AN: Hey All! Hope all my Canadian readers enjoyed their Thanksgiving weekend! Enjoy this one guys. Cheers!

Alastor shook his head glaring at the human that should have died a long time ago. In the afterlife he had become almost untouchable, but mortals were weak, fragile and easy to kill, they had a limited lifespan. This man had found a way to extend his life and if he never died neither would his deals. Smart. Too smart.

"Apologies, it's been a long time since looking over that contract, but I don't seem to recall there being any fine print."

Tucker raised a curious eyebrow, watching Alastor for a moment before responding.

"You've brushed up on contracts since our last encounter, I see. Smart man. So I don't need to explain how this is going to play out, you know how this works."

"I don't believe this will play out as you think it will." He knew how to make contracts with very little room to breathe, it also made him a lot more observant in wording, meaning he could find a loophole. If he could get a good look at it, he was certain he would be turning this man away empty handed.

"Oh but I do. Feel free to look it over though, I am quite certain you'll find it is irrevocably perfect. Like everything I do."

Alastor pressed his lips together as Tucker waved the contract away towards him to get a solid read of it. He didn't have to look long to realize Dolion was correct. It was written and worded so precisely it almost put Lilith's to shame. He was to hand over his first born without a fight. He even clauses to protect him after the exchange. He couldn't kill him. Not while he was alive at least, though it was clear this man had no intentions of dying. How he managed, he'll never know.

He let out an angered breath through his nose. He couldn't hire, coerce, force or trick anyone into killing Dolion for him. If it could be led back to him in any way, there was a clause preventing it. He had it written so no matter what, he was untouchable. An impressive feat had he seen it anywhere other than a contract he was bound to.

He couldn't even discuss it with anyone. That wasn't a problem now, the only one he felt he would have wanted to tell was now no longer around. Clearly this was something he had done many times before, the contract now perfected.

Ultimately it meant one thing, he had no choice. He had no choice but to give up Xander, a deal's a deal. Alastor's teeth clenched so tightly he had pierced some of his gums, the metallic taste only adding to the heat that was now radiating from his skin.

The tension in the room paused only for a moment as the King of Hell choked back a laugh, his glance off to his left.

He didn't know how, but this man was going to die and when he did, there was no corner of Hell that he could hide. He held Xander out to Tucker, though he didn't bother hiding the irritation in his expression.

"Alastor no you can't!"

Charlie had pulled herself from Vaggie's hold running across the lobby glaring at the intruder that now held Xander.

"A deal's a deal. I'm afraid it's out of my hands dear Charlie." He pushed the anger down not wanting to give Dolion the satisfaction. It didn't last long.

It was at this moment that Dolion noticed the stiff body, the unspoken story of events now coming together. He let out a small laugh before turning back to Alastor with a smug look on his face.

"It's probably best she wasn't here to see this. Now you don't need to explain why she's no longer a mother. Sorted itself out all on its own. You got lucky." His gaze moved to the child in his arms. "Now have you picked a name for this little monster or will I have the pleasure of making my own?"

His eyes narrowed, glaring at Dolion with anger that was almost palatable. He tried to strike him, unleashing the anger he was having a hard time keeping contained, but it did nothing, nothing moved, almost like when he had been tied with the angelic rope, which fueled his rage more, body shaking, chest burning.

"Xander." It barely made it out through his gritted teeth.

"Oh, how lovely. The 'Protector of Humankind', how fitting. She picked it I bet."

"You can't take him." Charlie had passed from grief to anger, her demon form now on display glaring at Dolion.

"I already have." He gave Alastor a curt nod before slipping into a cloud of black smoke, his laugh echoing with his parting words, "pleasure doing business, Alastor."

The room was silent, all with eyes on Alastor with expressions a mix of grief, sadness, and sympathy. He wanted none of it. He wanted to rip the throats out of anyone that dare try to express sympathies. He wanted to tear the very fabric of Hell apart with his rage. He wanted Dolion Tucker dead.

"Alastor I'm so…"

Charlie never got to finish her sentence, Alastor disappearing from sight into shadow, leaving the rest in the lobby frozen, unsure what they were supposed to do next. Everything had gone to chaos in less than an hour and now they stood staring at each other in the deafening silence unsure how to break it.

Lucifer didn't stay much longer, a portal formed and closed marking his leave.

It was Vaggie that noticed the pink chain slowly forming around Angel's wrist and who ultimately broke the silence.

"Uhhh Angel?" She only pointed, but it was enough to draw the rest of the room to look just as it shattered to pink shimmery dust.

He still had to work for it, it didn't come free. Even so, this was still an act of kindness that had been given to him because there was maybe, somewhere really deep down; so deep you'd probably need a shovel to find it; a small piece of Alastor that possibly cared about him.

Angel pulled a small smile to his face, rubbing where the cuff had been. Alastor may not like him much and before Ellen he would say the feelings were mutual. Now, he felt he had a bit of a better understanding of the big creepy mystery that was Alastor. He was still terrified of the guy, but he had learned that maybe there was a small part of Alastor that also enjoyed the little tricks they played on each other. A mutual friendly rivalry. He had to work for it, but Angel got his freedom and the cost was negligible. Alastor went easy on him, though the overlord would never admit it.

"Thanks Smiles," he whispered, knowing Alastor would never care for the gratitude, but he still felt he should have it, whether he heard it or not.

"What?"

"Smiles got me out of my deal with Val. I donno how he did it but…"

Everyone gave Angel incredulous looks of disbelief while Charlie turned her gaze upward, smiling at the ceiling.

Charlie had noticed she wasn't the only one that seemed to avoid a certain part of the lobby. People died all the time in Hell, but the spot where Ellen had died, even though there was no evidence of it anymore, still felt uncomfortable, like the memory was etched into the area. She gave it an unhappy hum as she passed by it to get to the kitchen to get something to munch on.

She knew the days after Ellen died would be difficult, but she never realized getting people to eat was going to be the most difficult part. Even she found she wasn't as hungry and Ellen had died weeks ago now.

She had tried getting ahold of Alastor in the past few weeks, but he didn't seem to want to be disturbed. The longer she didn't see him the more the worry built in her chest.

Nifty said he was fine, she seemed to be the only one that he cared to see. She mentioned that he seemed like his usual self, that his room was like normal, only missing the stuff in it that originally hadn't belonged to him. She wished she had more to go off than that, but he would have to come around eventually right?

She looked at the apple in her hand before placing it back in the bowl. She hopped up onto one of the counters and pulled her hellphone out mindlessly opening and closing apps, not really paying attention just looking for a distraction.

After the first day they found her body had been moved into the walk-in freezer. It freaked Angel out when he stumbled across it. At first freaked out at finding her there then disgusted believing Alastor had decided it would be added to his meat collection. Charlie was very quickly able to eliminate that thought. They just didn't know what to do with it and it couldn't be left out or it would start to stink up the place.

Alastor made a comment that she should be taken to Roise, she would make sure it was looked after, but there was no way Charlie was going to do that. So it stayed as a disturbing reminder every time someone went into the freezer.

Vaggie pushed the kitchen door open, finding Charlie looking down at her phone. She hadn't realized she had her photos open, the images of them in heaven being flipped through before she stopped on the one of Ellen and Alastor, both sporting grins so wide it almost looked ridiculous. It was probably the only photo she had that Alastor hadn't distorted. The only time he was okay with being seen on camera. This one and the one with his mom. The two most important people in his life, if she were to guess.

"Hey." Vaggie stood between Charlie's legs, a sad smile on her face. She reached up, placing a hand on her cheek, pulling her gaze up a bit.

"Hey. Sorry, I was just going to grab a snack but…" She turned to look back at the apple she abandoned, sighing in defeat. "I don't know what to do, Vaggie. It's been a month and it feels just as heavy as the first day. I don't know if I can even find a positive thing to get past this."

"That's not your job babe. People heal in their own way and you can't force it. They'll move on when they're ready."

"But what if it takes months? Years?"

"Then that's what it takes."

"But what about Alastor? He's hiding away and isolating from everyone. That's not good, and I can't just barge into his room. You didn't see him when he hurt Ellen. Or when she was sent off to heaven. He was miserable Vaggie, and now she is actually gone. Like gone gone."

"Don't worry about him, he'll figure his shit out. I'm more worried about you."

Charlie sighed. "I'm fine I guess."

Vaggie pulled Charlie's face to hers placing a delicate kiss on her lips. Charlie's face lit up a bit.

A knock on the front doors had the two pulling apart. Charlie bolted from the counter.

"Maybe it's a new patron!"

Vaggie followed closely behind her girlfriend as she made a speedy walk to the front. She pulled the doors open a wide smile on her face.

"Hello! Welcome to the- oh!"

She recognized this guy. He had been here for the last fight they had, a friend of Ellen's. Her smile fell.

"Uh hello Mrs. Morningstar. I'm terribly sorry for your loss. She was a really sweet soul."

Charlie turned to look at Vaggie confused. No one had mentioned anything about Ellen's death, they agreed it should be something for Alastor to address, he was likely the one that wouldn't want that out until he was ready. It affected him more than anyone else. Her smile faulted a bit, uncomfortable from being put on the spot. How did he know?

"Thank you, Franklin. I'm sorry too. I know she was a friend of yours as well."

"Thank you." He looked down fidgeting with his hands nervously.

The three stood facing each other in silence, Charlie and Vaggie waiting to see if there was maybe another reason for Franklin to have come all this way aside from wishing condolences. Finally he spoke up, though he looked a bit unsure.

"I was wondering if you could help me with something. It's for the Mrs."

[Two days earlier]

It had been a while since he was reduced to sitting and plotting. Ideally he would like to kill Dolion and retrieve Xander first before going out to find Ellen, but that wouldn't be possible. He would have to find Ellen first. He had no idea how he would be able to answer her inevitable question of where Xander had gone, but he would deal with it when he got there.

It seemed very unlikely and frankly too easy to find her in Hell. He didn't really believe she was, but he would check regardless. He thought about having all of his souls on the lookout for her, to make it even easier to spot her if she was here, but it was quickly put to rest. He couldn't have people whispering rumors that he had lost her. Not a big problem.

He sighed as he put down his drink, still untouched and no longer cold. He sent his shadow out to check almost daily. It wasn't like he thought a day would change the likelihood of her discovery, it was so he didn't have to listen to it whining and groaning in the corner as he tried to come up with a plan for getting to heaven. He was certain that was where she was, the problem would be finding a way for her to come back. Without those portals the angels had he couldn't see another way of getting out.

Redemption was out of the question. No, it was never going to be an option. He would be driven mad if he were to be stuck up there for the rest of his existence. He had an option he didn't want to think about unless he had to, but as the weeks went by with no luck and no further solutions he was starting to think he didn't really have much of an choice.

Mind set, he moved his focus onto getting his affairs in order. He was likely going to be there for a while and he would need to insure everything was tended to during his absence.

He rarely left his room, not wanting to see the other hotel inhabitants, they were continuing to act oddly around him. He didn't care for the sympathetic and pitiful looks they all still carried. Best to simply avoid them all. He also found that he was avoiding the rest of Hell as well. Rumors had started making their way through the shadows and it was something else he didn't care to give any time to. It didn't stop him from overhearing the hushed whispers that echoed around as he passed on the streets.

"I heard he killed his wife because she didn't give him a demon child." "Someone told me it was all a ruse to advertise the hotel." "That anonymous person was right, he had to have married to get his soul back. He was just waiting for the right time to tie off the loose ends." "Did you hear? The Radio Demon tore his wife apart, they say they were cleaning the blood from the carpet for weeks." "I heard he devoured his own child."

He shook the thoughts, refocusing on his task. He was out looking for someone in particular. This wasn't a necessary task but he felt it was important for those that had cared about Ellen, not for him, he was detached from such things by this point. He didn't need closure.

His shadow dated back from up a street to his right. Lovely.

He made his way down the street, eyes scanning for the sinner he was looking for. The urchin looking demon was just a few hundred meters up the street. He slipped into shadow reappearing beside him, causing Franklin to jump in fright.

"Oh! Mr. Radio Demon sir." He took a few paces back trying to create space between the two. Alastor prevented more than two steps, his radio cane being used to guide the shorter sinner to take pace beside him. He wouldn't dare refuse.

"I have a small task for you. It is of great importance and I believe you and your band of merrymen would be best suited for it."

"A task?"

"Indeed. Come, this is a bit of a sensitive matter, we will continue in private."

"Private? You're gonna…we're gonna go somewhere alone?"

"You needn't worry. I still need you alive, but cross me and not even the Mrs can't protect you now."

"Is this about the Mrs.?"

"I don't believe there is anything else we have in common."

"Right."

Alastor led them into Cannibal Town, to the cafe he would frequent with Rosie. He couldn't hide his smirk looking at the horrified look on his guests face. They were promptly seated at Alastor's usual table, away from prying eyes and ears.

Franklin waited nervously as Alastor took a sip of his coffee enjoying the sea urchin's discomfort. A plate was laid on the table and Franklin looked like he was about to pass out. Alastor made a show of slowly enjoying the pickled eyeballs.

"Now, you are a close friend of my darling wife, correct?"

"I don't know about close…um." He swallowed thickly, unsure if he was being tested. Did the Radio Demon think he had made passes at his wife? "Just friends I suppose."

"Good, good." He crossed his leg, getting comfortable. "Now I'm sure you've heard the rumors floating about the city. I will let you know of her well being provided you do a little favour for me. A deal lets say."

"D-deal?"

"I'm sure you understand this is a sensitive matter, I can't have this getting out all willy-nilly. I need to ensure this stays quiet."

"I won't say a word."

"Of course not, you won't have a choice." He leaned back after grabbing another picked eyeball to chew on

"Now you will do me this one little favour and in return you pass the truth to those that it matters to. Deal?" He held his hand out and Franklin's eyes widened at the green glow that emitted from the palm of it.

"I-I don't know-"

"I'm not looking for your soul, just a simple deal. Now, I do have other things that require my attention today."

Franklin hesitantly moved his hand, still unsure if he should. Surely one small favour wasn't going to be that bad? Could he even deny the Radio Demon? He heard the stories of how gruesome he could be. Maybe it was best to agree. He didn't want to be the next voice on his broadcast. He shivered at the thought. Best to agree. He extended his hand taking the other demons in his. The green light glowed to fill the restaurant though no one dared to look afraid of being accused of being nosy.

"Wonderful." He brushed his hand on his coat before taking another sip of coffee. "Now as for my small favour. In two days time you will go to the Hazbin Hotel looking for Miss Charlie Morningstar. You are going to tell her you are terribly sorry to hear of the news and would like to acquire her assistance in creating a small gathering to memorialize your missing friend. You will gather all of those you see fit and would like to be there for the occasion. I expect it to be an enchanting commemoration honouring her time here."

"What news? What missing friend?"

"I'm afraid the Mrs." He paused to clear his throat. "Ellen is no longer with us. It was quite sudden."

Franklin just stared at him with eyes unblinking. "She's…?"

"I'm afraid so. A terrible devastation, and I believe those that took kindly to her would like an opportunity to bid their farewells. You will work with Miss Charlotte to create such an event, though I don't care for the news to reach those it doesn't affect. Are we in understanding?"

Franklin just nodded, unsure what he was supposed to say. The Mrs. was dead? Did the Radio Demon do it? If he did, why would he get someone to put together a private memorial and invite those he didn't care about? He had heard the rumors of course, but he just ignored them. Or he at least tried to, but they spread like wildfire.

Ellen trusted her husband for some inane reason, it seemed unlikely he killed her. She wasn't afraid of him, an impressive feat of its own. Was this a sensitive subject because the Radio Demon was actually upset with the loss? It didn't seem like it. He wouldn't dare say so out loud.

Alastor pushed to his feet dusting off his coat before grabbing his cane and moving for the exit.

"Oh and one more thing, chum. We never had this conversation, this thoughtful idea was one of your creation. I don't care for the false sympathies." He slipped into shadow leaving Franklin to carry on. He had one final task to attend to now that his affairs were finally in order. It took a month but he was ready for the next part of his plan.

He reappeared in the doomsday district just outside the palace gates. He pushed the gate open, a neutral smile spread across his face. He didn't have to wait long for the palace doors to open.

"My, my Alastor. I was wondering how long it would take for you to show up at my door."

"Lilith my dear, it is time to renegotiate our last contract."

"But of course." She moved aside gesturing for him to come in.