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

<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.

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey could sense Diego's anger, rolling off of him in waves. She believed it was directed at her--for lying about herself, for not being more than 'nothing.' She braced herself for whatever harsh words he might throw at her, or telling her he was ending things because...why not? Why would he want to be with someone who sort of had their shit together? Clearly, the intrusive thoughts were right.

Except, Diego didn't walk away. He sounded upset--not at her, but maybe at how she was describing herself? It was a lot to unpack and decode, with her mind completely glossing over the past where she was called his girlfriend. What shocked Rey the most was the feeling of inadequacy Diego felt towards himself. Where did he get that idea? If anything, he was out of her league! She had seen the glances and stares from the other women at the MMA fight he had. Women who were prettier than Rey, or so she thought. Not that she believed Diego to be shallow, but he could have anyone he wanted.

Then again...she thought the same with Ben, and questioned why he was with her. Damnit, she was back in that same cycle, wasn't she?

Rey looked down for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts. Actions spoke louder than words, but she couldn't bring herself to move from her spot on the other side of the kitchen island.]

You're right, you're not your father and I would never want you to be. [She looked up from the floor to face him, taking one small step and then another until she was right next to him.]

And if anything, you're out of my league. [There was a weak smile there, further affirming that Rey thought so little of herself.] You're kind, Diego...and honest. Both traits are very rare in this world--and you're kind not because you expect something in return, you're just...you.

[God, she hoped that made sense. Diego was great because...he just was, in her eyes.]

I don't care about money. Poe and Finn had to talk me into furnishing this place after I lived here for a year. I only had a small bed and a bean bag chair. I... [She paused, steadying herself against the kitchen island.] I don't spend money on myself. It's hard...very hard for me to spend anything that would make my life more comfortable. [Rey guarded her finances like a dragon that protected its treasure, but that was from years of growing up with very little.

Sure, she could spend money on her friends, but she would find every excuse to not spend a penny on herself.]

And I'm pretty sure Poe and Finn would like you...it's BB that you have to win over. [Rey moved one of her hands closer to Diego, waiting to see if he would take her hand in his.]

I'm sorry...I didn't mean to ruin dinner. I just...didn't want you to think I'm hiding anything. Aside from the fact I feel broken at times. But I'm trying to mend those pieces and accept them as they are.

[bargain_batman]

[ His face immediately contorted in protest when she attempted to turn the tables on him and say he was out of her league, but he didn't interrupt. He softened when she called him kind. The anger had ebbed completely away when Rey voiced that she knew he wasn't expecting anything in return. It meant a lot that she believed so highly about him. Diego knew she wouldn't have invited him over if she held any concerns. She was too smart for that.

He frowned when Rey talked about not spending on herself but hid a smile when she said her friends would like him. The grin grew as he shook his head at the mention of winning over the cat she seemed to share custody of. There was a roller coaster of feelings that were clearly visible. Diego took her hand and tugged her close to his side. ]

There's nothing for you to apologize about. We haven't even started cooking. Dinner's not ruined. Not yet.

[ His lips were pursed in a smirk, trying to lighten the moment before giving her head a kiss. Diego had laced his fingers with hers and kept Rey close but not that she couldn't slip out of his hand if she wanted. ]

I... like you just the way you are. You don't need to be anybody else but you. And being you shouldn't ever be something you apologize for. Okay?

[talentedscavenger]

[ooc: JFC, they're so damn cute.]

[They were both dealing with a roller coaster of emotions. Rey felt tears gathering in the corners of her eyes as Diego tugged her closer. He laced his fingers with hers, showing her he wasn't going anywhere. She bowed her head, trying to will her tears away, but they only slipped down her face after he kissed her forehead. Sweet, tender moments she never had in her younger days. Someone telling her she mattered and meant it.

Rey lifted her head to look at Diego again, catching the smirk on his face. She felt relieved that he understood where she was coming from, and felt like a mess because of her tears. Her heart skipped a beat hearing he liked her--and that moment, her brain registered the fact he called her his girlfriend.]

Okay. [A small squeeze of Diego's hand and she shifted against to hug him. She pressed her forehead against his chest, taking in one deep breath and then another to steady herself.]

You know...I didn't know I was your girlfriend. [Rey murmured against Diego's chest, pulling back slightly with a weak smile.] We haven't really kissed since our first date, so I wasn't sure if you wanted to take things slow.

[Was there a blush on her face? Yes, but at least she wasn't upset or fretting about her past now--just her present...and maybe her future.]

Don't get me wrong, I like the kisses you've given me. I was...unsure of how to ask for an actual kiss. From you.

yes. yes they are ^_^

[bargain_batman]

[ She might have felt his heart stop when Rey said she didn't know she was his girlfriend. Only when she pulled away and held a small smile that he stopped panicking. Diego thought he might have overstepped, making a decision she didn't necessarily feel the same about. His face twisted into a confused look with what she put the blame on. ]

You thought... I thought YOU wanted to take things slow?

[ He shook his head in amused disbelief. Diego was certain this was the first time ever that a romantic interest didn't know just how deep his interest went. ]

If anything, I thought the kiss then was a clear green light to whatever kiss you want. Whenever you want.

[ There was a temptation to dip his head down and engage in a lip lock but he was enamored in the moment with the possibility that she might have been crushing on him. Diego had worked so hard not to come across as needy or as head over heels as he felt and missed all the signals that she might feel the same way. ]

You don't have to ask.

[talentedscavenger]

I mean...yes? [Rey sounded both confused and embarrassed. She had to fight the urge to not duck her head. She had done enough of that already.] Slow as in, getting to know one another more before we did anything outside of...kissing.

[God, that was painful to admit out loud. She wasn't one to seek out someone out for a physical need. A hook up wasn't something she was interested in, and it was doubtful she could fully enjoy it as she needed to trust her partner. And fuck, she trusted Diego. Hopefully he didn't think she wasn't a novice or something--

Her eyes went wide realizing she had just implied and blurted out:] I'm not a virgin! [Wait, no, she was stumbling through this and Diego was going to think she was a complete idiot.] That is--I'm not inexperienced, or experienced---I wanted to wait a bit before we did anything, and I said that already. [Deep breaths, deep breaths, and wishing she could not stick her foot in her mouth.

There was a bright pink blush on her cheeks now, great. Biting the inside of her cheek, Rey timidly continued on:]

I would lean in, wanting to kiss you and I got a peck on the cheek, so I thought we were on the same page of slow, but not slow. [Did that make sense? Did her luck run out with him?]

And I said BB was with Poe and Finn in case you wanted to spend the night...assuming the date went well, and you wanted to stay with me.

[bargain_batman]

Wow.

[ It was a genuine remark. No teasing or sarcasm. He was honestly floored with her... confession? Take on things? Diego wasn't sure where to start. Something important dawned on him. His hand never let hers go. ]

I mean, I remember you leaning in but ...I just thought...

[ His cheeks filled with air and he blew it out as he verbally reacted to everything she said. Then the very last thing Rey said dawned on him. ]

--Did you just say you want me to spend the night?

[ How blind had he been? He really was terrible at relationships, not having any idea on the right speed. Diego swallowed thickly. ]

Rey...

[ His hand squeezed hers, nervous about how she'd take what he was about to say. She said she liked his honesty. He hoped she meant it. ]

...I know you said you were getting rid of the app. You haven't given me any reason to think you're seeing anyone else but I have to make it clear, I don't sleep around. Maybe you're not exactly saying sex tonight. I'm not trying to pin that down on you. I'm just saying, if we're getting to that part... I've gotta know that there isn't anyone else.

[ He couldn't be Number Two again. His brown eyes looked intently into hers, searching for a sign that she understood. Hoping that she felt the same. ]

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey thought they should’ve ended things after lunch. Clearly, inviting Diego back to her place was a bigger mess than she could’ve predicted. From explaining about her past and the feelings of inadequacy to practically saying she wanted to make out..

They were on multiple rollercoasters of feelings and she was getting whiplash from it all.

Honestly, she was tempted to run and hide in her bathroom, but that wouldn’t do her any good. It wasn’t like she could erase those last few minutes from their minds. God, she wished she could though, if only to spare them both of her foolishness. ]

Y-yeah. [ Yup. Spend the night. Either together for the purpose of resting or “spicy sleep” as she heard her younger co-workers say.

Her gaze didn’t leave his face, trying to take into account every emotion that flickered across his face and if it meant the night was truly over. He squeezed her hand, and she squeezed it back.

He was concerned about that possible next step, if it meant they were exclusive or more than that. She understood the reasoning behind it. Neither of them were the type to just…lower their walls and let someone in. Be that open and vulnerable with another. ]

I’m not one to sleep around either. [That was the easiest one to tackle. ] Sex was kind of on the table, but I didn’t check to see if I had condoms. [Because, fuck she wasn’t going to chance getting pregnant.] So, it was just an idea…but one I was willing to explore.

[She paused, taking a breath to let her words sink in. ]

I’m not seeing anyone else, and I don’t want to. I like you—us. I want to see where this goes.

[bargain_batman]

[ It was strange how tense he felt, particularly after hearing what Rey said. She did seem to reciprocate his feelings about a relationship. They had already kissed and kissed passionately yet his cheeks were warm when she talked about sex being on the table. Diego chuckled which let out a breath that he had no idea he'd been holding. ]

Sounds like we're on the same page. At least, about seeing where things go between us.

[ He shook his head while it hung. He was clearly embarrassed but also amused. A crooked grin stuck to his lips. ]

Is this still dating or do I call you my girlfriend? I thought we were already at the 'just seeing each other' phase. Never thought that had to go hand in hand with sex.

[ A part of him considered explaining as Rey had that he wasn't inexperienced but not overly experienced either. Ultimately, Diego decided that they both might have over explained. His hand slipped out of hers to wrap his arms around her. He gave her a squeeze before pulling his head back while still in an embrace. With the tip of his nose, he nuzzled hers lightly when she looked up at him. It was a soft touch before closing in and giving her a kiss.

It wasn't as passionate as the one in the park but it wasn't a peck on the lips either. Diego was nervous about things going too fast and he didn't want Rey to think his thoughts would be stuck on just sex. ...Regardless of how much he thought about after this talk. ]

Dinner then dessert.

[ His voice was husky and there was mischief in his eyes that matched his lips. ]

[talentedscavenger]

Well... [Rey took in a deep breath, trying to clear her thoughts. They were more or less on the same page. It also looked like neither of them were ready for sex--but then again, maybe Rey was misreading his signs.] That I don't know. I mean--the dating thing, I've heard you should continue to keep dating your partner. But, as for being your girlfriend. [She felt her cheeks grow warm at that.] I'd like that...I'd like that a lot.

[No doubt her cheeks were covered in a pink hue now, but Rey didn't care. They were taking a step forward, making things "official" between the two of them. Diego was her boyfriend...and the thought of it sent shivers down her spine and make butterflies appear in her stomach.

She wanted to comment on the sex part, wanting to reassure him that they didn't have to do anything at this moment. They could take their time and spend it developing more of a connection before taking that step. A very intimate and sometimes intimidating step. Rey parted her lips, prepared him her thoughts but he drew her in closer and she found time had slowed down.

Diego's arms were wrapped around her body, making her feel safe and warm. He nuzzled her nose, prompting her to lift her head up and move in closer. Their lips met again for another kiss--one that Rey had been yearning since their first meeting. She parted her lips, tongue slipping out to brush against his lower lip. A soft, and sweet kiss that made her knees feel weak and could easily turn fiery and passionate.

When he began to pull back, Rey took her time in opening her eyes. Unconsciously, she bite down on the inside of her cheek to keep herself from chasing after his mouth.]

Right... [Dinner then dessert--which, from a food perspective made sense. However, when she opened her eyes to see that mischief in his eyes, it was hard to not have dessert right then.] We should get dinner ready. [The words were drawn out, with Rey doing her best to not lose her composure. What was Diego doing to her?

She hugged him tightly one last time before forcing herself to move away. She let out a breath and started to make the marinate for the meat. Right, talk. She should talk and not act like a lovestruck girl.]

Um...I do have cookies for dessert and wine that might go with this. Or sake. Whichever you prefer.