heart-of-ep - Tumblr blog

heart-of-ep · 4 months ago

Text

Elvis: Through Her Lens (Chapter Eight)

(Elvis Presley × OC Reader)

Character/Fandom: Elvis Presley

Read More Here: Elvis: Through Her Lens - Click here!

Prompt: You are Minnie Jones, an aspiring photographer working for the LA Sentinel. Your chief editor is looking for a story that will help boost the popularity of the paper, so an opportunity comes knocking when Colonel Tom Parker approaches him with a new 'snowjob.' After a tentative first meeting with the Colonel, and his star Elvis Presley, you are hired on to follow Elvis around as his personal photographer in an attempt to catch lightening in a bottle twice with the earlier success of the Alfred Wertheimer photos. Along the way, you develop a close bond with Elvis, leading to complications in your relationship when the issues of his marriage and eventual drug usage start to put a strain on your relationship. Constantly fighting your ever-growing feelings for him, you are swept up into the whirlwind of Elvis' world which forces you to see the King of Rock 'n' Roll through a new lens.

TW: None. Kissing.

Tags: Slow burn. Angst. Drama. Friends to lovers (sort of).

Word Count: 4.8k

Rating: PG-13 (ish) (may get spicy but won't be explicit as I don't enjoy writing smut lol but cursing, possible violence, and infidelity will appear throughout the story)

Author's Note: Hey yall, I'm back with another part! Taking my time posting these cause I hit a small writer's block with this fic, so I'm trying to give myself some more time to get further along in the story. 😅

We're now heading to Vegas, though! And as things usually go in the Elvis world, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. 🤭

Elvis at Ceaser's Palace in Las Vegas, NV on August 6th, 1970 for Nancy Sinatra's opening show.

Once you found yourself back in LA, you were doing everything in your power not to spiral over what had happened in Memphis. Every time you saw Elvis, you somehow only dug yourself a deeper hole and now it seemed just about impossible to escape. You tried your best to focus on helping Pierce with the article covering the Nashville sessions, refusing to let yourself get distracted by the photos you had taken.

Pierce tried pressing you for any inside information that you could give him about your brief time in Memphis, but you refused to say too much in fear that it could give away your true feelings, and Elvis’ for that matter. You decided to hang onto the photos you had taken around Graceland, figuring that Elvis probably appreciated that part of his life being kept private, even if he hadn’t told you that directly. You did give Pierce a few exterior shots of the home though to appease his curiosity.

You also quickly found out through Pierce having spoken to the Colonel that Elvis would be heading back to Las Vegas soon for his month-long residency. They were planning on filming a concert documentary based around his performances there and would begin working with him during his rehearsals in Culver City in the next few weeks. The Colonel let Pierce know that you wouldn’t be needed for the rehearsals with more than enough camera men around already, leaving you to your own devices at the paper until Elvis brought you out to Vegas at the beginning of August.

Again, you were happy for the space, still not sure what to even make of whatever was happening between you and Elvis. No matter how you tried to twist it, you knew that you couldn’t ignore the feelings you had for him, especially not after letting him kiss you again. There was no way things could work out between the two of you, but a small part of you hoped that you could somehow continue whatever strange situation you had going on with him. Whenever you were with Elvis, you couldn’t help but feel completely drawn into his charm. It didn’t help that he was genuinely a nice person. Everything would be a lot easier if he was a total prick like most other celebrities or politicians you had the opportunity to meet. You hoped that maybe Elvis would move on and forget about you, perhaps find some other girl that interested him, but you weren’t so lucky.

You found yourself sipping on a glass of wine while flipping through the newly developed photos you had taken in Memphis when you heard your phone ring. You assumed it was probably Pierce calling to ask you more questions for the article. “Pierce, I already told you everything.” You said when you answered the phone.

“Sorry to disappoint, honey.” You heard Elvis’ voice quip from over the line.

You almost fumbled and dropped your wine glass, not expecting to hear from him so soon, especially after he didn't call you for three months the last time a kiss between the two of you happened. “I uh…no, it's fine. I just wasn't expecting to hear from you.” You finally said.

“I wanted to check in on you, make sure you got back home okay.” He said warmly. “I'm sure the Colonel already talked to Mr Pierce about you comin’ to Vegas?” He asked.

You sighed as you sat your glass down on the table. “Yeah, it's all been arranged.” You bit your lip for a second. “Elvis…” You hesitated a moment. “How is this going to work exactly? I mean, what happened in Memphis, and in Houston…” You weren't entirely sure what you were trying to say.

“Minnie, I really like you.” Elvis cut in. “Talkin’ to you…it feels natural. And it certainly don't feel like I'm talkin’ to a reporter. I like havin’ you around, is that so bad?”

The way he phrased it made you believe that whatever this was couldn't be all bad, even if deep down you knew it was only a matter of time before this whole thing blew up in your face. “I…I really like you, too, Elvis. You're not at all what I expected you to be.” You said as you pulled your knees up to your chest.

“Is that a good thing?” He asked, and you could picture the little smile on his lips as he said it.

You smiled a bit. “Yeah. It's a good thing.” You let out a sigh. “Elvis…whatever we have, Pierce can't find out about it. I'm here to do job, and if he found out something was happening between us…”

“Honey, calm down. No one has to know about us, okay?” He reassured you.

It didn't do a whole lot to alleviate your concern, but you trusted that Elvis Presley of all people would know how to keep his affairs under wraps. “Okay.” You finally managed to say before smiling a bit. “The photos turned out really great, by the way. The Colonel should be getting copies of them soon.” You said, deciding to change the subject to something a bit easier.

“I believe it, baby. You've got a great eye.” He said in his usual charming tone. “I'll make sure you have a front row seat when you come to see me in Vegas.”

“I can’t wait.” You said excitedly. “Which reminds me, my friend Vivian, she's a huge fan. I was wondering if maybe she could come along for one of the shows? I think she's getting pretty jealous at how often I've been able to see you perform.” You laughed a bit.

He chuckled. “Of course, honey. I'll make sure she has a seat with you for opening night and I'll have Joe book her a room at the hotel.”

“Thank you, Elvis. It means a lot.” You smiled before biting your lip again. “I miss you.” You said after a moment, your voice suddenly quieter kn fear that someone somewhere would overhear.

“I miss you, too, Minnie Mouse. Don't worry, I'll see you soon.” He said softly before you heard a voice somewhere in the background. “I have to go, baby, but I'll call you again soon.”

“Goodbye, Elvis.” And with that he hung up, leaving you to sink down into your sofa and wonder what the hell you were going to do now.

When you told Vivian that she was going to be accompanying you to Vegas, she just about screamed in excitement. Quite frankly, you just wanted her there so you didn't have to navigate everything with Elvis alone. She was the only one who knew about what happened, and despite her fanatic tendencies towards him, she had given you pretty level headed advice so far.

Over the course of the next several weeks, Elvis would periodically call to talk with you, usually just about what he had going on that day or what new book he was reading that week. Your growing feelings aside, talking to him felt so easy. He always listened, and when you had a problem that bothered you, he was able to help talk you through it. It was so odd how comforting his presence was even when he wasn't there in the room with you. It was sometimes a little overwhelming, but in the best possible way.

With August fast approaching, you started packing for the trip, planning a week's worth of clothes. You even went out shopping with Vivian, deciding to purchase a new dress to wear to his opening night show. You felt silly dressing up to look good for a man you weren't even dating, but you wanted to wear something special. You really weren't expecting anything to happen, especially since you figured his wife would be there for the opening of his engagement.

You felt your stomach twist at the thought. His wife. It constantly lingered in the back of your mind, making you question if you were actually insane for letting yourself fall in love with a man who was married. But you didn't want to focus on that right now. You couldn't, not with Vegas right around the corner.

“I talked with Elvis over the phone. I'll be there for the first week while they're filming for the documentary.” You explained to Pierce the day before you were meant to fly out.

Pierce nodded. “Everyone everywhere is going to be talking about this engagement, Minn. You gotta make sure you get some real good pictures, alright?”

“I will, I promise. Elvis assured me I'll have the best seat in the house.” You smiled.

Pierce let out a sigh of relief. “Good. And try and find something interesting to say to go along with it, will you? That or I'll have to send a reporter with you to actually get me a good story.” He muttered.

You rolled your eyes. “We're not a tabloid, remember?”

He sighed. “No, but we gotta stand out from the crowd. So take some photos and capture a story, got it?”

You sighed and nodded. “Yes, sir.” You said before turning towards the door.

“Wait a second, Minn.”

You looked back at him and frowned. “Yeah?”

Pierce leveled you with a long look. “You know I trust you to do your job well, and you have been, but I should also remind you that getting close to your subject is never a good idea. It clouds your judgement.”

You swallowed hard, refusing to let your nervousness show on your face. “I know that, but I can also respect his privacy, too.” You pointed out.

“Yes, you can, but it seems like you've been holding out on me lately. That wouldn't be for any special reason, would it?” He asked with that scrutinizing reporter’s gaze.

You kept your chin up and shook your head. “No, sir.” You said, and you hoped he believed it.

He narrowed his eyes just a bit before nodding. “Good. Then I expect a good story out of this. Now go on. I want your other work finished before you leave tomorrow.” He said as he went back to looking over the editorial for tomorrow morning’s paper.

You sighed, quickly exiting his office and heading over to your desk to finish up your workload. You felt bad for lying to him, especially since you knew he was just looking out for your best interests, but it was hard to think clearly with Elvis on your mind. You left the office late, barely managing to get any sleep before your early flight out to Vegas in the morning. Vivian met you at the airport, looking as giddy as a schoolgirl as the two of you found your seats.

“Can you believe it? I finally get to meet Elvis Presley! My sister is never going to believe this.” She grinned.

You rolled your eyes. “Please promise me you won’t act like a total nutcase. I’ll lock you in your hotel room if you plan on acting like a fool.” You teased.

She shot you a look. “I’ll be perfectly respectful.” She said indignantly.

“Mhm, sure.” You smirked a bit before sighing as you looked out the window, imagining for a moment the feeling of Elvis’ hand resting over yours, somehow protecting you from the terror of the skies.

The flight was short, and before you knew it, Vivian and you were deboarding the plane and heading across the tarmac to the car waiting out front for the two of you. Sonny was once again behind the wheel, smiling when he saw you. “Hello, Miss Jones.”

“Hey, Sonny. This is my friend Vivian. She’s tagging along for the full Elvis Presley experience.” You said, laughing a bit.

“It’s okay. The boss doesn’t mind having another girl screaming over him.” He joked before opening the door for the two of you.

You tried to quell your nerves on the drive over to the International Hotel, but nothing seemed to help. Unlike the last few times you saw him, this time felt completely different. There was an expectation this time and you weren’t entirely sure what was going to happen when you saw him. And despite Elvis’ promise to keep it under wraps, you wondered just how much his friends knew. You glanced at Sonny in the front seat before sighing, pushing your worries aside as you focused your attention on Vivian who seemed more and more excited by the minute.

“Are you sure you’re gonna be okay?” You asked with a smirk.

“Of course I am!” She said defensively before checking her appearance again using her compact.

You shook your head, smiling a bit in amusement. You sometimes forgot just how famous Elvis was. Of course, you knew, but when you were with him, he didn’t feel like this big superstar. He just felt like a guy. A really great guy.

Upon arriving, you looked out the window to see the marque of Elvis’ name being hung up in huge black letters that could be seen from half a mile down the road. Banners and signs were plastered everywhere outside promoting Elvis’ ‘Summer Festival’, and when Sonny led the two of you into the hotel, the paraphernalia seemed to continue in even more excess. You couldn’t seem to go ten feet without seeing some kind of promotion for Elvis’ show. Needless to say, the Colonel never failed to promote his client. You snapped a few photos, catching a few shots of the hotel employees wearing custom straw hats with a ribbon printed with Elvis’ name wrapped around them.

Sonny helped with your bags, taking you and Vivian to the elevator and up to the floor just below the penthouse level where Elvis was staying for the month. Elvis, true to his word, was able to get Vivian her own room right next to yours.

“I’ll let Elvis know you’re checked in.” Sonny said after setting your bags down in your room.

You nodded, feeling your heart flutter at the thought of seeing him as you watched him walk out. You took a deep breath, refusing to let yourself get worked up. If anyone was going to get all excited and bothered around Elvis, it was going to be Vivian, not you. You checked your camera, making sure it was loaded with enough film before freshening up in the bathroom.

Like clockwork, Sonny returned about half an hour later, leading the two of you up to Elvis’ penthouse room. Vivian was practically bubbling over with excitement while you did your best to appear as calm and collected as possible. You were excited to see him, but you didn’t need anyone else knowing just how excited you were. Much like in Houston, all his friends were hanging out in his suite along with some of the band members, chatting and talking while listening to some records. The opening show wouldn’t be until the day after tomorrow, so everyone was taking the opportunity to relax before the big day. Everyone said their hellos when you walked in, and you smiled as you greeted them, but you quickly searched the penthouse for any sign of Elvis. And then like a dream, he came walking out from his bedroom, a bright smile plastered on his face as soon as he saw you.

He looked like he was ready to hug you, but he seemed to stop himself short when he noticed Vivan was standing next to you. “Hello, Miss Jones.” He said professionally, reminding you how much you missed it when he used his nickname for you. “Is this your friend you were telling me about?” He asked, smiling over at Vivian.

“Yes, this is Vivian. Lifelong fan and the one who forced me to watch your movies.” You joked.

He laughed a little, and Vivian looked like she was about ready to combust. “It’s nice to meet you, Vivian.” Elvis said, gently taking her hand and leaning down to kiss her cheek.

Vivian’s face went bright red, and you were surprised she was even still standing as she giggled and smiled up at him. “I’m such a huge fan, Elvis. Do you think you could sign this for me?” She asked, pulling out a photo of him from her purse.

You rolled your eyes, but smiled a bit as Elvis nodded. “Sure, honey.” And much to Vivian’s delight, he draped his arm around her shoulders, holding her in close as he signed the photo for her. You took the opportunity to snap a photo of them together, cementing the special moment for her. Elvis handed the photo back and gave her another kiss on the cheek, leaving her looking completely giddy as he pulled away. But then his gaze turned toward you, and suddenly you felt like the one who was flushed and nervous.

Elvis looked stunning, wearing a yellow cotton shirt with a subtle paisley pattern that contrasted sharply against his freshly tanned skin and jet black hair. A concho style belt hung across his waist, something you noticed he seemed to favor in his fashion, and your gaze couldn’t help but notice the way his shirt was unbuttoned, exposing his warm skin underneath. You swallowed a bit, realizing you were probably staring before you quickly snapped your gaze up to meet his, which was equally as distracting.

“Do you mind if I talk to Minnie for a moment?” He said, glancing down at Vivian. “I just have to discuss some business with her.”

Vivian looked surprised that he was even asking to excuse himself, but nodded, too distracted by the whole situation to even care before Charlie walked up and decided to engage her in a conversation with him and the Sweet Inspirations. Elvis was then looking at you again, those intense blue eyes sending a shiver running down your back as he took your hand and walked you across the suite into his bedroom. As soon as the door was closed, he picked you up into his arms and spun you around, practically grinning from ear to ear. “I missed you, Minnie Mouse.” He said softly, setting you back down your feet as he looked down at you.

You felt butterflies flurry in your stomach, wishing he could look at you like that forever. “I missed you, too.” You said quietly, unable to hide the smile on your face.

He gently cupped your cheek in his hand, leaning down and pressing his lips to yours in a featherlight kiss that caused a warm feeling to spread through your body. You closed your eyes, melting against his touch as you placed your hand against his chest, letting you fingers rest closely over the opening of his shirt. He finally broke away, his thumb still caressing your cheek. “I’m glad you could come, baby.” He whispered.

You smiled a little. “I wouldn’t miss it.” You said before finally managing to recapture your senses. “I wasn’t expecting to see so much of you the second I walked in the door. The Colonel doesn’t waste any time on promotion, does he?” You teased.

He chuckled a bit. “Yeah, it’s a lot, But folks are comin’ from all over to see this show, and they’re filmin’ it too.” He shook his head. “It’s a lot of pressure.” He admitted.

You touched his arm. “Don’t worry, you’ll do great.” You reassured him.

He didn’t appear too convinced, but he smiled nonetheless. “It’s crazy, isn’t it?” He said suddenly.

You raised an eyebrow at him. “What is?”

“All of this. Sometimes it just don’t feel real. It still feels like it’s just gonna be over in a flash.” He shook his head to himself as he walked over to his window that overlooked the marquee hanging outside on the billboard.

You followed him over, watching as he gazed out at the symbol of his success. “It could be.” You said after a moment. “But you can't focus on that. If we constantly worry about what happens tomorrow, we'll never be able to live in the present. You learn that in journalism, you know. You're not chasing tomorrow’s story, you're chasing today’s story. You're constantly living within the present, cause soon enough today’s news is yesterday’s news.” You sighed. “I guess my point is, you can't be worried about what tomorrow might bring. Just focus on what’s happening now. That's what makes life worth living.” You said before looking up at him, finding his crystal blue eyes staring right at you.

His expression was unreadable at first, and you were sure you had said something to upset him, but then his features softened. “You know, Minnie Jones, you never cease to surprise me.”

You bit your lip for a second before cracking a smile. “Is that a good thing?” You asked.

That boyish little smile danced across his lips before he leaned down and kissed you, sending your heart into a frenzy. “It’s a great thing, honey.” He murmured.

You closed your eyes, leaning into the kiss for just a moment before pulling away. “We should probably get back out there.” You said softly.

He pursed his lips, not seeming like he wanted to, but he nodded as he took your hand and walked with you back out into the living room. Vivian was busy chatting with everyone when the two of you joined the conversation, beginning a debate on whether or not the Beatles would get back together.

Elvis didn't seem particularly interested in the topic, deciding instead to show you his small record collection he had brought along. You had to give him credit, he had a huge variety and a lot of them were artists you weren't very familiar with. Roy Hamilton, Odetta, The Ink Spots, the Platters and some more popular artists like Roy Orbison and Ray Charles. Mixed in were also some gospel records which looked to be the most played out of them all. You had been vaguely aware of Elvis’ gospel music, but had never really listened to it.

“I didn’t realize you were such a big fan of gospel music.” You said as you picked up one of the 45's.

“I've been listenen’ to gospel for as long as I can remember, honey. I was probably two years old when I started singin’ at the church.” He explained. “Gospel, country, rhythm and blues. That's what inspires me. That's my sound.”

You nodded before glancing at the piano and smiling. “Why don’t you play something? Not an Elvis Presley song. A gospel song, whichever one you want.”

He raised an eyebrow at you before smiling. “Alright, Minnie Mouse.” He said before dragging you over to the piano. He sat down on the bench, pulling you down right next to him. He ran his fingers over the piano keys, playing a few notes before he began with a melody that sounded distantly familiar. He didn't read any sheet music, he played straight from memory as he started singing, his voice soft and low but so very powerful.

“When you walk through a storm

Hold your head up high

And don't be afraid

Of the dark…”

His eyelashes were heavy over his eyes as he looked down at the keys of the piano, the deep tombra of his voice sending goosebumps flying up your skin as he continued to sing.

“At the end of a storm

Is a golden sky

And the sweet silver song

Of a lark…”

Suddenly the conversation between the guys and Vivian came to a close, their attention now locked on Elvis as his voice soared through the room.

“Walk on through the wind

Walk on through the rain

Though your dreams be tossed

And blown…”

You stared at him, your chest suddenly tight with an emotion that you couldn't describe, your attention completely transfixed by his voice, by his song.

“Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone

You'll never

Ever walk alone…”

His fingers lifted from the keys, ending the song as the last note echoed out, leaving a quiet moment in the air before Vivian suddenly started clapping, snapping you out of whatever daze you had fallen into.

“That was great, E.” Charlie chimed in, and Elvis just smiled as he looked up from the piano. In that moment you thought you could completely drown in his gaze.

Elvis continued to play some songs on the piano, with Charlie and the Sweets chiming in to harmonize every now and again. You continued to listen earnestly, even trying your best to sing with them despite your amateur voice. You weren't sure how much time passed, but you figured it was late when most of the band left along with a couple of the guys, and then you noticed the time.

“Oh, Elvis. It's pretty late.” You said as you stood up from your spot with him at the piano.

He caught your hand. “Minnie…why don't you stay?” He asked, his eyes sparkling with something you couldn't quite identify.

You glanced at Vivian, who was saying goodbye to Sylvia, Myrna, and Estelle who were now getting ready to leave. “Elvis, I shouldn't–”

“Please,” He squeezed your hand, giving you a look that just about melted you on the spot. You bit your lip for a second before nodding.

“Okay.” You relented before walking over to Vivian. “Hey, Viv. It's pretty late. Why don't you head back? Elvis and I have some stuff to talk about…for the article.” You knew it was a terrible lie, but you didn't want to discuss it with her yet.

Vivian gave you a look before glancing at Elvis and then back at you. She smirked a bit, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “No worries, Minn.” She winked.

You shot her a glare, but she simply smiled, finishing her goodbyes and thanking Elvis for a wonderful evening before they made a prompt exit. Everyone else left soon after and before you knew it, you were alone with Elvis in his suite, leaving your stomach full of butterflies from the way he looked at you.

“Elvis…no funny business, remember?” You said, though you felt a lot less confident when he walked up to you, cupping your chin in his hand as he looked down into your eyes.

“No funny business.” He agreed before taking your hand and leading you back into his bedroom. True to his word, he didn't try anything, simply kissing your cheek before he disappeared into his bathroom. He returned a moment later with a set of pajamas in hand. “Put these on.”

You tensed up. “What?” You stared at him.

“They're pajamas, honey.” He said as he held them out to you.

You frowned. “I know what they are, Elvis, but I think this constitutes as ‘funny business’.” You pointed out.

He rolled his eyes. “I just want you to be comfortable. I told you, I won't do anything to hurt you. I promise.”

You held his gaze for a moment, hesitating before you took them from his hands. “Okay.” You bit your lip. “I'll just…get changed.” You said before disappearing into the bathroom. By the time you came back out, Elvis had already changed into his own pajamas, black silk with red embellishments. So very him, you thought. The pajamas he had given you were oversized, probably one of his own sets, but they felt more fancy than anything you could ever possibly dream of owning yourself.

“So, do you do this with every photographer you meet?” You asked, smirking a bit in an attempt to lighten the mood.

“No, I don't.” He said, and he surprised you a bit by how serious he sounded. “Come on, baby.” He took my hand and led me over to his bed. You hesitated, once again feeling a bit odd at the idea of sharing a bed with him. It felt far too intimate, like you were crossing an imaginary line you had made in your mind.

You looked up at him, catching his gaze for just a moment before you sat down under the blanket, watching carefully as he climbed in next to you. It took you a moment to relax, but as soon as he wrapped his arms around you, you felt the tension ease from your body almost immediately. You rested your head against his chest, hearing the soft drum of his heartbeat from under the silk of his pajama top.

His hands were warm, staying completely respectful just as he promised, and his lips peppered soft kisses across your forehead, each one sending you closer and closer into a deep slumber.

You fell asleep in Elvis’ arms that night, comforted by the warmth of his body and his soft embrace. You convinced yourself, even if it was just for that night, that something so wonderful couldn't be a bad thing.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Likes, comments, and reblogs are much appreciated! Let me know if you'd like to be added to the tag list ~

Taglist: @60svintage @moonchild-daniella @ken-kenzie-zie @presleyhearted @eapep @i-r-i-n-a-a @iloveelvis2

#elvis #elvis presley #elvis aaron presley #ep #tcb #graceland #elvis fanfiction #elvis fanfic #fanfiction #fanfic #elvis x reader #elvis x oc #elvis in vegas #elvis fan #elvis through her lens

15 notes · View notes