A/N: I don't own Skulduggery, Ghastly, Erksine, Tipstaff, or Valkyrie. Val is still 24, story is still in her POV.

Ghastly dismissed us, growling that he needed time to repair the damage Skulduggery had done. Skulduggery of course stared at him innocently. feeling his reaction, which I could tell he knew the second he saw me was based on a misunderstanding, was logical and correct. I shook my head as we walked out to the Bentley. "The bad thing is, I'm no better that you." I sighed. "I think Cú Sídhe left in disgust, though I expected him to be with you."

"No doubt he's the one who brought Tanas and Leap to you and ferried them back. You won't see him again if he doesn't want to be seen. How about breakfast at the diner we took Ryan to? My nerves are shot and I could use the drive."

I caught him in a tight hug before getting in. I wasn't exactly respecting his unspoken rule of letting him initiate affection, but as his arms wrapped around me I could tell he didn't mind. I felt him shiver slightly and realized the chill night wind was getting to him.

"Skulduggery, you need a jacket."

"Mmm? I'll get it out of the boot then, the other hat too, this blue one will clash with the jacket, though the hat will clash with this suit."

"Skulduggery!"

"Very well. Nice driving by the way, I'm sure Erskine will be thrilled to see the lawn like that, and Tipstaff will be absolutely ecstatic." He said, eyeing the damage I'd done to the Sanctuary lawn. Skulduggery walked to the boot of the Bentley, taking out a neatly folded duster and black hat that looked like the kind I wore with my armour, but suited more closely to his sense of style.

He caught my look and shrugged and put them on. "I told Ghastly as long as he was busy he could make me a new set of clothes as well. These are even armoured like yours, believe it or not. Which will come in handy when Tipstaff has a hissy fit over his precious lawn. Well come along then, time to make good our escape." He looked once more at the huge gouges Christine's tyres had left in the muddy earth and shook his head getting in. I laughed and got in with him. "Seat belt." I clicked it and he put the Bentley into drive still shaking his head and muttering in mock disgust about women drivers under his breath.

"Cheer up Skulduggery, I won't have to fish her out of water this time."

"Your brakes let go again? That's it, you are leaving that beast there and I'm having it towed to my mechanic. Hopefully he can destroy it once and for all."

"Well, I know I'll miss her if he does, but you'll have noted from the angle of entry it was the lawn or the Bentley."

"I thought as much. We'll find you something dependable to drive."

"I have something dependable to drive."

"Not that behemoth, you don't."

"No, she's sitting in the second attached garage, covered. She's very dependable though I don't take her out much. I drive much more sedately in her too."

"I'm sure she's some kind of lurid red colour and looks horribly modern and sporty."

"She's ivory and quite the lady."

"Don't say another word, you can show me after breakfast."

"Deal." I knew not to mention our argument until he was ready, so I turned the radio on softly instead, then admired him in his new clothing, which of course is what he wanted. I could also feel his mind whirring, wondering what could possibly be in the second garage and I couldn't wait to see his reaction.

Breakfast was excellent, though by the way Skulduggery stared at me through the disguise I knew he wanted me to hurry. I half obliged him, but made sure to take my time with the bacon and eggs at points and ignored his sounds of exasperation. Dawn broke, and I could feel his impatience increase. At last I finished, and he led the way to the Bentley, once again opening my door for me. I shook my head and kissed his cheek through the disguise, and could feel the smile that spread on his face. I leaned over and got his door, and he slid in, pleased with himself. "Seat belt. We're feeling rather affectionate this morning. I should take you to breakfast more often."

"I honestly wouldn't mind, though when you cook for me it's even better."

I felt him flush and he waved me off. "Honestly, Valkyrie, the things you say." I could tell my words has pleased him, but he still wasn't used to open praise from me.

We drove mostly in silence the rest of the way to Uncle Gordon's house, though I assured him we didn't need to stop and see the car. Skulduggery was sure we did. His curiosity was at a fever pitch by the time I'd walked him through the first garage. He shed his disguise putting in on the work table beside the connecting door. Even going so far as to remove his gloves, a gesture I'd never seen outside our home. "To check the engine." He said smoothly.

I paused, my hand on the door. "You know, Skulduggery, it is just a car after all, you needn't bother." I teased. He grunted in impatience and I opened the door and flicked on the light. His gasp of astonishment at the covered outline was worth it. I didn't say a word as he looked from me to the covered car and back to me several times.

I walked around him, taking off the cover to reveal the gleaming ivory-coloured 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental. The look of rapture on his face said anything more than he ever could. He ran his hands along her fine body reverently, walking all around her in open admiration. I let him open the bonnet to admire her spotless workings, and he even opened to boot to check the lining. Everything had to be handled and tested. I leaned back against the wall, enjoying his silent inspection. At last he sat himself behind the wheel, perfectly contented.

I got in beside him, and the glance he gave me was beatific. He took one skeletal hand off the wheel to stroke the side of my face gently, a soft sigh of pleasure escaping through his closed teeth. "You approve?" I asked, knowing full well he did.

"What I feel right now goes beyond approval. She's an excellent machine, though I do want my mechanic to look at her as well to be absolutely certain she is safe. Tell my he can scrap that monstrosity that has tried to kill you twice and I'll be the happiest man alive."

"Of course. To tell you the truth, I don't think that car ever liked me much. She also had a fine habit of stalling on railroad tracks."

"Then she dies. This beauty however, will always be dependable, providing you don't drive her like a madwoman."

"No I respect her, she's like the twin to your Bentley so I'd never mistreat her. Though I wasn't sure about her cream-coloured interior at first to tell you the truth."

"It's simply lovely, and you know that's a word I rarely apply to anything. It suits her, it suits you. She's the prefect car for you."

"I know. I fell in love with her at first sight. Of course riding around in a Bentley for eight years before I met her might have had something to do with it. She had a black sister as well, but there was something about her, I think because everyone was looking at her sister more. I felt sorry for her and I swear she looked lonely." I looked away from him, then continued. "But I went over to her Skulduggery and talked to her. I know how that sounds, by the way. Still, I swear she wanted a good home, and no one else wanted her, so I did fall in love. I got behind the wheel and she had me. I swear she wrapped the seat around me. Ignore everything I just said, I'm aware of how insane it sounds."

I looked back at him, expecting him to laugh, but Skulduggery just titled his head. "How many times do I have to tell you to embrace your inner lunatic? Besides I know exactly what you mean. My Bentley is my best friend, outside of you of course, and she always seems to know how I'm feeling. I'm half convinced she talks at times." He smiled, and went on. "I insist you let me get you some upgrades to your lovely companion here. I want to be able to track you as well you know. I assume Tanas and Leap told you where I was yesterday since my mobile was dead, so perhaps a secondary tracer as well."

"Uh, I knew where you were. I was just too dispirited to think you wanted me to come to you. This is the part where I tell you that you should never leave your Bentley outside when you're gone for the weekend, because someone could always slip a tracer into the bonnet ornament. This is also where you say that's OK, since it was done with your safety in mind."

"I'll be- Clever, that. Well done, and I didn't expect a thing."

"So you're not mad I touched your car?"

"No, I appreciate the sentiment. I don't suppose this fine lady is traceable?"

"Indeed she is. She has the same type of mini tracer under her bonnet ornament. They both link back to my mobile, and a secondary one in my office."

"What office?"

"I do write after a fashion, I needed an office for that, and any reports or fun, fun, fun paperwork I might get handed to me."

"I'd like to see that, if you don't mind."

"Not all all, though I'm afraid it isn't exactly the modern style of office you might be hoping for."

"With the owner of a Bentley I wouldn't expect fold out chairs or those dreadfully tacky tables that pass as desks. Well then, lead the way."

We got out at last, Skulduggery helping me to cover the Bentley back up, still pleased to no end.

Skulduggery was struck speechless a second time as we entered my office. From the massive leather chair, and oversized desk, to the blinds and dark wooden shelves filled with reference books it was everything a detective from an earlier, more opulent era could want. He looked down at the rich deep red carpeting, then over at a second massive desk and smiled. "Expecting company?" He asked.

"Always."

"You do have some of your fortune left, don't you?"

"Surprisingly a lot of it was here, I just needed to stain the wood to a darker colour and bring in the extra desk and chair from elsewhere. Gordon had never liked an office here for some reason and abandoned it, well, he hardly entered it to begin with. We don't know who originally furnished it, truth be told."

"You seem to have hung quite a few guns on the wall, the overall feel, if you'll excuse me for saying so, is very masculine."

"I know, I like masculine design. It feels, safer, I think. More, well, seductive."

Skulduggery gave me a look I couldn't read in response and said nothing at first, settling on a strained response at last. "You're a curious woman, Valkyrie Cain." He'd stiffened and I realized 'seductive' wasn't the best word to use around him. I ducked my head and went to walk past him to allow him to recover, but Skulduggery caught me, gently. I could read the intent on his features and his rather valiant struggle to contain himself. I was seriously tempted to push him over the edge and fall with him, but I knew he'd never forgive me afterwards.

I looked down and away, unable to speak since I hardly felt like denying him, and he stepped back, releasing me with a sigh. He took a moment to recover, then spoke softly. "I suppose we should be getting home, before anything untoward happens. I apologize, I should have better control over myself."

"You did nothing wrong, Skulduggery. Us getting married would be a very bad idea if we weren't-"

He held up a hand. "Please, no more. I'm hardly containing myself as it is, but you'll be safe with me, and waiting for you will have been worth it. I adore you, Valkyrie Cain, I revere you, and although I have little else to offer, waiting out of respect to you is something I can give you." I wanted to kiss him then, to reward him, but it was the very last thing he needed at the moment. So we walked out to the Bentley and rode home in silence.

I gave him time alone at home, several hours in fact, and it was afternoon when he at last put back in an appearance. He seemed content, as if he'd gained control of himself at last, and he smiled at me. "You know," He said in his best velvety purr, "there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about." He sauntered over to the couch, and I swear I caught a gleam in his hollow eye sockets, but he only grinned at me, apparently having enjoyed stalking me, if only for a brief second. "You haven't even made a fuss over an engagement ring, you know." He said, sitting down on the sofa. "I've actually had one for a time now, but if you aren't interested-" He smiled when I sat forward, doing my best to keep the stupid grin off my face. He produced a ring box from his pocket, tilted his head at me, then put it back. "Clearly you aren't interested." He teased. "So I'll just keep this."

"I'm very interested, Skulduggery." I moved closer, restraining myself from just grabbing at his pocket. He looked at me, and took off his hat, placing it on his crossed legs. He smoothed a skeletal hand over his skull, and I knew the action was deliberate, testing to see if I'd show any revulsion. "Skulduggery-" I couldn't speak, how could I tell him how much I loved him without sounding like one of those stupid greeting cards we both hated? But I had to try. "Skulduggery, and don't take this in the wrong way, but you do know part of your appeal to me IS that you're a skeleton, right? Call me fickle, but I don't know if you'd be as attractive as you are to me if you looked like everyone else. Not that I've ever found any other skeleton attractive before, or do now. They aren't alive, not like you are, and although it sounds stupid, it's the real you that counts, not your packaging as impressive as it is."

I saw him raise his skeletal brows in surprise. "Mmm, I'm still waiting to see if you say that on our wedding night, since having to touch me is another thing entirely." I thought he was serious at first, and opened my mouth to protest, but he brought the ring box back out and smiled at me. "I'm joking, Valkyrie. I'm going to say something, and I'll only ever say this once, but I want you to hear me out before you accept this ring, agreed?"

I nodded.

"Good. Now then, I realized today when you showed me the Bentley, and that in itself was enough, and then your office, how close you've let me come, and I realized too you'd have never let me know if we hadn't become lovers. Or if you did, you'd have brushed it aside, relying on my utter unawareness of what's really going on when I'm around you. I know you never let anyone that close, ever. You aren't built like that, even though you are a good person, you dislike being vulnerable. You've invited me into your home, your one place where you can feel safe, trusting me although I know that, like me, you dislike people being in your home."

He smiled, then continued. "You've changed remarkably over these last several weeks. Had we tried before now to be lovers it would have ended in disaster, so too would have any marriage. But you've changed yourself completely out of how strongly you feel, let me in closer than I have any right to be, and you leave me in utter awe of you. I know now I can trust you, that you won't wander off in boredom, that you will remain loyal to me. I know too you've never judged me or found me past redemption but the fact that you can love me, knowing I am Lord Vile, terrifies me. I don't deserve your love, and I never will. I can never repay you for giving me a reason to live, for remaining at my side all these years, but I intend to try."

"If you will consent to be my wife, Valkyrie Cain, as well as my best friend and partner, I want you to know you won't be bound by a ring or a piece of paper. Those things are meaningless and given all too often instead of love. But I am hoping you will be bound to me because you choose to be. Because you choose me over freedom. If you can agree to that, if you can agree to stay because you want to, not because you feel obligated, if you can agree to be my lover and spouse, the future mother to my children, if you can give me all those things of your own free will because you desire them as well, then, and only then, do I ask you to be my wife."

I leaned forward and kissed, him, but chastely, so he wouldn't misread my intent, my hand resting gently on his as they held the ring box. I brought the other hand up to gently and barely touch his skull and could feel him watching me intently. He was showing an unparalleled level of trust, and he had to be honoured for that. "Skulduggery Pleasant, I've wanted nothing more that to marry you, to be your lover for some time. But until recently I wanted it for selfish reasons, never once considering how you would feel, assuming I'd just get my way since I felt my love for you gave me that right. But loving a person doesn't mean you own them, nor did it give me any rights with you."

"You've been remarkably patient with me, ever indulgent and I know if we had never become lovers you wouldn't have said a word because you're far too much a gentleman to even dare to think I'd be with you, even when it is what I've always wanted. I can't imagine how hard it has been on you, feeling as different as I know you do, waiting to see if I loved you in return. I know you're well aware a lot of women wouldn't be with you, but I'm not them, and frankly, they're stupid. I honestly know I don't deserve you either, but no one ever gets love because they deserve it, or no one ever would."

"If you know you won't be bound anymore than you bind me, if you're aware that the day you'd ever stop loving me or ever want to be free I would at first want to kill you, but would then let you go, then yes, yes, I'll marry you." He smiled softly, and I swore I saw tears glimmer in his eye sockets for a moment. Then he brought out the ring and slipped it on my finger, leaning forward to kiss me as he did. I looked down at the ring, then back at him in delight. It was a silver skull, so like his own that I wondered if he posed for it. The expression on it's skeletal features was only what I could call smug, as if it knew it was destined to be worn.

Skulduggery pulled me forward again, kissing me deeply, his skeletal hands bunching in my hair, and a deep growl emanating from him. He pulled back, looking at me smugly. "I knew of course, that you would say yes. I'm far too dashing and handsome for you to say otherwise."

"You are at that. You know, I do recall you asking before, but I liked this time much better, to be honest."

"I thought you would. You'll note I saved us both the embarrassment of my getting down on one knee. It just doesn't look right out of armour, and I'm not about to go fight in a tourney for you. Nor do I see you giving out tokens of your favour. Funny how men have kept the custom not realizing they are supposed to get the gifts instead. Strange."

"It means they're pledging fidelity as you very well know, but yes, I'm rather glad you didn't. Of course you've gotten a priceless book, a second house and car, plus a second office in the last several days. That's tokens enough, even for you." I teased.

"Still, women should really have to give a gift too. I honestly think they should. The man is pledging his fidelity and gets nothing whatsoever in return."

"Would you honestly like something in return?"

"I would, actually."

I went to my jacket, digging around in the pockets until I found a small object I'd been saving. "Consider this a blow for women's liberation, henceforward, you are my property." I said, handing him a man's silver ring. It was masculine, with a black field surmounted by a silver skull. "It's magical actually, and not from Lovegate before you ask. It sizes up or down to the wearer. I didn't even think to ask you to wear a ring since I thought it might hurt against bone to be honest, but I did get that with you in mind, for what it's worth."

Skulduggery smiled at me, then slipped the ring on. I held my breath, waiting for him to shake his hand in annoyance, or remove it, since it must have felt strange on his metacarpal bone, but he admired it happily. "I know that's rather a unique place to wear a ring, but I think it only accentuates what fine hands I have, don't you agree, Valkyrie? I know after all that my metacarpi hold a strange fascination for you." I felt the heat rise to my cheeks and he grinned in delight. "You're fun to tease. I am however, hoping you admire my distal phalanges just as well, since they are what's going to be all over you on our wedding night. My, you blush quite nicely!"

"Skulduggery!"

"All right my loyal combat, accessory, I'll stop teasing, for now. Did you sleep well, last night? Because I know I didn't meditate. Since we aren't needed at the Sanctuary until everyone stops fussing over nothing, I wondered if you'd like to catch up on some much needed rest? I will be a gentleman and take a chair if you insist, but I'd much rather we be upstairs than down here."

"I slept for several hours, but the kind that makes you feel worse instead of better. I honestly couldn't sleep without you by me."

"Nor could I meditate without me, so I know exactly how you feel. Shall we?" He extended his hand and I took it willingly, letting him lead me upstairs. There was of course coffee waiting for me and the bed was turned down. I turned to him in confusion.

"I took the liberty of getting a coffee pot for our office as well. You'll have to let me know if it tastes just as good."

I hugged him and kissed him softy on the thin temporal process of his zygomaitc bone, that thin and very tempting bone that had space between it and his skull. I moved up and behind slightly to kiss is temporal bone as well. That I knew the names of these bones because of him, and longing to be with him, made me smile. He grinned broadly at me and watched me slip into bed, only hesitating a moment before going around to his side. Still, he cocked his head and waited for me to nod before he got in.

"You realize," He said drowsily, "That I intend to always sleep in my clothes. It's practical for a case."

"It suits you. You'd look strange in anything else. You know if Ghastly would just make me some more clothes I might start doing the same thing myself. It's honestly more comfortable than I thought it would be."

"Then we'll have him make more, though I doubt those will ever wrinkle or look unkempt. Still they do need washed sometime, so we'll have him make you more and you can use the same dry cleaners I do. I think, if you don't mind, you are the type of woman who could do with a few work suits in her closet. They'll present you better as a full Detective of the Sanctuary."

"Mmm, as long as they're double breasted and come with trousers instead of those stupid skirts they put women in, it's a deal."

"Whoever taught you to have such good taste? That's right, me." His hand found mine and we were both soon lost in our own dreams.