kick names & take ass

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 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."

"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 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?"

"Yeah? Well, that's good." April smiled at her, happy to see her friend finally feeling one hundred percent settled into life on earth. She took a sip of her coffee and sat it on the table, before going over to the fridge. "I think you just stopped overthinking it all too, you know?" She pulled out some carrots and various vegetables to bring to her turtles. "Like, once you just accepted this was who you are now and not putting too much thought into it, you settled more." She smiled back at Mantis again. "And you seem alot happier now, too."

Mantis nodded thoughtfully, her eyes following April's movements. "I think you're right, April. When I first arrived on Earth, everything felt so strange and unfamiliar. I kept comparing it to what I knew, trying to understand it through the lens of my past. But now... I just let myself experience things as they come." She took another sip of her tea, her expression serene. "Accepting who I am now and embracing this new life has brought me so much joy. And having friends like you makes it even better." Mantis glanced at the vegetables April was gathering, scratching her cat behind its ears as he jumped up into her lap. "Are you going to feed your turtles now? Can I come with you? I love watching them eat. They always look so content, and I think Rocket likes them, too."

"I get that," Johnny nodded. "Self-imposed responsibility is a bitch. And you've had to think like that your whole life" He looked over at her and shrugged. "But you have a whole team of people around you now. You don't have to let the weight of everything weigh on just you anymore." He looked up at her, laughing at what she said next. "You are very welcome for that. And the doughnut." Johnny smiled. "Stop overthinking so much, though. You've fit in with all of us perfectly. We're not exactly normal anyway."

"You're right, Johnny. I do tend to overthink things sometimes," she admitted with a sheepish smile. "It's comforting to hear that I've fit in well with everyone here. I still feel like an outsider at times, but knowing that I have friends like you makes it easier." Her gaze lingered on his a bit longer before glancing around the common area, her eyes landing on the Avengers' emblem on the wall. "And you're right about not being normal. But I've learned that being different can be a strength." Mantis turned back to Johnny, her eyes sincere. "Thank you for reminding me that I have all of you. It means a lot." She leaned in a bit closer, resting her head on his shoulder as she picked at the rest of her doughnut. "And I'm glad to be here with all of you. Normal or not, it's nice to feel like I belong."

Johnny smirked at her reaction. "Mhm. Double." He reached over her to get one of the doughnuts he brought in, nodding along to what she said. "Yeah, I think everyone had a pretty good time." He shifted so he was facing her after the doughnut was in hand and gave her a look, though it was halfhearted, at best. "And that's why I barely saw you all night. You can't do that, Bug. There's people whose jobs it is to take over for us when we're off-duty." He nudged her teasingly again, before handing over the one he'd gotten specifically for her. "So, next party no patrolling."

Mantis accepted the doughnut with a grateful smile, picking off a piece and popping it in her mouth before responding. "I know," she said sheepishly, her eyes meeting his. "It's just hard for me to turn off that part of my mind sometimes. I just, I don't know, feel responsible for everyone's well-being, especially when they're trusting me to provide a safe space." She paused, considering his words. "But you're right. Next time, I'll try to relax more and enjoy the party, promise." Mantis took another bite of her doughnut, smiling softly to herself. Not that long ago, she was mostly alone, only Ego to keep her company -- not that he ever thought of her as an actual person. Now that life seemed like it belonged to someone else. "Thank you, by the way. For this," she motioned with the doughnut, "and for helping me adjust to Earth."

April snorted and sat at the table, smiling fondly at the display. "You're too adorable. And yes, I did. It was amazing. You did a good job, babe. It was a lot of fun and I got a lot of good content, so that's always a plus." She picked up a pastry. "How are you feeling after it?"

Mantis beamed at the compliment, her antennae perking up slightly. "Thank you, April. I'm so glad you had fun and got some good content." She answered softly, her delicate fingers wrapping around a cup of tea. "I'm actually feeling really happy," Mantis continued, her eyes reflecting her genuine excitement and joy. "Seeing everyone enjoy themselves made me feel warm inside. It's probably the first time since I've been here that I've felt fully integrated, you know? It's been a crazy adjustment, but I think I finally got the hang of this human stuff."

Johnny smiled and shook his head. "You had nothing to be nervous about. You did good, Bug." He sat down beside her and gently bumped her shoulder with his. "Mhm, it was fun. Your extensive research on all things related to Earth parties paid off. And," he continued, nodding at her. "Nothing bad happened. That's been a constant at every other thing we've had as of late, so I think you get double points for that one."

Mantis beamed at the praise, her antennae perking up even more. She returned the shoulder bump with a playful nudge of her own. "Double points? Wow, I feel so special!" she said teasingly, glad that everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves. "I'm glad nothing bad happened. I was worried that something might go wrong. It was really hard to focus on the party at times, I found myself more patrolling than partying more than once."

"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

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.

"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

"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."

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 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!"

"I saw this guy wearing full-blown glittery wings and honestly, I am mad at myself for not coming up with this idea," Klara mused with a sad sigh but a smile appeared immediately on her face as her daughter ran up to her to give her the half-eaten glitter cotton candy she didn't want anymore. "Though, I suppose wings aren't too practical with two kids," she chuckled as she watched the little girl run back to her friends.

Mantis wasn't sure what she expected when she hosted her first party on Earth, but so far this party had exceeded all expectations. The outfits were amazing and creative, not to mention colorful, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. It was perfect. Exactly what was needed after a stressful few months. Hearing the comment on glittery wings, Mantis had to stop and turn around, wanting to see them for herself. "Oh, I must have just missed them," she said with a slight pout, but that quickly turned into a smile as she watched Klara's daughter hand off her discarded candy. "Well, she seems to be having fun. How about you? Need a hand with them?"

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

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."

"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."

"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?"

" 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 ."

"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?"

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 .

"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?"

@guardianmantisx asked: 💤  for  a  lazy  starter

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."