Rocco had noticed Bonnie not long after he’d arrived in Atlantis. They both worked in the Magic department so he saw her every day and they’d spoken a few times but after spending time with her at the St. Patrick’s Day Party, he’d decided to ask her out. She was nice, and very pretty and he’d enjoyed talking to her. Besides he’d already kissed her so at least that was one thing he didn’t have to worry about.
He arrived at her door on Tuesday, ready to enjoy Taco Tuesday, with a smile on his face. He’d been looking forward to this ever since he’d asked her and it was definitely a much needed distraction from the fact that Elle had decided to stay. He knocked on the door and waited for her to answer, making sure that there weren’t any strange bugs or anything in the flowers he’d picked up for her. It would be just his luck.
Bonnie couldn’t help smiling when she opened the door to find her date holding some flowers. There weren’t a lot of gentlemen left in the world, but apparently he was one of them. She didn’t hate that. What she was doing with Rocco or where it might end up going, she had no idea. Bonnie wasn’t in a rush to get serious about anyone after Enzo. If Stefan’s brief appearance in Atlantis had taught her anything, it was that no matter how much time had past, she wasn’t over Enzo’s death. Maybe she never would be.
Having a nice night out with a semi-casual dinner, though? That she could definitely do. “They’re beautiful, Rocco, thank you,” she said as she took the flowers from him and moved to go put them in some water.
“I’m glad you like them. I wanted to make a good impression,” he grinned at her. He had no idea where this would lead either but that was fine. After his last experience, he was in no hurry to get serious about anyone. At least with Bonnie, he didn’t have to worry about there being any awkwardness involved with him being a wizard.
“A good impression, huh?” Bonnie couldn’t help grinning at that. She might not be looking for anything serious, but that didn’t mean she hated hearing stuff like that.
It took just a minute to take care of the flowers and then she was ready to go. She slipped into a light jacket before looping her arm through the one he gallantly offered her and then they were making their way to Cinders. It wasn’t far and the walk in the cool evening air of Atlantis felt pretty good.
“Thank you for telling me about Taco Tuesday being a tradition,” Rocco said. “I’m still new enough around here that I need to make sure I’m up on all of the local traditions. My sisters have told me a few but there might be some they’ve missed. They also mentioned tango night on Sundays but I am not the best dancer. Granted I danced on St. Paddy’s but I was also drunk. I’m only slightly better sober.”
“Well, I couldn’t have you not knowing about Taco Tuesday,” Bonnie said with mock-seriousness. It had seemed like a good place for a first date. Cinders had good food, but their tacos were the best and even better when they came with a margarita or two.
“Does this mean my chances of getting you on a dance floor are better or worse if I ply you with some tequila?” she teased him as they walked.
“Definitely better,” he laughed. “Although as you know, my family has a winery so it takes a lot to get me drunk. Tequila though, that might do the trick.”
“Well, you can’t have tacos without margaritas,” Bonnie pointed out. “It would just be wrong.” She grinned over at them as they reached Cinders and she couldn’t help thinking she was glad she’d decided to do this.
“That’s very true. Sort of like pasta and wine. You need both or else what’s the point?” he smiled and opened the door for her, letting her go in ahead of him. His sisters would be proud, he thought. The hostess led them to a table and they placed their orders. When she walked away he looked over at Bonnie. “So I wonder how many people are watching us and how much gossip there will be tomorrow.”
Bonnie shrugged. “Who cares?” She didn’t know how many people really cared that much about what she did, but she also didn’t tend to care that much what other people thought. Bonnie lived her life, she liked to think she was a good person, but she didn’t let what other people think get in the way of life.
“I sure as hell don’t care,” Rocco said with a grin. “I come from a big family and it was kind of easy to fly under the radar. Especially when the sibling directly above me caused enough trouble for all of us. Although I would never get into trouble, I was a perfect angel.” He tried to keep a straight face but he started laughing.
“Suuure you were.” Somehow, Bonnie didn’t really believe that. She thought he was a good guy, but she suspected he could be a troublemaker, himself, when he wanted to be.
Soon, the server was bringing them a pair of large margaritas. Bonnie grinned over her glass at her date. “These look amazing, right?”
“They certainly do,” he said. “And plenty of salt which is just the way I like it.”
It wasn’t much longer when they had their food and their conversation became a little more sporadic as they ate. By the time they were finished, Bonnie was stuffed and maybe a little bit tipsy after a couple more margaritas.
“What’s the verdict, Spinnet,” she asked teasingly as they stood outside Cinders once again. “Do you hold your tequila like you hold your wine?”
“Yes I do. I’m still standing aren’t I?” he grinned. He’d never had any trouble holding his liquor and this had been no exception. I do have to say that those are the best margaritas I’ve had in a long time.”
“Soo, does that mean you might be up for some dancing?” she asked, calling back to their earlier conversation. It wasn’t tango night, but Trocution was fun any night of the week and the night was still young.
“I might be. I have a lovely partner, it’s a beautiful night, I think dancing is a wonderful idea,” Rocco was having a great time and he hoped that this might lead to another date. He certainly had every intention of asking before the night was over. Rocco was a lot of things but shy wasn’t one of them.