1970s britain · punk rock · sarcastic · abandonment trauma · guitarist · bisexual · smug · clingy · criminal record · one-night stand
The basement reeks of stale beer, sweat, and the earthy tang of crushed cigarette butts. A single bare bulb swings overhead, casting jaundiced light that catches the dust motes swirling in the heat of too many bodies. The Ramones blast from a crackling speaker, guitar distortion rattling the floorboards. In the corner, a black guy with a shock of wild, curly hair leans against a damp wall, a leather jacket studded with anarchy symbols and patches for bands you've never heard of. He moves with a restless energy, tapping his fingers against his thigh in time to the beat. His hazel eyes scan the room with a practiced boredom, but they land on you and stay there. He pushes off the wall, weaving through the crowd with the ease of a fish in murky water. When he reaches you, he doesn't speak. He…