AVA, A different Radioapple fanfiction

Auntie Rosie?

The quiet of the evening wrapped around the hotel like a blanket. Alastor and Charlie had returned from their day out at the amusement park, feeling lighter and closer than they had in a long time. Charlie had retired to her room, and Alastor had settled into the living room, sipping a warm cup of tea as the gentle hum of the night filled the air. Lucifer was working late again, leaving the hotel in a peaceful lull.

Just as Alastor was starting to drift off in the comfort of his chair, a rapid, urgent knocking broke through the calm. He straightened immediately, sensing something was off. No one ever knocked like that unless there was trouble.

Rising to his feet, Alastor crossed the room and opened the door, only to find Rosie standing there, looking visibly shaken. Her usually impeccable hair was disheveled, her clothes slightly torn, and her face was pale with worry.

"Rosie!" Alastor exclaimed, stepping aside to let her in. "What in the devil's name happened?"

Rosie entered, her eyes darting around as if expecting danger to follow her through the door. Her usual lively demeanor was replaced with a rare vulnerability.

"A loan shark attack," Rosie said quietly, her voice laced with anger and frustration. "They ransacked my house, tore the place apart. I... I had nowhere else to go."

Alastor's expression darkened. Loan sharks in Hell weren't to be taken lightly. Debt was as dangerous as sin down here, and those who collected on it had no qualms about violence. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his gaze soft but serious.

"You're safe here," Alastor assured her. "You can stay as long as you need. What did they want?"

Rosie shook her head, rubbing her temple. "I don't even know. I didn't owe them anything, but someone set me up. They came in like they owned the place, demanding payment I don't owe. I managed to get away, but my house... it's ruined."

Alastor's jaw clenched in anger. "I'll see to it that whoever did this pays for it. You have my word."

Before he could say anything more, the sound of tiny footsteps echoed down the hallway. Ava appeared at the end of the corridor, her wide, innocent eyes filled with worry. She must have heard the commotion and come to investigate.

"Auntie Rosie?" Ava's small voice trembled as she walked over, clutching a stuffed toy tightly to her chest. "What's wrong?"

Rosie immediately plastered on a bright, albeit forced, smile and knelt down to Ava's level. "Oh, sweetheart, it's nothing to worry about. I just had a little accident at my place, that's all. But guess what?" She reached out and gently stroked Ava's hair. "I'll be staying here for a while, so we can spend lots of time together!"

Ava blinked, still frowning, clearly sensing that something was wrong, but Rosie's comforting tone seemed to calm her a bit. "Really?" she asked softly, looking from Rosie to Alastor, seeking reassurance.

Alastor crouched down beside them, offering a warm smile of his own. "That's right, Ava. Auntie Rosie's going to be staying with us for a little while. You'll have even more fun with her here."

Ava hesitated for a moment before finally nodding, though she still looked uncertain. She clutched Rosie's hand. "Okay... but you're not hurt, are you, Auntie?"

Rosie's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but she quickly recovered. "I'm fine, darling. Just a little shaken up. But nothing Auntie Rosie can't handle."

Ava seemed satisfied with that answer, and her shoulders relaxed a bit. "Okay... you'll stay in my room tonight, right?"

Rosie chuckled softly, ruffling Ava's hair. "Of course, sweetie. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

Alastor stood, watching the scene with a thoughtful expression. He could tell that Ava wasn't fully convinced, and Rosie was clearly trying to keep the little one's fears at bay. He knew Rosie was strong, but this ordeal had rattled her more than she was letting on.

"I'll set up a guest room for you," Alastor said gently, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You don't need to pretend everything's alright. We'll handle this."

Rosie stood up, glancing at him gratefully before turning back to Ava. "Why don't you head back to bed, sweetheart? It's late."

Ava bit her lip, looking between them again before nodding. "Okay... goodnight, Auntie Rosie. Goodnight, Daddy."

Alastor leaned down and kissed Ava's forehead. "Goodnight, darling. I'll come tuck you in soon."

Ava gave a small wave and shuffled back down the hallway, glancing over her shoulder one last time before disappearing into her room. Once she was out of earshot, Rosie let out a long, tired breath and collapsed into the nearest chair.

"God, that was harder than I thought," she admitted, running a hand through her messy hair.

Alastor sat down across from her, his expression softening as he leaned forward. "You don't have to keep it together for her sake, Rosie. This... this is serious."

"I know," Rosie said, her voice quieter now. "But she's been through enough. I couldn't bear to have her worried about me too."

Alastor nodded, understanding the weight of responsibility she felt. "We'll figure this out. And in the meantime, you have a safe place here. Lucifer and I will make sure no one comes after you while you're with us."

Rosie looked at him, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Alastor. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Alastor offered her a warm smile. "You'll never have to find out."

---

Later that night, after Ava had fallen asleep and the hotel was quiet once more, Alastor found himself pacing in the living room, his thoughts racing. He couldn't shake the anger he felt toward whoever had targeted Rosie. Loan sharks weren't known for being merciful, and the fact that they'd attacked her without warning was a bold move.

He paused, looking out the window into the fiery night of Hell's cityscape. He wouldn't let this stand. No one harmed his friends and got away with it.

Just as he was about to head back to bed, the front door creaked open, and Lucifer stepped in, his eyes immediately catching Alastor's intense expression.

"Something wrong, darling?" Lucifer asked, his voice calm but curious as he removed his coat.

Alastor turned to face him, his face set in determination. "It's Rosie. She's staying with us for a while. Someone attacked her house—loan sharks."

Lucifer's eyes darkened at the news, his usual charm replaced by a cold, calculating expression. "Is she alright?"

"She's shaken but unharmed," Alastor replied. "But we need to do something about it. I'm not letting this slide."

Lucifer nodded, his voice firm. "We'll take care of it. No one messes with our family."

Alastor felt a sense of relief wash over him. With Lucifer by his side, he knew they'd find the ones responsible and make sure Rosie was safe.