Valkyrie and Skulduggery were on the couch. Skulduggery was reading over a case and Valkyrie was pretending to be busy. She wasn't. She was doodling instead.
"It just doesn't make sense," he muttered, turning a page over.
She glanced up at him, and smiled, resting her jaw on his shoulder.
"You'll get it," she said. "You always do."
He looked down at her. "You could help. What are you doing anyway?"
She sighed. "Doodling."
"Can I see?"
Valkyrie sharply pulled the book into her chest. "No," she snapped. "It's not finished."
Skulduggery laughed and went back to reading. Valkyrie removed her chin from his shoulder and went back to doodling. She paused, then wrote something. Valkyrie placed the book down onto her lap, and the pencil onto the coffee table.
"Hey," she said. "I'm going on a-"
Skulduggery's head snapped round. "I've got it," he said.
"Got what?"
"I've figured it out. Just there. I know, I know, I'm-"
"I can't go out tonight," she told him. "Tan and I are celebrating. She's moving into her new place today."
"I know she is," Skulduggery said. "But she's over ninety years old, she can celebrate herself."
"Don't be ridiculous."
"But I need you with me," he said.
Valkyrie paused, and took a breath. "Tough."
Skulduggery groaned. "Fine," he grumbled. "But tomorrow-"
"Can't do tomorrow either."
"Oh?"
She sighed. "I know. China's party. She wants to buy the decorations herself because apparently Tipstaff's useless at that kind of thing and she wants me to go with her."
"And you said yes?"
"It's China! She's scary."
Skulduggery tilted his head.
"And she's really, really pretty but that's besides the point."
He chuckled. "Ok, whatever. But on-"
"On Wednesday I'm babysitting for mum and dad - you can come if you want - and on Thursday I'm going on a date, which is what I was going to tell you before you interrupted with your brilliance."
"I am brilliant."
"Right."
There was a pause.
"Who's your date with?" Skulduggery asked.
Valkyrie smirked. "Scapegrace."
Skulduggery recoiled - actually recoiled - and stared at her.
"Okay," she said, laughing, "that part was a joke. But I am going on a date."
"With who?"
"Why d'you want to know?"
He paused. "Just asking," he responded slowly.
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"Okay," she smiled. Valkyrie went to get up but he grabbed her hand and pulled her back down. Her smile widened.
"So...?" he asked.
"You wouldn't know him. I don't think so anyway."
"Try me."
"Okay... So, he's not... like other guys, you know?"
"On second thoughts..."
She leaned back and lay her head on his shoulder, looking forward. She sighed. "He really is different. He's pretty annoying, and his ego's the size of the sun, but I'll tell you a secret."
"And what's that?"
"I kind of like it. He's stylish - always looks really good - and he's funny. He's brave, and obnoxious but to me he's... a hero. Everyone else seems to hate him, but... I like him. I think he likes me too."
"That's lovely," Skulduggery muttered. "And where are you going on this date?"
"Well," she responded, turning round to face him. "He's going to pick me up after work and we're going to go for food - if he knows me like I think he does he'll know where to go. Then we're going to sit at the edge of the pier and talk about things that aren't to do with work or magic. He's going to offer me coat when it gets dark - like he always does - and I'll know that's my cue to kiss him because I haven't stopped thinking about it for years. Even back when I was dating Fletcher."
"And this is your first date?"
Valkyrie laughed and was about to respond when the doorbell rand. "That'll be Tan now," she said, standing. "I'll see you-"
Skulduggery also stood, blocking her exit. "I didn't get a name," he said.
She nodded down at the book and Skulduggery hesitated, then bent down and picked it up. He turned it over, and read the name written there. Valkyrie watched him as he put the book back down and tilted his head.
They stood like that, for a moment, and then Skulduggery the symbols etched into his collarbones and she grinned. He put an arm around her waist and pulled her in and then he kissed her and Valkyrie kissed him back. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and his hold on her waist tightened.
And then the doorbell rang again and she moved, swapping their positions so her back was in the direction of the hall. She pulled back, out of breath. "I... Uh... I have to go," she managed, trying her best to pull herelf together and get her brain back in gear. She started walking to the arch and then turned and tapped the symbols on his collarbones, watching as Skulduggery's façade flowed away, revealing the skeleton beneath. Valkyrie kissed him, and smiled against his teeth. Then she pulled back.
"I'll see you Thursday," she smirked.
xXx
REVIEWS!
thefinalpage19: Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying!
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