Secrets

32. Well No Shit Sherlock...

Valkyrie hadn't realised it, but she had fallen asleep in the Bentley. She cracked her eyelids to find that the sunlight was streaming in through her window. She moaned as she realised that her shoulder was sore. She squinted and then she looked beside her to see that the Bentley wasn't moving, and that Skulduggery's head was resting on her right shoulder. He was asleep. God, that was so freaking adorable. She thought that seeing as he had organs now, he would have to sleep properly instead of meditating. Obviously he hadn't thought of that himself.

She giggled a little bit and felt him stir. She immediately shut up and watched him as he sat up straighter. He stretched and looked at her.

"Morning," he yawned. Valkyrie laughed.

"Good morning. Finally realised you have to sleep now huh?"

He ran his fingers through his now messy hair.
"Shut up."

She giggled and looked around.
"Where are we?"

"In Australia."

Valkyrie looked at him with wide eyes.
"AUSTRALIA?! How did we get here so fast?!"

Skulduggery rubbed his eyes, which were that beautiful dark brown that Valkyrie loved so much.

"We have Fletcher."

"B-But we're in the Bentley!"

"I thought you'd have worked it out by now Val. We drove away from the party, acting normal, then as soon as we were out of sight, Fletcher teleported us and the Bentley to Sydney."

Valkyrie stopped for a moment.
"Oh..." Was all she said.

Skulduggery shook his head in an amused way, and leaned over to her, kissing her on the cheek. She smiled.

"So," she said, turning in her seat to face him. "Where are we going first?"

He didn't reply. All he did, was smile at her, and then the Bentley was moving again.

***

Valkyrie looked out the window and marvelled at the scenery. It was hot in Australia. A lot hotter than Ireland that was for sure. She had no idea where Skulduggery was taking her, but she had a very good feeling about it.

They drove on for a little while longer, until Valkyrie saw a sign with an arrow drawn on it. The sign read:

"BEACH."

Valkyrie stared at Skulduggery who was smiling again.

"You're taking me to the beach?" She asked, trying to hide the excitement in her voice but failing.

"Yes I am," he replied.

Valkyrie couldn't help it. She couldn't stop the massive goofy grin that spread across her face and she didn't try to.

Skulduggery parked the Bentley on the grass and Valkyrie got out. Then she realised that she was still in her cream coloured dress from the night before.

"I'm not exactly dressed for the beach Skul," she said as he joined her.

"The bags are in the back," he replied. "There should be some other clothes in there for you."

"Well no shit Sherlock."

"Valkyrie, I'm way better than Sherlock could ever be, and you know that."

Valkyrie rolled her eyes and opened the back door of the Bentley. Then she started rummaging around for a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.

Eventually, she found some very short shorts and a black shirt with spaghetti straps. She changed in the back seat of the Bentley, and walked barefoot down onto the sand with Skulduggery. She wriggled her toes and felt the sand sift beneath her feet. She giggled and looked out at the ocean. The waves were crashing on the shore and young kids played and swam in the shallow water.

A teenage girl was helping a young boy with building a sand castle and a group of kids were hunting for shells. It was all so beautiful and Valkyrie had to laugh. She grabbed Skulduggery's hand and pulled him towards the water.

"We are swimming!" She cried. He didn't resist, but instead managed to untangle his fingers from hers. She stopped and turned, her expression firm. "We are going swimming," she repeated. Skulduggery just smiled.

"Not like that we aren't."

Valkyrie frowned. Then he lifted her up so quickly she shouted in surprise. He held her bridal style and ran straight into the sea.

Valkyrie felt the cool water all around her and she came up for air. She looked at Skulduggery through strands of wet hair and laughed, pushing him under. She felt something snag her ankle and then she too was pulled under the water.

When they both surfaced, Skulduggery pulled Valkyrie close and then they kissed long and hard, the waves crashing all around them. When Valkyrie broke off, she smiled then flicked water in his face. He grabbed her and dunked her for a split second, then she smashed into him, sending them both down into a wave, and water surged all around them.

***

Valkyrie was lying on the sand, her eyes closed against the harsh glare of the sun, and she could feel herself drying after their swim. Skulduggery sat next to her, watching her.

"Well... This has turned out to be a pretty good day," Skulduggery said. Valkyrie opened her eyes and sat up.

"Pretty good? It's been bloody brilliant!"

Skulduggery laughed and then the sounds of shouting caught their attention. They turned to see a group of kids who were gathered around what looked to be a van.

"Ice cream," Valkyrie whispered, looking at Skulduggery. He smiled and stood, holding out his hand. Valkyrie grabbed it and he helped her to her feet. She brushed the sand off her bum, and they walked holding hands over to the ice cream truck.

Then everything was perfect. They sat on the beach eating ice creams and watching the sun set over the water.