Ellen bolted awake, gasping for air. She was trembling, her body covered in a cold sweat. Why was that dream so vivid? No, It seemed far too detailed to be a dream. It couldn't have been. Was this a memory?

It hit her like a ton of bricks. She remembered. That shadow guy, he sent her to Hell. That was the last thing she remembered before waking up in Hell. Her head was filled with questions and it quickly became a headache. All this new information just came up from seemingly nowhere. She had thought figuring out how she got to Hell would solve some of her questions, but it only caused more. She would have to talk to Lucifer, it seemed he was the one who could at least answer a few questions. This shadow person knew Lucifer, they seemed like friends. If she could at least figure that out maybe it would start unraveling more answers.

She looked around the room and found it wasn't hers. She shook her head. No she was… she was in heaven. Where was Alastor? She wiped her face. Uhg. Just when she thought things were starting to calm down something else came up.

She pulled the covers off finding she was in pjs. She smiled. Alastor must have made sure she was all tucked in before heading out.

She got herself showered and dressed before heading down to the lobby for breakfast where she found Charlie and Pentious already sitting eating. After grabbing some fruit and a simple bowl of cereal she joined the other two.

"So, how'd it go?"

One look at Charlie's face told her she probably shouldn't have asked. It didn't look like it went well. Ellen deflated a little.

"Oh, well it wasn't bad… just a few small…" She paused, flicking a piece of pancake across her plate. "...hiccups, but we're still working on it." She pushed a smile onto her face. "We know redemption works, it's just ironing out a few little things before we can get the ball rolling."

Ellen glanced over at Pentious who seemed all of a sudden very focused on his fork.

"Soo…They completely shut down any hope of working together on this."

"No, no. They want to help, just, want more time to sort out the details?"

Ellen leaned back trying to figure out what they could possibly want before agreeing to this. It seemed cut and dry. Wouldn't heaven be overjoyed that people could change for the better? Sure not everyone, but those that made it to Hell just barely now got a chance to prove they are good, they deserved salvation.

She looked around the room and realized Alastor was nowhere to be seen. There was a spark of concern before she realized he probably went to see his mom, no doubt trying to get as much time together as possible before returning to Hell. A small smile crossed her face as she returned back to her breakfast. She was glad she was able to convince him to see her.

The rest of the breakfast was relatively quiet, Charlie not having touched any more of her plate, pushing her pancakes around her plate lost in thought. Pentious joined Charlie when she excused herself, leaving Ellen on her own, though she didn't mind.

When she finished her breakfast she took her time wandering the lobby trying to take in the sights before returning back to hell. She didn't think she would be back here anytime soon. The thought didn't seem to bother her, though she would miss her time with Cecile. She had never gotten along with her grandmother, her expectations were very much old fashioned and she was younger than Cecile. She was glad she got the chance to meet her.

Hushed voices pulled her from her thoughts. She glanced around the room finding a few people milling around but none engaged in conversations. She took a few paces forward and back following the sound. One voice was definitely Alastor.

She was led to a small room off to the side of the lobby, the door barely cracked enough to look in.

"She needs to return to her realm." Sera was glaring at the Radio Demon.

He looked down at his nails, a smug smile tugging at his lips. "You make it sound like I have power over such matters. And while I'm flattered you think so highly of me, it is not something I have control over. That is all up to her."

"You are her keeper, it is your job to do what is best for her. What's best for her is-"

"- I know what is best for her. Better than you. I suggest you be careful what you are insinuating. You seem to think I am incapable of her care." His tone turned warning.

"Aren't you? How long has she been in the afterlife? How long has she spent tied to you? You believe she actually wants to stay? To stay with you?"

"If you really want answers it would be best to acquire them from her. I will not pretend to know her thoughts, an impossible task I promise you." His cane planted itself between his feet, seeming to punctuate his point. He narrowed his eyes at the angel.

"You don't know what you are doing."

"And I can see you are just as ignorant," he retorted.

Sera's eyes narrowed further, more eyes appearing on her gown and in her hair. "Watch your tongue, demon." She warned. "Every second she associates herself with you and your kind is corrupting her soul, her chances of returning here. Where she belongs."

He chuckled darkly. "You couldn't possibly know where she belongs. I believe it was under your watch that she found herself in a meeting she wasn't supposed to be in. Not to mention sneaking two others in with her. And was it not under your watch that she discovered redemption and Pentious? Something you wanted to keep confidential. It seems to me that the only one having difficulty keeping her out of trouble is you."

Ellen bit her lip to stop a laugh from slipping out. Alastor couldn't keep her out of trouble either, not that Sera would know, but the fact he used that as an argument still seemed a bit hypocritical.

Sera moved closer, getting into the face of Alastor, eyes blazing with anger. "She isn't safe in Hell, and if I had anything to do with it she would-

His ear twitched toward the door. His smile widening. "-but you don't have any say about it, now do you?" He chuckled, his grin pulling to his hairline. "As I said in court, she is safer with no one else. And as for the corruption of said soul, that would be implying her soul isn't strong enough to be incorruptible. And if you'd spent any time with her, you wouldn't have any doubts she is a strong capable woman. Isn't that right my dear?" His head turned to her hiding from view.

Sera's eyes followed the Radio Demons finding her peeking through the small gap in the door.

Ellen's eyes widened from being caught. She had been completely silent, yet he knew she was there. How did he know? In an instant Sera returned to her normal form, her glare back at Alastor.

"This doesn't concern you."

She pushed the door open, ignoring the seraphim, eyes looking at her husband, seeing what he had to say. As much as she didn't want someone speaking for her, if Alastor asked her to leave, she would. Though the temptation to find another way to eavesdrop would be hard to pass up.

Alastor's eyes watched her, trying to get a read of her. After a few quick moments they returned to the angel.

"I believe she is better suited to answer some of your previous questions." His eyes moved to her again giving her a knowing look. "Provided she minds her tongue. Yes?"

Ellen nodded though she wasn't sure it was something she could promise. Alastor waved her to him, and she complied, standing at his side.

She didn't like that it seemed they were discussing her like she were a child, not in the room. They didn't use her name, just 'she' or 'her' and she tried to hide her displeasure.

"And how do I know you aren't influencing her answers?"

Alastor laughed. "I am capable of many things, but I don't believe anyone could sway her conviction. Something she's made quite apparent." He looked down at her his eyes full of admiration.

She smiled up at him, happy to accept the words of confidence. He knew she could handle this on her own, that she didn't want to be hidden in the shadows, while those around her made decisions. Yes, he may get the final say on some things, but he valued her, respected her and her input and that was probably the highest form of respect from Alastor.

"You don't actually want to stay in Hell do you, child?"

She met Sera's eyes with a nod of certainty. "I do. It may be different from here and a lot more dangerous, but it feels more like home, more than this place will ever be. You've never been to the mortal realm have you? To earth? You'll find Hell is much more similar than heaven is. Everything is too nice, too perfect, too clean here. I'm sure many take solace in that, but I don't. Feels off."

Sera's mouth fell agape. "And this demon, you wish to stay with him?"

"Yes." She turned looking up at the ever smiling demon beside her. "You don't know me Sera, what I've been through. He is a sinner, capable of horrendous atrocities, but at the end of the day, he treats me well. He cares for me and though he'll probably never admit it out loud, he loves me. There's no good without bad and no one is perfect."

"You realize you can not stay together? You will have to go back to your life."

Her eyes never left Alastors. "I know, but I might as well make the most of my time here, find happiness and maybe my purpose."

Alastor pulled his gaze away to the angel staring at the two lost for words.

"Well, I do believe I couldn't have answered any better than that. Come my dear I do believe it is time to collect Miss Charlie and make our way home." He gave Sera a polite nod before placing a hand on Ellen's back, gently leading her out of the room.

When they made it from the room his hand moved behind him. "You can't seem to keep yourself out of others' business can you?" He didn't sound annoyed, almost amused he kept finding her where she shouldn't be.

She just shrugged. "Right place at the right time, I guess."

He chuckled, shaking his head. He held the door open for her as she made her way up to her room, three floors below his as she later found out.

It wasn't long before the three were collected in the lobby of the hotel wishing a fond farewell to Pentious and even Cecile made her way to the farewell party. Ellen couldn't help but feel a bit sad they wouldn't be able to show the others that Pentious was okay, not that they would think her and Charlie were lying about it but…wait.

"Charlie! Do you have you're hellphone here?"

She looked a bit confused but nodded. Ellen's grin grew. "Group photo! Everyone in!"'

Charlie's face lit up. "Oh my gosh yes! Why didn't I think of that!"

It was easy to get photos of Charlie, Pentious and Ellen. It took a bit of time, but Ellen finally managed to convince Alastor to take one with his mother, just the two of them. She handed Charlie her phone back with a contented sigh. She never cared much for photos, but this seemed like an important thing to capture. Now she would just have to find a way to get hard copies of those photos. She was sure Alastor would like to have the one of him and his mom.

"Wait! Ellen there aren't any with you and Alastor." Charlie's eyes were stuck to her phono as she flipped through all the photos they had taken.

Her cheeks heated. Yeah she had been avoiding that. She knew Alastor didn't like photos and she felt it was much more important he have one with his mom. He only agreed to partake in two. The one with his mom and they had a large group photo that she noticed he stood only half visible in.

"No, it's okay."

An arm wrapped around her waist and she was pulled back until she was gently pressed back against a body. She looked up to find Alastor staring down at her with an amused expression.

"I thought you didn't like photos?"

"I don't." He agreed.

"You know we can just decline."

"Mmm, yes but we both know what dear Charlie is like. A near impossible task." He leaned down to whisper. "Besides, I should have at least one picture with my wife should I not?"

Her smile grew. "As you wish."

Angel had checked everywhere but couldn't find him. The more he searched the more the hairs on the back of his neck stood. He knew he was around somewhere, he had to be, and with Charlie gone to that meeting in heaven he was left to the whim of the Radio Demon. He had checked all the usual spots, his office, the roof and the small nook in the lobby that remained out of sight, perfect for some undisturbed reading, but he couldn't seem to find the deer demon anywhere.

He made his way over to the bar, eyes sweeping the lobby taking in every shadow and corner. Husker was leaning with his back on the bar, he turned when Angel leaned over the bar, eyes still glancing around the room.

"He's waitin fo' the perfect time to strike. I can feel it."

"And what could you have possibly done to gain that kinda attention from Alastor?"

"I may have called 'em cute."

"Yeah you're worrying over nothin'. He ain't gonna hunt you down for that. He's got better things to do."

"And I tied a pink bow to his tail."

Husker choked a laugh as he grabbed a glass and started pouring a drink. "You got a death wish or somethin?"

"I forgot Charlie was leavin' and with Ellen gone too I'm losin my mind! It's been like a day and I've seen and heard nothin." He's eyes moved around the room again.

Husker slid the drink down the bar to Angel who took it and drank it down in one gulp.

"You haven't seen him have you?"

Husker took a drink for himself before responding. "No, and I am not going to complain. If he wants to hide away, all the better." He started pouring another drink for Angel.

"Fuck! Do ya think he's hidin just to fuck wit me?"

Another drink slid down the bar to him as Husk grabbed the empty glass to clean it.

"Would now be a good time to tell you he ain't here?" Husker chuckled.

"What?! Whadda mean he ain't here? He's out?"

"He went with Charlie and they haven't come back yet." He took a drink for himself while Angel stared at him in disbelief.

"Ya couldn't have said somethin earlier? Ya saw me lookin for him for hours!"

Husk shrugged. "You didn't ask until now. Besides, we both know Alastor could have wandered for months avoiding you if he wanted so you don't gotta worry about it. At least until he gets back, then you're in deep shit, unless you can get to Ellen before he gets to you."

"Ya saw it all?"

Husker opened his arm. "You forget I'm chained to this fucking bar? I see everything that happens here." He leaned on to his arms a finger pointed at him with an amused smirk on his face. "Including how fast you scampered back up those stairs."

"I'll have you know I did actually make it away from Smiles."

"Only cause he let you go."

"Dats besides the point."

"Right. So when they get back you're not going to be a nervous wreck?"

"No way! I ain't afraid of him. Ellen will keep him from doin too much damage. Not to mention Charlie."

Husker leaned in close to Angel, faces inches apart. "Then I suggest you don't turn around." He grabbed Angel's glass of booze, finishing it himself before leaning back to start cleaning it.

Angel's eyes widened and he quickly spun to find himself in the chest of a red coat, the sound of a portal closing.

Charlie squealed. "We did it guys! Ellen's back!"

Angel looked up to find a wide yellow smile and red eyes glaring back at him. "Hello Angel."

He chuckled nervously. "Hey Al, welcome back."

"Angel!" Ellen pushed her way between the two hugging Angel tightly. She whispered to him knowing Alastor would end up hearing it anyway.

"Thank you for looking after Al while I was gone."

"I beg your pardon?"

She smiled, turning to the Radio Demon. "Well someone had to keep an eye on you while I was gone."

"I am not a child. I don't need to be 'looked after'." He glared at his wife, but she remained smiling radiantly.

"I said nothing about you being a child, just simply glad someone kept an eye on you."

Ellen turned her gaze back to Angel.

"Yeah, sure thing toots. Notta problem."

The two watched as the deer demon took his leave with another glare at the two.

Ellen burst out laughing. "So what did you do?" She turned back to Angel.

"What?"

"You did something to piss him off."

"How'd you-"

"-I'm his wife." She gave him a look.

Husker bit back a laugh as he joined the two. "She's got you there."

"I tied a pink bow to his tail."

Ellen's eyes darted over to her husband. He was listening from across the room. His ear twitched in her direction. Her smile grew mischievous.

"Alastor doesn't have a tail." Not entirely a lie at the moment as far as she knew.

"What?" Angel sat up taller, clearly missing the humour in her tone she was unsuccessful as hiding. "But I saw it."

Ellen turned to Husker who gave her a confused look. She pressed a finger to her lips.

"I don't recall seeing one."

Angel gave the two of them a look. "I'll show you guys, he has a tail." He slowly made his way across the room glaring at the two at the bar.

"He's going to get you back, you know."

Ellen leaned back waiting for the show to start. "Hey, I'm playing on both sides. Alastor gets back at Angel without killing him. And maybe Angel learns not to tie things to Alastors tail. Though I do have to ask how he managed to do so." She glanced over her shoulder at Husk. "I suppose I should have asked before I sent him to his doom, huh?"

Husker chuckled as they turned to watch as Angel made his way behind the Radio Demon waiting to see if the other two were watching. When the two at the bar acknowledged him with a small nod, Angel took a quick steadying breath.

In a flash Angel pulled the back of Alastors coat up showing the lack of tail that was there. The look of horror on his face almost had Ellen feel bad. There was a sickening crack as Alastors head turned 180 to glare at Angel, before his body quickly followed.

Ellen made a disgusted face. "Yecch, has he always been able to do that?" She shuddered as the sound played on repeat in her head. She had no idea that was something people could do down here. Snap their neck around like an owl? She wasn't too sure how she felt about that.

"Yeah, usually only when he's annoyed."

Ellen hummed in thought. She was pretty certain she had annoyed Alastor lots, yet she still hadn't seen that before. It was probably a good thing, because if she had seen it alone she would have probably insisted he never do it in her presence again. Seeing that everyone else seemed indifferent made it seem like it wasn't as crazy a thing.

"No…Al …it's…it's not what it looks like! I was jus…Ellen said…but I know you had a…"

Angel finally looked back over to the bar to find them laughing, the rest of the room looking a bit horrified.

"He rip it off?"

Ellen laughed, turning back to the bartender.. "Yeah, though I wasn't sure how long it would take to grow back. I would have been surprised either way."

"I think he's ready to be saved now." He tipped his head behind her. "I don't think even Charlie knows what to do."

Ellen raised one finger indicating to wait.

"ANGEL!"

She tipped her head to Husker smiling, already pulling away from the bar. "Now I'll step in to save him." She turned her back making her way over to Angel who was currently being squeezed by Alastors tentacles. "Man, it's good to be back."

AN: I'm feeling a bit generous this week. I may post a few more chapters then usual. :) As always, hope you guys enjoy. Cheers!