A Father's Emotions

XI

He becomes aware of a problem as he watches Salix stood at the bar and over the years he hadn't quite picked up the technique to adjust himself discreetly in public. 's**t,' Death mumbles. He heads over with his hands in his pockets, just about managing to control himself.

'Are you waiting for anyone?' The bartender asks Salix while making the drink that he had ordered.

Salix shrugs a shoulder. 'Apparently, he's a regular here, black hair to his shoulders. Daddy material,' Salix comments before leaning his forearms on the bar.

'Ah, I know the guy. Good tipper. Bit of a loner but is a very good judge of character. Always hit on but never bats an eyelid. Did you say he invited you here?'

'Yeah. Why?'

'He's never done that.'

'Really?'

'Yes,' Death says as he rests an arm around Salix's waist. 'Elizar, I pay you to manage the bar, not be nosey.'

'Yes, mister boss,' Elizar says. 'Your usual table?'

'What do you think?'

'Boss?' Salix asks.

'That table needs to be clean,' Death states before looking at Salix. 'I'll leave you with him for a couple of minutes while I drop in on the other managers. Elizar will show you to the table in ten minutes.' Death gives Elizar a sharp look while the guy gives him a salute. He presses a kiss to Salix's temple before disappearing behind the bar.

Elizar watches him go before grinning at Salix. 'You have him in a tailspin. I've only seen him that tender with his daughter,' Elizar says.

He smiles at Salix as they share dessert, secluded from the other area of the bar on a platform.

Salix smiles as he takes his fresh drink from Elizar. He takes a sip, letting his eyes meet Death's again. 'Who's looking after your daughter tonight?' Salix asks curiously making Death's eyes narrow at a sheepish Elizar who escapes the area. 'Will I get to meet her?'

Death runs a hand through his hair and meets Salix's eyes. 'Don't freak out,' Death whispers.

'Why would I freak out about you having a daughter? Loads of people have kids young and then split up'

'That's not what I'm on about. I've looked like this for a while.'

'Some people are lucky with their genetics.'

'I stopped ageing at twenty-five.'

'How old are you now?'

'I'm not sure.'

'You are, you're not saying.'

'That's not my point.' Death holds Salix's hands across the table, Salix's mind flashing to when he grabbed Hope's hands as her fingers curled around his hands in the same way. 'This has been going so well and I don't want you to replace all of this with what other people think.'

Salix raises an eyebrow. 'Why?'

'Because you already believe in me.' Death's fingers trace the quote on Salix's arm without him realising as he watches Salix piece things together.

'You haven't aged because you're Death.'

'Yes.'

'I can deal with that. Will I still die?'

'No, that's if you'll take me.'

Salix nods, squeezing Death's hand slightly tighter.