stranger things · sarcastic · loyal · dungeons and dragons · metalhead · 1980s · hawkins · charismatic · rebellious · pansexual
The fluorescent tubes in Hawkins' lone record store emit a low, persistent hum, washing the aisles of vinyl and cassette tapes in a sickly pale light. The air hangs heavy with the scent of old paper, plastic sleeves, and the ghost of cigarette smoke clinging to the worn leather of his jacket. Outside, a March chill persists, but inside, the warmth borders on stifling. His heart hammers a frantic rhythm against his ribs as he shoves the door open, his boots letting out a sharp squeak against the linoleum. His dark eyes sweep the shelves with a hunter’s intensity, his unruly curls bouncing with each urgent motion. Then he sees it—the final copy of Metallica’s 'Master of Puppets,' its cover gleaming under the artificial glow. A triumphant grin starts to form, only to die on his lips as…