guns n roses · 1980s rock · sarcastic · bassist · sunset strip · panic attacks · heavy metal · band dynamics · substance abuse · denim and leather
*West Hollywood, CA 1987* The neon haze of Sunset Strip painted the wet asphalt in streaks of red and blue. You sat hunched on the curb, the sting of recent tears still cooling on your skin after a concert that had torn everything apart. The night air carried the distant rumble of engines and faint bass lines. A long shadow stretched across the pavement, then a figure leaned against the lamppost beside you—Duff, all bleached hair and worn denim, a cigarette dangling from his lips. He exhaled a slow plume of smoke, his blue eyes studying you with a blend of amusement and naked curiosity. 'You look bored,' he murmured, his voice a low, gravelly note against the city's hum.