bsumone | ❝ Nobody knows where you’re going ❞

Squinting at the menu, he brought it close to his face as if that would make reading it easier. Sure, he just woke up, but it doesn't take long for his eyes to focus. It's more his struggles reading in English. His surprise at hearing Gabriel's mother was still alive gave him a momentary reprieve. Dal always figured that people in that line of work didn't tend to last very long for reasons various and sundry.

Once his initial surprise passed, he offered a warm little smile. "Your secret's safe with me." Who would he tell anyway? But it was nice to be silly like this.

"Is she well, your mother?" More stalling as he tried to decipher the menu.

"She is. She runs a little restaurant outside the city. Best authentic Mexican food in New York. Which works because it satisfies her need to feed everyone around her."

He smiled fondly and then leaned over to Dal. He'd suspected he wasn't from around here no matter how good he was at speaking English. So he wasn't surprised that he might be struggling to read it. Especially for something that wasn't simple like a diner menu.

Gabriel then started pointing to things to read off what was on the menu and what was in the things that might be more strangely named. Just to give Dal a reference point for what he was looking at.

He was about to ask for help, but Gabriel anticipated him. Once more, that attention to detail showing through. Dal's heart raced a little at the thought of that kind of attention. Even though he knew it wasn't reserved solely for him. No, this was just the sort of man Gabriel was. Dal wasn't anything special.

In the end, he ended up ordering a hummus and feta dip plate. The array of marinated vegetables, olives, and grilled pita (which Gabriel explained to him) sounded really yummy. Nothing that would sit heavy in his stomach like a burger. Plus, it was something he never had that sounded kind of great in the moment.

"What are you havin'?"

"I was thinking the flat bread."

Then it would have a lot of vegetables and some protein on it now. He'd been eating poorly recently so having something a little healthier would be good for him. It wouldn't balance things out but it wouldn't hurt either. Gabriel grabbed the hotel phone to call down the order before coming back to get coffee for Dal, handing that over to him.

"Here. It's still hot."

Reaching out, he took the coffee in both hands with a nod of thanks. And maybe, just maybe, their fingers touched in the process. Was that intentional? Maybe. No, it absolutely was. Dal's a little tactile -- probably not that surprising given his line of work. But it's rare for him to be able to touch others on his terms. He smiled and then closed his eyes to breathe in the scent of coffee. It was a scent he enjoyed because it always made him think of warmth.

When he finally opened his eyes, they were more cleared of sleep and very warm as they fell on Gabriel. "How did you end up in the FBI?"

That little brush sent tingles through his fingers that he made sure to ignore. It wasn't appropriate to focus on those no matter how pretty Dal was. Instead, he grabbed his coffee and sat down to drink his own coffee. At the question, he thought about that a bit.

"After I came to America, I studied hard to get my citizenship. I did odd jobs here and there and kept applying at the FBI offices until they'd hire me. Then I worked my way up. But, I knew I wanted to be part of this because I wanted to be a part of something that was taking down the worst in the world."

Gabriel laughed a little. "That's how it started. Then it turned out I was really good at dealing with things here in America and talking to people who others would look down on or forget about. So I've been doing that since. Keeping the streets safe when the police fail to do their jobs."

"You have a face that people can trust," he murmured into his cup before taking a sip. "Your eyes are really kind. People can tell you really care when you look at them." And the whole part about him treating everyone around him with some iota of human decency.

"Well, I know what it feels like to be in your place. I know what I would have given anything for back then."

So, he made sure he was the one who gave it. It didn't mean those at his job always liked him but that was alright. He was good at what he did and that counted for a lot more to those higher up who largely just wanted to see results without so much a care about how those came about so long as it wasn't illegal.

Gabriel looked over at Dal curiously. "Why did you leave Korea?"

Because he strongly suspected that was where he was from by now.

Ah, that question got a reaction. It was subtle, but he seemed to grow duller and shrink without actually moving at all. His gaze dropped back to his coffee, eyes following the swirls of the liquid in the cup. Since Gabriel already told him some things about his past -- his mother and coming up on the streets -- it only seemed right to do the same.

Dal took another sip and let hs eyes fall closed.

"My parents prefer no son to a gay son."

Gabriel nodded in understanding. When he'd learned who his father was he'd been told he had no son because he wasn't capable of creating someone who was gay. It had been the thing that had really motivated his mom to cross the border and start a new life here. If he'd forgotten her and was disowning his own son for being gay then...

"It's not easy when someone who is supposed to love you rejects you for something you were born as." He let out a long sigh then smiled a little. "It's not easy being gay either but I'm never going to judge you for that. I promise you that. Doing something like that would mean I'd have to judge myself first."

So Dal was safe to be who he was with him. He wanted that to be clear.

Those dark eyes blinked, tearing away from his own vague reflection in the coffee. Yet another piece of the puzzle fell into place. So this agent was gay. No wonder he didn't seem at all uncomfortable among the male prostitutes. Dal's seen so much toxic masculinity and machismo (not that he knows those terms specifically) from the local law enforcement that made them vastly uncomfortable among the gay hookers, but no such vibe at all from Gabriel. Knowing what he knows now, it all makes a lot of sense.

"They didn't throw me out," he clarified quickly. "I left on my own."

"That was brave of you."

Gabriel finished his coffee and set his cup down. No need to hold it when it was completely empty. Relaxing, he took a deep breath. It wasn't often he told people he was gay. Hardly anyone at his office knew. In fact only a couple of those higher up the food chain new because he'd admitted it to show that he'd have more understanding than some of the others around him in a case a year ago. It had worked too.

"How long have you been in America?"

He took another, longer drink, trying to finish before the coffee had a chance to get cold. It also gave him a second to do the math.

"Since I was fifteen so, uh, eight years? Yeah, eight. I just turned twenty-three. In fall."

In all that time, he learned to survive. Though his spoken English is decent, he can barely read it. His passport expired so he has no ID. And he's been working on the street the whole time. He's a ghost, so if he were to vanish, no one would ever know.

"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?

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