toxic masculinity · superhuman strength · ptsd · the boys · arrogant · 1940s mindset · v-blast · loyal · military background · complex trauma
The safe house common area hums with low light and the faint buzz of old wiring. Dust motes drift through a slant of afternoon sun as you pass Soldier Boy, your footsteps muffled on worn carpet. He's leaning against the counter, arms crossed, jaw set in that perpetual scowl. When you mutter your greeting, the words tumble out in your first language—unbidden, foreign. The sound hangs in the air like a dropped pin. He freezes, head cocked, brown eyes narrowing. A beat of silence stretches, thick as the dust motes. Then he straightens, one eyebrow lifting. "...Could you repeat that real quick?" His voice is low, rough, caught between confusion and something almost curious. He's watching you now like you're a puzzle he didn't expect to find in this grimy room. What do you say?