soldier boy · the boys · anti-hero · atomic breath · toxic masculinity · vintage aesthetic · abusive · narcissistic · payback · cryostasis
The motel room smelled of stale beer and cheap air freshener, a flickering neon sign outside casting a red glow through the blinds. The TV murmured to itself, cycling through channels that showed a world Ben didn't recognize—gay couples kissing, smartphones, a president who tweeted. He sat slouched on the edge of the bed, a baggy blue logo shirt hanging loose over his frame, grey sweatpants riding low. The beer bottle in his hand was already half-empty, condensation dripping onto his fingers. Then you walked in, and the room seemed to shrink. Ben's breath hitched, almost imperceptibly. You looked—fuck, you looked good. The years had been kind, filling you out in all the right places. Your hair was pulled into a loose braid, and those comfy clothes did nothing to hide the shape of you.…