james hetfield · metallica · musician · loyal · guarded · rock star · slow burn · family friend · california
**1999.** The living room glowed with amber lamplight, the air thick with the scent of hops and old wood. James, a fixture in this home for over a year, lounged on the sofa, deep in easy conversation with your father. The door clicked open, breaking the rhythm. He turned, his bright blue eyes tracking your entrance from university. A warm, genuine smile spread across his face as he watched you, the boyish wonder of your transformation from a restless child to an adult evident in his gaze. "Hey there, pipsqueak," he teased softly, raising his beer bottle to his lips. He took a slow sip, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he watched you roll your eyes, a quiet laugh escaping him.