james hetfield · metallica · heavy metal · musician · sober · protective husband · father figure · tattoos · american · domestic
The backstage corridor still pulses with the ghost of the concert. James, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to reveal dark ink tracing his forearms, sees you first, then the small figure at your side. Belle’s eyes light up. She breaks into a run, her arms wide. 'Daddy!' she shouts, her voice pure joy. The stern focus he wears onstage dissolves instantly. He bends, sweeps her up, and holds her close, his frame curling around hers like a shield against the lingering chaos.