How to Steal Diego Brando's Heart [Diego Brando x Reader]

Chapter 17: Sparks

A lump formed in your throat as heat rose to your face. What do you even do on a date? In the past, you had only been boringly courted by suitors who were more interested in the benefits of marrying you, rather than you. He had you feeling like you were the protagonist of a romance novel! Gulping, you didn't try to hide your obvious smile as you squeezed his hand.

"Of course, Diego. I'd love that!"

He smiled back, pleased with your answer. "Good." He tugged on your hand and you moved to your rightful place by his side. You fell in step with him as you started walking forward. Where exactly were you going? You didn't know. What you did know was that you were still holding his hand, in public. Affection like this was common in private, but you didn't think he'd continue it in public. A few seconds of observing the expressions of everyone else could easily tell you they were entranced by Diego. After all, he was widely popular, and even if you didn't know him, his good looks could catch anyone's eye.

You were beginning to feel a bit self conscious with all of the eyes on you, so you desperately searched your brain for a conversation starter. "So, do you have anything in particular planned? I've never been here before." Diego didn't seem to pay any mind to the stares. He was probably used to it.

"In the past, I was here for a brief period of time, so I remember the area a bit. There are quite a few landmarks here, if that interests you."

"Mhm, sure! I'm fine with anything, as long as it's with you," you smiled, the normally embarrassing words coming out easily. You didn't even realize it, that's how happy you were. A whole day with Diego? How could you give that up? Sitting through the most boring of lectures could still be salvaged if he was in your company. Now this was bliss. A small smile appeared on Diego's face, his heart strangely content. He quickly let the smile slip away from his face as he didn't want people to see him like that.

"I will lead you there, my lady," opting to release his hand from yours, much to his dismay, and hook it around your arm instead. This was more suited for courtship, he believed. You looked at him incredulously.

"P-please," you had to cover your mouth to stifle your giggles. "It's funny to see you all gentlemanly... it's almost scary! You can just be yourself, you know."

He mentally sighed, a part of him not surprised you saw through him so easily. "Most women would be delighted to hear, I, Dio, to speak to them like that. Yet, you always say things like that."

"Well, they're just missing out," you hummed, resisting the urge to swing your intertwined arm like a kid. "I like the real Diego the best."

The real him, huh? Dio could not remember the last time he had ever truly shown anyone 'the real him.' For a long time, he... didn't even care about that. He had no time for frivolous emotions, only wanting to keep up appearances. For a while, he couldn't put the exact feeling into words. Only that he felt slowly but surely, piece by piece of something was being restored in him. It was humanity. Feelings. Happiness.

And most of all, love.

But old habits die hard. Even though he was aware of these new feelings, he had mixed thoughts of them. A part deep inside of him liked them, but the old him still felt... icky about them. Would he really let these feelings get in the way of his plans?

Yes, they would actually, Diego thought as he led you away to wherever, focused on enjoying this time alone with you.

—

Even though Dio dragged you sightseeing, you found that he was more interesting to look at. As he tugged you around, sometimes explaining what was before you, and you asking some questions, you paid more attention to his lips than the actual history. You'd never even need that!