#but some elvis songs sound so familiar to me

[hooked-on-elvis]

One of my absolute favorite of Elvis' songs ♥

"Runaway" (Live, 1969)

[srbachchan]

DAY 5919

StWork, Mumbai May 2, 2024 Thu 12:49 PM

Birthday - EF - Elena Iankova Friday, 3 May .. and all our wishes for a happy birthday

🌹

Yo !

here before time for a very big change .. haha ..

but at work and got a bit of time and BOOM !

got to say the travel from Juhu home to work Marine Drive in 30 mins .. amazing Coastal Road and the Tunnel emerging on Marine Drive , just before its flyover and simply amazing .. !

Super constructed roads, tunnel, neat clean construct .. no traffic jams .. and done ..

Ok just to change the topic .. here is something to know :

Know what is a "mondegreen?'

MONDEGREENS

If you’ve been listening to rock music, you know it’s often hard to make out the lyrics. They sing it their way and we hear it our way.

Jimi Hendrix famously sang the phrase “While I kiss the sky” which was heard by thousands as “While I kissed this guy.”

CCR’s popular song originally said, “There’s a bad moon on the rise.” Many heard it as “There’s a bathroom on the right.”

Deep Purple’s still-popular chorus (known for its timeless guitar riff) “Smoke on the water/Fire in the sky” was misheard as “Smoke on the water/Fire engine guy.”

Nirvana’s anthem “Smells like Teen Spirit” had the lines, “Here we are now/Entertain us.” They were misheard as, “Here we are now/In containers.”

When Elvis Presley sang, “Everybody in the whole cell block”, many heard it as” Everybody in a wholesale frock”

There’s actually a word for misheard lyrics like these.

Mondegreen.

Some mondegreens became so famous that even artistes like Hendrix and CCR sang the misheard versions in their live concerts in a spirit of fun and tease.

It’s not just in pop songs that mondegreens occur. The US national anthem begins with the lofty words, “Oh say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light.’ Some heard them as “José, can you see…”

Occasionally, mondegreens had an interesting side-effect. Joe Cocker sang of a ‘lovely planet’ which was misheard as ‘lonely planet.’ The latter became the name of a well-known travel guide series of books.

No one knows why we hear the wrong thing although there are theories. It’s akin to the game of Chinese Whispers where the original line gets progressively distorted into some hilarious garbage by the time it reaches the last guy.

Mondegreens are not restricted to English alone. South Indians, with limited knowledge of Hindi, were taught patriotic songs in Hindi by zealous teachers. A popular one had the repeating phrase, “Bara tamata.” School students sang it with great gusto. Years later, some of them realized the actual words were “Bharat Mata.”

A popular line from Qurbani song, “Aap jaisa koi meri/zindagee mein aaye/ toh baat bun jaaye” was understood as “Aap jaisa koi…toh baap bun jaaye.” The defective version made sense to many who saw Zeenat Aman gyrating on those lyrics while gaping at Feroz Khan.

Many who weren’t familiar with the hill station between Bombay and Pune heard the Gulaami song as “Haathi ka andaa la” until they realized it was “Aati kya Khandala”.

I have a friend, her name is Geeta. Her family called her Gitu. Throughout her childhood and youth, she thought Rajesh Khanna was singing for her, when he said, ”Mere sapnon ki raani kab aaye Gitu”.

'Mondegreen' sounds French but isn't. In 1954, a writer at Harper’s Magazine remembered how as a little girl she misheard an old English ballad. The actual words, saluting a dead war hero, were:

𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘭 𝘰' 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯.

She heard them as:

𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘭 𝘰' 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯.

And thus was born the word ‘mondegreen’ to signify all misheard lyrics from that moment on.

Turns out, mondegreen itself started life as a mondegreen.

sent to me by a friend .. 🤣🤣

More perhaps later .. or perhaps not ..

Amitabh Bachchan

and some more .. a very pertinent article in TOI ..

[rjmartin11]

As My Lord Wishes

Chapter Four

Summary: Young Madelyn is forced into a loveless arranged marriage with the King of Memphis. Life with Elvis isn't easy, especially when he treats her less than what a queen deserves. Over time, the relationship becomes something more. Love.

Word Count:???

Warnings:

Author's Notes: Welcome to Chapter Four!

・ʚ♡ɞ・👑・ʚ♡ɞ・

For the next few days, there was pure silence. Madelyn hadn't seen Elvis in three days since their fencing match. Nevertheless, she was proud of herself. She felt that Elvis seen her in a different light. He didn't scorn her or shame her. Madelyn was able to walk off the piste with her head held high and her dignity as the queen she is.

She wanted to win the match, but she thought about it, and it was better that Elvis won. She wanted Elvis to see her not to humiliate him.

Madelyn felt she gained more respect from everyone at Graceland Palace. The ladies in waiting told her about the gossip around the palace. The servants saw her as a strong warrior. They all respected her. Most of the ladies and lords were intimated by her. It put a smile on her face. What she really wanted to know was how Elvis felt.

As she does her daily walk through the gardens, she contemplates the situation. The game now was to wait on Elvis.

"My lady," a voice pulls her out of her thoughts.

Madelyn looks to her right,and before her stands Elvis.

"My lord," she says. "Did you come back for your book?"

"Hmm?" Elvis thought about what Madelyn asked. "Oh, no. Keep the book." He laughs softly.

Madelyn never saw him laugh before. He had a before smile, or at least not in front of her. She'd do anything to keep that smile on his face forever.

"You have a beautiful smile, my lord," Madelyn tells him. "You should smile more often. The people will see how kind you are."

"Instead of a spoiled boy?"

Madelyn lowers her eyes, remembering when she said those words to him.

"My lord, I never called you spoiled."

Elvis looks at her for a moment.

"May I join you on your afternoon stroll? It's too lovely of a day to not enjoy it."

"Yes, please. I don't object."

Madelyn and Elvis start to walk through the gardens in silence. There's so much to be said and so many things to talk about, but Madelyn hates small talk. At this point, she'd talk about weather or how delicious her breakfast was to stop the silence between her and Elvis.

"Tell me," Elvis starts to talk. "Where did you learn to fence like that?"

Grateful for break in silence, Madelyn smiles at him.

"My grandfather taught me when I was ten. He wanted me to be well-rounded in fencing. He believed it was better for me to know how to protect myself."

"It's funny. I started to believe that Lord Jeremiah began to practice more."

Madelyn smiles to herself, never looking at Elvis.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you," she replies.

"I'm not disappointed. I'm just shocked."

"Are you shocked by the fact that I was out of place?"

"I'm shocked that it was you behind the mask."

At this moment, Madelyn contemplates whether she should bate him or not.

"You know, my lord. I could have won."

"I beg your pardon, my lady?"

"You're bit... unsure on your right side. That's how I was able to disarm you. You have a temper when things don't go your way, which clouds your judgment. I let you win."

Elvis steps in front of her.

"You let me win?" He asked.

"I did."

"Well then, you and I will have to try it again."

"Yes. I look forward to it, my lord."

They start to walk again, and Elvis ponders his mind for a question. As they walk in silence, Madelyn starts to hum a song.

"You sing?" He asks.

"A little."

"That tune sounds so familiar. What is it?"

"Oh, just some unchained melody I was taught. I don't remember the name. Forgive me."

"It's fine, my lady. There's no need to apologize for your beautiful voice." Elvis pauses. "How are you enjoying Graceland so far?

"It's a beautiful palace. I'd love to see more of Memphis with you outside of Graceland."

"I'll have Ms. Mary make the arrangements for us to see the city."

"I'd love that."

After walking for a little while longer, they get interrupted by Joseph the Palace Herald.

"My king," he says.

"Yes, what is it?" Elvis asks.

"The King of Beale is here to speak with for your afternoon meeting."

Elvis closes his eyes and exhales. How could he forget such an important meeting? Truly, he wants to cancel the meet altogether just to spend time with Madelyn.

"One moment, Joseph," he says, turning to speak with Madelyn again.

"This was a planned meeting in advance. Forgive me for cutting this meeting brief."

"It's fine, my lord. I understand that a king's job is never done."

"Could we walk together again?"

"Yes, please. I live here so I'm easy to find."

There goes that smile again on Elvis' face. That smile that lightens her heart. Elvis takes his bow and walks away with Joseph. Madelyn smiles, feeling a sense of accomplishment in the time spent with Elvis. They'll speak again.

The Piano

Later in the evening, Madelyn quietly walks around Graceland. She was interested in getting another book from the library. She's gotten used to the idea of falling asleep reading.

As she walks, she notices a grand piano untouched. For the last few weeks, she realized no one ever played, but she was told that Elvis loved music. She looks around and makes the decision to play. Madelyn loves playing the piano. It lightened her heart in ways she couldn't explain.

Madelyn rubs the keys, familiarizing herself with the piano. Then she plays a tune. The first tune she could think of. The music fills the room like she was a part of an orchestra. Elvis hears it as he walks by to his room. He peeks in to see who would dare play his mother's piano. Elvis is stunned to see Madelyn playing on the keys. He walks in quietly and listens.

"Where did you learn to play like that?" Elvis asks, startling Madelyn.

"My lord." She stands from her seat.

"No, no, please sit," he asked.

Madelyn sits back down at the bench with her hands in her lap. Elvis walks closer to her.

"I had a piano teacher when I was twelve-year-old. She was wonderful," she answers him. "She taught me how music has a soul, and we we connect to it as individuals. Souls speak to one another and mingle in music."

Madelyn begins tickling the ivory keys. The melody fills the room. Elvis closes his eyes as she plays, allowing the music to align with his heart and soul. She plays so beautifully. He feels goosebumps rise on his arms. Where did she come from?

Madelyn stops when she notices Elvis' eyes are closed, and a single tear falls from his eye.

"What's the matter?" She asked

"Nothing," Elvis replied. "May I sit?"

She moves over to let him sit on the next to her. Elvis gently touches the keys without making noise, reminiscing of times long forgotten.

"This piano was mother's," Elvis says. "I never ever allow anyone to it."

"I'm sorry. I..."

"It's fine," Elvis says, a small smile coming across his face. "It's more than fine. She taught me how to play when I was ten-years-old. Our time at this piano was some of the best times of my life. Her soul was intertwined with the music."

There's a pause between them.

"Do you think she would have liked me?" Madelyn asked.

Elvis turns to look at her. Her eyes filled with eagerness to please and know.

"She would have liked you very much. She would say that you're a sweet girl."

They smile at one another for a moment then Elvis begins to play. Madelyn listens to him play this harmony. For a moment, she gets a little insight into Elvis' soul. His silence. His strength. His beauty. His resilience. She didn't believe she could fall more in love with him, but she is.

"So, you like fencing, reading, singing, and playing the piano. What else do you do?" Elvis asked.

"You know, I always wanted to be an explorer. I wanted to discover new lands, see new people, and hear new music. But," she pauses. "You can't be an explorer when you're a queen."

She plays a lighthearted melody. Elvis places his fingers over hand. She stops.

"Keep playing," Elvis whispers. "Please."

She plays her keys as Elvis follows along. She smiles. Elvis touches her so deeply in her soul.

"Maddie," Elvis whispers. "Who says a queen can't go exploring?"

Madelyn looks at Elvis.

"Maddie?" She questions.

"Is that okay?"

"It's okay. It's unexpected. My grandmother used to call me Maddie."

"When it's just us. I'll call you Maddie."

"Yes, my lord."

"Please, call me Elvis."

Elvis moves his face closer to Madelyn's face. Her heart races. He smells so good. He brushes his face against hers, and his lips graze her cheek. His lips are soft and warm. He kisses her lips so tenderly, and she melts into him. With his free hand, Elvis caresses Madelyn's face. He slowly drips his tongue into her mouth, and Madelyn pulls away in shock.

"It's okay," Elvis says.

Madelyn slowly leans into him. Elvis kisses softly, repeating the action once more. The more Elvis does it, the more Madelyn likes it, and the more she learns from it.

Elvis moves from her lips to her neck, and heart gallops in her chest uncontrollably. Feelings arise that she never knew existed.

"My lord," Joseph calls out to Elvis, interpreting them.

"What is it?" Elvis answers.

"My lord, you're needed."

"Right now?!"

"Yes, my lord."

Elvis and Madelyn look at one another. He hates to have to leave her. The look on his face says it all.

"Maddie, I'm sor...,"

She places her index finger over his soft lips.

"No, Elvis. You have duties as king. I understand. Go see your advisors. And promise me something."

"Anything."

"Call for me. I want to know you as a friend and husband. Please."

Elvis takes her hand and kisses her knuckles.

"I will. I promise. My Queen."

Elvis stands and walks out of the room, leaving Madelyn alone once again.

Taglist: @missmaywemeetagain @beeandheroddobsessions @headfullofpresley @everythingpresley @epforeverohyes @vintagepresley @pianginferno @powerofelvis @ab4eva @foreverdolly @searchingforgravity @thatbanditqueen @daffieapple @18lkpeters @dkayfixates @epsgirl @richardslady121 @literally-just-elvis-fics @eptodaytommorowforever @vintageshanny @iloveelvis @dreamingofep @aliypop @littlehoneyposts @msamarican @i-r-i-n-a-a @your-nanas-house

[dreamingofep]

Sinned Awakening pt. 11 🩸

An AU Elvis fic

(Vampire!Elvis/Vampire Austin!Elvis × reader)

Character/Fandom: Elvis - Elvis (2022)

Request: No

Prompt: Getting promoted to be Elvis full time housekeeper, you realize the man holds secrets beyond belief and your undeniable attraction makes you fear the unknown. [Fem!Reader]

TW: Cussing, tension, angst, mentions of blood/gore 🩸

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 3.8K

A/N: Hello everyone!

Welcome to part 11! I couldn't stop writing these last few days and needed to share with you all what happens next🤭 It's a bit shorter but I wanted to break up this part up accordingly. I love this pic of him here and the red glare makes me giggle.

A reminder, this is Vampire!Elvis so there is going to be mentions of blood/gore from here on out. If that's not your thing, sorry but it's needed for the story.

If you'd like to start from the begining, start here 🩸

I hope you enjoy and message and comment what you think!🖤

The crunch of leaves under your feet breaks the stillness of the forest. The wind whistles through the trees and brings a slight shiver to you but you don’t mind. The trees break away and a sparse area comes into view. There you see a lone white piano in the middle of the clearing and you grow curious. 

You walk closer to it and that’s when you can hear it playing music with no accompaniment. It’s a familiar tune but you can’t seem to remember the name. The song becomes louder and you look around for any other people around. The wind picks up and you bring your arms up to your chest, hugging them tightly as the temperature begins to drop. 

The notes on the piano become distorted and jumbled no longer the melodious sounds a moment ago. You hear a whisper behind you and snap your body in the direction of the sound, not seeing anything though. You look back at the piano and the keys are slamming down violently, blood starting to come streaming out of the keyboard and the top board. 

You stumble backward, frightened at the sight before you. The blood keeps flowing and reaches your feet, making you scream out in horror. As you’re retreating, your back hits something hard and you grunt at the feeling. 

You turn around to see Elvis’ bright eyes stare down at you and grab onto your shoulders. 

"Run." he growls.

You gasp as you pop open your eyes and revive back into consciousness. You grab at the bed sheets, unaware of where you are. Anna quickly comes rushing to your side and holds your hand. 

“Woah, it’s okay, it’s okay. I’m right here,” she assures. “Are you okay?”

You’re not exactly sure how to answer that. The last few hours were a blur for you and you hardly remember getting to Anna’s apartment. You realize you’re in her bedroom with blankets covering your body. 

Your body feels exhausted and soreness spreads along it when you try to move. 

“Woah let’s take it easy. You took quite a fall,” she says softly. 

“What time is it?” You grumble, rubbing your eyes. 

“Uhh, one o clock. Honey, what happened? You scared the hell out of me and-and your neck…. What’s going on?” She asks concerned. 

You put your hand over your neck and feel it’s been bandaged. 

“I’m okay. I really can’t tell you about this but I’m fine,” you say referring to your neck. 

“No, you’re not! You come in here bloody and collapse on my floor! When was the last time you slept?!” She presses. 

You stay silent for a moment, trying to figure out when you did get a good night's sleep. 

“Umm, a few days ago…” you say embarrassed. 

Anna covers her eyes and worry shrouds her face. 

“That’s not good! You need to take care of yourself. Does Elvis have something to do with this?” She accuses. 

You look at the ceiling, frustrated with the entire situation. 

It has everything to do with Elvis. 

“It’s not about him. I just need some time and figure things out.”

Anna sighs, frustrated at how you’re deflecting everything. But it’s the only way you know how to. You sure as hell couldn’t tell her that he’s a Vampire and he lost control. It felt wrong to lie to your best friend but this was necessary. You knew you had to protect Elvis’ secret. 

“Did you call out of work?” You ask. 

“Yes of course I did, I was worried sick. I’m not going anywhere til you get better and rest,” she says firmly. 

You nod in agreement, not in the mood to fight. She hands you a glass of water and you take a few sips. 

“Can I take a shower to freshen up? I’ll be fine, I promise I feel a lot better,” you assure her. 

“Yeah, I’ll grab you a towel from the closet,” she says before walking to the other room. 

You shut the bathroom door behind you and flip on the light. There's a full-length mirror in front of you and you unwrap the blanket from yourself. You didn’t want to look at your body at first, you knew what you’d see. 

You look anyway and see the welts that he sucked onto both of your breasts and the marks his hands left as he squeezed your hips tight riding him. 

The more you look at the marks he left behind, the more you can see and feel how those talented hands felt on your body, making you ache for more from him. How he knew just where to touch you and make you feel things you’ve never experienced before. And that mouth of his, it must have been one of your favorite things about him. How it can turn you on with a kiss or eat you out like he was starving for it. 

You snap yourself out of the memories surrounding him and turn on the shower, needing a distraction from your aimless thoughts of him. You’re about to step in when you realize you still have the bandage on your neck. You take a deep breath to rip it off quickly so it doesn’t hurt as much. You close your eyes and rip the bandage off in one swipe. The idea of how your neck looked terrified you, knowing it wasn’t going to be a pretty picture. You open your eyes anyway and assess the damage. 

You furrow your eyebrows in confusion at what you see. The bruise has grown but the bite mark was visibly gone. You lean closer to the mirror to get a better look and swear you could be going crazy. 

There wasn’t even a scab. He never told you how or if a bite from a vampire could heal so quickly. It scared you either way and you wanted answers. You knew that wasn’t going to happen any time soon with Elvis’ lack of control. But you honestly didn’t care. You needed to know. 

You take your time in the shower and let the hot water run down your body. You had to figure out a time to see Elvis and see how he is. You’re sure he felt bad about what he did but there was a lot to talk about like the next steps to get out of your apartment and somewhere away from Daniel.

Everything that’s been going on with Elvis, it felt like part of you was stalling from fully moving out from Daniel’s. For a time, you thought you’d stay with Elvis and have him help you figure things out but now, a lot has changed. You found out the truth about him and you weren’t sure if he could handle you around him all the time. 

But every part of you didn’t want to give up on him. There was no way you could leave him so broken and lonely. He tried so hard to be good. And it was all because of you. He found a reason to try and not be so ravenous. In a way, he made you see more clearly how awful Daniel treated you and how you do deserve better. You borrow some clothes from Anna but you know you need to go to your apartment and pack your stuff up. You also ask her for a scarf, not wanting her to stare at the huge bruise that's sitting there.

You join Anna in the living room and she starts fixing you lunch. She makes you a sandwich and you eat it quickly, not realizing how starving you were. 

You small talk about things and she convinces you to go to a bar with her. She thought it would be a good idea to get your mind off things and honestly, she wasn’t wrong. A distraction was exactly what you needed. 

Her phone suddenly rings and she walks over to answer it. 

“Hello?” She says cheerfully. Her eyebrows suddenly furrow and she shakes her head. 

“I’m sorry, who is this?”

She looks at you confused. 

“It’s for you,” she whispers, taking the receiver off her ear and offering it to you. 

You sit there in shock, not understanding what is going on as you haven’t given anyone Anna’s number to call you on. You take the phone from her and raise it to your ear.

“Hello?” You say unsure. 

“Mr. Presley needs to see you,” the familiar voice grumbles. 

“How did you get this number?” You snap.

“He will not be kept waiting, I suggest you hurry.” The click of the phone ends the call and you look up at Anna perplexed.

“I uh, can you take me to work?” You ask.

“What? Are you insane? No! You really want to go back there and see him?” She accuses.

“Please, I need to go. I’ll be fine I swear,” you assure her.

She huffs in protest, rubbing her temple and shaking her head at you, “let me get my shoes on,” she says frustrated.

You both get in the car and she drops you off in the back of the hotel. Something about it seemed so eerie. You couldn’t quite pinpoint it but deep down, you knew you should not be here. You know you should trust your instincts and stay in the car, but you open the car door anyway and hug Anna.

“Thank you. I’ll be okay and I’ll call you if I need you,” you say, squeezing her hand gently. She nods her head at you and gives you a quick smile.

You make your way through the locker room and up to the elevator. The amount of times this elevator has made you anxious is becoming too much of a regular occurrence.

You get to the penthouse floor and the elevator doors open. You’re scowled at by the same men in the hallway and quickly rush to the suite’s doors. The man standing in front of the door steps aside and opens the door for you. You cautiously step inside and see Elvis at the piano, his back turned away from you. A flashback from your nightmare earlier flashes in your mind and you squeeze your eyes shut to try and get that out of your memory. You continue to stand by the door as you hear it get shut behind you. He’s wearing a midnight blue shirt and black pants with his hair tussled out of place.

His fingers lightly press the keys, not making any particular music but aimlessly touching the key to distract himself from something. You don’t want to say anything, he called for you, not the other way around. You thought for a second he couldn’t stand the sight of you after what happened early this morning. 

He turns his head slightly, his back still facing you, “come here,” he says shortly, his voice raspy.

You can feel your heartbeat grow louder and louder with each footstep you make closer to him. Your instincts told you to run away, there was danger here, but the other side of you knew there wasn’t. You had this unwavering trust in him, one you couldn’t quite explain. You knew there was good within him. He needed someone to help him see that. And you really think you might be able to do it.

You reach the side of him and stop there, waiting for him to say anything else. He’s wearing his sunglasses and is puffing on a cigar. You pinch yourself from staring at him for too long. He was always looking so tempting and your brain always threw the danger out the window when it came to being so close to him. He pulled you in every time even without trying. You notice how abnormally pale he looks today, sickly almost. It was pretty dark in the room so you weren’t sure if your eyes were seeing things. 

“Thank you for coming… how do you feel?” He asks gently, still not looking at you.

“Fine.” You say shortly.

“Don’t lie to me.” He grumbles.

“I’m not, you don’t need to question me like that,” you snap.

He finally snaps his head to you, looking at you with hunger. Your heart leaps out of your chest as he looks at you, not making a move.

“I will do whatever I want.”

“What did you call me in here for?! I don’t think it was to berate me with stupid questions,” you scathe.

He stands up quickly and and points a finger at you.

“When are you going to learn to not speak to me like that?! I will not tolerate it,” he reprimands.

You stay silent, staring at him with a scowling stare.

“What. Did. You. Need.” You say again, “And how did you get Anna’s number?”

“I wanted to make sure you were okay. I’m not that inconsiderate,” he growls.

“I’m fine, just a bit sore.” You quip.

He hums to himself lightly and circles you slowly, making you wary.

“I called you up here to let you know I won’t need your services for a while,” he explains.

You’re confused and shocked, this felt like he was firing you in a way?

“What? I don’t understand. I-I-I work solely for you. I have no other way of income,” you tell him not understanding what is happening.

“I’ll pay you still don’t worry,” he says shortly.

And then it hits you, his Vegas engagement is going to end soon. He won’t be back til the summer. You didn’t want to wait that long to not see him. You figured you were more to him than just some hook-up.

“Well, how long do you not want me to come by? You leave in a few weeks…” you trail off, not wanting the answer.

“I don’t know,” he says quietly.

You look at him annoyed, shocked he’s treating you like this.

“What do you mean?! Elvis, why does this feel like you’re just pushing me away?” You spat.

“Because I can’t stand to be around you! I can’t do it anymore y/n! Every time I am, I risk hurting you and losing control. Just like I did this morning. I’m not good for you,” he scowls.

Your heart races out of your chest and you look at him in disbelief. You feel the tears well in your eyes and wish you could wake up from such a bad dream.

“Elvis- you, you can’t do this. Not after everything you’ve said and done to me. I wanted to help you become better because I see it in you. But now I don’t know what to believe in anymore,” you snap at him.

“Don’t waste your time. It’s not worth it,” he says walking away from you and pacing the room in frustration. 

“You haven’t let me even help you! Why do you always do this! You always block me out and wallow in self-pity. No wonder you’ve been so miserable all these years!” You yell at him.

You can see him fuming, looking at you like he could attack you at any moment.

“You better watch it,” he says through his teeth.

“So that’s it. You want me gone,” you say bluntly.

“Yes. I can’t hurt you again. I’ll never touch you again,” he says weakly, regret coming out of those words.

It feels like a punch in the gut. His words cut you like a knife and you felt like all of this was for nothing. The way he can just toss you aside like you are nothing. Your entire life felt like it was in shambles now with nothing going right. The men in your life have ruined it beyond comprehension and there was no clear exit route.

There suddenly comes a harsh knock on the door and makes you jump. Elvis quickly goes to answer it and opens the door. 

“What is it Jerry,” he spat.

He looks down as he speaks to Elvis, “Sir your um… meal is waiting for you,” he says quietly but you can hear him loud and clear. 

You stare craters into the back of Elvis’ head, fuming with anger.

“Your what.” You yell, feeling your cheeks redden.

In comes walking in a long-legged blonde, hair piled high and enough makeup on to cover you twice over. You realize this is the same girl from the party that was sitting on his lap. That’s why she looked so familiar. She looks at you and scoffs, putting her attention on Elvis and reaching up to kiss him. She makes a spectacle of it, making sure to press her body into his as much as she can to make you jealous and moan into his mouth.

You know he can hear your heart leaping out of your chest and you hope he can smell the rage that is boiling off of you. He looks at you for a brief moment, seeing the hurt on your face.

“Wait for me in the bedroom honey, “ he whispers in her ear.

She giggles and nods up at him, going to the bedroom before staring you down like you’re a piece of trash. You hear the click of the door behind you close and you rush up to Elvis, not giving a damn whether he can’t control himself around you.

“Are you fucking kidding me?! You couldn’t have waited an extra minute so I could leave?!” You yell, pounding your hands on his chest in anger. He doesn't move an inch as you try to push him and feel stupid for even trying to.

"I don't understand why you're so upset..." he scoffs.

"Are you kidding me?! Because I know what you're going to do to her in there! Did you forget I've walked in on you before! You're probably going fuck her and wish it was me!" you say spitefully. "But the only difference is you can compel her to forget it all so that makes her your dream girl doesn't it?" you rasped.

He looks down at you with regret on his face and you can tell he doesn’t like to see you like this. He doesn’t answer you, just keeps breathing shallowly. He looks down at you hungrily, smirking as he looks you once over.

"Hmm... maybe I will," he snarls.

“Why?! Why did you tell me that you wanted to change and then go around doing this! Falling back on your old ways because that’s what’s easy,” you snarl in his face. “I thought you had blood vials, I thought you’d feed from those,” you ask.

“They’re not enough,” he rasped.

“What- I’m not understanding I thought-.”

“You make me starved! Having tasted your blood makes everything else not enough! Nothing is fulfilling like yours! That’s why I need to feed from something… alive!” He yells, sending chills through you. 

You couldn’t hide how this scared you. It took his possessiveness to a whole different level. You didn’t need to know much about vampires to know that this was not normal. You thought all blood was the same to him. But it seems he is ruined now and any blood won’t do. 

You stand there trembling, unsure what to say. 

“What does that mean-,” you ask and watch as he starts to walk away from you. 

“I don't have time for this,” he bellows. 

“Don’t walk away from me! I deserve answers!” You snap. “What happened to my neck?! What do you call this?” You ask as you pull the scarf off your neck and show him. 

“What do you-,”

He doesn’t look right away until you step closer to him and he does a double take, furrowing his eyebrows together. His eyes grow large, shocked at what he is seeing.

You watch as he fights the urge to touch you, clenching his hands into fists on the side of him. 

“I… I have no idea. I’d call it luck that I didn’t bite any deeper," he says menacingly, "I need you to leave now so you don’t also become my next meal,” he growls, heading for the door of his bedroom. He gives you one last look before entering, a look of astonishment and hurt. 

You too make it quickly out of the suite doors and rush to the elevator. You feel sick to your stomach and wish you could actually talk to him and get the answers you need. You’ve never felt so low in your life. It was bad enough you saw Daniel be unfaithful to you but you never thought Elvis would do something like this to you. You truly believed it when he said how much he needed you in his life. That you weren’t just anyone to him. 

You decide to not call Anna and just take a cab instead back to your apartment, you needed to pack your stuff up eventually and tonight seemed like the perfect night to do so. You feel like you lost all sense of direction in your life. Nothing made sense with or without Elvis in your life and you wanted to erase it all. In a way, you wish you could be compelled and forget all the memories you two had. But for whatever reason, you couldn’t and now you have to figure out a way to move on.

You get to the apartment and thankfully, Daniel isn’t home. The place looks disheveled but you don’t care, you just had to focus on your stuff so you don’t have to come back here.

You lock the bedroom door and get the suitcases down from the closet and start piling everything in, you didn’t care how much of a mess it was. You’re moving too fast and you stop to take a breath, feeling the tears fall from your eyes.

You realize you have nothing now. You’re completely on your own and have to start from scratch. It all scared you and made you regret some of the decisions you’ve made. You lay on the bed and let all the events that happened sink in. It’s time for a change and you were the one to make it. Maybe you should look for other jobs in the area. You had plenty of experience and you were sure that another hotel would hire you. The room feels like it’s spinning and you close your eyes, praying that this was all a bad dream.

*

You slowly wake up groggy, rubbing your eyes and trying to get your bearings. The sun was starting to come up and was lighting the room a bit. You look at the clock and it is four-thirty already. You decided to put your two weeks in today and start looking for another job, it was probably for the best. Getting as far away as possible from Elvis might be the best thing for you both.

You sit up in bed and feel a set of eyes on you coming from the side of the room. Your heart pounds away, not wanting to look because you know what you'll find You quickly look over anyway seeing Elvis standing there motionless.

“What are you doing here?” You say coldly.

“I told you, I can’t stay away from you,” he says weakly.

*

Tagging 🖤:

@powerofelvis @burninlovebutler @neptuneismysister @velvetelvis @ccab @presleyenterprise @elvispresleyxo @loving-elvis

@prompted-wordsmith @sillybookmarks @dkayfixates @rosepresley @ellie-24 @rktismylife-blog @myradiaz @tacozebra051 @thatbanditqueen

@18lkpeters @flwrs4aust @emma181873 @austinswhitewolf @eliseinmemphis @everythingelvispresley @chasingwildflowers @idontwanttoputanything @ohjustpeachy @elvisalltheway101 @austinsmutler @kingdomforapony @generoustreemystic @kendralavon7 @lettersfromvenus @claire-elvisgirl

@ashtag6887 @burnthheparaphilia @richardslady121 @jaqueline19997

@returntopresley @iloveelvis @rjmartin11 @that-hotdog @louisejoy86 @misspresley @cattcb @annapresley8 @arrolyn1114 @raginginkedslut

[dreamy625]

Overture and beginners - chapter 4

< Chapter 3

Words: 2852 (I still cannot write short chapters)

Content: Is it still called smut when it’s intrinsic to the plot? And if you’re incapable of writing sensuous prose and end up with something a little awkward? Anyway, there’s some of whatever it is

-----------------------------

“Wow, I don’t envy poor Rick having to carry his drums up and down these stairs.”

“Amps and speakers aren’t a whole bunch of fun either. We thought about trying to put in some kind of pulley system, but the risk of dropping something you’d spent months saving for was too scary.”

They got to the top of the second flight of steep, narrow steps and Steve put his key into the rusty lock and jiggled it until it turned and he could push open the door. It was almost as cold inside as outside and the first thing he did was switch on the two electric heaters. 

Katie looked around at the mishmash of old furniture, threadbare rugs, band posters, and a drum riser apparently built from packing crates nailed together. “Aw, you made yourselves a little clubhouse,” she teased.

“I’ll have you know we are serious musicians and this is a bona fide rehearsal studio,” he retorted with mock affront. 

“Of course, my sincere apologies. The next best thing to Abbey Road I’m sure. How much does it cost?”

“Fiver a week, so a pound each, which is not too bad. And that includes the electric. Wouldn’t want to run this lot,” he waved his arm at the assembled instruments and equipment, “off a meter.”

“Suppose not. Can I?” she asked, gesturing at Rick’s drums.

“Sure, there'll be some sticks on the floor somewhere I expect.”

Katie sat down on the stool and tapped out a few rhythms, pretending not to notice that Steve took this opportunity to hastily take down the topless glamour girl picture pinned to a cupboard door!

“Will you play something for me?”

“Noooo,” he demurred, “you don’t need to hear me make a noise.”

“I do, and it’s not a noise. I bet you’re good; you spend every hour you’re not at work here, so you must be by now!”

“I’m alright,” he mumbled. “Okay, fine, I’ll play.” He couldn’t continue to say no in the face of those big round imploring eyes. 

He clicked open the catches on one of the guitar cases and pulled out a honey-coloured guitar.

“Ooh, pretty.”

“It’s only a copy. But one day I’ll have a real one.” He slipped the strap over his head and bent to switch on his amp and plug in, then stood in front of the drum riser checking the tuning and running through some scales while staring thoughtfully at the wall. “What shall I play?”

“Anything you want. I’d like to hear one of your favourites.”

Steve started to play something, a slow, yearning ballad, that sounded vaguely familiar but she couldn’t place it. 

“That was lovely.”

Steve continued to move his fingers on the strings without strumming and didn’t look up, but she could see him smiling to himself. Then he straightened up, stepped his legs wide, and, with his eyes closed, belted out the opening riff to, easily recognisable even to Katie’s untrained ear, Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin. 

When he finished and struck a pose, arm in the air, she clapped enthusiastically. “Wow. You are… amazing. No, seriously,” she reiterated as Steve shook his head vigorously, “really, really, REALLY good.”

“Oh stop it. And don’t look at me like that,” he begged, all the rock star bravado of a moment ago gone. 

“Like what?”

“Like I’m… Elvis or something.”

“You’d better get used to it, buster. Because thousands of people are going to look at you like that one day soon! That is… are the rest of your band as good as you?”

“I think… we’re all pretty good in our own ways. But together… yeah, I think we’ve really got something.”

“Well, sign me up as your first fan.” She jumped up from the sofa and gave him a sideways hug, avoiding the guitar.

“First groupie?” he asked with a cheeky grin.

“Play your cards right,” she replied, coiling her arms round his neck and pulling him down for a kiss.

Some minutes later, and sunk into the slightly musty cushions of the old sofa, they didn’t hear footsteps on the stairs or the door hinges creak, but they did hear Joe’s laugh, “Jesus, Sav, not again.” And as Steve’s head jerked around, “Ooh, not Sav! Well, well, this is a turn up for the books - Mr Clark getting his end away!”

“Sod off Joe, we weren’t… we were just kissing,” protested Steve, pulling his shirt down and running his hand through his dishevelled hair.

“Oh aye, and the rest! You know you’re supposed to hang your jacket on the door handle when you’re using the place for that kind of caper. What if innocent little Rick had walked in instead of me? He’d be traumatised!”

“Firstly, ‘innocent little Rick’ has had more girlfriends than both of us put together, and secondly, we WEREN’T doing that. Look, trousers on and everything!”

“Oh give over yer daft 'apeth, I’m only kidding. You gonna introduce me to your lady friend?”

Katie, who had stayed hidden behind Steve’s shoulder, peeked out and waved awkwardly.

“Joe, Katie; Katie, Joe. Our singer. And resident comedian.”

“Nice to meet you Katie, and sorry about interrupting your, err…”

“What are you even doing here - practice isn’t for hours?”

“Mum’s got friends round and the sitting room’s full of knitting and giggling. United are away, so I thought I’d come here, try and do a bit of writing, and then listen to the match on the radio.”

“So you’re here the rest of the day then?”

“Yeah, sorry mate, it’s pissing down and I’ve nowhere else to go. You’re welcome to stay, as long as you behave - I’m not watching you two slobber over each other all afternoon!”

Steve and Katie exchanged not particularly thrilled looks. “Weeell, my parents are supposed to be going out, I could phone the house and check if they’ve gone yet?” she suggested.

“There’s an idea.” He turned to Joe, “We’ll be off then, enjoy the… who are they playing?”

“Blackburn,” he answered gloomily.

“Oh dear, I won’t say enjoy the match then. See you later.”

With Katie pulling on her anorak and Steve just flicking up the collar of his denim jacket (he never seemed to have a proper coat), they left Joe regarding both an empty sheet of paper and his team’s prospects without enthusiasm.

-----------------------------

The smooching session that had started in the rehearsal room, continued on the bus back from town, and paused only long enough to make sure the rest of the Raffertys definitely were out, had reached fever-pitch with shirts removed, hands all over, and bodies entwined on the narrow single bed.

With a groan, Steve pulled away and rolled onto his back.

“What’s wrong? Did I do something…”

“Oh no, it was really nice. Just… it could get… err, messy if we go on much longer.” Embarrassed, he avoided her gaze, looking up at the ceiling and adjusting the waistband of his jeans to try and make everything less squashed.

“It would be less messy if you… took it out?” suggested Katie hesitantly.

“I… oh… really?”

She nodded, and so he unbuttoned, unzipped, and wriggled his jeans down. He was wearing blue boxers, that were displaying a distinctly tent-like shape! 

He looked back at her for reassurance. “Promise you won’t laugh?”

“Maybe!” she teased, then made her face serious. “No, I won’t laugh. Promise.”

He pulled the underpants down too, revealing, well, she had no real comparison to make, but from things she’d heard from girlfriends, it seemed quite impressive. 

“Can I touch?”

“If you want,” agreed Steve, feigning nonchalance.

Katie ran a finger gently down the length, and giggled when it twitched at her touch. 

“Like this?” she asked, wrapping her hand around the base, “And this?” as she slid her hand upwards.

Steve swallowed audibly, “Uh huh.”

When she hesitated, not wanting to do it wrong, he put his hand over hers and guided it up and down for a few strokes. She concentrated on keeping that rhythm going while studying, subtly so he wouldn’t get self-conscious, the piece of equipment in her hands. It was sort of fascinating - the only penis she’d really seen up ‘till now was in that mortifying sex education film at school, and she’d certainly never got up close and personal with one before. Steve held quite still, and when she looked up at his face, his eyes were closed and his lips slightly parted, letting out ragged breaths.

“Is that okay?”

“Perfect.” It came out raspy.

She leaned over and kissed him, and he kissed back, increasingly sloppy and uncoordinated, until she dragged her lips to the corner of his mouth, across his jaw, and down to his throat. She pressed them to his collarbone, his chest, anywhere she could reach, and felt his hips rocking beneath her hand. The only sounds he made were a muttered request for ‘faster’, and then almost-silent grunts on every stroke until, with a final sharp intake of breath, he shot warm white goo over her hand and his stomach.

Katie wasn’t quite sure what to do then. She reached over to the nightstand for tissues and wiped her hand. Steve had thrown his arm across his eyes and she prised it up.

“Are you hiding from me?”

“No! Yes.” Finally he met her eyes. “That was amazing. Thank you.” She handed him a wad of tissues and he mopped carefully at the mess, making sure not to get any on the sheets.

De-gunked, Steve held out his arms and Katie snuggled up to him, her head on his chest. He trailed his fingers up and down her back.

“I’d like to… I want to touch you too, if you’d like that? But I’m scared I’ll be crap at it.”

Katie hugged him tighter. “Aren’t guitarists supposed to be good with their hands?”

“Hehe, I suppose so. But I don’t know… girl bits sound… complicated.”

Picking up on the ‘sound’ part, Katie guessed, “Because you’ve never done it before?” She had an odd feeling asking that. Blokes were supposed to be experienced, weren’t they? But she found she felt suddenly proprietorial, jealous of any girl that had been there before.

“No,” admitted Steve, “but I’ve read three issues of Cosmopolitan if that helps!”

“It’s a good start,” she laughed, “and it’s not that complicated, I could show you. Oh,” she had a sudden thought, “we should wash our hands first, just in case there’s any of that… stuff hanging around.”

They padded across to the bathroom and washed; Steve kept his hands under the hot tap for an extra-long time so that they’d be warm. Back in the bedroom, Katie took her skirt off and they got under the covers. Steve ran his hand down her side to her thigh, getting acquainted with new places he hadn’t properly got to touch before, then back up to her stomach and over the lace of her bra.

“Can I take this off?”

She nodded and he reached behind and unsnapped it.

“See, nimble guitarist fingers!” she exclaimed.

“If you can play an E flat added ninth, bra clips are a piece of cake.”

He slid the strap over her shoulder, kissing the faint red mark it left behind. Katie pulled her other arm through and dropped the garment off the side of the bed.

“Beautiful,” he breathed, trailing his fingers gently round the curve of her breast. It tickled a little and Katie tried not to giggle.

He ducked his head and kissed first one nipple and then the other, followed by an experimental lick and then, very gently, sucking. A quick intake of breath from above made him pause, but fingers squeezing his shoulder encouraged him to continue. He swirled his tongue and was rewarded with a shuddering breathy ‘ohh’. He repeated the trick on the other side (wouldn't want it to feel left out) to more appreciative noises, and then lifted his head.

“You like that?”

She nodded, a little flushed. “How did you learn how to do that?”

Steve shrugged one shoulder, “That was me learning it.”

“Clever boy. Do it again?”

“Yes ma’am.”

With multi-tasking skills honed by many hours of lathe work, he also reached down and slipped his hand under the waistband of her knickers, stroking around her hipbone and across her lower belly. “Do we need these?” he asked teasingly.

“We do not,” she replied, and he tugged them down far enough that she could kick them off completely.

This was definitely new territory and he explored tentatively, sliding fingertips over the soft skin of her inner thighs and curving his hand over the mound in between. “Teach me what to do.”

Katie reached for his hand and guided his first two fingers. “So I guess the main, um, landmarks, are here,” she moved his fingers in a circle, “and here.” She took his hand down lower, to what felt to Steve like a confusing pattern of soft folds that he mentally tried to match with the diagram in the biology textbook and some magazines he kept hidden in a box of sheet music at the bottom of his wardrobe. “And it helps if you lick your fingers first,” she added.

Steve did so, noticing the exciting new smell on his skin just from those brief touches. 

“So like this? In circles?”

“Uh huh,” she muttered, slightly distracted as she got used to the weirdness of someone else touching her in that way, trying to remember the details of what she did when she was alone. “You can vary speed and pressure and… oh I don’t know - improvise!”

“Got it.”

He propped himself up on the other elbow and went to work, moving his hand in slow, deliberate circles.

Katie giggled as she looked at his face with its furrowed brow, “You look like you’re taking an exam!”

“Shush, you. I’m concentrating. Close your eyes.”

She did, and that was better, shyness dissipating and just the pleasurable feeling of Steve stroking her and his warm breath on her cheek. He leaned in and kissed her, and that was even better. She moaned into his mouth as he hit a particularly good rhythm, and felt his lips curve into a smile. When she pulled back to take a breath, he moved his head down to kiss her neck, licking and sucking gently down to her collarbone and back up. 

He sensed her body relaxing and she bent her knee to open her legs wider, which he took as an invitation to move his fingers lower. 

“Ooh slimy!” he observed without thinking about it.

“STEVE! Euw!”

“Sorrysorrysorry! But that’s what’s supposed to happen isn’t it?”

“Yes. Just don’t say it like that!”

“Sorry. Wet. Slippery. Silky.” He punctuated each word with an apologetic kiss. “That’s what I meant.”

“Better.” She smiled and settled back on the pillow, closing her eyes once more. 

Steve wiggled his finger around searching for the right spot and then, when he found it, eased his finger in, smooth and easy once he got the angle right. As he slid the finger in and out of the slick, welcoming warmth, he briefly got distracted, wondering how it would feel to put his… no, this was about Katie, not him, he had to focus. She seemed to be enjoying his ministrations, but how could he make it even better for her?

He broke off from kissing her neck to ask, “Two?”

“Mm-hmm,” she answered without opening her eyes.

His fingers were bigger than hers but the extra stretch wasn’t unpleasant, in fact, after a moment to get used to it, it felt good, great. She angled her hips to get more contact and he seemed to understand what she needed, adjusting his position so that she could press against the heel of his hand. Remembering a particularly informative magazine article, he twisted his wrist and found that, yes, he could reach her clit with his thumb at the same time, and she gasped and clenched around his fingers. It didn’t take long after that for her breathing to quicken and turn to panting, then her head arched back and she came with a long ‘ahh’ and he could feel her knees shaking as well as the spasming inside. It felt like such a privilege to watch that, to be the cause of that, a fantasy come true. He moved to cradle her head, brushing away a tendril of hair that had stuck to her forehead and pressing a kiss to the damp skin. He waited until her breathing slowed and the grip around his fingers loosened before carefully easing them out and resting his hand on her thigh, where he could still feel the occasional twitch of a muscle. 

Katie blinked, coming back to Earth, and her face broke into a grin. “‘Scuse swearing but holy shit, Steve! How does a nice boy like you know how to do that?”

“Um, is it bad if I say from Playboy?”

She laughed, “I think I need to send a thank you letter to the editors!”

Chapter 5 >

[kindh3art3d]

“Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” Stephen Sanchez Record Shop Co-worker AU Fluff!

I AM BACK. THE UNIVERSE THREW ME A CURVE BALL BUT I CAUGHT IT

also I think this is the best chapter I’ve written so far, please like, share and comment if you enjoyed this post!

enjoy :) _____________

Y/N started at the record shop six months ago today. Of course no one would remember not even her favorite owner Billy would remember. He didn't remember much these days, but this wouldn't even cross his mind.

Six months isn't a long time in the grand scheme of things, but to Y/N six months was more than just a measure of time. Six months meant everything. Because that's when she met, Stephen.

She gazed around the poster plastered walls, neon signs and pop-star cut outs scattered the space. It felt like home, despite the flicker of yellow-ish tube lights.

The melancholic sound of Carole King's song "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" played in the background, it felt like a memory both future and distant. It was a kind of song to dig up emotions that you couldn't quite understand yet. But no matter what, it still made her think of, him.

Y/N tapped her fingers along the  paint chipped countertop and found herself wandering through memories.

She just kinda tumbled onto the Jazz Table Record Shop one day, pulled in from perhaps boredom, but she stayed because of him. She wasn't familiar with old or cool music, she didn't have a artisy or snobby taste in music from vintage bands, she didn't know who Blondie or the Misfits were, she didn't know that Elvis Presley made more than one song, she didn't know that Phil Collin's was the drummer for Genesis, she didn't know that they both had amazing music.  But she learned all of this because of him.

He had drawn her in with those attentive and dreamy dark eyes. She hadn't seen eyes like those before. Whatever he talked about, she wanted to know about.

She pretended to keep up, that she knew all the references all the songs and musicians.

Maybe he decided to keep up the conversation because there was no one else in the slightly chilly shop, maybe he thought she was cute, maybe, maybe, maybe.

Still to this day she doesn't understand Stephen. But one day she'd like to.

"Hey, I think you should totally apply here, we are kinda under staffed at the moment and we could use some more people like you"  He seemed sincere when he passed a paper application across the countertop. 

Of course she filled it out and returned the next day. Only to be disappointed that Stephen wasn't there, but one of the owners named Billy, welcomed her and almost immediately hired her. The pay wasn't amazing, the hours were weird, but you got to get a killer discount and they treated everyone like family, and they believed in mental health days.

So six months ago today, she started a bit nervous, but a little excited when she saw that Stephen would be her trainer. She definitely didn't buy an Eagles shirt from Walmart as a conversation starter. 

Today Stephen started at 2pm, and it was currently 2:05pm. She focused on the vintage Tom & Jerry clock, hoping it was a bit off.  He usually wasn't late....

He's fine! Hahaaaaaaa stop it.

It was at 2:11pm the clatter of the front door bell sounded and Y/N quickly looked up from her phone.

Stephen rushed in iced coffee and tote bag in hand.

He looked out of breath as he doubled over, painting and slightly sweaty. He put a hand up "Sorry for being late! I lost track of time" he laughed.

Butterflies erupted in Y/N,  God that smile, that laugh.

"It's all good, nothing really happened you just missed one of Carole King's best songs" she smirked.

He rounded the counter and dumped his stuff on the wobbly stool. 

As he caught his breath he said  "'So Far Away'?"  Y/N laughed  "No?"

He made a quizzical face "What was that tone for?"

She rolled her eyes  "Tapestry by far is her best album but, 'So Far Away' isn't the best song on there, and it's definitely not her best song."

"Pssshhhh," he swatted the air and grabbed a stack of cds and started to sort them out.  "How is that not her best song? It's about nostalgia and loneliness, but there's also something comforting about it." 

Y/N joined him, she forgot she had to label all the cds that a metal head sold earlier, the guy was clearly going through it, she thought he was crazy for selling all these vintage metal albums for this cheep. 

He pulled a cd up to inspect it "Ooh, Screeching Weasel" "Said no one ever." She muttered. At that they both laughed.

"Okay so since you're the expert, what is Carole King's best song?"

Without a moment of hesitation she blurted  "'Will You Love Me Tomorrow?'".

They were in a suspended silence. Their faces mere in inches apart. She felt a blush creep up her face. Even though it was the title of the song, it felt more like a confession.

Stephen was the first to break the silence, "Well technically that song was for the Shirelles first. So why do you think it's her best song?"

Y/N cleared her throat, "Uhm- well Carole wrote it after she gave birth to her child and she was in a vulnerable position, wondering if the love she felt was genuine and reciprocated. I think it really highlights what young and uncertain love feels like."

At that he tilts his head as he continues to go through the stack of cds.

"But the Shirelles killed that performance, they deserved so much than what they got."

Y/N smiled but also deep down felt a little embarrassed, he wasn't continuing the conversation the way she was hoping he would. 

"Hey, I'm going to go reorganize the t-shirt rack." She quickly exited behind the counter and walked away. 

For the next agonizing 30 minutes, they worked in complete silence. She wished that a customer would walk in and break the tension, or that he would say anything. 

She just needed something, anything to happen.

It was humid and sticky inside the small shop, and her nervousness didn't help with her internal temperature. 

She decided to prop the door open with a brick.  It was a glorified brick really, Billy had painted a Hawaiian shirt on it and gave it googly eyes, his name was Rick the Brick. One time some lowlife stole Rick, and Billy called the cops, from that day on no one messed with Rick. He wasn't just a brick or a door prop, he was the epitome and the embodiment of the spirit of Jazz Table Records.

Finally thinking of an ice breaker she spoke "Do you think we should make a buddy for Ricky?"

Stephen looked up "Like a friend for him?" 

Y/N struggled and walked over to the counter. She leaned against it "It's proper time he isn't as lonely, I can't imagine being alone for 20 years. He needs a friend."  Stephen smiles a slow honey and molasses smile that sends a shiver through Y/N. 

"I couldn't imagine either"

They both laugh

"I still can't believe you've never dated anyone" Y/N laughs harder.

At that Stephen flushes,

"Well it's not like I couldn't get anyone, it's just I haven't ever wanted anyone" he shrugs it off. She stops laughing, she can tell that she took it a bit far. 

"That's not a bad thing. I understand what you mean"

He works on something on the work computer.

"Finding love these days isn't easy, no one is honest anymore, not with their partners, not with themselves. It's scary. You can never really find out anything about anyone. It's so strange."

Y/N watched him type and focus, the glow of the computer highlighting his handsome and dark features. 

" I get it, we live in a weird time honestly. I feel like people aren't authentic. We change ourselves so often, we don't even know who we are." She bites her cracked lips. 

"I can't stand when people change themselves to fit into a new mold so they will be liked by someone." His words cut through him. 

She never felt more exposed.  She changed parts of herself for him. She started dressing differently, listening to new music, ordering coffee with oat milk even though she didn't like the taste that much. She did a lot, just so they'd have things in common. She felt stupid now.

He couldn't have said it to slight her... right?

He couldn't have known that she changed so much about herself.

In a moment of courage she said "Sometimes we are desperate enough for the love of someone we adjust things about ourselves to fit their ideals. Sometimes we don't even realize it."

His eyes move to met hers.

She didn't have much to lose.

Actually that was a lie, she'd lose everything if she lost him.  But she was still ready to take a risk.

"I changed a lot about myself."

He watches as she fidgets

"I've changed a lot about myself to be loved by someone I've loved so deeply that I didn't care if I lost myself in the process because I knew I'd be a better person if they loved me." 

Her gaze flits up to his.

"And I truly hope that I'll never regret it because I am so in love with him, I'd risk it all."

He swallows slowly and looks down.

"Love is scary, if you're not careful it's a dangerous sea to drown in."

"I'd gladly drown if it meant I had a moment to be loved." She confessed.

"Are you saying what I think you are saying?" He asked in a hard to understand way.

"I'm saying that I love you Stephen." She blurted all at once. And after a moment of silence and tension she continued 

"I've loved you from the time I walked in here six months ago. I'm so privileged to have known and loved you for the for the time that I have."

"And if I lose you now because of this, I'm glad I was able to confess to you, it was all worth it. To spend a moment in your light."

Stephen was quiet. But he wasn’t silent. She watched him intensely. He rolled his linen button-up to his elbow, small tattoos revealed, she memorized all of them, so much to the point that when she was bored she'd trace them on scrap paper. 

She knew and loved so much about him. But she wanted more. Just knowing and loving from an unrequited distance wasn't enough. She wanted to be the first thing he woke up to, she wanted to be the one who'd steal his favorite clothes, the one he'd buy flowers for. She wanted it all. 

Was it all too much to ask for?

"Y/N" he said in almost a whisper.

He takes a second to breathe.

"I've loved you from the second you walked through those doors."

Adrenaline rushed through her veins and she felt euphoric.

"But I've never loved you more than I have in this moment."

He was sincere, she saw it in his dark eyes.  She saw it in every inch of body. 

She knew he was telling the truth.

"Y/N." He paused once more

"I've loved you for six months, I've loved you today, I will love you tomorrow and I will love you forever."

__________________ It's good to be back :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

previous chapter >>>>

[therecordchanger62279]

BEEN THERE, SAW THEM

For somebody that spent most of his working life in the retail record business, and whose passion has always been music, I was never an avid concert-goer. I never liked the long drives to and from. I hated shows where I had a seat but was forced to stand all evening because everyone else did. I hated the excess smoke - when that was still permitted. I often seemed to get seats behind someone who stood all evening, or was a head taller than me when seated. The volume was a problem, too as I suffered some hearing loss at a Springsteen concert in 1978, via some Steve Van Zandt guitar feedback that was actually painful, and caused me to cover my ears. I was in the last row of Vets Arena in Columbus, Ohio. If I'd been front row, I'd probably be deaf now. I hated the exits after the concerts, too. It took more time to leave the Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio after The Rolling Stones show I saw there in 1989 than it did to watch the show.

My aversion to concerts became legendary, and I used to get needled all the time about it by the people I worked with at record shops. Eventually, I got tired of it, and lied about attending shows I never saw (a Joe Henderson show at a high school auditorium in Lima, Ohio, and a Neil Young show with Sonic Youth opening on the Ragged Glory tour - in Cincinnati, if memory serves). I saw my last live show in 2014. I wouldn't even remember that date except that I had a notion of trying to compile a master list of every concert I've seen since my first one in August of 1975. By my count, and to the best of my recollection, I saw more than 40 concerts over a 39 year span. That's one concert a year. And given that I grew up in a small town where nobody ever played, and never lived anywhere bigger than Toledo or Dayton, Ohio, I don't think that's too bad.

I could've been to many, many more. For years I had access to free concert tickets through my record retailing connections, but since the people who worked for me made less money, and were more into live shows than I was, I used up my favors to score tickets for them when I could. I was content to buy live albums, and experience the shows from the comfort of my recliner.

In any case, I've compiled the complete list - at least everything I can remember - including the opening act(s) if there were any. If there was something worth noting about the show, I've made comments after the entry.

Beach Boys / Ambrosia. 8/21/75 Hara Arena, Dayton, Ohio. My first concert. We had floor tickets, so I stood the entire time. Great sets from both bands, but this was still before Brian Wilson had rejoined for live shows. That was my only real disappointment.

Buddy Rich Orchestra. Lima Senior High Auditorium, Lima, Ohio 1977. I went with my mother. I was still living at home, going to college, and just beginning to really explore Jazz. I knew Rich from The Tonight Show. It was a terrific experience.

Bruce Springsteen. Vets, Columbus, Ohio 9/5/78. The night of the hearing loss. But it's still one of the three or four best shows I ever saw. I also saw him in Cincinnati, Ohio at Riverfront Coliseum in July '84 on the Born In The U.S.A. tour. Still great, but not on a level with that '78 show.

Bob Dylan. Hara Arena, Dayton, Ohio 10/22/78. Also Riverbend Coliseum, Cincinnati, Ohio 8/10/89, Hara Arena 11/2/2002, and Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio 8/5/11. The '78 show was mindblowing. The '89 show was one of those nights when the sound was bad, and you couldn't recognize the songs unless you happened to catch a familiar lyric. Awful. The last two were quite good, though.

Elvis Costello / The Rubinoos. The Agora, Columbus, Ohio 3/15/79. The Rubinoos were great. Costello wasn't. He played all of 45 minutes. Left without ever saying a word to the audience. No encore - not that anyone minded. Later that night, he and his band got into an altercation with Stephen Stills and his band at a Holiday Inn Bar in Columbus that made national headlines when Costello uttered a racial slur at Ray Charles. I was a huge Costello fan before the show, but after - not so much. I swore I'd never see him live again, and I never did.

Crosby, Stills & Nash. Toledo, Ohio 11/9/82. I was nervous about this one because I knew they had a reputation for sometimes being awful in concert. We got lucky. They were incredible. They were so good that Nash even made a comment about it from the stage. One of the best live performances I've ever seen.

Weather Report. Ann Arbor, Michigan 1983. Some other managers at the mall where I worked in Toledo took me to this. I loved the band, and I've been forever grateful to them for inviting me.

Yes. Indianapolis, 4/12/84. I went with some people I worked with. I drove. This was the 90125 tour. The show was fantastic. But one of my pals knew the band. She co-published the Relayer fanzine, and had actually interviewed band members. She took us to the backstage area afterwards promising to get us in to meet the band. But the bouncers gave her, and another female co-worker access, but denied me, and two of my male friends. We were waiting around for them to come out when some bouncers approached us, and told us to leave. We told them our friends were inside, but they couldn't have cared less, and threatened to remove us bodily if we didn't leave. So, we went to the car where we sat for more than two hours waiting for our pals to return. When they finally did, they breathlessly told us they'd been invited to join them at a party at the hotel. They claimed again that they would get us in. But I was skeptical for obvious reasons. Besides, it was now past 1 a.m., and we still had a 90 minute drive home, and I was opening the store in the morning. We argued for probably 20 minutes, and put it to a vote. It was two in favor, and two against, and one abstention. But it was my car. So we left. I was very unpopular for a long time after that (actually, I've never been very popular anyway), but given the same circumstances at another time, I'd have done the same thing. Fortunately the Yes show I saw at Nutter Center in Fairborn, Ohio 5/4/91 was a better show, and a far better experience.

Pat Metheny Group. Memorial Hall, Dayton, Ohio 7/18/85. Ohio Theatre, Columbus Ohio 11/22/87. One of only a few acts I've seen more than once. Fantastic - both shows.

Stevie Ray Vaughan / Johnny Copeland. Hara Arena, Dayton, Ohio 1985. Incredible show.

Pretenders / Iggy Pop. Hara Arena, Dayton, Ohio 3/24/87. Great show all around.

Billy Idol / The Cult. Hara Arena, Dayton, Ohio 4/21/87. I could only score one ticket to see this show. I only wanted to see The Cult, and one of my co-workers was dying to see Billy Idol. He was closing the store that night just up the street from the venue. Since The Cult opened, I went to see them, and during intermission, I went back to the store, gave my ticket stub to my buddy, closed the store for him, and told him to go to the venue, and pretend he'd gone outside during intermission for a smoke. He presented my stub, and got in to see Billy idol. Win win!

Heart. Riverbend Coliseum, Cincinnati, Ohio 7/87. Courtesy a Capitol Records rep, and it included a ride in a Steamboat down the Ohio river to the venue. Heart was great!

R.E.M. / 10,000 Maniacs. Vets, Columbus, Ohio 10/24/87. Really fine show. I went with a co-worker and her boyfriend. He drove, and had one hand on the wheel, and with the other changed the radio stations constantly all the way there and back. He was wound far too tight for my liking.

Pink Floyd. Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio 5/28/88. History says this was the first ever concert at the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes. What I remember was the spectacle itself. It was the first big budget production I'd ever seen, and it was something extraordinary.

Dio / Megadeth / Savatage. Hara Arena 8/2/88. I was dragged kicking and screaming to this show. I liked Dio's records, but I had no desire to see him or the openers at all. But I gave in. Savatage and Megadeth were so loud, I stayed in the lobby and girl-watched. Dio, I'll admit was really great.

The Rolling Stones. Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio 9/14/89. The Steel Wheels Tour. My only Stones show, but it was incredible. I watched Charlie most of the night, and Ronnie played his ass off.

Tina Turner. Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, Ohio 8/25/90. She was everything you'd expect of a living legend.

Gordon Lightfoot. Memorial Hall, Dayton, Ohio 4/91. Lightfoot and his band were terrific, but we had balcony seats, and the chairs were the smallest, hardest, and most uncomfortable I've ever experienced. I remember getting up three or four times during the show, and standing in the aisle to alleviate the discomfort.

Don Henley / Susanna Hoffs. Riverbend Coliseum, Cincinnati, Ohio. 7/23/91. The Columbia rep knew what a huge Hoffs fan I was, so he provided the ticket. We had a meet and greet with Hoffs after, and I got autographs, and a picture someone else took for me that I never received. Hoffs killed, and Henley was good, too.

Neil Young. Nutter Center, Fairborn, Ohio 9/11/92. Completely solo show, and a great one from start to finish.

Roseanne Cash / Lyle Lovett. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio 1994 (I believe). Couldn't track down the exact date for this, or find my ticket stub. But I recall it was when Lovett was having a romance, and short marriage to Julia Roberts, and he was in the news so much he'd decided to have some fun with it. So he had a roadie put a wig and a dress on to introduce him each night. When the roadie walked out, he was indeed mistaken for Julia Roberts. The gasps, and whispers were quickly drowned out by laughter when we realized the ruse. Great night all around.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, Ohio 8/30/95. A dream come true for me. They were great. It was the only time I got to see them.

James Taylor. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio 7/9/97. Another artist who lived up to his legend.

Guided By Voices. Gilly's, Dayton, Ohio 1/99. There was GBV fever at the shop I worked in at the time. I thought the show was good musically, but Bob Pollard's constant beer swilling throughout the set got on my nerves after awhile, and my wife was none too fond of that performance either. We left early, and I never again listened much to them. In fact, a couple of years later, I sold all my albums, and 45s of the band to a shop, and kept only a couple of homemade cassettes.

Black Sabbath / Pantera / The Deftones. Nutter Center, Fairborn, Ohio. 2/99. There's an account of this rather memorable night on this very blog under the title Me and Dime (May '23). I even submitted an account of the show to Record Collector for their 'Memorable Concert' feature from fans that runs in their letters section. They never responded to the submission, and to date, have never published it. That's why I have a blog.

B.B. King / Boz Scaggs / Bobby "Blue" Bland. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio, 6/19/99. Three legends for one price. Great, great night.

Emmylou Harris / Shawn Colvin. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio 8/25/01. We sat outside in a torrential downpour all evening. But Emmylou and Shawn were so good, we didn't care.

Black Crowes / Beachwood Sparks. Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio 10/10/01. Just a month after 9/11 which Chris Robinson referenced from the stage. Very good night, and seeing Beachwood Sparks was a bonus for me. I was one of the few in the crowd who knew them, and had their record at the time.

Sheryl Crow. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio 7/03. I had wanted to see this, but it sold out so fast I couldn't get a ticket - until a customer walked into the shop that afternoon and offered the ticket to any of us who wanted to go. I snatched it up, and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you want to see it, too, the entire thing was filmed, and released on a DVD titled C'mon America.

Leon Russell. Gilly's, Dayton, Ohio 1/3/2004. Leon completely solo at a bank of keyboards in a small club. Much as I'd liked to have seen him with his big band in the 1970s during his heyday, there was some magic on this night that I'll never forget.

Rock 'N' Blues Fest with Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, and Kim Simonds of Savoy Brown. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 2012. My disappointment at hearing that the great Leslie West had to drop out due to health issues at the last minute was somewhat mitigated by the opportunity to see the others. I'd been a fan of each since the 1970s. Edgar stole the show. But it was poignant seeing Johnny since he passed away less than 2 years later. And Rick and Kim still had it all these years later.

Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band. Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio. 7/14. To date, this was my last concert, and I don't expect there will be any more - unless someone wants to provide a free ticket and transportation to see Yuja Wang, or Taylor Swift somewhere. I'd leave the recliner to see either. Everyone else has passed away or retired, or isn't worth seeing at this late date. So, after 40 years, I finally saw a Beatle live, and the bonus for me was also finally getting to see another legend - Todd Rundgren. Ringo does not disappoint. A good one to go out on.

Appendix (courtesy my wife): When you're married, sometimes you make sacrifices. My wife wanted to see Neil Diamond at Nutter center in Fairborn in November of 2001. I accompanied her because I'll confess an affection for his early hits - several of which he played, and played well. My wife also wanted to see John Tesh - twice. We went - twice. It was sometime in the 90s. I wasn't a fan of his music, but the shows were professional, and the crowd, and my wife very much enjoyed them. And, finally, she wanted me to take her to see Josh Groban, again at The Fraze in Kettering, Ohio. The date is foggy, but it was sometime between 2005 and 2010. And though I am not a fan of his music, the show was impressive, and there's no denying he has one of the great voices in recent pop history. He's also a very engaging, and likable sort who is great with audiences.

Appendix II (courtesy my wife): She also tells me I bought tickets and took her to a Jim Brickman concert (New Age pianist who recorded for the Windham Hill label) at Memorial Hall in Dayton, Ohio some time in the early 90s. I have almost no recollection of any of it, although it seems like something I would've done, and I do remember she had a couple of his CDs.

[aliypop]

That's Alright For Such a Night

(Rewrite Chapter 5)

Word Count: 2,764

Writers Note: So far I'm enjoying rewriting this, and Now I'm adding and Rewriting my fanfic series Anyway you do into it to really solidify the timeline.

Warning: mostly fluff / Historic Language and Values

Pairing: POC OC x Elvis

Plot: During the Louisiana Hayride two breakout stars meet in a rush only to learn they've dealt their cards in the hands of fate.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8

Memphis Tennessee, 1956

There was something in the 61-degree Tennesee carnival air. Perhaps it was funnel cake, cotton candy, the petting zoo nearby, or the slight chill in the air, Or maybe it was the feeling of a spring fling waiting to start. 

"I think that may have been my best performance yet," Denise said, walking past the sights and sounds. "And with your growing fame that you've been achieving, you'll be saying the same thing too. Right, Cecelia...Cecelia..." Looking next to her, the young woman she was calling out for was already gone. 

"Jesus Christ, this child..." 

"Need some help finding her?" Rosa asked,

"No... I do not." Denise huffed, 

"Don't be Cruel, to a Heart that's true." were the lyrics and melody coming from the stage right in front of the young woman. Cecelia heard the familiar voice sing. She had listened to the song millions of times. And she had practically worn every record he had out, Blue eyes looking into her brown eyes and through her brown skin. That was the moment in her 21 years on Earth when she could say she was in love with someone. It was just now tricky hiding it from her mother,

"Cecelia! There you are," Denise mumbled as her daughter focused on the young man with the gyrations going on, disgusted that her daughter of such class would even be looking at such a thing. Then again, if she knew the things her daughter had done while her mother was on tour, she'd be disgusted by such things. 

"What is he doing with hips..."

"Mother, haven't you heard it's called dancing." Cecelia's glance never left his. And his glance never left hers. Cecelia was watching as he caught the flying undergarments thrown his way. She couldn't help but laugh, and it seemed neither could he. Denise had to admit he was cute, with his perfect smile and hair. But something told her she would have to do something if he even thought to talk to her daughter. Denise knew his type, the shy playboy, and she wouldn't have someone like him ruin her daughter's blazing trail. 

"Up next in 16 minutes on this stage is Cecelia Valmos and The Garnets!"  

The crowd of teenagers began to cheer even louder as the growing pain of nerves began to kick in for her.

"Oh shit..." she mumbled as her mother nudged her, running through to the dressing room backstage. She took a deep breath as she gathered herself together. 

"You were almost late," Daphane smirked, brushing her hair as she straightened her dress.

"What were you doing out there," Rosa asked, watching as Scotty winked at her, 

"Oh, I know!" Daphane raised her hand,

"Stairing at your boyfriend." They both teased as Cecelia rolled her eyes, 

"Oh, whatever, you two." 

"So whatcha gonna sing?"

"Midge, what the hell are you doing back here!" Cecelia clutched her heart.

"I'm your mother's assistant, who's been practically your everything while she's been away."

"Right, uh, probably something from our Jazz album?" Cecelia shrugged as she smiled, 

"This is going to be career suicide, Cece..."

"Not if you follow my lead, Rosa." Cecelia handed her coat to Midge as a slight chill went down her spine from nerves. 

"Your mothers gonna be pissed about that dress," Midge smirked,

"Midge, she ain't the boss of me!"

"She's our manager..." Daphane smirked

"Right." 

Midge glanced at the girls as she then handed Cecelia her Gretsch guitar. 

"Good luck, kids."

"Don't need it." they winked,

"What're you gals gonna play for us tonight?" The host said, 

 "Our new single." She scanned the crowd for the one person she hoped hadn't left yet.

"What would that be..." The host asked, scanning all three girls. It was the first time he'd ever seen such a sight. Three black girls dressed a bit risque in wiggle dresses.

"Oh God, she's embarrassing the label already." Denise sighed. Midge and Cherly, standing next to her, cheer them on. 

"Hmm... Oh, uh, Is you or is you ain't my baby," she said. The band began to play the intro. It was a bit slow and agonizing like she was performing one of her mother's hit jazz songs, which she was. Well, a cover more so. 

Cecelia could see the crowd in front of her losing interest, and it didn't help her anymore that she was a young woman of color in Tennessee, but it wouldn't stop her.

"Mind if we swing it, boys," she whispered to the band. "Guess they mind..." Rosa groaned,

"Follow my lead." Cecelia mouthed, to Rosa and Daphane,

Taking the pick to her guitar, she did a rift that almost stopped the crowd and got his attention. Playing the melody but making it anew, she took a deep breath and sang. 

"Is you is or is you ain't my baby?" her singing was mesmerizing as her fingers picked and plucked the strings, blue eyes attached to her every word, "The way you're acting. Lately makes me doubt." she grinned, her mother wasn't pleased with the rock n roll blues infusion. But she was proud of her daughter not being so awkward, like when she was a kid.

"Youse is still my baby, baby. Seems my flame in your heart's done gone out..." 

 Elvis had wanted to be the strings under her fingertips. The melody of her music. It almost made him wonder, was this how it felt when she watched him. All those nights ago at The Hayride?

"Elvis, you coming?"

"Yeah... Yeah..." he nodded his friends off as his eyes were glued on her. Sure, he had her records and had been trying to decipher her rifts and guitar licks. Ever since they had been on tour performing. But, seeing her again back from her tour, he couldn't even fathom his feelings that grew stronger for the woman he so loved and missed,

Cecelia had noticed as he walked off into the distance alone. It was almost like he was lost, like something was missing. 

"Don't wait up, Midge."

"Cece..."

"I'll be right back." She walked towards the carousel as adoring fans nearly flooded her view for more autographs. And pictures and praises, Cecelia had her eyes still set on the pair of nicely filled-out white pants leaning against the wall. Much like he was back in Florida,

"You okay?" startling the young man, he looked at her. "Yeah, just uh thinkin." his voice was deep with a southern drawl that could bring Jesus to his knees, and my, did she miss it.

 "Well. You were great out there, Pres, but you're always great up there." a slight red tint on his cheeks, 

"Nah, that goes to you," Elvis wrapped his arms around her waist. "You really know your way around the strings."

"I try to." She giggled, holding onto him, "But, Elvis, my dear?"

"Hmm..."

"Tell me more." they both laughed, butterflies in her stomach as he continued laughing harder, 

"God, I missed your laugh," Elvis said as he gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

"Say you maybe wanna get out of here an-" Cecelia stepped closer towards him until they both heard.

"Elvis, my boy..." 

"Cecelia, there you are."

"That's my manager." they both said in unison. The two a bit aggravated.

"Call me when you get home to Nashville?"

"If that's alright with you." she smiled back at him. The pair walked to their respected managers. 

 July, 1956 Beale Street

"Cece, you warmed up tonight." Her hair had been in a bun of pin curls and a pin curl swoop on her forehead. "Of course I am. After all, I'm releasing another album anyways," Cecelia responded to a few of the patrons. 

"You might as well. Besides, didn't ya mama open a new recording studio down here."

"She did. Why, I do not know, but I can tell you, we've had some random person callin the place 5 times a day." she laughed. 

"Sounds like a lunatic." BB King smirked as he looked at her, 

"Hey, you know who your hair reminds me of..."

"Don't you say it..." 

"My good friend Elvis. You tryin be like him or something?" he nudged her, 

"No." she deadpanned. Maybe it was a bit of a lie, or maybe. She was tired of the press referring to her as "Well... if it ain't my competition, Lady Elvis." that charming smile was right on his face. And there she was again, feeling things she couldn't hide. No matter how many times they both had tried to,

 "If it isn't Mr. Suit tails and singin' to hound dogs," she smirked, 

"That's cold, don't you think, Cece," BB mumbled as Cecelia sighed. Elvis had a hurt expression on his face. 

"And I thought we were friends, babydoll." He winked at her as she laughed,

"Oh sugarpie, don't cry." she teased as she stood up, walking towards the stage. Elvis wouldn't lie and say the joke didn't hurt, coming from her. Well, it wasn't half bad. Besides, she was cute, and he liked how they always seemed to banter. Watching her perform was like therapy to him. Her voice was his medicine, and her glance was his weakness. Catching his gaze, she looked away as a deep blush arose. 

"You like her, don't you..." 

"I-I well."

"Well, don't." 

"And why not, " he glanced at the man beside him. 

"I'm her boyfriend," he said, his pompadour bigger than Elvis's. He looked a bit defeated at the news, considering who he was to Cecelia, 

"Just kidding, they call me Little Richard baby, and you got it bad." he winked as Elvis rolled his eyes, 

"I wouldn't say I do."

"You're lookin at her the way the girls all look at you." 

"An how do they look at me," Elvis asked,

"Like they wanna fu-"

"You two talkin about fans?" 

"Cece, you were uh- uh amazing." Elvis stuttered. She realized he did that every time she talked to him. Or when he was flustered by her.

"Thanks, say can we talk," she asked. Both Richard and Elvis stood up,

 "Alone..." she mumbled. Elvis had a smug look on his face, but on the inside, he was panicking. Did he do something wrong? or say something odd, 

"Yeah, sure thing, mama." 

"Yeah, sure thing, mama." That's the best you could think to say. 

He thought to himself until he felt her hand touch his. It was like he was awakened from a sleeping spell. Cecelia pulled him through the club's crowd. As they were outside on the balcony, he couldn't help but take in her beautiful brown skin in the moonlight and how ethereal she looked. A slight cold chill ran past her arms, causing her to shiver. Elvis had noticed as he took his suit jacket and placed it over her shoulders, 

"What did you want to talk to me about baby." He asked, putting his arms around her

"I'm sorry about that Hound Dog joke," she said, poking her head through the window. She saw a few spies of the press lurking around. 

"Cece, it didn't hurt much," he shrugged, "Not like how being on that damn show did," he mumbled.

 "El, I saw the whole thing, we all did," she sighed,

 "The Colonel says it was a smart move." 

"For who," Cecelia said, looking directly into his eyes, 

"For me. I mean, they want clean fun, and I can I- can"

"Lie to yourself and be somebody you're not." she laughed, 

"I mean. If the colo-"

"Elvis Aaron Presley, you serenaded a dog on live television in a tux. That's not the Elvis I know nor like." she stared into his soul, "The Elvis I like was the one I saw at the Hayride with the wiggly hips." she smiled, "So much that I miss those hips st-" She stopped talking as she heard footsteps.

"Hurry, they're over here..." 

"El... how much do you trust me."

"As much as Captain Marvel Jr believes in finding the rock of eternity."

"That's a lot of trust," she smirked, taking his hand and climbing the ladder on the side of the building. She then tried to get off the ladder until she noticed her babydoll-heeled shoe was stuck. She tried to pull away to break free. But it wouldn't budge, and the press was getting closer. She then tugged one last time until she heard a 

SNAP!

Oh, how Midge and her mother were going to kill her. Nearly tumbling over, she had landed into Elvis, who was carrying her like Lois Lane. She wouldn't lie and say she didn't enjoy it.

 "Don't worry, darlin, I gotcha." he looked down as their eyes met again. It was just like a river flowing to the sea. His heart was nearly pounding at how close they were again. He could smell Cecelia's rose perfume while taking in every detail of her face. Elvis was madly in love with her. And he was glad to say she was his. Carrying her downtown in his arms, the two had gotten weird stares, but Elvis didn't care. After all, he was pretty well known in Beale Street, too. In the background, there was music, setting a romantic scene for the two lovers.

 "Would you care to dance?" Cecelia asked, handing her hand out to him,

"On what dance floor," he asked, putting her down gently on the concrete. She took his hand. And it was like electricity shot down his body. They were in the middle of Beale Street. Traffic was slowing down, and it was only them, 

" Anywhere's a dance floor if you're in the arms of the right one." taking her hand, he spun her close to his chest, the two pressed close together, her other shoe on the sidewalk. 

"You're gonna dance barefoot in the street?"

"I don't see why not?" her eyes twinkled as he blushed hard.

"Lord have mercy... I can't with you, Cece," he mumbled as he laughed, her eyes looking up at him as she held onto his 6'0 frame. Spinning her into his arms, he heard the band play the melody of one of his songs. His right hand held hers, and his left on her back. The two swaying as her head was on his chest, he felt butterflies in his stomach flutter, 

"Love me, tender. Love me sweet, never let me go."  He sang as she swayed with him. 

"You have made my life complete, and I love you. so." Cecelia felt every word he was singing to her. Cecelia knew how Elvis felt about her. After all, they had secretly been dating. But she couldn't deny that when he looked at her, it was like she was his universe, 

"Love me tender, love me true, all my dreams fulfilled

For my darlin', I love you, and I always will." He dipped her, and their eyes locked onto one another. His eyes looked at her lips, then her eyes, then again at her lips. He wanted to cherish her and never let her go. He wanted to prove that she was all he ever wanted and ever needed and-

SPWOOSH!

It was as if buckets of water were splashed on them.

 "No one said anything about a rainstorm."Elvis chuckled, picking her up as she laughed, her hair getting puffy from the water. Cecelia kissed Elvis as he kissed her back, sweetly and giggling, 

"Oh, your mama's gonna be pissed."

"Honey, I know." Cecelia laughed harder. They both felt free and secure as if they were the only couple in the world, and it felt amazing to not have to worry or care about who saw them. That was until there were papers on every doorstep with them dancing in the street as the cover. 

Elvis Presley Dances With Negro Singer Cecelia Valmos.

Cecelia had been summoned into her mother's office, while Elvis had the Colonel scolding him like a child.

"I can't believe you would do this after everything I've done for you!" Denise said, rubbing her temples,

"It's not that bad, Mother," Cecelia said, looking at the newspaper. She was definitely going to show Elvis that picture when she saw him. Besides, it was cute.

"My boy, this could be career suicide," Tom grumbled. Elvis had laughed. If that bit from him singing to a dog wasn't career suicide, then he'd say he was doing just fine.

"What are we gonna say." Denise look at Cecelia

"How am I gonna cover this up my boy." Tom asked Elvis

"Any way you do?" 

Taglist: If you wanna be tagged let me know!

@darkmoviesquotespizza

@sissylittlefeather

@richardslady121

@thegettingbyp2

@presleyenterprise

@sissylittlefeather

@dkayfixates

@rjmartin11

@thetaoofzoe

MORE IN CHAPTER 6!

[antvnger]

((First of all, I’m glad you liked that speech. Scott’s very proud of that speech honestly.))

((Let’s see here, I think I can round up some headcanons related to that. Once again, I went overboard so see below))

(( @arandomnerdsrp358 just in case you wanna see this too))

As Scott said in his speech, the first time Cassie brought her significant other [S.O.] home to meet him, he saw the look in her eye and realized she’s got it bad for them.

Their dating life was full of ups and downs, and Scott lost count how many times Cassie swapped between “I love them so much I can see me being with them forever” and “I can’t stand them I think we’re going to break up”.

The couple’s young and they’re figuring a lot of things out. It’s just part of relationships sometimes. But Scott rooted for them because he could see how happy they made each other and how they were made for each other.

The more the couple were together, the more that passionate flipflop in feelings subsided into comfort and familiarity and the need/want to be together.

Maggie seemed to know from the get-go Cassie would marry this one, but it was Scott who correctly called when [S.O.] would propose.

[S.O.] took Cassie to her favorite spot in a nearby park for a picnic. It’s quiet and peaceful with lots of beautiful trees that are in their summer prime, bright green and full. They go to watch the sunset, and when it got dark, that’s when [S.O.] popped the question. When Cassie said yes, the fairy lights [S.O.] hid in the trees came to life, making the moment magical.

[S.O.] may or may not have requested some help from Scott to make that work.

The couple decided they weren’t really big on long engagements. They know they’re it for each other so why wait forever and a day for the big day? They decided on a spring wedding which gave them and their families less than a year to get everything together. Which is a lot.

Scott thought his job would be pretty easy though. Help pay for the wedding and walk her down the aisle without ugly crying over it. Okay so maybe it wasn’t that easy but still. The less decisions he had to make, the better.

Cassie informing him about his speech was a surprise, but it wasn’t the biggest surprise she threw on him.

She asked him to sing.

“You want me to what?”

“Please, Daddy? I really love listening to you sing, and you’re better than you think you are. It would make me so very happy.”

Ohhhhh she pulled the Daddy card and used her puppy dog eyes. Instant KO.

So his job just got harder now because he’s not sure he can walk her down the aisle without crying, never mind sing in front of everybody at her wedding without crying.

She requested “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” by Elvis Presley, and he could do it however he wanted. Play it off his phone, have someone play accompaniment for him, whatever. It just had to be that song.

So Scott being Scott and tending to go above and beyond for people he loves, he decided to do something special just for Cassie. And [S.O.] too but really just for Cassie.

He learned how to play an acoustic guitar. He can only play one song though, but one’s enough especially since he likes the drums better anyway.

Nobody knew what he was up to. Nobody. He didn’t let anybody watch him practice, and he managed to actually keep this a secret which is a big deal for him. Until it was time for sound checks for the ceremony, and Scott made sure to do his sound check before anyone else showed up so he could keep the surprise.

Hope and Maggie both tried to get him to crack. They obviously knew something was up. “You’re hiding something.” He just shrugged and offered his trademark smirk. “It better not be anything ridiculous, Scott.”

“I would never do anything ridiculous on Cassie’s big day. Well…not anything embarrassing anyway. If it falls under the ridiculous category, I guess we’ll have to wait and see if it does.”

His turn in the ceremony came right before the vows, and when he pulled the acoustic guitar out of hiding and started to play softly, Cassie gasped in pure shock.

Then he started to sing, and she started to cry. All good tears, I promise. No embarrassment here. Just love. Lots of love.

[what-if-nct]

Hiiii!!!! I. Have. Talked. To. My. Crush. She. Likes. The Owl House. And. I. Promised. To. Draw. Something. For. Her. Birthday. And. She. Is. So. Nice. To. Me.

BUT SHE HAS A GIRLFRIEND 😭😭 Although I'm really happy for her they look so so so cute together!!! She's so nice to me tho, tho we dont have anything much to talk about anymore. I befriended her and thats enough. I hope they have a happy life together and that she'll always be happy!!!

How are you doing? Are you feeling alright? I hope you're feeling okay!!! ( I love your style so much, even more than anything I've loved in my life. You're too cute and pretty and nice and kind for this world. ) For the colors, every except gold( ish ) I don't feel comfortable flirting with you, but I really really really love you! Hope life treats you well!!!!

I'm going through a minor Wang Yibo addiction right now. His voice sounds so good and him and Xiao Zhan ( platonically ) are better than the world. Yeah I watched the untamed and I am going through another phase. Xue Yang. Also there's this character who's name is Wen Ning and he's shy. And sells radishes. And he's a dead man. A very kind dead man. He is really kind and I love him way too much. Just seeing his face just cheers me up tho most of the time he's staring into my soul.

Today I showed my Haechan ( ♡ ) photocard to my dad to see if he could guess the age, and he guessed it right. So my dad is a boomer, such a boomer, but somehow, he knows some stuff. I sang 'I wonder how' once, and then he sang 'I wonder why' I was fucking terrified. Seriously I had not expected that. Also the song Bamboleo once trended in a community I was in, and he knew that too. He still is very much a boomer, he doesn't know who Justin Bieber is. He only knows the Beatles, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. He probably doesn't even know Queen.

I went to my new school, and ran away with a panic attack day one. I got chased by the same teacher thrice. She terrifies me now. I hate her for how she acted. I said 'leave me alone' everytime and everytime she was like 'okay.' And then she came back with 'i only wanted to check if you're on the right side of the train station' and 'maybe it'd be better if your dad came picking you up' you know what? Fuck off. I hate her now and nothing will probably change it 😭

— sneeze ♡♡♡

Hiii! Oh yay I'm glad you were able to at least become friends and get to know each other. I think a friendship would be just as fulfilling. I hope you get to have more things to talk about in the future. And it's so sweet you're going to draw her something for her birthday I'm sure she'll just love it.

I've heard Wang Yibo's name before but I don't remember where he sounds so familiar. I just went to check and hes been on shows with Yixing that's how I know him of course. I figured it was through my husband Yixing. Also Yibo has the same birthday as me! The only person I know with my birthday is Yungblud and I love him. Also Yungblud and Yibo were born same day same year I love finding birthday twins.

The older generation does tend to know at least a few things from later generations. But not much but a few unless you have a mom who used to be a groupie for white snake or guns and roses or a grandma who was a hippie who went to Woodstock clearly they are the coolest people of their generation. Also Gen X are automatically the coolest generation of them all. Like Millennials honestly an anxious mess of a generation as one I can say that we're a mess. Gen Z still finding their footing mostly teens but definitely seem the most tame compared in the since there's this puritanicalness I haven't seen in my generation or in Gen X it's fascinating.

I kinda understand maybe her intentions but within the situation chasing you down multiple times isn't the right way to go about it would have been best to let you be and calm down cause she's just adding fuel to the fire and frightening you there's definitely better things she could have done. I'm so sorry it was a hard first day.

And I'm feeling fine I've had an odd obsession with cashews lately I've bought four containers of cashews this month and one of them was a pound so far this month and they're all gone it's all I want to eat. I have this thing where I will just eat the same food over and over if no one stops me. And you're so cute! Oh my gosh. Thank you! I've actually been having a fashion crisis just where I have clothes that don't match. I turned one top into two tops. It was a long sleeve top with big sleeves so I was able to get two tops out of it but I don't have skirts the right color or the prints are too busy. But I'm so picky that I can't find exactly what I want till Loey Lane, a YouTuber posted an outfit and I looked up the store and I finally found clothes I love in my size. There's one skirt I love it's sequin but its a micro mini skirt and I love it but there's a front slit and I just know it'll be too short I only have one micro mini skirt and it's just long enough to be decent. Can't bend over but it's decent. But I want the sequiny one. But.

I love short skirts but I just know it's too short but it's so pretty. I'll think about it. But this is what I already decided one.

Kinda obsessed with wearing bikini tops as regular tops it's so cute and I just needed a little cardigan cause all I have is velour zip hoodies. And I just need a plain skirt and I like getting longer skirts cause I can hike it up shorter to a length I like.

[septembersghost]

You definitely get that operatic feeling listening to the instrumentals

when my mom and i were in the theatre, where it hit me *hard* that it hadn't quite yet at home because surround sound is simply so different in its expanse, is when they're leaving russwood, and elvis is getting shoved in the car, and there's that breathtaking shot of the firework reflected above his face

(credit to op! because tumblr wouldn't bring this up in my search for some reason. and that gifset is gorgeous)

the first times i saw this, i was so focused on the performance of trouble and the visuals and the hectic things happening, but the score is this dramatic, dark chorus utilizing heartbreak hotel (which is the melody they used to link elvis and gladys), and its like an emotional punch. it's foreshadowing through that music. (they did this often - toxic las vegas being a standout example). the way they took these existing songs, reworked them into intricate instrumentals and added the choirs or laid in the central vocals when necessary works in this tremendous way. i love scores in general because they do establish mood and themes and characters, it's why the best film/television scores are memorable, but this is a bit of a unique case since they were doing adaptations of songs the audience is/might be already familiar with, songs residing in the central subject's catalog and easy to hear in his own voice. suspicious minds, cotton candy land, heartbreak hotel, can't help falling in love, unchained melody, etc, they figured out how to literally reorchestrate them, to make them into leitmotifs and character associations, to layer them into the visuals in a way that's propulsive but not obtrusive, where you're surrounded by this music which was always calling to and coming from within him, and it's simply a heartbeat of that world. it does function like an opera or a grand musical even though it's technically not one. it's so cool to me, it's like a magic trick and i love the effectiveness and beauty of it so much.

i've thought a lot about how elvis would probably really love and be affected by this, given his own feelings/admiration for opera, and his specific pride in it's now or never and those inspirations. again, as with those formative and everlasting gospel influences, it functions as a lovely tribute as well.

[hooked-on-elvis]

This is Elvis' sexiest song to me. I can't get enough of it. I swear, I think I would pass out if we had any footage of him singing it live. Especially in 1969. I just know.

It's funny how we can hear his hiccup laughter at 1:31 IN THE MASTER TAKE! Like, nobody noticed it was there before releasing the album or they thought it was okay anyway? And by 2:35 he woo's (the track available on the actual album is a bit longer than this video goes, so you have to listen to that to catch the 'woo' hahaha). I just realized it, can you believe it? I've listened to this song so many times! It's awesome how we always can get some little new details in Elvis' work we are already familiar with. That's so good! Anyway, Elvis was SO into this song while he was recording it! So am I! How can it not be one of his hit records? I can't understand! One of his most underestimated songs!

I think the best thing with the American Sound Studio Elvis recordings is that we can have a glimpse of him behind each song. I feel his soul in every little bit of that 1969 album! Its not my favorite because everybody praises it. It's my favorite Elvis record because I can feel him so strongly there. It's not the only album he loved recording, of course. The gospel ones and his debut album I can feel his soul very clearly too. But there's something different about that 1969 Elvis record. He put all of him in that! He was happy with the tracklist, he was excited, he was alive! IT'S SOMETHING ABOUT REDEMPTION, RESSUCTION MAYBE. That's... unique! This 1969 Elvis album is UNIQUE! I just can't get enough of "From Elvis In Memphis". I never will.

[ducknotinarow]

[BuddyRhodes - gotta stop the other idiot u_u]

Buddy was near sprinting in that moment, not quite as they didn't want to get in trouble, but, they were still going very quickly. They knew Charlie was in music class, and had heard that the Rooster was going to drop out to open up a space - for Rhodes. Buddy tried to talk sense into him, but they were not having it!

So, Buddy went to the next best bird they knew - Rhodes. And as soon as they saw the Pigeon, Buddy picked up the pace,

"Estrellas!" Buddy calls out, "¿Podrías por favor hacerle entrar en razón a ese pez nuestro?"

Course Rhodes barely understood a word they said, and Buddy sighed sightly,

"Charlie!" They exclaimed, "Please speak sense to him - he finally had the confidence to join music but are going to give it up!"

Buddy let out a heavy sigh, letting Rhodes speak and make sense of their ramblings. When asked why Charlie was giving it up, Buddy frowned, not blaming Rhodes, but merely giving the true reason,

"Because they think it is more important to you so want you to have his space and he won't listen to me so please speak to him, he'll regret it I know it."

| Muse interaction [part 1]

Rhodes had to get this forum turned in before the end of the day, it just felt weird to be well not being doing so with his Dad around. It was the closest they got to spending time together. Hid Dad would have the class description book across his lap happily reading them over and if Rhodes could take it based on previous classes and grade level. Rhodes used to feel pride in the fact his Dad would always boast about Rhodes getting into high levels of his core subjects. Sure he could do it with his mom but Rhodes had to admit it just wasn't going to be the same.

The absence of his father was just more felt than he thought it would be. And all Rhodes could think? was it likely wasn't the same for his father's end of things. So lost in his mind at the time though? Rhodes didn't even hear the sound of hurried foot steps making thier way towards him.

"Estrellas!"

Rhodes stopped a moment he heard the familiar nickname travel over the hall even stepped back some what to keep himself from disrupting the natural flow of the others making thier way to class or lunch.

"¿Podrías por favor hacerle entrar en razón a ese pez nuestro?"

Rhodes just lifted a brow at what Buddy was saying maybe know like two words from what they said. "I know we haven't seen each other since second period but tone down the passion and flirt in English kay?" Rhodes states in his way of saying he had no idea of what they were trying to tell them and get them to clam down and try speaking again.

"Charlie!" They exclaimed, "Please speak sense to him - he finally had the confidence to join music but are going to give it up!"

"There much better-- Wait what do you mean Charlie is giving up music? Rhodes didn't even know the rooster was in a music class, guess that did explain why Charlie felt he could speak to the teacher about Rhodes though. But, why would he be doing that? Hell Rhodes had be bugging Charlie to sing more ever since that first time they showed of thier pipes.

"Because they think it is more important to you so want you to have his space and he won't listen to me so please speak to him, he'll regret it I know it."

"Oh that gorgeous idiot!" Rhodes said as he grabbed for Buddy's wrist "Let's go if you can't talk him out of it I'll try at least. Or rip up the sheet music of even Elvis song in that room which ever come's first. Then we can get back to you flirting with me later."

-----

Rhodes had Buddy lead the way back towards the music room, Charlie's damn long legs made them gain a lot of ground. Didn't help that Buddy refused to run in the hallways. Something about not wanting to get into trouble. If Rhodes was more Amalie with the layout of the school he honestly would have just left Buddy behind and sprinted himself but he was still finding out where the bathrooms even were in the building. At least it gave Rhodes a chance to think as he kept trying to urge Buddy to move faster! Were they programmed to be a goody two shoes?

Rhodes saw Charlie and soon just let go of Buddy “Sorry, love you but you’re so fucking slow! Pick up the pace dude!” Rhodes stated as he took off sprinting towards the rooster. Easily spotting him from over the crowd. Least it made losing him impossible. As Rhodes dodged around others pushing some out of his way even he could care less for any looks he was given or remarks thrown his way as he used the built up momnturm to slam himself into the rooster. Of course, he didn’t even so much as budge them it was more to gain Charlie’s attention and make them stop as Rhodes clung on to Charlie’s at so not to fall from coming face first with a brick wall.

“Charlie Shane Barone don’t you fucking dare do what ya about to do!” Rhodes warned as Buddy finally had a chance to caught up to the both of them. “Look I really do love that you are so willing to drop a class just so I can be in it because you feel I should be in it more. I know you are just looking out for me in your own Charlie way but just stop.” Rhodes took a moment knowing how that might sound. “Not stop taking care of me I mean stop this stupid idea of yours! I know I have been really down lately I hardly flirt or tease with you and Buddy much and I keep opting to stay in at home then go out or even pay random visits to you guys. I know I’m not myself right now. But that dosen’t;t mean you need to be a hero and do this for me. I don’t need that right now okay?” Rhodes stresses, hoping that would be enough to get Charlie to stop or start to reconsider at least.

“I know you know I love music but I love you more than I do music, and you’re willing to finally gather up the never to sing? That means way much more. Besides Charlie I don’t..I don’t think music is what I need right now.” Rhodes confessed himself to”Yeah I live and breath tunes and beats, I can play a song the second I hear it but that’s all in my head and right now? I” Rhodes shifted his gaze from Charlie and Buddy a moment he hadn’t opened up much about how he was doing right now and maybe that was why Charlie was doing this feeling he had to for Rhodes.

“Right now I need things that will keep me out of my head, it’s..not always the nicest place for me and if I’m honest it’s been a pretty hostile place for me. Music is something that is all internal for me. But, it’s becoming a bit of a tangled up mess. I need to work it out clear the gunk out ya know?” Rhodes tried to explain best he could but he had a feeling Charlie and Buddy might at least understand somewhat. “I need something like theater to I dunno get this stuff out of my head alright? Seeing music classes were all taken was like a sign for me. So, you doing this will just prevent me from doing what I need too.” Rhodes stated firmly. Before softening up finally.

“Charlie I love you, so much and I might love you even more than I did before. Knowing you’d give something up just for me. But, I hate myself for being a reason my son bird ain’t heard. I mean it your voice is heavenly others should get to hear it. It’s something you love and I want you to express it okay?”

[allthemusic]

Week ending: 13th April

Back to a more manageable number of songs this week, thank goodness - and it's two returning artists, including one we really haven't heard from for quite some time. Will Elvis have lost his edge? Or will he have come back from the army with a new sound locked and loaded? I guess we'll find out, after this first song...

Do You Mind? - Anthony Newley (peaked at Number 1)

Anthony's a fairly recent chart fixture, but we've had quite a few of his songs, and he's got a definite vibe laready - he does rock and roll, but with a really distinctive, careful-sounding voice, and a kind of reserve. And you've got all that in bucketfuls here, as Anthony asks you oh-so-politely if I say I love you / Do you mind? / Make an idol of you / Do you mind? He really wants to lavish affection on you, but only if you don't mind. If you do mind, just let him know, and he'll stop. It's the sort of thing that could come off as a bit flippant, but there's a feeling of earnest sincerity to Anthony's voice here. You really do get the feel that if you minded, he probably would back off. It's sweet.

There are also all these little vocal touches that I quite like, here, from the slightly unsteady wobbles on longer notes, to the cute little if I say I love yah bit, to the way his voice his voice creaks slightly on the sweet nothings line. They're small things, hard to pin down, but they all give a sort of vulnerability and authenticity to it all. Anthony's no showboating honey-voiced idol, he's got a voice that sounds "real". And all that's complemented by a relatively minimal accompaniment that's mostly just a steady finger-snapping and some little guitar touches, all mixed fairly quietly in the background, the better to let Anthony's voice stand out above it.

The whole thing was written by one Lionel Bart, whose name seemed familiar to me - and indeed, after a bit of research, it turns out that he was the songwriter behind the musical Oliver, and also behind some less glorious songs that we've already, such as Little White Bull (yikes) and Living Doll (also yikes). But yeah, he was mostly a writer for musicals, and yes, if you squint I reckon there is something rather musical theatre-lite about Anthony's style, with its emphasis on character and emotion, and little clever lyrical turns, like "kisses" rhyming with "this is".

Stuck on You - Elvis Presley (3)

And then, the return of the King - after two years of military service, and only one or two new songs, Elvis is back, and he's back with a bang, with a goofy romp that's got everything you'd expect from an Elvis record. You've got a chugging, bluesy piano and guitar beat, you've got Elvis' classic uh-huh-huh ad libs, you've got lyrics about just being head-over heels in love, all of it wrapped up in a metaphor about how I'm gonna stick like glue / Because I'm stuck on you. The rhythm and the little pause Elvis does on the title lyric are more than a little reminiscent of All Shook Up. And of course, you've got lots of little folksy similes illustrating it all, moments where Elvis promises to squeeze you tighter than a grizzly bear, or compares splitting him and his love up to trying to take a tiger from his daddy's side - simply not possible, if the tiger isn't willing. So yes, this is a very typical Elvis record, and it's fine. Good fun, even.

In some ways this is interesting, too, because Elvis has been out of the game for two years - and in the meantime, pop and rock and roll music has changed, with a rise in more consciously "teenage" songs and teen idols, plus an increased amount of softer, gentler pop songs. There are other smaller changes, too, including but not limited to the sort of guitar sounds you're hearing and an increase in Buddy Holly-style pizzicato strings. And yet, in the face of all of this, Elvis turns in a track that's basically "same old same old". And it works - this song goes to Number 3 in the UK and Number 1 in the US, and the excitement around Elvis' return more generally is such that his train from New Jersey, where he left the army, to Tennessee got mobbed by fans, and Elvis had to keep getting out to appear and appease the fans. So yeah, Elvis didn't need to do anything new or groundbreaking to sell records, it seemed - leave the innovation for other artists, Elvis has his niche, and it works, people are clearly going for it.

And yet, for all that it is well-made, I'm not personally so thrilled about this one. Partly that's just because it sounds like literally every other Elvis number. It's got energy, but not too much energy, Elvis is giving it welly, but not too much welly, it's fast, but not too fast, and the whole just things sounds a bit like an off-brand version of All Shook Up. I genuinely had to check this wasn't a repeat, that's how familiar it feels. There's nothing wrong with Stuck On You, but there's not much that makes it stand out from literally everything else Elvis did. Which is a shame, for Elvis' triumphant return from the army, but there you have it.

I didn't mind either of this week's songs, but I think the newcomer has to take it, over the returning veteran - I was charmed by Anthony's performance, and I liked how different he sounds to everyone else out there. Meanwhile, Elvis has come back to a world where everyone's already doing a pretty credible Elvis impression, and has decided to join the ranks with a mid-tempo, meh kind of song. It's not bad, but it's definitely the less interesting listen, this week. So...

Favourite song of the bunch: Do You Mind?

[fantastickkay]

Album Review of the Week: The Righteous Brothers - Just Once In My Life (1965)

The Righteous Brothers have always been in my peripheral, familiar with the hits but that's about it. When my grandfather died, I inherited his record collection which included 3 albums from them. This one is produced by the [in]famous Phil Spector. Although, the legendary Unchained Melody was instead produced by member Bill Medley so it ended up as a B-Side to the single Hung On You. Of course, it became a massive and enduring hit. Later copies of the single somehow begin to show Phil Spector as the producer!

Because I don't listen to them very often, their voices are very nostalgic to me. Once I hit play on the record, I am instantly transported to the backseat of my grandpa's truck and listening to the oldies station on the way to the beach.

Just Once In My Life is another big hit off of this album. Their low voices are in great form. I love the melody, backup singers and full instrumentals. Makes for a dreamy track.

Things liven up a bit with Big Boy Pete. A mix of country and blues, this is a story-telling track describing some misadventures and injecting some fun into the usually serious sounds from the guys.

Unchained Melody, of course, is a legendary song that has been covered by many and even had a resurgence in the early 1990s thanks to the movie Ghost where it was a Billboard hit once again! I do tend to find this song a bit on the boring side, very slow. My favorite rendition is that of Elvis Presley's.

We get back into the blues with You Are My Sunshine, a spin on the classic children's song. This song borrows from the current trends a lot more than the preceding tracks, it is more like blues at the go-go. The first dance track of the bunch, that is for sure - quite fun!

A cover of The Great Pretender follows. I love the original so this does pale a bit in comparison, although their harmonies are especially beautiful!

Sticks and Stones gets back into the discotheque mood with this groovy track. I'm sure this was present at several dance parties at the time!

See That Girl sees the return of the familiar baritone in a sweet ballad perfect for a bedtime playlist. /yawn/

Oo-poo-pah-doo is a little silly diddy full of studio chatter sure to amuse the fans. I think it goes a little long and is a bit cringe by today's standards but it goes into a pretty fun blues track anyway!

You'll Never Walk Alone is a take on the classic gospel song. The solo vocals at the beginning sound great, although their voices are not melding together as nicely on this song as usual and the overall instrumentation sounds a bit messy, probably due to the "wall of sound" Phil Spector is known for.

Guess Who? is another sleepy time ballad, although it does sound very nice and I enjoy the little bells happening.

The Blues is a fun, bluesy jam written by Bill Medley. Bobby Hatfield needs a pop filter on his microphone really badly! The production on the vocals is very amateur.

I enjoyed most tracks on side 1, however side 2 is completely full of throwaways! I don't pay much attention to Phil Spector, but I know he has a crazy bad reputation and I have to say I am not impressed with his production on most of this as well. Bill Medley was a co-producer so some of the blame may lie there, but Phil is listed first and it's his label so he should take more care in what comes out under his name, just strictly referring to the production quality, not the songs themselves.

[scinglives]

“Let’s put some on,” he said as he connected the blue tooth to his phone. “I actually found a band I like. Radiohead. I don’t know if you’ll like them, some of their songs are weird and they seem a little depressed, but I like them. We can start with trouble man though. You might like Elvis too. But if not, we can always go back to Frank Sinatra. One of my favorite things about today is how all music is available at my fingertips.”

Steve knows he’s avoiding the subject of this new Captain America and Sam’s refusal of taking the shield, but he didn’t know what else to say. It hurt but it wasn’t like Thanos snapping his fingers and wiping out half of the universe. He had to keep it in perspective and if he kept dwelling on it he’d just show up in DC seething and that would get him nowhere. He had to keep a level head.

He put on the album and sat back. “There’s still some good jazz clubs around I hear. I haven’t really gone, but maybe that’s something we can do one day. You did always love going dancing.”

It was nice to Bucky that Steve was finding new things, finding new music. It was something he hadn't gotten round to doing yet, everything seemed so overwhelming that frankly he didn't know where to start. Just being in the real world was too much, but he would get there. He had figured out streaming, and mainly just found music he was familiar with.

"I heard a bit of Elvis." Bucky confessed with a small smile. "His stuff was pretty good, I liked it. A jazz club would be nice, though you reckon we would be the youngest there?" He asked, it was wild to him. They were technically so old, but everyone else who liked the same things they did was either dead on well in to their eighties or nineties.

"I don't think dancing these days is the same as it was back in our day." He smiled and shook his head. "Not to sound like an old man but it all seems too loud for me."