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]

[ 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. ]

[talentedscavenger]

[Well, Rey managed to avoid one potential hazard and walked straight into another one. Instead of worrying about how she'd look for dinner, she had to remember what she had in her fridge and if it would be enough to make a nice meal and not something a starving college student would instantly inhale.]

If you want to help, I won't say no. Though, we may have to go grocery shopping. [She admitted, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over her.

The car came to a stop and she had to stop herself from nudging Diego again. The driver was irritated and so was Diego, but she wasn't going to say anything. She unclipped her seatbelt and started to scoot over. Rey took Diego's hand and got out of the car.

The café was buzzing. There were people outside on a patio, enjoying their food and chatting away. A pretty popular place for a good meal and lively atmosphere.]

What was that back there? [Rey asked, moving to Diego's slide, her hand still in his.] There wasn't a need to get mad at the driver, I'm the one who made a mistake.

[They walked through the doors of the cafe up to the hostess stand. The petite blonde woman gave a huge grin and asked if it would be just the two of them. Rey confirmed the it was just the two of them. The question of being inside or outside was thrown, along with if they wanted to sit at a table or booth. Rey looked over at Diego for him to decide.]

[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. ]

[talentedscavenger]

I asked where we going. I was flustered and not thinking clearly. [This felt familiar—calming a cute guy with a short temper. Rey squeezed Diego’s hand again.] You tend to have that effect on me.

[It was hard to concentrate at times when they talked. Multi-tasking seemed impossible as all of Rey’s focus was on him. To say she was smitten would be an understatement.]

I’m okay. You’re okay. We probably won’t have the same driver on the way back. [She hoped her words would help release the tension bubbling in Diego.

She followed behind the hostess, staring the location was fine and sat down. Jenny placed the menus and wrapped silverware in front of them. ]

Mike will be your server. You two cuties enjoy!

[Was it possible to get diabetes from someone’s voice? The sweet saccharine voice was a bit grating, but Rey couldn’t hold it against Jenny. If that was her natural voice…god help her.

Rey’s eyes looked down at the menu for a moment. The mood between them was shifting and she was starting to get concerned. ]

Are you alright? [She asked, her brown eyes searching Diego’s. Had the car ride really upset him that much? ]

[bargain_batman]

[ Jenny looked ready to break out in cartwheels and pom poms, Mike looked like the physical representation of a typical hipster. As long as they gave Diego and Rey great customer service without interrupting their date longer than necessary, Number Two enjoyed all their time together, unknowingly about to ruin the planned lunch. ]

Yeah. Why?

[ He stopped looking at the menu and kept his eyes locked on Rey. Had his scanning their surroundings in the cafe bothered her? Was it still about the Uber driver? Or did he do something else that had gone over his head? His head cantered to a side while waiting for her response when Mike appeared with a tray that held 2 glasses and a pitcher of water. ]

Can I interest you in some filtered water? We also have sparkling and lemons. The lunch special is fish and chips. The fish is a haddock and the fries are from scratch.

[ Diego panned to Mike then looked back at Rey. ]

Can you give us a minute?

[talentedscavenger]

Because--

[Rey didn't have time to finish her sentence as Mike came by with a tray that held 2 glasses and a pitcher of water. He was going over the specials and Diego seemed quick to cut the poor server off.]

Mm, we'd like a few minutes, please.

[Another small smile on her face, looking up at Mike to silently apologize for Diego's attitude. Mike didn't seem phased by it, opting to put down the water glasses.]

Alright, well, I'll come back with some bread and butter while you two decide.

[Mike took the opportunity to check on another table, leaving Diego and Rey alone with one another. Her gaze fell back to the menu for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts. She was attuned to when people's moods shifted--picking up on the subtle cues from differences in tonal pitch, and body language. A wonderful side effect from living through trauma.

Was she over reacting? Over thinking? No, she could tell there was something wrong.

Maybe he was looking around the room for an exit. Probably ready to ditch you, or he saw another ex and wants to speak to them. Why was her mind her own worst enemy at times? No, she would not listen to those insecurities. Things would be okay.]

You just seem on edge. [Not angry, or upset. Rey wasn't about to ask him to calm down (as that never works and only seems to have the opposite effect), but she needed to know what was bothering him. The last thing she wanted was for him to snap at the server--they had a tough enough job as is.]

If this is too much... [She gestured around them, the café filled with people talking loudly and children crying or letting out shrieks of laughter.] We could head somewhere else. I don't mind. [If there was something heavy on his mind then being in a loud and lively place might not be a great idea.

Hopefully her concern for him wouldn't be misconstrued as she wanted to leave.]

[bargain_batman]

[ Mike headed off with Diego watching him for a moment before turning to Rey who was already looking at him. Number Two held a furrowed brow; one of confusion, not anger. He exhaled and let his cheeks fill with air as if he were attempting to decompress. Rey was kind and trying to accommodate him whereas his ex would've read him the riot act for being rude. He didn't want to compare things to his failed relationship but ultimately it scored well for his new love interest.

His shoulders fell as he responded to what she said. ]

I just wanted to be able to talk without people listening or interrupting. It seemed like the driver thought I wasn't good for you and... We don't have to talk. This is fine.

[ Diego relented and looked to his menu. He was ruining what he considered to be their first real date. It wasn't as if there was something pressing that they needed to talk about. A part of him didn't want to rush dating while another was stuck thinking about the kiss in the park. His dry spell seemed to be influencing his thought process which was why it had been a good idea to continue meeting and spending time in public spaces.

It felt that in the moment, Rey might have been staring at him in an effort to process his behavior which made Diego want to keep his eyes on the menu longer. And then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a busboy losing control of a serving tray that held stacks of glasses and plates--all careening to fall on the squealing toddler in a highchair. The busboy likely had slipped on something the baby had dropped on the floor.

Diego immediately spread his hands out in the direction of the falling items and appeared to direct them away from the unsuspecting baby, toward an empty section of the floor. Just as fast, Number Two brought his hands back to the table in an effort to limit anyone from realizing that he just controlled the falling objects. The busboy was profusely apologizing and the toddler cried from the sudden scare but being tucked away in the cafe, only Rey had a front row at what Diego did.

Great. If anyone was going to leave, it likely would be her after what she witnessed. His chin was close to his chest while he slowly peered up to see what his date might look like. Maybe she thought he was going to help and the trajectory of falling items happened to move over a couple of feet on their own? It was wishful thinking. ]

[talentedscavenger]

[Diego took a breath, trying to decompress. A very good sign, which soon felt like a step back when he told her they didn’t have to talk about it. She let out a sigh, gaze drifting down to the menu. Her appetite starting to flee.

Heaven help her but she couldn’t leave well enough alone. She looked back up at her partner. ]

It’s going to be awkward if we don’t talk…but okay. And I don’t care what the driver thought of us. I’m here with you.

[That’s all that should matter, right? That she wanted to be here with him in this moment and didn’t care what others thought.

Holding back her tongue, she started to scan the area, wanting to people watch when everything suddenly changed. A weird sequence of events that could’ve ended badly and—

Did Diego make those plates and glasses move?!

Everyone was fine, the busboy was apologizing and cleaning things up. Rey needed to process what she just saw but Diego was right, she got up from the table…

And went to try and help the busboy. Rey wasn’t trying to get away from him, but more concerned for what just happened. Goes to show she was one to run towards helping others than turning the other cheek.

Rey was mindful of the broken glass and sharp edges of plates. She was there for a few seconds until Jenny came by with a broom and dustpan to sweep up the broken pieces.

Heart pounding, Rey moved back to her table with Diego and sat across from him. She started to wipe her hands on the napkin. A bit flustered but not…freaked out?]

…so…super hero training. That…was real?

we can switch to prose, if that helps!

[bargain_batman]

[ It wasn't a good sign that she left the table. Diego assumed the worst, feeling that Rey needed to distance herself from him. She'd misunderstood what he previously said; he didn't mean that they wouldn't talk at all, just not talk about the serious subjects that were on his mind. The confusion was a glaring example of his inability to effectively communicate when his emotions were involved. He could talk about books, movies, music and current events but when it came down to his feelings... it was the one thing that would bring back his stutter.

He straightened up in his seat and readied himself for when Rey returned. Her question didn't surprise him yet Diego didn't answer right away. Mike made a reappearance with bread. He gave Rey a wide grin. ]

Thanks for helping with that. We've told him not to use those server trays. I don't think he'll do that again. Are you ready to order?

[ Diego looked to Rey, biting down any response to anyone at the moment. He felt anything he said would be wrong so instead, he'd follow her lead. If she ordered, he'd follow suit. If she needed more time, he'd wait. His hands unconsciously toyed with the bundled silverware left on the table. ]

I'm good now! Finally back on a laptop. :)

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey was hoping Diego might say something, anything, but Mike suddenly appeared again. She couldn't fault the server for doing his job, but the timing was bad.]

Ahh, a few more minutes? And a new napkin and moist towelette, if you have those?

[Rey asked, to which Mike nodded his head. He walked away from the table back to the kitchen and came out with what Rey had asked for. He set both items down in front of her.]

Thanks, just, five more minutes and we should have an idea of what we need.

Cool, I can do that. If you need me to go over the specials again, I can--

[Rey quickly shook her head, offering another polite smile and waited for Mike to leave. She tore into the small package to take out the wipe to clean her hands.]

When you said training, I thought you meant martial arts, or archery. Didn't think you meant like actual super hero things. [She murmured, unsure if Diego wanted to say anything.

He probably should say something before Rey rambled on.]

:)

[bargain_batman]

It was martial arts. And archery. Fencing. Fighting with a staff. Boxing. Throwing knives...

[ Diego was sure he was forgetting something but wasn't up for a trip down memory lane but Rey deserved to know who she was exclusively dating. Slowly, he sunk into his seat as his eyes fell to the wrapped set of utensils. ]

At noon on October 1st, 1989... there were 43 kids born to mothers who hadn't started the day being pregnant. My father adopted 7 of us within a week of our mothers giving birth. I don't know. how he knew we'd have abilities but he did. Yet we all were given the same training. For the most part. Klaus can see and talk to the dead. He didn't do much fighting. Viktor... our father isolated him. But none of us went to school. We were privately instructed by our father and trained.

[ A sad look overtook his features as he finally looked at Rey. Five had disappeared. Ben had died. The siblings might have only reunited for weddings and funerals but that was before surviving the end of the world. Diego didn't get along easily with his siblings but he wouldn't abandon them. ]

Allison got married and had Claire. She didn't come out like any of us. She's... normal.

[ Maybe it would mean something to Rey that she didn't have to worry about possibly having an abnormal kid with him. ...Not that he was thinking of having kids. That was a future he didn't dare to dream about. He'd be happy just having someone. ]

I don't know if this is something I should've said on day one. I... wanted to tell you. I didn't know how.

<3 these two dorks

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey said nothing as Diego explained himself. She took note of how his body language changed as he revealed more of his past. Unable to look at her, making himself smaller to take up less space. Her heart ached hearing how he and his siblings were raised. Was his father just...creating an army of his own? For what purpose? There were more questions, but she chose not to ask. Clearly, it was painful for Diego to talk about his past.

Did she dare explain what she had to endure? No, now wasn't the time. He was being honest with her and she needed to give him as much time and grace as he needed. ]

Thank you for telling me. [Rey began, reaching out across the table for his hand. If he didn’t reach out to her, that was okay. She wouldn't fault him for it. ]

It's a lot to take in, and I'll need time to process it. [Which wasn’t a bad thing. She wasn’t outright saying she was leaving, only time to let everything sink in. Still, she needed to reassure him more.]

Diego… [Rey murmured, her brown eyes searching for his.] If you're thinking I'm walking away, I'm not.

[His background certainly explained why he scanned rooms or wanted specific seats in restaurants. He was used to watching his back and walking into danger. She wasn't going to get upset or angry over a past he couldn't control--he had been a baby when he was adopted. Rey wasn't going to hold that against him.

But...would he hold certain things about her past against her? There were things she wasn't too proud of and kept under wraps, but he deserved to know too. Later, when they got over this small hurdle, she could tell him.]

I want to see where this goes, Diego. However long it lasts...I want to enjoy this time together, with you.

[A bit sappy? Probably. There was sincerity in her words and she hoped he wouldn’t pull away.]

^_^

[bargain_batman]

[ His hands stopped playing with the wrapped set of utensils and sandwiched her offered hand between them. It was a comforting gesture but Diego wasn't sure if it was a sign of support or goodbye. As Rey continued to talk, it didn't sound like the latter. His hands were loose over hers if she wanted to slip hers out from between them.

Emotions ran high under the surface, the way they often did when he thought back to his childhood. Diego gave a silent nod in acknowledgement at Rey's conclusion. He was torn between believing she was only delaying the inevitable and that maybe they had a chance at working out. All his cards needed to be on the table for her to make an informed decision. ]

I'd like that. But there's something else that you should know about me...

[ Number Two unconsciously squeezed his hands together. His eyes dropped to look at her hand between his then looked up. ]

...I patrol the streets at night. I help people when cops don't. Or can't. It's the one thing I could do with what I was taught.

[ He wouldn't call himself a vigilante or a hero. There was no glamorizing what he did, not in his eyes. It was a responsibility. A duty. One that cost him his last realationship. ]

Not me...about to create a playlist for them

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey let out a slow, controlled breath when she felt both of his hands come over hers. Her fingertips brushing against his, sliding along his digits until hers filled the spaces between his. She waited patiently for him to continue, sensing how much tension and anxiety he had underneath that calm façade.

Hopefully Mike would pick up on the serious conversation between the two of them and wouldn't intrude. If he did, Rey would be the first to ask for more time.

When Diego continued on, laying all of his cards on the table, Rey didn't pull back. She squeezed his hand in return, her eyes never leaving his. Her eyes softened as understanding and concern graced her features. He was a vigilante then? Someone who took justice into his own hands--Trying to make the world a better place without the red tape, her mind chimed in. He was putting himself in harm's way, and while he was more than capable of taking care of himself (his fighting match proved as much), it didn't mean the concern she had for him lessened.

After several seconds of silence, Rey was the first to break eye contact, looking down at their joined hands then back up at Diego.]

If you're looking to me to ask you to stop what you're doing, I won't. [Rey began, keeping her voice low and soft.] Your choices are your own, and I won't stand in the way of them. If you need to get patched up, I'm pretty handy with a first-aid kit. [Among other things, but she didn't need to tell him all of that. Not yet.]

I do think you can do more than acting as agent outside of law enforcement, but that's a decision you need to make. [Rey wasn't going to get upset and demand he change his habits. They were together but not officially a couple? Not boyfriend and girlfriend or partners. They were still trying to figure out what it was between them, and she had no right to dictate how his life should go.

She squeezed his hand again, bringing up her other hand to wrap around one of his.]

I just ask, if you get hurt, please don't hide it from me. If you need to make a phone call to pick you up from the hospital or anywhere, I'm here. [If he needed someone in his corner aside from his siblings, he had her.]

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

[bargain_batman]

[ 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.

/hugs/ hopefully it'll end on a positive note

[talentedscavenger]

I don't blame you...hospitals are never fun. [Sadness touched her eyes recalling the number of nights she spent by Ben's bedside the days leading up to his passing.]

I have my phone on me at all times, and I'm a light sleeper, so I shouldn't miss any texts or calls.

[It was easier to offer to patch Diego up if he needed it. Easier to explain away how she was good with stitches and bandaging wounds compared to some of the skeletons in her closet. Later, she told herself, later she would be honest with Diego and share some of the dark spots in her life.

Hopefully, it wouldn't change his opinion of her.]

Ahh, and here I was thinking you wanted to show off. [Rey teased in return, squeezing his hands again before pulling away. She pushed the basket of rolls in his direction.]

Not a bad idea, but I don't know what I should get. [If she got fish and chips would that be a bit too cliched for the woman from the UK? Plus it was super oily too and could stain her clothes. Her eyes scanned the menu again, ultimately landing on a chicken Cesar salad.

You could eat more, you know. It's okay. Ben's voice drifted through her mind, forcing her to push the menu away from her.

Growing up with limited resources meant there were plenty of nights where she went to bed hungry. Many days when she went to school or work with very little in her stomach. Trying to unlearn some of those bad habits was something she'd have to deal with for the rest of her life. She was doing better at least. She wasn't eating just enough to keep her going, but enough to feel full and satisfied....but if she over ate, her body would greatly protest.]

I think I know what I want. We just need--

Hey guys, finding everything okay?

[Damn, Mike suddenly popped out of no where. Thankfully he hadn't interrupted their conversation earlier. Rey looked over to Diego, waiting for confirmation if he was good to order. ]

I think we're good?

[ooc: Handwave lunch and they head to her apartment?]

onto dinner!

[bargain_batman]

[ Lunch went well. Diego picked up on Rey's cues and didn't call for another car. In fact, they agreed to shop for groceries to make dinner. It was something domestic that he hadn't done with someone who wasn't a family member in a very long time. He missed those simple things more than a fancy night out on the town. Yet he couldn't help feel that Rey deserved to be taken out somewhere nice.

While on the checkout line, he called for another Lyft to take them back to her place. ]

Here's to hoping this Prius has room in the back for these groceries.

[ He gave his date a crooked grin while putting away his phone then collecting the grocery bags. It felt like a much quicker trip back, the driver not interested in the couple that made up her fare. Diego couldn't deny a nervous excitement over the invitation to her place. He kept a subtle look at her face between glances at their surroundings as they traveled.

The small talk was over what car she drove since it had never come up before. He truly could listen to Rey talk about anything. Diego had to be careful that he didn't look as head over heels as he felt. He struggled with being vulnerable, even though she proved trustworthy.

They exited the vehicle and he took out the grocery bags, leaving the closing of the hatch to Rey then leading the way to her apartment. ]

Re: onto dinner!

[talentedscavenger]

[Lunch had ended on a nice note. The food was good and the company was even better, though Rey was trying her best to keep thoughts of her own past at bay. Sooner or later she would have to reveal some of her past to him that didn't involve Ben. Wasn't the lover or girlfriend of a hero always a weakness for them? Or maybe she was over thinking things? It would be better to tell him now, just to put us on even ground, the thought swirled around in her mind as they left for the grocery store.

It was a bit embarrassing for Rey to do her shopping with Diego. Normally she had her shit together, knowing off the top of her head what she needed and what she had planned for the week. Then again, normally she didn't have someone who distracted her with a look or light touch that made her want to stay closer to them. Whatever, she would get through it and make sure Diego went home with enough food.]

I'm pretty sure it would, and worse case scenario we can have the groceries sit with us.

[The rest of the trip was a blur. The Lyft drier picked them up and drove them back to her place. She spent the time explaining what car she drove (an old Honda civic) and let it slip she also had a Kawasaki motorcycle parked next to it. She rationalized that if she did drive them around then Diego would most likely see it, and didn't want him to feel like she was keeping it a secret. Of course, she made sure to include she had the proper riding attire for it--helmet, jacket and gloves.

The drive came to an end right outside her apartment. They grabbed the groceries, with Rey closing the hatch of the trunk and giving her thanks to the Lyft driver. Coming up to the entrance, she opened the door to the building that lead right into the lobby. She fished out the keys from her pocket, using the key fob to open the lobby door. It was a nice looking building with some tech features for the door locks and security system. She lead Diego towards an elevator, swiping her key fob again before hitting the button to the third floor.

A smooth ride up, a quick trip down the hall and they soon came upon her apartment door. The key fob was used again to unlock the door.]

Come on in, and feel free to set the groceries on the counter.

[Rey told him, holding the door open to let Diego come inside. It was a big apartment with an open floor concept. There was a kitchen with plenty of counter space, an island that had the kitchen sink and bar stools to the side of it. There was a couch facing a flat screen television that hung on the wall. Next to it was a small cat tree and in the opposite corner were cat bowls for food and water--both of which were empty.

For all intents and purposes, it looked like the apartment was lived in. From the appliances to the cat tree and small planet Rey had on a windowsill, it looked like someone was living there. But, it would be clear that there were things missing--personal touches. No artwork, degrees or photos hung on the walls. There weren't any personal touches that showed Diego who Rey was.

Once Diego was inside, she went past the threshold and took off her shoes, wanting to be comfortable in her home.]

So... [Rey began, moving to the island to set the bags down.] I can put some of the stuff away if you wouldn't mind washing and prepping the veggies?

Re: onto dinner!

[bargain_batman]

[ Her apartment was something out of a magazine or movie. The technology was still foreign to him. Diego was quiet while observing his surroundings. He entered as she directed and set the grocery bags on the kitchen counter then returned to the door, following Rey's lead when she took off her shoes. ]

No problem. [ He gave her a soft smile with his response then headed back into her kitchen, turning on the faucet and washing his hands before handling the food. It would take no time to get through all the produce. Diego looked around and grabbed a kitchen knife when he saw it. ]

Nice place.

[ Rey was beautiful and did well for herself. Quietly, he wondered what she saw in him. His father's voice rang in his ears; full of disappointment and criticism. Diego shrugged his shoulders to rid the negativity. ]

Where do you keep the cutting board?

[talentedscavenger]

Thanks. [Rey called out, trying her best to keep her thoughts from affecting her mood. That was the problem with her mind at times--when she didn't want to deal with negative thoughts, they had a habit of staying put, refusing to go beneath the surface and be locked away inside a box. And seeing Diego in her kitchen reminded Rey of the number of times Ben would come over--

To talk, to argue, make up, and then leave. Memories that she thought she had made peace with, or maybe she fooled herself into believing it.

You should tell him. Diego should know what he's getting into. Admit it, you're not worth it. Rey combed a hand through her hair, trying to ground herself. There was a faint rumble of her stomach. She ate some of her food at lunch, but couldn't bring herself to finish all of it, and now she was paying the price.]

Right, the cutting board...[She paused in sorting out the grocery items in favor of moving to her cabinets, kneeling down to a lower one and took out a wooden cutting board.] Here we go. [Did she sound normal and not lost in thought? She bit her tongue while handing it to Diego.] And the knife sharper is... [She moved to his side, going to the drawer that was to the left of her to take out the item.] Here.

[Never mind the fact she was right next to Diego. Close enough to smell his cologne and feel his body heat through his clothes. His presence managed to quiet those thoughts and give birth to new ones--how would it feel to have her lips pressed against his or kiss him while she sat on the island--

No. We're not doing that here. Baby steps. Baby steps and taking things slow--and they should focus on making dinner.]

...did you want water or anything?

[bargain_batman]

[ He was too wrapped up in his own head to notice Rey lost in her thoughts. Working a knife was instinctive to Diego. However, he wasn't exactly a chef so attention was needed in the preparing of food. Peeling garlic and onions required his fingers before a knife. Yet he could also catch her scent regardless of the pungent odor in his hands. It was soft and sweet, perfect for her.

She pulled his attention at mentioning a knife sharpener. A smirk tugged at his lips. ]

A honing steel?

[ His mother used to regularly tell him to return it through his childhood. Diego had also called it a knife sharpener when young. Hopefully Rey wouldn't think he was mocking her with the amusement that touched his lips, tone and gaze. ]

I can wait until dinner.

[ He paused, eyes zeroing on Rey. Diego might not have caught her looking deep in thought but realized she wasn't her usual chatty self. ]

I should probably cut up the meat into stir fry pieces so it can marinate a little in the seasoning while I cut up the vegetables. Did you decide on rice or noodles with this?

[ Conversation was better than pointing out the obvious; she could do a lot better than him. She should do better. Distracting her was a better choice than stating the obvious. ]

[talentedscavenger]

Is that what it's called? [Rey asked, a gentle teasing lit to her voice. She didn't think Diego was mocking her. He was the knife expert and she was....well, she was doing her best to keep things together. Lunch hadn't been the best, and she refused to be the reason why dinner failed. But, you know you'll need to tell him sooner or later. Fuck, she hated her mind at times.]

Are you sure? [Rey asked, forcing herself to move before other thoughts took root. It was exhausting--one moment she was fretting over old memories and the skeletons she had in her closet, the next the wanted to ask Diego why he hadn't kissed her. Maybe years of pent up teenage hormones was finally catch up to her.

She moved to another cabinet, taking out two water glasses and set them off to the side. She hesitated, reaching up for the wine glasses and then deciding at the last second to not grab them. Alcohol may not help her in this moment.]

Hm? Oh, right. [Rice or noodles. That was her decision and she needed to figure out what to go with.] I think noodles? I didn't pick up rice... [Rey moved to her pantry and took out a bag that had glass noodles, along with a bottle of mirin.] I can get the water going, and once the noodles are soft, we can mix everything together.

And this... [She held up the bottle of mirin.] Can be used on the meat after it's been sliced up. It should make it tender. [According to both cooking shows and science, it should.

Placing the bottle on the counter, Rey went back to putting away the groceries and started to take out various pots and bowls to help with prep. She was quiet, she knew that, and it was probably not helping Diego. She managed to take out a small bowl before taking in a deep breath.]

I'm sorry, my mind....it's going in a lot of different directions. You told me about your past, and I'm holding back mine--which isn't fair to you. And I...[Deep breath, Rey. No need to automatically jump to conclusions.] I don't want you to look at me any differently.

[bargain_batman]

[ Regardless of his doubt and insecurities, he had promised to try. He would do better than his previous relationships. Diego hadn't realized until being with Rey, how tired he was of being alone. So it wouldn't be from him that she'd learn he was out of her league. Maybe it would be enough that he respected her and put her first. As much as his libido yearned to come out of the dry spell he'd had for ...longer than he cared to remember, he focused on conversation and--

Rey took a deep breath then started what sounded like a can of worms he hadn't expected. His eyes studied their surroundings once more. Why weren't there any pictures? Diego swallowed thickly and ceased working on the garlic that was already minced. ]

Are you married?

[ It sounded like she was going to tell him the worst thing possible and Diego couldn't think of anything worse. He would always be second. In his family, his last relationship where he'd been second to Eudora's career... Rey might not have jumped to conclusions but he was convinced that something was wrong.

He sat the knife down, ready to hear what was likely going to be a sucker punch to his feelings. ]

[talentedscavenger]

What? [Married? Her? Had he seen a ring on her finger, or give any indication that she was taken? Not to mention how much she stumbled through their first date at the coffee shop. Focus!] Who would want to marry me? [An honest question because for the life of her, Rey wouldn't know.

Ben was the longest relationship she had--and maybe they could've gotten married, the idea never came up, but that was a moot point as he was six feet under.

Rey raked her fingers through her hair, trying her best to sort her thoughts and get them in order. She was going to word vomit, and Diego would decide she's not worth it and end it between them. The thought frightened her, but she couldn't keep her past from him forever. Deep breath.]

We both had crappy childhoods, and I wasn't kidding when I said my caretaker was into some shady shit. He had a junk yard and I worked in it. If I didn't, I didn't eat. I learned how to take apart cars for parts, learned how to fix them and potentially how to steal them--I never did. I just learned because it was better to distract myself with that than get involved.

[Rey paused, feeling a lump form in her throat. It wasn't easy talking about her past, but it had to be done. She had gotten better about it at least. No longer distancing herself from it and indifferent. She worked through those feelings in therapy, but still had a ways to go.]

When I was old enough, I left. I worked two, three, sometimes four jobs to keep a roof over my head. If I wasn't working, I was studying so I could get into a university. I'm proud of what I've accomplished, but my background...it's not clean. [Not something a hero, or someone of Diego's statue would want to associate with, right?]

I don't want you to pity me--I just wanted you to know, I'm...I'm nothing. Not a hero, not a villain, just...nothing.

[She hadn't been kidding when she told him on that app how she had issues with her self worth. If he wanted to leave so be it, but damnit if he looked at her with pity.]

[bargain_batman]

[ His face contorted in utter disbelief at her response. Fortunately he held fast to the promise that he'd do better in the next relationship and didn't fly off the handle, pressing that she didn't answer his question and could possibly be deflecting the truth. Diego watched her intently and assessed her behavior and body language.

He didn't feel pity. If she could sense anything, Rey would feel his anger. Diego knew all too well the feeling of being used as a child. All the Hargreeves were bought and paid for as infants which gave their father the entitlement to treat them as pawns instead of sons and daughters. The way that Rey acted, Number Two thought he might not have disclosed enough. Yet it wasn't the time to talk about himself. ]

Stop that. You're not nothing just because you're not a hero or a villain. Sometimes there's no difference between the two so it's a good thing you're not either. But you ARE somebody. You're somebody intelligent, independent, a survivor. You're my girlfriend and to be honest...

[ He hadn't planned on saying it. He didn't want to shoot himself in the foot but after what she said and how she looked, Rey deserved someone looking out for her. Diego didn't want to be alone but neither did he want to fall deeper and get rejected later. His posture shifted to a rigid stance, his hands at his sides and balled into tight fists. It was as if he braced himself for the truth she needed to hear. ]

...you're way out of my league. I'm sure your friends will tell you that when they meet me. I know my sister might say it when she meets you.

[ His eyes had fallen to the ground and refused to look at Rey. ]

I don't have money like this. I've got a room in a house that I share with five siblings.

[ He picked up his gaze, timidly seeking her eyes. ]

I'm not my father.