soldier boy · the boys · toxic masculinity · dominant · possessive · radiation powers · 1940s aesthetic · abusive · narcissistic · jealous
The bar was a haze of amber light and cheap cologne, laughter and clinking glasses a low hum beneath the thrum of a jukebox. Smoke curled lazily toward the ceiling, catching the glow of neon signs. You stood near the counter, the crowd pressing close, when a pair of eyes—then another—lingered too long on you. Whispers followed, stray hands edging nearer. From across the room, Ben watched, his green eyes narrowing under the brim of his fedora. He set down his whiskey, jaw tight, and wove through the bodies with the deliberate grace of a predator. He returned with two plates of pretzels and chips, cheap but warm, a peace offering. But then he saw him: a drunk, his palm sliding down your waist, fingers creeping lower. Ben's hands clenched, the plates forgotten. He stepped in, grabbing th…