Charlie took a steadying breath wiping her hands on the pants. It was just a quick talk with her dad, no big deal. She knocked.

"Busy!"

"Dad I just wanted to talk about…"

"Charlie!" It sounded like something was knocked over as she heard him come to the door, it opened with a flustered Lucifer quickly pulling himself together.

"What can I do for you, my little apple?"

She smiled at the sentiment. "I wanted to talk about our newest guest. I don't know much about mortals and I figured since at one point you kinda knew some…" She was fidgeting with her hands. Rehabilitating sinners is one thing, but how would she help Ellen since she hadn't really died? This was something well beyond her and though it was a stretch, she was hoping her dad may have more insight. "…maybe you could help me with this."

"Charlie I-" His hand ran through his hair as he let out a weary sigh. "-I don't know. She's going to be a big risk. Any demon that knows there's a mortal soul here is going to do whatever they can to take her soul. If she dies here she won't revive like sinners and I doubt she'll make it back to earth. If heaven knew…"

"So we keep her here. She'll be well protected here between you and Alastor." She ignored the face her dad made at Alastors name and pressed on. "No one out there knows about a mortal soul being here, we just have to wait it out."

"Charlie, I know you're prepared to help, but I don't know, this may be out of our hands. If there is some turmoil with her soul, maybe it would be better if she stayed in heaven, it would be the safest place for her."

Charlie bit her lip thinking. He was making good points, but something was still bugging her. "Then why didn't she just spawn up there? There has to be a reason she's in hell. If we can figure that out, maybe she will go back to her life on earth."

Lucifer only shook his head. "I don't know enough about mortals. How long can a body survive without a soul? Are we sure she isn't a sinner?"

"Dad! How many sinners have you seen like her?"

Another head shake. He couldn't argue that she wasn't human. "Humans are very fragile, Charlie. There's no way she made it here unnoticed, it's going to get out and when it does there will be a very large target on the Hotel."

"Why?"

"Her soul has yet to be judged, it's untainted. It has much more power then almost any other soul down here. I would have to do some research but it may allow anyone who owned her soul access to the mortal realm as well. A pretty big deal." He rubbed the back of his neck.

"So that means people are going to want to keep her alive. Can't make a deal if she's dead." Charlie's mind was already reeling with ideas. She would warn Ellen about soul deals and that should solve the biggest problems. Yeah sometimes demons would attack the hotel but it was never a huge issue. Between her dad, Alastor and Vaggie, there was no way any harm should come to Ellen. She could do this.

"Charlie, humans are fragile. Very, very fragile…"

Charlie threw her arms around her dad, hugging tightly. "I got this! Thanks dad!" She turned and practically skipped down the hall. Now she'd have to talk to Vaggie about her next steps. At the mourning meeting she could bring up her plans so everyone was on the same page. Maybe she should have a quick word with Alastor about trying to make soul deals with Ellen. She glanced at her phone. Alastor would be in his office on the main floor, so that's where she headed next.

The door opened on its own, Alastor still sitting at his desk looking through some paperwork. He didn't even look up.

"Hey Alastor, I know you're probably busy, so I'll be quick. I just wanted to make sure that uh, you aren't going to be making any soul deals with the residents here."

He glanced up at her, putting his work down, his head in his hands. "Why, my dear, that limits my entertainment, though I suppose I'm up for a challenge."

"I mean it, Alastor, no soul deal making with the residents." She stood straight trying to sound authoritative.

His eyes narrowed. "This is in regards to our new guest. The mortal one."

It wasn't a question but Charlie nodded anyway.

There was a few seconds pause before his smile pulled wider. He leaned back into his chair. "Hmm. I suppose I can agree to that."

"And I'm sure I don't have to tell you, no one can know she's here either."

"Don't worry my dear, I'll keep a very close eye on her. Things have certainly become much more interesting."

Charlie let out a breath. This went a lot smoother then she thought. "Okay, well. Thank you Alastor. I'll let you get back to your work." She turned, pulling the door closed behind her. Now to find her girlfriend.

She found Vaggie in their room. She quickly explained what she learned from her dad and the quick pop in with Alastor.

"Babe, you know Alastor is still going to try, even if he doesn't know what it'll do. Hell, he's probably going to look into it now that you've made it such a big deal."

Charlie shook her head. "He promised he would make no soul deals. He even said he would keep an eye on her." Her smile didn't seem to reassure Vaggie. "Besides, I'll pull Ellen aside later and explain soul deals and why she shouldn't be making them."

"Can't"

"What?"

"Why she can't make them, especially with Alastor. One can only guess what he would do with access to the mortal realm." Vaggie shook her head. "I dunno Charlie, maybe your dad is right. Surely Heaven has to be the best place for her to reside before this is all figured out. I'm sure they would be better equipped with this kind of situation. No one in hell knows anything about the mortal realm. Sinners may remember their time there but, babe, they came down here for a reason, they may not be the best resource."

"If she was supposed to be up there then that's where she would be. There has to be a reason she came down here."

"Maybe it was a mistake."

"And maybe it wasn't. Vaggie I have to try."

Vaggie sighed, taking a seat beside her on the bed. "This is a lot for someone to take in Charlie. Don't you think it would be easier for Ellen in heaven? No demon forms, no cannibalism, no violence and death everyday. Your dad spooked her and he's probably one of the nicest people down here. What if the hotel were to be attacked again? Babe there's so much here out of our control."

"She'll get used to it. Everyone that comes to hell has a- "she rolled her wrist looking for the right words. "-um an adjustment period. I'm sure once she's had a few days to get accustomed to it, she'll like it here. Besides, she won't be leaving the hotel."

"You can't keep her locked in here forever Charlie."

"It won't be forever." Her voice was starting to waver. "It's just until we can send her back."

Vaggie knew she couldn't change Charlie's mind. "Okay. How about we give Ellen a week to get settled, if she's still not comfortable or happy here we'll reach out to Emily and see if Ellen can move there."

"Okay"

Charlie really hoped that Ellen would join everyone at dinner this evening. She wouldn't know where to find her otherwise. She was just entering the lobby with Vaggie when she found her sitting at the bar with Husker and Angel Dust. It seemed they were getting along. Charlie felt some tension leave her. This was good. She gave Vaggie a quick hug before heading over to the group. Vaggie was on dinner duty this evening.

"Hey guys!"

Everyone murmured greetings. Charlie took a seat next to Ellen.

"So what are we talking about?"

"I was just telling Ellen here to loosen up a bit. She doesn't drink. Can you believe it?"

"No no, I can drink, I'm just a terrible lightweight and only partake socially." Ellen corrected.

"This ain't social enough?"

Ellen smiled, pointing a finger at Angel. "You are trouble and I like that, but no. I am not going to drink tonight. Maybe another night when I don't have to worry about spilling embarrassing stories to people I've just met."

"Ain't that the best people to blab too? The ones ya don't know?"

Ellen laughed. "Yeah except I would still have to face you the next day knowing I made an ass of myself."

"Can't argue with that." Angel toasted his drink before finishing the rest in one shot. "Alright I'm off to work. Good luck enjoying your evening without me." Angel stood and sauntered out the front door.

Charlie took the opportunity to pull Ellen aside. "Hey can I have a quick word Ellen?"

"Sure." She hopped off her chair and followed Charlie across the lobby, taking a seat on one of the couches across from her.

"Okay so I know today has been a lot to take in, but I have one thing I need to explain to you. Remember how I mentioned that sinners got power from trading and owning souls?"

Ellen nodded, leaning closer.

"So it's done through deals. Soul deals specifically and usually only powerful demons can do them, but because we've never had a mortal soul here we don't know if just anyone can make a deal for your soul. Most in these kinds of deals never get their soul back. So I just wanted to make sure you don't go making any deals with anyone."

"What does that mean, owning someone's soul?"

"Just know that it's not good, many only take them when they feel like they have no other option, or get tricked into it. Souls are the highest value currency in hell. So no hand shake deals okay? Not with anyone. It could jeopardize your ability to get home."

Ellen leaned back looking a bit uneasy. "Why do I get the feeling this talk was required because there's someone here that wants my soul." Her eyes started darting around the room.

Charlie shook her head. "No one here is going to make a deal for your soul, but if anyone comes by or someone out there offers you a deal, DON'T take it, DON'T shake their hand. I'm only telling you this to keep you safe. It is hell after all and as much as I want to help sinners get redeemed there are still some out there that aren't ready yet, may never be."

"So no handshakes and no deals. Got it. How do I know if I don't own my soul anymore?"

Charlie bit her lip. "I-I don't know. I suppose it would be an obvious ordeal. I guess Nifty or Husker would be the best to ask."

"They don't own their souls?! Who has them?"

Charlie pressed her lips together. This wasn't something for her to share. On the other hand, she wanted Ellen to fully understand the seriousness of what could happen if she wasn't careful. She also didn't want to demonize Alastor anymore then she had already. He wasn't…that bad. He was an overlord after all and she had already told Ellen that's how they accrued power.

"Charlie?"

"It's not for me to say. Just…no soul deals."

It was clear Ellen wasn't satisfied with her answer, but she didn't press her and she was grateful for that.

Vaggie calling everyone for dinner was a welcome distraction from the end of their conversation and even though she couldn't put on her normal air of happiness, she managed a smile beckoning Ellen to the table for dinner. Though she did notice Ellen stealing glances at Husker and Nifty throughout the meal. Had she been too harsh in her warning? She wasn't surprised that both her dad and Alastor were absent from dinner. They usually were.

Ellen couldn't shake the warning Charlie gave her before dinner. Soul deals. What would one trade for their soul? Clearly people could still live without owning their soul, but what kind of life..or afterlife would that be? Husker seems miserable, so it probably wasn't a good thing. But then why was Nifty so happy all the time? Was it better for some to sell their soul? Could you trade your soul for someone else's?

She flopped onto her bed, kicking her shoes off. Maybe if she could get books about hell, she could start answering questions herself. It seemed anytime she asked someone she was only left with more questions than before. A weary sigh escaped her. She needed something to distract her mind, shut her thoughts off. Music. She hadn't seen Alastor since lunch, so maybe she should go looking for him. She didn't need her shoes to run down the hall right? She pushed to her feet and made her way to Alastor's door. She hesitated for a second, shaking off the voice in the back of her mind screaming at her to avoid this guy with her life.

"Alastor?" She hated how weak her voice sounded. She didn't want him to think she was afraid of him, despite everyone basically saying she should be. She cleared her throat. She was simply asking for a radio to borrow, not a big ask. The worst would be him saying no. Why was she so afraid of inconveniencing people?

"Alastor?!" She knocked louder. No response. Well. She turned back to her room to put her shoes back on. She could go for a walk, some fresh air could help alleviate her mind. Although she would have to stay close by. Getting lost in hell was definitely not a good thing.

She decided to take the elevator this time, entering the lobby that was empty aside from Husker at the bar. She gave him a small smile and wave heading for the door.

"Where are you going kid?"

"For some air, maybe a walk around the building."

"You think that's a good idea?"

"I won't wander far, I don't want to get lost, I'll be out for maybe a half hour."

"Cause that won't draw any unwanted attention." He rolled his eyes and took a drink from the bottle next to him.

Ellen stopped by the door. Head down. "Do I really stand out that much?"

Husker only raised an eyebrow but remained silent.

"So I'm stuck here then, banished to the shadows, out of sight."

"You can walk around on the roof. A little less visible."

Ellen tried not to show her disappointment as she turned back toward the elevator. She murmured a thanks as she passed the bar. It was still a walk outside, but that being the only form of fresh air, was going to get old very quickly. Maybe she could talk to Nifty about creating some sort of costume or disguise so she could at least wander around outside the building. She was in hell, there were so many sites she could go see, there was a whole city out there just out of reach. Heck, she wouldn't be able to visit Rosie. Her heart ached at the thought. Rosie was so easy to talk to.

Ellen passed her room to get to the stairway to the roof. At least being on the top floor meant she had easy access to the roof. By the time she got up there the light was starting to fade. The air was still a bit warm and humid. She paid it no mind, as the light fell, it would become cooler. She started her walk on the roof, keeping a safe distance from the edge.

She made about three and a half laps before she stopped and took a seat overlooking the city. She hadn't realized the night before but from up here it was very obviously a pentagram. She couldn't keep a smile from creeping onto her face. Hell was nothing like she thought it would be. Media seemed to make it out as the last place you'd ever want to be, but this? She leaned back. This wasn't the worst.

She started humming a tune that had been stuck in her head. After a few minutes it moved to singing. She started quiet but as she started to relax she let herself go. Eventually she was back on her feet moving across the roof with grace. Here she could sing and dance like no one was watching. Her smile grew. At that moment it didn't matter that she didn't know all the words, it didn't matter if she misstepped or looked silly. She was putting on a performance for a nonexistent audience.

This moment was for her. Where she could temporarily forget about all the chaos of the past two days. She didn't know how long she was up there, but by the time she was finally out of breath, face flushed, the light had faded almost completely. The air had a chill, but with flushed skin, the cool was refreshing.

She sat catching her breath, and willing her heart rate to return to normal. This was exactly what she needed. When the chill finally soaked through she made her way off the roof. As she passed Alastors door she could make out some music playing. Soft jazz maybe? She knocked confidently, she was riding off the joy and energy from freely being herself on the roof.

He opened the door glancing down on her, perhaps a bit surprised by her presence.

"Hey Alastor, I was wondering if you had a spare radio that I could borrow for a little bit. I was hoping to listen to some music." She saw him raise a quizzical eyebrow. "I'll keep it down." He looked unamused but snapped his fingers. Out of thin air, a beautiful box shaped radio appeared in his other hand. Ellen reached for it but he pulled it out of her reach.

"Ah, ah. My dear, nothing down here is free."

Ellen scoffed. "Okay. I'll just ask Charlie. I'm sure she and I can figure something out." She turned on her heels.

"Is that how you plan to solve all your problems, hmm? Going to someone else to fix them?"

Ellen whipped her head around. "Excuse me?" Her eyes narrowed, glaring daggers at the Radio Demon, who seemed to be enjoying the quick change of tone. This was the same manipulative bullshit she had to deal with on earth. She never said no, she always helped out even if she really didn't want to. She never expected anything in return. Just had to be the perfect little girl that she was told to be. She never went to anyone for her problems or for help. She didn't want to feel like a burden. So the majority of her life was fixing things herself. What an ass.

"Just an observation my dear, nothing more." He looked at his nails, the little box radio disappearing like it never existed in the first place.

"A simple 'no' would have sufficed. You don't have to be a jerk about it."

"My answer isn't a no, simply curious what you had to offer in exchange."

"And what could I possibly offer that you can't just manifest yourself?" She raised an eyebrow, arms now crossed over her chest.

Alastor chuckled, clearly amused. "Well I must say, you are a fascinating little thing. Perhaps you want to up the ante." His eyes moved to watch her. "Perhaps a little deal?"

"I'm not stupid Alastor. I'm not trading my mortal soul for a fucking radio."

"Who said anything about souls? No, no my dear, just a simple deal."

"You have nothing I want, and even if you did, I'd find my own way. Like you said, I gotta figure things out on my own. Something I am very well accustomed to, thank you very much." She didn't bother hiding the venom in her words as she turned back towards her room. She could feel his eyes watching her leave, but he remained silent.

As soon as her door closed she let out a frustrated sigh. Screw that guy. She would just avoid him whenever possible. It seemed to be easy enough. He hadn't joined them for meals, and he remained shut in his room or office as far as she could tell. No wonder everyone warned her about him.

She pulled her shoes off and stripped. She needed a shower after all her dancing on the roof. Maybe a cold rinse would help. Once cleaned and dried just slipped into her nighty and curled up into bed. Alastor had turned his music up louder, now being auditable through the walls. Unbelievable. At least jazz was something you could fall asleep to, though it would never have been her first choice.