Work Text:
Yoongi hoped his cat would be on good terms with his boyfriend, but he did not expect it to be in such a weird way. Which was on him. He should have known Seokjin would be special in this as well.
"So, Tang," Seokjin hummed, leaning back on the couch. He didn't look up from his game on the TV, where a small Italian plumber was hopping over things and trying to get stars.
The kitten kept grooming himself, but his ears turned at the sound of his name.
"What is your opinion on the socioeconomic state of the world?"
"Can you not stress my son with politics?," Yoongi butted in from the other end of the couch as he turned a page in his book.
"He's old enough to be a self-aware citizen," Seokjin argued. "He's like... Almost thirty in human years. Almost as old as you! How old were you when you got pregnant?"
Yoongi snorted and rolled his eyes fondly.
"And it's important to know his views on the state of the world," Seokjin continued, eyes still on the videogame. "What if he has a controversial stance on something? How would you deal with that, hm?"
"He does not have problematic views! How dare you accuse him of that!," Yoongi gasped in feigned offence and reached out to rub behind Tang's ear. The cat leaned into it, greenish-yellow eyes closing comfortably. "Don't listen to the mean uncle, Tangie, you're very smart!"
"I'm not doubting that. He is. But he could be using his brain for evil," Seokjin pointed out. "I saw how he was looking at Miguel and Tulio the other day. I hate to say this about your son, but I'm not sure I trust him around them."
Miguel and Tulio were Seokjin's pet goldfish, named after the Disney characters ("Get it? Because they're gold! And Eldorado means something like 'golden'," Seokjin explained. Yoongi hated how impressive he found Seokjin's idea). Tang had stayed at Seokjin's over the weekend because Yoongi had to travel out of town and Hoseok wasn't available to babysit, which is when he met the fish. Yoongi received several photos of the black cat staring at the tank with wide, sparkling eyes, totally immersed in watching the two little swimmers. He didn't try to get them though, thankfully.
Seokjin and Tang didn't seem to have complaints about each other, except Seokjin's worry that the kitty was way too interested in his fish. Otherwise, to Yoongi's delight, they maintained a friendly, although somewhat professional relationship.
"So, Tang. If you could please answer my question," Seokjin looked up from his game and stretched out a hand to pet Tang's butt gently. Tang arched into the touch with a purr that made Seokjin nod, lips pursed. "Yeah, I guess you have a point. What about something more relevant to you, then? Like the state of the catfood industry?"
Yoongi chuckled.
"I hope he doesn't say anything bad about it, he's been getting the best quality food that's out there."
"You tried it?"
"No."
"Then how do you know it's good?," Seokjin raised an eyebrow at Yoongi. "They could be lying to you."
"Who's they? The cats that tested the food?," Yoongi asked. Seokjin shrugged.
"Maybe they were payed off. Tang, what do you think of capitalism?"
Yoongi burst out laughing, especially when Tang started to meow loudly, tail curling as he got to his feet. He'd always been a talkative kitty. Seokjin listened intently, and Yoongi's stomach cramped from laughing at his two babies' conversation.
Unlike everyone else who had met Tang, Seokjin almost never babied him at all. He talked to Tang like the cat was another adult, or at least someone capable of understanding human speech. He did pet him, and he was paying attention to keep Tang safe, but he also conversed with him like he did with Yoongi, humming at, and agreeing or arguing with Tang's meowed responses.
Sure, it was partly because of Seokjin's comedic streak. Although that side of him was a lot more subdued when they were alone at home. When Seokjin was feeling comfortable, he was quieter. Still witty, of course, but calmer.
But he acted in a similar way with children, Yoongi has noticed. Never too solemn, but engaging with them quite earnestly. Wanting to make them feel that they're taken seriously. The kids Yoongi taught in musical therapy seemed to really like Seokjin's straightforwardness and attentive nature.
Yoongi liked it too.
Even if it was somewhat ridiculous when it came to conversing with a kitten.
Ridiculous, but incredibly endearing.
He watched as his cat pranced closer to Seokjin, meowing at him as the man talked back with equal enthusiasm. Tang's little chick-shaped bell tinged with every shift of his body, a happy little sound. Yoongi's heart felt full.
Soon, Tang was finished with the conversation. He jumped off the bed and went on his merry way.
Seokjin looked at Yoongi.
"Alright. I'm convinced he's not evil. He made some great points."
"I'm very glad you two could find common ground," Yoongi smiled, and Seokjin's expression softened as he watched him.
"He really is your child. Very talkative about his interests," his eyes followed the lines of Yoongi's face tenderly. "Also, he looks just like you, except the glasses."
"You're just saying anything, aren't you," Yoongi laughed, shaking his head. "But thank you. I'm taking it as a compliment."
"It is," Seokjin nodded. "He inherited that kind little face of yours."
He stared at Yoongi for a moment longer.
Yoongi took the opportunity to study his features. Elegant, yet soft. There were creases of happiness in the corner of Seokjin's eyes, and his cheeks were rosy.
Seokjin's lips pulled into a smile.
"You're looking at me exactly how he was looking at my fish."
"He is in love with your fish," Yoongi stated quietly.
He couldn't mask his amusement when he noticed Seokjin's ears turn bright red. Seokjin coughed, averting his gaze.
"It's so easy to get to you, hyung," Yoongi leaned back in his seat proudly.
"Don't get too bold, it's only because of the glasses," Seokjin muttered. "And the hair."
He gasped, eyes widening.
"It is you who has evil motives, not Tang!," he looked up suddenly, dramatically. "It was you all along!"
Yoongi raised a hand to his forehead theatrically.
"Yes, I am a villain out to get you!"
He put his book aside and moved closer to Seokjin on the couch.
"Beware! Malice is approaching," he proclaimed and Seokjin couldn't hide his laughter and blushy face as he let himself be pulled in for a quick kiss.
"I'm terrified," he whispered after they parted. Yoongi raised an eyebrow.
"Not very convincing acting, hyung."
"You're not a convincing villain," Seokjin shot back. With a delicate finger, he traced Yoongi's nose. "You're too cute."
They leaned in again, but before their lips could meet, a tiny, fluffy head burrowed itself between them.
"Whoa, baby," Yoongi laughed as Tang rubbed his face against Yoongi's, his tail poking Seokjin's ear. The little bell tinkled on his collar. "You got here so quietly, we didn't even notice."
"He had to assert his rights. You're correct, Tangie. You're the cutest," Seokjin conceded sincerely, stroking the cat between the ears. Yoongi pressed a kiss to Tang's little nose, making the kitty meow happily.
As he felt Seokjin's other hand caressing his own hair, his chest filled with warmth in the embrace of his little family. All they needed to be complete were the two fish.
Maybe that's the next step. Yoongi discussing the socio-political climate with Miguel and Tulio. Yoongi would gladly do that, and anything else, if it meant he could keep this warmth for as long as possible.