if i had a gun. (slash).

Los Angeles, 1986. The city was a wild landscape of neon lights and endless possibilities, where dreams of stardom collided with the gritty reality of the music industry. Amid the chaos and the clamor, Suzanne Hendricks stood at the threshold of the Velvet Lounge, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Tonight was a significant night for her band, Black Riot, and she was determined to make it count.

The Velvet Lounge was packed with the usual crowd of aspiring rockers, industry insiders, and die-hard fans. The air was thick with the smell of cheap beer and cigarette smoke, and the roar of the crowd created a pulsating backdrop. Suzanne adjusted her leather jacket, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline as she stepped into the dimly lit venue.

As Black Riot took the stage, Suzanne's presence commanded attention. Her powerful voice and fierce stage persona electrified the room, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd. The band played their set with the raw intensity that had become their trademark, and Suzanne thrived in the limelight, her every move a testament to her dedication and passion.

After their energetic performance, Suzanne found herself backstage, trying to catch her breath and bask in the afterglow of their successful show. The backstage area was a chaotic mix of band members, roadies, and a few lucky fans. It was here, amidst the frenetic energy, that she spotted him—Slash, the enigmatic guitarist of Guns N' Roses, who was known for his mysterious aura and signature top hat.

Slash stood near the bar, engaged in conversation with a few industry types. His presence was magnetic, and Suzanne couldn't help but feel a jolt of excitement at the sight of him. As the evening wore on and the crowd thinned, she felt a sudden surge of determination. Despite the allure of his star power, he was just a person—one she was eager to get to know.

With a mix of nerves and bravado, Suzanne approached the bar where Slash was standing. The noise of the party seemed to fade as she drew closer. She took a deep breath and said, "Hey, I'm Suzanne. I just wanted to say that I'm a huge fan of your work."

Slash looked up, his dark eyes hidden beneath the brim of his hat. He studied her for a moment before a slow smile crept across his face. "Thanks. I caught your set. You've got a lot of fire."

Suzanne felt a surge of pride. "We're just trying to make a name for ourselves. It's a tough scene out here."

They struck up a conversation that quickly flowed from pleasantries to more personal topics. Suzanne was surprised by how easily she connected with Slash. They talked about their shared experiences in the music industry, their struggles, and the elusive nature of fame. Suzanne was struck by Slash's openness and authenticity; he seemed to understand the highs and lows of their world in a way few others did.

As the night progressed, the Velvet Lounge's atmosphere shifted from frenetic to more intimate. The crowd had mostly dispersed, leaving a more relaxed ambiance. Slash and Suzanne found themselves alone in a quieter corner of the bar. Their conversation continued, growing deeper and more personal.

Slash's gaze lingered on Suzanne, and he said softly, "You're not like anyone I've met before. There's something different about you. Mind if we keep in touch?"

Suzanne's heart skipped a beat. She had felt an undeniable connection with him throughout their conversation, something she hadn't expected. "Yeah, I'd like that," she replied, a genuine smile on her lips.

As the weeks went by, their initial connection blossomed into something more. Their meetings became more frequent, and what began as a chance encounter turned into a clandestine relationship. Suzanne found herself increasingly drawn to Slash, and their bond deepened with each passing day.

In a city where relationships often felt like fleeting moments in a whirlwind of fame, Suzanne and Slash's unexpected connection was a beacon of something real amidst the chaos. It was the beginning of a relationship that would soon face the trials of secrecy and the pressures of their public lives.