You're stunned, rooted to the floor as you watch Elvis stalk off the stage. Vernon let's out a low groan, covering his tear stained face with one hand.

Without a word, you go to Elvis.

You're knee is dripping blood, your hair is flying every which way, and one of your heels is broken, but it doesn't stop you.

"Elvis!" You call out. You hurry behind him, catching up to him as he hits the long hallway leading to the back entrance.

He's shaking, obviously unwell, but running off pure adrenaline.

When Elvis turns to you, he's as white as a ghost.

You cup his face with gentle hands, and he practically sinks into you. You struggle to keep him upright, looking over your shoulder as Jerry and the rest of the guys make their way towards you.

"Wanna go home, Y/N." Elvis slurs into your neck. "Take me home."

You stroke his hair.

"Shh, we'll get you home baby, it's gonna be okay." You tell him, eyes watering.

"Jerry!" You yell.

He's beside you in a flash, one arm coming to wrap around Elvis's waist.

"C'mon, E.P." he says, guiding one of Elvis's arms over his shoulder. "Vernon say's he's got a plane waitin', we're getting you out of here, man."

Elvis stumbles a little, finding his bearings. One hand grips your shoulder tight, his head turning towards you. His pupils are blown wide, unfocused.

"Stay with me." He says, and his voice sounds so small, so vulnerable that you want nothing more than to take him in your arms and hide him away, keep him safe.

You cup his cheek.

"I'm not going anywhere, baby."

Together, you leave the International behind.

*

*

*

The plane ride to Graceland is brutal. Escaping the hotel had been Hell, photographers and reporters shoving tape recorders and camera's in your face. Jerry had waded through, shouting at the crowd to back up. All you could focus on was Elvis and keeping him upright, keeping him steady.

Now, you stroke his hair as he leans his head against you, forehead sweating and feverish. Worry cramps your chest. Luckily, he looks a little less pale, but you can't help but fuss over him. Jerry's leg is bouncing in the seat facing you, checking his watch periodically.

"Almost there, he's gonna be okay." Jerry tries to reassure you, but you can tell by the look on his face that he's not too sure himself. Candice sits beside him, comforting hand laid on his thigh.

Vernon, the odd man out, sits a seat ahead of you four. It's almost as if he can't stand to see his son in such a state, head in his hands as he sniffles occasionally. You want to be upset with him, hate him even, but you can't find it in your heart to do so. You know all about the finical situation the Presley's are in, how this outburst on stage might of ended Elvis's career for good.

Instead of anger for Vernon, all you feel is pity.

Elvis shifts in his sleep, resting his head on the plane seat. You take this chance to move, sitting down beside Vernon.

The older man looks up, eyes wet with tears. You give him a small smile.

"He's gonna be okay, Mr. Presley." You tell him, a gentle hand finding his shoulder. Vernon sniffs, wiping his eyes.

"Vernon." He replies, and you furrow your brow in confusion.

"Call me Vernon, Y/N. It's only right that the girl my son's gonna marry calls me by my first name."

He offers you a smile of his own, watching your expression turn from confused to shocked.

Vernon sniffs again, sighing as he sits up.

"You've been so good to him, Y/N. Better than I ever could have been." He takes your hand. "Glady's would be grateful, you know." The sincerity in his voice leaves you teary eyed yourself.

"I really love him, Vernon. Anything I can do for him or you, I will."

Vernon smiles, eyes crinkling in the corners, fresh tears spilling down his cheeks.

"Just keep lovin' him. Besides the music, you are the most important thing to my son."

You lean in to give him a hug, feeling like you're about to burst into tears.

All your life you've wondered what it'd be like to have a father figure, a family that shows you affection, a family that truly loves you. Your own parents had always been too busy, too cold to show you or Kerry any kind of affection that wasn't mandatory.

Now, sitting here beside Vernon, you finally have an idea of what having a family feels like. You wouldn't trade it for anything.

"We're about to land." Jerry announces, turning in his seat to look at you. You nod, getting up to sit beside Elvis. Vernon graps your hand, patting it as you go. You give him a small smile.

Elvis murmurs in his sleep as you buckle in, hand reaching for you weakly.

You kiss his forehead.

"Almost home, love."

You look out the window, watching as Tennessee grow's closer and closer. The clouds wisp by, sky dark and heavy with stars. You sigh, hoping you can get Elvis to a doctor first thing.

As the plane lands, you mull over what Vernon had said, how Elvis wants to marry you. It makes you're heart swell with love, eyes watering a little the more you think of it. You turn to the man asleep on your shoulder, stroking his sweat soaked hair, and picture your future together with a light smile.

Everything's going to be okay, you think.