A/N: I don't own Skulduggery, Tanith, Ghastly, or Valkyrie. Val is still 24, still her point of view. Yes I somewhat quoted Landy from a video. Hello, Derek. Please don't sue me!

Dressing hurriedly, I took the steps downstairs the next day two at a time. There was already coffee brewing and a box of doughnuts awaited me. "Good morning, Skulduggery." I said cheerfully. He smiled, seeming surprised at my good mood.

"Well, you're awful chipper this morning. Sleep well?"

"Extremely well, thank you. Are we needed at the Sanctuary today?" I asked, accepting the coffee he poured and snagging a doughnut.

"No, and it is, as you can see, raining. While I'd normally love to make you train in the mud with the armour on you'd be a living lightning rod."

"Too true, we have nothing else to do with the case then, no research?" I couldn't kep the happiness out of my voice.

Skulduggery crossed his arms and looked at me before answering. "No, of course not. Is there something you've been dying to do that the case has been getting in the way of?" He sounded annoyed with me.

"Not at all, but I figured what's the use of being here and doing nothing? I can go home to Gordon's until we get any leads, work on my Chevy, that sort of thing."

"I see. Well then as soon as you're finished I'll drive you over." He did, and I got out happily. I turned and waved to him, then slipped inside. It was good to be home. To get on with my life and remember that I could have fun without the man. I was just settling down in front of the TV when I heard a knock at the door.

I was instantly cautious, clicking off the set. Skulduggery never used the door, so I knew it wasn't him. I drew a small Remmington .45 automatic from a side table. Silently, I crept up the hall and edged beside the front door, gun at the ready. The visitor knocked again. "Hello?" I called.

"Valkyrie? It's Skulduggery."

I sighed, pocketing my firearm and opened the door. He strolled in, noting the outline of the gun in my pocket. "Paranoid much?" He asked tartly.

"I'm a delicate little flower, all on her own in the big spookity mansion."

He laughed and we started for the living room. "I wouldn't like you if you were a delicate little flower. You're more like a-"

"If you say bracken, I'll shoot you."

He chuckled. "I was going to say more like an iris, the giant variety of course."

"That's actually quite sweet of you. What color?"

"Mmm?"

"What color of iris?"

"Black comes to mind, you wear a lot of it." I smiled, put the gun away as we reached the living room. "You keep a lot of guns tucked away, do you?"

"Some."

"You never cease to amaze me."

"Not that I'm not happy to see you again so soon, Skulduggery, but do you need something?"

"Hmm? No, no. I wanted to make sure you were all right. Being alone as you are in the big spookity mansion and all."

"You're bored already, aren't you?" I asked with a sigh.

"Yes." He admitted.

"God. Well, we could go see Ghastly if he's in his shop."

"Yes we could, but didn't you have a date with that rusting hulk of ugliness you drive?"

"Christine can wait."

"You named your car Christine?"

"Of course I named her."

"You frighten me sometimes, you know that? Now that I know she's a homicidal bucket of bolts I'll be more respectful."

I laughed and we went out to the Bentley. How I wondered, did he always get his way with me so easily?

Ghastly was indeed in, and as we walked in I could see Skulduggery was terribly pleased with himself for getting my away from Gordon's mansion. After all, he's single-handedly convinced me I needed to be with him more than I needed a break from him. I shook my head at his charming arrogance and caught Ghastly's look. He knew Skulduggery had gotten away with something. "Skulduggery, stop posturing, it's annoying." He growled, but Skulduggery just tilted his head back, far too pleased with himself to listen. He was humming to himself.

"Valkyrie, I blame you for this." Ghastly said, giving me an exasperated look.

Tanith sauntered it. "That's no way to talk to my sister."

"I have a preening skeleton in my shop, I have a right to complain."

Tanith grabbed me by the elbow and led me to the back room. "Men." She muttered. She closed the door and smiled at me. "So what is he so chuffed about?"

"I told him I wanted a few days off."

"And?"

"And after almost getting shot for knocking on my front door he managed to charm me into suggesting we do something together."

"You spoil him, sis."

"Oh ho, and you don't spoil Ghastly?" I teased. Tanith blushed.

"Well maybe a little, but they're men, they need spoiled. If you treat them like a woman they go to pieces."

"How's that?" Ghastly stood in the now open doorway, looking annoyed.

Tanith feigned innocence. "We were talking about the officials at the Sanctuary. Pure children, all of them." I coughed to cover up a laugh and Ghastly shot me a look. Tanith went over to him, rested her head on his shoulder. "I wouldn't ever talk about you." She cooed. My face hurt from smiling so hard, and I turned away as he kissed her, affording them some privacy.

"Yes, you would. You get it from Valkyrie, who picked up the habit of insulting Elders from Skulduggery. Speaking of which, how come you never call me anything but Elder Bespoke?" He asked, looking at me.

I burst out laughing and he sighed. "I thought as much. You have no respect for authority, you know that? I blame Skulduggery for that as well."

"Blame me for what?" Skulduggery came in to slouch against the doorframe.

"World hunger." Ghastly said, rolling his eyes. He turned back to me. "Your boots are ready, by the way. Would you like to see them?"

"Yes, I would love to. I thought you said they'd be impossible."

Ghastly smiled, drinking in the compliment. "I can do amazing things when that annoying child of a partner of yours isn't distracting me. Do you know he plays with everything he sees when he's bored? Skulduggery, put that down!"

Skulduggery put a pair of shears down and came to stand beside me. "Nice of you to defend my honour." He grumbled.

"My mistake. Ghastly, I'm sure he's only figuring out the case he's working on at the time and needs to manipulate something physical to do it." Even I didn't buy that, but Skulduggery nodded proudly.

"That's it, exactly. It's nice to see my genius appreciated."

Ghastly ignored him and went to a cupboard, pulling out a magnificent pair of boots. They matched the rest of the outfit perfectly, except that they were the deepest blood red, like the sleeves of the coat I was wearing. I admired the square cut heel and toes, the sweep of the boot as it lifted up past the ankle.

"Ghastly, they're beautiful. You've truly outdone yourself this time." He smiled, pleased at the compliment. He handed them over. "Why don't you place them in the Bentley? We can have tea and you can tell me anything new about the case you two have learned."

Skulduggery took the boots from me. "I'll do that. I don't trust you not to scratch my Bentley in revenge." He walked out, managing to look indignant. Most likely he was.

"What was that all about?" Ghastly asked.

"He keeps insulting Christine."

"Ah. Well, you have the better car, and he's a poor loser. He always was." We went out to the main shop area, Ghastly making tea and Skulduggery joined us. I explained the vision calmly. Ghastly nodded, asking a few questions. He sat back then and sighed.

"Why couldn't you have picked a nice, normal partner, Valkyrie?"

"This one saved my life. Repeatedly. He's a keeper."

"I'm glad you want him, no one else does."

Skulduggery managed to look annoyed.

"He has his uses. He once saved me from a nefarious Siamese cat that was abducting women to serve in his crime syndicate."

"How did he manage that?"

"He talked so much the Siamese cat threw himself out the window in despair. Saddest thing I've ever seen."

Ghastly burst out laughing and Skulduggery shot me a dirty look. "You I'll deal with later." He growled.

He was still miffed as we went to the Bentley. It didn't help things when Ghastly couldn't stop laughing. Ghastly had waved us off, telling us to do as we pleased for a few days so we'd be fresh for the case. I nudged Skulduggery with my shoulder when we got in. "Come on, being able to outtalk a Siamese cat is quite the accomplishment."

He shot me a glare and crossed his arms over his chest. Then his resolve broke and he smiled at me. "Seat belt." He started the Bentley then looked at me. "Where to?"

I shrugged. "I haven't the foggiest. It's still raining, but we could try for training."

"Said the armoured lightning rod."

"So we hope the killer strikes on a cloudless day?"

"Point taken. To tell you the truth, I don't feel like getting wet."

"I didn't think you did. Who do we know that we can go annoy, then?"

"We just annoyed Ghastly and Tanith. We could go back to Gordon's if you like. You were looking forward to a few days off and it isn't fair of me to drag you away."

"Said the man who knocked on my door in under five minutes. I just can't leave you alone, can I?"

"Don't exaggerate, Valkyrie. I was merely worried about you. No need to make a Federal case out of it." He said smoothly. He drove then, dropping me off at Gordon's and I watched him pull away. The man ran hot and cold. I figured the song fit him perfectly.

That night I was into dusting Gordon's study, the stereo booming when my mobile rang. Skulduggery. I ignored it. I wasn't sure what he was being so prissy about. Even best friends and partners needed time off. Five minutes later it rang again, I swore it was shriller and louder. Skulduggery again. I sighed, flicked off the stereo in defeat. "Yes, Skulduggery?"

Silence on his end. Then a click. I stood still. Was this him being strange and calling me to ignore me, or was he in trouble? Swallowing my pride, I dialed his number.

"Oh, hello, Valkyrie. How nice of you to call." There was a note of annoyance in his voice, the man felt neglected.

"Are you all right, Skulduggery?"

"Yes, Yes, I'm fine. Not that you would care. How goes your liberation?"

I shut my eyes. How did he always do this? He was guilting me into what he wanted with a few choice words. "Well, I've missed you." I admitted.

"Really, now?" He sounded pleased. "Then you'll love this." I heard a tap at the study window, and looked up to see Skulduggery perched precariously on the ledge. The rain had stopped, and the moon had come out, giving a glow to his skeletal features.

I shut off my mobile and went to let him in, grinning. "How long have you been out there?"

He enveloped me in a hug, and I happily hugged him back. "You like me, you really, really like me." He teased.

"Skulduggery, you need new jokes. That one hasn't been used since 'The Mask'."

"But it's still funny." He let me go, ruffling my hair. I scowled and backed off, smoothing my hair back into place.

"How long were you out there?"

"Long enough. Now don't you have to figure out a way to entertain me? I am a guest."

I gestured to take in the office. "Books, they're really well-written books and filled with words. Words, glorious words. Knock yourself out."

He made an amused sound. "I don't feel like reading."

"You can watch me cook dinner then."

"Why cook when I brought you dinner?"

"What?"

"More Chinese, you'll find a sack of it in the kitchen."

"You broke into my house to feed me? That's rather sweet of you, actually."

"You didn't even notice either what with that stereo waking the dead. But I reset all your alarms and magical shields and wards. I could even have better put in place if you like."

"I'd appreciate that." I was feeling rather guilty now about singing the lyrics to 'Hot and Cold' in my head all day. But this was an example of just that, so I didn't feel too bad about it. I started humming the song as we walked down the stairs.

Skulduggery titled his head. "That's more of that noise you call music, isn't it?"

"Yes it is." I said serenely. We reached the kitchen and I flipped on the light and came to a stop. A sack of take away sat on the counter. Beside it sat something that looked like a dismantled bomb.

"Oh, Skulduggery you not only cooked, you remembered our anniversary. What a prefect work husband you are."

He snorted and walked over, picking up the deactivated bomb. "It's a present, after dinner we can pull it apart and put it back together again. It's about time you learned basic bomb making and defusing skills."

I took the Chinese to the table. Pepper steak this time, and several other cartons. Once again, a lage container of green tea. I dug into the meal, famished. I realized I hadn't eaten anything since the doughnuts at his house. Being a detective was giving me all sorts of healthy habits. Skulduggery watched me eat for a while, seemingly content to watch my enjoyment.

"You know, you are going to go broke one of these days if you keep spoiling me like this, Skulduggery."

He waved a dismissive hand. "I was serious about saving up a good-sized fortune, Valkyrie. Nick Charles I am not."

"Good, because I'm not about to support your hedonistic lifestyle."

He beamed at me. "Hedonism is the eighth virtue and the only lifestyle worth living. It gets me the sharpest suits, the most beautiful partner, and the best car money can buy. "

"You picked me for a partner because I'm beautiful?"

"Yes indeed. You can be my girl Friday if you want. I don't mind." He said serenely.

"What's the Sanctuary penalty for justifiable homicide?" I asked, through gritted teeth.

"Now, now Valkyrie. Finish your dinner and we can play with the lovely bomb."

I finished, thoughts of planting the bomb in the Bentley dancing through my mind. But I honestly loved the car almost as much as he did. I led him one of the attached garages, where Christine sat in her beauty. Her top was down and she almost looked thoughtful as I went to give her sweeping left front fender a pat. She faced inwards, towards the workbench since I liked seeing her every morning I was there.

"How's my pretty girl, Christine?" I cooed, enjoying the look of distaste on Skulduggery's face. "You're just my little bitty pretty one, aren't you?" I cooed.

Skulduggery made a disgusted sound. "Why is she low to the ground Valkyrie, answer me that? Plus that hideous bulge in her hood, she's positively freakish." I'd hidden my car keys in my pocket. I touched the tiny remote and Christine roared into life, her headlights flicking on to capture Skulduggery in her high beams. He yelped and jumped back, then realized what I did and glared at me.

"That wasn't very nice."

"That's what you get for insulting a lady."

"Neither of you is a lady. How much did remote startup cost?"

"More than your suit did, I'd wager. But I use it. You have all sorts of tech in the Bentley you never touch."

"That you know of. Now come pay attention." I shut Christine off, giving her a final pat of affection and learned all about bombs. I noticed that Skulduggery paused from time to time to give Christine a furtive glance and I loved it. I could have sworn she winked at him.

Several hours later I was escorting Skulduggery to the front door, him dragging his steps. He stopped, turned towards me. "How long do you need off?" He asked, taking his hat off to flick invisible link from the brim.

"What time is it?"

He took out his pocket watch. "Four AM."

"Well let's see, I got off yesterday around noon I think and now it is the next day. I had practically a whole day off. What did I do with myself? Oh that's right, I enjoyed the silence." He stiffened. "God, Skulduggery, I'm joking. When do you need me back?" He shrugged, offended. It never ceased to amaze me how delicate his own feelings were when he loved to devastate everyone around him with his own sarcastic wit. "Skulduggery, look at me."

He shook his head, angrily looking at the floor. "Skulduggery, if you need me to come with you now, just say so."

He shook his head again. "No, no. I'll give you a call when I have any more leads. Good night, Valkyrie." With a stiff nod of his head he touched the brim of his hat to me and was gone out the door before I could say a word. I knew better than to run after him. He needed time to work through his anger. I sighed and shut the door. I almost rang Tanith before I remembered it was 4 AM. Normally I could have called Skulduggery and he'd have happily talked to me.

I sighed and made my way up to a shower then Gordon's old bedroom. I'd cut off contact with my family months before. I didn't do it to be cruel, but due to the fact that my not aging as the did would raise too many questions. People who specialized in such things had made sure everyone not magical hadn't a single memory of me. All traces of me had been wiped out. No room when I had slept, no clothes, year books, or school records.

My accounts had smoothly and seamlessly moved over to my taken name of Valkyrie Cain. I'd even found out there were banks that specialized in holding the funds of the magical community. Nothing fantastical, just as boring as regular ones, but it had shut off most of my contact with the non-magical world to make the transition.

I hadn't told anyone, but I assumed Ghastly knew being an Elder. I couldn't sleep, but lay there with my mind reeling. Skulduggery was, in a lot of ways my only family now and I'd have loved to go home with him if he asked, but he had to be the one to ask. I never invited myself over or asked him to pick me up. Though right then I'd have been happy to swallow my pride and call him. A tap came at the window and I realized I'd never heard the Bentley's engine start up.

I walked over the the window, let Skulduggery in. He seemed somber. "What's wrong?" I asked. He shook his head, staring at the floor. I paused. "This is probably the wrong thing to say, but I missed you."

He looked up hopefully. "Really?"

"Yes, really. Besides we may have two maniacs on the loose. Splitting up right now would be what stupid people do in horror movies, and we are not stupid people."

He gave me a soft smile. "I missed you too, you know." I nodded. I could tell he wanted a hug in the worst way and couldn't think of a good excuse to ask for one. One of his unspoken rules of course, was that he always initiated all contact, except my punching him in the arm. So that's what I did.

"Ow! What was that for?" He grumbled, rubbing his arm.

"I missed doing it." He shot me a glance and went to sit against the wall. I got back into bed, but wasn't having much success falling asleep. I looked over at him. Just enough light filtered through the window in that I could make him out. I knew he wasn't meditating even though his head was down. It struck me then how thoughtless it was to have a grown man sit against the wall like that. It must have been insulting to him, but he did it, just to be near me. "There's a chair out in the hall Skulduggery, bring that in if you like and you can meditate."

He looked up, cocked his head. "The wall is lovely, thanks."

I sat up and looked at him. "Seriously?"

"Not really, no. But I don't want to be an imposition."

I bit back an automatic smart remark. He'd come here, trusting me to let him in and to not notice that he was refusing to be away from me for anything longer than serval hours at a time. "Pretty please? You'll look more detective-y in it. Quite dashing."

He grinned. "If you insist."

I switched on the light even though he didn't need it and Skulduggery brought the chair in. He sat it at an angle to the head of the bed. He settled in, propping his feet up on the bed, and looking throughly pleased with himself. "There are times I swear you're a cat in a detective suit." I said. He just grinned in response and folded his hands up on his chest, hat tilted down to cover his eye sockets. The sight was so sleep inducing I barely had time to shut out the light before falling asleep myself.