Closed to [personal profile] bargain_batman

Sep. 30th, 2024 04:48 am
talentedscavenger: (Modern//Pensive)
[personal profile] talentedscavenger
[ooc: Continue from here]

[After an awkward introduction on Tinder, Rey was pleasantly surprised to find out Diego was located not too far from where she lived. A weird coincidence, and she wasn't going to look into further. No need to let her mind go down that rabbit hole. She could hear Finn's voice in her mind, gently teasing her that, "Things happen for a reason, you know."

God, she was going out to meet someone willingly for the first time since Ben's death. A year of grieving, and therapy to help her get back on her feet. Sort of. Grief wasn't linear, and god she wished it was. It would have made things easier, to go through each step and check it off some sort of list. There were good days, and bad days. So far, the number of good days had out numbered the bad ones.

Giving herself another pep talk, she left her home and headed to the agree upon meeting location; a small coffee shop further in the city. Plenty of people coming and going.

The scent of coffee and hot chai wafted through the air as Rey entered. A quick scan and she found no sign of Diego. Guess she got there first. She pushed down feelings of nervousness in favor of grabbing a quick cup of drip coffee and finding a seat.

So that's where Diego would find her, head bowed reading something on her phone. A young woman wearing a blue cable knit sweater, jeans and black boots. Her shoulder length hair was down in soft waves--she had put in some effort into her appearance.]

Date: 2024-10-01 01:00 am (UTC)
bargain_batman: (standing)
From: [personal profile] bargain_batman
[ He didn't know what to think about meeting over coffee. Was she seriously interested given everything Klaus had written on the dating app? Diego planned on making his brother pay once he figured out how to delete his account on the app. More importantly, after meeting someone from it.

Rey had been the nicest response he received. Hers also felt the most genuine. Yet he couldn't chance making a fool of himself and kept watch of the coffee shop from a distance to see if she'd actually show up. A surge of nervousness ran through him at seeing her enter the place. Maybe it was excitement? He immediately felt a pang of regret at having her look around and not see him. Diego made his way quickly over, not letting her sit for long before coming through the doors.

He wore a black henley with black jeans and boots but not his knife bandolier or any other tactical gear. His wardrobe didn't have much of a variety, however, he wore the nicest articles of clothing that he owned. ]


Hey

[ He greeted with a soft smile and took the seat across from her. ]

Date: 2024-10-02 01:07 am (UTC)
bargain_batman: (hopeful)
From: [personal profile] bargain_batman
[ Her greeting made him chuckle as he settled in the seat. A part of him wanted to reposition to an angle where it'd be easier to scan his sector but that was his fault from watching in the distance. The smile she gave him made him lose some of the anxiety that he refused to acknowledge feeling. ]

Coffee's good. It's what we're here for. And talking, I think.

[ He extended a hand across the table to shake in greeting. Hopefully she didn't find his calluses off-putting. Rey hadn't been bothered by the scars on his head from what he could tell. If she took his hand, Diego would be mindful to only return her strength in the grip. He'd been taught that women were equals and he was respectful unless given a reason not to be. ]

It's nice meeting you.

Date: 2024-10-04 12:27 am (UTC)
bargain_batman: (sideglance 3)
From: [personal profile] bargain_batman
Actually, I might grab a water. Hold that thought.

[ Given the roughness of his hand, hers felt soft. Yet she gave a firm handshake. He enjoyed the excitement she gave off. Rey seemed genuine and a part of him worried that he'd hurt her given his track record of failed relationships. Nothing said that they couldn't be friends. In the end, that was all he had with Eudora.

He excused himself before getting too deep into his own head. It was bad enough that he'd joined her at the coffee shop and was getting a water. His finances weren't the greatest at the moment but he had no real excuse to decline meeting in a couple of hours besides the painful reality of being broke. All the same, he looked over the menu while in line then pretended he couldn't decide on any of the choices and asked for a water 'to start' with the idea that he'd return for something else.

It also allowed him to get back to Rey sooner. He hoped she might view it that way. Diego held a small smile as he slipped into his seat again. His hands remained on the table with the plastic clear cup of water between them. ]


For the record, I like the rambling. Just don't tell my brother Klaus when you meet him. I get on him a lot for it but that's what brothers do.

[ And it wasn't as if Klaus ever really listend to him but Diego didn't want to dump too much family shenanigans on Rey so soon. Diego held a smirk then continued. ]

It's his fault I was on Tinder. He keeps saying I should meet people so you have him to blame for the terrible post. So you're my first.

[ The crooked grin returned before Diego took a sip of his water, never leaving her eyes with his. ]

Date: 2024-10-06 03:12 pm (UTC)
bargain_batman: (say what)
From: [personal profile] bargain_batman
[ He could feel her eyes on him which from what Diego could remember, was a good sign. She showed up but it was ingrained in him to question if someone was actually interested in him ...of if they were up to no good. Rey was definitely good. He actually worried about her in the dating scene and the assholes out there who might try to take advantage of her. Yet now that they met, could he keep an eye on her without looking like he was stalking her?

The thought was shoved out of his mind as he returned to sit across from Rey. It was surprising to hear her talk about the info Klaus wrote on the Tinder account. While he was sure that his brother had completely meant to put him out in the dating pool, Diego hadn't considered any of it flattering. Was character a nice word for flawed? He didn't let any of his doubt slip onto his features and kept a soft hint of a smile on his lips between a sip of water. ]


You own the one eyed orange tabby with a friend?

[ The question was immediate. How many time had he heard 'friend' when it was an ex who tried to stay in the picture. Diego could've been nicer in describing her pet. He'd never had one and barely had experience with people who owned any other than the corner store who had a rather docile tuxedo cat that he'd pet when checking out.

It was horrible to somewhat gloss over everything else she shared and honed in on that but Diego didn't handle competition well. Or disappointment. ]

Date: 2024-10-08 12:11 am (UTC)
bargain_batman: (thinking 2)
From: [personal profile] bargain_batman
[ Rey had his undivided attention. His hands folded in front of him and he casually leaned forward over them as if she pulled him into the conversation. Initially, he didn't like the direction of the conversation. Her friend the pilot who co-owned the cat loved the skies as much as he loved movies... Diego could feel jealousy creeping up but he swallowed it down.

It was a good thing that he did, quickly learning how foolish he'd been when she explained further. Diego slowly started to sit back and relax in the seat across from Rey. She didn't seem like someone who would string him along or part of an open relationship. A part of him that stayed guarded wanted to question her but ultimately trusted the feeling he got from the brunette.

He gave a curious smirk when she went on about BB. The expression had nothing to do with the cat but what Rey had hinted to just before. ]


You might as well talk about the baggage. It's eating you up, talking around it.

[ There was a mix of teasing that hid his nerves. Delaying the inevitable would only hurt Rey and he felt in the moment that she deserved better. It wasn't right to open up to him then find that their combined baggage didn't mesh like her friends. The timeline the Hargreeves had found themselves in was confusing, to say the least. First had been the technology. Then it had been the realization that nobody knew the Umbrella Academy.

No doubt she'd reconsider her interest when learning what he did in his spare time and how he made a living. Diego could hear Klaus telling him not to sell himself short. With eyes falling to the table as he grinned and shook his head, Rey might just think he was reacting to what he'd just told her. So he picked his eyes up and started with his. ]


I'm not from around here. My siblings and I ended up here a few months ago, after... things got really bad back home.

[ His smile faded and a sadness filled his brown eyes. ]

One of my brothers got himself into a mess and it dragged another into it. My ex was a cop and she tried to help but...

[ Diego couldn't finish the sentence. He swallowed thickly, realizing it wasn't something he could talk about while out in public. He cleared his throat and shook his head as he redirected to a less messy part of his past. ]

...She was a good cop. We met while going to the police academy together but I got kicked out. She always wanted me to try it again and I wanted her to leave all the red tape out of catching bad guys. I could overlook her being a cop but she couldn't deal with me helping people out without a badge, especially after becoming a detective.

[ He shrugged his shoulders as if to dismiss the wound he felt. ]

It's not like she was the only relationship that I had, just the one I really thought would stick.

Date: 2024-10-11 12:48 am (UTC)
bargain_batman: (solemn)
From: [personal profile] bargain_batman
Kind of. [ He answered when Rey asked if she was that easy to read. A smile had started to tug at his lips, growing from the smirk he’d held.

There was something about her that brought some of his walls down. He’d met people who were self-centered or suffering abuse, whether at the hand of someone else or self-inflicted. She was neither. The few like her who were attractive and kind were in relationships.

Not that he’d been looking as Diego didn’t feel deserving of filling the void that was loneliness in his life. Sharing his baggage would no doubt drive her off. He’d cut himself off when it felt like too much, more than he could voice without embarrassing himself. Only it didn’t seem she’d judge him for it. He felt guilty as her eyes held back tears similar to his.

And then she shared her baggage that left him unable to speak once she finished. He drank water and heard Grace reminding him to picture the word in his mind to battle his stutter that had a habit of creeping up when emotions got the better of him. It was crazy to find someone who also knew what it was like to have someone die.

He took a deep breath, exhaling like a sigh before giving a response. ]


I’m… sorry. I think you found another jackass. Someone grouchy and hard to read.

[ Except he really wasn’t that hard to read when letting someone in. His emotions were on his sleeves around those he liked, and it was happening with Rey. Brown eyes that could turn dark with anger were soft. Timid. Fearful of not being enough. Diego quickly glanced away and cleared his throat.

He sat up, steeling himself. ]


I don’t know if I’d get you out. I’d stay inside and read too.

[ Yet his shoulders began to slump again as he questioned himself. Was he intentionally trying to sabotage meeting a kindred spirit? No, Diego hadn’t been someone different for Eudora and wouldn’t start now. He couldn’t save her but neither was he responsible for her death. Their relationship failed although his feelings had never changed. ]

Date: 2024-10-18 03:19 pm (UTC)
bargain_batman: (amused)
From: [personal profile] bargain_batman
[ Instincts made him reach out and put his hand over hers when Rey had extended it over the table. The move was as much to find comfort as it was to provide it, still feeling the need to apologize for stepping into her life. It was amazing to find someone that didn’t think he was a prick or asshole. They’d just met but he didn’t stop feeling as if she deserved better.

And then she spoke about meeting again. It was good to hear that she wanted to but it also indicated that their current meeting was coming to an end. Diego gave her a quiet smile again while pulling his hand back. He gave a single nod before speaking. ]


Meeting again would be nice. Maybe at a park if the weather’s good for it.

[ Not only would there be no pressure to consider it a date if she had reservations but he wouldn’t have to figure out how to afford a meal if they went somewhere to have one. Instead of insisting she wasn’t overthinking, he only moved forward with the idea of seeing her again. ]

It can be whatever you want it to be.

[ He was starved for touch and meant what he told her. It was better to make contact with a good person than attempt a hollow date with someone for a shallow night. Diego didn't have any faith he'd be more than a good friend, especially with how much he'd felt that he failed Eudora. ]

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-10-18 05:54 pm (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-10-18 06:48 pm (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-10-18 10:02 pm (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-10-19 03:46 am (UTC) - Expand

now a bed tester? I’d try that lol

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-10-19 08:46 pm (UTC) - Expand

miss these 2

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-11-10 04:46 am (UTC) - Expand

Re: Missed them 2

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-11-10 03:05 pm (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-11-10 04:46 pm (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-11-12 02:26 am (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-11-13 02:31 am (UTC) - Expand

Date: 2024-11-14 02:22 am (UTC)
bargain_batman: (amused)
From: [personal profile] bargain_batman
Now I kind of regret not making this dinner.

[ He beamed at seeing Rey. Not that she didn't always look great to him but Diego really liked when her hair was down and made no secret of it. He was dressed in black jeans with a new black sweater. It wasn't his nicest ensemble but better than what his old wardrobe consisted of. With the last of his winnings, he'd made it a point to get himself a few nice things to wear for her.

His siblings noticed something different about him over the weeks that passed. Klaus had complained about Diego not using the dating app, never realizing that his brother actually found someone on it. Rather, she found him. Allison, Viktor and Five had been the first to notice a change. It took longer for Klaus then finally Luther but Diego shot down any attempts they made to pry info from him.

Luther and Viktor respected his wishes, not asking questions at the gym or to the brunette who was rooting for their brother. Mixed martial arts weren't long matches due to the pure violence. Diego did well but took a few shots in the process. The swelling took a day to go down and he wanted to celebrate with lunch. It would be this date where he planned on asking her to a real one. Dinners were real dates, right?

He probably would've benefited from talking about his relationship with Rey than hiding it. Yet after what Viktor, Allison and even Klaus had been through... Diego wasn't comfortable talking about his dating life finally taking a good turn. Luther never had a personal life and from what Number Two could put together, neither did Five. He wished Grace was with them but also tried not to dwell on that.

Instead, he focused on Rey and listened to what she said. He learned what she liked and didn't like. He liked practicing spanish and french with her while impressing her with russian. Diego got better with his cell phone, thanks to communicating with her. He enjoyed the pictures--pics she sent of BB and herself. Now he'd gotten an Uber and would hopefully impress her with that. ]


But our ride should be here any minute.

[ He sprung for a black car, curious what the increase in cost was all about while hopeful it would give them a little privacy. Rey wasn't the only one who longed for a lip-lock but Diego remembered how uncomfortable she seemed about a public display. It was also important not to rush being behind closed doors. Diego took her hand when in reach, tugging slightly when he lowered to give her cheek a quick kiss in greeting. ]

Date: 2024-11-15 02:15 am (UTC)
bargain_batman: (sideglance)
From: [personal profile] bargain_batman
[ They were getting close to a month but everything still felt so new to Diego. He tried not to think about how long it had been since he'd made any attempt at dating. It had been the reason Klaus had set him up on the dating app. In the end, it was a blessing in disguise. He also wasn't the only sibling who Klaus tried to throw in the dating pool but Number Two didn't think about that in the moment.

He was glad that Rey was still mostly under wraps so he'd have time to explain his siblings to her. A smile widened on his lips when she seemed open to the idea of dinner later that night. ]


I'll see if I can get my suit out of the cleaners.

[ The place he'd been wanting to take her to would require reservations but Diego was sure he could make something work.

She fussed a little about his condition after seeing him fight which brought a smirk to his lips. ]


I'm fine. I've had worse from better, including my own brother.

[ The hired car pulled up and cut the conversation short for the time being. Diego quickly followed Rey in the car, giving the driver a look at his greeting. ]

Well now it's gonna look like we're doing it just 'cause you told us to.

[ The Uber driver gave a shrug and kept driving. Diego gave a lighthearted roll of his eyes then looked to Rey who tucked into his side. ]

You came to my fight. This is the least I can do. But I didn't know you had a car. I still have a lot to learn about you.

[ His hand lightly laced his fingers with hers in hand. ]

Date: 2024-11-16 07:32 am (UTC)
bargain_batman: (eyes dn cute)
From: [personal profile] bargain_batman
Mmm. Heels. [ He repeated in a low voice that held a slight growl in approval. Diego chuckled softly immediately after.

The laughter simmered when she appeared concerned with the fight he had. It was sweet. His ex used to worry in a less... kind way. A part of him wondered if it'd been a good idea to have her see him fight. A louder part worried that if Rey didn't like the match, she'd like him being a vigilante even less. The dinner seemed like a good idea to let the cat out of the bag. Either it would be a romantic beginning or a romantic end.

However, her teasing about his chocolate preference managed to give Diego hope that maybe she wouldn't be as serious over him getting hurt once more time went by. ]


Now or later? [ He asked facetiously, lifting their joined hands and kissing the top of hers before lowering it back on her lap. Rey had to know where they were heading to lunch so she likely meant for dinner. Yet his quip teased that she might not know.

The driver didn't find any amusement by the last exchange. ]
Wait, you're going with this guy and you don't know where? You two didn't just meet, did ya?

Date: 2024-11-17 12:09 am (UTC)
bargain_batman: (y so srs)
From: [personal profile] bargain_batman
[ Diego tensed at the driver's commentary. On the one hand, it wasn't often that people in New York meddled in someone else's affairs. It was nice that someone voiced concern on behalf of a stranger. Yet Number Two felt judged by the statement. If he was clean cut and white, would the guy have made the same question? Rey had spoke up and put an end to the concern, helping ease Diego's tension. ]

Can you turn the music up or find something other than our conversation to pay attention to?

[ His tension might have lessened but Diego was still visibly annoyed. He wasn't necessarily possessive but didn't like a stranger impeding his time with Rey. ]

Sure thing, Buddy.

[ Soft pop that had been playing at a low volume increased which would do the job of obscuring the conversation between Diego and Rey from the driver. Jason Mraz sung I'm Yours as Diego looked to his date. His features softened and brow rose in something of an apology. She'd been nice the driver. Diego? Not so much. ]

Maybe we drive to dinner. Ever hear of The Musket Room? It's on Elizabeth Street. Someone from the gym is the sous chef there. The food is supposed to be really good.

Date: 2024-11-17 02:03 am (UTC)
bargain_batman: (hesitant mouth open)
From: [personal profile] bargain_batman
[ His hand that held hers gave Rey an affectionate squeeze. It was an effort to comfort her as she seemed concerned with how to dress for the dinner date. Fortunately, he hadn't called the favor in and she didn't need to worry about going out. He was more than happy to come over to her place. ]

I'm sure we could get a table but... [ The smile on his lips widened, clearly excited over her offer have dinner in her place. ] ...it's been a really long time that I've had a home cooked meal. I can help.

[ The car came to a stop at the cafe they were supposed to have lunch at. ]

I'd open the door but hate to interfere in your stimulating conversation.

[ Diego lost the smile on his face as he turned his attention at the sarcastic driver, glaring at the man. ]

Whatever you say, Man. It's your tip. [ With that, Number Two reached for the door handle and pulled his door open. He led the way out without letting go of Rey's hand. She could use his grip to get out of the car if she wanted. ]

Date: 2024-11-17 03:25 am (UTC)
bargain_batman: (sideglance 2)
From: [personal profile] bargain_batman
You? What mistake did you make? He's the one sticking his nose where it didn't belong.

[ Yet maybe the guy had a daughter or even a sister that made him concerned with Rey's situation. Diego understood the sentiment yet couldn't shake the feeling of being judged by the driver more than an honest interest in her safety. However, they were greeted by a bubbly blonde who was quick to seat them in the cafe. ]

A quiet spot inside. Doesn't matter if it's a table or booth.

[ Diego didn't want anymore interruptions. The day would be full of confessions and real talk. If she invited him to her place, it would be tempting to kiss her again. He dreamt about the moment almost every night. It would be easy to get carried away but he didn't want desire to distract whether or not they would really work romantically.

Jenny, the hostess, grabbed menus and napkin wrapped silverware before leading them to a table tucked away near a window--asking the two if they liked the location. ]

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-11-17 04:45 am (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-11-17 09:32 pm (UTC) - Expand

we can switch to prose, if that helps!

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-11-18 01:29 am (UTC) - Expand

:)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-11-18 02:40 am (UTC) - Expand

^_^

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-11-19 02:58 am (UTC) - Expand

can't wait to hear! ...if this week ever ends

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-11-20 02:40 am (UTC) - Expand

onto dinner!

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2024-12-29 04:30 am (UTC) - Expand

Re: onto dinner!

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2025-03-02 04:59 am (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2025-03-04 02:26 am (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2025-03-05 01:57 am (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2025-03-06 03:17 am (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2025-03-07 02:10 am (UTC) - Expand

yes. yes they are ^_^

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2025-03-07 02:41 am (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2025-03-08 01:04 am (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

From: [personal profile] bargain_batman - Date: 2025-03-12 01:15 am (UTC) - Expand

Profile

talentedscavenger: (Default)
Rey

February 2025

S M T W T F S
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23 2425262728 

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated Jul. 7th, 2025 01:05 pm
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios