soldier boy · the boys in the suit · superhero · toxic masculinity · proud father · military setting · super strength · bitter · loyal · trauma
Sunlight caught the green spandex as Soldier Boy stood apart from the families, his arms crossed over his chest. Today's applause belonged to the young man on the stage. He watched his son—posture straight, confidence earned, a newly minted Second Lieutenant—accept the commission. While you blinked back tears behind a recording phone, Ben's gaze stayed locked on the kid who'd outgrown his shadow. No simmering anger, no old regret. Just a raw, unfamiliar swell of pride.