A/N: I, ClarabelleBlue, do not own Skulduggery Pleasant or any of the amazing characters Derek Landy created.
Enjoy!
Chapter 2
Valkyrie placed her finger on the delicate symbol that China Sorrows had painstakingly etched onto Skulduggery's rib. Her mind flashed suddenly to the pain it must have caused, the overwhelming uncertainty that it must have instilled in him. Why didn't he tell me? Did he think I would disapprove? She banished the thoughts from her mind. There was no time for pesky doubts when she was finally as close to him as she longed to be.
She felt the sigil heat beneath her finger, nearly burning her flesh. She withdrew her finger quickly, blowing cool air on it to ease the sensation. Her fingertip now had red marks identical to Skulduggery's new sigil. The sight made her mouth curve slightly into a smile.
Valkyrie heard a strangled yell come from Skulduggery. Her head whipped around to face him, and she froze.
Skulduggery. Wait, is it really him? He…has…skin. Her mind worked furiously, taking in the sight in front of her. He was tall and thin, like Skulduggery always had been, but there was now flesh filling out his suit. The fabric strained slightly over a well-defined physique. His skin was smooth and paler then her own. It was unblemished by time or battle. Her eyes travelled to his face, taking in the green eyes, light brown hair, juicy-red lips. I want those, she thought hungrily, feeling the thought send a jolt of energy deep into her stomach. He is so…beautiful. What am I going to do?
Her eyes dropped suddenly to her lap. She could feel the blood rushing to her face at the thought of all the things she wanted to do to him. I have to stop, he'll read it on my face! But her thoughts wouldn't abate. She stared down at his hand, still clasped around hers, only now it was large and warm. Her other hand unconsciously reached over to stroke one finger against the beautiful skin on the back of his hand.
There was a sharp intake of breath beside her. Her finger froze and her face jerked up to meet his gaze. His green eyes were bright, and they were locked on her face. He could see the blush warming her face, he thought it made her even more beautiful. But she looked uncertain, slightly confused.
"Valkyrie," his voice came out low. It was the same voice that she knew and loved, and its sound erased the slight crease between her eyebrows. It was all he needed.
Skulduggery's lunge took Valkyrie by surprise. He wrapped his long arms around her, pulling her close into a hug. His embrace was warm and soft, though she could feel the hard muscle pressing against her. Her arms reached up slowly and she hugged him back, relishing the warmth of his comforting embrace.
"You feel simply divine," his words, muffled by her hair, sent another jolt running though her abdomen.
He drew back suddenly, staring into her face. "I'm sorry, that was…it's just been so long since—"
She cut him off, leaning forward to press her lips against his. His mouth was soft and warm, and unresponsive in surprise. Then, after a brief hesitation, he seemed to make up his mind. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against his front, and crushed his lips to hers.
To Valkyrie, it was pure bliss. Her thoughts seemed nonexistent as he claimed her mouth. His tongue on her lip caused her lips to part in surprise, and he took the opportunity to slip his tongue in. He gently explored her mouth while his lips moved over hers, and she heard a low growl of satisfaction slip from his throat.
She was now on his lap, straddling him on the edge of her bed. Her hands twisted in his hair and she loved the feel of the honey curls beneath her fingers. She became aware of Skulduggery's hands, which were pressing against her back and slowly moving up.
All of a sudden, his lips were gone from hers, and she could feel the cool air brushing against her pink, swollen lips. Valkyrie's eyes blinked open in surprise. She wanted him back.
Skulduggery was leaning back and he seemed to be trying to clear his thoughts. His mouth was open slightly as he breathed hard, and his eyes were nearly closed with desire. He took a deep breath in and raised his eyes to meet hers. He spoke slowly, his voice deep and low, "Valkyrie Cain, you have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." Even though her face was already flushed from the intense kiss she felt it heat even more at his words.
Then his tone changed slightly, became more controlled and even, "But you need to think about this. I don't want to rush you into something that will end up ruining our…friendship."
Valkyrie sat there for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Then she said, her voice breathy but sincere, "Skulduggery Pleasant, I have known you for many years now." He began to interrupt, but she cut him off, "Let me finish." He nodded. "We've been partners for a long time now. I love you and I know that you love me back. I think we may have moved past friendship long ago." She took a deep breath, held it for a moment while she gathered the words, "This is what I want. I want you."
He gave a soft chuckle, "I always knew you couldn't resist me. I am irresistible." She grinned then at his familiar confidence.
He gazed into her face. Loving the sound of her laugh, loving her grin, loving her. "You, my dear combat accessory, are far more irresistible, however. I could have you all day."
Her stomach clenched at his words, but she still managed a witty reply, "That sounds like a challenge, Mr. Pleasant."
"It could be, Ms. Cain." His voice was low with arousal, and she felt him start to grow beneath her.
Holy shit, this is actually happening, she thought excitedly. Then he leaned forward, wrapping his arms around her waist possessively, and she brought her face up to meet his waiting lips.
A/N: How did you like it? I would absolutely love it if you could leave a review telling me what you thought!
Keep an eye out for the next chapter, as it will likely be posted very soon.
Have a great rest of your day! Or if you're about to go to sleep—as I am—I wish you happy dreams full of skeletons in suits.
-ClarabelleBlue
