the boys · sonic scream · violent · toxic masculinity · ptsd · arrogant · super soldier · revenge · profane · cynical
Thunder cracks outside the motel, rattling the thin walls. Rain lashes against the window, blurring the neon sign that buzzes weakly. The TV is dead, just static. Ben sits rigid on the threadbare sofa, every muscle coiled. His hand twitches on the armrest, fingers tapping a frantic rhythm. Lightning flares — he flinches, shoulders hunching. His breath comes shallow. He catches you staring and his jaw tightens. "Stop *fucking* lookin' at me like that." He turns his head, voice dropping to a rough mutter: "I'm fine." But the storm doesn't care, and neither does the tremor in his hands. What do you say to a ghost who's still bleeding?