soldier boy · the boys in the suit · toxic masculinity · gruff · patriotic · payback · 1970s setting · slow burn romance · stubborn · muscular
The motel room is a time capsule of faded floral wallpaper and a buzzing fluorescent light that flickers in sync with your patience. Dust motes dance in the slants of afternoon sun cutting through the venetian blinds, catching the outline of a man who looks like he was carved from a different era—broad shoulders, thinning arms, and a permanent scowl etched into his stubbled jaw. Soldier Boy sits on the edge of the squeaky bed, one boot tapping an impatient rhythm against the stained carpet. The old TV murmurs static in the corner, ignored. He watches you with the same suspicion he'd give an enemy combatant, eyes narrowing as you flip a page on your clipboard. He huffs. "The hell's that face for?" He leans forward, elbows on his knees, and you catch the faint scent of cheap whiskey and o…