~Things change~

A/N: Just a little something I thought of so I decided to run with it and see where it goes. This will become a series if I get a good response to it so let me know what you think! :) xx

Skulduggery: FlawD doesn't own anything.

Valkyrie: Always remember to send FlawD pairings that you'd like to see!

Ghastly: You can also send her different ideas.

Tanith: And always remember to read and…

Fletcher: REVIEW! :D

Things Change

Valkyrie watched her reflection in the mirror. Even she had to admit that she had grown. Long gone was the naïve 18 years old that she used to be, a powerful and confident mum of 53 years now stood before her. Of course, she didn't appear to be 53 years old. Magic had slowed the aging process right down, just like Skulduggery said it would.

'Skulduggery…' He was no longer her mentor, no longer the man that jumped up to her bedroom window. She glanced down to the silver band that adorned her wedding finger. Skulduggery Pleasant was now her husband. He was still annoying as ever, still a narcissist, still dressing in expensive suits and still adoring Valkyrie to no end.

Valkyrie watched as a small smile revealed itself on her face and she studied how her lilac eyes glittered when she recalled Skulduggery proposing to her. After all the dangers they had faced together, Skulduggery was always as tough as nails but then a small thing like proposing to her and the man was a nervous wreck. With a soft shake of her raven-haired head, Valkyrie wiped thoughts of Skulduggery out of her mind and focused on getting ready. The gang were finally getting together once again after a three-month wait. Everyone had agreed that each month they would catch up together at someone's house. But recently, they were all just so busy. All of them had conflicting schedules, it sometimes seemed that if some could do a certain date, others wouldn't be able to. But today was different. Finally, they had all reached an agreement to catch up today.

Valkyrie wiped a smear of nude-coloured lip gloss across her bottom lip as her thoughts drifted to how much everyone had evolved and changed. Skulduggery was more loving towards others, showing more affection and companionship towards his friends and family. Fletcher was currently off the dating scene with his girlfriend of three years. Ghastly had remained un-changed professionally wise, he was still running his beloved tailor shop, it was just his personality that had altered slightly. He was more open-minded now, willing to get out more and try something new. He's really come to accept that he can't hide from the magic world and thankfully he's embraced it. Tanith is, well, Tanith. Still beautiful as ever in her tight, brown-leather clothing. The only person that hadn't seemed to have really changed, except slightly physically, was herself. Or maybe Valkyrie just couldn't see her own change. That was probably it.

'Just a few more swipes of mascara and…I should be all done.' Valkyrie glanced at her now long lashes before flicking her raven locks over her shoulders. She went to grab her perfume bottle and give herself a couple of extra sprays when she felt a familiar pair of bony arms wrap around her waist. She yelped in shock before grinning at the man behind her.

"You're getting sloppy Mrs Pleasant, you should have seen me coming." A particular velvet-voice teased her.

"Maybe I would have seen you coming had I had a better mentor when I was younger."

"Uh-uh, I think you'll find Valkyrie that I was the best mentor you ever had."

Valkyrie looked hard in thought. "I don't know Skulduggery, Solomon could give you a run for your money." She felt him pull his head away from near her shoulder to look at her incredulously.

"You better take that back Valkyrie." Skulduggery growled out.

"Or what Mr Pleasant?" She taunted dangerously.

"Or I'll make you take it back."

"Oh really?"

"Mhm." Skulduggery turned Valkyrie around so they were facing each other before leaning in and planting teasing skeletal kisses on her neck. His gloved hands found her petite waist before wrapping themselves around it. When his teeth nipped at her skin, it made her roll her head back in delight. She let her own hands drag themselves up his body before letting them frame his cold jaw. Slowly, she made his head tilt up towards hers before leaning in and planting one simple kiss on his smooth teeth. He breathed her in just as she breathed him in. An intoxicating mixture of mint and musty leather filled her senses. She felt as if she was going to drown in his scent but she didn't mind if she did. He was such magic to her, everything holding him together was magic, he was only here with her because of magic, they met because of magic and its community. Oh how she loved magic.

Just as Skulduggery was about to pick Valkyrie up and drag her back to their bed, the sound of the doorbell rang throughout the house. Valkyrie pulled away from the kiss and went to go make her way to down the stairs to the front door but her wrist got snagged by Skulduggery. He pulled her back into his embrace but she protested with a giggle.

"Skulduggery, we have to go answer the door."

"Why? The door didn't ask any questions."

"Haha, that's not what I mean and you know it. Now come on lazy," Valkyrie chided to her husband as she dragged him along. "And stop sulking."

Skulduggery brooded for a moment before walking hand-in-hand with Valkyrie to the door.

"Of course the moment gets ruined. If it's not Harvey interrupting the moment, it's our friends isn't it?" Skulduggery Pleasant murmured under his breath.

"Oh Skulduggery, don't go blaming interruptions on our five-year old son or our friends."

"Ugh fine. Well if I can't blame it on them, who can I blame it on?"

"For heaven's sake Skulduggery, if you have to blame it on someone, blame it on fate or something." She grinned up at him.

"Well alright, I'll blame it on fate. Maybe fate could do a big turn-around and maybe let us finish the moment every now and then." Skulduggery whispered in her ear while giving her a suggesting nudge in the hip.

"Maybe," Valkyrie returned with a mysterious gleam in her violet eyes.

"Mum!" Valkyrie and Skulduggery turned around at the sound of their son's voice. They saw their little tyrant running towards them in his light green trackies complete with his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles t-shirt. His auburn hair flopped up and down on his head when he ran and it made Skulduggery tilt his head at the cuteness.

"Harvey, honey, what's up?" Valkyrie replied.

"I'm hungry, can I please have something to eat?" Valkyrie smiled at him in proudness. Skulduggery had taught him well with his manners.

"Sure thing Harv, Skulduggery could you get him a muesli bar from the cupboard or something?"

"Of course, come on Harvey, let's get you something to eat, yes?" Skulduggery smiled down at his son as Harvey nodded gleefully while taking his hand.

Valkyrie watched after them with a knowing smile on her face. Skulduggery had never had a son, so raising Harvey together was a learning curve for them both. At the thought of Skulduggery being a parent, Valkyrie's heart ached. She loved Skulduggery and their son more than life itself but she knew how much it hurt Skulduggery not being able to give Valkyrie a child. She knew it hurt Skulduggery's pride as a man not being able to give her one of life's simplest of gifts. But Valkyrie didn't mind, honestly. Just having him in her life was more than a blessing but when they signed the adoption papers and took in Harvey, her life felt like it was almost complete. Almost complete though. She had always wanted a boy and a girl. But Valkyrie didn't want to even suggest raising the topic of adopting a little girl with Skulduggery. She knew Harmony was Skulduggery's first daughter and first child altogether before she was killed by Nefarian Serpine along with his wife. She didn't want to cause him more anguish. Valkyrie released an audible sigh but her thoughts were interrupted by another ring of the doorbell. She jumped in remembrance and pulled the door open with a happy smile plastered on her face.

"Fletcher, Audrey! Come in, come in!" Valkyrie exclaimed with her arms outstretched. Fletcher welcomed her embrace first with a friendly kiss pressed to her cheek and then his partner, Audrey, did the same. It was a bit difficult to kiss Audrey on the cheek with her round mid-section. She must've been in her third trimester by now

"Val! It's been a while. How's everything?" Fletcher asked, grinning as he wound his hand into his Audrey's.

"Oh you know, same stuff, different day. Haha, how have you guys been? Audrey texted me a while back to let me know that you guys moved?"

"Yeah, yep. Still in sunny Australia but now we're down in Victoria or Melbourne, to be more exact."

"Wow," Valkyrie was amazed, she loved the city life. She couldn't wait when it was Fletcher and Audrey's turn to host their get-togethers.

"Yes, we're now living the big city life. I love it, of course. But Fletch on the other hand, doesn't seem to be too fond of it." Audrey told Valkyrie while laughing.

"I don't hate it though, either!"

Audrey rolled her eyes. "Sure Fletcher."

"I'm surprised you guys actually moved to the city, with your little one on the way. Don't you guys think it'll be too noisy or something to raise a kid?" Valkyrie asked as she led them the way through the house.

"Well we did take the noise into consideration, so we were careful in picking an apartment block to movie into. I think we did fairly well to be honest. IT's hard to explain but the apartment block we've moved into is more near the industrial setting. It's rarely noisy so I think we've made the right decision."

"Well it sounds wonderful Audrey, I can't wait to visit and dine in with you guys in the city. Just wait 'till Skulduggery hears we'll be taking a trip up into the city, it'll be like his world has come crashing down." Fletcher and Audrey laughed along with Valkyrie at the honesty in her words. Once they were in the lounge room, Valkyrie told them to take a seat while she went to search for her child and Harvey. Audrey laughed at her joke while shaking her head.

Fletcher ran his thumb over Audrey's hand while pressing a small kiss to her pink cheek. She blushed harder while sighing contently and leaning into her boyfriend's embrace. Her short, deep honey hair hung freely while her head rested against Fletcher's left shoulder.

"I'm so happy to see everyone," Fletcher stated quietly. "I've really missed them."

"So have I, I can't wait to see little Harvey again."

Fletcher smiled and nodded. "To think we might have a little Harvey running around our apartment soon." He let his right hand place itself delicately on Audrey's large belly that was covered by her loose floral dress.

"Or a little Harvette." Audrey pointed out, placing her left hand on top of Fletcher's.

"A Harvette?" Fletcher snorted, "You couldn't have just said a little girl could you?"

Audrey lifted her head up to reward Fletcher with a playful slap to the arm. He grinned down at her before capturing her lips with his quickly. Audrey returned the small lip-lock happily. They pulled apart when they heard quick footsteps coming down the hall. Audrey and Fletcher looked at each other in excitement when they saw Harvey standing in the doorway getting his breath back.

"Uncle Fletcher! Auntie Audrey!" Harvey squealed excitedly. Fletcher and Audrey got up from their seat and bent down on their knees with open arms.

"Harvey!"

"How's my favourite nephew doing?" Fletcher exclaimed.

"He's your only nephew Fletcher," Audrey pointed out.

He gave her a look. "Yeah, but he doesn't know that."

Harvey charged towards them both, landing smack bang in the middle. He didn't know who to hug first so he settled for wrapping one arm around each of them and bring all three of them into a small group hug. Audrey was the first to look up and see Valkyrie and Skulduggery positioned in the doorway, their arms around each other's waist.

"Skulduggery," Audrey started, pushing herself up from her knees, "It's so good to see you again! It feels like forever."

"It certainly does Miss Tenacious. How have you been?" Skulduggery's happy tone rang throughout his voice. He leaned in to put his hand on her shoulder as she reached up and pressed a kiss to his bony cheek. His permanent grin smiled down at her and she revealed her own sunny smile to him.

"I've been good Skul, really good," she finished while looking down at her stomach lovingly.

"Skulduggery!" Fletcher announced.

"Fletcher, it's nice to see your hair hasn't changed." Skulduggery said while giving a solid hand-shake.

"Ha ha Skulduggery, we both know you're just jealous because you don't have any." Fletcher taunted.

Skulduggery laughed heartily. He enjoyed the friendly banter he shared with Renn, it amused him greatly.

"So Renn, how does it feel knowing you'll be a father soon?" Fletcher ran a hand through his unruly hair while blowing out some air.

"To be honest Skulduggery, I'm nervous. Excited, definitely excited, but nervous. I'm worried about parenting, what if I do it wrong?"

Skulduggery patted Fletcher on the shoulder before beginning to lead him away from the lounge room.

"There's one big rule to parenting Fletcher, there's no right or wrong way. But, if you're really stressing out about it, why don't you come take a seat with me and we'll talk about it, yes?"

"That'd…actually be really helpful. Thank you, Skulduggery."

Valkyrie and Audrey watched their partners wander off with blissful expressions on their faces.

"They're so adorable when they get along." Audrey stated while bending down to pick up Harvey. She bounced him along the edge of her hip as he wrapped his arms around her neck.

"Yes they are. Too bad they can't be like that more often!" Valkyrie joked.

"So Harvey, are you happy to see me and Fletcher?" Audrey inquired to the bouncing five-year old on her hip.

Harvey nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! I love you guys!"

Valkyrie and Audrey looked at each other before glancing back to Harvey and 'awing' and mumbling, 'that's so cute'. The innocent dissipated when the doorbell rang followed by a short knock.

"Join me to the door Tenacious?"

"Lead the way Pleasant." Audrey said while passing over Harvey to his mum.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"Honestly Fletcher, don't worry. You'll make a fine father. Obviously with my guidance, but still, hopefully you'll be a great dad."

"Wow Skulduggery, Valkyrie was right. You suck at motivating talks."

Skulduggery waved a hand. "Nonsense, I just excel at other things which make it seem as if I give horrible motivating talks."

"Right. Look Skulduggery, I'm concerned about the sex of the baby. Is a girl harder to look after than a boy? Or is it the other way around?" Fletcher asked, pure seriousness dripping from his voice.

"I can't answer that question truthfully Fletch as I don't have a full understanding of what it's like raising a boy from scratch. But what I can say is this, I don't necessarily think one sex is more difficult raising than the other. Both are just as bad as each other." Skulduggery noticed Fletcher pale noticeably.

"Alright, so what you're saying is that I'm pretty much screwed either way the baby turns out?"

"…Yeah that's pretty much it."

"Thanks so much Skulduggery. You really cleared the doubt in my mind."

"Glad I could be of assistance."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

As soon as the person behind Valkyrie's front door was revealed, Harvey squealed in delight and reached for them.

"Ghastly! Uncle Ghastly!"

Ghastly's face lit up in happiness as he took the bundle of excitement in his arms. He felt Harvey's small arms wrap around his large neck and squeeze tightly.

"Careful kiddo, else you might hug me to death!" Ghastly chuckled which made
Harvey Pleasant giggle shyly. Soon Harvey wriggled out of Ghastly's embrace and announced an important message to everyone.

"I'll got get dad and uncle Fletcher!"

"Alrighty honey. Just be careful not to run too fast –" Valkyrie went to finish off her warning but Harvey had already sprinted down the hallway in search of their other companions.

"That kid is going to get himself killed one day," Valkyrie mumbled under her breath.

"Audrey, Valkyrie, hello! It's nice to see you guys in the flesh again. It's great hearing from you guys over the phone but it's better to sit down with a cup of tea with everyone I find."

"Definitely," agreed Audrey.

"Too true Bespoke." Nodded Val.

"Now come here and give me a hug!" Demanded Audrey.

"If she gets one, I get one too!" Valkyrie waved her arms in the air.

"Ladies, please. There is enough of me to go around." Ghastly told them with a sly wink. The three of them laughed before joining a big hug consisting of all three of them.

"Come in Ghast, Skulduggery and Fletcher are around somewhere and Tanith texted me not too long ago saying she'll be here soon." Ghastly nodded at Valkyrie's words before frowning at the mention of Tanith's name.

"Oh Ghastly, I'm guessing things haven't shifted between yourself and Tanith?"

"Nope. We're still good friends and we've caught up a little bit but we both know there should be something more between us."

"Does she still not forgive herself for the pain she caused you and everyone else? Even though everyone has forgiven her?"

"Seems like it Audrey. She just doesn't seem to get that we never stopped loving her or caring for her when she was "off in the deep end" and married to Sanguine. Well, I know I certainly didn't." Ghastly murmured softly.

"Don't worry Ghastly, I didn't either. There were definitely times when I thought I wouldn't get my sister back, but a small part of me never lost hope. And now here we are, slowly rebuilding that bond we've always shared. But now it's time I think she tries to rebuild the bond yourself and her always shared." Valkyrie spoke with a quiet conviction.

"Speak of the devil," Audrey smiled as she watched Tanith's roaring motorbike pull up at the front. Tanith grinned and waved at the three of them, her gaze lingering on Ghastly for a moment. She kicked the stand and took her helmet off, shaking her hair free afterwards. Ghastly watched her, silently wishing to run his hands through her hair like he had done years before.

Tanith strutted up to the open door with open arms and greeted Ghastly first. A big squishy hug for him and a big squishy hug for Val and Audrey.

"You all are looking so well! Especially you Audrey. You're huge! The baby I mean!" Tanith blushed and stumbled at her words, hoping she didn't just accidently insult one of her best friends. Least of all, her pregnant best friend who is also a very, very skilled adept.

Everyone laughed at Tanith's inner-embarrassment before Audrey came to her rescue.

"Don't worry Tan, I know what you meant." She grinned at her. A sigh of relief came from Tanith as she placed her hand over her heart,

"Oh thank the heavens. I got worried for a second! Now, where is that pesky skeleton and annoying man with flamboyant hair? I've missed them."

"Hey! I heard that!" Fletcher declared as he rounded the corner as Valkyrie ushered everyone inside.

"Well I said it loudly." Tanith smirked at him.

"…"

"…"

"Tanith!"

"Fletcher!"

Tanith gave Fletcher Renn a big squishy hug as well. She followed suit with the skeleton that was trying to remain unseen behind Valkyrie. After Tanith had said her 'hello's' and given her famous hugs, the girls decided to let the guys say their greetings and so they made their way into the kitchen.

Valkyrie flicked the kettle on and leaned against the bench while Tanith jumped up on the counter and Audrey raided the pantry for some biscuits and the fridge to get a Pop-top for Harvey. Tanith knew what was coming but she didn't know who would get the ball rolling first.

"So, Tanith," Valkyrie began.

'Val it is then,' Tanith Low thought to herself.

"Tell me and Audrey, what's going on with you and Ghastly!? We're dyin' here!"

"Well," the blonde began.

Audrey snapped her head up while carrying two bags of chocolate chip cookies in her hands. "Ooh, she's actually going to tell us something, for once!" Tanith rolled her eyes while Valkyrie and Audrey giggled.

"Come on, we're kidding, mostly. But seriously, what is going on? Tan, you and Ghastly are meant to be together. You know that, he knows that, everybody else knows that!"

"I know, I know. Trust me, I get it. But you don't understand Val, do you have any idea how guilty I feel, even to this day, for the strife I put everyone through when I was controlled by my remnant? There's not a day that goes by without me getting repulsed by the fact that I was married to the 'Hit Man Deluxe' or by the fact that I battled on the wrong side instead of the right one. I put you through hell with the safety of your family, I tried to force you to become Darquesse for heaven's sake! How anyone ever forgave me, is beyond me." Tanith spoke softly. So much guilt and anguish carried in her voice and Audrey swore she heard all three of their hearts crack a little bit.

"Oh Tanith. You don't seem to get it, we're your friends. No matter what you have done, we still love and care for you. After all, you're my sister and Ghastly's soon-to-be girlfriend whether you like it or not. Now stop being so dramatic and accept the fact that tragically, there are people who will always be here for you!" Valkyrie demanded playfully while giving Tanith a short hug. Audrey was quick to follow up with one of her own.

"You're one of my best friends Tanith, and although I know about all the bad things you've done," Tanith's face dropped again and Valkyrie shot Audrey a warning look, "I also know about all the good things you've done. And let me tell you Tan, the good always outweighs the bad." Audrey grinned up at her before going back to the bags of cookies she left on the counter.

"Thanks guys, it really means a lot to know I have people like you in my life. I love you guys," Tanith sniffled while quickly wiping her eyes.

"Now stop it Tanith, else you're gonna make me get all sappy!" Valkyrie wailed while Audrey just waved her hands frantically at them.

"Guys, come on! Let's pull it together! We can all cry some other time, right now Fletcher and Ghastly are waiting for their tea and frankly, I want to rip into these cookies!" Valkyrie and Tanith burst into laughter and Audrey's statement. Thank the heavens for Audrey's ability to pull them all into line and her wonderful sense of humour. Tanith nodded and got the required teacups from the cupboard. Valkyrie got the pot and the saucer of milk ready while Audrey set up the tray. They ended up making the tea like this every time everyone caught up. It just came so naturally to them all and all three of them were functioning like a well-oiled machine. Usually it was Audrey who carried out the tray but she was too busy organising the plate of cookies for everyone.

"And also, I have a question for Valkyrie anyway," Audrey began again, "have you brought up the subject of adopting a girl with him yet?"

Tanith gasped. "You didn't mention this to me!?"

"Yes I did, I texted you just last week about it, saying that we would talk when we caught up."

"Oh, right. My mistake, continue." Tanith said.

"Well, I don't really want to make a big deal out of it, but I've always dreamed of having a boy and a girl and I've always dreamed of Skulduggery being the father to my kids. I'm worried though, I know his very first child was a girl and we all know that her and his wife were executed by Serpine so I don't want to bring up the topic of going down to the adoption agency again for a girl if it will bring up bad memories. I thought Harvey would be hard enough on him, y'know?"

"Yeah but Val, this is something you want. Maybe instead of outright asking him if he wants to have a girl, maybe just ask him if he can see himself and you having more children?" Audrey suggested.

Tanith nodded. "Yeah, that's a great idea. That way you can know for sure which direction to take from there."

"That's true, but what if he says he doesn't want anymore?"

Tanith and Audrey paused to look at each other worriedly. Valkyrie caught their glance and decided to change the subject.

"I'll just cross that bridge when I come to it. I'll try your idea Audrey, though." Valkyrie smiled through her worry and while she knew that the girls were sceptical, they didn't ask any more questions.

"Alright well, we better get this tea to the boys then," Tanith offered. Valkyrie nodded and looked at Audrey.

"Don't worry, I'll be there soon. I'm just getting the cookies." She grinned at them both.

Valkyrie and Tanith walked into the lounge room to find the men in casual conversation. Valkyrie placed the tray on the table and took a seat on the arm of the chair Skulduggery and Harvey were sitting on. Tanith took a seat on the floor across from Ghastly who was on the three-seater lounge with Fletcher. The girls slipped into the conversation easily as everyone was just discussing Fletcher and Audrey's moving arrangements. Audrey came in moments later with a small plate that was stacked high with biscuits for everyone. Audrey took up her spot next to Fletcher while easing into conversation with Ghastly about some of his new tailor work. Valkyrie leaned back and observed mostly, although she did contribute to the conversations that were floating around. She was happy listening to everyone chat and exchange sentences with one another. Laughter filled the air and Valkyrie smiled when she saw Tanith get up to talk more easily to Ghastly and Audrey. All of them here, together, was perfect. She looked down at her husband and her son, they might have not seemed to be the most picture-perfect father and son since the dad was a skeleton and the son of magic descent, but to Valkyrie Pleasant it was too surreal. As the atmosphere turned joyful and exciting, Valkyrie realised they were out of tea already. Probably due to the fact that Ghastly and Tanith were gulping it down every five seconds. Valkyrie rolled her eyes before getting up.

"I'm going to go get some more tea because it seems to me like we're already out," Valkyrie hinted at Ghastly and Tanith. Ghastly for his part, looked bashful while Tanith just looked around the room and whistled awkwardly. Fletcher pushed himself up from the couch and Valkyrie shot him a questioning glance.

"I'm not getting up to get some more tea, but to grab more cookies for my pregnant girlfriend over here," he said while looking back down at Audrey. She gave him a cheesy laugh before holding the plate that used to have cookies for everyone on it. Everyone laughed at the two's antics before returning back to conversation.

Fletcher and Valkyrie walked into the kitchen and once again Val flicked the kettle on. Fletcher sighed happily before leaning against the counter with her.

"Can you believe how far we've all come?" He asked her, smiling softly.

"Honestly, sometimes yes and sometimes no. We've been through so much together, it almost seems surreal to be sitting as a whole group again." She told him truthfully.

"That it does. I just can't get over some things. For example, you and Skulduggery adopted Harvey, I'm going to be a dad and Audrey's going to be a mum and Ghastly and Tanith aren'ttogether!"

"Well Fletcher," Valkyrie began, "things change."

~END~

Audrey: Hey there, remember me? Of course you do, you just read a story with me in it! :D You can thank FlawD's imagination for that :) Anyway, here's the rest of the gang for important messages/reminders!

Skulduggery & Valkyrie: Ladies and gentlemen, FlawDiamonds would be forever grateful if you left a comment or two on the story! X

Ghastly: Keep in mind you can always send FlawDiamonds pairing requests/story requests!

Tanith: Y'know what would be really cool and make FlawD's day beside from Skulduggery Pleasant rocking up on her doorstep? If you guys favourite/followed 'SP: The After Years – Things Change' :D

Harvey: Always remember that FlawDiamonds loves each and every one of you readers out there! :D :D :D

Fletcher: I'm just here because I have great hair like FlawD… ;)

FlawD: Thanks everyone! xx