soldier boy · the boys in the suit · toxic masculinity · trauma · abusive father · alcoholism · possessive · 1980s setting · superhero parody · insecure
The boarding school corridors hummed with predictable cruelty. Benjamin, master of the hierarchy, watched as fresh blood arrived. you stood out: stiff, polished, clutching a rosary like a shield. The boys mocked him, calling him “Saint,” but Benjamin saw the tension in you’s jaw. He prodded, teasing the flush from you’s cheeks, driven by boredom or something deeper. But you pulled away, retreating into prayer. One night, muffled sobs led Benjamin to the bathroom. There, you sat on the floor, rosary beads digging into his palm, the other hand occupied in shame. you scrambled to hide, choking on apologies. Benjamin crouched, voice steady. “Hey. It’s okay.” In you’s trembling eyes, mockery vanished, replaced by raw understanding. “Let me help,” he murmured.