Mantis Stepped Through The Door Of Their Shared Apartment, A Wide Grin On Her Face As She Cradled Her

"Oh, come on! You have to come dance with me! Please?"

Mantis listened attentively as Loki explained his hesitance, her empathic senses attuned to the nuances of his emotions underlying his words, though she didn't push for more details. She nodded understandingly, offering him a warm smile of reassurance. "It's perfectly alright, Loki," she murmured softly, her gentle voice a calming presence in the room. He'd been patient with her opening up regarding her past, the least she could do was offer him the same kindness and not pry. Though as he elaborated on his abilities, Mantis's eyes sparkled with interest. "Your mastery over magic is truly impressive," she remarked, genuine admiration coloring her tone. When he mentioned his ability to manipulate ice, she tilted her head curiously. "Is there a reason you aren't as well versed in that magic?"

"Oh, it's not you, darling," he shook his head, seeing her reaction. "It's just a weird thing for me." Loki leaned back in his seat and continued, "It's a long story." He tilted his head to the side, humming at her response, "That's a useful skill, though." With a shrug, he replied, "My mother was raised by witches, so she's very skilled in magic and taught me what she knew. Shape-shifting, spell-casting, telekinesis, that sort of thing." He paused for a moment, before adding, "I can conjure and manipulate ice too, but I haven't really expanded much on that ability."

"Well, I have been here for a few months now, it's about time I start acting more human." Mantis teased with a smile. As she focused, a gentle, glowing energy flowed from her fingertips, intending to ease the tension and soreness, replacing it with a feeling of relief. "There," she said softly, "feeling better?"

"Oh, damn. Look at you. Turning all human on me. No sympathy." But Johnny was smiling up at her as he said it. He raised a brow when she lifted her hand and shifted to look up at her. "Wait, seriously? Where have you been all my life? Yes, do it."

Mantis had gathered that the whistles and cheers from a bunch of construction workers while she was out for her walk earlier wasn't entirely meant as a friendly greeting although it seemed positive, and Peyton's reaction to the story only proved her assumption right. Still, she shook her head, although she appreciated the offer. "No, it's okay, but thank you. But that was what you call 'catcalling,' yes? I haven't experienced it yet... Can't say I enjoyed it."

“Wait, they said what to you?” Peyton asked, pulling a face. “Do you want me to take care of it?”

Amidst all the earthly wonders she'd experienced, Mantis found the most joy while partaking in the various playful activities the people had created, such as blowing bubbles. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she sent iridescent spheres floating into the air, each one catching the sunlight in a myriad of colors. "They're so pretty!" she cheered, offering the bottle of bubbles to the other. "Here, you want a turn? I even found a toy that blows bubbles for you. How neat is that?"

😄 for a happy starter for @wmximcffs

Mantis felt a warmth spread through her as Johnny wrapped his arm around her, the comfort of his presence grounding her. She let out a soft, contented sigh, leaning into him. "Thank you for sharing that with me," she said quietly, her antennae twitching gently as she spoke. "It's comforting to know I'm not alone in feeling this way. I didn't have a family for a long time, and it's still strange to think of the Avengers as my family, but I'm grateful for everyone in the tower." She turned her head slightly to look up at him, her eyes bright with sincerity. "If you ever feel like it's too much, you can always talk to me. Okay?"

"I get it. I was speaking from experience. I do, too." He looked up to see her already looking at him and smiled, shifting when she put her head on his shoulder so he could move his arm around her. "That was weirdly insightful this early in the morning while eating donuts," Johnny teased, giving her shoulder a squeeze. "I'm glad you feel like that, though," he continued, a moment later. "I know it's hard for a lot of people. It was for me." He dropped his head to the side, resting against hers. "Still is sometimes and I have my dad and stepdad here."

Mantis was thankful that Loki didn't ask more about her history with Ego; eventually she would open up about it all. But at that point in time it was just too fresh of a wound to go and reopen. She uttered a soft thanks before her smile of appreciation turned into amused laughter as Loki described the happenings of home. "How lucky that she can communicate with them though! At least you'll never have to guess what the animals are thinking? There's probably a lot of people who'd be jealous of that ability. As someone who's thinking of fostering, I am one of those people."

"My father used me as a political pawn. Found out a few years ago." Loki looked up at her. "I get it. I promise. It sucks beyond reason to talk about, so we don't have to." His expression was softer when he said it, but didn't say anything else about it. At the shift in conversation, he scrunched his nose. "Do I not like it? Eh. I don't mind it. But my fiancé enables it, so there's a difference." He smirked, but then shook his head. "I think she can actually talk to animals, funnily enough. Which would make a lot of sense. Apparently her magical abilities manifested in nature, so I'm guessing that's why she's attracting them."

Mantis returned the warm smile, her antennae twitching slightly. "Yes, thank you," she replied with genuine appreciation. "The transition has been smoother than expected, and everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and it's been rather fascinating learning the ways of humans. The internet has been very useful in learning Earth customs, too so I've been watching a lot of videos on that."

Wanda had her mouth open ready to say something, but the other woman cut her off before she could speak. She laughed and nodded, reaching out for the bubbles. "I was going to ask you how you were doing, but you seem to be doing alright." She blew some herself, before turning a warm smile to Mantis. "Are you, though? Settling in? Everyone being okay?"

"Please be careful," Mantis pleaded. "We have no idea what threats are out there."

It had been an adjustment, although anything was better than her life back with Ego so Mantis couldn't complain. "I've gotten lost around the tower a couple of times, but other than that, it's been quite pleasant," Mantis assured the other, face lighting up at the question. "There's so many things to love about Earth, honestly. The food has been very interesting. I've been trying so many new things. I also really like the animals the most, especially the babies ones. There's still so much I know I haven't experienced yet though, so maybe that part's my favorite. That there's just so much to do and love about it."

"Well, that's good," Wanda said with another smile, sitting down beside her. "I know this -- " she gestured vaguely around the space in the tower they were in " -- can be a lot at first. It was for me, at least, and I'm from Earth," she added, teasingly. "What's been your favorite thing down here so far?"