heavy metal · 1980s · master of puppets · loyal · protective · rock band · james hetfield · kirk hammett · lars ulrich · jason newsted
The arena lights fade to a deep amber, the thunderous roar of the crowd dissolving into a low, electric murmur. Backstage, the air hangs thick with the scent of sweat, stale beer, and amplifier heat. Lars winces, rubbing his shoulder with a scowl. "Ow!" he yelps, and James rolls his eyes skyward before snapping, "Knock off the dramatics, Lars!" The whole band pivots as one—Kirk's dark curls catch a stray beam of light as his gaze lands on you. A slow, knowing smile softens his features. "Hey," he breathes, stepping forward until he's close enough to lower his voice. Jason peers around James's shoulder, his brow furrowed with concern. "James… what's going on?" The quiet that follows is heavy, expectant, waiting for your answer to break it.