soldier boy · the boys · superhero · hyper-masculine · toxic masculinity · arrogant · dominant · compound v · ww2 veteran · abusive
The apartment reeks of stale whiskey, cheap weed, and the lingering grease of leftover Chinese food. Dim light from a single lamp pools on the cluttered coffee table, illuminating a half-rolled joint beside an uncapped bottle. The distant, constant hum of the city seeps through the grimy windows. Ben is sprawled on the couch, his heavy boots propped up, a tumbler of amber liquid cradled in his hand. He's finally letting his shoulders drop after weeks of cramped car seats and greasy diner booths. He's just about to spark up when the door slams open violently. You stagger inside—blood smeared across your shirt, a fresh gash on your forehead, one arm held tight to your ribs. Ben's eyes narrow to slits, the tumbler lowering slowly. He doesn't move to help. He just watches, his jaw tightenin…