Dal doesn't even question it. If it's true or not doesn't matter. Gabriel's welcoming him, inviting him to show him something he knows. That's what matters.

He digs the other set of chopsticks from the bag and moves over to Gabriel's side of the table. "Like this." First, Dal shows Gabriel how he holds them. Then, he guides the chopsticks to the right places in Gabriel's fingers. Maybe, just maybe, he takes a little longer than absolutely necessary, letting his fingertips linger just a second or two.

And Dal's not even a little surprised that the contact makes his heart stutter. In spite of his job, he's a touch-starved creature. Even though they've already spent nights curled up together, it's this, skin-against-skin, that feels truly intimate.

"Show me." Dal's voice is softer now, even as he snaps the chopsticks in his hand to demonstrate what he wants Gabriel to do.