Private Coffee-Scented Date

Diego would have to wait, huh? For some reason Diego felt like he wouldn't mind waiting. Obviously it was a bit too early to think about anything permanent but if the date continued going well then Diego wouldn't mind a second date.
"Damn, patience isn't one of my strongest traits. But guess I can suck it up."
Diego let out a dramatic sigh that soon turned into a small laugh. He tried to keep his laughs and chuckles on the quieter downlow side for now, since they were inside and Diego didn't wanna crank his obnoxiousness meter up to 100 right off the bat. He'd scare Kal away quicker than he could say "second date".

"Oh, so it's the same in this world too? I only know how school was in my own world and on the island, I dunno 'bout the Narrow reality. The island has a pretty good system though, there's so many different people that all have their own pace that the school kinda has to be flexible, ya know."
Diego explained, casually mentioning that he was from another world. Kal could decide by himself whether or not he'd ask about it, Diego wouldn't mind sharing either way. He'd learned to leave many things behind while he was recovering in rehab.
Diego noticed that Kal might've had some trouble with carrying the tray, and for a moment he considered taking the tray instead. But Kal's pride would probably be hurt by something like that (Diego was a dumbass but he could be a stubborn dumbass so he could relate) and the guy seemed to be managing well. Diego did grab the plate with his share (making sure the tray stayed balanced when he did) and lead the way to a small booth meant for 2 or 3 people. It was semi-private which was just fine with Diego.

Diego plopped down into his own seat, across from Kal, and looked at the pastries with obvious joy in his eyes. Diego fucking loved food. The cheap part of him didn't wanna ask Kal how much he owed the guy, but the decent part knew that it was proper manners to pay for your own share on the first date. Or at least he thought it was, Diego had never been on a date with a guy he liked before...
But before Diego could ask Kal instead asked a question and Diego chuckled at how the phrased it.
"Believe it or not, I don't spend my time just flyin' around with flowers in my hair."
Diego began with a jovial smile.

"I actually like to dance, street dance like breakdance and hip hop and stuff. Self-taught."
Diego said the last word with pride, because it had taken him years of watching videos and spying on dance lessons to reach his skill level. He didn't even care if it sounded bragging, maybe Diego wanted to get praised. So sue him.
"I also do spray painting and sometimes oil painting, an' I like to do other stuff with my hands. Like cooking, mostly Spanish foods tho, and woodwork and crafting and stuff. Flower crowns are among that stuff."
Diego snickered and blushed a bit. He wasn't ashamed of his hobbies, but he rarely admitted them to other people so straightforwardly. Diego considered mentioning that he'd recently gotten into rapping, but he decided against it. He was too embarrassed about that 'cos he wasn't any good at it yet. But he was gonna get better, goddamnit!
"How about you? I can't be the only one spilling the beans here, what else do ya like to do besides making potpourries and fueling your guns with coffee?"

Diego smiled with delight when he received the praise he had been kinda fishing for, and he waved his hand dismissively. But the smile remained, as well as a small blush.
"Those are just the main things, ya know. I got a bunch of stuff I like to do, but art, dance and hands-on stuff are my favourite. And you've got a deal with the Spanish food, just lemme know what level of spicy you like it. The levels go from baby food to 'Holy shit, call the fire department!'"
Diego laughed a little, but he was also serious. Diego could make some mean Spanish dishes, and he was a wizard with spicing them up. It could almost be counted among his abilities.

Diego dug in to his food too, though he started with the ham and cheese croissant. First salty, then sweet, that was his sacred order. As he chewed he listened to Kal's answer, really not surprised the guy was into sports. He looked like he was and Diego was impressed by his physique (among other things).
"That's real cool, though! You're kinda like me, but with martial arts. I know how hard it is to learn something on your own so mad props, bro."
Diego in turn praised and meant every word. And then Kal mentioned comics and Diego's eyes went wide. He smiled widely and he dropped his croissant.
"That's awesome! What comics do you like? I'm way into Marvel comics, my world had comics kinda like it but it was more realism 'cos superpowers were common. I also downloaded Webtoon while back, do you know Tower of God or God of High School? Solo Leveling is also super good, I totally recommend it."
Diego was kinda babbling, but he didn't care that much. He was into this stuff and wasn't scared to show it or fanboy. He'd spent almost his entire life hiding what he liked and Diego wasn't about to start that again just 'cos of some hot, nice guy.

"'Holy shit, call the fire department' it is, then. 'Cos now I wanna see how well you'll hold your own against my ultimate weapon, extra spicy albondigas."
Diego's grin was slightly evil and he rubbed his hands together like a villain.
"That dish will for sure stretch your limits, even I can't eat it without crying. And I'm really good with spicy food."

"Still have mad respect for you, learning martial arts is probably a lot harder than dancing. At least in breakdancing I don't need to dodge anyone's fists. Or maybe, if we're having a dance battle in a small enough room."
Diego chuckled and took another bite from his croissant. He did take notice of Kal eating pretty fast, but didn't react otherwise. Though he did remind himself to make enough of the albondigas so Kal could eat his fill.

Diego couldn't help but laugh when Kal counted his answers with his fingers, and he took the croissant he had almost dropped from Kal.
"You just got hit by a Diego word bomb, my dude. Good job for keeping up with it. They can be pretty bad when I get excited."
Diego's chuckle was a bit embarrassed, and he took a bite from his croissant which he pretty swiftly chewed and swallowed.
"Thanks for recommendations though. I kinda got into Marvel 'cos the people here immediately told me to watch the movies when they found out I was from a place where metahumans were an every day thing. I watched them, wasn't sure, then read the comics, and I was gone."
For a dramatic effect Diego made a small "poof" gesture with his hand.
"Favourite is definitely the Hulk. Gotta rep for the green guys, right?"
Diego joked and ran a hand through his hair with a laugh.

Looks like Diego found the topic that made Kal drop some words bombs of his own. The guy was obviously passionate and into the topic of martial arts and sports. Diego honestly wasn't as into it, but the way Kal put it and shared his thoughts and life made sure that Diego was listening intently with genuine interest. He almost felt bad that he hadn't shared as much about his passion for arts. But that would mean approaching the kinda area about his dad and past that were way too heavy for a first date...

"I can just imagine tiny Kal getting all hyped about doing cool-looking kicks and punches and then getting frustrated when he has to instead kneel on the floor and be all disciplined."
Diego joked light-heartedly and chuckled, actually imagining that scene and finding it honestly kinda adorable. But he realized that those words might sound kinda offensive and added
"It's weird and awesome how much a hobby can honestly help someone out and help 'em figure out stuff in every aspect of life. 'S good we both found that kinda balancer, at least you seem to have turned out pretty great thanks to it."
Diego grinned, there was a small blush on his cheeks that was caused by both the compliment he gave and received. Speaking of that compliment...

"Psh, stahp, or you'll make my ego explode."
Diego chuckled and then continued, wanting to share since Kal had done so too
"My brother kinda got me into dancing, first it was ballroom. And before you ask yes, I can do a mean waltz and tango."
Diego paused for a bit to give a small grin and a wink (and he blushed almost immediately after and hurriedly continued). Diego's eyes gradually began to shine, he loved talking about dance.
"That wasn't really my thing but I like moving my body to music. So I looked into other kinds of dance, and then I saw some videos 'bout street dance and tiny Diego was hooked. I watched every video and peeked from dance school windows to see the moves live and I imitated 'em. It was so hard without a teacher but I eventually I got it. My style's kinda weird since I wasn't taught officially but I like it. That I've got my very own style that no one can imitate."

Kal called his comic books his babies? Oh my god, this guy was hilarious and cute at the same time. Diego slowly smiled widely and nodded excitedly.
"If you'd be willing to lemme babysit for few days I'd love to check it out. Good to know 'bout those rules tho, I definitely won't take it to my tree house. It's got all those things you just listed. But back home it'll be safe and sound."
If Kal actually trusted Diego enough to lend him a comic book then Diego would damn make sure that Kal would get that comic back in pristine condition. Diego knew he was kind of a brat, so it was a chance to prove to Kal that he could be responsible (and bf material, though Diego tried to keep his mind as far away from those thoughts as possible. First date, goddamnit!)

"And before you judge me for having a tree house lemme tell you, it took me three months to build and it's good enough to live in. So it's basically a second apartment."
Diego let out a proud huff, but there was playfulness in his voice and smile that showed that he was kidding at least a bit.

"So you learned the hard way? We're the same, then. I still do, honestly. I'm too much of a dumbass to learn without getting it wrong at least once."
Diego snickered, not in a really self-deprecating tone but like it was a fact. Which it was, Diego was dumb and that was undeniable.
"But I honestly think that experiences grow you way more and faster than just getting everything right immediately. It's more rough but builds character, don't ya think?"

Diego let out a flustered laugh when Kal still praised him, he managed not to blush this time and dug into his own apple pie before answering.
"You're making it hard to be humble, bro."
Diego said with a chuckle and chewed some apple pie.
"At this point we should both just admit that we're both awesome and move on, 'cos otherwise we'll be the whole day. And before you deny it, fuck yeah, you're awesome, if you try to say otherwise I'll kick your ass...scratch that, I'd get my own ass handed to me instead. I'll just judge you really hard, then!"

Ugh, Kal's compliments had a way of making Diego blush like an idiot every time. Even the compliment about the tree house dusted Diego's cheeks with a faint blush, but since Diego himself was also super proud of his project he mostly just smiled wider.
"Thanks! I think so too, and it's even more impressive when you consider I'd only built stuff like it on top of buildings, not in an actual tree."
The thing about Diego's old home was that it had been a concrete jungle with minimal vegetation.
"Dude, I totally get it. I'm honoured that you let me borrow not one, but three, even though you barely know me. I used to have collectibles back in my old dimension, though they got totally destroyed when..."
Diego kinda trailed off, as he considered for a bit if he should say the next part. Well, it was all in the past for him, mostly, and he tried to show that when Diego said with a small hesitant smile.
"When my dimension got destroyed."
Diego mentally braced himself for the shocked reaction, for the condolences and pity. That was the main reaction he got, so he'd just wait for it to be over and then explain that he wasn't really super bummed about it. Cold, yes, but that world had never really felt like home anyway.