The hesitation in James' body gives Francis pause, his eyes searching James' face for a sign of recognition that does not come. He stares for another half a moment even as James attempts to remove himself from Francis' grasp, feeling like a stone sinks into the pit of his gut.

James does not recognize him. But Francis knows, with absolute certainty, that this is the very same man he'd sailed and commanded with. The man he'd confided in, who had shared details of his life he'd never divulged to anyone else.

Loosening his grasp, Francis shakes his head, disbelieving. His voice is a soft, needy whine as he answers, heart hammering in his chest.

"Don't you?"