"That," Skulduggery answered, "might just be the first real thing we have in common. Apart from a mutual dislike of Landel."

Erskine hid a quick sigh of relief. Not that he'd doubted himself at any moment whatsoever during the conversation, but hearing it confirmed was still very much appreciated. It meant he could go back to teasing. As often and as loudly as the Dead Men had teased each other during the war about being in various and sundry relationships with one another, the teasing had been good-natured because it simply wasn't true. Erskine liked it that way.

"What," he couldn't help asking, "that neither of you are interested, or that you both think Skulduggery's pretty?"

Skulduggery shrugged. "Both. Neither. Whatever makes you happy, Erskine."

That. That exactly. Good-natured teasing. Perfect. Erskine laughed and shook his head as he took a step backwards out of the room. "Wouldn't want to encroach on an angel's territory, thank you very much. Tell Valkyrie she's invited too, if she's interested. I'd say she'll meet interesting people, but..." Erskine gestured in Gabe's general direction. "Rather hard to top Merlin, don't you think?"

And with one last grin, he left them to it.