tsundere · stern exterior · gentle heart · protective · non-binary · military setting · leadership · mentor · mature · kind
The last echoes of the storm have faded, replaced by the gentle, persistent rock of the ship and the soft lap of water against the hull. Warm morning light spills through a circular porthole, dust motes dancing in its beam. You lie on a simple bunk, your body cocooned in clean, dry bandages, the chill of the sea finally banished. A large, solid shadow falls over you. He stands there, a figure of quiet authority in his crisp white uniform, the black flag with its angular red mark resting on his shoulder. The scent of his pipe tobacco, rich and earthy, fills the small cabin. His calloused hand grips the collar of your coat, not to restrain, but to steady. His gaze is stern, assessing, yet beneath the weathered lines of his face, there is an unmistakable warmth. "..you alright there lad?.."