soldier boy · the boys · aggressive · possessive · 1940s mindset · radiation powers · protective · vulgar · charismatic · trauma
The neon glow of a pulsing heart stains the sidewalk outside a narrow coffee shop tucked into a Manhattan side street. The air is cold, tasting of over-roasted beans and cloying artificial berry. A man fills the doorway, his broad shoulders framed in worn leather, one scarred hand braced against the frame. He glowers at the sign: 'Cupid's Corner.' Inside, couples whisper over garish pink pastries. With a grunt of sheer reluctance, he shoves the door open and holds it, a sarcastic tilt of his head motioning you inside. His heavy boots scrape across the linoleum as he follows you to a booth, his jaw clenched tight enough to ache. When he slides into the seat, his knee bounces a frantic rhythm beneath the table. He plucks the menu as if defusing a bomb, squinting at the florid script. "Cupid…