Lovers Once More - Radiostatic

Cold Nights

That night, after tucking Niffty into bed, Alastor made his way back to the room, peering in cautiously as if expecting another surprise. "Any other surprises?" he asked Vox, a teasing grin playing on his lips as he recalled the moment Vox had hidden his Voxpad in a panic.

"Just get in bed, you idiot," Vox replied with a chuckle, gesturing for Alastor to join him. Alastor climbed in, and they cuddled up together, Alastor's head resting comfortably on Vox's chest.

Vox absentmindedly ran his fingers through Alastor's hair, feeling the softness beneath his fingertips as they settled into the warmth of each other. The glow of the television illuminated the room as they watched *Bob's Burgers,* the familiar humor wrapping around them like a cozy blanket.

Alastor hardly took his eyes off the ring adorning his finger, a look of awe on his face. He twisted it slightly, letting the light catch its shine, reflecting on the significance of the moment. Vox noticed, and a small smile crept onto his face, content to see Alastor so captivated.

As the episode played on, the two of them slowly drifted off to sleep, the sound of laughter from the show blending with their steady breathing. Alastor's eyes finally fluttered closed, a soft sigh escaping him as he succumbed to sleep, the ring still glinting on his finger, a reminder of the love and commitment shared between them.

A few hours later, a soft knock at the door broke the peaceful stillness of the room, stirring Vox from his sleep. He blinked the heaviness from his eyes and heard a faint, croaky voice call out, "Alastor?"

Concerned, Vox quickly got up and opened the door, revealing a very unwell-looking Niffty. She stood there, flushed and sweaty, her nose runny and her eyes glassy, clutching onto Bunny by the ear.

"Niffty?" Vox exclaimed, kneeling down to her level, his heart sinking at the sight. "Oh, sweetheart, what's wrong?"

"I don't feel good," she whined, sniffling as she looked up at him, her big eyes filled with tears. "Can I sleep with you guys?"

"Of course," Vox replied gently, ushering her inside. He knelt beside her, reaching out to feel her forehead. "You're burning up! What happened?"

"I think I caught something," she mumbled, hugging Bunny closer. "I just wanted to be with you and Alastor."

Vox glanced back at Alastor, who was still half-asleep on the bed, oblivious to the commotion. "Let's get you settled in," he said softly, helping her into the bed next to Alastor. He pulled the covers up around her, trying to make her as comfortable as possible.

"Alastor," Vox called softly, nudging him awake. "Wake up, we have a situation."

Alastor stirred, blinking his eyes open to see Niffty nestled under the covers, her cheeks flushed and Bunny in her arms. "What's going on?" he asked, his voice still thick with sleep.

"Niffty's not feeling well," Vox explained, brushing a few strands of hair from Niffty's forehead. "We're going to take care of her for the night."

"Hey, Niffty," Alastor said, his voice warming as he sat up, now fully awake. "You okay, little one?"

"Not really," she mumbled, sniffling again. "I'm cold and my throat hurts."

Alastor exchanged a concerned glance with Vox before he slid over to make room for her. "Come here, sweetheart," he said softly, patting the spot next to him. "You can cuddle with us."

Niffty beamed, her small hands clutching Bunny tighter as she wriggled closer to Alastor, nestling in against his side. Vox watched as Alastor wrapped an arm around her protectively, a rare gentleness in his demeanor.