A/N: I don't own Ghastly, Valkyrie, Skulduggery, Erskine, Anton, Kenspeckle, Dexter, Tanith, Billy-Ray or Saracen. Chapter is from Ghastly's POV.
I was getting dressed on my wedding day, both excited and nervous. I already knew Valkyrie would be a vision in white and the women had assured me she loved her dress nearly as much as she loved me. I was relieved since brides now had the notion of dressing in black and every other colour under the sun and although I knew I was being old-fashioned my beloved had earned her white dress and I wanted the world to know it.
Skulduggery was with me and he spoke as he watched me. "You know you're making her the happiest young woman in the Universe, don't you? She's been in love with you for years, you know. In many different ways of course."
I turned, having just adjusted my bow tie. "Pardon?" I asked, and he dipped his skull slightly, seeming to hesitate before revealing the secrets of the woman he considered his daughter.
"When you sacrificed yourself so the rest of us could get away, she was frantic for you. She wanted to go back for you. Every time after when we would visit the Sanctuary she'd make an excuse and go off to see you. From what I gather she would talk to you, touch you to reassure you someone still cared. We tried to tell her you couldn't sense anything, but she refused to give up on you. She would have kept vigil over you day and night if we would have let her."
"She never said anything." I said, profoundly touched because I knew her well enough by now to know she thought it was the right thing to do, what anybody would do.
Skulduggery smiled fondly. "Don't ever tell her this, but Erskine saw her with you once. She doesn't know of course. But she tried to wake you up with a kiss that day, her sleeping price." He grinned at the idea and I felt myself blush.
"Then she's always liked me?"
"Oh, yes. She never said anything, but I could tell by how much she looking forward to visiting your shop or office. She loved you, even as she was helping Tanith figure out what to wear for your date. And she wanted you two together, she still would, because she loves you that much."
His voice was suddenly husky with tears and I found myself blinking them back. "She never said a word, ever." I said. But she wouldn't have and it made me go weak inside to think that she loved me that much that she put my happiness ahead of hers.
I sighed shakily and looked over at Skulduggery. We'd been friends for centuries and yet the man could still surprise me. He'd known for years how Val felt and never said a word, ever. But why would he? I couldn't pinpoint the exact moment she went from friend to best friend let alone potential lover.
But I guessed I'd always loved her too in as many different ways as she'd loved me. She'd been willing to stand her ground that first day in my shop. Valkyrie had been ready to take a swing at me even though I had to have seemed bigger and scary to her. But that was what I admired most about her. She felt fear, but she faced it head on, taking strength in the love she had for those she was fighting for.
Saracen entered, smiling at me. "I'd give you a report but the women have formed a guard around Valkyrie. Apparently she is dressed and as impatient as you are to get going. I've never understood why this happens at weddings, all the waiting around I mean."
I shrugged, not really minding and took a sip of the now cool tea someone had managed to bring me. I made a face but drank it anyhow. At least someone had managed tea and I'd managed to make our wedding clothes so all was well.
Well, my father and I had managed. I'd never seen him, but if I left the room for any period of time I'd come back to find my work part way done for me. It both elated me and saddened me to work across the veil like that and I'd taken to leaving him small messages when I'd leave my work. Not that I went on walkabout of course, but I did love going back to our apartment with Val for lunch and dinner, and sometimes just because. Before I'd have paused in my work to cook lonely meals for myself. Now I had a lover who couldn't do enough for me, and a helpmate who handed so many of the details I couldn't stand.
I brought myself back to the present as Anton walked in, looking handsome and refined in his wedding clothes. I still couldn't believe the man had given up the Midnight Hotel to be an Elder, but he claimed he had welcomed the change. I think it had more to do with the good scare Skulduggery had put in all of us. We hadn't known when he died that he'd ever be back and we'd come together as a family, all of us, and having Valkyrie in his life had cheered the gentle man considerably. I honestly didn't know that much about him, as he kept to himself, but I knew his sister in arms meant the world to him.
Luckily Valkyrie seemed to understand that men liked being around women for the most part and that yes, we felt protective of them. It wasn't sexism, but the natural fact that we were as outfitted with aggression and testosterone as any would-be attackers we'd have to repel. Plus we liked having women to protect. It made us feel useful.
I wanted the wedding to be over with and to be holding my sweet Valkyrie to me. All I wanted was to treat my beloved bride in the way she deserved to be treated and I now felt impatient to have the wedding start. Skulduggery seemed to notice my nervousness and smiled. "About fifteen minutes by my watch." He said, consulting his beloved pocket watch. I wondered where he had gotten it, but it was one of those mysteries he never felt obliged to unveil. I sighed, setting the now empty mug aside and waited to be joined to my beloved bride.
My senses swam and I didn't have words to describe how beautiful Valkyrie was as she was brought out to me, the train of her dress flowing out behind her. She was trembling slightly and crying happy tears as I was as Skulduggery led her to me and I realized she was every bit as excited as I was. Valkyrie arrived at my side and smiled at me through her veil and my breath caught.
I knew all our friends and family were there but I only had eyes for her as we spoke our vows and exchanged rings. I'd taken the liberty to choose them myself and the etched design of holly and ivy intertwined seemed to throw back the light, to almost move as we were at last wed and I could lift her veil. I kissed her chastely, not intending to go any further until we were alone together and she seemed to sense and appreciate my reasoning.
Then we were being congratulated and were being gently herded into the old ballroom. Valkyrie gasped the same time as I did. We had insisted on a small meal, nothing more, but there were tables ready for us and our guests, plus many other tables where ethereal guests sat waiting.
I recognized my father as he rose and came forward to greet us. "Ghastly, son! It was a beautiful wedding, congratulations, and may I kiss the lovely bride?" He asked, turning to Valkyrie with a charming smile and she nodded. He leant forward and kissed her cheek gently, then pulled away, smiling.
There were countless other to meet as well and I looked at Valkyrie who smiled and shrugged. We'd planned an hour or two at most, but now? I was glad she didn't mind changing our plans and reminded myself that was the mark of a good wife. Then she was proudly introducing me to family members she'd only seen photos of, and we were enjoying ourselves immensely as we made our way to our table.
I eyed Skulduggery as he sat down. "We said simple, Skulduggery. How one Earth did you manage all this?"
He shrugged helplessly. "I didn't. None of us did. All these extra guests-" He shrugged. It was indeed a mystery which the women at the table shrugged about as well. Only Anton looked like he knew what had happened but he smiled and said nothing.
Our meal was excellent and Valkyrie and I were truly grateful to have everyone there. Valkyrie had been going to offer to handle food for the ethereal guests but we saw that there was a ghostly machine that had been wheeled in and normal plates were being passed through it and then to the guests.
Valkyrie recognized the man muttering to himself at the controls before I did and went to give the spectral guest a hug. "Kenspeckle! So you're behind everything, thank you so much. I've missed you." She said, hugging the cantankerous old man and he grinned at her. She had a way of bringing out his good side that never failed to amaze me since grouch was the kindest word he'd ever been called.
He held her tightly, then held her at arms length, smiling. "A wedding gift was the least I could do. I approve of your new partner a lot more than the old one at any rate. And congratulations. Well, I'm sure you have other guests to see to, off with you." He said kindly, then grunted in my direction and turned back to his work. Valkyrie took my arm and we walked to a quiet corner. Neither of us had any idea what we were supposed to do. We had expected to leave soon and happily that meant we could avoid the mountain of presents that had been brought until after the honeymoon.
I figured it would be about twenty electric blankets and fifteen toasters, but the gesture was heartening. Given our long lives we could store that many items and just use them as needed. It was about the only upside to being magical that I could think of.
Well that and having a truly lovely wife. I had been waiting centuries to find her and now as I held her close I didn't want to let her go. Skulduggery found us and made an amused sound. "You two are needed to cut the cake."
"What cake?" We both asked blankly, and saw a massive cake being wheeled in by the owner of the Italian eatery we liked so much. Valkyrie's jaw dropped and she made a small squeal of delight then caught herself and blushed slightly.
The owner, Antonio, smiled at us in obvious pride. "It is a gift, for you, a beautiful couple." Valkyrie smiled at him and insisted that he and the waitstaff who had helped him come join us, and I was proud of her. So many people made class distinctions, especially in the magical world, but she counted the man and the other people as our friends.
I had never expected to be cutting a wedding cake with her, or for the women to whisk away a small tier for our one year anniversary. Then we were feeding each other tenderly, and seeing to it out guests had cake as well. Valkyrie leaned back into me and I understood the gesture. This much attention from those who loved us was overwhelming.
Not long after someone escorted us to a makeshift dance floor and I was in love with Valkyrie all over again as we swayed to the music. "I thought you said you couldn't dance." I said, utterly enchanted with the graceful beauty in my arms and she grinned at me.
"Dexter insisted on giving me dance lessons. So I sort of figured they had something planned, I didn't buy the excuse he cobbled together about knowing how to dance being a good skill to have. Besides, I do dance, just, usually not like this. But this, this is nice."
I grinned and brought her in slightly closer enjoying the warmth and softness of her body. "Mmm, it is nice, and before anyone else can ask, you're going with me to the next Requiem Ball so I can show you off. Though I plan on taking you out dancing before that." She grinned happily at the idea and I held her even closer as the music ended, indulging in another kiss.
Skulduggery danced with her next as our guests took to the dance floor and I was content to stand with the Dead Men and watch my beautiful wife. Dexter grinned. "My two best students." He nodded towards Skulduggery and Valkyrie. "Val learned faster after I showed her a few music videos. I think she'd the better dancer, to be honest, but don't tell Skulduggery that."
Valkyrie was the better dancer, and Skulduggery was well aware of it but he was taking pride in showing of his daughter. Their dance ended and we were saying our goodbyes and parting so we could get dressed for our honeymoon.
"You'll find your new clothes in your room, sweetheart." I murmured. "I've already packed everything we'll need, so I'll come for you in about fifteen minutes, OK?" I asked and she nodded happily. The women trailed after her, looking more like a pride of protective lionesses than a bride's party, and I suppose they were in a way.
Valkyrie was as excited as I was to get into the van, though she didn't mind me stopping her for a lingering kiss. We were after all married now and I wanted her to know I was truly attracted to her and only her. She smiled at me when we at last parted, and accepted my help up into the van with thanks.
"Where are we off to?" She asked once we were on the road with the radio playing softly. I told her it was a surprise and she looked delighted with the idea. I was happy, but worried about her. She had not only seen me become an Elder, she'd seen my repeated attempts to save a Remnant-possessed Tanith and even though Tanith was now married with children she had to still fear being replaced.
She sensed my sadness and looked over at me. I shrugged, blinking back tears and she rubbed my back soothingly. "Sweetheart, it's all right. I'm happy to be married to you. I am. I know you're worried that having Tanith around is going to make me tear my hair out with worry, but it isn't. You trust me not to run off with Billy-Ray and I trust you with Tanith. I expect you'll always be in love with her, she's the one who got away, but you married me." She smiled gently then leaned over and kissed me softly.
I smiled at her, not quite believing I was married to such an amazing woman. She hadn't said what she had in bitterness, or with scorn, but she was telling me the truth as she saw it and seemed to be at peace with it. She was slipping her music player out of her pocket with the headphones attached and I touched her arm gently. "You could share, you know." I teased and she blushed, biting her lip.
"Um, you won't like it." She began, blushing even deeper.
"Why not?" I asked, amused.
"Becauseit'sParovStelar." She mumbled.
"How's that?" I asked, although I'd heard her just fine.
"Because it's Parov Stelar. Don't make those puppy dog eyes at me either, I swear. Ghastly! OK, fine then, but you asked for it." She grumbled. Soon the song was playing through the van's speakers and I grinned at her, recognizing it.
"It's lovely, Val. And I do know who he is, I'm not that blessed old or out of touch. I've heard "Dark Jazz" before you know." The surprise on her face was priceless and I laughed the reached over and ruffled her hair fondly.
She laughed and ducked, batting at me playfully. "OK, OK, so you are that old." She said mischief dancing in her eyes. But then she giggled, showing me she meant no harm. "Skulduggery is though." She said fondly and I smiled over at her.
My smile grew as "Moondance" by Van Morrison came on. "Thank you, Valkyrie, That was thoughtful of you." I said, tilting my head to the player and she treated me to a small, shy smile.
"You like it then? I wasn't sure if you would, to be honest."
"I adore it. And speaking of things I adore, I want to remind you that you aren't a stand in or an also-ran as you would say. I chose you, Valkyrie. You're the woman I want to spend eternity with." She smiled at me then, much more relaxed. When "Fever" by Peggy Lee came on she shrugged.
"I have questionable taste in jazz. But at least I have good taste in men. Speaking of men, I had them put something in the van after you packed it, but you don't get to see it until tonight. It's your wedding present." She grinned at me, clearly pleased with herself.
I looked over at her. "How did you manage anything that quickly? And you do know you didn't have to buy anything, right?" I asked in utter awe. I knew most man might have hoped or even expected something, but I still felt I was getting far more than I deserved with Valkyrie. She didn't need to come with presents.
"I had help, and yes, I did, Ghastly. We're partners in everything now, remember? And I tend to spoil my partners. Poor mom, having to unspoil Skulduggery. Of course I think that's a lost cause." She stretched and I could sense she was tired. I had her cuddle into me so I could feel her warmth against me and drove with one arm wrapped protectively around her.
It still astounded me that she could love me so much that she feared having rivals for my heart. That was something I didn't understand about her in the least. I knew I was ugly. I frightened people, and no amount of self-help books or cheerful songs about everyone being beautiful was going to change that.
I'd tried and failed repeatedly to rid myself of the scars but had come in time to accept that they were there and if I frightened most people away, then so be it. I didn't frighten Valkyrie, and that was the main thing. I knew she thought I was handsome and hoped it wasn't one of those romantic notions women developed then soon tired of. But no, I reminded myself, she was far too good and sensible a woman for that and for that I was truly grateful.
She was sleeping so peacefully I almost didn't have the heart to wake her when I reached the small one room cottage I'd rented for us. But I was glad I did so I could see the look of utter wonder on her face. "Ghastly, it's beautiful." She said, looking at the snug stone structure, and indeed it was.
It was the type of cottage you see in paintings, and in the country setting it almost seemed like a piece of the past come to life if only for a moment. We got out and walked up the path between neatly planted flower beds to the front door. I unlocked it then swept her off her feet, grinning and carried her across the threshold. I set her down gently only to bring her back into my arms for a lingering kiss that left us both breathless.
She looked at me invitingly, but I only shook my head happily. "No, my dear. A late lunch, then I want to walk with you in the woods, they're truly scenic in these parts. We have all the time in the world for other things." I said, my voice a bit husky and she nodded happily enough. I said a silent prayer of thanks that she was willing to wait. The truth was I hoped if we ever did make love it would be under the cover of darkness.
It broke my heart to think of he having to bear my touch, and the idea of her having to see me as we made love made me wither away inside. I was content to just be near her right then, drinking in her scent trying to remember how she looked on this day for all time. My sweetest angel and beloved bride.
We had a late lunch at a nearby cottage, sharing an entrée since the wedding meal had left us rather full, then we were walking arm and arm through the woods, listening to the birds sing as I told her some of the same stories I'd been told as a lad about Ireland. Myths, all of them, but she appreciated them all the same.
We stopped to admire a waterfall, watching the water cascade and listening to the music it produced. Valkyrie smiled at me, a slightly wicked gleam coming into her eyes. "That is quite a large pool." She said indicating the water.
"Yes-" I said slowly.
"Perfect for swimming in." She said, grinning at me.
"Explains the swimsuit I gave you to wear, doesn't it?" I asked and she nodded, grinning even more. Soon enough we were in the water, though I was gasping from the cold. Valkyrie swam up to me, her face a mask of shock.
"Mountain water is freezing!" She gasped and I laughed, reaching one hand out of the water to touch her face. She nuzzled into the hand, then looked at me beguilingly.
"Don't you start." I said, but she only swam closer, smiling. "Valkyrie, we have a lovely room, and it traditional to use that room-" But I didn't get any farther than that because her mouth was on mine, hot and sweet and I was walking her backwards to the shallows where we could stand.
I told myself it would be indecent to give in to temptation, even if she was my wife. That things like this were the fodder of the countless horror movies she devoured. But she was being very persistent and I had no will to do anything but follow.
Valkyrie looked rather pleased with herself when we reached the cottage once more, hours later. I was pleased too. We were truly lovers now and it was more than I could have ever expected or hoped for.
She'd also been open to me procuring the ingredients for a stew to cook over the peat fire we'd need for warmth now that evening was closing in. Nor was she content to just watch, but we worked together. There was bread to be baked as well and some apples for dessert, perhaps not the most romantic of fare, but the rustic meal took me back to my childhood.
Valkyrie for her part was looking at me as if I were a living god, even though I was finding out she was no stranger to cooking outdoors or over flames. I supposed she was as surprised as I was to find another common interest.
Once everything was cooking she insisted on bringing in my wedding gift, and I of course had hers as well. "It isn't much." I apologized handing her the parcel wrapped in brown paper, and wishing I'd thought of something more creative than clothing, but it was how I'd always expressed my love for her. Her eyes widened in surprise and she took the midnight blue dress out to look at it in utter wonder. "I've always regretted not making you your dress for the Requiem Ball. Now you have one." I said quietly.
Valkyrie looked at me with happy tears in her eyes, then tackled me in a fierce embrace. She was kissing me adoringly all over my face, murmuring words of love to me. "You the very best of husbands, do you know that, Ghastly? Getting to wear something you cared enough to make me, I don't have any words for how much that means." She said softly, touching my scars in a way that made me close my eyes in rapture.
"Your turn." She said happily and I opened my eyes at her gentle nudge and looking at the rather large tent bag she'd insisted on carrying in herself. "Go on, guess." She said happily.
"I'm guessing it isn't actually a tent, is it?" She shook her head. "Then I have no idea." I said and gestured using the air to being the bag to me. It made her eyes light up as I knew it would. We lived in a world of magic, but she was always impressed with mine. I opened the bag and gasped with surprise. There were no words for her gift either. I had to take her in my arms and kiss her for the rarity of the gift, repeatedly telling her how adored and precious she was.
For inside the bag was a bolt of magical fabric so rare I'd only dreamed of using it for centuries. It looked plain but the possibilities were endless. It could be made into any color, mimic any fabric, and the clothes made out of it would have the same wonderful properties. I looked at Valkyrie who nudged me towards the bag, then peered inside more closely. There was a book with the fabric, and I knew it would take some time to master the magic of maniulating the fabric, but I looked forward to the challenge.
She smiled at me gently. "Your fabric seller told me you'd been wanting that forever, Ghastly, and we're partners now. More than that. You're my husband and my best friend and I wanted you to have it. You'll be one of the few magical tailors on the world to have it, you know."
I nodded at a loss for words. There were none. I knew the cost of even enough material to make a pair of gloves was staggering and could imagine what a bolt bigger than me must have cost. She smiled at me, seeming to read my mind. "We had rooms in the mansion Uncle Gordon had never been in and the Baroque paintings were hideous so we plundered several rooms. I'd much rather see something beautiful made from that fabric then those paintings. They gave me nightmares. Honest." She said, her lips twitching ever so slightly.
I shook my head in utter wonder. Riches truly meant nothing to her. As my helpmate she'd cast aside the mansion, even went so far as to strip it of priceless art to provide for my tailoring shop. She took my stunned silence well and seemed amused as she helped me serve our dinner some time later. There was a table but we sat before the fireplace in silent accord. I could still only smile at her wondering if it wasn't all a dream and I wasn't still stuck in the war or in an asylum somewhere.
When I could at last find my voice I thanked her profusely. "You truly have no idea what this means, Valkyrie. I've never known anyone, ever, that took such an interest in the shop or me. Tailoring is, well, it's looked down upon and I think you know that, but you chose me anyhow. The business has always done well, but now? I'll do right by you, I swear I will. I'll make you proud of me."
She looked surprised, then came to cuddle in beside me. "I've always been proud of you Ghastly, always. You're my hero. You should know that by now." I could only kiss her in response, utterly touched and healed by her all-consuming love.
Much later we lay in bed together, watching the dying embers. "You know, there's a good chance you started a family at some point today." I said and she giggled and blushed, then snuggled in closer.
"Mm, I know. I don't mind if you don't." She purred looking up at me from the nest she'd made between my arm and chest. I didn't mind at all of course and I smiled at her. She'd given me everything. He love, her devotion, the ability to have a family of our own, and the means to provide for it.
I fell deeply asleep at her side to dream of our future together. A place where we would have our family and I'd feel as loved and accepted as I did in her arms that night. I could see our shop, how our children would grow sturdy and strong, then a life together again after, my beloved helpmate by my side as the centuries passed.
She was my angel and I swore to myself as I slept I'd do everything in my power to make that future a reality.
Wow, was that romantic or was it just me?