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whatstruthgottodowithit · 2 years

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The Way I Loved You [Part One]

Fandom: American Actor, American RPF, RPF,

Pairing: Elvis Presley x Reader, Austin Butler x Reader

Characters: Elvis Presley, Austin Butler, Reader, You, Original Characters

Word Count: 2079 // Rating: Mature

Summary: I never knew I could feel this much and thats the way I loved you

Notes: i did Austin DIRTY im so sorry this song just got me thinking about how dissimilar the pair of them are [x] this got extended by request

PART ONE // PART TWO // PART THREE

I had just put the last swipe of my lipstick on. It was the last thing I had to do to complete my look. It suited me, a soft coral pink that looked good against my summer tan. But as I looked at myself in the mirror I couldn’t help but feel lacklustre about tonight. I should’ve been feeling good, estatic even. Tonight was going to be a special night, I was sure of it, but I couldn’t make myself feel excited. Before I could dwell on it any longer I heard the doorbell ring and the shuffling of feet below before voices started floating up the stairs.

‘Y/N,’ I heard my mother call upstairs, ‘Austin’s here.’ ‘Coming,’ I called standing up from the stool I was sitting on. I slipped on my shoes and smoothed out my dress, quickly grabbing my lipstick off of the vanity and slipping it in my purse before I made my way downstairs. As I reached the landing I could hear the TV gently murmuring now forgotten by conversation. Austin and Daddy.

‘How’s the job treating you?’ I heard my father say. ‘Very well sir,’ Austin replied, ‘I can’t thank you enough.’ ‘Well we look out for family around these parts,’ my Mama said, I could hear her coming from the kitchen along with the familiar clink of ice against the pitcher of sweet tea.

As I got to the bottom step I could see him. He was sitting on my couch, a glass of sweet tea in hand. I made myself known catching all of their attention. Austin leapt up from his seat beaming at me making that familiar feeling of guilty creep back in. He was dressed well, his shirt and pants were freshly pressed and though he was without a tie I could tell he had put in a little more effort than usual.

‘Y/N,’ he said his voice cracking a little as he swallowed nervously, ‘you look beautiful.’ ‘She always does,’ Daddy said. ‘Thank you,’ I said smiling at the pair of them. ‘Well, y’all better git. These fancy places don’t hold tables forever,’ my Mama said standing up from where she was perched on the arm of my Daddy’s armchair. ‘Fancy?’ I said looking from Austin to my mother. They shared a quick glance, a knowing one. ‘Well, any place is fancy to me. Your Daddy is more of a Lou’s drive-in kind of man,’ Mama said. ‘Ain’t nothing wrong with that,’ Daddy said with a huff. ‘Now go on,’ Mama said, ‘off you go.’ Austin grabbed my hand and led me outside. The warm southern summer air hit me as we walked to the car. ‘Beautiful night,’ he said in that southern drawl I loved. ‘I was thinking just that,’ I said. As we reached the car he leaned forward, opening the door for me and holding my hand as I got settled inside before walking around to his side. As the car roared to life, so did the radio and the sounds of rhythm and blues echoed out into the quiet night sky. Austin busied himself finding a station whilst he started driving and I took a moment to look at him. Really look at him.

He was beautiful. There was no denying that. His blue eyes sparkled in the twilight even under his brow which was furrowed trying to get reception on his car radio. His lips were pinker than mine, his Cupid’s bow pronounced and his bottom lip full as if begging to be kissed. And his jaw, soft yet pronounced. As I watched him I wanted to run my fingers through his golden locks though he always looked as if his hair was perfectly mussed.

But as I looked at him my mind drifted back to a memory not too dissimilar to this right now.

We were driving up a long street full of nice houses. Each grander than the other until finally we reached a colonial mansion and that’s when the car turned into the long driveway. It had grand pillars and old shutters that had surely seen better days.

‘What are you doing?’ I tore my gaze away from the house to find Elvis, my boyfriend, looking at me with a smug grin. His blue eyes were lit with mirth.

‘I’m showing you my new house,’ Elvis said as we came to a halt. ‘What?’ I said looking at him in disbelief, ‘this is yours?’ ‘Signed the papers this morning,’ he said. ‘Elvis this is….’ I started. He watched me with a smirk before saying, ‘amazing?’ ‘I’m so happy for you,’ I said, leaning forward and kissing him. It didn’t take long for him to deepen it and without thinking my fingers ran through his soft hair. As I pulled back he chuckled, ‘I think you should be happy for me more often.’

He ran a hand across his hair smoothing it back into its perfectly orchestrated do. ‘I’m so proud of you,’ I sighed, looking between him and the house. ‘I’m proud of me too,’ he said, ‘Mama and Daddy never have to worry again.’ ‘I knew you could do it, baby,’ I said, kissing him once more on the cheek.

‘Earth to Y/N?’ I heard Austin say snapping me back to reality. ‘Sorry,’ I said, ‘I was in a world of my own.’ ‘I gathered that,’ he chuckled, ‘everything okay up there? I thought you seemed a little quiet.’ ‘It’s fine,’ I lied, ‘just thinking about you.’ ‘Yeah?’ He said with a smile. ‘You know my friends are jealous of me?’ I said. That wasn’t a lie. All my single friends never failed to tell me that I had locked down the most eligible bachelor in town. ‘Stop it,’ he said practically glowing with embarrassment. He never took compliments well. Entirely bashful and seemingly unaware of his allure. It was endearing so why didn’t I like it? Why did I want him to know just how hot under the collar he could make me? Why did I want any compliments to be repaid with a smug smile? ‘I’m the one they should be jealous of,’ he said. I smiled but dropped my gaze worried that my eyes would betray the emotions I was trying to convey.

We were slowing down now pulling into a lookout point. There were a few other cars around but no one was close as Austin pulled into a space. As I looked up out over the view I recognised this place. I had been here before. It wasn’t too far from Beale street and it looked out over the water which was illuminated by the sunset. Elvis had brought me here many times though we’d never been parked as long as this without being all over one another.

As I took in the view Austin was watching me as if I was the view we were supposed to be taking in. ‘I thought we were going to a restaurant?’ I asked. ‘We are, well, at least we can do after…I just figured a restaurant…all those people,’ he said nervously, ‘I didn’t think I’d be able to do it.’ ‘Do what?’ I asked. He turned toward me with a nervous smile on his face. ‘Y/N, I’ve never met anyone quite like you. I never thought I’d manage to land a girl as good as you but here we are. Since I met you my life changed for the better. And I don’t ever want to lose you… so, Y/N, will you marry me?’

My heart stopped. He watched me wide-eyed as my gaze flitted from him to the ring box he had just produced from his pocket and opened in front of me. The ring was perfect. A simple gold band with an emerald cut diamond flanked by two smaller diamonds.

‘Aust,’ I said, looking at him. His eyes were wide and hopeful awaiting my answer. I wanted to say yes. What was wrong with me? Here in front of me was the smartest, most gentle, handsome and caring man offering me the world and I couldn’t string out a yes. Why?

The world seemed to switch in slow motion and all my thoughts disappeared except for one

The last time I was here.

It was late in November and the air was chilly. Not that Elvis or I had noticed. We were kissing in the front seat of his Cadillac unable to keep our hands off one another when Elvis pulled back looking guilty.

‘What’s the matter baby?’ I asked as worry flashed across his face. ‘We can’t do this,’ he said, ‘I need to talk to you.’ ‘What about?’ I said nervousness filling my stomach like lead. ‘I gotta tell you something,’ he said rubbing the back of his neck, ‘about this tour.’ ‘What?’ I said with a lump in my throat. ‘Well, Colonel says I gotta seem…available…for the fans you know,’ he said sheepishly. ‘What do you mean?’ I said hoping whatever I was thinking wasn’t true. ‘I have to seem like I don’t have a girl,’ he said. ‘You’re breaking up with me?’ I said tears stinging my eyes. ‘It’s not like that doll-’ ‘Then what is it like!? Elvis please enlighten me,’ I snapped. ‘Baby-’ ‘Don’t baby me,’ I said. ‘It’s not like I have a choice the colonel says-’ ‘Oh the colonel says. The colonel says you have to so you gotta? You’re your own man Elvis. You can make your own decisions and stop hiding behind the colonel,’ I snapped. ‘I’m not hiding behind anyone. This is my career we’re talking about,’ he said. ‘There it is,’ I said tears had dropped down my cheeks now but I wasn’t fussed. I was angry. ‘Don’t be like that,’ he sighed. ‘Don’t be like what? Put out that the man I love wants his career more than he wants me?’ I said. ‘It’s not like that,’ he said, reaching his hand out and placing it on mine, ‘baby you know I love you.’ ‘Just not enough right?’ I said and with that I yanked it out of his grasp, grabbed my purse and climbed out of the car.

‘Y/N!’ he said, following me out of the car. The rain had started now, drizzly but enough that it practically soaked me to my bones straight away. He lingered in his door frame, watching as I walked through the muddy parking lot towards the entrance. Seeing I wasn’t going to come back he hopped back in the car and drove it towards me. ‘Get in the car,’ he said as the car idled alongside the pavement I was now walking on. ‘No,’ I said. Tears were flowing freely now and I daren’t look at him. Seeing him upset would break me but what would be worse was if he wasn’t crying too. ‘Y/N will you stop being stupid? It’s damn near 3 miles to your house from here you can’t walk all that way,’ he said gruffly. ‘What do you care?’ ‘I do care,’ he said, ‘you don’t think I’ve been agonising over this for the past week.’ ‘Oh he’s known he was going to drop me like a hot potato for a whole week, how charming,’ I sneered. That seemed to have done it. The car stopped and he jumped out and was in front of me blocking my path in a matter of moments. I stopped watching him as he loomed over me with anger splashed across his face. ‘You think I want this? You think I want to lose you? Y/N I love you for god sake! I don’t want to have to do this-’ ‘So don’t!’ I said the pleading in my voice evident. ‘Baby I can’t,’ he whispered, ‘I gotta do what’s best for everyone. I need my career. I need this…please just…get in the car?’

‘Baby?’ Austin said pulling me back in, ‘what do you say?’

I looked at him. His brow had furrowed a bit waiting for my answer. What was my answer? I didn’t know. He was amazing. Truly one of the best men on this earth. I was so lucky and yet I was yearning for something else. Passion, romance, excitement. Yes, it wasn’t always easy but with the struggles came the good too. I wanted it all. Love wasn’t supposed to be this easy, right?

‘Aust,’ I said and then I gave my answer.

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whatstruthgottodowithit · 2 years

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The Way I Loved You [Part Two]

Fandom: American Actor, American RPF, RPF,

Pairing: Elvis Presley x Reader, Austin Butler x Reader

Characters: Elvis Presley, Austin Butler, Reader, You, Original Characters

Word Count: 4348 // Rating: Mature

Summary: Yeah, I wonder when you're drinkin', If you find yourself thinkin' About that boy from East Tennessee

Tags/ Warnings: Flashbacks, Kissing, Flirting, Proposals, Past Relationships, Established Relationships, Songfic, Taylor Swift Song, The Way I Loved You, Proposals, Marriage Proposals, Set in Memphis, My Writing, Elvis Presley Fic, Elvis Fic, Elvis x Reader, Elvis Presley x Reader, Austin Butler Fic, Austin Butler x Reader, Set in the 50s, Mixed Timeline, Austin goes back in time, Romance, Arguing, Angst, Fluff, Part One is Based on The Way I Loved You - Taylor Swift[x], Part Two is based on 7 Summers - Morgan Wallen [x] time lines a lil off, would’ve ideally been like 10 years but hey Ho

Notes: okay so this was a suggestion by @luckyevansstan and as soon as i was asked it stuck in my head and i just had to write it

PART ONE // PART TWO // PART THREE

‘Baby you’re shaking,’ I said as I adjusted Austin’s bowtie. He looked very handsome, he always looked sharp but there was something about him in a tux that made me hot under the collar.

‘I know,’ he said with a shaky smile, ‘these things never get any easier.’

‘You’re going to nail it. You always do,’ I said resting my hands on his lapels.

‘You think so?’ he said looking at me with those gorgeous blue eyes of his.

‘I know so,’ I said stepping up onto my tip toes so I could kiss him. He leaned down and captured my lips with his for a soft chaste kiss.

It didn’t last long though as there was a noise as the door to the room we were in opened. A short stocky man stuck his head through the gap his eyes trained on us. He stepped through smartening his own suit as he did so.

‘Mr Senator sir,’ the man said clearing his voice a little, ‘everyone’s seated and we’re ready for you.’

‘Thanks, Martin,’ Austin said with a smile. The man nodded and slipped back through the door.

‘I guess I better take my seat,’ I said.

‘I wish you could stand up there with me,’ he chuckled.

‘I would but they no one would be paying attention to you now would they,’ I smiled patting him on the arm.

‘That’s my point,’ he said. Before I could say anything else there was another beckoning knock on the door. I threw him a small smile before I exited through the door and out into the corridor. It was empty now whereas before it had been milling with hundreds of people. Members of government, film stars, local tv celebrities and of course anyone in Memphis with a little money. Banquets always did draw in those who liked to reinforce their feeling of importance. I didn’t mind them. Sometimes it was nice to have a night away from the kids, just the two of us, like the old days. But as Austin progressed up the government ladder the more we had to attend and it broke my heart to see how nervous he got right before each one. He was a good man, with a good heart and his role in government was really helping people but he wasn’t a performer.

I slipped in a side door of the grand hall, hoping that I drew no attention as I tried to find my seat. It was down by the front of the stage, a large round table with faces I recognised from past functions. I slipped into my seat, popping my bag on Austin’s empty chair beside me. As I smoothed out my dress I heard the music start to fade out as our compere, Lenny Johnson the Channel 2 newsreader, took to the stage.

‘Good evening ladies and gentlemen,’ Lenny said, ‘and thank you for coming to the City of Memphis’ 3rd Annual Charity Ball which as we all know is an effort to raise money for various registered charities in our beloved city. For those of you who haven’t been before the organisers have just asked me to run over a couple of things and for those of you who have, now is the time to have a drink or two to make sure those chequebooks are nice and loose for when the time comes.’

There was a smattering of laughter and a couple of claps as Lenny continued, ‘our meal will start within the next half hour and there will be drinks and dancing later on this evening. All the way through there will be a silent auction, laid out in the adjoining room where we encourage our guests to bid on whatever they choose. Remember it’s all for a good cause so dig deep in those pockets ya hear? Simply write your name and your bid on the sheet of paper and in a couple of hours we will be announcing who gets to take home each prize, all of which have been donated by local businesses and even some kind patrons here tonight. But first of all, I would like to introduce one of our esteemed guests, who without his help tonight wouldn’t have been possible, Senator Butler.’

There was a round of applause Austin came out from the side of the stage appearing at Lenny’s side in a couple of steps thanks to his long strides. They thanked one another before Lenny took a seat at the side of the stage and Austin took to the lectern. Though he was always a bag of nerves he had gotten a lot better with age. I smiled as he looked out into the crowd, his eyes locking with mine for a split second before his focus was back on the crowd and his view obscured by the hot stage lights.

‘Thank you, Lenny,’ he said clearing his throat a little, ‘and thank you everybody for coming. As some of you may know I’m not much of a speechmaker but before the evening gets into full swing I have been asked to tell you all just how much your attendance here tonight is appreciated.

As we all know this city, our country even has been going through a lot recently. Things haven’t seemed so hopeful but as I look out at all your faces tonight I am reminded that there is good in the world. When we first thought of putting together a night like this we, my team and I, were worried that it would never work. I had countless sleepless nights worrying that no one would bid on anything or no one would even show up. But tonight, as we head into our third year of hosting this event I am reminded that the people of this city are nothing if not kind. And why some may see it as a bunch of rich folks getting dressed up and having a good time I have been fortunate to see how this one night benefits so many people. Last year we helped over a dozen different charities. We raised $500 thousand dollars and with your help tonight I feel we can do the same if not better,’ he said smiling as there was a cheer from several voices around the room, ‘from that response I guess you’re all ready to go and I should be wrapping this up huh?’

There was a chuckle throughout the room as Austin continued, ‘As Lenny said tonight wouldn’t be possible without me but that’s not quite true. As with many things in my office I am just the persona out front. The true work is done by those in the back and I am truly lucky to have such an incredible team. I would also like to thank my home team too, my incredible wife Y/N, who not only looks stunning tonight but has also not complained once about hearing the words ‘City of Memphis’ 3rd Annual Charity Ball’ over a billion times this month.’

Another chuckle rang through the room and I could feel myself blushing as dozens of eyes fell on our table, scoping me out.

‘So that being said how about we wrap up this boring bit and get stuck into some dinner and dancing?’ Austin said earning a hearty round of applause and cheers as he exited the stage, leaving Lenny to take over. He came to our table slotting in perfectly as he acquired whispered congratulations from our fellow table members.

‘How did I do?’ he whispered looking at me as his arm swooped down on the back of my chair.

‘You were amazing,’ I said with a smile, ‘I’m so proud of you honey.’

‘Guess you didn’t notice me white-knuckling the lectern,’ he chuckled.

‘I was too fixed on thinking about how handsome you looked,’ I smirked running a hand down his thigh.

‘Yeah?’ he said, a crack in his voice a little making me giggle.

‘It’s usually all I’m thinking about,’ I said in a sultry voice making him shift a little in his seat. Before he could say anything else the hall bustled to life as waiters started serving our meal.

After that, the party was in full swing. I put a bid or two down for a couple of things that caught my eye. Soon enough the party transitioned from drinks to dancing and even though he wasn’t a performer Austin didn’t seem to have a care in the world as he asked me to dance as soon as our song, unchained melody, came on.

We had just finished dancing and were coming off the dance floor, out of the way of other couples who favoured to dance to the upbeat tune that had replaced the last, when a large man approached us. He was tall too with thinning white hair and a pencil moustache that didn’t do him any favours.

‘Ah, senator Butler,’ he said with a smile as he clapped Austin on the shoulder, ‘I was hoping we could get a moment together tonight.’

‘Mr Johnson, good evening, Y/N this is Arnie Johnson CEO of First Horizon Bank,’ Austin said his hand gripping my waist a little tighter.

‘Pleasure to meet you,’ I said offering my hand out to the man who took it reluctantly.

‘So Butler, have you thought any more on my proposal?’ he said.

‘Well, Sir, I don’t know if now is the time to be talking about-’

‘Nonsense!’ he said gruffly as he slotted his arm in between the two of us prising us apart, ‘there’s a few of us in the smoking room come on we can talk shop in there.’

He pulled him away and I watched as Austin turned his head to look at me with an apologetic expression. I smiled and shrugged wishing I could save him but the wives at these functions were very much background characters. I sighed and headed to the bar ordering a vodka tonic to quell my boredom a little. As I walked back to the dancefloor my eyes roved over people I could adhere to until Austin came back but I found no one I wanted to speak to. So, instead I wove through the tables to the back of the hall and out into the garden patio that overlooked the stunning gardens of this mansion. The air was crisp but not too cool and the only noise was the sound of crickets chirping in the night air.

I took a sip of my drink and then placed it on the stone balcony along with my bag as I looked out at the view. I was only there for a minute or so when I heard the noise of the party get louder as someone stepped through the door, I turned hoping to see Austin but instead found someone all too familiar.

Elvis.

His face was older now but still familiar. The boyish charm was gone replaced by a ruggedness that still had the same take-your-breath away quality. He was dressed well though instead of a tux he had opted for a black shirt underneath his suit with an open collar that showed a hint of his chest. He never did like to go with the crowd.

‘Hi Y/N,’ he said. His voice was deeper than I remembered, gruffer, though it still hit my ear just right. I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t. All my words were swirling around in my throat unable to get any further. He smirked a little and moved towards me coming to stand beside me looking out into the garden as I just had.

‘Beautiful night,’ he said looking at me with a smile. I could feel my heartbeat quicken beating hard against my chest so much so I thought it was loud enough that it could drown out the crickets.

‘What are you doing here?’ I blurted out. He looked at me, smirking at my abruptness.

‘I was invited,’ he said simply.

‘I wouldn’t have thought this was your kind of thing,’ I said turning to take a sip of my drink just so I had something to busy myself with.

‘I like to give back to the community,’ he said, ‘besides…I could ask you the same thing.’

‘What do you mean?’ I said looking at him with confusion.

‘Didn’t you always say you wanted to get out of Memphis? Get somewhere further south where it was always summer?’ he said.

‘I used to want a lot of things,’ I said simply.

‘But not now?’ he asked, he turned to rest against the stone wall, folding his arms across his chest as he watched me. He was putting me on edge and he knew it. Better yet, he was enjoying it.

‘I’ve got everything I need,’ I said.

‘Yeah?’ he said, his eyes flitting to the ring on my left hand, idly stirring my straw around my glass, ‘I saw. A senator's wife huh?’

‘His name’s Austin,’ I said through gritted teeth. I don’t know why but all of a sudden I felt a call to action. As if I had to explain myself to him. As if I had to explain Austin.

‘I bet your daddy’s real proud,’ he chuckled, ‘his little girl a senator’s wife. Big house, 2.5 kids the whole shebang?’

‘Says the man who lives in a literal mansion,’ I scoffed, ‘and it’s two kids by the way.’

He nodded as if he was mulling over that statement but his silence gripped hold of me as if it was forcing the words out of my body, ‘why do you care anyway? It’s not as if your life ended up terrible.’

‘I’m just curious,’ he said leaning up towards me. He was mere inches from my face now and his same old aftershave washed over me making me watch to close the gap. I couldn’t believe it. I hadn’t seen him in years and one conversation had got me all out of whack.

‘Do you ever think about it?’ he said in almost a whisper.

‘About what?’

‘Us. Do you ever think about those times?’

‘What good would that do? That’s in the past,’ I said. My bravado had gone now.

‘You never think about it?’ he said.

‘Do you?’

‘Sometimes,’ he said, ‘mostly when I’m home. Lotsa places in Memphis remind me of you…that little diner we used to go to…sitting out on the river in my car…’

‘Elvis…’ I said in a voice that didn’t seem to know what it was trying to convey. Then again, I didn’t know what I wanted. If he didn’t stop I didn’t know what I would do but each word he spoke ignited memories in my brain which cascaded like fireworks and they felt good.

‘I can’t even drive that Cadillac anymore without thinking about that time-’

‘Stop it,’ I said with force.

‘Why?’ he said reaching up to stroke my cheek. His touch felt so hot against me that I was sure as he removed his hand there would be a red imprint from his fingertips.

‘Because it doesn’t do anyone any favours,’ I said, ‘it was years ago.’

‘Six, no, seven summers back if I remember,’ he said.

‘Yeah and just as many winters since you dumped me,’ I snapped.

‘Y/N,’ he sighed.

‘Or does that bit conveniently escape your memory?’ I said.

‘You know I never wanted that,’ he said.

‘Yeah I know,’ I said, ‘but you had no choice. The Colonel said…no girls so your fans don’t get upset. Well, not until you decide there’s one worth saying no to the Colonel for. How is Priscilla by the way? I hear y’all are getting hitched.’

‘That’s different,’ he said.

‘Yeah, you loved her more,’ I said, ‘right?’

‘It’s not like that,’ he said.

‘Then what is it like?’ I said, ‘because that’s sure as hell how it looked to me.’

He stood up off of the wall and placed his hands on his hips.

‘It’s not about who I loved more. The love we had was…different. I was different. Naïve even. Then my mama died and I realised that it was better to hold onto those you do love,’ he said, his words making my heart break for him a little.

‘I heard about your mama,’ I said, ‘I’m sorry. I knew how much you meant to one another.’

‘Thanks,’ he said. Silence lingered between us for a moment, the crickets and the buzz from the party indoors the only thing to be heard. He leaned back against the wall and I followed suit both of us looking at the patio beneath our feet. That was until my mouth took over again, my words tumbling out before I could stop them, ‘so when do you get married?’

‘Six weeks,’ he said, turning to look at me. His gaze was fixed on my face and I caught his eyes for a moment before I looked away nervously.

I only looked back when I heard him say in a low voice, ‘why do you think I’ve been wondering about things?’

‘Elvis,’ I said with a sigh leaning up off the wall but he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him.

‘I’m getting married in six weeks,’ he said, ‘my futures set out and all of a sudden you come back into my life. We haven’t seen each other in years and before I make one of the biggest changes of my life you’re back? I mean doesn’t that seem like a sign?’

‘Elvis, you’ve lived 5 miles away from me since we split. If you wanted me I wasn’t that hard to find,’ I said.

‘Maybe…’ he said, ‘but if it doesn’t mean anything how come I haven’t been able to shake you out of my mind since I first saw you tonight? You could have left when I first came out here but you didn’t. Doesn’t that tell you something?’

I didn’t say anything. I was scared of what might come out of my mouth if I did. Elvis took my silence as encouragement and he gently pulled me towards him, his arm going around my waist whilst his other hand cupped my face. My heart hammered against my rib cage whilst everything below my waist felt as if it had been set alight.

‘Elvis,’ I mumbled. He shook his head as if to shush me as he leaned down and gently placed a kiss on my lips. His lips were warm and without thinking my own started to respond, encouraging him. It was simple, sweet but incredible. But as he kissed me my mind flashed back to earlier and I saw Austin’s handsome face behind my eyes. I pulled back and found confusion in his blue eyes.

‘I can’t,’ I said, ‘Austin…I’m married, Elvis.’

‘And I’m about to be,’ he said, ‘that doesn’t mean that that didn’t feel right.’

‘I can’t,’ I said, pulling out of his grasp.

‘But you want to?’ he said.

‘I can’t,’ I said.

‘That’s not what I asked. You say you can’t but I felt it in that kiss. This… us…you want it just as much as I do,’ he said, grabbing my hand as I tried to walk away.

‘Elvis don’t,’ I warned.

‘Are you honestly telling me that that kiss didn’t make you feel something? Tell me, has he made you feel like that?’ He said. I didn’t reply, ‘are you really going to pretend that you’re okay with living without that…that..fire?’

‘Austin is a good man,’ I said.

‘I’m sure he is,’ Elvis said, ‘but is that what you want?’

‘What do you want Elvis? What do you want? Is it Priscilla? Is it me? Is it me because you saw me with him?’ I wanted to shout but I couldn’t as it would surely draw attention and I didn’t need that kind of hassle. What did he want from me? For one kiss to erase the past seven years of my life? For me to throw my life away just because he had cold feet?

‘I saw it on your face tonight. This isn’t you. This life, the parties, the speeches, it’s not you. I know you,’ he started coming toward me but I held a hand up to silence him.

‘You haven’t known me for years,’ I said shaking my head, ‘you lost the right to know me when you decided that I wasn’t worth sticking around for. And you know what, I’m glad. Because if you hadn’t broken up with me I would have never met Austin. He’s a good man Elvis. He works hard. He keeps a roof over our heads and food on our table-’

‘And that’s enough for you?’ he said, ‘you can honestly say hand on heart that you don’t miss what we had?’

‘Look, I know it’s not all glam and rock and roll. I know to ‘The King’ my life might seem empty and boring but I don’t care. Because all that passion, that romance, that…fire. I remember that…but I also remember all the nights I waited up for you to call and you didn’t. I remember arguing with you until I was in tears. And I don’t need that. Loving you comes at a price and I don’t want to pay it,’ I said.

We stood there looking at one another. His jaw was rigid now at first I thought out of anger but from the look in his eyes, I could tell it was to stop himself from crying. Saying nothing more I grabbed my drink and purse off the balcony and walked across the patio to the glass door I had come through as I got to it though I took one last look at him. He wasn’t looking at me, his gaze cast out in the distance though he turned when he heard the door. He looked at me as I hesitated and said, ‘you should be grateful that Priscilla is willing to.’

And with that, I slipped back inside the door and through the curtain that partitioned it from the room. Standing on the opposite side of the door were a couple of guys, I recognised them from Elvis’ posse which explained why we had been undisturbed out there. I wove through the tables with ease heading out onto the corridor with the intent of finding the bathroom.

I was lost in my own thoughts. Had I really just done that? Had I rejected the Elvis Presley? I didn’t know what to think. Years ago I would have given anything for him to say what he had tonight. But seeing Austin’s face in my mind was enough to make me realise I was wrong. Austin was amazing. I loved him with my whole heart. And I had meant what I said. Elvis was passion and fire but he was also heartbreak and pain.

I didn’t need that.

Sure, the way Elvis used to pick on his guitar used to make me weak at the knees but I liked the fluttery feeling I got when Austin told me he’d run me a bath ‘just because’ or when he’d willingly get up with the kids on a Sunday at the crack of dawn just so I could have a little more time in bed. Elvis used to buy me pretty things and take me out to all the nicest places but not once had I ever worried that Austin wouldn’t provide for me and the boys. I liked that I didn't have to spend my evenings waiting for the phone to ring or calling every man and his dog to see where my husband was because he’d be the first on the phone asking me to save him some dinner amidst a thousand apologies for coming home late. I liked that every morning before he left for work he would kiss me and call me beautiful even when I was sure I looked hideous.

My thoughts continued to rattle around in my head whilst I used the bathroom, wiping any trace of a kiss from my lips and dabbing an errant tear away as I looked in the mirror. After a few minutes, I managed to compose myself and headed out back into the corridor where I walked straight into someone, not paying attention to where I was going.

‘Woah there,’ a familiar voice said. I looked up to find Austin smirking at me, ‘where’s the fire doll?’

I looked at his sparkling blue eyes which were watching me with glee. Before I could stop myself I threw my body forward grabbing his shirt and pulling him into me. I kissed him deeply and though he seemed taken aback for a moment he soon started kissing me back.

‘What was that for?’ he said pulling back his voice a little breathier than usual.

‘Just because,’ I said.

‘Not the vodka soda then?’ he chuckled giving me a quick peck as he wrapped his arms around my waist. He grabbed my drink and necked the rest of it putting it down on a nearby table.

‘Nope,’ I said leaning my head against his chest. He allowed me to and I was happy to be in that familiar embrace even in a corridor with no doubt peering eyes.

‘What’s gotten into you?’ he chuckled, the rumble of his chest echoing in my ear.

‘I just realised how lucky I am to have you that’s all,’ I said leaning back and looking at him.

‘You got stuck in some god awful conversation like me huh?’

‘I mean it Aust,’ I said seriously. His merriment faded a little his brow furrowing as my tone changed to serious, ‘I know I don’t say it much but I really do feel lucky to have you.’

‘I feel the same,’ he said as a hand went up to my face, stroking it with the pad of his thumb gently.

‘I love you, Austin Butler.’

‘I love you too Y/N Butler,’ he smiled.

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