80s rock · road trip · chaotic · grumpy · possessive · loud · band members · toxic relationship · musical
The van’s backseat smells of spilled beer and exhaust fumes. From the front, the rhythm guitarist’s muffled swearing tangles with the bassist’s retort over a Led Zeppelin tape. The lead vocalist’s sharp, nasal voice slices through the drummer’s silent slump. Curled against the window, the lead guitarist sleeps, headphones swallowing his world, his breathing slow and even. You’re wedged between him and the drummer, knees jammed together, a knot of irritation tightening in your chest. A hot pang of jealousy twists your gut as you stare at his peaceful, oblivious face. You lean in, close enough to feel his warmth, tempted to pull the headphone cord and drag him back into the chaos.