"Alright gentlemen if you would stand over by that section of the haul-out," I directed them, using two fingers because one if rude, to where they should stand. "I will have you come closer, if you like, towards the end of the session. The morning session is typically when we check the health and well being of the animals, and make sure they get their breakfast." I explained, whistle already in my mouth.

They said nothing as they moved to the back corner of the haul-out. Brian, Tyler and I made our way to our designated animals' stations. Brain gave the signal and we called the session to start. I always enjoyed the first session of the day. The animals seemed so happy to see you. Zeus popped his head up, mouth open, right at his station. I whistled, threw him a fish and moved on. After giving him half his morning diet and making sure that he was fit as a fiddle I allowed the guests, whose names I still needed to figure out, to come near the drop off next to me.

"When I say the word t-o-u-c-h you can do that." I informed them, not taking my eyes off Zeus'. "But, when I blow the whistle you have take your hands off him."

"Touch!" I called at the same time as I brought my hand to Zeus' back. Before I had the chance to remind them that they could not touch the dolphin two hands appeared next to me. I could see the look of surprise on their faces. I loved this part of the interaction programs. Its one thing for me to tell you how a dolphin's skin feels, but its another thing entirely to feel it for yourself.

"How does he feel?" I asked.

"Like nothing I've ever felt before." The blonde closest to me said in a soft voice. I'm not going to lie, his accent made my heart flutter. "Haldir, how would you describe this? I know not the words." Ok, so I now know two things. First, they speak in proper English. Second the one furthest from me was named Haldir. Interesting.

"Like wet…" Haldir trailed off. He seemed to be at a loss of words.

"Rubber?" I supplied. "That's usually what most people say. Though I did have a lady last month that told me Apollo felt like a wheel of cheese." I laughed. They seemed to be amused by this, as they both smiled at me. If my heart was fluttering when he spoke this boy's smile stopped my heart, for sure. Note to self: watch out for the unnamed man next to me.

"Alright, I'm going to bridge him now." I warned before I whistled. After showing them the various parts of dolphin anatomy and giving a brief rundown of the training process it was time for the session to end.

"I've got two!" Tyler called out from the other end of the tank.

"I'm with you!" I responded.

"Lets end it with this then." Brian announced before bridging Athena and Hermes. In perfect synchrony the three of us delivered our last fish to our dolphins and ended the session.

"Gentlemen this way if you would be so kind." I directed them to follow Brian as I grabbed my bucket.

Once back inside we made short work of the dirty buckets. The after training session was short. Thankfully there were no problems to discuss. Records were filled out in record time.

"Dakota, if you would like to start the tour for Haldir and Legolas," Brain started, not even looking up from his file. Legolas! That was his name. It was just as strange as Haldir. Maybe it was a cultural thing? Like Snookie. "Tyler and I can station keep with otters. Just make sure you are at seals for the start of session. Samson is still getting eye drops."

"Understood. See you in two hours then." I dropped off Zeus' file in the cabinet and bounded to the door. "Shall we then?" I asked my guests, opening to the door.

We walked in near awkward silence to the main viewing area of the exhibits. I was supposed to be telling them about the inner workings of the zoo, and useless facts about random exhibits. But, for some reason I couldn't bring myself to speak. I still had that strange feeling. Only now I felt drawn to them, like I they were old friends I hadn't seen for years.

"How long have you been working here?" Haldri broke the silence. I was thankful he did, I don't think I would have been able to.

"I've been here for two years now." I smiled, "Though, some days it feels like its been much longer."

"Have you always worked with animals?" He asked again. What was this? Twenty questions? I was supposed to be telling them about the animals, and they were supposed to ask questions about the animals or the zoo. Not me.

"Yes," I said simply. I had hoped that would be enough to satisfy his curiosity. Apparently not, he looked at me as if he was waiting for me to continue on. Fine, if its what he wants. "I wanted to work with animals, specifically killer whales, since I was three. Everything I have done in my life, up to this point, has been to achieve that goal. So here I am." I gestured to the exhibits around me. "I may not have killer whales to work with, but I love my job." They didn't need to know that I preferred animals to people.

"You must be very dedicated to have achieved your dreams at such a young age." Legolas commented.

"People always tell me that, but I disagree. I just know what I want out of life and am willing to do what it takes to get what I want." I informed them. "So, lets get this tour started shall we?" I changed subjects as we arrived at the zoo's public entrance.

Directing my attention to the first group of exhibits, the great cats, I began to spew random facts. I had always been kind of a nerd. I had been teased in grade school for watching nature documentaries instead of cartoons. Don't get me wrong I watched cartoons. What kid didn't? But if given the choice between the hunting characteristics of the spotted eagle ray and Ed, Edd, and Eddy I would pick the eagle ray. Every time. Its funny though, now everyone seems to be watching nature documentaries.

We made our way through the zoo, perfectly on schedule to be at seals in half an hour. Haldir asked several questions about the giraffes, while Legolas seemed to be more interested in birds of prey. I was happy that they were focusing on the animals and were no longer asking about me. I just wasn't used to guests focusing on me personally. Usually any 'personal' questions I got were about where I went to school, what I studied, and how I worked to get my job. Typically it was children asking me these things. I'm pretty sure that since Free Willy and Flipper came out that every child has wanted to be a dolphin trainer at some point.

We made it to the seals exhibit a few minutes before Brain had wanted us there so we sat on one of the benches and watched the seals swimming around. I was in the middle of naming the seals when Haldir started with his questions again.

"Do you still live with your mother?"

That question through me back a bit. What had brought that on? Maybe I had let slip at some point that I made just over minimum wage? "No, she died while I was at university." I answered only to be polite. I could just sense him about to ask another question and beat him to the punch. "I don't live with my father either, he left when I was little. I am fully capable of taking care of myself."

"I was not going to inquire to that," his smile was sad, "I was going to offer my condolences for your loss." That was kind of him. I was very uncomfortable with this conversation. I had been close to my mom and was devastated when she lost her battle with breast cancer. "Though I do wonder why you speak so venomously of your father."

"I never knew him. He made sure of that since he didn't stick around after I was born." Where was Brian? This session needed to start. I needed to make Tyler do the rest of this program. I was not in the mood for this.

"What if he tried to find you?" Legolas broke his silence and voiced his opinion. "Wouldn't you be happy to have family once again?"

"I would tell him to stop trying. I don't need him. When I needed a father he was no where to be found. I'm grown up now." I'm pretty sure that came out harsher than I meant. But, this was a personal matter and no business of theirs and it was time to end it. "Now, this matter is none of your business. I appreciate concern, but this is not appropriate for discussion between strangers."

"Forgive me," Haldir brought his hand to his heart. "I meant not offense, I am simply curious of your past."

Who the hell speaks like this? More importantly who the hell cares this much about someone they've only known for a few hours? I made no attempt to hide my unease. Thankfully I saw Brian and Tyler with the buckets. I was saved!

"Its time fore a seal session!" I popped up from the bench. My mood instantly brightened. Before I could get more than a few steps away a hand pulled at my wrist.

"We did not mean to pry" Legolas told me, his voice soft and low. I found myself trapped in his eyes.

"Oi! Dakota, you ready?" Tyler's obnoxiously loud voice broke my trance.

"We're on our way!" I called back to him, taking about five steps away from Legolas and his magic eyes. "Its alright. But I would prefer to not discuss my personal life from this point."

I felt rather proud of myself. I was able to make my point, without being a bitch, and I didn't get trapped in those beautiful eyes again. Maybe I would be able to survive the rest of the day after all.

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Thank you for your reviews!

Shadowsammy I hope this answered your question. Although you would be correct if you were to point out that killer whales are in fact dolphins. (I would then point out that they are all in the family of cetaceans… But I think that's getting a bit too technical) I will say, though, that I am not Dakota.

Eva Sirico I'm glad you liked it! I too am annoyed at how the OC is instantly put into the plot and we know nothing about her.

Wolfie-chanLovesAnime I won't give away too much, but I tried to leave subtle hints. If you all don't get them all will become clear soon!

Meriland25 I'm glad you like it thus far! I just had this story bouncing around in my head for a while. I'm really glad someone else likes it.