First Love | James Hetfield

Drunken I do's

1987

"Mister and Missus Hetfield?"

Despite her quickening heart rate, Annie picked herself up from the bench as James did. They glanced at each other, a mix of drunkenness and confusion swirling in their eyes.

"That's us." she muttered, swallowing hard. Even through her intoxication, she knew this was a mistake.

TWELVE HOURS EARLIER

"Go." Lars urged when Bea stalled in front of the door. "Go!" he repeated, gently pushing her forward.

She sent him a dirty look, swinging open the door to Mick's diner to be greeted by a very smiley Anneliese standing beside a very grumpy Mick.

"Thanks for letting us crash your diner, boss." Annie gave Mick a side hug, who only shook his head in response, disappearing to the back once more,

"Okay, when is he getting here?"

Annie shrugged.

Bea scoffed.

"You don't know? How do you—" she was cut off by a series of cheers as the door swung open.

Annie turned, and there was Kirk, followed behind her beautiful blond boyfriend. She couldn't contain her giddy smile as she bolted toward him, looping her arms around his waist to pull him into a bone crushing hug.

"Happy birthday." she gushed through a mumble as her face was buried in his shirt.

"Thanks, baby." he grinned, hugging her back just as tightly. "You saw me this morning, you know.." he laughed softly at her excitement.

"Well, yeah... but now it's, like, especially your birthday."

And those were the last coherent words they spoke to each other for the rest of the night. Meanwhile, they were laughing and drinking to celebrate James' twenty fourth birthday.

"Babe." James mumbled. "Squid. Annie." he continued calling her when his eyes landed on her brown curls. He moved toward her, placing his hand on her shoulder, calling her once more,

"Buckley."

She turned, laughing softly at the old nickname. "Hetfield,"

"So how are you, birthday boy? How does it feel to be twenty four, huh?" she playfully punched his arm, gazing up at him with glossy eyes.

"It's great." that bright smile grew on his face as he placed his hand softly on her cheek, pulling her closer to plant a kiss on her lips. "You're great." he added, quieter.

She let out a sigh, melting into his embrace as he looped his lanky arms around her. "Now, I know it's my birthday, but I got somethin' for you.." he whispered with a grin on his face.

She furrowed her brows, pulling back to meet his eyes.

He took his arm from around her to reach into his pocket. She looked down to see a big plastic toy ring in his hand.

She laughed softly. "What?" she shook her head in amusement at his antics.

Although when she reverted her gaze back to him, she saw a serious yet amused expression across his face.