Ava, A Different Radioapple Fanfiction- CONTINUATION

Late Night 'Meetings'

The hotel was quiet, the soft hum of the air conditioning the only sound as Ava crept down the stairs, Bunny tucked under her arm. She was parched, the sugary remnants of the chaotic night still sticking to her teeth. Just as she reached the bottom step, the front door creaked open.

Vox stepped in, adjusting his tie, his crimson eyes scanning behind him as a tall, scruffy-looking demon shuffled through the doorway.

"Come on, let's make this quick," Vox muttered, his smooth voice dipped in urgency.

Ava froze on the steps, tilting her head. "Who's he?" she asked, her small voice cutting through the silence.

The scruffy demon jumped, startled. "Uh, hey, kid..."

Vox whirled around, his usual composed demeanor cracking. "Ava! What are you doing up?"

"I'm thirsty," she replied matter-of-factly, her big eyes narrowing. "Who's your friend?"

The tension was palpable as Vox's sleek face contorted in panic. He forced a stiff laugh. "Oh, uh, just... a colleague. Business meeting." He gestured awkwardly at the scruffy demon, who waved weakly.

"At night?" Ava raised an eyebrow, sharp as ever. "That doesn't make sense."

Vox knelt to her level, his tone hushed and pleading. "Listen, sweetheart. Don't tell your dads about this, okay? Or anyone else. Just go back to bed, and I'll get you that drink. Deal?"

Ava crossed her arms, her lips twitching into a sly smirk. "What's in it for me?"

Vox blinked, taken aback. "What?"

"You're asking me to keep a secret," she said matter-of-factly. "Secrets cost."

The scruffy demon stifled a laugh, earning a sharp glare from Vox. "Fine," Vox said through gritted teeth. "What do you want? Candy? Money?"

Ava considered it, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "No. I want the latest version of your tablet. The one that can turn into a hologram projector."

"Hah! Dream on, kid," Vox scoffed.

Ava shrugged, turning back toward the stairs. "Okay, I'll just tell Daddy about your 'business meeting.'"

Vox's jaw dropped. "You little—fine! You'll get the tablet. But not a word, you hear me?"

She turned back, victorious. "Deal." She held out her pinky, and Vox hesitated before reluctantly linking his with hers.

"Now go to bed," he hissed, already regretting the entire night.

"After my drink," Ava said sweetly, making her way to the kitchen as if nothing had happened, leaving Vox to deal with his "colleague."

As Vox watched her disappear into the kitchen, the scruffy demon grinned. "Kid's got guts. Reminds me of someone."

Vox groaned. "Shut up and let's get this over with before she asks for a car."