Alastor hadn't realized he nodded off until a knock on his door woke him.

"Hey boss, Ellen's passed out in the lobby. She looks a bit rough."

He didn't bother responding, just slipping into the shadows. He found her passed out on one of the couches, her snores filling the otherwise quiet lobby. She must have been exhausted. It was the only time she snored. He would never tell her, but sometimes he would check up on her while she slept. He only started doing so after he found out he marked her. He told himself it was to make sure she got some sleep, but he found the sight oddly comforting.

He watched her sleep for a few long moments before he moved his gaze to her chest. She seemed alright, his shadow had confirmed that.

Blood had stained her shirt, but not enough to cause concern. He noticed the small stain on her hip. He lightly pulled her shirt up to look at her hip. The cuts weren't deep. Maybe needing a few stitches. She would heal relatively quickly. Good. She had drawn quite a bit of power, not that he was surprised. He could tell she only faced Vox, based on the injuries, though he was impressed she had managed to stand her ground well. Though the lack of control of her emotions left much to be desired.

She was an odd sight. Blood stained shirt and hands, she even managed to get some on her face yet she looked at peace resting. He summoned a blanket and gently tucked it in around her. She would be fine. She did well.

His ear twitched behind him to the stairs. "She'll be okay?" Husker had just now made it back from his room.

"Nothing a bit of rest won't fix. Do keep an eye on her Husker, my friend. She mustn't be disturbed."

"Sure."

He started for the stairs.

"You care for her."

He bit his tongue. Ellen had warned him that the rest of the inhabitants had started getting suspicious there was something between them.

"No more than I care for you and Nifty."

"You didn't..."

He should have known Husker would have figured it out. He would know best of all.

He could feel Husker glaring at him. When he didn't respond, Husk sighed. "Damn it, Al. You don't deserve her soul."

He looked back to the sleeping form resting peacefully. No. He did not deserve it. But it didn't matter, she was his all the same. A thought that seemed to be growing on him.

"On that we can agree, old friend." He slipped back into the shadows back to his room.

She opened her eyes suddenly. Her chest burned the pain radiating throughout her body. Her skin felt like it was prickling. A cloud of red smoke engulfed her and her eyes widened in horror. No. Not now. She was still recovering. She knew what was coming, but it didn't matter. The snaps of her bones breaking and shifting under her skin had tears streaming from her eyes. She was certain her screams were echoing throughout the hotel. Her chest burned in a pain that almost sent her into unconsciousness.

She landed back on the ground, her clothes now too big to stay on her body. She quickly grabbed the blanket wrapping it around her tightly with shaking hands. She took a few breaths before even considering getting up. What a rude wake up call.

A hand lay on her shoulder but she stayed curled up on the floor. Had it really only been twenty-four hours since she changed her form to go out? It felt like forever ago.

Someone was speaking to her, but she couldn't hear the words. She pushed to her hands and knees, her arms still shaky. If she had recovered any energy from her little power nap it was gone now.

Her senses slowly returned to her, her eyes blinking back some of the fuzz. She was in the lobby of the hotel. It all came crashing back. Vox, her battle with Alastors powers. She hadn't seen him since returning. She looked up to find Husker kneeling beside her with a glass of water.

She took it, her hands still shaking. She downed the glass in almost one gulp.

"You okay kid? You look in rough shape."

"Alastor? He's okay?"

"You shouldn't be worrying about him." He said gruffly. "But yeah he's fine."

She nodded. With some assistance from Husk she made it to her feet. "Would you mind-"

"Not at all." He held her arm, already slowly directing her to the stairs.

She was grateful Husker didn't ask questions. The two wordlessly headed up to her room. Once at the door Husk gave her a quick nod before turning and heading back the way they came.

She slipped her clothes off not caring about anything but rest. She let out a satisfied moan as she nestled into the blankets.

Alastor was a bit surprised to find Rosie was already seated at the table. They frequented the little bistro enough they had their own table in the back, secluded. He would admit he was running a little later than usual, however he was still early by any means. He knew better than to keep a lady waiting.

"Apologies dear Rosie. I didn't intend to keep you waiting." He took a seat across from her.

She waved her hand in dismissal. Another oddity. He had expected her to make a retort, but she remained silent. Something was wrong.

He busied himself pouring them tea before taking a sip, hoping she would speak. When she remained silent he put his cup down finally asking, "Is everything quite alright my dear?"

She finally turned to face him. "I'm hoping you are okay, Alastor."

He leaned back and laughed. She was just worried about him. "I assure you I am as right as rain."

"And Ellen?"

"Of course."

She handed him a newspaper. "This morning's addition, fresh off the press."

He sat up, flipping it open. He didn't need to look past the front page.

Mrs. Radio Demon? What comes next?

The photo was an image of Ellen, in her deer form. It was while she had borrowed some of his power, no doubt from her meeting with Vox the day before. Her eyes were black the pupils littles red radio dials. There was no sign of fear in her eyes, only malice. And then there was the smile. The shit-eating grin pulled it all together. He had never really thought about what he looked like in his demonic form. He smiled to himself. She did well. He was impressed. She looked powerful, in control and menacing. Everything he knew he was, when in that state.

He wondered why this was the photo chosen. Vox wouldn't have picked such a powerful photo for the front page, unless it was the only one he had.

"They got her good side didn't they?" He chuckled as he peered over the paper to look at Rosie.

"You're not upset?"

"Ah ha! Heavens no! Quite the opposite. I'm pleased. The folks around here won't think about using her as a weakness if they believe she is this powerful."

"You know who that is?"

He paused for a second looking at her confused. Then it clicked.

"Ah yes! Apologies my dear Rosie. It appears I need to clear up some confusion." He lowered the paper from his face. "Lucifer temporarily changed Ellen's form so she could see some of the city." He leaned back again, getting comfortable. "Why a deer, I'm unsure, but that-" he pointed at the paper. "- is her. She looks impressively redoubtable, doesn't she?" He smiled fondly.

Rosie stared at him for a moment letting the information sink in.

"May I?" He gestured to the paper. He was curious about what the article entailed, but knew better than to do so without asking Rosie. It would be rude had he not.

She gave him the go ahead and he quickly scanned through it. There wasn't much more information to the story. They had interviewed a 'reliable' source whom they were keeping anonymous to protect, to get the latest scoop on the Radio Demon. There were a few jabs about him needing someone else to back him, clearly implying he wasn't as strong as before. But barely bad press.

"You aren't going to make a rebuttal to this?"

He waved his hand. "There's no damage to fix. If anything this works in my favour." He flipped the paper open to get to the rest of the story inside. "Some might think I've become weak, but having a second powerful demon linked to me should cease any schemes in the works for now. Only fools would try to make a move, and I will enjoy making an example of them."

He continued scanning the last little bit left and froze when he got to the last paragraph. His brows knit together.

'Is a marriage used to reclaim your soul really reclaiming your soul? Only the Radio Demon and his new bride would know.'

There it was. The real jab. So Ellen let slip that the marriage was for the purpose of reclaiming his soul. He let out a small huff. Not ideal, though he supposed it meant they assumed he had it now. He folded the paper up and placed it on the table.

"Alastor. What is going on? I saw you a few weeks ago and now things are all over the place. Very unlike you. Should I be worried?"

A lot had happened in the past few weeks. He had made it through not one but two ruts, gotten married and basically traded his soul for Ellen's. Were things now sideways? Maybe not as he had planned, but things hadn't gotten worse. Better perhaps? Strange for sure. He took a sip of tea thinking about how to respond.

"Things have progressed unusually haven't they?" He wondered out loud. "Perhaps I may have bitten off more than I can chew. Things with Ellen have escalated rather quickly…"

"So this marriage, it's true?"

"It is."

She looked a little taken aback. "And ya didn't think to invite me to the wedding?"

He turned to look at her, his eyes full of understanding. "It's nothing personal my dear Rosie. You know I would have had you there if it were possible. Things got a bit… complicated."

"Well I must say, I'm just as surprised as everyone else. I never thought I'd see the day my friend." She smiled warmly. "Does she make you happy?"

He looked away in thought. Happy? Was that what mattered in this type of relationship? She knew too much about him to let her out of his sight for long. As much as he hated to admit it, she was a weakness. One he needed to keep a close eye on. Being her groom he would be able to keep her reined in somewhat. She was unpredictable and he hated that lack of control.

She was reckless, bold and stubborn, especially when it came to him and keeping him safe. A laughable thought on its own. Far too kind for her own good. His eyes widened and for the first time in almost a century, his heart ached. His mother had always acted much the same. Was that love?

He turned to Rosie, afraid of the answer, but he had to know. "She loves me?"

She looked a bit surprised by the question but her smile lit up her face. "Oh Alastor." She reached out, placing a hand on his. "I think you already know the answer."

He shook his head. No. He didn't do love or relationships. He didn't know how to love, let alone what that even meant. She couldn't love him. She was a pure mortal soul incapable of the atrocities of Hell. He was a monster. No it wasn't love. He was mistaken.

A memory pushed its way to him. The night Ellen had too much to drink. She said something about him not believing he could be loved. He had asked Rosie what that meant, to explain why she would have said something like that. Was this the answer neither of them could provide? Did he believe he was unworthy of love? He didn't want it, never had. So why now, did his heart race at the idea, his palms starting to get sweaty and he wanted nothing more than to go make sure she was okay? Was this normal?

"It's okay to be scared." Rosie said soothingly.

He turned and glared at her but couldn't keep it. " I'm not-'' he cut himself off knowing better than to lie to Rosie's face.

He was scared. This was uncharted territory for him and feelings he hadn't acknowledged in decades. Emotions were a weakness, he had told Ellen as much only a day ago and here he was spiraling into them. Love got people killed. It made people do foolish things and he was not a fool.

"It's not a bad thing."

"On the contrary! This, this is a weakness, I can't have that." He still wasn't up to his full strength. Not since Adam. He didn't need any more weaknesses.

Rosie laughed. "Oh Alastor, love isn't a weakness, it's a strength."

"It most certainly is not."

She smiled and stared at him. "When have I ever been wrong about love before hmmm? You like her, she likes you. I think it's pretty obvious my friend. It's only your stubbornness keeping you from seeing the truth."

"I'll admit I may have grown to tolerate her company." He glared knowing she would now undoubtedly leave him with more thinking to do.

She returned him a knowing look. "You have to consummate a marriage, Alastor. I'd say that warrants more than just enjoying her company. Even with ulterior motives."

He cheeks heated. This was not an appropriate lunch topic. Or topic in general.

"Alright, fine. Perhaps I may have grown rather fond of her. It changes nothing."

"It's already changed a lot." She gestured to the paper. "You speak highly of her."

"I speak highly of you too my dear."

"Yes but you and I are both overlords, my friend. She is much below you. Someone you would pay no mind too yet, here you are. And married no less."

He opened his mouth but promptly closed it. He hadn't thought of her that way. Below him. Not recently at least. When they were first introduced, yes. But she had proven herself a confident young woman. She had stood her ground against him many times and proven she could hold her ground in a fight. She acknowledged his prowess and admired him. As she should, he was a powerful overlord after all.

He had her soul. There was no other power to be gained or ulterior motives that really benefited him. He had what he wanted from her. So why did she become important to him? If she died, he would get his soul back, no strings attached. That would be a smart next step to accomplish his goals. Why did that thought make his stomach churn? He was worried about her safety?

"Mhmm. I saw that extra spring in your step. Ignore your head, what does your heart say?"

"Ha! I don't have a heart."

She gave him a cold look. "Come now Alastor, we've talked about this. You want to understand feelings ya gotta admit to 'em first."

He sighed in defeat. Rosie always had a way of getting to him. "It races when I see her. I find myself missing her company the second she's gone." He shook his. "But she's a walking headache, always getting into trouble."

Rosie smiled lovingly at him. "And she's worth it, isn't she?"

"I have no way of knowing. It's far too soon to see where this will lead."

"To good things, my friend. Love always leads to good things."

He raised an eyebrow. "Always hmm?"

"Hey!" She pointed a finger at him. "You be careful, mister. I can go over to that hotel and tell Ellen everything I know. I got decades of information on you my friend."

He chuckled knowing she was bluffing. "Hardly a threat my dear. It wouldn't change her opinion of me at all."

Rosie's smile lit up her whole face again. "And there it is."

"What?"

She leaned in, resting her head in her hands. "Love."

His cup of tea was empty but he still put it to his lips, pulling his gaze away from Rosie.

He couldn't deny Ellen's actions had always indicated she cared for him in some way. Ever since the night of the open house.

He sat up a bit straighter as a light feeling of surprise hit him. It wasn't his, it was hers. She must be awake now. Should he go check on her? No. She was fine. He had checked before he left. Why did he want to go to her?

"Alastor?"

His eyes shot back to Rosie. "It's nothing my dear. As always, you've given me much to think about." He put his cup down.

"You're worried about her." The grin creeping back on to her face. "Off you go then, don't let me keep you." She leaned back with a playful smile on her face.

"I will not. I've invited you out, I won't leave you here. You are wonderful company darling. Besides I haven't had the chance to hear about your comings and goings. Would be rather rude to take up all of our time together."

"You sure?"

He paused waiting to see if he could feel anything else from her. Nothing. She was safe, and he could still protect her from here. He leaned back and relaxed into his seat.

"Absolutely"

The two sat enjoying each other's company, the topics falling into their normal routine. Light, jovial and gossipy. The two had just finished sharing a fresh leg when out of the blue he felt a bit of his power get tugged away.

He paused, unsure if he was certain. He hadn't felt anything. No fear. No pain. What did she need his protection from? And why was there no emotion to accompany it? She couldn't control her emotions.

"Apologies Rosie it seems I must-" he stood only for his legs to give out, collapsing back into his seat, as a substantial amount of energy was pulled from him.

"Alastor?!" Rosie moved to push to her feet but he waved her down.

"I'm quite alright."

She gave him a stern glare. "Don't you lie to me Alastor."

His ears flattened as the power continued to flow away from him. Not good. Where was her fear?

"I'm afraid I'll have to cut our time short Rosie. It seems Ellen has found more trouble for herself."

She gave him an incredulous look. "How would you know?"

His face showed annoyance, but he knew she wouldn't take it personally. "She's siphoning my power."

She looked at him horrified before her eyes fell to the newspaper still between them. The pieces finally coming together. "What have you done Alastor?"

He gave her a weak grimace. "Just ensuring I keep the missus safe. She's a bit of an obvious weakness after all. You'll have to excuse me." He slipped into shadow before she could respond. He needed to get back before Ellen could use too much.