Emmy and Percy climbed out of a cab, Percy handing the driver some money. The air smelled of animal, which was to be expected seeing how they were at the zoo. Emmy turned to Percy her white teeth flashing, "I hope they have giraffes." He laughed as they got into line for tickets. "They probably do." All the time they were waiting in line Emmy was hopping up and down, "Wow, you are like a six-year-old." Percy said sliding money under the window for tickets, trying to distract Emmy. She smiled, "Don't pretend you're not excited." Fishing through her pockets for money she watched as the tickets were handed to Percy. Emmy gave him a slight glare, "I thought I was going to be paying for admittance." Percy pretended he didn't hear her, "Hey, I think penguins are this way." Emmy's face lit up and she instantly forgave him starting towards the penguins.
It was two, the zoo was open for another five hours. They had seen loads of animals, but not giraffes. Percy and Emmy looked over the zoo map trying to find them, it was like playing a game of Where's Waldo. After a few minutes Emmy gasped and pointed to a section of the map, "There they are." She looked to Percy smiling. They were standing shoulder to shoulder, and Percy just noticed how close they were. Taking a slight step back he looked at where she pointed, "Yep, next to the zebras and lions. Not sure how we missed them." Emmy looked at the map, "We turned right towards the bears instead of left towards them." shielding her eyes from the sun she took a look around, "I think we take that path there." He looked where she was pointing and nodded. "Sounds alright." Percy folded up the map and they started walking.
After walking for an hour they stopped again. "I think we took the wrong turn." Percy looked at Emmy as she spoke, "You don't say." Emmy laughed looking around. "Some how we ended up with all the sea creatures, on the total opposite side of the zoo." They were once again looking over the map. Percy spoke, "Remind me to never let you navigate during a road trip." Emmy laughed, "While we are here we might as well go say hi to the fishies." Percy looked at her smiling, "I don't think they like being called that." Emmy grinned and grabbed Percy's hand dragging him towards the aquarium. Percy looked down as her hand closed around his, eyes wide. She didn't seem to think anything of it but he instantly started to worry. What if his hands were sweaty? Or if he was squeezing to tight?
Emmy stopped in front of a tank containing a snapping turtle. "He looks so weird." She turned towards Percy her white teeth flashing. So far all of the fish had followed him as he walked by, all talking to him. His mind was filled with the chatter of fish, but he could still concentrate on Emmy speaking. Though a rather rude comment from the snapping turtle stuck out to him, "Hank doesn't appreciate being called weird. There was more but it wasn't really appropriate." He looked at all the children running around. Emmy laughed turning back to the turtle, "Sorry." They continued walking around, all of the fish trying to get Percy's attention.
Waving good-bye to all the fish Emmy exited the aquarium. "How does some food sound?" She asked turning to Percy. He swallowed, believe it or not he was hungry, even though he had two giant breakfasts. "Sure, any suggestions?" Emmy casually reached over and pulled the map out of his back pocket. Percy tried to keep his eyes normal sized, and his cheeks from changing color. How could she be so nonchalant about stuff like this? Shoving those thoughts out of his head he looked over the map with her. Pointing to a small building he spoke, "This looks like a food court, as good a place as any." Emmy looked where his finger was and nodded, "Okay, but I think you should lead the way this time. We don't want to get lost again." Percy nodded but wasn't so sure, his sense of direction wasn't that great unless they were on the ocean. Looking back over the map and their surroundings he started off in the direction that seemed right.
Ten minutes later they walked into the large building, Percy proud of him self for finding it. The place reminded Emmy of the mall food court, different places lined the walls with an eating area in the middle. "Okay, since you won't let me pay for anything, why don't we go dutch?" Percy looked at her confused, what did that mean. Emmy explained, "It's were each member of the party pays for their own food." Percy nodded, "Alright." He was actually slightly relieved, he wasn't sure if the amount of money in his pocket would have paid for both of them. Emmy smiled, "Alright I'm going to get some pizza. Meet you in the center." With that she walked away leaving Percy to figure out what he wanted. Percy walked over to the chinese place and got a combination plate of sesame chicken and fried rice. Returning to the middle he took a seat at the table waiting for Emmy. A few minutes later she returned with a slice of pepperoni and a Sprite. She sat across from him and started eating. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Emmy spoke up, "Hey, can I ask you a favor?" Percy looked up slightly surprised, but nodded. "Later this week I'm going to visit my family in Louisiana for the holidays and I need a ride to the airport." She looked at him hopefully. All of her roommates were going to be out of town by then, so if he couldn't she would have to take a cab. "Sure, what day is it?" Even though Percy didn't have a car of his own yet, he could ask to barrow Paul's. Emmy smiled widely, "Thursday, and for your services I'll pay you back some how. Maybe dinner one night." Percy looked at her, grinning crookedly, "Only if I get to choose the place."
"I guess that would only be fair, but I also need a ride from the airport when I get back the next Friday."
"No I just plan to drop you off, and make you stay for ever."
Emmy rolled her eyes, "Just as long as I get back to my house." By this time they had finished eating and were ready to return to the animals. Collecting their trash they threw it away before leaving. "Okay," Percy said, "According the the map giraffes should be right around this corner. Are you ready to finally see them?" Emmy nodded excitedly letting him leave the way.
"They are more perfect than I imagined." Percy laughed at Emmy as she looked at the long-necked creatures. He wasn't really a fan he liked small fury creatures better, but as long as Emmy was happy he was too. They watched the animals for a good ten minutes before Emmy looked back at Percy, "Alright, I think I got my giraffe fix." Percy nodded with a smile, "Does this mean we can leave now? I think we saw everything." It was already six, the zoo was only open for another hour. Emmy thought for a moment then nodded, "Yep, I'm done." They walked side by side until they found an empty cab. Climbing in Percy told the driver Emmy's address.
Percy got out of the cab handing the driver some money, he would just walk home. Emmy waited for him by her door, so it had come to that time. The time to say good night. The time where in every movie ever made the two people kissed. Though Percy wasn't sure if Emmy saw him that way, or if he saw her that way. Things were just complicated, just a few months ago he had been in love with one of her closest friends. Joining her in front of the door he awkwardly put his hands in his pockets not sure what to do. "Thanks for inviting me." Percy smiled, "Oh yeah no problem." Emmy looked up at him biting her lower lip. "Well, I guess I'll see you next Thursday." Percy nodded taking that as his que to leave. As he walked he wasn't sure if he was disappointed or not. He almost didn't hear Emmy speak. "Percy wait." He turned around looking at her with a raised eyebrow, "Yes?" Emmy ran up to him, quickly wrapping her arms around his neck. Percy looked down at her not sure if this was really happening. Emmy angled her head and stood on her tip toes to meet her lips to his. Percy's eyes widened then closed right before she pulled back. "I better be going now." Emmy said before running to her door and slipping inside. Percy just stood there for a moment with a stupid smile on his face. That was better than he ever dreamed it would be.