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Percy could spend as much time in an aquarium as Annabeth could spend at the Taj Mahal. This became apparent to the latter as she found tickets on sale and decided to make it a date. The best part was that Percy wasn’t allowed to open his eyes until they got inside.
“Best surprise date EVER!” he’d shouted, beaming. She pulled him away, blushing furiously.
“We’re in public, Seaweed Brain!” she protested, but the look on his face was something she'd never forget.
She could see a lot of herself in him as he pranced around the open space, going from tank to tank talking to the fish and explaining to her what they were thinking.
“This one right here is hoping that it's feeding time soon! Oh oh and this one wants the other fish to stop coming into her part of the coral! I bet she's new, I don’t think she understands that the coral’s for everyone.”
Annabeth couldn't help but smile at him. “What's your theory on the tide pool?”
He took some time to think about it first. “I’m going to guess… After years of being here, they're used to it and don't mind anymore, but it takes some getting used to if it's your first time.”
Annabeth nodded. “Why don't we go find out?”
She'd never seen Percy speedwalk faster.
They found out that Percy’s theory was spot-on. Then they decided to go see the bigger animals, like the octopi and the otters.
They may or may not have engaged in a little bit of illegal activity involving releasing some of the animals back into the wild. If you asked either one of them, they’d claim they didn't even know any critters went missing that day.
Exiting the aquarium, decked out in jellyfish hats and other silly souvenirs, Annabeth realized it was pitch black outside. They'd arrived very early in the morning.
Sheepishly, Percy turned back to his girlfriend. “I guess I took a little too long talking to the animals….”
Annabeth gave his arm a playful, harmless punch. “Don’t feel bad for enjoying yourself, Seaweed Brain.” Then he stole a kiss, and who was she to refuse?
“So… Would you say this was the best date ever?”
“Keeping taking me out and we’ll see,” she teased him. He blushed as he followed her back to the car.