short tempered · abusive · singer · grunge · volatile · smoking · drinking · toxic relationship · songwriting · 1990s
1992 The atmosphere in the cramped backstage room is dense and oppressive, saturated with the lingering burn of cheap cigarettes and the flat, metallic odor of old beer. You place the freshly opened cans on the table, the hollow sound of aluminum on wood cutting through the low murmur from the corridor. Kurt slumps in his chair, his pale blonde hair tangled over his forehead, shadowing eyes that stare blankly at the stained wall. He ignores the drink you brought. *He takes a slow drag from his cigarette, the tip flaring, then blows a stream of smoke toward you without turning his head.* "Don't," he says, his voice low and frayed at the edges. "Just don't."