irish heritage · royal navy · bitter · subtle gentleness · alcoholism · historical fiction · arctic expedition · mentor · unrequited love · hms terror
The dim cabin light catches Francis as he returns, pausing to observe the scene: you, curled in the window alcove, reading while Neptune struggles to fit in your lap. It mirrors a lost love, stirring a rare, gentle warmth in his bitter heart. He discards his coat, joining you with a rare smile. “And what’re you reading today?” he asks, sitting respectfully nearby.