"Okay, so I've let Charlie know we're going to have a little party and she's insisted on getting the guest list sorted. Is there anyone you want there?"

Ellen sat at her desk scribbling down plans and names for the ceremony that she seemed eager to have. It didn't seem like a big thing to him, they were simply exchanging rings, they were already wed, this seemed trivial. But if it made her happy, who was he to complain? It also kept her busy, which meant she would stay out of trouble, at least for a little bit.

"Rosie."

"Well that's a given. Is there…" She stopped. "Nevermind." She cleared her throat. "Umm. So I know we kinda just got married but since we're gathering all our friends and…" Her smile faulted for a second before she pushed on. "…friends, I thought we could renew our vows for them, too." She halted her writing.

Family. It didn't bother him that he didn't have a family. He never really had one aside from his mother when he was alive. It seemed that was a bit of a soft topic for her.

"Sorry." Her voice cracked. He moved over to her resting a hand on her shoulder. She was trying to hide the tears that slipped down her cheeks. He could read her easily now.

"I've always wanted a small wedding, but I told myself I could never get eloped because I couldn't do that to my dad. I'm his only daughter and I've robbed him his only chance to walk me down the aisle." She let out a shaky laugh. "I didn't realize that until now. Kind of a silly thing to be upset about, I don't think anyone down here has their family. I'm not going home to get married on earth so I guess it doesn't matter. He'll never get that chance anyway." She let out a long breath, pulling herself together quickly. "Sorry. I know I gotta get my emo-"

He cut her off knowing he had instilled that thought in her. "No need to apologize. I think these tears are justified. I too miss my mother from time to time."

She wiped her face and he ignored that she had smeared snot across her sleeve in the process. Not particularly lady-like. It was also a bit too late to offer her a handkerchief. No matter. He had something that might lift her spirits.

"Perhaps you would like to see the rings, hmm?" He pulled the two ring boxes from his pocket. It was easy to tell which was hers, her hands much smaller and daintier than his.

"You've picked them already?" She swiveled around in her chair.

"Just simple bands." He handed her a box and she eagerly grabbed it to take a look.

He was glad her face lit up as she saw it. He would admit he was a bit nervous she wouldn't like what he selected.

She pulled the black ring out, holding it between her fingers inspecting it. She went to put it on her finger and he quickly pulled it from her grasps.

"Ah, ah, ah. They have been imbued with a small charm. It won't come off once it's been placed on your finger. Wouldn't want that right now would we?"

"Oh. Yeah that wouldn't be good. How do you know it'll fit without trying it on first? No one here knows my ring size."

"I have my ways."

"Did you do this on purpose?" She asked suspiciously.

"I don't know what you are referring to."

"The rings are black."

"Yes I am well aware of their colour my dear. Your point?"

"You didn't talk to anyone about that?"

He rolled his eyes, they were going in circles. What was wrong with them being black? It would be better hidden on his gloves and he wasn't particularly fond of precious metals. Not to mention the charm he had put on them would make them appear black to all others anyway. It simply made sense.

"I'm clearly not catching on so if you would just indulge me."

She looked at him for a second before her eyes lit up in realization. "Right. I keep forgetting this stuff is past your time. I'm sorry. Okay." She made herself more comfortable and cleared her throat. "Not a big deal. I just find it a bit fitting the rings are black because black rings have been recently associated with asexuality. We are both asexual so I thought maybe you added a bit of…I donno…special thought into it. I mean usually they're on the right middle finger unlike wedding bands but…" she shrugged.

He blinked at her a few times unsure of what to say. They're just rings. Why was everything on earth so confusing now? Things were simpler in his time, why did it change? It didn't need to change, things were fine back then. Better even.

"I over-thought this, didn't I?" She winced lightly. "I um…will the rings be going on the left ring finger? Normal tradition or does Hell have its own thing?" She looked down at his claws and stared. "Oh. You don't… Why didn't I notice that before? You don't have…" She cocked her head to the side, eyes still glued to his hands. He moved them behind his back. He didn't like her staring.

"So you have four fingers. I don't know how I never noticed that."

"Not exactly something I care to put much thought into." He never bothered to put any thought into it. Not something he had control over, much like the rest of his form.

"Right. Sorry. Just still adjusting I guess." Her face started to glow red.

He pushed past it, deciding to answer her original question. "I myself am a bit partial to the traditional customs, however I will not push that on to you."

"No, I like that. Traditional." She turned her attention back to the ring box.

"Can I alter them?"

"What?"

"The rings. I want to put something special on them. Make it personal."

"They are the only ones like it my dear, they are already personal."

"I want to have something engraved on them." He could almost see her thoughts arising in her mind.

"Engraved?" Was that something people did to rings? What would one even engrave?

"Yeah etched, inscribed or whatever into the band."

"I know what engraved means." He hissed. "What are you thinking of adding?"

She gave him a satisfied smile. "It's going to be a surprise. And I would like both of them please. I have a cute idea."

He shook his head. If she referred to it as cute, he didn't think he was going to like it. He didn't do 'cute'.

She clearly read his face. "I promise you'll like it. I know you have a reputation to uphold. I'm not going to do anything too crazy."

He raised an eyebrow. "Cute?"

She rolled her eyes. "Okay bad wording, but I promise it'll be something small and just for us. No one will even know."

He sighed. He knew he would end up relenting to her wishes. He just really hoped she didn't do anything wild. "You realize you can not guarantee my reaction to the outcome."

She brightened. "I believe I can. I think I know you well enough to know what is and is not acceptable to your standards. You trust me don't you?"

"Not entirely." He replied honestly.

That response didn't seem to affect her at all. "Well then you are going to be pleasantly surprised." Her smile split her face.

He sighed in defeat. "Very well." He collected the ring box and replaced its ring before putting them back into his pocket. "I will see them before the ceremony to ensure they are indeed acceptable."

"As I expected. Now." She pushed herself to her feet making her way to the door. "I have some designs I want to sketch up, so to ensure it stays a surprise I will be off to see Angel." She fixed him a look. "I know you are far too afraid to sneak in there even if it is for information."

He glared back. She wasn't exactly wrong, he didn't even want to think about what sort of things Angel could have lying around. "It has nothing to do with fear my dear it's all about refinement." He gave her a small nod before leaving her to her business.

He had his arms tucked behind him as he and Ellen walked down the stairs to the hotel lobby. She was excitedly talking about the rings and Angel's help in making sure the designs were perfect. His mind was elsewhere.

He had slipped out to the shop the day before to make sure it was made very clear that their visit was discreet. His reputation would be enough to ensure that the shopkeeper would not dare try anything. He already didn't like the fact Ellen insisted on going. She wanted to make sure she was there to answer any questions the keeper may have and if it was something he couldn't do, she could make adjustments as needed. An argument he couldn't really refute.

She stopped by the front door and turned to look at him, her arm out for him to link. He wanted to make sure this outing went without any problems. Trouble always found Ellen and being out in the heart of the city was sure to tempt whatever fate ruled such things.

"Now you are only coming along-"

"-In case there are any questions about the designs." She rolled her eyes annoyed. They had been over this many times already. "I don't speak unless spoken to and I remain behind you to be seen as little as possible. Yes I know."

He gave her a look. "Hell knows I have a wife, so anyone I am with will be a target and seeing as you are particularly-"

"Easy to kill, we need to be extra careful." She finished for him. "I know. I'll play by your rules, but that doesnt mean I have to like it." She said with an irritated sigh. "You've been very clear."

"Good." He wished her words were some sort of comfort but they weren't. He knew her better than that.

He finally linked his arm with hers and the two sank into shadow straight to the shop. He moved to stand in front of Ellen. He scanned quickly and found the shopkeeper had indeed heed his warning. The windows were covered to prevent anyone from peeking in. The door was also locked to ensure they were the only ones there until they were finished. Good. He relaxed a bit.

He cleared his throat rather loudly to announce their presence. The shopkeeper poked his head from the back. His eyes widened. "Mr. Radio Demon, sir. I hope this is to your satisfaction."

He gave the shopkeep a simple nod. "Now to business." He took a few steps toward the counter and the shopkeeper moved to meet him.

"You were…uh…looking to engrave rings?"

"Correct." He removed the two ring boxes from his pocket and placed them on the counter. He also pulled the little slip of folded paper that Ellen had given him. It had the intended designs.

"What were you looking to inscribe?"

He handed the shopkeeper the paper and he hesitantly opened it. He took one quick look before his eyes shot back up. "Who is-"

"Ah, ah, ah. It matters not. Is this something you can do?"

He nodded.

"Good. How long do you think it will take?"

"I can have it done in three days. Or.. uh I could try two if you need it sooner."

He waved a hand dismissing the urgency. "Three is fine enough."

He saw the shopkeeper's eyes move to gaze behind him before widening in surprise. Great.

He turned to find Ellen had moved a little too far to the left, no longer being completely hidden behind him. Once she met his eyes she quickly shuffled back out of view, not that it mattered now.

He turned back to the shopkeeper who now looked like he would drop from fright. "I…She's um." He stumbled over his words and Alastor watched, not caring to assist. He was enjoying watching this man falling into a nervous wreck.

"I hear con-congratulations are in order. She's-" He swallowed nervously. "She's beautiful, sir."

"Isn't she though?" He put his showmanship on full display, his arm wrapping around Ellen's shoulder, pulling her to his side. "A darling little thing." He glanced down at her and she shot him a knowing look. She didn't approve of him tormenting the shopkeeper. His smile pulled higher.

Eyes flipped between Ellen and Alastor before he took the ring boxes off the counter. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"Angel Dust will be picking them up." Ellen smiled at the shopkeeper, he tried returning a smile but he couldn't quite make it.

"Yes of course."

Alastor gave her a questioning look and she further explained. "Well I'm not going to let you pick them up and seeing as I can't come, someone has to. Angel has seen the designs so he can make sure it's to my standards."

"Your- your standards?" The shopkeeper looked shocked. Alastor rolled his eyes. Now there was a chance this guy would think he could slack on his work. A small chance, but one nonetheless.

Ellen pulled herself straighter, her face quickly shifting to an expression that showed she meant business. "Yes, my standards. I assure you, in this matter my standards are far greater than his." Ellen nudged her head in his direction, her arms crossed her chest. "That won't be a problem, will it?"

Alastors grin turned into a smirk. He would have preferred she be more assertive, but that wasn't really her style. He made it to where he was by instilling power and fear, she was not scary or frightening by any means but she still seemed to make it clear she wasn't to be crossed. He could work with that.

"N-no. It won't be a problem at all Mrs."

She smiled sweetly. "Good. And I don't want you to feel rushed so-" She turned to Alastor, eyes watching for a reaction. "-Angel will come to pick them up in a week. If you take three days, you take three days, but I want to ensure this is some of your best work and I know good craftsmanship takes time."

Alastor clenched his jaw. She was undermining his word. They had already agreed to three days. That's why she was eyeing him.

"Yes, thank you Mrs. I appreciate those with a good understanding of art and skill." For the first time since they arrived the shopkeep had a grin on his face. He turned to smile at the Radio Demon. A sight he was unaccustomed to.

"She is truly remarkable, sir. You are a lucky man."

"Indeed." He muttered. He shot her a glare from his peripherals.

Her smile quickly fell, her face returning to a more neutral expression. "Right! Well I think that concludes our little trip. I look forward to seeing your work."

The shopkeeper moved to the back of the shop, a small smile still on his lips. Once he was out of sight and ear short Alastor turned to fully scowl at Ellen,

"My dear you will not undermine me like that again." He tucked his arms behind his back.

"I didn't-"

"No!" He took a slow breath. "I will not be disrespected like that again. I still have a reputation to uphold. That, whatever that was, may have tarnished my good name. You are my wife, but you will not speak against me like that."

She shook her head ready to argue back. He pressed on. "If you speak to me like that, others will try and slowly the respect and reputation I have spent decades of work building will degrade. I will not let that happen. Understood?"

She glared at him, her lips pressed together. She seemed ready to fight him on this. She wouldn't win. He had his mind set already.

She gestured to the front counter. "He doesn't think any less of you, Alastor. You are a husband looking to keep his wife happy. Happy wife, happy life. And seeing as he appreciated my input you can be damn sure he'll be hailing praises. Fear isn't what gives you respect. Respect gives you respect."

"You know nothing." He spit.

Her eyes widened in shock for a split second before clouding with hurt. She turned away from him. "That isn't true." It came out just above a whisper.

He clenched his fists tightly. It wasn't true. It was far from the truth. He glared at her back. She challenged him often, but in the presence of lowly sinners he could not allow that, but he knew better than to make commands. She would simply ignore them. He let out an annoyed sigh. "Let's return to the hotel. We are done here."

She shook her head. "No."

It took all the strength he had to keep his anger under control. "Darling-"

"Don't 'darling' me. You're done here then just go."

"And how do you intend on getting back to the hotel, hmm?" He was unsuccessful at keeping the anger out of his voice.

"I'll walk back."

He bit his tongue to keep from retorting. She was being malicious. She knew he wouldn't allow that.

"Ellen…"

"Okay, fine." She let out a long winded sigh. "I'm not going to walk, Alastor." Her voice was still soft. "I- I'm not going to apologize for what I did. And I'm not going to promise I won't do it again." She turned to face him. "I'm not going to just stay hidden behind you like one of your shadows either. I get that you don't like me speaking out against you, but I'm not going to roll over and just let you speak for me. You have your way of doing things, I have mine."

He glanced away, taking a few steps toward the door. He wasn't sure how this would play out. He never intended to have anyone by his side, it was always just him. And no one dared to question him. Except maybe Rosie, but she too, knew her place. Ellen did not. He couldn't just send her away. She was his responsibility now, he made vows. He let out a groan and asked himself for what had to be the millionth time, why her?

"Perhaps some fresh air will be good." He gestured to the door with a wave of his arm.

She gave him a feeble smile and the two made their way to the door.

A light chuckle froze him in place. He knew that sound. The hairs on the back of his neck raised and he pulled Ellen closer to him. She gave him a questioning look but after glancing at his face she remained silent.

"Alastor. I've been wondering where you've disappeared to."

He stiffened, his smile instinctively forced up to its limits, out of habit. He should have known she would have come to find him. He would have done the same if any of the souls he owned had done what he did, though he was very particular in the wording of his contracts and deals. Something he learned from her. She wasn't one he could simply battle and win, no this would be a game of wits and even so, he knew this would most likely end in his loss.

He quickly shoved Ellen behind him, and clamped a hand over her mouth to keep her quiet. She was small enough he could keep her hidden behind him. If he had the extra time, he would have just sent her away, far away.

He straightened himself up, his other arm behind his back to keep the appearance of a relaxed state, though he was everything but.

She stepped out from the back, eyes hidden behind pointed sunglasses.

"Lilith, to what do I owe the pleasure?" He greeted.

AN: I know! I left you all hanging I couldn't help it. Worry not, I will make sure to post again soon! (Possibly Sunday)

I just wanted to say thank you all for sticking with me as I continue posting and writing. I have quite bit already written and I'm looking forward to sharing, but seeing as I don't have an ending in sight yet, I am open to ideas/ suggestions. I will continuing posting Tuesdays and Thursdays, for now.

Thank you all again and enjoy!

Cheers!