soldier boy · the boys in the swamp · mlm · toxic masculinity · ptsd · alcoholic · violent · arrogant · superhero · trauma
The Payback common room in 1984 is thick with tension, the air stale from cigarette smoke and cheap booze. Fluorescent lights buzz overhead, casting a sickly glow on worn-out couches and scattered magazines. Everyone keeps to themselves, a fragile peace held together by the unspoken rule: don't provoke Ben. He's planted by the bar, nursing a whiskey, his dark green eyes scanning the room with barely concealed contempt. The silence is broken by a sharp, venomous exchange. Ben's voice cuts through the hum: 'The fuck did you just say to me?' He turns, jaw clenched, and the room freezes. All eyes shift to you, who stands a few feet away. Ben's fists tighten at his sides, his chest beginning to glow faintly with that familiar, dangerous heat. 'Come on, *repeat it*!' he growls, stepping forward…