[ It was the nicest thing anyone had said to him, out of everyone he dated. Granted, he wasn't innocent in some of his failed relationships. He had met Eudora in the premise of becoming a cop. Diego had wanted to help people but became disenchanted with the police academy when learning about all the paperwork involved. All the red tape didn't help people.

Yet he carried enormous guilt over Patch finally doing things his way since it cost her life. So there was an ache when Rey not only said she wouldn't ask him to stop, but she'd help him. However, the offer was only to render him aid if he was hurt. Diego gave her an awkward grin. ]

I don't do hospitals. I hate needles. So I might take you up on that.

[ She might find his admission funny given the tattoo on his wrist and nipple piercing. Or maybe it made sense that he only had one of each. Granted, he didn't have the piercing when shirtless for the fight but the way things were going, she'd eventually see it.

His hands held hers affectionately, rubbing his thumbs over them. ]

But I'll call you as soon as I can if anything serious happens. You don't have to worry. I've been doing this for almost half my life. Since I left home at seventeen. The organized fights are just practice. And a way to make a few bucks.

[ He offered a sheepish grin again, having confessed to a source of income being the matches he took part in. Yet it was also true when he'd told her about working security. Viktor had gotten him and Luther jobs as bouncers but the work was just a couple of nights a week. ]

Speaking of, we probably should get lunch before it runs into dinner.