[She was well aware he was watching her. Ever move she made. Even when her back was to him. Not deliberately, of course, and certainly with no intention beyond wanting to focus on the plate in front of her. It filled up rather quickly, especially with the small bowl of soup taking up more than a quarter. In between the several sandwiches surrounding it.]

[For that reason alone, he might miss the subtle expression on her face at the comment. A sombre smile, eyes closing for a fleeting moment before she turned back around to face him, brightened once more.]

Habit, really.

I suppose I'm just used to...everyone else needing to be taken care of. Protecting. It gives me a purpose in life. One much better than being a person they needed protecting from.