A/N: I don't own Ghastly, Valkyrie, Skulduggery's, Erskine, Corrival, Larrikin, Hopeless, or Anton.
Skulduggery being able to respond at all was a sign the worst was over, the doctors assured me, and indeed he looked a lot better. I knew him well enough to know he was recuperating. I kept vigil for a long time, then his skull moved and he looked at me, then struggled to sit up. I helped him up as the doctors just stared.
"Valkyrie, how long was I out?" Skulduggery asked.
"You've been gone over two weeks. Before you ask the family is safe. Lichgate is dead." A look passed between us and I knew he had more to tell me when we were alone. But he was still tired and I insisted he lay back down, and he did despite his grumbled protests. Soon he was meditating peacefully.
I at last became aware we had company. The three ghostly Dead Men stood to the other side of his bed and Erskine and Ghastly has entered so quietly I hadn't heard them. "I'm glad he's home." Corrival said gently and he smiled reassuringly then came around to grab me in another tight hug.
Then Larrikin and Hopeless were giving me brotherly pats of affection and I grumbled good-naturedly about it. Corrival looked at Erskine. "We'll take over watch. Why don't you three get some rest? You're here on overtime as it is."
Erskine shrugged as he and Ghastly stepped forward to see Skulduggery and I went out into the hall. Corrival was right, with the crisis being over I felt like I could sleep for a month. But I also had an excited energy coursing through me because Skulduggery was back and he was going to make it, so I knew I'd likely be up all night.
At least I could put the energy to good use. I rang each of my brothers as promised, and each one was thrilled he was back home safe and sound. After my duty was done I tried to remember what day of the week it was and suddenly and very sincerely wished I hadn't taken the post of Elder. Gone were the carefree days of staying up all night wherever I wasn't on a case. Ghastly came out in to the hall smiling and I was reminded of why I'd taken the job. Because we'd spend more time together.
"You young lady put in your first day of overtime. Seeing to the Sanctuary detectives is part of your job, after all. Now if you will permit me, I'm taking you out to dinner."
I looped my arms around his neck and initiated a kiss, which he returned with enthusiasm, his hands going to my waist, then his arms wrapping around me. I pulled back to look at him. "You know, the last several days you've been taking me out for nearly every meal. Are you trying to show me something?" I asked and he blushed.
"You weren't supposed to notice so quickly, but yes. I want you to know I'll provide for you, Valkyrie. I'll always take care of you." He said, his voice growing slightly husky from emotion. I hugged him tight.
"My turn. We'll order take away, my treat and we can relax at your place, or mine. Whichever." I realized belatedly how forward that sounded, but I wanted Ghastly to know I was serious as well. To my relief he grinned in delight.
"I have a better idea. We go to my apartment and make something together, all right? You did promise to cook for me, remember?" I nodded happily and we walked slowly out to the van. I was in love and actually enjoying the feeling and I realized it was the first time I'd felt that strongly about anyone. I didn't know whether to congratulate Ghastly or pity him.
He seemed to sense my mood. "This is a bit forward, but I'm the one, aren't I?" He asked gently as we reached the van. I nodded and looked up at him happily.
"Good, because I feel the same way for you, Valkyrie Cain." He said smiling. Ghastly gave me a chaste kiss then helped me into the van and soon enough we were rummaging through his cupboards and fridge.
"I honestly haven't been out to shop in a while." He apologized and I smiled.
"That's fine, Ghastly, neither have I. You do have dried pasta and fresh tomatoes left. If you cook the pasta I can make the sauce." He nodded and soon enough we had sauce bubbling gently and I started to make garlic bread as well.
"You know I never make that at home, I'm impressed." He said admiringly.
"You're kidding me. Come here then. All you need to do is butter the bread and sprinkle on garlic powder, we should be using cut garlic to rub on the bread but this is cheaper and easier. Then we put it in the pan on the stove and grill both sides."
Ghastly helped and I could tell that working together like this was important to him, it showed him something though I honestly wasn't sure what until he spoke. "This is wonderful of you, Val. You promised to cook for me and you did. I've never had anyone do that for me before." I smiled and hugged him tight.
"I never have either, Ghastly. That's why I enjoyed it so much when you did it for me, it means more, doesn't it?" He nodded happily. In no time at all we had dinner on the table, and it was as good as what we'd had the night before, better in fact, since we were alone together.
Once dinner was over we retired to the couch and put on the TV to see the late news. That at least was our intent. But with the good food and Ghastly's warmth I soon fell asleep, only to awake with sunlight streaming in the windows. Somehow we'd nestled into one another during the night for warmth and I sat there for a while not wanting to move. But we had work to get to, didn't we? I nudged Ghastly gently and he woke up.
It took him a minute but then he realized what had happened. "Oh, Valkyrie. I didn't mean to-" He began to apologize and I stopped him with a chaste kiss.
"To what? Fall asleep after all the stress we've been through? We both needed the sleep, Ghastly and no harm done, At least we can take longer for breakfast before work."
"Mmm, and I'll cook you a hearty one because you're father is going to kill me when he finds out." Ghastly sighed and I laughed.
"Are you going to tell him? Because I sure won't. We're both adults, Ghastly. We can do as we please, you know."
Ghastly looked even guiltier. "But I fell asleep after you, Val. I chose to keep you here for the night."
"And I chose to come here, remember? I love you, Ghastly, and I trust you. You have to be the sweetest man on the planet, apologizing for wanting me near you." I shook my head and he blushed then saw to our breakfast.
We went in a little early so we could visit Skulduggery and I was touched once again at the tight bond the two friends had. Skulduggery was just as pleased to see Ghastly as he was me, although he was enjoying holding court with several Dead Men in attendance when we arrived.
I looked at Anton who grinned at me. "I was the only one who could get away, but thanks for the call last night." He said warmly as he folded me into a hug. I hugged him back knowing the sacrifice he'd have made to come and hoped to God he hadn't looked for me at the mansion first.
Not that I felt guilty, I just didn't want to find out if living skeletons could have heart attacks. Or kill people. I hugged Skulduggery next and he grinned at me, then drug me down to whisper in my ear. "If you promise to never ask where the armour is I promise not to ask where you were last night."
Deal." I whispered back, then rose and went to our office. I was already at work when Ghastly came in. I could feel his eyes on me.
"He knows, doesn't he?" He asked. I looked up at him and waved the question off.
"If he minded you wouldn't be alive. He gave me the whole awkward fatherly speech about trusting my judgment something-something boys something-something years ago. He wouldn't care if something did happen, but he knows you better than that."
Ghastly looked relieved, but still offered to make us both tea and I happily accepted. "I'm getting a vending machine for Coke on my side." I teased. "I'll be the cool Elder." And he laughed.
"You do that." He said dryly bringing my tea over. "He bribed you, didn't he?"
"That he did." I agreed. "Did he threaten you yet?"
"Mmm. No, he bribed me as well. He won't kill me over Anton not finding you at his house or yours, and Anton called Erskine by the way-"
"That he did." Erskine appeared in the doorway to look at us both and I found my paperwork really interesting. I knew any protest on my part would make us both look guilty, so I kept my mouth shut.
Ghastly seemed to have the same idea and Erskine sighed. "God, I know you both better than that. The most exciting thing you two did last night was watch TV." He snorted.
"Pretty much. Can I help you, Grand Mage?" I offered and he snorted again.
"You two need to learn to live a little." He stated flatly.
"We'll live all we want when we're married." Ghastly said, not even raising his head from his work and Erskine and I just stared at him.
"Was that a proposal?" I asked, surprised.
Ghastly looked up. "Provided you can stand living in my apartment, yes." He smiled gently.
"I gladly accept." I said and smiled back.
"That was a rubbish proposal and the worst acceptance I've ever heard. You two don't even sound excited." Erskine groused. "Maybe you'll be more excited about your new case. We need you two out in the field, here are your files." He grumbled. He paused at the door to give us a parting glare and left.
Ghastly smiled over at me. "Poor boy, we crushed his romantic dreams. Pity."
"That it is." I agreed, grinning hugely.
"You're not disappointed there isn't a ring involved?" Ghastly asked.
"Not really." I murmured, already reviewing our case file.
"Ah, then I wouldn't check the inner top pocket on the left side of my jacket if I were you." He said and I lowered the file to look at him.
"You're kidding."
"Look and see."
I did and found a small ring box, Ghastly, who had joined me grinned at me and took the box. "You fell asleep first, remember? I had plenty of time to slip this in there, I knew if you couldn't feel those food packs you wouldn't feel this either."
"You sneak." I said, marveling at his cleverness. "I had it on me all morning and you never said a word."
Ghastly flipped the ring box open and there was a simple silver band, designed like twined ivy inside. "My great grandmother's engagement ring. I know she'd want you to have it." He said softly as he slipped it on my finger.
"Ghastly, it's beautiful. Thank you and I mean that. I know how much your family means to you." I hugged him tight and then he was tilting my head up and kissing me deeply, and I was returning the kiss, winding my arms around his neck. Ghastly had started to walk me backwards when we were interrupted.
"Ghastly! Valkyrie! Shame on you two!" Erskine stood in the doorway looking truly horrified.
We laughed. "I thought you wanted a more romantic proposal and acceptance." Ghastly teased.
"I did but I didn't say you could manhandle my sister. Valkyrie, are you OK, honey?" Erskine looked every inch the big brother who was sure his sister had been mauled and I tried hard not to laugh.
"I'm fine, God, we are engaged. Not that I don't love my darling brother, but did he want something?"
"Skulduggery wants to see you alone, Val." Erskine looked at Ghastly and shrugged. "Sorry, Ghastly."
Ghastly unwrapped his arms from around me reluctantly and nuzzled me, drawing a gasp from Erskine. I left the office laughing.
Skulduggery had no other visitors when I arrived and he looked pleased to see me. "You know in theory, the Grand Mage isn't your errand boy." I said mildly and he grinned.
"Yes he is, he just doesn't know it yet. Well, well, I see somebody proposed. Took him long enough."
"Dad! We've been seeing each other less than a month."
"And he's been in love with you for years, Valkyrie. I kept trying to get him to tell you. But the man had a million reasons why he could never tell you. Mainly it was because he felt too ugly to marry such a beautiful young lady, something he brought up again today. I told him today all men are ugly and are rather lucky women don't seem to mind."
"That was sweet of you, dad. Thanks. And he isn't ugly, at least, not anymore. I wish I could say I always found him handsome, but I didn't. I guess I had to grow up or something."
"Mmm. You had to stop being so superficial. Of course, so did I. I told you he was ugly before you met him, remember? Now I'm rather ashamed of myself for saying that." Skulduggery hung his head and I hugged him tightly.
"It's OK, we all say things we regret. I knew you care about him or you wouldn't be pleased we're getting married. We have a new case, by the way."
"Ah, young love. Nothing more romantic than chasing the bad guys. Do you think your mother would be my partner?"
"Why not?" I asked and Skulduggery smiled dreamily.
"Oh, I might as well tell you why I wanted you alone. But as he's already proposed and you accepted it is a bit late for that. But I was going to encourage you to say 'yes'. You're good for one another. He seems to keep you from detonating every twenty seconds, and you've made him more outgoing. It's a big step for him, Val. Trusting a woman." Skulduggery said quietly.
"I know. The proposal involved him asking in a roundabout way if I minded living in his apartment instead of the mansion. Why do men do that?" I asked, puzzled.
"You know exactly why, Valkyrie. He's proud of what he's built himself, but it will never compare to a mansion and he wanted to be sure you're the type of girl who doesn't want to lead the glamorous life."
"Now you're quoting eighties song lyrics?" I asked, amused.
"Mmm. Oh, and the other reason I brought you down here, Lord Vile apologizes for lying to his daughter, but when you have children of your own you'll understand why he did it. I couldn't- I couldn't loose you." There were tears in his voice and I held his hand tightly.
"I know, and I also know Lord Vile knew I'd save the helpless first because that is what he taught me to do. I'm very proud of him, you know. Going off like that. Lord Vile saved the world all on his own. That was very brave of him."
Skulduggery waved a skeletal hand. "Brave? He was enraged that anyone would dare touch his family. Vile is very territorial. I'd like to tell you the battle was epic, but Lichgate was dead, truly dead in an instant. But the effort it took Vile to not only reach out and destroy the pendant, but to also kill Lichgate nearly finished him."
"Oh God. I thought we were doing the right thing, that it might be worse to destroy it." I said.
"What, the thing we left with Lilac? That wasn't his pendant, he got that off another lich. He'd been going around picking them off, absorbing powers, and he was still no match for Vile. No, he just had powers almost equal to the Faceless Ones."
"Are you saying Vile is stronger than they are now?"
"Indeed he is. And if he ever gets a chance he'll kill every last one of them." Skulduggery growled softly.
Ghastly was stretched out on the couch when I returned to the office, his eyes closed. I couldn't help but smile at the sight since he looked more like an enchanted price at the moment than and Elder. I went to the couch and sat down on the edge to look down at him and thought I saw the faintest hint of a smile, but other than that he remained still.
I leaned down to kiss him lightly on the lips and then his arms were around me and he was pulling me towards him. I happily let him, enjoying the warmth of his body against mine as he deepened the kiss. But duty called so at last I pulled away to prop myself up with my elbows. "Did you read your case file yet?" I asked and he grinned.
"No, I didn't. We have time to get to that." He said smiling up at me happily, then he shifted so we were lying on our sides and put his arms around my waist and nuzzled into me.
"Bad Sanctuary detective, bad!" I managed even though I was starting to laugh. Ghastly was never usually like this, he always saw to his duties of course he had little interest in his duties and being scolded amused him.
"Now, now, all in good time. I don't get engaged every day you know. So I'd rather spend time with my fiancée if you don't mind." He purred, drawing a blush from me as he reached up to gently stroke my face. "Can I ask you something, Valkyrie?" He asked, still looking at me in utter adoration.
"Of course, what is it, Ghastly?" But as soon as I asked I knew exactly what it was. Still his expression didn't chance and his voice was gentle as he spoke.
"When did you stop finding me ugly?" He asked and he wasn't doing it to be cruel. He wanted to know and had a right to.
"I don't know when it happened, exactly. But I know at the Ball I already thought you looked handsome in your dress clothes. So before that, I guess." I said and he blushed. "I mean that, Ghastly. You are a very handsome man to me. I wouldn't just say that and you know that, right?"
He nodded, then drew me in for a lingering kiss. Or it would have been if Erskine hadn't interrupted us. "I don't suppose you two have anything better to do, like work?" He asked mildly.
"Locks for my office door, that's what I've been meaning to get to." Ghastly said dryly as we sat up.
Erskine looked amused. "The Grand Mage forbids it. I came to see if you two will join me out for lunch. You shouldn't even have to be at work today, and I'd let you go, but we are short staffed. Still, lunch is good, right?" He asked smiling and I nodded.
"Congratulations to you both, and I mean that, sis." Erskine said gathering me in a hug as I stood. "Oh, I just got good news. Skulduggery will be good to go home tomorrow. Victoria and Corrival we be keeping an eye on him and Hopeless and Larrikin volunteered to entertain Thaddeus. Your Grand Mage offered of course to let Skulduggery lounge about in his office but he declined." Erskine said, shrugging happily.
Erskine let us pick and seemed delighted with the diner. "I've never been here before, it will be nice to have a new place to go to." He admitted. He looked at Ghastly thoughtfully. "So what is it like to know you'll be married?" He asked wistfully.
Ghastly snorted. "For me? Heavenly. For you? I don't even want to think of your reaction." He smiled though to show he meant no harm and Erskine laughed.
We all ordered cheeseburgers and fries since they were on special and we ate contentedly, none of us in any hurry to get back to work. Ghastly looked over at me. "How about a sack of these and some fries for dinner?" He asked and I nodded happily.
Ghastly also ordered dessert to take with us and Erskine followed suit with his own order of burgers. He turned to me with a smile. "You're going to laugh, Val. But I want what you two have some day."
"I'm not going to laugh, Erskine. If you're ready to settle down you'll find someone, I promise." I said and he grinned at me.
We were at last back in the office and going over our case files. I heard a slight sound from Ghastly and looked up. "What's the matter?" I asked and he shook his head, but I knew something in the file had upset him.
"Is it the crime scene photos?" I asked going over to sit on the edge of his desk and again he shook his head.
"What is it then?" I asked gently and he tossed the photo of the victim on his desk, not saying a word, but he looked stricken. I looked down at the photo, As crime scene photos went it wasn't bad.
There was no blood on the elderly victim. In fact she looked almost peaceful with her grey hair fanned out around her head. Her clothes were a worn but neat hodgepodge that made her look eccentric, but I saw nothing to upset Ghastly. Then it clicked. He knew the victim.
"I'm taking us off this case." I said standing. "We can't work any case where we know the victim." I said, but of course we did it all the time. Ghastly shook his head slowly.
"No, no we'll take the case, Valkyrie. It's just that you're right. I did know her. I've been wishing for centuries that she was dead and gone. Looks like I got my wish, doesn't it?" He laughed darkly.
"Ghastly! I know she had to hurt you, and hurt you bad for you to feel that way. Are you sure you want this case? I don't know if I feel like getting her justice, not if she hurt you."
Ghastly looked up then. "Don't say that, Val. We'll get her justice. It's just that she's the woman who put the jinx on my mother. She's the reason I look the way I do. All these years I wondered why she would do such a terrible thing. Did they fight over my father? Did my mother insult her? And why take it out on me? Why take it out on an unborn child?" He looked at me for answers.
"Because she knew it would hurt your mother the most, but it backfired, didn't it? Your mother adored you from the moment she laid eyes on you, Ghastly Bespoke. You were her son and her most precious treasure in the world and to her you were perfect just the way you are." Ghastly came around his desk and hugged me tightly.
"Aren't going to let your fellow Elder enjoy a good sulk, are you? That's why I'm in love with you, Valkyrie Cain. You understand people and even though you pretend otherwise, you love people. That's why you a detective. You're always wanting to help."
I smiled up at him. "The credit for that goes to Skulduggery and you. All I wanted after my uncle died was revenge. I called it finding him justice, but it was revenge. Skulduggery saved me. He refused to let me self-destruct. You've shown me how to be calmer of all things, or you have a calming influence at any rate. That or you're not as annoying as Skulduggery." I teased and he smiled.
We poured over the case files together and by the time we left work we had a good idea of where to start our search. We were going to have to go back to the part of Ireland where Ghastly had grown up. Of course when Skulduggery heard this, he elected himself our chaperone.
"Think of it, a lovely road trip and if we take Ghastly's van I can recuperate on the way there." He wheedled. I looked at Ghastly who shrugged. There was no keeping Skulduggery out of a case he wanted in on, and he had contacts that would prove useful. "We could all three be partners." He cooed and I laughed.
"All right then. We pick you up tomorrow and go from there, shall we?" He nodded happily and we bid him goodnight.
Ghastly smiled at me as we walked to the van. "That was sweet of you, Valkyrie. He needs to know you still need him, and truth be told I want him along so I don't kill anybody. I don't have very fond memories of the mages I grew up with. Except him."
"Then it will be the three of us. We can start out tomorrow if he is strong enough, the next day at the latest. Being out in the field is always more fun then being cooped up in an office." Ghastly smiled at me again and pulled me in for a lingering kiss and I knew he liked the idea just fine.
Ohhh, road trip! Comments welcome and let me know if you want more.