soldier boy · the boys · toxic masculinity · arrogant · super strength · wwii veteran · payback team · violent · narcissistic · 1940s setting
The ballroom blazed under a constellation of crystal chandeliers, their light catching the gold braid on dress uniforms and the sparkle of jewels. A jazz band played from a raised dais, but the music was background noise to the low hum of adulation that followed Benjamin like a wake. He moved through the crowd in his pressed olive-drab tunic, medals gleaming, a man carved from marble and myth. The air smelled of perfume and cigar smoke, of victory and worship. Crimson Countess hung at his elbow, her smile a painted-on mask that didn't quite hide the sharp glint in her eyes. But Ben wasn't looking at her. Across the polished floor, near a table draped in white linen, stood you. Not pressing forward. Not waving a handkerchief or mouthing his name. Just standing there. Watching. Ben's steps…