WC:7k
Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, yandere elvis, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love
Pairing: elvis x black reader
Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items
Note/: this is part four of a five part series and was intended for black readers but written with no physical descriptions——all reader’s welcomed
“Hello?”
“I’m looking for the girl you were with earlier.”
“Who the hell is this?”
“Put her on the phone.”
“…Hello?”
“Birdie?”
“E?”
“What the hell are you doing in Seattle?”
“Oh my…How did you get this number?”
“How do you always manage to show up in the damndest of places?”
“Well…I-I’m…” You were genuinely at a loss for words.
“How’d you get caught up with a vulture like Don Siegel?” He was seething. You hadn’t heard his voice in over three years, you weren’t used to its intensity. “Wh-What~ I mean Jesus Christ, the man’s married.”
“I d-didn’t know~”
“Oh, yes the fuck you did.” His voice was heavier, fuller and dripping with something new…something different that you couldn’t quite pinpoint. “My heart sank when I saw you with that man. How do you end up in these situations?”
“Can you hold on a minute?” You still heard him fuming when you took the phone from your ear. “Baby? I have to take a call in the other room. Don’t pick up the phone.”
“Huh?”
“Don’t pick up the phone.”
“Yeah…”
You scurried to the other room as fast as you could and dropped onto the sofa—he was still going when you picked up the other phone.
“—I don’t know how you find new ways to~”
“Elvis?” He wouldn’t stop, and you almost didn’t want him to. Something about it was exhilarating. “Come on, I can’t…bunny, please. Listen for a second, just listen.”
He fell silent then, finally taking a breath.
“I can’t believe it’s really you, E.”
“Oh, now you know how it feels, huh?”
You laughed. “How do you know Don?”
“Honey, how the hell do you know him?”
“We just fool around sometimes~”
“Oh, please spare me~”
“You asked.”
“What happened? You got so good at playing tricks that you’re on to higher circles now?”
“‘Higher circles,’” You repeated incredulously. “Don fucks the same as any other man~”
“Birdie!”
“What?”
“I don’t want to hear it. Alright?”
“How are you, baby? Are you okay?”
He sighed. “Yeah, I’m okay.”
“How’s your girl?”
“It’s getting harder to keep in touch.”
“Why’s that?”
“I’m busy.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
He didn’t want to talk about it. “I worked on a project with Don—it went straight to the gutter.”
“What’s that mean?”
“It bombed in box office.”
“Well, if I had known I would’ve gone to see it a million times.”
“You really had no idea we worked together?”
“We don’t do a whole lot of talking.”
He clicked his tongue and groaned in annoyance.
“What a coincidence,” You continued. “I’ll have to tell Don how we know each other.”
“Whenever you have a free moment to talk,” He said sarcastically.
“I’ll just tell him while he’s going down on me, he’s usually a great listener then.”
“I can’t stand you.” You laughed and he was silent for a moment. “What’s he call you?”
You were practically squirming in your seat. “Do you really want to know?”
“I don’t think I can handle the mystery.”
“…I let him call me Sugar.”
“He thinks that’s your name?”
“He’s not as inquisitive as you, believe it or not.”
“Does he pay you?”
“No, E. It’s not like that. W-We…Well, we’re in love.”
“You love him?”
“I do.”
There was silence on the other end and for a moment you worried he was going to hang up.
“You aren’t gonna hang up on me, are you?”
“…No, I just…I don’t know.”
“You sound upset.”
“I can’t believe I’m hearing you say those words.“
You felt the tension disappear as you laughed. “You’re too easy, bunny.”
“Are you serious?” He asked, fuming again.
“I told you two seconds ago that we just fool around sometimes,” You said. “Did you forget that already?”
“So what—do you love him?”
“Of course not,” You responded. “You need to stop believing everything I say.”
“I can’t tell what’s true and what’s not.”
“So don’t believe any of it.”
He scoffed and you imagined him shaking his head in disbelief. You liked that he was still so easy to rile up.
“I want you to come see me while I’m here.”
You weren’t shocked by the request. “How long are you here?”
“Just through the fifteenth.”
You hummed thoughtfully. “I can try to~”
“Get something to write down the address.”
“…Just a second.” You took the phone from your ear and, for a moment, you contemplated hanging up. If it had been anyone else, you would’ve. But it was Elvis. You brought the phone back to your ear. “Alright go ahead.”
“You didn’t get anything to write with.”
“Can you see me through this thing?”
“No, I just don’t trust you~”
“What’s the address?”
“1902, Second Avenue.”
“The Doric?”
“You know these things of the top of your head?”
“The…yeah, the Doric New Washington?”
“Tell them your name’s ‘Birdie’ at the front desk and they’ll send you up.”
“I don’t know when I’ll~”
“I want to see you tonight.”
He hung up the phone after that. After recovering from your shock, you stood to go back into the bedroom.
“Who was that?”
“Elvis.”
“Oh…oh?”
“I gotta get going, Don.”
“In the middle of the night?”
“You’re asleep anyway.”
“…Will I see you again?”
“I’m sure you will, baby—every night in your dreams.”
He laughed but made no further attempt at conversation as you quickly dressed and left the room.
You cleaned up as best you could in the bathroom—trying to disguise the wrinkles in your dress was useless. You left the suite and went to find the elevator. You got to the front desk and rang the bell.
“Can I help you?”
“Sorry to bother you again,” You said, only slightly embarrassed. “Someone is supposed to be expecting me.”
“And you are?”
“Birdie.”
The woman scanned the list, skipping past the name ‘Sugar’ to find ‘Birdie’ in fresh ink.
You smiled when she met your eyes. “That’s me.”
She handed over the key with an edge of distaste. “14th floor.”
After hiding out in the hall for an hour or so, you finally made your way to his room. You felt an eerie sense of calm as you approached the door. You thought you’d be more anxious seeing him again.
“Who is it?” He called when you knocked.
“Take a wild guess.” You were shocked by the velocity in which the door opened.
“You fucking—“ You screamed when he picked you up, struggling against him for a moment.
“What are you doing?” You laughed.
“I called Don back,” He said as he drug you into the room and shut the door. “I didn’t know it took an hour and a half to get up three floors.”
“Put me down,” You squealed. “You crazy old~”
“You better not finish that~”
“Let me go so I can see you.” You stumbled back a few steps to look at him. “Yeah, that’s you. Still the same bunny I remember.”
“It’s only been about three damn years.”
“Has it really? I didn’t even notice.”
His eyes narrowed. “…Yes you did.”
You smiled. “Why are you in Seattle?”
He shrugged dismissively. “Another thing.”
“Good thing?”
“Yeah. A lot people want it.”
“You look good.”
“You look like you’ve already had a long night.”
You tried to laugh but your smile faltered. “Ouch.”
“Take a shower.”
“…You have this new way of telling and not asking, I’ve noticed.”
“I don’t have time.”
You crossed your arms. “I don’t like it.”
“Will you please go take a shower so that I can get a chance with you before you disappear?”
“Elvis.”
“What?” He seemed unbothered by your expression. “I’m sure you’ve got a million more tricks to get through before the end of the night. I don’t want to waste your time.”
“You’re being rude.”
“I’m just playing the game.”
“I don’t play the games you’re used to anymore.”
“What are you doing with Don then?”
“The same things you do with the girls you bring back to your room every night. Are you spinning tricks on them? I mean, I know you are, but do you call it that?”
He shrugged dismissively. “Then I guess we’re the same.”
“I guess so.”
“…Will you go take a shower?”
“Why? Are you worried you’ll taste him on me?”
His jaw twitched. “I can smell him from here.”
“You don’t like that?”
“I can’t fucking stand that.”
“Sorry…I’ll go wash him away.”
You wanted to believe that he was the same. Although the years had gone by torturously—it had been such a short amount of time. When you looked at him, he was the same. Bold, glamorous and soft enough around the edges to pull you in without raising any suspicion about his razor sharp charisma. But there was something else there now. It was darker and it genuinely made you want to know if he was okay.
“What are you waiting for?”
“Nothing, I-I didn’t…I thought we could talk.”
“About what?”
You nodded in agreement—unsure of what else you were supposed to do.
You went into the bathroom and showered in a rush. If he didn’t have time, neither did you. When you got back into the bedroom, you had expected him to be there waiting for you. He seemed so desperate to get the night over with before. However, you found him in the main room of the suite still fully dressed. He sat back on the sofa, staring up at the ceiling with a blank expression.
“Are you ready?” You asked, securing your towel under your arms.
“Yeah.” He turned his head and his eyes raked over your body before he motioned for you. “You can leave the towel there.”
“What?”
“You heard me.”
You sighed. “I’m not gonna stay and let you treat me like shit. There’s not that much kindness in the world, let alone in my heart.”
“So what are you going to do?”
“What are you gonna do?”
He stared silently.
“Say something.”
“What do you want me to say?”
“I don’t want you to say anything, I want you to be nice.” If it had been any other situation you’d be more intentional about hiding the hurt in your voice.
“Why should I be nice?” His lips twitched in a suppressed smile. “Do you deserve it?”
Now you were silent and tight-jawed.
“I think I deserve one good night after all the nights I spent worrying about you after you left out of nowhere.” He waited a long time to continue—probably because he knew you had nothing to say. “Leave the towel there.”
You took a breath, contemplating for a moment before letting the material fall where you stood. You could’ve left. You wanted to leave, but you worried he’d let you go—just like he had let you go before. You worried that if you walked away it wouldn’t be three years.
It’d be forever.
He watched you the entire time you walked over, no doubt analyzing every detail of your appearance. When you reached him, he motioned for you to kneel and despite every fiber of your being screaming in protest—you did.
You focused on your hands in your lap instead of his eyes. You didn’t want to see that look in his eyes that you saw in every other man’s eyes.
You heard him shift before you felt him take your face in his hands. He tilted your head back and you finally met his gaze.
You waited but he didn’t do anything. He smiled. A gentle smile that seemed too out of place for the moment. “I love you.”
You wanted to cry but you hoped he couldn’t tell. “It doesn’t feel like it.”
He leaned forward then and kissed your forehead. He was silent again when he stood and you turned to watch him walk over and pick up the towel.
“Come on,” He said, holding it up for you to walk into.
You frowned. “What kind of game are you playing?”
“Can you just listen?” You didn’t move. “I’ll treat you nice, birdie. I promise.”
You stood and he wrapped you in the towel before leading you back into the bedroom.
“I’ll give you something to wear for the night,” He said, gesturing to the bed for you to sit.
You frowned but sat as he went into the suitcase by the closet and retrieved a worn shirt for you to sleep in.
“What?” He asked when you looked up at him. “Not your style?”
“…What’s happening?” You truly had no idea.
He turned to the mirror on the wall to adjust—admire—his hair. “We’re just having a good time, baby. Don’t worry.”
You refrained from complaining and slipped the shirt on. “Is this something you’re into?”
“What?”
“I mean…why do you want to fuck me in your ugly shirt?”
He laughed and checked you out in his shirt. “I think you’re cute.”
Cute? No one ever called you cute. “Are you okay? I’m genuinely asking.”
“Yeah, why?” You stared in disbelief as he crawled onto the bed and fell onto his back in a huff. “Where were you staying before Don picked you up?”
“He flew me out for the weekend but…I-I’ll probably head home after this.”
“Home?” He seemed surprised to hear that. “Where’s that?”
“If I tell you, are you gonna stalk me?”
“No. I don’t even believe you.”
You shifted in his direction, but he stopped you from straddling him and instead made you settle for his arm over your waist as you laid facing each other.
“Where was it again?” He reiterated, continuing his line of questioning
You sighed reluctantly. “Chicago.”
“Really?”
“Mhm…”
“Why there?”
“It's up and coming.”
“I’m sure you like it.”
“Why?”
“You like anything that’s up and coming.”
There was a glimmer of humor in his eyes but you pretended not to notice the innuendo. “It’s okay if I stay to myself.”
“That’s good, birdie. I’m happy for you.”
You were confused but you had a feeling he wanted you to be. You didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of saying anything.
“Will you stay tonight?”
“Why?” You wondered. “You don’t want anything to do with me.”
“Not true.”
“Then what is happening right now? Why don’t you want me?”
“This is how I want you.” He shrugged. “This is more important to me than fucking every waking minute of our every encounter.”
“Laying here losing brain cells is more important to you?”
“Getting to know you is more important to me, yes.”
You didn’t know what he was up to, but you felt like there was some kind of method behind all this. It felt all too intentional.
“What do you want me to do? Lay here until you fall asleep?” You asked, turning onto your back and crossing your arms. “I can lay here until you fall asleep. Easy.”
He snuggled closer and kept his arm over your torso. “The whole time, or until I fall asleep?”
“What do you want?”
“The whole time.”
“Easy.”
He seemed satisfied. “What do you do now, honey?”
“Nothing.”
“You bought a house off nothing?”
“I had savings.”
“I want the address before you go.”
“What? No. Why?”
“So I can send you things.”
“No…I’ll leave my number if you want.”
He sighed—unsatisfied.
“What’re you doing tomorrow?” You asked in the wake of his silence. He was happy that you were engaging in the conversation.
“Working.”
“That’s nice.”
“Will you stay with me for a few days? You can hang out with the guys while I’m on set and at night we could do our own thing.”
“I don’t know if I can.”
Silence.
“Don’t be mad at me.”
“Why can’t you stay?”
“Because~”
“You don’t want to?”
“I can’t.”
“I don’t understand why you insist on keeping this space between us like it matters anymore~”
“It matters to me.”
“You don’t know how to let anyone love you.”
“Sorry, I don’t have much practice.”
“I’m trying to show you.”
You laughed.
“I’m serious.”
“What do you want?”
“Stay and play house with me for a couple days. After that I’ll send you back to Chicago.”
Now you were silent.
“I’ve played your game for the last six years. You can’t play mine for a couple days?”
That changed things—that made it feel less like a commitment and more like a challenge.
“There’s that mischief in your eyes again,” Elvis said.
“You think you can top my game?”
“I’ve had some practice in the last few years.”
You enjoyed his confidence—he was so sure of himself.
“What do you say?”
“Game on.”
*
This is what he needed you to see.
He wanted you to see how much the world and the people around him desired him—his attention, his praise, his approval. He needed you to see that, while you ran away from his affection, others craved it. And for so many hours of your life you were forced to soak it all in.
Set tours, studio tours, special guest seating, special guest accommodations that no one needed or asked for. He must’ve told them you were the Queen of fucking England.
Every second you were away from him, you absolutely wanted to die—but you didn’t let it show.
The last thing you needed after a miserable day of pretending to give a shit about Seattle was to be swarmed by frenzied fans, yet there you were. He didn’t even try to avoid them. He walked right into the line of fire and struck up a conversation.
When he finally pulled himself away from the crowd you expected to be ushered the rest of the way to the car. However, he slipped his arm around your waist and went for a kiss. If it hadn’t been the first time his lips touched yours in the last three years you would have pushed him away.
Your first kiss in three years and he made sure there were a million people watching.
And to say the least, he didn’t look one bit surprised at the uproar of chaos erupting behind you. He actually smiled when you were finally behind the safety of the car door.
“You think that was funny?”
“It wasn’t too bad~”
“Kissing me in front of all those people, what were you thinking?”
He shrugged. “I was thinking that I wanted to kiss you so I did.”
You scoffed and looked out the window.
“I’m sorry, mama, I didn’t think you’d be upset.” He closed the space between you and put his arm around you. “When I see you, everything else fades away and it’s just us.”
“You should know by now that sweet lines don’t work on me.”
“They work on something.”
You pretended to not understand.
“You gotta be purring from all this excitement.” His voice was like gravel when he muttered those words. He watched you tense with a satisfied grin.
“What are you gonna do about it?” You regretted the question; it sounded less like an invitation in your head. “Actually, don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t do anything about it.”
“Oh, I wasn’t going to.”
You raised an eyebrow.
“I’m not gonna fuck you in the back seat of my car.”
“I bet you’d change your mind if I…got you going first.” You placed a hand between his thighs. “Unless you’re too much of a big, Hollywood star to get your dick sucked in the backseat of your fancy car.”
“Stop.”
“Why? Can’t handle it?”
He cupped your chin in his hand and kissed the corner of your mouth. “Just be here with me, okay? Relax.”
You didn’t protest when he pulled you further into his side and sat back in his seat. “Did you go on any of the tours I set up for you?”
You shift into a more comfortable position and settled in as well. “Yeah, they were really nice.”
“I’m glad you got a chance to go.”
You didn’t know what to say. You never knew what to say.
“What’s wrong?” He must’ve noticed your panic.
“N-Nothing.”
“When we get to the hotel I’m gonna send you up first. I have to hang back and talk to some people.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll only be a few minutes.”
A few hours. He’d only be a few hours. You didn’t know what could possibly have been taking him so long. At some point you attempted to escape the silence, only to discover the floor being blocked off.
“I’m sorry, miss, I can’t let you by.”
“Excuse me?”
“The floor’s already been secured. That means nobody in and nobody out for the rest of the night.”
“W-Well…if you just let me go, I won’t come back.”
“I’m afraid I can’t.”
“So, what—I’m trapped here?”
“The floor opens in the morning.”
“Un-fucking-believable.” You stormed back down the hall and into the room—throwing your purse down without caring about the contents splaying out onto the floor. You sat down on the bed in a huff, looking around the room. It was a bit mundane for Elvis. That’s when you knew that it wasn’t his room.
It was yours.
You went back into the hall to talk to the guards. “Which one of these is the Royal?”
“Last one on the end.”
You didn’t waste another minute before going over. You could hear the music from a few paces away and when you knocked, the door opened to a party. You were floored.
“Lottie?” Red asked in shock.
“Surprised to see me?” You forced a smile.
“What are you doing in Seattle? H-How’d you get past security?”
“I’m real good with people, Red. When they try to say ‘no’ it just comes out as ‘yes.’”
He flushed. “I-I’m sure Elvis would be thrilled to see you.”
“Is he here?”
“Yeah, I’ll go tell him you’re~”
“No. I want to surprise him.”
Red nodded. “He’s somewhere over there.”
You headed in the opposite direction—you weren’t looking for him anymore.
*
“Hey, baby, you okay?”
The man looked up upon hearing your voice but he looked around for who you were speaking to instead of responding.
“You.”
“Me?” He asked.
“Yeah, you,” You chuckled.
“O-Oh…yeah, I’m alright.”
“What’s your name?”
“…Joel.”
“It’s nice to meet you Joel.”
“Y-You too.”
You followed his gaze for a moment to where Elvis was sitting. “Why do you keep looking over there?”
“I-I thought you were Elvis’ girl.”
“‘Elvis’ girl’, ugh, don’t you hate the sound of that?”
He laughed, shifting towards you despite his nervous demeanor.
“How do you know Elvis?”
“Jerry’s my cousin.”
“Jerry?”
“Yeah.”
“Jerry’s your cousin?” You looked at him. “I don’t see it.”
“How do you know him?”
“It’s a long story,” You said dismissively. “I rather hear more about you.”
“T-There’s…there’s not much t-to hear.”
You pouted. “No interesting stories to tell?”
He shook his head.
“Do you want an interesting story to tell?”
“I-I…I don’t—I mean, I s-shouldn’t.”
“You shouldn’t?”
“No, you’re…y-you’re E’s girl.”
“Did we have this conversation already, or am I getting deja vu?”
“…You’re funny.”
“I’m funnier when I’m sitting down.” You didn’t wait for a response as you took his hand and led him with you—only doubling back for the rest of his drink when you noticed him leaving it. “You’re gonna want to finish this.”
You found a spot on the sofa that was pushed against the back wall. It was a bit cramped but you didn’t mind as much as Joel.
“Do you mind?” You asked, shifting towards him and resting your legs in his lap.
“O-Oh~”
“So, what do you, Joel?”
“Uhm…I used to sell cars with my dad.”
You pretended to care. "Then what happened?”
“He wanted me to go on the road with Jerry.”
“Why?”
He shrugged, stumbling over his words for a moment when you grabbed his wrist and lead his straw to your lips. “H-He said…he said, uhm, that h-he wanted me to know what it was like to be on my own.”
“You aren’t really on your own here, are you?”
“I don’t know…it seems like it sometimes.”
“I can see that.”
“How d-did you say you knew Elvis again?”
“Oh, I didn’t.”
He nodded. “I-I saw you earlier…t-together, so, w-we all thought~”
“You know what happens when you assume, Joel.”
“Yeah, but…”
“We’re just talking, baby.” You offered a reassuring smile. “There’s no harm in that.”
“Okay.”
“Are you having a good time?”
“Yeah.”
“If you could be doing anything else in the world what would you be doing?”
“I-I don’t know, why?”
You shrugged. “Aren’t you going to ask me?”
He swallowed. “What would you be doing?”
“…I think you know what I’m going to say.”
You couldn’t tell if the sweat on his forehead formed instantaneously or if it had already been there. You couldn’t help but enjoy the expression on his face. You weren’t sure what the emotions were, but you reveled in the conflict.
“Hey, Jo, man let me talk to you,” Jerry appeared suddenly, his voice cutting through your conversation and even starling you a bit.
“Y-Yeah?” Joel stood hurriedly, moving your legs in his rush to get up.
“Hi, Jer-bear,” You said. “I was just talking to Joel and he said he’s your cousin."
“He is my cousin.”
“He’s too cute to be your cousin.” You smiled at the way his face flushed. “And he’s sweet, unlike you.”
“E’s looking for you.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know, go find out.”
“I don’t like the way you said that.” You stood with a sigh. “Tell the guards to let me out of this hell hole.”
“I can’t do that.”
“What, are we all trapped here?”
“No, you’re free to go back to your room.”
“See, Joel,” You said looking at him. “You could never be this much of an asshole.”
“I-I’m gonna g-go,” He stammered before escaping.
“He wants you to go to him,” Jerry said. “I’m just the messenger, alright, so…”
“‘Alright, so,’ what?”
“So don’t call me an asshole.”
“Only an asshole can do whatever that asshole says, Jerry,” You said. “It’s not my fault the shoe fits.”
“Do I have to tell him you aren’t coming?”
“You don’t have to do anything. You’re your own man.”
He looked annoyed. “I’m just doing my job.”
“So am I.”
He frowned but you didn’t explain before turning on your heel and walking away.
You caught Joel’s eye again on your way out of the room but he quickly avoided your gaze. You tried not to laugh as you left the suite.
“I’m not even going to try with you bunnies again,” You called to the guard at the end of hallway. You noticed that only one stood in the place of the two before. “I’ll just go rot in my cell for the rest of the night. Until you let me go. How fucking stupid is that?”
“Sorry, lady.”
“Fuck you. You can’t tell a person they can’t leave on their own free will.”
“Everyone knew the floor was closing at midnight.”
“No one told me.”
“…sorry?”
You rolled your eyes and stopped to unlock your room door. “Do you know Elvis? D-Did you meet him?”
“Yeah,” The guard seemed through with you.
“What’d you think?”
“I don’t know, he’s a good guy.”
“Wrong,” You said. “He’s not a good person. He’s actually an asshole.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, and he leaves girls alone for hours waiting for him and then he never actually shows up.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah, then he makes sure not to tell the girl that she can’t leave after midnight. So she sits there until it’s too late and now she’s just a sitting fucking duck waiting around for the sun.”
“…sorry about that.”
“I think you should let me go.”
“Lady~”
“Vivian.”
“I'm sorry, Vivian, I’m just doing my job.”
“This really has nothing to do with your job.” You had left the door and started making your way towards him. “I’m really good about keeping secrets. I wouldn’t tell a soul it was you that let me by.”
“My partner’s gonna be back any minute.”
“Then let’s hurry.”
He laughed. “You should go to your room and sleep the night off.”
“I would its just that…”
“What?”
“I get real sick when I’m alone.”
“Sick how?”
“Sometimes…I think I’ll die.” You stopped in front of him and met his eyes. “It’s not good for me. That’s why you ought to let me by.”
“I can’t.”
“Well it’s either that or spending the night with me.”
“Birdie.”
You practically jumped a foot off the ground upon hearing his voice booming with such anger.
“Elvis, don’t~”
“What the fuck are you doing, huh?”
“Leave him alone~”
“You, shut up and get in the room,” He snapped, ushering you back that way. “You—you’re fucking fired, get out of my sight.”
“He didn’t do anything wrong~”
“Go.”
You released a stunned gasp when he grabbed your arm and drug you the rest of the way into the room. “What is the matter with you?”
“Me? What the hell is the matter with you?”
You weren’t sure how to respond to his anger when you were so upset yourself.
“I can’t believe you’re the one screaming right now,” You responded. “You left me here all night!”
“I told you that I had to talk to some people~”
“All night? It’s like you didn’t even consider the fact that you said you’d…” You noticed a certain expression on his face that made you stop. His disappearance tonight was intentional. You laughed humorously as you realized the situation you had unknowingly walked into.
He was going to leave you there all night to see if you’d stick around until the next day.
“What?” He wondered. He wanted you to confirm that you knew exactly what was going on
“Did you make your point?”
He shrugged. “Do you feel like shit?”
You wanted to cry. “Yep.”
“Then I guess I made my point.”
“I want to leave.”
“You can’t.”
“…Then you leave.”
“I will if you really want me to.”
“I really want you to.”
“Okay.”
You were shocked when he turned around and started toward the door.
“I want you to know,” You started, waiting for him to face you to continue. “I’ve never set out to intentionally hurt you. Ever. That’s not what I do, and it’s not something I tolerate from anyone—not even you. So…I hope you’re happy knowing that if you never see me again after tonight, it’s your fault.”
“Is that all?”
You forced down the yell that had threatened to erupt from your throat and you let your words die on your tongue. “…Good night, Elvis.”
“Will you be here tomorrow?”
“Only if I’m cold and stiff.”
That seemed to make his movements falter but he ultimately kept walking. “I guess I’ll see you in a few years then.”
“Don’t count on it.”
You weren’t shocked to find Jerry knocking on your door the next afternoon—doing his usual clean up.
“Can’t you just stay until the end of filming?”
“Why should he get whatever he wants?”
“When he gets whatever he wants, our lives are easier.”
“Jerry, I think you mean ‘when he gets whatever he wants, we all get whatever we want.’”
“All I know is that last week he didn’t even want to show up and this week he’s gotten there early everyday. I haven’t seen him this enthusiastic about anything in years and I honestly think you’re the reason.”
“I’ve only been here two miserable days.”
“I’m telling you, he’s different. He’s happier when you’re around, I noticed it back then too.”
“Well I’m not. It’s like fucking torture to me.”
“Because you’re not trying to meet him where he’s at.”
“That’s all I’ve been doing. He’s the one with zero regard for anyone’s feelings.”
“He’s been in love with you for six years and you’ve never seen him the same way. He did more than respect your feelings when you told him you were a whore~”
“I don’t think you even want to go there, Jerry.”
“He’s told me what you used to do for Ron~”
“Don’t.”
“I’m not judging you, it’s the honest to god truth. He’s protecting himself just like you have been all these years.”
“By treating me like shit?”
“By keeping you at arms length where you belong.”
*
You told Jerry that you’d stay but you didn’t hear from Elvis again until that night. He showed up so late that night you had already convinced yourself that he wasn’t coming and had resorted to crying your eyes out thinking he was officially done with you.
“Why’d you stay?” He spoke as soon as he entered, his voice booming in the silent room. He let the door swing shut behind himself and plopped down on the edge of the bed.
“I talked to Jerry.”
“You did?” He was shocked at the sight of your tears. “Hey…y-you’re crying. Since when do you cry?”
“Baby, I…Elvis,” You tried to force a steady tone as you sat up to speak. “I’m sorry.”
“Stop.” He shifted to face you. “I c-can’t believe you’re crying. How much did you drink?”
“I’m not drunk. I didn’t even go to the party.”
“Why?”
“It doesn’t matter, look, I…I don’t want you to think that I showed up here to hurt you. W-When I found out that Don was going to your party I-I thought that it meant something. I thought we could see each other again and I could make up for the way I left before.”
“Why?”
“Because, ever since everything happened with Ron, I’ve been trying to be different. I’m trying to be a better person.”
“…If I’m just a step on your path to becoming a better person then honestly~”
“That’s not~”
“No, I’m really glad you’re going on this journey of self discovery and everything but I don’t see how it involves me.”
“It involves you.”
“How?”
“Because I…I-I guess I love you.”
He pursed his lips. “You guess?”
“I know I do a-and I couldn’t live thinking you hated me for the way I left.”
“I do hate you for the way you left.”
“I know, and I’m sorry.”
“If I forgive you will you disappear?”
“…Not if you don’t want me to.”
“Do you love me? Or is it a trick?”
“I’ve loved you since that night in Ohio.”
“You’re lying.”
“Do you really think I’d still be here if I were lying?”
“Then what’s been the point of this whole thing? The past six years? Do you get off on being miserable?”
“I’ve never…” You wanted to disappear.
“Uh-uh, don’t do that,” He snapped. “Don’t start fixing shit up in your head~”
“I’m not~”
“You look like you’re already a million miles away so you might as well go.”
“I’m here, Elvis, I’m right here.”
“Where do you want to be?”
“I want to be here with you. That’s why I’m here.”
“I’m sorry if I’m having a hard time believing you, Vivian—or is it Lottie, or Des, fucking Treasure and every goddamn thing else besides your actual name~”
“You know my name.”
“That’s not the point! The point is that you’re a liar, all you do is lie.”
“I’m trying to stop. It’s all I’ve known for the last thirteen years, I can’t break it that easily.”
“What am I supposed to do with that?”
“You’re supposed to trust that I’m doing everything I can to be transparent with you. About everything.”
“Where are you from?”
“…N-North Carolina~”
“Lie.”
“I swear.”
“How’d you end up in Memphis?”
“That’s a question for my mama, Elvis. I don’t know.”
His jaw clenched and he shook his head.
“I’m telling you the truth,” You said. “Y-You can ask me anything. I-I mean…I’m trying, bunny, I really am.”
“How old are you really?”
“Oh, come on~”
“You said anything.”
“Don’t be a dick.”
“Do you really have a house in Chicago?”
“It’s a duplex.”
“And you’re there regularly?”
“As regularly as I can be.”
“What’d Jerry say to make you stay?”
“Nothing specific. He just made me feel like a piece of shit for being who I am…so pretty much the same thing you did, I guess.”
“You just can’t handle being called out on your bullshit.”
“You call it bullshit, I call it staying alive and sane.”
“You think you’ll go insane and die if you fall in love?”
“I’m already halfway there.”
Elvis chuckled and moved to sit next to you against the bed’s wooden headboard. “I want you to love me, birdie.”
“I do.”
“Then let it happen.”
“What if…I don’t know, what if you hurt me?” You tried to laugh but you were serious. “How do I know you aren’t going to keep punishing me?”
“I don’t want to punish you. I-I don’t want to trick you into loving me, I just want you to do it.”
“I do.”
“Say it.”
“What?”
“Just come out and say ‘Elvis, I love you. I want to be with you.’” You laughed. “I’m serious, let’s hear it.”
“Elvis, I love you. I want to be with you,” You repeated.
“I love you too, see?” He seemed content as he put his arm around your shoulders and pulled you into his side. He reached up to dry your remaining tears with the pad of his thumb. “You can be a good girl. You’re a sweet girl, I know you are.”
“Only for you.”
“I like that.” He kissed you gently, moving his lips slowly against yours. “Tell me you’re my girl.”
“You’re pushing it.”
He laughed. “Please?”
“I’m your girl, E.” You couldn’t make out his expression but you felt his breath catch as he kissed you again. “Do you like that?”
“Yes,” He whispered. “Fuck, you don’t know how long I’ve been waiting to hear you say that.”
He convinced you to let him take you home to Chicago. You protested at first but gave in eventually. Mostly because he stopped believing you had a place.
“Go ahead. Call it a piece of shit.”
“No, it’s…it’s got good bones, I can tell.” He looked around. “At least it’s real.”
“A real piece of shit.”
He walked further into the house and you watched him closely. “How do you keep up with it?”
“I don’t think you want to know.”
“…I thought you said you were done with those games.”
“I am, it’s not that,” You said. “Ron helps out a lot, that's all.”
He looked confused. “You’re letting him pay your bills?”
“For now, until~”
“Why would you want any connection to him at all?”
“I don’t. But he said it was the least he could do after everything that happened.”
“He just wants control.”
“My mother asked him to, that’s the only reason he’s doing it.”
“What does he get out of it?”
“I don’t know, we don’t even talk directly—only through my mom.”
He shook his head. “You made it seem like you were doing better when you’re really in the exact same situation as the last time I saw you.”
“I am doing better.”
“How?”
“I don’t know…I feel better.”
“You don’t feel safe.”
“I never have.”
“Do you understand why I have an issue with that?”
“What do you want me to do? I didn’t know you were going to make me feel bad~”
“Don’t start weaponizing everything I say like you always do~”
“You make me feel bad for the way my life is, E. I’m not weaponizing anything, alright, it’s the way I feel.”
“That’s not what I’m trying to do, I’m trying to tell you that there’s another way.”
The phone rang and you hesitated to answer.
“Pick it up.”
“No.” He moved to get it and you stopped him. “Okay, fine.”
He stood back as you answered the call, listening intently.
“Hello?” You avoided his eyes. “Hey, Arnie, how are you?”
You heard Elvis scoff.
“…No, I…I would, baby, but I don’t think I can make it to the airport tonight. I just got home from a long weekend.”
Elvis seemed to not be interested in the conversation anymore and opted for wandering down the hall.
“I’ll make it up to you, okay? Don’t be mad at me…okay…you too. Bye.” You ended the call but left the phone off the hook. “Bunny?”
“Who the hell is Arnie?”
“I met him in New York. He’s a director.”
“Men just call and offer to fly you out places?”
“He likes when I come to his parties. He thinks it makes them more attractive.”
“He thinks you’ll be an easy target for his customers—I meant guests, sorry.”
“I don’t screw whatever walks like a duck, E, give me a break.”
“How many people have you screwed? Not even in your life, just in past three years.”
“You know just what to ask a lady.”
“You said I could ask anything.”
“If I’m being honest…four? Yeah, only four.”
“Including me or not?”
“Not.”
“Who were they?”
“I told you the number, do I really have to tell you who it was?”
“No, but I’ll assume and make an ass out of the both of us.”
“…You can’t really be upset, it was before I knew I’d see you again.”
That detail seemed to make him feel better. “Four people, huh?”
“Turns out I have a lot of friends. You’d be surprised how many of these guys just need someone to talk to.”
“You lead a lot of people on is what you’re saying.”
“It’s more fun playing the long game.”
“Which is why we’ve been doing this for six years?”
“I was hoping you’d get tired of me but you’re helpless.”
“I don’t give up when I really want something.”
“I’ve noticed.”
He sighed and looked around. “I want you to find a new place. Somewhere Ron can’t control you.”
“I was going to as soon as I saved up enough.”
“If you’re gonna let him pay your way you might as well let me do it.”
“Ron owes me.”
“Yeah, well don’t you owe me a little peace of mind after everything you’ve put me through?”
“I don’t even talk to him unless something out of the ordinary happens.”
“I’m not asking you to move in with me.”
“Then what are you asking?”
“I don’t know…I just want you out of here. I got a place up in California, you can stay there.”
“I’m starting to see what you mean when you say that I don’t listen to myself when I talk.“
“I think you living in Ron’s duplex is more insane than you living in my house.”
“I can’t just pick up and move to California.”
“You also can’t just decide to use logic whenever you feel like it. You’ve picked up and moved to a million different places since I’ve known you.”
“I like it here.”
“If you like it here you’ll love it there.”
You glanced off.
“Tell me what’s really stopping you.”
“It seems like we’d be spending a lot more time together if I did that.”
“Hopefully.”
“…I have this funny feeling you won’t like me as much once you get to know me.”
“We can take it as slow as you want, birdie. I’m not gonna be there every day. You’ll have all the space to do…whatever you want, I mean—y-you’re your own person, so…if you want to have people over, you can have them over—I-I don’t care.”
“Are you giving me permission to throw crazy parties at your house?”
“I’m just letting you know that I’m not trying to impede on your, I guess…y-your business.”
“Will you take the offer?”
“I’ll feel like I’m taking advantage~”
“I know you, birdie, come on.” He waved dismissively. “I want you to say yes so we can get a flight before the end of the night. I can’t stand the thought of sleeping under Ron’s roof.”
You laughed. “He’s never even stepped foot in this place.”
“Say yes, please,” He said, letting his voice drop. “I want to be able to sleep at night knowing that you’re safe.”
The phone rang within the moments that it was on the hook and Elvis picked it up with an aggravated sigh.
“What?” He stopped you when you tried to take the phone. “She doesn’t live here anymore.”
“Elvis!” You were stunned when he hung the phone up and dialed the number to the airport.
“It’s true.” He shrugged and began conducting business. “…Yeah, Elvis Presley.”
You rolled your eyes when he held the phone up to your ear so that you could hear the overexcited reaction from the airport receptionist.