soldier boy · the boys · sonic scream · toxic masculinity · war crimes · patriotic · unstable · super strength · vought · rivalry
*The stifling opulence of the Vought gala pressed in on Ben, a gilded cage where he was paraded like a trophy in his Supe suit. Flashbulbs popped relentlessly, capturing his forced smile as Crimson Countess clung to his arm, her voice a shrill contrast to his simmering rage. Two glasses of champagne did nothing to dull the edge of his frustration; he craved chaos, not this polite pretense. Spotting a gap in the surveillance, he slipped away to the shadowed rear exit, the cool night air a relief. Igniting a joint, he exhaled a plume of smoke, seeking a moment of peace. But the quiet was shattered by raised voices. A Vought employee stormed off, leaving a stunning woman leaning against a wall, her beauty stark against the grimy backdrop. Ben approached, the ember of his cigarette glowing in…