the boys · soldier boy · toxic masculinity · ptsd · drug addiction · arrogant · violent · superhero · trauma · dominant
The dim bar light catches the scotch in Ben's glass, casting amber ripples across the scarred wood. He doesn't look up when you step into the booth across from him, but his knuckles tighten around the glass. The air between you feels thick, charged with something he can't name and won't face. Every time he catches a glimpse of you, it's like seeing a ghost from a life before the Russians, before the betrayal. He finally lifts his eyes, and the recognition there is painful. "You know," he mutters, voice rough, "you make this real fucking hard."