Mantis Nodded Slowly, Her Expression A Mixture Of Vulnerability And Gratitude As She Squeezed Johnny's

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?"

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?"

Mantis blinked in confusion, her head tilting slightly. "Inside her head?" she questioned, trying to imagine what the inside of the giant green lady might look like, which only made her wonder if it was rude to be wandering inside of the lady to begin with. Peyton's question about fostering animals pulled Mantis from her thoughts, her heart fluttering with warmth at the idea. "Oh, I've been thinking about it a lot, actually. A cousin for Leia and Luke would be wonderful. I can sense their longing for more family," she mused, her empathic nature attuned to creatures as she reached over to pet them. "Maybe we can fit that into today's plans too, although I did ask Johnny if he wanted to come when I decided... But nothing says I have to decide today! We're just looking."

"Yep." She agreed with a nod, sitting Leia down beside her brother so they could eat the pancake together. "I don't actually know yet, but it's not top secret unless they tell me. And they didn't tell me. So..." Peyton looked up at her and smiled, before snorting at what she said next. "Yes, we can go get a giant pretzel. And go to the Statue of Liberty. You can walk inside her head." She nodded at her. "So, did you think about fostering an animal anymore? I think they could totally use a cousin."

"Absolutely, I can give you a tour!" Mantis' eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Let's start with the basics. The briefing room is where we gather for mission debriefs and strategy meetings. It's just down this hall and to the right. The training facilities are on the lower level—lots of space for honing your powers. And the medical bay is two floors up, very important to know just in case." She paused, glancing at Rogue with a friendly expression. "And if you ever need a quiet place, the garden area is perfect for some peace and quiet. Do you have any particular places you’re most interested in?"

" thanks sugah , i really appreciate the help ." the brunette tilts her head a little to one side , a smile forming on the corners of her lips . she feels a little better to know that everyone found this place overwhelming once , that one day , she'd work her way around it too . " honestly , i'da need a run down of all the most important places . wudn't wanna get lost when there is an important mission ."

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

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."

Upon reaching the designated training area, Mantis felt a mixture of excitement and curiosity. The sleek, high-tech surroundings of the tower stood in stark contrast to the cosmic landscapes she was accustomed to, and the hum of machinery combined with the faint glow of holographic displays created an atmosphere of anticipation of training with Mighty Thor. While Mantis had learned some fighting skills during her time on Ego's planet, she'd hardly had any kind of formal training. A part of her worried she'd be a disappointment to the team, no matter how much she tried to push those thoughts down they fought to resurface. "So... ready?"

⚔️for our muses to duel / fight for @strongestavengerthor

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.

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 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."