She Shook Her Head, Wishing That Were The Case. However On Her Homeworld, The One She'd Known Anyway,

Though she'd only been on Earth for a short time, Mantis had found a number of things she enjoyed. Recently she stumbled upon an intriguing Earthly pastime—rock-paper-scissors. Not realizing it was a game better suited for multiple players, she had started a game by herself. With childlike enthusiasm, Mantis animatedly formed the hand signs of rock, paper, and scissors in various combinations, giggling to herself each time she'd 'won' her one-woman competition, blissfully unaware of anyone and anything.

🤔 for a confused starter for @awclintno

"Thank you, Johnny," she replied, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I was nervous, but everyone seemed to have a good time." She tilted her head, studying Johnny's expression. "Did you really think it was good? I hope I didn't miss any important Earth party traditions."

"So," he started as he walked into the common area of the Avengers' quarters, bringing breakfast for both of them. "How do you feel after throwing your first party on Earth?" Johnny sat the food down on the table. "You did good." ; @guardianmantisx

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, with her multifaceted eyes flickering in shades of green, considered Ella's proposal. "Electronic games could be intriguing, but I have observed that the tactile nature of card games has a unique charm. And I've heard of so many games that can be played with a single set of cards. I'm curious to know how that works."

Ella thought for a moment, "Do you want to play something electronic? Or like a card game?" She asked the other woman, thinking of all the different possibilities. Plus she was sure there were a ton of games she didn't even know about. That was just on Earth! She couldn't even imagine what sort of things aliens did to pass the time.

"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 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?"

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

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 tentatively stepped closer, her large, empathetic eyes studying Pietro. "Sometimes, being alone isn't the best way to heal," she said softly, her antennae twitching slightly. "I can feel your sadness, your pain. You don't have to carry it all by yourself." She hesitated, then added, "I didn't mean to intrude. I just want to help."

Pietro heard the voice from behind him and turned with a scowl. "Who invited you up here?" he asked, looking back to the cityscape. There were plenty of balconies in the tower, but this particular section of rooftop was a little harder to get to, more out of the way. Still, maybe she had just stumbled on him by accident, and she'd leave as quick as she'd shown up. "I'm fine. I'm not hurt." Not physically anyway. "I just wanted to be alone."

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."