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The Deli

Part 4

Disclaimer: Its time for more of this idea! And with more Ellie!

Summary: After her talk with her baby brother, Ellie decides an important talk with Lou Palone is an absolute must.

Now while Ellie was overly happy about the prospect of being an Aunt in several months time, she couldn't help but feel a bit… Suspicious. As a big part of her wondered if this Lou girl was selling some line to Chuck in order to keep him dangling on her hook so he couldn't be with Sarah again. Which was why a few hours after her talk with him, Ellie decided to pay Lou a visit just as she was closing up her Deli for the night. "Oh, I'm sorry, but I'm closing up for the night." Lou told her apologetically.

"I'm not actually here for a sandwich."

Ellie's words confused the other woman and she could see the obvious signs of pregnancy where her stomach was concerned but it didn't lower her suspicions just yet. "I'm Chuck's sister. I was hoping we could talk."

Lou's eyes widened in surprise and she opened the door to let the Doctor in. "I take it you wanted to personally tell me that me moving in is not gonna happen?" She asked curiously.

Having already had a talk about that exact thing with Chuck 2 hours ago during her last break for the night. Though part of her felt it would just be easier if he moved in with her instead of the other way around but she could admit to herself at least that that was the stubborn Italian in her. "Oh, actually, I haven't had a chance to talk to Devon about that. And I actually wanted to talk to you about everything before I even did."

"Oh. Is, is everything okay then?" Wondered Lou in concern.

Here, Ellie seemed uncertain and that concern only grew for Lou. "I'm… How do I put this delicately?"

Lou sighed as she quickly figured out what was going on. "You think I'm pullin' a fast one on Chuck, don't you?"

Ellie didn't even look guilty as she just nodded. "Can you blame me? You two were together for a week, and now, a few months later, you come back into his life by telling him you're pregnant with his baby. Ever since Jill did him wrong I've been cautious but hopeful where my brother's concerned and I just don't want to see him get hurt again. And that's another reason for why I don't want to see him lose out on what I strongly feel is a good thing between himself and Sarah." Ellie told her.

"No, I can't blame you at all. I'd be about as concerned and suspicious if I was in your shoes too. And I'm not stoppin' that goof from bein' with Sarah if that's what he wants but I don't think he's gonna let it happen anytime soon. Even if I hadn't gotten pregnant and I swear on my Nana's wonderful heart that this baby in my body is Chuck's. He's the only man I've been with in months and even with how things ended between us, part of me wouldn't mind if things could happen again between us. But for whatever reason, he's got something going that keeps it from happenin' and I can accept that. The fact he wants to be in our baby's life is somethin' I can be truly happy about and makes me honestly feel relieved that I know I won't be doin' it alone." Lou replied dead seriously as her Italian roots were starting to show in her words.

As it is, she hadn't even told her family about the baby as she knew damn well with their views that they'd want her and Chuck to get married. Regardless if its something either really wanted as a child born out of Wedlock was a serious taboo in the Palone family. "Whether or not you believe anything I've just said is up to you and I can only hope and pray this won't cause problems between you and Chuck in the long run." Continued Lou with her eyes beginning to glisten.

Ellie listened to everything Lou told her and she could plainly see that she wasn't being deceitful in any way at all. What she did next would surprise the Deli owner when she got a hug from her. "I believe you, Lou. And I'll talk to Devon about you moving in with us. If… That's what you want to do."

Lou could hardly believe what she had just heard and started to cry, prompting Ellie to keep on hugging her as she could tell this was something the other woman definitely needed. I'm gonna be the best damn Aunt the world has EVER seen!

But first… She was gonna keep on hugging Lou until she calmed down. And then maybe have another talk with Chuck about being there even more for Lou since she clearly needed it, darn it!

Author's Notes: Hopefully folks enjoyed the way that went!