You Only Live Once

Chapter Ten

After a quick stop at Jamie's apartment, so she could change and pack a bag for a couple of days, the pair headed towards their next destination. Pulling into the parking lot, they were able to find a decent place close to the entrance where they could park without issue. They walked inside, finding their way past the throngs of people that were gathered around the entry plaza. It was busy, but not overwhelming in any way.

Jamie held onto Sebastian's hand and watched as he kept his face low beneath the ballcap he'd decided to wear. "After we get our tickets, I'm sure it will thin out," she told him as they got in line.

They got their tickets and waited behind a few others before finally making it through the gate and into the zoo. Sebastian's grip on Jamie's hand tightened slightly as they walked over the threshold. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air along with the sounds of children running around.

"This place is huge," Seb commented, "Is there any special place you want to start?"

"We could work our way around?" Jamie suggested. "I know the meerkats are the first animal that we'll see."

"Meerkats it is," he smiled softly at her.

The pair found their way around, stopping every once in a while to look at the exhibits. Jamie smiled once they reached the African Wild Dogs, and sat against the glass to watch them. "I love these guys. They've always been my favorite, ever since I was a kid." Jamie looked up from the animals in front of them to look back at Sebastian only to find him staring down at her. His eyes crinkled at the corners, and the lines by his mouth seemed deeper than usual. "What?" she asked him, tilting her head slightly.

Sebastian didn't answer right away, instead, he just continued looking at her like he was waiting for something. Like he was trying to figure out what exactly it was he wanted to say. He opened and closed his mouth several times before finally speaking. "Nothing," he finally answered with a light chuckle. "You're just so beautiful. Seeing your eyes light up when you look at something you love... Well, it's just..." Sebastian paused again as if searching for words. "It's breathtaking," he finished quietly after a moment.

Jamie stood and wrapped her arms around Sebastian's waist, feeling as he wrapped his arms tightly around her. "I'm glad that I make you happy Seb. You make me just as happy." She felt as he kissed her forehead then reluctantly let her go, but took her hand again. When she met his eyes again, she could see the adoration in his eyes. "We've been here for a little while. Are you getting hungry?"

"A little bit, yeah." He answered. "How about we grab some food, then we can go look at the other animals?"

"Food sounds good. Which place would you like to go to? The closest to us is The Gorilla Grill," Jamie said as she pulled out the map she had in the back pocket of her shorts.

"Whichever one you prefer is fine with me, sweetheart," Seb replied, leaning down and placing a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Jamie blushed and tightened her grip on his hand. "Let's just go to what's closest. Otherwise, we'll be walking for a while." I swear I'm going to always look like a strawberry around him.

They walked to The Gorilla Grill and got in line to order their food. Jamie grinned to herself as she rested her head on Seb's shoulder. "Aren't you two cute," A voice behind them said, getting Jamie's attention. "I don't mean to pester, you two just look so in love."

"Thank you," Jamie grinned, unable to not respond to the kind woman as she smiled back at her.

"You caught such a handsome one too," the woman said once she saw Sebastian turn to look at her.

Seb smiled lightly at the compliment. "Thank you, ma'am," he replied politely, still keeping hold of Jamie's hand.

The woman smiled at them and let them know the line had moved, causing them both to turn and move up and order their food. Jamie stood off to the side with their tray number in one hand when she noticed a little boy staring at Sebastian as he grabbed napkins and ketchup packets. When Seb reached her, Jamie couldn't help but grin. "I think you've been spotted, Winter Soldier."