cassidy stacy didn't like aquariums.

well, he didn't like a lot of things—it was much simpler to list what he did. you, his nephew, hot chocolate and noise-cancelling headphones. though you, as his partner though unholy matrimony, were more a tolerated presence than a cherished one.

particularly today, as it was your inspired suggestion that the first saturday of francis’ winter holiday was the perfect occasion to traipse about the local aquarium, ogling at aquatic creatures and floral tourists.

it was safe to say that cassidy had not taken to the notion. the brine of salt water evoked unwanted recollections of surfing with his father on the golden shores of california, and considering his tumultuous relationship with his family, he'd have much preferred to just freeze his ass off in the snow to let his nephew build another snowman.

as if the previous one hadn't been enough of a monstrosity.

"that fucking eel just gave me a dirty look." cassidy muttered, his fingers threading through yours with a touch firm enough to suggest his displeasure as he was dragged along by francis, who'd decided to switch his dinosaur hyper fixation for a fishier one that month.

the aquarium was nothing special, really, fish in garish arrays of color darting around behind the glass panes, casting wavering shadows over a floor that was washed in blue-hued light. a frankly hideous mascot had been propped in the children's play area—yes, it was just a ball pit with five ikea fish plushies.

"i wanna see the shark!" francis declared, pointing a hand down the path of the exhibit, blond curls wisping around his excitable face. "dolphins are evil, i want to skip them."

cassidy exhaled, his breath warm as the tip of his slightly flushed nose grazed your hairline, pressing the sweetest of kisses to your temple. public displays of affection weren't his style, but you seemed more enamored with the pufferfish than him, so desperate times called for desperate measures. "you're paying for dinner, darling. i'm not suffering for free."