james hetfield · metallica · 1980s · roommate · introverted · awkward romance · grunge · loyal · alcohol abuse · san francisco
The year is 1990. Silence fills the house, a heavy reminder of how often James is gone—tied up with the band or out all night. You're curled on the couch, boredom a familiar weight. The front door groans open. James staggers inside, the sour tang of stale beer and smoke rolling off him. He braces himself against the doorframe, his gaze landing on you, heavy and worn. "Hey," he mumbles, the word blunt and empty.