· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

There's nothing to be said about Elijah Martin except that everyone knew he would grow old cold and alone. That's all though, never a second thought.

Growing up he wasn't rich, he didn't make friends easily nor did he have a good relationship with his family. To them he was always the problem child: he didn't enlist in the military like his younger brother, he didn't marry a rich bachelor like his older sister, and frankly he never planned to do either. His parents knew that, and they despised it.

To everyone he is a reckless or 'the misbehaved Martin', he was always compared to his siblings, maybe that's why their bond was so broken. It wasn't always like that though, Rosalie took her job seriously as an older sister. She taught her younger brothers respect and even though their parents fought, she taught them to love: love the little things in life and never take anything for granted. She became a mother figure for them and once their father took notice of that, their relationship was never the same.

Hector had plans for each of his children, a set path that he refused to let go of. Rosalie and Michael never showed any signs of disagreement. They followed their parents' footsteps like their own. They didn't mind being puppets to them but Elijah– he hated it. Being forced to have a life he knew he'd never truly be himself, it made him angry.

It was hard for Elijah, he watched his family. He saw how easy it was for them to be with each other and when he was around, it was the opposite and that made him think constantly. He just wished that things were different. He can't force himself to marry a wealthy woman or join the military. He's happy with his current job, he enjoys being single.

He doesn't know why he feels this way, he wishes it was different. He is aware of his flaws, how out of control he is but no one wants to help him through it. He needs an outlet.

So just like every day Elijah wakes up, brushes his teeth, changed into his work clothes and waited 20 minutes. In those 20 minutes he listened to his family's chatter; what they should have for dinner, today's plans, how the wedding is coming along. Never did they ask where Elijah was or when he was coming out. It was the same routine everyday.

They left one by one: first is his Hector, next is his sister, thirdly his brother and lastly his mother. She used to leave first, but ever since his latest fight with Hector she stayed later. Elijah likes to think it's because she wants to check on him but between them it's always an uncomfortable silence so he was used to not talking to anyone, it became the normal for him; starting with his family, next was his co-workers and the rest was history.

It never seemed to be an issue for Hector, his mom, his siblings so why would it matter to him? It was never ideal for him but he enjoyed the silence. After awhile it was exhausting to do the same routine, he needed a change so he decided to go around town. That's how he found "Fern's Bar." It was a dream come true, no one knew him, they weren't judgmental so he had free will to be himself. His new outlet.

For the next few weeks Elijah could be found at Fern's bar or his job. He was barely home and the times he was, he went unnoticed. They never told him anything and when he found out Rosalie sent out wedding invitations he couldn't help the sadness that flooded him. He knows it's partially his fault but his siblings never tried to start conversation with him or even glance at him anymore, he can't help but wonder if it's because of his father.

He knows they've had their differences but at the end of the day they're family and Elijah just hopes it'll turn around. He wants to be close to them, he wants to go to Rosalie's wedding but he knows deep down it's a pointless attempt.

To comfort himself he went straight to Fern's bar. His new favorite place. He started a routine; sitting in his normal spot, a corner by the counter, there was a lamp next to him so it wasn't too dim, he had room if anyone wanted to join him, the radio wasn't close so it wasn't loud. He'd claim that spot as his. Even the regulars knew to leave it empty.

His order was always the same; A Manhattan with a side of fries. He didn't mind having the same thing everyday because it tasted the exact same every time which caused him to notice it was the same bartender. He didn't know if it was a coincidence or not but the bartender seemed to recognize him.

So just like everyday Elijah finished work and went straight to Ferns. Instead of going to his normal table he headed for the bar with one mission in mind, subtly getting to know the bartender. His tag said William, he looked handsome. He had curly hair, fair skin. He looked like a model and it perked Elijah's interest.

His smile was charming, he knew how to work it. "Hey, it's nice to see you up here." The man behind the bar grinned as if he had been waiting for this moment. Elijah was very clearly nervous even if he had tried hiding it. "Hello." Elijah mumbled trying to gain courage but as if he knew William talked for them both. "I'm glad to finally hear your voice, deeper than I imagined. I'm assuming you want your usual?" Once he saw Elijah's small nod he got to work.

"I'm William, as you know. What about you, gorgeous. What's yours?" He teased, hoping he didn't come off as eager but he wanted to know more about the mysterious guy that isolates himself. Elijah momentarily forgot his name. He had known William was friendly and very perky but this isn't something he's used to, William sounds genuinely curious. "It's uh, Elijah. My name is, I mean. I'm Elijah." He stammered and immediately wanted to slam his head against the table. He's desperately hoping it's not obvious he doesn't talk to others often. Williams' grin is instant. "Elijah, pretty name. Here is your drink and let me get started on your fries." After he leaves the other is stunned in silence.

William is...He's everything Elijah wants to be. It's admirable and so, for the first time in a while he smiles. He bashfully lets out a big grin waiting for his fries.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

AUTHOR NOTES:
hello everyone !!! finally the first chapter is OUTTT, i hope you guys like it and i apologize once again for the wait. i'm still getting into the groove of writing which is why this might feel rushed and messy. at the moment i'm not sure who William's fc should be. if you have any suggestions PLEASE lmk, my mind literally blanks when i try thinking =__= anyway! make sure to follow my tiktok @fatedfallings for edits. thank you for reading and please don't be a silent reader.