Archive of Our Own

Jeongguk and Yoongi sat across from each other underneath their Christmas tree. Golden faerie lights bathed across Jeongguk's handsome face and broad chest. He had refused to wear a shirt again—not that Yoongi minded, if he was completely honest. Somewhere, deep inside, he was almost disappointed with Hoseok for buying Jeongguk a pair of pajama pants with bunnies on them. He guessed Jeongguk felt inclined to wear them since they were a gift, even though they both knew he hated clothes. They looked cute on him, though, and Jeongguk wasn't complaining about the pajamas as much as he complained about hoodies, scarves and jeans.

Jeongguk held his Christmas present as delicate as a bird's egg between his hands. His face was open and awed, tilting the box back and forth. The paper was emerald and shimmery—it kept catching on the Christmas lights.

"It's so pretty," he breathed. He touched the scarlet ribbon tied on top. "I don't want to ruin it."

"You are supposed to tear it open, Guk-ah." Yoongi scooted closer, rubbing his back up and down. "It's okay."

"Why is it tradition to rip apart something so beautiful?"

"To get to what's inside."

He huffed. "I know that, but ... " He shook his head. "This paper is a treasure, hyung. I want to be careful." He pulled the ribbon loose and peeled the tape off, face carved in concentration. Yoongi was impressed—he was able to unwrap it without ripping it at all.

A moment later, he shot his head up. "It's a box!"

"Um, yeah, but ... "

"I love it," he said, reaching over to squeeze his hand. "Thank you, hyung."

His voice was so sincere that Yoongi couldn't help but laugh. "No, babe. There's something inside. You have to open it."

"Oh."

He blinked and then shimmied open the top, revealing a pile of colorful bath bombs. There were all kinds—a blue and green one in the shape of a sea turtle, a lavender one with roses inside and a large golden one shaped like a Christmas present.

Jeongguk's face brightened with wonder. "They're so cute! What are they?"

"They're bath bombs."

"What do they do?"

"They make the water change different colors. They smell good and there's bath oils in them and ..." Yoongi chuckled, suddenly a little unsure. "I don't know. I just thought maybe you would like them."

"It changes the water?" Jeongguk beamed, examining a giant blue one, swirled with magentas and dandelion yellows. "Can we try it? Can we try this one?"

"Of course, bun. Whatever you want."

"Ohh. I don't know this smell." He sniffed it, smearing blue dust on the tip of his nose. "What is it?"

Yoongi gave it a little whiff. "Peppermint. You've smelled it before, Guk. Remember the peppermint bark?"

"Oh. Oh, yes! That was delicious."

And then, to Yoongi's dismay, he licked it.

"Ugh!" He stuck out his tongue and wiped it frantically on his arm, face crumpled in disgust. "Not good, not good."

Yoongi laughed, reaching over to dust off the blue powder on his nose. "You're not supposed to eat them, bun. They smell good, but they're just for the bath."

Jeongguk pouted. "I thought it would taste like the peppermint bark." He shuffled the bath bomb between his hands. "I'm surprised you're not teasing me."

"I mean, I might, but I've actually done the same thing." The bath bomb had smelled like oranges. Surprise, it had not tasted like oranges.

"Oh." Jeongguk giggled, nudging his nose with Yoongi's. "Then we were both fooled."

He nodded solemnly. "Completely bamboozled."

Jeongguk pressed his mouth to his, giggling between kisses. "I have a present for you too."

Yoongi blinked, surprised. "You didn't have to get me anything."

"It's the human tradition," he insisted, and he disappeared around the tree. He came back a moment later with a badly wrapped gift. The paper was soggy and ... dripping. Water was dripping from the bottom. But Yoongi could tell he was proud by the way he carried himself and thrust into in his hands, water sloshing from somewhere inside. "I wrapped it myself," he said. "Open it!"

Yoongi did, the drenched paper coming apart easily. It was a giant square of tupperware, filled with seawater. And ...

Lobsters. Two live lobsters.

"Don't worry, hyung, I made sure to wrap them this time."

"Yes, I, uh, see that."

He beamed, scooting closer. "You said dinner was a Christmas tradition."

That he did.

"So, I caught us dinner this morning while you were asleep."

When Jeongguk had first met Yoongi, he courted him by bringing him a lot of fish. Sometimes they were dead, but usually not. Yoongi would be relaxing in his small boat, dozing off to the gentle sway of the waves, when Jeongguk would suddenly appear with a splash and a writhing sea creature between his teeth. One time, he dropped an octopus in Yoongi's lap, and he had screamed, tumbling out of the boat.

But Jeongguk caught him. He wrapped his strong arms around him and hauled him to the surface, apologizing profusely while Yoongi caught his breath. Jeongguk was always there. Always there to save Yoongi, to bring him back up for air.

"That's very sweet of you, bun."

It was sweet. Yoongi just didn't know what to do with two crawling lobster until dinnertime.

"Open the others," he said.

"There's more?"

Jeongguk grinned and shoved a small pile at him. "Go on," he said.

So he did. Jeongguk had wrapped individual shells he had collected at the bottom of the ocean; conches, cockles and limpets. He found Yoongi pearls, polished sea glass and bits of coral, and then random things from land that Jeongguk thought were precious; a stick tied with a bow, poinsettia petals, mistletoe, packets of hot chocolate from the pantry and a shiny rock.

"Do you like them?" Jeongguk wiggled in place. "I was not sure what was a customary gift. The Google wasn't much help. It's normal for merfolk to hunt treasure for their mates, so I just thought ..."

Yoongi threw his arms around him, pulling him close. "I love them, Guk. I really, really love them."

His giggle warmed the inside of his neck. "Oh, good. I'm so glad. I was worried I didn't prepare them right. I considered tying bows around lobsters and dropping them in your bed this morning so you'd wake up surprised, but —"

"That's okay, Guk-ah. The tupperware was good."

Jeongguk planted a quick kiss to Yoongi's lips. "Can we take a bath?"

"Now?"

He nodded, eager. "I want to try the blue bath bomb." He hauled Yoongi up to his feet. "And I want to wash your hair. Can I?"

Yoongi could never deny him. "Okay."

He beamed and scurried off into the bathroom. Yoongi placed the tupperware into the kitchen sink for safekeeping, hoping the lobsters wouldn't be able to push open the lid and stay put.

Jeongguk already had turned the water on by the time he came in. After the tub was filled and steaming, Jeongguk dropped the bath bomb inside. It blossomed into a swirl of neon colors, candy pinks, lemon yellows and aquamarines. Glitter scattered through the deep blues, reminding Yoongi of stars.

Jeongguk grinned, delighted. He ran his fingers through the water, mixing up all the colors and sparkles. "It's so pretty, hyung." Yoongi watched as a few plum-colored scales glittered up his wrist, blunt nails stretching into claws. Webbing filled the spaces between his fingers, translucent and violet. "I love it." Jeongguk looked up, all warm and bright and without restraint. And then, he stood up and took his pants off.

Yoongi felt felt his cheeks warm as the pants disappeared, revealing Jeongguk's strong thighs, followed by his boxers. It didn't matter how many times he'd seen him naked—he was still the most beautiful thing Yoongi had ever seen.

"I hate clothes," Jeongguk said, wrinkling his nose, giving his pajama pants a little kick across the tile. "They're so itchy."

If Jeongguk had it his way, he would just walk around naked all the time. At home, Yoongi didn't mind it, not when it was just the two of them. But there had been times when Yoongi had taken Jeongguk out for dinner and he started taking his shirt off. Times when Jeongguk went to get a package in the hallway without his pants on and waved to the neighbors, like it was normal. Clothes were just something Jeongguk didn't understand, no matter how many times Yoongi explained them. Usually, Yoongi would try to tell him about humans and their modesty, but right now, with Jeongguk slipping into the tub, with his muscles shuddering at the heat, he couldn't help but agree.

"Me too. I definitely... definitely hate clothes."

Jeongguk tilted his head. "I thought you liked clothes."

"Not right now."

He smiled, a little sheepish, but mischievous at the same time. "Is that so?"

Yoongi was acutely aware of his stomach tightening. "Yes."

Jeongguk's laugh was cut off by a low groan, slipping deeper into water. Yoongi watched, fascinated as his legs disappeared, replaced by a gleaming, purple tail.

The tub was too small for him. Jeongguk wiggled, getting comfortable, the end of his tail draping over the edge. Colorful water sloshed onto the tile and slid under Yoongi's bare feet.

Jeongguk propped his elbows on to the lip of the tub, watching him. Long, violet fins lined the outside of his forearms, flecked with gold.

"Are you coming in?" His mouth lifted into a half-smile, and for a moment, Yoongi thought of those legends about merfolk tempting sailors at sea. His smile broadened, flicking water at him. "Or do I have to come get you?"

Yoongi hauled his hoodie over his head, tossing it to the floor. Next came the pajama pants, shucking them and his boxers off in one go. Jeongguk tilted his head, openly staring.

Jeongguk moved to the other side of the tub to give him more room. Yoongi let out a soft hiss at the first touch of heat, practically melting into the tub. Jeongguk smiled and tugged at his toes.

A loud bark of laughter echoed in the bathroom. Yoongi jerked his foot away, blush searing his cheeks. "D-don't do that!"

"Why?"

He huffed. "You know why."

A wicked grin spread across Jeongguk's face. He gently scraped the tip of his claw down the arch of Yoongi's foot. He tried to wrench away, but Jeongguk grabbed his ankle.

His eyes narrowed. "Don't you dare."

He dared. Jeongguk tapped his fingers across the bottom of his foot, and Yoongi laughed and squirmed, kicking up water.

"S-stop it!"

"Nah, this is fun."

"Jeongguk!"

"Such a sensitive human."

Yoongi could barely speak over peals of laughter. "I swear to god—" Water splashed onto his chest, onto the floor. "I'm going to—when I—" His fingers danced faster. Yoongis's laughter seemed to fill the whole room, his cheeks aching from smiling. Finally, when Yoongi had pleaded and writhed enough, Jeongguk relented.

"Rude," he gasped.

Jeongguk chuckled and leaned in for a kiss. Yoongi used the opportunity to quickly run his fingertips across his collarbone, and Jeongguk squeaked, twisting out of reach. Yoongi lunged again, but Jeongguk was stronger, grabbing his arms and pinning them to his sides.

"Tsk, tsk," Jeongguk said, smile broadening as he watched him wriggle. "I tired to be sweet and here you are, trying to attack me."

"I think you attacked me first."

He shrugged. "I like seeing you laugh." He pressed a kiss to the tip of Yoongi's nose. "It's cute."

Yoongi scoffed and kept trying to twist out of his grasp, but it was no use. For a moment, he was reminded Jeongguk was, very much, not human. He could crush him, if he wanted to, but he wouldn't. He would never.

"Let me go," Yoongi sighed, and he did. Jeongguk chirruped softly and swam backwards to the other side of the tub. Pink and buttercup yellow foam swirled around him. He glanced down at it, intrigued.

It gave Yoongi an idea. There was a basket on the floor off to the side, filled with a few bubble bars and bath oils. Yoongi reached inside and picked out a bubble bar in the shape of a crescent moon.

Jeongguk tilted his head at it. "What's that do?"

"It makes bubbles when you crumble it under the water. Try it."

He did. And soon, a mountain of periwinkle bubbles filled the tub. Yoongi watched as Jeongguk's face went from mild curiosity into a smile of pure delight.

"Oh!" He circled the bubbles in with his arms, as if pulling them in for a hug. "They're so soft. I've never seen so many—Yoongi-hyung, do you see? Do you see them?" He giggled, Yoongi's favorite sound. When he pulled away, Jeongguk had a lilac bubble beard and flushed cheeks.

Yoongi reached out, stroking the bubbles clinging to Jeongguk's broad shoulders. He kept laughing, gathering the bubbles between his webbed hands. Yoongi allowed Jeongguk to place them on over his head like crown, to decorate his body with pink and blue foam. Jeongguk was so happy, about something so simple, that Yoongi felt something shift inside of him. It felt like one of his ribs had disappeared, replaced with something new—like Jeongguk had settled there instead and had locked into place.

Jeongguk's laughter softened. "What are you staring at?"

Yoongi pressed his forehead against his. "You."

He quirked an eyebrow. "Oh?" Jeongguk's smile broadened. He looped his arms around Yoongi, tugging him into his chest. "Is that so?"

Yoongi's face felt warm. When wasn't he staring at him? He let out a soft sigh and pulled away. "Turn around," he said.

"Why?"

"Wanna cuddle you."

Jeongguk hummed and did what he was told. He tucked his tail in like how he would tuck his knees into his chest, and Yoongi vined his arms around him, pulling him in. Then, he picked up a bottle of shampoo.

Yoongi massaged the shampoo into his hair and watched Jeongguk melt under his touch. He stretched out his tail with a soft moan. "I wanted to wash your hair," he mumbled, but he was smiling with his eyes closed.

"You first," Yoongi said, kissing the scar on Jeongguk's cheek.

There was a comfortable silence. Christmas music played softly from the living room, Jeongguk humming along to the tune, even though he didn't know all the words yet. Yoongi smiled at the way his fins tapped to the beat, draped over the side of the tub.

After he washed his hair, Yoongi started again with the conditioner. Jeongguk groaned at the steady rhythm of his fingers, at Yoongi's nails scraping across his scalp. Yoongi kissed a few stray scales peppering his neck and then glanced down at his tail.

It was gorgeous. The cerulean water drew out all the deep shades of violets and indigos. The glitter made it look as though he were seeped in the stars, and the colors and contrasts overwhelmed him. Yoongi's soapy hands traveled over him, sliding down the taut skin of Jeongguk's stomach, to the deep depressions between his hips. And then down, down the sides of his tail.

Jeongguk let out a breath.

Yoongi soothed his palms across his scales, watching as Jeongguk's eyes fluttered shut, in love with the expressions flickering across his face.

"You're so beautiful," Yoongi whispered, kissing a line down his neck. "So pretty."

Jeongguk let out a soft sound. His tail flinched a little beneath Yoongi's hands. He ran his fingertips across his scales, over his fins. The flush on his face brightened.

And then ...

"Hyung, do you think your ugly?"

Yoongi stopped.

"What?"

Jeongguk flipped over so they were chest to chest. His hands were gentle as he ran them across Yoongi's ribs, now waterslicked. Yoongi shuddered a little at the sharpness of his claws, but he was careful, Jeongguk was always so careful with him.

"Is that really why humans wear clothes?" Concern settled over his handsome face. "Because they think their bodies are ugly?"

A soft breath of laughter. "No, Guk-ah. We're just ..."

"Shy?"

"It's not really the same as being shy... It's just not appropriate in public."

"What about around your family? In private?"

"Well, no."

"What about your friends?"

"I guess it depends on what's comfortable for the person. People sometimes feel fine changing their clothes in front of someone. Or they go to public baths and things like that. But we don't get together and like, take our clothes off and watch movies. That would be weird."

Jeongguk blew out a sharp breath and then scrunched his nose. "But why? They're your closest companions. And clothes are so itchy."

"That's because you're not used to wearing them, bun," he said, smiling, brushing the hair from his eyes. "It's also for protection too. It's too cold right now to just ... walk around without wearing anything. In the summer, our skin can get burned."

Jeongguk hummed in thought. "Humans are so fragile." The tips of his claws whispered across Yoongi's skin. The movement was slow. Lazy. He shivered at the sensation. "But I'm glad you don't think you're ugly, hyung." Jeongguk nudged his nose against his until Yoongi looked at him. "I think you're beautiful."

That single sentence sent tingles down Yoongi's spine. Jeongguk smiled and traced the shape of his jaw with his thumb. Yoongi's eyes flitted to his lips. They looked so soft. So pink.

"Who is it appropriate to be naked around then?" he asked. "If not your friends and family?"

Yoongi surged forward and kissed him. Jeongguk inhaled sharply through his nose. He heard his tail flop against the water, heard the small ripple of waves as he shifted between his legs.

"You," Yoongi breathed. "For me, only you."

Jeongguk's brown eyes were glazed, his breathing a little deeper, lips a darker shade of pink than before. For a moment, it seemed as if his brain had completely turned to smoke, but then Yoongi began to see the cogs turning in his head. A slow smile slid across Jeongguk's face, lighting like a fuse.

"Oh?" He tilted his forehead against his. "Only me?" Jeongguk pressed.

A blush burned Yoongi's cheeks. He wanted to answer, he did, but Yoongi was too focused on how Jeongguk was exploring his body with his hands, his mouth, those claws. He heard the water murmur, felt the warmth of Jeongguk's breath fanning against his ear. "Only me, hyung?"

When Yoongi didn't answer, Jeongguk suckled his earlobe into his mouth.

Yoongi's breathing hitched. Sparks tingled down his neck and spread. He wanted more. Wanted Jeongguk to be closer. His hands stretched out and smoothed over his ass, hauling him into his lap. Jeongguk let out a squeak of surprise.

"Yes," he gasped. "Only you, Guk-ah. Only you."

This time, it was Jeongguk blushing. Yoongi wasn't sure if it was because he was flustered or if it was because he felt good. Maybe it was both. Both were good with him.

Jeongguk's hands slid over the back of Yoongi's neck as he kissed him. Yoongi's lips parted on a sigh. The kisses became faster and deeper, and then slower and tender again, and when Yoongi opened his eyes, Jeongguk had one of those mischievous smiles on his face. "So, does this mean you are going to start walking around the apartment naked?"

Yoongi flicked some water at him. "Not a chance."

"What if I'm naked too?"

"That's almost every day."

"Exactly."

"It's December," he said. "It's freezing."

Jeongguk's smile turned wicked. "That's what I'm here for, hyung."

Yoongi snorted, but then Jeongguk pouted, and so he relented. "... Okay, fine. Maybe sometimes."

This time, when Jeongguk kissed him, Yoongi's brain spun. Yoongi was certain if he was not careful, if he kept kissing me like this, he would evaporate into seafoam. He would vanish between Jeongguk's hands and Jeongguk would have to slowly piece him back together.

He tasted like maple syrup, like happiness. "Wait, you said you would let me wash your hair," Jeongguk said, pulling away. His hand splayed over Yoongi's chest, over his steady heartbeat. He cocked his head and stared expectantly.

"I did, didn't I?"

"Yes. Turn around."

They shifted positions, a little harder than it seemed, considering Jeongguk's tail filled most of the tub. But when they were settled, with Yoongi's back pressed against Jeongguk's chest, he poured shampoo onto his head.

Yoongi shivered. "It's cold."

"Sorry," he said, and he could hear the fondness in his voice. Jeongguk began to massage the shampoo into his scalp. Yoongi released a deep, weighted breath and leaned further into him.

"Feel good?"

"Mmm. Yeah." Yoongi's voice sounded deeper than normal. "Really good."

Jeongguk's giggle fanned over the shell of his ear. "Good."

He continued to work his fingertips in even, circular motions. Yoongi whimpered a little underneath the sharpness of Jeongguk's claws, how he carefully dragged them from the base of his skull to the top. Yoongi's mind started to go blurry with sleepiness. He felt himself drift away underneath Jeongguk's sure hands, the scent of the bath oils, the gentle holiday music.

"Hyung," Jeongguk whispered. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Guk-ah."

"Um, hyung?"

"Hmm?" Yoongi opened his eyes and found himself still in the bath. The water had gone cold, the colorful foam having dissolved and leaving only a sea of cobalt stars. Yoongi inhaled sharply, sitting up. How long had he been out? "Sorry, I didn't mean to ..."

"Don't look down."

A pause. "Why?"

"Well, I don't want you to be alarmed," Jeongguk said, "but, um, it seems our dinner has escaped."

"Huh?"

Yoongi looked and, indeed, one of the lobsters was skittering across the bathroom floor. It's legs clicked against the tile, a trail of water leading from the open doorway.

There was something creepy about the way it moved. Jeongguk must have felt his discomfort, because he let out a soft hiss. He slunk forward, pushing Yoongi behind him, lowering himself so only his eyes peeked over the rim of the tub.

"Don't worry, hyung." He flicked his tail backwards and forwards as the lobster approached. "I will protect you."

"Guk-ah, that's really not necess-"

The lobster reached up the side of the tub and Jeongguk lunged. Yoongi yelped at the massive splash, at the sickening crunch that followed. When he blinked the water out of his eyes, he could see Jeongguk before him, grinning around the lobster clenched between his teeth. He looked like a proud puppy with a bone—even his fins gave happy little flicks. Yoongi let out a deep breath, relieved to see it wasn't moving.

Jeongguk spat the lobster out. It slapped onto the tile with an undignified thud.

He wiped his mouth. "I guess that means we're having dinner early."

"I guess so," Yoongi said, lips quirking into a smile. He cupped Jeongguk's face, tracing his cheekbone with his thumb. "Thank you for protecting me."

He beamed, leaning into Yoongi's touch. "I wouldn't be a good boyfriend if I couldn't protect you from lobsters." He frowned, suddenly. "That probably means the other one is out too though."

At that moment, there was a the sound of Hoseok's unmistakable screech.

"Yoongi-hyung!"

Uh-oh.

"What the HELL is a lobster doing in here?"

"Um—"

"Oh my, god!" The last word shrieked into a crescendo. Yoongi heard the thudding of his feet and then a loud thump. "Help!"

"Did you get pinched?"

"No, it's—it's cornered me! I'm on the couch!"

Yoongi could picture Hoseok, standing on top of the couch, trying to shoo the lobster away. Said lobster was probably clacking it's claws and reaching for him. Yoongi heard another thump—Hoseok maybe threw the throw pillow at it.

"What are you doing here?" Glittery blue water sluiced down Yoongi's body as he pulled himself out. Jeongguk giggled and spread himself out across the rest of the tub, crossing his arms behind his head. "I thought you were at your family's for Christmas?"

"I forgot my sister's present. Oh, my god. Can one of you get out here please?"

"You're going to have to wait a second—I'm naked."

He let out a low groan. "Seriously?"

"Yeah, and Gguk-ah has a tail."

"I really don't—" Whatever he was about to say was cut off by a yelp. "It's on the couch, IT'S ON THE COUCH!" Yoongi heard him leap down, heard his feet slapping against the carpet and then a door slam shut—probably his bedroom.

Yoongi tiptoed around the dead lobster on the floor, grabbing a towel and drying himself off. "I might need your help," he said, glancing at Jeongguk.

He nodded and reached over, uncorking the drain. A gurgling sound filled the room as the water disappeared. When it was gone, the tub and Jeongguk were both covered in a golden shimmer, reminding Yoongi of Tinkerbell's fairy dust.

Yoongi started drying Jeongguk off. He pulled out a blow dryer from under the sink and turned it on as hot as it could go. The violet scales slowly disappeared, replaced with flesh and then eventually, legs. Jeongguk smiled and wiggled his toes.

"Maybe next Christmas, I'll have to catch something less pinchy," he said, voice soft in thought. He latched onto Yoongi's hands as he hauled him up. "Maybe a squid?"

He laughed. "Still sounds like too many legs for Hoseok."

"Hmmm. Barracuda?"

"Isn't that under the category of things that pinch?"

"Yeah, but they're delicious."

Yoongi dried off his hair with the towel. "It doesn't matter to me, Guk-ah. You can keep catching me lobsters. I love them."

Jeongguk beamed. Seeing him so happy made warmth curl in Yoongi's gut, so he lifted on his toes and kissed the underside of his jaw.

"Um." Hoseok's voice was high and strangled. "Are you guys coming?"

After Yoongi was dressed, Jeongguk was determined to just walk out there and handle the situation without anything on. He insisted he put on the pajama pants again, at least, and when he finally did, they padded into the hall.

They found the lobster trying to crawl up Hoseok's bedroom door. It's large claws skidded against the wood and snapped at the air, slipping down. Yoongi watched Hoseok's face appear as he peeked around the door, realized it was still there, and yelped. He slammed the door shut again.

"Jeongguk-ah, please do something!"

Instead of picking the lobster up, like how Yoongi might if had the courage, Jeongguk crouched on all fours. He slunk forward like some kind of predator and for a moment, Yoongi wondered what it would be like to watch him hunt underwater; if he stalked his prey like those boneless sharks and silent eels.

The lobster began to crawl away, and Jeongguk sprang forward, sinking his fangs into its hard shell. There was a jerk and then a splintered snap, and then nothing.

After a heavy silence, Hoseok slowly opened the door. "I-is it gone?" he asked, and then blinked at Jeongguk, who still had the lobster in his mouth. He yelped and frantically shuffled further into his room. "Oh, my god!!"

"Hey!" Yoongi stepped out in front of Jeongguk and crossed his arms. "My boyfriend just saved you. Be thankful."

"I know, I know! I'm sorry, I just wasn't expecting it to be in his mouth!"

Jeongguk didn't seem to mind, though. He spat the lobster out into his hands and flashed Yoongi a cheeky grin, all sorts of proud and happy, holding up by its tail. "Ready for dinner, hyung?"