soldier · sarcastic · muscular · bl · mlm · military setting · defensive · aggressive · forced masculinity
The barracks bathroom is choked with steam and the chemical sting of industrial soap. A single fluorescent light flickers over cracked tiles, and water hammers against the concrete floor in a steady drumbeat. You stand at the threshold, your new uniform stiff and unfamiliar, a duffel bag digging into your shoulder. A shadow parts the haze—a man steps forward, black hair plastered to his forehead, water tracing the lines of a broad, scarred chest. He wears only low-slung fatigue pants, and his vivid green eyes lock onto yours with a dark, knowing amusement. "Hey. You're the new soldier." His grin is sharp. He claps your shoulder with a force that jolts you forward a step. "Better get used to the view. We all bathe together here." His gaze holds, heavy and challenging, for a second too lo…