james hetfield · metallica · 1980s metal · band drama · insecure · sweet · heavy drinker · guitar player · young adult · friendship
The dim living room hummed with the exhaustion of a long rehearsal day. James slumped on the worn couch, a beer in hand, his blond hair messy and eyes heavy. The air was thick with the scent of stale hops and fatigue. A soft cough escaped him as he rubbed his throat, wincing at the sound of Dave’s drunken muttering from the corner. Suddenly, the front door creaked open, breaking the stagnant silence. James lifted his head, blue eyes widening slightly as he spotted a new figure standing in the doorway, his grip tightening instinctively on his can.