Ava, A Different Radioapple Fanfiction- CONTINUATION

Shit! Dinner!

AUTHORS NOTE- I got bored and drew Percy, he's the cover photo. :)

Vox's phone buzzed in his pocket, the familiar ringtone pulling him out of the room's quiet tension. He glanced down at the screen and saw Percy's name flash across it. His stomach dropped slightly—he'd completely forgotten about their plans.

"Alastor," Vox said, his voice tinged with sudden urgency. "Can I invite someone to dinner tonight? I promised a friend I'd introduce him to everyone and completely forgot about it."

Alastor, unfazed as ever, gave a quick nod. "Of course, Vox. You're free to invite whoever you like."

Vox smiled, grateful for Alastor's understanding, before stepping away and heading toward the stairs. He walked up to an empty room, the quiet sanctuary giving him a moment of calm before he answered the call.

"Hello?" Vox said as he held the phone to his ear.

On the other end, Percy's voice was soft but concerned. "Hey, Vox. What's up?"

Vox's breath hitched in his chest, and his composure cracked. His voice broke as he tried to speak. "I... I'm sorry, Percy. I don't know what's wrong with me. I—"

Percy immediately picked up on the distress in Vox's tone. "Vox, what's going on? Talk to me."

Vox swallowed hard, trying to steady himself as he explained. "It's... it's been a crazy day. Valentino's dead. There's blood, and Velvette... I didn't mean for it to happen like this. I'm a mess, Percy."

Percy, hearing the distress in Vox's voice, responded quickly. "I'm so sorry you're going through this. But do you still want me to come over?"

Vox paused, wiping away the tears that were threatening to spill. He hesitated, his mind swirling with everything that had happened today, but he managed to steady himself enough to speak. "Honestly, I forgot about our plans. But... I asked Alastor if you could still come. He said yes."

A small, reassuring chuckle came from the other end of the phone. "Of course I'll come. I'll be there in about five minutes. Don't worry, Vox. We'll figure this out together."

Vox's breath caught in his throat as he held the phone against his ear. He was grateful, despite everything, to have Percy's support. "Thanks, Percy. I really need you right now."

"I'm always here for you, Vox. I'll see you soon," Percy replied, and the line went quiet as he ended the call.

Vox took a deep breath and stood in the empty room for a moment, letting the weight of everything settle in his chest. He knew things were far from over, but at least he had some semblance of peace knowing that Percy was coming. He headed back downstairs, his mind already turning to the upcoming dinner with the others, and hoped that tonight, just for a little while, everything could feel normal again.

The doorbell chimed, pulling Vox from his thoughts as he rushed to open it. He opened the door to find Percy standing there, looking as calm and collected as always, though his eyes softened when he saw the state Vox was in. Without saying a word, Percy stepped forward and pulled Vox into a tight hug.

Vox held onto him, feeling a rush of relief and warmth flood through him. "I'm sorry, Percy," he muttered, his voice still a little shaky. "I didn't mean to drag you into this mess."

"Hey, don't apologize," Percy replied softly, squeezing him a little tighter. "I'm here for you. Always."

Vox took a deep breath, pulling back from the hug to wipe his eyes quickly. "Thanks for coming. You can come in now, and I'll introduce you to everyone."

Percy nodded with a smile, his reassuring presence making Vox feel just a little more grounded. He stepped inside, and Vox led him toward the living room where the others were gathered.