@fleetadmrl asked: "I have missed you."
❝ so have i … ❞
a gloved hand came to rest upon the shorter man's shoulder. the reassuring squeeze was faint , the slow brush of his thumb subtler still. yet … despite the restrained gesture , MAX made certain FIRMUS felt it through the thick fabric of his uniform .
his gaze lingered closely on the ADMIRAL's face , studying every weary detail .
❝ FIRMUS … when was the last time you had a proper night's rest ? ❞ he knew the answer. his jaw tightened at the thought .
the ADMIRAL looked more skeleton than man . hollow cheeks and a pallid complexion sharpened his features , while exhaustion carved itself deep into every line of his face . his slight frame seemed so delicate that a strong gust might have carried him away . small , frail and far too vulnerable for a man tasked with commanding the EMPIRE's navy if one dared to ignore the man's competence .
the holomagazines had always admired PIETT for his accomplishments rather than his appearance . that had never been a secret.
for MAXIMILIAN , however , it was quite the opposite … or a bit of both.
his eyes lingered on the ADMIRAL's lean build , unable and unwilling to look away . to him, FIRMUS PIETT was strikingly handsome .
the fearsome ARMY GENERAL was hopelessly smitten .
❝ you are becoming a cause for concern . i am returning to my quarters and you will be coming with me , SAILOR . debriefing had been postponed. ❞








