The Scientist (Loki x OC)

Pt. 20: The Fish House

"Where did you say we were going?" Loki called to Luna, who was in the kitchen, as he cooled off his fresh cup of coffee.

"The aquarium. You know, it's kind of like a sanctuary for fish and other marine lifeforms."

"Is that where you get our fish from?" She giggled lightly before answering him.

"No, no. I get that from the grocery store. The aquarium is just for looking at them." She returned to him with her own mug in hand. "I go there just about every year for my birthday. Well, since I moved here, anyway."

"Your birthday? How old are you?"

"I am pleased and pained to say that I have reached the ripe old age of 28." Luna held her free hand out in mock presentation of herself.

"Only 28? You're still quite young."

"Well, I sure do feel old much more than I feel young." Taking a sip, she watched the program on the television and grimaced.

"Bitter?" Loki said, pointing to her cup.

"Nah, but that sure is." Luna gestured to the news content on her TV.

"Really? But it's such fun." He plopped back down onto the couch and crossed one leg over the other.

"To you, yeah, but to me, not so much." Luna sighed and sat down beside him, taking another sip. "Since only a select few know you're here, including me, you don't have to face the government's wrath. But believe me, having your basic existence debated and tossed around like it means nothing puts a huge damper on everything."

Loki fully turned his head to look at her. She was still watching the news program, thank goodness for that. She would say something like that to someone like him? Curious.

He quickly went back to watching the program before she could notice him staring. "I do believe you," he mumbled, taking another sip of his now comfortably warm coffee.

The two sat in a comfortable silence, listening to the news anchor go on and on about the current events, discussing few in detail and most quite briefly. They only half-listened, but neither knew that of the other. They let enough time pass to finish their coffee and know for sure their intended destination was almost open.

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Stepping out of the car, Luna pocketed her phone and grabbed her bag from the back. Loki followed suit, moseying behind her as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and fiddled with the brim of the cap Luna had handed to him.

Having had enough with trying to adjust the thing upon his head, he brought his hands down to his sides with a huff. "I look positively ridiculous."

"Come on, no! You look great!"

"Why must I wear it? My disguise has always fared well before." Loki adjusted his glasses with emphasis.

"That's true, but there are a lot more people here than you're used to, and we can't risk the possibility of anyone recognizing you." She spoke quieter as they neared a gathering of people.

"If it's such a risk, why take me out at all?"

"Because I don't want to be alone and I also want you to see the oldest aquarium in the country while you still can." Luna looked up at him once he'd reached her side.

"While I still can? Is something going to happen to it?"

"No, nothing's going to happen to it. I don't expect you to stay forever, so while you're with me, I think it's a nice place for you to visit."