It's been a while. Forgive me.

This beautiful idea was given to me by WarameeraMare. It's just...it's such a wonderful idea for me to run with, and I thank-you very much for letting me have it.

This will most likely be a multi-chap...thing. it's an AU, it's a little different, but hey. Enjoy.

She had tried to tell him before. She really, honestly did. Every time they were on their own, she tried to open her mouth to say it, but something would always stop her.

She was terrified when it first happened. She barely even remembered how it happened-one minute she was angry at her university homework, the next minute she was lying exhausted on her living-room for, the furniture ripped to shreds.

She had no idea how it started. She went on a research fest to find out how it occurred, but came back with nothing of importance; just a load of Harry Potter references and Spider-man character profiles. She'd never felt more alone in her life.

She prayed every day that it wouldn't happen around anyone, specifically him. What if he found out one day and was so terrified of her that he'd never come back? That thought had plagued her for such a long time now that it had imbedded itself into her head.

The worst times were when she was frustrated or angry-those were the most unpredictable and dangerous times. She wished that she was able to control it like she was learning to with Darquesse. Why tried to work out why this thing was happening to her, or how it would, but she would always reach a dead end. The only thing she could work out was when it was going to happen. That gave her just enough time to leave wherever she was so she could be alone for as long as she needed to be.

It varied how long she would stay like this-sometimes it only lasted for about half an hour. Other times it would take up the whole day. She had never told anyone about this, simply because she was too damn terrified of their reaction. She would become an outcast as soon as anyone else knew about it, she was sure of it. She knew the magical community had seen just about anything, but she doubted that they'd seen something like this.

Valkyrie was normally so careful about trying to keep her temper in check so she didn't become something that wasn't herself. But today, however, Skulduggery Pleasant was really winding her up.

'You like him.'

'Shut up.'

'But I am slightly right though.'

'I really do not still fancy Fletcher, and if you say it one more time then I'll punch you right in your eye-socket.'

Skulduggery wandered around the living-room with his hands in his pockets. 'I'd like to see you try.'

'Don't tempt me.'

'Like you would anyway. You'd never consider hurting your favourite skeleton.'

'You're the only bloody skeleton I know.'

'Exactly. I'm a unique specimen.'

'It's not gonna stop me though.' Valkyrie said quietly, trying to keep her voice steady.

There was a pause, before Skulduggery shrugged. 'So, you still like him then.'

Valkyrie groaned and balled her hands up into fists. 'Please shut up right this second.'

'No.'

'Please?'

'Make me.'

'I don't see why you assume that I still fancy him.'

'Because you do. I'm just stating a fact.'

Valkyrie snarled and turned around in her seat to glare at him. 'Are you deliberately trying to wind me up?!'

'Of course not, although it is slightly amusing.'

'You'll regret it though.'

'So you keep saying.'

Valkyrie felt her mind starting to tick over into extreme annoyance. Her eyes darkened. 'You need to stop or-'

Skulduggery tilted his head. 'Or what? You'll have a tantrum?'

Her brain suddenly disconnected from the rest of the world. Her limbs stiffened as she stood up. 'I have to go.'

Skulduggery raised his head. 'What? Why?'

'I just do.' Her skin started to prickle as if it was being burnt. She practically ran to the door before the detective stopped her by placing a hand on her shoulder.

'Did I upset you?'

'No, I just-'

'I'm sorry if I did, you know I was only teasing.'

Valkyrie's eyes stung. She blinked several times. 'Move away.'

'Why? What did I say?'

'Please, just move-I don't want to do anything terrible.'

'What are you talking about?!'

'Get off me.' Valkyrie shoved passed him, making a bee-line for her bedroom. She heard him run up the staircase right behind her.

'Valkyrie!'

'Leave me alone, just go back downstairs!'

'I'm not leaving you alone until you tell me what's wrong!'

Valkyrie's scalp itched and her back ached-standing upright suddenly didn't seem natural. She stumbled up the last stair, staggering towards the end of the corridor. 'Don't come near me, understand? Don't come even close!'

Skulduggery slowed but didn't stop. 'Why? What's happening?'

'It doesn't matter.' Valkyrie clawed at the door-handle, her fingers slipping.

'Of course it does, you can barely even stand up!'

The door flew open and Valkyrie bolted inside. 'Whatever you do, whatever you hear, whatever happens, do not open this door!'

Skulduggery's voice suddenly sounded scared. 'Please tell me what's happening.'

Valkyrie didn't answer as she slammed the door shut behind her.

Skulduggery paced up and down the corridor, his hands clasped together in front of his teeth. A scream came from behind the door and he unconsciously ran towards it. 'Valkyrie, what's going on?'

The muffled noise of clothing being ripped made the skeleton grip onto the door handle. Every bone in his body screamed at him to open the door to see if he could help her. He rapped his fist on the door. 'Valkyrie!'

A growl sent a shiver down Skulduggerys spine. He went still. 'What was that?'

The growling intensified, making Skulduggery step back in alarm. His worry turned to terror as his hands shook.

And then the growling stopped.

Skulduggery listened cautiously. 'Valkyrie?' He said carefully. Despite her instructions, he placed his hand back over the door handle.

'I need to see if you're okay.'

No answer.

'I know you don't want me to come in, but I have to.'

No answer.

'I'm coming in right now...' he took a deep non-existent breath and pressed down, opening the door.

Valkyrie's clothes were ripped in half on the floor, her furniture torn to shreds.

But that was not what Skulduggery was focusing on.

'Oh my God.' He said. His whole body went rigid as a shaggy black panther stared up at him, eyes burning yellow.