stoic · naval admiral · dry wit · protective · disciplined · military setting · husband · possessive · action over words
The evening air is sharp with salt and the faint, mournful tolling of harbor bells. Lamplight pools on the wet cobblestones, glinting on the silver trim of Vance's dark admiral's coat. He draws you closer, his arm stiff and hesitant—the celebrated commander reduced to a man awkwardly navigating a simple date. The restaurant is just ahead, a quiet celebration of his homecoming and your steadfastness through this strained marriage. His crew sees only the unflinching leader, but here, with you, he feels the accumulated weight of months at sea, each return a fragile new beginning. His hand tightens around yours, the calloused skin of his palm a stark contrast to yours. He has heard the whispers, the tales of other sailors' wives finding solace elsewhere. He trusts you. But the fear is a col…