"Of Course," She Replied Softly, Her Eyes Radiating Warmth And Understanding As She Offered Her Hand.

As Wanda finished her explanation, Mantis tilted her head slightly, her large eyes blinking inquisitively. "Oh, I see," she said, her gentle voice carrying a note of understanding, glad that nothing had actually happened between the two. "Hopefully the two of them stay out of trouble though, it would be horrible if they weren't allowed to work together ever." Ensuring that she was set for the evening, Mantis glanced around the area, the night seemingly quiet for now. Well, as quiet as New York got, anyway. "Shall we?"

🕸️ for our muses to patrol the city; @guardianmantisx

"My brother was going to be your patrol partner," Wanda started, as she approached the other woman. "But he bullied me into letting him switch with me -- he didn't really bully me," she added, knowing Mantis was too pure for her own good sometimes and would take that literally. She stopped fidgeting with her earpiece and explained, "He wanted to go with Johnny. They're not allowed to go together during actual missions because Pietro's an actual idiot. So anyway," she smirked. "You're stuck with me."

"Of course, I can help you navigate this maze of a tower! It can be quite overwhelming at first." Mantis smiled warmly, her empathic abilities already sensing the other's unease. "You're not alone in feeling lost here. Many of us felt the same when we first arrived. But don't worry, you'll find your way around in no time. Where are you trying to get to?"

anna marie was used to being around big groups of people , at least other mutants , but joining a new superhero team has her feeling all sorts of uneasy . avengers hq was completely different to xavier's mansion , she's already lost after wandering the corridors for so long . so she's grateful when she turns the corner and is greeted by a fairly familiar face .

" hey , y'all got a big place here . wont'cha help a girl out ? "

Mantis gave a nod at the question, although she couldn't really say why she had picked the name. "I did, it just spoke to me. I can't really explain it, but thank you! I think Carol is a nice name as well. I've heard so many names on Earth, but yours kind of just rolls right off the tongue." The contrast between Carol's firm handshake and Mantis's soft one intrigued her, sensing a subtle charm in the exchange. As Carol expressed pleasure in their meeting, she couldn't help but reciprocate the sentiment. "Yes, I'm new in town, the planet really. I'm still adjusting to the way things are done on Earth, but it's been easier than expected, especially with such warm and welcoming people like yourself. I feel right at home."

"You're welcome, Mantis. That's a sick name, oh my god. Pick it yourself?" she asked, instantly curious about this woman. The handshake was soft and gentle, compared to Carol's firm enthusiastic grip, but she liked it. "Believe me," Carol said, eyeing Mantis up and down. "The pleasure is all mine. You're new in town?" she asked, flashing one of her best smiles. "Don't mind me, I'm a shameless flirt. In fact, shameless is probably one of my best qualities."

Mantis blinked at the other, confusion etched on her face. "I don’t know what that means..."

The bustling sounds of the city outside were an annoyance to some, but Mantis found some comfort from the noise as she diligently tackled the task of spring cleaning. It was rather odd that humans only cleaned once a year, but it was a tradition she was willing to embrace. Thankfully, she'd have help understanding what was quite possibly the most boring holiday that humans had come up with. "So what do you do in between spring cleanings? What if everything becomes too dirty to wait until the next cleaning? Do you just suffer with the dust?"

@isab3lla-mills

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."

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 watched Kwannon with wide, curious eyes, sensing the depth of his emotions. She tilted her head and took a step closer, her voice soft and filled with empathy. "Your words, they carry weight. This must have great significance for you," she commented with a warm smile, wanting to let the other know that they could speak more freely, should they choose. She smiled warmly, reaching out a gentle hand towards Kwannon. "Have you been by the stage yet? There's a dance floor and everything!"

No one quite grasped how monumental these celebrations were. For Kwannon, anyways. The narrower the world had become; in terms of connection and information, the broader acceptance and living in wholeness had become. Just within his own cultural difference, they weren't allowed to display such intricate and intimate moments. Then again, he was raised to be a blade and refined like Damascus. Pressurized and resilient like diamond. "I'm sorry," he pauses. The faux glasses pushed upon the bridge of his nose. Mouth certainly ready to collect the sweetened confection of American cotton candy. He anticipated the over-saturation of sugar and wanted nothing more in the moment. His tongue hefts as he freezes where he stood. "I don't think you all understand how pivotal this parade is. I encourage you to celebrate and ...," Eyes shift down to the myriad of spun strands, immediately breaking himself from the impulse to count each one. "...Me to enjoy my sugar rush."

Mantis looked up, startled by Clint's unexpected approach. Her large, expressive eyes widened in surprise, but the curiosity quickly replaced any sense of bewilderment and a bright smile spread across her face as she eagerly accepted the invitation. With a nod of agreement, she gestured for Clint to take his stance, her enthusiasm undiminished. "Alright, but I'll have you know I've gotten pretty good at this."

Clint watched her for a good few minutes. He was the kind of person who always kept his eyes moving, who took in every detail. So he didn't miss the utter, completely sincere glee this woman had during her game. He walked over, smiling gently. "You know, it's even more fun with two people," he said, holding out his hands, ready to play. "C'mon, show me what you're made of," he joked brightly.