Ellen had done this before, almost twice she shouldn't be nervous anymore. No, no she wasn't nervous, something was missing. She kept her grin stretched across her face but she couldn't stop her eyes from darting between Alastor and Lucifer. How was she going to fix this? Her leg, hidden under her dress, was bouncing as her mind raced with thoughts, ideas, all seeming to be just as insane as the next. Her gaze quickly swept the crowd knowing it was missing a certain someone even though the faces were ones she had never seen before.

"Ellen?"

Her gaze quickly flipped back to Alastor, forcing her smile wider. Of course he could see right through her. "I just…I'm fine."

He didn't believe her, but he didn't push and she appreciated it. She just had to figure out a delicate way of proceeding.

"We are all gathered here today to join-"

Nope, fuck it. It was insane, but what part of her life the past few years hadn't been? She raised a finger indicating she needed a minute.

"-wait! Something's not right, I - hold that thought."

She pulled up the bottom of her dress and took a few steps to run back up the aisle only to pause to glance back at Alastor. "I'll be right back, I swear."

He pushed his glasses up before folding his hand behind him with a small chuckle. That was all she needed to know he had no worries of her returning. He knew her well. With a renewed sense of ease she continued back up the aisle away from the altar and her groom. Everyone was watching her but she didn't care, she was focused on fixing her wedding, the one her best friend had spent who knows how long prepping.

Pushing back through the heavy doors she made her way down the hallway, now panting from her quickened pace. Three doors down to her left was the room she was looking for. Pushing the door open she was greeted to the portal to Hell where there were a few people standing. Julie was the first to notice her, looking a bit shocked and confused.

"Ellen what are you -"

She held her hand out, panting from her sprint. "Come with me."

Julie grimaced, shaking her head and pulling her arms to wrap around herself. "I can't. Ellen I'm sorry I know-"

"-This is my wedding and I refuse to do it without my best friend. Now are you really going to make me stand here and wait? I left Alastor at the altar waiting."

She could tell Julie was stuck mentally debating whether she was going to fold. With a defeated sigh she stepped through the portal, her red eyes watching her with worry.

"I can't be seen, but I'll peek through the doorway and watch from there okay?"

Ellen smiled already knowing that wasn't going to be the case. All hell was about to break loose.

"That'll work." She grabbed her friend's hand and pulled her from the room and pulled her down the hallway back to the large delicately carved wood doors before finally letting her go. "Wait right here."

She was just about to turn when Julie pulled her back engulfing her in a tight hug. "I'm happy for you El." When she pulled back she couldn't help but notice the small hint of sadness in her eyes. That was going to have to be fixed.

"I'm just glad you can be here for it."

Julie laughed. "Yeah well you know I wouldn't miss it."

Ellen gave her hand a light squeeze before turning back to the doors, pulling them open and making her way back down the aisle with a satisfied grin, leaving all the guests, and even Alastor curious about what she had done. Just before making it back to the podium she made a sharp right turn, moving to stand before her parents. She took a big breath and spoke loud to address the whole room.

"As all of you are quite aware, I'm getting married, so I think it's fair I get to a few minor tweaks before we get this all underway. I promise I'm not turning into a bridezilla"

The room chuckled, but she could hear a panicked Lucifer asking what she was doing. She pressed on ignoring him. Better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission sometimes.

"There is someone missing, that I had always believed would be a part of my wedding. And I would like to rectify that. As well as a few other things…"

She turned her attention to her parents in front of her, kneeling down to speak to them.

"Mom? Dad? You know that I love you both so very much and I couldn't be happier to have you here." Her smile fell. "But I want to marry the man, or demon, I fell in love with-"

"-ELLEN!"

She ignored Lucifer again, her focus strictly on her parents, eyes pleading for them to understand.

"Alastor, and well everyone else except us really, can't be themselves, their true selves and I don't want that. I want everyone to be comfortable but in order to do that-" she took one of each of their hands holding it tightly, her smile turning hopeful. "-I need you to trust me. And maybe try having an open mind. This will be a bit…much, and I want you to be…understanding?"

Her parents shared a look before turning to look at Alastor. "Is he not…?"

Ellen smiled, turning to Alastor as well, eyes lighting up at the sight of him. "No. It's a bit hard to comprehend but he is a demon, like about ninety percent of the room is. And since it's his wedding too, he should be comfortable."

An eyebrow quirked up at her declaration. A silent question of 'are you sure?'. She nodded, standing to move over and take his hand.

He shifted into his demon form forgoing the formal attire in place of his normal pinstriped suit, while placing a delicate kiss on her hand, eyes watching hers. Her heart filled watching the brown eyes shift to the familiar red, but remained filled with adoration.

She heard her parents gasp, and Lucifer groaned as his head dropped to the podium with a 'thud'.

Carefully, Ellen directed Alastor to her parents, who for their part, remained relatively calm. She did notice the fear in their eyes, the slight trembling they hid by pressing closer together.

"This is Alastor. The real Alastor. The one I fell in love with." She awkwardly gestured to him, unsure of what her parents would do. Of course everyone else was watching with slack jaws, flitting between the couple and Lucifer, probably wondering if he was going to stop this from going further.

Alastor greeted her parents in his usual fashion, though he opted to bow slightly instead of grabbing either hand.

To give her parents a bit of time to adjust to Alastor she figured she would go back to addressing the room. She still had a lot to fix, and so far it was going smoothly.

"I want all of you to be comfortable, whatever form that may be in. This is probably the only wedding to date that has such a varied attendance." She chuckled at the thought.

"So, sinners, winners, demons, angels, mom, dad…Julie."

Her gaze moved to the back of the room where wide red eyes stared at her in disbelief.

"Julie?"

Her parents turned to her, a look of shock etched in their faces. She gave them a quick nod before turning back to her friend hidden from view.

"Everyone here is dead, all in their afterlife and the only reason Julie couldn't be here was because she couldn't be seen in her demon form and you both knew what she looked like human. So, if I let you in on the fact that everyone else here is in their afterlife, then there's no need for disguises and no need to hide Julie."

She turned around to face Lucifer, hoping to convey some sympathy for the predicament she had just put him in, but he was busy watching the man in the corner, the one she was pretty sure came from heaven with Alastor's mother.

He flashed Lucifer a big smile and nod, almost chuckling. With a quick wave all the other disguises were dropped.

When she turned back around Julie stood in front of her with a big smile, before it faulted as her gaze turned to Ellen's parents. She gave them an awkward wave, forcing a grin.

"Hey second mom, second dad."

"Julie?"

Ellen let her gaze swept over their guests, now all in their demonic forms, all apart from Cecile who chose to remain in her disguised human look.

She smiled at all of those she made eye contact with, her heart feeling lighter. Her parents were going to have a lot of questions, but she was more than happy to answer them. Well, maybe she'd keep some things to herself.

A hand touched her shoulder and she turned to find Alastor staring down at her, a subtle hint of warmth in his eyes.

"Full of surprises today aren't we?"

Her grin widened as she shrugged her shoulders. "Meh, just making a few last minute adjustments. You don't mind, do you?"

He chuckled. "Not at all."

She shifted her gaze back to her parents to find Julie had sat down beside them, the three talking. Everything would be smooth from here on. She grabbed Alastor's hand, pulling back up the aisle. "I think I'm ready to get married now," she declared, a grin pulling wide across her cheeks.

It only took a few minutes for the room to get resorted before Lucifer cleared his throat, giving Ellen a look. "Any more interruptions?"

She shook her head with a light chuckle. "Sorry Lucifer, I just couldn't not have Julie here."

He didn't respond, instead drawing a deep breath before starting again before she had interrupted. "We are all gathered here today…"

…

By the time the reception was in full swing her cheeks were sore from all the smiling. How did Alastor do it? She idly rubbed her cheeks as she watched Alastor conversing with Rosie and his mother. She didn't know how Julie managed it, likely with the help of Charlie, but she was glad Cecile could join them. Charlie even got Pentious down, which made Cherri excited. Speaking of, where were those two? She sat up, eyes scanning the room finding it void of the aforementioned couple.

"So, you gonna just sit 'ere lookin pretty or you gonna go around greeting everyone?" Angel effortlessly slid next to her, a wide grin on his face.

Her smile widened only to twitch smaller with the reminder that they were sore. "The only ones that really need an introduction are my parents and Alastor's mother. Everyone else knows everyone."

Angel raised an amused eyebrow. "I think your missin' someone." He pointed off to the side where an uncomfortable Xander was standing simply watching the going ons in the room. He had decided to stay in his human look.

Ellen hummed, pressing her lips together. She had been so caught up on the whole heaven and hell thing with her parents she had forgotten Xander. Well, no time like the present. She pushed to a stand giving Angel a grateful nod.

Her gaze shot to Alastor for a quick moment hoping he would join her, though he was still engrossed with his company. She shrugged it off.

She threw an arm around Xander's shoulders looking over the room with him, letting a moment of silence settle between the two before she turned to him. "So what da ya think?"

His head moved side to side in thought, eyes still drawn to the movement in the room. When he did answer his words were cautious, as though he wasn't sure of them. "It's a bit odd seeing humans and demons mingle."

She let out a small laugh in understanding. "Yeah, I admit it- it's almost surreal." Her eyes moved back across the room, where she noticed Alastor had flicked his gaze their way, likely he had heard her laugh. She smiled his way, ignoring the pain in her cheek. "But I wouldn't have it any other way. Despite the odds and absurdity of it, they're all family." She looked over to Xander, her arm pulling him a bit closer. "And you're just as much a part of it as anyone else." She kissed his forehead, an action he quickly pushed off giving her a look expressing his annoyance.

she let the silence settle again for a few moments before lightly taking his arm, linking it with hers. He was not quite as tall as Alastor so the height felt a bit off, but she happily ignored it, directing him over to the table with her parents. She'd already shattered their perception of the world, why not go all in?

With a wide toothed grin she greeted her parents before turning their attention to Xander. They may never see him again and they might as well know the truth.

"So mom and dad this is Xander, my son."

Their balked reaction was to be expected, though to her surprise her dad composed himself first.

"A grandson eh?"

Xander looked terribly uncomfortable. Ellen could sort of relate, the looks her mother was giving her were not nearly as discrete as should would have hoped.

She didn't need to see the looks of horror and surprise to know Alastor had appeared from the shadows behind her, she always seemed to know. A hand laid on both her shoulder and Xander's.

"Apologies darling, I didn't realize we were starting introductions."

Eyes flicked between the couple silently connecting what had not been spoken aloud. Ignoring the obvious tension that had started to grow Alastor leaded down. "Xander, these are your grandparents, mothers side obviously. I'm sure you will find them quite charming, I know I did."

Ellen could already see her mother trying to do the math that simply wasn't adding up. She cleared her throat before trying to explain. "He's um…" She turned to smile at him though it was awkward knowing there was no easy way of describing what exactly was going on. "He's around eighteen I suppose, though he was born five months ago."

"Ellen…"

To her relief Alastor stepped in to clarify. "A peculiarity even we can't seem to explain, though it matters not."

Xander cleared his throat shooting a hand out a bit stiffly towards his grandfather. "It's um nice to meet you sir."

Ellen's dad didn't hesitate taking his hand giving it a firm shake.

"He looks human."

Ellen gave her mother a look of disbelief.

"I figured it would make things a bit easier." Xander looked down to his shoes before the disguise melted away.

There was an uncomfortable moment of silence before Ellen's dad flicked his gaze from examining Xander to Alastor, then to Ellen.

"He looks very much like you."

Alastor nodded. "He does indeed."

"Except for the eyes," Ellen's mother all but whispered, head tilted to the side.

Xander huffed. "Yeah they're mom's. I get that a lot."

There was another pregnant pause where Ellen turned her gaze to Alastor, wondering if there was anything else they could do to ease the awkward tension.

Ellen's mother let out a playful sigh, opening her arms wide "Well, come here and give me a hug then. If I only get a few hours with you I want to make them count."

A sense of relief washed over Ellen, her shoulders loosening from tension she hadn't realized she was carrying. Of all three grandparents for Xander to meet, she knew her mother would likely be the least accepting, especially on top of all the chaos she had unleashed during the beginning of the ceremony. There was only so much one could take and she was worried she had pushed her parents to that limit.

She leaned over, an arm wrapping around Alastor as she rested her head on his chest, taking a moment to enjoy the scene playing out in front of them.

"You were worried?" He leaned down to whisper to her, though it was likely Xander probably still heard, but made no sign of acknowledging it.

"A little," she confessed. "Not everyday I gotta tell my parents I married a demon from hell and had a child that looks eighteen but I only birthed a few months ago. Bit of a stressful day," she explained in a tone lacking the seriousness she was trying for.

"I suppose now would not be the time to inform them that the table in the corner is dished for those with a particular palette."

She laughed rolling her eyes. "That's easy, so long as you don't tell them what it is."

His grin stretched, eyes narrowing in mischief. "And where's the fun in that?"

…

The introduction of Xander to Cecile went a lot smoother, as Ellen had assumed. After that Ellen made sure Xander had a chance to meet the others, namely Angel, Husk and since she had eliminated the need for disguises, Charlie. Once that was done, Angel barely left the kid alone insisting he had years of spoiling to make up for seeing as he had designated himself the 'best' uncle and refused to lose the title to anyone. It was long after the night had started winding down that she realized just how much trouble Angel could have gotten Xander into. Not a bad influence per say, but definitely an instigator.

She shook the thought with a smile as she watched Lucifer take down all of the decor, leaving the place like it was before they had arrived. Alastor was wishing his mother goodbye as she stood next to Remiel. She didn't know why, but she could sense some chaotic vibes from him.

With a deep sigh she sat down on one of the benches in the foyer, pulling her shoes off. She was going to have sore feet tomorrow she could already tell.

It was a few moments before she found Alastor had joined her, leg crossed sitting beside her in silence.

"It seems our time is coming to a close for now."

Ellen hummed in though before shaking her head. "Not yet. I have a few more things up my sleeve."

"As to be expected," he chuckled, wrapping an arm around her pulling her close.

"Alright love birds, it's time to split." Lucifer flew over landing softly in front of them.

Ellen ignored him for a moment, staring at Alastor with a smug grin. "I don't know, we never really got a honeymoon."

Alstor's smile turned to a knowing one. "I do believe you are right my dear. It would be quite unfortunate to go to all this effort only to trip at the finish line."

"Uhhh…" Lucifer blinked one eye at a time at them. "No, see, I already pulled a lot of strings to-

"-a month sounds wonderful, doesn't it Al?" She leaned her head on him still gazing at his face.

"A MONTH!," Lucifer balked. "No, no I can give you guys a day to-" he vaguely waved at them. "-do whatever."

"A month does sound enticing doesn't it?," Alastor mused. "I'm sure I could collect quite a few souls in that time. Perhaps some of Dolion's?"

"A week!"

Ellen tilted her head like she was thinking about the offer. "I mean a week isn't too long, but it's better than nothing I guess." She unturned up to Alastor giving him a wink. "Whatda think? A week good enough? We likely won't see each other in years, probably decades after this," she reminded.

"A week will be more than enough time to accomplish what you need."

Everyone turned to find Remiel standing behind Lucifer, arms crossed leisurely behind him.

Ellen sat up, head cocked to the side wondering what he knew. Did this guy read minds? She never really questioned why he knew of her or the plan with Dolion. She assumed Lucifer told him all about it.

"Come Lucifer, you will come back in a week's time to collect him." He nudged his head toward Alastor. "Until then they have a few things to discuss."

Lucifer opened his mouth to argue but properly closed it, a finger pointed at the angel. "You're telling Sera."

"I will," Remiel confirmed. He turned a hand reaching out to Ellen and with only a slight hesitation she accepted it being pulled to her feet. To her surprise he pulled her into a hug. "It's best you not speak to anyone else about your plans," he whispered in her ear.

"Only you and him need to know." He shifted his eyes to Alastor before pulling back just a little, raising his voice. "And of course my best wishes on your marriage."

Ellen pulled back in shock. She had told no one what she was planning, not even Alastor. He chuckled at her reaction, but said nothing. Instead turning to Lucifer.

"Come now brother, I believe we have overstayed our welcome."

The newlywed couple watched as the last two guests of their celebration disappeared through portals, leaving them alone.

"Well," Alastor started, summoning his cane and idly twirling it. "I suppose you're stuck with me for another week." His grin widened as he peered down at her.

Ellen took a few seconds staring at the spot the portals had vanished, mind reeling at what Remiel said. Did she just get an angel's blessing for what she was about to do? It sure felt like that. Well, if that wasn't a good sign she didn't know what would be.

She spun on her heels turning to face her husband with a hand out. "We're making a deal."

"Oh?"

"I'm giving you my soul as well as any other souls I may collect while I'm alive. However, when I die, I get them all back. This should help you get back on your feet when you return to Hell." She let out a sighed breath.

"Very one sided it seems."

She raised her finger asking for a moment before she continued. "In return, for the duration of the next week you are going to teach me everything I need to know to ensure I can take out Dolion's success without being caught or dying. I can't do it myself and using the internet to learn isn't going to do me any favours."

Alastor eyed her for a second before asking with a hint of curiosity, "you wish to spend our honeymoon learning to be a masterful killer?"

She nodded.

"Well if we are going to make this a contract I may have a few suggestions and conditions."

"I would be surprised if you didn't."

"A week is not a lot of time, are you certain you wish to do this?"

She smiled up at him. "I have to take them out somehow, might as well learn from the best killer I know. Besides, you never got caught, can't get a better teacher than that right?"

He chuckled. "You flatter me."

"Now first things first, I want out of these clothes, my feet are dead and this dress is starting to dig into my ribs."

With a snap of Alastor fingers she was dressed in normal clothes. He held out a notebook and pen. When she gave it a confused look he explained, "You will likely need to take notes. I am quite good at what I do, and I expect you to be the same. Now before we get to the nitty gritty, I would like some time with my wife, before drafting up that contract."

"Whatever you want, I'm yours."

"I know, and in a few hours there will be a lovely chain back around your neck. As I always intended" He chuckled when he saw her pout, waving a hand to dismiss her concerns. "Worry not my dear, it's merely a formality. Now the evening is late and I do believe some time curled up on a bed would do us both so good." He held a hand out and she took it without hesitation, the two sinking into shadows.