I'm sorry about the lateness of this update guys. I've had work experience for the past week, and I've had to cycle there and back home, which has left me pretty worn out. And I have more next week, so updates will probably continue to be a little slow. Sorry.
On an unrelated note, would you guys like me to start writing a collection of Skulduggery Pleasant one-shots? You know, AUs, stuff set after this fic and little bits and pieces that wouldn't fit into this. I've got a few ideas already, so I'll probably start posting stuff after my work experience is done.
To Eislicht: I'm really glad that you are liking this story, and everything else it has to offer. Sorry about ruining China's image, but I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth after it was revealed that it was her fault Skulduggery's wife and child were dead.
And don't worry about your English; yours is actually pretty decent. Trust me, I've seen actual English speakers who have done a lot worse XD
To LionsandTrolls:Here's your update! And I'm glad you think of that about Mesmer. Don't die on me!
This chapter is a little 'eh'. Next one will be better. Well, better written at least.
Chapter 20 – Horrors Revealed
Valkyrie and Tanith were sat at the kitchen table opposite Ghastly, and the former had the feeling that the Elder was about to launch into a long lecture.
"Clarity never told you why they took custody over Erskine, did they?" Ghastly asked simply.
Both women shook their heads.
Sighing, Ghastly held out a file, indicating that he wanted them to look at it. "This is why" he said. "In all honesty, I'm quite disgusted that this went on right in front of me for so long."
Confused, Valkyrie opened the folder, only for her and Tanith to recoil in horror at the images they saw. Moments later, Valkyrie could be heard throwing up in the downstairs bathroom.
Tanith just stared, stunned beyond measure. "This actually happened to him?" she asked disbelievingly. Ghastly nodded. "That's… that's just…"
"Disgusting," Valkyrie groaned as she walked back in "Not even Erskine deserves that."
"And the worse thing is that Clarity was the only one who realised what was going on," Ghastly lamented.
"It explains why he's acting the way he is now," Tanith mused. "And the turtlenecks."
"So can I trust you to be nicer to him?" Ghastly asked. "He's paid the price for his misdeeds, I think it's time you started forgiving him. The rest of us have."
"Yes. You can trust us."
Skulduggery had dozed off at some point whilst Ghastly told the girls what had happened. He still had his arms wrapped around Erskine, whose head was rested in the detective's lap, however he was unable to succumb to sleep as easily as his lover had.
Suddenly, the door was pushed open, and he immediately shrank back in terror when he saw Valkyrie stood in the doorway.
"Hey," the girl in black said quietly. "Um… we're getting takeaway for dinner, so… do you have any suggestions?"
Erskine was silent for a moment as he pondered his options. "Pizza?" he ventured cautiously.
"Anything in particular?"
"I… no, not really."
"Fair enough. But hey, if you change your mind, just let me know. I'll probably make the order in half an hour."
"Okay."
Valkyrie nodded and quietly left the room, allowing Erskine to finally relax. He still got nervous around her, regardless of how friendly she was.
"Typical Valkyrie," Skulduggery said good-humouredly, causing Erskine to look up at him curiously. His expression was very much like Wolf's, albeit possessing a simmering layer of fear beneath it. "Once you give her a reason, she's just too nice. It's a welcome change, though. Now I don't have to worry about her losing her temper with you."
Erskine just murmured wordlessly, pressing his face into Skulduggery's chest; taking comfort in his warmth and the soft sweetness of the fabric of his suit.
"Hey," Skulduggery said, gently raising Erskine's head so that they were locking eyes. "What do I have to do to cheer you up, hmm?"
Nervously, Erskine averted his eyes and leaned forward, lips parted. Skulduggery got the message and brought him into a long, sweet kiss. Calming bliss seeped into their bodies, and Skulduggery relished the softness of Erskine's lips against his own.
"Better?" Skulduggery asked when he broke off, brushing away a stray lock of hair that had gotten into his eyes. Erskine nodded. "Good!" he chirped, tightening his embrace around Erskine and nuzzling his face fondly. A soft chuckle escaped Erskine, and he pulled away to try and escape the shower of affection, but Skulduggery persisted, pulling him closer and managing to land several kisses on his cheek.
"Hey," Erskine objected, curling up in an attempt to protect his face, but the playful glint in Skulduggery's eyes said all. He wasn't going to give up yet. Leaning down, he kissed and nudged the back of the man's neck. The contact tickled and drew a soft laugh from Erskine. "Quit it!"
"Why?" Skulduggery asked, an impish grin adorning his face. "I thought you liked it when I got frisky."
Erskine murmured something in protest, pressing against the detective whilst evading Skulduggery's advances. His endeavours were in vain, however, as more kisses smattered his face and neck; the skin of which had been exposed after the collar of his turtleneck had been pushed down.
"Stop," Erskine said. "That's enough!"
The fear in his voice registered in Skulduggery's mind, and he mercifully relented. Leaning back, he allowed Erskine to calm down before hugging him again.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I didn't think."
"S'okay," Erskine murmured, pressing his face into Skulduggery's shoulder. "Normally, it's not that bad, but I guess…"
"China."
"Mmhmm."
Erskine shivered, and Skulduggery instinctively tightened his grip around him. Tentatively, he nuzzled Erskine's neck again and stroked his hair gently.
"Hey, ladies!" Valkyrie shouted from downstairs, surprising Erskine. "We're going to order pizza, so get your butts down here! I don't want to be outvoted and end up having to force down whatever crap toppings Dexter wants."
Chuckling, Skulduggery nudged Erskine off of his lap and stood up, taking Erskine with him. His boyfriend was a little shaky on his feet, but thankfully he wasn't collapsing, and he didn't look as terrified as before, which was a good sign.
"The rabble downstairs is going to find out about us at some point," Skulduggery stated. "Either we tell them or they figure it out on their own. What do you think we should do? I won't force you into doing it if you don't want to."
The uncertainty in Erskine's eyes was obvious, and he wasn't shy about admitting it. "I don't know. I'm not quite ready to tell everyone just yet, but if they find out anyway, then that's okay."
"I'm alright with that."
"Guys!" Valkyrie called out impatiently. "Are you hungry or not?"
"We ought to go down," Skulduggery said, rubbing his forehead against Erskine's. "I've never had pizza before."
"Well, don't try anchovies, it's not worth it," Erskine joked. "They're salty and taste like dirty socks."
"They what?"
"They're not nice."
"Oh."
Both men quickly made their way downstairs to find Valkyrie and Dexter arguing over what pizza to order in the kitchen. Saracen was watching in amusement from the table with Husky and Dingo sat either side of him, and Clarity was in the corner, listening to music whilst Wolf watched from atop their shoulders.
"Valkyrie, Dexter," Skulduggery interrupted. "It is not just up to you who decides what we get. But know this. I don't want anchovies."
"I'm not going to ask who sent you on the hate parade for anchovies," Saracen said. "I already know."
"And one day, I will find out how that works!" Dexter vowed.
"And until then; pizza," Clarity announced, picking up their phone. "Erskine, what's on the agenda? Because although you cannot cook to save anyone from a fire, you know what everyone likes to eat."
Erskine blanched slightly. "Umm… Okay, well… How about we have…"
The pizza came pretty quickly, and soon enough, everyone was digging into the delicious Italian food and downing Coke and orange juice. They'd ordered two Meat Feasts, one ham and pineapple, and one chicken and sweetcorn. Of course, Clarity and the Pups eagerly ate large portions of the Meat Feasts, and Skulduggery had a particularly voracious appetite towards it as well. He'd probably regret it later.
"That was actually rather satisfying," Skulduggery proclaimed, lounging back into the couch with a contented smile on his face. His stomach was churning slightly, but other than that, he had genuinely enjoyed the meal. It was a welcome change from soup.
"In that case, then you'd better not be sick later," Valkyrie said as Husky started playing with the laces of her boots.
"I'll be fine."
"You always say that, and lo and behold, you don't turn out to be fine."
"I'm serious this time."
Valkyrie ignored him and rolled her eyes.
"So, what do we do now?" Tanith asked. Right now she was snuggled up next to Ghastly whilst Dingo was drawing next to them.
"Story!" Husky suddenly barked. "Tell a story!"
"Okay, then," Valkyrie consented "How about the time Skulduggery had to wear a dress?"
"No!" Skulduggery protested.
You'll get the next chapter in a few minutes to make up for the lousy chapter.