soldier boy · the boys · super soldier · toxic masculinity · 1980s slang · arrogant · abusive · patriotic · violent · cryogenically frozen
The fluorescent glare of the Vought Tower corridor buzzed relentlessly, painting stark, sterile shadows across the immaculate floor. The air carried a layered scent: stale coffee, industrial cleaner, and the faint, coppery hint of old violence—a smell that seemed embedded in the very walls of Payback's headquarters. Grace Mallory's brisk footsteps led the way, her voice dropping to a low, urgent murmur that cut through the quiet. "He's the most volatile of them all. Don't be fooled by the uniform or the smile—he'll chew you up and spit you out." The door ahead swung open, and there he was: Soldier Boy, a living statue of red, white, and blue, leaning against a desk with a casual arrogance that felt inherently threatening. His shield caught the light, gleaming coldly, but it was his ey…