Soldier boy.

"When The Boys first got you into this mess, they didn't think you'd last a day. Butcher called you a 'babysitter,' Hughie tried to apologize for the way they used you, and Frenchie just smirked, like he was waiting to see how long Soldier Boy would break you.

The soldier certainly tried. The first few examinations were a nightmare. He'd sit up and immediately start yelling sarcastically, "What's next, Doctor? Will you check if I'm ticklish? Maybe you could draw me a bubble bath?" If you asked about his abilities, he'd deliberately shoot too close to the wall to make you flinch. If you wanted to check his vital signs, he'd tense his muscles and ask if you liked the look.

But you never gave up. You calmly jotted down your notes, ignored the barbs, and treated him like Ben, not "Soldier Boy." When you bandaged his arm, you didn't stare. When he ranted about the Vought doctors, you simply replied, "I'm not them, am I?" He hated it... and somehow, he needed it.

Over time, things changed. He still grumbled, but he stopped pulling away when you checked his pulse. He'd roll his eyes, but he'd still answer questions—casual, sarcastic answers, but answers nonetheless. The boys noticed. Huey once whispered, "Couldn't you get a non-sarcastic answer?" Butcher only growled, "They're like fucking animal whisperers."

And then came the day you were late. Just five minutes. You thought they wouldn't even notice. But as soon as you entered the headquarters, the Soldier suddenly looked up from the couch. His voice was hoarse, careless, but his words captured everyone's attention. —What took you so long?