Cornerstone | Elijah Hewson x !Reader
this one shot is about: am song. elijah used to date your sister, but now that she passed away, you're the only thing that can keep her alive for him--making him not worried that he might forget her face. this fic is this fic (with damiano david) but with some new stuffs to it to make it a bit better. @1twontalwaysbelikethiss you are obligated to read greek wifey
warnings: i don't think so, it's just sad.
You remembered well the first time you saw him.
It was on the first of many parties you would go in your life, it was the night of your 18th birthday and considering how introverted and reserved you were, your sister, who although looks a lot like you, appearance wise, your personalities were complete opposites, decided that you needed to celebrate in a dignified way. Well, you were two years apart, but her behavior at parties made her seem older than her age, she appeared more experienced, she tolerated drinks well and her charisma was perfect, just right for the party. As much as you always imagined she would be like that, given you were used to seeing her come home late at night on weekends, it was fascinating, even a little intimidating to see for yourself. Basically, Parrot's Beak was made for her. After 45 minutes of partying, your eyes had noticed Elijah drinking with some friends, his cheekbones were prominent cute, his eyes were striking, and the drink was starting to take effect on his cheeks making them become a lovely, flushed pink - almost like his skin was begging to be kissed. You could replay that moment in your head whenever you wanted, you didn't even have to close your eyes. Over time, you've forced yourself to smile at him, pull your hair out of your eyes between shy glances, trying your hardest to make yourself good-looking for him. It didn't take long for him to walk towards you, making your nervous and hopeful smile in the process turn into disappointment. You soon realized his glances in between swigs of beer were not for you, but for your sister. He hadn't even noticed you there, and the sensation that filled your body was painful. That night you accepted you were left out as they walked to the bathroom, and the best to do was to keep your first impressions of Elijah to yourself. It would be the best thing to do; even after the 4-year anniversary of them being together, and of you still finding him stunning.
"You need to stop callin' me," you sighed, brushing the back of your hand over your eyes. It was dawn, if she had been there, she would have already made you get up, would have taken the phone from your hands and lay on top of you, making you laugh until you'd fall asleep together. "It's been almost a year now; you need to stop calling me."
"But you always make it better," his drunk voice echoed in your head. Strange, but you liked listening to him, he spent so many years making her happy that listening to him was like feeling her smiling widely at you after buying chocolate cake at the coffee bar around the corner that you now worked for.
"What do I make better, Elijah?" You asked, prolonging something that didn't feel right.
"Me," he sighed deeply, making you do the same. "I like your voice, even more after you've woken up, it's so calm and crystal clear," He kept talking until your voice broke into a sharp sob as you tried to bite your lip to contain yourself. If she was there she would've calmed him down with just a word; but she wasn't, and he was like that because he didn't have her anymore.
"I like you Eli, I truly wish you nothing but the best, but I can't do this anymore," you verbalized, knowing there were chances of him being oblivious to the fact that he was looking for you because you reminded him of her. "I miss her too, and it's being too painful."
With that being said, you hung up the phone, pressing it against your chest knowing he would call again next night and then you would pick up, exchange a few words with him, feeling miserable right after for letting him do it again; but the truth was, on the next day you would feel good, not in a healthy way, but in a nostalgic way that would leave you trapped in a cheery image of your sister; whenever she had the opportunity to describe how amazing a date with Elijah was would make you bear through the day.
As you soaked your pillow, the loud music from The Rusty Room along with dancing people made Elijah wet his lips in a smile, his night would be like any other since she was gone, he would get drunk enough to see her face on someone else and would be able to snuggle between the legs of his new salvation or get kicked out for being too much and have no choice but to call you. On nights when his feelings are stronger than before, he would do both. He would call you in hopes that when you answered, you would miraculously become her, then he would tell you about his day and how no one in the band seems to put up with him anymore, and then would wait until you told him it would be okay. Clearly, nothing worked like that in your mind, you were as tough as she was, which was good for him to feel in her presence, but not what he needed at the moment; not least because you had never spoken for more than 5 minutes. That way, he had no choice but to keep looking for her.
Her hair, in the light from the window she was standing looking out at, gleamed like your own, but somehow it still seemed to fit better on her.
âDo you think he will come with the cute blazer?â She asked in a dreamy tone, clearly with the date already playing in her head like a movie. Seeing her excited made you happy.
âYeah, and âcomfortablyâ smelling of cigarettes.â You laughed, making air quotes as you repeated what she had told you the night before.
Her answering laugh never came, in seconds as soon as she saw him getting close she already opened the door and jumped into his arms. Her arms wrapped around his neck, as did her legs. He held her tight, already used to it all, and kissed her head in a big smile.
âI missed you,â He sighed muffled on her shoulder, hugging her tight with her snuggling into his black blazer. The words so meaningful it almost made you believe they hadn't seen each other the day before.
They kept muttering under your eyes until you realized how creepy it was to have you standing there. Forcing your legs, you walked out of their field of vision.
âSis, babe. You want some cake? Weâll bring you some!â She yelled, making you look at them before actually leaving. He waved at you. Apparently, they didn't even notice you there. She would bring the cake even if your answer was no, she knew you would eat it anyway. You nodded.
âFine, we're going to deliver some pieces of red velvet.â He declared, his attention already back on her face while making your stomach flutter at the knowledge that he remembered your favoriteâas wrong as that was.
Still digesting your dry words, he caught sight of her golden hair and pale skin being bathed in the strong red light, she smiled at him, huddled up in a wicker chair, her eyes was in the same level with his as he wandered up for a closer look, and it felt like it was for the first time, so he came close and kissed her, taking all the air out of her lungs to himself; the random girl wouldn't mind having another name tonight.
Elijah returned home the next morning in his car, swearing he could still smell her scent on his coat, transmitting it to his seatbelt while he lengthened his trip to the next coffee bar just to be able to feel her presence for longer.
"He's all yours today!" Your manager said in mock animation.
His eyes were lazy, his lips rosier than usual trapped in a perfect pout, stubble on his face and yet he looked like an angel; but smelling of booze and sleep deprived.
"What do you want?" You asked, observing him up and down; putting on your best character to try to fool him, or yourself. "You need to stop killin' yourself like that, Eli." You let your eyes dip into his, and what a regret, now your whole body tingled.
"I just wanna a nice coffee, I need to be alive to work," he raised his hands in redemption, giving you a cute half smile. His voice as melody and sweet as on the phone. "I just need to calm my mind down, buttercup."
His whisper ran down your spine, making drops of coffee from the machine splash onto your hand instead of into the cup, your body knew it was wrong, but your mind had liked being called that.
"How's life?! How's things goin', huh, after all that, y'know..." He went on while you gave him his usual hot coffee.
In response, you shook your head, looking around you, cursing the place for not being so busy so that you could have more customers.
"Fine, no more talk, buttercup." He sounded low and careful this time. You had to take your eyes off him because you felt like you were going to cry.
No more smiles on his tired face, he straightened his clothing, handing you a crumpled currency. Avoiding his eyes, you took it in your hand, taking his change and writing it out in Letraset for him.
"Thank you," he said, this time without repeating the pet name, since both you and him were now being watched by your manager. Even in front of others, his eyes filled with tears as he looked at your writing; so similar to hers in form, yet so cruel.
âShe deserves a better job.â You heard her speak even though you were away from their table. She was in his lap, not in a vulgar way, they were just enjoying each other's presence like that. Couples passing by whispered about how cute they were, you didn't deny it.
âShe seems to like it here. It's super cozy, you love it too.â He said in his husky voice, running a hand through his tangled hair. He was right, you didn't hate it there.
âI know, but I think she can do better. I trust her. She has potential, she just needs help.â
You dodged it, even though you knew she only wanted your best, hearing her talk about it made you feel smaller and seeing her talk about it to other peopleâ Eliâ made you worse.
âAnd..?â Eli pouted, letting her kiss him. His smile grew, face lit up and for a minute you thought she wouldn't speak anymore as she focused on his lips.
âI wish you could ask her to do some marketing for the band, like on Instagram, Twitter, she would do fine. You know I wouldn't lie. She likes these things, could be a good try.â She winked at you, you smiled excitedly. It was a good idea, she knew you well. You loved her.
âThat sounds good for the band too, we could have more people listening to us.â Eli said in agreement, beaming just as she was. You would be the first person working for the band. âThatâs wonderful, buttercup.â He added, making her hug him tightly, nearly knocking them off the chair.
Your tongue flicked over your lips, repeating the endearing nickname silently, it was adorable and suited her. Running a hand over your hair, which now had a dark coloration, you wished you hadn't dyed it. Not that that would change anything.
"You shouldn't let him call you the same way he sweet called her." The manager warned you when he saw the boy leave. Your sister was always around with Eli, they were completely in love with each other and never hid it from anyone, it was obvious he had noticed.
'No, you can't call me the way you used to call her' were marked on his change.
Rum was already a necessary substance to oxygenate his blood, it was the 4th shot, he had a dizzy mind with you on it, from the tip of your nose that seemed to follow him when he was speaking, to your contradictory voice that sounds just like hers when you say that you don't want him around. He needed you.
He glanced around the room, searching for his daily fix of sex for the night but soon changed his mind, taking his cell phone in his hands and punching in your number that he already knew by heart.
"I'm sorry, you're by yourself?" A serene voice awakened him from his trance, the blond hair and lips drawn in a perfect heart shape similar to hers made him forget about his cell phone.
"Yes, I am." He confirmed, his throat going dry. Every night the same thing, but he still got carried away by a vision trick; given that the reality was way too difficult to face. "All by myself."
She laughed at his despair, and even though the sound wasn't similar to hers, he decided he could play pretend in his mind. The girl's laugh fell silent, feeding his head with the image of her as he closed his eyes tight, for a second he swore not to feel his feet anymore, wondering if it might be the effect of being close to be her ghost but when he said it out loud, calling the random girl by another name, all he felt was a pair of hands pushing him back while cursing him in as many ways as possible. Had the girl said her name to him? He couldn't tell, it wasn't like he cared.
"I need you," you had tears running down your chin, your voice was nothing but sobs.
His smile widened, scratching the affected spot, feeling his body becoming more relaxed as he heard your voice filling the phone call. You needed him, so you called him. Just like in every other night.
"A nightmare again?" He asked cautiously, not even needing to ask what it had been about; he already knew.
"Yes," you looked tired, as much as he did. "I need you, Eli, I can't stop thinking about her."
"I'm on my way, buttercup."
The shared room still smelled of her, he knew it was because of you spreading the rest of her perfume across the bed she slept in. The atmosphere was different without her there, you both felt it, but somehow it felt good to be there and feel a bit of her false presence.
"You're drunk again," you sighed as he brought his fingers to your cheekbone, pulling some tears away. "She wouldn't like that."
He nodded, "she really wouldn't." Elijah smiled, seeing a shy smile spread across your lips.
Your movements were quick as silence filled the room, your arms went around his waist, making him have no choice but to snuggle you into his grip, a relieved sigh left his lips and he felt good knowing you no longer cried. The lack of voices made everything more comfortable, it cleared his mind, making his muscles relax. And when he felt you dig your face deeper into his shirt, he let his chin rest on your head as you found comfort in the scent that had often been used to be on her clothes.
âHuh?â You mumbled in pain.
âCâmereâ She replied before you threw up again. You were sitting in the bathroom, facing the toilet. Third time this week. âYou have to promise you won't drink like that againâor I'll have to let ours parents know about it.â She pulled you into her arms. You knew she wouldn't do that, her voice was so shaky, she was just worried.
âIâll try,â You said, still feeling your words come out funny, meaningless. She kept her brows furrowed, completely unsure what to do with you. âIâm promise.â You stuck your nose in her sweatshirt, which was his, but she had been with it for such a long time. The smell was strong, and there were really cigs left in there, getting into your mind. It made you sad, yet comfortable. It was like having him somehow. She didn't say anything else, just squeezed you.
The weather was grey, sad. Similar with your mood. Staying motivated to work was not what you wanted today, or any other day.
"What are you doing outside? You weren't supposed to be working?" Eli said, tucking you under his umbrella, his eyebrow puckered into a cute pout.
"I can't work, I'm very sad and sleepless." You imitated your manager's voice, showing pure irritation.
"Not a good day, I see," he remained in high spirits, even seeing your angry face as your request for Uber was denied on the screen in your hands.
"Wouldn't you go get a coffee?" You deposited your disappointment in him. His face still in a smile, he was never one to be shaken by so little; just like her, in fact so alike to her that it was quite annoying at times. She wouldn't be giving the hate for her bad day to anyone.
"There's no point, I only come here for you." Your mind knew well, it was already used to his tricks, but you still couldn't help but smile.
His words softened your body and you allowed yourself to look at him, he didn't seem to have had a rough night, his eyes were still as intense as she had described the night she met him. "Cornerstone doesn't make any sense without me, I agree with you." His lips spread; you were happy to make him smile.
The comfortable silence seemed to wrap you around each other, he brushed your hair back from your eyes, getting so close he thought you would might understand. "Can I get much closer?"
You nodded, feeling the tears blurring your vision. You knew he saw in you a way not to forget her face, but letting him go would hurt more. "Look, I'm really not supposed to - but yes, you can call me anything you want."
