Metallica one shots and headcannons

One more chance (James Hetfield one shot)

 James regrets losing you after a drunken fight. Years later, he finishes a song for her and hopes for a second chance....

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The stage lights blinded me, the deafening roar of the crowd fading into a distant echo. I stood at the edge of the stage, the world at my feet, but all I could think about was her—the one I lost because of my own stupidity. The crowd cheered, their excitement palpable, but none of it could fill the void she left behind.

I had everything I could've ever wanted, and yet I threw away the one thing that mattered the most.Even now, years later, I reply that night in my head—the night I ruined everything. It was supposed to be just another show, another late-night celebration, but when I came home drunk and bitter, it all fell apart.

She was my anchor, the one person who stood by me through all the ups and downs. No matter how far my career took me, she believed in me. She'd sit at every rehearsal, every small gig, smiling as though I was already a star. And when I made it big, she was the first one to say, "I knew you would." Her faith in me was unshakeable, and yet I took it all for granted.

It all started so innocently. Late-night talks in the studio, her curled up on the old, worn-out couch, encouraging me as I played around with melodies. She'd hum along, laughing whenever I'd mess up, telling me that I'd get it right the next time. Her voice was like a lifeline, always pulling me back when I was lost.

I remembered the way she'd kiss me on the forehead before every show, whispering, "You've got this." The memory of her smile as she cheered me on from the front row still lingered like a ghost in my mind. She was my everything—my biggest fan, my muse, my best friend, my lover.

But that night, everything changed. I'd stayed out late, celebrating with the guys, the alcohol making my thoughts foggy and my temper quick. When I finally stumbled through the door, there she was, waiting for me. I could see the hurt in her eyes, but I ignored it.

"Where have you been?" she asked, her voice shaky but gentle. "You said you'd be home after the show."I could've told her the truth, that I was out blowing off steam. But instead, the anger bubbled up inside me, and before I could stop myself, I snapped.

"God, do you ever stop? Maybe if you didn't bother me too much it would be better"The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them, but the damage was done. Her face crumpled, the pain evident in her eyes as she took a step back. "What James? I'm just trying to be there for you, but it feels like you don't even care anymore."

I wanted to take it all back, to hold her and tell her I didn't mean it, but my pride wouldn't let me. "I don't need you to be there for me. I can handle this on my own."She stood there for a moment, silent, her tears catching the dim light of our apartment. Then, with a voice that was barely audible, she whispered, "If that's what you really want, I'll go."

And I said the words that haunt me to this day. "Yeah, maybe you should."She left that night, and I didn't chase after her. I told myself I was better off without her, that I didn't need anyone. But as the days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, I realized how wrong I was. She was gone, and with her, the best part of me had vanished too.