Hetalia Oneshots

Jett (Australia) x Reader - Zoo

I hadn't expected to meet anyone special that day; I'd simply gone to Australia Zoo to enjoy a carefree day with the animals. The crocodile show had been thrilling, more intense than I'd imagined, and as the crowd funnelled out of the stands, I somehow managed to collide with a tall, lean guy in Zookeeper attire and well-worn boots.

"Oh, sorry!" I blurted, feeling my cheeks flush as I looked up. He had warm brown hair, a little tousled with a quirky cowlick at the front, thick eyebrows that framed striking green eyes, and a wide, easygoing grin that he flashed without a hint of annoyance.

"No wukkas," he laughed, brushing it off with a lilt that left no doubt he was Australian. He didn't move away though, and something in his expression shifted, softening as he seemed to take me in.

"Were you... in the croc show just now?" I asked, recognizing him as one of the animal keepers.

He nodded, looking a little sheepish. "Yeah, just helping out with the big guy." There was a hint of pride in his voice. "It's Jett, by the way." He extended a hand, and I took it, his grip warm and sure.

"I'm [Y/N]," I replied. "And you did great—honestly, I was pretty impressed."

At that, his smile broadened, and he tilted his head as if considering something. "Thanks, Sheila. You know," he began, almost hesitantly, "I just started my break. If you want, I could give you a personal tour. Show you around a bit?"

My heart skipped a beat as I tried to keep my reaction casual. "I'd love that."

And just like that, we spent the rest of the afternoon wandering from enclosure to enclosure, Jett telling me stories about the animals, the zoo, and his adventures as a keeper. He was so full of life, so bouncy and energetic, it was almost infectious. 

However, every now and then, I'd catch him looking at me with that same, thoughtful expression, as though he couldn't quite believe he'd met me, and during my time listening to him, I started to think the same thing.

As we approached the koala enclosure, Jett gave me a small, apologetic grin, running a hand through his hair, which only made that cowlick more prominent. 

"Alright, so here's the deal," he said, stopping just short of the staff gate. "I'd bring you into the show, but my boss would give me an earbashing and probably have me feeding the crocs for a month if I started giving out backstage tours to every beautiful woman I met."

I laughed to hide my flushed cheeks, pretending to pout. "Guess I'll have to wait out here with the rest of the crowd, then."

"Yeah, but don't worry," he said, his tone a little less serious and more playful. "I'll make sure you get a fair go of koala time. Front row." He gave me a wink, then slipped inside the gate, leaving me to find a spot along the viewing area.

The minutes ticked by as I waited, watching him prepare for the session from afar. Even from a distance, he was a natural. Jett moved with this relaxed confidence, the kind you can't fake—making little jokes to keep the crowd engaged, laughing with some of the kids who looked up at him with wide-eyed fascination. And every so often, his gaze would drift over the crowd until it landed on me, and he'd give a subtle, knowing smile that sent my heart racing.

Finally, he announced it was time for everyone's favourite part: the chance to hold a koala. As the guests lined up, Jett caught my eye and motioned me forward, making sure I was one of the first in line. He handed out hand sanitiser with an animated look as I stepped up to him.

"Now, Miss VIP," he said, his voice low so only I could hear, "ready for your close-up with a koala?"

"More than ready," I replied, feeling a surge of excitement.