Closed to bargain_batman

[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.]

Comments

[bargain_batman]

[ It was one thing that Diego did give his adoptive father credit for; he was many things but not sexist. Women could be anything that men could be. The siblings didn't fight any differently when training, regardless of gender. So he wouldn't bat an eye over anything Rey said she was capable of doing.

But did he want her to see the dilapidated building where he resided with his siblings? Sure, it was a building in the city that they shared and not the boiler room of a boxing gym like he lived in before. He had his own space in the basement, for the most part when Klaus didn't let himself in. Diego wasn't sure how his siblings would react to a stranger showing up.

In the end, it was technically nothing that any of them really had a say in. He wasn't bringing Rey in yet, just bringing her by. ]

Just a few blocks from here. Not far.

[ A beat. ]

There's a park across the street if you wanna wait for me there while I get the phone.

[ Diego rose to his feet and extended a hand to Rey. If they were going to have a date, it couldn't be too forward to hold her hand as they walked. Would it? His hand wouldn't hold hers too firmly in case she chose to pull away when they walked. ]

[talentedscavenger]

Yeah, I wouldn’t mind waiting.

[It would give her the chance to tell Rose that the date was going well. Plus, update her location so if anything happened, Rose would know. Not that anything would happen…she hoped.

Rey got up to her feet, not expecting to see an offered hand. For a moment, she was stunned to see Diego offer her his hand that she didn't know what to do. The hesitation lasted for a split second, with Rey soon slipping her hand into his. A shiver ran down her spine, excited and nervous that their date was still ongoing.

And well, it was nice to hold his hand. When was the last time she’d done that?

Rey pushed in her chair and grabbed her coffee. A quick detour to the trashcan to toss out their cups and they headed out. All the while continuing to hold Diego's hand. She wasn’t going to pull away any time soon.

Funny, they had entered the café as strangers and now they were....something more than strangers? Something else for Rey to think about later in her one bedroom apartment. She followed Diego's lead towards the direction of his home.]

I live a few blocks in the other direction, it’s nice. The weather has hasn’t been too warm either..

[An attempt at (albeit awkward) small talk. ]

[bargain_batman]

[ His smile widened when she agreed and joined him. All the anxiety over ruining her life had started to quiet down, enjoying her company. He didn't allow himself to think of the worst as they walked. Diego made a mental note of the direction she resided in. It was a nicer part of town than where the Hargreeves were holed up in.

Yet they did team up to find a suitable place, assisting financially or physically in making the building habitable. It was the main reason Diego was broke. He'd need to take on a fighting match to fatten up his wallet after all the expenses he'd had between somewhere to live and a cell phone. ]

Really? I thought I heard on the radio that it's been warmer than usual for this time of year.

[ His eyes caught sight of his sister Allison in the distance but avoided locking eyes with her. It was too soon for Rey to meet his family. Number Two was sure that his sister wasn't ready to have a stranger insert herself in their lives. ]

Just a turn on Madison and you'll see the park. It'll just take me a second to get phone and meet you out in the ark.

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey bashfully ducked her head, tucking a strand of hair behind an ear with her other hand.]

Has it? I'm in an office and it always feels like it's freezing. The warm or warmer weather is incredible after spending hours in a refrigerator. [The brunette joked, hoping to smooth over her misstep. She could've sworn the weather had been cooler--just the perfect mix of warm and cool. Nice enough to go about the day with a sweater and not feel the need to take it off.

She didn't realize they were approaching one of Diego's siblings. He did say he was adopted, so anyone on the street could be a relative of his, but Rey didn't know. If he were to throw her into the deep end of meeting his family that would make her so nervous and awkward---more so than she was now. Besides, wouldn't it be too soon for that?]

Madison--oh, that street? [She looked over at the traffic light, noting the name and nodded.] Yeah, I can meet you at the park. I'll see if I can find a bench or table. [From the distance, she could see it was a wide open area with a few playground items (swings, a slide) and a path for walking around the entire place.

But, to go to the park she would have to let go of his hand. Rey hesitated for a split second, finding it difficult to let go, until she gently pulled her hand back.]

I'll see you soon. [Rey gave Diego a soft smile and walked ahead of him. She followed his directions, turning on Madison and went towards the park. It wouldn't take her too long to find a place to sit and update Rose on her date.

Hopefully Diego wouldn't take too long.]

wow, no more tired tags. My typos are haunting me

[bargain_batman]

[ What she said about the cold office made sense. Diego didn't think anything of it other than finding it cute when she ducked her head. He hadn't been out a lot during daylight hours other than picking up supplies for repairs on their shared apartments so he only went by what he'd heard on the radio.

It was tempting to give her cheek a kiss before parting but reconsidered, thinking a real kiss should come first. It wasn't the right moment or setting and the last thing he wanted his sister to possibly witness if it went wrong. Diego gave Rey a nod and smiled back as she headed to the park before stepping into a light jog to his place.

He reached the front door in time with Allison and opened it for her. ]

So what did the doctor say? You had that appointment today, right?

[ Allison ducked her head down at Diego's greeting, pulling out her cell phone and typing on it. ]

I don't have my phone. I'm getting it now.

[ She made an annoyed face and showed him her screen.

I'm healing well but need to give it at least one more week to make sure my vocal chords have the best chance to heal. What are you dressed up for?

Diego read the screen and had a defiant look. ]

I'm meeting someone. That's why I need to get my phone. I didn't even realize you had that appointment today. I thought Vanya was going with you to that.

[ Allison immediately started typing on her phone again and held the screen for Diego.

Viktor!

Diego gave a single nod. ]

So he's serious about that then? Viktor.

[ Diego repeated the name to remember it. He gave Allison a squeeze on her shoulder. ]

I wasn't sure if it was just because of what happened. As long as he's happy. But hey, I need to get my phone and run. Text me if you need anything.

[ He headed to the stairwell that went down as his sister gave him a wary look, curious as to what Diego was up to and not saying. However, she wasn't curious enough to keep pressing the issue and headed up to her apartment.

Number Two managed to miss running into anymore siblings, quickly grabbing the device he'd left on the table in his place and locking the door on his way out before another trot to the park. The warmer weather he'd been talking to Rey about was causing him a light sheen of sweat as he had stepped into a light run while dressed all in black. ]

Hey.

[ He greeted at seeing her on the park bench. It was a nice, mostly quiet area for the city park. The fountain and playground were further in. Only the occasional person walking or jogging by would pose any distraction. Diego didn't worry about any siblings dropping in as everyone were still busy with settling in their apartments and the city. And Luther went for his runs early in the day.

Diego slid into the space next to Rey, handing over his phone to her. ]

Got it off the charger so it should be ready to work on.

I feel that. I should get more sleep, but haha what is that?

[talentedscavenger]

[The concrete bench wasn't the most comfortable thing to sit on, but it was better than nothing. Rey took out her phone, a smile creeping on her face as she read some of Roses' text messages.]

No SOS? Alright, Rey, you got this!

30 minutes in and silence? Wow, proud of you! Unless you're dead, please don't be dead.

[Rey started to send an update, explaining how she was at a park and sent her location to Rose. She explained things were going well, even emphasized it with a smile emoji. Her phone flashed to see her friend calling her, but quickly hung up.]

Sorry! Butt dialed--BUT OMG! I'll need deets, a complete play by play, and a picture. Tinder pictures don't mean crap.

[Rey was about to send another text when she heard someone approaching her. The smile on her face widened, looking up to see Diego sliding next to her.]

A full battery? Great. Though, you might need an internet connection for some of the updates--but we can cross that bridge when we get there. [Rey asked to see Diego's phone, just to show him the basics of where things were and what settings he'd want.

She was patient in explaining things to him, as not everyone was tech savy. Hell, some of her managers still had trouble figuring out how to send something to printer 1 and not printer 2 at work. She made sure to pause and ask if he had any questions before moving onto the next task.

In the midst of explaining how his iPhone worked, Rey scooted closer to the point where her thigh touched his. Every now and then she found her gaze lingering on his face and then lips. Too soon for a kiss? Probably. Focus, she told herself, ending the last bit of explanation with putting her phone number in his contacts list.]

Now, you can text me or call whenever you'd like. [Smooth, Rey. Real smooth. Poe might be a bit proud of you for that.]

I hear you do a lot of that when dead so it can obviously wait. xD

[bargain_batman]

[ He didn't think of anything at finding Rey on her phone. Diego noticed that seemed to be a trait for most in this world. A part of him found it easy to see when someone wasn't up to any good, seeing them observe others for an easy mark. It made his job easier to help others.

Rey was easier to follow than the videos Klaus and Van--Viktor tried to get him to watch. Number Two was convinced that Apple should've stuck to produce in the beginning but his date made things simple without making him feel stupid in the process. She set up his Face ID which had been fun after changing his pass code so Klaus wouldn't get into his phone again.

That was particularly important now if he was in a relationship. Was dating a relationship? It was the start of one, Diego thought. He kept a glance at her features when she spoke and had to quickly remind himself to focus so she didn't have to repeat herself. She didn't seem to judge that he couldn't remember his email address set up for the Apple ID on the phone but not for the email account on his phone.

She had gone through all the preliminary steps that most people do when first getting a phone that he must have skipped. Diego had slipped an arm around her on the bench so he could sit close to watch the screen, shielding her from any cold breezes that might pass by as sunset was approaching. The street lights still hadn't switched on as she concluded he could call or text her whenever he liked so maybe he hadn't kept her out too late. ]

You might regret that. [ He chuckled in response and took the iPhone back, slipping it into a pocket which caused Diego to inadvertently lean more into Rey. His eyes quickly glanced at her then back to his pocket as he returned to a comfortable distance on the bench.

An older woman walked a small yorkie who wore a matching vest to the coat her owner wore. Diego could swear she was smiling at him and Rey from a distance. ]

Incoming. [ Diego whispered to Rey as the woman and her dog grew closer. ]

You two are adorable. You should kiss her already! Even with my cataracts, I can see you two thinking about it as I walked Trixie by you earlier--all huddled over the phone. Even at my old age, I knew what you were having her show you about the iPhone--you're not fooling anyone, young man. Thank you for giving an old lady something to smile about!

[ She didn't introduce herself or wait for either to comment on what she said as she continued on the path in front of the bench. Diego felt his cheeks grow warm and was unable to stop smiling at the teasing. For a second, he thought the woman was going to stand there until they kissed. He was glad that wasn't the case. Their first kiss didn't need to have any spectators. ]

She's not wrong. I should at least take you to dinner or a movie first.

[ His mouth said one thing but his eyes looked to hers with another sentiment. ]

Clearly it should wait! Or I should be paid for sleep...I'll take the later.

[talentedscavenger]

[At some point they would have to talk Tinder--if either of them should keep their profiles up or take them down. This was just a first date and there were so many unknowns. If they were a good fit for one another, or if this was all just...something to pass the time. Ben told her to move on, and she was trying! Getting on Tinder was the first step, and going out with someone from the platform was another. She was making some leaps and bounds--so she should slow down, right? Not fly too close to the sun?]

I doubt that. [Rey told him, holding back a chuckle. She was on the verge of leaning closer--but Diego pulled away. She barely had the chance to process what he said when he created space between them that she was ready to look around to see what the issue was.

Oh. Oh. An old woman with a yorkie who had to comment on the two. Rey felt her cheeks warm up from the compliments the other was giving them. Was it that obvious they were into one another? Two people who had experienced loss, heart break, and struggled with self worth. She ended up looking at the ground, wishing she could make herself invisible for a split second.

Diego was quickly learning how much Rey disliked having the spot light on her. He seemed to be enjoying it though. Rey didn't look up until she heard the old woman and her dog walk away. She peaked up from her lashes to see Diego grinning like no other, whereas Rey was flustered and blushing like no tomorrow.]

I don't know about that. [She muttered, trying to gain back some of the confidence she had earlier and shake off her embarrassment.] There's no formal rule about when to kiss someone. As long as both parties want it and it's not under duress. Or, in exchange for something else...

[Rey was rambling again, a clear sign she was nervous but a pause and a deep breath helped to steady her nerves. He could kiss her--fuck, she wanted him to kiss her and she didn't know how to tell him that without sounding like an ass. Poe would probably lean in to steal a kiss, or Rose would say something coy and flirty.

Rey? All she could do was look down at Diego's lips again and then back up into his soulful brown eyes.]

You should probably kiss me before I ramble about something else.

Meh, I've been paid to sleep in the military and as a first responder. I'll pass

[bargain_batman]

[ It was strange being with someone and forgetting his failures. He didn't have a good relationship with Eudora to talk about moving on. They were over and he repeatedly inserted himself in her work life, much to her chagrin. His mother often told him that one day he'd find someone just as special but it was one of the times Diego didn't believe Grace.

Yet there in the moment with Rey, Diego didn't worry about the past or who might see them in the present. His dark eyes looked back at her and matched the smile on his lips as she rambled about when it was a good time to kiss someone. A part of him considered that she might not want to kiss him, misunderstanding what she initially said but she looked at his lips and told him to do it.

So he did. Diego leaned in and found his hand on the outside of her thigh as his lips connected with hers. He didn't think about the scruff on his face or if his breath was still fresh--things he had worried about before meeting her. How much of a kiss was appropriate? That was his current concern. It was too easy to get carried away, not having kissed anyone in a few years.

Ultimately, he decided that if Rey told him to kiss her then she should decide when to stop. His lips made a soft play at hers, coaxing them apart to sneak in a light touch of his tongue for a taste. ]

Fair enough!

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey thought she blew it. Believed she had fumbled so badly that Diego would back off and leave. She was preparing for the worst, trying to make a plan in her head of what to do next. It came second nature to her from years of surviving on her own.

The thoughts disappeared, leaving her mind in a state of quiet bliss the moment his lips met hers. Electricity danced on her spine, relishing the feeling of connecting with someone else.

Her eyes fluttered shut, leaning into Diego to let the kiss last as long as possible. She felt the faint stubble on his face, and breathed in his scent. There was a skip of her heart—god, when was the last time she felt this way?

Diego knew what he was doing, coaxing her lips apart to deepen the kiss. He would be able to taste the vanilla lip balm she had on, and the faint hint of coffee from earlier. Without thinking, her tongue sneaked out, brushing against his while her hand came up to rest on his cheek.

Careful, she needed to be careful least she rushed into this and made a mess of things. Or worse, if they made out and got ticketed for public indecency.

After another second, Rey began to pull back, breaking off the kiss but lingered close by to initiate another one.

Fuck, was it possible to like someone this much after one kiss? ]

now a bed tester? I’d try that lol

[bargain_batman]

[ She seemed to freeze initially and Diego wasn’t sure if he’d made the right call in kissing her. It didn’t take long for Rey to engage and return the contact. He enjoyed the surprise of vanilla to the coffee she drank whereas he only had water and mouthwash before that.

His focus was on her response than allow himself to enjoy her taste and feel. He didn’t want to chance embarrassing himself, his body having a clear indication of how much he enjoyed the contact.

Rey had pulled back for a breath then quickly returned to kissing him. His hand slid from her lap to her side, unconsciously holding her close. He didn’t have a thought to anything but her. It took a long while to finally pull back, concluding the kiss for the moment. ]

Wow. [ He let out a low chuckle. His voice dropped an octave, clearly affected by the kissing. Diego cleared his throat and held a small smile with heavily lidded eyes. ]

I could keep doing that all night.

[ Maybe he shouldn’t have said that. His brain was in a fog. He wanted more but knew he shouldn’t push the envelope. ]

LOL yes!! Bed and pillow tester, find the best combinations

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey's lungs were burning by the time the second kiss came to its natural conclusion. She was panting, taking in air as she tried to regain focus. When was the last time she had been kissed like that? Or had a single touch make her heart race and slow down all at once? No...when was the last time Rey allowed herself to feel such things? Not since Ben's passing.

Faintly, she was aware of Diego's hand on her side and that her hand had slid from his cheek down to his shoulder. Close. He was so close that she could kiss him again, but she had to keep her wits about her.]

You're very good at that. [Rey murmured, pulling back a little further. Close enough for Diego to hold her, but not too close for her to start another kiss. She licked her lower lip and found he had managed to kiss off all of the vanilla lip balm she had applied earlier.

Rey let out a low chuckle, looking up at the man she had just kissed. There was fondness and desire in her eyes, but she had to hold back. They couldn't--shouldn't keep going, especially in a public park.]

And that is a very dangerous idea. [Because it wouldn't take much to call an Uber and go back to her place and keep going. More kisses, more touches until clothing was stripped from their bodies and they found themselves in her bed. That was going too fast, too soon. She wanted this, whatever it was, to work.

Baby steps.]

As much as I'd want to keep going, I think we should save it for our next date? [The sun had sunk beneath the horizon. The street lamps were turning on, and no doubt BB was wondering where Rey was. It was dinner time.] Maybe a park closer to my place... [Just so it would be easier to find some privacy and not deal with any possible changes in the weather.

Rey should have been staying away from Diego, but she was just as touch starved as him. She started to lean in again, opting to lower her head to rest it on his shoulder.]

And I'm going to take down my tinder profile when I get home. [If they were going to date, she would do it exclusively. The app could go.]

in luxury hotels... testing if we can get a good night sleep! LOL

[bargain_batman]

Thanks.

[ He realized it was a compliment and he hadn't paid her one. ]

You too.

[ It was a terrible compliment in return but she didn't seem to mind. At least, not with what Diego saw in her eyes. He still felt stupid but it was hard to think after the kiss. Something else in particular was hard that he had to focus on willing down. He licked his lips and listened but avoided eye-contact, focusing on what she said as well as cooling off.

His eyes peered up when she spoke of wanting to continue. Diego swallowed thickly, still holding a crooked grin. He gave her a nod and bit one of his kiss swollen lips. As touch starved as he'd been, he was never the type who looked for one night stands. He didn't want to just scratch an itch. Yet it was foolish to think a relationship would last. He'd yet to be transparent about his life.

When she spoke of taking down her Tinder profile, he shifted to reach in his pocket and pull his cell phone back out. ]

Here. Take it off my phone.

[ His eyes still watched her affectionately while genuine over what he said. The hand that had been part of his arm behind her, played lightly with her hair. ]

Let me walk you home. Or at least, to your street.

[ Diego didn't want to push for more, agreeing that everything was moving faster than he'd thought it would or should. There was a desire to spend more time with her but also recognizing the importance of pacing themselves. He waited for her response and whether or not she'd remove the app from his phone. ]

YES! With high speed wifi to boot

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey let out a soft chuckle.]

Yeah? [She wasn't expecting a compliment in return. Honestly, she wasn't sure if she was good at kissing or anything physical. It had been a while since she did anything like making out, and even longer since she was intimate with someone. The idea was there, skirting the surface of her thoughts. A very tempting idea, one that would be so easy to give into, but she continued to shut it down. Not yet. She wanted to get to know him more before daring to approach that subject.

The young woman felt Diego shift, prompting her to pull back to see him with his phone. She looked down at his phone and then up at him.]

You sure? [A stupid thing to question, but he didn't have to do it, not unless he really wanted to. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, Rey. A shy smile crept over her face, taking his phone in one hand, navigating to the app, tapping on his profile icon, then settings and finally deleting the account. From there, it was easy enough to remove the app from his home screen. Rey placed the phone back in his hand, and shifted to take hers out of her pocket. A few seconds for her to complete the same steps and held up the phone for him to see.]

The profiles and apps are gone from both our phones. [Neither would get a notification for any new matches, or messages. They were off the digital market.

As for wanting to walk her home, that caught her by surprise. He wanted to make sure she got home safely. How could anyone think he was an asshole was beyond her.]

I would like that... a lot. [Fuck, her cheeks were going to hurt from smiling so much. If he hadn't offered to walk her home, she would've ordered an Uber. At least this way, they got to spend more time together. She just had to make sure she didn't give into the desire to bring him up to her apartment.

Once again, she was close enough to initiate another kiss. Rey gave into temptation and desire, kissing the corner of his mouth for a brief second and then pulled away. She failed to realize the effect she was having on him.]

We, um...should get going.. [She murmured, slipping her phone back into her pocket.] Before it gets too dark. [And before they kept going until they were making out in a public park.]

miss these 2

[bargain_batman]

[ There was almost an inebriated way that he watched Rey decide if she was truly going to pull away or go back to kissing. Diego sighed internally when she went with the former, never letting his face show the discontent his libido felt in the moment. He quickly slipped his phone back into a pocket and stood from the bench. ]

You afraid of the dark?

[ He teased lightly in a voice that held a slight drop in octave--a side effect of being aroused which Diego quickly cleared his through to get rid of. His lips twitched in a smirk as he extended his elbow for her to take his arm as they walked. She could ignore the offer, especially if his joke fell flat. ]

I tend to work nights. ...After hours security.

[ That was one way of describing what a vigilante was. Diego probably could've told her that he was a trained fighter but wasn't sure she'd appreciate him fighting for money. Maybe Rey wouldn't mind him competing in darts. ...He probably should just take the job that Van--Viktor found for him and Luther as a bar bouncer.

He'd gotten lost in his thoughts and possibly missed something Rey said. His brow arched as he glanced over at her, attempting to ascertain if that had been the case. ]

Missed them 2

[talentedscavenger]

[ A pleasant shiver ran down her spine hearing Diego’s voice. It made her think of a cap tent cat, pleased with itself. The teasing lit and smirk on his face only added to the imagery. Rey would be thinking about the near purr of his voice, the softness of his lips and smirk long after they parted for the evening. ]

Ahh… [She had been lost in thought that she nearly forgot about the question and failed to realize it was a joke.

Her arm slipped through his, staying at his side as they exited the park. Thankfully, there wasn’t any sight of that old woman with her dog.]

No, not afraid. Just…more cautious. [A woman walking alone at night wasn’t the safest thing. Rey had to be mindful of where she was, and if anyone else was around her. One couldn’t be too careful. ] And, well…we didn’t need an audience.

[She muttered the last part softly, trying to hide the embarrassment in her voice.

There was a question as to which company Diego worked for. Or, where he worked for his job. Not that there was anything wrong with it, but she knew what that cover could be used for.

Her childhood upbringing (or lack thereof) gave her more insight into the dark side of people than she wanted. It could easily be remedied with a background check—but that would be over doing it. From what Rey knew of Diego, he didn’t seem like the type to have ties to a criminal organization. He wanted to help people, not harm them.

The question didn’t leave her lips, only a nod of understanding. ]

I try to keep to a consistent schedule, but I sometimes work evenings…especially if there’s a big project. [Or when she couldn’t sleep, or stressed. It was usually the former. ]

Is that why you’re proficient with knife throwing? [That question slipped passed her lips before she had the chance to think. Internally Rey winced, hoping she didn’t stick her foot in her mouth.]

Re: Missed them 2

[bargain_batman]

I mean, if it was dark then we wouldn't really have an audience?

[ As soon as the rebuttal left him, Diego corrected himself. ]

Don't mind me. Kissing you is addictive. The walk will cool me off.

[ He gave a low chuckle, hoping she didn't find him pushy. Diego quickly switched gears to what she said about being cautious. ]

I can walk you home when you have to stay late. My s-brother can take care of himself but... [ Diego didn't want Viktor to end this world too. ] ...I still meet him when he's got a late shift. Safety in numbers.

[ He gave her question about being proficient with knife throwing some thought before responding. Diego was more than proficient but he didn't want to scare Rey off. A part of him realized he'd have to tell her more if they were really going to try for a serious relationship. His eyes had moved from their path ahead to the floor momentarily then glanced up at Rey. ]

I've been training since I was young. Our father made each of us... train since we were little. I've just kept up with it more than my brothers and sister. Dad wanted us to be heroes and save the world like his own group of Avengers. We lost Ben on one of the missions and our father blamed us for it so I left home a year later, when I was seventeen.

[ What he shared was barely the tip of the iceberg but Diego thought he should start somewhere. Maybe she'd reinstall the dating app when she got home. He couldn't blame Rey if she did. His eyes were a mix of sadness; being shorted a childhood and missing his brother. There used to be anger at his father but that took a backseat to the memory of Ben. ]

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing. Her kisses were addictive? That felt like such a foreign concept to her. There wasn't anything about her that was unique, or special. She blended into a crowd and often over looked, at least that's what her experience told her. Her friends saw her--Ben had seen her and Diego...it was all the tip of the iceberg. She didn't dismiss or shy away from the compliment.]

Smooth, Diego. Knew you were a charmer. [Rey teased. He was not an asshole by stretch of the imagination.]

I appreciate the offer. When I have to work late, I go from the office to my apartment. At least if I have to feed BB, I can...and at least no one will see me pass out on my keyboard.

[It was sweet of Diego to offer to walk her home from work and how he cared about his siblings.

She was prepared to tell Diego he didn't need to answer her. As curious as she was, he didn't have to tell her anything at all. It took time to open up about one's past. There were certain things she hadn't told her therapist, because they were too painful, or things she didn't want to relive again. With Diego, she wanted to go slow as not to scare him. She wanted things to work between them.

He took that first step in sharing more of his past. Rey squeezed his arm as a way to show support]

..I'm sorry you went through that. [It was the only thing she could say. They both lost someone important to them with the same name. She bowed her head for a moment, debating on how much she wanted to tell him about her past. Not as a way to one-up him on who had the crappier childhood, but as a way to show him that she understood.]

I left home at the same age. My guardian....he was into some shady shit. Like, new cars suddenly showing up and having his "friends" strip it down for parts. I kept my head down and didn't say anything. [And gained skills that would make anyone wonder why she was into technology. Lock picking, how to disable car alarms, or hot wire them to get them to work.]

Your father wanted you to be a hero, and maybe my guardian wanted me to be a villain like him. Or at least end up in the same shitty situations. [Rey glanced over at Diego, wondering if he would still want to continue walking with her.]

[bargain_batman]

[ Her comeback prompted him to don a wide, yet shy smile. His gaze had fell to the ground while grinning from ear to ear. Hopefully he'd make a good enough impression that his siblings wouldn't convince her that he was very much an asshole.

The grin simmered as the conversation grew serious. Diego gave Rey a nod in understanding as she talked about her work routine. He opened up about one of the more painful experiences he'd had as a kid and found it comforting that she also shared, not put off or out by his unconventional childhood. Unconsciously, he kept her hand that took his arm tucked into his side. It brought him as close as possible while they walked.

He didn't keep his eyes glued to her out of respect for what she said. Not that Rey would find judgment in his gaze when he eventually might glance at her. Diego took it upon himself to lead the way from what she previously described as the street she lived near to. ]

It's hard to figure out if we're supposed to be grateful that someone took us in when it's debatable that the life they gave us was better than what we might have had without them.

[ Diego spoke with eyes ahead then looked to Rey. ]

But they do say; what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. You seem pretty strong to me.

[ He gave her a soft smirk, knowing there was probably a better compliment he could give her but wasn't great with words. ]

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey had told him she lived in the opposite direction. They were away from the park, and from what she thought was his home. She didn't get a good look at it when they were heading towards the park, which was fine. It wasn't like she was going to go his place any time soon...

But if he kissed her again when they parted...she would be sorely tempted to bring him upstairs. Slow and steady was the goal, though it would be hard to get that kiss out of her head.]

It's something I try not to dwell on. Too many 'what-ifs' to last a lifetime. [Whether or not her life would have been better if she had been placed in someone else's care. The kind of thing might drive someone crazy--so many what if's and potential futures. None of it amounting to anything as there was nothing they could do to change the past.]

Mm, that is a saying. [Rey agreed, letting out a soft chuckle. Her brown eyes finding Diego's once again.] And you seem very strong to me--unwilling to give up, and be effortlessly charming. [Not just physically strong, but it took a lot of mental fortitude to handle the shit they went through.

And well...he was quite charming.]

I will say, I think cardio might be the death of me but it does provide a good rush, and a good distraction. [Something more light hearted to focus on. A weird balancing act between the baggage they carried and the possible future they had together. Yet, it was some how easier to shift between seriousness and lightheartedness with Diego. A connection that didn't scare her, or make her want to run.

Rey still had to be cautious. If something was too good to be true, then it probably wasn't.]

I try to run when it's early in the morning--or right before it gets dark. Less people, and easier to keep track of my surroundings. [They were approaching a street corner where Rey gently tugged Diego to the left. Another two or so blocks and she would be close to her apartment building.]

[bargain_batman]

[ Diego wasn't one to dwell per se. There were aspects of his life that he had a hard time getting past but he hadn't let it hold him back. At least, not the way it held back Luther or Klaus. Yet being a vigilante wasn't exactly an ambitious career move. He wouldn't always have his athleticism and how would he survive then?

He gave a nod when Rey spoke of what-ifs. She was given a soft grin again at her compliment of him being charming. It helped reign in the desire to quip that he knew of another good rush that could be a great distraction. His libido loudly reminded him of how long he'd been celibate but Diego didn't give in. ]

I train at a gym. If you wanted to learn a few self defense moves, I could teach you.

[talentedscavenger]

Yeah? [The idea of learning from Diego was an enticing one. One on one time for him to show her how to defend herself. His hands on her body to correct her form—-and she was getting ahead of herself. She could have those thoughts after they parted ways for the night. ]

I’d like that. It’ll be fun. [ Rey told him, her voice was softer then, lingering desire to start another kiss. Up ahead she could see her apartment building. It was tall, grey and looked like it could use a new coat of paint, and a window cleaning, but that was it. Better than some of the other places she’s lived in.

Funny how quickly they had walked the last few blocks—or maybe Rey failed to pay attention to anything else except him. ]

Um, this is my building. [Rey’s footsteps came to a slow stop near the entrance. Her free hand came up to brush her hair back. Was it bad she didn’t want to pull away? ] I’ve had a great time, Diego. Think you could text me when you get home?

[Bold of Rey to assume he’d head home, but it showed she cared for him. His safety was important too…

Heaven help her if she heard that low voice of his again. If her kisses were addicting, then his were all consuming.

And maybe she should ask when she could see him again, but baby steps. ]

[bargain_batman]

Good. Hope we can make something line up with our schedules. [ He replied after she seemed to like the idea of training with him. Diego also hoped to ease in how he currently earned money, his name on a few posters for an upcoming mixed martial arts match.

Some of the joy on his face faltered as she pointed out that they'd made it to her building. It was time for goodbye and there was no more prolonging it. Yet he didn't completely lose his grin, it returned to more of a smirk. One that grew back into a soft smile as she asked him to text when he got home. ]

I'll do that. [ Not that he planned on staying home but he might just to chat with her a little longer. He did need to suit up for a night on the streets which he'd do when they were done on the phone. ] You better get up there and get BB settled so we can talk.

[ There was a temptation to kiss her again but if the park bench had been any indication, a make-out session at her building entrance wasn't going to be a good idea. Diego moved to slip her hand from his arm and took it to kiss the top of it instead. He'd wait for her to head in before walking back to his place. ]

[talentedscavenger]

I'm sure we will--and I'll make the time. [Rey almost bit her tongue. Did that come across as a bit clingy or cringy? She was the one with a more flexible work schedule. It wouldn't take long for her to get to his gym--assuming it was nearby and assuming Diego didn't have anything else going on during the day. Hopefully he saw the point she was trying to make--she would try. She wanted to learn and do something that allowed both of them the opportunity to spend time with one another.

The smile on her face softened. A hint of sadness in Rey's brown eyes knowing they would have to part. At least they would be able to talk or text later. He wasn't brushing off her concern for his safety, which was another good sign in her book.]

Mmm, I will. [And probably send another message to Rose that she made it back home safely--with butterflies in her stomach.

She wondered if it would be too soon for another kiss. Would it be bad if she leaned in and initiated another one? There was the danger of possibly making out in front of her building, but surely they would be able to control themselves.

Thankfully, Diego made the decision for her. He kissed her hand--like a gentleman, the stuff she only read about in books and saw on television. Definitely not an asshole.]

I'll talk to you soon, Diego. [Rey murmured, moving away from him until her feet carried her to the building's door and stepped inside.

That was great...more than great. It was fantastic, and she could only hope it would continue to get better from there. Of course, she would first have to contend with BB's meows and sad face until he was given his dinner.]