bsumone | ❝ Nobody knows where you’re going ❞

A bath? Hadn’t he dreamt that? Dal didn’t do baths for two reasons: 1) his apartment didn’t have a bathtub and 2) some psycho tried to drown him in one very recently. Since that incident, though, Dal didn’t have many pleasant dreams about water. So it had to be real. His recollection was so vague, simply the sensation of water trickling down his neck, of fingers massaging his scalp… of lips against his.

That part he might be conflating with something else. He wasn’t really certain.

“You were in it, too.” It almost sounded like a question. All Dal wanted was confirmation. Though he was a little disappointed he only had snippets of impressions of recollections of their first time bathing together. That wasn’t Gabriel’s fault.

"I was. It looked like you needed me so I got in with you."

Putting the food on a couple plates, he brought them over and set them down so Dal could start eating while he went to go finish making the coffee. Then he brought those over as well before sitting down. Putting some of the ingredients in the tortilla, he started to eat, even doing the action slow enough that Dal could copy it if he wanted to.

"You were happier and more relaxed when you were able to lean against me and sit on my lap."

Dal watched as Gabriel made up his meal and followed suit. He wasn’t sure what some of the ingredients were, but everything looked and smelled delicious. He found he filled the tortilla a little too full on the first try. It made him giggle to himself and shake his head, but he started eating it with those tiny little bird bites despite it being over-stuffed.

He paused mid-chew when Gabriel mentioned being in his lap and looked across the table at him with wide eyes. Cheeking the bite, he held a hand in front of his mouth and asked, “Did we…?”

"We didn't have sex if that's what you're asking. I want you to be clear minded when you tell me you're ready for that, Dal. I can wait until then."

He smiled warmly at him then had a sip of coffee before speaking again. "I will admit we did kiss. But I didn't let anything else happen. And I did give you permission at the time to kiss me anytime you want to."

He glanced down and let out a little laugh. But he truly wasn't making fun of him or himself with this. Rather it was something born of happiness. "I did admit that I love you and you told me you believe you might love me too."

He sighed at the confirmation that they didn’t do anything physical. Those slight shoulders even slumped in relief. Gabriel’s on the same page as him regarding sex. Dal wanted to make sure it was something more than just going through the motions when they final sleep together. He’s not surprised to learn that Gabriel didn’t press his advantage; Gabriel’s not that kind of guy. But he doesn’t put it passed himself to have tried something while on autopilot.

Hearing the rest, though, Dal frowned because he couldn’t remember those nice things that happened. Maybe that’s the tradeoff for not remembering the bad things, either. After a moment, he lets out a small huff.

“I don’t remember… Guess that means we’ll hafta do it all again.”

Gabriel chuckled around a bite of food. He knew that Dal was happy that they hadn't had sex when he was like that. And he was glad he'd made that right judgement call. Not that he would have made any other call honestly. This had been the right one to make. He smiled warmly at him then finished his first tortilla with a sip of coffee.

"I'd be happy to if you would like to, Dal. You mean a lot to me and I meant it when I said that I love you. So anytime you are ready for more kisses I am too."

Dal set his food down in favor of his coffee. He was slow to eat, but hungry enough that he just might be able to finish off one whole tortilla! Maybe. If he didn’t get too distracted by the warm feeling spreading out from his chest with every beat of his heart.

Had he ever been this happy? He couldn’t remember. Even before finding himself in the lease than ideal circumstance in which, until just last night, he lived… His family hadn’t been a loving one. His friends were… Well, they were teenagers. Everything seemed like extremes. And that boy he liked, it was just that: like. He didn’t have plans for some grand future with that boy.

Maybe he never thought much about the future back then because he knew his parents would choose it for him. He’d just be an automaton, going through the motions of life under the guise of being a good and dutiful son. Everything would be prim and proper and buttoned-up so they’d look good to the world at large. Dal would go into finance, like his dad. He’d clock in at some soulless office every day and his most meaningful relationships would be with the strangers he worked with, no deeper than the small talk exchanged in elevators.

And when he came to New York? He was on the street within a week. After the first year passed, he contented himself with having a little refuge of his own and a safe place to sleep. He knew his circumstance and didn’t have much hope of changing his stars. There was a future, it wasn’t as bleak as the one he foresaw for himself in Seoul, but it wasn’t vibrant either. Maybe just a step above.

And then Gabriel showed up and everything began to change.

Now? He looked forward to what tomorrow would bring. Dal looked forward to wakinge up tomorrow in Gabiel’s house, in Gabriel’s arms. He was eager to meet Gabriel’s mother. He was oh-so-happy to be sitting across the table from a man he’s certain he loved, eating too much breakfast (for him), and dreaming about their life together.

“I’m so happy,” he blurted out, albeit quietly.

The three words were so very simple and yet they meant a lot to Gabriel. When he'd first met Dal of course he'd found him attractive but he'd ignored that in favor of the job. But in getting to know him and spending more and more time with him? His feelings had changed and he'd realized that he could see himself spending the rest of his life with this man here. His past didn't matter to him at all. Only Dal as the human did.

So hearing how happy he was? It filled him with such warmth that he got up and went around the table to come kneel behind him. Taking his hands, he smiled up at him, eyes full of all the adoration that he felt.

"You are welcome to call this your home now, Dal. I would love to have you stay here and build a life with me. If you will say yes to that then I promise you I'll spend the rest of my life making you happy and safe. Anything you want, I'll help you with. Anything."

Even knowing that Gabriel was being completely earnest with him, it seemed too good to be true. Could he really have a life off the streets? After eight long years, could he really have a life where he didn’t have to let strangers fuck him night after night just to put food in his belly and keep a roof over his head? Was it possible?

It felt possible. More than possible. With Gabriel pledging the rest of his life to Dal, it felt real. But could Dal, fiercely independent, willing to do what it took just to survive Dal simply sit back and let someone else pay his way?

Oh, he wanted this so badly! Dal squeezed Gabriel’s hands and blinked at the tears welling up in his eyes. It was all so overwhelming. It took a moment for him to finally nod. He nodded once, twice, again.

“Okay. I’ll stay.”

Bringing those hands to his lips, he kissed them. This wasn't a marriage proposal yet, even if it felt like one. No, he'd wait a bit before he asked for his hand like that. Having him move in with him and start a new life was already asking for a great deal to start with and Gabriel knew that.

Getting to his feet, he pressed a kiss to Dal's temple. "Go ahead and finish your breakfast. Then I'll show you where your things are so you can get ready for the day."

Marriage wasn’t even something Dal considered. Before now, who might’ve wanted to marry someone like him? What did that piece of matter anyway? He was happy now, knowing Gabriel wanted to live with him, knowing the man loved him and cared for him. Dal would be happy with just this forever.

When Gabriel stood, Dal kept hold of his hands, refusing to let him wander back to his side of the table just yet.

“Gabriel,” he murmured. Though his voice was soft, it was so full of new warmth that hadn’t often been there before. “You can kiss me proper if ya want.”

Pausing when he realized that Dal hadn't let go, he watched him a moment or so. Then he heard that sweet voice say what he wanted and he let out a soft laugh. Well, he wasn't about to refuse that request. He knew it was disguised in his own wants but he saw it for what it was.

Taking one of his hands back, he cupped Dal's face and tilted his head up. Soon he was leaning down to press a soft and lingering kiss to those sweet lips. He let it last a little longer before pulling away only about an inch.

"Thank you. I've wanted to do that all morning." But he'd waited until he had permission first.

Dal smiled until the second their lips touched. He leaned in, sitting up straighter to meet Gabriel halfway. A quiet, happy hum bubbles up in his throat and he lets out the softest of sighs when Gabriel pulls away. This kiss, he’ll remember, so sweet and perfect in Gabriel’s kitchen over breakfast when it’s closer to lunch. A wonderful memory he’ll cherish always.

“Ya don’t have to wait next time.”

There would be a next time, right? A lot of next times, he hoped.

His smile went bright and wide and he flicked his eyes up to meet Gabriel’s.

“This means we’re datin’ now, right?”

He liked that he didn't have to wait to kiss him in the future. He would wait for anything deeper until Dal said he was ready but kisses and cuddles were things he would enjoy giving him. So he laughed a little at the question. But he wasn't mocking him. Instead he nodded and gave him another gentle kiss.

"I would like it very much if we are. I feel I've been waiting to be able to date you forever."

To date him. To kiss him. To take care of him properly. All of it.

Those small affections will be freely given. They could hold hands and lay in each other’s arms, and kiss without the need to ask permission every time. Dal was happy with that. He already knew a little of what some of that felt like. They shared a bed long before now. Dal enjoyed sleeping in Gabriel’s arms even then. They were safe and secure, warm and inviting in a way no one’s ever had been before.

Dark eyes brightened and his whole face lit up. They’re a couple! Officially a couple! Though it was a little awkward with Dal still seated and Gabriel stooping down, he threw his arms around Gabriel’s shoulders and clung tightly. Somehow, this felt like the beginning of a brand new life for Dal. One that didn’t have to include letting strangers touch him anymore. One that didn’t include being extorted for rent weekly by a predatory landlord because he had no other option. One that didn’t include all the dangers associated with working on the streets.

Dal felt like his heart might burst. It beat so hard, like bird wings against the cage of his body. Warmth spread outward, pulsing through him with every thudding beat. He vowed to himself, right then and there, to do everything in his power to bring Gabriel as much happiness as possible. Oh, there will be ups and downs, he’s sure – no one can be happy all the time! But what else could he do but try his best? To carry his weight by caring for this kind, warm man who’s given him so much already?

When those slim arms finally release Gabriel, he’s still wearing a blinding smile. “So it’s decided,” he declared. “We’re a couple now.”

Laughing, he knelt down when those arms were thrown around him to make it easier for them both. It was still a little awkward but less so than with him stooped over. Rubbing his arms, he pressed a kiss to his hair. It warmed his heart to see Dal so happy like this, so free with his expressions of joy. And he knew that he'd be able to express this more often too now that he was with him.

When he felt Dal pull back, he smiled bright up at him and nodded. "That's right. We're a couple now. I'm very proud to call you my boyfriend, Dal."

Because that past of his didn't matter. It wasn't like Gabriel's past was really that savory either. Who was he to judge? All he wanted to do now was get him out of that life so that way Dal could finally realize his dreams and get into art fulltime.

"I'm going to love having you here."

Hearing Gabriel confirm it – that’s right, we’re a couple now – shook Dal to his core. How long had he repressed his dreams of being loved? Maybe when he first came to New York, it was a conscious effort. But after a while, it just became a habit. Don’t dream, don’t hope. You can’t be disappointed if you don’t have expectations.

He’d be lying if he said Gabriel wasn’t the sort of man he used to dream of: handsome, kind, warm, loving, understanding. The reality of him is even better. Gabriel’s someone who makes a difference in the lives of people around him: through his job, through the way he cares for his loved ones and strangers alike.

Dal peered so happily at Gabriel and took his hands when Gabriel stood back up. “I never had a boyfriend before…”

"You're already a very good one." He brought those hands up to his lips and pressed a kiss to them. "Finish your food and we can both get ready for me to introduce you to mama. She already loves you so much."

And he knew that was only going to grow when she actually met him in person. Smiling, he ruffled his hair gently then nodded to the food before sitting down again himself. "After you settle in if you ever get bored when I'm at work, she'll welcome you at the restaurant to draw people. I told her you're an artist and she loves that very much."

Oh. Gabriel already told his mom about him? He dropped his chin slightly, smiling at the knowledge. Not only did Gabriel tell his mom about Dal, but she already liked what she’d heard? He felt his cheeks warm and he grinned when he finally looked across the table.

Dal picked his fork back up and took a few more small bites before asking, “Can I walk there?” To his mom’s restaurant, he meant. He didn’t have any desire to learn to drive.

"You can. More than likely she'll even walk with you when she goes there. She'll love being able to bring you with her." He laughed softly. "It's just a few blocks away on a corner. Lots of foot traffic for her."

She'd probably brag about her beautiful new son who did wonderful art too. It was what she did every time Gabriel visited. Bragged all about him. If ever there was a woman proud of her son and now her son's boyfriend? It was her. "She wants to come by for dinner if that's alright. She says she has an entire feast for us to welcome you."

How could she like him so much when she hasn’t even met him, Dal wondered. Of course, the answer was because Dal made her son happy. Both of these facts made Dal’s beat faster and filled his chest with warmth. Was this what it felt like to have a real home with a real family?

He paused in breakfast to nod, a bright smile coming over his face. “Yes! It’s alright.” Dal wanted to meet her. He wanted to spend time with her to get to kno where better. She’s an important person to someone who’s important to him. Plus, she just seems like a really awesome lady from what little Dal knew of her.

He managed to clear about half of his plate before scooting it a few inches away to signal that he was full. He’ll help with the clean-up whenever Gabriel was ready. In the interim, Dal folded his hands on the table and simply observed Gabriel as he finished. He never imagined being happy like this.

“It’s so comfortable.” The house. The company. This whole new life.

Gabriel took a little longer to finish, being a bigger and healthier man. But he was more than happy to have Dal continue to sit there with him while he finished his food. It was something he was going to have a lot more often and he was more than grateful for that.

"We'll make it more comfortable as we add more and more you here too. Little things to show that this is your home too."

Whether that be them showing off Dal's art or just having things around that made Dal happy. Things to just show that this wasn't Gabriel's home. It was their home.

It didn’t matter how long Gabriel took. Dal was content to spend this time with him. More than content – he was happy! He spent so much time with people he barely knew or simply alone. It was such a welcome change to sit here with Gabriel and watch him eat his breakfast and talk about their plans for the day and the future.

“Do ya think we can get sugar gliders?” A pair, so neither would be lonely.

"We can. They're legal where you live now. I'll help you start looking for them tomorrow."

Because of course they were going to get a pair. He wasn't going to just have them get one. They were social little creatures who should have each other.

It had to be a pair! Dal planned to spend a lot of time bonding with them, but he couldn’t be with them all the time, so they’d need each other. Sugar gliders were something he’s been interested in since before he came to the US. His parents didn’t allow him any pets before, nor did his situation until literally hours ago.

Of course, Dal thought it will take some time while he found some way to earn an income so he can take care of the related expenses. Oh, he knew Gabriel would do that, but he doesn’t want his boyfriend (!!) to think he expects that.

So hearing that they’d go looking for them tomorrow caused Dal’s eyes to pop open wide.

“Tomorrow?” he echoed. “So soon? Ya sure? There’s a lot…” They need an enclosure with toys and beds and little pouches to keep them stimulated, food, a cover for the enclosure… a little pouch so Dal can carry them around with him.

He really can’t hide his excitement, though. It shows through in the way he wiggled slightly in his seat and it leaked into his voice when he asked, “Where we gonna put ‘em?”

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