Ellen didn't dare leave her room to go to dinner. Her appetite had been ruined anyway. She wanted to be mad at Husk for telling Alastor where to find her, but she knew better. He would have only done so if he had too, which meant Alastor probably threatened him for it. What a jerk. He must have really wanted to see you. She shook the thought off. He wouldn't want to see her. Though he seemed sincere about him enjoying watching her on the roof. Something he can laugh about later. She sighed.

She didn't want to think about him. She layed on her bed looking up at the ceiling. Everything went downhill after the night of the open house. That's when she started falling for him, and while he was a stubborn ass, she hadn't been able to shake it. She would just have to avoid him the best she could.

The next morning she found by the front of her door, a small beautiful wooden radio. A small peace offering. It took everything in her to step over it and left it on the floor as she made her way down to the kitchen to get food.

It took a bit of trial and error, but she had managed to get his routine down pat and after a few awkward moments she could wander the hotel without running into Alastor. She didn't really feel like socializing, so she spent most of her time in her room. Charlie and Angel would check in with her a few times throughout the day, but it really only made her feel worse.

It was horrendously obvious what she was doing, but she was grateful they never mentioned it. The one good thing about staying cooped up, was that it gave her a lot of time to rest, heal. By day 6 the cuts on her neck and wrist had healed. The bullet graze still looked a bit rough, but it didn't burn anymore and her bruised arm had less blue and purple in it. She left the radio by her door for three days before she caved and bought it in, though music didn't help her mood, it just became background noise.

She lay awake staring at the ceiling in the dark. It was some ungodly hour of the night and she was wide awake. She let out a frustrated sigh before sitting up rubbing her face. She wouldn't be falling asleep anytime soon. She slipped on something that covered her up a bit more and slipped from her room. She was getting tired of staring at the same four walls so she made her way down to the lobby.

It looked very different with all the lights off, everything in the shadows. No sounds could be heard, though looking at the clock she found it was four in the morning. Early enough she wouldn't be running into anyone. She moved about the lobby slowly, her eyes getting accustomed to the darkness. She lightly started humming as she wandered feeling good about using some pent up energy. Surely she was far enough away from the rooms that she didn't have to worry about waking anyone.

She lightly started jogging in circles around the lobby, steering clear of anything she could trip over. She went around about 4 times when she finally stopped to catch her breath. Maybe she should have gotten a glass of water first. She made her way to the kitchen and flicked the lights on. She stood shocked to see, as the lights flickered to life, Alastor whipped around to look at her knocking a glass off the counter onto the floor causing it to shatter. He lingered for a few seconds before he disappeared into the shadows.

He looked a mess. No jacket, shirt untucked, sleeves rolled up. It looked like he was sick, face flushed, sweat dripped down from his brow. That was all she could absorb before he vanished. On the bright side, she got to see his tail again and it poofed up in surprise as he had turned.

Her eyes fell to the mess on the floor. She sighed and bent down to pick up the larger pieces of glass, throwing them in the garbage before grabbing a paper towel and a broom and dustpan. She swept over that spot a few times just to make sure she got all the glass. She grabbed herself a glass of water and took a slow sip thinking.

She said she was going to avoid him, but for him to come into the kitchen without his jacket, tail exposed had to be a big thing right? Even if he didn't think he would run into someone at this hour it still wasn't worth the risk. And his shirt untucked, he would never want to appear improper. She let out a frustrated groan. Something was wrong and as much as she HATED the idea of going to him, he clearly wasn't okay right now and there was no way he would reach out to anyone about it.

She begrudgingly grabbed a large bottle of water and some crackers and left the kitchen turning the light off and regretting it as her eyes now had to readjust to the darkness again. She slowly and carefully made her way back upstairs. It wasn't like she would be able to go to sleep anyways, and based on how he looked she doubted Alastor would either.

She paused at his door, wondering if he would even open it for her. Could she call his shadow just to let him know she could leave the water at his door? She wanted to see him. She missed the conversations they had. Ugh.

She knocked lightly. When she got no response she knocked again a little louder. "Hey, just open the door, okay? I just brought you some water and crackers. Looked like you kinda needed them." She waited a few seconds again to see if he would come to the door. "I'll just leave it by the door then. Hope you feel better soon, Al." She bent down to put the water and sleeve of crackers down when she heard the lock on the door click. She stood back up just as Alastor opened the door, only a crack, just wide enough to peek out. He looked just as bad as she thought.

She wordlessly handed him the bottle of water and watched as he drained half of it.

"Thank you, darling."

She handed him the sleeve of crackers, which he also took. "You okay? You look a little… not yourself."

He waved her away. "Just a little under the weather, nothing to worry yourself over."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No!" He looked panicked for a second before recovering. "No, I'm fine my dear really, I must be going, rest is the best medicine." He barely finished his sentence before he was already closing the door.

She didn't know what possessed her too, but she put her hand up to stop the door from clicking shut.

"You and I both know you're not sleeping like that, and I'm definitely not going to sleep anytime soon either. Can we- can we talk?"

He sighed. "I would love to chat Ellen, you are great company, but now isn't a good time. I have some personal things I must attend to."

She couldn't help but feel a twitch of disappointment. Obviously he wasn't going to invite her in. She looked back to him to find something out of place, his antlers were full grown.

"There's something you're not telling me."

His eyes widened and he quickly went to close the door again. This time she shoved her foot into the way blocking him.

"Alastor…"

"This is a personal matter."

"I still have two questions."

"Don't you dare…"

"Let me in. I'll just sit in silence, I promise. I just want to make sure you're okay."

"I can't let you do-"

"-Question two…"

"Fine!" He pulled the door open fully, taking a large breath in and turning from the door not bothering to invite her in.

She walked in and closed the door behind her and watched as he took a seat in one of the chairs by the fireplace, his jacket on the back of the chair. She had a better look at his antlers, and they were impressive. It was a large rack of twisting black that extended at least two feet from his head. There was no way he could sleep with it.

"So the antlers aren't just present in your demon form?"

He let out a long breath. "That doesn't sound like silence."

She rolled her eyes but moved to sit across from him. She made it two steps before he stopped her. "No, no. You're going to have to stay over there."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"If you're going to force yourself into my room, then you play by my rules. No questions, you stay over there by the door and just…stay."

She crossed her arms and sat down with her back to the door.

Her face lit up when she saw his shadow wave at her and appeared beside her.

"He's not really sick is he?" She whispered to it. He shook his head.

Alastors ear flicked toward her. "That's a question," he muttered, annoyed.

"It wasn't for you."

He turned and she pointed to his shadow. He didn't have the energy to argue. This guy was going through something.

She watched him in silence for a while. He wouldn't look her way and he seemed to be inhaling rather oddly. His skin was glistening, most likely from overheating, which explained why he opted out of his jacket and rolled his sleeves. His arms were covered in scars. Were those there before? He looked irritated. Was he really this upset about her presence? Should she leave?

He kept his eyes closed, though she could tell it wasn't because he was tired, he looked like he was constantly trying to fight his thoughts, himself. She didn't think he was lying about it being a personal matter, but she had no idea what would cause this.

He put his head in his hands, sighing in frustration. It was an odd sight.

Ellen pulled her knees to her chest, hugging them. "So you're going to just sit there miserably?"

He couldn't even glare at her. Just continued staring straight ahead. "You are welcome to leave anytime."

"Or you can tell me what's going on and let me help you. You know I'm not going to judge," She offered.

When she didn't get a response she let out a loud sigh and pushed to her feet and moved toward him.

"No, no, you're supposed to stay over there!" She kept approaching and he jumped out of his chair and stood so it separated the two of them. He looked afraid of her.

"Okay WHAT is going on?"

"I'm not discussing this with you and if you aren't going to follow my rules then you can leave."

"And that's why you're cowering behind a chair?"

"OUT!"

She was surprised it came out as a growl, he had seemed to switch his temperament in an instant. His glare now very obviously angry.

She didn't wait to be asked again, turning on her heels for the door. She wanted to avoid him anyway, why did she bother forcing herself into his room? When her hand touched the handle she stopped. An evil grin on her face. Perhaps she could have a bit of fun before she left. She turned back to face him, giving him a smug look.

"Question two, what are you dealing with that you are not telling me?"

His eyes widened in panic. The green glow was already present in his throat.

He crouched down behind the chair out of sight. As she approached she saw his claws digging into his head, hair being pulled. Perhaps she made a mistake. She sat in front of him, but still kept a bit of distance. When he finally looked at her, her stomach dropped. He was panicked, eyes pleading for an out looking around the room, to not speak. He looked like a wild animal. Almost feral. She had never seen him like this before. She had crossed a line.

"It's part-"

"Wait! You-you don't have to, I- I take it back." Her heart dropped. She wanted to know, but not at this cost. She didn't want this. Could she take it back? The glow didn't recede, only glowing brighter as he resisted.

"It's part of being in this form, I'm in a rut. It hasn't happened in decades and this time around has been particularly difficult." He scooted himself further away from her. "I don't want these feelings, these thoughts and needs. I can't control them. They won't go away."

She took a few seconds to absorb what he said. "A rut? That's like-" Her eyes widened in understanding, her cheeks burning. "-You're in heat."

She felt terrible. Would it be worse to apologize for forcing the topic? Normally she would continue pressing for answers, should she? She could leave. She didn't know what to do. This wasn't really a human thing she could relate to. Was this a normal thing for all of Hell's denizens?

"I don't normally have to lock myself in my room." The green glow was no longer present, this information he was willingly releasing.

"What makes this one so hard?"

He met her gaze and the amount of vulnerability in them surprised her. "You."

"Me?"

"I can't separate my feelings with instinct, but you're driving me insane. Your scent is all over the hotel and here, now-" He inhaled deeply. "- it's intoxicating."

"And the thought terrifies you." She was starting to understand.

He nodded and moved a little further from her again.

Was it just her? Did Charlie or Vaggie cause just as much distress? She shook that thought off. She wasn't going to open that can of worms. He mentioned her specifically. Was this him admitting he had feelings for her? And what did instincts have to do with… ooohhh. Oh. Her cheeks flushed. He wanted to mate with her. Her stomach did a little flip. She should be flattered right? Of all of hell's denizens he wanted her? Well she wasn't really into…mating, but she could maybe help him relax a bit. Nothing suggestive, just, a friend helping a friend.

"Can I try something?" She stood but waited for his answer before moving. When he slowly nodded she closed the distance between them and kneeling in front of him. She reached her hand up but paused, nervous.

"What are you-"

She pet his head slowly, massaging an ear. He stiffened and she paused.

"I can stop."

"No I- give me a second." He closed his eyes and took a small breath before nodding. She smiled wondering if his tail would twitch when he relaxed though she couldn't see it from where she was positioned. She continued massaging slowly. Soon he relaxed and started leaning into her touch. With her other hand she started on the other ear. She wasn't sure how long they sat there like that but she eventually stopped when her hands couldn't go anymore. She moved back to give him space again.

"That was okay?"

He only nodded seemingly sighing in relief.

"You've been doing the same thing I've been doing the past few days, stuck in your head with your thoughts. You need something to stop you from thinking." She stood and made her way over to a radio clicking it on and tuning it to find something to dance to. She made her way back to Alastor and offered him her hand with a gentle smile. "Dancing will clear your head right?"

Every part of him was screaming to get her to leave. It was bad enough that his talk with Rosie had left him reeling with his thoughts about her. He was convinced when he left that Rosie was simply seeing something that wasn't there, but when Ellen started hiding away in her room after he caught her on the roof, he found himself missing her presence. He had tried telling himself it was the conversations and banter back and forth he missed, but it was more than that. Or maybe that was the rut.

He had barely scratched the surface when his rut started, making things even worse. He had no idea if what he was feeling was him, or just the hormones from the rut, the unavoidable desire to mate. Surely that was why he couldn't get her off his mind. This had to be the rut. He could never have these feelings, these impure thoughts. The rut was the reason. Why, no matter where he went he could smell her. So locking himself in his room was the best solution. While her scent was present, it was very subtle, something he could ignore. Or at least until now.

Why had he even let her in? And how did she catch him so off guard in the kitchen? He surely should have been able to hear her, smell her, yet she had somehow snuck up on him. Now he was stuck in this mess. She now knew he couldn't decipher his thoughts of her. He didn't like her. He was certain of it, but being forced to tell the truth, he wasn't so sure. He liked her for the mere reason his rut was craving her. If she had asked any other time he would laugh at the idea of him having feelings for her. Yes. It was like he told Rosie, he didn't do 'liking'. He didn't have those feelings.

"Well?"

He was pulled from his thoughts. He took a step forward and tried to keep his heart rate down. Why was it racing? He would be nothing but a proper gentleman, no matter where his urges or thoughts took him. He was better than that. He took her hand and she stepped in close. He let out a shaky breath, his head filled with her scent clouding every other thought. The two moved around the room and he led her without fault. She didn't stumble this time, like she had at the open house.

She had been correct, he needed something to distract his mind. Keep his thoughts in line. He relaxed a little as the two moved around the room. He took the time to watch her. She was enjoying herself, a smile on her lips, looking almost lost in her own world. She was getting better at predicting where he was taking her, making it easier to lead.

When the song ended the two were chest to chest. He glanced down at her lips. He wondered what she tasted like, what her lips felt like. She was grinning up into his face and his mind started to panic, she was too close. He quickly stepped back creating space.

Her cheeks started to look pink. And she looked down to her feet. "I suppose I have stayed long enough. I should probably go."

He followed her to the door without a word. He didn't want her to go. Why?

She opened the door and was just about to step out and paused. "I'm sorry." She steeled her shoulders and turned to face him. Before he could ask what she was talking about, she grabbed his collar and pulled him to her, his lips crashing to hers. His eyes widened in surprise and just as quick as it started it was done and she turned and made her way down the hall to her room at a quickened pace.

He stood frozen for a few minutes trying to understand what just happened. He closed the door, locking it and turned to face his room. The ends of his smile lifted as he lightly touched his lips. She had kissed him. And he wasn't…angry? He should have been. She had invaded his space. Forced herself upon him. He should be fuming. But he couldn't ignore the jolt of electricity it sent through him hitting every nerve. This had to be the rut. He would never enjoy such a thing. Never allow such a thing.

He wasn't sure how long he stood at the door lost in thought. Perhaps Rosie was right. Maybe he had indeed started liking this girl. All he could think about was the unbridled desire to have her kiss him again. But he hated that sort of stuff. Didn't he? He needed a drink.

His gaze stopped at his piano in the corner. It had been awhile since he tickled the ivory. His head was already spinning from that kiss, he didn't need the alcohol. He couldn't fathom why his head felt fuzzy, dizzy.

He sat at the piano bench and let his finger brush over the keys.