Ava, A Different Radioapple Fanfiction- CONTINUATION

Nighttime Shenanigans.

Michael had been entertaining everyone for a while, effortlessly slipping into conversation with Alastor, Adam, and even Ava, who hung on his every word. But as the room fell into a natural lull, he leaned closer to Lucifer, lowering his voice.

"Hey, Luci," Michael said, his tone almost conspiratorial. "Got a cigarette on you?"

Lucifer blinked, caught off guard. "A cigarette? Since when do you smoke?"

Michael chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Oh, don't start acting like this is brand new. Remember back when I'd steal one of yours, just for kicks? Back when you were still in Heaven?"

Lucifer narrowed his eyes, studying him. "I remember that... but you were always drunk when you did it."

Michael grinned, shaking his head. "No, I'm not drunk. You're confusing things. What I meant was, I still do that thing—where if I'm stressed or I've had a drink, I get the urge for one. I'm a casual smoker, Luci. Always have been."

Lucifer blinked, processing, then started laughing. "I thought you were about to confess you've been knocking back holy wine all day. Alright, now it makes sense."

Michael smirked. "Glad to clear up the confusion. So... you gonna help me out or what?"

Lucifer reached into his pocket, pulling out his cigarette case. "Fine, fine. Just don't let Ava see, me and Al smoke, and that's bad enough. Don't want her thinking it's a normal adult thing."

Michael accepted the cigarette with a grateful nod, letting Lucifer light it for him. He took a slow drag, exhaling smoothly. "Man, it's been a while," he muttered, glancing around. "Still hits the spot, though."

Lucifer leaned back, lighting one of his own. "Heaven must really be getting to you if you're sneaking smokes down here with me."

Michael gave him a wry smile. "It's not all pearly gates and sunshine, Luci. You of all people should know that."

Lucifer nodded slowly, the weight of his brother's words sinking in. But instead of probing further, he gave Michael a nudge. "Come on. Let's finish these and get back in there before someone starts asking questions."

Michael took another drag, grinning. "Yeah, last thing I need is Ava catching me and thinking her uncle's the rebel of the family."

Lucifer smirked. "Too late for that. She already thinks you're cooler than me."

Michael laughed as they stubbed out their cigarettes and headed back inside, the warmth and noise of the house greeting them like a balm for their shared troubles.

Michael and Lucifer exchanged wide-eyed glances as they stepped inside, their earlier levity vanishing at the scene before them. Ava sat curled up beside Adam on the couch, tears streaming down her cheeks as Adam held a bucket in front of her. Alastor knelt beside her, his hand moving gently up and down her back in soothing circles, while Niffty was busily mopping the floor, humming an oddly cheerful tune despite the situation.

Lucifer set his cigarette case down and rushed over. "What happened? We were gone for, what, five minutes?"

Michael, looking just as bewildered, trailed behind him.

Alastor glanced up at them, his expression concerned but composed. "I haven't the faintest idea. One moment, she was perfectly fine, and the next... well." He gestured vaguely toward the bucket.

Adam frowned, still holding the bucket steady. "Yeah, she was sitting with me, and then outta nowhere, she just started looking green. Didn't even say anything. Just bam. Poor kid."

Ava sniffled, looking up at Lucifer with glassy eyes. "I-I don't feel good, Daddy," she whimpered.

Lucifer knelt in front of her, brushing her hair back from her damp face. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm sorry. Did you eat something bad? Did the hot chocolate not sit right?"