Love Me Tender an Austin x Elvis story

CHAPTER FOUR: The Next Step Is Love

The following morning, after a surprisingly decent sleep, Elvis sat at the kitchen table, devouring the breakfast his cook Ms Langston had set aside for him as he assumed everyone else had some already since it was now 11 am and he was only just starting his day. He typically enjoyed this quiet time alone before his rambunctious cousins descended on the household, but today his thoughts were narrowly focused on the events of the previous evening.

He couldn't help but smile as he reminisced about the conversation he'd shared with Austin. His wide, expressive eyes and easy laughter were still fresh in his mind, the music, the grilled cheese too, and he was lost in a trance-like state when he heard a familiar voice disrupt his thoughts.

"Hey EP, what's got you smiling like that at this time?" Billy, Elvis's cousin, had wandered into the kitchen and seated himself across from Elvis, grabbing an apple from the bowl of fruit in the middle of the table.

Elvis's head jerked up, his expression now guarded. "Huh? What'd you mean, Billy?".

Billy grinned, knowing he had struck a nerve. "You know what I mean, E. You're grinning like a possum eating shit. What's got you all riled up?". The teasing annoyed Elvis, but he didn't want to reveal the source of his happiness. Not just yet.

"None of your business, Billy. Just feeling good today," he muttered, clearing his throat.

Billy's eyes squinted in suspicion and his grin widened as he leaned on the table, scrutinising Elvis's face. "Uh-huh, I know that smile. It's the same one you had a couple of months ago when that beautiful actress gave you her telephone number."

Elvis rolled his eyes, ready to dismiss his cousin's teasing. But as he stole another glance at the plate of untouched bacon on his plate, the memory of Austin's effortless beauty with his slightly dishevelled hair after the products he probably used that day had lost their effect, flooded his mind again, and he couldn't contain the grin that danced on his lips.

"Well, Billy, you may be onto something," he whispered. "But that's a story for another time."

Billy's eyes widened with interest at Elvis's statement as he watched him take a sip of his orange juice.

Billy let out a low whistle, "Alright, alright, I won't pry anymore. But keep me updated, yeah? And I'm always here to talk."

Elvis nodded, feeling relieved that his cousin had stopped his teasing. Billy may have been a joker, but he was also someone Elvis considered a confidant and valued friend. As the two cousins sat in silence, enjoying the quiet company Billy reading the paper and Elvis finishing his breakfast with his thoughts drifting down a warm path again. He couldn't wait to see Austin again and pick up where they left off last night.

❃❃❃

Austin sat anxiously by the phone, waiting for Elvis to call him back as he promised. He couldn't concentrate on anything else. His mind kept wandering back to the previous night. His heart fluttered every time he thought of Elvis and their conversation. After an hour of waiting, Austin finally decided to call the number Elvis had given him.

As Austin waited for his call to be picked up he started doubting himself. 'What if he doesn't want to talk to me after last night? Or if he's forgotten about me? Maybe I should just be patient and wait. I don't want to seem annoying or desperate.' these were the thoughts that were racing through Austin's mind.

After several moments, a man answered the phone and greeted Austin.

"Hellooo?"

"Hello, is Aaron there?" Austin asked.