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whatstruthgottodowithit · 1 year ago

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The Price of Loving Elvis Presley

Fandom: Elvis Presley, RPF, American Actor

Pairing: Elvis Presley x Female Reader

Characters: Elvis Presley, Female Reader, Tom Jones, Jerry Schilling, Sandy Schilling

Word Count: 2256

Rating: Mature

Summary: The whole town is talking, they're callin' you a fool, for listening to his same old lies.

Tags/Warnings: Established Relationship, Love, Implied Cheating, Implied Sex, Cold Shoulder, Arguing, Angst, Fluff, Tom Jones, Vegas Residency, Tom and Elvis, Las Vegas, Reader’s Outfit , It Hurts Me // Elvis Presley

Notes: Hope you like it! I also love the irony that Elvis sings ‘It Hurts Me’ like he isn’t it to a T.

Elvis Tags: @literally-just-elvis-fics @caitlin1996 @notstefaniepresley @18lkpeters

Request by @elvispresleyxoxo - that’s ok , please could it be elvis and reader are making love and elvis calls reader a costar or another girls name she blows up and basically just gets angry doesn’t speak to him for days does stuff to make him jealous but eventually forgives him xx

I could hear him. He was pacing just outside the door no doubt building up the courage to come inside. Or rather wondering what reaction he was going to receive. I had to admit I’d given myself whiplash with the number of emotions I’d been feeling since yesterday. Not that it wasn’t justified. A couple of days ago my moods had been just peachy. Elvis was finally going to be done with his most recent stint in Vegas and had flown me and some of the girls out to meet them. He’d been happy to be almost finished with it which in turn had meant everyone had been in a great mood and he’d been particularly thrilled for us to be reunited.

Or so I thought.

We’d made it one night. In between shows he’d been all over me like a rash which I had missed. I’d even been the one to suggest we head back to the room right after his midnight show was over as our actions were getting all the more amorous. We’d barely made it back to the room before we were all over one another.

Then it happened.

She happened.

In my arms he had called out the name of another woman. Safe to say the mood was well and truly ruined. He had tried to shrug it off as though I had misheard him but that had only angered me. Our loving reunion devolved into screaming and crying (mostly mine) and eventually petered out to us spending the night apart.

That was where I was now, where I had spent the majority of the day. Away from him. My anger hadn’t subsided but I didn’t have the strength in me to argue and since he never wanted to admit he was in the wrong all communication had stopped. Until now.

I’d seen him of course. It never failed to surprise me how the man who could avoid anyone he wanted suddenly popped up whenever I was mad at him. He had made an appearance at breakfast, something that almost never happened as he preferred to rise well after noon. And then whilst I had been enjoying an afternoon with the girls by the pool he had chosen to go for an afternoon dip, his gaze falling on me at the end of every length he did, not that I took him on much.

Now he was pacing outside my door. Well, the door of my friend Sandy who had been kind enough to let me crash with her for the night since I didn’t want to go back to the suite. As I waited for the knock I blotted my lipstick, realigned my cleavage in my dress and ran my fingers through my hair to make it fall just right.

Then it came.

‘Come in,’ I said refusing to get up and let him in. As the door unlatched I busied myself with tidying away the makeup laid on the table in front of me not even looking up as he entered the room. After a moment of silence, he cleared his throat forcing me to look at him.

He looked gorgeous. He was wearing a crisp high collared suit with a white scarf that contrasted his tanned skin perfectly. In the low lamplight, his blue eyes looked electric and his supple lips looked like they needed to be kissed. Any other time I would’ve done so.

‘Hey,’ he said as I stood up and grabbed my purse off the bed, ‘wow, you looked stunning.’ ‘Thanks,’ I said with a sarcastic smile that made his fade as he realised it wasn’t going to be as easy as he thought to win me round. ‘Uh, I came to see if you’re coming to dinner��I wasn’t sure,’ he said rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. ‘Of course I am,’ I said tucking my clutch under my arm, ‘you got a problem with that?’ ‘Of course not,’ he said hurriedly. I nodded and moved past to stand by the door leaving him watching me with a confused look on his face. ‘Are we going or not?’ I asked. He nodded and rushed into action, opening the door so I could walk out. Though he led the way I could feel him glancing at me every so often unsure of how to take me.

We’d argued before of course and he was so stubborn I was normally the one to cave first but I wasn’t feeling it this time. Though the indiscretion could be seen as a minor one, well compared to some of the others, it didn’t feel like it. I always suspected other girls. They were part of his lifestyle. But for one of them to make their way into our bed. Our life. It seemed to hurt more than the rumours ever could. So I wasn’t going to let him off the hook easily. If he wanted forgiveness he was going to have to work for it.

We met some of the boys downstairs and headed across town to where we would be spending the evening. As Elvis was shepherded through throngs of fans, signing autographs and having pictures taken, I wandered towards the girls who were congregated waiting to go in, a fact that I knew would annoy him. He liked to have me close by in incidences like this should anything go awry. When we finally walked into the venue he appeared beside me, his large hand grasping mine tightly as he led us to our seats. He didn’t say anything but I smirked to myself at how much I was getting under his skin.

Throughout the show we didn’t talk much. Our booth was made up of just Jerry, Sandy, Elvis and I with the boys and the girls on either side rather than couple by couple. As he chatted to Jerry about how impressed he was by the act I spoke to Sandy in hushed whispers. He was right. The act was quite something, a phenomenal voice and charisma on stage yet that wasn’t what had got me and Sandy giggling like schoolgirls. He was attractive too. Not as much as Elvis but definitely rugged and handsome. Elvis seemed to notice it too, his gaze flitting to the stage as I mocked fanning myself with a napkin to make Sandy laugh. When our eyes met across the table I could see his jaw clench earning a smile from me.

When the set was almost over a stocky gentleman I had never met before appeared leaning over the booth as he spoke, ‘Sorry to bother you, sir.’ ‘It’s no problem,’ Elvis said politely, ‘what’s the matter?’ ‘Nothing’s the matter it’s just that Tom would like to offer his thanks for you attending tonight,’ he said, ‘he’ll be off stage in a minute if you’d like to come backstage and meet him.’ ‘Sure,’ Elvis said but as he glanced across the table and noted my excited expression the clenched jaw returned, ‘you girls wait here okay?’ ‘ ‘Oh no they can come if they want,’ the man said, ‘Tom won’t mind.’ ‘Yeah baby,’ I said grabbing my purse off the table as I feigned the most innocent expression I could muster, ‘unless you have a problem with me and Sandy coming?’

He glanced at Sandy and then Jerry before his gaze landed back on me. Not only did he hate having to jump through hoops for forgiveness he hated fighting in front of other people. If he agreed he’d be conceding to jump through even more hoops. If he said no he’d be the asshole. He was stuck.

‘Why would I?’ he said with a tight smile. ‘Great,’ I said, ‘then let’s go meet Tom Jones.’

✵✵✵

The night was almost over and though I had enjoyed myself I still wasn’t happy. From the moment we had landed in Tom’s dressing room, Elvis had shifted into entertainer mode. He and Tom had had pictures together and spent ages talking about performing and how they admired each other as entertainers. We’d even headed to dinner with Tom and some of his entourage. And to anyone else, we seemed like a perfect couple.

He was so good at pretending everything was normal I had even started to doubt myself. Was I being unfair? Was I overreacting? It was one measly name. And after all, I had spent the night flirting with Tom freaking Jones to try and get a rise out of him and nothing. Maybe it was time to give up the ghost. Wave the white flag.

I had excused myself to the bathroom, not bothering to ask Sandy to come as she was too enamoured with Tom to leave. Once I was done I gave myself a once over in the mirror and tried to plaster a smile on my face though the feeling of futility never left me. It looked convincing enough though, so I exited the bathroom with every intention of heading back to the private function room we had been in though my path was blocked as Elvis appeared the minute I stepped out of the ladies, grabbing my arm as he steered away from peering eyes towards the end of the corridor.

‘What are you doing?’ I asked, wrenching my arm from his grasp though it was pretty fruitless. I was trapped between him and the wall, I couldn’t go anywhere even if I wanted to. That thought was also made clear as I peered around his shoulder and found a couple of the guys blocking this end of the corridor off. Instead, I watched his flaming blue eyes look down on me. ‘Conceding,’ he said with a small smile. ‘What?’ I asked incredulously as he pulled back, his hands going to my waist. ‘You win,’ he said. ‘Oh I do, do I?’ I asked folding my arms across my chest, ‘and what exactly am I supposed to be winning Elvis?’ ‘Me, admitting I was in the wrong,’ he said unfazed by my coolness as he moved a strand of hair off my face. My resolve crumbled a fraction as he smiled down at me. Only he could admit to his shortcomings and still seem so attractive. ‘You realised that huh?’ I said scrambling to keep the upper hand though it was slipping through my fingers by the second. ‘I knew from the moment I did it,’ he admitted. ‘And yet it took you a day to admit it,’ I grumbled pulling away from him to lean against the wall. Elvis stroked his chin with his thumb as he watched me.

‘Don’t pretend you haven’t enjoyed putting me through the wringer Mama,’ he said. I tried to protest but he raised an eyebrow, ‘the dress, the cleavage, the fawning over Tom.’ ‘He is Tom Jones,’ I said cockily. ‘Are you telling me you’d have paid him half as much attention if we hadn’t been fighting?’ ‘Maybe,’ I said feeling my cockiness crumble, ‘okay probably not and anyway it’s not like you even noticed.’ ‘What because I didn’t whip out my pistol and shoot him? Baby I noticed every time you looked at the goddamn man,’ he said pulling me to him, ‘the way you put your hand on his knee, the way you laughed at all his jokes.’ ‘Didn’t call out his name in bed though, did I?’ I said. It was a last-ditch attempt at winning and we both knew it. Though the way he sighed made me feel as though it had had some impact.

‘No, you didn’t,’ he said finally meeting my eyes, ‘but like I said. I’m conceding. You were right to be angry…I’m sorry.’ ‘Why didn’t you just admit then and there?’ I asked. ‘I don’t know. Stubbornness? I didn’t want to ruin our night…I’d just got you back.’ ‘It ruined it anyway,’ I grumbled. ‘I know,’ he said placing his hand on my neck as his thumb stroked gently across my jawline. ‘You really hurt me E,’ I admitted feeling whatever resolve I had well and truly disappeared when I heard the vulnerability in my voice. ‘I know,’ he said, ‘sometimes I feel like it’s the only thing I do well…that’s why seeing you with him like that hurts so much.’ ‘Why?’ I asked. ‘What if you realise you wanna be with someone like him? I couldn’t blame you for that.’ ‘But I don’t love him,’ I said, ‘I love you.’ ‘Foolish really,’ he said with a sad smile. ‘Probably,’ I agreed placing my hands around the scarf he was wearing so I could pull him towards me. ‘What if I can’t stop hurtin’ ya,’ he murmured sadly. ‘If that’s the price of loving you I’ll pay it.’ ‘I’m lucky you still do,’ he said.

He leant down, brushing his lips against mine for just a moment before pulling back. He was right. It probably was foolish of me to love him given all the hurt he put me through and yet I couldn’t stop. Even if I had to put him through a couple of hoops before I could forgive him I never stopped loving him. I would never be able to stop because the price of loving him didn’t take away the fact that to be loved by him meant everything. And that was something I couldn’t lose.

#my writing #request #requested fic #the price of loving elvis presley #elvis x reader #elvis x female reader #elvis presley x reader #elvis presley #elvis #elvis presley fic

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fckyouiwontdowhatyoutellme · 10 months ago

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Because my braincell was braincelling rn I decided to have some fun with Law being german.

That man deserves to have some guilty plasure playlist with german songs that he sings along, knowing nobody will understand him (except Brook)

(Note: I am not that into german music and this is mainly stuff I listen to as well, so if you have things to add be my guest)

So here goes:

He definetly would love Die Ärzte. For their music and their name.

That one reminds him of Corazon

That one is pretty self explaining but when he meets Luffy he makes it his themesong in his head.

This is just for fun

This is his song for Kid (even tho its actually an anti-nazi song)

Thats also an song that reminds him of Corazon

This is some miscellaneous stuff

I would link some more stuff but well there's a limit. But that's a glimpse into some of the stuff I think he'd listen to.

Of course its mostly stuff from alt bands but also some Neue Deutsche Welle (only if he's drunk).

#trafalgar law #trafalgar d water law #one piece #trafalgar law headcanons #one piece headcanons

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x-manson-annotated · 4 months ago

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X-Manson Annotated Chapter 5 - Part One: INFILTRATORS.

Holy shit, the final chapter. This is where I really like a lot of concepts. The Avengers make a proper appearance and everyone's favorite sapphic Carol Danvers has a shitty time. See the reblogged version for the rest of it, since Tumblr has a limit on only 30 images.

If i'm not mistaken, this places the year that Kitty is watching the documentary as 2000 whereas before it said "Present Day" or "Today" . This places Kitty and Dani at probably 23 and 26 respectively.

**Dwight Hammer, like all cops is a goddamn moron.

Paid Schill.

1999 the y ear of the raid? Xavier's psychics forcing people to confess to murders that they didn't commit?

*I'm not sure if Dolores is a reference to someone special or just a filler character.

**I don't know why the spelling of her name with the 'e'. I've looked at multiple versions of the story and that detail remains in all of them.

**ALIENS EXIST IN THE CULT AU.

Motherfucking Carol Danvers!

*I'm not totally sure if that's something Supergirl used to be like.

** Rogue. I'm not sure who the intelligence agency is, since SHIELD seems to be a known quantity in the world.

*** That isn't really a thing she's known for either.

*Carole uses that very insistent phrase "the Kree that fucked me up". In the comics, she gained her abilities from an explosion that mixed her DNA with Mahr-Vel. So, is it possible in this au the Kree intentionally experimented on her?

**Pretty green eyes convince Carole Danvers that Rogue isn't a tech. Gay as hell behavior, champ.

***Further gay behavior. Much less traumatic loss of her powers as opposed to what happened to her in the comics.

*This is referencing her lesbianism within the story. I don't know if this is Benway's potentially homophobic perspective on Carole's sexuality, or if it's meant to be a purely in-universe sense of present homophobia.

Rogue's Mom, Destiny is being a cryptic old biddy. She's present twice the story, but Mystique isn't. Maybe she died a while back after some encounter with the cult, resulting in Rogue being sent in as an agent. But, that's just my headcanon.

*See.

**Rogue gave Carole a type.

**Why didn't she decay? Because of Carole's powers?

***Destiny was able to see that Carole was going to fuck her shit up by kissing Rogue's corpse, but not that Rogue would get murdered? Like, c'mon, that's your daughter.

*I might be right.

**I'm so fucking sick of Vance taking every single incorrect lesson from his life. Of course, she was angry, Vance. She was in near-constant pain, you unbearable prick.

***Probably doesn't help that she was being cryptic about what happened.

*I still love how angry he is with American spy agencies.

*Possibly this universe's version of Freedom Force?

Xavier loaning out cult members for odd jobs?

*Sorry HOXPOX fans, Moira isn't a mutant.

**So that's where they're potentially filling up their ranks?

***My immediate thought was Gambit both because of the title and the New Orleans connection. This might also be Amahl Farouk, who has a history of employing pickpockets, but he was based in Egypt. Though, I don't want to discount him totally because of my biased headcanon.

*Tracking the cult's activity from the ground up. But, how is the cult going to all of these places constantly? How far spread are they outside of Westchester?

** Nice to know that Black Tom exists in this au. Hope he and Cain have a summer cottage together somewhere on the coast where they can grow old together, far away from any of this cult horseshit.

Spain

Morocco

Romania

Hungary

Yugoslavia

Westchester, New York.

So, Sean was likely trying to infiltrate them after making contact in Yugoslavia and then ended up being inducted into the cult, proper.

That is so goddamn scary it's unreal.

*was their a psi on the isles manipulating the local Interpol agents? Can Xavier or Cable stretch their influence that far?

*Rahne Sinclair

*I just now noticed that Terry in this story is eleven. My god. That's an especially horrifying ordeal at that age.

*if Sean was pleading, it's possible that either they didn't have him under psychic control yet (not coring him) or the distance allowed the connection to break. But who else is with Logan that's coercing Sean into action?

*She could tell almost immediately that Rahne was a mutant and not some kind of freakish dog.

The river to confuse Logan's tracking ability?

*Rahne's home in the woods.

*They don't see her transform in the dark, but she can take on a human or at least human adjacent shape. Rahne Sinclair is a saint.

First Voice, Unknown.

Second Voice, Logan.

*My first instinct was that this is Sean, but Moira would have clarified if it were. Maybe it's Cable or Piotr?

**Rahne can take on a human shape, but is functionally feral and cant understand human language.

*Logan's voice again.

**Cars everywhere. Some of them look burned. Sunfire? Is the second voice Sunfire?

*Christ alive, they massacred ten whole police officers and special forces agents.

Logan sticking around to threaten the family by leaving shreadded vehicles around? Why not murder them?

#marvel #fanfiction #x men #xmen #x men 97 #annotations #x-men #Rahne Sinclair #Theresa cassidy #sean cassidy #carol danvers #captain marvel #ms marvel #moira mactaggert #Rogue #anna marie darkholme #anna marie lebeau #fanfiction analysis

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fischerfrey · 1 year ago

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► mini profile;

Full Name: Sydney Orville Barlow Birthday: February 13th, 1892 (Aquarius) Pronouns: he/him Sexual Orientation: bisexual Hogwarts House: Slytherin

►academics:

Best Subject: Charms, Transfiguration Worst Subject: Divination, History of Magic Extracurriculars: none Sydney realized early on that him being muggle-born was going to affect the way he was treated in the Wizarding World, so he came up with an elaborate lie about his heritage. Some of the school staff knew, of course, but Sydney convinced them to keep quiet about it (which wasn't difficult, since the school was more than happy to close its eyes from the discrimination faced by muggle-borns). At the age of eleven, he didn't realize the far-reaching consequences of the lie and how far he'd have to go to keep it up.

►magic:

Wand: Larch, 11 inches, phoenix feather core Strong, durable and warm in colour, larch has long been valued as an attractive and powerful wand wood. Its reputation for instilling courage and confidence in the user has ensured that demand has always outstripped supply. This much sought-after wand is, however, hard to please in the matter of ideal owners, and trickier to handle than many imagine. I find that it always creates wands of hidden talents and unexpected effects, which likewise describes the master who deserves it. It is often the case that the witch or wizard who belongs to the larch wand may never realise the full extent of their considerable talents until paired with it, but that they will then make an exceptional match. Patronus: Fire-dwelling salamander This small, fire-dwelling lizard is born out of flames and lives as long as the flames that spawned it, though it can survive outside them for up to six hours if fed properly. This Patronus represents a person that was born and/or has lived under pressing circumstances but overcomes every obstacle, getting stronger each day. People with this Patronus love challenges and are good at handling stress. They're also usually extremely passionate, ready to give their all for an idea or relationship if they feel it's the right move.

►appearence:

Faceclaim: Rami Malek Eye colour: Green/gray Hair colour: Black Height: 5ft 7 (171cm)

►relationships:

Parents: Tyrone and Sarah Barlow Tyrone Barlow and his family live in North Eastern England. He's a muggle and a factory worker and the family isn't particularly well-off. After the death of Tyrone's first wife Katherine, he marries Sarah. As a child, Sydney is close to his parents, but after he starts at Hogwarts, he distances himself from them to keep up his ruse about being pureblood. Tyrone and Sarah are hurt and struggle to understand the stigma around being muggleborn. Older brother: Aiden Tyrone Barlow Aiden is Sydney's half-brother from their father's first marriage, and a muggle. He is five years older than Sydney and the pair were always close as children. When Sydney starts Hogwarts and distances himself from his family, Aiden is hurt but tries to understand the politics of the Wizarding World. Aiden and Sydney reconnect during and after the Great War. FC: Matthew Settle

Friends: OPEN! Dormmates: OPEN for school years 1903-1910 Love interest: Alexej Kavinsky by @potionboy3 During the war, Sydney is taken captive by an extremist group of Anti-Muggle wizards due to his blood status. Alexej saves his life and the two keep running into each other afterwards. FC: Tom Schilling

►about:

While the Sorting Hat couldn't be fooled about his blood status, it saw great potential for Sydney in Slytherin, so it put him there. Slytherin rarely, if ever, accepted any other than pure-blood students, so Sydney had to be clever and careful to survive. He made friends as well as rivals, and left school with excellent marks in Charms, Transfiguration, and DADA. He considered becoming an auror but decided against it in fear of being discovered as a muggle-born. His secret leaked out anyway, thanks to an old school rival of his. Sydney retreated from the Wizarding World despite promising career options at the Ministry. He returned to his family to make amends and joined the army as his brother had done. Sydney is ambitious and cunning, as befits his placement in Slytherin. He's a practiced liar and throws himself easily into any role if it benefits him. He's not malicious, though, and rarely goes out of his way to hurt others. He has a sense of humour and appreciates that in others too. He's not a very open person, though he can make one believe that they know him. He tells the truth more often than not, because the big lies are easier to keep up that way. He doesn't hold strong convictions or loyalty to any cause, and prefers to keep his options open but ultimately he wants to do what he feels is right.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

#sydney barlow #hp ww1 era #hp wwi era #*mine #*profile #i haven't posted a profile in a while lol #he's technically a #gryff's side characters #but like i love him so he's a main character in my heart #let me know if you have ocs to be friends (or enemies) with him!

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shirks-all-responsibilities · 2 years ago

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A S K G A M E! Thanks for the tag @iamskyereads!

nickname: Shirks!! When I get called it I'm 🥹

sign: Gemini

height: 5’5"

last thing you googled: The address of my physical therapy appointment.

song stuck in my head: The chorus of "Major Tom" by Peter Schilling (a.k.a. "oh THAT'S the name and artist of that song!!!" 😆). Ever since the TLOU trailer came out, 80s songs have taken up residence in my brain and won't leave...

number of followers: 44 💖 (after some bot-whack-a-mole)

amount of sleep: Way too little this week 😬 (revenge bedtime procrastination my beloved)

dream job: The pressure of a job always seems to ruin any passions 😭.

wearing: A sweater and pajama bottoms, of course!

movie/book that summarizes you: Let's get pretentious: Melancholia

fav song currently: The sweet, sweet sounds of Pedro's voice.😍

aesthetic: Fashion-wise? Elder millennial, can't-be-bothered, whatever is clean and comfy and doesn't require any effort. 😊

favourite author: Pedro character fanfic writers, babeee! You all have my whole heart.🥰

random fun fact: There is a mountain peak here just east of Salt Lake City called Gobblers Knob, which never ceases to amuse me (where my UK friends at 🍆🙃).

No pressure tags if anyone wants to play, or hasn't recently! @davnittbraes, @imtryingmybeskar, @the-scandalorian, @deadhumourist, @mandosmistress, @nicolethered

#tag game #ask game #personal

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engbergsinfinland · 3 months ago

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Saturday, Once Again!

First up, Cece's announced on Friday that she has a loose tooth! She's been on hiatus from loose teeth for about a year and a half and now one of her lower teeth is wiggly -- and she is committed to losing it very soon.

Also, Rowan asked me on Thursday night, "Mom, do you know the song 'Space Odyssey'?" and I was like, "Of course, and you mean 'Space Oddity.'" And I said, "How do you know that song? It has such a sad ending, when Major Tom is lost in space and asks for the people back on Earth to tell his wife he loves her." Rowan said, "No, that's not the one I mean. Our teacher played us one that was recorded on the International Space Station and it has a happy ending." I though, well, I guess I must hear this revisionist ditty -- and, you know, it's pretty good. I always love a happy ending. Following on this was my question to Rowan about a good variation/relative/descendent of th e"Space Oddity" theme: the 1982 Peter Schilling song "Major Tom." Had he heard it? Well, now he has! Since Thursday, Rowan has been learning to play that on the piano, so that is what we're hearing a lot of this weekend.

Eric ran a 5K this morning as a part of the ParkRun series and he got a personal best! I spent the morning writing a conference abstract for a conference in Madrid in March that my friend Cristina had told me is a great conference. I have never gone to a conference in Europe during the academic year because the travel is too hard for just being able to be away for a few days. So, now that we're in a time zone not too far off from Madrid's, I am hoping to go to this conference! While I was writing the conference abstract, changing the bed linens, doing laundry, and petting Alex, and while Eric was running to the point of exhaustion because he really pushed himself to go super fast, the kids were at figure skating training.

We met them at the rink when they were done (and there was also a music festival going on the rink's massive parking lot, since it is a three-rink complex) and we went to the Prisma grocery store, which we love, and to the Power (it's basically like a Best Buy or Circuit City) and I got a dongle that has an HDMI and USB jack so I can plug in the monitor that was in this flat to my MacBook Air so I do not have to be straining my neck all year while I work on this book (UX+You is its title) and all of the other writing tasks I have to do. After our time at Prisma and Power, we went to another shopping center so I could go to a fabric store to try to find some buttons for a shirt I am making Cece. And, then, we went home! I went back out with Rowan and Alex for a walk -- and then, tonight, they had virtual piano lessons with their teacher back at home. They've just continued, without a hitch!

What else happened this week . . . OH! I taught my first class at Tampere University! It went well and I used the strategies I had planned, to engage students who were not really interested in raising a hand or speaking in class. I was told that Finns would choose almost anything above calling attention to themselves. I had nine students and the number may drop below that (one student dropped today and emailed me to say it was because she thought her English was not strong enough) -- but I hope I don't lose more. The class is "Ethics in Technical and Professional Communication." Other news of the week is that I went to parents' night for Rowan's 6th grade class, and that was very informative, and Eric took Cece to her second gymnastics class so far, since we've been here, and she is so excited to be back in gymnastics.

Back to the parents' night: the teacher, Annariikka, seems over-the-moon with her 6th graders this year. I gathered than many of them have been together and have had her as a teacher since 3rd grade! I spoke with her briefly afterwards to ask something about the communication app they use and she told me Rowan is settling in so well and the other kids seem to like and respect him because, her words, he's "really smart." I also learned that each 6th grade class saves money, well, earns it through fundraising, to go on a 6th-grade trip at the end of the year. Last year, the 6th graders went to a family-type resort for two nights, about 1.5 hours away. This class has lots and lots of Euros still to raise in order to get to go. We learned about all the things they can sell and the bake sales they could have to get this kind of money pulled together! Cece's class's parents' night is this coming week :)

I also went to a international faculty information session on Tuesday at the other location of Tampere University (there are two campuses in different parts of Tampere). The university has lots of initiatives to integrate new international faculty and their spouses and the program was interesting and I loved hearing about all of the events and the buddy program that will happen over the academic year. I met a totally cool woman from Ireland who is a philosophy professor. She still lives in Helsinki, but it would be great to get coffee with her sometime, here or there. Speaking of coffee, my passionately anti-coffee husband is still flirting with the idea of drinking coffee (I think I mentioned his cappuccino comment a few weeks back). He actually got like a vanilla iced-coffee oat milk carton at the store and he said, "it didn't taste bad," in a charmingly incredulous way. And I said, "of course it does not taste bad. That stuff is like candy. Or melted Häagen-Dazs coffee ice cream."

I must mention before signing off that there is a phenomenon of pizza-and-kebab places here. I was just texting McKenzie about it today. There are maybe a hundred (is this an exaggeration? I am actually not sure) pizza-and-kebab restaurants in Tampere alone. If you're curious, check out this one and you can change the language to English; see their menu for the variety of options. Last year, when we were in Sweden, and happened upon a pasta/pizza place that served Cece alfredo pasta that actually was a yellow curry alfredo, we thought that was a one-of-a-kind odd situation. Now, I am starting to realize this is a broader phenomenon -- Middle Eastern/pizza/pasta fusion restaurants. It is certainly all the rage here.

Have a great rest of your weekend!

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goodoldfashionedengineer · 3 months ago

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Tagged by: @beautyconsumer

Thank you so much for tagging!

rules: answer and tag nine people you want to get to know better and catch up with.

favorite color: green!!! 💚 💚 💚

last song: Major Tom (Coming Home) from Peter Schilling because Umbrella Academy gave me an earworm

currently reading: Green Arrow (2001). Nothing said comics didn't count and honestly I haven't read a book in quite some time. Even though I have quite a few I haven't read yet…

currently watching: Umbrella Academy, I am currently finished with season 2. I absolutely love it, but will wait until I’ve read the comics before I watch season 3 and 4. Also finished Batman: Caped Crusader recently, which I enjoyed up until episode 6.

currently craving: Ice cream sandwich, but one of those that have one half dipped in chocolate instead of the wafer

coffee or tea: tea, I loathe coffee, it makes me so tired after a few hours, don't know why

hobby to try: dancing. Had a dance course in highschool and I actually enjoyed it. Also boxing even though it probably wouldn't be a good idea. A lot of specific art techniques with paint and paint buckets because I think it’s cool but don't have the money or room for that kinda stuff. Plus I can't stand the smell of paint more often than not. Would also like to try glass blowing one day

current au: Arkhamverse!Jason gets saved by Bruce and they both readjust after what happened to Jason and he is working through that trauma. Also a one-shot in which Dick, Jason, Tim and Damian meet this alternate universe.

Then another Jason Haywood story in which he grew up with Sheila and how he still ends up with Bruce.

Last of the DC fics we have a fic with Willis turning his life around after being imprisoned the first time and trying to make up for his past, because he wants to be there for his son.

And because I am absolutely obsessed with The Umbrella Academy right now, I also started a fic yesterday in which Klaus figures out he can possess people. Reginald figures it out, Klaus’ training changes thanks to that and it is lots and lots of trauma (spoiler: Living humans aren't the only one's dear ol' Reggie makes him possess)

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weclassybouquetfun · 3 years ago

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With the first Monday in May comes The Met Gala. This year's theme is the second part of 2021's theme IN AMERICA. The first year was the Lexicon of Fashion, this year's theme "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" had a mission statement of celebrating the " storytelling and a historical context (of fashion), starting with the development of American fashion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the emergence of an identifiable American style and the rise of the name designer.” The dress code was "gilded glamour and white tie."

This year's chairs were Anna Wintour, Tom Ford as honorary chair and official co-chairs Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Regina King (who did not attend).

Of course nearly everyone just did whatever the hell they wanted to do.

Like Conan Gray

Like the cast and creative behind the upcoming film ELVIS, all clad in Prada.

Costume designer Catherine Martin, Alton Mason Kelvin Harrison Jr, Olivia DeJonge, Austin Butler, Elvis' ex-wife Priscilla Presley, Jerry Schilling, Kacey Musgraves who has a song on the soundtrack and Martin's husband, director Baz Luhrmann.

Butler and girlfriend, Kaia Gerber

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lefthandedbastard · 2 years ago

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You can call me insane because i've been watching a few episodes of the gay and wondrous life of caleb gallo and there was this one instrumental that kept playing and i was losing my mind like i swear ive heard this before and i couldnt place the song but i KNEW. Somehow. That it was german new wave europop. I was certain, right? So im on idk episode 4 or something and its playing in the background and the same instrumental starts and im not as bothered this time since ive come to grips with not knowing which german new wave europop song it is when the singing starts and ITS MAJOR TOM. BY PETER SCHILLING. The english version, of course. But nonetheless, somehow, THE MYSTERIOUS SYNTH THATS BEEN PLAYING IN THE BACK OF MY MIND THE PAST COUPLE OF DAYS HAS IN FACT BEEN GERMAN NEW WAVE EUROPOP. Anyway absolutely nothing has been gained from this other than having "völllllig losgelöööst,,, von der erdeee~" stuck in my head probably for the next week

#welcome to my unhinged hellworld of a brain #ive had the dundundundumdundundyndyn DUNDYNDUNDUDMUDNDUNDUN #stuck in my head on various occasions #lefty.txt

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legendxry-outlaw · 3 years ago

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( diego boneta. 35. he/him. cis male. ) are you a VIGILANTE? something tells me that a well-used walkman, being the quintessential space cowboy, watching stars and planets zip by through hyperspace make you who you are, PETER QUILL. with the powers of MARKSMANSHIP & PILOT SKILLS, you’re sure to have a fun-loving, hot-headed personality — and you definitely belong to UNAFFILIATED. were you listening to MAJOR TOM by PETER SCHILLING on your way to the subway? it suits you. we can’t wait to see what you do next!

character name: Peter Jason Quill age: 35 faceclaim: Diego Boneta voiceclaim: Diego Boneta skill set: enhanced strength / durability (due to being half-Celestial), excellent marksmanship, accomplished pilot, master thief, skilled in hand to hand combat affiliations: Guardians of the Galaxy family: Ego (father, deceased), Meredith Quill (mother, deceased), Yondu Undonta (adoptive father, deceased) zodiac: Gemini wiki link: [X]

was your character “blipped” out? if so, what did they return to and how is it affecting them? if not, who important to them was blipped out, and what has it felt like after those five years have passed?

Yes, Peter was blipped, disappearing during the battle on Titan, then re-appearing there in what seemed like only moments to him but was actually five years later. He was further shocked when, after joining with the rest of the universe's heroes in order to defeat Thanos, he found another version of Gamora who came from a time in which she did not know him. That has been hard for Peter to grasp, as well as having been out of the loop--again--for some time with current events and pop culture.

where are they living? are they living with anyone?

At the moment, he is living alone in an apartment, though he would much rather be living on his ship which he has sadly been separated from.

why is your character affiliated with who they’re affiliated with?

Peter is affiliated with the Guardians because they are his closest friends, and have become the closest thing to a family he has had since losing his mother.

who are their major friends, allies, and foes?

Friends & Allies: Gamora, Drax, Rocket Racoon, Groot, Yondu, the Ravagers, the Nova Corps, Thor Odinson Foes: Ego, Ronan, Thanos

whose hands do they believe the country should be in?

He doesn't exactly do well with authority, so he's most likely to say the power should be in the people's hands. But then again, Peter knows very little about what has been happening on Earth in the last few decades, so he might not be the best person to ask.

what’s their current mental state at? their physical state?

He's still a little disturbed by having been gone for five years, but he's adapted to plenty of weird things over the course of his life, so mentally he's not so bad. Physically, he's in the same good shape he usually is.

#reshielded:intro #{{ hooked on a feeling : about peter }}

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whatstruthgottodowithit · 1 year ago

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Here You Come Again [Part Seventeen]

Fandom: Elvis Presley, RPF, American Actor

Pairing: Elvis Presley × Original Female Character

Characters: Elvis Presley, Addison Goodwin, Original Female Characters, Priscilla Presley, Colonel Tom Parker, Vernon Presley, Gladys Presley, Minnie Mae Presley, Marci Cunningham, Jerry Schilling, Red West, Sonny West, Marty Lacker, Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike, Alan Fortas, George Klein, Memphis Mafia

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 10,784

Summary: When Addison Goodwin was seventeen years old her life was turned inside out after a chance encounter with her past.

Now, fifteen years later her life is the best it's ever been. She has a home, a good job and a daughter she loves more than anything in the world but will all that remain when an old familiar face rolls into town.

Tags: Angst, Fluff, Graceland, Las Vegas, The International Hotel, Elvis In Vegas, 1970s, 1970s Elvis, Friends To Lovers, Rekindled Romance, Parenting, Time Line is Sketchy, Guilt, Betrayal, Teenage Pregnancy, Hawaii, Hidden Pregnancy, Jealousy, Sex, Absence of Parent, Single Motherhood, Trauma, Oral Sex, Tension

Notes: Well we made it. Hope it’s what yall wanted 💕

LINK TO ALL PARTS // LINK TO AO3 // LINK TO PINTEREST

‘Please tell me you’re joking,’ Marci said as she paced up and down their hotel room. Addison was sitting on her bed, where she had been all day, wallowing in self-pity. Jess had spent the day out, no doubt keeping Elvis preoccupied as promised, and Marci had been God knows where until she’d waltzed in around dinner time and found Addison looking morose as ever.

‘Mar,’ Addison sighed rubbing her fingers along the bridge of her nose. She didn’t intend to be short with her friend but she had been through everything again and again in her mind -that by the time evening had rolled around she was done with thinking about any of it. Of course that hadn’t stopped Marci from asking and it wasn’t as if she could lie about the chasmic gap Addison had put between herself and the rest of the group.

‘No,’ Marci protested looking at her with disbelief, ‘no, please tell me that you didn’t just turn down the love of your life after he poured his heart and soul out to you?! The man who you’ve loved since you were seventeen years old! The father of your child!’

‘Mar it’s not that simple,’ Addison sighed, closing the book she been failing to read and placing it on her lap.

‘Why not?! You love him and don’t bother telling me that you don’t,’ Marci said cutting Addison off with a stern look before it fell into one of despair, ‘I just don’t understand…I’ve seen the way you guys are together. Addie he loves you so much.’

‘Yeah and he loved me then too and look what happened. Hell he loved Priscilla enough to marry her and that went to hell,’ Addison retorted moving so that she wasn’t looking at Marci as she threw the book she had been holding onto the bed behind her. She had known no one would understand. She didn’t expect them to, but she at least wanted them to respect her decision, something none of them seemed to do.

‘So what? That’s the past,’ Marci said watching her friend as she failed to look at her. She could see the hurt plastered across her face, hurt she had seen before, especially in those early days. Back when any mention of Elvis seemed akin to taking a live wire and running it across Addison’s skin given it offered the same reaction. But that was then. They’d made it through those times so why not give it a shot? It didn’t make any sense to her, not until Addison mumbled, ‘and what if it’s our future?’

‘That’s what this is about? You’re scared?’ Marci said in little more than a whisper yet it was enough to make Addison’s head snap up, her eyes flaming with anger.

Why did everyone keep saying it? So what if that was the truth? Didn’t she get to be? Wasn’t it fair to want to protect herself from all the pain she had lived countless times over?

When she had lost her father she had been distraught but resilient. She’d kept going, putting one foot in front of the other in the hopes that one day it’d get better, that her grief would at some point stop consuming every fibre of her being, and she’d been right. When Elvis had burst back into her life he’d saved her, wrenching her from the pits of despair like an angel, tethering himself to her and promising a life she had only dreamed of. Back then she’d allowed herself to believe, she clung to him like a life raft, but that had been foolish.

And when it had all come crashing down, like she should have expected it to, it’d hurt more than before. She’d fallen from a greater height, been broken into tinier pieces. Yet she’d managed to rebuild. Bit by bit she’d put herself back together until she was almost complete. To say yes to Elvis might have been the missing piece but should she break this time there would be no going back. To break this time would be to fracture into pieces, unable to put back together no matter who tried to help.

So yeah, she was scared. Scared because she remembered that sadness all too well.

‘Don’t I get to be?’ she asked incredulously, ‘don’t I get to be scared that it’ll blow up in my face again? I mean when has anything ever gone right for me?’

‘What about Jess? What about us? We had a pretty nice life or was that just a consolation prize?’ Marci bit back angrily making Addison sigh.

‘Of course not! I love our life…in fact you guys are the only things that have really gone right for me…’ Addison sighed as Marci took a seat beside her on the bed, the pair of them looking at the wooden flooring beneath their feet as they tried to calm their tempers, worried their words were escalating into a fight of their own. Eventually Addison spoke, ‘which is why I don’t want to ruin anything. It’s not just me this time.’

‘It wasn’t just you then either,’ Marci countered earning herself a glance.

‘But it was different. She didn’t know him then…now if it goes wrong she’ll be torn between the pair of us,’ Addison said dropping her gaze before she mumbled, ‘or worse.’

‘Worse?’ Marci asked with a frown.

‘What if she picks him?’ Addison whispered looking at her friend as tears appeared in her lash line.

It had been something she had been worrying about since Elvis had threatened to take her, well probably before that. In fact, it had been something that had always played in the back of her mind.

Back when Jess was little it had seemed wise to keep them apart, though it was more about keeping her from the Colonel’s grip than Elvis’. Yet as Jess had gotten older Addison wondered if that had been the right idea. She’d doubled down on it of course. Elvis’ life was unruly, hectic, no place for a child. And as she’d watched his personal life change it had only added to her reasoning. He had another kid, a family, and they wouldn’t get a look in. At every avenue there’d been some excuse, a reason not to bring them together. It had been why she had been so scared when he’d first come back into their lives, watching her as if he’d seen a ghost in the foyer of that club.

But she wasn’t scared of Jess getting hurt. She was scared that Jess would choose that over her. She’d worried, like Gladys had, that the appeal of glitz and glamour would call to her baby in a way she couldn’t stop. She had worried that she’d lose her altogether.

‘Addie she wouldn’t,’ Marci said placing her hand on Addison’s thigh hoping it would give her even a modicum of comfort.

‘Why not?’ Addison asked bitterly, ‘he is her dad and she loves him so much. Not to mention I kept them apart far too long I wouldn’t be surprised if they both resent me for it. I mean he practically said as much.’

‘Addison,’ Marci said firmly making her hazel gaze snap up to her own baby blue eyes, ‘Jess wouldn’t leave you so get that through your thick skull right now.’

‘But Elvis-’ Addison protested.

‘But nothing. Besides neither of you would make her choose between you two. I know you wouldn’t and I don’t think he would either regardless of what was said in the heat of the moment,’ Marci said, the tail end of it becoming louder as Addison looked as though she was going to but in, ‘and anyway say she did. Say Jess tells you tomorrow she’s packing her bags and moving to Memphis. Say she tells you she’s living with him forever and she wants no contact with you would you stop loving her?’

‘Mar,’ Addison said puzzled at what her friend was trying to suggest though she didn’t know if she wanted to given the wave of fear that rolled through her at the mere idea of Jess leaving her.

‘Would you?’ Marci said not backing down from whatever point she was trying to make.

‘No of course not,’ Addison said.

‘So why are you doing that with him? You love him, he loves you, and just because someone might one day leave you shouldn’t be a reason not to let yourself be loved Addie. You deserve to be loved Addison. God knows you’ve pushed it away long enough. But being scared doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do the thing,’ she said, ‘I mean don’t you think I’ve been scared about the idea of leaving Tom? But I’m going to do it.’

At this Addison’s head snapped up. She had known Marci was grappling with her own struggles and yet she had been too wrapped up in her own problems to think about it. She had a million questions and yet none of the coherent, thoughtful and logical ones came to mind. The only words that tripped off her tongue were, ‘for Jer?’

‘No,’ Marci said rolling her eyes, ‘not for anyone. For myself. Because I know what I want for myself. And I want to be happy, I want to do what makes me happy.’

‘And Tom?’ Addison asked.

‘I love him…but he doesn’t love me. He loves the idea of me, this perfect little housewife and that’s not what I want. I want my shop, a career, my life as it is. I mean sure maybe that stuff one day but I want that to be part of the journey. He just sees me as a means to an end. And I know what it looks like but it doesn’t have anything to do with Jer,’ she said looking at Addison who tried to give her friend her most reassuring and non-judgmental look. Marci smiled back, squeezing her friend’s thigh in thanks, before she continued. Though as she listened Addison couldn’t help but notice the way her smile widened as she spoke of him, ‘but he spent an hour talking about setting up a new place and what I could do. He listened to all my ideas and encouraged me and told me I could do it. That’s what I want in a husband. I mean I know Tom’s got all the looks and the money and whatever I want someone who loves me for me.’

‘That’s understandable,’ Addison agreed.

‘Which is why I don’t understand why you’d say no to Elvis. Elvis loves you for you…as infuriatingly stubborn and wary as you are,’ Marci said.

‘But-’

‘No buts,’ Marci said firmly, ‘I didn’t agree when you decided to keep Jess a secret but I didn’t intervene. In fact I think we’ve spent most of our time buried in each other’s lives and yet we’ve been too scared to tell the other one they might be making a mistake. I mean I know you guys didn’t even like Tom and yet you let me run off into the sunset with him.’

‘I guess I didn’t want to be the one to tell you no,’ Addison said before she added with a melancholy smirk, ‘then again when do either of us ever listen to what anyone says.’

‘Maybe we should start I mean thirty-three is as good an age as any,’ Marci said. It was enough to make Addison’s smile dim as thoughts Elvis and Jess started to creep back in.

‘I can’t do it Mar,’ she said with despair, ‘you saw what happened last time…it’ll break me.’

Marci sighed watching that all too familiar expression wash over her friends features.

‘Okay,’ Marci said pulling her friend in for a hug like she’d done all those years ago when she’d stormed to Texas demanding answers. She didn’t understand it though she hadn’t understood the first time around. Back then she had tried to comprehend as best she could but ultimately she had decided to let her friend do as she saw fit for fear she’d only add to the hurt. But not now. They’d been through too much now. They weren’t fresh faced kids anymore and she was sure Addison could take her opinion even if it did sting and as Addison allowed herself to be held she decided to give it to her, ‘but I want you to know I don’t agree with you. I think you’re making a mistake…and I know you’ll say it’ll break you but I don’t agree…in fact I think it could be the making of you both.’

Neither of them said anything after that. Instead, Addison kept her face buried in her friend’s shoulder, allowing the soothing circles Marci was rubbing on her back, as if she was a child, to be a comfort to them both.

✵✵✵

Needless to say the last couple of days in Hawaii weren’t exactly easy. Whilst nothing was expressly said to anyone in the group, besides Marci and Jerry, there seemed to be a noticeable shift in the dynamic. Elvis tried to keep everything the same, well as much as he could, and yet it was hard. It was hard to see how her face plastered with guilt every time she looked at him. How she pretended not to notice when women flirted with him – something that hadn’t been occurring throughout the trip either because their behaviour had resembled that of a couple or he had been too enthralled with her to notice anyone else. It hurt to see how she distanced herself from him, still participating but just out of reach, hoping that her feelings would disappear.

It ate at him, every interaction gnawing at his soul. He wanted to convince himself it would fade, that time would heal the ache in his heart eventually though he knew that was pointless. Fifteen years apart had only dulled the ache, not removed it. The only thing that had healed it had been having her back in his life and now it was ruined. In fact, the ache had only seemed to become worse. This ache, this rotting, gut wrenching, twisted ache inside him felt like it had increased tenfold because it wasn’t as if she was gone. It wasn’t as if he could tell himself, the way he had used to do when he cried himself to sleep in his barrack bunk, that she didn’t love him, that she never had, because he knew that wasn’t true.

And that was why it hurt even more.

He wondered how she could possibly feel this was the right thing to do. He understood her worries, after all he hadn’t been the best husband in the world, but she had to know that it was different with them. He’d try harder this time around. He’d be better. Losing Priscilla and Lisa had been one of his biggest regrets, surely she had to know he’d not risk that again. More to the point he wouldn’t risk losing her.

He loved Priscilla of course and though losing her still hurt he was slowly recovering. He’d even become somewhat amicable with Mike, much to his own surprise, but losing her hadn’t felt the same. It hadn’t torn at him the way losing Addison had, as if the life raft he had been tethered to had cut him loose, allowing him to plummet to the bottom of an icy sea waiting for something to help him back to the surface. Surely she had to realise that?

‘Dad?’ Jess said snapping him out of the daydream he’d been having. She was sitting across from him watching him worriedly as she waited for him to speak. He glanced around, noticing that they were now parked outside the airport, the luxurious and scenic views of Hawaii now gone as they headed for home. He could see Addison climbing out of the car in front, Marci following close behind as Jerry moved to help them with their luggage. They could’ve ridden together, it actually made more sense to given that Jess was getting on the same plane as them and not the rest of the group, yet he couldn’t bring himself to. He didn’t want to watch her make pitiful excuses or thank him for the trip as though she was an acquaintance. Watching her head home when he’d hoped she’d be on a plane to Memphis hurt enough already. So when they’d broached travel arrangements at dinner last night he’d asked if he could have a car just for him and the girls, a last goodbye before they all headed their separate ways. Of course no one had refused him. Not even Addison, who had merely looked at him guiltily and nodded.

‘Ya got everything?’ Elvis said glancing around the car though Jess already had her small backpack on her lap, ready to climb out.

‘Yeah,’ she nodded, ‘my suitcase is in the other car.’

‘Right, right,’ Elvis said as he dropped his gaze to his trousers, fiddling with the material with them as if they had a crease that needed smoothing even though they had been perfectly pressed and laid out for him that morning. He didn’t know why it felt so awkward. Maybe it was because he had been so focused on not having an uncomfortable and painful goodbye with Addison that he hadn’t thought about what he should say to Jess.

‘It won’t be long…till schools out I mean,’ Jess said, ‘I bet we can see each other then.’

‘Yeah, I bet you’re right,’ Elvis said trying to keep his voice light though he could feel that ache gnawing at him as he thought about the implication of that statement. How no doubt it would be Jess travelling to Memphis alone this time.

‘Maybe we could even go to California? I mean I’d love to come and see you at some point,’ she said looking at Lisa who smiled.

‘Yes! You and daddy can come to my house any time you want to,’ she beamed.

‘Sounds good Jessie,’ Elvis agreed though his face fell as she dropped her gaze, fiddling with the straps on her backpack before she spoke.

‘I don’t wanna go you know,’ she said quietly.

‘I don’t want you to,’ Elvis mumbled making her look back up at him, ‘I don’t want either of you to.’

They were both watching him, sadness awash over their faces as his own blue eyes stared back at him. He had been expecting saying goodbye to hurt, he just hadn’t thought it’d be this one.

‘C’mere,’ he said gesturing for both girls to climb onto the seats next to him. They did so quickly, each tucking into his side as he wrapped his arms around them. They stayed silent for a moment, both of them hugging his middle, their arms holding one another as he kissed the tops of their heads.

‘Now you both listen to me okay,’ he said, his voice rumbling against their cheeks, ‘no matter what happens between me and anyone else that don’t change how I feel about you girls okay? You two mean more to me than anything on this god damn earth and I won’t have you forgettin’ it you hear me?’ he said earning nods that ruffled the fabric of his suit jacket, ‘whether we’re together or miles apart it don’t change how much I love you.’

‘I love you too,’ Jess said looking up at him with a weak smile.

‘Me too,’ Lisa said moving so she was knelt up beside him, kissing his stubbled cheek which made her wrinkle her nose as she grumbled, ‘your face is all prickly.’

‘Sorry baby,’ Elvis said kissing her own as an apology. Their interaction seemed to help Jess, her smile strengthening as she pulled out of his grasp, grabbing her bag from where she had deposited it on the opposite bench.

‘I’ll try you know,’ she said as her fingers rested on the door handle, threatening to open it at any moment.

‘Jess you don’t have to do that,’ Elvis sighed, his hand ghosting down her hair and landing on her shoulder.

‘I do,’ she corrected, ‘because I don’t wanna spend forever getting on a different plane to you.’

And before he could say anything she opened the door and climbed out shutting it gently behind her before she walked up to where Addison and Marci were waiting on the curb. They couldn’t see him through the tinted windows, but he watched as the three of them headed inside the airport and out of sight. As the car pulled away, heading to the tiny airport his plane was waiting for them at, Lisa sat herself beside him quietly nestled into his side as if she knew he needed a minute.

As the industrial sight of the airport faded back into palm trees and greenery his mind started to spin. Again it struck him as odd how Addison could think this was what was best. How she could watch her daughter trying to split herself in two to keep both parties happy. In fact he wondered if she could see it at all, after all, Addison had been just like her trying to keep everyone but herself happy.

And selfishly he hoped that his daughter would succeed. That Jess would make her mother see sense about them being together but if she didn’t, if she couldn’t change her mind, he’d let her go. It wouldn’t be easy but if it meant protecting Jess, he’d do it.

✵✵✵

‘Hold on,’ Addison grumbled as she dumped her bag by the front door hoping that whoever was calling would hang on until she could reach the phone. She moved quickly through the house, practically throwing herself across the kitchen counter as she clasped her hand around the receiver.

‘Hello?’ she said as she pressed it to her ear, trying to hide how breathless she sounded given how frantically she’d rushed inside. She was expecting it to be Marci, after all since they’d come back from Hawaii she’d called everyday – assuring Addison it was to sound off about everything going on with Tom in California though she suspected it was to make sure Addison hadn’t cracked. Which fortunately she hadn’t. It hadn’t been easy, the ache inside her never quite ebbing, but she was managing, well just about. Being out of the Graceland bubble allowed her to focus on other things; her job, Jess, Marci. The way she had for almost fifteen years, and that dulled the ache, well until she heard the voice on the other end of the line speak.

‘Addie?’ Elvis murmured, making the feeling she got every time they spoke now roll through her. The kind that you get when you drive your car over a bridge too quickly, a furl of nerves and excitement all in one.

‘Oh hi,’ she said feeling her throat run dry as she stammered out, ‘Jess isn’t here, she’s at a sleepover. I thought she’d told you-’

‘She did, actually it’s you I called to speak to,’ Elvis said quietly making her throat completely dry out. They hadn’t spoken much since they’d landed back in Vegas. She’d answered the phone when he called, the pair of them making excruciating small talk until Jess had dived in, playing both sides as promised. Every phone call had made that ache inside him swell, consuming every fibre of him. And to hear her trying to act as though they were nothing more than friends angered him, the way it had the first time, when he’d force every thought of her away by finding anyone pretty and willing.

‘Oh…what’s up?’ she said as evenly as she could muster.

‘Well I wanted to ask you about the fourth of July,’ Elvis said. There was no reason not to get to the point. It wasn’t as though they’d spend hours talking, like they used to, finding anything they could just so neither of them would have to be the first one to hang up.

‘What about it?’ Addison replied.

‘I wondered if you girls were doing anything for it…if you had plans,’ Elvis said clearing his throat.

‘Oh, uh, I don’t think so,’ Addison said, her stomach rolling again with nerves as she wondered what he was building up to. If they’d have to face one another.

‘It’s just ‘cause there’s this party, here I mean,’ Elvis said, ‘we have it every year and it’s a lotta fun and-’

‘You want Jess right? Well I’ll ask her but I’m sure she’ll say yes. I don’t think she’s been invited anywhere,’ Addison said as her stomach rolled again though she didn’t know if it was at the idea of being invited or not.

‘Actually I was wondering if you’d both like to come,’ Elvis said.

‘Oh…are you sure?’ Addison said twirling around the cord around her finger as that knot inside of her tightened.

‘Worse,’ she thought, ‘him not wanting her there would’ve been worse.’

‘Ads come on,’ he said with a sigh, ‘did you really think I wouldn’t invite you?’

‘I don’t know,’ she said quietly. She wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t.

‘Look I know it’s not been the easiest couple of months but believe it or not I still like ya,’ he said tyring to inject some mirth into the conversation if only to make himself feel better as he pictured the way she’d be chewing on her lip guiltily.

‘I just thought…’she mumbled, unable to finish her thought for fear weeks’ worth of everything she had been thinking would come spilling out. A complete and utter mess of guilt and sorrow.

‘Addie I told you I’m not going anywhere didn’t I?’ he asked.

‘I know but-’

‘Look I meant what I said…and if this is it we need to get it together for Jess. Right?’ he said. He could hear the irritation in his voice even though he hadn’t meant it to come. He didn’t know why after all her stubborn nature and hard-headedness had been the thing that always got under his skin but to hear her flounder, to hear her doubt him, felt worse.

‘Yeah,’ she said hesitantly before coming back firmer, ‘yeah you’re right.’

‘So will you come?’ he asked.

‘Yeah…I mean I’ll ask Jess but I’m sure it’s a yes,’ she said quietly.

‘Well let me know,’ Elvis said and before she could agree the line clicked off leaving her with that knot in her stomach. She had been right, him not wanting her was worse.

✵✵✵

As expected Jess had no qualms about going to Graceland for the fourth of July though she did however seem nervous when Addison informed her it wouldn’t be a solo trip. She didn’t say anything, of course, but as always Addison could feel her daughter’s worried eyes watching her whenever the subject was mentioned. Marci vehemently assured her she needn’t worry and that she’d of course come along to support her though Addison couldn’t help but notice her friend didn’t seemed shocked to hear about the party or ask her to let Elvis know she was tagging along which she could only assume meant she had already gotten an invite from a certain long-locked friend. Nevertheless Addison’s anxieties continued, running through her mind whenever she didn’t busy her brain with something. They bothered her so much so that on the day before they were due to leave she found herself creeping into Jess’ bedroom and slipping into the bed beside her.

‘Mom?’ Jess said hoarsely, her mouth as dry as the desert given the warm summer’s night.

‘It’s me,’ Addison said as she slipped down behind her daughter, stroking her hair gently as she watched Jess’ shoulders move evenly as she breathed. They were quiet for a moment, both listening to the others peaceful breathing and buzz of the cicadas outside. It was a role reversal, Addison climbing into Jess’ bed instead of the other way around, which led Jess to believe her mother would speak first, that all Jess would have to do was wait and it’d come spilling out of her like it did Jess whenever she could no longer contain her worries. But that didn’t happen. As always her mother remained an enigma, whatever thoughts and feelings she was having kept within her so as to not burden anyone else. Of course that didn’t work, Jess knew her mother was hurting, both her parents were, and it didn’t really make sense to try and keep her out of it given that she had spent the better part of the last month fretting about them. Even if she didn’t know what had happened before this act alone would’ve been an almighty red flag but Addison didn’t yield. She wouldn’t allow herself to, too scared to put on her young daughter, so instead she lay beside her, enjoying the way she was still allowed to cuddle her close as though she wasn’t too old to be doing so. That was until Jess spoke.

‘He loves you you know,’ Jess whispered. It was barely audible and yet it hung in the air above them as Addison refused to speak. She couldn’t because the guilt that gnawed at her about Elvis was the same guilt she felt about dragging Jess into all this mess.

‘Jess,’ was all she managed to sigh after a moment hoping her daughter would hear the weariness in her voice and leave the point be. But she didn’t. Instead she sat up turning to look at Addison who pushed herself up into a similar stance as her daughter continued, ‘no, mom. Look I know you think I’m a kid all gung-ho on getting Mommy and Daddy back together but I’m not. What I want is for you two to be happy. You guys deserve to be happy and he makes you happy don’t deny it,’ she said glaring at her mother in a manner so like Addison it was frightening, ‘and even if not. If he breaks your heart so what? You have me. I mean when this whole thing began you promised me that no matter what happened I’d always have you.’

‘I meant that,’ Addison murmured feeling completely like a chastised child.

‘Exactly! And that’s why I knew it’d be okay even if it all went to hell because we had each other like you promised… so please let yourself live a little because even if it all goes wrong we’ll be fine because we have each other right?’ Jess said waiting for her to answer. Addison felt that wave of guilt flood through her once more as she looked at her daughter’s young face.

In fact it felt as though she was looking in a mirror, only she was watching her younger self, not the woman she was now. The one that had been full of hope. Yet the longer she looked at her expectant face the more she realised she wasn’t watching herself, she was watching him. Throughout the years everyone had always told Jess was her mother’s twin yet Addison had always suspected that was because they couldn’t say anything else given that they didn’t have her other parent to liken her to. She knew it was true, of course Jess resembled her mother, but Addison could only see Elvis. It was him she was seeing now, those blue eyes watching her, hoping for her to be as optimistic as she was, the way Elvis watched her. But like with Elvis Addison couldn’t bring herself to agree. She couldn’t make the words come out of her mouth and so all she offered was, ‘you should sleep.’

‘Mom just think about it,’ Jess said quietly, placing her hand on Addison’s knee.

‘Good night sweetheart,’ Addison said gently patting the hand on her knee before she slipped off the bed and out of the room.

✵✵✵

Addison had forgotten how warm Memphis could be and though it went without saying she had become accustomed to soaring summer temperatures in the pits of the desert the balmy heat that settled into her bones the moment they touched down was something she couldn’t say she had missed all that much. Though she supposed she couldn’t blame her warmth solely on the weather given that she spent most of her time on the move, desperate not to leave herself in a situation where she would be alone with Elvis or whenever she was in a room with him she found her entire body warming up, cheeks aflame, every time he looked at her.

Fortunately she had been spared much interaction with him today given that he was playing host, his house overflowing with guests and friends who he expertly entertained and wooed. She remained on the fringes with Marci by her side, allowing Jess to enjoy the holiday with her newfound relatives and friends. They were sitting by the pool, Marci chattering on about the book she was reading, and though Addison tried to remain focused she couldn’t help but let her gaze wander to where Elvis was standing at the barbecue. He was preparing the grill for cooking, stoking the coals, as he talked to Lamar who was standing by his side and as she watched she couldn’t help but notice how relaxed he looked. Though she figured that might have been because for once he wasn’t dressed to the nines. Whilst his look was casual, just shorts and an unbuttoned shirt, it felt in no way thrown together. It felt natural, like everything about him did.

Even being with him felt as easy as breathing so much so that over the past few weeks she’d felt as though she’d forgotten how to. That every move she made felt as though she was trying to kick her brain into gear to remember how to do it, how to function without him. She wondered what it would be like, how in another life she might have sidled up to him, plate in hand as she played hostess. How he would smile and lay a kiss on her temple, never breaking conversation, before he loaded up her plate for her to entertain their guests in his absence.

‘Addison?’ she heard her name being called up and pulled herself out of her daydream long enough to find Jerry standing in between her and Marci’s sun loungers, a drink in his outstretched hand.

‘Thanks,’ she mumbled, sitting herself forward as she took it from him, choking it down quickly in an effort to cover how lost she had been in her own world, a world far away from Marci’s conversation.

‘Can I sit here?’ Jerry said as Marci immediately moved to let him, her bronzed legs swivelling under her as he dropped onto the lounger and handed her a drink. As jovial conversation broke out between the pair Addison busied herself with her drink, suddenly feeling like a third wheel. Though it wasn’t as though she felt awkward about it, actually, she felt content to just sit there and allow them to talk around her without her having to participate but the pair of them seemed to feel guilty about not including her, so after yet another failed attempt by Marci to direct the flow of chatter into something Addison could be a part of she decided to relieve her friend of the burden and stood up.

‘Are you okay?’ Marci said watching her with concern, as did Jerry though his was admittedly more subtle.

‘Yeah fine. Just gonna refresh my drink,’ Addison said tapping her now empty glass as proof she was being truthful and not just fleeing to the safety of the house.

‘I’ll come with you,’ Marci said shuffling to get up but Addison waved her off.

‘And leave Jer on his own?’ she said with a forced smile, ‘it’s fine. Need anything?’

‘I’m good,’ Jerry said with a kind smile.

‘Yeah, me too,’ Marci nodded and with that Addison headed off in the direction of the house.

To say it was cool inside would be a lie though the opened doorway created a funnelled breeze that wafted through the kitchen relieving some of Addison’s discomfort. It also didn’t hurt that she was now out of the way, the curious glances that had followed her most of the weekend trying to fill in the blanks that gossip had left were now gone. In fact she was so relieved to be away from everyone she didn’t even notice Mary, who had been bent over looking for something in a bottom cabinet, was now standing across the counter from her, a hand clutched to her chest as she said, ‘oh child you scared me!’

‘Sorry,’ Addison mumbled though she felt a smile creep in, the first genuine one that had past her lips in the last couple of days.

‘Oh it’s alright,’ Mary said as she started to resume whatever she had been up to, ‘ya need something?’

‘No, no, everything’s fine,’ Addison said roaming into the kitchen and resting against the counter as she watched Mary work, ‘need any help?’

‘Shouldn’t you be outside?’ Mary asked as she started to grease a pie tin.

‘It’s a little warm,’ Addison shrugged. At that the older woman paused, eyeing Addison closely which made her drop her gaze to the carpet, but fortunately she seemed to realise Addison had no interest in talking about whatever was going on and so she nodded and said, ‘well the apples need preppin’ for the pies.’

‘On it,’ Addison said moving to grab the bag of apples from the other kitchen counter so she could set to work, just thankful that at least someone didn’t want to make her talk about her problems.

They worked well for the next hour or so keeping the party flowing from behind the scenes and though they did talk Mary kept it more around lighter topics something which Addison was thankful for. They’d even managed to get into a good rhythm which was only disturbed when Priscilla appeared to inform Mary her husband was on the phone to which she muttered in annoyance before disappearing into the house to answer it.

Addison kept her head down, figuring Priscilla would head back out to the party seeing as her job was now done, but she didn’t and when Addison glanced up she found the other woman lingering on the other side of the kitchen watching her closely. It made a pink tinge flood to her cheeks. They hadn’t spoken much, there hadn’t been a need to, and now they were standing in front of one another Addison felt as though she didn’t know what to say anyway and it appeared neither did she. Luckily they didn’t have much cause to as their was attention was caught by the returning cook.

‘That damn fool,’ Mary said bustling back into the kitchen with her apron now gone and her bag over her shoulder.

‘Everything alright?’ Addison said with a frown.

‘Would be if he weren’t a damn idiot,’ Mary said rolling her eyes, ‘I asked him to do one thing over the holiday, clean my gutters, and he’s only gone and fell off the ladder. Managed to get himself into the house but says he’s hurtin’ real bad.’

‘Oh well that’s no good,’ Priscilla said with a frown.

‘You don’t think he needs the hospital do you?’ Addison asked worriedly.

‘Naw,’ Mary said shaking her head, ‘needs a clip around the ear for bein’ so stupid mind.’

‘Well you should get home,’ Addison said, ‘do you have a ride?’

‘Yeah I’ve got a ride. I better tell Mr Presley though,’ she said.

‘We’ll do it,’ Addison said though she was volunteering Priscilla more than herself, ‘you just go.’

‘Are you sure there’s things that need doing and-’

‘We can handle it,’ Priscilla said looking to Addison who nodded though she hoped Priscilla was happy to leave her to it rather than wanting to do it together.

‘Tell him I’m sorry won’t ya?’ Mary said as she moved towards the side door.

‘Of course,’ Addison said, ‘let us know how he is, okay?’

‘Will do,’ Mary said and then she was gone, leaving Addison standing in the kitchen watching the space where she had vacated hoping that when she turned around she would find she was now completely alone and that Priscilla had gone to inform Elvis.

That however wasn’t the scene that greeted her as she turned around and when she did she found Priscilla had taken to Mary’s station, starting to glaze the chicken wings Mary had been preparing. Addison squashed down a sigh inside of her and returned to the salad she had been tasked with though she suspected it would barely get touched. Still she’d rather do a pointless task than be the one who went outside to go and let Elvis know about the situation even if it was uncomfortably awkward in here.

They worked in silence. Each of them taking curious glances at the other whenever they were sure the other wasn’t looking. Addison supposed it was natural for Priscilla to be curious about her. After all she’d been nothing but a memory for fifteen years and then she’d burst back into Elvis’ life and wreaked havoc, so she figured she was bound to have some questions. Yet what she didn’t understand was just how curious she was about the woman in front of her. She’d spent the better part of a decade watching her pretty face plastered over screens and papers and yet the woman in front of her looked nothing how she pictured. The pale, dark haired beauty she pictured whenever Elvis had mentioned his ex-wife was nothing like the sun kissed brunette across from her. If anything she looked younger now, without all the heavy makeup and ratted up hair do’s and for a moment Addison wondered if this had been what she looked like when they had first met. A natural, youthful beauty. Like Addison had been.

As that thought entered her head she shook it out though there wasn’t much of a need to given that Priscilla had finally managed the nerve up to speak to her and said, ‘so how are you liking the party?’

‘It’s fine,’ Addison said, her gaze transfixed on the cucumber she was slicing.

‘Is Jess enjoying herself?’ she asked. That Addison looked up at, searching for any hint of malice behind the woman’s eyes.

‘Yeah, I think so,’ she nodded when she found none.

‘I’m glad, Lisa really likes having her around,’ she replied casually, and Addison allowed herself to relax hoping this idle chit-chat was all that was going to arise.

‘Yeah, I’m glad they’re getting along,’ Addison agreed. She’d returned to the task at hand, as Priscilla’s gaze dropped to the chicken in the tray, her movements slow as she said, ‘you know she’s quite liking the little family you guys have going.’

‘What?’ Addison said her gaze snapping up which made Priscilla look up too though she appeared as though she was standing firm by her words, floundering in no way.

‘It’s okay,’ she said, ‘you don’t have to pretend.’

‘What are you talking about?’ Addison asked though she didn’t know why. If Elvis was chatty with her no doubt he was chatty with the other mother of his child, his ex-wife no less.

‘The staying apart? You keeping your distance? I assumed it was so that I didn’t feel too put out, I mean I knew it would happen eventually-’

‘You think we’re together?’ Addison scoffed even though it wasn’t completely ludicrous to assume that fact. Hell if this barbecue had been held just over a month ago she wouldn’t have been able to blame her for assuming they were together.

‘Aren’t you?’ Priscilla said, genuine confusion across her pretty features.

‘No.’

‘Oh, I mean I figured from the way he talks about you,’ Priscilla said awkwardly looking down at the tray on the counter though there was nothing more that needed doing to it.

‘It’s complicated,’ Addison said flatly, hoping the other woman would drop it. But she didn’t, in fact she looked up at her as if something had clicked as she said, ‘oh.’

‘What?’ Addison said quickly.

‘You’re hiding,’ she replied.

‘That’s not what this is,’ Addison said tightly though that wasn’t true. She was hiding, she had been for nearly a month, yet for someone she barely knew to point it out felt embarrassing. Even more so as Priscilla started to laugh, an angelic titter echoing throughout the room.

‘What?’ Addison said feeling more irate than intrigued about what she had to say.

‘It’s just funny that’s all,’ Priscilla said, more confident in her movements now she had seen how Addison was shifting. She moved to rest against the counter watching as she wrapped her arms around herself as if she could protect herself from whatever character assassination was headed her way.

‘What?’ Addison asked.

‘I used to worry about this. That he’d fall in love with you again and I worried because I figured that would mean was it for us and I’d always assumed we’d find our way back to each other,’ she said honestly, ‘but looking at your face. I don’t miss feeling like that.’

‘Yeah, well like I said it’s complicated,’ Addison grumbled.

‘I don’t doubt it,’ Priscilla said, ‘but you’ll get no complaints from me if you do get together.’

‘Well thanks but we’re not,’ Addison said curtly, hurling the chopped-up bits of cucumber into the large salad bowl so that she didn’t have to look at Priscilla though she couldn’t help but do so as she asked, ‘why not?’

‘Why haven’t you?’ Addison challenged and for a moment she saw her bristle, but it didn’t deter her. In fact she seemed to have the same opinion as everyone else in Addison’s life – that she needed to know their opinion no matter whether she asked for it or not.

‘I thought he needed time, we both did,’ she started looking at Addison who was watching her closely, ‘I needed to figure out who I was. I mean I used to be focused on being whatever he wanted or needed me to be that I kind of lost myself. I changed my hair, my makeup, I thought if I acted softer or less jealous, he’d stop acting out. But then I realised nothing would stop him from doing that until he found out what was making him unhappy because he could change me all he wanted but that wouldn’t fix anything if he was still searching for something else.’

‘So you get it,’ Addison said finally feeling as though someone was on her side. It wasn’t about not loving him it was worrying that even if he did love her they’d never be quite complete.

‘Not really…’ Priscilla said immediately dashing her hopes, ‘because I think he’s found what he was looking for. I think he just tried to convince himself you weren’t it because you hurt him.’

‘What if I hurt him again? What if he hurts me?’ Addison asked cursing herself for sounding so fragile. It made a smile play along Priscilla’s lips. Not a malicious one but after years of feeling second best to a ghost she couldn’t help but enjoy seeing her as something more human.

‘I can’t say he won’t but I don’t think he’d risk it,’ Priscilla said earnestly.

‘Why not?’ Addison asked.

‘Because I think he’s realised he can’t be happy without you,’ she said earnestly. Addison’s stomach was in knots now, everything churning around inside her, and it only grew worse as Priscilla leaned in and said, ‘question is do you think you can be happy without him?’

Addison stood watching her as she moved away taking the tray of chicken she had been working on outside so that it could be cooked. Her words bounced around in Addison’s brain unable to land so she could make sense of it all. Of course she hadn’t been the first person to try and talk her round, but she had been the only one to make that point.

She knew Elvis could make her happy she had just been worried that like everything in her life it wouldn’t last and the pain would inevitably return.

But was she happy now? Could she say hand on heart that she’d ever be contented living without him? Of course she had been happy before. Jess had made her happy. But there was always something there, that missing piece. She just had to decide if she was brave enough to take it.

‘Hey,’ Jess said as she came in through the back door, snapping Addison from her thoughts.

‘Oh uh hey,’ Addison said.

‘Priscilla said you’re done with the food and needed a hand shifting things outside,’ Jess said expectantly as if Addison should’ve known what she was on about.

‘Oh, uh yeah,’ she said moving to grab the salad bowl so she could hand it to her though as she placed it in her daughter’s hands and found her blue gaze watching her she hesitated and said, ‘actually…I need your help.’

✵✵✵

‘Where is she?’ Elvis’ voice echoed, bouncing off the open office door as he headed inside. Though once inside he didn’t find the scene he was expecting. Instead of finding Lisa with an injured knee he found Addison lingering by his father’s desk and the door closing behind him with a thunk and click that suggested it was now locked, Jess, Jerry, and Marci’s faces peeking through the glass for a minute before they disappeared leaving him more confused than ever.

‘What’s going on? Where’s Lisa,’ he asked looking at Addison who straightened up.

‘She’s outside,’ Addison said unsure of the narrative that her helpers had spun to get him in here.

‘Jess said she’d hurt herself-’ Elvis said. In fact Jess had made out like her baby sister was near mangled the way she’d carried on begging him and Jerry to follow her to the office where Lisa was crying for him.

‘She’s fine,’ Addison said suddenly nervous that her plan to get him alone may have been a tad over the top and thus she tried to explain, ‘I didn’t tell her to say that. Man for a straight laced kid she’s got a flair for theatrics though I guess-’

‘Addie what the hell is going on?’ he asked cutting her off, his voice laced with anger that made her stop in her tracks. He didn’t mean to sound angry, but this had been the most she’d spoken to him all weekend and now she was babbling with things that didn’t even make sense. His stance weakened as she looked towards him, chewing on that lip of hers like she did every time she was nervous.

‘You were right,’ she said quietly.

‘Right about what?’ he asked still semi-confused about the whole situation. Addison shifted.

‘Everything,’ she whispered, moving towards him though she stopped just short of him, wondering if she could touch him or if they were past that, ‘I love you…and I know you probably hate me and I deserve it for messing you around. God, I understand if you want nothing to do with me though if you do I don’t what I’ll do.’

‘Addie,’ he said whatever confusion he had melting away as he pulled her into him, his arms wrapping around her waist her hands on his biceps as she continued, ‘I’m sorry.’

‘For what?’ he asked.

‘Running. I know I shouldn’t have…it’s just that,’ she said biting her lip once more.

‘What?’

‘Promise me forever,’ she whispered, her hazel eyes looking up at him properly as worry plastered her features. His confusion returned.

‘What?’ he asked.

‘Promise me forever,’ she said, though this time it was less shaky as she got to her point, ‘promise me that this, us, is what you want for the long haul. Till we’re old and grey and wrinkly,’ she said her mouth twisting up in a smile as he chuckled, ‘I mean you’re just off the back of a divorce and you’ve only just met Jess. I’d understand if you were searching for something after all that. If you thought that you loved me because it would mean we could be a family. But I’m not the Addison you fell in love with at twenty-two and I can’t build something hoping you’re not gonna fall out of love with the person I am now…’

‘Addie, I love you,’ he said unable to fathom how she could possibly think he was still chasing that seventeen-year-old, ‘do you think I can’t see that you’re different? Do you think I don’t know we’re both new people now?’

‘I don’t know,’ she mumbled suddenly feeling silly for even thinking it. After all she had come to love the man he was now it made sense he felt the same.

‘Honey, I know we’re different and yet I fell in love with you, this new you, just as easily as I did the first time…because we’re still us,’ he said forcing her hand to move to his chest as he moved a strand of hair off her face, ‘I’m still that boy from Memphis when I’m with you.’

‘Promise me forever?’ she asked in a shaky whisper, ‘because I can’t do anything less than that. I just can’t.’

‘Addie I promised you forever the first time. I mean it now as much as I meant it then, you just gotta let me,’ he said leaning in to rest his forehead against hers, closing his eyes as he mumbled, ‘can you do that?’

‘Yeah,’ she whispered.

And then she leaned in to kiss him. There wasn’t any rush to it, their lips meeting and moving against one another in a slow loving embrace but there was more love wrapped inside it than she could’ve ever anticipated. When they broke apart she was breathless, a giggle emitting from her as he pulled the to sit in his father’s office chair, her collapsing onto his lap. He didn’t say anything for a moment, the pair of them watching the other as they revelled in finally being able to just be.

But as she leaned forward pressing another kiss to his lips he found a question swirling around in his mind and he pulled back to ask it.

‘What?’ she asked as he grasped her hand, his thumb tracing gently over her knuckles. He didn’t know what prompted him, if anything he’d keep his mouth shut for the rest of his life if it meant she wouldn’t spook again, but it was something he was curious about.

‘What got you to change your mind?’ he asked, keeping his gaze on his thumb’s movements until he heard her giggle, a sound that made his heart swell.

‘Honestly?’ she asked, ‘Cilla.’

‘Really?’ he asked with genuine surprise. He didn’t even know she knew what had been going on between them. He’d been too hurt to speak about it with anyone properly.

‘Yeah, well everyone’s been telling me how much of an idiot I am,’ she sighed which made him bark a laugh and a scowl to befall her face as she chastised, ‘you don’t need to be too happy about it.’

‘Oh come on it’s the first time ya have ever conceded to being wrong,’ he chuckled leaning up to kiss along her jaw as she rolled her eyes.

‘Well it only happens once in a blue moon,’ she retorted making him smile against her jawbone. It was amazing to think that after over a month of feeling a gut-wrenching ache by the mere thought of her he could now be smiling against her soft skin without a care in the world. Content with her being just as proud and hard-headed as always. Her fingers moved up from where they were resting against his neck to play with his hair making him moan against her without warning. Though it made her smile he felt a blush flow through his cheeks and determined not to deepen it he cleared his throat, looking for a change of direction as he said, ‘so what did Cilla say?’

‘It wasn’t what she said,’ Addison started hesitantly, ‘I mean everyone’s been telling me the same things…it was what you said to me anyway…that morning.’

‘Ah,’ Elvis said pulling back to watch her.

‘I guess I got it more when it came from her…none of them understood, not really…they’ve never known what if fells like after-’ she said hesitating. It was true as much as they tried to understand they couldn’t comprehend how it felt to lose him. How it broke her. But Priscilla did, ‘but she does…the only difference is without you she seems happy and I guess…I’m not. I don’t think I ever have been. Oh God, I bet you think I’m an awful person.’

With that she buried herself into his neck, trying to ignore the guilt inside her at finally admitting the truth of over a decade. It took him by surprise but he allowed her to do it all the same, stroking her hair as he mumbled, ‘of course not.’

‘I’m not saying I wasn’t happy. I mean I love Jess, Mar, our life and everything. And we were happy. I guess I mean I just didn’t feel whole y’know?’ she mumbled feeling Elvis nod against her. He knew exactly what she meant, after all he’d been feeling it for just as long. He didn’t say anything, knowing it was probably better to let her get everything off her chest without interruption, ‘actually I think the only time I started to feel that was…when you came back. That’s why I was scared because you make me feel complete but nothing has ever gone our way and if we lost one another again it would’ve been worse. This time having you close but not having you would feel worse…like a square peg in a round hole.’

‘So you pushed me away?’ he asked. It wasn’t challenging, just trying to understand why she had acted the way she had, but it made her swallow thickly all the same.

‘I convinced myself that not letting myself have what I’d always wanted was better that trying and failing,’ she admitted.

‘But now?’ he asked hoping that after all this outpouring she wouldn’t be so cruel as to leave him out in the cold, like she had done in Hawaii.

‘I wanna try anyway. I love you too much not to,’ she said firmly, words that made his heart soar.

‘Okay,’ he said pushing her so she wasn’t nestled into him anymore but looking him face on as he placed both hands on her cheeks.

‘What?’ she asked.

‘You want forever I promise you forever,’ he said firmly.

‘Elvis,’ she said thickly, trying to push the tears of happiness away and enjoy the moment.

‘But you gotta promise me forever too, okay?’ he said.

‘I promise.’

✵✵✵

As to be expected neither Addison nor Elvis got a moments peace after they were practically pulled out of the office to return to the party. Whilst Elvis was forced to return to hosting duties Addison was squirrelled away by Marci and Jess to inform them of everything that had gone on, their questions never stopping until well after everyone had finished eating. Fortunately as the party continued into the evening they managed to find their way back to one another and though they couldn’t abandon everyone they found comfort in being able to sit together, comforting and loving touches shared throughout the night.

In fact they only broke apart as Elvis took a sleeping Lisa up to bed. Addison headed to the room she had been sleeping in and changed before heading through to Elvis’ bedroom. Though just as she was pulling back the covers to climb inside she heard the door click shut and felt his strong arms ensnare her waist pulling her up to stand against him as his lips met the bare skin of her neck.

‘Mmm,’ she murmured, her fingers reaching up to stroke the back of his head before he spun her around and kissed deeply. He slotted against her perfectly, his toned body radiating heat through the thin pyjamas she was wearing as he held her by her face, leading the kiss in every way. He wanted her. After months of pining and a mere taste of what he could have he wanted nothing more than to lock the door and not leave this room until they absolutely had to. But as she responded to his touch, her fingers working their way down his shirt buttons towards where he was desperate for them to land he was called to his senses. Before anything else he wanted to do this. As he pulled away she looked at him confused waiting for him to explain why he was not getting to the task at hand.

‘Just a minute honey,’ he said moving away from her and into the bathroom. She watched as he disappeared before climbing onto the large bed as she heard him move into the other room. When he returned he was without a shirt, though his shorts remained, and he was holding a small tin box. He clambered onto the bed beside her, letting it rest on his lap as she turned to face him watching him curiously.

‘What?’ he asked all of a sudden feeling nervous.

‘Nuthin’,’ she smiled, ‘I guess you were right.’

‘What about?’ he asked confused as to where her train of thought had headed in his absence.

‘We’re definitely not those dumb kids anymore,’ she said matter-of-factly.

‘How d’ya figure?’ Elvis asked.

‘Well the old you wouldn’t have run off to find some tatty old box when he found a very willing me standing in his bedroom,’ she teased making him smirk.

‘Oh yeah?’ he chuckled as she leaned in to kiss him. He allowed her to, chuckling at her impatience as her hand travelled down his torso, dancing along the waistband of his shorts.

‘Mmmhmm,’ she mumbled against his lips.

‘Well the old me didn’t have something important to say,’ he said making her pull back and quirk an eyebrow.

‘Oh yeah? What’s that?’ she mused watching as he opened the tin. It was crammed full of papers and she was sure that somewhere amongst them she had seen a flash of a picture or two, her face appearing in each of them. Though he didn’t take note of any of them, instead he pulled out something small and shiny and it only took her a second to realise what it was.

‘Elvis,’ she said feeling the wind knocked out of her at the sight of the ring, the one she had seen only once yet remembered forever.

‘Addie,’ he said just as seriously. He was watching her now, a smirk playing on his lips on having knocked her teasing on its ass within seconds. But now was no time for teasing so instead he continued, ‘now I know this might not be the most logical thing to do given that we’ve been a couple less than twelve hours but I figured we’ve waited long enough, don’t you?’

‘I’d say so,’ she whispered, eagerly awaiting him to continue.

‘Ads when I left here all those years ago all I wanted to do was get through my time and get home to you. So I could put this ring on your hand, like I promised I would. Now, I know it ain’t exactly been straight-forward and there’s been a few…bumps-’

‘Mountains,’ she corrected with a smirk.

‘Moutains in our way…. but Addie I love you. I never stopped.’

‘Me either,’ she admitted making his smile widen.

‘So…will you marry me?’ he asked. All she could do was nod, her throat thick with happy tears as she leaned in and kissed him pouring every inch of love she felt inside her heart into him hoping that would convey her answer as she was too overwhelmed to speak. He kissed her back, knocking the tin box off of his lap as he pulled her onto it in its place kissing every inch of her face, her happy tears wet against his lips, until finally he stopped resting his forehead against hers. Her hazel eyes were watching him closely and thankfully her body had decided to cooperate even if the only thing she could say sounded shaky.

‘Forever?’ she asked.

‘Forever,’ he nodded.

SERIES TAGS

@girlblogger2002 @sania562 @caitlin1996 @literally-just-elvis-fics @notstefaniepresley @artlesson8892 @18Ikpeters @velvetelvis @jaqueline19997 @elvispresleyxoxo @amydarcimarie @presleyenterprise @everythingelvispresley @elvispresleywife @lillypink @richardslady121 @lettersfromvenus @louisejoy86 @ccab

#my writing #elvis #elvis presley #elvis fic #Elvis Presley x ofc #Elvis and Addison #Addison Goodwin #elvis x ofc #here you come again

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ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes · 4 years ago

Text

Promises Not Kept Part 17

Summary: Tommy Shelby made a promise to Jonah Ward while in the war. A promise he didn't keep. But it comes to haunt him when he tries to drown out his sorrows with a young woman.

Part 17: Leah does her best to support Tommy as they all try to stay alive.

Tommy woke early and he was wise to be quiet. Unfortunately, the floorboards of the flat were much squeakier than he remembered. He'd forgotten which ones to avoid, the ones he'd memorized so he could sneak out at night to see Greta.

"Tom..." Leah stirred when she heard the floor creak under his weight. She blearily reached out, groping at the empty side of the bed. "Tommy?"

He paused, wondering if she'd just fall back asleep if he didn't say anything.

Instead, she blinked a few times and lifted her head. She saw her hand resting on the sheets beside her. No Tommy in sight. She turned over and caught him standing absolutely still, a slightly guilty look in his eyes. "Where'ya going?" She mumbled.

"A few things I have to do." He walked back over and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Like what?" Leah yawned and reached up to graze her fingers down the nape of his neck.

"Few errands." The guns were already hidden. The ammunition concealed in clever spots around Artillery Square. Polly had already tipped Luca off. Tommy was ready to single-handedly bring this war to an end. He fully expected a shoot-out. And no matter how much he planned, he couldn't be certain that he'd make it out alive or unharmed. All he could do was trust his gut and eliminate any hesitation. Hesitation would get him killed.

Leah sat up, stifling another yawn. "Want me to come along?"

"No, love, you stay here. Get some more rest, aye?" He murmured and brushed his knuckles against her cheek. "Sun's barely even up."

She nodded but didn't lie back down, didn't move her arms from around him.

"Leah."

"Mhm?" She rested her cheek on his shoulder, closing her eyes again.

He was sure she could hear his heart racing. His fingers combed through her hair, slipping through her honey curls. "If anything were to happen to me, you'd take custody of Charlie, wouldn't you?" There were plenty of people who would adopt Charlie, Tommy wasn't afraid of leaving his son alone. But he wanted Leah to be the one to care for him.

"Don't like when you talk like that." She whispered. "Talking like something is going to happen."

"No one is guaranteed tomorrow." He replied quietly. "You and I both know that as well as anyone."

She simply gave him a grumble of reluctant agreement.

He sighed and nuzzled her cheek. "Just want to know you'd always be there for him."

"Tommy, of course I would be. He's become my life just as much as you have." Her hand pressed to the back of his neck to hold him closer. "I would never abandon him.

Of course he had a feeling the caring and patient woman would never do such a thing. It was obvious how attached she'd become to the little boy. But it was still relieving to hear her confirmation. It gave Tommy the strength to part from her. "I love you, go back to bed." He left her with a lingering kiss before marching off to battle. A single soldier.

~~~~~~~~~

Polly had invited Leah to spend time at her apartment with Charlie. She didn't mention a reason other than to catch up. Leah didn't think there was much to catch up on. The family were limited to such a small area in Birmingham it seemed they knew everything about everyone's movements at all times. But she was naïve to think that there were still things happening in the shadows.

Leah was sat on the floor with Charlie as he peacefully played with some toy cars. She basked in the warmth coming from the fireplace, making sure the little boy didn't get too close to the grate.

Polly began to set out teacups, more than just two for the both of them. Leah noticed but didn't ask about the extra guests. She just waited for the door downstairs to open and the footsteps to enter the room.

Tommy was still a little breathless when he walked in. He seemed a bit out of sorts, stumbling about in a daze. He knelt down to kiss the top of Charlie's head before slumping into a chair. Without a word, he took out a cigarette and his lighter. His blue eyes were fixed on Charlie who didn't seem bothered by his father's slightly off demeanor.

Leah tried to catch his gaze but he didn't budge. Polly walked over to her nephew and took the lighter out of his hand to light the cigarette in his mouth. It appeared to snap Tommy out of the haze as he gave his aunt a thankful nod.

"What are you going to tell Arthur?" Polly asked, her eyes hinting at Leah as well. Subtly adding her to the list of people Tommy needed to confess about his morning shoot out.

"I'll tell him the truth." Tommy replied.

Leah found her voice after the tense moment. "Truth about what?" She asked.

Polly raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to say something.

"Just need to wait for the others." He responded quietly and went back to smoking his cigarette.

The answer was less than ideal but Leah let it slide as long as he upheld his promise of telling her. She touched Charlie's arm. "Go on down the hall, I've set up your train set in Auntie's room." She murmured softly.

Charlie smiled and stood up to run out of the room and find his beloved train. Leah gathered the cars from the rug and stood up. She placed them on a side table and looked to Tommy.

He finally met her gaze and held an arm out to her. He drew her close by the waist. "Steady."

"I'm okay." She whispered back and took his face in her hands. Holding onto the tender moment as long as she could.

"I'd like to speak with you after I've spoken to everyone." The request was soft and promising so she nodded in agreement.

"They're here." Polly announced from the window.

Tommy stood and offered the chair to Leah. He paced a few strides in front of the fireplace as they waited for the others to come upstairs. Leah greeted Arthur, Linda, Lizzie, Charlie, and Johnny as they passed by her.

Arthur appeared a little agitated as he sat. Without wasting time, he confronted is brother with the news. "What the fuck happened today, Tom? We all heard. Shooting in Artillery Square."

Leah's eyes widened, enough of a question for Tommy. He didn't flinch simply nodded. "Today I killed three men. Now our enemies are down to eight."

It knocked the wind right out of her. Had he been ambushed while doing the so-called errands he said he was going to do? Or...

"I suppose they took you by surprise then."

"No." The response was clear and unapologetic. "I knew they were coming."

"Unbelievable." Leah couldn't help but let the word slip.

Tommy heard her but didn't say anything. He could atone later when they spoke about his plans. Instead, he let Polly explain the arrangement between her and Luca Changretta. The arrangement that Tommy had been well aware of for as long as it had been conceived.

"You're a fucking idiot, Tom!"

"Look, I didn't get Luca but I got three, all right?" Tommy's tone was clipped. He always had a hard time with having to explain himself. He liked when he was free to do such things without getting reamed out.

Leah was developing a headache when Charlie's little footsteps came running back down the hall. He entered the room and smiled up at his father.

"C'mere you." Tommy scooped him up and rested him on his hip.

Johnny chuckled, always amused with the chaos the Shelbys created. "I mean I thought you'd gone soft. So you got three?" He inquired curiously.

"Yeah I got three." Tommy confirmed.

Charlie tilted his head. "Got three what?" He asked innocently.

Leah tensed up a bit and waited for Tommy to make up a good enough excuse.

"I got three schillings for a two schilling horse." Tommy smiled and tousled Charlie's hair. "Why don't you go downstairs?" He set the little boy down. "Could I have a moment with Leah?" He requested.

Arthur slapped his brother on the shoulder and smiled. "Sure thing. Come on Charlie boy." He scooped up his nephew and brought him downstairs.

Once the room cleared out, Tommy shut the door. "Want a drink?" He asked.

"No thank you." She said quietly. "Why didn't you tell me about this morning?"

"Because I was going to do it anyways and I didn't want you to worry." He responded with all the honesty he could. "It wouldn't be fair for you to know because it wouldn't do you any good to know."

Leah frowned. The explanation wasn't sufficient but she wasn't going to argue. It was done. He was alive still. "I thought we were going to be open with each other now."

"I'm sorry. But I need to play my cards close." He admitted. "Only Polly knew."

She chewed on her lip and nodded. "What did you want to talk about?" She asked as if to forgive him without saying it outright.

Tommy sat next beside her and faced her. "I know we discussed getting married after this is all over. But after today I'd like to move that up." He said as if he was discussing a business matter.

"You'd like to marry me soon?" She was surprised to say the least. "Wouldn't you want to wait?"

"We can have another ceremony later but I'd like to make it official. Because now-" He sighed and let his head fall forward, ducking his head as if he were praying in front of her. His hands clasped over hers. "I would want you to legally take custody of Charlie." His eyes lifted to her.

"Tommy...nothing's going to happen."

"Please." He whispered softly. "Please just give me this. We can have a proper wedding after."

Leah couldn't deny him. She nodded and leaned forward to kiss him.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Tommy in?” Ada entered the office without much of a warning. It spooked Leah a bit because of how late it was. Charlie was asleep with Finn watching over him and Tommy hadn’t eaten all day. So Leah took the chance to bring him dinner. After that morning’s chaos, she figured it would be a long night.

“I think he should be in soon.” She answered.

His sister came in with a huff, tugging off her gloves. “He is unbelievable. I honestly cannot understand why you’re marrying him.” She snarled and flopped into Tommy’s desk chair.

Leah’s brow wrinkled in worry. “What happened?” She walked over to the desk and sat.

There were tears welling up in Ada’s eyes but she steeled herself and waved towards the liquor cart. “Can you get me a drink?” She lifted a hand over her mouth when her voice cracked.

“Of course, gin?”

“Whatever’s the most expensive thing he’s got over there.”

Not too familiar with alcohol, Leah glanced at the labels. She figured Tommy would keep only the priciest bottles in his own office so she just picked the nicest looking label. She poured Ada a glass and hesitated a moment before pouring herself one as well.

“Now tell me what happened.” She coaxed as she passed over one of the glasses.

“I was arrested by the cavalry.” Ada’s nose scrunched up in disgust. “I know Tommy was behind it.”

It was as if she were watching a tennis match but Leah couldn’t keep track of where the ball was on the court. She kept trying to find it but every time her head turned, it wasn’t there. It gave her a headache and she had no idea what to expect.

Before his fiancee had a moment to say anything, Tommy came into the office. He acknowledged Ada with a glance on his way to the liquor. “You’re sitting in my chair.”

Leah didn’t have to tell him off, Ada did the honors. “Tell me about Colonel Ben Younger. He offered me a proposition. I know you know about it and I also know when you’re lying to me.” His sister glared daggers at him.

Tommy cleared his throat and poured himself a glass of whiskey. “Ben Younger was an officer with the Warwickshire Yeomanry in Flanders.” He began to explain on his way over to the desk. He rested a hand on the back of Leah’s chair as if greeting her silently. “The only cavalryman who could ride a fucking horse.”

Ada wasn’t amused by his remark. “I was strip-searched.”

He looked like he was slapped in the face. Clearly, that hadn’t been a part of the plan. Or he at least hadn’t thought about it. “Ada…”

“Two officers watched.”

Leah knew that there was a level of comfort associated with nudity. As a young woman in London, she had to bite back her modesty as she bared every inch to strangers every night. After a few months, she learned to numb the embarrassment and insecurity that came along with allowing someone to see her in an intimate way. But Ada wasn’t like her. She had a great deal of self-respect and no doubt the event was humiliating and horrifying to her.

“Tommy…” Leah whispered.

He shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry, Ada, I didn’t know.”

Ada pursed her lips, crossed her arms over her chest, and averted her eyes. She was practically shaking with anger.

“Leah, could I speak with my sister alone?” Tommy requested. “Have one of the men walk you home.”

Without answering, she walked around the desk to touch Ada’s arm. To her surprise, the woman stood and hugged Leah tightly. She hugged her back and whispered in her ear. “Doesn’t change who you are. You’re still strong.”

Ada sniffled and drew away. “Yeah, alright.” She nodded.

Leah smiled sympathetically and placed her bag on the desk. “I brought dinner. I’m sure Tommy can share. You two should have something other than booze.” She walked over to her fiancee and kissed his cheek. “Wake me up when you get home.”

~~~~~~~~~

Tommy listened and woke her up when he arrived home near dawn. The day was weighing on him and he wasn’t sure whether it was psychosomatic pain or actual pain that was making him so stiff in the back. Climbing the stairs was near agonizing as his muscles locked up and protested against the movement. He was far too tired to draw himself a bath, especially without the built-in bathtub he was accustomed to at Arrow House. So he simply limped his way into the bedroom and began to toss aside the day.

Every little movement causing him minor aches in his nerves. His hands were trembling ever so slightly as he undid his tie and the buttons of his shirt.

He wouldn’t sleep much, if at all. But he would at least lie in bed with Leah not just for her sake but for his own.

Charlie was fast asleep, tucked away in the corner on his small cot. Leah was curled up on her side, her hand grasping at Tommy’s pillow. He had to gently move it so he could slip under the quilt beside her.

The motion didn’t wake her but prompted her to reach out in her sleep. Her fingers touching the air for half a second before falling to rest on his stomach. Tommy picked up her hand again, lacing his fingers with hers and drawing her closer to his side.

This time, Leah woke up. “Did you just get back?” Her voice was nearly silent.

“Yes.” He admitted. His eyes were glued to the ceiling, his thumb hypnotically moving back and forth over the top of her hand.

“What time’s it?” She slurred and cuddled closer.

“Quarter past three.” He answered having checked his watch before heading upstairs.

“You must be tired.” Her eyes closed again and she shifted over to get a bit more comfortable, making Tommy wrap his arm around her instead of holding her hand.

Only a small grunt was given as an answer. He didn’t even know if he was tired or not. He was just alive. “Why did you want me to wake you up?”

“Because I didn’t want you to be alone.”

Tommy sat with her response for a few moments. Unable to find the words. All he could do was stare up at the ceiling. The small crack in the plaster that had been there for as long as he could recall. Although, he couldn’t seem to remember if it had gotten bigger or stayed the same size. The jagged mark that formed like a lightning bolt. The last thing Tommy used to see every night when he was still stuck in Birmingham. Now he had more, much more. And yet there he was, back staring up at the ceiling.

“The fight’s tonight.”

“It is,” Tommy confirmed. “This morning, if you’re still willing, we’ll go down to the council.”

Leah opened her eyes and peered up at him. “To get married?”

He nodded ever so slightly. “If you’re willing.”

“Do you think I’m not?”

His eyes didn’t move from the same spot. “I know you love me. Otherwise, you wouldn’t still be here.”

She rested her chin on his shoulder. “Then you need to quit doubting my decision. Haven’t gone back on my word, have I?”

“No.”

“And I won’t.” She reached up and guided his eyes to her, her fingers touching his cheek. “So when would you like to leave?”

A faint smile crossed Tommy’s face. “When we get married. Really get married, gonna buy you a horse. A mare…something sound but strong.”

Leah laughed softly and nuzzled his cheek. “And what will you name this horse?” She inquired, not bothered that he had spoiled his wedding gift to her.

“Madwoman.” He grinned and kissed her temple. “’Cause that’s what you are for marrying me, aye?”

Leah only shook her head and rested her cheek back on his shoulder. There were still a few more hours to spare before the sun rose on their wedding day.

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