bsumone | ❝ Nobody knows where you’re going ❞

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?”

"Well there's lots of space and we can use the room that was going to be yours as their home. But we'll look to see what's available since we don't even know that. And then we can get ourselves ready for our new arrivals."

Gabriel finished his food and went to gather the dishes to bring them to the kitchen. To store the rest of Dal's food and then to wash them. He smiled over at him and invited him to come help him if he wanted to.

"We'll be good and ready before they get here. I promise."

This was such exciting news! Getting everything prepared for their arrival will be so fun! Dal already has some ideas. He wants their enclosure to be bright and colorful, so it’s nice to look at, as well as functional for the sugar gliders.

Dal was on his feet helping to clear the table as soon as Gabriel stood. He wasn’t feeling any adverse effects from the night before other than the holes in his memory. That’s a good thing, he supposed. Once Gabriel had his leftovers packed away, Dal scanned the kitchen for a towel to help dry the dishes. He set them each on the counter since he didn’t yet know where everything was supposed to live. He’ll ask when they’re all washed and dried.

“Do ya mind if I shower when we’re done?” He knew he had one last night, but his hair… He really couldn’t meet Gabriel’s mother with his hair all wavy and messy like this. Well, maybe he could just wet it a little… She probably wouldn’t mind at all, but it’s been drilled into Dal since he was a teenager that his looks were important and being pretty like a girl was important. So he was more than a little self-conscious about how he looked when meeting someone so important!

"This is your home now, Dal. You can take a shower anytime you want to." Gabriel wasn't scolding him though, just gently reminding him with a smile as he looked over at him. Then he leaned in to press a kiss to his hair before moving to show where the dried dishes went in the kitchen and even giving a small tour to show where everything was for future reference.

"Come here. I'll show you where I put all your things. If you need anything I can go out to buy it for you."

His home. He liked that. Dal already felt very comfortable here. Gabriel was so welcoming and his home was so full of warmth. It felt like someone actually lived here, belonged here. Not like his apartment that was just a place to lock his things and sleep in. There was nothing there that indicated Dal lived there. No photos, no art on the walls, nothing but a duffel bag in the closet and a hoard of toiletries in the bathroom that could’ve belonged to anyone.

“I only need what I got.” His scant few belongings and this man standing here with him. Dal reached out for his hand to hold onto while Gabriel showed him where his bag was. “How long have ya lived here?”

"In this house? I'd say around five years now. Being here means I can be close to my mother and she can easily walk over to see me when she wants or I can visit her to help her with upkeep at her home."

Nodding to the bag, he brought the hand he held up to his lips. Then he smiled warmly at him. "Dal, I want you to feel free to tell me whenever you want things. This really is your home now and you should have things you love here just like I do. We'll make this somewhere that represents us both."

For a moment that stretched a little too long, Dal just looked at the bag. His entire life fit in it. That’s how small and unimportant he was. It truly didn’t bother him. Dal never wanted to be some impressive, important person. He was important to Gabriel, the man who loved him, and that was more than enough to satisfy him.

But staring at the duffel back left him feeling… a little melancholy. Even his life before coming to the US had been small. He stayed in his room mostly, to avoid the distance of his parents on the rare times they were home. They left him alone, raised by nannies and tutors. Every material need met, with nothing but a void where familial love should’ve been.

His eyes went distant and he squeezed Gabriel’s hand a little tighter. “… I used to like plushes,” he murmured in a small voice. “Has about six of ‘em on my bed ‘til dad saw ‘em.” No son of mine will collect this girlish trash. And off they went, directly down the trash chute before Dal could save any of them. He blinked away the wetness in his eyes before he looked back at Gabriel.

“Could I get one? Just one, I promise!”

That was the look of someone who was still being hurt by something from years ago. Pulling him close, Gabriel cupped his face so he could look right into those beautiful dark eyes. Such a small request broke his heart but he still made sure to smile at his boyfriend.

"Dal, you can have as many as you want. If you love plushes then I will build you places to store them. We can cover this entire room and our bed and even the rest of the house in them if it will make you smile."

Because it was so small a thing. To just want to have plush toys to collect and hold.

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CW: UNHEALTHY FAMILY STUFF

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