Ellen sat in the lobby with a copy of the Great Gatsby trying to focus on reading, but her head was elsewhere. She could still feel the remnants of the rut, being on the last few days, but her mind couldn't shake the thought she was stuck here. In hell for eternity. Heck stuck in the hotel for eternity. She considered dressing up, cosplaying in a way, as a demon, but she had no idea what to do. She'd never done that sort of stuff before, and if she was really going to go out, she'd want it to be convincing.
She closed the book with a sigh, gently tossing it onto the coffee table in front of her. She leaned back, closing her eyes. The front doors burst open and she could hear Angel lively talking to someone else, a voice she didn't recognize.
"Come on Angie, when was the last time we went out? You've been cooped here for like fuckin' forever. Bitch we need to go out. Some drinking and dancing? Whadda say?"
Ellen opened an eye to glance over at the stranger. She had a large singular eye that took up most of her face. She had amazing hair, blonde in colour but half up and half down. Her left arm was covered in markings that Ellen guessed were tattoos. The part she found most interesting was the iris of her eye, not round but an 'x'.
"Alright, alright. We can go clubbing tonight, but only if we can take some of these chumps. They need a night out too." Angel finally found her hiding in the parlor. And he raised his voice, thumb chucked in her direction. " 'specially this bitch."
"I can't go Angel, you know that."
"Well I'll fucking be, you weren't kidding. Fuckin human soul. Huh?"
Ellen pushed to her feet making her way to the other two.
"Ellen, Cherri Bomb. Cherri, Ellen." Angel gestured between the two.
Ellen just nodded, noting Cherri made no notation to shake hands. She remained silent as Cherri made a slow walk around her, taking in her mortal form. At this point it didn't bother her anymore. It was to be expected.
"You definitely need a night out bitch, how long have you been holed up in here?"
Ellen just shrugged. "Long enough I suppose. But I can't. Really you guys enjoy yourselves."
Cherri looked over to Angel and he explained. "She kinda stands out babe."
"Cherri!" Charlie was rushing down the stairs excited.
Ellen moved back towards the parlor, she didn't need to be part of that conversation. She enjoyed watching Cherri step a bit closer to Angel, a little further from Charlie, who seemed to be nodding in enthusiasm.
From the shadows behind her Alastor appeared taking a seat in one of the chairs, a cup of coffee in hand.
Before long all the residents had made their way into the lobby.
"Okay everyone! Since the past few weeks have been a bit crazy I thought it would be a fun idea to go out and a fun responsible night out. Cherri and Angel can lead the evening." She smiled around the room meeting everyone's eyes, her smile slipped finding Ellen.
Ellen raised her hand already knowing what she was going to say. "Someone's gotta keep an eye on the hotel. It's okay Charlie."
She made her way over. "Well yes, but I know Alastor and my dad won't go, and Vaggie and I have some things we need to do as well. I don't want you to be here by yourself."
Ellen forced a smile. "What choice do I have?"
Charlie looked over her shoulder, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her suit jacket. "I-" her gaze moved to her feet, shoulders falling. "I wish there was a way I could help. I'm not really good with my powers." Her eyes went wide. "Wait!" She darted off before Ellen could even question her.
She glanced over her shoulder at Alastor who carefully watched her from his peripheral vision. She turned to him wanting to ask something but was interrupted when Charlie returned with her dad, pulling him through his portal.
"Okay this is going to be a bit crazy but it should work." Charlie skipped over to Ellen pulling her to the center of the lobby, in front of Lucifer. He pushed his sleeves up looking a bit nervous.
"So I've not done this before, but it should work in theory." He whispered to her as Charlie moved away. "You can keep Bambi away right?"
Ellen's gaze moved to the Radio Demon in the corner hidden in shadow. He didn't look too happy. "Ummm." How would she do that with everyone all watching her? She looked down to find her shadow was not hers, but his. It smiled and waved at her. She smiled back. Smart move Alastor. "Yes." She spoke more confidently. "Alastor will not interfere with whatever this is." She gave the shadow a very discrete nod and it zoomed off, unnoticed by everyone but her and Alastor.
"So this may hurt a bit. Changing forms is not an easy thing to do."
"Changing forms?"
"Yes, if I remember this right you'll look just like any other demon down here, at least for twenty-four hours."
Her heart skipped a beat. "I'll be able to leave the hotel. To go out and see the rest of the city?"
"Like anyone else here." He smiled at her for a moment before going serious again. "I don't pick your form, the magic has its own way of sorting that out, so whatever you get is what you're stuck with."
Ellen only hesitated for a second. Did it really matter what she looked like? No. If she could get out of the hotel she didn't care if it was the worst demon imaginable. Everyone here would know it was her, the rest could go to hell. Double hell? Whatever.
"Understood." She took one more glance at the shadows in the corner meeting red glowing eyes. He didn't like this idea. And he hated it more that she was making this decision without consulting him first, not that they really had a chance. His ear flicked as he took another sip from his mug. She would deal with that after. She wasn't going to pass up the chance to be normal in hell.
"It should be fine. It may hurt." The look on his face told her he was lying.
Before she could respond there was a cloud of red smoke that surrounded her. Her feet were lifted off the ground and then all hell let loose. She thought she had experienced pain before, she was wrong. She could hear the sounds of bones snapping, and feel them rearranging under her skin. Her eyes were squeezed closed, unable to open though the pain.
She had no concept of time, the pain was all there was until just as suddenly as it started, it stopped and the floor was back under her. She fell to her knees trying to catch her breath.
"What the FUCK!"
She didn't bother looking up, it was evident Vaggie had just walked in on the scene. She slowly pushed herself to standing. She didn't have feet. She tilted her head, she had hooves?
She finally glanced around the room, looks of shock and amusement filled most faces.
"No fuckin' way!"
She ignored Angel, her eyes immediately going to the only option she cared for, hidden in the shadows. As soon as her eyes met his coffee sprayed from his mouth, eyes wide in shock. He coughed a bit before recollecting himself. Was that a good reaction or a bad one? No one else seemed to notice.
She turned back to the group. "So it's good right?" Her voice was still a bit shaky.
"Oh MY GOSH!" Charlie squealed before running up and giving her a big hug. "It WORKED! You look amazing!" She quickly did a walk around, the rest shortly following, taking in her new appearance. That had to be a good sign, right? Charlie's smile was infectious and while all the others were doting on her she looked back to the shadows.
Alastor was no longer seated, standing in view, though no one else had noticed. She wasn't sure what he was feeling, his composure well hidden with his years of practice. His eyes refused to move from her and she smiled brightly at him. She still didn't know what she looked like, but she didn't care.
"She has a tail! No shit!"
She quickly turned to find Angel playing with something behind her. A flick.
"Does this mean smiles has a tail too?"
She froze and she heard a small pitch of static, though it seemed no one else heard it. Something on the top of her head flicked to the sound. She turned back to the shadows to find it empty. Finally her curiosity got the better of her. She made her way over to a mirror. Staring back at her was the face of a doe. Ears standing erect on the top of her head. Why a doe? Of every possible animal, creature, look out there, a doe? Was it because she was secretly married to Alastor? No wonder he fled. Her colour scheme didn't match his though, resembling more of a real doe, browns and whites.
"Where the heck is smiles? He's gotta see this." Angel pulled his phone out. "Okay group selfie, come on." He pulled everyone close together, taking a picture.
"Alright fuck heads lets go clubbing!" Cherri corralled the rest of the group to the door. Ellen hesitated. Angel seemed to notice.
"Hey Cherri, you take those guys, I'ma get Ellen ready. She can't go dressed like that."
Cherri shrugged. "Don't take too long or you'll miss out on all the action!" The door closed loudly behind them.
"Alright doll face, let's get ya ready for the club."
"I've never been before."
He wrapped an arm around her shoulder leading her up the stairs. "Don't worry babe, I got you, we just gotta find ya something hot to wear."
Her cheeks heated. "I don't really do hot, I'm not that kind of girl. At least not normally."
"Well dis ain't normal so lets make you the second hottest one in the club."
"Second?"
His grin grew. "You look great, but no one beats Angel Dust baby." He winked.
Angel led the two of them to his room where he ransacked his closet looking for something for her to wear. She sat at his vanity just staring at her reflection. She was having a hard time absorbing her new look. She lightly touched her ears. She smiled, they were soft like Alastors. If she looked hard enough, she could see some of her human look hidden behind the demon. It made her wonder what all the others looked like while they were alive.
"Feel free to use my makeup."
"Oh. No, I don't do makeup either."
He stopped to stare at her, hands on his hips. "What is wrong wit you? No drinking, no clubbing and no makeup. What you gonna tell me your a virgin too waitin fo' Mr. Right?"
She chuckled. "No. I just never hung around with those kinds of people. I never really cared for that stuff. I'm more of a Tomboy I guess."
He went back to his closet. "Ya look pretty feminine to me."
"I am. I take pride in that, I just…like getting my hands dirty, proving myself worthy of doing what other girls wouldn't typically do. Bugs and insects fascinate me, and I don't really care for perfect hair, perfect nails and looking cute. It's too much work if you ask me."
"Ah-ha!" He pulled out a black…dress? He threw it at her. "Here put this on." When she didn't move he continued. "I'm gay. I ain't gonna look at ya tits." He sighed. "Fine, I'll turn around. Jeesh."
She quickly slipped it on and her cheeks heated. It left little to the imagination with how tight it was. Not to mention she would be spending the night fighting between pulling it up to keep her boobs covered, and down to keep her butt covered. "Umm. Maybe something with a little more coverage?"
"We're going to a club. The whole point is to dress up slutty. That's how you get free drinks."
She pointed to his closet. "May I?"
He waved his wrist. "Sure, be my guest." He took the seat she vacated at the vanity.
She started going through some of his clothes making a pile of things she would consider putting together. He had a wide selection of options.
"So what's wit you and smiles?"
She paused for a second before pushing herself to continue sorting. "I don't know what you mean."
"Oh come on, no one else may see it, but I ain't stupid. There's somethin goin on between you two. Ya keep starin at each other. Everything's been weird since the night he helped ya to your room."
"Oh that." She quickly debated how much of the truth she would tell him. Just enough to get him off her back. She pulled on fishnet stockings and a pair of black jean shorts. She just needed a top now.
"Well I told him I liked him while I was puking my guts out. He probably thinks I'm a freak. Or maybe Charlie asked him to keep an eye on me."
"Yeah I'm not buyin that bullshit." He crossed both sets of arms and turned to face her.
She didn't look up, continuing on her task. "Well it's not bullshit. "
"Then why's he bein extra nice to ya?"
Her laugh was easy to fake. "Nice? The Radio Demon isn't nice. You should know better than I do."
"Uh-huh. The whole week you were hiding in your room he volunteered to bring you food. Every. Single. Meal. Seems a bit odd dont it?"
Shit. That would be a difficult one to explain herself out of. "Did he really? Hmm. I guess I didn't notice." She shrugged it off hoping she sounded believable.
He leaned forward. "You guys fucked. I can tell. He looks much more relaxed and has a goofy spring in his step. I see that shit all the time. It's what I do for a living." He looked at his hands, convinced he had solved the mystery. If only he knew how right he was.
She willed herself not to freeze, taking milliseconds to decide how to act. She burst out laughing. "You can't be serious!? The guy is the prudish, stuffest, most self centered person I know. Why on earth would I want to tap that? And even if for some ungodly reason I did, there is nothing in heaven, hell or earth that would make him agree to something like that." She shook her head. "No, you are definitely looking for things that aren't there, Angel."
He sat back, arms crossed against his chest again. "Deny all you want toots. I know a freshly fucked guy when I see one."
"Ah-ha! Perfect." She pulled a black mesh shirt from the pile. It was a long sleeve shirt, but the material was a bit see through. It covered what it needed but wasn't too much. She pulled the dress off putting the shirt on over her bra. As luck would have it she put a black one on this morning.
"Alright that's not bad, ya just need some boots. You'll have to beg Alastor to snap some into existence. I don't have any that'll fit ya and you and Charlie ain't the same size."
"He's not going to do that Angel."
"You look hot, you're a doe. How could he say no? At least try. Besides, if he does, then we knows he likes ya."
"And if not, I go barefoot?"
"I gotta favour from a friend I can cash in, she lives close by to the club."
"And that's not the first option because…?"
"Because I know smiles will give ya shoes and they'll be nicer."
She bit her tongue. Oh how right Angel was, but she couldn't tell him. "Fine." She opened his door and turned to find him still seated. "You're not coming with?"
"Nah, he'll say no if I'm there. He's gotta act the part, but if it's just you?" He smiled.
She could hear the soft jazz music even before she made it to her floor. Did she have better hearing? She let out a sigh and made her way to Alastors door. She was just about to knock when he called out from within.
"Come on in my little doe."
She hesitated. Normally she would have without a second thought, but right now it felt wrong. Sure they were married, but after all of the accusations from Angel she felt weird about the whole scenario. Maybe they were both not doing a good job keeping their relationship secret. When she didn't answer, the door opened and he stood looking a mix of disgust and shock.
"What in the nine circles are you wearing?"
Her gaze went down, embarrassed. "I'm going clubbing, this is the best I can get away with. You don't want to know what Angel picked out."
"You will not be galavanting around hell looking like… like a chippy!"
She wasn't going to ask about that. "I just came to ask for shoes, boots preferably."
"You are not leaving looking like that. You're barely covered!"
"Well I guess I'll go bare hooves then." She turned to leave. At least she could honestly tell Angel she tried. She barely made it a step before he grabbed her wrist and was sunk into shadow. She reappeared in his room. Guess he didn't want to make a scene in the hall.
"No wife of mine will be seen out-"
"No, it shouldn't matter what I look like because this isn't really me is it? This-" she waved to herself. "-won't exist this time tomorrow. So it doesn't matter who sees me like this."
"I don't want others seeing you like this. You look like a hussy."
She smiled. "You're jealous! You don't like the idea of other guys checking me out?" She laughed. "Alastor, you don't have to worry about me. I only have eyes for you. As for the other guys? Let 'em stare. It's all they're ever gonna get."
He didn't seem convinced, still glaring at her. She could see a soft glisten on his forehead. She smiled, pulling him to her, placing a quick kiss on his lips. "I'll be back before you know it and maybe you can show me a thing or two about this form." He froze static pitching before he took her face in his hands pulling her to him with ferocity. When he pulled away he grabbed her hand giving her a slow twirl, taking in her new form.
"You really are beautiful, darling. In every form it seems."
She was sure she blushed. He sighed then snapped his fingers, long back knee-high boots appeared on her feet. "Very well, then. Off you go. They best keep you out of trouble. Just know I don't normally condone this sort of…" He gestured to her. " This."
She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before heading for the door. A much easier task in this form now that she was taller. "Thank you Alastor."
"You had a tail did you not?"
So he did see it. "I hid it. We don't want people thinking you have one now do we? I want to keep that a little secret between us." She gave him a wink before leaving, closing the door behind her.
She wasn't surprised to see Angel waiting outside his room. His smirk grew when he looked down and saw her boots. She cut him off before he could start.
"No. This was not easy to get a hold of. I had to bargain my way to get these. It does NOT mean he likes me."
"Yeah, yeah. Whateva ya say toots. Come on, let's get outta here."
Each step towards the main doors built her excitement. She hadn't seen the outside world since the day she arrived and she couldn't wait to get the full experience. Once outside she took a satisfied breath in. The breeze felt odd on her fur. And her ears felt like little satellite dishes turning and twitching to every sound. She could feel her tail vibrating in excitement. Tonight was going to be amazing.
She followed Angel as he headed down the street. She felt like a child, everything was a wonder to behold. She was a bit disgusted by a few bodies that had been left along the sidewalk. The smell wasn't too great either, but she enjoyed taking in all the different demons as she passed.
They passed a bunch of shops and stores along the way too. Though most were closed due to the lateness of the evening. That didn't stop her from looking in anyway.
"Cut it out. Ya look like a damn tourist or somethin."
"Technically I am a tourist Angel, but fine." She kept her gaze ahead of her, and tried focusing her ears to the sounds ahead. She could hear the music long before the club came into view.
"This place is called…consent?"
"Yeah good name for a sex club right?"
"Sex club?!" She tensed. "No I thought we were just going for drinks and dancing, I'm not-no-"
"Relax. It's just a club that has rooms for sex, ya dont gotta partake." He pushed her inside.
She relaxed a bit, finding the rest of the gang around a table throwing back some shots.
"Fuckin finally! I was starting to think you guys weren't gonna make it. Here!" Cherri held her hand out and dropped a pill in Ellen's hand.
"Uhh, what is this?"
"Some MDMA to get this party started."
"OH! No. No thank you. I'm not going to do that." She handed it back.
"Hmph. Your loss." She tossed it in her mouth.
She moved to sit with Husker. "Am I too old for this? Why does it feel weird being here?"
"Ha! You haven't had enough alcohol. Soon enough you won't care." He handed her a shot. She took it and made a face.
"Uhg what the heck was that?"
Husk just handed her a second one. "Chase it with this."
She did as instructed only to have the same burn. Before she could glare at Husker, Angel pulled her to her feet. "Let's dance!"
She was grateful it was nothing close to jazz or classical. Finally some house music. She started with head nods, but very quickly let the music take over her. It wasn't like her time on the roof, she was very aware of the eyes on her but, as the alcohol kicked in she stopped caring about the others at the club. She could let loose.
There were a few times, some guys tried grinding up on her, but she politely moved away, and if they didn't get the hint she would 'accidentally' stomp their toes until they left her alone.
"Hey gorgeous. Can I get you a drink?"
She turned to find a bull looking demon watching her with a poorly attempted look of seduction.
"No thanks, I'm good."
He moved closer, wrapping an arm around her waist and harshly pulling her to his chest. "Then a dance maybe?"
This guy was built like a door, very wide and broad shoulders and looked jacked. He even felt jacked based on his chest that she was pressed to. She actually wondered if he had to walk through the doorway sideways to get in.
She plastered on a fake smile and forced a small laugh. "I prefer to dance alone, thanks." She pushed on his chest to get out of his grip.
"Don't be like that baby. I can show you a good time." He moved in to kiss her and she could smell the alcohol in his breath.
She did NOT like being called 'baby'. Only Angel could. Just like on earth, only few worthy people could give her endearing nicknames and they usually got their own personal one. Only Alastor could call her 'little doe' and only Angel could call her 'babe', she could tolerate 'toots' as well. One of her aunts called her 'girly'. Specialized nicknames for special people.
Slightly panicked at the closeness of this demon, she kneed him the nuts and quickly scrambled back over to the table with her friends.
"Good to know there will always be creepy guys everywhere you go." She shuddered. She spent the next few songs by the table, keeping an eye on the bull. Once he was gone she pulled Angel to the floor with her. Strength in numbers. The rest of the night went by without any more issues.
"Hey Angie! I think these guys are done." Cherri threw her thumb to the table where Nifty was curled up on Husker's head. "I'm going to head back."
Ellen turned to Angel. "One more song! Please? We came late, come on."
He laughed. "Sure toots."
"YES! you're the best!" She threw her arms around him in a hug.
"Just no more shots." He left her on the floor to help the others clean up and let Cherri know they would catch up later.
The second she was left alone the bull came back. "Come on baby, I know you want this. I'll give you a night you won't forget." She could smell the alcohol off of him even standing a few feet away. He grabbed her wrist pulling her to the side of the dancefloor. She started dragging her feet, pulling at her wrist. This guy was definitely stronger than she was. Her gaze moved to see he was leading her to a separate room.
"Hey! I said I wasn't interested." She pulled away from him trying to unclamp his hand from her wrist. She glared at the back of the demon. Normally she played the innocent good little girl, maybe the alcohol was to blame. It could have been her altered appearance, but she wasn't going to take shit from anyone. Not today and not in hell. Screw this guy. Her smile grew wicked.
In a quick movement she twisted herself into his arm, her elbow hitting his, forcing it to bend unnaturally until she heard a 'pop'. He let go with a groan of pain clutching his now broken arm. He turned, his eyes glowing red.
Huh, she didn't actually think that would work.
"You little bitch!"
All the fire and intensity she felt disappeared in seconds quickly being replaced with a bit of panic. Shit. Her stomach dropped. She turned and fled back to the dancefloor quickly scanning for Angel. A quick look over her shoulder found the bull had his eyes glued to her, hunting her down. Why did she think she could take down the biggest guy in the club? When she found Angel she grabbed one of his arms and pulled him toward the exit
"Ah. What the fuck?"
"We gotta go."
He turned and found the bull following them. "Uh what did you do?"
"I broke his elbow."
"You WHAT!?"
"He tried dragging me to one of those stupid sex rooms. I'll admit, I bit off more than I could chew." She pushed through the door making it back onto the street.
"Really? Shit, what the fuck Ellen. He's huge."
"Yeah, that's why we're running." She took a quick look around to find somewhere she could lose their tail. She cocked her head to the side when she found Alastor's shadow waving her over to an alleyway. She paused for a second before pulling Angel to follow as she made her way. She pressed herself around the corner peeking to see the bull had just made it out scanning the area looking to figure out where she had gone. He picked a direction and darted off. When he was out of sight Ellen let out a shaky laugh.
"Holy shit was that insane. What a rush of adrenalin. I've never done something like that before. That felt awesome!" She turned to find Angel was not impressed.
"Should I be concerned? 'Cause that was reckless behavior."
"Oh come on, I've been a goody two shoes my whole life. I'm in hell, it seems like a good place to do the things I've always wanted to do."
"Yeah except that you ain't dead. You still gotta get home."
Her smile fell. "Right."
"And you got nothin to back you up."
She looked down the alleyway. "Sorry."
"Come on, let's get back to the hotel."
She followed after Angel. She had a feeling that the bull demon won't bother anyone else. If Alastor's shadow was keeping an eye on her, then no doubt Alastor would take a walk this evening to devour the demon. She would also be going back to an angry Alastor. She kicked a rock as the two silently made their way in the dark of the early morning hours.