His grin widened as he stared down at her, watching as a variety of emotions passed her hazy eyes. Her reaction was even better than he had imagined. He chuckled lightly, loosening his hold on her once she found her footing again.

"You never cease to entertain, my dear."

After a few seconds she finally found her voice. "Alastor?"

His grin widened, performing a light bow. "In the flesh."

Her arms wrapped themselves around him squeezing tightly. "I've missed you."

It was only the grace of his heightened hearing that he was able to hear what she had said, her face smashed into his chest.

"Ellen? What the heck?"

Julie had made her way over glaring daggers at him.

Julie pried Ellen off of him wrapping an arm around her putting on a false smile talking down to her companion.

"Okay missy I think you've had enough. Let's get you back to the hotel."

"But Alastor," she whined.

Julie returned to looking at him, her face not hiding her emotions at all, annoyed at the declaration.

"Ellen, it's not him." She met his gaze only slightly looking apologetic. "Sorry man, I think she's done for the night."

"Noooooo, Jullieeeeee."

As much as he didn't want this friend taking her away so soon, he wasn't going to follow them. He would just have to reconnect again with her tomorrow. He wasn't too happy with the thought, but there wasn't much else he could do. He reached out and took Ellen's hand placing a quick kiss on the back.

"Rest well, my dear we won't be apart for long."

Julie gave him a confused look up and down before dragging Ellen over to the table they shared trying to get her to put on her jacket. He chuckled as Julie couldn't seem to manage, Ellen full on refusing to wear it. After watching the poor girl struggle he finally polished off his drink, settling his tab and walking over to the two.

"Ellen dear it's cold out, you need to wear your coat."

Ellen's face lit up and without another word she slid her arms in the sleeves. She couldn't quite manage the buttons, but it was fine, he would snap them all into place when they were away from the crowd.

Julie flung her jacket on with an annoyed huff settling their tab giving him another displeased look.

"Thanks but I got it from here."

He didn't hide his own disapproval. Julie shouldn't have let her get this bad. Let alone let someone pull her away. Had he been another man, he could have easily taken her and had his way long before she even knew Ellen was missing.

"Do you?"

Julie scoffed. "Look here, wise guy. I don't know what you think you're gaining here, but it's not gonna work. She's taken, and even if she wasn't, she's not interested."

That made him pause. "Taken?"

"Yeah she's got a boyfriend so buzz off."

His gut started to roll, anger filling his chest. She had been entertaining another in his short absence? She had been the one piecing together a plan to get him here in the first place.

"Bye Alastor!" Ellen waved gleefully as Julie pulled her out of the building, though he could hear Julie laugh. "Jesus Ellen, you are absolutely shitfaced."

He pushed the anger down, turning to his voice of reason. She would never do such a thing. Entertain another? She had made it very clear that she wasn't very trusting in terms of new people. It was clearly something meant to scare him off, but he knew better.

He sent his shadow out to follow the two, making sure there were no more troubles for them. He had just stepped out into the chilly night when he heard Julie yell.

"Fuck! Ellen!"

Before he could turn, someone had launched themselves at him, hugging tightly. He didn't even need to look down to know Ellen had managed to escape her friend's grasp. He lightly pet the top of her head, chuckling.

"It's good to know I'm not the only one you cause problems for."

"Come with us. Please?"

He smiled softly at her. "I can escort you both to your hotel, but I will not stay. It would be improper."

"Okay who the fuck are you?" Julie asked out of breath, finally catching up to her friend.

Ellen pulled from his chest shooting her arms out to gesture to him, hitting him in the chest from their close proximity. "This is Alastor. I found him!"

"I believe it was I who found you," he corrected.

Julie looked unconvinced, and raised an eyebrow. "Your Alastor?"

"Pleasure to be meeting you miss Julie."

"I don't believe you."

He straightened up tilting his head to the side confused. "What?"

"I don't believe you. I want proof."

"Julie it's him, I know it is."

"You're drunk off your ass, ya don't get a vote."

Ellen pouted at her friend but remained quiet, looking like a scorned child.

"So you are aware of who I am clearly. I think that should be proof enough, no?"

She glared at him for a few minutes clearly thinking over what he said before finally relenting. "Alright if you are indeed who you say you are, then who are we looking for?

He raised an eyebrow. This was the little human girl Lucifer had mentioned. He supposed it made sense it was Ellen's friend, though why she was in on this little plan of theirs he wasn't sure. It would have been better if she wasn't.

"I don't know why Lucifer decided to let you partake in this."

Julie's eyes widened at the mention of Lucifer's name but quickly returned to their judgmental squint.

"You didn't answer my question."

Ellen tugged on her friend's sleeve leaning in to whisper but if anything her volume was louder than normal. "Come on Julie, who else would know we spoke to Lucifer. It's obviously him. That and he-" she giggled "-he called me his little doe."

Alastor pressed his lips together. It didn't matter that Julie knew of his endearing name for her, but he still didn't like it.

"Doe? Really?"

Ellen giggled again. "You'll see later. He has a cute little-."

Alastor gave her an incredulous look, pulling her to him, placing a hand over her mouth. "I do believe you've said enough, let's get you ladies to your room. I will find you both in the morning."

Julie let out an amused huff but turned to lead the way leaving him to keep an eye on Ellen. He offered her an arm and she took it gleefully.

Julie turned her head to talk over her shoulder. "You know it'd be easier if you crashed with us. I got two beds, so as long as you two keep your hands to yourself and you don't walk around with your dick out, I think we'd be fine."

The chill did nothing to dampen the heat that had risen to his cheeks. He had never even thought that was a concern. He would have his own room if anything, sharing a room with two ladies was not appropriate.

"I make no promises!"

"Ellen!" This woman was going to be the second death of him.

Julie just laughed as they turned the corner.

They didn't have much further to walk only another block or two before Julie ushered them into a building. She briefly spoke to the receptionist before she was handed two cards and turned toward the elevator. While waiting she handed him a card and told him the room number all before the elevator door dinged open.

"She's yours for the night, you guys got a lot of catching up to do and I want no part of it."

Before he could protest the doors closed leaving him in the lobby, Ellen still holding onto his arm, though it seemed she was less and less capable of standing by the minute.

As much as it annoyed him to be left with an over indulged Ellen, he couldn't help but feel grateful. So with a light sigh he returned to the receptionist getting a room down the hall from Julie (also with two beds) and slowly made his way up. At this point Ellen was half asleep practically dragging her feet.

Everything had gone smoothly until he got to the door. The hotel in Hell used actual keys, like every other door in the universe. That apparently wasn't the case here. He was only partially listening when the receptionist explained everything, he helped run a hotel himself; he didn't need to listen to the spiel he already knew it all.

Had there not been cameras he simply would have just slipped them in. After a seventh attempt, the little light blinking red, Ellen swiped the card from his hand unlocking the door on the first try. He tried not to dwell on the fact she managed to do it so effortlessly, while half asleep and drunk. Stupid technology. What was wrong with normal keys!?

It took no time to get Ellen settled and tucked in, a quick snap of his fingers removing the makeup, hairpins and attire. Once in a nice red satin set of pajamas she fell asleep almost instantaneously. He on the other hand wasn't tired yet, so he decided to take the second key he was given and walk it down the hall to Julie.

She answered the door relatively quickly, now dressed in shorts and a long shirt. He wordlessly held the card out, pulling his gaze away from the woman, she had far too much skin exposed to be considered decent.

She paused for a moment before opening the door wider.

"Alright Alastor, since you're here, you ready for your interrogation?"

His gaze darted back to her, uncertain he had heard her correctly.

"Interrogation?"

"Yeah, that's what best friends do. I gotta look out for Ellen's best interests since love has a tendency to make people blind." She waved him in, her tone light and inviting. It set off warning bells in the back of his mind. All the bells.

He was, of course, fully aware that when courting a woman you were also being scrutinized by the other women in her life. You were not just winning over your intended interest, but also getting into the good graces of her friends. Women talk and if any one of them didn't fancy you it was likely the courtship would end if it hadn't already been rejected.

It seemed that was something that hadn't changed since his time. He had overheard countless trials and tribulations from other men with their struggles in the matter. It was one of the reasons he didn't bother with it.

Although it seemed unlikely this would do anything considering he had already wed and fathered an offspring, he still couldn't shake the hairs on end on the back of his neck. Couldn't shake the animalistic feeling of needing to flee.

He was stronger than that, what could go wrong? All he had to do was answer whatever inquiries she may have and he was in her good graces. Wait, why did he need to be in her good graces? Was he actually nervous? No, surely not.

He pushed past the slight discomfort and followed her into the room. She gestured for him to take a seat but he remained standing. When he turned back to her he was reminded of her indecency and turned away again snapping his fingers giving her some actual pants.

"What the fuck? How'd you- what is this?!"

Julie was pulling at one of the pant legs when he felt safe to look again.

"If we are going to have a lengthy discussion it will be done so with you attired appropriately."

She gave him a confused look. "Appropriately? I had everything covered. What the fuck?"

"Its not very appropriate for me to be in your room at this hour as it is, being only half dressed is not something I will entertain."

"Uhh, it's my room. I can dress how I like."

"Hmm. Yes well it's either this or we find a more appropriate place to discuss."

"Wha-uhg fine whatever. Just don't do that again."

He gave her a nod. "Understood."

Julie crossed her arms giving him another heated glare though she couldn't hide the uncertainty she was feeling. It was likely she was regretting pulling him aside alone. Good. Serves her right for thinking he was like all the others she so called 'interrogated' before him. From what he knew, she had done a shit job.

"You used to be alive right?"

"I'm still very much alive, just in a different way, but I assume you are referring to my own time on this plane, yes?"

"Obviously," She deadpanned.

"Yes." He folded his arms behind him.

"How'd you die?"

He quirked an eyebrow. "This is what you wish to inquire about?"

He had been expecting the usual questions; what are your intentions? How do you intend to support her? Will you be good to her? This was just completely unrelated.

"I'm the one asking questions. How'd you die?"

His lips pressed together in dissatisfaction but answered anyway. "I was shot in the head."

"Riiiight. Okay so why'd you end up in hell?"

He rolled his eyes, a frustrated huff escaping him. "Oh for Pete's sake. Really? Why not just ask for all of my disagreeable traits and be done with it?"

She remained quiet, only staring at him, waiting for her answer.

He gave her an annoyed look but still answered. "I killed people. A hobby I still partake in."

"What kind of people?"

He clenched his jaw. "Those that didn't deserve to live."

"And Ellen isn't one of-"

"Absolutely not. I favour those that are under the impression they have the right to abuse or mistreat those of a weaker stature. The scum of the earth if you will. One of the reasons I quite enjoy Hell. Never a shortage of those that deserve the merciless torture."

The look of uncertainty was back on Julie's face, seeming to see him with a different light. The ends of his smile twitched up a bit.

The room became silent for a few minutes. Julie uncrossed her arms, now using them to help balance herself as she leaned back against the desk looking a bit more relaxed.

"So you're a demon eh?"

"You already know the answer."

She waved him off. "Yeah, yeah. Okay. But on a serious note, do you actually love her?"

He suspected he would get this question and even though he had already admitted it to all of Hell and his own mother, he still had a hard time admitting to himself. He knew he didn't deserve her, or the happiness she brought with her.

"I do, yes."

"And how do I know you're not lying?"

He scoffed. "Lying? What reason would I have to lie about something like that?

She shrugged. "I donno maybe cause you're a demon from Hell and in order to keep me out of your hair, you need me to think you actually like her."

"If I needed you 'out of my hair' I'd simply remove you from the equation completely."

Julie's smile grew smug. "Uh huh, but I don't fit into that 'scum of the earth' category do I? Plus Ellen would definitely never forgive you if you killed me."

He didn't mean to, but he burst out laughing at Julie's declaration.

"Do you really think death is the only way to remove you from her life? I don't think you fully understand who and what I am and am capable of. While I have found myself very attached to your little friend, you are not, nor ever will be, a threat to me." He moved to tower over her, his smile stretched further than natural for his human skin. He watched the glint of fear slip into her eyes as she shrunk back from him.

"That being said, I don't intend on removing you from Ellen's side. But don't think for one second that if I feel it necessary that I won't hesitate to do so." His eyes darted down her, taking in the tension of her muscles. He returned his tone to be light and relaxed. "If you are afraid of me now my dear, I look forward to showing you my true form. There's a reason Ellen was safe under my care in Hell."

"T-true form?"

He leaned back and moved to sit at the foot of the bed across from her, crossing his leg and resting his hands in his lap.

"I am a demon. This is simply a look to keep your kind at ease."

Julie pressed her lips together in thought. Letting herself calm down before carefully moving forward.

"So you do really care about her," she said finally.

"My answer hasn't changed in the past few minutes."

"Why?"

"Do you really believe I am one to be flighty with-"

"No, no, why do you love her?"

His face twisted in confusion. That was not something he was expecting to be asked. Was there a wrong answer? Could he deflect it? That was far too open to be discussing with Julie, it was none of her business. Surely she knew that.

"The answer is complex. Not something simple choice words could answer."

Julie mulled over his answer for a few seconds before deciding it wasn't enough. "You're deflecting. It's not difficult at all."

"Why do you need to know? Is it not enough that I simply do?"

"No, because I've watched her get burned far too many times. Guys are assholes and I need to know you are going to be good to her, she deserves that after all she's been through."

He wasn't going to get a choice it seems. He shifted uncomfortably trying to come up with an answer that would be enough to satisfy Julie, but be vague enough to save face. He wondered what had caused Julie to be so concerned about the intentions of suitors- Oh. His cheeks heated. That was not a topic to have in such company. How did he keep finding himself in these sorts of conversations? Was there no longer topics that were inappropriate to discuss?

"You are referring to her past beaus and their lack of decorum in the… bedroom."

All the emotions left Julie, a slight look of shock on her features. "She told you?"

He turned his gaze away. It was bad enough to be having this delicate discussion, but he had no way of hunting down these men. Even if he did, if Ellen found out, she'd be quite upset with him. He hadn't determined yet if it was worth the scorn.

"We had a child, it's safe to assume that the…topic was addressed."

"And that doesn't bug you?"

He spun on her quickly. "If I had my way, every single one of those cretins would be in Hell already."

Her eyes widened. "That is not what I meant, but uh maybe don't say that in front of Ellen. She would not want that. I was talking about the lack of sex. She identifies as ace so…"

"An ideal we share."

"Oh! So you're ace too?"

An annoyed huff escaped him at the comment. "Why do people put labels on everything? It isn't necessary."

Julie laughed. "It's inclusive."

He rolled his eyes and the room returned to silence, but Julie watched him softer than she had since they had crossed paths.

"You'll be good to her, keep her safe."

"To the best of my abilities."

She pushed off the desk taking a seat next to him causing him to slide over a bit to avoid the closer proximity.

"Alright, you have my blessing. You can date her."

"Date her?" He chuckled. "My dear, I believe Ellen and I are well past the courting stage. Without this nonsensical blessing of yours. We've wed already."

"Yeah, well from what I understand, that's not the case since she died so that puts you back to boyfriend status. If you had a ring you could maybe argue being her fiancé."

"A what?"

"Fiancé. Oh my god, is that something before your time?" Julie laughed. "Fuck you're old."

He glared at her and she only laughed harder.

Alastor wasn't very happy with the thought that he was no longer able to claim Ellen the way he had before. The two carried on like nothing had changed, and as much as he hated dealing with the headache of her emotions, he missed it. A level of understanding he could have of her that no one else did. Another reason he wanted her under contract again, a better insurance of her safety. Especially now that he had seen the holes in his previous one.

And to his utter surprise, he missed the light constant weight from being bound to her, connected on a level that went beyond just their marriage. He had his soul, he was free, no longer limited or constrained in any way yet he felt incomplete without the weight of a chain. Maybe it was because he had been stuck with it so long he had grown accustomed to it, now feeling like something was missing. Maybe he liked the idea that she was that much closer to him as well.

He wanted to do it again, but properly this time. A thought that slightly scared him. Their union had been hastily put together, under a time constraint. Secret and confidential and it wasn't until later that he found out how upsetting that was for her. It seemed like he had the chance to correct it now.

She didn't care much for it, but he wanted to ask her father for permission. Something that was impossible the first time. He was here on the mortal plane, he very much could accomplish that. She wanted his presence there also. Something that could be done here as well. The more he thought about it the more convinced he felt. There would surely be a few things that would need a bit of work but it was still quite possible. In the end he would fix this, get her back to being his and only his. Like she should have stayed.

A small smirk pulled to his lips as his mind had started running though it all. The sooner it was done, the better his chances.

He felt relaxed with a plan started until his mouth had to go and ruin it, speaking without his consent.

"I want to marry her again."