Chapter 6

Nick never fathomed that he would care about anybody except himself, but falling in 'real true love' with Ellis and finding out he had a daughter changed all of that for him.

He cared so deeply about both of them he was sure his heart would explode.

He sipped his coffee and read the towns excuse for a paper. It was frankly a bit shit. It was lucky to even have twenty pages today, most of which Nick didn't count as actual news articles.

He sighed and closed the paper, wishing that he and Ellis worked the same hours so there wouldn't see such long gaps in the times they saw each other. Ellis started work at seven thirty and finished at four, while Nick started work two hours later at six and didn't finish until two. He hated finishing that early in the morning, but he had no other option. Getting a job in this town was hard. He needed to keep a job to help him and Ellis out.

Nick was lonely, not that he would ever admit that to just anyone, including Ellis who would undoubtedly worry about him. He was sure the kid had enough to worry about without having to worry about him too.

Nick stood up and walked over to the kitchen to get himself another cup of coffee.

At least he would be seeing Ellis for lunch today. He looked at the note Ellis had left him that morning a second time.

Hi Hun,

Lunch w/ Ro & Coach across the street. Order for me if I ain't there on time.

Love you!

Ellis

He smiled. Ellis was just so perfect.

He chose the clothes he would wear, ironing his shirt and pants. It was warm enough without having a jacket. He looked at the time. It was only ten, still two hours before he even had to get ready.

He decided on putting the gym membership to use.

...

Ellis rushed out of work as soon as he could get a break.

He had promised Ro that he and Nick would catch up her and Coach. Ellis was definitely glad he had told Nick to order for him if he was running late. He walked into the bar and saw Ro waving at him. He waved back and walked over. "Hi Ro."

"Hi El. Nick ordered for you. Truth be told, our food arrived and we started eating. Coach's idea cause he has to get back to the school."

"He is at the school now?"

"They hired him just the other day to do Phys Ed."

"Cool. Anyway, where y'all sittin'?"

"Out the back in the garden."

"Cool. Bet Nick didn't decide on that one."

She chuckled. "I did."

The barman walked over. "Oh, you're Nick's partner."

"Yeah."

"Nice to meet you properly."

"Likewise. Can I get a coke?"

"Sure." He passed him a glass.

Ellis passed his money and walked away without saying anything else. He felt awkward when people picked him out as Nick's partner. Why did they care anyway?

He walked outside and saw Nick sitting with Coach, but neither of them were talking.

"What's up?" Ellis asked, feeling the silence overwhelming.

"Hey boy!" Coach said. "Jus' gotta get back to the school now. Sorry to cut this short."

"Sorry for being late."

Nick smiled. "I would have still been here."

Ellis smiled. '"I know. Thanks."

"Nice to see you again Ellis."

"Likewise Coach."

He nodded at Nick and walked back into the building.

"Did you fight with Coach?" Ellis asked.

"No" Nick sighed.

"Was it Ro?"

Nick shook his head.

Ellis decided to leave it. "How's your mornin' been Hun?"

"Good babe. Good. Went to the gym. Your girlfriend wasn't there-"

"Oh my god-"

"-got some cleaning at home done… it's lonely without you around" he admitted. "I don't know… how I used to be okay with being so alone.

"Well, I guess when you were so busy gamblin' and whatnot you weren't really ever without people. And one night stands probably helped to."

"I am such a shit person" he groaned, leaning his head into his hands.

Ellis chuckled. "Don't be such a drama queen."

"I am though Ellis."

"A drama queen?"

"A shit person."

"I don't think you are. Neither does Mia." He kissed his cheek. "I love you."

"Aww too cute" Ro mocked as she sat back down with them.

Nick rolled his eyes.

"You having a sook Nick?"

"No."

She chuckled. "I forgot, you are always having a sook."

He rolled his eyes. He looked back to Ellis. "Sorry if your food has gotten cold. Do you want me to get it reheated?"

"Naw, it'll be fine."

Nick nodded. "Okay."

"Thanks though."

Ellis started eating, although he now felt awkward as he was the only one eating now. Nick had only just picked at his salad and chicken as usual.

Ro looked at Nick. "You haven't eaten much, are you feeling okay?"

"I am fine, thanks Ro."

"Nick ain't a big eater" said Ellis.

Nick nodded.

Ro sighed. "Okay."

"He drinks too much coffee" Ellis added.

"That is probably your problem. Isn't caffeine an appetite suppressant?"

"That'd be Nick's problem" Ellis chuckled. "Ain't that right Nick?"

Nick just nodded, agreeing with Ellis. "Probably."

Ellis held his burger to Nick who took a bite.

"Not bad."

"You want another bite?"

"I'm right thanks."

"I know what your problem is!" Ro suddenly spoke up.

Both Ellis and Nick looked at her, surprised.

"What is it?" Ellis asked.

"Well, when you two got married, Nick said he'd quit smoking, and he only used to drink a coffee or two a day, now it would be..?"

"Like, five or-"

"About six or so" Nick shrugged. "Can't be as bad for me as smoking. And I still drink plenty of water."

"Water in your coffee doesn't count" Rochelle teased.

"No, he does drink a lot of water though" Ellis said, defending Nick.

"Thanks Sport."

Ellis just shrugged. "I's jus' the truth man…" he blushed, finishing his burger quietly.

Nick smiled.

"I never thought I'd see you smile so earnestly" Rochelle chuckled.

Nick shrugged. "I was never this happy before."

Ellis smiled. Nothing much made him happier than Nick saying that he was happy, that he loved him, and that he would never leave him.

"Soon I will be happier cause I will have my baby girl in my life" he smiled, thinking of Mia. We will be a family… of three" he chuckled. "I was going to say we would be a 'real' family, but my family is the three of you, Coach, you and El… because I had never had anything like you guys til the apocalypse. But now Ellis and I are a family… and our family will change again when Mia joins."

Ro smiled. "Never thought I'd hear you say something like that either Nick. It was really beautiful."

Ellis nodded. "Nick does say real nice things though."

"To you maybe, to Coach not so much."

"Shit Nick, what did ya say to Coach?"

"I didn't say nothing. He started it El."

Ro bit her lip. Maybe she shouldn't have said anything.

"Well, what did he say?"

"Ro brought up Mia and Coach said that I didn't deserve custody."

Ellis brow furrowed. "What?"

"He didn't say it like that" Ro sighed.

"He said that she didn't know me well enough and shouldn't want to live with me so willingly and that I wasn't ready to take care of a child."

Ellis looked at Ro for confirmation. She sighed and nodded. "But I said that you-"

Nick scoffed. "That didn't stop him from having a go at El too."

"What did he say about me?" asked Ellis, confused.

"He said you weren't ready to be a parent either."

Ro sighed. "Coach just wants what is best for Mia."

"He doesn't even know her" snapped Nick, rolling jus eyes.

"We do too" said Ellis at the same time as Nick grumped. "That is why we are gon' get custody." He left the fries on his plate, not feeling hungry. "I better go back to work."

"Babe, I'll walk you back" Nick said, standing up.

"Okay."

Ro walked close. "You know that I know you two will be the best parents. Don't worry about what Coach thinks."

"But Ro, i's jus' uncalled for" said El. "I know that I ain't the smartest person in the world, but hell, I have a big heart Ro."

"I know Sweetie."

"An' I care a hell of a lot 'bout Mia. That is why I want her happiness to come first. If her happiness involves choosin' to live with us, so be it. I am gon' welcome her into our home."

Nick smiled, holding Ellis' hand in his.

"I want you guys to get custody, just so you know" said Ro, crossing her arms in front of her. "I guess I'll be seeing you guys later."

"See you Ro" said El.

Nick said nothing as he turned and walked Ellis out, hand in hand.

"Nick, is that why you weren't speakin' to Coach when I got 'ere?"

He nodded.

"I am sure Coach will see that you are a great dad. Man, you really are Nick, I wouldn't lie 'bout that."

Nick smiled. "I know. You are too honest." He kissed his lovers forehead and opened the door to the bar opened.

Ellis walked outside. "You don't have to walk me to work-"

"You sure El? Afraid I'll embarrass you?"

"You could never embarrass me. But I know I could embarrass you" he chuckled.

Nick rolled his eyes. "Whatever El. Well… if you don't want me to walk you to work I will just head home."

"Nick, it'll be jus' fine." He kissed him. "I love you."

"I love you too. I will see you when you get home."

"See you then" Ellis smiled.

The shared a quick kiss before Ellis headed back to work.