It took Ellen a few days to get re-acclimatized to Hell. Everyone was glad to see her back except Vaggie and Lucifer. Or at least she assumed Lucifer wasn't, she hadn't seen him at all since getting back. She had even gone to seek him out, hoping to get some help understanding her recently recovered memory. But he never came to the door. He had to know who that shadow person was and with that, she may be able to get some answers. She had mentioned it to Alastor of course, though he was just as lost as she was.
So here she stood, fist raised fighting with her thoughts. It was obvious he was ignoring her, so it seemed silly to continue trying to get him to open up, but on the other hand he had to be avoiding her for a reason. She had no idea what she could have done to cause such a reaction. She wanted to know what she did. And if it was indeed not her then that meant he was hiding because he felt he did something. Either way she wanted answers.
She knocked on his door.
"Busy!"
That seemed to be the default answer he gave when anyone knocked on his door. The first few times she respected the desire to be left alone. As she continued to be pushed off she became less patient.
"If you don't let me in I will get Alastor to shift me in. You can't ignore me forever Lucifer."
She was rewarded with silence. She let out a groan. Could Alastor shift into the king's room? Surely like Alastor, the king had some sort of spell or barrier to keep people from making surprise visits. Even if he could, she knew he wouldn't help her. Not sneaking into the devils room. She even tried making it worth his while. The King of Hell had let her into his room, he could get Lucifer back for that. Nope.
She was going to need a different approach. She sighed.
"I need your help, okay? I got my memories back, of how I got here and there was someone that knew you. They mentioned you by name."
"What?" He hadn't opened the door but it was obvious he was now standing directly behind it.
"Can we please talk? I don't know what I did, but I'm sorry."
The door unlocked and after a small hesitation it opened a crack.
"You didn't do anything. I thought you'd be…It doesn't matter." He pulled the door open a bit more gesturing for her to enter.
She made her way over to the only spot that was open to sit. She crossed her knee holding it with both hands, her eyes exploring the room. It barely changed since she was here last. A few more ducks were on his workbench and she smiled when she saw two sitting bill to bill. One looked suspiciously like Charlie, the other like Vaggie.
"So…memories, huh?"
Ellen recounted her memory, trying her best to describe the shadowy figure, but she couldn't get any more descriptive than that. And with such a vague description Lucifer couldn't give any answers. He listed off some names but it was no help.
Ellen shook her head confused. "He made it seem like he knew you well. Like you guys were old friends or something."
He rubbed the back of his neck letting out a nervous laugh. "Yeah, well when you live forever, you meet a lot of people. Hard to keep track of them all."
"Fair enough." She let out a sigh. She couldn't hide her disappointment. She was certain Lucifer would be the key to unraveling the mystery of this 'little job' she needed to do in Hell. "Well if you do remember who it is, could you let me know?"
"Of course."
They sat in silence for a couple of moments before Ellen pushed to her feet.
"Well I suppose I should get going. Don't want to keep you from your work for too long." Her gaze went back to the Charlie and Vaggie ducks, a grin coming back to her face. She walked herself out. Lightly closing the door behind her. She still hadn't figured out why he was avoiding her, but for now she knew she at least did the best she could figuring out who or what that shadow figure was. She had time to figure this all out.
"Ah, there you are. I was wondering where you had disappeared to."
Alastors eyes moved from her to the door behind her, his expression shifting to one of annoyance. "I don't understand why you bother yourself trying to speak with him."
"To get answers. Which I got."
"So he does know of this creature?"
Ellen opened her mouth but promptly closed it pressing her lips together. She already knew what his response would be.
He rolled his eyes. "A waste of time. Just as I suspected."
"Well if it comes to him, he'll let me know."
He turned, gesturing for her to follow him down the hall to his room. "I doubt that simple mind of his has the capacity to think, let alone remember something useful."
Ellen fixed him a look, but he ignored it, holding the door of his room open for her. "We have better things to do today."
"Oh?" She gave him a curious raised eyebrow.
"I do believe it's time the rest of Hell hears of my wife. So I have a special broadcast I need to make. It will require your presence."
Her eyes widened. He was going to let her into his radio tower? She followed him up the narrow spiral staircase. She smiled seeing the unlit 'On Air' sign that hung just outside the door at the top. She thought she had remembered seeing a red glow, this was surely what it was.
"Now, I do ask that you refrain from sneaking up here when not accompanied by me. This space is where I go to be alone, much like your roof." He gave her a stern look.
She wanted to argue that even though she did go to the roof to be alone, it didn't always stop him from sneaking up to see her anyway. She pushed the thought down, this was not something she could push. She nodded.
"Understood."
"Good." He pushed the door open for her.
She stepped in already smiling. It wasn't a large space, though she figured that just went with the aesthetics. It definitely looked like something out of a history book, lost in the late 1920's not that she was surprised. On the far end of the room a large desk filled the space, with a plethora of councils with dials, switches and buttons. Off to her right was a coat rack, the rungs antlers.
Alastor moved, taking a seat in the simple plush seat in front of the desk. He waved himself a cup of coffee, flicking switches and turning knobs. She stood watching him get set up staring in awe. There were so many steps and adjustments made she had to wonder how people did this so easily. Technology had made everything so simple and watching Alastor fly over all the councils was a treat, like stepping back into history. He was in his element.
She had always thought the kitchen was where he was really relaxed, comfortable but she was wrong. It seemed silly to think his radio tower wasn't her first choice.
Alastor collected a few loose papers together, placing them off to the side.
"Darling, could you close the door please?"
She turned, pulling it closed. Her eyes now looking over the full 360 view of Hell through the wrap-around window.
"Have you been on air before?"
Her heart started racing. "No." This was all so exciting and a bit nerve wracking. Would she hear herself? What if she messed up? This was all live. Her excitement pushed through her nerves, her body unable to keep from moving, toes wiggling in her shoes.
Alastor waved her over and she had to fight the urge to squeal in excitement. This was actually happening! She moved to stand beside him before she realized there wasn't another spot to sit. When she turned to give him a questioning look he patted his lap. Her cheeks filled, blushing at the implication.
No, she would break him. She wasn't a 'big' girl but he was small, smaller than her. There was no way he would be comfortable with her on his lap for a while. How long were his broadcasts normally? Wouldn't it cut off circulation after a while? He could just wave another chair into existence.
"I won't bite, you have my word," he drawled.
Ellen bit her lip, her gaze moving to the floor to hide the deepened pink to her cheeks. He was in a playful mood, something she didn't see often. "Another chair would probably be more comfortable."
"I only have one mic and it won't reach to another seat." He moved his finger in a 'come here' motion. "I'm certain you will be the star of this broadcast my dear, might as well get comfortable being up and close with the mic."
"Wait, I'm going to be talking?"
"Why of course! My audience is going to have questions and I'm sure most of them will be for you." When she still didn't move he reached out pulling her by the waist into his lap. He went back to setting things up, arms on either side of her, keeping her from getting up.
She stayed and watched as he finished up, eventually resting both hands on the desk.
"Now, you will only speak when I prompt you to and despite being in Hell I expect you to keep your language to a minimum. You are a lady and will act as such if only so on air."
She nodded and he continued. "There will be no mention of our contract, any intimacy or private matters. Hell's denizens don't need to know much more than they already do."
"What did you mean when you said your audience will have questions?"
He hummed amused at her concern. "I will at some point open up the line for sinners to call in to ask questions, though most make requests." He grinned down at her. "But seeing as I have quite a special guest this evening I do believe many will have questions for you."
"I'm going to be answering them?!" What if they asked something she didn't know?
"Of course! You're the guest. I doubt anyone will care to hear from me tonight."
She shifted slightly in his lap and he took an arm pulling her tighter to him.
"Comfortable?"
She nodded, still worried she was going to hurt him eventually.
"Good. Are you ready?"
"I'm a little nervous."
"You'll do wonderfully, my dear I am quite certain. You were born for the limelight."
She took a steadying breath before nodding with conviction. "Okay I'm ready."
He kept one arm around her waist holding her to him as he grabbed the pentagram shaped microphone in front of them. There was a 'click' and the soft hum of power buzzing in the room could be heard as a small red light started flashing on one of the councils with the words 'On Air' written above it.
"Salutations sinners of Hell, it's your wondrous host of the greatest broadcast across all of Hell. The one and only, Radio Demon." He chuckled darkly, leaving a dramatic pause.
"I have quite the show lined up for you all. We will be cutting straight to the rumors circling hell and there will be a very special guest joining us soon. Sit back, enjoy the show and get comfortable, tonight will be a performance to remember. Stay tuned!"
He waved his wrist and music started playing something up beat and jazzy. The little red light stopped flickering and he put the mic down. It took a few seconds for her to realize her eyes lit up, turning to look at Alastor.
"I know this song."
"Indeed. It was on that list of music of yours. One of the few listed worth listening to again."
She laughed, her upper body swaying lightly with the beat, singing along to the words.
'Black coffee, I'm in trouble
Black coffee I see double
Skibadip, skididoop, skibidibap, doodie
How am I gonna get home?'
She was brought to her feet as he pushed to stand offering her a hand. "Could I have this dance?"
Ellen's smile pulled higher. She didn't think she ever wanted to leave this room, everything was coming up roses.
"It will be quicker than you're used to."
She took his hand accepting the challenge. "I trust you wont lead me astray."
"I wouldn't dream of it." He pulled her close to him and in a flash she was moving around the radio tower.
Her laughter filled the room as she was pulled across the floor. She watched as he showed off his moves. With a few cycles she followed his lead, she recognized a few, the Charleston, the cow tail and the V- step. She almost enjoyed watching him more. She wondered if anyone in Hell had ever seen Alastor like this. Rosie probably, he had mentioned someone named Mimzy? A friend from when he was alive. Probably not many others, another side of him she had the privilege of seeing. All too soon the song came to an end and Alastor had pulled her back into his lap as he returned to his seat, mic back in hand.
She didn't know how he wasn't out of breath from the dancing but she made a conscious effort to keep her labored breaths hushed.
"Now I'm sure all of Hell has heard that I have found myself hitched to a swell doll. Allow me to ease the rumors. I have indeed found myself stuck on a lovely gal and later this evening she will join me to answer any questions you may have. Though be warned, there will be no tomfoolery tolerated or I may just have to personally rip your souls out myself."
Ellen didn't need to turn to see some of his demonic form had pulled though as he made his threat. She could simply watch as his fingers and claws grew longer, barely able to keep hold of the mic. There was a dark chuckle as he let his warning soak in and in a blink he was back to his normal self.
Ellen watched as he continued what she assumed was his normal routine of his broadcast. She enjoyed just watching him, lively and almost playful as he addressed his listeners. This was something he really enjoyed, a side of him she liked seeing. She didn't think she would like his other broadcasts, the ones with screaming souls, but she would definitely enjoy just sitting, listening and watching as he did these shows.
And then there was the view. She thought the view was nice from the roof, but this was something else. She stood taking a slow walk around the room to get the view at every angle. She had always enjoyed the view of the city, especially at night. She found out from Angel that the district that was most bright and colourful was the entertainment district. If it wasn't run by the Vees she may spend time there just looking at all the lights and music.
She stifled a laugh as she turned to find Alastor was slouching in his seat, feet kicked up on the desk leaning back relaxed as he went on about Vees and their loss of one of their overlords. When he caught her watching his grin pulled higher as he waved her over. She could see now that the seat he had was more of a bench. There was more than enough space for the two of them to sit side by side. She rolled her eyes at his antics.
He pulled his feet down gesturing for her to join him, patting his lap again. She didn't bother fighting it this time, gently sitting as he watched her.
"...And I suppose it's time now for what you've all been waiting for. Dear listeners, allow me to introduce you to my missus."
He handed the mic to her and she could feel her heart racing; this was it, her introduction to Hell. After this, there was no more hiding, no more secrets, she was essentially free.
"Thank you Alastor. I'm thrilled to be here, this is all so exciting."
He summoned his radio cane speaking into it, the top glowing a bright green. She tried to give him a glare but couldn't make it over her smile. He did have a second mic. There was no need to be in his lap, only to make her a flustered mess.
"Of course my dear, it's about time I show you off. Now I'm sure the masses all want to know, what drew you to accept the hand of the great Radio Demon?"
"Fishing for compliments are we? Alright, I'll bite." She slid off his lap, wedging herself in between him and the armrest to turn and watch him as she pressed on. "I like who he is and most of what he does. He is a very smart man, knows how to treat a lady and I have no doubt I am safe in his company. It seemed like a no-brainer. But I believe the better question is what I did to catch his eye."
"Flattery will get you everywhere my dear." He chuckled. "But this broadcast isn't about me. I'm sure the listeners would love to ask pointed questions. Are you ready?"
"Well, don't let them know I'm a terrible liar. They may get more than they bargained for."
"Don't get yourself into trouble now." He playfully scorned.
"I don't make trouble, it finds me. A completely different thing." She smiled, sticking her tongue out at him. He gave her a knowing look before flicking a switch on the panel off to his right.
"Our lines are open, feel free to make requests or ask questions." His grin turned devilish and Ellen knew she was going to be stuck stuttering her way through questions she probably couldn't answer. Alastor was a secretive guy and it finally clicked. This whole thing, while it did indeed open up the idea of being able to wander the pentagram was actually a show for him. He wanted to see her struggle with the onslaught of difficult see if she could handle answering questions without letting things slip. This was a test.
"So how do we know the Radio Demon isn't just holding you hostage, making you say he's your spouse?"
Ellen laughed. She could answer that. "I don't think there is any answer that I could give that would convince everyone, but I am not being held against my will. A hard thing to believe, I'm sure."
Another voice popped up eagerly. "He tricked you into it, right? There's some sort of contract you're locked in?"
"They don't seem to trust you do they?" She smirked at Alastor. Who only shrugged.
"I've built quite a name for myself," he responded proudly.
"You have. But to answer your question, no. I wasn't tricked into this. I knew of his reputation before anything got serious so I made sure to keep myself out of any deals."
He gave her a small nod, she had done a good job deflecting the question, yet still making it seem like she had answered it. She got this.
A small voice came up next, nervous and a bit squeaky. "Did he really marry you to get his soul back?"
"Umm…"
The smile fell from her face. That information was in the paper a while ago, she remembered Alastor telling her so. She never asked how he felt about it. Should she deny it? Should she be honest? Her eyes shot to Alastor but he gave nothing away. He wanted to see what she would say. Maybe it was best to deny it, he probably didn't want anyone knowing about his soul and the possibility of him not owning it. Though if she was honest, it would be assumed he did indeed have it now. What would be best for his reputation?
"I can't be sure of his reasons for going through with it, this is the Radio Demon we're talking about after all. He's bound to have secrets I'll probably never know about. I know it was mentioned in the paper a while ago and seeing as no one knows who the informant is, it's likely a story made up to get people talking. I don't think anyone knows Alastor that well, not even me."
Another satisfied nod and she let out a quiet breath, relieved she managed to get through that.
"Yes, I have a question for the Radio Demon himself."
Alastor raised an eyebrow but pulled his cane closer. "I'm all ears, ask away."
"Do you love her? Your wife?"
"Love?"
Ellen already knew how this would play out. He would laugh and deny it, of course. Someone like the Radio Demon would never possess such a feeling, not to the common folk anyway. She sank into her seat a little bit. She knew that was how this relationship would play out, she would never be shown off as such a weakness. He would never admit it. A part of her wish he did. Why did it matter if Hell knew he did in fact deeply care for her? She would be a target regardless, why not be honest? Would it really tarnish his reputation that much?
There was a long pause. As the seconds stretched on she waited for the laughter, but it didn't come. Alastor's eyes shifted back and forth trying to figure out what to say. Ellen felt the pressure, the silence stretching too long, finally she jumped in, letting out a nervous laugh.
"Love isn't the right word. I suppose in his own way he cares for me, but I-"
"-no." He interrupted her. His eyes looked straight at her wide and full of emotion. Her breath caught in her throat. She shook her head in disbelief. He did. He did love her.
She felt her insides twist in delight. Was he going to admit it to all of Hell? He didn't need to. She would be happy knowing it, even if it had to be kept on the DL. Sure he had eluded that he did, back when he had tried ripping her heart out, but this look was one of self realization. This was the end of all that self exploration. He had finally come to terms with it.
"No, I do love my wife, it seems a bit foolish to marry without being sure of such feelings."
Ellen just stared, time slowing around her. He admitted it. He admitted to all of Hell that he loved her. Her smile pulled as far as it could, hurting her cheeks. Her chest had filled with a flutter that she could only explain as love and awe. She absent mindedly put her mic down leaning closer to him, pulling his head to hers. She pressed her lips to his kissing him with everything she had in her. He loved her.
She wasn't sure how long it lasted, probably only a few seconds, but when he finally pushed her back he had to clear his throat.
"I hope that satisfies your inquiry."
There was a moment of silence before another voice filled it with another question.
"What's your wife's name? Is she really a doe?"
The two just stared at each other, still trying to hold on to the moment. Ellen's eyes stayed on Alastor. "No, I'm not a doe. I-"
"-tomorrow midday I think my wife and I will take a stroll around the city. I'm sure you sinners want to see her for yourselves. And I will remind those that think they can make a move against me or my dearest will have another thing coming."
There was another pause before he continued.
"Unfortunately that is all the time we have for this broadcast, I do hope you all enjoyed this exciting segment and you tune in for my next broadcast. Until next time stay depraved and vicious."
The little red flickering red light stopped, they were no longer on air.
She watched him carefully, unsure what had caused him to shut it all down so quickly. It was all going well.
"Alastor?"
"Apologizes my dear, I need some time to myself."
"Of course." She stood making her way to the door. She turned to take another look. He had his head in his hands, eyes looking everywhere but seeing nothing. He wasn't expecting it to go as it did. She opened her mouth to ask if maybe he wanted her to just sit with him, remain silent, let him know she was there if he needed, but thought better. He would come find her if he needed. For now he needed to get his thoughts inline.
She opened the door and let herself out, making her way down the stairs and out of his room. His shadow tried blocking her way but she gave it a look and he moved aside. "He'll find me when he's ready," she told him.
AN: The song mentioned in this chapter is: Black Coffee (feat. Nat Gonella) by Pisk. ( Such a good song! I love it so much. XD)
