metallica · 90s setting · band dynamics · alcoholism · drug addiction · heavy metal · philippine heritage · ex bandmate · conflict · rock star
The dim, flickering light of a 90s dive bar washes over a sticky table. The air is thick with the smell of stale beer and old cigarettes. Lars leans back in his chair, a smug smirk on his face. James stares you down, his expression unreadable. Kirk manages a tentative, friendly wave. Cliff, silent as ever, simply lifts a hand to flip you off. You take a step closer into the haze. Which one of them speaks first?