[SCENE] Diego and Desiree in "Doctor of Love Vol. 3"
Desirée: *Walks in to the visitation room, a designer tote bag at her side. She takes her seat in the mostly empty room before a table, smiling charmingly at the guard stationed by the door, who nods and leaves to retrieve Diego. While waiting, she puts the bag down on the floor and clasps her hands tightly, and taps her boot against the hard floor.*
Diego: *enters about a minute later, the guard mumbling something about "spending more time out of his cell than in," hands clasped behind his back and a grin painted on his face* Mrs. DeLite. A pleasure to see you. *takes his seat at the table*
Desirée: Hello Mr. Armando. *smiles brightly, tugging her fingers through her wind-tangled hair* I hope I'm not interrupting anything.
Diego: Ha! Nothing to interrupt here; I'm glad for the break. *holds his right palm open, hand on the table, meriting a firm SMACK when a mug of coffee slides into it from apparently nowhere* May I offer you some coffee?
Desirée: *smiles wider* Now that's an interesting trick! Yes, I could go for some.
Diego: Thank you. How do you take it? Bit of sugar, or...?
Desirée: *laughs lightly* No, I prefer it black. I could use some hard coffee right now, that ride down here was pretty intense, in a good way.
Diego: *takes a moment before he grins and nods* A woman of taste. *holds out his hand again, another cup hitting it a few seconds later, and offering it to her* I hope you didn't take time away from something important to come visit me, Mrs. DeLite. I hate to be a bother.
Desirée: Oh no, things have been pretty calm lately. ...Maybe a little too calm. *gives another laugh, this time a bit forced* Very recently, Ron's been acting peculiar. Like he's afraid to touch me. *tugs at her hair some more* I wonder what I did to bring that on... *smiles and takes the cup from him, taking a long sip*
Diego: *scowls openly* Did something happen? He seemed all confidence and gusto, last I heard.
Desirée: Hmm... I don't know. Maybe being around the doctor's office got him worried about something. Though last I checked, he seemed to be settling down a bit, so he'll probably get over whatever it is. *runs her fingertip around the edge of the mug*
Diego: *takes a sip of his coffee and leans back, shaking his head* Well, that's certainly peculiar. Does he usually get spooked in the doctor's office? Mr. DeLite seems...excitable.
Desirée: Ronnie sometimes takes things a lot more seriously than he should. *smiles fondly* Usually I have to set him straight about some things. ...It seems I didn't need to when it came to you, though. I think... I was wrong about you. It seems now like you're a good man. And you make very good coffee. *smiles, then enjoys another long sip*
Diego: Oh. *takes a sip, not letting his embarrassment show* Thank you. The beans are imported - some of the strongest in the world. Just the right amount of caffeine, I find.
Desirée: *smirks* Oh, I see. ...I was wondering how you brewed something so good in a place like this. *reaches into her bag and pulls out a package of expensive coffee beans, offering it to him* ...I remembered you drinking a lot of coffee, so I brought you this. I thought maybe you wouldn't be able to get good coffee in here, but it looks like I was wrong. *tilts her head and smiles*
Diego: *takes the bag an looks at it - he actually flinches upon perusing it, because these are good beans* *looks up at Desirée and returns the grin* Why thank you, Mrs. DeLite. I think these may be better than my own, anyway. *sets them down on his side of the table* It would be hard to get anything in here, yes, but a little force of personality will do the trick most of the time.
Desirée: Luckily I never have to do much to get what I want. Ronnie is very good to me, I barely need to ask and he gets me everything. .... *goes quiet, a slight smile on her face as she looks down at the steaming liquid*
Diego: *nods, taking another sip* Sounds like he really dotes on you.
Desirée: He does... *leans her chin on her palm and passively looks directly at Diego's visor* He tells me his happiness is my happiness; that all he ever wants is for me to have what I want. ...But it can't be that simple, can it?
Diego: *sips again, wondering if she's actually looking at him or through him* How do you mean?
Desirée: I want to make Ronnie happy. I want to do something for him, after all he's done for me. I just don't know what...
Diego: Do you think he's harboring some wish without telling you about it? That he wants something and might be afraid or embarrassed to tell you?
Desirée: *nods* I'm not sure Ronnie even knows what he wants... he almost never does anything for himself. He's so selfless... I love him for it, but I want him to be as happy as he makes me.
Diego: *nods back* Noble of you, Mrs. DeLite. Do you have any particular ideas as to what might make him that happy?
Desirée: *shakes her head* He's not giving me any hints. He's so busy giving me what I want that I can't see what he wants. Wherever we go, whatever we do... he just wants to know what he can do for me. ... *smiles* I'm not complaining. I love it when Ronnie does all these things for me. I just wish I could think of something to do for him... *taps her fingers idly against the mug*
Diego: *sips from his mug, pondering* May I be frank?
Desirée: Of course. *smiles cheerfully at him*
Diego: Is Mr. DeLite always the one to...initiate?
Desirée: No, actually. It's usually me... though as of late he's surprised me a few times. He's still a little shy. But once I let him know what I want, he'll really get exciting. *holds up her coffee mug, smirking against the rim*
Diego: *chuckles a bit* I can imagine. I take it you've just come out and asked him about what he wants already.
Desirée: It's always the same, no matter how hard I press. He just wants me to be happy. *drinks more coffee*
Diego: Mmm. *sips, and sits for a moment in thought* Mrs. DeLite, have you ever considered he might not feel like he deserves you?
Desirée: Hmm... *tugs on that one curled strand of hair near her ear* I don't know why he'd think that. I've never met a man I've wanted more than my Ronnie. He saved my life, after all.
Diego: I heard about that. Must have been quite the experience. *gestures to the air with his mug* Still...is it something you suspect? I get the impression, myself, that he feels like he's never done anything to actually earn your affections. Truth be told, Mrs. DeLite, the whole reason he came to talk to me was because he felt he had no way to reciprocate the gift of your company.
Desirée: Oh... really?? *puts down the mug and pushes it aside a bit so she can focus more intently on Diego* He really thinks that? But I owe my Ronnie everything. I owe him my life, and more.
Diego: *shrugs* I don't know Mr. DeLite nearly so well as you do, but that's just the impression I get. He constantly wants to do more and more for you because he hasn't justified to himself how nicely you treat him.
Desirée: *sighs to herself* Oh Ronnie... *rests her chin on her palm again, eying Diego* You're very insightful. I just wish I knew what I could do for him. I'm happy with him and what he does for me, I just want to make him feel happy, too. I'm just... not sure what a man like him could want exactly. .... *smiles at Diego* I'm sorry. I came here to apologize and to understand you better, and I somehow wound up gabbing about my marriage.
Diego: *grins, and shrugs* I've been called a meddler before, Mrs. DeLite. I don't mind hearing about problems people have. Your husband is one of the only friends I have right now - I'd like to see him happy too.
Desirée: *smiles* I'm glad you see my Ronnie that way. He gets so excited when he talks about you.
Diego: *coughs into his fist and sips his coffee again* I'm glad for that. As to what he wants...I honestly couldn't tell you, Mrs. DeLite. Your husband is something of an enigma that way; one must either sit in ignorance or accept that maybe making you happy is all he wants.
Desirée: Hm... maybe. It just seems too easy to be true. ...And not very challenging. *looks a little bit crestfallen as she brings the mug back into her hands*
Diego: ... *sips* ... Does he like surprises?
Desirée: *laughs a little* Yes, if it's a good surprise.
Diego: *sets his coffee down, leaning forward on the table* If I may be so bold, Mrs. DeLite, I do have a suggestion.
Desirée: *brightens up, also leaning forward a bit with interest* You do? I'm listening.
Diego: How often are you selfish with him? With his time, with his company?
Desirée: *taps a finger against her cheek in thought* Hmm... He spends a lot of his time out shopping and doing chores and hobbies. Even though we work together at home now, Ronnie is usually pretty busy. I'm proud of what he does, so I support him. I wouldn't want to impede on something important and upset him.
Diego: Have you ever considered that he might like you being selfish with his time, once in a while? *grins* Not the being selfish itself, mind you - but he does love to please you, and he loves feeling like you need him.
Desirée: You think so..? *grins back at him* Well, you are his friend, I suppose you'd know what he wants.
Diego: Well... *sips from his coffee* Like I said, you are his wife, and you know him better; anything I say is an educated guess, at best. But if I were a betting man, I'd put good, hard money on him going wild for you keeping him to yourself a while. *stares down at his cup* And if you have anything you want to try that you haven't had the guts to ask him, I'd go ahead and do it.
Desirée: ...I can do that. *laughs* If you think it'll work, I'll try it.
Diego: *sips from his coffee again, then leans back and gulps the rest of it before setting down the empty cup* Glad to hear that. You know, Mrs. DeLite, it's not often one meets people who are so open about this sort of thing. It's refreshing to not have to dance around the conversation.
Desirée: *smiles* It's refreshing to be able to talk to a man so openly, too.
Diego: I'm glad you think so, Mrs. DeLite. *holds out his hand, into which a fresh mug slides* Now...did you have any questions for me? I understand you wouldn't want your husband hanging out with any seedy types.
Desirée: I don't think so. I think I have a pretty good idea now what kind of man you are. *smiles sweetly*
Diego: Oh?
Desirée: I think Ronnie is right to trust you. *finishes the last of her coffee*
Diego: Oh...well, thank you. *sips from his, considering the woman in front of him* Anything else you'd like to talk about?
Desirée: I think that's it. *smiles happily* Anything you want to ask me?
Diego: No, I don't think so. *grins* I trust to your superior judgement in these situations, Mrs. DeLite.
Desirée: *laughs* It's flattering to be spoken so highly of. ...And, you don't need to worry about Ronnie. I'll do everything I can for him.
Diego: I know you will, Mrs. DeLite. You take care of yourself.
Desirée: I will. Thank you, for proving I was wrong about you. *smiles calmly*
Diego: *grins* I'd say Mr. DeLite did it for me... but you're welcome anyway. Would you like me to ask one of the guards to see you out?
Desirée: No thank you, I'm going to visit someone else.
Diego: All right. *takes another sip* Do you mind me asking who?
Desirée: I promised Matty boy I'd show him pictures of my motorcycle. *smirks, nudging her tote bag with the toe of her boot*
Diego: *takes another sip* ...Scar's a dangerous man, Mrs. DeLite. Be careful around him: he is like a smiling viper, hiding behind his own fangs.
Desirée: *blinks at him* Oh?
Diego: *sets his cup down - his tone now is flat, conveying information and nothing more* He hired an assassin to kill a rival TV star; he drove a woman to suicide just to spite the man she was going to marry. You'll never see the real him unless his hair is back and he smiles; he is a book easily read by its cover, once the dust jacket is removed.
Desirée: Hm... I was already told those things. *looks thoughtful for a moment* ...But, I think he deserves a chance. I'll meet with him with an open mind and see for myself what kind of man he is, like I did for you.
Diego: *nods* You are a fair woman, Mrs. DeLite. Will you do me a favor?
Desirée: What sort of favor? *looks at him quizzically*
Diego: It is a big favor, Mrs. DeLite; it may run contrary to how you would prefer to treat people. If you turn it down I will not be upset, but before I tell you this I want you to know it's something I ask with your safety in mind.
Desirée: *tilts her head* Okay. What is it?
Diego: *grimaces; there is no way to phrase this subtly* Before you leave Mr. Engarde, I want you to ask him about Juan Corrida. Tell him you are fascinated by it; tell him you're never heard something so devious, something so deliciously clever, and that any man who could do that must really be a man indeed. Ask him to smile - smile like he would have smiled at Juan.
Desirée: .... *crosses her arms* What do you think that will do?
Diego: *grimaces* It will tell you everything you could ever need to know about Matt Engarde, Mrs. DeLite.
Desirée: Hm... it doesn't seem appropriate or fair, but we'll see. I'll think about it.
Diego: It... *reaches in his head* Mrs. Delite, this is not a personal favor to me. Its not entirely to protect you, either. It's for Ron. *lets that name hang in the air for a long moment* If Engarde does anything to hurt you in any way, Ron will be crushed. And he will never forgive himself...even if he couldn't stop it.
Desirée: ......I see. *looks away*
Diego: *clenches his right fist, trying to keep the hand from shaking* I know that feeling - that sense of loss and powerlessness. I would not have it visited upon another man. Don't do that to Ron. Please. Do me this favor.
Desirée: *bites her lip* ....You know I'd never do anything to hurt him. But...
Diego: I'm sorry. *rises, leaving his mug, his face turned from her so she cannot see him* This isn't something I should have brought up. I trust you to do what's right by Ron. I trust you to protect him. *walks to the door without looking back at her, his face hidden - but he wipes at the area underneath his mask with the back of his hand* I will tell the guards to send Mr. Engarde along.
Desirée: *eyes him carefully* ...Thank you. I'll see you again sometime, Deggie boy. *gives a half-smile*
Diego: *looks back at her, his face impassive - he's holding the beans in his right hand* Thank you, Mrs. DeLite. Next time you stop by, I'll have better coffee for you. *turns and steps out, signalling to the guards to guide him back to his cell*
Diego: *as he steps outside the door, he takes a moment to compose himself, adjusting his tie and muttering under his breath - he's been getting lax on the inside, he'd always been lax around romantic women* *when he speaks, it is a mutter* A man never cries until it's over... and it's not over yet, Engarde.
Diego: *he shoves his free hand into his pocket and walks ahead of the guards back to his cell. He is whistling Fragrance of Dark Coffee, but his mind is somewhere else entirely. He can feel it - he has to talk to Maya. But not today. Maybe he would have the heart to call her tomorrow*
Diego: *enters about a minute later, the guard mumbling something about "spending more time out of his cell than in," hands clasped behind his back and a grin painted on his face* Mrs. DeLite. A pleasure to see you. *takes his seat at the table*
Desirée: Hello Mr. Armando. *smiles brightly, tugging her fingers through her wind-tangled hair* I hope I'm not interrupting anything.
Diego: Ha! Nothing to interrupt here; I'm glad for the break. *holds his right palm open, hand on the table, meriting a firm SMACK when a mug of coffee slides into it from apparently nowhere* May I offer you some coffee?
Desirée: *smiles wider* Now that's an interesting trick! Yes, I could go for some.
Diego: Thank you. How do you take it? Bit of sugar, or...?
Desirée: *laughs lightly* No, I prefer it black. I could use some hard coffee right now, that ride down here was pretty intense, in a good way.
Diego: *takes a moment before he grins and nods* A woman of taste. *holds out his hand again, another cup hitting it a few seconds later, and offering it to her* I hope you didn't take time away from something important to come visit me, Mrs. DeLite. I hate to be a bother.
Desirée: Oh no, things have been pretty calm lately. ...Maybe a little too calm. *gives another laugh, this time a bit forced* Very recently, Ron's been acting peculiar. Like he's afraid to touch me. *tugs at her hair some more* I wonder what I did to bring that on... *smiles and takes the cup from him, taking a long sip*
Diego: *scowls openly* Did something happen? He seemed all confidence and gusto, last I heard.
Desirée: Hmm... I don't know. Maybe being around the doctor's office got him worried about something. Though last I checked, he seemed to be settling down a bit, so he'll probably get over whatever it is. *runs her fingertip around the edge of the mug*
Diego: *takes a sip of his coffee and leans back, shaking his head* Well, that's certainly peculiar. Does he usually get spooked in the doctor's office? Mr. DeLite seems...excitable.
Desirée: Ronnie sometimes takes things a lot more seriously than he should. *smiles fondly* Usually I have to set him straight about some things. ...It seems I didn't need to when it came to you, though. I think... I was wrong about you. It seems now like you're a good man. And you make very good coffee. *smiles, then enjoys another long sip*
Diego: Oh. *takes a sip, not letting his embarrassment show* Thank you. The beans are imported - some of the strongest in the world. Just the right amount of caffeine, I find.
Desirée: *smirks* Oh, I see. ...I was wondering how you brewed something so good in a place like this. *reaches into her bag and pulls out a package of expensive coffee beans, offering it to him* ...I remembered you drinking a lot of coffee, so I brought you this. I thought maybe you wouldn't be able to get good coffee in here, but it looks like I was wrong. *tilts her head and smiles*
Diego: *takes the bag an looks at it - he actually flinches upon perusing it, because these are good beans* *looks up at Desirée and returns the grin* Why thank you, Mrs. DeLite. I think these may be better than my own, anyway. *sets them down on his side of the table* It would be hard to get anything in here, yes, but a little force of personality will do the trick most of the time.
Desirée: Luckily I never have to do much to get what I want. Ronnie is very good to me, I barely need to ask and he gets me everything. .... *goes quiet, a slight smile on her face as she looks down at the steaming liquid*
Diego: *nods, taking another sip* Sounds like he really dotes on you.
Desirée: He does... *leans her chin on her palm and passively looks directly at Diego's visor* He tells me his happiness is my happiness; that all he ever wants is for me to have what I want. ...But it can't be that simple, can it?
Diego: *sips again, wondering if she's actually looking at him or through him* How do you mean?
Desirée: I want to make Ronnie happy. I want to do something for him, after all he's done for me. I just don't know what...
Diego: Do you think he's harboring some wish without telling you about it? That he wants something and might be afraid or embarrassed to tell you?
Desirée: *nods* I'm not sure Ronnie even knows what he wants... he almost never does anything for himself. He's so selfless... I love him for it, but I want him to be as happy as he makes me.
Diego: *nods back* Noble of you, Mrs. DeLite. Do you have any particular ideas as to what might make him that happy?
Desirée: *shakes her head* He's not giving me any hints. He's so busy giving me what I want that I can't see what he wants. Wherever we go, whatever we do... he just wants to know what he can do for me. ... *smiles* I'm not complaining. I love it when Ronnie does all these things for me. I just wish I could think of something to do for him... *taps her fingers idly against the mug*
Diego: *sips from his mug, pondering* May I be frank?
Desirée: Of course. *smiles cheerfully at him*
Diego: Is Mr. DeLite always the one to...initiate?
Desirée: No, actually. It's usually me... though as of late he's surprised me a few times. He's still a little shy. But once I let him know what I want, he'll really get exciting. *holds up her coffee mug, smirking against the rim*
Diego: *chuckles a bit* I can imagine. I take it you've just come out and asked him about what he wants already.
Desirée: It's always the same, no matter how hard I press. He just wants me to be happy. *drinks more coffee*
Diego: Mmm. *sips, and sits for a moment in thought* Mrs. DeLite, have you ever considered he might not feel like he deserves you?
Desirée: Hmm... *tugs on that one curled strand of hair near her ear* I don't know why he'd think that. I've never met a man I've wanted more than my Ronnie. He saved my life, after all.
Diego: I heard about that. Must have been quite the experience. *gestures to the air with his mug* Still...is it something you suspect? I get the impression, myself, that he feels like he's never done anything to actually earn your affections. Truth be told, Mrs. DeLite, the whole reason he came to talk to me was because he felt he had no way to reciprocate the gift of your company.
Desirée: Oh... really?? *puts down the mug and pushes it aside a bit so she can focus more intently on Diego* He really thinks that? But I owe my Ronnie everything. I owe him my life, and more.
Diego: *shrugs* I don't know Mr. DeLite nearly so well as you do, but that's just the impression I get. He constantly wants to do more and more for you because he hasn't justified to himself how nicely you treat him.
Desirée: *sighs to herself* Oh Ronnie... *rests her chin on her palm again, eying Diego* You're very insightful. I just wish I knew what I could do for him. I'm happy with him and what he does for me, I just want to make him feel happy, too. I'm just... not sure what a man like him could want exactly. .... *smiles at Diego* I'm sorry. I came here to apologize and to understand you better, and I somehow wound up gabbing about my marriage.
Diego: *grins, and shrugs* I've been called a meddler before, Mrs. DeLite. I don't mind hearing about problems people have. Your husband is one of the only friends I have right now - I'd like to see him happy too.
Desirée: *smiles* I'm glad you see my Ronnie that way. He gets so excited when he talks about you.
Diego: *coughs into his fist and sips his coffee again* I'm glad for that. As to what he wants...I honestly couldn't tell you, Mrs. DeLite. Your husband is something of an enigma that way; one must either sit in ignorance or accept that maybe making you happy is all he wants.
Desirée: Hm... maybe. It just seems too easy to be true. ...And not very challenging. *looks a little bit crestfallen as she brings the mug back into her hands*
Diego: ... *sips* ... Does he like surprises?
Desirée: *laughs a little* Yes, if it's a good surprise.
Diego: *sets his coffee down, leaning forward on the table* If I may be so bold, Mrs. DeLite, I do have a suggestion.
Desirée: *brightens up, also leaning forward a bit with interest* You do? I'm listening.
Diego: How often are you selfish with him? With his time, with his company?
Desirée: *taps a finger against her cheek in thought* Hmm... He spends a lot of his time out shopping and doing chores and hobbies. Even though we work together at home now, Ronnie is usually pretty busy. I'm proud of what he does, so I support him. I wouldn't want to impede on something important and upset him.
Diego: Have you ever considered that he might like you being selfish with his time, once in a while? *grins* Not the being selfish itself, mind you - but he does love to please you, and he loves feeling like you need him.
Desirée: You think so..? *grins back at him* Well, you are his friend, I suppose you'd know what he wants.
Diego: Well... *sips from his coffee* Like I said, you are his wife, and you know him better; anything I say is an educated guess, at best. But if I were a betting man, I'd put good, hard money on him going wild for you keeping him to yourself a while. *stares down at his cup* And if you have anything you want to try that you haven't had the guts to ask him, I'd go ahead and do it.
Desirée: ...I can do that. *laughs* If you think it'll work, I'll try it.
Diego: *sips from his coffee again, then leans back and gulps the rest of it before setting down the empty cup* Glad to hear that. You know, Mrs. DeLite, it's not often one meets people who are so open about this sort of thing. It's refreshing to not have to dance around the conversation.
Desirée: *smiles* It's refreshing to be able to talk to a man so openly, too.
Diego: I'm glad you think so, Mrs. DeLite. *holds out his hand, into which a fresh mug slides* Now...did you have any questions for me? I understand you wouldn't want your husband hanging out with any seedy types.
Desirée: I don't think so. I think I have a pretty good idea now what kind of man you are. *smiles sweetly*
Diego: Oh?
Desirée: I think Ronnie is right to trust you. *finishes the last of her coffee*
Diego: Oh...well, thank you. *sips from his, considering the woman in front of him* Anything else you'd like to talk about?
Desirée: I think that's it. *smiles happily* Anything you want to ask me?
Diego: No, I don't think so. *grins* I trust to your superior judgement in these situations, Mrs. DeLite.
Desirée: *laughs* It's flattering to be spoken so highly of. ...And, you don't need to worry about Ronnie. I'll do everything I can for him.
Diego: I know you will, Mrs. DeLite. You take care of yourself.
Desirée: I will. Thank you, for proving I was wrong about you. *smiles calmly*
Diego: *grins* I'd say Mr. DeLite did it for me... but you're welcome anyway. Would you like me to ask one of the guards to see you out?
Desirée: No thank you, I'm going to visit someone else.
Diego: All right. *takes another sip* Do you mind me asking who?
Desirée: I promised Matty boy I'd show him pictures of my motorcycle. *smirks, nudging her tote bag with the toe of her boot*
Diego: *takes another sip* ...Scar's a dangerous man, Mrs. DeLite. Be careful around him: he is like a smiling viper, hiding behind his own fangs.
Desirée: *blinks at him* Oh?
Diego: *sets his cup down - his tone now is flat, conveying information and nothing more* He hired an assassin to kill a rival TV star; he drove a woman to suicide just to spite the man she was going to marry. You'll never see the real him unless his hair is back and he smiles; he is a book easily read by its cover, once the dust jacket is removed.
Desirée: Hm... I was already told those things. *looks thoughtful for a moment* ...But, I think he deserves a chance. I'll meet with him with an open mind and see for myself what kind of man he is, like I did for you.
Diego: *nods* You are a fair woman, Mrs. DeLite. Will you do me a favor?
Desirée: What sort of favor? *looks at him quizzically*
Diego: It is a big favor, Mrs. DeLite; it may run contrary to how you would prefer to treat people. If you turn it down I will not be upset, but before I tell you this I want you to know it's something I ask with your safety in mind.
Desirée: *tilts her head* Okay. What is it?
Diego: *grimaces; there is no way to phrase this subtly* Before you leave Mr. Engarde, I want you to ask him about Juan Corrida. Tell him you are fascinated by it; tell him you're never heard something so devious, something so deliciously clever, and that any man who could do that must really be a man indeed. Ask him to smile - smile like he would have smiled at Juan.
Desirée: .... *crosses her arms* What do you think that will do?
Diego: *grimaces* It will tell you everything you could ever need to know about Matt Engarde, Mrs. DeLite.
Desirée: Hm... it doesn't seem appropriate or fair, but we'll see. I'll think about it.
Diego: It... *reaches in his head* Mrs. Delite, this is not a personal favor to me. Its not entirely to protect you, either. It's for Ron. *lets that name hang in the air for a long moment* If Engarde does anything to hurt you in any way, Ron will be crushed. And he will never forgive himself...even if he couldn't stop it.
Desirée: ......I see. *looks away*
Diego: *clenches his right fist, trying to keep the hand from shaking* I know that feeling - that sense of loss and powerlessness. I would not have it visited upon another man. Don't do that to Ron. Please. Do me this favor.
Desirée: *bites her lip* ....You know I'd never do anything to hurt him. But...
Diego: I'm sorry. *rises, leaving his mug, his face turned from her so she cannot see him* This isn't something I should have brought up. I trust you to do what's right by Ron. I trust you to protect him. *walks to the door without looking back at her, his face hidden - but he wipes at the area underneath his mask with the back of his hand* I will tell the guards to send Mr. Engarde along.
Desirée: *eyes him carefully* ...Thank you. I'll see you again sometime, Deggie boy. *gives a half-smile*
Diego: *looks back at her, his face impassive - he's holding the beans in his right hand* Thank you, Mrs. DeLite. Next time you stop by, I'll have better coffee for you. *turns and steps out, signalling to the guards to guide him back to his cell*
Diego: *as he steps outside the door, he takes a moment to compose himself, adjusting his tie and muttering under his breath - he's been getting lax on the inside, he'd always been lax around romantic women* *when he speaks, it is a mutter* A man never cries until it's over... and it's not over yet, Engarde.
Diego: *he shoves his free hand into his pocket and walks ahead of the guards back to his cell. He is whistling Fragrance of Dark Coffee, but his mind is somewhere else entirely. He can feel it - he has to talk to Maya. But not today. Maybe he would have the heart to call her tomorrow*