ssinnerplazahotel

[ssinnerplazahotel]

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, yandere elvis, elvis has a gun, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Note/: this is part five of a five part series and was intended for black readers but written with no physical descriptions——all reader’s welcomed

“I can’t believe you’re going through my stuff~”

“I can’t believe you’re still adding numbers to your little whore book~”

“I wasn’t going to call him, Elvis, I just didn’t want to hurt his feelings.”

“The only man’s feelings you need to be concerned about hurting are mine.”

“Here you go again with this possessive, macho-man bullshit~”

“You’re the one who said you wouldn’t screw around on me.”

“Like you’ve been celibate since I’ve seen you last.”

“It’s been a month since you’ve returned my calls, birdie. If you let me come see you more often I wouldn't have to resort to~”

“Baby, what do you want me to do? I said I wasn’t going to fucking call him!”

Your voice echoed in the silence that followed and you slammed your purse down on the counter. Elvis glared at you, his eyes grazing over your body—vivisecting every aspect of your appearance.

“Who was here tonight?”

“No one~”

“I can tell.”

“How?”

“I can always tell.”

“…Your senses must be off.”

He thought for a moment. “Take off your dress.”

“Excuse me?”

“Take it off.”

“Why?”

“So I can check for myself.”

You waited for him to say something that suggested that he wasn’t serious. He only shrugged expectantly. You contemplated for a moment what you could get out of the situation.

He didn’t seem surprised when you reached back for the zipper of your dress, he only watched you very closely. You slipped the straps of your dress off your shoulders and his eyes followed the blue fabric of your dress as it pooled around your ankles—raking back up your body with an expression that can only be seen and not described. You wondered if he’d try and consume you if you got too close.

When he motioned for you you stepped out of your dress and walked over only wearing your heels.

He stepped around you and you couldn’t see him but you shivered when you felt him put his nose to the crook of your neck. He inhaled deeply, doing the same to the other side.

“Do you believe me now?”

“Almost.”

He made you face him and you couldn’t disguise your surprise when you saw him sink down onto one knee.

“Really?” You wondered in awe, too full of lust to actually be upset.

You moved to brace yourself on the counter and he kissed your hip. “You could just tell me.”

“Tell you what?”

“If I’m gonna taste another man on you.”

“Oh, bunny.” You pouted, taking a handful of his hair into your fist. “You know you’re all the man I need.”

“Are you saying anything to make me happy?”

“All I want is to make you happy,” You said. “It’s what I live for.”

“You’re getting desperate.”

You shifted onto your other foot. “I don’t know how long you expect me to stand here waiting.”

“Waiting for what?”

“What do you think?”

There was an amused gleam in his eye. “Who said I wanted anything to do with you after the shit you pulled?”

“Then what are you doing?”

“Conducting an inspection.”

“Well can you conduct it a little faster?”

He proceeded to spread your legs further, using his fingers to get a clear view of your cunt. You thought you saw his mouth watered at the sight before he went for a taste. You whimpered at the feeling of his tongue traveling through your arousal before the contact came to a screeching halt.

You opened your eyes to find him standing and wiping his hands on the seat of his pants. “Elvis.”

“What? I’m done. I believe you.”

“You’re crossing the line.”

“I said I believe you~”

“If you don’t get me off tonight you’re going to regret it.”

He laughed. “That’s a threat I ain’t heard before.”

You shook your head, disguising the disappointment in your voice as a warning. “You gotta learn to choose your battles more wisely when it comes to me.”

“You don’t scare me.”

“I know. That’s the problem, bun.”

You knew the amusement behind his eyes would only last so long, so you let him have it.

“Good night.” You started to walk away, grabbing your purse but leaving your dress on the floor. “You can show yourself out, you know the way.”

“I planned on staying.”

“So?”

“So I’m staying.”

“To do what, cuddle?”

“I like that idea.”

“You must have me confused for one of those other little girls~”

“Oh, birdie~”

“I don’t fucking cuddle,” You snapped. “And I don’t play fair, so tell me if you really want to take it this far…this is me giving you a chance to correct yourself.”

“I don’t want to fight.”

“Then make the right decision.”

He stepped towards you, laughing when you retracted. “Don’t be like that.”

“I’m going to bed.”

When followed you to the bedroom he found you laying back stark naked in bed, holding your infamous notebook—your ‘whore book’ according to him. A pocket size, black leather notebook with enough numbers to fill a telephone directory.

“What’re you doing with that?” He wondered as he joined you.

You ignored him and picked the phone up. The first number you dialed rang out and you tried another.

“What are you trying to do?”

“Hi, is this Ray?”

Elvis scoffed in amusement. “Really?”

“Guess who…that’s right.” You held up a hand when Elvis neared you, warning him not to come any closer. “Did you miss me?”

He didn’t give up on his pursuit and tried to lean in next to the receiver to hear the voice on the other end.

“Stop,” You laughed at him. “…Nothing, baby, just…trying to scare off my dog. Yeah…he’s been a real bad boy lately. I’m thinking about taking him to the pound.”

Elvis kissed your neck when he was close enough, nibbling softly at your skin.

“Mhm…” Your movements faltered as you tried to push him away. “I was just laying here thinking of you and I thought it was late enough to call…she is? Well…be real quiet then…I just need to hear your voice for a minute.”

You switched the receiver to your other ear and turned onto your side to avoid Elvis’ touch.

“Remember what we talked about last time I saw you?” You asked Ray. “Y’know before I left…yeah. Tell me what you’d do again.”

“How long are you gonna keep this up?” Elvis asked.

You closed your eyes. “How bad do you think it’d be if she found out?”

“Birdie.”

“I know that’s what you want…I don’t know if I can stand it. But it hurt so good last time, I just want to do over and over~”

Elvis finally sat up and snatched you up, pulling the phone from your ear and putting it to his. “Hello?”

“Nadine?”

He groaned in disgust upon hearing Ray’s voice, slamming the phone on the hook. “I can’t believe you were really talkin to someone.”

You laughed and fell back on the pillows behind you.

“Where do you find those kinds of freaks? I-I mean—what was he even saying?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“Why?”

“You’re dirty, bun, but you’re not that dirty.” That seemed to really piss him off. “I signed an NDA when he gave me his number,” You quickly added. “I’m not supposed to tell anyone what we talk about.”

“You just call and talk each other’s rocks off, is that it?”

“I like the way you said than.”

“Is that what you do?”

“You’re acting like you’ve never heard of phone sex.”

“You get more and more interesting, it’s insane.”

“Are you going to block every call I make?”

“I’ll do that before I sit here and listen to you get off to some other man.”

“It could be you. You’re the one being insane.”

“Just because I won’t get you off doesn’t mean you can’t still get off.”

“What?”

“Get yourself off.”

“That’s what I’m trying to do~”

“Not with the phone.”

“How?”

“With me?”

“With you?”

“Yeah.” He focused on the way his fingers traced patterns into your hip instead of meeting your eyes—as if he was somehow timid about what he had been suggesting.

You took his chin and made him look at you. “Say it.”

“Use me to get yourself off.”

Your heart was suddenly between your legs. You would’ve had more shame if you’d been less desperate for his touch. You moved to straddle him and he instantly looked less nervous. “Is this what you want?”

He nodded. “Yeah.”

You rutted your bare cunt against the rough fabric of his slacks, sighing softly at the friction. “All you had to do was ask. You didn’t have to be so mean to me.”

“I wasn’t mean. You just can’t handle not getting your way.”

“Don’t make your power struggle into mine, E,” You said. “I only want one thing.”

“You don’t deserve it.”

“I don’t deserve anything,” You agreed. “Is that supposed to make me want it less?”

“Take it if you want it.”

“Give it to me.”

“No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

You kissed him and continued rutting against him through his slacks. You closed your eyes and focused intently on moving your hips enough to feel the perfect amount of stimulation on your clit. It was taxing work but you knew your body well enough to get something out of it. He moved to undo his belt but you stopped him.

“No.”

“Birdie.”

“Stay just like that, baby…fuck, I’m coming.”

Of the rare occasions that you had to fake an orgasm in your life, you’d never tried to be so convincing. You trembled through your ‘orgasm’ before attempting to move out of Elvis’ lap.

He stopped you. “Really?”

“Let me go.”

“Birdie, I swear.”

“I did what you said, E, I got myself off. You should be fucking happy~”

You released a surprised yelp when he sat up and suddenly forced you onto your back.

“No,” You complained as he pinned your arms by your head and bit your neck. “Fuck…it’s not fair.”

He let your arms go and positioned himself between your legs. “Get my cock inside you.”

“Now you want me?”

“I do whatever I want, birdie. That’s what I’m tryna get you to understand.”

“Not when it comes to me, you don’t~”

“Why are you still talking?”

“Because I do whatever I want.”

“Do you want me to fuck you?”

“Yes.”

“Then shut up and get my cock inside you.”

You clenched your teeth but ultimately reached between the two of you and unbuckled his pants enough to free his cock.

“I hate you,” You whispered as you guided him inside of you. “I fucking hate you.”

It was a lie and he knew it, but he still let it rile him up. He growled deeply and rolled his hips into yours until you were tensing with pleasure. He was angry, and you felt it in every snap of his hips.

He didn’t care about making you come in that moment, he only cared about making you his. You broke the fastest when he had a point to prove.

Your soul had a way of separating from your body when he fucked you that way. There was nothing tactile holding you to the earth, only him. You couldn’t speak, you couldn’t move—you could only let him devour you.

You trembled and he held you down as he came. You felt the weight of his body on yours but it wasn’t enough to make you stop feeling like you were floating away.

“Birdie?”

“Yeah?”

“What’s wrong?”

You frowned and opened your eyes—you hadn’t realized they were closed. “N-Nothing, bunny, are you okay?”

“You don’t have to sit up~”

“I’ll get s-something to~”

“That's okay, honey, I’ll grab something,” He insisted. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine…” You swallowed. “A-Are you okay? Was that…I’m sorry~”

“It’s okay, baby…I’m fine.”

You nodded. “Good. Okay. That’s good.”

He nodded with you. “Stay right there, okay?”

You nodded.

He nodded with you.

“Okay?”

“Okay, bunny.”

*

When Jerry showed up it was always because there was a mess to be cleaned up that had absolutely nothing to do with him.

“What are you doing?”

“Jerry, don’t come to my door asking vague ass question~”

“It’s not a vague question~”

“I’m not in the mood for your shit~”

“You know where you’re supposed to be.”

You quirked an eyebrow. “I’m not supposed to be anywhere.”

Jerry crossed his arms and took a breath. “He said he’s not going on until he sees you.”

“You don’t actually believe that do you?”

“It’s only a few hours until the show and he’s not even dressed. He refused to do a sound check.”

“…He didn’t do sound check?”

“And he won’t let anyone in his dressing room.”

“Well…if he’s stupid enough to be that unprofessional then it’s his fault. Sue him, I don’t know.”

“What’s your problem? What do you want?”

“I want you to leave me alone.”

“What’d he do?” You fell silent. “Tell me, I’ll fix it.”

“We just…he got pissed at me for the skirt I wore to the party the other night.”

“Okay?”

“He got rid of all my clothes. I haven’t had anything to wear for the past two days.”

“Got rid of them how?”

“He threw all my luggage away. It’s gone and all he left me with is this.” You untied your robe to reveal your outfit.

“That’s…I mean, it’s not so bad.”

“You can’t even look at me.”

“Because it’s—I-I mean, you’re~”

“I look like a whore.”

“No, o-of course not…”

You closed the robe and tied it in a huff. “He’s trying to humiliate me by making me wear this and you know it.”

“It’s not as bad as some of the stuff you see in the city these days.”

You crossed your arms. “I’m not going.”

“I need you to. I know I ask a lot of you~”

“Every time you people put him in a shitty mood you look at me to fix it.”

“I know but this…this is different. It’s too important for him to fuck it up because he can’t get out of his head.”

“What do you expect me to do?”

“I expect you to show up in your little outfit and stroke his egos if it means he’ll put on one hell of a show out there.”

You rolled your eyes. “I haven’t felt this degraded in years.”

“You’re beautiful,” Jerry said. “And you know who you are, we all do. But I need you to…I need you to be his girl for now.”

You contemplated his words. “Fine, Jer, alright. For you, I’ll play.”

“Play nice.”

“I’ll play nice.”

“Thank you. God, you’re saving my ass here, believe me.”

When you got there Elvis immediately dragged you into his dressing room and shut the door.

“Where the hell were you?”

“You’re really holding up an entire production because you can’t handle not getting your way for once?”

“You should’ve been in place when I asked you to be.”

“I’m here now.” You threw your hands. “Elvis Presley’s whore, present and accounted for.”

“It’s not any different than your get up last night. I thought you’d be happy.”

“Get dressed, Elvis. I’m going to find my seat~”

“You don’t get to leave until you tell me why you were so late.”

“I’m late because I just spent the last five hours having a nervous breakdown over this outfit.”

“Is that really why?”

“Just come right out and fucking say it~”

“I’m sick of you and Jerry disappearing~”

“You sent him to come get me! Are you joking?”

“I don’t trust you! I never have. Even today I didn’t expect you to show up.”

Then you understood why he’d been so adamant about seeing you before going through with the show—he thought you’d disappear and not show up for him.

“Damn you,” You sighed. You felt bad. “You can’t expect me to keep up with all your issues.”

“You weren’t going to come, were you?”

“No, I wasn’t. But luckily I worked up the courage to go outside with my ass hanging out~”

“As much as I needed you today and you weren’t even going to show~”

“I’m here, I came!”

“You were gonna screw me over!”

“It turns out I didn’t, so why does that matter?”

“What’d Jerry do to make you change your mind?”

“He didn’t do anything~”

“What’d he say?”

“He said it’d be my fault if this entire thing fell apart.”

“Did you believe him?”

“I told him that you weren’t enough of an idiot to ruin the production.”

“Do you believe that?”

“I think you would’ve been up on that stage regardless of if I showed up or not.”

He didn’t confirm or deny your statement. “…I think you look good in the outfit.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s exactly how I imagined it.”

“Well, I’m glad you like it. I only wore it to make you happy.”

“It’s making me very happy.”

You swallowed, pushing your pride aside and crossing the room to meet him where he was standing by the vanity.

“Do you want to know something?” You leaned back against the counter and he immediately turned to stand in front of you.

“What?”

“Even if all I had was a bath towel to wrap myself in, I was gonna be here tonight.”

“Really?”

“Really…I was already dressed when Jerry got there.”

“You were?”

You shrugged. “I knew you’d send someone eventually.”

“You’re always playing.”

“I wouldn’t have to if you would stop trying to beat me at my own game.”

��…I’m sorry.”

“Are you really?”

“For what I said before a-and for hiding your luggage.”

“And for the outfit?”

“I had the outfit picked before you showed your ass last night.”

You were bewildered. "What made you choose this?”

“I knew I’d need you before the show. To help, y’know, clear my head.”

“So?”

“I thought we’d speed the process up a little if you wore something sexy for me.”

You punched his shoulder. “You’re such a sneaky bastard.”

He laughed. “How’s that sneaky?”

“You picked a fight last night knowing you were going to make me wear this?”

“I just wanted to get in your head.”

“Well, you did.”

“I already apologized.”

What an asshole. You loved him too much for your own good. “Is it working?”

“What?”

“The outfit. Is it speeding up the process?”

“I’ve been ready for you since I got word that Jerry went to get you.”

“Should we clear your head a little before you get dressed?”

“Please~” There was a knock on the door and suddenly a crew of people spilled in.

“We’re backed up and we need to get back on schedule.”

“Sorry, E.P. I tried to stop em.”

“You couldn’t try for five more minutes?”

“Elvis, baby, look at me.” You took his face between your hands and met his eyes. “You know what to do when you get out there, you’ve done it a million times before. You don’t need me to clear your head, you never had me before.”

“That’s not true.”

“How?”

“I-I’ve always had you. Since that night i-in Ohio.”

“Well…you wanna know what’s different about today and all those other times?”

“What?”

“When you look out there today, I’m gonna be right there in the front row cheering you on. That’s never happened before, has it?”

“No.”

“Hair and makeup in five.”

“Don’t look at them, look at me.” You waited until he met your eyes again. “You remember what to do?”

“Huh?”

“About our little problem?”

“Little problem?” He ribbed halfheartedly.

You pouted. “Come on, E, I’m trying to~”

“Alright, yeah, I know.”

“Just tuck it away for later.”

“That’s a lot easier said than done.”

“I love you, alright? I’ll meet you right back here whenever you get a break.”

“You love me?”

“Yes, baby, I love you so bad.”

His eyes lingered on your face for a moment. “I better let them have me.”

You smiled softly. “Just for a little while.”

He kissed you once more and pulled away, winking as you were escorted out of the room and to your seat. You noticed a few more stares than usual and heard a few comments about your skimpy outfit. Despite the initial urge you have to cringe, you stood tall and even pulled your plunging neckline further down to expose more of your cleavage. You enjoyed the shock factor more than anything.

When you saw Elvis again after the performance you were essentially a walking puddle of lust.

“What’d you think?”

All heads turned to you when you entered the room and you realized he was addressing you in front of a room full of people.

“O-Oh, it was good.”

“Just good?” He laughed, watching you squirm. “Tell me what you really think.”

“…It was amazing.”

He wasn’t the only one to laugh in response. You wanted to die.

"C’mere, honey,” He said, motioning for you to finish crossing the room. The others in the dressing room must’ve taken that as their cue to continue as usual. “You looked so damn good out there.“

“I-I loved it, really…the whole thing, it was so, uhm…" You couldn’t form a coherent sentence. “Sorry, I’m just so…”

He tried to meet your eyes. “Just so…what?”

“I can’t.”

“Tell me in my ear.” He looked amused as he made you lean all the way in to talk into his ear.

“I’ve never wanted to fuck a man so bad in my life.”

“Mhm?”

“When I s-saw you up there it’s like…the adrenaline—it was just such a-a rush seeing you up there, I think I…”

“Say it.”

“I-I think you made me come.”

The dressing room was immediately cleared and you couldn’t find it in your heart to be embarrassed as Elvis sat you atop his vanity and fucked you for all to hear.

“I-I just pressed my legs together and it just…it just happened.”

“Fuck, keep going.”

“You were s-so powerful up there…I saw all those people reaching for you a-and all I could think about is how much they wanted you. And how I wanted you just as bad. W-When you got down right there in front of me~”

“Yeah?”

“It just happened~”

“Fuck~”

“I pressed my legs together and it fucking radiated through my entire body~”

“I’m coming.”

Every inch of you was electric and you were buzzing with desperation. “Let me have it, bunny, please, I need it~”

“Don’t do that~”

“Come on my thighs, baby.”

You hugged him as he came, guiding his flaccid cock back inside directly after. You didn’t want to let him go.

“N-No~”

“Push back in.”

“Birdie, I-I~”

“Please, keep going. I need it.”

His hips stuttered away and he shuddered as he braced himself on the vanity.

You shook your head disapprovingly. “Don’t run from it. You can take it.”

“I can’t.”

“I know you can. Please, I’m gonna come.”

“Oh my god…”

You felt him twitch helplessly inside of you and before long he was fully hard again. With the adrenaline of the day’s events still running through his veins, he had the libido of a teenager. He reached between your legs to force you over the edge quicker, he didn’t last long the second time around—he never did.

“What’s wrong?” He asked as you came down.

“Nothing…why?”

“You’re cuddling me.”

You were aware that your arms were still around him but you denied it. “I am not.”

“What do you call this?”

“I’m just—I don’t know, hugging you…?”

“You never hug me.”

“Do you want me to stop?”

“No, birdie.” He squeezed you tighter and you laughed. “I don’t want you to ever stop.”

“…I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Liar.”

“I do.”

He knew it was true; but he still asked: “Why?”

“A million reasons.” He fell silent and you imagined he was overthinking something about your response. You tried to get him out of his head before he got too lost. “Baby, my back hurts.”

“Oh, sorry.” You laughed as he carried you from the vanity to the couch.

“Get yourself together, E. I’m sure they’re gonna keep the ball rolling.”

“The first time you cuddle me and you want me to let you go?”

“You don’t have to. I would just hate for someone to walk in and catch you with your dick out.”

He laughed and moved to find something to clean the both of you up with.

*

You had always been eager to please—you enjoyed it. But he brought something new out of you.

You wanted to please him, at times it seemed like all you had to live for—more than that, however, you wanted him to love you. Sometimes, that meant altering the very fiber of your being, and the fact that you were willing to do so made you want to curl up and die.

“What’s the matter with you?”

“Nothing. Leave me alone.”

He kept pushing. “What’d I do?”

“Why do you think you did anything?”

“Because you’re being shitty.”

“I’m tired.”

“…I had a great night.”

“So did I.”

“So what happened between leaving Robbie’s and getting back here?”

“Nothing. I just want to go to sleep.”

“You weren’t tired before~”

“You’re badgering me~”

“I’m waiting for you to tell me what it is. I already know, so tell me.”

“You already know?”

“Yeah.”

“Tell me what you think you already know.”

“You’re trying to make me leave.”

“I don’t want you to leave.”

“It doesn’t seem like you want me to stay.”

You sighed. “You’re leaving tomorrow.”

“So?”

“So why would I make you leave when you’re going to leave on your own in a few hours?”

“…I’m so confused.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Well, you have to talk about it. That’s how you work shit out.”

You tried to hide your tears but he saw them before you turned onto your side.

“I don’t understand,” He said, placing a gentle hand on your thigh. “I’m not mad, little, I just want to understand.”

“…I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I hate feeling like this.”

“Like what?”

“Like I don’t want you to leave tomorrow.”

He fell silent for a moment and when he did speak again, he was laughing. “Aw, honey~”

“If you fucking laugh at me right now I’m going to scream~”

“I’m not,” He chuckled. “Come on, I-I just…I never heard you say something like that before.”

“It’s not funny,” You whispered. “I have a bad feeling…like I’ll die.”

“You always say that.” It was true, but the feeling you had was real.

“My chest hurts. You might as well shoot me in the back of the head when I’m not looking and put me out of my misery.”

“Birdie, come on~”

“I don’t do anything when you’re gone, I just lay here waiting for you to get back.”

“You don’t have to do that. You’ve always known how to have a good time.”

“You get mad at me when I go out.”

“That never stopped you before. You were M.I.A. all summer in Miami~”

“I was miserable in Miami.”

“You still went.”

“It doesn’t matter. I don’t feel good when you aren’t here.”

“…This is so unlike you.” He laughed when you sat up suddenly and punched him in the arm. “Ah, alright, shit. You hit like a man.”

“You don’t make it any better by not calling, you asshole. I talk to your fucking friends more than I talk to you. It’s like exchanging urban legends.”

“Baby,” He drawled, taking you in his arms and forcing you to sit in his lap despite your protest. “Quit acting like a baby.”

“I wish you’d just…go away so I can start getting used to you not being here already.”

“Do you want me to leave?”

“Yes…but you’ll break my heart if you go.”

He tapped your chin and you met his eyes. “What if I’m gone when you wake up?”

You nodded, avoiding his eyes to hide the tears in your own.

“Don’t cry, honey. I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t say that.” You hated when he said that.

“I’ll think about you every second and I’m gonna call every chance I get.”

You nodded.

“You can’t leave the phone off the hook all the time,” He said. “I only have so many chances to talk and shutting me out won’t make it any easier.”

“Okay.”

“Promise?”

“I’ll leave it on the hook.”

“…Do you wanna cuddle?”

You shook your head, cracking the smallest of smiles.

“Come on, pun’kin, let me hold ya,” He chided, making you laugh despite your tears. You met his eyes and brushed his hair from his forehead. He looked up at you with a fond smile.

“What?” You wondered.

“Nothing, you’re just…pretty when you cry.”

“I feel like an idiot.”

“You aren’t.”

“It’s so stupid.”

“Birdie~”

“I’m such a fucking~”

“Hey.” His stern tone cut you off. “Why are you going there?”

You tried to cover your face but he stopped you.

“It’s fine,” He insisted. “You’re just being a girl.”

“A stupid girl.”

He laughed.

“How long?” You didn’t want to ask, but not knowing was more torturous.

“It’s four weeks.”

“Are you gonna forget about me while you’re there?”

“No. I’m gonna talk to you every single day.”

“Jerry’s gonna talk to me every single day~”

“I’m not gonna forget about you. I want you to come out for the first show. We’re having a party the night before.”

“You want me there?”

“Of course. I need my girl there.”

“Won’t all your other girls be jealous?”

“Maybe, but I’m gonna be there with you.”

The phone rang and you both sat there listening until it rang out.

“Bunny?”

“Hm?”

“Put me to bed.”

He didn’t say anything as he stood and laid you down on your back. You didn’t let him go when he moved to pull away and he shifted on to his side to hold you.

Silence fell over the room, and you each tried not to anticipate the emptiness that the following weeks would bring.

*

One second you were telling Elvis that you were going to the kitchen for a drink and the next you were being forced against the counter by one of his drunk friends. You pushed him away easily at first, he wasn’t the first drunk man you had to ward off.

“Robbie, you’re drunk,” You had said. “You don’t even know what you’re doing right now.”

“I know exactly what I’m doing right now.”

“Stop.”

“Come on, just let me feel it a little.”

Gross. “Robbie, seriously, you’re being a sleeze.”

His actions persisted and just when you were about to apply the necessary force, it entered the room.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“E-Elvis.” You pushed him away once and for all but the damage was done.

“E.P., I know what you’re thinking~”

“Rob, man, you got about five more seconds to get out of my sight before I decide to ruin everyone’s night by snapping your fucking neck…five.”

He scrambled to leave, adjusting his pants as he went. You sighed when he was gone but your relief was too soon.

“Really?”

You looked at Elvis. “What?”

“Robbie?”

You were confused. “What about him?”

He scoffed, astonished. “You were gonna screw him.”

“Is that what you think?”

“What else am I supposed to think after what I just saw?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, E. He’s out of his mind right now, he doesn’t know what he’s doing.”

“Sure, but you know exactly what you’re doing.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

You went back to fixing your drink. “What do you want me to say?”

“Wow,” He laughed, but it didn’t seem to hold any humor. “You really have no shame.”

“What good is shame?”

He fell silent and if you would’ve turned your head you would’ve seen the livid expression on his face. But you were oblivious and by the time you looked he was already storming out of the kitchen.

“Where’d Elvis go?” You wondered as you returned to your seat at the dinner table.

“He went upstairs,” Charlie said, handing your hand of cards back. “I got back ahead. You’re almost even with Joey.”

“What’s that mean?”

“You see this?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s a good thing.”

You nodded but you didn’t care. “You finish, baby, I’m gonna go check on Elvis.”

“Alright.”

“Bet’s still mine if I win.”

“Alright, alright.”

When you got up to the bedroom you found him there.

“Baby?” You wondered. “Why’d you come up here? What’s…why do you have that?”

“I need it…”

“Why?”

He shrugged and checked the pistol’s clip. “I think somebody deserves it.”

You felt frozen. “…Who?”

“That’s what I was just trying to decide.” He stalked over to you slowly. “Is it Robbie? Or is it…”

You wanted to back away but you couldn’t. He brought the gun between you and held its cold barrel to your chin.

“You?”

You shuddered. “P-Please, d-don’t do that~”

“‘P-Please, d-don’t do that—’ Why? Why shouldn’t I?” He pulled back the hammer of the pistol and you couldn’t think. He was demanding a legitimate reason but all you could do was stammer in response.

“I-I’m~ I don’t—Elvis~”

“You think I’m just gonna let you screw around and do nothing about it?”

“N-No~”

“Maybe back then but not anymore~”

“Elvis~”

“I’ll do something about it now!”

“P-Please—”

The gun fired and suddenly the room was silent. Not because he had stopped yelling. No, he was still doing that. He was still fuming, his arms were still waving wildly as he cursed you—you feared the veins in his neck would explode if he screamed any louder. You felt shot, you were sure you were, but no. He’d pointed the gun upwards just as he squeezed the trigger. You weren’t hit but all the air had left your lungs and it felt like you had been.

You didn’t notice it before but you began to hear another voice. It was your own and it was repeating something, quietly at first but eventually it was as loud as everything else.

“Stop. Stop.” Stop. You were begging him but he wasn’t listening. You covered your ears and let yourself sink onto the floor. It was too much.

“Don’t curl up now,” He shouted, trying to drag you back up by your arm. “You weren’t that pitiful when you were getting ready to screw my fucking friend~”

“It wasn’t like that~”

“What was it like?” He snapped, letting you fall to the ground. “What were you doing in there?”

“I didn’t know he followed me~”

“I saw you talkin to him all night, so just shut up, alright? Nothing you say matters, it’s all lies!”

He threw the pistol across the room and you thought it’d hit the wall and go off, injuring or killing one of you. It clattered to the ground without discharging and you started to cry. You thought you’d been crying already, but you would’ve noticed the way your tears made everything blurry. Everything wasn’t so blurry before.

“Now you want to sit there crying like you’re so fucking innocent.” He scoffed and shook his head. “I don’t know why I waste my time thinking you give a shit about anyone but yourself. I’d call you a whore but whores screw people for money, you’re different. You have some other twisted reason. You’re on this constant and never ending search for validation. It has to be exhausting. And you’ll get it just about anywhere you can find it—even if it means screwing the man that raised you.”

That was it. That was the one.

“You spell it out for me time and time again and I still choose to ignore it. You’ve been telling me this whole time that this is who you are. You had me fooled into thinking you changed but you know what? Nope. Not anymore, you’re done.” He was still saying something as he straightened his clothes and prepared to storm out of the room. “I want you gone when I get back. I don’t care where you go—go to hell. Actually, no, go home with fucking Robbie. Do you want to go home with fucking Robbie?”

The door slammed shut after him and you were left in silence. Your ears were still ringing and even though you couldn’t feel your heart beating you could hear it as loudly as the ringing. It was too fast. If it didn’t slow down you worried you might have a heart attack. The door opened again and you wondered if Jerry had been waiting outside or if he’d come up when he heard the gun.

“What happened?”

You shook your head and looked down to hide your eyes.

“Come on,” He encouraged, stooping down to help you up. “Forget about him, don’t let him ruin your night.”

“…I need you to get away from me, Jerry.”

“I don’t want you to~”

“I need you to get away from me right now, Jerry, please.”

He sighed and stood to leave. “Y’all are gonna be fine tomorrow.”

“What?”

“Y’all are gonna be fine tomorrow. So can’t y’all be fine now?”

You were crying again. “I don’t think he wants anything to do with me.”

“You know that’s not true~”

“You didn’t hear what he said.”

“What’d he say?”

You must’ve leaned to the right, and you must’ve kept leaning because eventually you were laying on your side. You curled yourself up and stared at your distorted reflection in Jerry’s shiny shoes.

“What are you doing?” He wondered.

“I like your shoes.”

“What?”

“Your shoes…I like them.”

He didn’t say anything—you imagined him frowning but you didn’t check. You only stared at yourself.

“Come back downstairs.”

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

“Because…I want everyone to think he killed me.”

“Why would you want that?” He stepped back and you were gone.

“No,” You protested, reaching for the shoe.

“Stop,” He complained, pulling his foot away. “What’s that matter with you?”

“Jerry, please.” You looked up at him. “Give me the shoe.”

He stared at you for a long time. “Why?”

“Because I like it.”

“Will you come back downstairs if I do?”

“No.”

“Then no.”

He turned to leave and you were crying again.

“You’re all the same,” You shouted as he left. “Heartless. Fucking cold and heartless people who don’t know how to care about anything that doesn’t directly benefit them. You’re all addicted to instant fucking gratification—” The door slammed shut and you were alone. You relaxed onto the floor and stared into space. You wanted to fly away but you couldn’t move.

When Elvis returned to his room you weren’t sure how much time had passed.

“What are you doing?” He asked as he walked past you into the bathroom. It didn’t seem like he cared. “Jerry said he talked to you. What’d he say?”

You couldn’t speak. You could but you didn’t. You were silent.

“Birdie?” He walked out of the bathroom. “I asked what he said.”

“…nothing.”

“He didn’t say anything?”

“No.”

You heard him shuffle around some more before climbing into bed. “Why’re you still here if he didn’t say anything?”

You were silent.

“What are you doing down there?” He asked. “Come get in the bed.”

You weren’t sure if you were the lunatic or if he was. Maybe it had been more time than you realized. Maybe it had been more than a night—maybe it had been years again.

“Birdie,” He repeated. “Are you ignoring me?”

“No.”

“Get in the bed.”

“No.”

“I’ll come down there then.”

“No.”

“No?” He wondered. “You don’t want me to?”

“No.”

“Have you been down there this whole time?” There was more shuffling and you felt him near you before his sock clad feet came into view. “How long have you been laying here?”

“I can’t move.”

“Why?”

You shrugged. “…Do they think I’m dead?”

“No.” You could hear the frown in his voice.

“Damn it…”

He got down onto the ground and laid on his back next to you. “Did you ask Jerry for his shoes?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I could see myself in them.”

“So?”

“I never see myself in anything.”

He chuckled and you opened your eyes.

“Did you laugh?”

“Yeah.”

“How?”

“What?”

“How can you laugh right now?”

His smile faded until he was serious again. “Why’d you stay?”

“I didn’t mean to.”

“You didn’t?”

“No…”

He looked up at the ceiling. “I know I lost my temper the other night.”

You closed your eyes and imagined you were in Jerry’s shoes again.

“I couldn’t handle seeing you and Robbie. Everybody knows you’re my girl—can you imagine how it made me feel to be humiliated like that? Even if you didn’t screw him you had every intention. That’s what made me snap.”

“…He followed me to the kitchen.”

“I didn’t see that. All I saw was~”

“Him forcing himself onto me~”

“It didn’t look like~”

“That’s what it was.”

He sighed. “I believe you, alright, I’m just telling you what I thought at the time. It looked like you wanted him to…”

Your mind finally processed his words “the other night” and you were suddenly too consumed with figuring out what day it was to listen to him rattling off his list of reasons why he did and said the things he did and said but it didn’t matter anymore because he already did and said them and you were already hurt.

“I don’t want you to think I meant anything I said, I didn’t. I don’t even remember half the shit I said I was so pissed off,” He was saying when you started listening again. “I-I’m glad you stayed. I don’t want you to leave. I didn’t see you downstairs and I thought you had went off somewhere.”

You were silent.

“I’m sorry,” He finally said. “I-I didn’t mean to get so upset.”

“…It’s okay.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Can you look at me and say it?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“I’m scared.”

“Of me?”

“Yes.”

Now he was silent. You wanted him to say something. You couldn’t imagine his expression so you had to open your eyes—you wish you hadn’t because then you wouldn’t have had to see the utter devastation behind his eyes.

“I’m sorry…” His words trailed off like it hurt him to speak.

“I thought you were going to kill me.”

“I wasn’t~”

“You made me feel like you were.”

He apologized to the ceiling again and you told him that it was okay.

“Do you really mean that?”

“Yes. I accept your apology.”

“But you don’t forgive me~”

“I do forgive you.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know….” You wish you knew.

“Are you going to leave?” He wondered.

“I don’t want to.”

“So?”

“I’m not going to.” He didn’t seem relieved.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, bunny.”

He turned onto his side and put his arm over your waist. “I’m gonna make it up to you.”

You spent another long night on the floor, except this time he was here and it didn’t feel like the last time you were going to see him again anymore. And no matter how much he complained about it being uncomfortable, he didn’t leave.

*

Shoes. Shoes. Shoes. Every shoe. The shiniest shoes. Every shiny shoe that he could find.

Were you content?

Abso-fucking-lutely.

“You aren’t serious,” You laughed, jumping into his arms. “You’re a lunatic.”

“I told you I’d make it up to you.” He smiled. “I went after Jerry, but man he really loves his shoes.”

“Shut up,” You said, pushing him away and going over to where the shoes had been laid out across the den.

“They’re custom, look.” He took a pair of silver kitten boots from one of the boxes. “You should definitely be able to see yourself in these.”

You held them up and they glittered under the light. “I can see both of us.”

He kissed your cheek and you smiled. “Are you happy?”

“Yes.” You put the boots down and turned to hug him. “You did good, bun.”

“I want you to pick a few pairs to take with you on the road. I’ll send the rest back to LA.”

“On the road?”

“I want you here more.”

“Really? B-But the colonel said~”

“I’ll deal with him,” He said dismissively. “If you can’t tell, I miss you when you’re not here.”

You felt an odd sense of comfort in knowing that.

“Okay.”

“Come on, little bit. I’m tired.”

“You’re always tired.”

“I’m always awake. I don’t sleep when you’re gone, I'm like the walking dead.”

“I don’t like hearing that.”

“It’s true.”

“I’d see you more if you’d tell the Colonel to slow it down~”

“Hey, hey, hey~”

“‘Hey, hey, hey’ yourself,” You said. “I can look at you and tell you’re exhausted.”

“Then let's go to bed. I’m not in the mood to talk about work.”

“Fine. Let’s put my baby to bed.”

You chose the shiniest shoes out of the bunch to wear to the show the next night. You watched the entire thing from the wings and it was everything you expected it to be and more. Something changed in him that night and he wasn’t the same man walking off stage that he was walking on.

“What’d you think?”

“It was…everything.”

“Yeah?”

“You were everything. You were amazing.”

He took your face in his hands. “D’you think they thought so?”

“Yes, baby,” You said, bracing yourself on his chest as you stood up on your toes. “You were electric, we could all feel it.”

“Let’s go, E.P., they wanna talk to ya.”

“I’m heading that way,” Elvis called back before kissing you. “I gotta let ‘em have me for a little bit but I’ll see upstairs. Find Jerry, he’ll show you how to get back from here.”

“Okay, bun. You did great tonight,” You said, letting him go. “I love you.”

“I love you…” He hesitated before he walked away. “I’ll see you tonight?”

You nodded and smiled encouragingly for him to go. You tried not to let it show but you think he saw it anyway that he wasn’t going to be seeing you again.

Jerry showed up as soon as he was gone. “Ready?”

You sighed and nodded. “Yeah, thanks.”

He took you to the door backstage that led to the street outside. The rain had picked up but you were glad it hadn’t seemed to put a damper on anyone’s night. “Are you sure you’re gonna be alright?”

“Yes, Jerry. If I get to the airport in time I’ll get back to LA before it's even midnight.”

Jerry held his umbrella over your head as he checked the trunk for your luggage. “I don’t know why you have to go right now.”

“I have to,” You said. “It’s better this way, baby, trust me.”

“How?”

“He’s busy. He’s distracted. He feels really good about himself right now.” It felt like you were trying to convince yourself more than Jerry. “I’m sure you’ll find someone to take his mind off it anyway.”

“Of course not~”

“Just make sure she looks nothing like me.” You opened the door and prepared to climb into the car. “I love you, Jerry, you’re the best. Get out of this rain.”

“What am I supposed to tell him?”

“You never saw me.” You gave the driver the go ahead as soon as you shut the door and the car lurched into motion.

“Where’s your flight headed?” He wondered.

“Los Angeles,” You told him. You didn’t disguise the sadness in your voice as well as you had hoped.

“What’s in Los Angeles?” He saw the tears in your eyes and he ignored them. He was trying to take your mind off of what was troubling you but he was only bringing the issue to the forefront of your attention.

“Nothing, I’m just…” You couldn’t think of anything interesting to say—you had no bizarre ideas or truths to bend. You couldn’t think of anything but the look Elvis would get on his face when Jerry told him he hadn’t seen you. “It’s just me.”

He must’ve decided that you were too pitiful to cheer up because he didn’t say anything else.

You leaned your head against the window and closed your eyes.

“It’s only four weeks,” You repeated to yourself in an effort to stop your tears from falling. You couldn’t see out the window past the rain, you were glad that you couldn’t. It meant that you couldn’t look out and watch the building—the entire building, as if it was somehow a giant, looming embodiment of him—disappear into the distance.

It also meant that you couldn’t see the semi truck in the lane to your right hydroplane and spin out of control. If you’d seen that, maybe then you could have moved away from the window. Maybe then it wouldn’t have hit so hard, so fast. Maybe you could have even braced yourself for the impact, but no. It didn’t happen like that.

Instead, you were talking yourself out of a breakdown one minute and the next there was chaos and you couldn’t see.

Although it was black and you couldn’t feel anything, you saw his eyes—his deep blue, grief-strickened eyes. There they were, so rich and full that you could taste them.

And then there was nothing.

❦ fin. ❦

[ssinnerplazahotel]

WC:7k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, yandere elvis, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Note/: this is part four of a five part series and was intended for black readers but written with no physical descriptions——all reader’s welcomed

“Hello?”

“I’m looking for the girl you were with earlier.”

“Who the hell is this?”

“Put her on the phone.”

“…Hello?”

“Birdie?”

“E?”

“What the hell are you doing in Seattle?”

“Oh my…How did you get this number?”

“How do you always manage to show up in the damndest of places?”

“Well…I-I’m…” You were genuinely at a loss for words.

“How’d you get caught up with a vulture like Don Siegel?” He was seething. You hadn’t heard his voice in over three years, you weren’t used to its intensity. “Wh-What~ I mean Jesus Christ, the man’s married.”

“I d-didn’t know~”

“Oh, yes the fuck you did.” His voice was heavier, fuller and dripping with something new…something different that you couldn’t quite pinpoint. “My heart sank when I saw you with that man. How do you end up in these situations?”

“Can you hold on a minute?” You still heard him fuming when you took the phone from your ear. “Baby? I have to take a call in the other room. Don’t pick up the phone.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t pick up the phone.”

“Yeah…”

You scurried to the other room as fast as you could and dropped onto the sofa—he was still going when you picked up the other phone.

“—I don’t know how you find new ways to~”

“Elvis?” He wouldn’t stop, and you almost didn’t want him to. Something about it was exhilarating. “Come on, I can’t…bunny, please. Listen for a second, just listen.”

He fell silent then, finally taking a breath.

“I can’t believe it’s really you, E.”

“Oh, now you know how it feels, huh?”

You laughed. “How do you know Don?”

“Honey, how the hell do you know him?”

“We just fool around sometimes~”

“Oh, please spare me~”

“You asked.”

“What happened? You got so good at playing tricks that you’re on to higher circles now?”

“‘Higher circles,’” You repeated incredulously. “Don fucks the same as any other man~”

“Birdie!”

“What?”

“I don’t want to hear it. Alright?”

“How are you, baby? Are you okay?”

He sighed. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

“How’s your girl?”

“It’s getting harder to keep in touch.”

“Why’s that?”

“I’m busy.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

He didn’t want to talk about it. “I worked on a project with Don—it went straight to the gutter.”

“What’s that mean?”

“It bombed in box office.”

“Well, if I had known I would’ve gone to see it a million times.”

“You really had no idea we worked together?”

“We don’t do a whole lot of talking.”

He clicked his tongue and groaned in annoyance.

“What a coincidence,” You continued. “I’ll have to tell Don how we know each other.”

“Whenever you have a free moment to talk,” He said sarcastically.

“I’ll just tell him while he’s going down on me, he’s usually a great listener then.”

“I can’t stand you.” You laughed and he was silent for a moment. “What’s he call you?”

You were practically squirming in your seat. “Do you really want to know?”

“I don’t think I can handle the mystery.”

“…I let him call me Sugar.”

“He thinks that’s your name?”

“He’s not as inquisitive as you, believe it or not.”

“Does he pay you?”

“No, E. It’s not like that. W-We…Well, we’re in love.”

“You love him?”

“I do.”

There was silence on the other end and for a moment you worried he was going to hang up.

“You aren’t gonna hang up on me, are you?”

“…No, I just…I don’t know.”

“You sound upset.”

“I can’t believe I’m hearing you say those words.“

You felt the tension disappear as you laughed. “You’re too easy, bunny.”

“Are you serious?” He asked, fuming again.

“I told you two seconds ago that we just fool around sometimes,” You said. “Did you forget that already?”

“So what—do you love him?”

“Of course not,” You responded. “You need to stop believing everything I say.”

“I can’t tell what’s true and what’s not.”

“So don’t believe any of it.”

He scoffed and you imagined him shaking his head in disbelief. You liked that he was still so easy to rile up.

“I want you to come see me while I’m here.”

You weren’t shocked by the request. “How long are you here?”

“Just through the fifteenth.”

You hummed thoughtfully. “I can try to~”

“Get something to write down the address.”

“…Just a second.” You took the phone from your ear and, for a moment, you contemplated hanging up. If it had been anyone else, you would’ve. But it was Elvis. You brought the phone back to your ear. “Alright go ahead.”

“You didn’t get anything to write with.”

“Can you see me through this thing?”

“No, I just don’t trust you~”

“What’s the address?”

“1902, Second Avenue.”

“The Doric?”

“You know these things of the top of your head?”

“The…yeah, the Doric New Washington?”

“Tell them your name’s ‘Birdie’ at the front desk and they’ll send you up.”

“I don’t know when I’ll~”

“I want to see you tonight.”

He hung up the phone after that. After recovering from your shock, you stood to go back into the bedroom.

“Who was that?”

“Elvis.”

“Oh…oh?”

“I gotta get going, Don.”

“In the middle of the night?”

“You’re asleep anyway.”

“…Will I see you again?”

“I’m sure you will, baby—every night in your dreams.”

He laughed but made no further attempt at conversation as you quickly dressed and left the room.

You cleaned up as best you could in the bathroom—trying to disguise the wrinkles in your dress was useless. You left the suite and went to find the elevator. You got to the front desk and rang the bell.

“Can I help you?”

“Sorry to bother you again,” You said, only slightly embarrassed. “Someone is supposed to be expecting me.”

“And you are?”

“Birdie.”

The woman scanned the list, skipping past the name ‘Sugar’ to find ‘Birdie’ in fresh ink.

You smiled when she met your eyes. “That’s me.”

She handed over the key with an edge of distaste. “14th floor.”

After hiding out in the hall for an hour or so, you finally made your way to his room. You felt an eerie sense of calm as you approached the door. You thought you’d be more anxious seeing him again.

“Who is it?” He called when you knocked.

“Take a wild guess.” You were shocked by the velocity in which the door opened.

“You fucking—“ You screamed when he picked you up, struggling against him for a moment.

“What are you doing?” You laughed.

“I called Don back,” He said as he drug you into the room and shut the door. “I didn’t know it took an hour and a half to get up three floors.”

“Put me down,” You squealed. “You crazy old~”

“You better not finish that~”

“Let me go so I can see you.” You stumbled back a few steps to look at him. “Yeah, that’s you. Still the same bunny I remember.”

“It’s only been about three damn years.”

“Has it really? I didn’t even notice.”

His eyes narrowed. “…Yes you did.”

You smiled. “Why are you in Seattle?”

He shrugged dismissively. “Another thing.”

“Good thing?”

“Yeah. A lot people want it.”

“You look good.”

“You look like you’ve already had a long night.”

You tried to laugh but your smile faltered. “Ouch.”

“Take a shower.”

“…You have this new way of telling and not asking, I’ve noticed.”

“I don’t have time.”

You crossed your arms. “I don’t like it.”

“Will you please go take a shower so that I can get a chance with you before you disappear?”

“Elvis.”

“What?” He seemed unbothered by your expression. “I’m sure you’ve got a million more tricks to get through before the end of the night. I don’t want to waste your time.”

“You’re being rude.”

“I’m just playing the game.”

“I don’t play the games you’re used to anymore.”

“What are you doing with Don then?”

“The same things you do with the girls you bring back to your room every night. Are you spinning tricks on them? I mean, I know you are, but do you call it that?”

He shrugged dismissively. “Then I guess we’re the same.”

“I guess so.”

“…Will you go take a shower?”

“Why? Are you worried you’ll taste him on me?”

His jaw twitched. “I can smell him from here.”

“You don’t like that?”

“I can’t fucking stand that.”

“Sorry…I’ll go wash him away.”

You wanted to believe that he was the same. Although the years had gone by torturously—it had been such a short amount of time. When you looked at him, he was the same. Bold, glamorous and soft enough around the edges to pull you in without raising any suspicion about his razor sharp charisma. But there was something else there now. It was darker and it genuinely made you want to know if he was okay.

“What are you waiting for?”

“Nothing, I-I didn’t…I thought we could talk.”

“About what?”

You nodded in agreement—unsure of what else you were supposed to do.

You went into the bathroom and showered in a rush. If he didn’t have time, neither did you. When you got back into the bedroom, you had expected him to be there waiting for you. He seemed so desperate to get the night over with before. However, you found him in the main room of the suite still fully dressed. He sat back on the sofa, staring up at the ceiling with a blank expression.

“Are you ready?” You asked, securing your towel under your arms.

“Yeah.” He turned his head and his eyes raked over your body before he motioned for you. “You can leave the towel there.”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

You sighed. “I’m not gonna stay and let you treat me like shit. There’s not that much kindness in the world, let alone in my heart.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“What are you gonna do?”

He stared silently.

“Say something.”

“What do you want me to say?”

“I don’t want you to say anything, I want you to be nice.” If it had been any other situation you’d be more intentional about hiding the hurt in your voice.

“Why should I be nice?” His lips twitched in a suppressed smile. “Do you deserve it?”

Now you were silent and tight-jawed.

“I think I deserve one good night after all the nights I spent worrying about you after you left out of nowhere.” He waited a long time to continue—probably because he knew you had nothing to say. “Leave the towel there.”

You took a breath, contemplating for a moment before letting the material fall where you stood. You could’ve left. You wanted to leave, but you worried he’d let you go—just like he had let you go before. You worried that if you walked away it wouldn’t be three years.

It’d be forever.

He watched you the entire time you walked over, no doubt analyzing every detail of your appearance. When you reached him, he motioned for you to kneel and despite every fiber of your being screaming in protest—you did.

You focused on your hands in your lap instead of his eyes. You didn’t want to see that look in his eyes that you saw in every other man’s eyes.

You heard him shift before you felt him take your face in his hands. He tilted your head back and you finally met his gaze.

You waited but he didn’t do anything. He smiled. A gentle smile that seemed too out of place for the moment. “I love you.”

You wanted to cry but you hoped he couldn’t tell. “It doesn’t feel like it.”

He leaned forward then and kissed your forehead. He was silent again when he stood and you turned to watch him walk over and pick up the towel.

“Come on,” He said, holding it up for you to walk into.

You frowned. “What kind of game are you playing?”

“Can you just listen?” You didn’t move. “I’ll treat you nice, birdie. I promise.”

You stood and he wrapped you in the towel before leading you back into the bedroom.

“I’ll give you something to wear for the night,” He said, gesturing to the bed for you to sit.

You frowned but sat as he went into the suitcase by the closet and retrieved a worn shirt for you to sleep in.

“What?” He asked when you looked up at him. “Not your style?”

“…What’s happening?” You truly had no idea.

He turned to the mirror on the wall to adjust—admire—his hair. “We’re just having a good time, baby. Don’t worry.”

You refrained from complaining and slipped the shirt on. “Is this something you’re into?”

“What?”

“I mean…why do you want to fuck me in your ugly shirt?”

He laughed and checked you out in his shirt. “I think you’re cute.”

Cute? No one ever called you cute. “Are you okay? I’m genuinely asking.”

“Yeah, why?” You stared in disbelief as he crawled onto the bed and fell onto his back in a huff. “Where were you staying before Don picked you up?”

“He flew me out for the weekend but…I-I’ll probably head home after this.”

“Home?” He seemed surprised to hear that. “Where’s that?”

“If I tell you, are you gonna stalk me?”

“No. I don’t even believe you.”

You shifted in his direction, but he stopped you from straddling him and instead made you settle for his arm over your waist as you laid facing each other.

“Where was it again?” He reiterated, continuing his line of questioning

You sighed reluctantly. “Chicago.”

“Really?”

“Mhm…”

“Why there?”

“It's up and coming.”

“I’m sure you like it.”

“Why?”

“You like anything that’s up and coming.”

There was a glimmer of humor in his eyes but you pretended not to notice the innuendo. “It’s okay if I stay to myself.”

“That’s good, birdie. I’m happy for you.”

You were confused but you had a feeling he wanted you to be. You didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of saying anything.

“Will you stay tonight?”

“Why?” You wondered. “You don’t want anything to do with me.”

“Not true.”

“Then what is happening right now? Why don’t you want me?”

“This is how I want you.” He shrugged. “This is more important to me than fucking every waking minute of our every encounter.”

“Laying here losing brain cells is more important to you?”

“Getting to know you is more important to me, yes.”

You didn’t know what he was up to, but you felt like there was some kind of method behind all this. It felt all too intentional.

“What do you want me to do? Lay here until you fall asleep?” You asked, turning onto your back and crossing your arms. “I can lay here until you fall asleep. Easy.”

He snuggled closer and kept his arm over your torso. “The whole time, or until I fall asleep?”

“What do you want?”

“The whole time.”

“Easy.”

He seemed satisfied. “What do you do now, honey?”

“Nothing.”

“You bought a house off nothing?”

“I had savings.”

“I want the address before you go.”

“What? No. Why?”

“So I can send you things.”

“No…I’ll leave my number if you want.”

He sighed—unsatisfied.

“What’re you doing tomorrow?” You asked in the wake of his silence. He was happy that you were engaging in the conversation.

“Working.”

“That’s nice.”

“Will you stay with me for a few days? You can hang out with the guys while I’m on set and at night we could do our own thing.”

“I don’t know if I can.”

Silence.

“Don’t be mad at me.”

“Why can’t you stay?”

“Because~”

“You don’t want to?”

“I can’t.”

“I don’t understand why you insist on keeping this space between us like it matters anymore~”

“It matters to me.”

“You don’t know how to let anyone love you.”

“Sorry, I don’t have much practice.”

“I’m trying to show you.”

You laughed.

“I’m serious.”

“What do you want?”

“Stay and play house with me for a couple days. After that I’ll send you back to Chicago.”

Now you were silent.

“I’ve played your game for the last six years. You can’t play mine for a couple days?”

That changed things—that made it feel less like a commitment and more like a challenge.

“There’s that mischief in your eyes again,” Elvis said.

“You think you can top my game?”

“I’ve had some practice in the last few years.”

You enjoyed his confidence—he was so sure of himself.

“What do you say?”

“Game on.”

*

This is what he needed you to see.

He wanted you to see how much the world and the people around him desired him—his attention, his praise, his approval. He needed you to see that, while you ran away from his affection, others craved it. And for so many hours of your life you were forced to soak it all in.

Set tours, studio tours, special guest seating, special guest accommodations that no one needed or asked for. He must’ve told them you were the Queen of fucking England.

Every second you were away from him, you absolutely wanted to die—but you didn’t let it show.

The last thing you needed after a miserable day of pretending to give a shit about Seattle was to be swarmed by frenzied fans, yet there you were. He didn’t even try to avoid them. He walked right into the line of fire and struck up a conversation.

When he finally pulled himself away from the crowd you expected to be ushered the rest of the way to the car. However, he slipped his arm around your waist and went for a kiss. If it hadn’t been the first time his lips touched yours in the last three years you would have pushed him away.

Your first kiss in three years and he made sure there were a million people watching.

And to say the least, he didn’t look one bit surprised at the uproar of chaos erupting behind you. He actually smiled when you were finally behind the safety of the car door.

“You think that was funny?”

“It wasn’t too bad~”

“Kissing me in front of all those people, what were you thinking?”

He shrugged. “I was thinking that I wanted to kiss you so I did.”

You scoffed and looked out the window.

“I’m sorry, mama, I didn’t think you’d be upset.” He closed the space between you and put his arm around you. “When I see you, everything else fades away and it’s just us.”

“You should know by now that sweet lines don’t work on me.”

“They work on something.”

You pretended to not understand.

“You gotta be purring from all this excitement.” His voice was like gravel when he muttered those words. He watched you tense with a satisfied grin.

“What are you gonna do about it?” You regretted the question; it sounded less like an invitation in your head. “Actually, don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t do anything about it.”

“Oh, I wasn’t going to.”

You raised an eyebrow.

“I’m not gonna fuck you in the back seat of my car.”

“I bet you’d change your mind if I…got you going first.” You placed a hand between his thighs. “Unless you’re too much of a big, Hollywood star to get your dick sucked in the backseat of your fancy car.”

“Stop.”

“Why? Can’t handle it?”

He cupped your chin in his hand and kissed the corner of your mouth. “Just be here with me, okay? Relax.”

You didn’t protest when he pulled you further into his side and sat back in his seat. “Did you go on any of the tours I set up for you?”

You shift into a more comfortable position and settled in as well. “Yeah, they were really nice.”

“I’m glad you got a chance to go.”

You didn’t know what to say. You never knew what to say.

“What’s wrong?” He must’ve noticed your panic.

“N-Nothing.”

“When we get to the hotel I’m gonna send you up first. I have to hang back and talk to some people.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll only be a few minutes.”

A few hours. He’d only be a few hours. You didn’t know what could possibly have been taking him so long. At some point you attempted to escape the silence, only to discover the floor being blocked off.

“I’m sorry, miss, I can’t let you by.”

“Excuse me?”

“The floor’s already been secured. That means nobody in and nobody out for the rest of the night.”

“W-Well…if you just let me go, I won’t come back.”

“I’m afraid I can’t.”

“So, what—I’m trapped here?”

“The floor opens in the morning.”

“Un-fucking-believable.” You stormed back down the hall and into the room—throwing your purse down without caring about the contents splaying out onto the floor. You sat down on the bed in a huff, looking around the room. It was a bit mundane for Elvis. That’s when you knew that it wasn’t his room.

It was yours.

You went back into the hall to talk to the guards. “Which one of these is the Royal?”

“Last one on the end.”

You didn’t waste another minute before going over. You could hear the music from a few paces away and when you knocked, the door opened to a party. You were floored.

“Lottie?” Red asked in shock.

“Surprised to see me?” You forced a smile.

“What are you doing in Seattle? H-How’d you get past security?”

“I’m real good with people, Red. When they try to say ‘no’ it just comes out as ‘yes.’”

He flushed. “I-I’m sure Elvis would be thrilled to see you.”

“Is he here?”

“Yeah, I’ll go tell him you’re~”

“No. I want to surprise him.”

Red nodded. “He’s somewhere over there.”

You headed in the opposite direction—you weren’t looking for him anymore.

*

“Hey, baby, you okay?”

The man looked up upon hearing your voice but he looked around for who you were speaking to instead of responding.

“You.”

“Me?” He asked.

“Yeah, you,” You chuckled.

“O-Oh…yeah, I’m alright.”

“What’s your name?”

“…Joel.”

“It’s nice to meet you Joel.”

“Y-You too.”

You followed his gaze for a moment to where Elvis was sitting. “Why do you keep looking over there?”

“I-I thought you were Elvis’ girl.”

“‘Elvis’ girl’, ugh, don’t you hate the sound of that?”

He laughed, shifting towards you despite his nervous demeanor.

“How do you know Elvis?”

“Jerry’s my cousin.”

“Jerry?”

“Yeah.”

“Jerry’s your cousin?” You looked at him. “I don’t see it.”

“How do you know him?”

“It’s a long story,” You said dismissively. “I rather hear more about you.”

“T-There’s…there’s not much t-to hear.”

You pouted. “No interesting stories to tell?”

He shook his head.

“Do you want an interesting story to tell?”

“I-I…I don’t—I mean, I s-shouldn’t.”

“You shouldn’t?”

“No, you’re…y-you’re E’s girl.”

“Did we have this conversation already, or am I getting deja vu?”

“…You’re funny.”

“I’m funnier when I’m sitting down.” You didn’t wait for a response as you took his hand and led him with you—only doubling back for the rest of his drink when you noticed him leaving it. “You’re gonna want to finish this.”

You found a spot on the sofa that was pushed against the back wall. It was a bit cramped but you didn’t mind as much as Joel.

“Do you mind?” You asked, shifting towards him and resting your legs in his lap.

“O-Oh~”

“So, what do you, Joel?”

“Uhm…I used to sell cars with my dad.”

You pretended to care. "Then what happened?”

“He wanted me to go on the road with Jerry.”

“Why?”

He shrugged, stumbling over his words for a moment when you grabbed his wrist and lead his straw to your lips. “H-He said…he said, uhm, that h-he wanted me to know what it was like to be on my own.”

“You aren’t really on your own here, are you?”

“I don’t know…it seems like it sometimes.”

“I can see that.”

“How d-did you say you knew Elvis again?”

“Oh, I didn’t.”

He nodded. “I-I saw you earlier…t-together, so, w-we all thought~”

“You know what happens when you assume, Joel.”

“Yeah, but…”

“We’re just talking, baby.” You offered a reassuring smile. “There’s no harm in that.”

“Okay.”

“Are you having a good time?”

“Yeah.”

“If you could be doing anything else in the world what would you be doing?”

“I-I don’t know, why?”

You shrugged. “Aren’t you going to ask me?”

He swallowed. “What would you be doing?”

“…I think you know what I’m going to say.”

You couldn’t tell if the sweat on his forehead formed instantaneously or if it had already been there. You couldn’t help but enjoy the expression on his face. You weren’t sure what the emotions were, but you reveled in the conflict.

“Hey, Jo, man let me talk to you,” Jerry appeared suddenly, his voice cutting through your conversation and even starling you a bit.

“Y-Yeah?” Joel stood hurriedly, moving your legs in his rush to get up.

“Hi, Jer-bear,” You said. “I was just talking to Joel and he said he’s your cousin."

“He is my cousin.”

“He’s too cute to be your cousin.” You smiled at the way his face flushed. “And he’s sweet, unlike you.”

“E’s looking for you.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, go find out.”

“I don’t like the way you said that.” You stood with a sigh. “Tell the guards to let me out of this hell hole.”

“I can’t do that.”

“What, are we all trapped here?”

“No, you’re free to go back to your room.”

“See, Joel,” You said looking at him. “You could never be this much of an asshole.”

“I-I’m gonna g-go,” He stammered before escaping.

“He wants you to go to him,” Jerry said. “I’m just the messenger, alright, so…”

“‘Alright, so,’ what?”

“So don’t call me an asshole.”

“Only an asshole can do whatever that asshole says, Jerry,” You said. “It’s not my fault the shoe fits.”

“Do I have to tell him you aren’t coming?”

“You don’t have to do anything. You’re your own man.”

He looked annoyed. “I’m just doing my job.”

“So am I.”

He frowned but you didn’t explain before turning on your heel and walking away.

You caught Joel’s eye again on your way out of the room but he quickly avoided your gaze. You tried not to laugh as you left the suite.

“I’m not even going to try with you bunnies again,” You called to the guard at the end of hallway. You noticed that only one stood in the place of the two before. “I’ll just go rot in my cell for the rest of the night. Until you let me go. How fucking stupid is that?”

“Sorry, lady.”

“Fuck you. You can’t tell a person they can’t leave on their own free will.”

“Everyone knew the floor was closing at midnight.”

“No one told me.”

“…sorry?”

You rolled your eyes and stopped to unlock your room door. “Do you know Elvis? D-Did you meet him?”

“Yeah,” The guard seemed through with you.

“What’d you think?”

“I don’t know, he’s a good guy.”

“Wrong,” You said. “He’s not a good person. He’s actually an asshole.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, and he leaves girls alone for hours waiting for him and then he never actually shows up.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, then he makes sure not to tell the girl that she can’t leave after midnight. So she sits there until it’s too late and now she’s just a sitting fucking duck waiting around for the sun.”

“…sorry about that.”

“I think you should let me go.”

“Lady~”

“Vivian.”

“I'm sorry, Vivian, I’m just doing my job.”

“This really has nothing to do with your job.” You had left the door and started making your way towards him. “I’m really good about keeping secrets. I wouldn’t tell a soul it was you that let me by.”

“My partner’s gonna be back any minute.”

“Then let’s hurry.”

He laughed. “You should go to your room and sleep the night off.”

“I would its just that…”

“What?”

“I get real sick when I’m alone.”

“Sick how?”

“Sometimes…I think I’ll die.” You stopped in front of him and met his eyes. “It’s not good for me. That’s why you ought to let me by.”

“I can’t.”

“Well it’s either that or spending the night with me.”

“Birdie.”

You practically jumped a foot off the ground upon hearing his voice booming with such anger.

“Elvis, don’t~”

“What the fuck are you doing, huh?”

“Leave him alone~”

“You, shut up and get in the room,” He snapped, ushering you back that way. “You—you’re fucking fired, get out of my sight.”

“He didn’t do anything wrong~”

“Go.”

You released a stunned gasp when he grabbed your arm and drug you the rest of the way into the room. “What is the matter with you?”

“Me? What the hell is the matter with you?”

You weren’t sure how to respond to his anger when you were so upset yourself.

“I can’t believe you’re the one screaming right now,” You responded. “You left me here all night!”

“I told you that I had to talk to some people~”

“All night? It’s like you didn’t even consider the fact that you said you’d…” You noticed a certain expression on his face that made you stop. His disappearance tonight was intentional. You laughed humorously as you realized the situation you had unknowingly walked into.

He was going to leave you there all night to see if you’d stick around until the next day.

“What?” He wondered. He wanted you to confirm that you knew exactly what was going on

“Did you make your point?”

He shrugged. “Do you feel like shit?”

You wanted to cry. “Yep.”

“Then I guess I made my point.”

“I want to leave.”

“You can’t.”

“…Then you leave.”

“I will if you really want me to.”

“I really want you to.”

“Okay.”

You were shocked when he turned around and started toward the door.

“I want you to know,” You started, waiting for him to face you to continue. “I’ve never set out to intentionally hurt you. Ever. That’s not what I do, and it’s not something I tolerate from anyone—not even you. So…I hope you’re happy knowing that if you never see me again after tonight, it’s your fault.”

“Is that all?”

You forced down the yell that had threatened to erupt from your throat and you let your words die on your tongue. “…Good night, Elvis.”

“Will you be here tomorrow?”

“Only if I’m cold and stiff.”

That seemed to make his movements falter but he ultimately kept walking. “I guess I’ll see you in a few years then.”

“Don’t count on it.”

You weren’t shocked to find Jerry knocking on your door the next afternoon—doing his usual clean up.

“Can’t you just stay until the end of filming?”

“Why should he get whatever he wants?”

“When he gets whatever he wants, our lives are easier.”

“Jerry, I think you mean ‘when he gets whatever he wants, we all get whatever we want.’”

“All I know is that last week he didn’t even want to show up and this week he’s gotten there early everyday. I haven’t seen him this enthusiastic about anything in years and I honestly think you’re the reason.”

“I’ve only been here two miserable days.”

“I’m telling you, he’s different. He’s happier when you’re around, I noticed it back then too.”

“Well I’m not. It’s like fucking torture to me.”

“Because you’re not trying to meet him where he’s at.”

“That’s all I’ve been doing. He’s the one with zero regard for anyone’s feelings.”

“He’s been in love with you for six years and you’ve never seen him the same way. He did more than respect your feelings when you told him you were a whore~”

“I don’t think you even want to go there, Jerry.”

“He’s told me what you used to do for Ron~”

“Don’t.”

“I’m not judging you, it’s the honest to god truth. He’s protecting himself just like you have been all these years.”

“By treating me like shit?”

“By keeping you at arms length where you belong.”

*

You told Jerry that you’d stay but you didn’t hear from Elvis again until that night. He showed up so late that night you had already convinced yourself that he wasn’t coming and had resorted to crying your eyes out thinking he was officially done with you.

“Why’d you stay?” He spoke as soon as he entered, his voice booming in the silent room. He let the door swing shut behind himself and plopped down on the edge of the bed.

“I talked to Jerry.”

“You did?” He was shocked at the sight of your tears. “Hey…y-you’re crying. Since when do you cry?”

“Baby, I…Elvis,” You tried to force a steady tone as you sat up to speak. “I’m sorry.”

“Stop.” He shifted to face you. “I c-can’t believe you’re crying. How much did you drink?”

“I’m not drunk. I didn’t even go to the party.”

“Why?”

“It doesn’t matter, look, I…I don’t want you to think that I showed up here to hurt you. W-When I found out that Don was going to your party I-I thought that it meant something. I thought we could see each other again and I could make up for the way I left before.”

“Why?”

“Because, ever since everything happened with Ron, I’ve been trying to be different. I’m trying to be a better person.”

“…If I’m just a step on your path to becoming a better person then honestly~”

“That’s not~”

“No, I’m really glad you’re going on this journey of self discovery and everything but I don’t see how it involves me.”

“It involves you.”

“How?”

“Because I…I-I guess I love you.”

He pursed his lips. “You guess?”

“I know I do a-and I couldn’t live thinking you hated me for the way I left.”

“I do hate you for the way you left.”

“I know, and I’m sorry.”

“If I forgive you will you disappear?”

“…Not if you don’t want me to.”

“Do you love me? Or is it a trick?”

“I’ve loved you since that night in Ohio.”

“You’re lying.”

“Do you really think I’d still be here if I were lying?”

“Then what’s been the point of this whole thing? The past six years? Do you get off on being miserable?”

“I’ve never…” You wanted to disappear.

“Uh-uh, don’t do that,” He snapped. “Don’t start fixing shit up in your head~”

“I’m not~”

“You look like you’re already a million miles away so you might as well go.”

“I’m here, Elvis, I’m right here.”

“Where do you want to be?”

“I want to be here with you. That’s why I’m here.”

“I’m sorry if I’m having a hard time believing you, Vivian—or is it Lottie, or Des, fucking Treasure and every goddamn thing else besides your actual name~”

“You know my name.”

“That’s not the point! The point is that you’re a liar, all you do is lie.”

“I’m trying to stop. It’s all I’ve known for the last thirteen years, I can’t break it that easily.”

“What am I supposed to do with that?”

“You’re supposed to trust that I’m doing everything I can to be transparent with you. About everything.”

“Where are you from?”

“…N-North Carolina~”

“Lie.”

“I swear.”

“How’d you end up in Memphis?”

“That’s a question for my mama, Elvis. I don’t know.”

His jaw clenched and he shook his head.

“I’m telling you the truth,” You said. “Y-You can ask me anything. I-I mean…I’m trying, bunny, I really am.”

“How old are you really?”

“Oh, come on~”

“You said anything.”

“Don’t be a dick.”

“Do you really have a house in Chicago?”

“It’s a duplex.”

“And you’re there regularly?”

“As regularly as I can be.”

“What’d Jerry say to make you stay?”

“Nothing specific. He just made me feel like a piece of shit for being who I am…so pretty much the same thing you did, I guess.”

“You just can’t handle being called out on your bullshit.”

“You call it bullshit, I call it staying alive and sane.”

“You think you’ll go insane and die if you fall in love?”

“I’m already halfway there.”

Elvis chuckled and moved to sit next to you against the bed’s wooden headboard. “I want you to love me, birdie.”

“I do.”

“Then let it happen.”

“What if…I don’t know, what if you hurt me?” You tried to laugh but you were serious. “How do I know you aren’t going to keep punishing me?”

“I don’t want to punish you. I-I don’t want to trick you into loving me, I just want you to do it.”

“I do.”

“Say it.”

“What?”

“Just come out and say ‘Elvis, I love you. I want to be with you.’” You laughed. “I’m serious, let’s hear it.”

“Elvis, I love you. I want to be with you,” You repeated.

“I love you too, see?” He seemed content as he put his arm around your shoulders and pulled you into his side. He reached up to dry your remaining tears with the pad of his thumb. “You can be a good girl. You’re a sweet girl, I know you are.”

“Only for you.”

“I like that.” He kissed you gently, moving his lips slowly against yours. “Tell me you’re my girl.”

“You’re pushing it.”

He laughed. “Please?”

“I’m your girl, E.” You couldn’t make out his expression but you felt his breath catch as he kissed you again. “Do you like that?”

“Yes,” He whispered. “Fuck, you don’t know how long I’ve been waiting to hear you say that.”

He convinced you to let him take you home to Chicago. You protested at first but gave in eventually. Mostly because he stopped believing you had a place.

“Go ahead. Call it a piece of shit.”

“No, it’s…it’s got good bones, I can tell.” He looked around. “At least it’s real.”

“A real piece of shit.”

He walked further into the house and you watched him closely. “How do you keep up with it?”

“I don’t think you want to know.”

“…I thought you said you were done with those games.”

“I am, it’s not that,” You said. “Ron helps out a lot, that's all.”

He looked confused. “You’re letting him pay your bills?”

“For now, until~”

“Why would you want any connection to him at all?”

“I don’t. But he said it was the least he could do after everything that happened.”

“He just wants control.”

“My mother asked him to, that’s the only reason he’s doing it.”

“What does he get out of it?”

“I don’t know, we don’t even talk directly—only through my mom.”

He shook his head. “You made it seem like you were doing better when you’re really in the exact same situation as the last time I saw you.”

“I am doing better.”

“How?”

“I don’t know…I feel better.”

“You don’t feel safe.”

“I never have.”

“Do you understand why I have an issue with that?”

“What do you want me to do? I didn’t know you were going to make me feel bad~”

“Don’t start weaponizing everything I say like you always do~”

“You make me feel bad for the way my life is, E. I’m not weaponizing anything, alright, it’s the way I feel.”

“That’s not what I’m trying to do, I’m trying to tell you that there’s another way.”

The phone rang and you hesitated to answer.

“Pick it up.”

“No.” He moved to get it and you stopped him. “Okay, fine.”

He stood back as you answered the call, listening intently.

“Hello?” You avoided his eyes. “Hey, Arnie, how are you?”

You heard Elvis scoff.

“…No, I…I would, baby, but I don’t think I can make it to the airport tonight. I just got home from a long weekend.”

Elvis seemed to not be interested in the conversation anymore and opted for wandering down the hall.

“I’ll make it up to you, okay? Don’t be mad at me…okay…you too. Bye.” You ended the call but left the phone off the hook. “Bunny?”

“Who the hell is Arnie?”

“I met him in New York. He’s a director.”

“Men just call and offer to fly you out places?”

“He likes when I come to his parties. He thinks it makes them more attractive.”

“He thinks you’ll be an easy target for his customers—I meant guests, sorry.”

“I don’t screw whatever walks like a duck, E, give me a break.”

“How many people have you screwed? Not even in your life, just in past three years.”

“You know just what to ask a lady.”

“You said I could ask anything.”

“If I’m being honest…four? Yeah, only four.”

“Including me or not?”

“Not.”

“Who were they?”

“I told you the number, do I really have to tell you who it was?”

“No, but I’ll assume and make an ass out of the both of us.”

“…You can’t really be upset, it was before I knew I’d see you again.”

That detail seemed to make him feel better. “Four people, huh?”

“Turns out I have a lot of friends. You’d be surprised how many of these guys just need someone to talk to.”

“You lead a lot of people on is what you’re saying.”

“It’s more fun playing the long game.”

“Which is why we’ve been doing this for six years?”

“I was hoping you’d get tired of me but you’re helpless.”

“I don’t give up when I really want something.”

“I’ve noticed.”

He sighed and looked around. “I want you to find a new place. Somewhere Ron can’t control you.”

“I was going to as soon as I saved up enough.”

“If you’re gonna let him pay your way you might as well let me do it.”

“Ron owes me.”

“Yeah, well don’t you owe me a little peace of mind after everything you’ve put me through?”

“I don’t even talk to him unless something out of the ordinary happens.”

“I’m not asking you to move in with me.”

“Then what are you asking?”

“I don’t know…I just want you out of here. I got a place up in California, you can stay there.”

“I’m starting to see what you mean when you say that I don’t listen to myself when I talk.“

“I think you living in Ron’s duplex is more insane than you living in my house.”

“I can’t just pick up and move to California.”

“You also can’t just decide to use logic whenever you feel like it. You’ve picked up and moved to a million different places since I’ve known you.”

“I like it here.”

“If you like it here you’ll love it there.”

You glanced off.

“Tell me what’s really stopping you.”

“It seems like we’d be spending a lot more time together if I did that.”

“Hopefully.”

“…I have this funny feeling you won’t like me as much once you get to know me.”

“We can take it as slow as you want, birdie. I’m not gonna be there every day. You’ll have all the space to do…whatever you want, I mean—y-you’re your own person, so…if you want to have people over, you can have them over—I-I don’t care.”

“Are you giving me permission to throw crazy parties at your house?”

“I’m just letting you know that I’m not trying to impede on your, I guess…y-your business.”

“Will you take the offer?”

“I’ll feel like I’m taking advantage~”

“I know you, birdie, come on.” He waved dismissively. “I want you to say yes so we can get a flight before the end of the night. I can’t stand the thought of sleeping under Ron’s roof.”

You laughed. “He’s never even stepped foot in this place.”

“Say yes, please,” He said, letting his voice drop. “I want to be able to sleep at night knowing that you’re safe.”

The phone rang within the moments that it was on the hook and Elvis picked it up with an aggravated sigh.

“What?” He stopped you when you tried to take the phone. “She doesn’t live here anymore.”

“Elvis!” You were stunned when he hung the phone up and dialed the number to the airport.

“It’s true.” He shrugged and began conducting business. “…Yeah, Elvis Presley.”

You rolled your eyes when he held the phone up to your ear so that you could hear the overexcited reaction from the airport receptionist.

[ssinnerplazahotel]

WC:4k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, yandere elvis, it’s the 50s/60s, domestic violence (no graphic details), painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Note/: this is part three of a five part series and was intended for black readers but written with no physical descriptions——all reader’s welcomed

“Hello?”

“H-Hi, is this…who is this?”

“This is Vernon, who’s this?”

“U-Uhm, this is—Elvis gave me this number and I was just trying t-to reach him.”

“Who is this?”

“Y/n.”

“Who?”

“Birdie.”

“Oh…just a second.”

You shivered, ducking further into the corner of the phone booth.

Elvis’ voice spoke abruptly when he picked up the phone. “Birdie?”

You sighed. “Is that you, bunny?”

“…Holyshit, it’s you.”

“Elvis?”

“W-What are you doing? Are you home? It’s been~ Where’s Ron? A-Are you still~”

“Elvis,” You said more firmly.

“Yeah?”

“I-I really~ I don’t know what to say, I-I’m really s-sorry t-to call like this~”

“What’s wrong? Are you home?”

“Yes, but…”

“Birdie? H-Hello?”

“I need you to come pick me up.”

“What?”

“I-I…I don’t know…” You were barely staving off a breakdown. “I’m s-so…I know I haven’t called, I haven’t been in town…I tried t-to stay away.”

“Where are you? Are you with Ron?”

“No, I haven’t been with him s-since…s-since she’s been back.”

“Who?”

“My mother.” You were sobbing but you didn’t notice. “I-I came back because I thought he s-said he…he told me he’d hurt her if I didn’t c-come back. I tried to stay away. I really wanted to stay away.”

“Where are you?”

“I w-was trying to protect her. I just wanted t-to protect her~”

“Baby, I can’t find you if you don’t tell me where you are.”

“You can’t find me?” There was an uptick of panic in your tone that made him rush to try and console you.

“I’m gonna find you, honey, I just need you to tell me where you are. Did you walk from Ron’s or what?”

“I g-got a ride, uhm…here, d-downtown, I was trying to…I was gonna keep walking but my leg…my leg isn’t right…”

“What do you see?”

“I see uhm…t-the loan office.”

“Lippman’s?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, baby, I’m gonna come up and get you. I need you to stay put—don’t go fluttering around.”

“M-My leg…”

“I’m on my way. Stay right there.”

He was there in record time. Or perhaps you were in such a state of delirium and dissociation that the minutes went by effortlessly. It was late and the streets were nearly deserted, making it easy for him to rush towards you without being bombarded. He was out of the car before it stopped moving fully, running towards the phone booth with an expression as worried as the last time you saw him.

“Birdie,” He said when he snatched open the door of the booth. You reached for him the moment he was close enough to hold onto and he took you in his arms. “Are you okay?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. Let me look at you.”

“No.”

“Why?”

“It’s not good.”

“Okay…okay, Jerry, help me get her out of here.”

You felt lifeless when he lifted you out of the booth. All the pain had gone numb and you finally felt safe enough to close your eyes.

“Should we get her to a hospital?” Jerry’s voice asked.

“No, please.” You didn’t notice your grip tighten around Elvis as you begged them not to involve anyone else.

“J-Just…no, just straight to the house.” He wanted you to go to the hospital, and it scared you to think that you looked bad enough to need medical attention. “I’ll get somebody to come check on her once we get her cleaned up…it might not be as bad as it looks.”

“Her leg…”

You cringed, remembering the pain but not feeling it anymore.

“W-We’ll fix it. It’s fine, she’s fine. Y-You’re okay.”

Their voices grew muddled and soon you drifted off into darkness.

*

You woke in a cold, dim room. Your body ached and when you shifted you discovered an IV hooked onto your arm. Your eyes hurt and you struggled to focus.

“Birdie? Honey, a-are you awake?”

“…Elvis?”

“Yeah, it’s me. I’m here.”

“How?”

“You called me. You don’t remember?”

“No.”

“Are you in pain?”

“No, just…my leg.”

“They said you had a pretty good sprain, nothing seems broken o-or out of place.”

Everything about you felt broken and out of place.

“How’d it happen?”

“I-I had to jump…to get out of m-my room. I jumped out t-the window…y’know?”

“Well…this ought to help with the pain.” He wanted to say something else but he didn’t. You felt him place an object in your hand before instructing you to press the button. “Whenever you’re in pain you just press that. Pretty nifty stuff.”

You appreciated his attempt at humor despite the tragedy before him. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t~”

“I’m so sorry, Elvis.”

“I’m glad you called me.”

“It’s not fair.”

“Well…lucky for you I don’t know how to hold a grudge.”

“I’m gonna get out of here as soon as~”

“I don’t want to hear any of that right now. You just focus on getting better, then you can…run for the hills, I guess.”

There was an undertone of sadness behind his words.

“I wasn’t supposed to ever come back here. I was free. I-I was really free, n-not like before, I was really on my own out there…”

“It’s okay, honey.”

“He found me all the way in Detroit.”

“He won’t find you here.”

“Where are we?”

“My room.”

“Graceland?”

“Yeah, where else?”

You scanned the room, squinting against the pain behind your eyes. “It’s too cold.”

He laughed. “Is that your only criticism?”

“Yeah.”

“…You really scared the shit out of me. I was this close to taking you to the hospital.”

“It looks like the hospital came to me.”

“They didn’t get here til this morning.”

“It’s okay, E.”

“You were in pain all night.”

“I’m not anymore.”

“If I ever lay eyes on that motherfucker, I’ll kill him.”

“Please~”

“It's not good that I know where he lives, nothing’s stopping me.”

“I can’t handle hearing that.”

“It’s true.”

“I know but I don’t want you to go there. I want you to forget this even happened, it’s humiliating.”

“When I look at you I don’t see anything worth being humiliated about. I see a little girl that got beat like a grown man.”

You closed your eyes, warding off the memories—it was all too fresh. “I can’t…”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, fuck,” He swore to himself at the sight of your tears. “I just can’t stand seeing you like this.”

“I wish you didn’t have to.”

There was a sudden knock on the door and Jerry walked in, retracting when he saw that you were awake. “Oh, she’s…”

You averted your gaze—embarrassed.

“She’s alright, Jer,” Elvis reassured him.

“Alright, well…let me know.”

“I’ll let you know,” Elvis said, and he was gone. “He’s been just as worried as me. He saw you last night—before the doctor got to you this morning.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I don’t want you to be sorry.”

“I can’t believe this is how you see me after all these years.”

“I’ve been waiting to see you.”

“Yeah, right.”

“I’m always waiting.” He fell silent. You wondered what he wanted you to say. “Did you get any of my letters?”

“Yeah, I got them.”

He frowned. “All of them?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you reply?”

“I don’t know…I couldn’t find any stamps.”

He stopped meeting your eyes. “So you know?”

“The whole world knows.”

“It’s nothing serious~”

“I don’t care if it is. I’m happy you’re happy.”

“You don’t care?”

He wanted you to. He wanted you to and he couldn’t hide it. “Of course not. What’s she like?”

“…She’s a good person.”

“That’s good.” You tried to smile. “Do you love her?”

“I don’t know.”

You nodded. “You should try to.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s hard to find good people in the world now.”

“You’re never usually that pessimistic.”

“I wonder what happened to all my optimism.”

His smile was soft in the dim lightning. “You’re a good person.”

“I’m sorry if I gave you that impression.”

“This persona you created doesn’t disguise everything.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“I think if you had somewhere safe to go you wouldn’t be so all over the place. You could be yourself.”

“I’m myself everywhere I go.”

“I think you’re more yourself with me than anyone else.”

“You have no idea who I am, do you realize that?”

“Why’d your mother go back to Ron?” He knew you’d be caught off guard by the question.

“I-I don’t know…” You shook your head. “I don’t care, i-it has nothing to do with me.”

“You didn’t call.”

“You’re really grilling me, here~”

“I haven’t seen you in two years~”

“I know, but still~”

“I have questions.”

“I know.” You sighed. “What’s your question?”

“Why didn’t you call?”

“I dialed the number a million times…I-I just—I don’t know, I kept talking myself out of it.”

“Why?”

“I thought you’d forget about me if I stayed away.”

Elvis nodded but you couldn’t tell if he understood. “I fixed up a room for you. I-I wanted you here until you w-woke up but I thought y-you’d want your own space while you’re here.”

You were eager for the opportunity to escape and that was it. You had enough common sense to know that you couldn’t go anywhere until your leg healed enough, but as soon as it did—and when he least expected it—you’d leave. Hopefully blowing his life up for the last and final time.

“Why’d you do that?” He wondered in the wake of your silence.

“What?” You asked.

“It’s like you…went inward, or something.” He waited for you to respond. “What’re you thinking?”

“Mostly just about having to piss with this thing on my leg,” You said, gesturing at the brace halfheartedly. “I’ll figure it out though. I’m ready to move to the other room.”

“It’s no rush~”

“I want to get out of your way.”

The transport was nothing short of mortifying and you almost wanted to walk on the sprain to save yourself the humiliation of being carried. Once in the guest bedroom you quickly dismissed him.

“Don’t let me keep you.”

“Why’re you trying to get rid of me?”

“I’m tired…”

“Okay.” He didn’t want to leave. “Don’t forget to press the button if you’re in pain.”

“Got it.”

“Do you need anything?”

“Not really.”

“Alright. I’ll check on you later.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I want to.”

“…Alright.”

*

[ ] Spend the days avoiding Elvis.

[ ] Spend the nights with avoiding with Elvis.

[ ] Spend the afternoons avoiding Elvis.

[ ] Find a gun and blow your brains out.

[✓] All of the above.

*

“What are you doing? You ain’t s’pose to be walking around without the brace.”

“You’re gonna have to turn around and knock before you start talking to me~”

“I’m not knocking on my own doors in my own house.”

“I’m gonna start locking it.”

“No you aren’t.”

“Do you know how exhausting it is having to beg you to leave me alone?”

“Do you know how exhausting it is having to ignore you?”

You winced when you shifted onto your leg and Elvis rushed to help you balance.

“See?” He chastised.

“I got it,” You insisted.

“You’re gonna make it worse.”

“It’s a sprain. You’re supposed to walk them off.”

“You can’t even stand on it.”

“I was doing fine before you barged in here.”

He helped you sit down on the edge of the bed and you let him. Despite your determination to put a rush on your recovery, you were still in a lot of pain.

“It’s more swollen than it was yesterday,” He had said upon kneeling down to examine your injury.

“No it isn’t.”

“It is too. Look~”

“Elvis!”

“That hurt?”

“Yes that hurt, jackass.”

“Hey, alright, I’m sorry.”

“It’s not funny.”

“Alright. Let me see.”

You sighed but let him take your ankle into his hands. He carefully bent your knee, stopping when he noticed you grimace.

“It still needs time.”

“Don’t look so thrilled about it.”

“I’m not.”

“You’d probably chop it off if it meant I was stuck here longer.”

“Is that what you think?”

“Yeah.”

“If I thought you were really stuck I wouldn’t be checking every hour to see if you’re still here.”

“Is that what you’ve been doing?”

“I can’t help it.”

“Oh, sure you can.”

He shrugged and returned to examining your foot.

“What are you doing?” You snapped halfheartedly—pushing him away. “I won’t walk on it, alright?”

He stood to sit next to you on the bed. He kissed your cheek and you found yourself smiling at the gesture before shying away from his touch.

“I was about to go to sleep,” You lied. “You should have gotten here sooner.”

“I would’ve if I had the chance.”

“It’s too late now.”

“Can I say good night at least?”

“Go ahead and say it.”

He laughed. “Come on, birdie. I been thinking about you all day.”

“What about me?”

“I-I don’t know, j-just…about you in general.”

It was your turn to laugh.

“Don’t make me go,” His voice dropped and he kissed your shoulder. It was the same thing every night. You weren’t sure if you should call it a routine. That would imply that you had fallen into expecting him, and you were very careful about not having any expectations. Expectations were for idiots.

You weren’t an idiot. Knowing that he would show up and expecting him to were two different things entirely. You knew he’d kiss your cheek and say sweet things until you ultimately reached for his belt. That didn’t mean that you were expecting him to.

He wouldn’t fuck you. Despite your many attempts at convincing him that it was fine, he didn’t want to hurt you—so he refused. You could tell that there was something about the situation that turned him on, you just didn’t know what it was.

Maybe he liked the way you begged for more. Maybe it made him feel in control and it was the only time he’d ever see that look on your face—the only time he’d hear you beg him for anything. It didn’t matter why, all that mattered was that it made him more eager to show you all the ways that he could make you fall apart.

You knew that no matter how much control you let him have, once you had his dick in your hand you quite literally had him back in the palm of your hand. He moved with you, he anticipated you—he let you know that he was there for you.

It was sweet that he truly believed that he was there for you.

Making him come wasn’t the same as making other men come. It felt less like an obligation and more like a game of strategy. He was easy and quick and if you twisted your wrist far enough to the right on your upstroke he’d brace himself instantly and the night would be over just like that. In your mind, the quicker he came, the faster he went and the less he’d want to stay. The objective was always to make sure that each night grew shorter and that each encounter lasted less time. Even if it meant shaving off mere seconds, you had to be quicker—more precise.

As he prepared to leave, you turned onto your side and grabbed one of the magazines you’d requested from downstairs. You flipped through the pages lazily, focusing more on the sound of his clothes shuffling back on than the words and images.

“Will I see you tomorrow?”

You smiled. “Sure.”

He knew not to kiss you goodnight.

*

You had tried to avoid this situation. You felt guilty enough about your late nights with Elvis without having to face the girl he snuck back into bed with every morning.

You didn’t want to make things uncomfortable for yourself or for her. It wasn’t her fault that you couldn’t leave and stay gone. You were the fuck up, not her.

Had you been able to recall any other number that night you would’ve called it, but you could only think of him. If you had been able to think of anyone else at that moment, you wouldn’t be in this situation right now.

“You’re Birdie, right?”

The sound of that name leaving her lips made you want to frown—but you smiled. “I have no idea why he calls me that. My name is D-Des…”

“Des?”

“Yep, short and sweet.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“You too.”

“It looks like you’re doing a lot better. Elvis was really worried about your leg.”

“Yeah, I’m…It’s getting easier.” You didn’t want to alert anyone to your improvement, you wanted them to think you still needed time.

“If there’s anything I can do for you~”

“I should be fine, really.”

She nodded and you thought you saw her shift uncomfortably. “…H-He~ I can tell he cares a lot about you.”

There was a conversation that she wanted to have and your response determined whether or not you’d let her take you down that road. “What makes you say that?”

“He’s just…he’s been so worried about you these past few weeks and h-he won’t eat. He doesn’t sleep because he’s checking on you every hour and I…I can’t help but notice.”

“I’m sorry if I did anything to make you think~”

“No, it’s not your fault. I just wish he’d open up to me about it. I-I mean, he hasn’t told me anything about you. He wouldn’t even tell me your name.”

You stopped yourself from telling her that he truly knew short of nothing about you—he knew less about you now after two years of not laying eyes on you. “I don’t know why.”

“Where’d you meet him?” She seemed genuinely curious.

“I don’t even remember, it was so long ago.”

“O-Okay~”

“I’m gonna head back to bed. Can’t overuse this thing.” You motioned to your leg with a forced laugh. “It was nice seeing you around.”

“You too, Des.”

“Oh, yeah.” You stopped short and faced her. “That’s where I’ve seen you.”

She looked confused. “I’m sorry?”

“You were in the paper with Elvis in LA just a few weeks ago,” You said. “I knew you looked familiar.”

“I-I…I didn’t go with him to LA.”

“You didn’t? He was in the paper with a girl that looked just like you.”

“Oh…no, i-it wasn’t me.”

“Hm, I guess I have you confused with someone else.” You shrugged indifferently. “See you around then.”

You didn’t see Elvis until you were on your way downstairs the next night. You’d learned to make your presence scarce, and you only left your room when it was necessary. So when you ran into him during the late hour, it had to have been intentional.

“What?” You asked when he didn’t speak.

“I’m waiting for you to disappear.”

“Why?”

“You’ve been walking on that leg for a week now.”

“Do you want me to leave?”

“Of course not.”

“Then what’s the matter?”

He caught your arm as you passed and made you face him. “Did you tell her I didn’t know your name and that I was in the paper with another woman?”

“Why would I tell her that?”

“I don’t, Des, why would you tell her that?”

You had to hold back a smile as you feigned confusion. “What?”

He pointed. “I see that look in your eyes.”

“What look?”

“You’re up to no good.”

You shrugged with an indifferent expression. “I really don’t know what you mean.”

“If you’re gonna disappear can I at least know when you do?”

“Elvis, you’ve come and gone to three different states in the past three weeks and each time you’ve come back I’ve been here.”

“So what?”

“So, I don’t know why you think I’d wait until you were home to leave. I could’ve left last week while you were in Texas.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Because, it’s not fair.”

“To who?”

“To you.”

“Like you give a shit what’s fair to me,” He laughed.

“I do. You’re the only real friend I have in the world.”

“I’m your friend?”

“Of course.”

He looked off. “I keep picturing you out there by yourself…it’s keeping me up at night.”

“I’ve always been on my own.”

“I know, but you said before that no matter where you went you knew you could always come home. A-And without Ron~”

“I don’t need Ron~”

“I can’t help but feel like you’re worse off constantly on the run with nowhere to go.”

“You make it sound so much worse than it actually is.” You rolled your eyes dismissively. “I have my ways of staying safe and getting from place to place like everyone else~”

“I understand, honey, but I don’t want that for you.”

You felt yourself slipping. “…I-I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“I want you to stay.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t want to be stuck here watching you play house every day.”

“Then…I-I’ll send her home.”

“My god, you’re horrible.”

“She was only supposed to be here a couple weeks anyway.”

“I can’t believe you’d even consider something so despicable.”

“She has somewhere to go, you don’t.”

“I have somewhere to go.”

“Where?”

“It’s a big world, I’ve made a lot of great friends. I’ll just…I’ll pick.”

His expression fell flat. “Do you ever actually hear any of the insane shit you say?”

“Do I sound insane?”

“All the time.”

Sonny appeared on the stairs but stalled when he saw the two of you. “Oh, sorry. Hey, Lottie.”

“Hey, baby,” You responded. “You okay?”

“Yeah. You look good as new.”

“I am good as new. I was just telling Elvis that I was headed out in the morning.” You didn’t meet his eyes when you felt him look at you.

“Oh,” Sonny said, stopping short on his way back down the stairs. “You got the ticket?”

“Yeah, two of ‘em,” You said. “D’you want one? I can show you a good time.”

“Yeah, right,” He laughed.

“Sonny, man, do you mind?”

“Sorry…” He left with a halfhearted wave.

You met Elvis’ eyes—you didn’t want to, but you did. “What?”

“Lottie?”

“Not my best work, I know. But I used to have this friend named Charlotte and she~”

“You were just gonna leave?”

“No, baby, I came to tell you.”

“If Sonny ain’t walk by you wouldn’t have even mentioned it.”

“How do you know?”

“Who’s the extra ticket for?”

“You’re asking that before asking where I’m headed?” You tsked. “You’re losing your touch.”

“Where are you headed?”

You smiled and he got that aggravated expression on his face. “Go ahead. Guess.”

“The moon?”

“Close. New York.”

“What’s in New York?”

“Buildings and streets and~”

“Fuck, birdie, you know what the hell I mean.”

“You’re getting antsy.”

“Because you’re working on my last damn nerve.”

“You better be quiet, your girl may hear you.”

“Who’s the extra ticket for?”

You leaned in as if to tell him a secret. “There is no extra ticket.”

He pushed his tongue into his jaw.

“I just wanted to make you shake your leg one more time before I left.”

The anxious trembling of his right leg halted as he became aware of it and you laughed.

“You screw around with Sonny?”

As tempted as you were to play into the question you knew he’d never believe you if you tried to take it back. “Of course not.”

“Who do you screw around with in the house?”

“As of tomorrow, not a soul.”

“As of right now.” His tone was stern.

“As of right now…only you, bunny.”

He had a familiar expression behind his eyes but you chose to ignore it.

“Good night,” You said before attempting to exit down the stairs.

“No…” He surprised you by pulling you into his arms. It was an unnatural moment for the two of you. It wasn’t the most sexual position you’d been in but it still felt too intimate.

“Stop.” You tried to push him away. “You’re getting too soft.”

“I love you.”

“Elvis~”

“I don’t care if you don’t want to hear it, I do.”

“Well…” You waited a moment before finally hugging him back. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Stay.”

“Why are you trying to break my heart?”

“You keep breaking mine.”

“I’m trying to stop.”

“I don’t want you to. The pain’s the only thing that feels real when you leave.”

“Have you always been this melodramatic?”

“I wish I could do what you do. I can’t make myself…stop feeling.” His words hurt, but you wouldn’t admit it. You weren’t an emotionless robot—you felt things even when you didn’t want to.

“Come on, let me go,” You said in a light hearted manner, pushing him away playfully.

“How long do you plan on staying in New York?” He kept his arms around your waist as he spoke, looking down at you.

“A while.” You could tell he didn’t believe you. “You can always take the extra ticket, y’know?”

“I thought you said~”

“Elvis?”

You turned your head when you heard her voice but Elvis stopped you when you tried to move away.

“I’m coming, baby, go back in the room.”

You couldn’t meet her eyes, you didn’t want to see the hurt that would obviously be there. You punched Elvis in the chest after hearing the door shut.

“What was that for?”

“Fuck you.” You glared up at him when he finally let you go.

“What?”

“That girl is in love with you.”

“She’s fine.”

“I don’t want her to hate me.”

“Why do you care how she feels about you?”

“I don’t live to make people hate me.”

“I know what you live for.”

“Really?”

“You live for driving people fucking insane by making them fall in love with you every where you go.”

You rolled your eyes. “What am I supposed to say?”

“Will you let me send you with something?”

“No.”

“I don’t want you out there empty handed~”

“You don’t have to worry about it. I’ll just go find a rich man and have him fall in love with me. That’s what I live for, right?”

“Birdie~”

“That’s not my name.”

His jaw tightened but you ignored his aggravation.

“Go get your girl,” You said, preparing to walk away—you were surprised to not hear a single protest as you did so. Although it didn’t show, every step hurt like hell.

“Hey, Lottie.”

“Hey, baby, are you okay?”

“Yeah. Where ya headed?”

You smiled at Charlie and held a finger to your lips. “It’s a secret.”

He didn’t question you any further as you picked a random coat from the rack by the door and slipped it on. You tried not to think about the uneasy feeling settling in your gut. It was a feeling that you’d gone too long without feeling—now it was unfamiliar. You walked as far as your legs would carry you before trying to find a familiar place to stop for a ride. It was dark enough for you to stay hidden in the shadows until you made it downtown.

“Yo, Treasure, is that you?”

You almost shouted in relief. “Chuckles?”

He laughed. “When you get home?”

“I’ve been here.”

“You tryna get a ride?”

“Yeah, where’re you headed?”

“Just back to the house.”

“I-I was hoping to get to the train station by tomorrow morning.”

“I can get you there by tomorrow morning.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, get in.”

You climbed into the car after he reached over and opened the passenger door. “I don’t know how to thank you, Chuck.”

“We’ll figure something out.”

You knew then that he wasn’t planning on giving you a free ride. You settled into your seat and tried to mentally prepare for the night ahead.

[ssinnerplazahotel]

WC:2k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, yandere elvis, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Note/: this is part two of a five part series and was intended for black readers but written with no physical descriptions——all reader’s welcomed

“I can’t believe you’re here.”

“That’s strike three. I’m getting too good at bending my own rules.” You got deja vu as you shut the door. The room was the same, the walls had collected more dust and the shelf in the corner had finally collapsed, but it was the same.

“BB said you w-were in Missouri.”

“I don't know why he said that.”

“I-I have y-your, uhm…” He retrieved the compact, fumbling around for it in his pocket before holding it out to you. “Y-Your little mirror.”

“Oh, I forgot all about it.” You’d thought about it every day, wondering if he’d been keeping up with it or if he’d lost it somewhere along the way.

“I’m sure he told you, b-but, I-I’m getting sent away soon.”

“Germany, right?” You tried on an optimistic tone. “You’re gonna love it.”

“You been?”

“It’s beautiful this time of year, the snow and everything…” You turned to hoist the window open, hoping to let some air into the room. You could hear the commotion in the street when you finally got it up. Elvis stepped back into the corner, hiding in the darkest shadows of the room to avoid being spotted.

“What were you doing in Germany?” He asked.

“I don’t know. Cigarette?”

“No, thanks.”

“Do you want a drink?”

“No.”

“Muscle relaxer? They work like a charm.”

“Do I seem tense?”

“Of course not, bunny.” You stepped in front of him and put your hands on his shoulders.

He put his arms around your waist and you relaxed into the casual embrace. “How have things been with Ron? I stopped calling when BB told me he was giving you a hard time~”

“Let’s not talk about Ron, right now, okay?”

“Where did you go after I left you in Ohio?”

“I got a ride.”

“From who?”

“Why do you want to know?”

“Because I can’t ever picture you doing anything. When you disappear it’s like you stop existing.”

“Elvis,” You chuckled.

“If I don’t come here and talk to BB I feel like you aren’t real.”

“Why do you need to know that I’m real?”

“Because I…I-I love you too.”

Your stomach dropped. You had hoped he’d avoid the topic or wait for you to bring it up—which you had no intention of doing.

“E-Elvis…” You cleared your throat. “I play a lot of games, and I know we have a pretty good one going but…I-I don’t think it’s a good idea to get too attached to me.”

His eyes hardened and he looked like a different person. This person took a long time to respond and you began to miss the gentle eyes he had before. “You think this is a game?”

“It’s fun, right?”

“Telling me you love me was a game?”

“I didn’t think I’d see you again. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, bun~”

“Cool it with the stupid nicknames, alright, it’s fucking~”

“Shh~”

“No, I’m not gonna be quiet~”

“Elvis.” You let him push you away, watching him pace a few steps.

He faced you and the shadows made him look angrier than he really was. “Why’d you even show up here?”

“BB called me.”

“And said what?”

“He said that you were here blowing up his spot and he wanted me to talk to you so he could stop boarding up his windows every night.”

“He never said anything to me about that.”

“Because he cares about you.”

“If he cared about me he would’ve told me that I was just one of your tricks.”

“You’re not.”

“What makes me different? You were gonna kiss up to me all night then go home and crawl in bed with Ron, right? Just like every other sucker you run into.”

“Don’t pretend to have a clue about anything I do.”

“I have no clue, no one in the world has a clue. BB’s your goddamn cousin and he doesn’t even know where you grew up.”

“He tells people that because we’re close. Like play cousins.”

“You aren’t close to anyone except Ron~”

“I’m sorry I made you upset, Elvis, that’s not what I want. Alright?” You weren’t sure how to salvage the night, but you had made a promise to BB so you tried. “Baby, I want to make you happy before you leave. Don’t you want that?”

He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t stop you when you took his face in your hands.

“Don’t you want to feel good?”

“Stop playing the game.” His voice was a whisper.

“I’ll do whatever you want. I’m here for you, bunny. That’s all I’m here for.”

“This is…T-This feels disgusting.” For the first time since he’d met you, he saw a break in your resolve.

“I-I don’t…” You sighed and threw your hands in defeat. “I don’t know what you want from me if you don’t want this.”

“Is this the shit that you do?”

“Elvis, I’m trying to~”

“Is this what he has you do for him?”

You felt exposed—like there was nothing surrounding you.

“You said he takes care of you, well in exchange for what?” He already knew the answer.

“…If you don’t want to have a good time then I’m leaving.” You panicked when he grabbed you and struggled against him—swinging your free arm with as much strength as you could muster. He relinquished his grip immediately, opting for blocking his face. “Don’t touch me like that. Do you hear me?”

“I’m sorry~”

“Don’t fucking grab me like that~”

“I won’t, alright, fuck. Just don’t leave.”

“Why should I stay? For you to interrogate me some more?”

“I didn’t mean to pry, honey, I just…fuck, I don’t know what this is. I don’t know what this just turned into o-or what it always was—I just don’t know.” You believed him.

“…BB’s paying Ron for me to be here, so…whatever you’ve been wanting now’s the best time because who knows when you’ll get another opportunity~”

“See? Stop, alright, that’s what I’m saying. What do you mean he’s paying him?”

“You know the game now, you might as well play.”

“I don’t want to. I’m not interested. Alright? I mean, for fuck sakes, do you even want to be here? H-How many people have you slept with tonight?”

Suddenly, you felt like crying. You knew why but you didn’t want to acknowledge it. You didn’t want to acknowledge the underlying disgust behind his tone because that would mean having to admit that he was in fact disgusted by you. It would mean having to admit that most people are or would be disgusted by you. You didn’t typically have to admit or acknowledge those things, and so you never did. Instead, you picked your purse up from the ground and prepared to leave.

“Don’t go,” He insisted.

“I’m sorry that I’m not the person you thought I was. But I won’t stand here and be degraded for things I have no control over.”

“Is he forcing you?”

“No. I like it.” You couldn’t stop the tears anymore and you stepped into the light to hide them—you knew he wouldn’t follow. “I like t-the freedom and money and it’s w-what I’m good at, so…”

“I’m not degrading you. I-I’m worried about you, honey, y-you’re…you’re just a little girl.”

You felt an odd sense of relief at his words. For once it seemed like someone was allowing you to be something other than what Ron had molded you into—you didn’t feel the need to pretend.

“How much did BB pay? I-I’ll give it back.”

“You don’t have to…I ruined your night.”

“No you didn’t.” Suddenly his hands were on your shoulders and while you didn’t feel the immediate urge to recoil, you rushed to push him away.

“Elvis, don’t. Someone might see~”

“I don’t care.” You let him stay. “How’d you get caught up with Ron?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“Why?”

“Because you’ll never see me the same.”

He wasn’t silent for long, but it felt like an eternity. “I didn’t know you were playing a game when I told you I loved you.”

“So?”

“So, I meant it. And telling me won’t change that,” He promised.

You tried to take a deep breath but there was still hardly any air in the room. “…He married my mother when I was younger.”

You could’ve imagined it, but you thought you felt him tense. “What happened to your mother?”

“She got away.”

“She left you?”

“Yeah, she’s…I don’t know where she is.”

“How old are you?”

You hesitated, you shouldn’t want him to know. You were careful to never reveal even the slightest detail of your life to anyone. But this was different—he was different. “…Nineteen.”

“How long have you been doing this?” His voice was clearer than it had been all evening, suddenly it felt like he had the upper hand.

“He lets me come and go when I do this. I feel freer when I can leave and do whatever I want~”

“That wasn’t my question~”

“I know that at the end of the day, if it's all accounted for, I can always go home. That's the way it is, that's the way it’s always been.”

“He’s taking advantage of you.”

“I’m not a little girl.” You pushed his hands off of your shoulders and faced him. “Like I told BB, things are good. Things were good before you.”

“Are they not now?”

“No, because he’s sick of hearing about Elvis Presley. You call a million times and send me gifts and expect him not to give me shit about it?”

“You said he didn’t care.”

“He doesn’t care, Elvis. No one cares, so why do you?”

“No one in their right mind would be okay with what you just described.”

“BB paid your bill tonight and didn’t bat an eye, wanna know why? Because it’s business. You’d save yourself a lot of trouble if you chose to see it that way.”

“I refuse to see it that way.”

“Then enjoy being miserable.” You made to leave but he stopped you—this time with a gentler hand.

“How much for a night?”

“Don’t worry about paying BB back, he doesn’t need your money.”

“How much?”

“…$20.”

“If I sent you back with $60 would you come with me for a few days?”

“That’s the way the game works.”

“Then come back with me.”

“You’re twisting the rules to your advantage.”

“You said yourself that you were getting good at bending the rules.”

“My bending the rules and your bending the rules aren’t the same.”

“How so?”

“Because, E…I know how not to fall in love.” He looked devastated as you stood up on your tip toes to leave a kiss on his cheek. “I won’t see you again.”

“Don’t say that.” His voice was quieter. “I-I’ll pay, birdie, I’ll p-play the game.”

“You said you weren’t interested.”

“I’m interested in being near you for as long as I can be before you disappear and it feels like this never happened.” He huffed. “I’ll do $70.”

“No~”

“$80, $100~”

“It’s not about the money, Elvis. You could give him a million dollars—he’s still gonna want to hear from me by the end of the week.”

“What’s he gonna do if you don’t show up?”

Your expression must’ve said something you didn’t because the crease between his eyebrows was there again—but this time it wasn’t because he was angry.

“I can’t stand that look you get when you think about him.”

“What look?”

“Like you’re scared of him.”

“I am scared of him.” The confession shocked you the same as it shocked him. You hadn’t admitted it before to yourself or to anyone else how much fear had been instilled into you from an early age.

“Please, come back with me.”

“You’re leaving soon~”

“You’ll be safe at Graceland.”

“I can’t explain why, E, but I…I’m sorry, I can’t.”

“How will I know if you’re okay?”

“You won’t know.”

“I-If…” He sighed, rubbing his eyes. “If I sent letters here would you stop by sometimes to pick em up?”

You shrugged. “I’m usually in town every Saturday.”

“Oh, now you tell me?”

You bit back a smile. “You’ll forget all about me when you get over there. You’ll see.”

“No I won’t. The whole time I’m gonna be trying to get back here to you.”

“You might see me there, you never know.”

“You haven’t actually been to Germany have you?” He asked.

“No, but you believed me, didn’t you?”

“You lie too good. It’s scary.”

“It keeps you wondering.”

He did that thing where he looked at you like he was trying to engrave the vision of you onto his retinas and you smiled fully. “Promise you’ll stop by for the letters.”

“I promise.”

“Swear.”

“I swear.”

“…I still don’t believe you.”

“You’ll just have to wait and see.”

He sighed and looked off.

“We don’t have to do anything,” You said, rubbing his shoulder. “W-We can just…talk about Germany if you want.”

He nodded and you moved to find a comfortable enough spot to sit down in. He joined you on the old wooden floorboards and crossed his legs.

“Are you okay?”

“…No.”

“What’s wrong?”

He shrugged and leaned back against the wall behind him. “I’m scared.”

“Of Germany?”

“Of everything.”

You nodded. “What can I do?”

He shook his head and you understood. You moved closer and laid on his shoulder.

“No matter what happens, bun, you gotta know that it’s gonna be okay. They can take whatever they want. They can’t have your soul. That’s yours. It’ll always be yours, even after this. You’ll see.”

“Do you think they’ll remember me?”

You listened to the frenzied fans through the window for a moment and laughed:

“I think they’re going to make sure everyone remembers you, baby.”

[ssinnerplazahotel]

WC:3k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, yandere elvis, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Note/: intended for black readers but written with no physical descriptions—all reader’s welcomed

When you saw him watching, you couldn’t help but put on a show. He didn’t seem like the type of man to approach a woman; you imagined he wouldn’t have had to do so often. Instead, he watched you move around the crowded lounge for over half an hour. He smiled softly whenever you caught his eye but otherwise only looked when you weren’t. At one point you had moved to the opposite side of the room and you thought you’d lost him. But when he managed to find you, you managed to find it in your heart to put him out of his misery.

He spoke first when you were close enough to hear him over the band. “You’re good at that.”

“At what?”

“Dancing.”

You laughed. “You’re good at watching.”

“What’s your name?”

“What?”

“Your name?”

You pretended not to be able to hear him over the music and offered to go upstairs to talk some place quieter. He hesitated and although you wondered why, you didn’t question it. You managed to get through the dense crowd without losing each other and you guided him upstairs.

“Yo, Treasure.” You found a familiar face lingering by the staircase.

“Chuck, baby, why am I not surprised to see you here?”

“You can’t be more surprised than me,” He said. “You look good.”

“You look the same as when I saw you last.”

“Who’s your friend?”

“He doesn’t have a name yet.” You smiled and continued up the stairs with your new friend in tow.

“Your name’s Treasure?” He asked.

“It is for Chuck.”

“What is it for me?”

You thought for a moment. “…Birdie.”

“Why ‘birdie?’”

“Have you ever seen a bird stay in one place for more than a few seconds?”

“No.”

“Exactly.” He was still confused. “I’m saying that I refuse to stay still.”

“You refuse?”

“Yeah.”

“…I struggle keeping still myself.”

“I guess we’re the same.”

He stepped towards you whenever you stepped back, keeping the space between you minimal. “Do you live around here?”

“I’m not from here.”

“Where are you from?”

“Nowhere.”

“W-What’s that mean?”

“I sorta go wherever I want and do whatever I want.”

“Is that right?”

“Yeah, and I don’t stop by the same place twice.” He looked disappointed. “My mother was the same way, so I can’t really say I’m from anywhere.”

“Oh.”

“What’s your name, baby?”

“O-Oh, it’s uh, Elvis.”

“Uh-Elvis?”

He chuckled softly and despite the dim light you saw the tips of his ears turn red. “Yeah.”

“I saw you up there talking to BB.”

“Yeah, w-we uh—I know him.”

“He ever show you this room?” You went over to the window and looked out. “They used to leave me up here when I was too little to party.”

“You were little? I-I mean, y-you knew him w-when you were little?”

“Come look, you can see the road from here.” You waited for him to cross the room, watching his expression as he looked out the window. He didn’t look too impressed.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah…w-why’d you ask?”

“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“Why would you?”

You shrugged. “Just being careful.”

He stepped closer. “You don’t have to be careful with me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

You slipped your hands onto his shoulders. “Still okay?”

He nodded.

“Yes?” You wondered.

“Yes.” He confirmed.

“You can touch me, y’know?”

When he realized that his arms were still motionless at his sides he moved to hug your waist; you smiled as your body pressed against his.

“You’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”

You laughed.

“I-I don’t—y-you’re just…I don’t think I’ve met a girl like you.”

“You need to get out more.”

You couldn’t make out his expression as he examined your face. “Can I kiss you?”

You were shocked that he had been polite enough to ask. “Only if you promise to buy me a drink.”

He nodded. “Whatever you want.”

He wasn’t only polite in asking, he was polite in letting you make every move. His lips were soft when they met yours. He was nice…too nice.

“Remember when you said I didn’t have to be careful with you?”

“Y-Yeah.”

“You don’t have to be careful with me either.”

“Okay.”

“Touch me, Elvis.”

“Okay.”

He deepened the kiss but it was up to you to take his idle hands and make them grope your breasts. After that bit of encouragement, they were all over you as he held you against the windowsill. You wondered if anyone could see the two of you from the road but you didn’t care enough to stop.

You guided his right hand under the skirt of your dress and he rubbed you through the damp fabric of your underwear. You smiled against his lips when he pushed the fabric aside and his trembling fingers met your arousal. He kissed you more eagerly and touched you with the same vigor. Despite his nerves, he was sure of himself as he fingered you within an inch of your life.

“Yes, baby, that’s perfect,” You whimpered. You could feel his confidence growing with every word of encouragement. Soon he broke the kiss in favor of meeting your eyes; forcing you over the edge with one final thrust in the right direction. Before he pulled away, you guided his hand to your lips.

“No,” He whispered in awe, watching with lust blown pupils as you lick his fingers clean.

You kissed him again, grinning at the desperation behind his tongue but stopping suddenly. “H-How about that drink, huh?”

His shock didn’t go unnoticed. “O-Oh…”

“You owe me, remember.”

“Y-Yeah…okay.”

He looked confused when you moved to unbuckle his belt. The sound he made when you touched him scratched a certain part of your brain—it made you want to make him fall apart. It’d be so easy.

“Oh my god,” He muttered breathlessly as you tucked his errection into his waist band.

“We’ll just tuck this away for later. No one will ever know.” You instructed him to fix his belt while you grabbed your purse.

“W-What, uh…What drink do you want?”

“Something sweet.”

“Something sweet,” He repeated. “…Sure.”

“Go, I’m right behind you,” You said, stopping to wipe your lipstick off his lips before ushering him the rest of way out of the room.

You followed him out after fixing your clothes and makeup. When you got downstairs you stopped the first man you ran into.

“Hey, baby, come here.” You smiled and motioned for him. “Wanna buy me a drink?”

“In exchange for what?”

You almost rolled your eyes. “You choose.”

“What do you want?”

“Something sweet.”

He looked like a man who struck gold as he rushed towards the bar. You spotted Elvis there too and you couldn’t help but laugh watching the two order similar drinks.

“Hope this is sweet enough for you, doll,” Elvis said as he handed over the drink, kissing your cheek along the way. BB showed up and began pestering him about treating you right, but you could hardly pay attention as you kept an eye out for the tall dark devil you sent to the bar. Your stomach churned in delight when you saw him making his way over. You took a seemingly harmless step away from Elvis and BB when he neared, abandoning the drink that had been placed in your hands just moments before.

“Something sweet,” He said when he found you.

“Aw, baby, you really shouldn’t have.” You felt Elvis’ eyes boring into you, how could you not when he was only a few feet away.

“I bet you’re the sweet one, really.”

“Stop,” You chuckled.

“Once you finish that we can roll.”

“Roll where?”

You choked on your strawberry daiquiri, covering your mouth to hide your amusement at the sound of Elvis’ voice.

“Is there a reason you’re talking to me?”

“Is there a reason you’re talking to my girl?”

“Your girl?” The stranger looked at you.

“I’ve never seen that man in my life,” You said with an oblivious expression, ignoring BB’s horrified one.

“Hold on just a damn minute~” Elvis started as the man went to defend you, stepping in front of you to act as a barrier.

“BB you oughta get this flamingo outta here, he don’t fit no way.”

You backed away discreetly, moving away as BB kept the two men from attacking each other. You abandoned your drink on a nearby table, slipping down the wooden steps of the lounge and into the cool night. You were relieved to be outside again. You sauntered into the street, hardly dodging the few cars that still lingered that late in the evening. You looked back at the club once more before disappearing into the night with a final laugh.

*

“I don’t know when you’re gonna stop coming back here. I can’t keep blocking off streets for you.”

“Anything?”

“Oh, I’m fine, thanks for asking~”

“BB, please.”

“E.P…” The man sighed, pouring a drink. “It’s the same as I told you before, I ain’t seen her since that night.”

“Has anyone seen her?”

“Nah…” He offered Elvis the drink but he declined the glass.

“I’m getting on the road tomorrow,” He said instead. “I dunno when I’ll be back in Memphis again.”

BB looked thrilled. “That’s good to hear~”

“I wanted to see her again before~”

“That girl’s probably halfway across somewhere by now. She don’t stay put.”

“You said she’s your cousin.”

“That’s how I know. I heard stories about her for years ‘fore I actually laid eyes on her, that’s how fast she moves around.”

“…There was something about her.”

“There’ll be something about someone else soon I’m sure.”

“What’s her name?”

“I can’t~”

“Please. I’ll never see her again anyway. Neither will you from the looks of it.”

He looked conflicted but ultimately answered. “…It’s Y/n.”

“Y/n?”

“Are you bunnies talking about me?”

BB groaned and rushed to push the door shut before any desperate stragglers slipped through. “Can you get that maniac upstairs before I have to board up another window.”

You couldn’t tell if Elvis was the maniac or if you were. “Oh, BB, aren’t you happy to see me at least?”

“Upstairs!”

“Fine.”

You huffed and led the way upstairs. You faced Elvis when you were behind the door of the small room upstairs. He looked the same as when you saw him last, only the circles under his eyes were darker and he looked more stressed.

“What happened to not stopping by the same place twice?”

“You remember that but not the part where I told you that I do whatever I want.” He rolled his eyes. “You look tired.”

“Thanks.”

“Are you okay?”

“I called that number you gave BB.”

“He’s really not supposed to be giving that out.”

“A man picked up.”

You liked the jealous undertone in his voice, it made you smile. “Did he say ‘hi?’”

“Who was it?”

“Does it matter?”

“Did he give you my message?”

“I’m here, aren’t I?”

His jaw twitched. “…I’m leaving tomorrow.”

“I know that’s why I came today.”

“You couldn’t have come sooner? Shit, I asked BB about you a million times in the last five weeks.”

“That’s a lot of asking when you could’ve just called.”

“And talk to your man?”

“And talk to my dad, jackass.”

He looked stunned and you laughed. “Y-You dad? You live with your father?”

“No, but I stop by to pick up my mail when I’m in town.”

“Which is…whenever you want?”

“That’s right, bunny.”

“Uh-uh, don’t go giving me one of your freaky little nicknames, alright, I got a name. I like my name, I want the whole world to know it~”

“I didn’t mean to get you all flustered~”

“I don’t get flustered.”

You bit back a smile. “Okay.”

He sighed and looked off. “I can’t believe you’d wait til tonight to show up.”

“I came as soon as I got the message.”

“You’re playing with me.”

“I’m not. You’re the only reason I came back.”

“You’re lying.”

“Come on, bun…Elvis.” You inched towards him, waiting until he met your eyes to continue. “I thought you’d be happy to see me.”

“I’m happy to see you, I just wish I didn’t feel like I had to stare at you for the next five hours to make up for the past five weeks.”

“You count like a girl.”

“You get around like one.”

“How dare you~”

“Where do you go when you run off in the middle of the night? You aren’t sleeping in the street are you?”

You were shocked by his forwardness. “It’s none of your business, honestly.”

“Of course it isn’t. Because you do whatever you want, you go wherever you want to go~”

You groaned. “You’re making me regret even showing back up in this old, deadbeat town.”

“I feel like an idiot. All these days I’ve been holding you up here when really you’re subpar with the rest~”

“It’s not my fault you spent the last five weeks hoping you could fuck me before tour~”

“I don’t want to fuck you, I want to talk. I hardly said two words to you the last time I saw you.”

“I’m not the talking type.”

“Where do you go at night?”

“…I just…fly away.”

“You fly away?”

“Yeah, but…I gotta stop by and pick up my mail tonight. Wanna come?”

“Sure,” He responded sarcastically. “I’ll just pull my fucking jet around.”

You laughed. “I’m serious. Unless you’re too mad at me.”

“…I’m not mad at you,” He finally said.

“Then come with me.”

“Fine.”

“Can you get us out of here?”

“Yeah.”

“Perfect.”

*

You were hoping to avoid running into Ron, but he was up waiting for you when you got there. You couldn’t make out his expression, but you knew he wasn’t happy.

“This is Elvis. I told you about him.”

“Elvis? What kind of name is that?”

Elvis started to respond but you stopped him in time. “Some guys were bothering me so he was walking me home. We were just saying goodnight.”

“Bothering you where?”

You shook your head. “Nowhere, just up the street b-by O'malley's…”

“…We need to talk.”

“Okay, baby, I’ll come talk to you in a minute.”

“It was nice to meet you, Ron.”

“Yeah…”

You stopped Elvis when he headed back toward the door, holding your finger to your lips until you heard Ron’s bedroom door shut behind him. You motioned for the stairs and carefully crept up them—showing him how to avoid the creaky parts of the steps. You were relieved when you were behind the door of your bedroom.

“That wasn’t so bad.” You slipped his coat off your shoulders and threw it on your bed.

“That’s your dad?” He looked uneasy.

“Yeah, but only when he’s sober.” You laughed.

“Is that your father?”

“…No.”

“Are you together?”

“No…he don’t care what I do as long as he gets the final word.”

“And does he?”

“Does he what?”

“Does he get the last word?”

“Why does it matter?”

“Because it don’t seem right.”

“Bunny, don’t make it more complicated than it is~”

“I’m not playing your game right now, I’m serious.”

“So am I—leave it alone. You can go back where you came from if you think you’re gonna be sitting up here interrogating me like you’re my goddamn daddy.”

“But he can?”

“Yes, he can. And can also put a bullet between your eyes if I ask him to.”

He looked shocked. “I’m trying to protect you.”

“Do I even have to say it?”

“Say what?”

“I don’t need you to protect me.”

“Y’know what…fine, that’s fine.”

You almost felt yourself stopping him when he turned to leave. You refrained and instead faced your window to light a cigarette. You heard the shuffle of his coat going on before there was silence.

“Is this where you’ll be?”

“Aren’t you leaving tomorrow?”

“Is this where you’re going to be?”

“Not if I can help it.”

He sighed. “Will he give you my messages?”

You nodded. “I’ll get them whenever I drop by.”

“Can you try to do that more often?”

“Drop by?”

“Yeah. So I can hear from you while I’m on the road.”

“…I’ll try.”

“Will you?”

“I’ll try, bunny, I promise.”

When you heard from him again it had been weeks later when you received a copy of his latest record in the mail. Ron got real quiet when he saw what it was—not good. You flew away quickly that night; leaving the record behind as proof of how much it meant to you.

The next time you heard Elvis’ voice, you just so happened to be in town when he called.

“Hello?”

“Birdie?”

“Elvis?”

“You’re home?”

“Elvis…”

“Hello?”

“Y-You can’t call this late, you’ll wake up Ron.”

“Why are you whispering? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I just…h-he just now went to sleep and I don’t want to wake him up.”

“I called last week and I ain’t heard nothing back.”

“Sorry, he…” You checked down the hall before dropping your voice some more. “He’s still mad about th-the record you sent.”

“He is?”

“Yeah, y-you really can’t do those kinds of things.”

“I thought you said Ron don’t care.”

“…Ron takes care of me, Elvis.”

“Okay?”

“Okay, so if he asks me not to accept gifts from other people I don’t accept gifts from other people.”

“For someone who does whatever they want he has you on a leash this big~”

“I’m hanging up.”

“I don’t want you to.”

“I can’t talk.”

“I’m sorry about the record. I s-sent em around to everyone. I-I didn’t think anything of it.”

“I know…don’t do it again, that’s all.”

He fell silent on the other line and you didn’t rush the silence, you just let it be until he spoke up again. “Where are you going to be tomorrow?”

“I don’t know,” You responded. “What about you?”

“I don’t know…”

You couldn’t let the silence sit that time. “I have to go before he realizes I’m gone.”

“…I’m starting to think you don’t feel safe.”

“What’re you gonna do about it?”

“I’m gonna come get you.”

You stifled a laugh. “Oh no.”

“I’m serious.”

“Come get me then.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Will you be there?”

“You always ask the right questions, don’t you?”

He was serious. “Birdie.”

“Yeah, baby?”

“Will you be there?”

“Honestly? I hope not.”

He sighed softly but he didn’t say anything about being disappointed. “I’m gonna be in Ohio for the next two weeks.”

“Okay. Good luck in Ohio.”

“…Thank you.”

“…You’ll break my heart if you make me hang up first.”

You heard him chuckle and after a beat of silence the line went dead.

*

“Every time I see you I go to pinch myself.”

“Do you know what it takes for a girl like me to get this far this fast?”

“I’m sure Ohio’s happy you’re here.”

“Ohio better not be the only thing happy to see me. I might turn my ass around.”

He laughed. “Y-You wanna ride with us?”

“No, I can’t.”

“Why?”

“I’m headed to meet someone. I just thought I’d surprise you while I was here.”

“Where ya headed? W-We can drop you off on the way.”

“I’m going back that way, opposite direction.”

“What way?”

“That way.” You motioned vaguely.

“Let’s go, EP. Truck’s already rollin.”

“You should go.”

“W-Will you come with us?”

“Baby, I already said~”

“Please? You don’t know where you’re headed anyway, what’s the difference?”

“They’re going to leave without you.”

“Get in the truck.”

For some reason you hesitated and you found yourself rushing to respond. “I-I really can’t.”

“Why?”

They blew the horn and he got this anxious expression on his face that made you feel bad. “I can’t just leave you standing here~”

“Let’s play a game,” You said, opening your purse and rummaging around for a moment. “Take…uhm, take this, okay?”

“Why?” He asked, letting you put the silver compact mirror in his palm.

“So you can give it back when I see you next time.”

Another exasperated blow from the car horn.

“Kiss me.” You stood up on your tiptoes expectantly and waited for his lips to touch yours before pushing him away. “Go. Be careful.”

“Me be careful?” He wondered as he skipped a few steps toward the truck. “You be careful.”

“Elvis!” You called just as he climbed into the truck and shut the door. You laughed when you saw him sticking his head out the window.

“What?” He called as the truck started rolling.

“I love you!”

“What?”

“I love—“ You motioned to your heart and then to him. “—you!”

You couldn’t make out his expression as the truck picked up speed and made its way down the road. You watched until the vehicle was out of sight, suddenly feeling the emptiness of the night as you stood there alone.

*

“He’s in a bad way…there’s no telling how long he’ll be over there.”

“I don’t know what you expect me to do about it.”

You rummaged through your purse in search of any change, collecting the loose dimes from the bottom of the handbag.

“I’m only telling you ‘cause he’s been here every night since he found out. I been boarding up windows and blocking off doors~”

“I’m waiting for this to turn into my problem, BB.”

“This is your problem, this is solely your problem.”

“I don’t even know when I’ll be in Memphis again.”

“Can’t you get one of your men to bring you down here? How much they be paying Ron anyway?”

“It’s not about the money~”

“However much it is, I’ll pay him back if you can get here ‘fore he ships out.”

You laughed. “What is it about that man that makes you do whatever he says?”

“I could ask you the same damn thing. I’m tryna get a problem off my hands.”

“So am I.”

“Nobody put you in the position you’re in.”

“…I don’t know if I can be in Memphis before next week. It’s too short notice.”

“Don’t be like that.”

“Ron’s sick of hearing about him and he’s starting to take it out on me. Things were good before, I don’t need all this.”

“Well maybe you shouldn’t have told him you loved him and you’d see him again.”

“I didn’t think I would, that’s why I said it. I was just trying to make his night.”

“You made it alright.”

“…I’m on my last dime, baby.” You turned the silver over in your palm before dropping it into the pay phone.

“I know you can be here, you can be anywhere.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Come by the club, have a drink with the man. Do all your little tricks and disappear like always.”

“I’ll see, okay? Don’t be mad at me…I can’t handle you being mad at me.”

“Then don’t give me a reason to be.”

[ssinnerplazahotel]

Welcome to Winning Birdie! An AU surrounding Birdie&E.

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, yandere elvis, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Note/: intended for black readers but written with no physical descriptions—all reader’s welcomed

Table of Contents:

1956: The Year of the Phantom Lady

1958: The Year of the Third Strike

1960: The Year of the Strain Sprain

1963: The Longest Year

1968: The Year of the Whore

[ssinnerplazahotel]

𓂃 ོ𓂃 Masterlist 𓂃 ོ𓂃

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, toxic elvis, manipulation, drug use, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

𓂃 ོ𓂃 PROLOGUE

𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter One

𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter Two

𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter Three

𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter Four

𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter Five

��� ོ𓂃 Chapter Six

𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter Seven

𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter Eight

𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter Nine

𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter Ten

𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter Eleven

𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter Twelve

𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter Thirteen

𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter Fourteen

𓂃 ོ𓂃 Chapter Fifteen

𓂃 ོ𓂃 ོ𓂃 Late Nights with Birdie&E

[ssinnerplazahotel]

<3 Thank you so much for reading and giving my babies a safe space to exist with one another. <3

[ssinnerplazahotel]

WC: 12k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, toxic elvis, manipulation, drug use, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Masterlist

<3 A short compilation of your late nights and early mornings with E. <3

You never knew what to say at first. Being alone in his presence—really alone—made you nervous. You wondered what he wanted from you, what he was expecting.

“You’re ice cold,” He said, joining you on his bed.

You smiled softly when he put his arm over your shoulder and kissed your cheek. You kept your eyes focused on where your hands rested in your lap.

“What’s wrong?” His leg tapped playfully against yours as the two of you sat side by side.

“Nothing.” You crossed your ankles. “I’m nervous, that’s all.”

“Why?”

“…You.”

He seemed tickled by your response. “Me?”

You wanted to scream—you didn’t know what to say. “Yes, you.”

“I don’t bite,” He said, tracing patterns into your shoulder.

“I know,” You chuckled. “It’s just…I don’t know what to say.”

“Well that’s no good.” He wanted you to meet his eyes but you refused. “Say anything.”

“Okay…”

“Look at me, honey.”

You finally tore your gaze from your hands and met his eyes. His expression was fond and warm—there was a smile behind his eyes that made you feel safe.

“You’re such a pretty girl,” He said. “Who got you this dress?”

“M-My mother.”

“I like it.”

“Thank you.”

His smile reached his lips. “I’m glad you’re here.”

You laughed breathlessly. “Me too.”

He kissed your cheek again, then the corner of your mouth. “I thought you h-had came to your senses about me.”

“N-No, I…” You hesitated. “I’ve been thinking about you.”

“What have you been thinking about?”

“Kissing you again.”

“Then kiss me again.”

You looked away, too shy to hold his gaze. He didn’t tease you like you expected him to.

“Can I kiss you?” He asked instead. You nodded. “Yeah?”

“Yes.” Your eyes fell shut as his lips met yours. The tension left your shoulders and you shifted towards him.

He broke the kiss sooner than you expected, caressing your chin before pulling away. “Will you do something for me?”

You agreed and he stood from the bed. You watched as he walked over to the table by the door. He grabbed a book he had abandoned there before rejoining you in the bed after.

You smiled when he handed you the book. “What?”

“Read it to me?” He asked, you were thrown by the request but ultimately agreed.

“O-Oh,” You said, slightly confused as you read the title. “Love Is a Special Way of Feeling…?”

He nodded in encouragement as you opened the book to the first page.

“Love is a special way of feeling,” You started, caressing the pages with your fingers as he repositioned himself. He laid down with his head in your lap, not looking up at you but listening intently as he stared at the ceiling. The book was written beautifully, sweet and simple. “…Love comes quietly…but you know when it’s there because, suddenly…you aren’t alone anymore…and there is no sadness inside of you. Love is a happy feeling that stays inside your heart for the rest of your life.”

Elvis smiled as you closed the book. “It’s pretty, ain’t it?”

You turned the book over in your hands. “I loved it.”

“It’s yours.”

“I can’t take it from you.”

“I want you to have it.”

That nervous feeling returned as he sat up and kissed you again, taking the book from your hands and blindly setting it aside. You pulled away first that time.

“It’s getting late,” You said. “I-I should get back.”

“Stay,” He said. “No one’s gonna bother us.”

“Stay here?”

“Yeah, stay here.”

You swallowed, looking off in thought.

“Birdie,” He hummed gently, tapping your chin to make you meet his eyes. “I want you to sleep here, with me.”

“Is that all you want?”

“That’s all I want.”

He gave you a look—kind and reassuring.

“I won’t bite at ya.” He chuckled. “Scout’s honor.”

You bit back a smile. “If Dawn comes looking for me~”

“She won’t.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I don’t know, it’s easy.”

You sighed. “I shouldn’t.”

You noticed him deflate. “Okay.”

“I don’t mean to be a brat, it’s just that~”

“If you’re being a brat, I’ll tell you—you’re not.”

Your stomach fluttered obnoxiously and you were almost persuaded to stay. “See you tomorrow?”

He nodded. “I’ll meet you in the hall before you go downstairs.”

You beamed. “Okay.”

“Alright, get out of here, ya little brat,” He said, making you laugh. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow,” You said, kissing him once more before climbing out of his bed.

You didn’t want the night to be over, but you’d be miserable in the morning if it weren’t.

~~

“What are you thinking about?”

“Hm?”

Elvis turned his head to meet your eyes. He had a distant expression on his face. That expression that always made you wonder where his mind was. You turned over onto your stomach, propping yourself up on your elbows. He laid on his back in the middle of his bed—his knee was propped up, swaying lazily.

“Where are you?” You asked. “You can tell me.”

The corners of his mouth turned up in a partial smile that didn’t meet his eyes. He sighed and turned over onto his side. You did the same. It took a bit of prying but he always opened up eventually. You smiled when he put his arm over your waist and moved closer. His eyebrows drew together slightly. “Y’know, birdie, sometimes…sometimes I-I look around and I see all these people, but I’m still by myself—like something’s missing inside of me. But when I’m with you that feeling goes away. I don’t feel alone when you’re here. And I just want to feel like this all the time.”

Your smile had faded into a sympathetic expression. You wished you could comfort him in some way. But the truth was, you felf just as empty when he was away.

“Tell me you’re my baby,” He whispered, pulling you closer until his warm breath tickled your neck.

“I’m your baby.” You smiled.

“Does this make you happy?”

“It does.”

Elvis kissed your neck, settling more into the embrace. “You make me happy.”

“I’m glad.”

*

It took you hours to get ready each night. Waiting for Elvis, you had the time.

You started by stripping yourself of the day—showering and cleansing your face of any makeup. After the foundation was clean and bare, you slowly but surely started to piece yourself back together again. You tried to make your makeup more natural—subtle, so it wouldn’t look like you’d tried—you’d style your hair for easy wrapping later that night and lathered yourself in scented moisturizer. Something light and sweet—subtle but alluring. You picked yourself apart and adjusted minor details of your makeup before getting dressed. You only ever wore the night clothes that he’d gifted you and you always tried to pick the ones he liked the most. He loved all of the colors and designs he chose, of course, but certain things got him going more than others.

Your every thought was of him—what he’d like, what he’d dislike, what minor detail would make him shiver. His reactions always made the process that much more gratifying. You wanted his eyes to linger. You wanted him to barely get through asking you about your day before pawing at you.

“You don’t understand what you do to me,” He’d whisper into your neck as he greeted you with a hug. “You’re gorgeous.”

He’d immediately scoop you up and carry you to bed. You’d have to forgive him for skipping the pleasantries. How could he not eat you up when you looked so sweet?

*

“You’re enjoying this too much.”

“Don’t act like you don’t like it.”

You shook your head as Elvis contemplated over which nightie he wanted you to wear for him tonight. He was stuck between the baby pink nylon and the cranberry satin. He held each one up to you, tilting his head.

“The level of concentration on your face,” You chuckled, standing there in your underwear. “What’s so different about them?”

“They’re different.” He smiled softly. “Which one do you think?”

“I like the pink one,” You said, knowing he’d like it too.

“Me too.” He threw the pink nightie on the bed. “Wear the red one first.”

“Why?” You asked.

“So I can take a picture,” He said, already slipping the nightie carefully over your head.

“A picture? What if somebody finds it?”

“They won’t. I’ll keep it someplace safe.”

You frowned as he adjusted the straps. “I don’t know, E.”

“What?” He asked, tapping your chin. “You trust me, don’t you?”

“Of course I do,” You said. “It’s just risky…isn’t it?”

“I’m gonna take the picture and it’s gonna print right out. Nobody’s gonna see it but us. I promise.”

You nodded. “Okay. I trust you.”

Elvis smiled and kissed your forehead. “Come here a minute.”

You let him lead you to the bathroom. “What now?”

“‘What now?’” He mocked in a voice that sounded nothing like you.

You laughed as he lifted you onto the counter. “Seriously.”

“We gotta get you dolled up,” He said, grabbing your toiletry bag from under the sink. You kept it hidden there for the nights that you didn’t make it back to your own room.

“What are you gonna do with that?” You asked as he pulled out your makeup.

“I’m gonna put it on you,” He said. “What? You don’t think I know how?”

“No, but I’d love to see you try,” You chuckled. “If you poke my eyes out I’ll kill you.”

“Oh, I’d better not do that then,” He muttered jokingly. He set your toiletry bag on the counter beside you, holding your eyeliner in his hand. “Close your pretty eyes.”

You did as he said, trying not to scrunch your face when you felt him applying the makeup. “That feels like a lot.”

“Quiet, I’m tryna concentrate.”

You nudged him with your foot, making him click his tongue. He moved on to the other eye after a minute, focusing harder to make sure they were identical.

“Okay,” He said, turning your head towards the mirror. “What do you think?”

“Oh my god.” You covered your mouth as you took in the heavy eye look.

“What?” He laughed along with you.

“It’s too much,” You said, leaning towards the mirror to inspect it further. “You won’t even be able to see my eyes.”

“I think it’s pretty,” He disagreed. “It’s supposed to be dramatic.”

“It is?”

“Yeah. Look here so I can finish.”

You shook your head in disbelief before facing him again. “I’ll have to scrub to get all this eyeliner off.”

“It’ll be worth it,” Elvis said. He chose a dark red lipstick—one that he’d gotten you. “You can finally use it.”

“I don’t think I look good in red.” You pouted.

“You look good in everything, birdie,” He reassured you. “Wear it for me?”

“Why do you even bother asking?”

“Cause it’s polite.”

He carefully applied the lipstick before ordering you to apply the mascara.

“I’m gonna get the camera ready,” He said, kissing your shoulder. “You look like a doll, baby.”

You averted your eyes, embarrassed by the compliment. You cleaned up your eyeliner when he left the bathroom and made sure everything looked good.

“Come here, pretty,” Elvis called.

You left the bathroom, finding him standing in front of the bed with the camera.

“Get on the bed,” He instructed.

“Yes, sir,” You ribbed sarcastically, getting on the bed and kneeling in the center. “What am I supposed to do?”

“Don’t be nervous,” He said. “It’s me.”

“It never makes me feel better when you say that.” The camera flashed as he took the first picture. “I wasn’t ready!”

He laughed, waiting for it to print. He sat the undeveloped photo on the bed. “Okay, I’ll let you get ready.”

“What should I do?” You asked.

“I’m gonna be taking these with me when I go away,” He said. “What do you think I’d wanna see?”

“Not anything that should be photographed,” You responded.

Elvis laughed. “Come on, birdie. Do something sexy.”

Your eyes met the ceiling in embarrassment.

“Don’t be coy.” He smirked, kneeling on the bed. “Pull your strap trap down.”

“Like this?” You asked, following his instructions.

The camera flashed again. “Yeah, baby, just like that.”

You shifted to the side, leaning on your hand and extending your legs. The camera flashed.

“Lay back,” He instructed, waiting for you to follow his directions. “Prop your little knee up and look at me. Just like that.”

“You’re really enjoying this,” You chuckled.

“Aren’t you?” He moved closer to you on the bed. “I know you’re just about purrin.”

You laughed. “I am not.”

“Get serious, now. This is serious business.”

You forced yourself to stop smiling, giggling immediately after the camera flashed.

“You’re a natural,” Elvis said. “Roll over on your stomach.”

“Like this?”

“Yes, you’re so good.”

He snapped a few more pictures in a few more interesting positions before putting the camera away. You helped him carefully place each photo on the bedside table.

“What are you gonna do with them?” You asked.

“Dirty things.” He slipped his arm around your waist and pulled you with him as he sat down on the bed. “Dirty, dirty things.”

You laughed, letting him sit you on his lap and kiss you. You pulled away first. “Now your lips are red.”

“Is it my color?” He wondered.

“Every color’s your color, baby,” You said, kissing him again.

He hummed against your lips, grazing your bottom lip with his teeth. He broke the kiss that time. “Let’s get you outta this. I wanna see you in the pink one.”

“I have to take all this makeup off.” You stood from his lap. “You better take yours off too.”

Elvis smiled and took your hand, letting you lead him to the bathroom. You both washed your faces, making sure every trace of makeup was gone.

“You look like a little girl again,” Elvis said, prompting you to complain.

“I’m not a little girl~”

“‘I’m not a little girl~’”

You swatted his arm and left the bathroom, he laughed and followed you out. You changed into the pink nightie—it felt smooth against your skin—and Elvis changed into his pajamas. You rarely saw him wearing them.

“You’re perfect,” He said, looking at the photos as the two of you snuggled up under the covers. “My pretty girl.”

You smiled. “How many hours until I have to be up?”

Elvis lifted his head to check the time. “Four.”

You groaned. “I’m going to be miserable.”

“You don’t have to be,” He said, reaching over to place the photos on the bedside table.

“What are you saying?” You giggled softly when he wrapped his arms around you.

“I could give you something to help you wake up tomorrow,” He explained, nuzzling his face into your neck.

“I’d rather be miserable.”

“Suit yourself.”

You closed your eyes and tried to keep your mind from racing.

*

“Hi.”

“Hey, baby.”

“Are you okay?” You asked nervously from the doorframe of your bathroom.

“Yeah,” He said, meeting you. “Just recovering from a long night of missing you.”

You relaxed, smiling softly against his lips as he kissed you briefly. “It’s too early. You should be asleep.”

Elvis sighed. “I know. I couldn’t sleep if I tried right now.”

“What’s wrong?” You turned back to the mirror to do your makeup.

“Nothing in particular,” He said, stepping behind you and zipping your dress the rest of the way.

“Are you free tomorrow? So you can rest?”

He shook his head and sat down on the edge of the tub. “I’ll be fine. I rather be doin something anyway.”

“You have to take care of yourself,” You said, leaning towards the mirror to apply your eyeliner. “You make me worry when you don’t.”

“You shouldn’t worry about me, birdie.”

“You can’t stop me,” You hummed in response, preoccupied with what you were doing. You turned your head when you noticed the silence, finding him watching you with a fond smile. “What?”

“What?” He shot back.

“Why are you just sitting there?”

“Would you rather I do something else?” He asked. “D’you want me to stand here instead?”

“No.” You laughed as he stood and hugged your waist. “You could say something at least.”

“I don’t have anything to say.” He met your eyes in your reflection. “I just wanna watch.”

“You want to watch me get dressed?” You asked.

“Is that so bad?”

“No, it’s a little strange.”

“I’ve been told I’m a little strange.”

“Sit down,” You said, nudging him playfully with your elbow. “I can’t move around with you holding onto me like this.”

“You’re full of commands this morning.” He put the lid of the toilet down and sat. “What’s Dawny got you doin today?”

“I don’t know,” You said. “Busy work.”

He leaned forward and crossed his arms on the counter. He watched intently as you applied the finishing touches to your makeup. You laughed when he suggested a bold lip color and complained when he insisted that you wear the earrings he’d picked out of your jewelry box.

“No,” You said. “My aunt’s gonna wonder why I’m dressing up on a Tuesday.”

“Is it a crime to wear earrings on Tuesday?” He asked, picking up one of the pearl studs. He held it up and examined it. “I can get you prettier earrings.”

“It’d be a shame if you did.” You took the earring from him and put it in your left ear, leaning back to see how it looked. “I’d never wear them.”

“That would be a shame.” He handed you the other earring. He continued to pick through your dinky jewelry collection as you fixed your hair and sprayed yourself with perfume.

“I have to go,” You said reluctantly.

“It’s not eight yet,” He said, following you out of the bathroom.

“I know, but Dawn and Cynthia get started early.” You sat on your bed to slip your flats on.

“I’m leavin tonight,” He said, sitting down and putting his arm around you. “You won’t see me for seven whole days.”

“Seven whole days?” You repeated as he kissed your cheek. “How am I supposed to go on?”

“Don’t go,” He said. “Ten minutes.”

“I can’t, E.” You stood, ready to head down for the day. “You should leave first.”

“Fine,” He said, standing reluctantly. “I guess I’ll see you in a week.”

“Try to manage.” You smiled, you’d miss him terribly.

He hugged you, letting his embrace linger before kissing you goodbye.

*

“Were you asleep?”

“No.”

“Liar.” He sounded wide awake despite the early morning hour and he was extremely apologetic for waking you. You insisted that it was fine. You were happy to hear from him at any hour. “Will you talk to me?”

“Of course.”

“About anything. My mind’s racing.”

You frowned, shifting to lay back as you held the phone to your ear. “Anything?”

“Tell me what your day’s like tomorrow,” He insisted. “Start from the beginning.”

“Well…” You settled in and drowsily began running down your day from top to bottom. Starting with waking up and getting dressed—he insisted that you explain what you’d be wearing. You hadn’t thought about it yet but made up an outfit that you thought he’d like. He seemed satisfied.

“What’s Dawny got you doin?” He asked, he sounded less wired up already.

“We make stuff up as we go,” You said. “She’ll probably have me do the upstairs stuff while she does downstairs.”

“Mhm,” he encouraged, waiting for you to continue.

“She’ll want me to get your room ready for when you get back.” You continued you on with how the rest of your night would go, adding a few details to keep things interesting. “Then maybe,” You said. “I’ll put on one of your records before I go to bed. Because I just can’t go a day without at least hearing your voice.”

“Oh, yeah?” He laughed. You knew he’d like that.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures,” You responded, trying to set your prudishness aside. You were delirious enough to not be embarrassed by your words. “Something slow…or fast—I guess it depends.”

“On what?”

“You know.”

“I don’t think I do.”

You laughed. “Use your imagination.”

He laughed along with you for a moment. “I guess I know what you mean.”

“Do you like fast or slow songs, E?”

“Hmm…slow.”

“Really? You’re usually so impatient.”

“What kind of song did you listen to tonight?”

“It was slow.”

“How slow?”

“Really…really slow.”

You talked for hours until you were both on the verge of falling asleep. Each time you thought he was gone, he was still awake, until finally—

“Elvis? Are you there?” There was no reply.

You smiled to yourself as you turned onto your side, still clutching the phone to your ear.

“I love you,” You whispered into the receiver before reaching over and hanging up.

*

“Tell me what I’m thinking.”

“What?”

Elvis tilted his head back against your headboard. His eyelids were heavy but he refused to fall asleep.

“Do it,” He insisted. “What am I thinkin?”

“I don’t know.” You were delirious as you straddled him, barely awake. “Can’t you just tell me?”

“Nope.” He shook his head with a short laugh. “I know what you’re thinking.”

“You don’t have to guess, I’ll tell you,” You said. “I’m exhausted. I can’t stay awake anymore.”

“Don’t go to sleep.”

“Elvis,” You complained. You closed your tired eyes and he kissed your neck.

“Not yet, mama.”

“I’m so tired.”

You felt him change your position. You laid back against the pillows and he hovered over you.

“Birdie,” He hummed in your ear.

“I can’t.” Your eyes fell shut as he kissed your neck.

“Tell me what I want right now,” He said, his free hand traveling up your thigh.

“Me…” You muttered drowsily.

“Hm?”

“Me.”

Elvis laughed. “Close enough.”

You stopped him before he touched you any further. “Please, E. I’m so tired.”

“Aw, alright you big baby,” He cooed, repositioning himself.

“I’m sorry,” You laughed.

“It’s okay, pretty,” He said. “It’s late, o-or early I guess.”

“You should try,” You said as he wrapped his arms around you.

“I will,” He promised emptily. “Don’t worry about me.”

You only heard half of what he said as you finally allowed yourself to slip into unconsciousness.

*

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Why do you keep askin me that?”

You didn’t know what to say. You turned your attention back to your homework, gripping your pen anxiously. It was hard to focus as Elvis shook his foot impatiently and sighed in boredom.

“You can leave if you want.” You kept a light tone, your eyes glued to your textbook.

“I will.” His tone was short and he stared ahead with his arms crossed.

“You’re a little restless, that’s all,” You muttered. “And tense.”

“If you want me to leave just say that~”

“I don’t want you to leave~”

“Then why do you keep bringing it up?”

You refused to meet his eyes. “I don’t want you to feel forced to be here.”

Elvis sighed in annoyance. “There you go, kicking up shit already.”

“I’m not.” Your voice rose in pitch as you defended yourself. “I can’t help but notice~”

“You can’t help but project your feelings onto other people,” He snapped. He stood from the bed and spoke down at you. “If I say I’m fine, I mean it. Don’t go fixin shit up in your head and drivin us both insane.”

“Why does it matter what you say if you don’t show it?”

He started to shout but you shushed him, worried that someone would overhear.

“I don’t know what you want from me, birdie,” He said in a calmer manner. “Do you want me to leave? Do you want me to stop coming to see you?”

“Stop doing that.”

“What?”

“That,” You snapped, tears inevitably forming in your eyes. “Stop trying to make me send you away. Just leave. I don’t care.”

“You always think I’m playin tricks on you.” He shook his head. “I’m doing the best I can to see you in my free time and you’re finding any reason to be upset~”

“I’m not upset,” You cried. “I want you to stop trying to make me crazy.”

“No, baby, you’re doin that all by yourself,” He said smugly. “I don’t need this right now. I really don’t.”

“Go then,” You said. “I don’t care.”

“If you don’t care neither do I.” He started to leave. “Let me know when you feel like being bothered with me again.”

“Elvis,” You sighed, exasperated.

“What?” He faced you again. “What?”

You met his impatient eyes. “I don’t want to be like this all the time. I don’t want to fight.”

He shook his head and sat on the edge of the bed with his back to you.

“I know you’re tired and filming hasn’t been easy~”

“If you know that then why are you giving me such a hard time?”

“I’m not trying to,” You said. “I understand, I do. If it’s too difficult to make time for me then…then don’t, E.“

Silence settled over the room and you found yourself fighting back tears again.

“I’ll let you finish your homework.” He stood from the bed and made to leave again. “I’ll see you around the house I guess.”

You ran into Andrea later that night as you stood in the kitchen nursing a glass of water. She told you that you seemed troubled by something, but you smiled and brushed it off. You knew you couldn’t hide the fact that you had spent the last several hours crying your eyes out.

“I’m just really stressed out with school right now,” You said, chuckling lightly. “I’m fine though, really.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah…I’m sure.”

*

You tried to ignore the holes Sonny and Red were burning into your back as you stood at the counter with Elvis. He leaned over examining your homework unnecessarily.

“Can you just sign it, E?” You asked in a low voice.

“This one’s blank,” He said, pointing. He had that playful gleam in his eye that he always had when he was teasing you.

“Good eye,” You said. “Sign it.”

“Why the hell are you in such a hurry anyway?” He shrugged off the counter and faced you with a smile. “Andrea taking you out again?”

“So what if she is?”

“She’s such a~”

“Elvis Presley.”

“What?”

“Sign. The. Paper.”

He clicked his tongue and scribbled his signature across the pages. You glanced over your shoulder in time to see Red and Sonny avert their eyes.

“Where are y’all going?” Elvis asked as he rearranged and stacked the pages.

“Why?” You asked. “Planning on crashing our party?”

“A party?”

“Gosh, would you give it a rest?”

He pulled the papers out of your reach when you went to grab them. He laughed at your annoyed expression before handing them over.

“I’ll see you tonight,” You said under your breath as you gathered your things—keeping your back to the others. “We probably won’t go further than the beach.”

“Liar.” He smiled when he said it but you knew he was still probing around for the truth.

“I swear,” You said, glancing up to see Andrea walking towards the kitchen. “Why don’t you ask her yourself?”

You smiled at her as she entered the kitchen, taking a discreet step away from Elvis and towards her.

“Hey, pretty girl,” She said, poking your side as she stopped beside you.

“Andrea,” Elvis said, his eyes not leaving you for a moment before he fully addressed her. “I ain’t seen you since, what, last year?”

“That’s right.”

“It’s good to see you. Something’s different…”

“I grew two inches, I didn’t think you’d notice.”

You laughed. “I didn’t know you two knew each other.”

Andrea shrugged. “We’ve met.”

“Briefly,”Elvis clarified.

“Too briefly to even matter.”

“Is that how you feel?”

“That’s how I feel,” She said, not even glancing his way for more than a second before speaking to you again. “Why aren’t you dressed?”

“Dressed for what?” Elvis asked her.

“Uhm…” Your brain short circuited—you weren’t expecting him to actually ask. “We were gonna go down to the beach for a little while.”

“Why?” Andrea asked—she didn’t disguise the distaste in her tone well. “Are you joining us?”

“Not if that’s your idea of an invitation.” He smiled charmingly—as if he thought he could dazzle her into liking him.

“What’s the opposite of wishful thinking?” Andrea asked, humming thoughtfully.

Elvis laughed but you cut his rebuttal short. “I was about to go change.”

“I’ll come with you.” Andrea linked her arm with yours.

“You girls be careful out there now,” Elvis said, walking away as more of his entourage poured through the door.

“What a vainiac,” Andrea mumbled as the two of you climbed the stairs.

“Vainiac?”

“A vain, maniac.”

*

You didn’t know what it was that made them hate each other—Andrea and Elvis. You knew why Andrea said she hated him, but the things she hated never revealed themselves to you. To you, he wasn’t vain—a bit entitled but not selfish. He wasn’t greedy—possessive but not acquisitive. He was attracted to nice, pretty things—to no fault of his own. It was in his nature.

“Put that down.”

“Why?”

“Are you interested in the poetics of propter nos?”

Elvis smiled—holding your notebook out of your reach. “If you’re talking about it, yeah.”

You stood up on your knees and snatched the notebook before he could pull it away. “I’d rather not waste my time educating you.”

“Wanna waste your time doing something else?”

“What are you insinuating?”

“You love to ask that question.”

“You love to be vague.”

“I’m insinuating that you stay here and make my night.”

“Make your night, huh?”

“Yeah.”

You hummed in thought, reaching over to set your notebook aside. You usually met Andrea after Elvis turned in for the night. It had become a fun routine and the two of you were growing closer.

“Unless, of course, you’d rather be with Andrea.”

“What’s that mean?

“You know what that means.”

“I can’t believe you.”

“It’s not funny.”

You covered your mouth, suppressing a laugh. Your amused smile faded into one more stunned when you saw his expression.

“Are you jealous of Andrea and me? What do you think is happening between us?”

“I don’t know, you tell me.”

“…Don’t cross the line.”

“Has it already been crossed?”

“What are you implying right now?”

“Stop laughing.”

“Stop making me laugh.”

He moved forward, forcing you onto your back as he positioned himself between your legs.

“You can’t tell me you haven’t at least…considered it.”

“Stop.”

“Even if you haven’t, I know she has.”

“She’s married for Christ’s sake.”

“And you’re naive.”

You couldn’t believe what he was suggesting. The thought had never crossed your mind—you were bewildered.

“Don’t think she wouldn’t take the chance if given the opportunity.”

“Do men really think women just sit around playing with each other?”

“It’s a valid question.”

“It’s a tasteless fantasy.”

“Can you blame me for asking?”

He kissed your neck—pinning you beneath him.

“Who wouldn’t want to enjoy two beautiful women…enjoying each other.”

“Are we still talking about Andrea and me?”

“You, not Andrea.”

Your breath hitched when you felt his teeth graze your neck. You keened into his touch, losing your train of thought for a moment.

“Me…and another woman?”

“Mhm.”

“That’s crazy.”

“Why?”

“I’ve never…I-It’s just that I’ve never considered it.”

“Are you considering it now?”

Your eyes fell shut and you grasped the hair at the nape of his neck. He suppressed a groan of pleasure and a shiver ran through you. He lifted his head, you met his eyes briefly before leaning to kiss him but he pulled away.

“Tell me, birdie. Are you considering it?”

“…I’d do it for you.”

“You would?”

“Yes.”

“What would you do?”

You’d do anything for him. You’d set aside juvenile things, defy time, and enter impenetrabile spaces for him. You’d let him invade you as you whispered the crude words of his fantasies as if they were your own—so long as it was for him.

“Anything.”

You’d let him have you in any way he wanted you if it meant having him at all.

*

You used to feel indifferent about the color blue. It was too cool, too unemotional to feel anything but indifference towards.

You loved blue now, however. It was still cool, and unemotional, but you got lost in blue and blue held you close when nothing else felt real. Blue was your comfort, and your peace. If you had never known what the ground felt like before, you did now. With blue.

“You’re quiet.”

You could stare into blue and be reminded of all the shades. Happy shades, sad shades—shades of fury.

“No.”

They were all there—in every pigment, in every shade. You couldn’t escape them. You couldn’t escape the sky on a sunny day or a carton of blueberries in the shop on an average evening.

“It wasn’t a question.”

His laugh was blue—bright blue, but blue all the same. You couldn’t help but hear it every time.

“I wish you were here.”

You couldn’t escape it. You could run away but you’d take it everywhere you go.

“It’s only a few more days.”

You loved blue so much that you hated yourself. You felt betrayed by your logic and abandoned by your will. If loving yourself meant losing blue you’d have no choice but to let it go.

“Elvis?”

“Hm?”

“I-I wanted to tell you…”

At the end of the day it wasn’t about blue. It wasn’t about how cool and unemotional it was. It was about how it made you feel. How it riled you up and made you want to disappear.

“Tell me what, birdie?”

Blue reminded you that you were small, and weak. It reminded you that you were too naïve and that you didn’t know what was best for yourself. Blue made you feel sick and dizzy—it kept you right where it needed you to be and it made you think you liked it. You do like it.

“Just that…I love you.”

You wished you were colorblind.

*

You woke up cold, and alone. You didn’t know what time it was, it felt too early and too late all at the same time. You felt around blindly for Elvis only to come across a familiar envelope. Strewn across the front in Elvis’ messy handwriting: Birdie. You recognized it.

I want to think I’m an altogether different creature now, a helpless thing, more capable of love and confession. I’m not, despite how hard I’ve tried. I’ve tried to find the words to say how much I care, but I can’t comprehend my love enough. It’s too complicated and untamed. Or maybe I’m too simple for its knottiness and inopportune timing. Your eyelids still flutter in your sleep and your brow still furrows like you’re trying to make sense of your dreams—but you’re different now. Truly, altogether. It should scare me to think that you aren’t the little girl that I fell in love with last year, but it intrigues me even more somehow. I can’t get close enough to make up for lost time and I can’t hold you long enough to ever be okay with saying goodbye. I love you and I want to be forever a part of you, and you a part of me. You don’t have to say a word and still you consume me—mind and body. You’re too familiar and too different all at the same time. If time and space somehow worked in our favor, I’d never stop learning and loving you. Our story may end here, but my love for you will last a lifetime and beyond.

I love you. I love you. I love you. —E.P.

You shook the necklace from the envelope, setting the—now tear stained—letter aside. You examined the jewelry in your hand, it was cold against your skin when you secured it around your neck. You met Elvis downstairs after you were dressed, sporting the necklace proudly. He noticed instantly and looked pleased. He kissed your collarbone, just where the chain fell against your skin.

“I’m glad you’re here,” He said. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

*

It felt like being transported to another world. It felt too euphoric to be afraid and too good to be real. You were happy, or at least not upset or sad about anything. It was almost peaceful being so numb and feeling so distant yet close, warm but still cold.

You laughed while he traced patterns into your bare hip. You wanted him to consume you, and it felt like he was trying.

“What’s so funny?” He asked, looking up at you with a smile in his eyes.

“I’m not laughing at you,” You responded.

“Then what are we laughing at?” He moved to hover over you, abandoning his mission between your thighs.

“Lay on top of me. I feel like I’m floating away.” You wrapped your arms and legs around him.

“D’you want me to smother you?”

“Yes.”

“You’re crazy.” He turned onto his side, hooking a hand under the bend of your knee and holding you against him.

“Does this make you happy?” You stopped him from kissing you until he answered.

“Why do you keep asking me that?”

“Because I want to know it’s worth it.”

He laughed, you didn’t find anything funny. It was the truth—none of this made sense if you both weren’t happy.

“I’m so happy, birdie, I could sing,” He said, kissing your forehead and cheeks until you laughed. “What do you want me to do?”

“I just want to know if it's real.”

“It’s real. Having you here is worth it, honey…no matter what happens.”

He must’ve felt it too—the anticipation of it all.

*

“What are you doing?”

You tried to hide your tears but it was too late—even the shadows of the dim corner you sat in couldn’t disguise the telltale signs of you crying. You put your head down on your knees in another futile attempt to hide your face.

“What’s wrong, hunna?” Elvis cooed, kneeling down beside you. “I thought you were gonna meet us by the pool.”

“I can’t.” Your voice broke. “I don’t have anything to wear.”

He noticed the abandoned pile of bathing suits on the closet floor, as well as the one you were currently wearing. “What happened to these?”

You lifted your head and tried to dry your tears. “I can’t wear them.”

“Why?”

“They’re all two pieces.”

He frowned. “What’s wrong with that?”

You closed your eyes. “I’m what’s wrong with that.”

“Birdie, how many times are we gonna go through this?”

“You don’t get it, Elvis, you don’t understand. They’ll tear me apart.”

“You’re beautiful.”

“Saying that won’t change the way I feel.”

He sighed. “What am I gonna do with you?”

You protested as he stood and picked you up from the ground. “Please, I don’t want to go anymore.”

“Come stand here a minute.” He led you to the tall mirror on the wall opposite the door.

“You’re embarrassing me~”

“I’m trying to get you to see something.”

You crossed your arms, standing in front of the mirror with tears brimming your eyes. Elvis stood behind you and put both hands on your shoulders.

“Look at you.” He gave your shoulders an encouraging squeeze, making you look at yourself in the mirror. “You’re beautiful. Like a little doll.”

Your gaze dropped. He wrapped his arms around your torso and kissed your shoulder.

“You’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen,” He said. “I can’t tell you that enough.”

“It doesn’t matter what you think,” You said in a whisper. “They’ll never think I’m good enough for you.”

“I don’t care what they think.” He was tired of having this conversation, and you were tired of trying to explain to him why that wasn’t enough. You couldn’t really explain it to yourself either. “Who the hell are ‘they’ anyway?”

“Your fans, your family, your friends, the press~”

“I’m trying to remember when I married them and not you.”

You shrugged, turning away from the mirror and hugging him. “Can we just stay in tonight?”

He engulfed you in his arms. “I wanna go out.”

“Please, E~”

“We stayed in all weekend~”

“Because you wanted to.”

“Well, I don’t want to now. I want to go out.”

“I stayed in for you.”

“I know, baby, but they’re expecting us.”

“So?”

“So, I don’t want them to think~”

“So you do care what they think?”

He fell silent and you walked out of his arms. He stood there watching you gather the discarded swimsuits.

“You know what?” He started suddenly. “You’re right, forget it—it’s too late to swim anyway.”

“Don’t do that.” You hated when he guilt-tripped you.

“I’m not doing anything. Look.” He took one of your winter coats off of its hanger. “How about this?”

“What?”

“Wear it.”

“A coat in the middle of the summer?”

He draped the heavy coat over your shoulders. He made you face the mirror again and laughed, getting a kick out of seeing you struggle in the heavy material.

“You’re not revealing anything now,” He said through his laughter.

“It’s not funny,” You said, cracking a smile despite yourself.

“We can really go all out with this,” He said, removing the coat before grabbing another article of clothing. “You can wear this under it.”

You had to laugh the more he drew out the bit. He layered some of your clothes and even a couple shirts of his own before putting the coat back on. You looked absolutely ridiculous, and you let him know it.

“What have you done?” You smiled as you faced yourself in the mirror again. “Liz would lose her mind if she saw this.”

“If I knocked you down you wouldn’t be able to get back up,” He laughed.

“I’m gonna have a stroke in this.” You screamed when he picked you up, wrapping your legs around his waist.

“Now can we go?” He asked, carrying you out of the closet.

“I can’t go out there like this,” You protested, trying to get down. “I look insane.”

“Everyone out there is insane, you’ll blend right in,” He said. “Come on. You owe me anyway for ruining my night.”

“I didn’t mean to~”

“It’s a joke.”

“It’s not funny.”

He hugged you as you pouted, kissing your lips. “You’re the best part of my day and night, birdie.”

“Do you mean it?”

“Cross my heart.”

You hated the way they looked at you—sorry, the way they didn’t look at you.

The ones that knew, the one’s closer to Elvis, were in the habit of pretending you weren’t there while somehow still walking on eggshells and watching what they said. It didn’t matter what they said, really. You were never listening. You only heard him—you only listened for his voice.

“You’re cheating.”

“Don’t be a sore loser, E.”

He threw his cards down onto the dining table. “The stakes are too low.”

You narrowed your eyes. “How much higher can they get?”

He raised an eyebrow and you laughed knowingly.

“What?” He asked.

“You’re gonna say Texas Hold’em.”

“What’s wrong with Texas Hold’em?”

“Strip poker in the middle of a crowded room? I thought I was the crazy one.”

“You are.”

You smiled and added your cards back to the deck. He watched you shuffle for a moment, waiting for your response.

“You know I don’t know how to play,” You said. “I’ll lose.”

“Can there be a loser in this situation?” He asked.

“We could just…” Your foot grazed his leg under the table. “Skip to the good part.”

“I like to get you going first.”

“I’m always going.”

“Always?”

“All the time.”

He smirked, his eyes darting toward the kitchen. You smiled knowingly but made no move to get up.

“You’re being crazy,” You said, enjoying the expression on his face.

“You’re wearing a hundred layers of clothes in a thousand degree weather,” He shot back. “Who’s crazier?”

You shrugged and continued shuffling the cards. “Best two of three?”

“You don’t even know how to play.”

“So?”

“You’ll lose.”

You protested through your laughter as he knocked the cards out of your hands and dragged you along with him to the kitchen.

“No,” You said with widened eyes when you saw the few people lingering around there. You tried to pull away but he wouldn’t let you. “Elvis~”

“Get out,” He said over his shoulder before forcing you up onto the nearest countertop. “See? They’re leaving.”

“You can’t just…” Your rebuttal quickly died on your lips as he kissed your neck. You watched the last of the people leaving the kitchen, glancing at the two of you on the way out. The embarrassment that you wanted to feel was replaced by pure lust.

You couldn’t resist him, but it was fun to try.

“They’re gonna think we’re doing it in here,” You said with a breathlessness in your tone.

“They love those kinds of stories,” He said, pushing your coat off. You were burning up in all the clothes now.

“We can’t keep doing this.”

“What?”

“Screwing like teenagers.”

“It’s your fault.”

You laughed before stopping him suddenly. “Wait, what time is it?”

He checked his watch. “Six.”

“Andrea’s gonna bring Lark down.”

“She is?”

“Yeah.”

“…Upstairs?”

You tilted your head disapprovingly and pushed him away.

“I have to go change,” You said, getting down from the counter. “I want to be back down before them.”

“Why?” Elvis asked, stopping you and kissing your neck. “Andrea likes taking care of her. Not to mention, I’m paying her so it’s her job.”

“You’re paying her?”

“I told her I would if she came back to help with Lark.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

He ignored you and removed the second coat you were wearing—still kissing your neck as he did so.

“Come on, E, I really want to beat them,” You said, pushing him away once again. “I don’t care if you’re paying her, Lark needs to know who her mommy is.”

“She knows.”

“Come with me. Don’t you want her to see us together?”

“She’s a baby, birdie, she won’t know the difference between you and Andrea until she’s older. It doesn’t matter as long as her needs are met.”

You walked off. “I’m going to get ready for my baby.”

You stalled for a moment, but he didn’t follow.

*

“‘I always had the feeling that she was naive. But not naive enough to marry Elvis Presley,’ Jones says. ‘She’s more of a sell out than I originally thought.’”

“I never heard of Sinclair Jones in my life.”

“She’s~ Well, I thought she was my friend. I guess she just thinks I’m a sellout now. Or she’s always thought so, I can’t tell.”

“I’m sure she’s doing it for the money, birdie. It probably has nothing to do with you.”

“First Barb and Pat with all that ‘Housekeeper to Housewife’ bullshit in Jet and now this?Everyone’s going to start believing it.”

“It’s just another stupid article in a magazine no one reads.”

“No one reads Jet? I wish. Maybe then half the tabloids wouldn't have our faces on them with titles that defame and diminish us.”

He sighed, dragging a hand over his face. “Can you just put them away? It’s too early for tabloids.”

You shook your head and turned to the next page. You didn’t notice that you were gnawing at your fingernails until Elvis took your hand from your mouth. “Don’t put your fingers in your mouth.”

You couldn’t respond fully as another comment came to your attention. “She’s telling them about Joel. She can’t do that, can she? I mean, it’s such an invasion~”

Your words were cut short by him snatching the magazine out of your hand and throwing it across the room. “I said it’s too fucking early for this. They’re vampires, I get it, but grow the hell up a little. You’re as bad as them feeding into all that shit.”

You got out of bed to pick up the magazine. “Why do you have to be so mean to me?”

His jaw clenched and he motioned for you to get back in bed. “C’mere. Quit fluttering around.”

You rolled your eyes and walked back over, tabloid in hand. He took it from you when you joined him in bed and threw it back across the room. He cut your complaints short with a kiss.

“What are you gonna do about them talking?” He asked. “Everybody talks, baby. You can’t take it to heart.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” You said. “Everyone loves you.”

“You’re crazy if you think that,” He said. “You’re just too good at throwing pity parties for yourself.”

“If I don’t talk about it I’ll lose my mind.”

“If you don’t read it you won’t have anything to talk about. I’m telling Andrea once and for all to stop bringing that shit in this house.”

You heaved a sigh. “I’m sorry my feelings are such a bother.”

He laughed. “There you go again. You’re a little shit kicker, you know that?”

“That’s not funny.”

“Neither is crying over articles no one’s forcing you to read. Stop borrowing trouble all the damn time.”

He was right. You had become too caught up in the press, knowing they weren’t on your side. They tolerated you because they wanted him.

“Get outta there,” He said, tapping your temple. “It’s a danger zone.”

“You’re a danger zone.” You laid down with your back to him. “Turn off the light.”

You felt him get out of the bed before the lights went out. When he rejoined you, he slipped his arm around your waist.

“I don’t care what they say or what they think,” He said. “I love you, everything about you, regardless. If that’s not enough to make you feel better, I really don’t know what to tell you.”

“I want them to like me.”

“They probably never will.”

“Thanks.”

“Birdie~”

“I’m going to sleep. Maybe I’ll do the press a favor and not wake up.”

Elvis laughed—you didn’t find anything funny.

*

You gasped when you saw Lark sitting in her high chair.

“Hi, mama.” You smiled as you approached. “Who’s a big girl, sitting in her chair?”

Andrea chuckled as she stood there feeding her. “I thought you’d be asleep.”

You shrugged. “I wanted to be here when you guys came down.”

“Elvis was here to help feed her but I guess he went off somewhere.”

“He was?”

“Mhm. He’s good with her. I wish you guys would spend more time with her. I know he works but you…” She trailed off when she saw your expression.

“I know we could spend more time with her, that’s why I’m trying,” You said, crossing your arms with a shrug. “But I mean…it’s not like you’re doing it for free, right?”

“Elvis wanted to pay me.”

“I’ve heard.”

She sighed and returned to feeding Lark. “If it weren’t for her I wouldn’t have come back.”

You hummed. “I know, you’ve told me. You hate me, but you need the money~”

“It’s not about the money.”

“Isn’t it?”

“It’s about the fact that she’d be abandoned with god knows who if I weren’t here. I’d do it for free if it meant she wasn’t constantly overlooked and set aside. Elvis hardly has any time outside of you and work and you’re still a child yourself.” She fell silent for a moment. “I’m not calling you a bad mom.”

You laughed humorlessly. “Okay.”

“Elvis thinks you need help, that’s why I’m here,” She said. “For Lark, and for you.”

“You suddenly agree with Elvis now?”

“I’m not ashamed of admitting that he’s right. Me being here is what’s best. At least until you grow up a little.”

“I’m a grown ass woman, Andrea, there’s no growing left to do,” You said. “If you didn’t send me away and insist on doing every little thing for her, then maybe I’d be able to grow as a mother. But no, you have to do it.”

“It’s my job.”

You wanted to send her away but you refrained. You didn’t want to fight in front of Lark. “You know what? I used to think we were friends. Best friends, actually. I used to look up to you and I wanted to be like you. But you’re no better than me, you’re not any smarter than me, and you may be older, but you’re no wiser. You’re just a scared little girl deep down inside—scrambling to figure out what to do with yourself now that no one wants you.”

“You aren’t hurting me.”

“I don’t want you here, Elvis doesn’t want you here. He tolerates you because of what you can do for him, but as soon as he decides he’s done with you, you’re gone.” You shrugged indolently. “And your poor husband, he abandoned ship quickly. He lasted, what, two years?”

“You don’t want to do this,” Andrea warned, sitting the bowl in her hand down before shifting towards you. “I get that he tears you down to keep you in check but that’s not going to work on me.”

“I don’t need anyone to keep me in check.” You stepped towards her. “I’m here because I chose to be.”

“That’s a laugh.”

“Why are you here?”

“I’m here~”

“It’s not about Lark and not about me, so don’t fucking lie.”

“You need to back up.”

“Or what?”

You stood there for a moment, waiting for her response as the two of you glared at each other.

“What’s going on?” Elvis asked, suddenly appearing in the kitchen and stepping between the two of you. “What are y’all doing?”

“I’m leaving,” Andrea said, still glaring angrily at you. “Take care of your own kid for a change.”

“If you leave now, you better not come back,” You spat. “I fucking mean it.”

“What is the matter with you?” Elvis asked.

You were shocked to see that his question was directed at you. “Me?”

“She must be off her meds.”

“Fuck you, Andrea~”

“Hey,” Elvis said sternly. “Stop talking like that in front of your daughter.”

“Stop chastising me, I don’t have to do anything you say,” You snapped. “I can’t believe you’re scolding me right now.”

“Don’t go anywhere, please,” He said to Andrea as he grabbed you by the arm, preparing to drag you out of the kitchen. “I’m gonna go talk to her.”

“I’m doing you a favor by being here,” Andrea said, tears forming in her eyes despite her angered expression. “I’m not gonna stick around to be berated and talked down to by her. You created this mess, you need to fix it.”

“What do you think I’m tryna do?” Elvis asked, narrowing his eyes in annoyance. “Just watch the baby.”

You pulled away from him and stormed out of the kitchen—he followed you directly. You were trying hard not to cry as you mounted the stairs and made a break for the bedroom. “I can’t believe you’re on her side.”

“There are no sides here,” He commented, slamming the door behind the two of you. “You’re being a fucking nightmare.”

“All I wanted was to be there when they came downstairs.” You faced him with tears in your eyes. “That’s all. I didn’t want to fight—with you or with her. You don’t even know what happened and you’re defending her like she’s your friend. She hates you. She thinks you’re a vain, pompous idiot.”

“She’s helped us through a lot since she’s agreed to come back~”

“How much are you paying her?”

“Excuse me?”

“How much money, Elvis—she’s not helping us, she’s working for you. She’s not doing you any favors if you’re paying her.”

“That’s enough.”

“You don’t even know what happened~”

“I heard all I needed to hear, alright?”

You glared up at him with tears in your eyes, hurt and betrayed. “You’re supposed to defend me.”

He sighed, rubbing his eyes. “I can’t defend you when you act like this. You make me fucking livid when you act like this.”

“Like what?”

“Like a horrible fucking person.”

You stood there for a moment—shrinking in your skin—before walking past him, back towards the door. You wanted to leave but there was nowhere to go. “I can’t do anything right.”

You felt him cross the room before his hands were on your shoulders. “You have to try harder to understand that Andrea’s not threatening your role as Lark’s mama. She’s tryna help you.”

You couldn’t take it anymore. You warned him not to follow you when you walked out of the room. Ray was there before you could even get outside the front door to sit down on the top step of the porch.

“You okay?” He asked, watching you with a skeptical expression.

“No,” You sighed. “I think everyone hates me.”

You invited him to sit down—it was better than having him stand there hovering. You felt sorry that he had been subjected to dealing with you.

*

“What are you doing?”

“Hiding.”

“From what?”

“You.”

Space existed before and now it was like it never did. There was no space, there was no such thing as being alone. You found peace in solitude—without solitude, there was no peace, no room, no air to breathe.

“Me?”

You wanted to be alone and you wanted to drown out all the sounds that reminded you that you weren’t.

“What’d I do?”

“Nothing, yet…”

Elvis walked over and killed the washing machine, then the dryer. He looked down at you on the laundry room floor.

“Why here?”

“I didn’t think anyone would find me here.”

He didn’t pick you up off the floor and tell you to get yourself together—that’s what you were expecting. He never did anything you expected him to. When would you learn that?

“You worry me when you do shit like this,” He said instead. There was a strange expression on his face that made you believe him.

“I’m sorry,” You responded, outing the cigarette in your hand and dropping it in the tray with the rest of the butts.

“What’s the matter, honey?” He asked, stepping back to pull the door shut before facing you. He kneeled down next to you. “You haven’t been yourself lately.”

You wanted to cry, you hadn’t been yourself since you were seventeen and living with your mother. Before graduation, before her illness had progressed and her condition worsened. That was the last time you felt like an entire human being. Since, you’ve been scrambling and grasping onto anything and anyone that made you feel like you had your own identity. When in reality all you were doing was morphing into whatever they needed you to be—whoever they wanted you to be. You were at a point now where you couldn’t morph into anything anyone wanted you to be. You couldn’t make yourself be what they needed. You were worthless if you couldn’t be what they needed.

“Talk to me.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Why are you crying?”

“It hurts.”

“What does?

“Everything. I feel…trapped.”

He fell silent.

“I just want to feel alone.”

“Go upstairs, then.”

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

“Lark.”

You weren’t fit for the life you had created for yourself, but you weren’t able to admit—or even acknowledge—that at the time. You didn’t understand the feelings enough to express them in the right way, so you repressed them instead.

“You have to get over this, birdie. It’s not Lark’s fault you…”

“Say it.”

“I don’t understand why you wanted her before and you don’t want her now.”

“I want her…she wants Andrea.”

“No~”

“She doesn’t cry when Andrea holds her. She doesn’t.”

“She’ll never get used to you if you refuse to do anything for her~”

“This is why I didn’t want you to find me. You make me feel like shit. You make me feel like I can’t do anything right. I can’t be what she needs and I can’t be what you need—I just can’t.”

“You’re throwing a pity party.”

“Yeah, and I’d like to do it without having to hear a thousand people screaming and running around~”

“Then go upstairs~”

“I’ll kill myself.”

“What?”

“That’s what you do to me…you make me want to~”

“Shut up.”

“Don’t tell me to shut up.”

“You don’t need to talk at all if you’re gonna say horrible shit like that. Just to, what, get a rise out of me?”

“You don’t care enough to do anything about it.”

“You want to sit in here listening to the fucking dryer, then by all means. But you don’t get to tell me that I don’t care. Like I said, I’m worried about you. You’re acting like a goddamn patient.”

You could’ve screamed and pitched a fit, really put on a show. But you couldn’t even force yourself to cry.

“I hate you.”

“Birdie~”

“I hate you and I hate it here.”

“Then leave.”

“You’re an idiot.”

His jaw clenched but he didn’t bite your head off.

“You’ve convinced the last person that I thought genuinely understood me that I’m too useless to do anything right. Andrea used to be my best friend and you got to her like you get to everyone.”

“Andrea feels the way she feels because of the way you act, that’s not my fault.”

“She never thought of me this way before.”

“You weren’t a mother then.”

You sighed. “Is that all I am now? Is that all I get to be?”

“What do you want me to say?”

“Anything.”

You shrugged, unsatisfied with his silence, and fished another cigarette from the silver case on the floor. He stayed for a moment before standing and turning the washer and dryer back on.

“I love you,” He said, stalling so that you could respond.

“You too.”

“Huh?”

“I love you too, Elvis.”

*

You should’ve felt whole.

Instead, you felt hollow–like your insides had been carved out.

“You can talk to me.”

You should’ve been happy.

Instead, you felt numb–like nothing could hurt you, but everything did.

“About what?”

You knew that the feelings would subside.

At least you hoped they would–quickly rather than slowly.

“He said you spent a week sitting in the laundry room.”

“I did not.”

You may have retreated to your only place of true solace at some point every day for the past week.

You may have spent hours there–trying not to go insane or going insane, you couldn’t tell.

“I saw you.”

“What do you want, Andrea?”

You hoped the feelings would subside.

As they always did when you pushed them away long enough.

Subside?

Succumb to repression?

“I know we aren’t close anymore, but I still care about you. I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”

“‘Hurt myself?’”

“He told me what you said.”

You didn’t have to have a clue.

He made sure of that.

So you pretended not to.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“He thinks you should stay with Dawn for a few days.”

“I doubt it.”

“I told him you should.”

You weren’t drowning.

But he was.

You weren’t afraid of letting it take you.

But he was.

You could repress–replace–repair.

But he couldn’t.

“I think you should get away. Reset a little.”

“I don’t need to.”

“Really?”

“Really…I’m fine.”

Reset.

Repress the thoughts. Replace the feelings. Repair what was broken—ignore what you couldn’t.

Move on.

*

You wanted Dawn. You wanted to talk to her and let her comfort you while you cried. But it was too late to disturb her—it was too late to disturb anyone, but Ray was there. He was always there, lurking just around the corner and anticipating your every move.

“What are you doing?” He asked when he found you walking around the yard alone. It was peaceful for a change and there wasn’t a crowd of people to hide from.

“I was…pacing, I guess.” You chuckled halfheartedly. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing, really, just…” He shrugged.

“Watching me?” You smiled at the way he shook his head in denial despite it being his job to keep an eye on you.

“Everyone’s inside,” He said, as if you didn’t know. “You should get back.”

You shook your head. “I don’t want to.”

He squinted. “Why?”

“I was trying to sneak away.” You struggled to force a short laugh as you suppressed your tears. You hadn’t felt like crying a moment ago. “I guess you caught me.”

Ray came up with a handkerchief and handed it to you. There was a disconcerting expression on his face as he watched you dry your tears.

“What?” You asked, slightly annoyed by his expression. You didn’t expect him to express himself at all—you figured he’d received the same instructions as Liz and knew what he could and couldn’t say to you. He sighed and contemplated his response.

“It’s hard to understand why you’re so upset all the time.” He didn’t mean to place all the blame on you, but suddenly you felt like the problem.

“I-I’m…I think I’m a horrible person,” You confessed. “And I think everyone hates me because of it.”

He shook his head. “You aren’t a horrible person.”

You sighed, drying your eyes. “Maybe.”

“…He wants me to get you to come back in.”

“I know.”

“What should I tell him?”

You shook your head. “I’m right behind you.”

He didn’t move. “You first.”

It was like being imprisoned—he was your prison guard. You forced your feet to move despite wanting to be outside a little longer.

“Maybe we can go for a drive tomorrow.” He felt it too.

“I’d like that,” You responded halfheartedly.

You couldn’t breathe.

*

“Where are y’all goin?”

“Probably just up the road and back.”

You tried not to listen as Ray and Elvis deliberated over the drive that you had made plans for. It annoyed you that they were discussing so much about something so simple.

“How long is this gonna take?”

“If it’s conflicting with your schedule~”

“It’s not, I just don’t want her out too long.”

“An hour?”

“Less.”

You couldn’t help but roll your eyes. “It’s a drive around town, not a trip to mars, E.”

He was annoyed when he spoke to you. “I’m tryna make sure nothing happens to you, if that’s alright.”

He always made it difficult, despite being so willing to give you the opportunity to go and come as you pleased. You didn’t understand how he could okay something and block you from doing it at the same time.

“Just around here,” Elvis instructed as he kissed your temple. “Don’t be a brat.”

“Don’t be a control freak,” You shot back, laughing when he bit your neck. “Don’t!”

“Be good,” He said as he let you go. “I’ll see you when you get back.”

*

“What?”

“You’re in a good mood.”

Your smile almost faltered and you shrugged. “Have I not been in a good mood lately?”

He laughed. “I’d say.”

“Well, I guess I’m back to regular.”

“I’m glad. I missed my happy birdie.”

You laughed and protested when he tickled your sides, trying to squirm out of his arms. “No!”

He flinched away from you. “Don’t scream bloody murder~”

“What was I supposed to do?” You laughed through labored breathing. “I hate when you do that.”

He laughed and pulled you back into his arms. “You’re a lunatic.”

You smiled. “I guess we’re a pair of lunatics.”

“How was Dawny today?” He asked, stroking your shoulder.

“We stopped by but we didn’t stay long,” You said. “I don’t think she cares about seeing me unless I have Lark.”

“Not true.”

“Well…” You were silent for a moment.

“So what were you doing the whole time you were gone?” Elvis asked. You hummed in confusion. “If you only stopped at Dawn’s for a second…?”

“Oh, we drove around, you know,” You said. “I thought it was fine since we were already out.”

“Do you do that often?”

“Do what?”

“Go places without telling me first.”

You were tense suddenly and you wanted to move out of his embrace. “…No?”

“Why’re you unsure?”

“You seem upset.”

“Should I be?”

You were tense suddenly and you wanted to move out of his embrace. “…No?”

“Why’re you unsure?”

You shifted onto your stomach and looked at him. “I didn’t think you’d be upset.”

He propped up on his elbow. “If you didn’t think I’d be upset you would’ve told me about it.”

“You’re ruining it.” You moved to sit up but he stopped you.

“Unless there’s some other reason you didn’t want me to know.” He held you still by your forearm, waiting for a response.

“Can you just tell me what you’re insinuating?” You huffed. “I don’t know why you can’t ever let the night go by peacefully.”

“I’m asking simple questions, birdie.”

“What do you think I was doing?”

“I think you’ve been telling me you’re going to see Dawn and then going off other places.”

“Of course you think that, Elvis. You don’t trust me.”

He let you go when you pulled away from him, but he was still waiting for you to plead your case.

“We stopped at Dawn’s and then drove around town for a few hours,” You said, standing and shrugging your robe on. “Is that a crime?”

“You drove around town for hours?” He asked, obviously unconvinced as he stood and rounded the end of the bed. He towered over you, taking your silence as intimidation. “Answer me.”

“Yes.” You wanted to step back but you stopped yourself. “What do you think we did? Hole up somewhere and fuck the afternoon away?”

“I never said~”

“Lucky for you he’s just as scared of you as everyone else.”

“…So, what, you tried it?”

“There may have been a moment where I thought~” You gasped in shock when he grabbed the bottom of your face, his grip forcing you to stop talking.

“What does that mean?” He asked, his eyes narrowed in disgust. “Do you and him have something going?”

“No, E.” You felt like crying when you pushed him away. “It means you ruined the night. Again.”

“You’re telling me you’re having an emotional affair but I’m the one ruining the night~”

“Do not blow this out of proportion, Elvis, I swear~”

“And you wonder why I don’t trust you? You’ll never see him again.”

”You’d probably be putting him out of his misery.” You sighed, turning to step into your house shoes. “I’m sleeping in Lark’s room.”

You saw less and less of Ray until, one random day, he never showed up. You asked Elvis what he’d said to him but of course he denied telling him anything.

He disappeared like he was never there.

*

“What’s next?”

“I don’t know. They’re talking about some Christmas special…I don’t think I’ll do it.”

“You should~”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Well…they want Lark and me to come down to the studio for Noel’s mommy and me catalog.”

“I don’t know how I feel about you taking her to have her picture made for the press every other week.”

“It’s not the press, it’s Noel.”

“She’s three years old. She shouldn’t be having checks cut on her behalf.”

“It’s fun, and she loves it. She comes to life in front of the camera, you should see her.”

“Hm.”

“Don’t be a gwumpy pants.”

He shook his head, traces of a smile appearing on his face.

“Mr. Gwumpy,” You said, stepping behind him and hugging him as he stood in the mirror getting ready for bed.

“Stop.”

“You don’t like it?”

“No.”

You peaked around him into the mirror. “Then why are you smiling?”

You laughed with him for a moment before he was pushing you away. “I’m smiling because you’re pissing me off.”

“Yeah, right,” You chuckled, tutting as he left the bathroom. “If you don’t want us to do the shoot we won’t.”

“You can do whatever you want.”

“I wish you’d come with us.”

No response.

You found him sprawled out on the bed, staring up at himself in the mirror above the bed.

“Come on, baby,” You said, wandering over to the record player. “What do you want to hear?”

“I don’t want to hear anything.”

“I know you want to hear something~”

“Birdie~”

“Do you want me to sing to you?”

“Don’t.” He closed his eyes, suppressing a smile.

“‘A little bitty tear let me down, spoiled my act as a clown.’”

He laughed. “Go easy on ‘em, Burl.”

“Come on, E,” You encouraged, crawling up onto the bed and shaking his arm. “Help me out.”

“‘I had it made up not to make a frown,’” He sang halfheartedly.

“But?” You prompted enthusiastically.

“But a little bitty titty let me down,” He was laughing before he’d sung the lyrics, and you smiled as he stumbled through his laughter carelessly.

“But a little bitty tear,” You corrected. “Sing it straight.”

“I don’t do anything straight,” He said, dropping his voice. “I’m twisted up.”

“You’re not twisted,” You said. “You’re just the only person who sees the world like you do. It makes sense to you.”

“You think the world makes sense to me?”

“You act like it does.”

He sighed. “I don’t even know if I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing half the time.”

“Of course you are. You’re amazing.”

“You have to say that.”

“I don’t have to say anything. The world thinks it.”

“Maybe I don’t want to hear what the world thinks, maybe I want to hear what you think.”

“I think you’re amazing.”

“Is that you talking or the world?”

You rolled your eyes and laid down on your back beside him. “Tell me what you want to hear, E.”

“…I don’t want to hear anything.”

“You’re the best at what you do. No one does it like you.”

“No one acts in shitty films like me.”

“I loved Blue Hawaii~”

“Everyone loved blue Hawaii, how do you think we got here?”

You tried not to smile.

“You’re full of shit.” He laughed when he said it so you didn’t feel bad.

“I’m trying to say the right thing.”

“I don’t need you to say the right things all the time, birdie,” He said. “I need you to tell me the truth.”

“So you can tear me apart about it?”

“So I’ll know it’s the truth.”

“…To me, everything you do is great.” It wasn’t a lie, but you knew it wasn’t the truth he wanted to hear. “I could watch them all over again, honest.”

“But you wouldn’t.”

“I would, some of them I have.”

He sighed. “It doesn’t matter, you’re one person compared to, what, millions. Ten years of my fucking life. That’s what we’re talking about. Wasted, down the drain right there.”

“Take the experience for what it was.”

“What was it besides a million years of humiliation~”

“It’s almost over.”

He scoffed and moved to sit up, but you stopped him.

“I’m sorry,” You tried. “I’ll never understand how you feel~”

“Stop tryna guess at what I want you to say,” He snapped.

“I don’t know what you want me to do.”

“I want you to act like you can carry a conversation without me telling you what to think. You act like that in front of other people and they look at me like you’re a fucking~”

“Do you see what you’re doing?”

“I’m asking you to be honest with me.”

“I haven’t lied to you.”

He relaxed again but he still shook his head in contempt. You propped yourself up on your elbow and ran a soothing hand over his stomach. “Do it a few more times, baby. I know you can. Who knows, maybe the special will be a good break from everything. It’ll get people excited again~”

“I don’t want to talk business~”

“It’s not business, it’s my opinion.”

“I don’t want to hear your opinions about my business.”

You let the silence after his words linger until you could think of something else to say. “I’m sorry that you’re upset.”

“It’s not your fault.” He seemed genuine. “I’m screwed up.”

“I love every part of you.”

“Why?”

You laughed. “…I can’t tell you all the reasons.”

“Just one.”

“I love you because…you make me feel good.”

His gaze dropped and a hint of a smile returned to his face. “Is that the number one reason?”

“It’s pretty high on the list,” You said. “I also love you because you’re compassionate and you always manage to find the silver lining, even if it takes some effort.”

He contemplated your response. “Of course you’d say that.”

He checked your reaction and laughed. You smiled despite yourself. “Was that okay?”

“Yeah, that was good.”

“Good.”

He sighed. “I have to do something that matters…at least one thing.”

You hummed in agreement. ”You’ll land on your feet, E. You always do.”

“I can’t land. I gotta go up.”

“Up?”

“Up and up and up.”

“Then you’ll do it.”

“Do you think so?”

“I know so.”

Still haunted by mortality and the feeling of never doing or being enough, the sun set on his sorrows, and, in the morning, all was well.

[ssinnerplazahotel]

╭──────────.★..─╮

*Chapter Fifteen*

╰─..★.──────────╯

WC: 5k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, toxic elvis, manipulation, drug use, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Masterlist: Prologue, Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

finale pt. 2

“They want you for the cover of Harper’s Bazaar.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, you.”

“Why?”

“Because they think you’re ‘extraordinarily beautiful,’” He said, quoting the request directly. “‘Otherworldly.’

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

“Well, I happen to agree that you’re out of this world.”

He smiled as you sat down in his lap, hugging his neck as you glanced over the letter. You thought about the offer for a moment.

“You don’t have to think about it too much,” Elvis said when he noticed your contemplation. “I’ll tell them you don’t want to do it.”

“Will you do it with me?”

“They didn’t ask me, dirty bird, they asked you.”

You laughed. “I know but…we do everything together.”

You knew if Elvis was on the cover they’d hardly spare you a glance. Doing it alone opened up the floor for criticism—criticism you no longer had the tolerance for. Though the hit pieces you saw were few and far between (Elvis made sure of that) you knew there was another level of hate out there.

“It should be all about you,” He said. “You have a few months to make up your mind.”

“They may not want me in a few months.”

“Why’s that?”

You shrugged dismissively. “I might be pregnant.”

You felt him tense beneath you. “You think?”

“I don’t know,” You said. “I’m late but…I’ve been late before.”

“They said there was a chance~”

“I don’t want to get excited. I don’t even want to think about it.”

“That mindset won’t get you far.”

“And being optimistic will?”

You stood up before he could respond, taking the lighter from the corner of his desk. He watched you wordlessly as you took a cigarette from its case and lit it.

“How late?”

“Don’t start with the questions, E.”

He stood with a sigh, dropping the pen that he had been fidgeting with. “Well, let me know when you start giving a fuck.”

You faced him. “You’re upset?”

“No.” You stopped him from leaving. “Birdie, I don’t care if you don’t.”

“I care,” You said. “I’m just scared.”

“If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, then that’s just it.”

“You don’t understand.”

“I do understand.”

“Do you know what a miscarriage feels like?”

He retracted, but he was still upset. “I don’t see the point in trying if we’re gonna ignore it when it happens.”

“I’m not ignoring it,” You said. “I don’t want to get my hopes up.”

“Well.” He walked past you. “I guess we’ll see.”

The months slipped by agonizingly slow. It was a miserable day every day you woke up still pregnant. It wasn’t that you hoped for another miscarriage, you just hated the anticipation of it all. It was hard to even acknowledge the fact.

You were measuring small, even towards the end of term. The doctors told you it was due to stress. It wasn’t the baby that was stressing you out however.

“I can’t believe I’m the one telling you that we need to get some things in order around here,” Elvis said, forcing you out of bed. “That sucker’s gonna pop out any day now, honey. They told us that weeks ago.”

“It’s fine,” You complained. “I’m sure someone will have the room ready overnight if you ask them.”

“This ain’t the inn, birdie,” He said. “You don’t just put it together in one day. Shouldn’t you have some kind of maternal instinct by now?”

You weren’t prepared to have a baby, let alone be a mother. You feared that you’d mess it up, like you mess up everything else.

“Come help me put this thing together,” Elvis said, returning to his passion project for that afternoon—the baby’s bassinet.

“Put it together in the nursery,” You said, sitting down on the edge of the bed. “It doesn’t make sense to do it here.”

“She’s not sleeping alone in a nursery,” He said. “You gotta keep her close the first few months at least. Unless you want a psychopath on our hands.”

“You read too much.”

“You don’t read enough.”

“Down the hall isn’t close enough?”

“Don’t be cruel.”

You watched him as he intently read the instructions word for word—ordering you around as he did so.

“A should snap into D,” He said, pointing the pieces out to you. “And B into C.”

“What?”

“A and D, B and C.”

“That’s so stupid.”

“Let me do it.”

It felt like everything was happening to you. You were nothing more than a variable in this equation and life was insistent on working you out.

~

“Just breathe for a second~”

“Is it happening?”

“Calm down~”

“Is it really happening?”

“Birdie, relax.”

You couldn’t, how could you? You were in labor, actual labor. Elvis had kept his wits about him when you told him but that didn’t stop you from succumbing to the feeling of impending doom that you had been trying to outrun for the past eight and a half months.

“Get off the phone, E,” You said, rushing him along. “We need to get there before they really start. I can’t handle it.”

“I’m coming,” He said, trying to keep his frustration at bay. “Go get dressed, you can’t go out like that.”

“I’m going to have a baby.”

“Go change,” He insisted. “You could use the distraction while I get this together.”

“Please hurry,” You said, going to find something decent to wear. “I don’t want to feel anything. I can’t take it, I already told you~”

“I know, darlin,” He said halfheartedly. “We’re practically already there.”

You were fully in labor when you arrived at the hospital and barely in time for the epidural. But, after twelve and a half hours, you were welcoming your first daughter into the world.

It was a moment that already felt surreal in your head but even more so as you watched it all play out in front of you. It was painless—as painless as it could be—and you were happy. At least that’s what you kept telling yourself. In reality, you had no idea what you were feeling.

“Birdie?”

“Hm?”

“Her name.”

Your eyes met Elvis’s as you held your daughter. He looked down at the both of you with such admiration.

“Are you asking me what it should be?”

“No, I’m telling you.”

“Birdie’s no name for a baby, E.”

“It could be.”

You looked down at the child in your arms, her eyes squeezed shut and her hands balled into tiny fists. “How about…Lark?”

“…I like it.” Elvis kissed your temple before leaning his head against yours and looking down at his daughter. “Y’know…we’re gonna have to tell the press soon.”

“Yeah, I know,” You responded. “I’m sure they’ll be thrilled.”

“It’s no rush.”

“Of course it is. They’re probably camped outside waiting.”

You turned your head when he didn’t respond, finding a telling expression on his face. “E…they are not camped outside waiting.”

“I don’t know how they found out~”

“Why would you say anything about telling them if they already know?” Your shift in tone startled the sleeping newborn in your arms, causing her to fuss. “Oh god, take her please~”

“Hey, it’s okay.” You weren’t sure if he was consoling you or the baby as he took her and stood from the bed. “It’s okay, hunna.”

You stared in the direction of the window, unable to see out but still picturing the press crowded around the building.

“What are they saying?” You asked, looking at him. “I know you’ve heard something so don’t lie to me.”

“It doesn’t matter,” He said in a hushed tone, walking the baby over to the crib that the hospital provided. “It’s just a shock, really. Most of the reactions are good.”

You didn’t believe him but you didn’t argue. You were too tired to go back and forth any longer.

After a restless night, you were awoken by Elvis saying that you were being discharged.

“Liz is here.”

“Why?”

“We have to go through the press to get out of here.”

“Is there really no other way?”

“They want to see us.”

You went through hair and makeup, nursing Lark along the way. You handed her off quickly after she was fed.

“Doesn’t hurt to hold her sometimes, bert,” Elvis said.

“Please don’t start calling me that,” You complained tensely as Liz zipped the back of your dress. You could hardly breathe in the stiff fabric.

“You don’t like it?” He laughed.

“No,” You exclaimed. “How do you get ‘bert’ from ‘birdie?’”

“D’You hear it, Lizzie?” He asked.

Liz shrugged and muttered something about hearing where he’d gotten it from.

“I can’t hear it,” You said. “I also can’t breathe.”

“You definitely don’t look like you had a baby twenty-four hours ago,” Liz said, adding the final touches. “They’ll love it.”

You enjoyed your brief interactions with Liz. She wasn’t talkative—by nature or per Elvis’s request you didn’t know. She finished up and left.

“What’s wrong?” Elvis asked when she was gone, laying the baby down.

“I don’t want them to see me,” You confessed. “I don’t want anyone to see me.”

“Why?” He wondered. “You’re beautiful.”

Your eyes threatened to roll at the compliment. You didn’t feel beautiful. You felt sore and tired—all but beautiful.

“It’ll be quick,” Elvis said. “Like tearin off a bandaid.”

The nurses insisted that you be wheeled to the car but you politely declined. You could make it walking.

Lark was carried out in her car seat first, heavily protected on all sides before you and Elvis casually strolled out of the building. It was pure chaos outside but you tuned everything out. When you finally made it to the car Elvis let you in before following suit. It was quick, like he promised.

*

“Andrea?”

You were shocked to see her waiting for you in the foyer when you arrived back at Graceland. She stopped you before you grew excited.

“I came back for the baby.”

You smiled despite her cold demeanor. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

Her expression softened when Elvis entered with the car seat in tow. He sighed as he shut the front door.

“You came,” He stated.

“For the baby,” Andrea clarified again, kneeling down to peek at her in the carrier. “What’s her name?”

“Lark,” You responded. “Like the bird.”

“You named her after a bird?” Andrea asked, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s sentimental.” You shrugged. “You don’t like it?”

“I think it’s a beautiful name.”

Your head snapped instantly in the direction of Dawn’s voice. She stood off to the side watching the interaction unfold.

“Aunt Dawn,” You said delightfully. “You made it.”

“I promised I would,” She said, opening her arms and wrapping you in her familiar embrace. “I had to see this to believe it.”

You felt small in her arms, like the child you once were. “I’m glad you’re here.”

She rubbed your back as she held you. “I’m here.”

“Let’s get you to bed, little bit,” Elvis said, cutting your embrace short. “Doctor’s orders.”

Things were different around the house with the baby and Andrea. Dawn stayed for a few days but ultimately returned to her house a few minutes up the road.

You promised to bring Lark over as often as you could, and you meant it. You aimed to go over every other weekend, but that changed into whenever Elvis could make the trip. He hated for you to visit Dawn on your own. You hadn’t paid it any mind until she brought it up one evening.

“It’s like he’s afraid to leave you alone with me,” She complained. “I’m your aunt. I practically raised you.”

“It’s not like that, Aunt Dawn,” You said as you buckled Lark into her seat. “He hates for me to travel alone. That’s all. There are crazy people out there.”

“He hates for you to do anything alone. It’s concerning.”

“No, it’s sweet. And he really enjoys our visits.”

“I’m worried about you.”

“Don’t do this.”

“I hardly recognize you. You look exhausted.”

“That’s because I am exhausted.”

“Andrea and Joel seem to think~”

“Are you really going to let Joel and Andrea ruin our day? They’re the reason he hardly lets me come over anyway. Have they turned you against him too?”

“My worry for you has nothing to do with my feelings about him.”

“Don’t believe anything they say, it’s all made up.”

“Why would they make these things up?”

“Because they don’t want to see us together.”

Elvis appeared from the house then, carrying Lark’s missing pacifier.

“Where was it, baby?” You asked, ignoring the disconcerted expression on Dawn’s face.

“Under the couch,” He said. “The drive back would’ve been hell without it.”

“You two be careful,” Dawn said. “It’s getting dark soon.”

“We will be,” You said, stepping forward and hugging her. “Don’t worry about me. Please, I’m okay.”

“See you, Dawny,” Elvis said, hugging her briefly as well. “I’ll bring them by again soon.”

“I look forward to it.” She watched the two of you climb into the car and waved as you left.

“What’s got her so worried about you?”

“Hm?”

“Dawn. You told her not to worry?”

You shrugged dismissively. “She’s always like that.”

He hummed, unsatisfied with your response. “Did you say something in particular to get her like that?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“I don’t know…she said I looked tired.”

Andrea was there to scoop up Lark the minute you got back. She claimed to not trust the two of you alone with her. She meant it as a joke but a part of you couldn’t help but think she was serious.

“I was about to take her upstairs,” You said. “She needs to get changed and fed.”

“I can do it,” Andrea offered as she bounced Lark in her arms. “I don’t mind.”

“That’s alright~”

“Let her do it,” Elvis said. “We’re gonna be down here anyway.”

“I was going to,” You said as he took the diaper bag from your shoulder and handed it off to Andrea. “It’ll only take a second.”

“I don’t mind,” Andrea insisted. “Go relax. I’m on baby duty.”

“Come on, bert,” Elvis said, laughing at the nickname as he guided you away.

You watched Andrea carefully climb the stairs until she was out of your view.

The scene downstairs was too chaotic and you would’ve preferred to be anywhere else. Elvis kept a heavy arm around your shoulders as you sat silently by his side amongst the group.

Despite your presence, there were still numerous women who had taken the same mundane interest in him as the hundreds (thousands, or even millions) who came before them. You couldn’t blame them, or the way they stared shamelessly—he was too beautiful to only steal a glance.

What they wanted from him was surface level, they craved his body, but his mind and soul were yours—some crude part of you wanted them to know that. You felt invisible next to him as their eyes locked on his every move.

“What?” Elvis asked when he noticed you shifting closer.

“I want to go upstairs,” You said, giving him a look and hoping he’d understand. You placed a suggestive hand on his thigh to further express your point. “Please.”

“Don’t, birdie, come on,” He scolded, moving your hand from his thigh.

“I need you,” You said. “Don’t you want me?”

His jaw twitched. “Why are you being like that in front of all these people?”

“They like watching so much, I figured we’d put on a show.”

“What?”

“A show, y’know…”

His eyes narrowed as he processed what you were saying.

“I want them to know that you’re mine,” You confessed.

“And the only way to prove that is to…?”

“Show them.”

“How?” He laughed.

“Kiss me,” You insisted. “Touch me.”

“You’re crazy,” He muttered under his breath. “I don’t know how I put up with you.”

His words hurt but in some sort of satisfying way.

He kissed your cheek and his deep voice vibrated in your ear when he whispered, “Go upstairs.”

You stood, trying not to pout as you left the room. You stopped by Lark’s nursery on your way by and you saw Andrea but you didn't make your presence known as you watched them. She was so good with her.

Elvis came up the stairs as you stood there and you immediately went to the bedroom without a word. You shut the door behind yourself, making him open it moments later.

“What? You have a problem with me?” He asked, slamming the door.

You faced him—crossing your arms.

“How can I help that they were looking at us?”

“They were looking at you, not me.”

“D’you know who I was looking at? You.”

“Do they know that?”

“Who cares what they know?”

“I do.”

“So, what, you want me to fuck you in a room full of people?”

You pushed him away when he stepped closer but even with all your strength he didn’t budge. You struggled against him when he grabbed your wrists, trying to pull away. His grip tightened and he forced you into a rough kiss. As much as you wanted to deny him you gave in quickly.

He made you straddle him when he sat on the edge of the bed, assisting your movements with a tight grip on your waist and making you grind your core against the bulge forming in his pants.

“You’re gonna finish what you were trying to start out there,” He said. “Do you understand?”

You aren’t sure what came over you in that moment, but you brought your right hand up and struck his cheek in one swift motion. He seemed as shocked by the action as you were, his head cocked to the side—frozen for a moment before acting suddenly.

He stood and shoved you onto your back, wrapping a hand around your neck.

You nodded in encouragement. “Hit me back.”

He kissed you, there was a gentleness lingering behind his touch that you wanted him to let go of. “Don’t be brutal.”

“I want it.”

“You want me to hit you?”

“Yes.”

He examined your expression for a moment before pulling away. You waited as he sat back on his heels and silently removed his shirt.

“Take off your dress,” He finally said, waiting expectantly.

You smiled and shook your head ‘no.’ He was on you immediately, forcing you onto your front before unzipping the back of your dress. He stripped you, leaving you in only your heels and panties.

“On your back,” He demanded.

You turned over but immediately lifted your foot, using the pointed end of your heel to keep him from coming closer. He grabbed your ankle and ripped the shoe from your foot before wrestling the other off.

He forced himself between your legs. You tried to push him away but he pinned your hands beside your head—he wasn’t letting up but you could feel his frustration building.

You forced a heavy moan and arched your back, playing up your pleasure and becoming pliant. He released your wrists and you put your arms around his shoulders—you let him kiss you fully before grabbing a fistful of his hair and pulling. You tugged harshly and he groaned.

“Don’t do that,” He said through clenched teeth. “Fucking let go.”

“Make me,” You challenged. “Hit me.”

“What’s that do for you?”

“It makes me feel like yours.”

You closed your eyes as he kissed you, releasing your grip on his hair.

“You are mine,” He muttered against your lips. “I don’t have to hit you to prove that, do I?”

“No,” You agreed, trying not to let your excitement show as he grabbed your jaw and made you look at him.

“You’re my girl?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what that means?”

Your eyes widened when his ring and middle fingers suddenly pushed past your lips, forcing your tongue down. You gagged and tried to pull away but he wouldn’t let you. The rings on his fingers clanked uncomfortably against your teeth but you couldn’t avoid them.

“It means—” His face was close to yours. “—that you hold yourself together when other girls make you jealous, you don’t fall apart and turn into a desperate nag.” He only pulled away after you choked, his fingers covered in your saliva. “You should know that by now, birdie. You’re actin like an amateur.”

You hardly had a second to breathe before he was forcing you onto your back.

“You’re always asking why I never use your mouth and you can’t even handle two fingers. It’s fucking adorable.” His words must’ve had the effect he wanted them to, because he laughed when you started struggling again. “You’re just a little girl. You don’t know the first thing about what you’re getting into when you ask me to do shit like this to you.”

“You’d rather fuck one of them?”

“I probably would’ve if it weren’t for your bad attitude.”

You fought harder but he held you down under half his body weight.

“You don’t like that?” He asked knowingly, grunting as he thrusted his touch-starved erection against your core.

“No, I don’t fucking like that,” You spat. “You’re an asshole.”

“Your mouth.” He tutted, disapprovingly.

“Fuck you.”

“Say it again.”

“Fuck y~”

You were stunned by the slap that crossed your face. It didn’t hurt but it stung in an addicting way and made you throb with desperation.

“That’s what you want?” He asked, you could hear the panic reserved in his tone. He was checking in.

“Yes,” You reassured him.

“When did you get like this?” He muttered, sitting up and instructing you to remove his belt. “Come on. It’s the least you can do after being such a mean little thing.”

You sat up with him to unbuckle the belt. He took your face in his hands and kissed you, still unable to resist your lips.

“Say you love me,” He demanded, breaking the kiss. “Fucking say it.”

“I love you,” You said. “I love you, I love you, I love you~”

“Alright, shut up,” He interrupted. “You’re gonna get yourself off, d’you think you can do that?”

You followed him as he sat back against the headboard, letting him force you to straddle him. You brought your hand up in an attempt to land your revenge, but he caught your wrist before you could connect.

“Don’t try it again.” He tore your underwear from around your waist, ruining them. “Take my rings off.”

You reached for his hand and he pulled it out of your reach.

“Uh, uh,” He hummed. “Use your mouth.”

You hesitate but parted your lips anyway. He swore as you used your mouth to remove each ring, leaving his fingers glistening with your saliva.

“Last one,” He said as you spit another ring into his right palm and took his left ring finger in your mouth. He hissed as the wedding band slipped from his finger and into your mouth. He stopped you from spitting it out. “Keep it in your mouth. Don’t swallow it.”

You wanted to protest but focused your attention instead on not letting the ring slip down your throat. He kissed your chest as his wet fingers glided through your slick folds.

With his left hand occupied and his right arm wrapped around your back, you had a clear opportunity to land another sharp slap across his cheek.

He released an involuntary gasp upon contact, clenching his jaw and sighing through his nose.

“Spit,” He demanded, holding his left hand out for the ring. You let fall out of your mouth along with the pool of saliva that had collected.

He tossed the ring aside and leaned forward until you laid flat against the bed. He forced his fingers into you, curling them deep.

“It’s not enough that I married you, and gave you my child,” He said through labored breathing. “You want me to use you in a room full of people to prove a point.”

“People you would’ve had the luxury of screwing if I were nicer.”

“You know I say that kind of shit to piss you off.”

You released an accented moan as he slammed his fingers harshly into you, cutting your rebuttal short.

His hand found your throat again and applied more pressure. Your eyes widened in shock when your breathing was interrupted and you struggled to push him off.

“What?” He stopped moving. “Too soft? Harder?”

He waited another second and let go.

“Harder,” You gasped.

“Really?” His thrusts became longer and deeper—making your legs tremble as he reached that spot that made your toes curl. “But you’re crying, mama.”

He knew as well as you did that the tears in your eyes had nothing to do with you crying and everything to do with him choking you moments before. But he’d use the tears as a testimony to your pain if it made you appear frail.

“Do you want me to stop?” He asked, knowing the answer.

You wanted to tell him to keep going, but it was too much. The last thing you wanted to do was prove him right by affirming your sensitivity. Rather than appear weak, you opted for silence.

“Okay,” He whispered, kissing your lips gently. “I’ll take care of you, darlin, don’t worry.”

He sat up and silently motioned ‘come here’ with both hands—his lids heavy and his pupils blown with lust. You forced yourself to sit up, figuring it best to agree. He wrapped his arms around your torso, expecting you to wrap your legs around his waist.

“Stay,” He whispered. “What’re you gonna do?”

“…Stay.” You shivered when he entered you, relaxing into his hold and completely relinquishing your senses.

“Good girl…see? You can be a sweet girl.”

You couldn’t feel anything outside of him. You couldn’t see, hear, smell, or taste anything…only him.

“You walk around like you have so much to prove,” He said, his voice low in your ear. “I don’t know why.”

You couldn’t respond, you couldn’t form any words as that familiar knot started to form in the pit of your stomach.

“It’s like you’re jealous of a couple of strangers,” He continued, rocking his hips upward to thrust inside of you. “Do you want me to treat you like them? Like I don’t know you—like I don’t love you?”

The world fell away and for a moment you were just a body made up of electricity and burning pleasure. Your eyes rolled and you trembled. He kept going.

“Do you want me fuck you like a stranger?” He muttered, you couldn’t tell if he was talking to you anymore.

“Please,” You whispered, encouraging him. “…fuck me like a stranger.”

His hips stuttered and he came instantly, bursting inside of you like a teenager. You felt the warmth of his release pooling inside of you and seeping between your thighs.

You climbed out of his lap, leaving no time for either of you to come down or catch your breath. You tried to turn away—too woozy to get up—but he grabbed you by the arm and made you face him. You wouldn’t look at him, so he gripped your jaw.

“I love you,” He panted. “I…love you. That’s the difference. That makes all the difference.”

You met his eyes. “That makes everything okay?”

“No,” He admitted. “It doesn’t.”

You couldn’t read his expression—his lids were heavy with post-orgasmic bliss. He was still coming down from his high, not speaking for himself but from his pleasure.

“I’m sorry,” He muttered, nuzzling the crook of your neck.

You hugged him back, closing your eyes and allowing yourself to revel in his apology while he was sorry—because you knew he wouldn’t be for long.

He pulled away from the embrace after a few minutes. “Say it back.”

You smiled, you almost thought he hadn’t noticed. “I love you too.”

He smiled, content.

“You should get back out there,” You said. “Seemed like the night was just getting started.”

“I’m not finished with you just yet,” He said, smirking suggestively. “You’ve awoken something inside of me.”

“Oh no,” You said sarcastically, laughing as his hands shamefully roamed your body. “What have I done?”

“Where’s Lark?”

“With Andrea still.”

“Perfect.”

You squeaked in surprise when he rolled onto his back and pulled you onto his lap.

“Tell me what to do."

You paused. "What do you mean?"

His fingernails grazed your bare thighs as he smiled timidly. "I want you to order me around. Make me do things I wouldn’t usually do.”

You would grow to accept that there would be no final retribution or day of reckoning. No fight, no agreement, no threat, no reconciliation.

Those things didn’t matter when it came to the two of you. At the end of it all—good, bad, ugly and indifferent—you two would remain. It was an undisputed truth…wherever you went, you went together.

You could be opposites, or just alike, it’d make no difference. He could be like the sea. Open, free, abundant in what he could give. Charitable, but indulgent. Hazardous, but certain. You could be like the desert. Brutal, unforthcoming, full of life in some areas but destitute in others. Fertile, but not nurturing. Guarded, but unprotected. You could have been all those things and one simple fact would remain.

Wherever there was Elvis Presley, so too was his baby birdie.

—fin.

[ssinnerplazahotel]

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*Chapter Fourteen*

╰─..★.──────────╯

WC: 7k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, toxic elvis, manipulation, drug use, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Masterlist: Prologue, Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

finale pt. 1

Ray drove you home early that night. They’d gotten on a roll with recording and were going to be doing overtime. Elvis didn’t want you to leave, he told you that he’d feel better knowing that you were there.

You would’ve stayed if you hadn’t been so uneasy about the letter.

Ray was keeping an extra watchful eye on you and your surroundings, but you’d feel safer back at Graceland. Or at least you thought you would.

When you got there it was empty aside from the few family members that Elvis hadn’t bothered to introduce you to.

Your unrest only intensified after Ray was gone. You paced the floors of the house anxiously while you waited for Elvis to get back from the studio. You found yourself checking around every corner, waiting for something to happen. It was a miserable feeling.

When Elvis did return home it was almost the next morning. He found you in your personal dressing room—you hadn’t bothered to move any clothes in and it remained empty aside from the vanity pushed against the back wall.

When he found you, you’d turned to other means of relaxation. You weren’t as relieved to see him as you thought you’d be—instead it felt like the thing lurking behind the corner had finally jumped out.

“Birdie?” He wondered. “What are you doing?”

He had caught you in the middle of a thought, one of many conclusions that you’d come to during your long night of binging and worrying.

“I want a baby.”

“What?”

“I was just thinking and I just thought…you get whatever you want. I want a baby.”

“…We’ll talk about it.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. If you can’t meet those demands, then we don’t have anything going here.”

“Where’s this coming from?”

“We don’t go together, E. I go with you, yes. But so does every other woman that comes your way.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“It’s true. A-And…you’ve made sacrifices for us, but so have I. Don’t I deserve to be compensated for the things I’ve given up? What about the people I’ve lost?”

You used the bottom of your discarded glass to crush one of the pills scattered across the vanity.

“Don’t do that.” He grabbed you up by your forearm but you struggled.

“Let me go.” You snatched away and fell back into your seat.

He stood there for a moment, rubbing his eyes in frustration before trying again. He wasn’t angry—you couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

“Come on, honey,” He said, his words were surprisingly gentle. He stepped forward and took your hands, helping you out of your chair. “You’re done for the night.”

He dusted the pill residue from the vanity with his palm and took the bottom of your face in his other hand, making you meet his eyes.

“No more of this,” He said. “Do you hear me?”

“They told me to do it like this.”

“Who?”

You shrugged, not saying. He looked pissed but he was gentle with you as he led you out of the room.

“You overdid it tonight, that’s all.” He helped you into bed. “When you’re back to yourself and thinking clearly~”

“I’m thinking clearly.”

“When you’re back to yourself, we’ll have this conversation.”

You knew you’d never speak of tonight again unless he brought it up. You wouldn’t dare, it was hard enough saying it the first time.

“You wouldn’t notice if I dropped dead.”

“Not true.”

“You’d notice if I wasn’t exactly where you told me to be when you told me to be there but I could just…stop breathing. Couldn’t I?”

He didn’t react. You wanted him to, you needed him to.

“You don’t care about me,” You continued. “Just about what you can do with me. Where you can put me to keep me out of the way until you want me again.”

“No.”

“Then why does it feel like that?”

He sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed with his back to you. “Because you’re out of your mind.”

You almost laughed. “It’s always all my fault.”

“It starts to feel that way, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah, it does.”

He rubbed his eyes. You felt like just another burden in his life. You weren’t sure he cared at all about what you were saying.

“You want to know what I found out today? A lot of people wish I were dead.” He was still but you watched his movements closely—he tensed. “They want to kill me. They sent me a letter telling me exactly how they’d do it.”

“What?” His head turned in your direction.

“Somebody slipped it under the door of the green room.”

“Where were Ray and Serena?”

“I sent them away.”

“Why?”

“I wanted to be alone.”

“They’re there to protect you.”

“I know why they’re there.”

He leaned his elbows against his knees, ruffling his hair as he released a troubled sigh. “I’ll have them look into it.”

You closed your eyes. “It’s no use. Just add it to the pile, I know it’s not the first one.”

“I’d never let anything happen to you.”

“Sometimes I wish it would so I could stop waiting for it.”

“Don’t say that.”

“Why?”

“Because…I can’t think about losing you.”

When you looked you were surprised to see some emotion stirring behind his eyes.

The next day, you were met with an array of firearms laid out across the bed for you to choose from. You were mortified at first but eventually convinced that you’d be better off with it than without.

“Pick one,” Elvis insisted. “You can have 'em all if you want.”

“I don’t know how to shoot a gun.”

“Don’t worry, darlin, I’ll teach you.”

He stood behind you and picked up the first firearm. He placed it in your hands, guiding you to grip the cool handle.

“This one’s small and light, so I thought it’d be a good fit for you,” He explained as you held the gun out in front of you. “You’re a natural.”

You laughed. “I’ll never use it.”

“Hopefully you won’t have to.”

“Then what’s the point?”

“The point is that I’ll feel better knowing that you have a way to protect yourself if Ray, Serena, or I get away from you.”

“That won’t happen again.”

His expression softened. “I know, baby, it was an accident that it happened at all.”

You tried to examine his expression but you couldn’t tell what he was thinking. “Are you mad at me?”

He hugged you, kissing your temple. “Come on. I wanna show you how to shoot this thing at least once.”

You picked up the gun and let him reposition your arms. “Like this?”

He hummed in approval. “Just like that.”

The two of you were called for an impromptu press conference at least once every other week. The invitations were always adamant that you were in attendance but you were too anxious to speak in front of the crowd, so Elvis told you that you didn’t have to. They only wanted you there to hear their questions and complaints.

“We’ve been scrambling to get even the slightest glimpse of the two of you since the wedding. Are we expecting any big news?”

“Big news?”

“Any baby fever going around?”

“Nah, we’re good and vaccinated over here.”

“How’s your wife Elvis?”

“We haven’t heard from her since her debut interview.”

“She’s fine. She’s usually in some kind of trouble.”

You smiled to yourself—keeping your gaze either directed down or at Elvis. You sat by his side as he gave the press conference, but that was the extent of your willingness to be a part of the interviewing process.

The cameras never stopped flashing, and it was hard to hear the questions over the constant shouting for your attention. You pretended not to hear them and willed the time to fly by.

“People are concerned by your wife’s silence. They fear there’s a lack of agency on her part. As well as a disregard for the movements happening as we speak.”

“I mean, it’s nothing political,” Elvis said, reiterating the response that he had practiced on the way over. “She’s a smart girl, she has her own thoughts and opinions that the world deserves to hear. But at the end of the day she didn’t sign up to be a part of any of this. So I can’t ask her to sit down and do an open interview with the press. It’s unreasonable and I don’t want to put her in that position. I’m asking a lot to even have her here right now.”

“Even if it’s by association, she is in the public eye and people, your fan’s most importantly, are entitled to some access~”

“I-I agree, honey, I do~”

“It comes with the territory!”

“She has to answer to someone!”

“You’re right.”

“There are people out there that want to see the two of you dead or in jail!”

The crowd was getting restless and you could tell that Elvis was struggling to stay above water. He leaned over and spoke into your ear. “Go with Jerry, baby.”

Jerry was there before he finished the sentence, helping you out of your chair. The room erupted in protests as you were escorted off of the stage.

“They’re ruthless,” Jerry said when you were safely behind the door of a green room.

“I’m starting to think a picture’s worth more than a thousand words,” You said, laughing along with him for a moment before the door opened and Serena entered—Liz trailing behind. “Thanks, Jer.”

“Let me know if you need anything,” He said, slipping out of the room.

“My cigarettes, Serena.” You sighed and sat down on the lime couch pushed against the wall. “I think they’re gonna love the gloves, Liz.”

“You looked great up there,” Liz said. “There’s a reason the entire country either wants to kill you or be you.”

The conference came to an end but you weren’t allowed to leave until all press was escorted off the premises. Elvis found you in the green room shortly after he was allowed offstage.

“There’s my girl,” He said, lifting you from the ground briefly as he engulfed you in a hug.

“What’d they say about me after I left?” You asked, shying away from the kiss he left on your neck.

“They said ‘we hate to see her leave, but lord have mercy.’” You laughed, shooing his hands away from your ass.

“Not in front of all these people.”

“They’re watching for a reason.”

You cut your eye at him and got ready to go. At Graceland things were business as usual. Your former dressing room was coming along nicely as a nursery—it was nearly done, but as vacant as your womb.

“You spend too much time in here,” Elvis said when he saw you there again that night.

You turned in his arms as he hugged you, abandoning the clothes you were putting away. You laid your head against his chest, listening to the steady sound of his heart beating. You stood there in silence for a moment, not thinking about anything specific.

“You should go to bed. We have an early flight tomorrow.”

“Sending me to bed already?”

He laughed, taking you by the hand and leading you out of the room. You got ready for bed but you were restless still.

“Serena’s gonna go with you to the doctor,” Elvis said as you stood by the sink putting your toiletries away. “I have work.”

“I’ll go alone.”

“I don’t want you to.”

“Then Ray can go in with me. I don’t mind.”

He nodded but he didn’t look thrilled about the idea. As if you were supposed to be anymore thrilled at the idea of going with Serena. You could tolerate her for the most part—but you didn’t want her to have any part in this.

“How long are we in Vegas?” You asked, leaving no more room for discussion about the matter.

“Just for the summer.” He followed you out of the bathroom.

“Sounds like this is gonna be a good one,” You said optimistically. “George Sidney and Ann Margret? That’s exciting, right?”

Elvis hummed halfheartedly in agreement. “I don’t know how much time they’re spending on it.”

You climbed into bed, patting the empty spot next to you. “Lay with me until I fall asleep.”

“Is that all I’m good for?” He asked, getting in. “Shouldn’t we at least work on that little assignment of ours?”

“Assignment?”

“Mhm. Give the doctor something to check for tomorrow.”

“That’s not how it works.”

“Humor me.”

You always knew to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. You weren’t optimistic, not when it came to matters relating to yourself. Not because you were unlucky. You were more fortunate than you could appreciate, but that good fortune only extended so far.

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Becoming pregnant wouldn’t be an issue. Maintaining the pregnancy would be difficult due to the abnormalities within your uterus.”

Abnormalities. She said it so casually, breaking the news plainly and without much empathy. She wasn’t cold, but you had wished she’d been more gentle as she crushed your dream of being a mother.

Was it a dream?

Distraction or dream, the difference didn’t matter now.

“…So, there’s nothing?”

“I always encourage couples to keep trying. In situations like these you can never really know.”

There were some things that were natural—undisputed. Some things that happened without effort or explanation. And there were things you had to fight for. Things that needed a little extra commitment and attention. You thought that having a baby would be one of those undisputed things. However, you were wrong.

“How’d it go?”

“All good, Ray. Thank you.”

It was you. You were the problem. You didn’t know how you were going to explain this to Elvis and you didn’t want to. It wasn’t something that was your fault exactly, but you still felt immense guilt.

“Are we meeting Elvis on set?”

“I was told directly back to the hotel.”

Your thoughts were too cloudy to care about the sudden change of plans. You weren’t sure how much longer you’d be able to save face anyway.

You hated traveling with Elvis, especially without Andrea. You hated being alone when he was away. But it was either that or being tucked away in a corner somewhere guarded by Ray and Serena.

When you saw Elvis again he asked about your appointment. You smiled and told him that it went well. That everything was good…perfect.

“I’m glad,” He said, keeping his back to you as he got undressed. “I knew it would be.”

“How was the first day?” You asked, changing the subject.

“Good.” He shrugged.

“I thought Ray would bring me by earlier,” You said. “I guess things got too busy?”

“That’s usually how it goes.” He stood from the bed and went into the bathroom.

You fell silent, letting your expression fall when the door clicked shut.

He was distant. Normally you would've noticed. If your mind hadn’t been so preoccupied you probably wouldn’t have been able to notice anything else.

When he returned he had given you a run down of the next day’s schedule—it didn’t include you.

“It’s easier if you aren’t on set. It’s not like you’d be missing anything.”

“Oh…”

“It’s just another thing. Don’t overthink it.”

*

Serena came to you one night in the middle of the summer—in tears with her luggage in tow.

“I’m so sorry,” She cried, hugging you. “I never meant to hurt you. You didn’t deserve it.”

“Serena, what’s going on?”

“I can’t do this anymore.” She dried her tears futilely.

You stepped aside for her to enter. “Let’s talk inside.”

“No,” She said, shaking her head adamantly. “I can’t. I just…I can’t handle it.”

“Can’t handle what?” You asked.

“…You don’t know?” Her expression shifted into a more apologetic one. “H-He…He’s been with her. Everyone was saying so but I didn’t believe it until I asked him a-and…he completely lost it.”

You were slow to process her words. “Been with who?”

“Ann,” She said, more tears forming as she forced herself to say her name. “Margaret.”

You nodded and reminded yourself that you shouldn’t react, you had to remain stoic. “So what?”

“Wh…What?”

“What are you gonna do?”

She looked confused and at a loss for words. You left the space for her to respond.

“I-I don’t know.”

“You didn’t care when it was me you were screwing over. Now I’m supposed to feel bad because you’ve been replaced by someone shinier than you?”

She shook her head, pressing her lips together and wiping her face. “N-No, it’s not that.”

“Then what is it?” You shifted impatiently. “What would you like me to do?”

“I-I just wanted to tell you that I’m leaving. And that I’m sorry.”

“It’s not okay.”

She nodded in understanding. “Okay.”

You moved to step back into your dimly lit hotel room, but hesitated. “I’m sorry he broke your heart, Serena.”

“Does it not break yours?”

“…It does.”

She stood there for a moment, contemplating her next words. “You don’t deserve this.”

You smiled softly. “I don’t deserve anything.”

She stopped you again. “I know he’ll never tell you, but I think you should know…”

“It gets worse?” You meant it as a joke but Serena obviously wasn’t in the mood. “What is it?”

“He helped the Colonel arrange the wedding,” She confessed. “The only way Parker would do it was if Elvis signed a contract for a deal with one of his execs.”

“…What?”

“The movie contract, Elvis signed it because Parker helped him convince the board to settle~”

“I-I heard you.”

“…I thought you should know.”

You sighed, bewildered. “Any other deep dark secrets that you think I should know?”

“No.”

“Please leave.”

“Okay…I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

*

Elvis didn’t grace your “shared” room often that summer. You never knew where he was, you never knew what he was doing. It was a drastic change in pace compared to the way things had been going. You went from seeing him every day to not seeing him at all.

Ray was forced to keep you company whenever you were summoned or forced out of the room simply because the press ‘wanted to see you.’ He was always there.

“What’s wrong?”

“If I try to have a baby I’ll kill it. Well, my body…it’ll kill the baby.”

“Should I call Elvis?”

“N-No. I think he’s somewhere screwing his co-star.”

You knew you shouldn’t have called him into your room, you were out of your head with despair and you had no one else to talk to. You hated to take advantage, but he was the only person there for you.

“That’s~ It’s nothing, don’t worry about that,” You said dismissively, inviting him to sit next to you on your unmade bed. “I-I called you because…I don’t know why. I thought you’d listen.”

“I take it the appointment didn’t go well?” He seemed hesitant but he sat down with you.

You shook your head. “It tracks. I mean, of course I can’t have a baby. No baby deserves me as a mother.”

“That’s not true. You’re a good person.”

“How would you know?”

“I pay attention.”

You couldn’t convince him that you were a horrible person, no matter what you said. He refused to accept even the slightest implication that you may not have always had the best intentions. At that moment, you were afraid you had the worst intentions.

“I shouldn’t stay.”

“I want you to.”

“It’s four in the morning.”

“So?”

“You should rest.”

“You’ll be right outside anyway, right?”

He cracked a little smile and shook his head. You wondered if a part of him wanted to stay. “I can’t. I’ll lose my job if he finds out I was even in here.”

Just like that whatever illusion that you had created of him being your friend vanished. He wasn’t someone you could confide in, despite his continuous presence in your life. You were his job. Bottom line.

“You’re right,” You said, apologetically. “I don’t want to get you in trouble. ”

“I know,” He said before turning to leave. “I’ll send Jerry in to check on you, but I’m right outside if you need me. I-I mean, If there’s an emergency.”

“…I’ll try not to start any fires.”

Ray’s message wouldn’t get to Jerry without getting to Elvis. You had hoped that he would leave them out of it but you knew when you saw Elvis the following night that he’d heard. He didn’t have to say anything.

“E,” You started as soon as the door swung shut.

“Go ahead,” He said when you stopped short, crossing his arms and waiting for you to continue.

You weren’t sure what you were going to say. You were at a loss, you had expected him to start digging into you immediately. You watched him carefully as he shifted the chair in the corner toward you and sat down.

“Speak.” He was angry, you could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. But he was making an effort to compose himself. “I’m listening.”

“I’m sorry,” You said, still trying to feel around for the response he wanted. “I didn’t think he’d tell you.”

“Oh, he didn’t,” He said. “I had to hear from about five different people that you had a problem. So tell me, birdie, what’s the problem?”

“There’s no problem.”

“Don’t lie.”

You didn’t know what he wanted you to say. You wanted to say the right thing.

“How was that appointment? The one he took you to.”

He was prompting you. He noticed you scrambling and was throwing you a line.

“It wasn’t great.”

“What happened?”

“It’s not going to work,” You said, directing your gaze to your fidgety hands. “They said there was a chance but…it’s small.”

He nodded, his expression was blank when you met his eyes again. “Anything else?”

You shook your head. “No. That’s it.”

“Why am I the last to know?”

“I didn’t intend it that way.”

He didn’t respond and he was still acting out of character. He was unusually calm, and he was fighting to be. His jaw was taught and his leg bounced restlessly. Not in a bored or impatient way—he seemed anxious, or annoyed maybe.

“Serena,” You started. “She quit, y’know?”

“I heard,” He said. “Any idea why?”

“No,” You lied. “I found out from Ray.”

He nodded, lips pursed. “Anything else?”

You shook your head. “No.”

“Come sit here for a minute.” He stood and waited for you to cross the room. He let you take his seat, crouching down in front of you before continuing. “I don’t have to tell you why I’m upset, do I?”

“No.”

“Okay, good. We can skip that part.”

You tensed when he rested his cold hands on your bare thighs. Not because you were afraid, but because you were unsure of what he would do next.

“It’s okay,” He reassured you, rubbing your thighs in a soothing manner as he continued. “I don’t care what’s going on, birdie, I’m the first to hear about these kinds of things. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Shouldn’t I be the first to hear this?”

“I didn’t think you’d understand.”

“You didn’t give me a chance to try.”

You felt guilty. You didn’t mean for things to blow so far out of proportion.

“I’m sorry,” He said. You were shocked. “I’ll find a way to make up for not being there.”

You thought he’d go about making it up to you by being there for you now. But you were sorely mistaken.

*

“A dog?”

“His name’s Tika. Do you like him?”

“…He’s adorable.”

“That’s not all.”

You smiled as he handed the teacup yorkie over to you. You turned in time to watch him open the door of your suite to reveal two faces you never thought you’d see again.

“Oh my god.”

“Hi! It’s been so long.”

“It’s only been a year or so, Pat.”

“I’m just making small talk, Barb.”

You were frozen in shock, you didn’t know what to say.

“It didn’t take anything to track these two down,” Elvis said, putting an arm around each of them. “Figured they could hang around a day or two. Until the end of filming. What d’you think, baby?”

“I can’t believe you girls came all this way,” It was the only thing you could manage to say.

“How could we pass this up?”

They hung on to your every word the entire weekend and did everything they could for you. You didn’t know what they were trying to prove. Were they desperate not to make a mistake in the hopes of going back to Graceland with you?

You hated the way they treated you, but you hadn’t had anyone to talk to outside of Elvis—whenever he could be bothered with you—since Andrea left. Barb and Pat reminded you of the person you used to be, and even more so that you weren’t her anymore. You could only tolerate them in small doses.

“You must get anything you want, huh?”

“Not exactly.”

“What else could she want?”

You asked them about their lives now and if they’d finished school. You asked anything that kept the conversation off of yourself. You had nothing to say, nothing to offer that they could relate to or understand. Whatever you did think to say didn’t sound good enough in your head so you didn’t bother saying it aloud.

That weekend was torturous. You didn’t see Elvis once within the final days of filming and you were otherwise subjected to spending time with the girls. You would rather have spent the nights alone with Tika and a bottle of red, listening to the news on the radio—in the hopes that something more terrifying was happening in the real world than what was happening in yours.

In that alternate version of life where time didn’t exist because it was always dark and you never got any sleep. Was there any rest for the wicked?

You were glad when you were rid of Pat and Barb and back at Graceland. Elvis wasn’t himself and you had enough sense to know why. You didn’t broach the subject at first—you would’ve been alright if it was never brought up or talked about again. You would’ve preferred it be buried somewhere deep and forgotten about.

“You haven’t gotten back up with Pat and Barb since we got back.”

“I don’t think we click like we used to.”

“They adore you.”

“…That’s the problem.”

You weren’t sure if you were capable of connecting with anyone anymore. You felt so detached and unreachable.

The only time you felt like yourself—or at least some version of yourself—was when you were with Elvis. There were times when it felt like you only existed for him. You came alive for him, otherwise you weren’t yourself. You weren’t anything.

Every thought, every action, every moment was for him. Yet, you hardly recognized him now.

It wasn’t that he was calmer, or that he had less of a temper. He was simply too distracted to put his all into you. He was so lost in his own affairs that he hardly noticed you slipping away again.

When you looked at him, you couldn’t tell where the person you knew ended and her creation began. She had tamed something in him that you never could. You thought it was admirable.

“I’ve decided,” You started as the two of you sat up reading late into the night. You had grown bored with your book long ago but continued to skim the pages until you worked up enough courage to speak. “That we should break up.”

You didn’t say it in a particularly convincing way. It wouldn’t have mattered if you did.

“Oh, yeah?” He asked, already dismissive. “Where’d you get that idea?”

“From myself,” You responded. “You don’t think so?”

He turned his head. “What the hell are you saying?”

You started to repeat yourself. “I think we should~”

“I heard you.”

“Then why’d you ask?”

“…I can’t tell if you’re serious.”

“I am.”

He closed the book in his hand—you did the same. He continued to stare at you, no doubt waiting for you to sprout another head.

“I thought you’d agree.”

“Why would I agree?”

“Because you can’t seem to get over her.”

“What?”

“It’s been weeks and you’re still moping about it.”

He narrowed his eyes. “What are you talking about?”

You sighed. “We can let this be easy, Elvis.”

“Let what be easy?”

“Separating.”

“You’re being real cute.”

You watched him carefully as he abandoned his book by his side and shifted his full attention to you.

“What do you want now?” He asked. “Something else I can’t do for you?”

“Don’t be cruel.”

“Don’t be coy.”

You shook your head. “I’m not trying to be.”

He sighed, aggravated.

“I’m trying to do what’s best for the both of us.”

“Separating isn’t what’s best for us. Not to mention that it’s not an option.”

“Of course it is.”

“In what world?”

You knew this conversation wouldn’t be an easy one to have. You had hoped his distance and constant distraction would be enough to make him go easy on you. You thought he’d let you go, not quietly, but you hadn’t expected so much of a fuss.

“I want you to be happy, E,” You said. “I don’t make you happy anymore.”

“Don’t tell me how I feel,” He said. “You can’t make up my mind for me or make decisions like this on your own.”

“You hardly notice me anymore,” You pointed out. “You don’t speak to me…you don’t touch me. It’s like I’m not even here. Ever since…”

“Ever since what?” His eyes hardened but his expression remained the same.

You froze under his gaze, had struck a nerve by even daring to bring her up?

His eyebrow quirked expectantly. “Get it out, honey. Ever since what?”

“I don’t know.” You retracted, reopening your book. “Forget it.”

“No, no, no.” He snatched the book and slammed it shut, throwing it to the side along with his. “You brought it up. Air it out, go ahead.”

“What do you want me to say?”

“Whatever you’re thinkin.”

He was doing it again—showing restraint. You didn’t know what to do.

“Serena told me everything.”

“I highly doubt that.”

“Why?”

“Because Serena doesn’t know everything.”

You fell silent, of course she didn’t. You were sure she only knew what she’d overheard the others saying.

“See?” He asked in the wake of your silence. “That’s why you shouldn’t speak on things you know nothing about.”

You should’ve responded in your own defense but you couldn’t think of anything to say that he wouldn’t twist into an insult.

“Here,” He said, handing your book to you. “Read your little book and forget about this.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

He sat the book in your lap when you refused to take it, returning to his own.

“Are you happy?” You asked.

“I’d be happier if this conversation was over,” He said without looking up. “I’m trying to be nice here, birdie. You’re pushing me.”

“Did she tell you to be nicer?” You asked. “Is that why you aren’t screaming in my face right now?”

“Do you want me to?”

“I want you to tell me that it’s me you want and not her.”

“If I wanted to be with her, I’d be with her.”

“Then why have you been acting like this?”

“I’m not actin any kind of way. You’re overthinking everything like you always fucking do. It’s always the same old tired bullshit with you.”

You fell silent. He looked at you after you did so, laughing shortly—at what, you didn’t know.

“You make me feel stupid.”

“You aren’t stupid, birdie, you just do stupid things.”

“Nice.”

“I’m tryna say it in the nicest way possible.”

“There’s no nice way to call a girl stupid.”

“I didn’t call you stupid. You said stupid, not me.”

You abandoned your book again and got out of bed with tears blurring your vision.

“Where are you going?” He asked.

“There are only so many places to go,” You said, blinking your tears away and slipping your house shoes on. “I’m going to check on Tika. I promise I won’t leave the premises.”

“You aren’t leaving here dressed like that.” He barely glanced up from his book. “If I wanted people to see you dressed for bed I’d invite them up.”

“I’ll get dressed.”

“No you won’t.”

“You can’t control me like this.”

“I’m not controlling you, I’m telling you to have a little fucking common sense.”

You huffed in aggravation and stormed into the bathroom—slamming the door shut behind yourself. You stayed there well into the night, despite Elvis’ many complaints.

“I’m not gonna tell you again,” He called through the door for the umpteenth time. “Come out of the goddamn bathroom. It’s been hours, you’ve made your point.”

You didn’t respond, watching the handle shake violently as he tried the locked door. You were afraid he’d end up knocking it down altogether.

“You know what?” He continued, exasperated. “Stay there if you want, I would rather you be in there than out here driving me up the goddamn wall.”

You didn’t move until you heard the bedroom door slam shut. Your legs were stiff from sitting on the floor too long. You didn’t leave the bathroom—you stood there waiting for him to return or to reveal that he hadn’t left at all.

When you were able to convince yourself that he was gone you left the bathroom. You were exhausted and sore, but you didn’t care. You had waited him out and it felt like a tiny victory.

You were asleep the second your head hit your pillow and you didn’t wake until the next day.

Elvis hadn’t woken you, which was strange.

You got dressed on your own, contemplating heavily on what to wear.

“What would Liz do?” You muttered to yourself as you picked from your carefully crafted wardrobe.

It felt nice getting ready on your own. You did what you wanted with your hair and makeup, keeping it simple for a change. By the time you were finished Elvis still hadn’t shown up—you were starting to think he never would.

Just as you had given up on waiting for him the bedroom door finally opened. You stood from the bed when he entered, smoothing your skirt nervously.

“Birdie,” He said, he didn’t sound upset.

“E…you didn’t wake me up.”

“I figured you’d be tired after your siege,” He chuckled as he said it but you still couldn’t tell if he was angry.

“I’m sorry.” You weren’t sure why you were apologizing, but it seemed necessary.

He waved dismissively. “You don’t have to be.”

“…Are you mad at me?”

“I’m not mad at ya, baby.”

He smiled, tapping your chin and making you meet his eyes.

“I got you something,” He said with a hint of excitement in his tone.

“Why?” You asked, making him laugh. “I’m serious.”

“Because…” He shrugged. “You deserve it.”

“Well, give it to me.”

He laughed, slipping his arms around your waist. “Maybe I wanna…tease you with it a little.”

You bit back a smile. “Is it that kind of thing?”

“Nah, it’s not that kinda thing.”

“Then what is it?”

He reached into his pocket, revealing a set of car keys. You looked at them but made no move to grab them.

“For you,” He said, taking your hand and placing the keys in your palm.

“A car,” You said, looking down at them.

“I thought about what you said~”

“You did?”

“You were right, you should be able to go wherever you want.”

Out of all the things you had said, he had picked that to respond to. He had chosen to get you a car rather than acknowledge that you wanted a divorce.

You didn’t want to leave him, you wanted him to beg you not to go. And perhaps it was never a baby you wanted but some kind of reassurance that he was yours more than he was anyone else’s.

“Ray’s gonna still go with you, of course,” He said. “But she’s all yours.”

“….Thank you,” You said. “I appreciate it.”

He laughed—you didn’t care why. “Should we take her on a test drive? You haven’t forgotten how to drive a stick have you?”

You tried to smile. He slipped his arms around your waist again, making you drop the keys and lean into his touch.

“Y’know, E,” You said as he kissed your neck. “You could try apologizing like a normal person for once.”

His lips froze against your skin before he pulled away and met your eyes. “What?”

You shrugged. “A simple ‘sorry’ would suffice. You can say ‘sorry’ can’t you?”

“Why say what’s implied?”

“That’s what normal people do.”

He chuckled shortly, glancing to the side—annoyed but willing to grapple.

“Why don’t you just accept the gift, like a normal person, so we can make up?”

“Make up for what?”

You held onto his biceps as he stepped back towards the bed. He kissed your neck again.

“Elvis.”

“What?”

“Don’t deflect.”

“Who’s deflecting? Can’t we screw like normal people and get over this bullshit argument you started?”

“I started?”

“Yeah.”

You pressed your palms against his chest but his actions persisted.

“You don’t want to apologize but you want it to be okay. How is that fair?”

“What’s fair anymore?” He pushed you onto the bed. “You run around getting your every way at my expense. Is that fair?”

“Don’t lie through your teeth like that.” You put your knee up in another futile attempt to keep some space between you. “Nothing ever happens at your expense.”

“Is that really what you think?” He grabbed your ankle and forced himself between your thighs.

“I’m not asking you to lasso the moon.” You squirmed beneath him as he pinned your wrist by your head. “I’m asking you to say you’re sorry.”

“Do you want me to get down on my knees for you?”

“No.”

“‘No.’”

“And you call me childish?”

“What’s the point of fighting if one of us doesn’t stoop down to the other’s level?”

“Why are you degrading me?”

“I’m not degrading you. I can show you what it feels like to be degraded.”

“Don’t.”

“Why? Afraid of what I’ll say?”

You laughed. “I already know what you’re gonna say.”

“Do you?” His smile began to fall and you could tell you were pushing his buttons now.

“Yeah, but you don’t want me to tell you,” You said. “Because you revel in the idea that you’re still a mystery to me. But really the only mystery still alive is how I’ve managed to shrink myself into this little box of a reality you’ve created for me. Everybody’s dying to know.”

“I hate you when you talk like that.” He moved to sit up, no longer interested in his pursuit. You wrapped your arms around his neck and your legs around his torso—keeping him in place.

“I don’t care if they ask, I won’t answer.” You held onto him even as he tried to push you away. “I can’t.”

He stopped struggling. “Why?”

You looked him in the eye. “Because I’m ashamed of myself for loving you.”

His jaw clenched and he finally pushed you away. “That’s exactly what I want to hear.”

You sat up in the bed and watched him straighten his clothes. “I didn’t say it to hurt your feelings.”

“What’d you say it for?”

“Because I want you to know that I’ve sacrificed my ego for you and you should do the same and apologize for having an affair. I’m not even asking you to apologize for all of them, just this one.”

“Birdie~”

“Apologize for pretending to have no idea what was happening when you trapped me in this sham of a marriage. Apologize—not with a car, or a bracelet—with fucking words.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Like I said before…Serena told me everything.”

“Serena doesn’t know anything.”

“She knew you were screwing Ann, she knew you never tried to call off the wedding, and she knew that if she didn’t leave you’d drive her out of her mind like every girl unlucky enough to get pulled in by your bullshit. I’d say she was onto something.”

“What do you want from me, huh?”

“Why didn’t you tell me you arranged the wedding? You made it seem like you were blindsided when really you knew all along.”

“We only had so many options—and we would’ve gotten married eventually.”

“You didn’t stop it because you knew I’d be stuck with you after. And now what? You blame me for every job that you hate because you’re ‘doing it all for me?’ Is that it?”

He looked at you with a blank and disinterested expression as he fidgeted with the rings on his fingers. You waited for him to respond—he was either on the verge of blowing up or shutting down. You couldn’t tell so you decided for yourself.

“Shut down if you want.” You stood from the bed.

“I’m sorry,” He said—the apology was hardly sincere. “Happy?”

“Elated.” You tried to walk away but he stood and grabbed your arm.

“Why are you so ashamed of loving me?” He sounded genuine when he asked, though a hard edge still lingered in his tone.

“Because you treat me like shit and everyone thinks that I don’t notice,” You said. “They think I’m an idiot and completely oblivious. They think that because of you.”

“What do I do besides jump through hoops to make sure you have everything you want?”

“…You’re right.”

“What?”

“You’re right, E.”

“Don’t fucking do that.”

“What?”

He sighed in frustration, tightening his grip on your arm. You don’t think he noticed.

You played up the oblivious tone in your voice. “I’m trying to say the right thing, baby. Don’t be mad.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“…I want you to get down on your knees for me.”

You pressed your lips together ever so slightly, suppressing a smile as you watched the wheels turning behind his eyes.

He surprised you by stepping in front of you and slowly sinking onto one knee, then the other. He was always full of surprises—but that moment had to take the cake. Perhaps there was still a bit of mystery behind his sapphire gaze.

He held onto your waist as he looked up at you. “Will you forget about this conversation?”

“What conversation?”

A smile cracked his stoic face, and he scoffed. “You’re insufferable.”

You ran your fingers through his hair. “Say you’re sorry.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Do you blame me?”

“I don’t blame you for anything.”

You bit the inside of your lip, contemplating. “I guess I believe you.”

His eyes threatened to roll. “I’m glad.”

“You might as well show me how sorry you are while you’re down there.”

“I thought you’d never mention it.”

He wrapped his arms around your waist and stood, throwing you onto the bed. You laughed in shock as he kissed your neck. You pushed his shoulders until he moved down between your legs again.

He bunched your skirt at your navel, removing your underwear in one swift motion. His mouth was on you instantly and you keened into his touch. You held out for as long as you could tolerate before rushing him along.

He tutted in disapproval. “When did you turn into such a greedy little thing?”

You set your pride aside and begged him to enter you. He could only deny you for long.

He couldn’t help himself anymore than you could.

He removed his shirt, impatiently murdering a few buttons on his quest to get inside of you. He fit you like a missing piece—connected with you from the inside in a way that no other person could.

You writhed beneath him, pressing your hands against his stomach.

He took hold of the bottom of your face and forced you to look him in the eye as he reached that spot that made your toes curl.

You whimpered wantonly as he pried your lips apart and breathed your humid breath. Your vision started to blur with tears and the pressure in the pit of your stomach built. You wrapped your legs around his waist, forcing him deeper as your orgasm neared.

Elvis groaned. “Don’t—fuck, I’m gonna come inside you.”

“I want you to.”

His hips stuttered and you felt the warmth of his release soon after. His voice cracked when he moaned—uncharacteristically so but in a way that made you smile and pull him closer.

You slipped a hand between his body and yours, finishing yourself off as he continued thrusting into you shallowly. He buried his face in the crook of your neck and shifted onto his side—still seated inside of you.

“I love you,” He heaved, kissing your neck.

“I love you,” You responded. “I love you too much.”

He sighed, seemingly satisfied. “You’re evil, making me come inside you like that.”

You laughed shortly, still in the fuzzy part of your post orgasmic haze. “You loved it.”

“You won’t leave me,” He muttered against your skin. “Promise you won’t leave.”

“How could I leave you? Everything that matters to me is with you.”

“Everything?”

“Everything.”

“Say it.”

“Everything that matters to me is with you.”

[ssinnerplazahotel]

╭──────────.★..─╮

*Chapter Thirteen*

╰─..★.──────────╯

WC: 6k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, toxic elvis, manipulation, drug use, it’s the 50s/60s, death threat, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Masterlist: Prologue, Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

You woke with a start the next morning—not even realizing that you’d fallen asleep at some point throughout the night. You checked the time—Liz would be there by now.

“You’re awake,” Andrea said, appearing from the bathroom. “I thought I’d let you sleep. Since you never do.”

“I’m supposed to be dressed by now,” You said. “Liz is probably waiting for me.”

“You aren’t scheduled to be anywhere, are you?”

“No, why?”

“Why don’t you skip Liz today? I can give you something to wear.”

You didn’t even consider it. “I can’t.”

She tilted her head. “Why?”

“Because…” You knew it’d only piss her off to know the reason. “I like the clothes Liz chooses.”

She shrugged. “You should head over then. I’ll meet you downstairs.”

“Come with me.”

“Why?”

“Because, he might not yell at me if you’re there.”

She rolled her eyes, but agreed to go. “He can yell. I want him to actually. Because if I have to deal with him~”

“You won’t have to. I don’t want you to fight him all the time, Andrea.”

“I do it because you won’t.”

“I know, but I can’t protect you. So I’d like it if you didn’t give me a reason to.”

“Do you think I need you to protect me?”

“No, of course not. Just don’t pick a fight.”

When you got to the bedroom Elvis was there with Liz and Serena. Aside from a brief glance, he didn’t acknowledge you when you walked in. You could always tell when he was on the brink of losing his shit.

“I’m so sorry, Liz,” You said immediately. “I had no idea what time it was.”

“It’s okay,” She said. “We already got everything ready for you.”

“This is gorgeous,” Andrea complimented as she looked at the dress laid out on the bed. “With the headband especially.”

“Oh, I wanted to let you know that the things you sent to the cleaners won’t be back until Monday,” Serena started as Andrea and Liz talked about your outfit. Liz spoke to Andrea more comfortably, you noticed. “I tried to get it back sooner but it’s been so busy because of the holidays.”

“It’s okay,” You reassured her. “I won’t even miss them.”

“Where’d you find the shoes?”

“Uhm, they were actually a wedding gift~”

Elvis stood from the edge of the bed suddenly, effectively ending every conversation happening in the room. “Liz, go show Andrea that thing you wanted to show her. You too, Serena.”

You met Andrea’s eyes—she gave you a look that said she’d stay if you wanted. You shook your head.

“Go ahead,” Elvis encouraged, walking over to open the door. “Shouldn’t take but five minutes. Come back when you’re done.”

Liz nodded and led the way out of the room, Serena following silently behind. Andrea stayed in place, crossing her arms with her eyes set on Elvis. You tried to motion for her to go but she wouldn’t look out at you.

“Andrea,” Elvis sighed.

He was too close to his breaking point and you didn’t want Andrea to be the recipient of his rage.

“Drea, it’s fine.” You stepped forward.

“I’m not leaving her alone with you,” She said directly to Elvis. “Can’t you see that she’s afraid of you?”

“N-No, no,” You said quickly, stepping between them. “Please don’t~”

Elvis snapped. “I’m so fucking sick of you acting like you know her any better than I do~”

“I wouldn’t have to know her at all to see that she’s terrified of you,” Andrea said with an equal amount of anger and distaste behind her words as she stepped towards him. “You’re a control freak.”

“If she’s so terrified, she can leave and take you with her.”

“As if you’d ever let her go.”

“She wouldn’t, Andrea, that’s the thing~”

“Do you see what I mean? You’re a fanatic.”

“You wouldn’t even be here if I didn’t hunt you down for weeks, that’s the kind of friend you are.”

“At least I treat her like a fully functioning adult. The way you run her, I can’t tell if you want a wife or pet.”

“What did your ex-husband want? It wasn’t you—that’s what we all know.”

“You trap one little girl and you think you know how to get and keep a woman?”

“I don’t have to trap anyone, she can fucking leave!”

You were frozen as their screaming match intensified with every dig. Elvis stepped forward until your hands pressed against his chest and the two of them were face to face. You had to force yourself to speak.

“Stop,” You said, too breathlessly and quiet at first. You had to shout over them. “Stop it!”

They fell silent and looked at you, both fuming as you stopped them from taking things too far.

“You’re gonna let her talk to me like that?” Elvis asked, forcing you into a position you never wanted to be in.

“Andrea,” You said, walking to the door. “Can you, please…?”

She heaved a sigh and walked out of the door but stopped short and gave you one last questioning glance. You nodded reassuringly despite the fact that you were so on edge that you could have thrown up.

You shut the door behind her and faced him, he had his arms crossed. You expected him to immediately snap and dig into you, but instead he asked—

“What the hell are you wearing?”

You looked down at the pajama pants and mismatched shirt you had fallen asleep in.

“Andrea gave them to me…”

His expression was furious but you could somehow still see the traces of a distasteful frown. He eyed you silently, watching you squirm in anticipation.

“You look fucking ridiculous.”

He could’ve thrown you across the room and it would’ve hurt less—been less humiliating.

He looked away as if he couldn’t stand the sight of you. “Get dressed before Liz gets back.”

You stood there for a moment before walking over to the dress laid out on the bed. You picked it up to take to the bathroom but he stopped you.

“We’re not done yet.”

You felt ashamed and embarrassed of yourself—you wanted to disappear as he watched you strip.

“Where the hell did you go last night?” He continued. “I sent Red all around the world lookin for you and he said you weren’t with Andrea.”

“I was with Andrea~”

“Do not lie to me right now~”

“I swear.”

“Then why weren’t you there?”

“I was, s-she…lied. I-I don’t know why. It was a joke. I told her~ I said that it wasn’t funny.”

“But you didn’t come to me when I asked you to?”

“I-I just…”

“You just…let her make up your mind for you like a little girl? You just go along with whatever she says? Because you just…can’t make your own decisions?”

“Don’t do that.”

“Tell me what it is. I mean, you act just about dumb as hell when it comes to Andrea, it has to be something.”

“What is your problem?” You didn’t wait for him to answer as you stormed into the bathroom to finish putting your clothes on.

“My problem is that I at least expected you to be in place this morning. Instead you come galavanting in here with Andrea like you didn’t disappear all night.” He followed you.

“I don’t understand why you’re blowing this so out of proportion.”

“Because you need to be reminded of your place. It’s here, with me, when I tell you to be.”

“Go to hell, Elvis.”

“Hey,” He barked, fuming as he caught your arm and made you face him. “You don’t get to talk to me like that.”

“And you don’t get to treat me like some useless accessory you get to stick your dick in whenever you want to.” You snatched your arm away. “I mean, for the love of god. Calling me dumb and demanding my respect?”

“Do not talk to me like that.” His stern eyes bore into you even after you looked away. “You will lose, every time, I promise.”

There was a knock on the door—it was Liz.

“Keep your fucking mouth shut,” Elvis said before going to get the door. You tried to put on a neutral expression as Liz and Serena entered the room. “She’s all ready for you.”

You smiled—it was forced but you didn’t think they noticed. He returned when your transformation was complete.

“What’s on the agenda for today, Mr. Presley?” Serena, who had also just returned after slipping out somewhere along the way, asked as Liz finished your hair.

Elvis slipped his arm around Serena’s shoulder and kissed her cheek before continuing. You usually wouldn’t think much of it—but seeing how her hand lingered on his, you couldn’t help but wonder. After the thought crossed your mind it was all you could think about. After they had left the room you couldn’t help yourself, you had to know.

“You’re fucking Serena.”

He fell silent, you were shocked by how stunned he seemed by your knowledge of his situation with your “assistant”—or whatever title he’d given her. His reaction stirred something inside of you. You were angry, and hurt, but you were right. For once, you were right and he couldn’t even process your words fast enough to deny it.

“What?” You asked. “Did you think I wouldn’t notice?”

“Shut up.” His voice was low and unnerving, but you continued.

“People notice you, Elvis. They watch every little thing you do. When are you going to realize that?”

“I’m telling you right now, you have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I don’t know why I’m surprised, you’ve always been that way. You’re a liar and you’re a cheater~”

“Shut up!” He was yelling now but his voice was muffled by the sound of your heart beating in your ears. “Do you really think you have any right to question me or anything I do? After everything I’ve done for you?”

“I never asked for any of this, Elvis. I’m here for you!”

“This is me,” He shouted, gesturing grandly with his arms. With each step he took forward, you stepped back until the back of your legs touched the bed—forcing you to sit as he towered over you. “To hear you so much as utter a complaint after everything I’ve risked for us, everything I’m sacrificing—it’s fucking ludicrous.”

You fell silent for a moment, too frightened to speak. “You said that it would be different this time—no more bullshit, remember? No more fighting, that’s what you said out of your mouth~”

“Whose fault is it that we’re fighting, huh?”

You kept your eyes trained on him but you didn’t speak—you only glared silently.

“You have two options,” He said. “You can either get your shit together, go downstairs with Andrea, and keep your mouth shut so we can enjoy the party. Or you can stay here, out of my sight, for the rest of the night. Pick one. Now or I’ll decide for you.”

You stood and forced past him to the bathroom. You made sure your makeup wasn’t ruined before leaving. As you made to walk past him and out of the door he grabbed your arm, forcing your hand into his.

“Don’t embarrass me in front of my family, they already think I’m insane,” He said, and then you were leaving. The commotion from downstairs could be heard clear as day from the top of the stairs. “You just stick with Andrea tonight. No one here’s gonna bother you, I told them not to.”

You kept your lips pressed firmly together as you met Andrea at the bottom of the stairs. All eyes were on the two of you when you entered the room—you hoped the forced smile on your face was fooling the crowd.

Andrea didn’t acknowledge Elvis but she forced a smile all the same. “Are you okay?”

“Keep an eye on her,” He said, handing you off. “She’s in a mood.”

You forced yourself not to pull away when he kissed your cheek—smiling as he tapped your chin and walked away.

“What’s wrong?” Andrea asked when he was gone. “What’d he do?”

“Did they give them to you?”

“Yeah.”

You took the envelope and turned to go into the kitchen. Andrea followed, keeping as little space between you as possible in the crowded house. You saw Elvis, the center of attention as always, being surrounded by people. They were mostly women, and you wanted to feel something when you saw the way they pawed at him and hung off his every word.

But you felt nothing.

You tried to stay in the least populated areas of the house but everywhere you went there was someone.

“I love your scarf,” A woman with long false lashes said to you. “Where’d you get it?”

You knew she was speaking to you but you didn’t respond. You kept your mouth shut.

“You can find one just like it at that boutique downtown,” Andrea spoke up, filling the awkwardness in the wake of your silence. “You know the one with the red mannequins in the window?”

They spoke for a few minutes before the woman finally walked away.

“Happy holidays. It was nice to meet you,” She said, you knew it wasn’t true but you offered a small smile as she left.

“What was that?”

“What?”

“Why’d you ignore her?”

You avoided her eyes. “Did I ignore her?

Andrea scoffed, stunned. “Yeah, kind of. What? Did he not give you permission to speak tonight?”

Your expression must’ve said what you were hoping Andrea wouldn’t assume.

“Really?”

“It’s not like that.”

She struggled for a moment to grasp what you were saying. “Did he tell you not to speak to these people?”

“Andrea,” You said, forcing a laugh. “It’s fine. Let’s just enjoy the party.”

“Did he?”

“They aren’t supposed to speak to me either.”

Your words had the opposite effect of what you intended and she looked even more bewildered.

“Not now,” You said before she could say anything else. “Let’s hang out down here for a while then we can go upstairs and do something else.”

“We need to talk. Now.”

“Please, can’t we just~”

“Now.”

You shook your head. “I told him I’d be downstairs with you. I want to be with you.”

She followed your gaze to where Elvis was. “I don’t think he’ll notice you’re gone.”

You almost laughed at that. “He’ll notice.”

Andrea’s expression was disbelieving but she didn’t continue to pressure you. You sat at the dining table with her well into the night—until Serena found you and told you that Elvis wanted you to turn in for the night.

“Thanks, Serena,” You said, standing. “He wasn’t screwing you when he said it, was he?”

You didn’t have time to take in her expression but you imagined that she was shocked as you walked away.

“M-Mrs. Presley, I’m so sorry.” She crumbled fast. “It was a-a mistake. I told him~ i-it was a one-time thing. I-I swear.”

You stopped and faced her, trying to calm her down before anyone noticed. You forced a reassuring smile. “God, don’t make a scene in front of all these people.”

“Please don’t fire me.”

“I can’t fire you. You don’t work for me.”

She looked devastatingly guilty, you didn’t care. Andrea followed you when you walked away, eyeing Serena judgmentally.

All you wanted to do was go to bed when you got upstairs, however, Andrea quickly reminded you that you had unfinished business to tend to.

“I guess he did it,” She said as soon as the door clicked shut behind you. “He finally shrunk you down to size.”

You didn’t respond. You sat down on the edge of the bed to remove your shoes. You wanted to say something but you couldn’t. Your throat felt like it was constricting, trapping all the words inside.

“He made you show up tonight in a room full of people he told to ignore you,” She continued. “He told you not to speak to anyone and you actually did it. I mean, god, you actually did it. What kind of program is he running on you? It’s like he changes your batteries every thirty days.”

“Please stop.”

“It must be all the pills he funnels down your throat.” You couldn’t take it anymore but she didn’t relent. “That’s why he does it. To keep you pliant and easy to control. Then he keeps you trapped here like a caged animal. If you were in your right mind for more than a few days at a time you might be able to see how fucked all of this is!”

You screamed in frustration. Not necessarily at Andrea, more outwardly.

“What’s the matter with you?” She asked, startled.

“What do you want me to do?” You sobbed.

She sighed reluctantly and hugged you as you cried. “You’re out of your mind.”

You wanted to argue and say that it wasn’t true—you weren’t out of your mind, not completely.

“It doesn’t have to be this way,” Andrea said. “You can love him and be your own person at the same time. You shouldn’t need his permission to…exist.”

“It’s my fault,” You said. “I chose this. I deserve it.”

“All you’re good for is throwing pity parties.” She sighed, sitting beside you. “When are you going to stop punishing yourself and start living with your decision?”

“You don’t think I’m living with it?”

“I don’t think you’re living at all. You’re going through the motions and drowning everything out.”

You shook your head in denial but your voice was caught in your throat again.

“I can’t stand to see you living like this.”

The hurt you felt suddenly morphed into anger. You wanted to cry even more now, but you clenched your teeth and held back your tears. You felt bad enough without her looking in and speculating about how sad your life must be.

“Andrea, please,” You said. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I don’t?” She asked. “I’ve been by your side for this long. Have I somehow misinterpreted what I’ve been seeing?”

“I don’t know, have you?” You countered. She released a stunned scoff, staring at you in disbelief. You raised your eyebrow in question, waiting a moment for her to continue. “It’s a simple question.”

She directed her gaze downward. “I’m worried about you. That’s the only reason I’m saying anything.”

“You don’t have to worry. I’m happy.” You didn’t notice the evident catch in your voice. “I’m taken care of and I’m loved. I have everything I want. I have you.”

She met your eyes again, her expression was troubled.

“I know you’re worked up about the party but…Elvis does that kind of thing all the time,” You continued. “He thinks he’s protecting me. He doesn’t mean any harm.”

You couldn’t tell if she was believing anything you were saying. She still had that expression on her face—she was so concerned. You sighed when she didn’t respond, glancing off for a moment.

“I think you should go~”

“Don’t make me leave~”

“I have to,” You said. “Just take a few days~ o-or however long you need. Maybe it’s all too much t-too soon. You just need to get away from me…from us.”

She stood with you and let you take her to the door as you spoke.

“If you spend some time away and your feelings don’t change then…maybe you just shouldn’t come around anymore.”

“What?”

“I don’t know…” You opened the bedroom door.

She had tears in her eyes and you fought to hold back your own. “I don’t even recognize you anymore.”

“I don’t want to hurt you. All I ever wanted was for you to be here for me and to support me. Because I need someone like you in my life.”

“Someone like me?”

“A friend, Andrea. I need a friend.”

She batted away her tears as they fell. You stepped towards her.

“If you can’t be my friend,” You started. “If he makes that too difficult, then you have to go.”

There was a beat of silence before she attempted to dry the last of her tears and left the room. You stood there for a moment. You weren’t shocked, but you had hoped she would have stayed.

You were lying awake, alone in bed when the door crept open. You had no idea what time it was as you stared blankly into the darkness of the room.

“Birdie?”

“Hm?”

“Where’s Andrea?”

“She had to go.”

You felt the bed dip and turned blindly into his arms. You were glad that he couldn’t see your tear ridden face in the dark.

“Why’re you crying?”

“Because she left.”

He tried to comfort you but it felt like he didn’t care. “I’m here.”

“You aren’t going to leave me?”

“Why would I leave you?”

You closed your eyes. “Sometimes, E…it feels like I love you so much and you don’t care about me at all.”

“Everything I do is for you.”

“I know, but still.”

He sighed, tracing patterns into the small of your back. “You’re my heart.”

“Then how could you sleep with Serena?”

“That wasn’t love with Serena.”

“Did you think about how I’d feel?”

“No, because it had nothing to do with you or how I feel about you.”

You didn’t understand.

“I didn’t do it to hurt you,” He said. “You’re my girl. You’re the only girl that has that privilege.”

“So that means you get to go around doing whoever you want?”

“It’s not like that, baby.”

“Then what’s it like?”

He fell silent. You wish you could have seen his expression.

“All I’m saying is…if you’re going to have extracurricular activities I want some liberties of my own.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“I want a car and I want to go wherever I want.”

“Ray can take you anywhere~”

“I want to take myself.”

“That’s unreasonable.”

You turned over so that your back was to him. He kissed your shoulder, still holding you.

“What do you think is going to happen?” You asked.

“You’ll run away.”

“Why would I do that?”

“You’ve done it before.”

You fell silent—he was right. “I came back.”

He laughed. “Yeah, after I fucked some sense into you.”

“That’s not funny.”

“Maybe I should just knock you up, make sure you don’t go anywhere.”

“I married you. Is that not enough?”

“Nothing will ever be enough. I love you.” His voice was a whisper now. “You’re the only girl I love.”

“Liar.”

“I’ll prove it.”

*

You didn’t hear from Andrea again for a few days. When you did see her, she was downstairs talking on the phone in the kitchen. Upon first sight, you were relieved that she had come back. But she didn’t speak to you directly when you approached her.

“Here she is,” She said, handing the receiver off to you before walking away.

You watched her go in confusion, bringing the phone to your ear. “Hello?”

“Hey, it’s me.”

“Hi, Joel.”

“How are you?”

You hesitated, narrowing your eyes. “I’m okay.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” He said. “I was just talking to Andrea~”

“Since when do you and Andrea talk?” You asked.

“Only the past few days really.”

“Why?”

“She’s been worried about you.”

“She has?”

“Yeah…I’m worried about you too.”

You laughed. “Why?”

“We’re concerned~”

“‘We’re?’”

“Andrea, Dawn and me.”

“Oh, are you?” You felt ambushed even though it was only Joel on the line. “Dawn hasn’t been here or even picked up the phone to call.”

“She’s worried about you, honest,” Joel said. “Andrea thinks that you’re not coping well with the changes happening in your life~”

“Do you want to talk to my husband about this, Joel?”

“No, I want to talk to you.”

You took the phone from your ear. “Elvis!”

Andrea rushed into the kitchen with a panicked expression.

“Go get Elvis,” You said. “You can’t bombard me like this~”

“We aren’t bombarding you,” She said, trying to deescalate the situation. “Just talk to him.”

“How could you do this to me?”

“I’m doing this because I care. We both do.”

You brought the phone to your ear. “What do you know about how I’m coping?”

“I know exactly how you’re coping,” He said.

“You have no idea what I’m going through~”

“Okay, I’m sorry~”

“There’s nothing wrong with me,” You stressed. “I’m happy. Tell Dawn that the next time you talk to her. Since she’d rather hear about me from you.”

“Dawn’s been trying to get to you at Graceland, it’s impossible,” Joel said. “The only reason I even got through is because Andrea’s there.”

“What?”

“It’s like he has you cut off.”

“You’re lying.”

“Why would I?”

You looked at Andrea. “Why would he do that? He loves Dawn.”

“Dawn’s not the only one trying to get in touch with you,” Joel said. “I’m only saying this because I care about you. I think you have a bigger problem here than you’re willing to admit.”

You leaned against the counter, worrying your lip. You couldn’t get the mental image of Dawn trying to call you out of your mind. She must’ve thought you’d discarded her.

“You have free will,” Joel continued. “You can do whatever you want.”

“Okay?”

“Do you want our help?”

“With what?”

He sighed on the other line, he sounded defeated. Elvis entered the kitchen then, looking confused. “What’s going on?”

Andrea looked at you, her eyes pleading with you. You didn’t know if she wanted you to spare her and Joel or hear them out.

You took the phone from your ear, keeping your eyes trained on her as you handed it to Elvis. You hadn’t noticed it before but it was at that moment that you had felt the true impact of your final decision.

“It’s Joel,” You said—your voice sounded flat and separate from yourself. “He wants to talk to you.”

You didn’t wait to hear what came of the conversation. Nor did you linger to see the look of ultimate betrayal on Andrea’s face as you walked away.

She followed after you—stopping you with tears in her eyes. “I’ll never come back here. I refuse to stand by and watch you lose yourself like this.”

You stalled at the bottom of the stairs but you didn’t face her. You couldn’t.

“If I leave now, you’ll never see me again,” She said. “Please, don’t make me leave you.”

If you had another little piece of your heart to spare you would’ve given it to be crushed as she stood there awaiting your response. Her voice was a whisper when she spoke again.

“Come with me.”

You felt her hand slip into yours and, for a moment, you wanted to go. You turned and hugged her, despite the fury still burning in the pit of your stomach.

“I’m gonna miss you,” You said with tears in your eyes that you didn’t feel like crying. “I love you.”

She hugged you back but only for a moment before you were pulling away. You went upstairs without another word or glance in her direction.

You didn’t want to be bothered when Elvis found you upstairs. “Leave me alone,” You said, before he could say a word. “Just leave me alone.”

He caught the bathroom door before you could shut it, forcing it open. “What the hell was that?”

You rushed to leave the room, but he didn’t let you get far.

“What is it that Andrea’s got going on, huh?” He asked, keeping you in place by your arm. “She’s got Joel calling to talk to you, why?”

“I-I don’t know.”

He let you go, pacing angrily. “There’s no reason he should be calling to talk to you about anything. Let alone some made-up issue that Andrea’s conjured up. This is why I can’t fucking stand her. And you don’t make it any better by falling for everything she says.”

You looked at him, bewildered. “Is this my fault?”

“What’d she tell him?” He asked, fuming.

“I’m as surprised by all of this as you are,” You stressed. “I have no clue what they talked about before.”

“Bullshit~”

“I had nothing to do with this~”

“Bullshit! You’ll never talk to her again.”

“What?”

“I want her gone. I gave you a chance, it’s fucking done.”

You narrowed your eyes. “Excuse me?”

His jaw unclenched as he spoke. “You heard me.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so. It’s for your own good.”

“Is it? Or is it for yours?”

He shook his head with a look of disdain. “That’s exactly what the fuck I’m talking about. That’s all her.”

“No, it’s me.” You stepped in front of him, making him face you. “I’m asking you.”

“I’m trying to protect you.”

“By not taking my aunt’s calls? By keeping me isolated from everyone?”

“Everyone?” He asked. “Dawn, I’m sorry about, honey, I really am. But who else is there?”

“That’s not the point.”

“I haven’t exactly been standing guard by the phone, and, last time I checked, it works both ways. You can call anyone, anytime. What’s stopping you?”

You didn’t meet his eyes but refused to step away when he neared you.

“There is no one else,” He said. “Joel and Dawn. Two people who’s call probably got thrown out with the other hundreds of calls that come through asking for you.”

“So?”

“So, it’s not like you’re locked in a bunker with no communication with the outside world. Don’t be a baby.”

“I’m not.”

“Don’t be.”

You met his eyes when he fell silent, trying not to let the hurt show in your expression. “You told Liz not to speak to me.”

Despite your suspicion, you weren’t prepared for his confirmation. Something about his tone made you think that he didn’t want you to find out. “Yeah.”

“Why?”

“To protect you.”

“From what, Elvis?”

“…Things you don’t need to hear.”

You turned your back to him, hoping it would stop him from coming any closer. It didn’t.

“I’m not punishing you.” He placed his hands gently on your shoulders.

“Do you want me to be alone?” You asked.

“No, I want you to be with me,” He said. “I can’t risk anyone coming between us and messing with your head.”

You didn’t know what to say. His hands slipped down your shoulders and his arms wrapped around your torso.

“People like Andrea and Joel…they’ll ruin us if you let them, birdie,” He continued. “And I’ll be damned if I let anything or anyone tear us apart again. Do you understand?”

He kissed your shoulder, then your neck—murmuring against your skin. He told you how much he loved and needed you and that nothing could ever come between you. He swore that he’d be there, that you wouldn’t be alone because you’d have him. Always.

“We go together. That means wherever I go, you go.”

He loved doing that—repeating himself until his words became ingrained into the very fiber of your being.

You were supposed to relinquish all control and live within your false sense of bliss, happily. That’s what he expected of you—so that's what you did.

You let him silence your curiosity.

“It’s you, and me. Always.”

Cage up your free will.

“You’re my girl. I’m just making sure you’ll always be my girl.”

However he wanted you—

“Okay, birdie?”

—you’d try your best to be.

“…Okay, E.”

He seemed relieved. He sighed, and some of the tension left his body. He kissed your shoulder once more before pulling away.

“Come on,” He said. “Let’s go downstairs.”

“I don’t want to.”

“You have to. Liz didn’t get you all dolled up for nothing.”

You nodded—not in agreement exactly. “I’m tired.”

He narrowed his eyes for a moment, no doubt deciding whether or not to force you. “Do you want me to stay?”

“No.” You didn’t want to be alone, but you didn’t want to be with him either.

“Are you sure?” He hummed suggestively, slipping his arms around your waist again and kissing your neck.

“Stop,” You laughed, pushing him away. “I’m sure.”

“Alright,” He sighed. “I’ll be back up in a few minutes.”

A few minutes turned into a few hours turned into the entire night and some of the next day. You didn’t know what time it was when you finally woke up. When you did, Liz was already there for you.

“How was your day yesterday, Liz?” You asked, even though you knew she wouldn’t give you much of a response.

“Fine, thank you,” She said without elaborating or even glancing up as you did your hair.

“What’d you get up to?” You asked, humoring yourself.

“…Nothing.” She shrugged off the question, showing you yourself in the mirror. “Something for around the house.”

“It’s perfect,” You said, hardly glancing at yourself. “Thank you.”

She smiled bashfully. “Of course.”

Serena entered the room carrying the coffee you requested. You didn’t want it, you just wanted to get rid of her.

You didn’t pay her any mind as she placed the coffee on the table in front of you. Elvis entered after her, meeting your eyes through the vanity.

He always waited until you were fully dressed to come get you. You didn’t know why. There was no mystery to what you’d be wearing or how your hair and makeup would be styled—it was his choice after all.

“You’re gorgeous, doll,” He said, leaning down to kiss your cheek before presenting you with a narrow black box. “Final touch.”

“What is it?” You asked, taking it.

“Open it and see.” He smiled and watched intently as you opened the box.

You offered a smile, hoping you looked pleased with the bracelet.

“Do you like it?” He asked.

“I love it.”

He took the bracelet from the box and carefully secured it around your wrist. You stood when it was done and gave him a hug—thanking him.

He dragged you along with him to the studio that day. You figured you were back to being attached at the hip. You were never sure what they were working on—it happened so fast in those days.

“Stay with Ray and Serena,” He said, taking your face in his hands and examining your expression. You weren’t sure what he was looking for. Was he picking apart your appearance or your expression? You couldn’t tell and it made you feel over-scrutinized. “I’ll come find you when we’re all done here.”

“I’ll be waiting.” What else would you be doing?

Ray showed you to the green room. Him and Serena stood by the door in shifts—they tried to go about switching out and taking guard in a casual manner. They’d pretend to be pacing the space in front of the door rather than posting up in front of it. Ray would do this thing where he’d stand and pretend to stretch his legs before Serena would suddenly decide to rest hers. It was funny, and did nothing to make you feel safe. It made you feel caged in and unable to move freely.

“Serena, can you grab my bag from the studio? I must’ve left it by accident.”

“Of course.”

You smiled as she left, looking at Ray. “Do you think they have water?”

His expression remained indifferent as always. “I’m sure they do.”

“Do you mind?”

You were relieved when they were gone and tried to take in the moment before it was over.

As you were slouched down on the couch a white envelope slipped beneath the crack of the door. You frowned and stood to grab it. You peaked out into the hallway—it was bustling with people. You shut the door and tore open the envelope. You didn’t even need to read it to know what it was.

A death threat.

You felt lightheaded. When you showed it to Ray he tried to take it to Elvis but you told him not to mention it and to get rid of it instead.

“Are you sure?” He asked. “They may still be on the premises.”

“It’s fine. No need to blow things out of proportion.”

He nodded and discarded the letter with a sigh. He stood by awkwardly as you cried and never tried to comfort you.

sorry for the late post! next week is the finale <3

[ssinnerplazahotel]

╭──────────.★..─╮

*Chapter Twelve*

╰─..★.──────────╯

WC: 6k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, toxic elvis, manipulation, drug use, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Masterlist: Prologue, Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

You didn’t know what was said in the brief meeting that Elvis had with the Colonel the following morning, but a photo op was ordered for an announcement that would be in the papers.

“A photo op?”

“They want a good shot of us for the paper. A more formal introduction for the public.”

You frowned as you were pressured to choose your look for the photo.

“I don’t know. I can’t decide.”

“I like this one.” Elvis pointed out a lime dress with a pink pattern.

“It’s too loud, isn’t it?” You tilted your head as you examined the material.

“Suits the mood.”

“If you say so.”

He was forced out of the room so you could dress and go through hair and makeup. Soon you were preparing to head out for the photo.

“I knew you’d look perfect,” He said when he saw you. “The camera’s gonna love you, baby.”

“Are you sure it’s not too much?” You ask. “The makeup and the dress—it’s not like me.”

“It’s perfect,” He promised. “You’re my girl now so you hafta keep up your appearance.”

“Did I do a bad job at keeping it up before?”

“Oh, you did just fine.” He kissed your cheek and a camera flashed, signaling the arrival of the photographer.

“Let’s get the two of you outside,” He said instructed promptly. “Colonel wants this sent to the press by the end of the night.”

“Why?” You wondered.

“Come on, baby, let’s go outside,” Elvis said, putting his arm around you. “It’s just something he does. He knows how to…appeal to certain audiences.”

You stepped out onto the porch, stopping just before the first step and facing him. “And what audience are we appealing to now?”

“Those good, old, vanilla sons of bitches you always hear about,” He said, making you laugh. “They’re upset now, but they just need to see us kissin and huggin and lovin on each other. As a way to, y’know, convince them that I actually love you and that I’m not taking you in as a concubine.”

“Is that what people are saying?”

“People are saying a lot.”

The photographer gave the two of you instructions on what to do and you went around taking pictures for at least thirty minutes. You never thought taking a photo could take so long.

“Let’s have one with you sitting down and her standing next to you,” He said, gesturing for you to move onto the steps. “Put your hand on his shoulder.”

“How much longer, boss?” Elvis asked—you could tell he was getting restless.

“Just a few more.” He snapped the photos in a rush and finished up, true to his word. “Alrighty, I’m gonna get these to print and they should start circulating in no time.”

The photos were circulating that night. You had only seen a few pages of different newspapers, they all said relatively positive things.

“Where are the bad ones?” You asked.

“The what?” Elvis responded, appearing from the bathroom.

“The bad ones.”

“What’re you talkin about?

You crossed your arms. “Where are all the articles from the people that were standing out there crying their eyes out, ready to take my head off?”

His eyebrows drew together. “I don’t know, birdie. I brought those so you could see how the pictures came out, not so you could catch up on the latest hit pieces.”

“You can’t shield me from them, E, I have to see them,” You said. “It’ll just make things harder if I don’t.”

“Trust me, you’ll be better off not getting too caught up in the press,” He said, joining you in bed. “They chew you up and spit you out. I don’t want that to happen to you. Not my baby birdie.”

You pouted but moved on. “This one’s saying that the coat I was wearing when we got off the plane is sold out now. Do you think that’s true?”

“Enough of this,” He said, taking the pages from you and sweeping them to the ground.

“No~”

“You’ve had enough.”

The phone rang, cutting your rebuttal short. Elvis stood and snatched off the hook. You went to gather the papers from the ground—stacking them neatly on the bed.

“Who was it?” You asked when he hung up.

“I have a surprise for you downstairs,” He said.

“For me?” You chuckled. “What is it?”

“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it? Come on. Liz is here to get you ready.”

“That poor woman,” You said with a frown. “I can do my own hair and makeup.”

“I know, but she knows how I like it.” He took your hands in his and brought them up to his lips.

You hummed thoughtfully and wrapped your arms around his neck. “Do you like the way she does it, baby?”

His eyes darkened and his lips turned up in a smirk. “Don’t you?”

“If you like it, I love it.” You smiled, standing up on your toes to kiss him. “Get out of here so I can change.”

“It’s not gonna be good you keep winding me up and not letting me sing,” He said, pulling your body against his. “I might not be able to keep showing so much restraint.”

“I’m not asking you to,” You said. “I’m yours, aren’t I?”

“You are.”

“Then do what you want with me.”

There’s a knock on the door, signaling Elizabeth Monroe’s arrival. Elvis had her hired as your full time stylist and makeup artist. Apparently he had instructed her on exactly how you should be styled.

“Nothing but the best for my girl,” He had said when he introduced the two of you.

She didn’t say much as she dressed you, she said even less as she applied your makeup. You figured she was just concentrating on her work.

“Do you like it?” She asked after all was said and done.

“Yes, thank you.” You examined your face in the mirror. “Do you think he’ll like it?”

She met your eyes in your reflection and nodded. “He will.”

You hesitated on your way downstairs—you still felt uneasy being around everyone. You were sure they talked about you when you weren’t around.

Elvis appeared at the bottom of the stairs. “There you are.”

Your anxiety was relieved at the sight of him. “What do you think?”

“You’re perfect,” He said just as someone came to the door. “It’s for you.”

He took you by the hand and went to open the door. Your eyes widened when you saw Andrea standing there.

“Oh my god,” You said with a stunned smile, looking up at Elvis. “Why?”

“I thought it’d cheer you up after the week you’ve had,” He said before addressing her. “Andrea.”

“Elvis,” She said shortly as you hugged her.

“It’s so good to see you again,” You said. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Well, I was summoned.” She gestured to Elvis with a sarcastic smile.

“Thank you so much for leaving your post at the gates of heaven, angel,” He responded before stepping forward to kiss your cheek. “I’ll let you ladies do whatever it is that you do.”

“Thank you, E.”

“You’re welcome, birdie.”

You watched him leave before facing Andrea. She looked around the foyer with her arms crossed—her expression bleak.

“It’s quieter upstairs, come on.”

She nodded and followed you. You led her to the office upstairs and plopped down on the black, leather couch.

“Sit.” You laughed, patting the spot in front of you. “Tell me how you’ve been.”

“I’ve been fine.” She took a seat facing you. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw you in the paper.”

“Yeah, everything happened really fast,” You said. “What do you think?”

“About what?”

“Elvis and me.”

She looked off, quirking an eyebrow. “It’s…a lot.”

You chuckled. “Good or bad?”

“Shouldn’t you tell me?”

“Hmmm…good.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, it’s good.”

You smiled, she offered a small one in return.

“What happened to Joel from Hawaii?”

“Oh, well…we separated.”

She nodded. “Because you decided to be with Elvis?”

“Well, I mean~ It’s more complicated than that,” You said. “Elvis and I, we just…have history.”

“How far back?” Andrea asked.

“Since before I met you, I guess.” You thought for a moment. “Yeah, a while before I met you.”

“So, this mystery man was…”

“Elvis.”

She continued to look stunned but she laughed now. “For the love of god, you said he was married.”

You laughed along with her. “I had to throw you off somehow.”

“You are so full of surprises,” She said. “First you disappear without a trace, then you show up engaged, and now you’ve left that guy for his famous friend.”

“Oh, god, don’t say it like that,” You complained, laughing despite yourself. “I told you it was complicated. I tried with Joel, but…it wouldn’t have worked out.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m in love with Elvis.”

“Well…you’re causing riots in the streets.” You were grateful for the change in subject. “People are either tearing newspapers from store walls or breaking down the door to find your latest outfit. It’s pure chaos.”

“Really?”

“It’s like you’re famous.”

You smiled, shaking your head in denial. “I don’t know about that.”

Andrea sighed thoughtfully, falling silent for a moment. “You’re so…different now.”

“Good or bad?”

“…I can tell you’re in love.”

*

“A lot of people are convinced you don’t have a voice.”

“Are they really?”

You smiled down at Elvis—the telephone to your ear as you sat in his lap. At first you refused the interview. You didn’t want your voice broadcasted on the radio and you didn’t want your words plastered all over the paper. But Elvis talked you into it, promising to be by your side the entire time.

“You two are so different. You come from different backgrounds, he’s older~”

“Mhm~”

“You’re polar opposites really.”

“Yes.”

“What we all want to know is what you get up to. What do you talk about?”

“Oh, we get up to all kinds of stuff.”

Elvis quirked an eyebrow, gesturing to the slip of paper on the desk as a reminder for you to stick to the script.

“We do all the usual things.” You tilted your head to read the words from the page. “We have…very interesting conversations.”

“What’s interesting to a nineteen year old girl?”

“You should ask Elvis.”

He patted your thigh admonishingly—smirking despite himself.

“Anyway, I’m almost twenty.”

“What do you talk about, almost twenty?”

“You’re so funny.”

“Humor us here in radioland.”

“We talk about all kinds of things. He’s an intellectual.”

“He teaches you a lot, huh?”

“Sure.”

“There are some fans out there that refuse to believe the two of you are the real thing. What do you say to them?”

“I understand, honestly. I can’t believe it myself sometimes.”

You rolled your eyes at that one—cutting an eye at Elvis.

“There’s talk of marriage, any truth to that?”

“Not that we know of.”

“Folks are saying there’s gonna be some serious consequences if you aren’t married.”

“…Is that what they’re saying in radioland?”

“Does that scare you?”

“…Stick to the script, Quincy.”

The interview came to an end and you looked at Elvis with a serious expression. He laughed. “It wasn’t that bad, was it?”

“‘Serious consequences?’”

“Oh, birdie~”

“Don’t tell me not to worry.”

He tilted his head, smiling at you silently. You stood with a sigh and grabbed your cigarettes off the corner of the desk.

“Tell me what they’re saying,” You demanded. “Andrea tells me what they say in the paper, E, you can’t keep it from me.”

“They want us to get married.”

“So I’ve heard. Why?”

“Hell if I know. These people want something different every goddamn day. It’s just another thing.”

You struck a match and lit the end of your cigarette. “What are they saying is gonna happen if we don’t?”

He shrugged. “They’ll ban me across the country on the basis of morality, send us to jail, hang us from the ceiling, and whatever else they can come up with. Shit, maybe they’ll send us to the fucking moon. I have no idea what they say in those meetings.”

You took a drag from your cigarette. “How can they force people to do things like this?”

“I don’t know, but we’re sorting everything out as best we can.”

“You keep saying that.”

“And you keep wasting your time worrying.” He rounded the desk, leaning against the front of it as he spoke. “What’s the worst that can happen? We end up having to get married?”

“Yes, Elvis, that’s the worst that can happen,” You said. “That means they have all the control.”

“No one has all the control. It’s a bunch of people sitting around talking, that’s all it is.”

“The last time a bunch of people sat around talking about you you got shipped to Germany.”

“Goddamnit, birdie, will you let it go?”

You turned to leave the office, too annoyed to say anything else, but he caught your arm and made you face him.

“I’m not gonna let anything hurt you or take you away,” He said. “Not when I just got you back.”

You met his eyes without speaking—your jaw set.

“I’ll handle it. Alright?”

“…Alright.”

You weren’t sure what decisions were made or who had put everything together, but, soon, you were getting married.

You had woken up on the eve of your wedding day—unbeknownst to you—to Liz laying out different designs for hair, makeup, and your dress. When you asked where Elvis had gone you were told that he and the rest of the guys were already in Nevada.

“We have these.” Liz showed you the dresses in a hurry. “We can get the dress of your choice fitted and altered overnight. That way it’ll be ready tomorrow morning.”

“What is happening?” You asked, bewildered. “I need to talk to Elvis, right now.”

“There’s no time. You’re leaving as soon as Andrea gets here.”

As if on cue, Andrea came bustling through the door—luggage in tow. “There’s the bride-to-be~”

“Andrea, do you have any idea what’s going on?” You asked. “Who’s orchestrating all of this?”

“I don’t know.” She looked concerned now. “Jerry called me last night and told me that Parker wanted everybody here by eight this morning.”

“Liz, who told you to be here?”

“Parker.”

You looked around the room and stopped one of the people packing your bags. You asked them the same question, although you were already sure of the answer.

“The Colonel.”

You groaned, this couldn’t be happening. The entire place was in chaos around you.

“I’m sorry, but you have to choose now,” Liz said apologetically.

Andrea tried to aid you in making a decision. You could’ve cried at the thought of choosing your wedding dress fifteen minutes after waking up on what you had assumed would be a normal day. You had minutes to contemplate your decision as Liz dressed you in the clothes you would be traveling in.

“I like the V-cut. Don’t you?” Andrea asked

“I don’t know,” You said. “What do you think he’d want, Liz?”

“For christ sake, it’s your wedding too,” Andrea said. “Which one do you want?”

“Leaving for the airport!”

Liz encouraged you to go with your first choice. “It’s the best option.”

You didn’t have time to think as you were ushered from the house. You arrived in Nevada that night after a miserable flight. At the hotel, you were rushed from the car and into the back entrance of the building.

“Where are we going?” You must’ve asked a thousand times already. You were relieved when you saw Jerry meeting you at the end of the hall. “Where is he?”

“He’s been on the phone for hours trying to sort things out with Parker,” Jerry said as he led the way. “He’s tryna to see if he can’t get this whole thing done away with.”

Jerry led you to a conference room that had a long chestnut table at the center with padded office chairs. You immediately spotted Elvis pacing on the telephone. He handed the phone off when he saw you.

“Come over here, birdie.” He guided you to the corner of the room—ducking his head as he spoke. “Are you okay? Is Andrea with you?”

“What is happening?” You asked, matching his low voice. You didn’t recognize anyone in the room apart from Elvis and Jerry. The men sitting around the end of the table all wore suits and had expressions that appeared permanently stern. They didn’t take their eyes off of you the entire time.

“Are we ready to sign the papers?”

“Nah, we’re still figuring some things.”

You shook your head in disbelief. “Is this real?”

Elvis rubbed his face. “I’ve been talking to that son of a bitch for hours. He sent me here to talk to these people but they’re not budging. He keeps saying his hands are tied and there’s nothing he can do.”

“Do you believe that?”

“I have no reason not to. He’s been trying to get the public on our side.”

“This isn’t about the public.”

“It’s not?”

“Is Parker trying as hard as he could be?”

Elvis shrugged, looking off for a moment. “I don’t think they’re gonna let us leave here without signing those papers.”

He was right—they didn’t. Elvis Presley was given until midnight on that day to declare you his wife or risk a countrywide ban on the basis of morality. To which, as a direct consequence, he would be ordered to answer to all statewide warrants made for his arrest. That was only his end of the bargain, there was no telling what they’d do to you.

Your marriage was official by 11:56 that night.

The party following would be strictly for photos—a tight hour of partying for the camera and then off to bed.

“The bride needs her beauty sleep.”

You didn’t get a chance to see Elvis again until you were preparing to walk down the aisle. There had been no rehearsal, you had no idea how it was going to go.

The ceremony happened fast, like everything else. They instructed the two of you on every move you made and had you pause for photos along the way. You said your vows—the generic ones the minister told you to repeat—kissed, and you were escorted directly from the altar into a press conference.

“You just sit there and look pretty, mama,” Elvis said. “I’ll do all the talking.”

You were relieved. You were too overwhelmed by the crowd to speak. You sat by his side without tearing your gaze away from him for more than a minute. You were so deeply and devastatingly in love with him—yet you felt no emotion towards your union. You were married before your eyes and you had no time to react.

“What can we expect from the happy couple moving forward?”

“Keep an eye out for us, you’ll see.”

You were whisked away directly for your “honeymoon.” In reality, you spent hours on a plane by yourself back to Memphis—Elvis was going to be away filming in Los Angeles and you were on your way back home.

You hadn’t had a moment alone with Elvis since the night before the wedding and most of that time was spent calling around trying to get it canceled. You didn’t want to leave without speaking to him, but you didn’t get the chance.

“I need to talk to you,” You tried to tell him as he walked you to your flight. There were people on either side of each of you—obstructing the paparazzi’s view.

“Go up with Ray,” He said, gesturing to the stairway of the plane. “I’ll see you back at the house.”

“Elvis,” You said, still trying to get through to him.

“It’s okay, birdie.” He kissed your forehead before you were being ushered up the steps.

“No.”

“I love you, okay?”

You caught a final glimpse of his back as he was rushed to his car. You were on your way back to the house you had left in a frenzy two days prior. You should’ve felt different. Or maybe you were expecting too much.

Andrea was already at Graceland when you arrived. She greeted you as you walked through the door.

“Mrs. Presley,” She said, hugging you. “Welcome to your honeymoon.”

“Wow.” You looked around the foyer. “It’s everything I ever wanted.”

There was a party happening downstairs but you weren’t sure it had anything to do with you. There was always a party downstairs. A constant conjugation of people.

“You aren’t going to spend every day lying by the phone are you?”

“No, Andrea. I told you, I’m just tired.”

She slumped onto the end of the bed. “You aren’t pregnant, are you?”

You were bewildered by the question. “No, why would you ask?”

“It’s been a week since you’ve gotten out of bed.”

“It has not.”

“It has.”

“It’s Tuesday.”

“It’s Friday.”

Time passed like that whenever he was away. You had thought you escaped that feeling forever but you were being reminded of it all over again. The days didn’t matter without him, they were too long and too demanding.

“Serena and Liz are here,” Andrea continued. She stripped the duvet from your legs and stood to turn the lights on. “There are people here to take your picture.”

You complained and shielded your eyes. “The same people from the other day?”

“The same people,” She confirmed. “They’ve been coming every day. They want you sitting somewhere downstairs.”

“Sitting?”

“That’s what they said.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. Maybe because it’s a special day.”

“Is it?”

Andrea revealed a tiny black box with a red bow wrapped around it. It only dawned on you then that you had forgotten your own birthday throughout all the hustle and bustle of the last few days. “Consider it a birthday/late wedding gift.”

“You shouldn’t have gotten me anything,” You said, taking the gift. “I completely forgot about it.”

“I didn’t,” She said. “You’re my best friend.”

You were instructed to sit outside with Andrea as you were served sweet tea and lemonade.

“Where’s Nancy?”

“Maybe she didn’t want to be on film.”

They wanted footage of you around Graceland doing everyday things. They wanted insight into what your everyday life was like here—married to the king. Expect, he wasn’t here, and you were being forced to smile in his absence.

“Just pretend they aren’t there,” Andrea said in a grumble. She wasn’t too keen on being photographed but she set herself aside to avoid you looking like a lunatic having lemonade alone.

“What do they want from me?”

“Maybe we should start dancing.”

You laughed.

After the photographers left, you retreated back into the bedroom to continue to wait by the phone. Andrea griped about going out—to which you reminded her that you’d be attacked or worse if you dared to venture out.

“There has to be some way to get out and get a decent drink,” She argued. “Serena can’t call anyone?”

“I don’t want to worry her.”

“What’s his name that follows you around everywhere?”

“Ray.”

“Tell Ray to get a car and call the bar to tell them you’re coming.”

You shook your head. “I’m not supposed to go out without Elvis.”

She scoffed. “He’s probably out having the time of his life.”

“I doubt it. We can drink downstairs.”

“What is this, a five star resort?”

You smiled wearily. You didn’t want to go out anyway. The phone rang, startling you delightfully. You glanced at Andrea, who understood immediately.

“I’m going.” She stood to leave. “Tell him I said hi.”

“I’m really going to.” You laughed as she left, bringing the phone to your ear. “Hello?”

“Hey, it’s me.”

“…Joel?” Your eyes widened in shock.

“Hey,” He chuckled in a tone so casual it made you ill.

“Hi.” You sounded reserved as a result of your shock.

“I-I figured I’d get you here,” He said. “I’m sorry to call out of nowhere like this I just…I saw the news.”

You deflated, eyes closed. With everything else happening you hadn’t even taken a moment to consider how Joel would feel. You felt immensely guilty that he had heard the news of everything from the media and not directly from you.

“God, Joel, I’m so sorry.” You suppressed the urge to cry. “I should‘ve called~”

“It’s fine.”

“It…it all happened so fast.”

He hesitated for a moment. “Yeah, it did.”

“I’m not just saying that, I swear,” You said. “I didn’t even know it was happening. None of us did…”

“That’s kind of what the guys were saying.”

“Do you still talk with them?”

“Yeah, we’re like family, so…”

You nodded. The circles you were tracing into your knee began to blur with tears as you spoke. “How’s New York?”

He hummed indifferently. “It’s quiet in some places.”

“Well, yeah.”

“Who knew?”

You laughed, trying not to alert him to the fact that you were crying. “Are you happy?”

“I’m figuring it out.”

“That’s good.”

“Are you?”

“Hm?”

“Are you happy?”

“I am.”

For some reason, you felt like you were telling a lie. You were happy. There had been moments in the past few weeks that you felt you couldn’t possibly be happier. But there was a part of you that clung to whatever heartache you had left. Perhaps you wanted to punish yourself with it or use it as a reminder that you weren’t completely heartless.

Joel was silent on the other line but you hadn’t noticed until he spoke again. “I’m glad. Congratulations.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. That’s not why I called.”

“Why did you call?”

He seemed to hesitate before saying—

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Oh…well, thank you.”

“I wanted to say also…” He started. “A-And I don’t want you to think I’m tryin to talk you out of your decision or anything, it's just…it’s a lot happening all at once. It’d be a lot for anyone. So…don’t feel obligated to be something you aren’t because you love a person.”

“…Thank you for saying that.”

“…Anyway, I better let you off of here,” He said, laughing shortly. “I’ll see you in the paper I guess.”

“Yeah.” You cleared your throat. “Don’t have too much fun in New York.”

“I’ll try my best. Take care.”

“You too.”

“O-Oh and, uh, happy birthday.”

You closed your eyes, smiling softly. “Thank you, Joel.”

“Bye now,” He chuckled.

“Bye,” You said, waiting to hear the line go dead before hanging up.

You sat there for a moment, standing abruptly in search of the scrap of paper you used to write down the number of where Elvis was staying. Whoever answered gave you the run around for a while before actually putting you through.

“Who are you again?”

“His wife.”

He answered with an overly delicate tone—one that told you that his failure to touch base hadn’t gone unnoticed even by himself.

“Hey, everything alright?”

“Where are you?”

“I’m~ What do you mean where am I, honey? I’m working.”

You sat down on the edge of the bed. “It’s been a week since I’ve seen or heard from you.”

“Has it?”

“It has.”

“It’s Tuesday already?”

“It’s Friday.”

He tried to dismiss the argument. “You know how time slips away.”

You hummed, agitated. “Yeah, it does that when I don’t hear from you for weeks too.”

“Birdie,” He chided. “Are you checkin up on me?”

“No.” He laughed on the other line. “It’s not funny. When were you gonna call? Next month? Never? I mean, it’s my birthday today. Did you know that?”

“Did I know that?” He asked. “Of course I knew that.”

“You’re lying.”

“I’m not just kicked back havin a goddamn party, honey, I have shit to do while I’m here~”

“I’m not debating that, E, I just thought you’d call.”

“I was going to.”

“Were you?”

“I’m so glad to hear your voice. It’s like music to my ears.”

“Elvis~”

“I’m sorry you couldn’t stay up here with us, I don’t think it was really a part of the plan before the wedding and everything.”

“It’s fine~”

“Next time I’m gonna bring you with me, show you what Hollywood is like. What do you think?”

“That’d be nice.”

He promised that he would make it happen. You didn’t care if you were together in Memphis or LA, you only wanted to be near him.

“How d’you like Serena and Ray?” He asked.

“I feel bad for them.” You smiled when he laughed. “I don’t see what they’re here for. I don’t go anywhere or do anything.”

“They’re there to make sure you’re taken care of, that’s all. To protect you.”

“I wouldn’t need them to protect me if you were here.”

“I know, baby. What do you want me to do?”

There was nothing he could do. He could stay on the phone and talk to you for a couple of hours but it wouldn’t do any good.

“Birdie?”

“Joel called me a minute ago.”

You weren’t trying to evoke any specific reaction, but looking back now, telling Elvis about the call seemed like nothing more than a desperate grab for attention. He didn’t sound like he felt any particular way about it when he responded.

“Did he?”

“Yes,” You said, guilelessly.

“What’d he say?” There was a slight uptake to the end of his sentence—was he irritated with you?

“Nothing really, just congratulations and everything.”

“‘Congratulations?’”

He didn’t sound convinced.

“He said he wanted to make sure I was okay.”

“Well, I’m sure you thought that was nice and everything, honey, but he doesn’t need to concern himself with your well-being.”

“Elvis,” You said admonishingly. “He’s an old friend.”

“Old friend my ass.” He laughed shortly. “Don’t play with me.”

“I’m not. It was a harmless call.”

“So harmless you’re running to tell me?”

“‘Running to tell?’ Please.”

“I don’t care if you talk to him, I just think he should speak to me first.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re my wife. I don’t want him getting any ideas about worming his way back in.”

You laughed, mostly at the thought of Joel ‘worming his way’ back into your life. You loved him—he loved you too, undeniably. However, you’d gone past a certain point with him and there was no going back. The spell was broken and any magic you once had with him was gone.

“I don’t think he’ll call again,” You said. “I’m telling you as a courtesy.”

“Well, I appreciate it.” He shifted on the other line with a sigh. “I’m gonna have to get offa here, baby. They need me.”

I need you, you thought. “Okay.”

“I’m gonna see about getting you and Andrea out here for the last week or so,” He said. “I’ll tell Parker it’s for the press.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. That way I can keep an eye on you.”

You didn’t realize that that would be the last time the two of you would be apart for more than forty-eight hours.

You seldom parted. You were either by his side or within his vicinity. Eventually it became the new normal for you to always be together. It was uncomfortable at first, being around the guys.

You had a feeling they hated you.

*

“What?”

“Where is she?”

“Getting dressed.”

You rushed out of the bathroom—fully dressed for the day—to meet Andrea at the bedroom door. Elvis was off from filming again for a few months and your days had been filled with only each other. Andrea was there, sent by the other guys to get you away so that they could have him.

“They want you downstairs,” She said to Elvis—arms crossed and lips slightly pursed.

“Tell them I’m busy.”

“What am I, your messenger?”

“Are you theirs?”

“Yeah, in exchange for some human decency.”

You stopped them before they kept going. “We were headed downstairs anyway. Right, baby?”

He put his arm around you. “That’s right, baby.”

“I actually need to talk to you about something,” Andrea said to you. “It can’t wait. It’s too important.”

You stepped towards her—concerned. “Is everything alright?”

“Birdie,” Elvis said expectantly, waiting for you to come with him.

“We’re only gonna be a second,” You said with an apologetic expression as you ushered Andrea into the room. “I left something in the bathroom anyway.”

“Straight down when you’re done,” He said, leaning in to kiss your cheek. You smiled and he left.

“What’s wrong, Drea?”

“Nothing, I just said that so he’d go away.”

“Why?”

“Because you’ve been inseparable and we’re all suffering because of it.”

You laughed. “Suffering how?”

“Do you realize that I don’t know a single person in this house apart from you?” She sat down on the edge of the bed. “Ray and Serena aren’t even around to talk to these days.”

“I don’t really know them either,” You said, going to the bathroom. “I haven’t even spoken to some of them.”

“It’s not the same. You’re with Elvis.” She met you at the bathroom door, watching as you opened the pill bottle that you’d gotten off the counter. “Again?”

“They help me relax,” You said. “Do you want one? They’re harmless.”

“No.” She continued watching you.

“I’m sorry I haven’t made time for you lately,” You said. “It’s so hard. Nothing exists when we’re together.”

“You poor things.”

“We should head down now.”

Andrea insisted that the two of you go for a round of cards in the sitting room or a walk outside. You agreed for a change—mostly because you felt guilty for not spending time with her.

You had managed to get away that afternoon and you decided to make it up to her. You spent the day relaxing and catching up on some self care. It was a welcomed break that you didn’t know you needed. You had gotten so caught up with her that night had fallen before you realized how late it was.

“It’s the same thing every time,” Andrea complained as you laid in her bed watching television—a fresh coat of polish adorning your nails. “Why do they even bother?”

“You really expect them to get off the island every episode?”

“Isn’t that the point?”

There was a knock at the door that cut your rebuttal short. You looked at Andrea who shrugged and stood carefully to answer it.

“What, Red?” She asked when she saw who it was, a twinge of annoyance lying under her tone.

“He wants the girl,” Red said in a similar tone, obviously forced to fetch you.

You stood to put your clothes back on—Andrea had given you something more comfortable to wear earlier.

“Is that a question or what?”

“Can you send her upstairs?”

“Please?”

“Please.”

“First of all, Red, the girl has a name, and second she’s not here.”

You stopped shuffling around the room to listen.

“What do you mean she ain’t here?”

“I mean she’s not here.”

“She’s supposed to be.”

“Well, she isn’t.”

Red sighed—you pictured him contemplating his next move. “So, what am I supposed to tell ‘im?”

Andrea laughed. “Hell if I know or care.”

“Where the hell is she, Andrea?”

“I don’t know. I’m not her keeper.”

They stood there for a moment, Andrea reveling silently. Red eventually left, mumbling under his breath about going to find you. She shut the door and faced you.

“You should’ve seen the look on his face,” She said through her laughter as she walked back over to her bed. “He’s scared shitless.”

“You shouldn’t play games like that,” You said, laughing despite yourself. “He’s going to want to know where I am.”

“I know, but let’s give him time to squirm at least,” She said, gesturing for you to sit back down. “Come on, humor me a little. This is the most fun I’ve had in weeks.”

You hesitated—you knew you had a choice whether to stay or go, you just didn’t know which outcome you’d rather face. You could stay, but you’d hardly enjoy yourself knowing Elvis would be worried. He’d think you were missing or that you ran off when Red tells him that he couldn’t find you. But leaving meant ruining the night for Andrea, and you were supposed to be making up for abandoning her.

She spoke again. “You can call and tell him you’re with me if it’ll make you feel better. Or you can go, really. It’s just a stupid joke.”

You shook your head, forcing a short laugh as you spoke. “N-No. You’re right.”

“About what?”

“I-I don’t know…you’re always right.”

You laughed nervously and rejoined her on the bed. The phone rang—you both knew who it was.

“Don’t answer it,” You said before she could. “It’s fine.”

The silence between the two of you as the phone rang out was tense, and uncomfortable—at least it was for you. Eventually it stopped ringing and all that remained was the sound of the television.

“Do you think they’ll make it out this time?”

“I sure hope so.”

[ssinnerplazahotel]

╭──────────.★..─╮

*Chapter Eleven*

╰─..★.──────────╯

WC: 6k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, toxic elvis, manipulation, drug use, it’s the 50s/60s, dubious consent, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Masterlist: Prologue, Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

You waited day after day for Joel to come back. You sat in the living room most nights hoping that the door would open and it’d be him.

You didn’t know where he was or if he was okay. You called Bibby to check on him and he told you that he’d called off work for an extended time. Bibby sounded more concerned about how many cars he had on the lot than he did about Joel.

You were worried sick and you had no one to talk to about it. You couldn’t talk to anyone, except maybe…

“Hello?”

“Aunt Dawn?” You felt guilty only calling now—now that you were alone.

She sounded confused when she responded. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine,” You said as you lit a cigarette on the front burner of the stove. “How are you?”

“I’m alright,” She said. “Are you sure everything’s okay?”

“Yes.” You sounded too unconvincing not to cave immediately. “I mean, things could be better.”

“What’s going on?”

“…Did you know that Jerry told Elvis where Joel worked?”

You took a drag from your cigarette as you waited for her response, although her hesitation was enough of one.

“I did,” She said eventually. “Why?”

“No reason,” You said. “I just thought you’d tell me.”

“Should I have told you?” Dawn asked.

“Not necessarily.” You felt like you were communicating in some kind of code. “He showed up there…at Joel’s job.”

“I remember.”

“That was when he invited us to Graceland. Remember?”

“I do.”

You fell silent for a moment. “I saw him one night…without Joel.”

Dawn shifted on the other line. “Did you?”

“I did.” Your voice threatened to crack as you held back tears.

She sighed, disappointed. “Does Joel know?”

“I told him.”

“What’d he say?”

“He left a few days ago. I don’t know where he is.”

“I’m sure he’s fine.”

“I-I know that you~ you’re close and he trusts you and I was just wondering if you could get in touch with him?”

“How?”

“…I don’t know.” You closed your eyes and leaned back against the counter. “I don’t know what to do.”

“There’s nothing I can do.”

“I know.” You outed your cigarette and dried your eyes as best you could. “I’m so worried about him, I’m trying everything.”

“I’m sure he’s alright, wherever he is.”

“You’re right.”

“Give him some time, okay?”

“Okay.”

You tried Joel’s parents, they said a few nasty things about you calling but ultimately told you that they hadn’t heard from him.

It had been an entire week before you saw him again. In retrospect, a week away wasn’t a huge ask. But that didn’t make it hurt any less.

You were getting back from visiting Sinclair when you saw his truck in the driveway. He was there, bent over working under the hood.

You pulled in behind him and killed your engine. He didn’t look up from what he was doing until you approached.

He stood up straight, squinting against the sun. “Hey.”

“Hi,” You said. You didn’t know what to say. “Is there something wrong with her?”

“Just needed some brake fluid.” He wiped his hands on a dirty towel.

“Where were you?” You asked.

“Bibby’s.” He shrugged. “You?”

“Sinclair’s.”

He sighed, looking down at his hands. “We should talk.”

You nodded in agreement. “Okay.”

He threw the towel down before dropping the hood of the truck. He gestured towards the porch and you led the way. You sat on the top step, Joel sitting one step down resting his elbows on his knees.

“That starter’s gettin ready to go,” He said, breaking the silence. “I shoulda changed it a while ago, it’s an old thing, so…”

Silence settled over the two of you again.

“I don’t know what I’m sayin,” He muttered, pushing his hair away from his face. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say anything,” You insisted. “I’m listening.”

“I talked to him,” He said after a beat. “Elvis.”

“You did?” You asked, panicked. “What’d he say?”

“He called me at work,” Joel said. “…said Dawn told ‘im to.”

For a moment you imagined how both those conversations must’ve gone, but you were more concerned with what Joel was saying. You wanted to lean forward and inspect his expression more closely. Was he upset that you talked to Dawn?

“He didn’t say much,” He continued. “I didn’t want to hear anything from him, but…he said Dawn was worried about you, s-so I came to make sure you were alright.”

You nodded your head.

“Are you?”

“Yeah, I’m alright.”

The silence that filled the uncomfortable beats between his words made it hard for you to breathe.

You wanted terribly to comfort him in some way but you couldn’t find the nerve as you watched him struggle to keep his emotions at bay. You’d never seen him so upset and it made you sick knowing that you were the reason.

“He said I should try to make things right with you and that it wasn’t your fault, but I don’t know if I can. I-It’s just…I-I guess I thought I knew who you were, who we were…but now it feels like I don’t know anything.” He fidgeted restlessly, trying to articulate his feelings clearly. “There’s this entire part of your life that you never told me about.”

“I couldn’t.”

“Because you still love him?”

“Because I couldn’t tell anyone.”

Joel met your eyes and you fully saw his expression for what it was. “Tell me now.”

You couldn’t bear the pain in his eyes. “I can’t.”

“Why?” He shifted towards you.

“I don’t want to think about that time in my life. When we ran into each other I had been trying to forget everything from before. Because it hurt too much to remember. I loved him and he hurt me.”

“Then why did you go back?”

“Because I felt…” Your pulse soared and your breath caught in your throat. You struggled to breathe but you still forced yourself to say the words. “I-I felt like he took something from me, a-and I thought I could recapture that lost part of myself somehow. But as soon as I was near him, I… I felt seventeen again. I didn’t go there with these intentions. I thought I could show him that I was in control a-and that I was happy and doing well—despite him.”

Joel remained silent as he watched you stumble through your explanation.

“I know I kept it from you but it’s the only thing I’ve ever kept from you. Everything else is real, I’m still me. What happened, it was my fault. But I swear I’ve never been more sorry about anything in my life.”

Joel’s expression remained hard, his eyebrows drawn—conflicted. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”

You casted your eyes downward. You failed to combat your tears, batting them away uselessly.

“I don’t know if I can work past this.” He worried his lip as he spoke. He stared off in thought for a moment before a humorless laugh left his lips. “I keep thinking about that day…when I first saw you at Graceland with Dawn.”

That first day instantly replayed in your mind. You had relived the day so many times—hyper-focused on your interactions with Elvis. Your memory wasn’t too clouded by him to remember Joel, freshly eighteen, rushing out of the house to meet Dawn. He shook his head, as if trying to rid himself of the memory.

“I love you.”

“Tell me you don’t love him.”

“I love you.”

“This entire time you’ve been in love with him.”

“Can’t someone love more than one person?”

Joel’s eyes narrowed in hurt and he stood up from the steps. “Sure. Just not at my expense, that’s all.”

“I don’t know why I said that.” You rushed to follow him as he stormed into the house. “I love you, Joel. I choose you.”

“You choose me.” He chuckled humorlessly. He walked into the kitchen and snatched the refrigerator open to grab a beer.

“I made a mistake. I-I messed up and I’m sorry. I only want to be with you. I love you.”

He sighed and leaned back against the counter as he cracked open the beer in his hand. He tapped the metal cap against the counter with a distant expression.

“I need to think,” He finally said before straightening up and leaving the kitchen without another word.

You watched him go to the living room and drop into the crease of the sofa. He turned on the television and watched it in a slump as he gulped his beer.

You silently retreated to the bedroom with unshed tears in your eyes.

There was a distance between the two of you that grew as the days wore on. Joel spent most of his time at work. He’d leave early before you woke up and get in late after you’d gone to bed.

No matter how many days passed without saying a word to each other, Joel insisted that you keep up appearances with Sinclair and Marcus. He didn’t want them knowing about your issues, he didn’t speak about them to Bibby either.

You went along with it, for him. You didn’t exactly feel comfortable discussing it with Sinclair and Marcus either.

However, it didn’t make it any easier to tolerate his distance when he would suddenly speak to you and treat you nicely around them. It didn’t help that he kept up his image as a doting fiancé in front of your friends only to turn around and not speak a word to you.

No matter how much it hurt, you tried to endure—hoping that the two of you would eventually reach some state of normalcy.

“What?”

You kept your back to the door as you slipped off your shoes with tears in your eyes. Joel sighed before you heard him walk into the bathroom. He killed the shower and returned.

“What is it?” He asked.

You batted your tears away and stood to walk to the closet. “I don’t want to fight.”

“Who’s fighting?” He asked, following you to the closet. “Why’re you crying?”

You dropped your shoes and grabbed something to sleep in. As you made to walk past him he blocked you in with his arm. “You know why I’m crying.”

“I don’t,” He argued. “I thought we had a good night.”

“What, a good night of you pretending that you want anything to do with me?” You narrowed your eyes and pushed past him. You threw your pajamas down on the bed before turning to the dresser to remove your jewelry. “It was a wonderful night if you consider that a good time.”

“I was just trying to~”

“It doesn’t matter,” You said, snatching your earrings out. “I can’t take this anymore.”

“What?” Joel asked, his voice nearer.

“This!” You faced him. “I can’t take this. Constantly feeling like I’m being punished by you. I don’t want to feel like this anymore.”

He remained silent and you sighed, defeated. You turned to continue getting undressed. You slipped the rings from your fingers and unclasped the necklaces from around your neck before reaching back to unzip your dress. You fumbled with the zipper, huffing in aggravation when it got jammed. “Can you~”

“Yeah~”

“It’s stuck~”

“I see.” His fingers replaced yours on the zipper and he worked out the kink before gliding it down your spine.

You expected him to step away then but he didn’t. He slipped the fabric of your dress from your shoulders and let it pool around your feet. You turned your head to look at him and found his eyes already on yours. The sudden change of pace took you by surprise and for a moment you were touch-starved enough not to care. However, another thought consumed your mind the moment it entered it.

“What happened?” You asked just as his lips grazed yours.

“What?” He asked, his eyebrows twitching in confusion.

“What changed?” You didn’t feel exposed as you stood in your underwear—searching his eyes for the truth. “I thought it was a part of the act, I thought you were just dedicated to the role of a delicate fiancé because you didn’t want Sinclair and Marcus to suspect anything. But I see now that the entire night you’ve just been buttering me up to sleep with you.”

“Are you serious?”

“I want to know what put you in such a good mood that you’d suddenly look past everything and fuck me. Or should I ask who?”

“….I can’t believe you’d even ask me that.”

You pressured him to answer. “Something changed. What is it?”

“Maybe I just feel like it.”

You crossed your arms. “Can we talk?”

He shook his head. “No.”

“No?” Your eyebrows drew together slightly.

“No,” He repeated. “Because I still feel the same.”

“How do you feel?” You asked in a whisper.

His jaw tightened once again and he fell silent, not answering.

“We can talk to someone.”

“I don’t want to talk to anyone.”

“It could help,” You insisted. “We could talk to someone licensed to deal with this kind of thing.”

“I don’t want to talk,” He said firmly. His hands trailed around your waist and he pulled your body against his.

You shivered and parted your lips in a silent gasp as he kissed your neck, then your collarbone. “…J-Joel~”

He silenced you with a kiss—his lips moved against yours intensely for a moment before he pulled away. You were overwhelmed by his touch. He stepped forward until he forced you onto the bed, littering your neck with heated kisses once again.

Despite the way your body reacted you wanted to stop him—you didn’t want things to happen like this. The longer you went without actually talking about your feelings the more the distance between you seemed to grow.

He was finally speaking to you after days and you wanted to take the opportunity to discuss what really mattered.

“Joel.” You tried again, pressing your palms against his chest.

“Don’t ruin it,” He said breathlessly as he slipped his hand between your legs. “It’s okay.”

Your brain short circuited and you moaned brokenly. It wasn't okay, nothing was okay—but it felt good.

You swore in discomfort when he entered you but it was brief.

A sensation washed over you that caused your lips to part in a silent scream. His movements weren’t gentle or even familiar. You hadn’t seen this side of him. In all the time you had been together he had only made sweet love to you. This was something else entirely.

You felt like there was nothing tactile holding you to the earth as he fucked you so far into oblivion that you didn’t care if you ever felt grounded again.

You couldn’t register much outside of the intensity of the moment, but you felt Joel’s warmth deep inside of you when he came. He collapsed beside you and for a moment there was only the sounds of your labored breathing. He sat up eventually, tucking himself back into the jeans that he never took off. “You okay?”

You nodded, weakly pushing yourself into a sitting position. “I’m fine. I’m just gonna…”

“Yeah…okay.”

You stood from the bed and walked to the bathroom on unsteady legs. You cleaned up and slipped your bathrobe on before going back into the bedroom. When you returned, Joel was still sitting on the edge of the bed.

You sat with your back against the headboard, pulling your knees up.

“I’m sorry if I~”

“It’s okay.”

He nodded, looking off for a moment. “I’ll stay.”

He knew you too well. “Okay.”

He stood and walked into the bathroom. The shower ran for a long time before he returned. He didn’t say anything as he discarded his dirty clothes in the hamper and joined you in bed.

You fell asleep in his arms, and when you woke the next morning, he was gone.

*

“I’m leaving.”

“…Oh?”

Joel stood across the living room watching the rain pick up outside. He kept his arms folded across his chest—guarded. But something about his tone was more vulnerable than you’d heard in weeks.

You met him in the living room, sitting sideways on the couch so that you were facing him. He kept his back to you but continued when you didn’t respond.

“I‘ve been making arrangements.”

“What arrangements?”

“Bibby offered me a job in New York. It’s more behind the scenes and he’d pay me more for relocating.”

You waited for him to continue but he didn’t this time. “New York?” You prompted.

He faced you then—you couldn’t dissect his expression. “The offer just became solid today.”

“And you…don’t want me to come?” You asked, fearing that what you were seeing was reluctance.

“No, I don’t want you to come,” He said, confirming your doubts. “I’m sorry.”

“Joel…I-I know things haven’t been the best between~”

“That’s an understatement~”

“We can fix it.”

“It can’t be fixed. You…you broke my heart. Do you understand that?” You stood and tried to speak but he cut you off and continued. “You made your decision, now I have to make mine.”

“You’re running away? Just like that?”

“What am I supposed to do?”

Panic and anxiety swelled in your chest at the thought of Joel leaving you and moving to New York.

“You’ll have time to figure everything out. We don’t have to rush into selling the house.”

Your eyes burned with tears. “We don’t have to…”

He avoided your pain filled expression. “I have to.”

You could tell by the tears threatening to form in his eyes that the decision wasn’t one that he’d come to easily.

“I’m gonna tell Bibby I’ll go.” He sighed as he walked away. “It’s for the best.”

Elvis called you to apologize upon hearing the news from Dawn—you had been drinking your sorrows like usual when you answered the phone.

“Dawn told me what happened,” He said. He sounded remorseful. “I-I didn’t mean f-for things to turn out like this. I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?” You tried to sound sober, instead your voice was flat and shallow—and still obviously drunk. “It’s my fault.”

“I shouldn’t have pressured you,” He said. “I tried to tell Joel that it wasn’t your fault~”

“Of course it was my fault,” You snapped. “God, why are we even talking about this?”

“I feel horrible.”

“I’m sure you do…”

You sighed as silence settled over the line. You closed your eyes, waiting excruciatingly for him to say something.

“Maybe you should stay with Dawn in Memphis until you get things sorted out for yourself again.”

“What’s staying with Dawn gonna change?”

“I can put you up in your own place if you come back.”

“No.”

“Birdie~”

“I can’t go back to Memphis.”

“I’m worried about you.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re drunk at eleven in the morning, honey.”

You glanced halfheartedly at the time. The curtains were still drawn and the house was cold and silent. It could have been any hour.

“I hate when you do this.”

“What?”

“You go around creating all these problems and swoop in to fix them like you’re the good guy.”

“…Can I do anything?”

You wished there was something that could be done about the miserable feeling in your gut. Your chest hurt from the amount of cigarettes you’d gone through and you were nauseous from the vodka-doused wine concoction you had going.

“I should be alone,” You said. “I deserve to be alone.”

“You made one mistake.”

“It was a lot of little mistakes that led up to one big one.”

“That still doesn’t mean you deserve to be punished,” Elvis argued.

“My life is ruined.”

“How can you say that?”

You struggled to internalize your emotions, picturing them retreating to a small corner in the back of your mind instead of erupting outwardly. You wanted them to go back inside until they were nothing, until they couldn’t hurt you anymore.

“What can I do?”

“I figured it out on my own before, I’ll do it again.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Yes, I do.”

“I’ll take care of you.”

“I’m not coming back to Memphis.”

“Why not?”

You couldn’t believe you had to explain.

“Because I don’t want to get caught up in your bullshit again, Elvis,” You said. “I don’t want to fall into the same routine. The fighting, the constant back and forth—it’s fruitless and repetitive. I want to actually live my life. That’s why.”

“You can live your life,” He said. “I’m not gonna lock you up once you get here.”

“Sure.”

“…It could be different this time.”

“‘Could be?’”

He fell silent for a moment. “It can be different.”

You waited for him to continue but he didn’t. “I don’t want to play those games anymore.”

“No games, then. No fighting—I mean it.” His voice was low and sincere. “Come back to Graceland.”

You shook your head. You wanted to, of course you did. You were in love with Joel but you loved Elvis all the same. It hurt—it made you feel fickle.

“I can’t.”

“What’s stopping you?”

You couldn’t tell if you were awake or dreaming when Elvis showed up at the house in the following days. He had made his appearance discrete, you didn’t know it was him when the black impala pulled into the drive. It was late and he came alone—only him and his driver. He didn’t say anything when you let him inside. You shut the door and leaned back against it as he stood before you. He seemed out of place and too grand for the room.

You must’ve flinched when he moved towards you, or retracted in some way, because he stopped. It was silent and you refused to meet his eyes. The silence was tense, like the air after a bad fight.

“What do you want me to do?” He asked when the quiet became unbearable.

“You shouldn’t be here. It’s not right.”

“I came for you.”

“You shouldn’t’ve.”

He didn’t respond, instead he turned and walked further into the house. He noticed the boxes full of your things crowding the living room.

“You’re packing?”

“He’s selling the house.”

“Where are you gonna go?” He faced you when you didn’t answer. “I want to help.”

You were offended. “I don’t need your help.”

“I don’t care if you need it or want it, birdie, that’s the thing,” He said, frustrated. “I don’t want to spend another year wondering what the hell happened to you. So you can go anywhere in the world, alright? Just let me make sure you get there.”

“You say that like it’s so easy.”

“I don’t care if it’s easy, I care if you get there in one piece.”

He had neared you again, taking slow steps until he stood directly in front of you.

“Do you want me to take you to Dawn?”

“No.”

“Wilmington?”

“No.”

“Where? Somewhere around here? D’you want the house? I’ll get it for you.”

“No, Elvis.”

“Then what?”

“I don’t know. None of this feels real.”

You didn’t move away when he reached out and took your face in his hands. He made you meet his eyes, searching yours for a moment before his lips were inching towards yours.

You spoke before your lips met. “Not here. Please.”

He sighed and pressed his forehead against yours. His thumbs stroked the apples of your cheeks. “Tell me what to do.”

You closed your eyes, your hands moving to clutch the front of his shirt. You knew better than to give in to him so easily, but you were vulnerable. You wanted him to make you disappear. “I want it to be like it never happened…like none of it ever happened.”

“Okay.”

“It’s not okay.”

You were crying now but Elvis wouldn’t let you pull away. He dried your tears with the pads of his thumbs.

“Why can’t it be okay?”

“We can’t~”

“We can do whatever we want.”

You pulled away enough to really meet his eyes. He was being serious.

“Why did you come here, E?” You asked, suddenly grounded enough to question his motives. He was always that way—calculated and two steps ahead.

“I was worried about you.”

“And?”

“And I was hoping I could convince you to come back to Memphis with me…as my girl.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means I’m choosing you, birdie. If you’ll let me.”

You weren’t sure how to react. There was a part of you that was elated enough to cry, but it was overshadowed by the crushing feeling you had that he’d let you down. He’d get you back to Graceland and you’d be back in a predicament that you had escaped—for hardly enough time to matter. You still loved him just as much as you did a year ago—if not more after rekindling.

You had pulled his hooks out but you hadn’t gotten out of arm's reach. One wrong move and he’d sink them right back in. The scariest part of it all was that you almost longed for him to do so. You wanted the satisfaction of watching it all happen before your eyes, slowly and painfully. You wanted him to tear you apart, bit by bit, and leave you broken—you wanted to do it for the thrill of watching something crumble so perfectly.

“You don’t want me.” You meant it as a warning—no one deserved to put up with you.

“You’re all I want, little bit.” He tapped your chin. “I’ll prove it to you if you come with me.”

He laughed in a nervous way when he said it—his expression genuinely hopeful.

“You don’t have to,” He said in the wake of your silence. “Like I said, anything you want. Anywhere you want to go.”

You didn’t say anything. For a while you stood there silently deciding what your next move should be. You didn’t have anything to lose, your pride and dignity had been exerted and you were feeling hopeless.

“…Can we leave now?”

“We can leave right now.”

You packed your clothes in your luggage and Elvis helped the driver put them in the trunk. You left your key and engagement ring on the counter for Joel, you wanted to leave a note but there was nothing to say.

“We’ll send somebody for it,” Elvis said in response when you asked about the rest of your things. “It’ll be out in time.”

“Okay,” You said as he led you out of the front door. You paused, looking around the house. It wasn’t lived in anymore, but there were traces of your life with Joel all throughout the place. From the barely there wine stain on the middle cushion of the couch to the knick in the wooden frame of the door from when you moved it in. You were saying goodbye to a life that had barely gotten started. Elvis stopped when he noticed your hesitation.

“Hey,” He said, making you face him. “I got you, okay?”

“Okay,” You repeated.

He kissed your forehead and led you out of the house once and for all. You climbed into the back seat of his impala, trying not to think about anything too much. If you did, you’d have a breakdown.

“It’s only an hour flight.”

“Flight?”

“Yeah, it’s quicker.”

You must’ve looked uneasy—he asked you if flying still made you nervous.

“I don’t do it enough to get past the nerves, I guess,” You said. “It’s fine, I’ll manage.”

“I’ll just give you something,” He said, reaching into the pocket of his slacks and retrieving an amber, 10 dram pill bottle. “It should help.”

“I’ll never see this house again,” You said, looking out the window longingly. “Nothing’s ever going to be the same. It’s over.”

“Take this.” He turned your head and dropped the pill into your mouth. “Hold it under your tongue.”

“What’s going to happen?”

“Don’t worry, darling, I’ll take care of you.”

He put his arm over your shoulders and kissed your temple. You leaned into his touch and closed your eyes, swallowing your bitter saliva as the pill dissolved under your tongue.

“Am I a horrible person?” You asked sometime into the drive.

“No,” Elvis responded. “You can’t help who you love, can you?”

“No.”

“Do you love me?”

“Yes.”

“Then don’t beat yourself up about the situation. It had to happen.”

“But Joel~”

“He’s a kid, birdie. He’ll get over it.”

It didn’t matter what Elvis said, or that he had seemingly convinced Jerry of the same thing. You knew Joel, and you knew that he’d take time to work through his feelings. You knew that a part of him would never fully heal.

You wanted to feel bad, you did feel bad deep down past the artificial calm spreading over you. You got to the airport and the two of you were escorted directly onto a private plane. Things happened fast, which you were thankful for.

“You okay?” Elvis checked as you took your seats, keeping your hand in his all the while.

“I’m okay,” You said. “Are you?”

“I’m perfect now that I’m with you,” He said, bringing you with him when he sat down instead of having you take your own seat.

You looked over your shoulder to be sure the cabin was empty and the plane suddenly jolted into motion. Elvis laughed at your expression and put a protective arm around you.

“Aw, birdie,” He said. “It’ll level out eventually.”

“Not helping.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Distract me.”

The hand of his free arm traveled up your thigh and he kissed your cheek. You knew what the sudden influx of ‘harmless’ kisses meant. Once upon a time, you favored this particular tell of his the most.

“I think I know what kind of distraction you need,” He said, kissing the shell of your ear.

“On the plane?” You squirmed away from his touch, laughing prudishly at the thought.

“Haven’t you heard of the mile high club?” He asked, unbuckling the front of your coat and pushing it off your shoulders. He maneuvered you so that you straddled him, letting the coat fall to the ground.

You protested but you leaned into his touch when he kissed your exposed collar bone. You would’ve stopped him had the medication in your system not loosened your ambiguity—leaving you feeling light and euphoric. His touch erupted into a thousand tingles against your skin and you were practically vibrating with desire.

“People do it,” He said, kissing your neck. “Something about the altitude.”

You looked over your shoulder again, trying to stop him. “Elvis…someone might see.”

He stopped, looking up at you with a lustful expression. “There’s no one but us until we land, baby.”

You laughed but the sound was immediately cut short by a moan when he slipped his hand under the skirt of your dress.

“…This is wrong,” You weren’t focused on the words as you said them, all you could focus on was the way his fingers grazed you through the thin material of your underwear. “I want to do the right thing.”

“Does it feel good?”

“Yes.”

“Then it’s right.”

He sat back in his seat, his hands rubbing your thighs before traveling up your sides and back. You released a low groan as he fingers pressed into your taught muscles. He massaged the tension out of your shoulders and kissed you slowly. Your eyes fell shut and you leaned into him.

“It’s okay,” He reassured you, one arm securely around your back while the other worked out the knot in your neck. You hadn’t realized how tense you were.

You ran your fingers through his hair, scratching his scalp the way he always liked. You weren’t satisfied with the low groan he released and shifted to apply more pressure to his growing erection. The sound he released when you moved your hips was satisfactory. He took your face in his hands and looked at you.

“I love you,” He whispered, his voice almost lost in the mechanical hum of the plane’s engines. “I won’t ever let you go again. I promise.”

“You love me?”

“Yes. Don’t ask me why.”

“Why?”

“Because I can’t tell you all the reasons.”

You kissed him again. “Is this real?”

He wrapped both arms around your torso and hugged your body against his. “It’s real.”

“Feels like I’m dreaming.”

“You aren’t. You’re here, with me. Be here with me.”

You opened your eyes. He looked at you with an intensity behind his expression that made you shiver—the world fell away like it always used to. It was familiar and all thoughts that weren’t concerning him vanished. You felt like you were falling in love for the first time all over again.

You didn’t notice that he’d unbuckled his trousers and freed himself until you felt him prodding at your entrance. You tensed initially but relaxed as he pushed your panties aside and entered you. You whimpered at the stretch—groaning when he was fully seated inside.

You stayed that way for a while, connected and unmoving until his hands eventually continued roaming your body. His breath mingled with yours as he thrusted to meet your movements, making your toes curl in your shoes. You were instantly on the verge of peaking—in every regard.

“Can I, please?” You trembled against him, your abdomen constricting as you anticipated your high.

“Why would I say no?” The pleasure was too intense, you didn’t know whether to chase it or run away. Elvis groaned as you finished, following with a suppressed grunt—your name growling deep in his chest.

He swore under his breath, grabbing your chin with his clean hand and kissing your lips. “You’re adorable.”

He patted your thigh and you stood, unsteadily.

“Stay,” He instructed before going into the bathroom. He returned with a damp towel, wiping his hands clean before helping you. “Take ‘em off.”

You laughed as he slipped your panties down your legs, holding his shoulders as you stepped out of them.

“Uh, uh,” He said when you reached for them, pulling them away. “They’re mine.”

“What are you gonna do with them?”

“Commemorate the moment.”

You finished cleaning up before retaking your seat. The last of the flight blew by—the two of you clinging to each other the entire time. Before you knew it you were arriving in Memphis. You saw all the cameras but it still took you a moment to realize what was happening.

“Elvis,” You said as you took in the scene outside the window of the plane. It was dark but the lights illuminating the runway made everything clear. “What’s happening?”

“We’re going home,” He said smugly. He stood with you but you sat back down. “Come on, baby.”

You shook your head. “You go first.”

He laughed, taking your hand and helping you out of the seat. “Let’s go together.”

“E.P.?” Sonny showed up—his eyes found yours briefly, but he looked away immediately. “Car’s ready.”

“I’m not gonna stop this time, straight there,” Elvis said to him before glancing you over, tapping your chin fondly. “Let’s go, little bit.”

Your stomach turned with anxiety. “W-What if they don’t like me?”

He shrugged. “I guess we’ll all just lay down and die.”

You couldn’t help but smile as he kissed your cheek and led you off of the plane. At first all you could hear were voices, but soon all sounds were replaced by your heart hammering in your ears. You would’ve froze, if it weren’t for Elvis’ arm wrapped protectively around your shoulders. You had feared the look on people’s faces when they saw the two of you together—now, however, you couldn’t make out anything aside from the wild flashes.

There were numerous barricades up to keep the crowd at bay, but there was still security to stop the few desperate freelancers that slipped through. Everything happened so fast—one minute you were there being photographed by dozens of people and the next you were in the back of the car. Elvis signaled the driver and the car lurched into motion.

“You okay?” He asked, helping you out of your coat and hat.

“So intense,” You said, heaving a sigh when you were free.

He reached over to place your jacket on the seat behind you. “You’re not too shook up, are you?”

You smiled and leaned into him. “A little.”

“Well, it’s over now,” He said, putting his arm around you. “You’re safe and sound.”

“Yeah, but…” You hesitated but quickly overcame your unsureness. “I still need something to calm my nerves.”

“Is that so?” The smirk on his face deepened.

“Mhm.” You don’t know if it was the rush of the paparazzi or if you were still riding some high from your activities on the plane. Regardless of the reason, you wanted him again—right then and there.

He laughed when you placed your hand on his inner thigh. He reached into his pocket and retrieved the small pill bottle. “Best I can do for now.”

You pouted as he opened the bottle and shook a pill out. He bit it in half, prompting you to open your mouth before placing one half on your tongue. You were already buzzing from the half before the flight. “Is that the best you can do?”

He glanced at the driver through the partition as he grabbed a bottled water from the cup holders. “I don’t want to disturb our friend.”

You followed his gaze, taking a swig from the bottle after him. “I think he’d have a good time.”

He didn’t pull away when you kissed him—blindly taking the water and capping it off before dropping it on the ground. His hand hooked onto the bend of your knee and pulled you closer. You were practically straddling him as the two of you attempted to consume one another.

“E.P.?”

He barely pulled away. “What?”

“10-12.”

“Okay?”

“Colonel doesn’t want any photos.”

Elvis sighed glancing up in aggravation. “Tell the Colonel that there’s nothing he can do about that.”

“But~”

“Straight through, boss.”

The driver nodded and put the partition back up. Elvis groaned, pulling away with a final kiss on your cheek.

“Pull yourself together, dirty bird,” He said, helping you back into your coat. “We don’t want to let these people see you on your knees for me just yet.”

“What does the Colonel think of all this, E?”

You hadn’t thought to ask. With everything happening so quickly you barely had a chance to process what was going on, let alone form any questions.

“Don’t worry about the Colonel.”

You didn’t like that response. You knew people would be opposed to the idea, but you weren’t prepared to face the Colonel. You didn’t want to face him.

“He doesn’t know,” You said. “Does he?”

“He will soon enough,” Elvis said. “Along with everybody else. You said no secrets.”

“I didn’t expect this…he’ll never allow this.”

“I don’t need anyone’s permission to be with you.” He blindly straightened his hair and slipped a pair of shades on despite the late hour. “I didn’t bring you all this way to hope for his approval.”

You stopped him when he leaned in for a kiss and he opted for kissing your neck instead.

When you finally arrived at Graceland the streets outside of the gate were flooded. There had to be at least a hundred people gathered—some were holding signs, some were holding cameras, and some were holding back tears. They stood shouting at the car as it inched through the ruckus. You tried to get a better look at what the signs were saying but Elvis stopped you.

“Don’t pay them any mind, doll,” He said, putting his arm over your shoulder. He pulled you into his side and kissed your temple. Something hit the window, startling you and making Elvis lean forward to snap at the driver. “Can’t they get somebody to clear the goddamn gate?”

“I think they’re trying.”

“Tell ‘em try harder.”

While Elvis went back and forth with him, you peaked outside again. You immediately wished you hadn’t when you caught a glimpse of what was written on the signs.

“O-Oh my god,” You stammered under your breath.

“Birdie.” He took your face in his hands, forcing you to look away. “I told you not to look.”

“Oh my god~”

“Don’t worry about them, honey, they’re just stuck in their ways~”

“‘Stuck in their ways?’”

He shushed you, trying to meet your eyes. “Don’t let them see you cryin. They’re gonna have to come around, like everyone else.”

You shook your head, willing your tears away. “I knew this would happen. They hate me.”

“They can’t hate you,” He said. “They don’t even know you. It’s just how it’s gonna be at first.”

Another object slammed against the window—you clung to him. “I’m scared.”

“You don’t have to worry, darlin, we’re gonna pull right up to the door…” His voice started fading into the background and the sound of the chaos outside took over. “You hear me?”

Your body nodded reflexively but you couldn’t focus on anything but the crying, screaming faces of the people outside.

“Keep your head down and I’ll lead right inside and upstairs. How’s that sound?”

Another disconnected nod.

“Talk to me, baby.”

“…That sounds fine.”

He reassured you again that everything was okay as the car eventually got through the crowd and was able to stop.

When you got out of the vehicle you could hear the cameras flickering in a frenzy but you kept your head down as he led you up the steps. You expected the chaos to die down once inside, however you were met by an angry Colonel.

“Elvis Presley~”

“I’ll deal with you in the morning,” Elvis said, attempting to lead you upstairs.

“You get her out of this house, immediately!”

“What?”

“You heard me!”

“This is my goddamn house!”

You closed your eyes as they shouted back and forth.

“This, what you’re doing, it’s…it’s suicide,” Parker said, he was practically fuming. If you had looked up you would’ve been met by his harsh glare. “If you insist on keeping the girl, I will be forced to leave you.”

“Then I’ll be forced to let you go.”

“After everything I’ve done for you?”

“Everything you’ve done…go upstairs, birdie.” He looked at Jerry. “Take her.”

You let Jerry lead you upstairs, his hand barely gracing the small of your back as he did so. When you got to Elvis’ room he let you in before following behind. You walked over to the bed and sat down. You couldn’t get the images out of your head.

Jerry walked over to the minibar in the corner and poured you a drink. Something dark and straight.

“I shouldn’t.”

“It’ll take the edge off at least.”

You took the glass. You stood as you took a sip, setting it on the bedside table so you could remove your coat.

“He should be up any minute.”

“Thank you.”

He smiled briefly and was gone. You took some time to walk around the room. You entered the closet to find numerous items of women’s clothing. The tags still hung from them as if they were either brand new or never worn. It made you think that he had prepared in advance for your arrival. He must’ve not had a doubt in his mind that you’d come back with him.

The bedroom door opened and you were met with Elvis’ fired up expression when you left the closet.

“Elvis,” You started. “Calm down~”

“Do not try to reel me in right now, birdie~”

“It’s okay.”

“How can you fucking say that?”

You walked over to him. “I’m sorry. I-I just~ I don’t want you to be upset.”

He sighed as you hugged him, noticing the empty glass on the table. “Jerry fixed you a drink?”

You looked up at him. “What if he’s right? It’s not worth it.”

He shushed you, sitting you down on the bed. You waited for his response but he fell silent. He removed your shoes and guided you to lay down. You stopped him before he moved away.

“Don’t leave.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

He laid down and took you in his arms.

“What’s going to happen, E?”

“I have no idea.”

[ssinnerplazahotel]

╭──────────.★..─╮

*Chapter Ten*

╰─..★.──────────╯

WC: 8k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, toxic elvis, manipulation, drug use, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Masterlist: Prologue, Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Graceland hadn’t changed—not upon first glance anyway. There were several unfamiliar faces but amongst the bunch there was Dawn and Cynthia. No longer serving at the pleasure of The Presley’s but there to welcome you back to town after your brief MIA stint.

You hugged Dawn enthusiastically. She was thrilled to see you and Joel—you had talked several times but nothing compared to seeing her in person.

“How’d this happen?” She asked, referring to you and Joel as you sat next to her at the dining table.

“It just happened.”

“I followed her around until she agreed to marry me. She refuses to tell anybody that story.”

“Well look what the cat done dragged in.” Sonny appeared suddenly—Jerry and Red trailing along. “Just as ugly as the day he left.”

Joel stood to greet them before re-introducing you. “My lady.”

“My lady, I hate to steal your gentleman, but we have unfinished business to attend,” Red said, throwing an arm over Joel’s shoulder.

He started to say he couldn’t but you reassured him that it was fine.

“I’ll come check on you, I promise,” He said as they dragged him away.

You sighed after he was gone. “They’ve been up all night. I don’t know how they manage.”

“They manage.” Dawn chuckled. “So, how have things been? How’s Atlanta?”

“Busy,” You responded.

Dawn hummed, glancing past you for a moment before speaking again in a lower voice. “Why’d you come back?”

“Elvis invited us.”

“Things seem to be going well, you and Joel seem happy.”

“We are happy.”

“You don’t think being back here will stir things up? I mean knowing what we all know…”

You knew exactly what Dawn was saying. You hated that she was choosing to be the voice of reason instead of being happy to see you.

“Joel begged me to come, I didn’t want to. I thought you’d be happy to see me.”

“I am. But I don't want Joel to get hurt.”

“What about me?”

Cynthia appeared again, this time with Andrea. You froze for a moment but recovered quickly and forced a smile.

“Well well well." She grinned—she was as radiant as the last time you saw her. "Look who finally decided to show her face in these parts again."

"Andrea.” You stood to hug her.

"Mhm," She hummed, hugging you back. "I don’t appreciate you skipping town and never calling me again. You get too busy in the city and forget all about us?”

“No, I just…I was going through a lot,” You said. “I’m sorry.”

“I might be able to forgive you.” She took a seat at the dining table. “What’s this I hear about you marrying a white man? What’s the point if you’re only gonna be married in 19 states?”

“Drea,” Cynthia complained.

“Joel from Hawaii, right?”

“You remember him?” You asked.

“Yeah, he’s cute.” She took your hand and examined your ring. “Did you guys run away together or something?”

“No,” You laughed. “We ran into each at a restaurant.”

“Wow. If you bothered to call me at all I’d know these things.”

You started to apologize again but you were interrupted by Elvis’ voice as he approached the table.

“How are my girls doin?” He asked, walking past you to Dawn. He kissed her cheek and then Cynthia’s before leaning on the back of an empty chair. “Andrea.”

“Elvis,” She said—looking off with a bored expression.

“It’s been a long time,” He said, he seemed to enjoy the fact that she despised him.

“Sorry I didn’t come sooner,” She started. “I was waiting for a good hair day.”

He laughed shortly before his eyes found yours. You averted your eyes. He spoke again, addressing the table. “If y’all need anything you can let Nancy know, she don’t mind. And don’t let the guys bother you, they’re outta their minds.”

Cynthia and Dawn laughed, agreeing that they were indeed crazy. When he finally walked away his hand rested on your shoulder as he passed, sending a jolt down your spine. When you looked up Dawn’s eyes were on you—so were Cynthia’s. You felt like a spectacle.

“Somebody outta take him down a notch,” Andrea said with an annoyed eye roll.

“What’s he ever done to you?” Cynthia laughed. “Keep on blocking your blessings like that.”

“Oh, mama.”

“Don’t ‘oh mama’ me.”

You smiled as they bickered—they hadn’t changed.

Andrea snagged you from the table and the two of you walked around outside. You spent most of the afternoon catching up before she had to eventually take Cynthia home.

“I wish you could stay,” You said, hugging her. “They’ll probably be out all night.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Andrea said. “But I have an appointment tomorrow morning. Divorce court starts early.”

“I’m so sorry, Drea.”

“It’s for the best. We didn’t want to wait until we hated each other to get it over with.”

“I’m glad you’re in a good place about it.”

“Anyway, I have some errands to run.”

“I understand.” You smiled. “I promise I’ll call. Even if it’s every once in a while.”

“You better,” She said. “I mean it. I want to know what’s going on with you. And don’t forget to send me an invite to the wedding.”

Dawn left with Cynthia and Andrea. She didn’t bring up your brief conversation from earlier but you could tell by her expression that she still felt the same. She had no faith in you. You figured if you could go on avoiding him like you had been, the weekend would go by seamlessly.

You guys were put in the spare room upstairs—your old room. It felt like some kind of inside joke when Jerry helped Joel carry your things up.

“Where are you going?”

“Nowhere, just downstairs.”

You forced a smiled in an attempt to hide your disappointment. “You’re gonna be out late, then?”

“No, probably not.” You wondered why he lied. “What?”

You noticed that you’d let your smile drop a bit. “Nothing.”

Joel gave you a look and stepped forward to wrap his arms around your waist. “Let me have it.”

“It’s just that…I’ll hardly see you this weekend and we’re going straight to Virginia afterwards so you’ll be wrapped up with work~”

“Oh, about that,” He started suddenly. “I talked to Bibby and he needs me to head down earlier than I expected.”

“Really?”

“I tried to get out of it, but you know how he is. He said he would let me leave early if I came ahead of time so I’m gonna head down in the morning and get it out the way before the weekend’s over.”

“When are we leaving?”

“I was gonna go tonight and meet you back here Saturday. I figured you could go spend some time with Dawn, she seemed happy when I told her you’d be over tomorrow.”

“You aren’t going to ask me how I feel about any of this?”

“I thought you’d be happy.”

All you wanted was to tell him to call everything off and take you home—but you didn’t want to ruin his time. You could get through the rest of the night, then you’d be able to escape to Dawn’s house.

*

“Hello?”

“Birdie?”

You froze when you heard his voice coming through the receiver. Your first instinct was to slam the phone back on the hook. You stared at it until it rang again, startling you when it did. You hesitated before picking it up again.

“Joel’s not here,” You said, moving to hang the phone up again.

“Don’t hang up,” Elvis said quickly.

“He already left.”

“I-I didn’t call to talk to Joel, honey, I called to talk to you.”

“You can’t…” You closed your eyes for a second and sighed. “I shouldn’t be talking to you while he’s not here.”

“Should I call when he gets back?”

“No.”

You heard him laugh on the other line, prompting you to roll your eyes. “You shouldn’t call at all. There’s no reason for you to talk to me.”

“Oh, well, I beg to differ.” He chuckled. “I think we have a lot to talk about, actually.”

“We don’t. I’m engaged.”

“I’m not trying to come between you and Joel.”

“Then what do you want?”

“You.”

You shook your head, falling silent as you tried to quiet the storm you had brewing inside.

“I want to talk to you,” He continued. “Is that alright?”

“No, it’s not.”

“I think you want to talk to me too, birdie.” His voice dropped and was suddenly drained of any humor. “It’s been a long time.”

“It hasn’t been long enough,” You said. “I don’t want to talk to you. I never want to see you again, Elvis. If you can’t understand that~”

“I do understand.”

“Then why won’t you leave me alone?” You asked, frustrated tears threatening to form in your eyes. “I’m happy. I love Joel and I love the life we’re building together.”

“Who are you trying to convince?” He interrupted. “I never said you didn’t.”

“You’re disrupting everything.”

“That’s not what I’m trying to do.”

You laid back against your pillow with the phone to your ear. “Just tell me what you want.”

“I want to see you.”

“No.”

Silence settled between the two of you for a moment before he spoke again.

“You don’t have to,” He said. “I want you to, that’s all.”

“I can’t,” You whispered.

“Why?”

“Joel…”

He hummed on the other line, you couldn’t decipher his tone. “Well…I-If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

“I’m not going to.”

“You don’t have to. I’m glad you came down this weekend anyway. Dawn really misses having you here.”

“Why are you trying to make me feel guilty?”

“I’m not, honey.”

There was another beat of silence before the line went dead.

You held the receiver to your ear even after he was gone, listening to the mechanic hum of the dial tone. You checked the clock on the dresser.

Joel would be halfway to his conference by now. He’d get to his hotel and call you by eight like he promised. He’d ask you what you were doing and you’d reassure him you were okay—even though there was nothing he could do if you weren’t. Then he’d talk to you for over an hour, hoping that the lengthy phone call would appease you while he was away. He’d promise to call every chance he got—he always did—before ending the call saying: “I love you, I’ll be thinking of your sweet voice all night.”

To which you would laugh and respond: “I love you too.”

You’d blow him a kiss through the receiver and say goodnight. It was the same routine every time he went away. You knew in your mind that going to see Elvis was a bad idea. You knew the effect he’d have on you—he knew it too.

You hung up the phone and sat up to grab your case of cigarettes from the dresser. You opened the case only to find it empty.

You felt the weight of your decision before you’d even made it. A crushing weight in your chest that only nicotine could combat. It was overwhelmingly unlike you. Despite the guilt already consuming you, you knew your mind was made up before you could talk yourself out of it. There were too many feelings swirling around inside of you, old and new.

You had hoped that, maybe, you could put that part of yourself to rest once and for all by going to see him that night.

~

You fidgeted anxiously, smoothing down the skirt of your dress as you waited in the deserted hallway. You knocked but grew anxious after waiting a minute or two and raised your hand to knock again. You hesitated before knocking in the same gentle pattern that you had used so many years ago. The door opened almost immediately and you were met with Elvis’ familiar eyes.

“Birdie,” He muttered with what looked like a genuinely shocked expression.

“E,” You said back. Your heart hammered rapidly against your ribcage as you stared back at him. “You weren’t going to leave me standing in the hallway were you?”

“I-I didn’t know it was you.” He chuckled, still shocked by your presence. “Come in.”

You stepped inside the room and watched him close the door. It was silent aside from the tv blaring loudly. The room was dim, lived in but tidy—just like you remembered.

“I didn’t think you’d show.” He walked past you to turn the tv off.

You stood still, fidgeting with the skirt of your dress. For a moment you felt disconnected from yourself and reality. When you looked back at the door you wanted to leave. You shouldn’t have been there.

“Don’t just stand there.”

You met Elvis’ eyes, shaking your head as you tried to process your emotions.

He met you where you stood and slipped his hand into yours. “I wanna talk to you, honey. That’s all.”

He led you over to the bed and kept a decent amount of space between you as you sat down.

“You’re quiet,” He said, shifting to face you. “That’s one thing you never were.”

“You called me here.” You pointed out. “You wanted to talk. So talk.”

“How can I? You’re ice cold.” He smiled as he spoke. “How d’you like Atlanta?”

“It’s alright. We like it.”

“You and Joel?”

“Yes.”

Elvis nodded, his expression growing amused.

“What?” You asked, instantly annoyed.

“Nothing, nothing. You seem different,” He said it as if he knew something you didn’t. He always made you feel like he understood you better than you understood yourself.

“I am different.”

“I can tell.” He looked away. Was he upset by the change he saw in you?

“Tell me what it is you needed to tell me.” You waited for him to respond. “E?”

His smile had faded and his expression was thoughtful now. “I should’ve gone after you.”

You remembered standing in the hall waiting for him the night you left. You remembered the inkling of fragile hope inside of you fizzling into nothing the longer you stood there—waiting for him.

“I shouldn’t have let you go.”

“It wouldn’t have changed anything.”

“If I had gone after you, you wouldn’t have stayed?”

“You know I would’ve stayed. I loved you.”

“I loved you too.”

You scoffed lowly, turning your head.

“What was that?” He asked.

“What was what?” You responded.

“That sound you made. You don’t believe me?”

“No, Elvis. I never believed you when you said that.”

“It’s the truth.”

“I think you want it to be the truth. But really you only ever said it to make me happy. Not because you meant it.”

“Why can’t you accept the fact that I cared about you?” He asked, narrowing his eyes. “I still care about you.”

“I don’t believe that,” You said. “I think you got what you wanted from me while we were together and that was it.”

“That’s what you want to think, birdie.” He looked upset but he didn’t sound angry. “You tell yourself that because you want to hate me. Because it’s the only thing that makes sense to you~”

“Don’t tell me what I want to think,” You said. “You used me, you know you did.”

“I never used you. I came to you because…” He fell silent, choosing his words carefully.

“Just come out and say it,” You insisted.

“You made me feel good. When I was with you, it was just us. Me and you. No acts, no games. You didn’t expect anything from me, and I didn’t have to worry about you taking advantage. When I talked to you, it felt like you actually gave a shit and I needed that. So if you call that using you, then hell, I guess I fucking used you. That doesn’t change the fact that you were important to me.”

You looked up as you warded off tears. You didn’t want to cry, you’d cried too many nights over him.

“You can hate me.” You tried to pull your hand away but he grabbed it anyway. “You can blame me for everything that went wrong, I don’t care. But don’t tell me I never loved you.”

“Don’t~” You started when he took your face between his hands, trying to avoid his touch.

“I’ve thought about you everyday since you left.” His eyes were intense—desperate and all too familiar. “I ask Dawn about you every time I talk to her~”

“Elvis~”

“You’re always on my mind, birdie. Always.”

Tears welled in your eyes despite your best efforts. You stared into Elvis’ sapphire eyes and shivered with nostalgia.

“There’s no future for us,” You whispered. “It’s not our story, E. You know that.”

“I’m not asking for the future,” He responded. “I’m asking for tonight. One more night.”

He closed the space between you in a tender kiss and the taste of his lips brought on a flood of memories. Memories that flashed in short, sweet successions.

Memories of long nights of laughter and love making. Memories of lust and sadness, passion and rage. You felt his arms around you when he held you the night your mother died. You felt the golden chain resting weightlessly against your collarbone as he secured it around your neck. You felt his lips against your skin as he kissed every inch of your body, praising your very existence. You felt the sparks of being in love for the first time, and the excitement that came with the feeling.

You pulled away from the kiss, alarmed at the sudden influx of emotions. You stood and walked away, rushing to the door in a desperate attempt to escape the version of yourself that you supposedly weren’t anymore.

“Birdie,” Elvis called after you, standing to stop you. “Baby, please, don’t~”

“I have to go.” The door was pushed shut before you could open it more than an inch.

“Don’t leave,” He said as he held it shut. “Please…”

You looked up at him with tears in your eyes. “I love him. He makes me happy, Elvis, he treats me well. He’s a good person, a-and…god, he adores you~”

“We’re not talkin about him.” He put his other hand against the door, caging you between his arms. “This has nothing to do with him.”

“I’m going to be his wife,” You argued.

“You aren’t tonight,” Elvis said. “Tonight we can…we can be who we were. We can feel the things we felt. And tomorrow, we’ll go back to being who we are.”

“Who are we?”

“Right now, we’re who we were.”

“Who were we?”

“We were in love. Weren’t we?”

Elvis slipped his arms around your waist, pulling you against him. You met his eyes and, for a moment, there was nothing. You looked at him and you felt like no time had passed. Like it hadn't been nearly a year between the time you saw him last and now. Your heart hammered wantonly against your rib cage and your body begged for him. There was a rush of excitement coursing through you that you hadn’t experienced since the day you left Memphis. It was exhilarating and it made you feel weightless.

“Why are you doing this to me?” You whispered.

“I need to feel the way you make me feel,” He confessed. “Just tell me you love me. You don’t have to mean it.”

“I love you…you know I mean it. But I can’t do this.”

“I think you need this as much as I do, you’re just afraid to let go.” His voice was low and tempting. “Don’t fight it, birdie.”

He hesitated before he kissed you again, his lips moving slowly against yours as you wrapped your arms around his neck. Nothing else mattered as he lifted you and carried you to bed.

All you wanted was to be close to him, to feel the desperation behind his touch. You knew you’d hate yourself for it, but you gave in to him completely—unbridled and unrestrained.

You undressed in a hurry, you couldn’t tell if it was an eagerness to be close to him or something else. You straddled him, wearing only your underwear as his hands roamed your body. His touch was familiar, and his lips tasted of nostalgia. You broke the kiss and gazed down at him. You wanted to know what he was thinking. You wanted to know if he was feeling everything you were feeling.

You felt like crying, suddenly overwhelmed. Despite him being right in front of you, you needed to know you weren’t alone.

“It’s okay,” He whispered when he noticed your tearsq. “I got you.”

He kissed you more gently than he did before, but you didn’t want him to. You didn’t want him to be gentle.

He kissed your neck, continuing to trail kisses down your chest and stomach before slipping his fingers under the thin band of your underwear. You breathed shallowly—stripped of your final piece of dignity. He ran a cold finger through your arousal and left a kiss between your legs. You tensed as you anticipated his touch. He wrapped both arms around your thighs and soon you were tensing with pleasure. Once upon a time he’d have you falling apart on his tongue with very little effort and in no time at all. You weren’t that girl anymore—you needed more. You let him have his fun before you rushing him along.

“Easy,” He complained, trying to slow you down.

“Do it now,” You persisted, ignoring his expression as you sat up and took the condom from his hand. If he was going to protest he stopped short when you pushed him back and straddled him, looking down at him beneath you. You leaned forward to kiss him but pulled away after a moment to tear the condom open. He swore under his breath, his hips canting at the stimulation as you rolled it on. You wasted no time letting him enter you.

“Goddamnit, birdie~”

“Don’t talk.”

He tried to meet your eyes but you refused. This wasn’t about him, it was about fulfilling something within yourself—you just didn’t know what it was.

He forced you still, lifting his hips to thrust slowly inside of you. You cried as the pleasure grew more intense. You felt yourself surrendering what little control you had of the situation—you didn’t want to. But the more that knot in the pit of your stomach tightened the less grounded you became.

“Slow,” He instructed in a whisper, freeing you to move on your own. You followed his instructions, meeting his deep thrust until you were trembling. Your fingers twitched around his neck and he nodded—you gave in and tightened your grip just enough.

He encouraged you to continue, his voice straining slightly as he met your thrusts.

You admitted defeat and leaned forward until your chest was pressed against his—letting him take control. He hugged you close, leaving you powerless as he thrusted deeply. He watched your expression the whole time, watching you fall apart.

It was all too much—his touch, his smell, the way his eyes bore so deeply into your soul that you felt connect by something greater than yourself.

It was an intense disaster that left you feeling breathless and completely spent.

You stared at the ceiling afterward, neither of you saying a word. The heat of the moment was gone and you were left with the cold, dreadful weight of reality.

“Don’t get lost, birdie,” Elvis said after a while. You turned your head to find his eyes on yours.

You shifted onto your side, facing him. “I don’t know why you call me that.”

“Birdie?”

“Yes.”

He smiled softly, reaching out and stroking your cheek. “Because you’re delicate, like a baby bird.”

“You think I’m weak.”

“No. I think you’re sensitive and emotional. But I don’t think you’re weak.”

“Sensitive and emotional,” You repeated incredulously, a smile forming on your face.

“It’s not a bad thing,” Elvis chuckled. “It’s what I love about you.”

Your smile faltered. “Don’t say that.”

“It’s the truth~”

“Please don’t say that.”

You sighed, closing your eyes as guilt started to form in your gut. You shouldn’t have been there, you shouldn’t have let things go as far as they did. But it was too late. The act had already been done and you would have to face the consequences.

You sat up, holding the duvet over yourself as you gathered your discarded clothes. “U-Uhm, can I use the bathroom?”

Elvis silently nodded in the direction of the bathroom.

You stood and scurried inside before closing and locking the door. You sighed, leaning back against the door. You tried not to let your mind wonder as you forced yourself to clean up and get dressed. When you left the bathroom you found Elvis dressed in a robe with his arms crossed.

“I want you to stay here.” You couldn’t make out his tone.

“I can’t.” You sat down on the end of the bed to put your shoes on.

“Why not?” He continued when you didn’t answer. “Running off won’t fix anything. Damage is done, you might as well stay.”

“I’m not running.”

“Yes you are.”

You scoffed and stood. “Don’t start, E.”

“I’m not starting anything.” He kept his arms crossed as he walked towards you. “I’m telling you like it is.”

“What do you want me to do, spend the night?”

“Yes.”

“Why? You got what you wanted, didn’t you?”

“Did you? What the hell were you expecting?” He asked, narrowing his eyes and stopping in front of you. “You’re a hypocrite.”

You looked up at him, your gaze unwavering. “I’m here because you called me. I don’t know, I guess I hoped you’d be different. But you haven’t changed at all.”

“It has to be exhausting making your problems everyone else’s,” He said with a patronizing laugh. “It’s everyone’s fault but yours, all the time.”

“No, this was my fault. I expect too much from you, I always have.”

“You’re forcing a fight because you regret what just happened.”

You shook your head, looking away. Elvis stepped closer and took your chin in his hand.

“I know you, birdie,” He said. “I know what’s going on inside that pretty little head of yours.”

“Then you know why I have to leave.” Your voice sounded feeble to your own ears.

“I know why you want to leave.” He nodded. “But I promise that leaving won’t make that thing you’re feeling go away.”

You were silent.

“Stay with me t’night,” He insisted. “T’morrow you can pretend this never happened.”

“I’ll never be able to pretend this never happened.” You sighed sitting back down on the bed.

He sat down next to you and put his arm around you.

“I’ve tried so hard to forget you,” You continued. “I can’t count how many nights I’ve stayed awake crying over you. Even after all this time, I can’t help but…You shouldn’t have this hold on me. I’ve finally gotten to a place in my life where you aren’t the first thing I think about in the morning and you show up and take that all away~”

He cut you off. “You don’t think I’ve had sleepless nights? I’ve worried about you every night since you left. I didn’t know where you were, if you’d gotten hurt. I couldn’t sleep until Dawn told me you were safe. And even then, knowing you were okay didn’t make it hurt any less. I loved you.”

“I have a life now.”

“Okay, how’s that going for you?”

“You don’t get to judge me.”

“If you feel judged, that’s on you. You came here because there’s a part of you that isn’t happy. If you were, you wouldn’t’ve jeopardized what you have with~”

“I am happy,” You stressed. “I’ve learned to love someone other than you. I have, and I do~”

“But?” He waited for you to continue.

You sighed in frustration. “Do you have to make me feel insane all the time?”

“I’m just tryna get you to face the truth.”

“I know the truth.”

“Okay.”

You closed your eyes and suddenly you felt him kiss your cheek.

“Stay,” He whispered against your skin.

“He’ll call to check on me,” You stressed. “I can’t.”

“He won’t.” If his words were meant to comfort you they had the opposite effect. He reached down to remove your shoes. After they were off he proceeded to strip you of your dress as well, leaving you only in your underwear.

You shivered as the two of you moved to lay on top of the unmade bed. You laid with your back against his chest, his arms wrapped securely around you. You laid in silence until you inevitably started to give in to your exhaustion. You fought to stay awake, to hold on to the moment for just a little while longer.

But soon, you fell asleep in Elvis’ arms…for the last time.

*

You woke the next morning to find a plain white envelope resting on the pillow beside your head. You lifted the envelope to read the name scribbled across the front.

Birdie.

You sat up slowly, searching the room with your eyes. You were alone. You opened the envelope to find a familiar necklace—holding two rings and a diamond-studded lark charm. You immediately folded the envelope shut and rushed to get dressed. You wanted to be out of the room in case he returned.

You needed to get out as fast as possible. You heard Elvis’ voice from the night before telling you that you couldn’t outrun the guilt you felt—but that didn’t stop you from trying. As you left the room, you left the envelope where it was. You didn’t want it, and leaving it made you feel better. When you walked out of the room you ran into Jerry, who had seemingly been waiting outside the door.

“Oh, hey,” He said, pushing off of the wall.

“J-Jerry,” You stammered, embarrassed.

“He asked me to make sure you made it back.” He interrupted.

“Oh…it’s just right there~”

“I gave him my word.” He interrupted again.

You nodded awkwardly. “Okay then.”

Jerry nodded his head in return. “After you.”

You turned and started walking back to your room. There was an awkward silence as he watched you cross the hall.

“Thanks,” You said when you got there.

“I’ll be around when you leave for Dawn’s. Just give me a shout when you go.” He turned to walk away without another word.

“J-Jerry,” You said before he left. “I’m sorry~”

“Don’t~”

“I know Joel’s your cousin a-and you shouldn’t have to be dragged into this~”

“Don’t apologize,” He said. “Not to me anyway.”

“I’m going to tell him.”

“You should.”

You shifted awkwardly. “I-I don’t want you to think~”

“I don’t think anything,” He said. “It’s a shame, of course but Joel…he’s just a kid.”

You were confused by his response. “Is that what you think?”

He shifted. “I wouldn’t have told E where he worked if I didn’t think he’d get over losing you.”

“What’s that mean? Was this some kind of set up?”

“No…this was always gonna happen.”

You were in shock as he walked away, he seemed completely unapologetic about his role in this entire situation. You felt like an idiot.

You cut the trip short for yourself and called Dawn to let her know. She was sad for you go and made you promise to call. You drove home in silence, the sound of your engine ticking the only thing filling the empty space. You heard Joel’s voice in the back of your mind scolding you for not driving the car enough and causing the tick. He’d pretend to be angry for a moment, then he’d smile and tell you he’d fix it. But only if you promised to “reward his generosity”.

Tears formed in your eyes but you forced them away. You tried to hold them in but ultimately failed when you walked into your house.

You were officially back to reality.

Tears blurred your vision as you showered, cleansing yourself of Elvis’ touch once and for all. You had a knot in the pit of your stomach, it hurt.

You crawled into bed and stayed there for the remainder of the day—well into the night. You didn’t move to eat or even to use the bathroom. You felt detached from yourself and everything else.

Seeing Elvis again, being with him…it made you realize that, maybe, everything you thought you outran had been with you all this time.

The ghost of him and your love had been haunting you since the day you left. It clung to you and showed itself in ways that went unnoticed. It showed itself in the way you loved Joel. It showed itself in the way you waited for your relationship to crash and burn—ignited by the fire you started, the fire you fed.

The ghost of your love for him showed itself in the way you second guess yourself. It showed itself in the way you never thought you knew what was best. Although you had grown to trust yourself more, there was still an infinitesimal part of you that you had every right not to trust. That part of you that was still infected.

You were haunted by him in everything you did. He saw that the moment he laid eyes on you again. He knew that if he called, you’d come.

A lifetime of observation could not aid you in explaining the things you’d do for Elvis Presley. He made you weak, being able to admit that didn’t make you hate it any less.

When the phone rang that night you let it go on ringing. You couldn’t force yourself out of bed in time to catch it anyway. You imagined it was Joel calling, shocked to hear that you’d left Memphis. You cried until you fell asleep. Startling awake from nightmares that you couldn’t remember the details of when you woke.

It was a miserable night filled with shame, regret, and fear.

*

“There you are.”

“You’re early.”

Joel smiled as you met him at the door, dropping his bags before engulfing you in a hug.

You laughed and returned the embrace. “I didn’t expect you until later. I would’ve gotten dressed.”

After spending the last day and a half lying in bed you had only just started getting ready..

“You look perfect.” Joel pulled away from the hug enough to look down at you. “I missed you.”

“You’re only saying that.” You adjusted his collar, avoiding his eyes. “Seems like Bibby kept you busy this weekend.”

“Not too busy to think of you.” He cupped your chin in his hand, tilting your head and kissing you.

You kissed him back, but something felt…off. You felt off.

“What’s wrong?” You hadn’t even noticed that he’d broken the kiss.

“Nothing.” You forced a smile. “I missed you too.”

You stood up on your toes and kissed him again before pulling away to grab one of his bags.

“Don’t worry, sugar, I’ll get it.”

“I got it.” You chuckled, picking up the smallest bag.

He grabbed his suitcase, watching you with an amused expression. “Don’t hurt yourself, now.”

You laughed, walking ahead of him into the bedroom. Before you could take the bag to the closet Joel was already wrapping his arm around your waist. He pulled you towards the bed, making you drop the carryall in the process.

You complained as he plopped down on the bed with you in his arms, your robe nearly coming undone. “Don’t do that.”

“Something I ain’t seen before under there?” He teased, laying on his side facing you.

“You surprised me, that’s all.”

“How was the trip back?”

“Okay.”

“I’m sorry I left.”

“You couldn’t help it.”

He propped himself up on his elbow. “What’d you get up to while I was gone?”

You hesitated for a moment. “…Nothing.”

His eyebrows drew together. “You didn’t make book club on Sunday?”

“No.”

“Did you go to dinner with Sinclair and Marc?”

“No.”

He looked disappointed. “Well…why not?”

You shrugged. “When I drove back the car was making that ticking sound again.”

“I don’t like when you’re alone while I’m gone.”

“I was fine, Jo, honestly.”

“I know, still I don’t like picturing you by yourself all weekend.” He sighed. “It makes me feel bad.”

“Don’t feel bad,” You said. “I can take care of myself.”

His eyes were focused past you, his lips pursed.

“Baby,” You said, making him meet your eyes. “I promise.”

“I worry about you.”

“I’m sorry.”

He shook his head, putting his arm over your waist. “It’s okay.”

“The car is ticking, though.” You reiterated.

“It’s your fault for not driving it,” He said, a trace of a smile on his face. “You’re killing the engine.”

You smiled without effort for a moment.

“If you ain’t gonna drive it, I might as well let it go to shit,” He said, making you laugh. “I’m serious. Or sell it, one.”

“I take it out as often as I can,” You said. “You’ll fix it for me, won’t you?”

“Only if I’m generously compensated for my labor.”

“How will I ever repay you?”

“I have a few ideas.”

“…At least wash the airport off first.”

Joel laughed, kissing your cheek before going to shower. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” You promised as he disappeared into the bathroom. Your smile faded slowly as that feeling returned, that guilty feeling. You had hoped it would go away when Joel got home. You’d hoped that if you tried, you could move on and forget the whole thing ever happened. But his presence seemed to have the opposite effect.

The feeling was growing more intense.

No matter how hard you tried to ignore it, it was still there. It made everything feel different, even as you made love that afternoon. If Joel noticed that something was off he didn’t say anything. He held you like he usually did and made you laugh as he told you about his trip. You couldn’t keep up as he jumped from story to story, your mind was too preoccupied by the secret driving a wedge between the two of you. As you listened to him, you wondered if he noticed.

“I told him I’d deal with it tomorrow.” You tuned back in to what he was saying. “I’m technically supposed to be off for three days after traveling jobs but he’s up a creek with this one.”

“You’re always there for him,” You said. “He’s lucky to have you.”

“I guess.”

“No, he really is.”

He laughed a little, kissing your bare shoulder. “I love you.”

You don’t deserve him.

You closed your eyes. “I love you too.”

“Let’s go out tonight,” He suggested.

“I was going to cook.”

“I want to take you out.”

“Do you think I’ll go insane if I don’t leave the house?” You asked, looking over your shoulder.

“No.” He smiled. “You should get out anyway.”

“I guess I’ll get ready.”

“Ten minutes.” He tightened his grip on you. “I don’t wanna let you go.”

“Five minutes.”

“Fifteen.”

“That’s not how negotiations work~”

“Fine, I guess twenty will just have to do.”

You laughed as he threw his leg over yours for good measure. “Is this why you’re Bibby’s top sales negotiator?”

“Yeah, I just hold folks down until they give in,” He said. “It’s working, isn’t it?”

“It’s working,” You chuckled, laying your head down. You’re a liar and a cheat. You don’t deserve him. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He kissed your shoulder again. “I love love you.”

“Love love, huh?”

“Love love love, even.”

“That’s just overkill.”

He laughed. “There’s no such thing when it comes to you.”

You don’t deserve~

“I love love love you too.”

*

You had to tell him. You knew that was the only way to put an end to the guilt threatening to consume you.

You couldn’t eat, you couldn’t sleep, you were anxious all the time. Keeping a secret of that magnitude wasn’t an option—it was killing you.

Things had been going so well. Convention season was over, Joel was home more often and you were happy. As happy as you could manage to be. You tried to find a moment to break the news, but there was no such thing as a good time in this situation.

Joel had been working all morning when you decided to bite the bullet. You figured it would be the best since he didn’t have work for a couple days. Not that having time off would make it any easier on him. You were grasping for any reason to either put off or justify telling him. There was no right time or place.

You were pacing in the kitchen when he got home, a worried look on your face.

“Hey,” He said, meeting you.

“How was your day?”

“It was a day.” He sighed tiredly, kissing your cheek. “Bibby’s secretary—his cousin Marcy, you know her—she got something mixed up with the books. He doesn’t think they’ll break even unless we get a few more cars off the lot before the end of the month. He wants me to come back today and help him. He said he’d call but I think I’ll just go.”

You deflated before you could think not to.

“Is that okay?” Joel asked. “I don’t have to, I was just tryna help if I could~”

“N-No, it’s fine.”

“What’s wrong?”

You shook your head. “Nothing, it can wait.”

“Can it?” He asked. “You look upset.”

“I’m not.” You lied. “It’s fine.”

“Tell me.” You stepped back when he reached out for you. “Baby, what is it?”

“I’m sorry,” You said, leaning against the counter behind you. “I-I’ll tell you later.”

“I want you to tell me now.” He insisted. His expression grew more concerned when he saw the tears forming in your eyes.

“I’m sorry,” You repeated. “I’m so sorry, Joel.”

“Why are you crying?” He asked, stepping forward and putting his hands on your shoulders.

You met his worried eyes. “I-I…I had an affair.”

He didn’t hear you at first and he ducked his head when you looked away, trying to meet your eyes. “You what?”

“I had an affair,” You stated more clearly.

He looked confused when you looked up. “…With who?”

You swallowed harshly, you didn’t want to say it, but you forced it out. “E-Elvis~”

The phone rang, startling you. Joel was frozen for a moment before he pulled away from you to answer.

“H-Hello?” He turned his back to you. “Bibby, I…yeah, I-I know, I can be there if you just give me half an hour…Just~ yeah….yeah. For fuck’s sake, Bibby, okay.”

He slammed the phone back on the hook, standing there without moving.

“Joel~”

“Don’t…don’t say anything to me.” He walked away, towards the bedroom.

You followed him with a string of futile apologies leaving your lips. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me~”

“Elvis Presley.” He stopped suddenly and faced you. “You had an affair…with Elvis fucking Presley?”

“I can explain~”

“Who are you?” He looked angry, but hurt shone through his expression more clearly.

“It’s me, Joel.” You reached out for him but he avoided your touch. “I’m me.”

“Have I not done right by you?” He asked, stepping away from you. “Have I not done everything I could~”

“You have~”

“When?”

You fell silent, frozen. You felt like cowering under his gaze.

“When?” He demanded.

“When you were in Virginia with Bibby.”

“As soon as I left?”

“N-No~”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.”

“Don’t say you don’t know!” You startled in surprise at his sudden change of tone. “People don’t do this kinda shit for no reason.”

“I-I d-don’t know,” You stammered.

“Yeah, okay.” He walked away. “You don’t know? Alright, fine.”

Joel had never yelled at you in all the time that you’d known him. Even when you argued he’d never raise his voice.

You did this.

This was your fault.

You snapped out of your shock and followed him to the bedroom. You found him in the closet pulling his clothes off the rack by the hangers. “Please don’t leave.”

He scoffed, throwing the clothes onto the bed before dragging his suitcase out of the closet.

“Please,” You cried. “I’m s-sorry, I-I’ll~ I can explain.”

He zipped his clothes into the suitcase haphazardly. “I don’t want to hear anything from you. I don’t even want to see you right now.”

“It was a mistake. I regretted it as soon as it happened.”

“But it happened.” He stopped for a second. “It fucking happened.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not okay.” He lifted the suitcase off the bed.

“Don’t go,” You continued to plead as you followed him out of the room.

“I have to.” He stopped at the front door and looked at you. “I have to go because I told Bibby I’d be there, and when I make a commitment, I honor that commitment.”

“I know~”

“It doesn’t matter what you say,” He said, the anger behind his voice already fizzling out and turning into hurt. “I love you, I trusted you, and you…It’s always been him, hasn’t it? Since the day you left Memphis.”

“No~”

“You left because of him.” He sounded so sure. “This whole time, I’ve had this feeling—since we met in that restaurant. This feeling that you were hiding something~

“No~”

“~I couldn’t figure it out. I didn’t care, because I loved you. And I thought you loved me~”

“I do love you,” You insisted.

“But you love him too…don’t you?”

The tears you wanted to cry finally formed in your eyes. “I love you, Joel. I only want you.”

Joel nodded, balling his lips as tears threatened to form in his eyes. “I just don’t believe you.”

Your stomach dropped when he turned to leave. The thing you had feared the most was happening and it was your fault.

He was leaving you.

You spoke through a broken sob. “I-I know I messed up a-and it’s my fault. I hate myself for h-hurting you, Joel, I just~ I-I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

The room was silent for a moment aside from your sniffling. You felt Joel move towards you and you stepped away. Of course he’d comfort you, even now when you least deserved it. He took your wrists and pulled your hands from your face. You kept your head down as he took your face in his hands and thumbed away the tears.

Everything was caving in on you and you had no one to blame but yourself. Things were going so well. You were happy, you were in love, and you ruined it.

You ruin everything.

Joel shocked you by tilting your head back and kissing you. You gripped the front of his shirt, tasting your own tears on his lips.

He stopped suddenly and met your eyes—tear stained and full of shame and regret. He pulled away as if he’d come to his senses all of a sudden. Without so much as another, he turned around and picked up his abandoned suitcase—leaving you there alone and completely shattered.

[ssinnerplazahotel]

╭──────────.★..─╮

*Chapter Nine*

╰─..★.──────────╯

WC: 8k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, toxic elvis, manipulation, drug use, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Masterlist: Prologue, Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Time is a strange thing. It has a way of going by slowly and in a hurry all at the same time. It doesn’t wait for you or let you catch up. You discovered early on that if you focused too much on time it drifted by slowly. If you kept yourself busy and focused on other things it went by without you noticing too much. So you kept yourself as busy as possible.

Although you had plenty of money saved, you got a job within your first week of being in Atlanta. You waited tables at a small diner just a few blocks from the apartment you were renting.

It wasn’t the nicest apartment. It was above a family-owned restaurant and your landlord wasn’t the most forgiving woman in the world, but it was in the heart of the city and close enough to your job.

It wasn’t entirely without incident that you’d ended up there. When you arrived at the train station you’d decided to take the first train leaving that was going the furthest away.

Regardless, you didn’t regret the decision. It was a busy city, and you needed to be busy.

When you called Dawn that first night, from a hotel in the middle of a completely different state, she tore into for nearly thirty minutes. You were able to convince her that you were fine, and that you were doing what was necessary. You weren’t having a breakdown, you were trying to prevent one.

You didn’t expect to spend the next month searching for a place to be. That month of aimlessly wandering was unnerving, but now you were settling nicely in Georgia now.

You had left Memphis behind and you were gaining important life skills and managing your finances. It wasn’t the most ideal job, but you were able to throw yourself into your work everyday.

You were happy with the way things were going. And the more consumed you were with work and surviving, the less effort it took not to think about him.

You missed him every single day, a part of you always would. But it didn’t hurt as much anymore. The hole he left in your heart was still there, hollow but numb now.

“You got company, treasure,” Your coworker called out to you from the kitchen.

“Give me that sirloin, Chuck, I asked for it first.” You ducked your head to talk to him through the service window. “You get around like an old man.”

“You got one coming in hot,” He responded. “If you were nicer maybe you’d get your shit faster.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Looks like somebody’s lost,” Sinclair, a fellow waitress at the restaurant, said as she walked over to grab her order. You followed her gaze to the man taking a seat in your section. It wasn’t a segregated restaurant by any means, but only a certain demographic of people really ate there—this man, wearing a fancy suit and sunglasses in the middle of the night, didn’t fit into any of those boxes. “Let him know this ain’t Sterling’s.”

You laughed. “I might let him think it is for a big enough tip.”

“Speaking of big enough.” Sinclair called out to Chuck through the service window. “Where’s that sirloin?”

“Hey, next one’s mine.” You took your notepad and pen out of the front pocket of your apron. “I’m coming right back for it, Chuckles.”

“I’ll have it for you, treasure, don’t worry. I’m only one man.”

You rolled your eyes and made your way over to your section. You stopped to check on a few people before you made it to the man’s table. He wore dark shades even though it was nighttime and he kept his head down looking at the menu until you spoke.

“Hello,” You said, getting his attention before introducing yourself. “I’m going to be taking care of you tonight. What can I get started for you?”

He hesitated as he read your name from your name tag. He had an odd tone when he spoke but you couldn’t make out his expression behind the sunglasses.

“Yes.” You smiled politely, preparing to write. “What can I get started for you?”

“Well I’ll be, it is you.” He laughed. “What are you doin here?”

“I think you have me confused with someone else.” You smiled uncomfortably. “Just one of those faces~”

“Oh, no, it’s me.” He stood and removed the glasses.

“Joel?” Your stomach dropped. “Oh my god.”

Joel laughed, hugging you enthusiastically. “I haven’t seen you since you took off.”

You froze when he hugged you, uncomfortably patting his back with one hand before he pulled away. You glanced around the restaurant to see if anyone was watching, catching a few eyes before looking up at him again. “W-What are you doing here, Joel? Are you here with someone?”

“No, I’m alone.” He still looked stunned to see you.

“I-I hardly recognized you for a second,” You stammered.

“You look~ I mean~ you haven’t changed.” He laughed. “I only been out here a couple weeks or so with my parents.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, my dad opened up a repair shop just off the highway.”

“Auto repair?” You presumed.

“Yeah, he wanted me up here with ‘im. He’s got me fixin cars all day.”

“Why Atlanta?”

“I guess he thinks city folk have more car trouble,” He chuckled. “What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Why here?”

You shrugged. “I just found myself here. No reason really.”

“It’s a strange city,” Joel said. “I don’t think I’ve slept a wink since I been here.”

“I guess that explains the sunglasses in the middle of the night?”

“Oh, yeah, not to mention that I’m so hungover I can’t see straight.” He smiled when you laughed. “I don’t get out much but I pay the price when I do.”

“Well, sit down, I’ll bring you some coffee.” You smiled and turned to walk away before he stopped you.

“Maybe we can catch up,” He said. “You’re the only familiar face I seen since I been here.”

“I’m working right now.”

“After?”

You hesitated. “I-I don’t know…”

His face fell slightly. “That’s fine, I understand.”

You felt bad about declining the offer. He was a familiar face and he’d had a good rapport with Dawn and you would consider him an old friend, even though you rarely ever spoke. “…I’m off in the next hour. If you’re willing to wait.”

“Yeah.” He nodded with a smile. “I’m not in any rush.”

You smiled. “I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll be right here,” He said, retaking his seat.

Sinclair looked at you with narrowed eyes as you walked over to the service window. “You know that man?”

“He’s an old friend,” You said, leaning down to talk to Chuck. “Give it to me, baby.”

“I got you,” He said. “Order up in five.”

“Order up now.” You walked away to pour up the coffee.

“How do you know him?” Sinclair asked as Chuck served her orders through the window.

“He knows my aunt,” You stated simply. “Why?”

“Just curious,” Sinclair said, checking her tickets. “Can’t I ask?”

“I never said you couldn’t.” You took your orders out of the window and loaded them onto a serving tray. “Thanks, Chuckles.”

“You’re welcome,” He said. “You gone in an hour?”

“I’m gone in forty-nine minutes.” You dropped your orders at your other tables before taking Joel his coffee. He ordered his food and you took the ticket back to Chuck.

The final hour of a shift was always the hardest to get through, but you managed to finish out strong. You set up the next waitron before clocking out in the back.

“See you tomorrow,” You called to Chuck and Sinclair, waving at a few coworkers on your way over to Joel’s table. He perked up a little when he saw you, closing one of the four travel pamphlets he was reading to pass the time. “You know anything about Vegas yet?”

“Not unless you’re interested in a Tropicana Holiday,” He said, holding up the brochure. “Three days, two nights.”

You smiled and sat down across from him, draping your coat over the back of your chair and sitting your purse on the ground beside you. “How’s your head?”

“Like it never happened.”

“Good.”

One of your coworkers approached your table. Her name was Monica, that was just about all you knew about her. “What can I get started for you guys?” She asked, eyeing the two of you strangely.

“Are you hungry?” Joel asked.

“I’m fine,” You insisted quickly.

“You should eat,” He argued. “It’s on me.”

“Joel, really, it’s fine.”

“I insist.”

He ordered you something off of the menu for you and Monica jotted down the order before walking away.

“You know I can’t let you pay for it,” You said when she was gone.

“Let me. Consider it a favor from an old friend.”

“I’ll pay you back.”

“I won’t let you.” He chuckled, pushing his hair out of his eyes. His blond curls still framed his face like they did when you first met him, though they were longer now—nearly dusting his shoulders. It made him look boyish even though his features were mature. “What made you leave Memphis?”

“I needed a change of scenery.” You had repeated the same lie to everyone you encountered, so much so that you were starting to believe it yourself.

“D’you still talk to Elvis at all?”

“Why would I?”

He shrugged indifferently and moved on. “I saw Dawn before I left.”

“You did?” You perked up a bit, grateful for the immediate change in subject. “How was she?”

“She was good, still workin at the house,” He said. “She’s the same old Dawn.”

Monica returned with your order and the two of you sat there talking until you finished eating. Joel was interested in hearing about the places you’d been to around the city and you were happy to tell him. You had more than enough stories to tell after being on your own for so long.

Thinking back, you weren’t sure how you’d done it. As you were recalling the memories you were also recalling how afraid and completely lost you were—fear had been the only thing you’d felt in months. You were so constantly afraid that you were used to it.

“You live near here?” Joel asked after paying the bill. “I can take you home.”

“I usually walk,” You said, grabbing your things and standing with him. “My place is just a few blocks from here.”

“I’ll walk you~”

“You don’t have to go out of your way~”

“I don’t mind, really. I want to make sure you get there alright.”

You couldn’t convince him to let you go alone, so the two of you left the restaurant together.

The entire night had been so surreal, you never expected to see anyone from Memphis again. “I can’t believe we ran into each other like this.”

“It’s funny. All these people and we still managed to bump into each other.”

You hummed in agreement. “I guess you stumbled into the right diner.”

“I guess I did.” Joel sighed. “I ain’t talked to anyone outside of my folks in a while.”

“I haven’t had time to make any friends.”

“It’s harder to make friends in the city.”

“Yeah?”

He nodded. “Back home, you step outside your house and you make all kinds of friends just from right there on your front porch.”

You laughed at that. “It was never that simple for me.”

“I’ve met some good people that way. You meet people everywhere here but you don’t know anyone.”

“So, what I’m hearing is that you hate Atlanta?”

“I don’t know…I think I’ll start to hate it less.”

After Joel dropped you off that night you didn’t see him again for a couple of weeks. You figured that you would see very little of him even though you were in the same state. However, he did show up again eventually.

“What are you here for? Another cure?”

“I’m sober as a judge.”

You laughed. “I would take your order but you just missed me. I’m off now.”

“Then I’m right on time.” He smiled. “I wanted to take a look at the old coupe deville. You were telling me about it.”

“You came to look at my car?” You asked incredulously. “It’s ten o’clock at night.”

“Time still doesn’t exist to me, I guess.” He shrugged sheepishly. “I understand if you have plans.”

“I don’t have any plans, Joel, it’s ten o’clock,” You said, making him laugh. “You don’t need an excuse to come see me, y’know?”

You meant it as a joke but Joel’s face still flushed slightly at your words. “Can I walk you home?”

“Just let me grab my stuff,” You said. “I’ll be quick.”

“You better be. It is ten o’clock, y’know?”

You cut your eye at him and walked to the back to get your things.

“Yo, treasure, that guy bothering you?”

“No, Chuck, didn’t I tell you he’s an old friend?”

Chuck scoffed and mumbled something under his breath before getting back to what he was doing.

“That white boy’s out there for you again,” Sinclair said, sauntering through the door.

“His name’s Joel,” You said.

“And what does Joel want with you?” She asked. “He’s been here three times now.”

“I think I know what he wants with her,” Chuck said, walking back out into the kitchen.

“Fuck you, Chuck.” You shrugged on your jacket and faced Sinclair. “He’s been here three times?”

“He came while I was covering your shift last week,” She said. “Speaking of, I’m gonna need you to return the favor. Wendell has a parent-teacher conference at school Friday night and Marc can’t make it.”

You nodded, distracted. “I can do Friday night.”

“It’s three to eleven, my usual.”

“I’ll make it work, don’t worry.”

Sinclair thanked you and wished you a safe trip home before getting back to her tables. You put on a smile as you met Joel, admittedly drained but not wanting to let it show.

“How was your day?” He asked, his hands shoved casually into the pockets of his acid washed jeans as you walked along the quiet sidewalk.

“Okay,” You responded. “Long.”

“I hear you,” Joel sighed.

“My coworker said you came by sometime last week,” You mentioned. “You weren’t looking for me were you?”

“I don’t know.” He smiled, embarrassed.

“Why were you looking for me?”

“I don’t~”

“You have to know. A person doesn’t just do things without knowing why.”

“I don’t know,” He said anyway, making you shoot him a glare. He laughed it off. “Maybe I wanted to see you.”

He looked away as he spoke, kicking at the loose rocks on the sidewalk.

“Is that bad?” He asked when you didn’t respond, still looking down at the sidewalk, watching the rocks as they skidded ahead each time he kicked them.

“No, I don’t think so,” You said. “Do you think it is?”

“I don’t know,” He said, laughing in realization. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to~”

“It’s fine.” You smiled.

“I was already out tryna to get away from my parents, so I figured I’d try you again today.”

“Do your parents smother you?” You asked.

“Oh yeah.” He heaved a sigh. You couldn’t tell if he was frustrated at the thought of his parents or relieved to be shifting subjects. “They always have. Mama’s terrible about it, and daddy—he does whatever she tells him to. They don’t think I can make it on my own.”

“I’m sure they do it out of love.”

“I know.” He brushed his hair out of his eyes. “Everything I do is to try and prove to them that I can take care of myself. I’m starting to think they’ll always see me as a kid.”

“You should talk to them,” You suggested. “If they love you enough they’ll hear you out and try to change.”

“You think so?”

“It’s worth the shot.”

Joel smiled. “This is why I like being around you. You always have something good to say.”

You laughed in denial. “I know how it feels to be stuck in a box and not know how to get out.”

“Your folks overbearing?” Joel asked.

“Dawn’s really my only family.”

“I remember you saying that,” He said with an apologetic expression. “It must be tough being on your own.”

“It’s okay.” You were getting used to it, you almost preferred being alone. “Y-You should really talk to your parents. I think they’ll understand how you feel.”

“I will,” He said. “I’ll tell you how it goes.”

“Already planning your next stakeout,” You pointed out humorously. “Why don’t you just wait outside of my apartment instead of at my job?”

“You’re giving great advice tonight.” He laughed along with you for a moment. “Maybe I’ll catch you on a day you’re off, and it’s not ten o’clock at night.”

“You’ll have to if you plan on telling me about your talk with your parents.” Joel laughed again as you contemplated the idea. “I’m free tomorrow.”

“I’m usually done with everything at the shop around three on Thursdays—I could just….”

“That’s fine. You know the address now, I assume.”

“Locked and loaded.” He tapped his temple. “Not because I regularly stake out your apartment or anything.”

“No, of course not.” You smiled. “It’s 3B. Don’t forget.”

“I won’t,” He said. “You should give me your number. In case I have to call and cancel.”

You narrowed your eyes jokingly, coming to a stop as you approached your apartment building. You took your pen and pad out of the front of the apron you still wore under your coat and jotted down your number and address. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Joel said, taking the ticket. “Good night.”

You smiled and turned to walk into the restaurant that led up to your apartment.

Joel waited until you were inside before walking back the way you guys came.

“Leftovers,” Your landlady called as she wiped down the tables for the night, nodding her head at the carefully packaged food. “You’re late. I almost threw them away.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Angie,” You said as you grabbed the bag. “You’re always so kind.”

She hummed, uninterested in your compliment. “Rent’s due by the end of the week, no exceptions.”

“I’m gonna have all of it,” You promised, heading for the stairs. “Tell Mr. Ben I said goodnight.”

You climbed the stairs and got into your apartment. After putting the leftovers in the fridge you didn’t have any energy left to do anything but shower and go to bed.

You dropped your tips in your savings jar and called it a night.

*

“I looked at him and I said ‘Daddy, some things are gonna hafta change around here if I’mma keep working for you. I ain’t gonna let you and mama run me around and tell me what to do like you have been. Not anymore.’ You know what he said?”

“What?”

“He said ‘get your ass over there and start rotatin them tires.’”

You laughed from where you sat on the ground piecing together a puzzle on your coffee table. Joel sat on the sofa looking down at it as you made more progress.

“So?” You asked, glancing up at him. “What’d you do?”

“I got my ass over there and started rotating them tires.” He laughed along with you. “What was I s’posed to do?”

“He probably just didn’t know how to react,” You said, picking up another piece of the puzzle and examining the incomplete picture of a swan on a lake.

“There.” Joel pointed to the missing part of the swans beak.

“At least you tried.” You put the piece in its place. “I wouldn’t know where to start if I tried to unpack things with my dad.”

“Tell me about your dad.” He moved from the sofa and sat down next to you on the floor

“There’s nothing to tell,” You said. “He left when I was little and took my brother with him.”

“Do you remember anything about him?”

“I try not to.”

You laughed but Joel’s expression remained serious. “I’m sorry about that.”

“Don’t be,” You said. “It doesn’t bother me.”

“It should.” You focused on the puzzle as he spoke. “Not having both your parents ain’t easy.”

“You can’t miss what you never had.”

“Yeah, but you can long for something you should’ve.”

You met his eyes and your expression grew to match his.

“I think, even if you say there isn’t, there’s a part of you that wishes he had been there for you.”

“There isn’t.”

“It’s okay if there is~”

“There’s not, Joel.” You examined the piece in your hand, scanning the puzzle again. “I don’t have any strong feelings about the situation. It’s just something that happened.”

Joel took the puzzle piece from you and tucked it into its proper place. “He missed out on a good thing from what I can tell. It’s his loss.”

You shrugged. “I wish my brother and I would have gotten a chance to grow up together. Other than that I just…”

“Try not to think about it,” Joel finished. You nodded. “I won’t bring it up again.”

You smiled a little as he pieced together another piece of the puzzle. “Why are you actually good at this?”

“You just havta go by the colors.” He handed you another piece. “Sit back and look at the bigger picture.”

You followed his advice and leaned away from the coffee table. “Ah, I see.” You laughed, finding where the piece went immediately.

“There you go.” Joel laughed.

“I still might take you hostage and make you finish it for me.” You smiled. “I’ll never get it done on my own.”

“I’d be a willing hostage,” He said. “I like being here with you.”

You laughed again, unsure of how you should respond. “I’d make for a terrible captor.”

Joel smiled without meeting your eyes. “I don’t think so.”

“You’re a strange man, Joel,” You said. “Sometimes I wonder.”

“What do you wonder?”

“I wonder what you’re doing here.”

He looked up at you. “I like being around you.”

You nodded. “You’ve said that.”

“You want more of a reason?”

“Yes.”

He smiled again, looking off in thought as he fidgeted with the puzzle piece in his hand. “I don’t know how to explain it.”

“Try.”

“When I think of being anywhere else…I always rather be with you.”

“Why?”

“Because I like you.”

He avoided your eyes, focusing instead on where your hand rested near his on the coffee table.

“I like you too.”

“N-No, I…I like you more.”

“More?”

“I’m attracted to you.”

You fell silent. He wasn’t saying anything that you hadn’t already suspected, but you were slow to process his words.

He seemed to panic when you didn’t respond. “I don’t want that to change anything~”

“It won’t,” You reassured him. “A-And I want to spend time together when we can.”

“You do?”

“Yes. I didn’t realize how lonely I was before you came along.”

Joel’s hand brushed against yours when he shifted and you felt a rush of something between fear and panic but you didn’t pull away.

“I can always keep you company.”

“Would you?”

“If you wanted me to.” His eyes darted to your lips for less than a second before landing on your eyes.

Your voice was barely above a whisper when you spoke again. “…I want you to.”

Silence settled over the room and the air seemed to thicken as it went on. The space between the two of you gradually decreased and you both hesitated, you imagined for entirely different reasons. Joel started to pull away after sensing your hesitation but you closed the space between your lips before he could.

You broke the kiss immediately, anxiously awaiting his reaction. He shifted towards you, taking your face between both his hands and searching your eyes for any sign of skepticism before kissing you again.

Your eyes fluttered shut and your hands came to rest on his forearms. You only opened your eyes when he broke the kiss, finding his already on you.

“Will you stay?”

“If you want me to.”

“I want you to.”

*

Your relationship with Joel brought something into your life that you didn’t realize you were missing.

He was there for you when you needed him and even when you didn’t. He listened to you and he was interested in your thoughts. He didn’t expect anything from you. He was patient and he let you come to terms with your feelings on your own accord. He was your friend before he was your lover.

You felt different when you were with Joel. You didn’t feel nervous or anxious when you were around him. You weren’t afraid to tell him the truth and you never worried that he’d hurt you or find some way to punish you if you went against him. He was gentle with you, almost too gentle.

“I want you to meet my parents,” He said during one of his afternoon visits. “I told them about you.”

“You did?”

“They want to meet you,” He said. “They wanna know who’s been taking up all my time.”

You didn’t know what was so different at the time—why Joel made you feel so different. You soon came to realize that Joel’s way of loving you simply wasn’t the same as Elvis’ way of loving you.

You were there for each other when you had no one. There was a space you filled in each other’s lives that was different. Even though it took time, you grew to understand and accept that.

“You mean they want to know if I’m worth your time.” You stood at the counter sectioning Ms. Angie’s leftovers into airtight containers. You always had more than enough, so you usually took some to Sinclair whenever you had shifts together.

“No, I can tell them that,” Joel said. He stood behind you and slipped his arms around your waist. “Some things they gotta see for themselves.”

You laughed, shying away from the kiss he left on your cheek. “I don’t know how you’ll manage to make time. You work almost every day and I work every night.”

“I’ll make time,” He said. “You just hafta tell me when you’re off.”

“Fine,” You agreed. “But make it lunch, not dinner.”

“Lunch not dinner, got it.” He nodded once. “You taking that to Sinclair?”

“Yes,” You sighed. “If I eat another dumpling I might die. I don’t have the heart to turn it down.”

Joel laughed, letting you walk out of his arms. “I’ll pick you up tonight. 10:30?”

“10:30.” You put the containers into an old grocery bag and tied the handles before grabbing your keys. "I'll see you tonight.”

“I’ll see you.” He smiled, his eyes following you as you left. “I love you.”

You cut your eye over your shoulder, slowing to a stop. You walked back over and left a kiss on the corner of his mouth. “Lock up when you leave.”

Things with Joel progressed quickly after you’d acknowledged your feelings. You were apprehensive at times about letting him into your life all at once, but you were more afraid to let him go after you’d grown attached. You feared that things would change the more he got to know you and that he’d leave on his own. But with time your trust grew and your feelings became stronger; you longed for him when he was away.

He became a part of your everyday. Long after the initial attraction that brought the two of you together had started to fade you still wanted him in your life.

Eventually, after talking and thinking it over, he moved in together. You were practically inseparable so it made the most sense.

“Marry me.”

“No.”

You were genuinely happy and you couldn’t see things any other way.

“Marry me.”

“Joel.”

You had a tolerable job, a decent place to live, and a person to share your life with.

“I’m not gonna stop asking.”

“That’s called harassment.”

It felt like you were finally getting a taste of that stability that had made you envy Andrea.

“Marry me.”

“For the love of god.”

You were somewhere in your life that you never thought you’d be.

“Please?”

You couldn’t have been more content.

“Fine. I’ll marry you.”

*

“Where are you, sugar?”

“I’m here.”

You sighed and closed the book in your hands as Joel entered your shared bedroom. He smiled when he saw you, dropping his work boots by the door.

“Look at you, lookin like a regular ol housewife.” He laughed, unbuttoning the dirty flannel he was wearing.

“You know I hate when you say that,” You said with a slight roll of your eyes.

“It’s not a bad thing,” He said, walking towards you. “Not to mention you will be soon.”

“Uh, uh.” You put a hand out to stop him. “You better wash all that off before you come over here.”

“Don’t I at least get a kiss?” He asked, still inching towards you. “I ain’t seen you all day.”

“Who’s fault is that?” You tilted you head expectantly.

“It’s my fault,” He said, kneeling on the bed. “It’s all my fault.”

You laughed despite your protests, pushing him away only after he’d stolen a kiss. He went into the bathroom to turn on the shower before leaning on the doorframe. “I meant to tell you that daddy wants me to go to Charleston after work tomorrow to pick up some parts.”

“Charleston?” You asked. “It’s gonna take all day to get there and back.”

“I know, but you can come with me and we can make it a thing.”

“‘Make it a thing?’”

“Make a trip out of it.”

“I don’t like the roads around Charleston.”

“I’ll drive.”

“Sinclair and Marcus were going to come over tomorrow night.”

“I know,” He repeated with an apologetic expression. “I don’t want to, but Charleston’s got the only place we can find that has any of those new alternators. I told you about them, they’re imported. We’re gonna be able to reach a whole nother demographic if we~”

“Baby, please, don’t go on one of your car rants.” You closed your book again, abandoning it on the bed as you stood. “This is the third time I’m going to have to cancel on them. Can’t your father go on his own for once?”

“I told him I would. It’s not like I’m doin it for free, I’m gettin paid for making the trip.”

“That’s not the point.”

“It’s my job to take care of you. You know that’s why I’m doing it, so why give me shit for it everytime?”

“Because I hardly ever see you anymore. I mean it, I don’t want to live here if it means you working all hours of the day and night.”

“We’re staying here. No one bothers us here, we keep to ourselves~”

“I’ll start working again to take away some of the pressure.”

“That’s not what I want.”

“What about what I want? I want you here, with me, more often.”

“I want to be here, sweetheart, I do. I’m not tryin to prioritize anything over you…” He worried his bottom lip as spoke, rubbing his face thoughtfully.

“But?” You prompted.

“But I hafta help at the shop as much as I can. It’s getting to be just as much my responsibility as it is daddy’s,”

“What am I supposed to do? Get in line and wait my turn for your attention?”

“You have my attention, always.” He crossed the room and took your hands in his. “If it’ll make you happy I’ll tell him I can’t go tomorrow, but I have to at some point.”

“Don’t bother.” You pulled away from him and walked away. “You don’t bother telling him anything else.”

“Why are you tearing into me right now?” He asked, shocked by your comment.

“Why won’t you tell him we’re getting married?” You faced him, arms crossed.

“I’m gonna tell him and mama~”

“When?”

“I don’t know just yet. When I can..”

“I’m starting to think you’ve changed your mind.”

“I haven’t.”

“Are you ashamed of me?” You asked.

“No, god, no.” He grew more frustrated. “I know they’ll never let me hear the end of it when they find out. It’s not about you at all.”

You fell silent, looking down to hide the tears forming in your eyes.

“I could never be ashamed of you, you’re too important to me.” He continued when you didn’t respond. “I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you like I should. I’ll try harder, okay? I’m gonna tell daddy I can’t go tomorrow and we’re gonna have some fun with our friends.”

You sensed him coming closer before you felt him gently lift your chin to meet your eyes.

“Don’t cry,” He whispered. “You know I hate to see you cry.”

You swallowed. “I’m sorry.”

“Stay and read your book,” He said. “You can tell me about it when I’m done.”

You nodded, forcing a small smile. “Okay.”

He kissed your forehead and let you go. “I’ll be quick.”

“Joel.” You stopped him. “I don’t want to be kept a secret.”

“I’ll tell them.”

“Tomorrow.”

He looked undeniably conflicted but he nodded his head before silently retreating to the bathroom.

The next day, upon hearing the news, his father fired him and kicked him out of the shop. You had a feeling that Joel knew that his father would react that way and had been putting off telling him for that reason.

He tried to put on a brave face about the situation, but you could see it in his eyes that he was hurt. He had every right to be after years of putting so much into building and maintaining the business with his father.

“McNally’s been bugging me about coming to work for him at his dealership,” He said. “I’m sure the offer still stands.”

“I’m so sorry, Joel.” You felt like it was your fault. If you hadn’t pushed him to tell his parents he’d still have a relationship with them and a job he loved.

“I don’t want you thinking this is your fault,” He said. “We’re gonna be married and if mama and daddy can’t accept that, then…I don’t want them in our life.”

You leaned back against the kitchen counter and crossed your arms. You didn’t know what to do other than apologize.

“I’m gonna change and head over to talk to McNally.” He stepped in front of you and took your face in his hands. “Don’t look so troubled, we’re gonna be alright. We might be more than alright if McNally gets me in at the dealership. There’s better pay and benefits~”

“It’s not what you love to do.”

“If it means I can take care of you, I love it.”

You slipped your arms around his torso, hugging him. He hugged you back.

“It’s all gonna work out,” He promised. He pulled away first, ducking his head to kiss your lips before he walked away. “Maybe you and Sinclair can go out tonight instead. You should take your car for a drive anyway. You’ll kill that battery leaving it sitting in the driveway all the time.”

“I’ll call her.”

“Brighten up, sugar,” He laughed. “It’s gonna be okay.”

You tried to smile. “I believe you.”

Joel secured a job working at Bibby McNally’s car dealership and, while it wasn’t something he was passionate about, he made the most of it. It was a high scale dealership and they had a lot of traffic all year round so it was never a dull moment. At times you could see him becoming drained and uninterested, but he insisted that working there was good for the two of you.

He was home more often and you got to spend more time together. It was exactly what you wanted, however, you felt guilty about him losing his job and contact with his parents.

One evening after he got off of work he came barreling into the house calling out for you. You rushed to meet him in the living room.

“What happened?” You asked in alarm.

“You aren’t going to believe this,” He said with excitement behind his words. “Guess who came into the dealership today. Guess.”

“Wha~ Who?” You asked, your eyebrows drawn together in confusion.

“Elvis,” Joel said, enthusiastically. “Elvis-fucking-Presley.”

“W-What?” You tried not to let your expression grow horrified. “He did?”

“Can you believe that?” Joel walked past you in the direction of your bedroom, loosening the tie around his neck. “He came in lookin some kinda Roadrunner. I was trying to get a Pontiac off my hands and all of the sudden the lady I’m selling to screams at the top of her lungs. I turn around and there he is.”

“Did you talk to him?” You asked, following him to the room. You stopped him before he walked to the bathroom. “I’m not done.”

“I talked to him.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “He has some time off from filming, I guess.”

“Oh?” You crossed your arms to stop your hands from fidgeting.

He nodded as he slipped off his shiny dress shoes and tucked them under the foot of the bed. “He said he wanted us to come back with him to Graceland over the weekend.”

“You told him about us?” You asked.

“Yeah, he was as shocked as you could imagine.” Joel laughed. “He said he’d arrange for us to fly out tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” You asked.

“You’ve asked me a hundred questions since I walked through the door,” He said. “Tell me what you think. We should go right?”

“I-I don’t know, it’s so all of a sudden, y-y’know,” You stammered. “You have work and we’re starting a new book in my club~”

“Sweetheart.” He stood from the bed as he unbuttoned his shirt. “You’re seriously telling me that you’d pass this up to go read a book?”

“You have work.”

“I can get away for a weekend,” He said. “It could be fun. We could see Dawn while we’re there. And Cynthia—Andrea, maybe.”

“You aren’t going to let this go are you?”

“A hundred and one questions.”

You rolled your eyes.

“I’ll never ask you for anything again if you’ll just go with me tomorrow. It’ll feel like old times.”

“For you maybe.” You walked back into the bathroom.

“Finish up in there so I can shower,” He called as you shut the door. “I wanna help you cook.”

“Just a minute.” You leaned forward against the sink, looking at yourself in the mirror. For a moment you saw your old self reflected back at you. Just hearing his name made you feel small and panicky. Knowing that he was in the same state didn’t make it any easier to breathe. You hadn’t seen him since~

Let me t-try to be better. Just give me a chance, baby, please.

You closed your eyes and tried to physically shake away the sudden memory. Was it possible for a heart to stay broken for this long?

You couldn’t see him. You didn’t want to see him. You’d put him out of your mind, escaped the hold he had on you. You’d worked so hard to rebuild yourself after he’d broken you down. You were at a place in your life where you were so sure of everything, you didn’t want to see him and lose all that progress.

You were in love with Joel and the two of you were prepared to build a life together. You didn’t want Elvis’ presence to taint that in any way.

“I wonder if Sonny and Lamar’ll be there tomorrow night,” Joel continued from outside of the bathroom. “Maybe Red and Billy too.”

“I don’t know,” You responded in the steadiest tone you could muster.

“I’m sure they’ll be there,” He continued. “You remember my cousin Jerry?”

You took slow breaths and stood upright with your hands on your hips. “I’m sure they’ll all be there, Joel.”

He laughed. “Tell me you’ll go. I don’t wanna havta drag you kicking and screaming.”

You swallowed harshly as you started putting away the makeup you had strewn across the counter. “Can we come back Sunday?”

“Yeah,” He responded, delighted with your capitulation. “We can come back whenever you want.”

You took one last deep breath and put on a decent expression before leaving the bathroom. “I don’t want to be gone too long, that’s all.”

“I’ll get you back home before you can even start to miss it.” He smiled as he watched you leave the room.

“Perfect.”

You went to figure out where he’d hidden your cigarettes. You pulled open a few kitchen drawers and shuffled through them before you found the slim, silver case. Your mind raced as you used the stove to light the cigarette before turning off the burner. You hadn’t smoked since Joel insisted that you quit weeks ago, but you couldn’t think of any other way to calm your nerves. You’d start your streak over tomorrow.

When Joel finally got out of the shower, he found you standing by the window in the living room. You were on your second cigarette and so lost in thought that you hadn’t noticed him at first.

“You better put that out,” He chided, walking over. “I told you what they’ve been saying about them things.”

“Luther Terry’s fighting a losing battle,” You muttered, crushing the cigarette in the ashtray that sat on the windowsill.

“I ain’t seen you smoke a cigarette in weeks.” He stood behind you and put his arms around your waist.

“I know.”

“Something bothering you?”

“Are you still going to Virginia with Bibby?” You asked in an attempt to avoid the question.

“Yeah…” He fell silent for a moment. “It should be the last trip for a while. Once convention season’s over I’m all yours.”

You walked out of his arms. “You should wear the navy suit you wore last week. I know you lost your red tie~”

“You’re upset.” He followed you to the kitchen.

“I’m fine.” You tried to smile, forcing back all of the thoughts that were threatening to consume you. “I’ll find your tie.”

You continued taking the pots and pans down to start cooking.

“How is Bibby anyway?” You wanted to fill the silence. “The baby?”

“He’s good, the baby’s good,” Joel said. “He says Yvette’s a natural…”

You tried to listen as Joel went on about Bibby and Yvette, but you were too preoccupied–too full of dread.

After all you’d gone through, you were walking back into the belly of the beast.

*

“Don’t get me in too much trouble,” Joel said handing you your second flute of champagne. “I don’t want no misdemeanor for aiding and abetting.”

“You’re a year older than me, Joel. Don’t you think I can handle a little champagne by now?” You laughed and took the glass.

“We’ll see.” He shrugged.

“Not too much for you tonight either. You’re driving.”

“Don’t worry, baby, I’m barely buzzin.” He slipped his arm around your waist and kissed you with gin-stained lips. The two of you parted at the sound of Joel’s name being called over the music, turning your heads in the direction of the voice. He lit up when he saw who it was. You smiled as they embraced each other.

“How have you been?” Joel asked.

“Alright,” Jerry responded with an indolent shrug. “This her?”

“Yeah.” Joel smiled, slipping his arm around your waist and introducing you.

“Right.” Jerry repeated your name as if it rang a bell and you exchanged brief pleasentries. “Look, E.P. wants y’all to come up. He sent me to find you.”

You took another sip of your drink after Joel quickly accepted the invitation. You probably shouldn’t have been drinking, you were beyond queasy and the champagne wasn’t helping–not to mention that it tasted like battery acid. You finished the glass anyway, hoping that, if anything, it would calm your nerves.

“Come on, baby,” Joel said, taking the glass from you and abandoning it at the bar with his own. He took your hand in his and leaned in to speak in your ear. “You can still let me know if you change your mind while we’re up there.” You nodded, forcing a small smile before letting him lead you as he followed Jerry to the elevators. The music from the party faded behind the doors and all that remained was the gentle melody of the elevator music. “How long y’all been in Georgia?”

“Since yesterday. E heard about the dealership so he wanted to pass through.”

“How’d he hear about it?”

“I’m not too sure.”

Their voices faded to the background. All you heard was the sound of your heartbeat accelerating. After so long, you wondered if he’d be different. Your fear and panic was beginning to be replaced by other things that you didn’t want to acknowledge let alone describe. Because having to describe those feelings would’ve meant admitting they were there.

The elevator stopped on the top floor and you forced your feet to move. Jerry led you to the suite and opened the door without knocking. “I found them, E,” He said, walking in first.

His eyes met yours almost instantly. Those baby blue eyes that were so familiar yet so distanced from the ones you knew. He still had that youthful glow about him as he smiled and stood to greet the two of you. His gaze lingered on you briefly but no longer than a second. “Joel, ol boy.” His voice caused your breath to hitch. It was different somehow, deeper and richer, but so familiar. Like an old song who’s melody you’d forgotten but still knew all the words to. You could’ve been making it all up. It could’ve been that he was exactly as you'd left him but his beauty had already started to fade in your memory. “I’m glad y’all could make it.”

“Yeah, so are we.” Joel smiled and asked if he remembered you.

“Of course,” Elvis said, shifting his attention to you. He had an amused glint in his eyes as he smiled at you. “How have you been, honey?”

“Okay.” You tried to smile, breaking eye contact for a moment. “How have you been?”

“Okay,” He said, before turning to retake his seat, the people sitting at the table with him cleared the space. “Sit down here a minute and a tell me what you’ve been up to, Joel. I saw you weren’t with your dad anymore.”

“No, I haven’t been for a while,” Joel said, pulling out a chair for you. “We had some differences of opinion.”

“Help yourself to a drink if you want,” Elvis offered. “We can get whatever you prefer.”

“I’m okay,” Joel said. They each looked to you expectantly.

“I’m sorry?” You asked.

“D’you want a drink?” Elvis repeated.

“No, thank you.” You avoided his eyes.

He moved on with his conversation with Joel and you noticed a smirk gracing his features when you glanced his way. “What happened with your old man? I thought you two were close.”

“I thought we were. But my folks didn’t exactly approve when I told them we was getting married.”

“Married?” He seemed genuinely surprised. Joel must’ve not mentioned it before.

“I held off telling them. I knew they’d have something to say about it, but…”

“What’d they say?”

“Daddy fired me from the shop and I haven’t spoken to them since.”

Elvis grimaced. “Man, I’m sorry to hear that.”

Joel shrugged. “It’s a shame but I can’t change their minds about anything.”

“Well, congratulations anyway. You make an interesting pair.”

“Interesting how?”

Both their gazes turned to you when you spoke.

“Unexpected, I should say,” Elvis rephrased. “How’d you get caught up with Joel?“

“We ran into each other one day.” You tore your eyes away and looked at Joel.

“Why were you in Georgia?” Elvis asked.

“For a change of scenery. ” You opened your purse and retrieved your case of cigarettes—your nerves were getting the best of you. “Do you mind?”

“Not at all,” Elvis said. “You know Dawny retired?”

“She mentioned it.” You nodded.

“She’s up in her own place now,” He said. “I check on her when I can.”

“That’s nice. I wish I could visit more,” You responded.

“I wish you could too,” He uttered, picking up a lighter from the table. “Light?”

You put the slim, white cigarette between your lips and leaned toward him as he struck the lighter. You sat back in your seat after the cigarette was lit, avoiding eye contact with both him and Joel.

“So you’re sellin cars now?” Elvis asked Joel, sliding a porcelain ashtray over to you.

“Mhm.”

“How d’you like it?”

“It’s a job.”

The conversation flowed awkwardly. It was almost as if they had to actively think of every question they were going to ask—preoccupied by other things. Eventually the three of you returned to the party happening downstairs. Elvis naturally drew the attention of everyone in the room. There was something different about him that you couldn’t pinpoint exactly. Whatever it was, you couldn’t help but steal a glance whenever he wasn’t looking. He radiated a certain energy that drew you in and made you want to watch.

“What’s wrong?” Joel asked. He hadn’t left your side since you got there and upon hearing that he was going to get your things from the car you must’ve looked panicked. He took your face in his hands and searched your eyes for the answer but you smiled and tried to distract him with a kiss. He stopped you. “Tell me.”

“Nothing.” You were a terrible liar. “I’ll help you.”

“No,” He said quickly. “It’s fine. And you don’t have to stay down here, you can go up to the room if you want. They say we’re heading out sometime tonight.”

“‘Sometime tonight’ meaning…god knows when?”

“Pretty much.”He laughed before letting you go. “Head upstairs, I’ll be there in a minute.”

You watched him leave before going to find the elevator. You couldn’t breathe.

You found the room Elvis had reserved specifically for you and Joel. You were relieved to be alone in the silence, but you felt uneasy knowing that he was downstairs and he knew where you were. The hours passed and soon it was nearly three in the morning. You were exhausted but you couldn’t sleep if you tried. Joel hadn’t come up the entire night and you wanted to be angry but tried anyway to give him time to be around old friends. He was familiar with their grueling routine—you weren’t. When he did finally return you were on the brink of sleep.

“Come on, sugar, we’re heading out.”

“God, what time is it?”

“I don’t know…it’s early.”

You pushed yourself into a sitting position and eyed him suspiciously. “You’re drunk.”

He laughed but ultimately shook his head in denial. “I’m fine.”

“You left me up here all night,” You complained as you slipped your shoes on. “I couldn’t change my clothes or anything. You could’ve checked on me once.”

“Time got away,” He said, grabbing your purse and holding his hand out for you. “They’re waiting on us.”

“Can I get myself together for a minute?”

“You’re perfect, come on.”

You took his hand and let him lead you out of the room—smoothing the skirt of your dress as he dragged you along.

You leaned your head against the window the entire drive to Memphis. Elvis had offered to fly you out but Joel insisted on driving. The two of you had planned to go straight to Virginia to meet Bibby afterwards.

You passed the time by trying to keep your doom at bay.

[ssinnerplazahotel]

╭──────────.★..─╮

*Chapter Eight*

╰─..★.──────────╯

WC: 8k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, toxic elvis, manipulation, drug use, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Masterlist: Prologue, Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Elvis had tried to live up to his promise of making things right. You wouldn’t say he was successful, and you wouldn’t say it was any fault of his own. You weren’t sure if things could be made right again. You tried to put the past in the past. You tried not to think about the way he’d grabbed you and pinned you to his bed. You tried to forget about how frightened you were then. You didn’t want to remember.

It wasn’t the first time you were afraid of him. You told yourself that if you could get over it before, you could get over it again.

You tried. You really did. A part of your mind that had been made up since your conversation with Andrea—the other part lingered between made up and naïve by choice. You wanted to be naïve, it didn’t hurt as much to believe that he loved you.

“I see you watching him,” Cynthia spoke suddenly as you stood in the kitchen awaiting her instruction. Her eyes stayed focused on the dishes she was hand washing, only glancing up to be sure you heard her.

“Ma’am?” You asked in shock, trying to weed through the nonsense clouding your mind for a reasonable response. It was hard when you could feel Elvis’ eyes burning a hole in your back.

“Don’t put on an act for me.” She laughed. “He’s talked to me about you.”

“I’m not sure I understand.” You chose your words carefully.

“He asked me about you when you first started working around the house.” She started to hand you dishes to dry and you quickly found the drying cloth. “He started wanting his tray earlier in the night because he would be busy later. Busy doin what I had no idea. But I caught on eventually when I saw the way he looked at you.”

“How did he look at me?” You asked, keeping your expression neutral.

“He tried not to, he mostly didn’t.” The two of you were getting a rhythm of washing and drying going by then. “But when he did his eyes just stuck to you. He’d play it off for a minute or two then he'd go chasing after you. I only said anything when I noticed Dawn was getting suspicious. I knew if she found out it wouldn’t do either of you any good. When I asked him if there was anything going on, he told me the truth.”

You had no reason to doubt that Cynthia was telling the truth, but you still hesitated to respond to her.

“Who do you think’s been keeping Dawn from barging upstairs and finding the two of you?” She asked. “If I didn’t steer her away she would’ve caught you together by now.”

“Dawn knows more that she lets on,” You said quietly. “Why are you only telling me this now?”

“I’ve been trying to find time to talk, you’re so stuck to Dawn during the day,” Cynthia said. “I saw the look you got on your face when you came downstairs. I don’t know what happened but you’re both wearing it on your sleeves. Staring at each other like a couple in a fight.”

“What else did he say about me?” You asked indulgently.

“He said enough to convince me.”

You started to complain about the vagueness of her comment but Dawn appeared in the kitchen before you could say anything.

“You got an earlier start than I expected,” She said, poking fun at your out of whack sleep schedule.

“I wasn’t tired enough to sleep in,” You lied, having been up late with Elvis the night before.

You did your best to take Cynthia’s advice for the rest of the day. You were still shocked to find out about her knowledge of you and Elvis’ relationship. Whatever that relationship was supposed to be…

You almost didn’t believe her but she knew too much to be lying.

You went through the day completely ignoring him. He caught on halfway through and began to ignore you too. It didn’t affect you much—you were used to being ignored and overlooked by him.

*

“You in here, baby?”

“Can’t you knock sometimes?”

Elvis laughed as he let the door of your room swing shut behind him. You didn’t turn away from where you stood in the mirror wrapping your hair for the night.

“What?” You asked when he leaned against the doorframe of the bathroom. He crossed his arms and cocked his head to the side.

“I came to talk to you about something, but suddenly I don’t have the words,” He said. “Who gave you the right to be so pretty?”

“Stop it,” You said, adjusting your scarf on your head. “What did you need to talk to me about?”

“I think it's coming back to me.” He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around your waist. You squirmed against him as he kissed your neck.

“Elvis,” You complained, he held your body firmly against his. “Tell me what it is.”

“You tell me what it is.”

“What?”

“Were you ignoring me today?” His lips brushed against your skin as he spoke, sending a shiver down your spine.

“…No.”

“Alright.” He kissed your shoulder and met your eyes in your reflection. You relaxed and wrapped your own arms around his as he hugged your torso. “I came to tell you that we’re gonna send you, Dawn, and Cinee back to Memphis while we finish up here. We’re gonna be traveling for reshoots and press for another two weeks but we’ll be back after that.”

“Okay,” You said. “When are we leaving?”

“Day after tomorrow probably,” He responded. “You’re not upset?”

“No.” You had a feeling that he’d hoped you would be. “It’s only two weeks.”

He hummed in response, his eyes leaving yours.

“What?” You asked.

“You’ll be there, right?” He asked, meeting your eyes again. “When I get back?”

“At Graceland?”

“Yeah, at Graceland.”

You realized then why he had looked worried so suddenly. He was afraid you’d leave while you were separated. The thought hadn’t crossed your mind, now you couldn’t help but recognize the opportunity.

Elvis loved to plant thoughts in your mind. He’d carefully craft your every thought if he could, and you weren’t sure if you’d stop him. You were afraid you wouldn’t have the power to fight it if he tried. He’d plant his seed and you’d let him rain all over you, unsure of what would prosper that day or the next.

‘How do you want me?’ He’d expect you to ask. ‘That’s how I’ll be.’

If you let him plant his seeds of thought inside your brain you wouldn’t have to think about anything. You wouldn’t have to be curious, you wouldn’t have to put anything into action. You could live peacefully in your delusion.

You thought, maybe, that was the easiest route to take. You were already losing your will, why not let him hold all the cards? Why not let him take advantage of your love? He already knew that as long as your love for him lived he’d have his way with you.

As far as you could tell your love would always live, so it wouldn’t matter if you shut your mind down. It wouldn’t matter if he told you what to do.

You wanted him to.

You wanted him to silence your curiosity and cage up your free will—you were too mentally exhausted to have it any other way.

You wouldn’t blame him. You would blame yourself. You would blame your love.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” You asked as the silence grew suspicious. You smiled reassuringly for him, hoping that it looked genuine. Your mind continued to race despite how desperately you tried to quiet your thoughts.

Silence my curiosity.

“I’m just making sure.” He returned your smile. “I don’t want my baby birdie gettin any ideas about flyin away.”

Cage up my free will.

“I wouldn’t.” You turned around in his arms to face him. “I’ll be there.”

How do you want me?

“I believe you.” He ducked his head to kiss you, making you tilt your head to meet his lips.

That’s how I’ll be.

You still felt so swept away by his touch, so outside of yourself. It worsened the emotional turmoil you felt inside, yet it spurred you on and made you crave him.

“Tell me you love me,” He demanded softly.

“You know I do.” You were like a fiend and he was your vice. The sober days hurt, but those high nights almost made you forget the pain. Almost.

“I want to hear you say it,” He insisted between kisses.

“I love you,” You said. “You’re the only man I’ve ever loved.”

He deepened the kiss, pushing you up onto the edge of the sink.

“I’m gonna get wet,” You complained as the hem of your nightie went into the damp sink.

“That’s the idea,” Elvis uttered cleverly as his hands traveled up your thighs and under the nightie.

You were convinced you were a lunatic—or at the very least mentally unwell. You had to be, it was the only plausible explanation. There you were plotting your escape, contemplating laying down your life, and pawing at him wantonly all within the span of a few minutes—telling him you loved him and letting him take you to bed.

“You didn’t lock it.” Your breath hitched as he teased you through your underwear. “T-The door.”

Even in your aroused state you knew you hadn’t heard him lock the door when he walked in. The click of the lock being engaged was a sound that you were used to listening for.

“You’re right,” He said, his warm breath mingling with yours. He made no move to go and lock the door, instead he hooked his fingers under the band of your panties and pulled them down your legs.

“Elvis,” You said in alarm. “Y-You can’t~”

You were cut off abruptly when he suddenly pushed his middle finger deep inside of you. You gripped his shoulder for dear life.

“I can't what?” Elvis asked, circling your clit with his thumb. “I can’t fuck you with the door unlocked?”

You shuddered, leaning back against the mirror behind you. You tried to respond but your words were caught in your throat.

“Can you see the door?” He asked, wrapping his free arm around you and sitting you up. You cried out as his finger entered you from a different angle. “Can you see the door, baby?”

“Yes.” You looked over his shoulder at the door, the lock was unturned.

“You keep your eyes on the door.”

“Please, lock it.”

“No.” He smiled, amused by your unease. “Be a good girl and keep watch, will you?”

Your heart hammered wildly against your chest as he sunk down between your thighs, pushing the hem of your nightie up out of the way. You practically flinched when he touched you again. You swore and gripped the edge of the sink, tears of pleasure already threatening to well in your eyes.

You watched the door with a feeling of anxiety that mingled too well with the pleasure you felt as his tongue sent you to heaven. You watched and waited for the knob of the door to turn, for someone—Dawn, or Cynthia, one of the guys needing you to clean up a mess they made—to walk in and find Elvis’ head buried between your legs.

As you anticipated your release you wondered what you’d do if someone walked in. Would you push him away? Or would you pull him in? Too far gone and so close to reaching your high that you could almost taste it? The thought made your back arch as Elvis latched onto your clit and he stroked you within an inch of your life.

The dam broke and suddenly you couldn’t see the door, or anything for that matter. Your eyes rolled and your thighs tried desperately to shut around his head as your orgasm completely wracked your body.

You cried and he continued his assault even as you trembled against him. You felt like you were floating when he finally pulled away, standing between your legs and wrapping your arms around his neck. Your eyes started to focus again as he unbuckled his pants. Your mind was everywhere but the door as he freed his cock and ran it through your remaining arousal. You expected him to push inside but he didn’t. Instead, he used your slick to coat his aching erection before getting himself off. His movements were erratic and quick, his eyes never leaving your face.

He swore tensely when you gripped his hair in one hand and wrapped your legs more tightly around him. He grunted as he came, pumping himself through every pulse of his release. You stayed like that for a while, holding him while he rested his head in the crook of your neck.

“Elvis,” You forced yourself to say, your voice shallow and breathless. “Lock it…please.”

“Yeah,” He responded, kissing your neck before pulling away. He took the towel you had used to dry your face earlier and wiped himself clean. He handed it to you and left the bathroom.

You clambered down from the sink, turning and leaning against it. You looked at yourself in the mirror for a moment before looking away, avoiding your reflection. You didn’t recognize yourself. You didn’t know who you were.

You’re my girl, that’s who you are.

“You okay?” Elvis asked, reappearing behind you. He wrapped his arms around you and tried to meet your eyes in the mirror.

“I need a second,” You said, reaching out and turning the faucet on without looking up at him.

“Don’t take too long,” He said, kissing your shoulder before leaving you alone in the bathroom.

You stood on shaky legs as you cleaned yourself up. You took a few minutes to try and collect your thoughts but it turned out to be more difficult than you expected. You weren’t sure what you were thinking.

On one hand, you contemplated the possibility of leaving Graceland when you returned to Memphis—you tried to make sense of the outrageous idea. Yet somehow you wanted nothing more than to join Elvis in your bed and talk the night away, like two teenagers with their itches freshly scratched.

You left the bathroom with a hint of apprehension behind your steps. Elvis stood at your dresser absentmindedly smelling the assortment of perfumes that you’d accumulated.

There was one you’d gotten when you first came to Memphis. Two Barb and Pat had insisted you get from a booth downtown during one of your many excursions. And another that Andrea had gifted you before she left. To remind you of her.

She’d be ashamed of you if she saw you now.

“It’s too much all at once, isn’t it?” You asked, getting his attention. “Cabochard.”

He shrugged, putting the top back on the bottle. “I like it. It’s unique.”

You nodded indifferently. “I have to do my homework.”

“I’ll sit with you until you finish.”

“Won’t you bore to death?”

You caught a whiff of your perfume when you each got onto your bed—floral and sandalwood. You smiled at the mental image of him spraying himself with it.

“I like watching you work,” He said as you grabbed your textbook from the nightstand and opened it. “You’re sexy when you’re focused.”

You laughed. “As long as you’re entertained.”

He sat there patiently for a change as you did your homework. You were waiting for a bored sigh or an annoyed breath, but instead he sat there silently patting his foot to the song stuck in his head. You almost found it harder to concentrate while waiting for him to break.

He didn’t.

By the time you finished he had laid his head on your shoulder and started to doze. You sighed in relief as you shut your textbook and dated your packet for it to get sent off.

A smile graced your lips for a moment as you brought your hand up and drummed your fingers under Elvis’ chin. You quietly kissed your lips at him until he stirred and you motioned for him to lay against your pillows.

“E, you’re asleep,” You said when he hesitated.

“Where are you goin?”

“Nowhere. I’m right here.”

You put your textbook back on the bedside table and adjusted yourself so that you laid next to him on your back. He wrapped his arm around your torso and held onto you even in his sleep, never once letting go.

“I’m not going anywhere,” You tried to tell him but he never seemed reassured by your words.

*

He’d wake you up in the morning before he left to give you a full rundown of his day. Making sure to tell you if he thought the two of you could spend time together that night. You didn’t understand why he did it. But you figured it was his way of showing that he was making an effort to spend time with you.

“I’ll come to you,” He’d say, kissing your forehead before standing to leave. “Go back to sleep.”

You’d wave as he left, with no hope of returning to sleep. You’d stare at the ceiling until the next two hours rolled by and you were forced to face the day.

*

It was your last night in Hawaii and just in time before you left you got a letter from Andrea. The mailing process had gotten a bit backed up but she did write you back, which made you happy.

You smiled as you laid back in your bed reading the letter.

Hi, love, It said. I’ve been dying to hear from you! I feel like so much time has gone by but really it hasn’t. I’m glad Dawn and Mama are doing okay but that’s not what I want to know. How are you? Are you taking care of yourself? More importantly, have you found yourself a real man? Please tell me you got back in touch with Kai. I didn’t forget about him, there’s no way I could. I told you once and I’ll tell you again, you don’t deserve to be kept a secret—choose yourself! I hope you realize that soon if you haven’t by the time you get this. My hand would fall off if I tried to write some sense into you so I’m going to leave it at that. You have to come by the house when you’re back in Memphis. Charles says he’d love to meet you. I told him you’re like the little sister I never had, so technically you’re like the sister-in-law he never had. I wish I had something interesting to tell you but my life is pretty much on the straight and narrow again—

“What’re you reading?”

You jumped at the sound of Elvis’ voice and clutched the paper to your chest. He laughed as he locked the door. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Oh, I just did,” He said, stalking over to you. “Somebody sent you a letter?”

“No. I-I mean, yes. It’s from Andrea.”

“Why’re you hiding it like that?” He asked with an amused expression.

“What do you mean?” You sat up and took the letter from your chest before folding it in your lap.

He narrowed his eyes at you, waiting less than a second before reaching out and snatching the letter before you.

“No, Elvis!” You exclaimed, trying not to shout as you stood up on your knees reaching for the letter. “It’s private.”

“What could she be saying?” He laughed, unfolding it and skimming the words.

You sat back on your heels as his expression changed. You fidgeted anxiously, waiting for his reaction.

“What is this?” He asked, looking at you now. He looked more confused than upset but you could already see the anger forming on his face. “You told her about us?”

“No,” You said quickly. “I told her some things but she had no idea I was talking about you.”

“How can you be so sure?” He asked. “She’d sell this in a heartbeat if she knew.”

“Oh, and you don't think Cynthia would sell this story?” You narrowed your eyes. “It’s not fair that you have her to talk to and I have no one.”

“So you pick her prying ass daughter? What do you need to talk to anyone about anyway?”

“What do you talk to Cynthia about?”

“Shit, I don’t know~ What to tell Dawn to keep her off us?”

You crossed your arms. “Andrea’s my friend, I trust her. And I made sure she didn’t know it was you.”

“And how’d you do that?”

“As far as she’s concerned I’m having an affair with some married man and nobody knows.” You shrugged but you were sure you weren’t coming off as unbothered as you meant to. “I told her that if anyone ever found out about it, his poor wife would leave him.”

“You told her that horrible story?” He asked after falling silent for a moment. A trace of a smile reappeared on his face and you felt yourself relax a bit. “You’re more creative than that, aren’t you, honey?”

“I also told her how much I loved him, and how nice he can be sometimes,” You said, trying to make him forget that he was mad at you.

“Sometimes?” He laughed. “You know what? Sometimes you get me so mad I could just crack your jaw. You shoulda told her that.”

“Don’t say that.” You looked down, only looking up when he handed the letter back. “I don’t know why you hate her so much.”

“I hate anything that tries to take you away from me.” He took the bottom of your face in his hand and made you look up.

“It’s my last night,” You said, your voice low and pleading. “Can’t we be nice to each other?”

“I’m not gonna pretend to like her.”

“She’s my friend.”

“You need to find new friends,” He said. “Friends your own age.”

“Friends my age?” You asked incredulously, pushing his hand away from your face. “That’s funny coming from you.”

“Older friends aren’t good for you,” He said, taking your face in both hands despite your protests. He stepped closer, tilting your head back so you still looked at him as you sat against your heels. “They make you forget you’re just a little girl.”

“I’m not a little girl.” You huffed in frustration. “If you think that, Elvis, you really don’t see me.”

“I do,” He said. “I see you better than you see yourself. That’s why you ought to listen to me.”

“All I do is listen to you.”

“If that was the case you wouldn’t be so damn bad at it.”

You pushed him away and maneuvered off the bed to put the letter in your luggage so that you wouldn’t forget it tomorrow.

“You don’t listen to me,” You said as you tucked the letter away. You faced him from where you stood across the room. “Why should I listen to you?”

“You want me to be nice?” He asked, ignoring your question. He sat down on the edge of the bed and leaned back against his hands. “I catch you bad mouthing me to your so-called friend~”

“I never bad mouthed you~”

“~and I’m supposed to be nice?” He continued to speak over you. “I don’t think that’s a reasonable thing to expect, birdie. I mean, you told her something bad enough~”

“I can’t help what she said, Elvis, I didn’t write it~”

“~you’ve given her some reason to tell you to leave me, so tell me just what the hell you said.”

You crossed your arms and the two of you fell silent.

“Don’t make me repeat myself, it don’t go well. You’re just gonna piss me off.”

“I didn’t tell her anything bad,” You stressed, your eyes burning with frustrated tears.

“Why are you tryna cry?” He seemed more annoyed at the sight of your watery eyes than concerned.

“Because you’re accusing me of something I didn’t do,” You said as best you could. “I only told her the truth.”

“And what’s the truth?”

“The truth is that…”

He’ll never choose you.

His eyebrow twitched as he waited expectantly for you to continue. “What?”

You shook your head, looking down. “I-I told her that I loved you. Even if it could only be in secret.”

“And she told you to leave me?”

“Yes.”

You looked up when he fell silent, finding his eyes on you already. He didn’t seem convinced.

“And you didn’t have anything to say about that?” He asked.

“I didn’t have anything to say,” You whispered, your eyes trained carefully on him.

He nodded as if he understood but you couldn’t tell by his expression. He reached his hand out and gently patted the spot next to him. “C’mere,” He said, looking at you expectantly. “Sit beside me, baby.”

You hesitated before crossing the room and joining him on the bed.

“I don’t want to have the same argument twice,” He said, putting his arm around you. “Okay?”

“Okay?” You were confused and upset. .

“I don’t want you talking to Andrea about us anymore,” He forced a patient smile as he spoke. “I don’t care what terrible lie you told her. I don’t trust her and I really don’t think she has your best interest at heart.” His smile faded as he continued to speak deliberately, making sure you understood how serious he was.

You started to say something, but he stopped you.

“Come on, birdie, don’t fight me on this,” He said. “I’m tryna protect you. I’m trying to protect us.”

“You’re trying to control me.”

“I don’t want to control you,” He stressed. “Try to understand, darlin. We can’t be too careful about this.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t have any friends at all.” You crossed your arms and looked away from him. “Maybe then you’ll be happy.”

“I didn’t come here to argue with you,” He said, trying to end the conversation. “If you can’t get your shit together I’ll leave and see you back at Graceland in a couple weeks. What do you want? D’you wanna fight or what?”

You remained silent, debating whether or not to send him away. As much as you wanted him to go there was a larger part of you that always wanted him to stay.

“Don’t leave,” You said, your voice small and hardly above a whisper.

“Stop pouting like a baby and I won’t.” He chuckled. “We can be nice to each other.”

“Okay,” You said without meeting his eyes. “I’m going to get ready for bed.”

“I’ll wait for you.” He leaned in and kissed your cheek before letting you go. “Hurry up.”

You didn’t respond as you stood and went into the bathroom. You didn’t take long, doing the rest of your routine quickly before rejoining Elvis in the bedroom.

“All better?” He asked as he flipped casually through the notebook you used for school.

“Why’re you going through that?” You asked instead of answering, joining him on the bed.

“I like world history,” He said, letting you take the notebook away. “And the little seashells you draw on the corners of the pages.”

“You should do my homework if you like it so much,” You said, making him laugh. You sat the notebook on the bedside table and made a mental note not to forget it. “Elvis?”

“Oh lord, I know that tone.” He groaned sarcastically. “What now?”

“Nothing.”

“Something. What is it?”

You sat next to him against the headboard of the bed. “I’m worried that I’m only a challenge to you.”

“A challenge?” He sounded confused.

“Why do you want me so badly when you don’t need me?”

“Because I love you,” He said. “And I do need you.”

“Do you want to know what I think?”

“It doesn’t matter what you think, what matters is what I’m telling you.”

“I think that~”

“Goddamnit, birdie~”

“~I think you’re used to having whatever it is you want,” You said anyway. “And I don’t think you see me any differently.”

“I can’t stop you from thinking that, can I?”

“Don’t you have anything to say about that?”

You wanted to know what he was thinking, what his motives were. He was always in your head, thinking your thoughts before you thought them—as if he could see your motivations more clearly than you could. You wanted to be in his head for a change.

“I love you,” He reiterated. “Why can’t you be happy with that?”

“I am.”

“Okay, good.”

“I need to know more.”

“About what?”

“You.”

He shook his head, his eyes rolling slightly. “I don’t know what you want from me.”

“I’m telling you exactly what I want from you, E,” You said. “You don’t talk to me about your feelings like you used to. I can’t read you like you read me, I need to hear you say it.”

“Say what?” He asked, his voice rising in frustration. “I tell you I love you, is that not enough?”

“Not all the time, no,” You said, growing more frustrated as well. “I need more.”

“Lord, birdie, you’re so damn complex.” He sighed. “C’mere, sit right here.” He grabbed your arm and led you to straddle him.

“I’m not trying to nag you.”

“You’re doin an awful job.”

He laughed but you remained serious.

“I have to know. I can’t make sense of anything if I don’t know how you feel.” You had a feeling that you wouldn’t get a chance to ask these questions again. You worried that you’d get back to Graceland and make your mind up about leaving while you had the chance.

“What’s your question, doll?” His frustration had faded and been replaced with a hint of a smile.

“Why me?”

“Why anyone else?”

You looked away. Your heart swelled, so full of incommunicable love for the man before you. He tapped your chin and your tear glazed eyes met his confident gaze.

“Why anyone else?” He asked again. “When I have my pretty doll. My little baby birdie.”

Your voice was quiet and unsteady when you spoke again, holding back your tears. “I’m so…consumed by you. It scares me. A-And I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

“What’s gonna happen when?”

“Ever.”

Elvis thought for a moment. “Well, I can tell you what’s gonna happen right now.”

“What?”

“I’m gonna show you how much I love you.”

*

You tried to focus on anything but the tears threatening to well in your eyes as you boarded your flight back to Memphis with Dawn. You could still feel Elvis’ goodbye kiss lingering on your lips as the plane got off the ground.

“Why the long face?” Dawn asked as you stared out of the window.

“I’m tired,” You lied partially. “I didn’t get any sleep last night.”

She didn’t respond for a while. “Two weeks won’t kill you.”

You turned your head and met her knowing eyes. You should’ve asked her what she meant. You should’ve tried to deter her somehow but you didn’t have it in you to lie to her. You hardly had it in you to lie to yourself.

“You know.” Of course she did.

“I’ve always known,” She said simply. “I just don’t understand.”

You nodded, swallowing harshly and looking down at your hands to hide the emotions stirring in your eyes. “It happened all at once, I didn’t know what to do.”

“It’s not your fault,” She said, placing a sympathetic hand on your thigh. “You’re just a girl.”

“Are you mad at me?”

“I’m not happy with you, but I’m not mad.”

You met her eyes again. “You’re not?”

She shook her head. “I’m not. You just…it has to end.”

“I know,” You sighed. “I’m working on that.”

“Had I known this would happen I would’ve never taken the live-in position,” She continued. “We could’ve kept the house, you could’ve gotten a job somewhere else~”

“I know,” You said again, closing your eyes as your throat constricted with emotion. “I didn’t think this would happen. You have to know that.”

Dawn shushed you before you succumbed entirely to your emotions. “It happened, and we can’t change that. Leave it in the past now. Can you do that?”

You wished it was that easy. “I’m trying.”

You knew what you had to do.

Leaving Memphis wouldn’t erase everything that happened, but maybe, you thought, it would be easier for you to let go if you weren’t there. Maybe you would finally have the space to let him go. As much as it turned your stomach, you knew you needed to rediscover yourself. You needed peace.

And that peace came with you leaving Memphis.

*

Elvis,

If you’re reading this, I’m gone. I promised you that I would be there when you got home. I’m sorry I broke that promise. It’s not because I wanted to. I had to.

You’re the only man I’ve ever loved. You revealed to me parts of myself that I never knew—parts of myself that will never be the same without you. My decision to leave isn’t one I came to easily or because I don’t love you. More than anything I want you to know that.

I made this decision because I was beginning to lose myself in you. I couldn’t find where you ended and I began. I stopped recognizing myself and wanted only to see you. I let you shape and mold me into your girl, your little birdie. That’s all I ever wanted to be. All I wanted was for you to stay. In the good moments and in the bad. I realize now that, in doing that, I lost myself.

Andrea asked me once if I thought you would ever choose me. But, before then, Dawn told me that you never would. I believed her, but it didn’t stop me from wanting you. Now that I’ve had time to think, I’ve realized why she was so insistent. She knew from the beginning that we were headed nowhere fast. We weren’t destined for more than dark rooms and locked doors. We were destined to be hidden, to be kept a secret.

No one will ever know what we shared, how deep our connection truly was—or at least how deep it was for me. I won’t tell anyone. I’m sure you won’t either.

Above all, I hope that you have some good memories of our time together to hold on to. Memories that will make you smile when you think back to them even years from now.

I wish I could express in more words what you mean to me. I know it’s selfish, but I hope you’ll remember me. I love you, more than anything I love you.

Always,

your baby birdie.xxx

*

You stared down at the blank envelope in your hand, biting the inside of your lip as you contemplated leaving the letter in his room.

Two weeks had flown by and before you knew it Elvis was coming home. He’d be back at Graceland in two days or less. You weren’t as much of a wreck as you expected to be.

You packed up as many clothes as you could into the single suitcase you’d brought with you upon your arrival to Memphis. You filled it with clothes and a few other necessities. You couldn’t take all of your belongings, so you narrowed it down to the things you absolutely needed. You hadn’t told Dawn that you were leaving. You hadn’t planned to either, you knew she’d talk you out of it. Instead you told her that you were going on an overnight trip to Andrea’s. She believed you.

You called Andrea and told her the same story just in case Dawn decided to investigate.

You didn’t want anyone following you or trying to convince you not to leave. You were leaving and that was final.

“I’m glad the two of you decided to stay in touch,” Cynthia said when she saw you carrying your suitcase to the car. “I didn’t think you’d get along so well.”

“Yeah, well.” You chuckled. “She’s a good person.”

All that was left to do now was leave the letter in Elvis’ room.

When you entered his room you were greeted with an influx of memories. Memories of long, sleepless nights. You smiled, sitting down on the edge of the bed and running your hand along the duvet.

You would miss this room.

You would miss the chill in the air and the dim lights. You’d miss Elvis’ scent and the way it invaded your senses. You wished you could kiss him one last time. You wished he could hold you through one more night. You knew nothing would make up for the emptiness you’d feel after you were gone. He took up so much of your life, you were bound to be left aimless and lost without him. But you knew it was the only way.

The longer you stayed there in his room the more guilt you felt about leaving the way you were.

You loved him too much to go without facing him. You were afraid that if you faced him before leaving that he would convince you to stay, but your mind was made up.

As afraid as you were to face him, you were more afraid of not saying goodbye.

You called Andrea when you got back to your room, keeping your letter so that you could deliver it yourself in person. You told her that you would come the night after tomorrow instead of tomorrow night. She sounded so excited to see you. Your guilt intensified.

You’d probably never see or hear from her again.

*

The night came quickly like you had expected it to. Your stomach churned and your palms were clammy. You kept telling yourself that you were ready, that you were prepared for this. But how could you be?

You kept wiping your palms on your jeans as you helped Dawn with a few finishing touches around the house.

“You’re sweating,” She pointed out while the two of you finished putting the dishes away. “You aren’t that anxious are you?”

“To see him? No. The past is in the past.”

“What are you gonna tell him?” Dawn asked. You weren’t used to talking to her about those kinds of things—it made you uncomfortable.

“I’m going to tell him the truth.” You closed the cabinet door, wiping your hands on the seat of your pants again. “He’ll be nice about it. He’s understanding.”

You expected him to be anything but understanding. But the last thing you wanted was for Dawn to have any animosity towards Elvis. You hoped that he wouldn’t punish her for your decision and let her go on working here after you were gone. He had a soft spot for Dawn so you knew he’d be gracious, even if he was angry at you.

“They’re back, and they brought their friends,” Cynthia said entering the kitchen. “I’m gonna get out of here before they get in.”

“I should too, I don’t want to get caught up in that mess,” Dawn said, untying her apron. “Are you still going to Andrea’s?”

“Yes, I’m going to leave in a little while,” You said, your heart hammered in your chest.

“Be careful,” Dawn said. “Don’t forget to call.”

“I won’t.” You hugged her. She tensed, shocked by the embrace, before hugging you back. “I love you, Aunt Dawn.”

“Oh,” She said, patting your back. “Well, I love you too.”

You pulled away, smiling at her before turning to leave the kitchen. “Goodnight, Cynthia.”

“Goodnight.”

The commotion from outside grew louder when the front door opened and everyone started pouring inside. You didn’t look for Elvis when you walked past the crowd of people, instead you ignored them and climbed the stairs to your room. You stopped by to grab the letter from your nightstand, folding it and slipping it into your back pocket before going to wait in Elvis’.

Your nerves grew worse as you sat on his bed anticipating his arrival. You tried to plan out everything you would say. You wanted to be as honest and straightforward as possible. It didn’t matter how many times you went over it in your head, because the second the door opened all the words left you.

You stood as he entered, clasping your hands to hide the way they anxiously trembled.

“There’s my girl.” He smiled. He looked genuinely happy to see you as he shut the door and met you.

“How was the trip?” You asked, tensing slightly under his touch when he slipped his arms around your waist.

“It wasn’t too bad,” He said. “We picked up some people along the way.”

“I saw,” You chuckled nervously. He kissed your temple before pulling away.

“I wanna stay up here with you, birdie, but they want me downstairs,” He said, walking towards his closet. “If you give me an hour out there we can spend the rest of the night together. I promise.”

“Elvis.” You stopped him. “I-I actually want to talk to you about something.”

“Can it wait until later?” He asked. “They were really houndin me about comin back down.”

“No,” You said, walking past him to lock the door. You paused for a moment before facing him again. “It can’t wait.”

He turned to you completely, his eyebrows drawn in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m leaving, E.” You swallowed and waited for his reaction.

“Where’re you going?” He asked. You could tell he wasn’t fully grasping what you were saying.

“I-I’m leaving Memphis,” You clarified. “Tonight.”

“Okay?” He narrowed his eyes. “Where are you going?”

“I don’t know,” You said. “But…I can’t stay here.”

He continued to stare at you with a confused expression.

“I-I wanted to t-tell you face to face,” You continued. “I h-had to.”

“You’re not making any sense.”

“I’m being perfectly clear.”

He crossed his arms. “You’re leavin Memphis. Tonight?”

You nodded. “Yes.”

“Why?” He still seemed unconvinced. “Because of something I did or what?”

“It’s not one thing that you did.” Your voice trembled. “It’s-Its multiple. I made this decision for multiple reasons. It’s what’s best for me.”

“Birdie,” He sighed, shaking his head. “We don’t have to do this right now.”

“No, I do~”

“No you don’t,” He said firmly. “I don’t think you understand how irrational and fucking ridiculous you’re being~”

“I’m not being irrational,” You tried to speak over him, raising your voice slightly when he continued arguing. “Can you listen to me for a second?”

“We aren’t doing this right now,” He snapped. “You’re out of your goddamn mind if you think you’re just gonna up and leave town in the middle of the night. It’s not happening!”

“If I don’t do it now I’ll never~” Your voice buckled as the emotions you were warding off grew more intense. You took a breath. “If I don’t do this now I’ll never get the chance. Because I’m leaving tonight regardless of whether or not you listen to me.”

“You aren’t leaving.”

“I am. I was going to leave before you got back but that just didn’t seem fair.”

“Leave and go where?” He was growing more frustrated by the minute. “Where the hell are you gonna go?”

“I-I wanted t-to be able to tell you that I’m not leaving b-because I don’t love you,” You said, trying to swallow your tears. “I’m standing here right now because I do.”

“Do you love me?”

“Yes. I do.”

“If you loved me you’d stay.”

You shook your head, taking a step back when he stepped towards you.

“I do love you,” You said. “I love you more than I love myself and that’s not okay. Not anymore.”

He fell silent, walking over to his bed and sitting down on the edge. He crossed his arms and stared at you. His frustration was fading into something else. Something more worried.

His jaw twitched. “W-What, birdie, what d-do you want me to do, huh?”

“I wrote you a letter,” You said, taking the envelope out of your pocket. “It’s just…I wrote it a few days ago, but~”

“I thought we were okay.” He looked off as he spoke now, his gaze distant. “Y-You~ I-I thought you said~”

“I don’t want to leave.” Tears formed in your eyes despite your best efforts. “I have to.”

He looked up at you from where he sat, his sapphire eyes boring into you. He didn’t speak for a long time, but when he did his voice was just over a whisper. “Don’t.”

You shook your head, balling your lips anxiously. The letter shook in your hand as you crossed the room to hand it to him.

“You don’t have to,” He said when you tried to hand it to him. “W-We can go back t-to how we were before~”

“Please take it,” You said. “Promise you’ll read it.”

He grabbed your wrist instead of the envelope, pulling you to stand between his legs. “Let me fix it.”

You looked down into his pleading eyes. “You can’t.”

His arms slipped around your waist. He pressed his forehead against your torso and hugged you.

You sat the letter beside him on the bed. “I have to go.”

“Birdie,” He continued. “I’ll do w-whatever whatever you want.”

You put your arms around him as he hugged you, smoothing the back of his hair in a comforting manner. “I love you.”

“Tell me what to do,” He said, pulling away enough to meet your eyes.

“Let me go,” You said, your voice cracking. The tears welling in your eyes finally fell and you forced yourself out of his grasp. “That’s all you can do.”

“Calm down and talk to me, baby, please?” He begged, holding onto you tighter. “Tell me what to do, I’ll do whatever you want.”

“It’s too late. Things are different now. I-I want to be different.” It was true, you didn’t feel the same as you did. The electricity had faded and the fire had fizzled—leaving you cold and full of quiet resentment that you feared would only fester if you stayed.

“Why can’t we talk?” He asked, his voice still small and desperate.

“Because you don’t listen when I talk.” You stumbled back as he stood, his hands gripping the top of your arms. “Y-You can’t convince me to stay. My mind’s already made up.”

“Who put you up to this?” He asked, disregarding what you were saying. “Andrea?”

“No.” You groaned, attempting to push his hands away. “I put myself up to it. Because I can think for myself and I know that I don’t want this anymore.”

“D’you want my attention? Do you want me to beg you to stay? You’re just a little girl, birdie, you don’t know what you want.”

“I don’t want this. We can’t even have a decent conversation anymore. You’ve hurt me time and time again, and you never seem sorry.”

“If you want me to be different, I can be different. I can’t change what’s already happened.”

“You’ll never change. I know you won’t, that’s why I have to leave.”

“You aren’t even giving me a chance.”

“I’ve given you chances.” You put your hands out when he stepped towards you, pressing them against his stomach. “I’ve given you chance after chance and you always disappoint me.”

“How have I disappointed you?” He asked.

You fell silent, it was hard to remember any specific occasion while your mind was racing like it was. You couldn’t think straight.

“You can’t even tell me?” He asked.

“It doesn’t matter,” You said, looking up at him again. “You can’t change my mind.”

“Where are you gonna go?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Andrea’s?”

“No.”

Silence fell over the room and neither of you spoke for a while. He finally said something when you tried to walk out of his embrace.

“L-Let me try,” He said as you pried his hands off of you. “Let me t-try to be better.”

“No.”

“What do you want me to do? You want me to beg you? Look, I’m begging you~”

“I’m sorry, E, I just can’t.”

Your broken heart crumbled further when he spoke your name, his tone pleading and desperate. You could count on one hand the number of times he’d called you by your name. Hearing his desperate voice saying it now made your legs feel weak beneath you. “Baby, you don’t have to do this. I-I mean what a-about Dawn~”

“She doesn’t need me.”

“…I need you.”

You stood on your tiptoes and kissed his cheek before you pulled away completely. You didn’t wait another second before rushing out of the room. You dried your tears uselessly as you shut the door behind yourself and walked away.

You stalled in the hall for a moment, looking over your shoulder as if he’d come racing after you at any moment. You waited for his door to open, you waited for him to continue begging you to stay.

When he didn’t, you took that first step—the hardest step—and walked away.

You dried your tears as best you could, trying to put on a brave face before going downstairs. You left Graceland that night without looking back. Tears clung to your lashes and spilt down your face, but you never once looked back.

You felt like you were leaving a part of yourself behind as you drove aimlessly—taking the first exit you saw to the nearest train station.

You thought about Dawn and how she would react upon discovering that you left and weren’t coming back. You would call her and explain everything when you got the chance. You knew she’d be worried.

You told yourself that you were making the right decision, that you were choosing yourself. And, even though it didn’t make you any less afraid, you were proud.

*

A/n:

Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement, this is my first elvis fic and you all have been so kind and supportive <3

~a sinner

ps.i promise this isn’t the end for birdie and e <3