Birds of a Feather

Epilogue Part Two - Aquarium Date, Take Two

It's finally the day of my long-awaited aquarium date with Asher.

'Good thing the aquarium isn't closed today!' I thought cheerfully. 'And I put more effort into my makeup and styling my hair than I usually do... I wonder if Asher will notice?'

"Hey." Asher said suddenly from behind me.

I jumped and shrieked in surprise. I whirled around and pouted.

"Why do you always have to sneak up on me like that?!" I demanded placing a hand over my racing heart. "Can't you try to work on a different kind of entrance, Asher...?"

"Well, you're always in front of me." He said and shrugged.

"I can't help that..." I muttered turning away.

Asher then came around in front of me and then brought his face close to mine like he was studying me.

'Wh-What?!'

"...Are you wearing perfume?" He asked in surprise.

"Huh? Y-Yeah..." I murmured.

'No way! He actually noticed?!' I thought in shock. 'I always thought he was indifferent to these things... Even when he does notice things, he usually pretends he doesn't... Oh my gosh! I'm so happy!'

"You shouldn't do anything to leave a trail like that!" He said frowning sternly.

My eyes widen in disbelief, "......Huh?" I finally managed to say.

'A trail? Does he mean not to do anything the police might notice?'

"Um, we're not on a mission, you know..." I trailed off feeling disappointed.

He looked startled for a moment, before a look of realization passed over his face.

"...Oh. That's right." He muttered and ran a hand through his hair.

'Guess it's just a force of habit when being a thief...' I thought and sighed.

...

Lots of beautiful fish swim in the dim light. I looked around excitedly.

"Wow!" I exclaimed looking at a clown fish. "That one looks like the fish from that one movie! It's the same pattern, color and everything, isn't it?"

"Hell if I know..." Asher said glancing at the fish.

"Haven't you seen that movie?" I asked.

"It's for kids..." He said giving me a pointed look.

"What are you talking about?" I scoffed. "It's an awesome movie for kids and adults!" I smiled and looked at him, "Let's go to the movies next time."

"...As long as it's a horror movie." Asher said.

I paled considerably, "No way! Absolutely not!" I said with wide eyes.

Asher just smirked at me, "You're not scared, are you?" He teased.

I grimaced and looked around for a way to escape from answering. I quickly went over to a tank with a really big fish.

"Wow! I've never seen a fish like this one! It's huge!" I exclaimed.

Asher just snickered at my pathetic attempt at avoiding giving him an answer. But he followed after me, gently putting his arms around me from behind and rested his chin on the top of my head.

"What's so fun about looking at a bunch of fish anyway?" He muttered.

"You're not very romantic, are you?" I pouted and pointed at some more fish. "They're so pretty! Look at all those tropical fish and the way the lighting shined on them..."