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bebepac · 11 months

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The Last Part

I am participating in @choicesflashfics prompt: If you think I’d ever love someone after you, then I have failed in showing how much you mean to me” will appear in bold.

I am also participating in @choiceschallenge-may2023 for engagement.

Thanks @peonierose for sending me an ask that helped a part of this fic come to fruition

This is the next to the last chapter of the Rotten Apple. I decided to make the final, the Wedding be it’s own chapter on its own. A lot of stuff is going to happen in that chapter. Sorry it has been so long since updates, hopefully, you will believe the wait has been worth it.

The Book: TRH

The Series: The Rotten Apple 🍎

The Pairings: Eleanor x Nico (Eleanor x M!OC)

Word Count: 2500ish

Warnings and ratings: Brief mention of mental illness/ Teen

Mood Music Monday Song Inspiration: The Call : Regina Spektor

Summary: Elle and Nico have their first huge fight as a couple. Liam comes to visit Ellie and her family in Greece.

Original post: 05/20/23 at 7:57PM EST.

She stared at him in silence focusing on his eyes; they were completely unreadable.

She could always tell what was going on in his mind when he let her see him. The two of them were identical in that aspect. He could hide his true feelings from her, if he wanted to, and so could she. The look in his eyes scared her, until they brightened, and twinkled at her and a smile filled his face and more importantly his eyes. He had the most endearing smile line crinkles, which in turn made her smile.

Elle sighed in relief.

“You’re happy.”

“Of course I would be! Were you worried?”

“We didn’t plan this Nico…”

“We didn’t plan Ana either, and I don’t regret how she came to be for a second. Are you sure? How long have you known?”

“Just since this morning. I took a test, two to be exact, because I have been feeling off for the past few days. Both were positive. My doctor would like me to come in to confirm. They might need to adjust some of my medications to make sure everything is safe for the baby, and for me. The earliest she could get me in is this Friday.”

“I would like to go with you. I want to be at every appointment with you. I don't want to miss anything. We both missed crucial points of Ana's life. Let's not make that mistake again."

The way he was looking at her now, enamored and proud, the way he gently caressed her stomach, was the way she had wished he had looked at her, when he had found out about Ana…. but those were different circumstances. Their life together was progressing in a natural way.

Wednesday

Elle rolled back over in bed, It was barely dawn. When she moved, she felt Nico's grip tighten around her. He softly kissed her earlobe and whispered softly in her ear.

"Go back to sleep, she's not up yet."

"Just because she's still sleeping doesn't mean that we have to."

"Mmmmm….wonder what's on your mind?"

Nico softly kissed her neck, nipping at her skin, grinding his hips into hers.

"Feels like the same thing that is on your mind."

Elle licked her lips pulling Nico's shirt off.

"A little delight to keep you in a good mood at work?"

"Yes, I love that idea."

“Then maybe you should lock the door?”

Nico jumped up quickly turning the lock before returning to bed with Elle.

Ana was out of school home with Elle for the day.

“Stay home with us Papa.”

Elle still had that nonchalant look that she always did, softly shrugging her shoulders, with a little smirk to her lips,

which had Nico grinning.

“I would if I could Honeybee, but you and Mommy don’t get many days alone together, and you two should take advantage of it.”

Nico winked at Elle as he kneeled for a moment to kiss Ana’s forehead. Then he stood and kissed Elle’s lips, grazing her stomach with a feather light touch.

“You could stay home with us, if you want. We don’t mind.” She emphasized the word 'could' to him to let him know he was wanted there by her.

“No it’s alright. Have a girl’s day together, and I’ll bring you each a surprise home later.”

Ana pushed Nico towards the door.

“Bye Papa!!!!”

Nico lightheartedly laughed.

“Guess I’m being kicked out then.”

“Have a good day.”

Elle smoothed down the lapels of his uniform tugging him close to kiss him once more.

“I’ll be back home soon.”

“With a surprise at lunch?” Ana chimed in.

“Mayyyybe.”

Both Nico’s girls watched him walk down the driveway to his vehicle. He gave one last wave as he drove out of sight.

Elle began her day of cleaning

entertaining Ana, trying to make it a special day just for them, unfortunately her stomach did not want to let that happen. Morning sickness happened throwing a monkey wrench into all of her plans. She remembered having bouts of sickness with Ana, but this was every day, now, multiple times of the day.

Elle was doubled over in the bathroom hugging the toilet when she heard the door open.

She couldn't speak as another wave of nausea hit her again.

"Mommy are you okay?" Ana's voice was full of fear.

"I'm just feeling a little sick. I'll be alright."

Ana burst into tears.

"Are you going back to the hospital?"

"No Ana. I'm not. It's not the same kind of sickness as before."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. I'll be out in a minute."

Ana slowly closed the door behind her, leaving Elle alone. Elle decided to make some more tea to make her feel better, better yet maybe it would be a good idea for her to just drink some every afternoon. Ana looked truly mortified at the fact that she was sick, and afraid of the thought of her going away again. They hadn’t told anyone about the pregnancy yet, and were waiting after Elle’s doctor’s appointment to share the news with everyone. She tried to cheer Ana up

before Nico came home from work to no avail.

Ana was still unusually quiet at dinner, and Nico being so perceptive and intune with Ana, noticed immediately.

"What's wrong Honeybee?" He playfully nudged her, smiling down at her.

She looked at Elle for a moment, then turned to him shaking her head, shrugging her shoulders.

Nico’s smile immediately faded, his facial muscles tensing slightly, an overwrought look taking over his face.

"Ana? What's wrong baby girl?" Nico was concerned.

“Nothing.” Ana whispered, still failing to make eye contact with him while picking at the food on her plate. Something was wrong, and Ana was upset enough that it was affecting her appetite.

"Don't lie to me. You look at me when I talk to you, young lady."

Because of the sternness to Nico’s voice, Ana immediately looked up from her plate.

"Tell me the truth Ana." he urged.

Ana's eyes filled with tears.

"Tell me Ana."

"Mommy's sick again."

Surprised flashed in his eyes as he dropped his fork, it hitting his plate with a loud clatter.

"Elle? What is she talking about?"

"I'm fine. I have been going to my therapy check ins. I haven't….seen him, Nico, I promise. I wouldn't hide that from you. You believe me right?"

Nico looked from Ana to Elle.

"What did you see Mommy do Ana?"

Elle gasped.

"Nothing! It can't be what you’re thinking! I didn't do anything Nico. I didn't."

Nico completely ignored her, focusing on Ana.

"What did you see her do, Honeybee?"

“Nico…” Elle’s voice was low, pleading and timid.

“I didn’t do anything…”

Ana looked at Elle. “Mommy…..”

"Nico…don’t do this."

Again, Nico ignored Elle speaking to Ana sternly.

“Don’t look at her. You look at me and tell me the truth.” Nico raised his voice. “NOW! Eliana. I mean it.”

“It’s okay Ana. Tell him whatever it is you saw.”

Immediately Ana’s eyes shifted to Nico’s.

"She was throwing up in the bathroom. She’s been sick a lot."

Relief washed over Nico’s face, and his smile returned.

"That's all you saw Ana?"

Ana nodded.

"Will Mommy have to go away again?"

"We should tell her then. I think it's time. We don't want her to be worried."

"You're right. She's scared."

"The reason Mommy is sick is because we have a baby on the way. Sometimes the baby makes Mommy's tummy upset."

"Did I make you sick when I was a baby?"

She looked between both of their faces, but Nico couldn't answer because honestly, he didn't know. Elle answered for him.

"I was sick a lot, but it was worth it because we have you now."

"And you know what this means Honeybee?"

She shook her head not understanding.

"You're going to be a big sister and you'll be able to help with the baby, like you do with Aunt Athena."

"Not with dirty diapers."

"Especially dirty diapers!"

Elle rose from her chair to walk around the table to Ana.

"I realize now how much I scared you, and how worried you were about me, and I'm sorry Ana."

"It's ok Mommy, I just want you to stay with us, with me. Don't leave me."

Ana hugged her middle, and Elle gently stroked her hair.

"Never again."

Later that evening in their room Elle was giving Nico the cold shoulder.

"Elle, I'm sorry."

“You really thought I had hurt someone? And that I wouldn’t care enough about our daughter to let her see me do it? Really Nico? Why am I even here if you have that little faith in me?”

Nico looked absolutely ashamed of how he had reacted. He took her hands, pulling her closer to him.

He was met with silence; Elle was livid with him.

"What do you want me to say? What should I say right now?"

She yanked her hands free from his.

"I wanted you to say you believed me! But you didn't Nico! You looked to Ana for a confession of my wrongdoing!"

"The truth Elle....is I thought it might be the baby. You told me they might have to adjust your medication and that would have been my fault. Your medication was working just fine before the pregnancy ....…. And you’re pregnant because I got carried away in the moment and didn't use protection. That was my fault for not being careful."

He wasn't winning her over, Elle still looked angry.

"Nico, what we are building is supposed to have trust as a foundation, and what you just did to me in front of our daughter was the antithesis of that!"

Nico hung his head for a moment.

"I know…. All I can tell you is the truth, Elle. I was afraid. Every single time I get too happy, something goes wrong. And I thought…this is it. Here it is. The proof that we were fooling ourselves thinking we could do this… be together after everything that happened between us."

Elle's eyes that were filled with tears met his.

"You feel like that too?"

Nico nodded.

"I feel like I don't deserve this. Like I don't deserve to be happy. But the only times I've been truly happy in my life is when I am with you."

She nodded.

"I agree, even when I was trying to fight it Nico. I know things are not perfect for us. Far from it. Maybe this is something we could think about working on together in therapy. Since it's something we both struggle with. Maybe it will help us both to work on it together."

"I've never been to therapy before."

"Never?!? After everything?"

"No, my family just looks at it a certain way. We deal with things on our own."

"Getting therapy doesn't make you weak Nico."

"I know that but…. It's just not what we do."

"Therapy really helped me, when I really made an effort and was honest with myself, along with taking the medication prescribed to me. I wouldn't be here now with you and Ana without those two things in conjunction. We should do everything in our power to make us stronger."

"I'll do this for you Elle. For us. We'll go."

"Okay."

Nico studied Elle's face.

"There's something else. Tell me Elle."

“The way Ana looked at you Nico. She doesn’t look at me like that. She’s never looked at me like that.”

“It’s because I've had to discipline her when she has misbehaved. It usually doesn’t take much more than a stern voice to get her back in line. Ana has a very sensitive soul.

She reminds me of your sister Liberty in that aspect. Like Liberty, Ana was trying to protect you. She loves you so much Elle. I love you so much. I'm sorry that I had such little faith in you when you are showing me every day you have truly changed.”

That Friday appointment confirmed what they had expected it would, meaning their little family in seven more months would have a new little baby boy or baby girl as a new addition. Nico had made a request. The first person he wanted to tell was her father. He wanted to invite him there for a visit.

Her father had agreed to come into town for a visit. In less than a week’s time he arrived on her doorstep smiling carrying a bag of gifts, and an even bigger surprise.

“Hi Father…. OH MY GOD!!!!! LIBBY!?!?!?”

"Hi Ellie!"

She made the first gesture giving Libby a hug first and then her father.

“Father, this is an amazing surprise. Thank you!” She hugged him again.

"When Libby found out I was coming to see you here in Greece, she wanted to visit too. You look very well Eleanor."

"Thank you Father. I feel better. Come in. Nico is not home yet, but he’s on the way. And dinner is almost ready."

"You're cooking?"

"Yes, I really enjoy it."

"It smells wonderful."

"Thank you."

“How are things?” Libby inquired.

"They're wonderful. I really love living in Greece, with Nico and Ana."

"You always did love Greece, even as a young child. Are you happy Ellie?"

"Yes I am. The happiest I've ever been in my life. It’s a dream come true.”

Ana came running up to Liam to give him a hug.

"Pappoús!!!!"

Liam kneeled immediately, catching her in a hug.

“My beautiful granddaughter. How are you?”

"I’m good!”

Father’s guard Tomas did a check around the perimeter of the house.

“All clear Your Majesty.”

“Thank you Tomas.”

“You look very well, Your Highness….’

“Thank you Tomas, but you can call me Eleanor, or Ellie.” She still liked it that only Nico and his family called her Elle. It felt very special to her.

They decided to eat on the patio since it was a wonderful night. Conversation and laughter filled the night air.

Elle smiled as her father heaped seconds of her meal onto his plate.

“Ellie, this is amazing. I’m genuinely in awe of your cooking skills, in such a short period of time.”

“Well, I’ve had the best teachers here, and I really enjoy it.”

Nico patted his stomach. “I’ve gained over four kilos since she’s been home.”

“And I don’t mind that at all. We both have gained some. The food just tastes better here.”

“But that’s happiness. You two are happy together.”

“We are.”

“Speaking of, would you mind taking a walk with me King Liam, there are some things I wanted to discuss with you.”

“Of course. Let me just finish….” He took a few more bites of the food from his plate.

“There is dessert father. Your favorite.”

“Let’s get this walk in Nico, it might need to be a spirited run.”

“We’ll start at a fast paced jog and see how that goes."

Elle and Libby laughed as the two started to jog down the driveway.

"What do you think they're going to talk about?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

Libby stared at Ellie in silence waiting for her to connect the dots.

"You silly!!!! Father insists the two of you have an announcement to make since you invited him here. Are you engaged? I know you're not wearing a ring unless you’re hiding it? Are you engaged Ellie?”

“No, he hasn’t asked.”

“Would you say yes if he did?”

Elle opened her mouth to speak but Libby immediately cut her off.

“Of course you would! I don’t even know why I even asked that. Well if you’re not engaged….” Liberty’s eyes went wide.

“Are you pregnant again?”

Elle choked on her drink. “Why would you say that?”

“Could it be your mini me, that’s playing in the yard with your dog Icarus right now? You’re not denying it. And you’re drinking water, not wine.”

“So what? Nico is drinking water too. He doesn’t drink anymore. He only keeps wine in the house for company.”

“You’re still not denying it Ellie….”

Elle nodded. "Yes, I'm pregnant. He wanted to tell Father first."

"Think that's all Nico wanted to talk to him about?"

"I don't know, that’s all he told me he was going to tell him."

Nico and Liam

“I think this is a great spot to take a break.”

Both Liam’s and Nico’s jogs stopped, pausing at the dock. Both were relieved for the breather, neither were in the same shape they had been in when miles were easier to run and after a run, the two had spared for hours on multiple occasions.

Before Nico could begin speaking, Liam spoke first.

“How is Eleanor doing?”

“She’s fine, she’s happy here, with me and Eliana.”

Liam shook his head. “How is she really? We both know that’s how it started before, and then she started losing her grip on reality; she needed help.”

“She is really doing well, King Liam. She takes her medication daily, she goes to a therapist, we even see one together. This is the most emotionally healthy she’s been in a very long time. Honestly the both of us are in a better place because of it.”

“That’s really amazing to hear Nico. And how is she with Eliana?”

“Like no time has passed. Ana loves her mother as much as I do, which is why I wanted to talk to you alone.”

“Alright, what do you wish to talk to me about?”

“Elle has been living here with me and our daughter for the past four months as a family and the past two of those, we have rekindled our relationship. With your blessing, I would like to ask Elle to become my wife. I have had my mother’s ring for her all this time, and now I feel like we are ready for this. We’re having a family get together tomorrow night, and I would love to ask her while you and Liberty are still here visiting. She won’t say it, but she needs and misses all of you.”

“We have missed her too. I talked to Eleanor for a bit before you came home, she is very content with her life here with you. That’s all I ever wanted for her, was to find her happiness, and she has. You have my blessing Nico.”

“There’s more. We also wanted you to be one of the first to know. The home we are creating for ourselves, and our family is growing. We just found out last week Elle is pregnant.”

“Then congratulations are in order. I would have never thought the two of you then, would have found your way back to each other now. I remember telling Eleanor not to expect anything from you, because of what she had done.”

“I love her, and I see her even when she has the broken pieces, and she sees me, even though I have mine, and somehow this just works.”

“I see that now.”

Party at the Karahalios Home

“Who is he? Another of your cousins? You have so many I can’t keep track of them all.”

The young man had asked Liberty to dance for the fourth time.

“Actually no, he’s the son of a friend of the family. We’re not related.”

“He seems rather taken with Liberty.”

“A little too taken.”

“Father please! Let her have some fun.”

Liam crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m watching him.”

After more dances were enjoyed by all, Nico got the attention of the family crowd.

“Thank you everyone for coming out tonight, I can honestly say I’ve never been more content with the life I’ve been given and it’s all because of you Elle. Can you come join me please?”

“Go!” Liberty gently pushed Ellie, she looked surprised as she walked across the lawn to take Nico’s outreached hand, Ana stood by his side.

“If you think I'd ever love someone after you, then I have failed in showing you how much you mean to me. Together we have made a family and a happy home. The time we spent apart did both get to this moment. I found love in your laugh Elle. And we both know, and remember a time when you didn’t laugh or smile a lot. But that’s over now, because I’m here, we’re here. It’s just us Elle. It’s always been us against the world.

You are a loving mother, and you have put Ana first, from the moment you found out about her existence. Even when I couldn’t see.”

“What are you doing Nico?”

“What I should have done the moment you walked back into my life again. I love you Elle. I love everything about you, including the little broken pieces, that somehow heal when we’re together, in both of our hearts.