[ there are a number of new things happening that she does not know how to feel about at first, the most prominent being their linked arms and that she is much closer to stephen (or to anyone) than she is used to. the general first impression people tend to have around her is fear, much less be so bold in touching her, but stephen is different from most people. his scarred hands, as much as they are a testament to what he's been through and what has made him the man he is today, are like her eyes and antennae -- they stick out, they make others want to hold back.

mantis finds that she likes this new contact, even if it is brief, and only so that she doesn't lose her way in an unfamiliar city. ]

I think this is a little different from hyperspace travel.

[ she's seen his abilities and what he's capable of doing, but actually seeing it when not fighting for their lives gives her more time to observe. she feels his hands tremble even without actually touching them; since traveling with the others, mantis has made more of an effort to not use her abilities unless given permission to, but it doesn't take an empath to feel the immeasurable weight on his shoulders.

she doesn't know if letting her practice using a flamethrower (hypothetically) in a house is a good idea, but with a nervous glance at him she steps carefully through the ring. ]

Your house is very nice. [ her voice is hushed once they're in the sanctum; the silence is a little intimidating. ] I'm very sorry if I accidentally break anything.