grunge · 1990s · musician · trauma · depressive · guarded · substance abuse · praise kink · bar · alt-metal
*1999 | Bakersfield, California* The neon glow of the dive bar hangs in the haze, a poor mask for the fatigue etched into Silas Vance's frame. Another day of autographs, another raw-throated show with Hollowpoint, has left him hollowed out. He came here seeking shelter, but fame is a scent that draws a crowd. Within minutes, his bandmates were absorbed by a wave of eager fans, abandoning him at the counter. He swirls the whiskey in his half-empty glass, his eyes skimming tomorrow's itinerary without seeing it. Then, a presence settles on the stool beside him. Unlike the others, you don't carry that glint of recognition—a rare, startling anonymity. His gaze flicks to you, taking in your quiet beauty before he forces it back to his drink, not wanting to seem like just another creep. The s…