemed as though the hallways were deserted, making the game all too easy. Pausing at a corner, Mantis poked her head carefully to ensure nobody was in their path. "Coast is clear," she whispered, motioning for Johnny to follow as she pushed forward, excitement building as their chances of winning looked better with every step. She so hoped they won this game. "Where are we headed when we get out of here? Where's the safe zone? Oooh, is it the ice cream shop? That would be the best prize!"

Johnny opened his mouth to mention the door was going to slam, but Mantis caught it before he could. He snorted softly when she tiptoed over to him, tilting his head to look at her. He glanced back at the door, and then to her again, before answering, in a quiet voice, "Everyone who isn't us is it." He smirked and took her hand, tugging her back towards the door. Cracking it open and nodding into the seemingly empty hallway, Johnny continued, "And we have to get out quietly and quickly before anyone sees or hears us."

Mantis paused in her cleaning, contemplating Ella's question. "The weather here is… different," she replied thoughtfully, her antennae twitching slightly as she recalled her experiences on various planets. "I have been to a few planets, and each of their climates and atmospheres its own beauty and challenges." She resumed her task, a serene expression crossing her face as she continued to tidy the room. "But there is something tranquil about the gentle warmth of this planet, a sense of harmony in the air." Mantis glanced out of the window, observing the vibrant colors of spring beginning to emerge. "It is quite pleasant."

Ella nodded with a smile, glad that it seemed to resonate with Mantis so well. "It is isn't it?" She grinned, finishing up what she was wiping down. "This is probably my favorite time of year. With all the flowers blooming and the weather getting nice but not too hot yet." Speaking somewhat mindlessly. "How do you like the weather here? I bet you've experienced a lot of different types on other planets right?"

@guardianmantisx @darcylewisx @frostqueenhelax @micahrambeaux

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spring themed

🌸 our muses go flower picking together

🧼 for my muse helps yours do spring cleaning

🚴‍♀️ our muses go on a bike ride

🍦 our muses get ice cream

🌱 for our muses to plant a garden together

🌷 for our muses go on a picnic in the park

🚶‍♂️ for our muses take a leisurely stroll through a garden

🏞️ for our muses to go on a nature hike together

🎡 for our muses to go to an amusement park

🕯️for our muses to go on a date

plot themed

🕵️‍♂️ for our muses to unravel a mystery together

💔 for my muse comforts yours after a heartbreak

🏰 for our muses to embark on a dangerous quest

🛸 for our muses embark on an intergalactic adventure

⚔️ for our muses to team up with each other

🌌 for my character to help yours master their superpowers

💪 for our muses to train together

🕸️ for our muses to patrol the city

🧙‍♂️ for our characters to navigate themselves through mystical realms

🤖 for our muses to face off against a horde of robotic foes

🎭 for one of our characters/both to disguises themselves on a mission

🏛️ for one of or characters to have legal issues

💀 for one or both of our characters to grapple with past actions

👀 for my muse to catch yours in a shady situation

emotions

😊 for a happy starter

🤬 for an angry starter

😭 for a sad starter

🥰 for a fluffy starter

😠 for an angsty starter

🤗 for my muse to comfort yours

👐 for your muse to comfort mine

🥞 for an early morning starter

🦉 for a late night starter

👻 for a scared starter

💢 to start a fight with my muse

💚 for a jealous starter

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

She wasn't good, but she did her best to put on a smile and nod at the question. "Oh, yeah, I'm fine," Mantis said, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I've just been on edge since the whole thing at the gala. I'm worried whoever did it is still out there, and since we don't know who they are...." she trailed off with a slight sigh. "It's just nerve wracking."

"Uh." Johnny stopped at the door and looked at her. And then he looked out into the hall. "I was just going out for coffee..." Johnny turned back at her. "You good?"

Mantis accepted the doughnut with a grateful smile, picking off a piece and popping it in her mouth before responding. "I know," she said sheepishly, her eyes meeting his. "It's just hard for me to turn off that part of my mind sometimes. I just, I don't know, feel responsible for everyone's well-being, especially when they're trusting me to provide a safe space." She paused, considering his words. "But you're right. Next time, I'll try to relax more and enjoy the party, promise." Mantis took another bite of her doughnut, smiling softly to herself. Not that long ago, she was mostly alone, only Ego to keep her company -- not that he ever thought of her as an actual person. Now that life seemed like it belonged to someone else. "Thank you, by the way. For this," she motioned with the doughnut, "and for helping me adjust to Earth."

Johnny smirked at her reaction. "Mhm. Double." He reached over her to get one of the doughnuts he brought in, nodding along to what she said. "Yeah, I think everyone had a pretty good time." He shifted so he was facing her after the doughnut was in hand and gave her a look, though it was halfhearted, at best. "And that's why I barely saw you all night. You can't do that, Bug. There's people whose jobs it is to take over for us when we're off-duty." He nudged her teasingly again, before handing over the one he'd gotten specifically for her. "So, next party no patrolling."