AVA, A different Radioapple fanfiction

Tough Guy

The sun crept higher in the sky, illuminating the cozy little kitchen where Lucifer sat with Ava. He watched her sip her hot chocolate, her eyes fluttering between sleep and waking, a small smile playing on her lips as she occasionally glanced at him. Just as he began to relax, the front door creaked open, announcing Alastor's return home from his daily escapades in Hell.

"Lucifer! I'm back!" Alastor called out cheerfully, his voice bright and filled with energy. He stepped into the kitchen, his signature grin plastered on his face, but it quickly faded when he noticed the blanket-wrapped figure sitting at the counter. "What's this? What's wrong?"

Lucifer looked up, a mixture of relief and concern flooding his expression. "Hey, Al. Ava's a bit under the weather. I think she's caught a cold."

Alastor's eyes widened as he hurried over, his concern evident. "Oh, dear! How long has she been like this?"

"Just this morning," Lucifer replied, gesturing for Alastor to come closer. "I woke her up, and she felt warm. I gave her some medicine and hot chocolate to help. But she's still really sleepy."

Ava's eyes fluttered open again, and she gave Alastor a sleepy wave. "Hi, Daddy!"

"Hey there, kiddo! You don't look so hot. Just wait till I tell your dads about the trouble you're getting into!" He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. But his eyes remained worried as he continued to look at her pale cheeks.

"Dad!" Ava whined, a hint of laughter in her voice. "I'm not getting into trouble; I'm just sick!"

"Right, right. Don't worry; I'll save the funny business for later," Alastor replied, ruffling her hair affectionately. He turned to Lucifer, his expression shifting from playful to serious. "Are you okay? You look a bit... worried."

Lucifer sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm fine. It's just hard seeing her like this." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "But I'm glad you're home. Maybe you can help me distract her with some cartoons while I make some soup or something."

Alastor nodded, but there was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. "Speaking of distractions, um... there's something I need to confess."

Lucifer raised an eyebrow, sensing the gravity of Alastor's tone. "What is it?"

"I... I've been feeling a bit funny for the past few days," Alastor admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I thought it was just a mild case of the sniffles, but I didn't want to worry you or Ava. I figured it would pass, but..." He paused, glancing at Ava, who was now blinking sleepily at them both. "I'm scared I might have brought this cold home."

Lucifer's heart sank. "Alastor, why didn't you say anything? You should have told me! If you're feeling sick, you need to rest."

"I didn't want to add to your stress, especially with Ava being so young," Alastor replied, his ears twitching with embarrassment. "I thought it was nothing—just a little scratchy throat and some sneezing. But I guess it caught up with me."

"Ava could have caught it from you," Lucifer said, his voice now laced with concern. "You know how these things can spread in Hell. I appreciate you wanting to protect us, but now we have two sick people to worry about."

"Just one sick person!" Ava chimed in, trying to sound brave, though a little cough interrupted her.

Lucifer sighed, running a hand over his face. "You're right; just one sick person for now. But Al, you need to take care of yourself too. I can handle Ava, but I don't want you pushing yourself when you should be resting."

Alastor's ears drooped slightly as he nodded. "You're right, of course. I'll take it easy. We'll both get through this together, right?" He smiled at Ava, who nodded enthusiastically, her spirits lifted by their banter.

"Let's make it a cozy day, just like we planned," Lucifer said, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Soup, blankets, and all the cartoons you can handle. And if you need anything, Al, just let me know."

"Sounds like a plan," Alastor replied, his grin returning. "I'm pretty good at cuddling up on the couch and binge-watching shows. It's one of my specialties!"

Ava giggled, her laughter a bright spot in the otherwise somber morning. "Can we watch the one with the funny cat?"

"Of course, we can!" Alastor said as he slid into the chair next to Ava. "I'll be your personal movie critic!"

Lucifer felt a warmth spread through his heart as he watched his two favorite beings settle into the cozy atmosphere. Even though the day hadn't started as he had hoped, he was determined to turn it around. They would face this together, sickness and all.

As he began to gather ingredients for the soup, he felt a deep sense of gratitude wash over him. Despite the challenges ahead, they would support each other, weathering the storms of life in their own little corner of Hell, together.