Drive Home

13 1 0

by whiskersandwebs

by whiskersandwebs

The drive home from Miss Cara's office was unusually quiet, Ava sitting in the backseat with Quackers perched beside her. She fiddled with one of the plush duck's oversized wings, her small face lost in thought.

Lucifer glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "You doing okay back there, sweetheart?"

Ava's eyes flicked up, meeting his through the mirror. "Yeah... just thinking."

Alastor twisted slightly in his seat to look at her. "Care to share what's on your mind, darling?"

Ava hesitated, then shrugged. "It's not bad. Just... I didn't know some of the things I do have names. Miss Cara said it was okay, so I guess it is."

Lucifer smiled, his voice calm and reassuring. "That's right, Ava. There's nothing wrong with you. You're perfect just the way you are, and we're here to help if you ever need it."

Ava nodded, her grip on Quackers tightening. "Okay, Daddy."

By the time they got back to the hotel, Ava seemed more like herself. She hopped out of the car and raced toward the front doors, Quackers dragging behind her on the ground. Lucifer and Alastor followed, keeping a watchful eye.

Inside, the atmosphere was lively. Husk was wiping down the bar while Angel Dust perched on a stool, chatting animatedly about a shopping spree he was planning. Ava waved at them as she passed, heading straight for the playroom.

"She seems in good spirits," Alastor remarked, watching her go.

Lucifer nodded, but his smile wavered. "I just hope we're doing enough."

"You are," came a voice from behind. Rosie had appeared, a steaming cup of tea in hand. "Kids are resilient, Luci. Ava's lucky to have you both. She's going to be fine."

Lucifer huffed, his usual bravado returning. "Of course she's going to be fine. She's got me."

"And me," Alastor added with a grin, adjusting his bowtie.

Rosie smirked, sipping her tea. "Then she's doubly blessed."

Later that evening, after dinner and a few rounds of hide-and-seek, Ava was curled up on the couch with KeeKee in her lap. Lucifer and Alastor sat on either side of her, the TV playing a muted cartoon in the background.

"Daddy?" Ava asked, looking up at Lucifer.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Do you think I'm... weird?" Her voice was small, almost inaudible.

Lucifer's heart ached at the question. He reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Absolutely not. You're special, Ava. And being special isn't the same as being weird. It's what makes you... you."

Ava leaned into his touch, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "Okay."

Alastor chimed in, his voice as soothing as a lullaby. "Besides, darling, have you met us? If you're weird, then you fit right in with this family."

Ava giggled, wiping her eyes. "I guess that's true."

Lucifer pulled her closer, kissing the top of her head. "It's more than true. We love you just the way you are, quirks and all."

As the night wore on, Ava's eyelids grew heavy, and she eventually drifted off, KeeKee still nestled in her arms. Lucifer and Alastor exchanged a glance over her sleeping form, a silent understanding passing between them.

They didn't have all the answers, but they had love. And for Ava, that was more than enough.