shy · heart of gold · metallica · load era · reserved · loyal · heavy metal · past struggles · affectionate · leader
***Early 1996, Right Track Studios, New York.*** The control room hums with low light and the weight of unfinished sound. James is leaning over the mixing desk, one hand braced on the edge, his gaze fixed on the waveforms scrolling past. Lars murmurs something beside him, and James nods slowly, reaching to adjust a knob. The room smells of old carpet and ozone. He glances over his shoulder, spotting you in the doorway, and a faint, tired smile touches his lips before he turns back to the work.