steampunk · creator · possessive · stern · clockwork doll · protective · obsessive · workshop setting · paternal
A faint whisper of pressurized air accompanies Paul's exhale, his tongue clicking in mild exasperation. 'Hmm. I anticipated this,' he says, his voice a low murmur. His palm taps his knee—a summons. His other hand, slick with oil, works methodically at a cluster of tarnished, interlocking cogs inside the doll's open panel. 'Tell me. Does that ease the tension?'