"Really Ellen you must get those emotions under control." He handed her a handkerchief.

"They don't get it, they don't understand."

"Well of course not! Ah Ha! That's the point my dear. Always keep them guessing. Where's the fun in being predictable? Understood? Hmm?"

"They think I'm naive."

"But my dear you are." It wasn't meant as a slight, she really had little knowledge of how Hell functioned.

"Oh fuck you Alastor. I got your soul didn't I? You going to admit you lost it to a naive little girl?"

"Hmm. No, but I did give it to my lovely wife. Sounds better that way doesn't it?" He sat beside her on the bed.

She pouted. "I'm not naive. Like I said downstairs, I know what I signed up for. I wasn't tricked into this." She pulled her knees into herself hugging them.

"Perhaps not, but my reputation does precede me and I like to make sure it keeps others out of my way. Something you will get used to in time."

"Everyone thinks you're some kind of monster."

"Ah ha! I am!," he proclaimed cheerfully. "My time on earth was simply a trial run to my time here in Hell."

Ellen rolled her eyes. "Okay, but that doesn't mean you're a monster Alastor. Yeah you can be a jerk sometimes but I know you're not a monster, no matter how much you may pretend to be."

That gave him pause. He turned and looked at her curiously. "Ellen, Do you…" His ears flattened. "Rosie seems to believe that perhaps you…" He stopped again. Why was this so difficult? It's not like he was admitting any feelings for her. His heart was racing, his palms sweaty, it was almost like he was in heat again. It was just a simple question, why couldn't he get the word out? He let out a little sigh. Was he afraid of the answer?

"Alastor? She grabbed his hand. He blinked a few times, being pulled from his thoughts. She smiled up at him. "I can't answer if I don't know the question."

"Why?"

She let out a little huff. "I may be good at reading people but I-"

"-no, no. You don't think I'm a monster. Why?"

Her face scrunched up. "No one is purely evil, just like no one is purely good. Do you deserve to be in Hell?" She rolled her shoulders. "I can't really argue that, but you've been nothing but a complete gentleman to me. I'm sure Rosie would say the same. You may have no remorse for killing, but most of it has been to protect those around you. Look at our marriage contract, most of it benefits me. You could have screwed me royally." She smiled. "But you didn't. So yeah, I don't think you're a monster."

He looked away. The contract was written to protect himself, which meant her as well. It wasn't entirely intentional. Although maybe she was right. Maybe he wrote it to benefit her, he only wanted her soul after all.

"You're having a hard time trying to understand these feelings. That's why you visit Rosie. Aside from the gossip."

"Not you too, I hate when Rosie does that." He muttered. How did they always seem to know his thoughts, it was almost impressive.

"Women just know things."

He huffed, rolling his eyes. "So I've been told."

"So what did Rosie say?"

He glared at her. He was definitely not going to open that can of worms. He already had his mind turning from his discussion with Rosie, he would not do it again with Ellen.

"Much to think about. On my own."

She held her hands up in defense. "Okay. But if you ever need a soundboard, I'm always free to listen." She pushed to her feet. Moving to the door. Panic flickered through him. Why was she leaving? Where was she going? Why did he care?

"Wait!" It slipped from his lips before his brain could stop it.

"I'm going to get cleaned up." She gestured to the blood soaked clothes she was still in. "Besides, you have stuff to think about, I don't want to be a distraction. I know you'll want some time alone."

She wasn't wrong, she knew him well. He stood closing the distance between the two. "Of course."

"Alastor?"

"Yes, little doe."

Her cheeks glowed. He enjoyed the fact the simple endearment flustered her that way. Always entertaining. Perhaps adorable as well.

"I want to try something, but I don't want to cross a boundary."

"No need to be shy. I am yours my dear."

She glanced up at him through her long lashes and his mouth went dry. What was she doing to him? A simple look seemed to shake him to his core. His heartbeat started to quicken and his stomach started to knot again. Was he feeling sick?

Her hand moved to touch his cheek and he stiffened under her touch. She pulled his face to hers and he could only stare, like a deer in headlights. She placed a soft kiss on his lips and lingered only a moment before taking a step back, her gaze down trying to hide the blush that had filled her face.

"I just… we've never done that out of heat, I wanted to know what it was like without all the crazy emotions involved.."

Was it warm in his room? It felt like his heart had skipped a beat. He was sure his face glowed as red as hers. Something was wrong. Why did it still send a jolt through him? He couldn't possibly be in another rut. Why did he want to kiss her again? Very unlike him. Had Rosie clouded his head with illusions of romance and love?

"I um… I should go. If you need me I'll probably be on the roof."

He wished he could have said he reacted on instinct, but this was far from that. This was out of the norm. Something else had taken hold of him. Rosie mentioned not to think with his head and it was clear he didn't as he pulled her to him. Lips finding hers again, wanting to feel that jolt again, something that lit him alight in his core. He wanted to hold her and never let go. Foolish Rosie putting these thoughts in his head.

She wrapped her arms around him and he responded likewise. He shouldn't be enjoying this. Maybe he wasn't? His stomach seemed to be twisting, surely that was a bad sign? Finally his brain caught up and he abruptly pulled himself from her, taking a few steps back. He cleared his throat. The two stood in silence for a quick moment, eyes anywhere but each other.

"I should-"

"Yes of course."

She gave him a quick gaze, her face burning again before leaving, closing the door behind her.

Not only had his head betrayed him, his body had too. His cheeks remained hot, trying to ignore the fact that for the first time in memory in both his life and afterlife, he was standing there with a sudden tightness below his belt. A warmth he had only ever experienced in his rut. How did this happen?

He thought Rosie had given him a lot to think about, it seemed now he had even more to ponder. He was losing control of himself. He was usually better than this. He had just lectured Ellen about getting her emotions under control and here he was losing control of his own. He shook his head. There was no way this was a strength, as Rosie insisted it was. It was a nuisance, problematic and slowly driving him insane. Although now, it was much more difficult to deny that he may 'like' her.

He moved to his radio tower, one of the few places he could be fully undisturbed. He slowly made his way up the staircase before opening the door and closing it behind him. He wasn't in the mood to broadcast but here he could at least be alone with his thoughts. He took a seat in the old chair and rolled over to the control panel. His eyes caught on his broken staff. He gave it an annoyed look.

He had tried many times to fix it. His own power wasn't enough and there was no way he was going to anyone else to help. That would be too big a favour to owe someone. He had thought about replacing it, but quickly brushed it aside. He had kept this with him as long as he had been in Hell, not something that could simply be replaced. He took the two broken pieces and held them in his hands. He wasn't going to try to fix it, he had used a portion of his power already today, not to mention his wife had taken some too. He sighed. He would need something else to channel his magic through, soon.

If Charlie was correct and the 'V's were planning to make moves to gain more power he would need to be at the top of his game. He would need to be at his full power if he were going to be in battle again. And now, he had the displeasure of having a very obvious weakness he would need to protect. One all of Hell now knew he had. He shook his head.

He leaned back clutching the staff to him. Maybe he would take up Ellen's offer of healing the rest of that angelic wound, every little bit should help, right? He hadn't tried since his soul changed ownership either, not that he thought it would make a difference, but he supposed it was worth a try later. He sighed, placing the pieces back onto the control console.

He rolled over to the phonograph and placed a record on hoping some music would help him with his thoughts. He had a lot to ponder.

Ellen didn't dare leave the top floor. She wanted to avoid everyone. Still a bit raw from the argument. She quickly showered and changed and sat at the foot of her bed in thought.

So now the hotel knew. Heck all of Hell now knew that Alastor had a bride. But there was no way they could keep her hidden forever. Hell would find out eventually that there was a mortal soul hiding at the hotel and then they were really in trouble.

She wasn't very versed in how things ran down here, though with time she was sure she would figure it all out. Overlords seemed to keep themselves out of others business. They only worried about their own districts and people. Things only became a problem if someone tried invading their turf.

Alastors turf was the hotel so the overlords knew better than to mess with the hotel, unless they wanted to mess with Alastor. He had built quite the reputation for himself. Or so she was told. And if Vox never published the footage of the battle no one would think Alastor wasn't at full strength.

She may not have seen him at full strength, but she could tell he wasn't, there were still small hints, small clues that she picked up on. The obvious one being what was left of the angelic wound. It still seeped blood if he over exerted himself. And then there was the staff, or cane. She had only seen it in the battle footage, but her conversation with Charlie and Vaggie made it clear it held some importance. And even though she hadn't seen it, she knew Alastor kept it. Somewhere out of sight and safe.

She leaned back to lay down on her bed. Hell was still a confusing place to her. Still so much she didn't know. She let out a long tired sigh. She was already an anomaly, but now she'd alienated herself even more. Everyone at the hotel now thought she was stupid. Trading her soul away. Would they think differently if she could tell them she had gotten his in return? Did anyone know he didn't have his soul to begin with? Probably not.

She closed her eyes in hopes of clearing some of her racing thoughts but ended up falling asleep. A loud bagging on her door woke her suddenly.

She shuffled over to the door and was surprised to find Husker standing there. A quick glance behind him answered her first question. Charlie stood behind him, arms crossed with a distinct pout on her face.

Ellen sighed. She knew where this was going.

"Husk has something he would like to say to you." Charlie pushed.

Husker rolled his eyes, the look on his face showing his obvious displeasure. "I'm-"

"It's okay. You don't need to apologize." She glanced over his shoulder to Charlie who looked surprised.

"But if I could have a word with Husker alone?"

Charlie brightened up. " Of course!" She quickly moved down the hallway to give them space.

Ellen's gaze returned to Husker. "I'm not going to accept a forced half-assed apology. You're not sorry."

"I'm not."

"So we agree if Charlie asks, we're okay?"

"Agreed."

"Great."

He turned to leave but paused. "You didn't hear it from me, but if you ever need it, Alastor doesn't own his soul either."

"You knew?"

He raised an eyebrow. "You knew?"

She huffed. "How else do I ensure my soul is safe and doesn't get used?" She crossed her arms.

His eyes widened finally understanding. "You have it? How'd you…? Well I'll be damned. Shit."

She glared at him. " Like I said, I'm not stupid. And I know you're smart enough to take this to your grave, yes? You had that information before I assume you can be trusted with it still. I don't think I can stop him from doing what he wants to the souls he owns."

He looked at her in shock. "How'd you get him to agree to that?"

"The hardest part was getting him to agree to take my soul."

"He didn't want it? That's surprising."

"He did, he just wanted the trade to be fair. And my soul is a bit of a big price apparently."

"He really does care for you then."

She finally let a small smile across her lips. "In his own way, I suppose he does."

He let out a ragged sigh, shoulder slumping forward. "I'm sorry."

"Apology accepted." She leaned forward to give him a hug. Her grin widened. She was hugging a big fluffy cat. He was as soft as she thought he would be.

He stood stiff for a few seconds before he relented and hugged her back.

"So should I be calling you boss, now?" He asked as they pulled apart.

She laughed. "Definitely not. We both know he doesn't share."

He looked less grumpy when he turned back to Charlie. "Thanks kid."

Her smile was authentic as she watched him turn and pass by Charlie, ignoring her bubbly rant about apologies.

At least now she had Husker on her side, and she didn't really have to divulge much. He had already known Alastor didn't own his soul, technically he still didn't. She only let him know she now owned it. If Alastor let him know, then he was clearly safe to know it had changed ownership. Alastor probably wouldn't have liked that she had done that, but she was confident Husk would keep it to himself.

She turned back to her room feeling a bit better. She let out a satisfied sigh then grabbed her radio and headed for the roof. She wasn't going up to sing and dance. This time she would sit there and just listen and let her mind wander.

She didn't know how long she was left alone, but she was grateful it was Angel that had come up to find her.

"So he finally got you your own radio huh? Marriage is a bit of a steep trade but I suppose it works." The smile on his face showed he was joking. She smiled back appreciating the light heartedness.

"I knew I'd get it eventually."

He laughed as he sat down beside her, looking out over pentagram city.

"So you an Al huh? Didn't think I'd ever see him settle."

She gave him a sideways glance, a small smirk still present on her face. "Oh come on, you knew well before everyone else. Don't tell me you're surprised."

"I knew but I guess I never really believed it. How long you guys been hitched?"

"Hmm. Not long. Since hiding away I guess. Only Lucifer knew."

"And ya couldn't invite the rest of us?" He feigned hurt.

"The circumstances were a bit… complicated. But I suppose since all of Hell knows now I guess we could do it again, invite family and friends this time around." She shrugged looking back out over the city. "Of course I'd have to consult my husband."

"Of course. Wouldn't want to upset smiles." He looked over at her, his face getting serious. "So he really owns your soul?"

She only nodded, not wanting to see the look of disapproval she assumed he had on his face.

"He treating ya alright?"

"If you're looking to lecture me about Alas-"

"'-Nah. Nothing like that. I'm just looking out for my lil sis."

She smiled and turned to him to find he had a similar smile on his own face. One that showed he really did care for her.

"The best I've ever been treated actually." Her smile fell a little. "It's a bit odd coming across a guy that is an actual gentleman, no strings or ulterior motives attached." That wasn't entirely true, he did have some ulterior motives, but there were still some actual feelings he was sorting out. He still seemed to care about her wellbeing.

She turned away looking out over the city, her shoulders falling slightly. "Kinda crazy I had to go to Hell to find someone that actually treats me right."

"Alastor is the one you're comparing guys to? You realize he's a serial killer right? Has no remorse for killin' and has a sadistic and twisted sense of humour? Wit questionable morals."

"Yeah, what does that say about my mortal existence." She pulled her knees into her chest.

Angel slid closer putting two arms around her. "Earth sounds shit."

"I guess it's constant. Everyone suffers in some way or another."

"Yeah. Life wasn't too great to me either. 'specially being gay."

She turned and gave him a small smile. "Can't say it's perfect, but it's nowhere near as bad as it was in your time. Sexuality has serged the past few decades. Gay marriage is a thing now in most places. It's not taboo as a subject now, in fact it's celebrated in some places."

"So you're saying I shoulda been born like fifty years later." He leaned back.

She laughed. "Yeah I guess. But then I wouldn't have gotten to meet you."

"I guess it was worth it in the end. Sure Hell kinda sucks and Val is a nightmare, but I have friends here that are better than anyone I had on earth, and these ones are genuine." He bumped his shoulder into hers. The two sat in silence for a moment, enjoying each other's company. He stood brushing his butt off before offering hands to help her up.

"I came up to tell ya dinners ready. You ready to head down?"

She took his hand and then brushed herself off following him to the roof access. "Should I be worried about Vaggie trying to kick me out, still? I want to believe she said it because she was mad, but I don't know her well enough to be sure."

"She'll have to get through Alastor if she's going to kick you out. And if that ain't enough she can fight me too. Husker and Nifty will have your back too. He said you guys patched things up." He put his arms around her again. "Like I said, we's a family and family sticks together."

She bit her lip to keep it from quivering. She didn't realize how much she needed that reassurance. They were family. Her new family. Not by blood but of something stronger. She pulled him into a hug, head burned into his chest hoping to hide the tears that had slipped from her eyes.

"Hey I-" He wrapped his arms around her, returning the hug. "Yeah, yeah, okay. Do I need to get smiles for ya?"

She laughed in his chest. "No. I'm sure he'll materialize shortly."

He pulled her away, holding her up with all four arms like a small toddler. "What, you guys psychic now? More voodoo powers?"

Before she could respond the Radio Demon appeared announcing his presence causing Angel to pull her back to his chest in a protective embrace.

"Just something to ensure I keep her protected to the best of my abilities."

"Jesus! What the fuck Al! Give a guy a warning." He placed Ellen down crossing his arms to stare at Alastor.

Alastor eyed her momentarily before returning his gaze to the spider.

She quickly explained. "No danger just, opening up and being vulnerable. I'm sorry I didn't mean to cause alarm." She gave him a bashful look trying to subtly wipe her face. She really needed to remember that her emotions could be read by him.

Angel gave her a curious look but didn't ask, instead throwing a thumb to the door. "Well I'm going to head down for food. I'll see you guys down there ya?"

Alastor only gave him a nod before turning his attention back to her. When they were alone he moved closer pulling her face up wiping what was left of her tears off her face with his thumb.

"I believe we already had a discussion about emotions my dear." His look was stern but his voice said otherwise, softer than usual.

"I know." She turned to pull her face from his grasp but he tightened his grip keeping her eyes on him.

"What's upset you?"

"I'm not upset."

"You were crying. What did the spider say?" His eyes narrowed

"He just reassured me that I'm welcome here. That we're family and we stick together."

"And that upsets you?" He let go of her face.

She laughed. "No, not at all. It makes me happy. Ever since arriving in Hell I've been an anomaly, vastly different and it's nice to feel accepted. I don't have to pretend to fit in, here everyone is a misfit in some way and I'm just part of the family."

When he continued looking at her confused she pressed on. "They were happy tears. And you'll be happy to know that you aren't the only one that will protect me. Angel, Husker and Nifty will keep me safe too."

"I don't recall asking them to."

"You didn't have to. Just like you don't have to worry about me protecting you. Even without being contracted to, I would do what I could to protect you. It's something you do for people you…"

Love. She loved him? She was fairly sure she did but was he ready to hear that? He seemed to have a hard time asking her before. Was it because he didn't want the answer? Was it right for her to just blurt it out now? Was she ready to admit it? Maybe he wouldn't notice? Fuck it.

She met his eyes. "It's what you do for people you love."

His eyes narrowed. "So you love others?"

She looked at him shocked by the bitterness of the question. "There is more than one type of love, Alastor. What I feel for you is unmatched to anyone else, but I can still love others in different ways. I love Angel like a brother, nothing romantic but like family."

"How is that different from liking someone?"

She opened her mouth to respond but was at a loss for words. How could she explain it to him? Love was different for everyone and trying to explain it was difficult. Sure she could try and find the dictionary definition but it was so much more complex than that. Anything that involved feelings or emotions were complicated. Liking someone was…what? Was it as simple as having a crush on someone? Even that was subjective. No, she couldn't give him an answer. Not, one that could really convey the true depth of what those words really meant at least.

She shook her head. "I can't give you a true answer. It means something different to everyone. I can't tell you what liking someone or loving someone means to you. It's up to you to interrupt those feelings."

He let out an annoyed huff. "Of course." He extended his arm to her. She took it and the two slipped into shadow reappearing in the lobby.

Ellen gave him a small smile before taking a seat next to Angel. He leaned over whispering, "I didn't get ya I trouble with the mister did I?"

She shook her head whispering back. "Emotions are hard to explain." Her eyes followed the Radio Demon. He moved into the kitchen and never exited. She knew he had taken what he wanted and returned to his room. She felt a bit disappointed. They all knew they were a couple, why hide in his room? Was he upset that she couldn't explain the difference between like and love?

She spent most of dinner conversing with Angel and Husker who took the seat on the other side of her. She tried to ignore the glares she was getting from across the table from Vaggie, but even Angel and Husker seemed to notice.

When she finished Angel and Husker followed her to the kitchen with their own dishes. It seemed Vaggie was still upset about earlier and Ellen couldn't express her gratitude enough to Angel and Husk for keeping by her side. Angel even walked her back to her room even after she insisted she was okay on her own.

"Ya sure you ain't going to check in with smiles?"

"Nah, I think he needs some time to himself. He'll seek me out if he needs me."

"You guys really planned this all out huh?" He looked down the hall to Alastors room.

"We make it work." She shrugged her shoulders. It wasn't ideal at first, but things seemed to work out. She needed to be less emotional and he had to learn to be more. Or maybe they just stay as is. Opposites attract, they say.

"So you not wearing a ring cause it was supposed to be secret, but now that all of Hell knows you're going to get one right?"

She looked down at her hand. She had forgotten about that. It was mentioned in the contract but she couldn't remember the full wording.

"Yeah at some point."

"He ain't pickin it is he?"

"Probably."

He shook his head. "Bet he has no idea what you'll like."

She opened her mouth to agree but stopped. "I don't know. He knew exactly what dress I would pick for the open house and that was well before we got close."

"Oh right. Nifty mentioned that."

The two stood in silence for a moment before he turned to face her again with a smirk on his face.

"Well I'm glad he's good to ya."

He turned and headed back towards the elevator. "Now that you aren't keepin secrets, don't be a stranger, ya?"

She smiled at him. "Thank you Angel. I won't."

She stood in the hallway for a moment after the doors closed just feeling content as to how well the evening had turned out. She hoped Alastors night was as good as hers. She promptly turned to her door, letting herself into her room feeling pleased.