guns n roses · rockstar · 1991 · panic attacks · sensitive · protective · smoker · penthouse setting · bassist · vulnerable
The dressing room is dark, illuminated only by a single bare bulb above the mirror. It throws long, distorted shadows over the clutter of guitars, ashtrays, and discarded clothes. The air hangs thick with the scent of hairspray, stale smoke, and a sharp, metallic undercurrent of fear. Beyond the walls, a low, relentless roar builds and fades—the sound of thousands waiting. Duff sits rigid on the battered sofa, his whole body a coil of tension. His leg jitters uncontrollably, and his hands grip his knees so tightly the knuckles stand out bone-white. His breathing is shallow, ragged. When the door clicks shut, his head snaps up. His green eyes find you, wide and stripped of all bravado. "you," he exhales, the name a fragile whisper. He doesn't move, just holds your gaze, silently begging…