DiabloCat: Another Skinner fic for those who love our crude, cranky and wise-cracking invisible thief. Enjoy.

HIDING

Rodney Skinner pressed himself deeper into the niche, invisible eyes flickering non-stop. How did he always manage to get himself sucked into these things, he wondered absently, eyes still searching.

The coast seemed to be clear. Skinner was about to step out – when HE entered.

Skinner repressed the urge to swear. The niche wasn't very comfortable, and he'd been squashed in there for ages. But now HE was there, there was no chance the invisible man would be able to find somewhere more suitable for long waits.

It was no use trying to sneak out, no use at all. HE had an uncanny knack at finding things, invisible or not, as Skinner had found out on previous occasions. And he had no wish to repeat those occasions.

HIS head slowly turned, rotating to survey every inch of the room. Skinner pressed himself even further into the wall, ignoring the rough bricks that scratched his bare back. He tried to stifle his ragged breathing, tried to suppress the rising panic.

And his elbow bumped the cupboard with a dull thunk.

To Skinner's everlasting horror, HIS head stopped, then turned to stare straight at the niche where the thief was vainly trying to hide. HE stared into Skinner's eyes, as if HE could see them – sometimes, Skinner wondered if HE could.

A slow smile spread across HIS face, and Skinner's breath hitched in his throat.

Then young David bounded across to him with a triumphant shout. "Found you Uncle Skinner!"

Skinner laughed and stepped out from the niche. "That you did, Dave." He grabbed the little boy and swung him onto his shoulders where Dave cackled with glee at being perched on seemingly nothing.

Tom Sawyer strolled into the room and lent against the wall, hands in pockets. He smiled at the sight of his son sitting in midair.

"Look Daddy," Dave called out. "I found Uncle Skinner!"

"You're losing your touch Skinner," Tom said.

Skinner gave an invisible, suspicious glare. "Huh, I bet you told him where I was."

"No!" said Dave indignantly. "I found you all a-by myself!"

"Alright, alright, I believe you! No need to deafen me," grumbled Skinner. Dave was too used to the thief's ways to care much.

"Let's play again!" shouted Dave excitedly.

Skinner cast Tom a pleading look. They'd been playing all day, and he didn't think he could stand much more.

Although Tom didn't see the look, he could guess Skinner's thoughts. He decided to take pity on him.

"How about lunch instead?" he suggested.

Dave pouted.

"I make you an egg and lettuce sandwich."

Dave wavered, but held firm.

"And there's chocolate cake afterwards."

Dave cracked. "Okay." He tapped Skinner on the top of his head. "I wanna go get lunch."

"Great," said Skinner. "Hold on tight then."

Dave giggled as Skinner carried him off towards the kitchen.

THE END

DiabloCat: Aw, sickeningly sweet.

Who is Tom married to? Dunno. Some hot chick who truly appreciates him.

Where are they? Dunno. Tom's house or something.

Yes, I know it leaves out lots of information, but it's only supposed to be a short little one-shot.

Hoped you like it. Reviews much welcomed.