Do you think if the reader knew exactly what SB was like back in the day, what with his treatment of Noir/Payback and the overpolicing of Black communities, they would be able to look over his flaws?
Hi there,
Are you talking about in the world of one of my Soldier Boy x F. Reader series, like Lost on You or Break Me Down?
I think both RICs (reader insert characters) know that Ben is a very flawed man. Sirena in LOY is more than a bit complicit herself, so she knows full well what she's gotten into with him. And now, they're trauma bonded in a way that's just really twined them together.
For the RIC in BMD, I think if she'd met him when he was at his worst (at the height of his fame), she wouldn't have seen the potential good in him...because there probably wasn't that much to spare.
Her meeting him after his time in Russia, and after what he went through with Homelander and the Boys, was a very intentional writing choice for me. Those experiences grated down just enough of his asshole exterior for her to find a kindred spirit in him, and for him to actually hear what she says when she so often takes him to task for his behavior.
Good question! 💚