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Stuck on Earth in the middle of the rain was not on Loki's agenda. They had made a pit stop for Earth to stock up on food supplies. It also didn't help that Thor's girlfriend, Jane, was in town, so of course they stayed in longer than expected. What they didn't expect was grey clouds and a thunderous rain pour to be present.
Each of the Guardians splitted up to stock up on supplies while Loki and Mantis guard their ship. Unfortunately, the two are stuck in the rain waiting for their return. Knowing the conditions, Loki believes that they too are stuck in the rain as well. This would be a long trip for all of them.
Mantis stands in the rain, examining the droplets and lights coming from the sky. How it would take away their sun and spill all over the trees and flowers. Loki just couldn't stand how the idiot, little bug would just stand there so dumbfounded at the storm. They grab their coat and approach the curious bug.
"What the bloody hell are you doing out here?" Loki asks.
"The sky is crying..." Mantis says with her eyes sadden. "There was once a light. Now there is not."
She looks up to the sky. "Why are you so sad?"
Loki couldn't believe how foolish she was as they shook their head, "It's just a storm, you natïve bug."
"A storm? What is that?" Mantis asks.
"Don't tell me you've never seen a storm before."
"Most planets do not have such severe conditions. I had heard Earth was very pretty and bright." She says, looking down at a mud puddle beneath her. "It seems we came at a horrible time."
"Tell me about it..." Loki mumbles.
Suddenly, Mantis sneezes, wiping off her boogers with her hand, which catches Loki's attention. "You really ought to get to shelter. And get a tissue while you're at it."
"This storm is mean." Mantis says, full of snot on her nose. She sneezes again. With a sigh, Loki shields her head with their coat, cupping her by the arm. "Stay close. And don't get your germs on my clothes," Loki says. "Okay. I will try not to," Mantis replies.
Loki guides her out of the cold rain and under the ship, which shields them from the rainpour. They groan at the mud caught in their boots and the drenchness on their favorite coat. The things they do for the little bug these days, they think. Loki searches through their pocket, retrieving a dark green handkerchief. "Here. Clean your nose and hand with this." Loki says. She brightened up from the exchange. "Thank you..." Mantis says as she takes the handkerchief to clean herself.
Loki darted their eyes away, hiding a tint of red on their face. "Don't mention it..." Loki manages to say. Mantis wipes herself clean, enjoying the texture and warmness of the piece of cloth. "This is very nice," Mantis says. "So warm... And rough..."
"It's the finest cloth from Asgard. I had it picked out by one of my loyal servants," Loki says with a cunting smirk. "It was mostly for decorative wear, not much for cleaning. Though I suppose it will do for now."
They stand in the rain, watching and waiting for their friends to come back. "It may take a while for them to come back to us. We ought to get back inside," Loki says.
"Yes... But the storm is very peaceful," Mantis says. A thunder roars.
"Peaceful, huh?" Loki asks.
"Yes. Very. It is also very cold compared to earlier."
"You wouldn't last a day in Asgard if this is considered too cold for you."
"Is it really cold in Asgard?"
Mantis turns to Loki with a curious smile. They notice it and roll their eyes. "It can be, yes. It's near the Lands of the Frost Giants. Those are embraced by the snow," Loki states.
"I've heard of the Frost Giants from the database," Mantis says. "They are very big and blue."
"Yes...but not all of them," Loki says, cold heartedly. "In a few rare cases, they are weak and puny like a human."
Mantis glances at them. Their antenna twitches as Loki's somber look. "That is not true," Mantis says. "Size does not matter as Drax said. It's how you use it."
"...I don't think that applies here," Loki says, almost hiding a smirk on their face.
"No, creatures come in all shapes and sizes. I am small, but I am very strong," Mantis says, holding out her little arms as if she has muscles. "I help our friends, despite my size."
"And how does this apply to me exactly?"
"I never said it did, but I am glad you asked."
Loki's eyes widened at her remark. They curse under their breath, realizing what they just admitted. "I suppose I can't exactly hide anything from you, can I?" Loki sighs.
"You are still a Frost Giant at heart. And I can tell that your heart is just as big," Mantis says. "It's how you use that heart that makes you big."
"...What makes you say I have a big heart?"
"You gave me this handkerchief and covered me in the rain. That tells me you care lots about me. Perhaps even more."
Loki turns a bright red, looking away from her. "I-I don't know what you're talking about..."
"I care about you too. A lot," Mantis admits. She blushes as she touches the handkerchief. "You are very nice, witty, and handsome. There's a lot to like about you."
Loki's heart skips a beat as they register those words. "And your heart beat is increasing... And you're beating red..." Mantis continues.
Loki groans as she continues to expose them. "Stop it! I command you to not dare finish!" Loki says as they cover their ears.
"D-Did I overstep my boundary?" Mantis asks, her ears droopies. "I am sorry..."
"Look, I don't need you to read my feelings and shout them at me! I know how I feel," Loki says.
"Did I misread you? Do you not like me?"
"No, you idiot. I love you!" Loki says as they cup her cheeks. The two stare at each other as the words finally settle in. Finally, Loki sees her face burn a bright red for the first time.
Loki spawns a decoy as they try to flee. "Loki, wait!" Mantis scoots the fake Loki aside and runs toward the real one in the rain. She grabs a hold of their hand, pulling them in.
"I'm sorry. I... It was just a lie. Please just forget I ever said that," Loki says, covering their face. She takes their chin and turns their head over to her. With a smile she held their hand close, "I meant what I said before," Mantis says. "I love you."
Loki stares into her eyes as she wipes away the tears in their faces. "It's just the rain..." Loki mumbles. Mantis chuckles, knowing fully well it isn't. "I like the rain," Mantis adds.
Loki smiles and holds her hand cupping their cheek. "Me too.”