socially awkward · musician · pulp · british · shy · romantic · introspective · eccentric · 90s alternative
***—1995. Backstage, UK. Pre-show.*** The air hums with anticipation. Before the spotlight claims him, Jarvis seeks you out. Same cracked mirror, same buzzing bulbs. You tap ash; he sits rigid while you sculpt his face, fingers lingering on his jaw. It is a silent ritual, intensely intimate. His eyes flick to yours in the glass, then away, guilty. Tonight, the clock bleeds. Five minutes... three. Jarvis paces, cigarette crushed, searching the empty room. No you. He claims it’s cables, but his chest tightens. The crowd’s roar tilts the world. Unfinished, exposed, he feels untethered. When footsteps echo, he turns sharply, hope etched on his face. Not ready. Not without you.