Til Death

15. Daniel/Blake

DANIEL

Daniel glanced at Michael again, the question so close to the tip of his tongue, it threatened to fall through his teeth. But he didn't. He just wandered around the circular racks across the show floor, passing the walls of expensive blazers and shelves of shiny shoes. It smelled like leather here and a bit like cologne, but whether that was from their supply or from the actual people working there, Daniel wasn't sure. It was a strong enough musk that tickled his noise hairs.

They arrived at the Gentleman's Boutique just moments ago with a full party: Blake, Daniel, Michael, Adrian and that demon, Ignacio. All morning and day, Daniel's nerves frayed at the edges, feeling messy and too itchy to bare. This demon was going to be tricky to figure out, but he had to be swayed somehow. Daniel spent his life bargaining with people, exchanging favors for goods and services. When a simple smile wasn't enough.

As they walked up to the door, Blake whispered to Daniel, "The Gentleman's Boutique sounds like a sex shop—"

Daniel bit through his smile and warned the funny little wizard, "Behave or I shall leave you in the car without the windows cracked."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Try me."

Blake smiled and a section of hell felt a chill. It was a miracle how well Daniel was doing. He wasn't sure where this sense of humor came from. No, it was always there. Just buried beneath years of etiquette and stress. It was as if Blake came to Sagewick with a shovel and dug it out himself. Blake was maneuvered to the fitting room so Jim, the best Tailor in the shop, could get the proper measurements as Adrian wandered off to do whatever Adrian did. Daniel rarely questioned things that worked.

"Is there something on my face?" Michael asked as he laid another blazer across his arm. He faced the prince with a raised brow. "You've been staring."

"Have I?" Daniel wondered out loud, lagging slightly behind with his thoughts still swirling. He caught back up to reality and admitted, "Sorry, but I do want to ask you something. Actually, I need advice."

"From me?" Michael's brow narrowed.

"Well, you're the only person other than my parents, who's married. May I ask, did you have a big wedding?"

"Hmm..." Michael hummed, apparently needing a second to adjust. This might be the very first personal question Daniel has ever asked of his assistant. Michael's usual porcelain skin was stained with a rosy blush. "Well, I didn't want one, but Wesley wouldn't stop inviting people. I could've strangled him. That's werewolves for you, I suppose. If they don't invite their fifth cousin three times removed, it's an insult to the entire pack." He shook his head, suddenly pulled back to that time as Daniel made a mental note to remember Michael's husband's name was Wesley. "Then, Wes' mother brought on some wedding planner to help, but all I could do was stress about what she was doing. I hardly remember my wedding. I blacked out."

"Would you do it again?"

"Yes because I get to be married to my best friend."

"That's lovely," Daniel said, surprised by the answer. It was a nice sentiment, indeed.

Michael cleared his throat and turned, so his back faced Daniel. "Yes, well that was years ago and we're not quite in the same position. I think I've grabbed enough of the basics for Blake. I doubt he even owned a white shirt. Shall I check on them?"

Before he could make a mad dash out of the room, Blake poked his head through the door. He jumped. His eyes widened at the two vampires staring at him. He seemed to be caught in the act.