Though they had only been on their first date for a few minutes, technically, John was rather optimistic. They hadn't been kidnapped by an Asian gang, or interrupted by a matter of national importance, or any other thing that seemed to happen to John often. Mycroft seemed reluctant about the choice of location, but was willing to experiment. In short, everything was perfect.
They started in the rainforest exhibit, trekking through the draping trees. John smiled at the false humidity and wondered about the technology, Mycroft frowned and wondered about his suit.
"This was always one of my favorite things to do," John said.
Mycroft made a small noise.
"When I was very young I loved the zoo. It's been so many years. I think we've earned the right to be childish today, don't you?" John added.
From there, Mycroft seemed more excited to be there.
They spent a long time in the gift shop turning change into decorations.
"Do you think we ought to eat?" John asked.
"I suppose so," Mycroft replied.
They ate cotton candy and burgers before heading off to see more sights.
Mycroft looked down at John and watched him smile at the butterflies that perched on his shoulder. John laughed quietly. A small blue butterfly with white wing tips fluttered near his nose and the wonder in John's eyes was becoming too much for Mycroft's self control. He looked around himself. Perhaps he didn't give off a scent that attracted things that were frail and beautiful. He looked at John again. Mycroft preferred things that were strong.
"I know you're watching me, Mycroft," John said.
Mycroft smiled.
"I am simply observant of all things in my surroundings," he said.
John smiled back.
"I wonder how it is that you're in such an important position, considering you can't lie at all," John said.
"Yes, I can," Mycroft said.
John shook his head and the butterflies surrounding him flew away.
In this moment, Mycroft regretted calling the non Holmes people goldfish. John was more infinitely precious and long lived and lovely than that.
"You know me in a way that others do not, I am perfectly competent in the art of deception," Mycroft said.
And, oh, how John's eyes sparkled.
John led Mycroft through the lines of enclosures and cages.
"I want to see the seals," he said.
"We've seen every animal-" Mycroft began.
John shrugged.
"I haven't been to the zoo since before the war. Seals were always my favorite," he said.
Mycroft's gaze softened.
"To the seals, then" he said.
They reached them quickly.
"It's feeding time!" a small child squealed.
Mycroft frowned down at him. John smiled at the child.
"I always loved watching them eat," he said.
The boy chatted happily to John and Mycroft watched the seals eat. There was something kinder about the world when it was only focused on animals and souvenirs. He longed to enjoy a kinder world.
John watched Mycroft as he looked at the seals. His gaze was open and interested in a way he rarely allowed it to be. John smiled to himself.
"I love you," he said.
Mycroft seemed not to hear him, but John saw him smile.