Sorry for this being so late! Massive writer's block. Hope you enjoy!
Isabella Silence
Skulduggery Pleasant didn't even need to glance at the invitation to know what it was. He got up off his couch and smiled to himself, thinking about what hat he was going to wear with his suit.
Valkyrie tried putting a match to the paper, but no matter how hard she tried, the flame extinguished just as it reached the paper.
"Oh for god's sake!" She growled, stalking to her bedroom. She looked at her phone on the bedside table, debating whether or not to call Skulduggery. She decided against it. Maybe she could surprise the great Skeleton Detective. She smiled at the challenge.
2 hours later
Skulduggery's POV
I looked around the ballroom, hoping to see someone who didn't look like they just stepped out of a hair gel ad.
She's not here, Skulduggery, let it go.
I ignored that voice, but I knew it was right. She wasn't here.
I made my way to the dance floor, looking for China. I always enjoyed dancing with China, although I would never admit it.
"Looking for me, Mr. Pleasant?"
I spun around, and facing me was China.
"Why, yes."
I take her hand, leading her to the dance floor. There's a fast waltz playing, and we slip in with the dancers.
"Is she not here, Pleasant? I would have thought you would have been dancing with her by now."
I hear two things in her voice. Distaste, and a hint of intrigue. I let both the comment and her tone float over my head.
"She probably just threw the thing aside and–"
China stopped short, and we slowed with the music. We stopped dancing, and she gave a tight smile, like someone had foiled her plans. She looked back at me, and we danced for a few more songs before I went to get drinks. I went the long way, hoping to see Valkyrie while I was luck. My imaginary heart plummeted.
I got China her drink, and when I got back to the ballroom, China had taken a seat, and she was talking to a woman in a blood red dress, almost like the colour of wine. China had spotted me, said something to the woman, and the woman turned around to face me. I almost let the drink fall. It wasn't just any woman. It was Valkyrie.
The dress clung to her, but as it flowed down to her ankles it resembled water flowing down a smooth stone. Her hair was pinned back into two plaits, and then swirled into a bun. Her eyelids were covered in black eyeshadow, and her lips a blood red to match the dress.
She flashed me a wicked grin, and I was left breathless. Although, I have no breath.
"Hello, Skulduggery."
I tore my eyes away from her, setting the drink down on the table.
"I, uh…"
SAY SOMETHING YOU IDIOT! SAY SOMETHING!
"The moon is marvellous."
Oh good god.
"Excuse me for one moment," I murmur before dashing through the crowds. I'm not too sure where to run, but I end up on the balcony.
"Oh, no!" I groaned to myself.
Valkyrie's POV
"Well, that went great, don't you think?"
I glanced behind me, scanning the crowds of people. Wow, everyone here looked like they just stepped out of a hair gel ad.
"Care to join me to the bathroom? My hair is falling out of place."
"Sure," I said, shrugging. I stood up, smoothing out my dress. I had to admit, I looked great in this dress.
I walked along beside China, wondering how she lived with people telling her they loved her and knowing it wasn't true love. I supposed it was very exhausting, but I didn't get to finish that thought because she was asking me something.
"...Likes you, yes?"
I looked at her with a confused expression, and she looked annoyed for a second.
"I said, you do know Skulduggery likes you, yes?" Now I look at her with a stunned expression.
"What? Really? No! He can't actually like me! Right?..."
China simply laughed.
"He can, and he does. Well, dear Valkyrie, you better go find him before he leaves."
I barely heard the end of what she said; I ran down the halls, pulling up my dress just under my knees. I hoped, with all my heart, that he hadn't left. He probably did, and then I'd have to wait another three years before I can tell him again. I didn't know where he might actually be, but I ended up at the balconies. Before I turn the corner, I smooth down my dress and hair, and I vow that if Skulduggery is not here, I won't go looking. If he won't end whatever this is, I will.
I take a deep breath, and pull the door open. At first I thought I saw him. But it was just a shadow, and with a knife to the heart, I turned to the door. I gasped. Sauntering towards me, is Skulduggery Pleasant. His façade was on, but it was him. I ran up to him, launching myself into his arms.
China's POV
Oh, look at them, all happy and in love. That stupid girl is going to pay for this.
I turned away from the window, seething with anger. Oh, well. I've learnt my lesson. Don't count on that skeleton ever again.
