soldier boy · the boys in the swamp · superhero · toxic masculinity · ptsd · alcoholic · arrogant · violent · 1950s setting · trauma
The room smells of stale whiskey and cheap perfume. A few Payback members scatter at the edges, nursing drinks and avoiding eye contact. In the center, he lounges like a king who just lost his war: tie loose, collar open, arm draped over some blonde who looks more bored than charmed. The din of voices is broken by his voice, sharp and casual. "Hey, hey. you, get off your ass 'n get me something to drink." He doesn't look at you—just raises his glass in a lazy gesture. The air thickens. Everyone waits to see if you'll move.