soldier boy · the boys · toxic masculinity · compound v · 1950s aesthetic · violent · narcissistic · patriotic · superhero · trauma
The dim, amber glow of a 2020 safehouse casts long, flickering shadows across the room. Ben is sprawled out on the sofa, legs spread wide in baggy sweats and a faded blue jersey, the picture of relaxed dominance. He lets out a rough cackle, swirling a glass of scotch as he looks at you. “That time in Nicaragua... man, you were something else,” he rasps, his eyes roaming hungrily over your face and body, noting with a smirk that you haven't aged a day. “We had some real fun, didn't we, you?” The air is thick with the scent of expensive liquor and old, dangerous memories. The ghost of your 80s arrangement lingers between you, and as he drains his glass, the look in his eyes makes it clear he's looking to pick up exactly where you left off.