Fit For A King (An Elvis Story)

Crying In The Chapel

Y/N POV:
It seemed like the next few months of tour were the same. Get to the city. Party. Elvis takes a lot of pills or whatever the hell it is. He performs. You take care of him at the end of the night, either staying up with him or sleeping for three to four hours at most. It was a draining cycle and as much as he attempted to please you, he put those damn pills ahead of you every time. You were fighting to have his attention over them. It practically broke your heart seeing the man you once fell in love with, stooping to any level to get what he thought he needed. He was pushing everyone away and today, you were about to find out who was next to jump ship. You were sitting in your hotel room, escaping the world with your book and coffee. Elvis and his band were rehearsing and then going to lunch that afternoon so you had the entire day to yourself to de-stress, but when a knock came to your door, you had a sinking feeling that the stress was inevitable. You set down your book and take a deep breath before answering the door to Red and Sonny West. "Hey boys. Is everything okay?" You ask, anxious for their answer. "Well, y/n..." Red started. "You mind if we come take a seat?" Sonny asked and your heart sank. Fuck, this is gonna be bad. You all walked to the living area and take your seats. You bring your knees to your chest like a child about to be lectured. "You've seen how Elvis has been, right? Things don't look too good." Red said. You nod, wordless. "E.P is going down a path I....we don't wanna be around to see. He's not listening to anyone." Sonny said. You can feel the tears forming in the corners of your eyes. "He's bad today....worse actually. It's been progressing for awhile." Red continued. "Y/n....you've done all you could, but this is our last attempt at helping...and.....we're releasing a book in a year or so. It's gonna expose him. Hopefully shock him into changing." Sonny said and you shake your head as if that could keep in the tears and your anger. "We're leaving the tour, y/n. We won't be around for the release of this book....and somehow word got to E about it and his dad is firing us anyways." Sonny said and your throat tightens, avoiding showing any signs of weakness. You had trained yourself be stronger than you should have been but this was bringing you to your breaking point. Them leaving meant that you'd practically be alone in protecting Elvis. The only other person who could help was Lamar, but you felt more alone in this struggle than ever. Sonny's face fell and he quickly got up and came to your side, wrapping you up into his arms. You sniffled slightly, avoiding the tears, but your body betrayed you as you started shaking from the anxiety of being left without two of the best. Red and Sonny were like fathers to you. They were there and always had a way to help with Elvis. It sent you into a panic attack just knowing they would be gone. Sonny and Red were quiet for a long time as you took deep breaths and eventually the lack of emotion, turned anxiety wemt straight to anger. You swat Sonny away and stand up, going to grab the closest object, your book and throw it across the room, smashing a picture hanging on the wall with it. Sonny and Red stand up and grab you, as if to contain the anger. You want to numb your pain, you need a drink. Sonny and Red release you and you go to the mini bar, grabbing a mini bottle of whiskey and for the first time since his breakdown.a few months back, you indulge in your own vice, shamefully wishing it was you that could be the one leaving.

Elvis POV:
The high had worn off. The guys all retreated to their rooms and the lunch had been canceled. Sonny and Red had betrayed me. My closest confidantes and protectors. My anger had passed and sent everyone away from me and left me alone backstage. The show that night was om the verge of being canceled but Colonel was attempting to put out the fires I had started...after all to him the show must go on. I sat on the black couch in my robe, feeling like my body had gone through a slammer. I felt the need to take one of my pain pills, wondering how much I could take to help this feeling. I opened the blue container and as I did you walked through the door, hair in a mess and with a tear stained face. I closed the tin, tossing it aside and ran to your side. "Baby! Are you okay?" I asked holding you tightly, as if to keep you from falling to pieces. You shake your head. "Red and Sonny left. They were fired." I could hear the shakiness in your voice and I could smell the alcohol on your breath. "They probably deserved it. Colonel said so." I said, attempting to soothe you, but you were inconsolable. "Why get so upset about them?" I asked, frustrated slightly at your reaction. "You Elvis! Im gonna....I cant keep being the one to keep you alive! I cant be strong enough for the both of us!" Your words shocked me...in fact your whole reaction shocked me. You never cried so it seemed like you had finally broken. "Baby...shhh. You don't have to worry bout me. I'm fine." I said, but you shook your head. "Please...please get help. Please." You start sobbing in my chest, crying in front of me was a rarity for you and it breaks me apart. I have to give in. I couldn't take seeing you like this. "I'll stop. Okay, baby, I'll cut back. I'll try." I said, unsure of my own words honesty, but I had to say it to keep you around. I couldn't lose you, especially not now. I wanted to be there for you. I had dreams for us. To provide you the best life. I had more to do with my music. To continue helping my father. I had to at least try. For you. For my father. For my fans. "Promise me. You'll try?" You look up at me, your green eyes glistening from the tears. "I promise. I love you baby. I promise. I'll try my hardest." I said, kissing your nose, eyes, the tears on your cheeks, and then finally your lips, ever so tenderly. Your lips quiver under mine and I can feel your tears run down and meet my face. I pulled back and held you close to me. I had to try. I just wasn't sure if I still had the strength.

I do end up cutting back. It may have even prolonged my life at that point. Things do get better and even our intimacy improves. The tour continues to be a success and I release five more songe. You seem happier as time goes on, I started making bigger plans...but the day I sprained my ankle during a rehearsal, led me right back into the grasp of the very things I was trying to escape for you and for my career. You didn't know that I had started needing them now more than ever. I started lying to you even as the pills, with very subtle side effects, started to affect me again. I felt bad for doing this to you, knowing where I had been but I felt trapped.....under a spell of some sort. The question is, how long until you and the rest of the world would find out?