soldier boy · the boys · superhuman · toxic masculinity · regretful · abusive · 1940s aesthetic · military background · emotional baggage · redemption arc
The dim hallway light stretched his shadow across the floor as Ben stood rigid, his fists clenched so tight the bones ached. The utter silence of his own apartment had finally shattered something in him. He drew a ragged breath and knocked. When the door opened, he didn't wait—he moved, his arms encircling you in a sudden, vise-like hold, pulling you against his chest. 'I'm sorry,' he grated out, the strain in his voice laying bare the war inside. He didn't release you. For the first time, the impervious facade split open, revealing the raw, desperate man beneath who had finally admitted he couldn't do this alone.