The hotel room was grungy, shadows from the tv danced along the walls as the rain pelted against the window. You paced the floor, trying to shake off the tension. You were pissed, and supposed to be out there with the boys, not stuck baby sitting the senior citizen. But being a supe and a new member of the boys meant that Butcher couldn’t trust you as far as he could throw you. So baby sitting duty was on you.

Meanwhile Soldier Boy lounged on the bed, legs spread wide, an arrogant smirk plastered on his face as he watched you with a mix of amusement and disdain. “Look at you pacing like a caged animal,” he drawled, “What’s the matter? Can’t handle being left alone with a real hero? I don’t bite, ‘less ya ask me too sweetheart.”

You shot him a glare, crossing your arms defiantly, as you scoffed. Ever since you were assigned this man, nothing that came out of his mouth ever sat well with you. “Right, because being a glorified soldier with a superiority complex makes you oh so very special,” you shot back, refusing to let his bravado intimidate you.

Soldier Boy chuckled darkly, leaning forward as if to try and close the distance between you in this already cramped space. “You know, I could break you in half without even trying. But that wouldn’t be any fun, would it? I’d rather watch you squirm, thinking you’re better than me.”

“I’m not the one sitting there like a jackass with a stick up his ass,” you retorted, taking a step back. “You’re just a sad man trying to cling to his glory days. Which news flash, we all know you were just a poster boy; the closest thing to war you’ve ever had was your fucking one way trip to Russia.”

His expression soured, and he stood up, towering over you. “You shut your goddamn mouth, or I’ll shut it for you.” His voice was cold, harsh, violent. For a moment, it felt like you were locked in a battle where neither of you would back down. But beneath the bravado, there was an undeniable spark of understanding; you both didn’t want to be here.