bsumone | ❝ Nobody knows where you’re going ❞

"Happy late birthday then."

Gabriel knew what all of that meant and he took careful note of it. This was a prime victim here. More so than the others. Were he a lesser person he knew that Dal was the perfect bait for his plan. But he refused to do that to him. Instead, he just gave him a smile then looked up at the knock on the door. Going to answer it he found that the food was here and so was the laundry. And a toothbrush he'd asked for while Dal slept.

Nodding his thanks, he brought everything inside. "Let's eat and then I got you a toothbrush for while you're staying here."

There goes his stomach again. It's getting embarrassing how often that happens in front of Gabriel. But Dal just let out a puff of a laugh and shook his head at his own wretched body. But he's grateful for the timely interruption so they can have a natural change of topic.

He threw back the last sip of coffee and leaned back, inhaling deeply. A smile curled his lips as he exhaled. "Smells good."

And the toothbrush? That was great, too. Just because he was locked out of his room didn't mean he didn't have rent to pay. Which meant he'd be on the street as soon as the sun went down tonight. He didn't honestly think any of the johns cared about his breath, but Dal did. He may live on the street, but he does his best to take care of himself.

"It does. The food here is pretty decent even if I don't get room service that often."

He got them both some water from his supplies then set up the food for them to both dig in. A decent amount of food for them. Good that was good energy for them later. Gabriel had a few bites before hesitating a moment. Should he even offer this? No, he really should.

"If you need a ride back here after you're done tonight you can contact me. I don't mind getting you. It's a long walk in the dark otherwise."

Dal was digging in, dipping his little pita triangles into the hummus and piling up the vegetables on it. He took his eyes off the spread when Gabriel made that offer. Under more normal circumstances, he would've declined without a thought. However, knowing there was someone out there targeting people like him and knowing that his mind was still processing a friend's death... By the end of the night his mind might not be as clear as it is now. Especially if it's still raining.

"I'm gonna go by my building. I'll letcha know if I need to crash here again." The implication was that if he did need to stay here, he'd let Gabriel pick him up. His tone and eyes were both so very grateful.

"I really do appreciate all you're doin'. For all of us and for me."

That was good enough for him. He wasn't going to ask where Dal was living after all. That was for him to feel comfortable enough to share and not for him to demand. Gabriel could respect that. So he nodded to accept the terms with a smile then continued to tuck into the flatbread. He did pause at the gratitude though. Lifting a brow, he swallowed then shook his head.

"This is the least I can do. I may be FBI now but I was one of you once. You are my people. If I can do anything to help make your lives easier then I'm grateful for that."

"I have to thank you for those of us who can't." The ones that avoid him because he's law enforcement. The ones that won't talk to him. The ones who are gone.

Dal dropped his eyes back to the food, clearly enjoying it. He'd never had anything like this before and he definitely hoped he could again sometime. After a few more bites and a couple swigs of water, he looked back to Gabriel, a thoughtful look painted on his face.

"I'm really glad your mom's doin' well." He wonders about how she got out, but he's not going to pry. Not only was it not his business, but it also wasn't necessarily Gabriel's story to tell. But knowing that she got out and was able to get herself and her child off the streets, seeing this caring, generous man she raised. Dal had a feeling she was one amazing lady. He's sure he didn't have to tell Gabriel how hard it is to get out of this life.

"I feel real lucky we got you on our side."

"She is. She's very happy. Well, usually happy. She's not so happy right now that she can't walk down the street to make me breakfast each morning." He chuckled softly because he knew that probably seemed silly. But honestly he was thrilled he had that. Not everyone could claim to have something like that in their lives. A mom who would walk down the street to make sure that there was a homemade meal for breakfast. Who would chew anyone out for saying anything about her gay son.

She was the best woman. He was glad he had her in his life and that she could be safe here now.

"I'm glad I can help you all. Life is hard enough without having to worry about looking over your shoulder. I'll get back on that after I'm done eating. I am pretty sure that I have a solid lead and a plan. Just have to figure out all the pieces."

It's nice to hear. It's also kind of cute that they live so close but not together. It made him wonder if his family ever thought about him, if they ever missed the son they wouldn't accept. Every now and then, they crossed his mind, but only in passing. It's been eight years, they could easily have had another child by now. Does he have some little brother or sister who will never even know his name?

"I might try to get some more sleep after this, if ya don't mind. But, you don't hafta keep it dark. I'm used to sleepin' durin' the day."

"I'll keep the blinds closed. Get as much sleep as you need."

He knew that wasn't really a luxury that Dal had honestly. Because he knew what kind of life he was living having watched his mother live it. And after having lived it himself. Gabriel wished he could get him out of it but, truthfully, he couldn't make that choice for Dal. Or decide that Dal didn't want to live this life anymore.

Instead he just went back to eating then nodded to let the other know he'd talk to him later before pouring more coffee and slipping over to the desk to continue his work.

This time he slept more restfully. With a full belly, warm blankets (that he's sure smelled vaguely like the agent who's putting him up -- who's asked nothing in return for it), and a feeling of security, it was much easier to get a good rest. When he woke a few hours later, he felt like his head was less fuzzy with the shock of losing a friend. Yes, it was sad, horrifying even... but Dal was still alive and had to work to keep himself that way.

Gabriel looked like he was busy, so Dal cleared his throat so the agent would realize he's awake again. A little wave and a smile. "I'm gonna be in the bathroom for a few minutes. You need it first?" He needed to fix his hair, brush his teeth, wipe off his face. There was little he could do about his face with his makeup locked up, but he thought he looked okay without it. Besides, it's not typically his face these guys are interested in. Oh, and he changed back into his clothes in there, too.

Once he was done, he grabbed his phone to check for any messages. There were a few, so he started texting back right away to make sure he had at least a few dates for the night. Most nights, he had a few pre-planned meet-ups, but most of the time it was whoever happened to drive by.

"I'm headin' out. Can I still get a ride back if I need?"

Gabriel smiled when he heard him wake up then let him know that he didn't need the bathroom. Some semblance of a plan in mind, he made a note to talk to his superiors about trying to get this set up. He'd have to contact the police too. Unfortunately. He wasn't looking forward to that but he had to go through the proper channels. Stretching, he turned just in time to see Dal come out.

"Of course. Just let me know and I'll be there. I'll be in the area anyway since I'm going to be looking into something."

After a lot of phone calls he really wasn't looking forward to. "Take care out there, Dal."

It really moved him that Gabriel was so invested. A good person and good at his job. It made Dal glad that Gabriel's the agent who landed this case. He was working harder than any of the local cops had.

Without another word, he waved and vanished out the door and into the night.

It was still wet, but just a drizzle. A far cry better than the downpour in the wee hours the other day. Oddly enough, business was good on rainy nights. Maybe the johns felt more obscured by the rain or something; who knew? Dal was just grateful for the little awning over the window that he could duck under to stay dry.

Around 4am, Dal decided to call it a night. The visitors to his block were tapering off -- though in another hour or so they'd start picking up again with the 'quickie before work' crowd. He could make some decent money if stuck around for that, but the truth was that he was tired and he didn't feel like working for the inevitable few hours the morning rush would date. So, he made the trek away from the meat market to check on the building he stayed in: still locked. So he shot of a quick text to Gabriel to let him know the status.

still locked out
busy?

The phone calls hadn't gone great. Well, that was only partially true. His superiors loved him. The police department? Not so much. They weren't eager to let him take the lead on his idea but they knew they didn't have a choice in the matter either. He was the one in charge here. It had been a bit of a mess but Gabriel had managed to sort it out and had even gone out to investigate some things.

It was four in the morning but he was still out when he got the text. Seeing it was from Dal, he found himself smiling as he opened it up to read. Always the text messages. Sweet really.

I'm not busy. Where are you?

This time when Dal texts the address, it's a few blocks south of where Gabriel picked him up last night. A certain Chinese restaurant with a closed gate over the entryway. It was a short, two-story building with a window or two on the upper level. It was probably designed to be storage, but the owners were renting some of the space out. Specifically to Dal. It's one of the only places that would take him with ID and a hefty deposit.

When Gabriel arrives, he'll find Dal leaning back against the brick facade with his hoodie up to keep the intermittent drizzle off him.

Edited (wrong formatting) 2023-03-24 01:57 (UTC)

When he got there, Gabriel realized quickly how much trust Dal had just placed in him. With his background he knew where this was immediately. Eyes widening for a moment, he quickly schooled his face and offered the other a smile as he pulled up to him so he could get in the car before the weather was too bad. Of course he didn't comment on the location, instead just making sure that Dal had the heaters on him to be able to warm up.

"Hungry?" he asked instead as he kept his eyes on the road."

"Always," he quipped with an easy grin. Once he was buckled in, he rubbed his hands together and held them up in front of the heat vent. It wasn't that bad, but the rain always made him feel colder.

"You got here fast. Were you close?" Gabriel was literally putting boots on the ground for this case, so Dal wouldn't be surprised if he was in the neighborhood even at this time of day.

"I was but luckily I was done so it was good timing. What are you in the mood to eat? We can grab something to take back."

There were definitely hole in the wall places still open. You just had to know the city well enough to know where to get takeout at this time of night. A good thing he happened to be quite the expert given how often he was out and about working.

"Will you hate me if I say Taco Bell?" He didn't actually want Taco Bell and his expression and the small laugh that followed the suggestion made that much clear. He may crave hot food like it's air, but he's never been a big fan of the fat food joints. Maybe because they were typically too far away for him to get to on the regular. He much preferred the little local diners that stayed on late enough in his neighborhood.

"I'm not picky," he added quickly. "Anyplace with breakfast food is fine."

"Only if you tell me it's real Mexican food." He was joking though as he laughed a bit then turned so he could head somewhere that he knew sold late night breakfast burritos. Also not Mexican but definitely breakfast. It could hold over for Dal to eat the next day if he didn't finish too.

Pulling his car up to the stand, he waved for Dal to get out with him. "Get whatever you want on it. The breakfast ones are good."

He was going to get one with chorizo in it, that was for sure.

"I'm not even sure it's real food." That's probably why fast food was so cheap. It couldn't be anything of quality, or so Dal thought. Not like eats much that's quality.

Curiosity came over his features, but he followed Gabriel up to the stand. Ah, menus. He takes a moment to look it over, recognizing most of the breakfast words. And he knows what a breakfast burrito is, so that helped.

In the end, he ordered the breakfast burrito with the sausage. Hopefully, it would be big enough to be breakfast and lunch!

"Thanks."

Gabriel stayed close in case Dal needed his help but when he didn't seem to he just ordered after him and then paid for it. The burritos that they got were enormous. Easily multiple meals. Gabriel let Dal hold them while they were in the car so it would be easier for him to get them back to the hotel.

"That place is pretty good. Especially if you want something that is going to last more than one meal."

Just as a heads up to him for the future since it wasn't that far a walk from where he worked and lived.

Dal held them gently, one in each hand, savoring the heat he could feel under the foil wrapping. "These are huge!" And he was absolutely delighted! Getting multiple meals out of something was great for a guy like him. Before they pulled away, he made note of the surroundings and cross-streets since it wasn't outside of walking distance. It didn't seem expensive either.

"I think the microwave in my room is older than me." He didn't have a full kitchen, just a hot plate, microwave, and minifridge. It's not like he did a lot of cooking, anyway, so it suited him fine. "But it still works," he added, imagining reheating half a burrito sometime in the future.

"They're not bad cold in case you don't have a microwave." He'd found that out too in the past. Adjusting his glasses, he got them through the streets back to parking before bringing them upstairs to his room again. Setting his things aside, he sighed as he went to turn the TV on for an old movie again before getting them water to drink while they ate.

"Let's eat. I know I'm hungry too."

The only things Dal did once they were inside was take of his shoes, coat, and the hoodie. They weren't really needed indoors and the hood of his hoodie was damp and needed to be hung up to dry for next time. Beneath it was just a long-sleeved t-shirt. Since it hadn't been pouring, he wasn't terribly wet and didn't have to shed all his clothes in an effort to stay warm. It was clear his jeans were too big and it was by the grace of belt alone that they stayed up (spoiler: kind of a perk with as often as he pulls them down).

Sitting down on the couch beside Gabriel, he began unwrapping the burrito carefully so he could re-wrap the part he knew he wouldn't eat immediately. He was only a few bites in when his eyes drifted to Gabriel, watching him closely.

"Is it hard doin' what you do?" Chasing killers and such. Dal wasn't sure he'd have the stomach for that sort of work. Just seeing the very worst of humanity day after day... it sounds exhausting.

"It is. But then I meet people like you. People who find hope because of what I do and that gets me through. I can't save everyone but I can try to save even a few."

Gabriel smiled a little. There was a touch of sadness to the look due to how he carried a lot of guilt over those he couldn't save. Like Tommy. And so many others that he'd never forget the names of. He closed his eyes a moment and took his glasses off so he could rub them a moment before he continued to eat.

"I'm not perfect. But I can always do my best for all of you."

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject