Once again, Elijah was skipping practice, doing god knows what. But you, you knew what he was doing. Daija had put you in charge of tracking down Elijah, as the guy always ran off somewhere, ignoring your constant calls. He was always like this, never wanting to practice as he busied himself with another hookup. However lately, it's been more constant than usual, to the point where you can't vouch for him anymore.
You find yourself at a small motel, following the small tracker you made Elijah turn on his phone a long time ago. After a brief knock, you heard footsteps, and soon the door opened. There Elijah stood, leaning against the doorway only in his boxers. If you looked close enough, you could see the small outline of a woman practically knocked out in the bed behind him.
"Come to retrieve me again huh?"
I pulled on his ear and entered the room making him curse loudly. If you are done with your hooker,get dressed we have a rehearsal to get back to and I don't have time to waste on this shit I said.
"God damn it, Ackie." Elijah whined before quickly trying to throw his clothes on. "I swear I'm coming! Chill out, will you?" He grumbled as he pulled a shirt over his head and struggled with the tiny buttons. The girl in the bed moaned softly at his movement, one arm hanging limply off the side of the mattress while her breasts swayed gently with each exhale.
"Don't make me come back here again." You warned him, shaking your head as he finally finished dressing. "I'm running out of patience with you, man."
I didn't say anything, I just glared at him. It was useless though, he had this way of ignoring people and it never seemed to affect him. As we finally left the room, I glanced over my shoulder one last time before slamming the door shut behind me and walking briskly towards the rehearsal studio.
"Ah, come on," Elijah grumbled as he hurried to keep up with your long strides. "It wasn't that serious." He rolled his eyes, nudging your side with his elbow. His tone was light, almost teasing, and yet you knew it was an act. There were layers to him; a defense mechanism built up over years of neglect and loneliness. It was both infuriating and strangely endearing. "I'll be there in like... five?" he offered with another grin before taking out his smoke.
"Whatever, dude," you said, shaking your head as you tried to ignore the phantom smell of stale cigarettes lingering around him. It was Elijah's latest vice; something else for you to keep an eye on and reprimand later.
I rolled my eyes and said nothing else as I walked ahead of him, not bothering to wait for him since I knew he'd catch up eventually. The tension between us hung thick in the air as we made our way back towards the rehearsal studio. When we finally arrived, everyone was already there, waiting patiently for Elijah and me to show up. As soon as they saw us approach, Daija sighed loudly and gave me a apologetic smile before shooting Elijah a dirty look. "About time," she muttered under her breath just loud enough for him to hear it. I just sighed and went to the desk sitting on it and drinking water, frustrated at this man child .
I watched you go with a smirk, shaking my head as I made my way over to the desk. "Fucking drama queen," I muttered under my breath before shooting Daija a cheeky grin. "Sorry, boss lady, traffic was hell today." I slid onto the chair beside her and took out my phone, ignoring the disapproving glances thrown my way from both you and Silas as they watched me fish out another pill from its hiding place. They knew about my habit, of course; they'd all seen it in action far too many times to ignore. But even though they hated seeing me do it, there was nothing they could say or do to make me stop. Not without risking the stability of the band itself.
"Okay," Daija sighed, running a hand through her hair as she gathered herself together. "Alright, let's get started then." She looked around at each of us before focusing on Elijah. "And no fucking around this time, got it?"
I just sighed and said nothing, crossing my arms over my chest as I leaned back in the chair. This was going to be a long day with this idiot around. The rest of practice passed by rather uneventfully except for Silas having to scold Elijah multiple times throughout the session for not paying attention or trying to get away with slacking off. Eventually though, it finally ended and everyone started heading out, including me since I had my own stuff to take care of. Just before I left, Daija pulled me aside. "Look, Ackie... about Eli..." She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I know you're not his type or anything but... could you maybe keep an eye on him? Make sure he doesn't get into too much trouble?" Her voice held concern and I knew she didn't want to bother me with this shit since we weren't together but honestly, there was nothing else for me to do.
I shrugged. "I'll do what I can." It wasn't like I had anything better to do anyway, and besides, keeping tabs on Elijah was sort of a hobby at this point. "Just make sure you don't expect too much from him," I warned her with a sympathetic smile. "He's got a lot of... issues." It wasn't an insult or anything; it was just the truth.
I sighed and nodded, knowing all too well about his "issues" firsthand. It wasn't an easy task keeping him in line but it had to be done for the sake of the band so I would do what I could until someone either kicked him out or he finally grew up. As I walked away from Daija, I couldn't help but wonder how long that would take. I saw Elijah outside leaning against the wall smoking cigarettes. On noticing me,he threw it stepping on it and came to me with a smirk.
Elijah gave me a crooked grin as he approached. "Thanks for the save back there," he said with a wink, taking my hand in his. "I owe you one." His touch sent shivers down my spine; familiar and foreign all at once. "Want to go get some food or something?" He gestured vaguely over his shoulder with his thumb. "My treat."
Part of me wanted to say no, to just leave him be. But another part... Well, it was nice knowing someone still owed you favors every now and then. Besides, what harm could come from spending a little more time together? "Sure," I said with a shrug. "Lead the way."
We found ourselves at a small diner not far from the studio. The place was old-fashioned, with checkered tablecloths and plastic red booths. It was the kind of place you'd expect Elijah to feel comfortable in; low key and unassuming. Once we were seated, he flagged down the waitress and ordered two burgers, a plate of onion rings, and two sodas without even looking at the menu.
"You sure you can afford this?" I asked, raising an eyebrow as I scanned my own cheap menu for something to munch on.
"You're welcome, I don't mind." He shrugged, his grin growing wider as he took another drag of the cigarette he had pulled out again. "Besides, it's not like I have anything better to do with my money." He laughed before offering me a puff from his smoke which I refused. "So, what are your plans for tonight?" He asked curiously as our food arrived and he started eating greedily, devouring the burger in no time at all. I shrugged and then looked up at him noticing the dark circle under his eyes and the slouch in his posture knowing that he was tired and exhausted. Hey Elii,if I ask you something will you answer me honestly.??? I asked softly taking his hand and entwining our fingers.
I swallowed my last bite and looked at him carefully before nodding. "Alright." His hand in mine was warm, the touch surprisingly gentle despite his reputation. I wondered what it would be like to hold that hand not out of obligation or duty, but because... well, because you wanted to. For some reason, the thought made my heart race a little faster.
"Okay," he said slowly, meeting my gaze. "You can ask."
"Do you ever want more than this?" It was a stupid question, I knew that, but I had to know. I wanted to understand him... if only a little bit.
I can see that you're tired and lonely and frustrated with life ... I know more than anyone,Eli how much you love music. But right now you are in a downward spiral and I'm worried for you... I don't wanna lose you,Elii.. I say squeezing his hand making him look down and take a deep breath. I'm always here for you darling,just don't give up. I'll always be on your side..
"I... I don't know," he mumbled, looking away. His voice was quiet and soft, almost lost in the background noise of the diner. "Sometimes, yeah. Sometimes I wish for more." He sighed heavily before turning back to meet my gaze again. "But it's complicated, you know? It's not just about what I want... It's about what they want, and what they expect from me."
I nodded slowly, understanding that better than anyone. "Maybe you should try to make some changes," I suggested gently. "You don't have to do everything they say or everyone else wants. You can make your own choices, Elijah." It was a risky thing to suggest; messing with the established order of the band might lead to trouble down the line. But it was worth a shot, if it meant saving him in the process.
"Yeah," he said quietly, his voice barely a whisper now. "Maybe I will." And then, as if realizing where that thought might lead, he laughed and leaned back in his seat. "But don't expect miracles, Ackie. I'm still me, after all." His grin was crooked, almost self-deprecating, but there was a new sparkle in his eyes that hadn't been there before. Maybe... just maybe, things were starting to change. Slowly, but surely.
I smiled at him,my heart warmed by the change in his expression. You're stronger than you think, Elii,and I'm always here for you if you need me to help you through it. Together we can get through this and make things better for both of us. Just believe in yourself and don't give up on your dreams. I squeeze his hand reassuringly before adding Let's go back to my place. We can listen to some music and chill. Drink booze if you want. I'll help you find your way,Eli. I say pecking his palm and then his cheek
He grinned at my offer and leaned forward, taking another sip of his soda. "Lead the way, Ackie." His voice was light, almost teasing... but there was a newfound warmth in it that I hadn't heard before. Maybe there was hope for us yet. As we left the diner and stepped out into the night, my heart beat a little faster at the thought of what might happen between us now. But first, there was still work to be done; both with him and within the band itself. So, for tonight, I'd just focus on taking things one step at a time... and see where they led us tomorrow.
I smile at his words and lead the way to my place, still holding his hand. The night is beautiful and I'm hoping it will help clear up some things between us as we walk and talk about our lives, our hopes and dreams for the future, and maybe even our feelings... or lack thereof. But for now, I'm just enjoying the presence of Elijah next to me, feeling safe and protected in this strange yet familiar way.
I didn't know what the future held for us, either. With everything that had happened between us over the past few months, it was hard to tell if we were just friends or something more. But walking beside you like this, holding your hand, I couldn't deny that there was a connection between us; a bond that ran deeper than just duty and obligation. Maybe tonight would give me some answers... or maybe it would only lead to more questions. Either way, I found myself looking forward to finding out what the night had in store for both of us.