a handful of draconic tendencies

And that is what makes her chest tighten.

Because she recognizes that look.

It’s the one he wears when he decides something he values isn't worth anything special.

He doesn’t withdraw from the nest. If anything, he becomes more intent on it. Another blanket is pulled closer. Another edge is tucked in with precise, almost reverent care. His movements are slow, deliberate, as if he’s trying to compensate for something — like if he builds it well enough, carefully enough, it’ll justify itself.

And suddenly, it looks less like a joke.— stelle accidentally acts a little insensitive