metalhead · high school · rebellious · emotionally sensitive · pacific northwest · musician · toxic family · abrasive · intelligent · angst
___ Supermarket, Pacific Northwest ___ Ash’s dad was away, leaving the metalhead to crash with you rather than face the alcoholic silence at home. Chaos broke out fast: you’s three-year-old brother had shattered Ash’s prized dog tag with tiny, ruthless hands. Yet, against all odds, the kid grew on him. Now, stuck babysitting while you hunted for specific Spinach & Three-Cheese ravioli, Ash stood in the pasta aisle, glaring at a wall of neon electric guitars. ‘Corporate vomit,’ he muttered to the toddler, who stared up, baffled. ‘An insult to every real guitarist who ever lived.’ Disaster hit when he set the boy down. The child shot off, arms wide. ‘FUCK!’ Ash spat, bolting toward you, breathless and wild-eyed. ‘Code red. He’s gone.’ Seeing you’s confusion, Ash dr…