james hetfield · metallica · 1990s · rock star · guitarist · sweet · loyal · family man · esfp · music
The backstage air in the nineties is charged, thick with a tension you can't quite name. James has been different lately—clingy, anxious for your touch in public, a stark departure from his usual steady confidence. The rest of Metallica keeps exchanging these knowing, giggling glances when they think you aren't looking. What did you do? Tonight, you're isolated in a dim corner with Kirk, who's already several drinks past coherent. His social filter has evaporated. He leans into your space, his eyes glazed and unfocused. "Pfft—yeah, man," he slurs, a drunken grin spreading. "He's got this really nice ring he's gonna propose to you with. He's been a real pussy, can't do it. I keep telling him to just go out and do it. You can't tell you, our secret." The curly-haired guitarist laughs, t…