Work Text:
Elliot had a problem, and it had to do with his latest novel.
Ever since the success of Blue Tower, Elliot had been toiling away at his latest novel. He didn’t want to be a one hit wonder, so right after the publishing of his latest novel, he had started work on his new book. His latest novel was in the romance genre, a genre that Elliot’s portfolio was lacking, and a genre that he had always wanted to get better at. It was almost embarrassing how little romance Elliot had ever written in his life. The only romance he had ever written was in high school, and that short story was filled to the brim with clichés. Elliot only hoped that his new novel would showcase how much he had improved since then.
Camellia Station, Elliot had called the novel, though that name was subject to change. Elliot had always been indecisive with names, he had found. The story was about a train stewardess falling in love with a traveling architect, in a story of twists and turns. Unexpectedly, Elliot wasn’t having as hard of a time writing Camellia Station as he did Blue Tower. He supposed that the experience of writing a book before and the support of his friends played a role in this, and he was grateful. The last thing Elliot wanted was to be hit by another bout of writer’s block. However, this brief working serenity was soon cut short, as Elliot came upon an obstacle during writing.
He had no idea what gemstone to use.
His main character Clara had a bracelet that she had inherited from her mother. The bracelet was supposed to be symbolism for love, and how people who unconditionally love each other will help each other overcome obstacles and heal from past hurt. The bracelet had come from Clara’s mother, who unconditionally loved her, and she then gave it to someone she unconditionally loved as well. It was perfect really, how much work Elliot had put into what the bracelet meant. The only problem? Elliot had no idea what gemstone would be best used for the novel. He had at first thought of diamonds, but he found that it was too generic and too cliché. Elliot didn’t want a single detail to be out of place, he wanted every single detail in his work to be thought out and purposeful, especially something as important as the bracelet.
However, after a whole hour of searching online, he still found nothing. It was a Saturday when Elliot had run into that problem, and he had started researching on 3:57 PM. When he had looked at the time, Elliot realized that he was about to be late for his weekly Stardrop Saloon hang out with Leah. So, he sighed, closed his laptop, and made his way to the Stardrop Saloon.
Soon enough, after a pleasant walk through the town, Elliot made it to the saloon. Elliot smiled at the upbeat piano that played on the jukebox in the saloon, it always made the saloon feel livelier. He could already see Sebastian, Abigail, and Sam playing pool, loudly arguing with each other about something Elliot couldn’t quite catch. There were other people in the saloon too. Like Shane, who was off in his solitary corner, drinking away. Or Pam, who was chatting it up with Emily and Gus. There was Willy and Clint too, who talked about what Elliot assumed to be work. Robin and Demetrius danced as Lewis and Marnie stood and laughed with each other. Elliot scanned the room they were in, smiling at the sight of his best friend Leah.
Slowly, Elliot began to approach her.
“Hello, Leah.” Elliot greeted as he walked up to her.
Leah turned to Elliot, and she gave him a smile. “Hey Elliot. Nice evening we’re having, huh?”
“I suppose you can say that…” Elliot said with a sigh, as he sat down.
Leah started to talk about something, what it was Elliot wasn’t sure, he was too busy fiddling with his hands as he tackled his problem in his head. He was only barely able to register the fact that Leah was talking to him.
“-lliot? Elliot?”
Elliot snapped out of his thoughts, turning to Leah. “Yes?”
“You seem…spacey today.” Leah remarked.
Elliot sighed. “I know, and I apologize. I just…have a problem.”
“A problem?” Leah inquired.
“Yes, a problem.”
“Why don’t you tell me?”
“It’s alright, Leah. I do not want to be a bother-”
“Elliot, we’re friends.” Leah cut him off. “You aren’t going to be bothering me by asking help.”
“Touché, Leah.” Elliot said, chuckling.
“So…what’s bothering you?”
Elliot hummed thoughtfully, idly skimming the rim of the wine glass with his fingertips. “Well, as you know I’ve been writing Camellia Station these past few weeks…I haven’t encountered any problems, until now.”
“And that problem is?”
“I…don’t know what gemstone to use.” Elliot said, clarifying at Leah’s confused face. “The main character has a bracelet, and I don’t want to use a diamond. I am unsure of what gemstone to use for her bracelet, though.”
“Hmm…” Leah shrugged. “Sorry, can’t help. I don’t know much about gemstones and their meanings.”
Elliot sighed. “It’s quite alright, Leah.”
“…You know, Emily knows a lot about crystals. Maybe you should ask her.”
Elliot looked to behind him, spotting Emily wiping down the counter. He then turned back to Leah. “Are you sure?”
Leah sighed dramatically. “Just go, Elliot!”
Elliot couldn’t help but smile at that, wordlessly getting up from the chair. He and Emily, though friendly with each other, weren’t exactly friends. They were more like friendly acquaintances, if anything. Though, some part of him always wanted to befriend Emily. He supposed this was as good as a time to befriend her. Elliot walked over to the counter, giving Emily a small smile. He cleared his throat, immediately catching her attention.
“Hello, Ms. Pierce.” Elliot greeted her politely.
“Oh, hey Elliot!” Emily said, smiling. “Wanna order some crab cakes?”
“In other circumstances, I would. But…I need your help with something.” Elliot said.
Emily raised a brow, intrigued. “Oh? What do you need help with?”
“It…has to do with crystals.”
At that, Emily grinned. “Crystals, you say?”
“Yes, crystals.” Elliot said with a nod. He then explained. “I’m writing a new novel, a romance one this time, and…I need a crystal. It is essential to the plot point I am writing. I was hoping…you could help me, Ms. Pierce.”
“Help you? Elliot, of course I’ll help you!” Emily burst out excitedly. “Honestly, I’m so amazed we have such an amazing author in Pelican Town! The fact that I get to help a writer is even more awesome!”
Elliot smiled, though he noticeably reddened. “Ah…that’s very flattering, Ms. Pierce. Though I’m not sure I’m worthy of such praise.”
“Oh come on, Elliot! Your writing is amazing!” Emily reassured. “I loved Blue Tower, and I don’t usually like mysteries!”
“Ah, thank you very kindly, Ms. Pierce.” Elliot said. He then asked. “So, are you able to help me?”
“Of course I’ll help you! Someone asking me about crystals? I’d be crazy not to help them!”
”Your help is much appreciated, Ms. Pierce.”
Emily laughed. “Elliot! Come on, calling me Ms. Pierce makes me sound old! Call me Emily! Or Em, either one works!”
“Of course, Ms. Pier- I mean, Emily.”
“It’s gonna take some getting used to, isn’t it?” Emily asked teasingly.
“Yes…it will.”
“Well, we better start hanging out more so you get used to it!” Emily said.
Elliot smiled. “That would be wonderful, Emily.”
“Awesome! Well, I gotta go back to my work. I’ll give you my number, so I can shoot you a text when I’m not busy. We can meet up some time and talk about your plans! Sound good?” Emily said.
The two exchanged phone numbers, Elliot putting in the contact on his phone as he walked back to his and Leah’s table. Elliot smiled at Emily’s contact in his phone. As solitary as he was, it felt nice having more than one friend. He was only barely able to catch what Leah had said next.
“I see that you’re making new friends, Elliot.” Leah joked.
Elliot looked up from his phone. “Hm?”
“Oooh, you’re an extrovert now, huh?”
Elliot sighed, shaking his head as Leah laughed.
━━━━ ❰ ･ ❉ ･ ❱ ━━━━
Thankfully, Emily didn’t take too long to help Elliot with his novel. During the first few days Emily and Elliot talked back and forth, scheduling and rescheduling when something came up for either of them. Elliot wasn’t upset by this, he was very well aware that Emily was a busy woman, having to provide for both her and her sister. It was only a week after they had exchanged phone numbers that they were finally able to meet up. They had agreed on meeting in the afternoon, during one of Emily’s day off. Soon enough that day came, a lot sooner than Elliot had expected it to. Not that he minded, he quite looked forward to getting to know Emily.
Elliot had spent the entire morning cleaning up his messy cottage, before making himself a quick light lunch. He stared at the interior of his cabin, smiling at the tidiness of it. Though, he knew that said tidiness wouldn’t last long.
Knock knock!
Upon hearing someone knocking the door outside, Elliot went over to open the door. He smiled at the sight of Emily, who wore her usual red dress. She also was carrying a backpack, carrying what Elliot assumed to be gemstones.
“Good afternoon, Emily.” Elliot greeted.
“Hey Elli!” Emily said, clarifying at Elliot’s confused face. “It’s a nickname, short for Elliot.”
“Oh…I see.”
“Can I…call you that?”
“Of course you can, Emily.” Elliot said, smiling. He then opened the door wider, beckoning Emily inside. “Come in.”
Emily went inside the cottage, letting out an audible gasp once she was inside. “Wow! Your cottage is so cute, Elli! I feel like I’m in a children’s book!”
“It is quite a nice place to live in. I can hear the calming sounds of the waves as I sleep…” Elliot trailed off.
“Ooh! How poetic!”
“…Funnily enough, I’ve never written poetry.” Elliot said.
“You totally should, Elli! Who knows, you might be good at it!”
“Doubtful.” Elliot remarked.
Emily frowned. “Hey! No negative self talk while I’m here!”
“Ah, so I am not allowed to say anything remotely negative about myself while you’re here?”
“Yup! That’s not allowed! Only love towards you and your amazing writing this entire time I’m here!”
“…So, I’m allowed to talk negatively of myself once you’re gone?”
“Elliot!”
Elliot laughed.
Soon enough, Emily and Elliot began talking about their plans, and what gemstones to use. Emily emptied out her backpack on the floor, a pile of gemstones falling on the floor. She sat down, and then gestured for Elliot to sit down across from her. Elliot, though skeptical at first, eventually joined in. The two looked through the crystals one by one, putting the ones they wouldn’t be using back in the bag. They went through each individual crystal, discussing if the crystal would work in the context of the book, though they would eventually rule it out and put it back in the bag. However, as Elliot was scanning through the pile of gemstones, a certain one caught his attention. The gem was pale pink, smooth to the touch and with a shiny glass surface. Elliot picked up the stone, examining the gem curiously and methodically.
“What’s this, Emily?” Elliot asked.
“It’s a rose quartz.” Emily answered. She then explained. “It symbolizes unconditional love and healing.”
That caught Elliot’s attention. He turned to Emily, intrigued. “Unconditional love and healing, you say?”
Emily nodded. “Mhmm! Why?”
Elliot looked back at the stone, and he smiled. “This stone is perfect, then. Those are the exact themes that I want to tackle in my novel.”
“It’s settled, then! Clara’s bracelet has a rose quartz!” Emily announced with a grin. “Honestly, it’s fun seeing you in action, figuring out plot points in your writing. The creative process has always been interesting to me.”
“It’s uninteresting to me, but I suppose I’ve been surrounded by so much writing that it has become mundane to me.” Elliot said with a chuckle.
“I’m still amazed at how…well, amazing of a writer you are!”
“You flatter me, Emily. But sadly, I am far from perfect, and I am sure that Camellia Station’s first draft will be practically unreadable to anyone but me.” Elliot then sighed. “If only I had an editor…”
“Actually Elli, I wanted to talk with you about that.” Emily said.
Elliot looked up at her, interested. “Oh?”
“Well, the thing is…I was hoping I could ask to be your editor.”
“…You’re willing to do that?”
Emily nodded. “Yeah, I am! I may not look like it, but I’m actually really good at English. I actually used to be an editor for my journalism club in high school, before I moved to Pelican Town.”
Elliot chuckled, amused. “I couldn’t imagine you doing something as boring as journalism.”
“It was fun, actually! It was fun editing, too. I’d love to edit for you. I’m qualified, I swear!”
“No no, I’m not saying that you aren’t qualified. In fact…” Elliot slowly smiled. “I’d love to have you as an editor.”
Emily grinned. “That’s awesome! When can I start?!”
“I’ll send you my first draft once I’m done.”
“Great! I can’t wait! I’m so excited!”
“I’m glad that you’re excited.” Elliot said, smiling. Though, there was one question that he still had in his mind. “So…does this make us friends, Emily?”
“Elliot, I’ve been calling you “Elli” this entire day. Of course we’re friends!”
At that, Elliot laughed.
━━━━ ❰ ･ ❉ ･ ❱ ━━━━
After his breakthrough with Emily about Clara’s bracelet, Elliot was able to continue working on Camellia Station. He talked to Leah about it, discussed plot points and such with Emily, and he overall worked on the novel. Overall, it was smooth sailing with the novel. However, he slowly noticed that his motivation for the book had been slowly…fading. A bout of writer’s block, he was afraid. He still outlined the novel, and he still discussed it with Emily and Leah, but he found it harder and harder to sit at his desk and write the yobadamn thing. At some point, he just started staring at the blank screen for hours.
Just as he was staring at the blank screen, he then heard a knock from his door.
“Come in.” Elliot said, almost instantly. He turned to whoever it was, smiling when he saw that it was Leah. “Oh, hello Leah.”
“Hey Elliot.” Leah greeted, as she walked over to him. She peered at the screen. “Writing?”
“That was the plan.” Elliot replied.
“Ah, I see. Well, if you’re busy I can lea-”
“That’s not necessary, Leah.” Elliot cut her off. He then gestured to beside him. “Stay.”
Leah smiled at him. She got Elliot’s piano chair, setting it next to him and then sitting on it. “So…how’s the writing going?”
Elliot narrowed his eyes at her skeptically. “…Why are you here? You don’t usually visit me for no reason.”
Leah laughed. “Straight to the point, huh?”
“Time is precious.”
“That it is! Ha ha…” Leah laughed awkwardly. After she was done, she said. “Actually, I wanted to talk with you about something.”
“And that is?”
“Well…I was wondering, do you have an illustrator for Camellia Station?”
“Why do you ask, Leah?”
“Since Emily was helping you with editing…I was hoping I could be the illustrator for your book.”
Elliot had to process what Leah said, and all he came up with was a simple short response. “…What?”
Leah snickered. “Aren’t writers usually good with words, Elliot?”
“I’m sorry, I was just so flabbergasted that I…” Elliot trailed off.
“I’m kidding, Elliot!” Leah said with a laugh.
“Oh…” Elliot said. He then asked. “You’re not joking about wanting to be my illustrator though, right?”
“Of course I’m not joking! It’d be an honor to work with you! Your prose is amazing, and I can only hope that my art could be as good as your writing.”
“Odd, I’ve had the same thought about you and your art.”
Leah eyed him skeptically. “…You’re trying to get on my good side. Why?”
“I’m just…I don’t think you should be wasting your time on my writing.”
Leah shot him a glare. “No, bad. No talking bad about your writing.”
“But it’s-”
“No.”
Elliot chuckled at that. “…I’m flattered that you think so highly of me, but you really don’t need to illustrate it for me.”
Leah frowned. “You’re saying that as if I don’t want to do it, which I very much do.”
“I have no choice, do I?” Elliot said with a sigh, though he was smiling.
“Yep! It is not optional, Elliot. Either I’m illustrating your book, or you won’t be writing it all.”
Elliot chuckled. “Thank you, Leah. I was…actually feeling unmotivated today, and this just gave me the motivation to keep working on it.”
“Hey, that’s what friends are for.” Leah said.
“Yes…” Elliot smiled. “That’s what friends are for.”
━━━━ ❰ ･ ❉ ･ ❱ ━━━━
Elliot continued to work diligently on his new novel, tirelessly through night and day. The only reason that Elliot was able to take care of himself properly was because Emily and Leah would check in on his progress now and again, and they refused to let him not take care of himself. Every few days either Emily would come to visit to edit or just hang out, or Leah would visit him to show off her new illustration for his book or to just talk with him about what kind of illustration he wanted for a certain scene. It was pleasant, having somebody to talk with, and Elliot found that it helped immensely with his motivation. Elliot was working a lot faster than he had expected, something that he suspected was due to his new habit of self care, but he had told Emily and Leah that he’d probably finish the next year, which was less than four months away.
However, he had underestimated how fast he had gotten. And one day, during a fall afternoon, Elliot realized he had finished the book a lot earlier than he had expected.
Elliot made the last few edits that Emily had suggested, and then he had inserted the last illustration that Leah had made for him. As he saved his file, he stared at the screen…then realizing that he had finally finished the book, a whole half a year before he had anticipated. He knew that it wasn’t perfect, and that the publishers would probably suggest he change some things, but his book was truly done. It was good enough for his standards. He skimmed through the entire file, making sure that everything was in order, which it was. After he skimmed through the file, Elliot had to get up and take a walk through the docks. He needed some fresh air just to take it in, to process the surrealness that he had finished another book.
He knew that everyone in Pelican Town expected him to read out his new book to everyone, to show them what he had made before he published it out to the wide world. In fact, Elliot was already in the process of publishing the book, and he had already been preparing for the inevitable public reading of his book. But for now, he wanted to tell two certain people about his accomplishments.
A few days after, which was on a Saturday, Elliot had texted all of his friends to meet him at the saloon. Elliot fixed himself up, making sure that his hair was perfectly combed and that his clothes weren’t wrinkled, before he made the journey from his cottage and to the Stardrop Saloon. He soon made it there, in just a few minutes. Elliot entered into the saloon, immediately spotting his two friends. He made his way to them, smiling.
“Hello Leah, hello Emily.”
“Hey Elli!” Emily greeted cheerily.
“Hey Elliot.” Leah added.
Elliot noticed a distinct lack of someone with orange hair in their table. He then asked. “Mr. Sowerberry couldn’t make it?”
“Yeah, he has a date with Sebastian, or something.” Emily said with a shrug. She then asked. “Why’d you bring us here, Elli?”
“Well, I have wonderful news.” Elliot said with a smile. He paused dramatically, relishing the anticipation on their faces. He then said, after a few moments. “Camellia Station is officially finished, and I’m in the process of getting it published. I plan on reading it out in public this Saturday.”
Everyone at the table gasped.
“Oh my Yoba! Elli, that’s amazing! I didn’t think you’d finish it so quick!” Emily exclaimed. She then added. "I mean, you did say you wouldn’t be able to finish it this year, so I’m so amazed that you did!”
“That’s wonderful, Elliot! You did it so quick! I’m impressed!” Leah added.
“It truly is, and I didn’t think I’d finish it so soon, either. Never in a million years would I have thought that I would get a second book published…” Elliot trailed off, smiling. “And it’s thanks to you two.”
“Us?” Emily asked, confused.
“We didn’t do anything, Elliot. You were the one who wrote the book.”
“Yes, I wrote the book, but…you two encouraged me to write it, you two helped me with it. Emily, you helped me with editing the book, giving me a new perspective I never would have thought of. Leah, you illustrated the book, bringing life to it in a new, wonderful visual way. Not only that, but…you’ve both been very supportive of me. Without your support, I would have never been able to write it. You two have been more supportive than any of my family have ever been…”
Emily smiled. “Elli…”
“That’s…very sweet of you, Elliot.” Leah said.
“I’m only being as sweet as you two have been.” Elliot said.
Emily laughed, and Leah chuckled a little bit.
“I’d like to make a toast, to friendship.” Elliot said, raising up his wine glass. “To…us.”
Emily and Leah grinned, raising up their wine glasses as well,
“To us!”