A/N: I don't own Tanith, Valkyrie, Ghastly or Skulduggery.
I had just finished getting packed the next morning when a rap came on my window, I smiled and went over to let Tanith in. She gave me a wicked grin, then a wink. "Brought us breakfast." She said, handing in a paper sack.
"That is so sweet of you." I said, kissing her in thanks. She smiled as we parted then was bouncing on the bed, looking at me as she grinned. "How much sugar have you had this morning?" I asked and she giggled.
"None, I'm just so excited to be going! A real vacation, just the two of us, being all touristy. Just wait until you see where we're going. You'll love it, it's so romantic. Oh, should we pack scented candles and massage oil?" She teased and I blushed mightily.
"Tanith! Bad girl! Thanks for breakfast though, that was sweet of you. Help yourself to some coffee." I nodded at the brewing pot on my nightstand and her eyes bugged out. I shrugged. "Sleep is overrated. But here, let's eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we shall die-it." She giggled at the bad joke and I smiled.
I loved Tanith because I could make her laugh. As beautiful as she was, she wasn't stuck up or snobby. She was never cruel or petty with me like so many girls had been. But I put my sad memories aside as we tore into still hot doughnuts and drank coffee. Tanith smiled at me then spoke. "Thanks for being a cheap date, Val. Frankly I was afraid that, well-"
"You were getting a high maintenence girl?" I asked and she blushed and nodded. "Tanny, I'm lucky if I remember to put on makeup, ever. Besides you did buy us breakfast, that's twice in a row, next time is my treat, OK? I want to take care of you too, you know." Tears misted her eyes and I was shocked. "What?" I asked gently and she shook her head, squeezing her eyes tightly shut. I went to her and put my arm around her as I held her hand. "You so don't get to be the guy here and have to play male provider twenty-four seven, OK? Let me take care of you once in a while. I want to. I love you, Tanith. Let me take care of you."
She sniffed and raised her head. "I've just- I've been on my own so long-" She started to cry then and I held her as she continued. "When Ghastly died, I- I love you so much, Valkyrie." She hugged me tightly and I held her just as tight.
"I know." I said through my own tears. "When Skulduggery died I promised myself I'd never fall in love again. But I did, with you. I love you Tanith and I want to be with you. I'm ready. You don't have to be alone anymore." She smiled at me and nodded bravely. Without a word we got our bags and joined our pendants as she drug me into a searing kiss.
I closed my eyes, reveling in her sweetness willing us to travel to the wonderland she was showing me in my mind as my arms wrapped around her. And when my eyes opened we were in a small cobblestone-lined alley. I grinned at her and we both laughed. "We did it, Tanith! We really did it!" I said and grabbed her in a tight hug, then took her hand and proudly walked out onto the street with my best friend, my living treasure, vowing to never let her go.
OMG, that was so cute a kitten just spontaneously appeared on my desk. For reals!