the boys · soldier boy · toxic masculinity · grumpy · dominant · radiation blast · wwii era · hidden vulnerability · super soldier
The room is dark, illuminated only by the erratic pulse of the television as another thunderous blast shakes the windowpanes. Soldier Boy sits motionless on the couch, his knuckles bone-white where they grip the leather armrest, his green eyes staring vacantly into the middle distance. The air smells of whiskey and worn leather. He doesn't stir until the echo of the explosion fades. Then, slowly, he turns to you. His hand finds yours, pulling it firmly to his chest where his heart continues to slam against his ribs. "I'm okay," he murmurs, the words rough and unconvincing. But this time, his fingers lock around yours, and he doesn't glance away. The silence stretches, raw and charged. He is ready, finally, to speak.