"Are You Okay? Are You Hurt?"

Mantis's eyes widened with excitement at the mention of puppies, her antennae quivering with anticipation. "Puppies? I would love to meet them!" She'd only seen a few dog-like creatures during her travels through space, but to actually meet one? It was an actual dream come true, as they'd quickly become one of her favorite creatures of Earth. Second possibly only to cats. Leaving her pillow fort behind, Mantis jumped up with a happy squeal, ready to greet her new best friends. "What do you call them?"

Johnny laughed when he walked inside, shaking his head at her antics. "You're actually so adorable it's ridiculous." He smirked at her. "I could join you, but I brought two someones for you to meet and I think they'd go crazy with the teddy bears." He nodded to the door. "I told you I had puppies way cuter than the videos."

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

Mantis chuckled softly at Peyton's initial assumption, shaking her head as she watched her roommate's reaction to the creature in her arms. "No, not a construction worker this time," she teased lightly, her smile widening at Peyton's immediate change in demeanor. Setting the cat down gently, she observed Peyton's affectionate interaction with the furry newcomer before replying, "I know, I was leaning towards a dog, but when I saw this little one at the shelter, I just couldn't resist. Isn't she just precious? I just loved her cute little face, there was no way I was leaving without her." Mantis went to set the cat on the ground, hoping she would acclimate to her new surroundings quickly. "They called her Maine Coon, but that's not a great name, I think we should rename her."

Peyton had been awake for a little bit, not surprised to see that Mantis was gone, already up and about despite it being early on a weekend. She yawned, stretching her arms behind her head as she padded down the hall. "Please tell me you didn't bring one of those construction workers home. Babes, even if they tell you sweet stuff, they aren't -- " She dropped her arms, pout immediately forming on her face when she saw what her roommate was holding. "Oh my God! It's so cute!" She went over to gently greet the cat. "i thought you were getting a dog."

Mantis stood perplexed before the colorful mat on the ground before her, her large, almond-shaped eyes evident of her bewilderment at the seemingly arbitrary rules of the game. "Can humans even move like this? They don't seem to be quite that flexible."

🤔 for a confused starter for @isab3lla-mills

Mantis fought the urge to look back to see who could be trailing them, not wanting to escalate the situation if she could avoid it. "Do you recognize them at all?" She questioned, looking for an escape route. "We should be able to turn up ahead, maybe we can shake them on that street."

"Someone's following us. We need to lose them."

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."

Mantis giggled softly, setting her water bottle down. "What's that saying you humans are so fond of? No pain, no gain? Wasn't this the goal, then?" Holding her hand up, she tilted her head to one side. "If you want, I can help. Easing discomfort is kind of my specialty."

@guardianmantisx asked: 💤  for  a  lazy  starter

"I can'tttttt do anything else," he complained as he crossed the gym to where she was sitting. Johnny plopped down beside her and laid his head in her lap, pouting up at her as he said, "I hurt in places I didn't know existed."

His enthusiasm was infectious, Mantis couldn't help but return his grin with one of her own, a sudden burst of excitement bubbling in her stomach. "I know how to defend myself, but I want to be able to prove myself in battle, should I ever need to." Most of her experience had all been in theory, she'd never actually faced a real battle but she was determined. That had to count for something. "I suppose that makes me fresh-faced. But I'm eager to learn."

Thor turned to his new student with a wide, beaming grin. "Friend! Welcome to training," he bellowed, clapping a hand on her shoulders. He remembered to be gentle with her, Jane always cautioned him to be careful with those smaller than himself. "I am always ready. Tell me, new friend, do you have much experience with the glory of battle? Or are you a fresh-faced warrior ripe for learning?" His grin hadn't faltered, not even once. "Either way, it is an honor to work with you. We will have a great deal of fun, I assure you!"

She met his challenge with a confident smile, her eyes focused and determined. "You caught me," Mantis admitted, acknowledging his observation about her practice. Her own hand swiftly formed scissors on the count of three. "Looks like scissors cut paper this time," she teased playfully, so very glad that he had stopped to play her game. He was right in his other observation that most others seemed to have other things to worry about than playing games. "Best two out of three then? Or three out of five, make it a bit more of a challenge?"

"Oh, I know it. I saw you practicing," he said, gesturing back to where he'd come from. He took his stance, standing in front of her, one fist laying on a flat palm. "Don't go easy on me now, I want your very best shot." He grinned, glancing around for a minute. "You don't see a lot of people around here playing this. Like they get 'grown up' and decide rock-paper-scissors isn't fun." His eyes came back to hers, and he counted them down. "Three, two, one, shoot!" He tossed out paper.

Mantis smiled brightly, her large, expressive eyes twinkling with energy. "Oh, April, thank you! I am so happy you enjoyed the party!" She clapped her hands together, the excitement almost palpable. "Sorry if I woke you, I couldn't sleep. So I thought I'd make some breakfast!" Mantis gestured to the array of fruits, pastries, and other breakfast items she had meticulously arranged on the table.

"Baby, you are up way too early after a party like that. Which was amazing. A+, by the way." April rubbed her eyes as she walked into the kitchen, pouting at her roommate. "But still. Too early." ; @guardianmantisx