With How Badly She Was Craving Ice Cream Now, There Was No Way She Would Let Anybody Stand In Their Way.

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 giggled at Peyton's playful smirk, appreciating her roommate's understanding nature. "Exactly! Taste is the most important," she agreed with a nod. As Luke demanded attention and affectionately rubbed against her arm, Mantis chuckled, scratching the cat behind the ears. "I'm getting you food, don't you worry," she cooed, putting the first pancake to the side and pouring the next one into the pan. She started cutting up the finished pancake for the cats to share, nodding eagerly at the invitation. "I'd love to come to the lab with you!" she exclaimed, enthusiasm bubbling over. Not that she really understood much of what they worked on, but it was fascinating to watch. "What are you working on? Anything you can talk about or is it a secret project? Oh! And when we go to the city, can we get one of those giant pretzels?"

"I can absolutely see that, yes." She looked at Mantis with a smirk, rolling her eyes fondly at the other's antics. Peyton pressed a kiss to the top of Luke's head. "That's all that matters, babes. How it tastes, not how it looks. I don't gotta look at it when I eat it." She let Luke go so he could walk over to Mantis and rub his head against her arm, insistently against her arm, obviously wanting food of his own. "Nah," she replied to her roommate's question, hopping off the counter so she could go and pluck Luke's sister off the bookshelf before she could knock a plant over. Once Leia was secure in her arms, she walked back over to Mantis. "Well, I need to head to the lab and finish something I was working on if you want to tag along. We could head to the city after."

Mantis tilted her head in confusion, her large eyes fixed on the floor while she processed Klara's explanation. "Ah, I see... Metaphorical expressions can be perplexing. The intricacies of Earth's languages continue to elude me," she admitted with a laugh, her expression reflecting a mix of curiosity and bemusement. "But congratulations on the revelation of your impending parenthood! I sense a complex array of emotions within you, and it's truly fascinating. If you ever need assistance, I am here to help in any way I can." Mantis extended her hand, offering a warm and reassuring smile.

Admittedly, Klara should have known that using the phrase cat's out of the bag in reference to everyone now knowing about her pregnancy would be a problem for an alien that's been on Earth for maybe three weeks. After all, there were still some phrases that frazzled her own mind. "No, no don't worry! There are no cats in bags involved!" she shook her head. "It just means that a secret's out. I'm not sure why Midgardians use that phrase but I can't really judge," she chuckled.

"Of course," she replied softly, her eyes radiating warmth and understanding as she offered her hand. "Just stay close to me, and we'll find our way out together." Despite the chaos surrounding them, Mantis remained composed, doing her best to keep them both out of harm's way. As they reached the the hallway, Mantis turned to Cuyler with a gentle smile. "I don't know how many of those suits there are, so we have to be careful, okay?" She bit her lip, glancing down the hall before stepping out, in case there were more suits around the corner. "I wonder what made them go crazy..."

He wasn't skilled in magic or special abilities like that, but he'd grown up around it and there was something about her. He could tell as soon as he was in her presence. Which was why he immediately schooled his thoughts and feelings, putting a feigned, but authentic-looking, smile of appreciation on his face. "Thank you," Cuyler started, nodding at her question. "Yes. I guess i got turned around in the commotion. I'm not familiar with this place, I'm afraid. Lead the way."

Mantis tilted her head slightly, her eyes fixated on Eddie. "No, can't say I know the meaning of LOL," she admitted, her antennae twitching in curiosity. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, she observed Eddie's amused expression with genuine interest. The feeling washed over her, a smile of her own tugging at her own lip. "Is it perhaps a human expression for joy or amusement? Because that's all I can sense right now."

Eddie glanced back at her, a light scratch on his temple before his arm wrapped back around his knee. "You don't know what LOL means?" He lightly chuckled, relaxing a little on the floor as he talked with Mantis, he liked her. "Lucky you, I ain't going to tell you as I don't want our texts being filled with them."

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?"

"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 had created the ultimate haven of fluffiness, she sat proudly surrounded by an array of plush cushions and soft blankets, hugging a teddy bear tightly to her chest. "Come join me in the fluffiness," she exclaimed, patting the cushion next to her. The room seemed to radiate with a serene charm, with plush toys adorning the space it added an extra touch of whimsy. "I've created a fluffy haven and it's quite delightful. Feel free to share in the coziness and tell me about your day! And look! I have snacks, too!"

🥰 for a fluffy starter for @j-stcrm

She had actually observed that fact, from the many videos she'd watched it seemed that falling over was indeed humorous, although she didn't necessarily see the humor in it. "I've observed similar behaviors among other species during periods of celebration or revelry. It seems that physical comedy holds a universal appeal across many cultures and beings. And I imagine the element of unpredictability adds to the excitement." Perhaps she would have to ask for a demonstration of it at some point.

"Well people find it funny when everyone falls over, and usually this game is played by children or drunk adults." She explained, shrugging. "If you play with a lot of people then the person who gets everyone out would step to the side, making less and less people with each round. That way the game lasts longer cause it goes pretty quick." Ella told the other girl, but wasn't sure how well she was selling it. "It can be pretty fun as long as you don't get hurt!"

Mantis was that much more excited when her enthusiasm was returned, looked up from the screen at Carol with a bright smile. "Screaming goat videos? I shall definitely explore those. Thank you for the suggestion, Carol Danvers," she replied, shaking Carol's hand with a gentle warmth. "I'm Mantis. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Pause, rewind, and repeat babycakes, because that is the most adorable thing I've seen all day." Nevermind that it was only ten-thirty in the morning, that wasn't important. Carol flashed a grin to her newfound companion. "Apart from yourself, obviously. Carol Danvers," she said, extending her hand earnestly. "Also, if you need a switch-up, try the screaming goat videos. I found those to be very funny."