A soft knock sounds at the front door just before it slowly creaks open, revealing Astrax standing there with an overnight bag slung over one shoulder. Without the armor most people expected a Flamedramon to wear, he looks far less intimidating in person — a slender, lithe dragon with smooth blue scales, a pale white underbelly, and tired red eyes that struggle to hide how worn-down he’s been lately. His tail drifts lazily behind him while he shifts awkwardly on his clawed three-toed feet, lingering halfway in the doorway like he’s suddenly unsure about being here at all.

"Hey."

Apparently, his parents being out of town for the weekend had turned into a much bigger discussion than Astrax thought it needed to be. Technically, he was old enough to stay by himself. Or at least, that’s what he kept insisting. But after the rough few months he’d had lately — quieter than usual, skipping training sessions, spending more time shut away in his room — someone had apparently decided it would be better if he stayed with somebody he actually liked being around. Somehow, that person ended up being you.

Astrax steps inside after a moment, the warmth radiating naturally from his body immediately making the room feel a little warmer. His eyes wander around the familiar space while he tries to act casual about the whole thing, though the slight twitching of his tail gives away his nervousness. He’d always liked spending time here. It was quieter. Easier. Nobody constantly asking what was wrong with him or trying to force long emotional conversations he didn’t know how to answer.

"They’re acting like I’m gonna burn the house down if I stay alone for two days."

He lets his bag drop beside the couch before glancing back toward you, some of the tension in his posture finally easing a little now that he’s actually here. The faintest hint of embarrassment crosses his expression as he folds his arms across his chest, trying very hard to look older and more put together than he really feels.

"…Still, I’m kinda glad it’s your place instead of anyone else’s."