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Interactions: Mateo [@dreamingflowers][/center]

Mateo got reservations at the best taco place in Taos. It was a favorite among the locals. Around lunch time there was a line of people all the way down the street. The inside was decorated with warm earthy tones, along with splashes of bright and colorful tapestry and pottery. The lifeguard held out the chair for Zach like a real gentleman. The pair got a couple of looks which Mateo ignored. He smiled at Zach and waved over a waiter. 

He confidently ordered a bunch of taco’s for Zach and him. A different waiter arrived with their food. While he was laying down the taco’s his eyes went back and forth between the food and both teens. Admittedly Mateo ordered a lot of food. He caught on to the waiter's surprised expression. 

[color=Khaki]“Gotta build up my stamina for later”[/color] He winked at Zach with a cheeky smile on his face. 

Zach giggled. [color=darkviolet]“Neat. Just make sure to save some for me, K? I want to eat too.”[/color] He can’t believe he actually managed to score a date. Mission accomplished! Sure, it was based on a lie, but that would be corrected… He did feel some guilt for having to ditch the rest of the team to go on on this date, but it was worth it. They would understand. He would call it a personal investigation. [color=darkviolet]“Thank you so much for this btw. It means a lot.”[/color]

[color=Khaki]“No problem cutie”[/color]Mateo was laying it on thick. His flirting was almost too much, like he had some ulterior motive. Every couple of minutes he checked his phone with a quick glance down at his lap before continuing to chat with Zach. Mateo was asking Zach a whole bunch of questions, wanting to get to know him. Between every couple of questions he snuck in specific questions about his powers, the reason for him being in Taos. 

Whenever Zach questioned him on those questions Mateo twisted it around, saying he wanted to know that stuff so he could watch out for him. With all the teens going missing and all. 

[color=Khaki]“So ready to get some drinks?”[/color] 

In between eating tacos, Mateo asked him all the basic first date questions. Nothing out of the ordinary there. The odd thing was that he kept pressing him about his powers. To which Zach either deflected, or quickly shoved a taco into his mouth. It was a little sus that he kept looking at his phone a lot… Was he that boring?

Zach sighed [color=darkviolet]“I would love to have drinks, but uh… listen, if this is actually going to go anywhere, you’re gonna have to know the truth. Emutsoc otni egnahc!”[/color] Zach snapped his fingers, and in a puff of smoke, Zach changed into his magician costume. [color=darkviolet]“My real name is Zachary Zatara. I’m a magician. I do real magic, not just pulling rabbits out of my hat, and card tricks. Although, I can do that too… Skrowerif!”[/color] Zach pointed a hand up and shot fireworks into the air. [color=darkviolet]“I’m kind of internet famous. I have a million subscribers on YouTube. I’m surprised I wasn’t recognized, even with the blonde hair… Maybe I should get a publicist or something… Anyway, sorry for lying, but me and a few friends of mine were investigating those missing kids… Now, will you stop looking at your phone and pay attention to me please.”[/color]

Mateo raised his brows. He had a feeling Zach looked familiar and now it all clicked into place. He broke into a smile. He sent his last text and put down his phone. [color=Khaki]“This is awesome, I like you even more now. Sorry about being on my phone. It’s work stuff. Being a lifeguard isn’t my only job.”[/color]

[color=Khaki]“Don’t worry about it Zach, let’s just have fun for now. I know this cute bar we can hit up. They serve the best cocktails in Taos.” [/color]

He got the bill and they got up from the table. He put his hands into his pockets and turned to Zach with a relaxed smile. 

[color=Khaki]“About those missing kids, just stick with me and you’ll be safe. We can go help your friends later.”[/color]

Zach sighed. [color=darkviolet]“Oh, what a relief! Ok, I’d love to get something sweet and fruity.”[/color]