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As he was lulled awake, the first thing Jimin was aware through his dream like, half asleep half awake but very warm, state was his name being shouted and a lot of banging. As he blinked a couple times, his bedroom coming into focus in front of him - he realised the voice was Seokjin and the banging was Jin's fist. On his door."Uh, Prince Jimin?" came the oh so familiar voice of his fathers royal adviser "I know it takes you a while to wake up but a little grunt to let me know you're alive would be highly appreciated."Jimin let off a sleepy chuckle as he sat up "I'm awake, Jin, come in."His door was tentatively pushed open and Seokjin's head popped in his room "Ah, yes you are. Good morning sir." he then pushed the door open rather noisily and swam into the room like he owned the place, throwing open Jimin's curtains - who squinted into the rays of sunlight shining down into the water "it's a lovely day, your highness."Jimin smiled as he got up from his bed, he'd always been extremely fond of the boiserious man - he'd known him pretty much his whole life. He had the great job of getting Jimin up in the morning and actually getting him to go and do his duties. "Seokjin." he smiled as he swam over to his mirror and table. Sitting down and sighing at the crown sitting on the surface in front of him "how many times, Jimin, please call me Jimin. It is my name after all.""Of course, Sire." Jin nodded and Jimin rolled his eyes, setting his crown down on his head. After coming of age at 21 a few months ago, Jimin had been crowned an actual Prince of Atlantica. Which, he passionately hated. Not his home town, never. Just the constant duties and learning."What's on my agenda for today then?" Jimin asked as Jin tossed him one of the Starfruits from the kitchens for breakfast."Just your studies." Seokjin said, Jimin let out a groan and he bit a huge chunk out of it. That was the part he hated the most. He would get taught by one of his 5 older sisters or 1 brother. Yes, that's right, six siblings. Dad really wanted one for every Ocean. Hence why Jimin's middle name was Caspian and he was stuck with 6 elder siblings. Most of whom barely even acknowledge his existence. Being the youngest meant at least he wasn't in line for the throne. Well he was, but all of his siblings would have to die first..."Who's teaching me today?" he sighed, turning in his chair to face Jin."Hoseok." he replied, Jimin smiled a little. Alright, not so bad then. Hobi was his favourite sibling. Oldest of them all and 1st in line for the Throne. Also Daddy's favourite and general just a goody two shoes all round. But was the only one of the seven of them Jimin thought actually deserved the throne.At that moment there was a bang on his door "speak of the starfish." Jimin smirked as his door clanged open to reveal his oldest and only brother."You're late." he deadpanned, flicking his tail imapitently."Good morning to you too, Hoseok!" Jimin smirked, getting up from his chair and cramming the last of the Starfruit in his mouth "I slept great, thanks for asking. What about you?""Very funny, Chim." he sighed in an annoyed tone that didn't quite reach the smile tugging on his lips as Jimin swam over to him. Hoseok had always had a soft spot for his youngest brother."Thanks for breakfast, Jin!" he beamed"See you both at the dinner tonight." he sighed in response, slightly weatherly but he smiled all the same as he waved off the siblings. Jimin's lessons always happened in the Library, every Wednesday from 9am to 3pm. Most kids his age would of stopped education but as a Prince he was expected to have a higher education. Jimin thought it dumb, he always enjoyed being on the same level as the people of Atlantica. His dad had always taught the 7 of his kids to be kind to their subjects. "A kind and loyal leader made the best kings and queens." According to his father anyway.Whom, all of his children were the spitting image of. All with slightly odd silvery hair and icy blue eyes that occasionally made people uncomfortable. But made them stick out like a sore thumb as royalty wherever they went. Jimin hated it. Always kinda wishing he had brown hair like Taehyung or Jungkook. There was no hiding he was a Prince anymore, and he so rarely got to see his best friends."Jimin!" came the impatient snap of his older brother, the boy looked up to where he stood, hand on hip while explaining something about their lesson. Oh, he'd been talking to him."Sorry, Hoseok." he sighed "I tuned out."His expression softened "we have been at this a while, maybe we should just pick up here tomorrow?"Jimin beamed at him "Really? ""Really." he laughed "go off and find Taehyung and Jungkook and get up to whatever mischeif you guys do - I don't wanna know.""You're the best." he laughed, shooting up from the chair."I know." Hoseok sighed "have fun." Jimin leaned over the table to throw an arm around his shoulders in a messy half hug before grinning and swimming for the door. He was his favourite sibling for a reason and he grinned as he raced for the exit of the castle.Now, knowing Tae and Kookie, they'd be in the hideout. Yes, hideout. The three of them had had it since they were practically babies. Jimin could't help but grin as he swam as fast as his fins would carry him out the castle and into the town. Freedom, for a whole afternoon."Afternoon, Prince Jimin!" smiled one of the villagers to him as he went through the town. People oing about their business, selling in the market."Good afternoon!" Jimin smiled happily as he swam past. He did really love the people of Atlantica. Even if he rarely got to see them anymore, always being locked away in the castle. The trios hideout lay about a 15 minute swim out of the outside of the village and into a rocky area where a lot of fish usually had their homes.The water around him dropped in temperature as he swam out of the populated area, the current tugging at him slightly more. Jimin flexed out the spines of his dorsal fin for more control as the rocks came into view. He stopped just outside the hideout, which to passers by was just a big rock. Grinning as he heard Taehyung's laugh from inside, he banged his fist against the makeshift, plywood door they'd built a few years back."Who is it?" came Jungkook's voice"Who do you think, Jelly Brain." Jimin laughed"I know it's not Jimin." he replied sarcastically "cause I know Jimin would never forget the secret knock he invented himself.""Oh, just let me in." Jimin laughed as the plywood was lifted up by the pulley system Taehyung had set up and he swam in. There was a few moments of dark cave systems before it opened up into the cavern that was their safe haven."Jimin!" came Taehyung's happy voice as Jimin's whole wold went dark and he was crushed into Tae's chest in an all consuming, Kraken like hug."Let go of the poor boy, Tae." came Jungkook's laugh "you're cutting of the air to his gills.""Oh, sorry." Taehyung let him go and Jimin gasped the water into the slits on his ribs."Wow, my whole life just flashed before my eyes." Jimin said dramatically "....we spent way too much time in here." Tae laughed and Jungkook smiled from the rock he was perched on in the middle of the place. An object Jimin had never seen before in his hands "You got something new?" he beamed, swimming over and sitting beside his younger."Yeah, your guess is as good as mine to what it does." he shrugged, letting Jimin take it out his hands."Nevermind that for a minute." Taehyung shook his head, floating in front of the two of them "what are you doing here, Jimin? Not that I'm not super glad you are here, but don't you have duties?""Hobi let me off for the afternoon." he waved his hand at the subject, more consumed by the weird object in his hands. The 3 of them, since they were little, had been totally fascinated by humans. Well, more Jungkook and Jimin where was Taehyung swam behind them, telling it was a bad idea to go into sunken ships to explore. The cavern they were in currently housed all the objects they'd ever found. It was huge with a hole in the top, letting sunlight trickle in a little.Jimin lifted the object up to his face, it looked like two humans dancing on a circular stage, as he turned it over he noticed what looked like a key jutting out the back and did what his first instinct was. He turned it. Taehyung screeched and Jungkook and Jimin jumped as music started tinkling out for a split second."Do that again!" Jungkook grinned and Jimin spun the key round a couple more times. He smiled, holding the object in his hands as a sweet sounding melody played from it, the statue on top revolving slowing."It's beautiful." Jimin smiled"Why don't we put it on your shelf." Jungkook smiled, Jimin returned it as he took it from his hands and swam over the the side of the cavern dedicated to all the objects Jimin had found. It had been weeks since he's seen his friends. Ever since his 21st he'd been allowed less and less free time. "fancy some treasure hunting?""Always." Jimin laughed"It's not the same without you." Jungkook sighed, swimming for the exit, green tail flashing in front of Jimin who swam behind him as he lifted the door open "Tae's such a Guppie, he won't go up to that Island with me.""Smuggler's Cove?" Jimin smirked, ignoring the indignant "hey!" from Taehyung on his other side."Yeah, more and more humans have been going, which means more of them are dropping stuff into the sea for us." Kookie laughed as they swam more out into the sea, water dropping in temperature a little more but it was still pleasantly lit with sunlight around them."So, how's the Alchemy coming?" Jimin looked at Taehyung."Alright." he shrugged "my mom's trying her best to teach me... it's a little hard without Dad and Taeran..."Jimin smiled sadly "we'll find them, Tae, Seokjin's out with the search parties every day.""I know." Taehyung tried to smile but it shook on his face "I just miss them." Jimin didn't really know how to reply "but it's going well, I managed a drink to change the colour of scales. Not exactly ground breaking science yet but almost!"They were hunting all day, Jungkook finding another few of those round, shiny things they flick off the things they drink from and pushing them into his bag. Jimin only being lucky enough to find another spoon. They were about to give up for the day when Jimin saw something twinkle in the shallows near a rocky area."Be careful." Taehyung said halfheartedly (for like the 10th time today) as he swam down to find it. There was something gold and twinkling on a chain in the sand. He pulled it out he brushed some of the sand from it. It was a necklace, a pendant on the end of a delicate chain shaped like a tear drop. Jimin smiled and snapped open the locket.Empty.He sighed a little in disappointment put still pulled it around his neck before swimming back over to his friends."A necklace." Jungkook smiled, dark hair floating around him "it's lovely.""Remind me to take it off before I go home." Jimin sighed "my dad would flip his gills if he saw me wearing it.""Roger that." Taehyung nodded.The three of them jumped at a loud noise from the surface, all heads looking to the source of the deep humming noise. Jimin's eyes lit up at the sight of a boat a little to the West of them - heading for the Island. He didn't think before she shot towards the surface."Jimin, wait!" Taehyung called after him"I just want a closer look." he replied vaguely before breaking he surface. The sun was warm on his face and he smiled at the feeling as he swam for better cover behind a rock. The boat was small and was heading for the Island about a half kilometre from the outcrop of rocks, Jimin pulled most of his torso out the water. There were two boys pulling the boat up on to the sand. Jimin vaguely heard Taehyung and Jungkook break the surface behind him."They're so close." Jimin breathed, looking as the taller one let of a laugh. They were pulling bags from the boat. Jimin watched from behind the rock, pulling himself totally on to the tiny outcrop, sitting behind it and watching."Jimin, come on." Taehyung hissed "you'll be seen.""They're far away." he waved his hand in responce, turning to look at them. Jungkook's lips twitched up and he climbed on to the rock as well to peek over it."They're so... normal looking." he frowned "I thought they'd be taller.""I'm gonna get a closer look." Jimin said slowly, pushing himself back into the water. As he swam he was aware Jungkook was following him."You two are gonna be the death of me." Taehyung muttered "be careful, the tides are strong by the South end of the Island.""When have we ever been reckless?" Jimin shot a cheeky smile at him"Us?" Jungkook added, holding a dramatic hand over his heart "We would never, Tae!"Taehyung couldn't help but laugh with the two of them. The island was small but there was a small cliff and a load of rock pools jutting out into the ocean on the South of the island, only accessible during low tide. Which was now, so it wasn't so bad, the tide would tug them out to sea rather than beaching them on the sand.Jimin poked his head above the surface. He could see the one of them piling a load of sticks and laughing while the other was setting up what looked like a fabric house. Jungkook broke the surface beside him, both of them curiously watching but there necks down still submerged."Their ears are so weird." Jungkook whispered, twitching the fins on the side of his head almost subconsciously. Jimin wasn't really listening. He was watching the smaller one throw branches on to a pile. He had pale skin, dark hair and eyebrows making a stark contrast against it. Jimin wished he could see the colour of his eyes from here."He's beautiful." he whispered and Jungkook smirked."Which one, Kissing Fish?""The one with the sticks, I mean he could use a hair cut.""I guess." Jungkook said "I'm more interested in their hands." Jimin looked at him with a raised eyebrow and he sighed "look at them Jimin, they're not webbed or anything. There's not a scale on them."Jimin held his arm above the water, the blue scales started about half way down his forearm and totally covered his hands. Hands where the fingers were webbed together to make swimming easier. He looked to the boys hands where his hands were the same colour as the rest of him and his fingers were not webbed together."Weird." he frowned, then gasped as a huge orange flamed suddenly sprouted from the twigs the boy had been setting."Namjoon!" he spoke happily and Jimin shuddered at the sound of his voice "I got the fire going.""Nice job!" the taller one, clapped him on the shoulder. Jimin shivered as a gust of cold wind blew around him and Jungkook, the water getting a little more choppy."Looks like a storm's coming." Jungkook said "we should head back soon.""Five more minutes." Jimin pouted "as soon as I get back I'll have to sit and eat dinner with my stuck up sisters.""What about your Dad?" Jungkook asked gently, Jimin sighed, turning back to the humans to watch."He's been heading the search parties for the missing mermaids." he shrugged "which is amazing, I love him for it, I really hope they're found soon but I just...""Miss him." Jungkook finished, giving Jimin's arm a reassuring squeeze under the water."Yeah." he smiled over at his friend as the current below them tugged a little stronger but they didn't give up. Seeing humans this close was a treat."I'm gonna go explore the rock pools." the boy spoke to the other."Alright, be careful." he spoke in a very brotherly tone."I always am." he grinned back cheekily. The waves were getting stronger and Jimin was finding it harder to keep his balance as rain started falling on them."Jimin, we should go." Jungkook tugged his arm "Taehyung's not as strong a swimmer as us and he's headed this way, we'll be seen for sure.""Yeah, you're right." Jimin sighed, glancing once more at the boy before diving under the water with Jungkook. The water around them was now much colder since the sun had gone behind a cloud, cold rain now pattering on the water over them. Everything seemed more calm under the water than the choppy waves above them. The two of them swam to where Taehyung was waiting just below the rock pools."You two are gonna give me an anyerism." he said, though he was smiling as he rubbed his temples "is it stormy up there?""Yeah, it was just getting a little too strong to stay at the surface." Jimin said, then sighed noticing how dark it was getting "I really should be getting back, Seokjin will start to worry.""It won't take us long to et back." Jungkook said "the current is pulling toward the village.""Okay that f-" Jimin's sentence was cut of when there was a crashing sound above them. The three of them looked up and Jimin's blood froze in his veins at the sight of the human in the water. He barely registered Taehyung sharply tugging on his hand as the three of them shot behind a rock a little away. Jimin's eyes were glued to the boy who was struggling to swim to the surface, the current pulling him down as he flailed."I... I don't think he can swim." Jimin said, tone worried "we... we have to help him.""Are you insane?" Taehyung hissed, snatching Jimin's arm as he moved to swim for the boy "you'll be seen!""He'll drown!" Jimin snapped "we can't just let him die!""What if he takes you!" Taehyung pleaded, his nails nearly breaking the skin on Jimin's arm he clung so tightly "you know your dad thinks it's humans who kidnapped the mermaids!""What if he doesn't and he dies!" Jimin tried to pull him arm free, Taehyung looked hysterical and Jimin softened his tone "even if my dad is right, we can't be like them. We're better."Taehyung dithered, his grip loosening on Jimin's arm "if he does anything, swim as fast as you can and tell my Dad." and with that he yanked his arm totally free and swam for where the boy had stopped thrashing and was being carried out to sea by the current, heading towards the jagged rocky island by the shore. Jimin's heart was pounding in his chest, ignoring every innate instinct in him to swim away. Fast. He clasped the boy around the waist and shot for the surface. As he broke the surface he was immediately pushed back down by another harsh wave. He gasped in water before pushing himself and the boy above the surface.Land. He needed land.Seeing a flat piece of land in the rock pools, the tide not coming in and making it an island separate to the main land. Jimin swam as fast as he could, the added weight of keeping the boy's head above the surface making his tail ache. The boy was limp in his arms and he tried not to panic as he clawed at the rocks. The boy was like a dead weight rag doll in his arm as he just managed to pull himself and the boy up on to the island. Rain still thundering down around them as he managed to lay the boy flat."Please don't be dead." Jimin panicked, trying to remember his lessons on human biology. Heartbeat. Go for a heartbeat. That's one thing they had in common with humans. Jimin pressed his left ear into the centre of the boys chest. A moment of pure anxiety later before he heart it.
Bdum. Bdum.
Regular heart beats sounding below his ear, chest rising and falling with breaths."Thank god." Jimin sighed. Pushing on to his elbows where he lay next to the boy, who was on his back. Raven black hair plastered across his face, eyes closed. Jimin felt oddly at peace in his presence but his fingers still shook as he reached out and brushed the hair from his eyes. He was totally entranced by seeing a human this close. This one had a straight nose, his jaw strong with high cheek bones.Jimin had always been interested by humans, looking down at his two legs he wondered what it might be like to be a human. He smiled at the prospect of not having any royal duties."What would I give to live where you are." Jimin laughed to himself, stroking a few curious fingers through the boys hair. It curled like soft seaweed around his fingers, he sang to himself as he looked at the boys face, rubbing his thumb across his cheek. Just as he did the rain eased up and a few weak sun beams shone down on to the boys face. Jimin jumped as he groaned, his eyes scrunching and they opened. His eyes were indescribable, like staring into the night sky. A dark brown that was almost black looked back at him, then suddenly widened.Jimin all but snapped back to his senses.Shit. He'd been seen. With that he pushed roughly on his hands and scrambled back, quickly diving into the water."Wait, please!" he heard the boy say before he shot under water. He floated under the surface for a minute, looking up at the boy through the water, warped by the waves."Please... I'm not going to hurt you." he just heard him say. He turned to see Jungkook and Taehyung swimming over but they were a while away. The voice of reason in his head screamed for him to stop but he flicked his tail and let the top of his head break the surface. The boy was kneeling by the shore, staring at him with wide eyes."H-hello." he spoke. Jimin moved slightly closer "can you speak? Do you know what I'm saying?"Jimin moved so his whole head was above the water. God stop it you idiot. Your dad is going to kill you. "Yes, I can speak.""Oh my god." the boy breathed, then smiled "you're... you're a...""Catfish got your tongue?" Jimin smiled and the boy laughed. It was like music to his ears, it was kinda raspy like his voice but with genuine warmth behind it."Do you have a name?" the boy asked, brushing wet hair from his eyes."J-Jimin." he replied, his voice wavering. His stomach felt like it might explode. This was insane. He should not be doing this."Thank you... Jimin. You saved my life.""What's.. what's your name?" Jimin swam a tiny bit closer."Yoongi." he said, reaching a hand towards Jimin in the water. He shot back a foot innately "I'm not gonna hurt you. You shake it, do mermaids shake hands when they meet?""Yes, I'm just.. I shouldn't be talking to you.""Why?" Yoongi asked, hand still outstretched towards him, eyes sparkling as he looked at Jimin in the water."I'm not sure." he honestly replied, then looked at the hand warily before lifting his blue, scaled hand from the water and reached out. His fingers about to touch Yoongi's when a call of his name made him jump."Yoongi!" shouted the other man from the shore, Jimin moved to swim away instantly."Please, wait!" Yoongi said "can I... can I see you again?"Jimin dithered for a moment but the second he made eye contact all resolve crumbled. "Here. Tomorrow. Sundown." before diving backwards and swimming down into the depths.
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"You're insane!" Jungkook said, for the 10th time, since sneaking out of the castle and, again, Jimin ignored the comment. He knew. He knew this was totally insane. He was swimming between Taehyung and Jungkook, the water around them murky and dark as the sun set in the land above them. The markings on each of their skin - which mermaids were born with - glowing against the darkening area around them."I brought a potion I've been working on with my mum." Taehyung said as they made it past the hideout "one wrong move and I'll throw it, as soon as the glass smashes this is gonna blow up smoke and you can swim for your life.""Thanks, Tae." Jimin mumbled, keeping his eyes trained forward.He should not be doing this, if his dad found out he'd be gills deep in trouble. Not to mention he was exposing his people, the one rule all mers had to follow. Keep their existence a secret from humans.He was breaking the number one rule.Why?He had no idea."How did you even sneak out?" Jungkook asked gently"I told Jin I felt ill - he sent me to bed early." Jimin sighed "I hate lying to him but he trusts me so much he'd believe anything I said.""If this guy stuffs you into a fishing net I'm not being held responsible." Taehyung said sternly. Or what he passed off as stern."He won't... I hope." Jimin sighed "listen guys, I know this is crazy, like, beyond crazy. But imagine if we could communicate, this might be the end to all the tension between our people. We can finally stop hiding if we can just... I don't know, prove they're not the reason people are going missing."His friends were quiet until Taehyung sighed "I guess I agree, I don't think my family are somewhere up in the human world. I think they were just... I don't know, researching and forgot the tides and got swept away. They'll come back."Jimin looked down to the locket around his neck "I just don't see how a world that makes such wonderful things... could be bad?""We're almost to the island, he might not even be there. Convinced himself you weren't real, or chickened out cause he thought you were a Siren." Jungkook grinned and Jimin laughed"I know I'm good looking but we don't associate with them for a reason, Kookie." Jimin shot a wink in his direction as they neared the rock were Jimin had saved the Yoongi. Jimin's chest constricted when he saw the soft light of a lantern through the water and the silhouette of the boy, rippling above him as the sun set behind him."Good luck." Taehyung sighed"Oh, cheer up." Jimin smiled, sucking in a deep breath through his gills before flicking his tail slowly. As his head slinked above the surface Jimin watched Yoongi snap to attention and see hi, his eyes going wide. Jimin floated about 5 feet away from the rock. Just in case."You're real." the boy breathed"Course I am." Jimin raised an eyebrow questioningly, he found Yoongi extremely unintimidating up close "you think a friendly Dolphin pulled your heavy ass out the water?"Yoongi snorted with laughter "thought I might of swallowed too much salt water and dreamt up a mermaid.""Unfortunately not, I'm very real." Jimin swam forward and watched the boys eyes widen as he rested his elbows on the edge of the rock."I can see that..." Yoongi said "you're beautiful.""Wow, buy me dinner first, Hot Shot." Jimin laughed "I mean, human's do I eat I know that much, do you have dinner?"Yoongi seemed taken a back by the question "uh, yeah, we do?"Jimin grinned "and you eat with those silver things right?" This was so exciting for a boy who had been scooping human stuff out of the sand since he was 8. To be this close, and talking to a human "Taehyung swears that their easier to use than a dinglehopper but Jungkook and I disagree.""Dingle...hopper?" Yoongi laughed"Yeah! You don't have them? They're kinda like your spoons but made of coral, with a sharp edge. Tae's dad makes these really cool colourful ones.""Tae?" Yoongi was overwhelmed to say the least "there are more of you?""How the hell did you think I was born?" Jimin laughed "I didn't just pop into existence, the one mermaid in the Ocean. I have Taehyung and Jungkook with me.""You do?" Yoongi looked around"They're below the surface about 20 feet away, ready to bombard you at the first wrong move." Jimin shrugged nonchalantly."Why would I make a wrong move?"Jimin shrugged "my dad's banned all human and mermaid contact, it's kinda illegal for me to be talking to you right now.""So why are you?"Jimin smirked slightly "lets call it personal interest, humans are... fascinating.""I reckon we're kinda boring." Yoongi laughed, he was looking at Jimin like he was the embodiment of the sun.He kinda was, Yoongi had never seen someone so dazzlingly beautiful. Jimin's eyes seemed to pierce his skin in icy blue waves, hair like snow and his skin a perfect caramel with not a single blemish. Though Yoongi was entranced by the patterns swirling over Jimin's skin in a sharp, light blue colour. They seemed to be glowing in the water."Your skin." he said, mentally kicking himself for how dumb it soundedJimin lifted a hand out the water, caramel and blue light fading into dark blue scales. Yoongi noticed the thin webbing joining Jimin's fingers together "Oh it just helps us see in the dark water, you don't have that?""No, we don't." Yoongi leant his chin on his kneeJimin was bemused "then how do you see in the dark?""We use lights." Yoongi laughed "electricity.""elec-what?"Yoongi smiled "electricity, it makes lights, powers homes. Though I guess in the olden days we used fire.""Yes!" Jimin said excitedly, pushing into the balls of his hands so his whole torso was out the water "I've read about that! It's hot and it burns, right?""Yeah." Yoongi smiled at the boys excited eyes "here." he pulled his lighter out of his pocket, flicking down so the small flame appeared ont he end."Oh wow." Jimin breathed, his face illuminated by the soft orange glow "what is that thing? it makes fire?""It's called a lighter." Yoongi explained "it's just a flint being lit with lighter fluid.""It's amazing." Jimin breathed, extending fingers out. A laugh bubbled out his chest as he felt the warmth from the flame."I still can't believe your real." Yoongi said "I feel like I'm dreaming.""I'm as real as can be." Jimin chuckled, turning round so he could sit on the rock beside Yoongi, though still a good few feet away just for safe keeping, the end of his tail swishing in the water."So, there are more mermaids?" Yoongi asked "do you have a family?""Yep, 5 older sisters, 1 older brother and my dad." Jimin replied"Wow, big family.""You don't have a big family?"Yoongi shrugged "my parents died when I was young, it's really just me and my step brother now - and our Uncle I guess but we never see him.""That's sad." Jimin frowned"It's alright, we make do." Yoongi shrugged "but 6 siblings, that's a lot.""It's customary for the King to have 7 children - "one for each of the 7 seas we call home".""Wait-" Yoongi interrupted "King? You're... you're a Prince?""Yep." Jimin shrugged "Prince Jimin Caspian Park at your service."Yoongi nearly choked "Prince of what, exactly? Altlantis?"Jimin chuckled at the common human misconception of what he called home "no, Atlantica - it's my home town."Jimin looked over at the boy, getting a good look at him for the first time. He had tanned skin, shining against the dusk light but it was still in stark contrast to his inky black hair. It was thick and fell into his eyes slightly. Brows and eyelashes were also thick, framing those stormy, brown eyes. He wore dark clothes, pretty much all black, his red shoes beaten and holey but he somehow pulled it off.
He's beautiful.
Jimin blushed slightly as his eyes met his, the sky going darker as the talked to each other. Stars appearing in the sky as the lantern burned out slowly beside the human boy. Jimin's skin glowing though he found himself growing tired. Mermaids could survive on land for a good few hours but eventually needed to get back in the water. Like dolphins returning to the surface for air except the other way around."Sorry, just a second." Jimin interrupted Yoongi while he was talking about how books are made with paper rather than seaweed on land. He frowned as Jimin suddenly pushed himself into the water with a splash. Jimin sighed happily as he resurface, sucking in water into his gills and leaning elbows on the rock beside Yoongi's knee."I'm sorry, I needed the oxygen." Jimin pushed silvery hair out his eyes"You don't breathe air?" Yoongi asked"No I breathe through these bad boys." Jimin laughed, pushing on to his hands to show the slits on his torso "I don't need them above water so they close by themselves.""You have gills..." Yoongi said in awe "like a shark?""And a deadly one at that." Jimin wiggled his eyebrows, making Yoongi snort out a laugh as he lowered himself back down. Jimin felt a tug on his fin and looked down to see Jungkook in the water and sighed, it was getting pretty late and he'd been keeping his friends up."I should go." he sighed to Yoongi."Oh." his face fell and Jimin felt his heart do a little stutter."We could meet again?" Jimin asked "at the same time tomorrow?""I'd like that..." Yoongi smiled slightly."Just, don't tell anyone?" Jimin sighed "it's illegal and all...""Your secret existance is safe with me." Yoongi grinned and Jimin laughed"Bye." he said softly, pushing away from the rock.Yoongi smiled as he did "Good night, Jimin."Jimin could feel his cheeks heat up as he sank under the water, swimming over to where Taehyung and Jungkook were waiting for him, Tae with a look of concern, Kook with a shit eating smirk."Don't say it." Jimin said as he swam past them, the two of them racing to swim after him. Jungkook was chuckling and Taehyung was even smiling at this point."Say what?" Jungkook grinned "Romeo?""I said not to say it and you said it anyway." Jimin tried to act irritated but failed as the smile kept tugging on his lips.
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Jimin sighed as he stared out at the stormy black sea above him. The water colder and muriker than usual as rain battered against the surface above. This storm had been going on for days now, bringing his meetups with Yoongi to a grinding halt. In fact, he'd stood him up on their last set time and day. Jimin hoped he understood, or that he wasn't able to get out to the island either due to the storm, the current was just far too strong - even for Jungkook, who was the strongest swimmer out of the three of them, - to get out to their meet up spot. The last few days had dragged on, Jimin not really having anything to look forward to anymore between his day to day duties.He almost jumped out of his skin at the sharp rap on his door "come in." he sighed, trying - and failing - not to sound too dejected. Jin poked his head round the door."Evening, your majesty, your father has returned and requests the presence of his children for dinner."Jimin's face cracked into the first smile he'd had in a few days "I'll be right down!" Seokjin dipped his head politely and let the door click shut behind him. Jimin jumped up and snatched his crown off the desk, securing it neatly on his head as he knew his dad liked him to wear it before shooting out the door and toward the dinning room. He saw his father, looking very weathered and tired talking to his sister Alana."Father!" Jimin said happily, shooting across the room to seize his dad round the shoulders in a hug. He chuckled warmly, hugging his boy back."Such a warm welcome." he smiled as Jimin let him go "how are you, my boy.""I'm great." Jimin grinned "now that you're home."His father smiled slightly more at that statement "please sit, I want to catch up with my children." Jimin did as he was told, sinking into his chair beside his father - at the head of the table. Almost as soon as the King had sat, maids entered the room wither their dinners and his father entrapped the sister just older than Jimin in conversation."So, Aquata dear, how have the discussions with the Prince of Eres been going?""Very well, Papa." she smiled sweetly, Jimin busied himself with pushing his food around his plate. "we should have a trading link established very soon." The discussions of the royal duties were often highly boring and didn't involve him. He was too young to be taken on trips to other mer clans anyway. I suppose that would soon change. Jimin could think of nothing worse than being stuck on a long trip with 5 of his snooty sisters. I suppose going with Hoseok wouldn't be so bad. It's not that Jimin disliked his sisters, in fact he loved them very much. But they were the definition of spoiled Princesses. None of whom wanted to really play with Jimin as he grew up. Except Hobi.Stifling a sigh he turned his gaze to the window and was quite happy to see the water was lighter, weak rays of sunlight just trickling through. Maybe he's be able to see Yoongi tomorrow."Jimin!" came the snap of Hoseok and he whipped round to the table, dragged from his thoughts to see them all looking at them."Sorry.. what is it?" he said a little sheepishly.His father laughed "You're so like your mother." he said fondly "I asked whether you were enjoying your classes.""Oh, yes." he lied instantly, smile a little strained."Very good.""So, Father, how are the searches coming?" Jimin asked gently , his father sighed, physically deflating in his chair."Nothing." he shook his head "we've looked everywhere the tide could of possibly taken, I've increased my search rage 4 times now.. and still." he rubbed a hand over the bottom of his face, looking strained "I think it's time we must assume the humans are at fault.""Oh but, Father, are you sure?" Jimin said, stomach giving a sickening churn of guilt."Quite sure, Jimin." he said, rather shortly "I think it's time we have to call of the searches,""But you have to keep searching!" Jimin came back quickly, his siblings had fallen deadly silent. Jimin had always obeyed his Father, very very rarely would he fight back like this "Taehyung and his Mother, they'll be devastated!""I'm sorry, Jimin, there's no where else to look.""There must be! You have to have missed somewh-""I have not!" he snapped, his voice cutting through Jimin in an icy shard right to his chest. He'd never taken such a tone with him before, and he seemed to instantly regret it as he looked as his son's, quite obviously, hurt face."Yes, I'm sorry I shouldn't of.... excuse me." Jimin got up, his eyes stinging a little."Chim, please sit. You've barely touched your food." his father said softly. Using the affectionate nickname his mother used to call him just made the ache in his chest grow."I'm not hungry." Jimin whispered "good night." and with that he swam as fast as he could to the door. His stomach churning with a guilt that was making him nauseous. He clutched as his stomach as he slammed his bedroom door behind him, collapsing on to his sea sponge bed. The mix of, anger, sadness and guilt his father had just stirred into him. He turned over, pushing a clenched fist into his abs to try and leviate some of the sickness and force himself to sleep.This news was going to devastate one of his closest friends. Mermaids had been going missing for months now, one of the first ones to be reported was Taehyung's older brother and father. Jimin had been telling him the whole time not to worry, his father wouldn't let them down.x"Jimin, are you alright?" Jungkook asked softly as Jimin watched the sea get slowly darker through the gap in the top of their cavern. The boy eyed him suspiciously from where he was putting new findings on his shelf."I'm fine." Jimin smiled meaklyHe narrowed his eyes further "I don't believe you." he sighed, turning away "but I know you well enough to pretend that I do."Jimin smiled weakly, his stomach twisting with another pang of guilt as he turned to where Taehyung was sitting reading quietly across the cavern. Had him and her mother been told that the searches were being stopped? That their family were no where to be seen? Jimin couldn't take sitting still anymore so he got up."I'm going to Smuggler's Cove." he stated"Alright." Jungkook said "tell Yoongi I say hi."Jimin smiled slightly, though the two had never met - Jungkook and Yoongi had found out they liked all the same things - using Jimin as their messenger to discuss."And be careful." Taehyung added sternly though not looking up from his book."Always am, if I'm not back by morning blah blah I know the drill." he smiled "I'll see you guys tomorrow." and with that he swam back out through the cave. The water was relatively dark, the sun was setting above him as he saw, the light going dark as he snapped his dorsal fin spines out as he swam, icy blue light shining from his skin as he got closer to the Island. He held his breath as he reached their meet up rock. His heart lifting into his chest as he saw Yoongi's outline, sitting on the rock. He slinked above the water, Yoongi hadn't noticed him as he read a book by torchlight. Jimin smiled softly at the boy who's eyes were darting back and forth across the page hair falling in his eyes."Whatcha' reading?" Jimin spoke, making the boy jump ad let out a high pitched scream."Jesus, Jimin!" he said breathlessly."Sorry." the boy laughed in return, resting his elbows on the rocks by Yoongi's knees. He relaxed, closing him book and smiling at the boy in the water, his fail flashing every now and then in the water under the moonlight."You came." he smiled"Of course." Jimin grinned "I'm sorry, the storms.. I'm not a strong enough swimmer.""Don't apologise." Yoongi smiled "I wasn't likely getting my brother's tiny boat out here in that weather. How.. how have you been?""That's a question." Jimin sighed, gracefully pushing out the water to sit next to Yoongi on the rock."What's wrong?" his brows furrowed "are you okay?""I'm... okay..ish." he shook his head, looking over at Yoongi, who's face was laced with concern and he softened "it's just my dad. He came back and he says that they're calling off the searches.""Taehyung's family?" Yoongi asked gently."Still missing. I had, well it wasn't a fight but." Jimin sighed and brushed a hand through his hair "he's never talked to me like that before.""Do you.. feel bad about coming to meet me?" Yoongi said quietly."It's not... that." Jimin shook his head "I love talking to you it's just I've never really lied to my father before. Coming to meet you... it's so good, it's all I look forward to." Jimin face suddenly went very red as he realised he made this statement."Me too." his face flushed even more. He met Yoongi's eyes and smiled at him, noting his cheeks had gone a very pretty pink colour, suddenly something warm enclosing around Jimin's cold, scaled hand. He looked down to see Yoongi's hand laying across his own."You're.. warm." he frowned, taking Yoongi's hand in his a little more.He chuckled "yeah, you're less warm." Jimin free hand reached out, shaking slightly as he brushed webbed fingers across Yoongi's cheek. His skin was warm?"Why are you warm?" he frowned."I'm.. warm blooded?" Yoongi was finding it stupidly adorable how fascinated Jimin was by this fact but also was feeling very blushy at the face his was having his cheek cupped by a hot mermaid."Hmm, fascinating." Jimin was smiling now and it was infectious."It's nice to see you again." Yoongi said as Jimin took his hand from his face and met his eyes, he sighed and smiled softly at Yoongi."You too." he brought his hands back on his lap "everything's been a bit... bleh.. at the moment."Yoongi smiled sympathetically "Yeah, me too.""What's wrong?" Jimin frowned suddenly, really not liking the idea anything was wrong in Yoongi's life."It's.. I guess it's hard to explain." he ran a hand into his dark hair "it's, well, I'm about to move into my own like, house? And I have to leave my brother behind for a while. We've just not been apart very much... since my Mom died. It's hard."Jimin smiled softly, reaching over and taking Yoongi's hand in his again. Jimin's hand was cold and a little damp, compared to the warm, calloused skin of Yoongi's fingers. Yoongi looked up at Jimin, puffed out a sigh and dropped his head on to his shoulder. Blood rushed to Jimin's face as Yoongi snuggled into his neck."You smell like... sunlight and sea salt." he mumbled, Jimin flushed harder. Yoongi's smell was washing over him too, sweet and kinda musky. Something Jimin had never smelled before."Is that a good thing?" he smiled, letting his shoulders relax - pushing out a breath he didn't lnw he'd been holding. Yoongi hummed in a "yes" kind of way as the two of them sat, the dark around them, a million stars sparkling above them."I wish you could come back with me." Yoongi sighed, he seemed to be a lot more honest than usual.Jimin laughed, it came out a little bitterly "me too.""I could keep you in my bathtub." Yoongi tone was joking and Jimin felt him smile against his shoulder, soft, black hair tickling his chin.He chuckled "mmh, plenty of swimming room."Yoongi laughed, it was warm sounding, more full than Jimin had heard before "even if there was a way.. you could visit for a day.""I wish."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The words swam on the page in front of Jimin, he could barely string any of them together - only vaguely aware of Hoseok speaking from opposite him. There was sunbeams shining through the windows and Jimin stared at them wistfully, it had been so long since they had nice weather. Maybe he could go treasure hunting with Taehyung and Jungkook later before meeting Yoongi? If he lived through his lessons that was, he was about to collapse of sheer boredom. "Jimin?" Hoseok said, the softness of his tone took him off guard as he turned to his brother. Hoseok's face had a frown, but it was concerned. Jimin suddenly realising his hand was on top of his - pretty, grey scales glinting in the sun over his own blue ones "are you alright?""I'm... fine?" Jimin said slowlyHoseok smiled at him warmly "it's just... since the other night you've been a bit - distant?" he puffed out a sigh "is it Taehyung?" Jimin raised his eyes to his brothers' soft searching eyes and concerned smile made him crack. He was really worried about Tae. When he found out about the searches... was he going to hate him? "I - I asked Father not to tell the his family about the searches.""What?" Jimin immediately snapped "why?"Hoseok shushed him, looking over her shoulder as the Librarian shot them an irritated look "I thought we could tell them, I'm sure Taehyung would rather hear it from you than Seokjin."Jimin knew he was right, Taehyung had a.. lets say "problem" with authority. It was a miracle he was friends with Jimin, but they're been friends since.. since as long as he could remember. Jimin was allowed to go to school with the other kids, everyone was a little afraid to talk to him since he was quite obviously a Prince and Seokjin had to stand in the corner while he was there. Taehyung literally swam up to him and told him "your hair's weird." Jimin had been so happy someone had talked to him that he looked past the blatant insult.Jimin smiled fondly at the memory, running fingers through his silvery hair "you're right.""Shall we go now?" Hoseok asked "I don't know about you but this is boring me to sleep."Jimin laughed and his older brother smiled quite fondly at him as he closed his book, getting out the chair. Jimin followed, the two of them swimming out the library, through the huge hallways of the palace and out the front door. Jimin looked to his brother, hair flowing out behind him. The crown around his forehead was thicker and studded with more jewels than Jimin's, showing he was in line for the throne by the huge Pearl in the middle."Oh, good afternoon, your Majesties." Hoseok stopped swimming as one of the woman from the town bowed politely as they passed, her little boy looking confused next to her - he couldn't be older than 7."Afternoon," Hoseok smiled "please, there's no need to bow." Jimin shot a look of fondness at his brother "are you looking forward to the festival?""Oh, very much, Sir." she grinned, looking extatic at the fact two of the royal family were talking to her "will you be attending?""Oh, I'm not sure yet, if my duties will allow me then I will." Hoseok nodded "though I'm sure my brother here will be there." Jimin nodded. He loved the festival, the only time he could really get out the castle and spend a whole day and night with Taehyung and Jungkook... if Tae was still talking to him by then."Oh, then I hope to see you there, Prince Jimin." she beamed at him"Thank you." he smiled "I hope to see you too." she looked dazzled as Jimin shot her one of his more dashing smiles."Pardon, but you must excuse us." Hoseok said, so politely. Jimin looked at him even more fondly. He was going to make such a wonderful King."Of course, forgive me for taking up your time." the woman bowed again."No need to apologise." Hoseok backtracked quickly "it has been lovely to speak with you, you have a nice day now.""Thank you, Your Highness." she smiled as Hoseok tugged on Jimin's arm to get him to start swimming again. Taehyung lived on the edge of town, quite near the school as his father is.. was a teacher there. As they rounded the corner, Taehyung's house came into view, pretty and quite small with bright corals in front of it. His mother was in the front garden, tending to them when they arrived. Hoseok cleared her throat and she looked up, a smile spreading across her face."Jimin! Hoseok! Oh how nice to see you." she smiled "Oh my, you've shot up at least a foot." she laughed, meeting Jimin's guilty eyes "to what do I owe the surprise?""Some news, I'm afraid." Hoseok spoke "might we come in?"Her face dropped "yes, yes of course." she turned to the house, Jimin glanced at Hoseok who gave him a reassuring smile and the two of them followed her into the familiar longue of their house. Taehyung was sat on the windowsill and looked up from his book as the two of them entered, eyebrow cocking."Please, sit you two." she said, motioning to a couple chairs in the corner and she perched next to Taehyung on the windowsill."This is about Dad and Taeran, isn't it?" Taehyung said, his voice small as Jimin and Hoseok sat. Hoseok glanced at Jimin, he took this to mean it was time for him to take over."Yes." Jimin croaked, Taehyung's mother made a sort of broken noise and Taehyung's hand shot out to hold his mother's "well, um, our father came home and.. he's increased the range of his search four times and there's still no sign of them." Taehyung's lip trembled and Jimin felt his chest constrict."S-surely, there must of been somewhere missed." Tae said, his voice shaking."Taehyung." his mother warned."No, he's quite right." Jimin interrupted, he hated when people were polite to him just because of his blood stature.Hoseok cut in quickly "Jimin argued quite forcefully with our father about continuing to search." he sighed "but once he's made up his mind I'm afraid..""He's decided to call off the searches." Jimin's finished, meeting his friend's eyes - which were watering "I'm sorry, Tae."The boy dropped his gaze, his mother looked like she was barely holding it together "thank you for coming to tell us, that can't of been easy.""We'll let you two be alone, I'm so sorry." Hoseok spoke, getting up from the chair, he shot Jimin a look and tugged on his upper arm to follow him out the door. Jimin didn't know what to say, his chest felt tight and he kinda wanted to punch something at the same time. They should still be looking. They couldn't give up.."Jimin!" came Taehyung's voice and he spun round to see him swimming out the front door. Hoseok swam ahead to give the two of them a little space "Did you.. did you really argue with your dad to continue searching?" he asked"Yeah." Jimin sighed, scratching the back of his neck. Taehyung looked at him for a second before seizing him round the waist in a bone crushing hug. Jimin's eyes widened, Taehyung didn't particularly ever show affection like this unless he hadn't seen him in a while or on special occasions, he sighed and brought his arms around his shoulders. Taehyung pulled away after a moment, sniffling."I knew there was something wrong, I'm sorry you fought with him." he rubbed at his eyes "but thank you, that it was for my family.""Don't thank me." Jimin shook his head "it's the right thing to do, we shouldn't be stopping."Taehyung nodded, looking back at his house "I should get back to my mother.""Will I see you later?" he asked"I hope so." Taehyung reached out and squeezed his arm, smiled a bit meekly before turning back and disappearing into his house. Jimin turned to Hoseok who was waiting for him a few yards away. Feeling marginally better Taehyung didn't hate him - he swam with his brother back to the castle.It was much much later that Jimin sat in the cavern. He was alone with Jungkook - chatting about the festival tomorrow. He hadn't particularly expected to see Taehyung after this morning so he was most surprised to hear the door being cranked open and Tae's golden tail flashing into the cavern. Jungkook shot a look at Jimin, who had caught him up in Taehyung's absence."Before anyone says anything," he said, adjusting the strap of his bag that was slung over his shoulders "I don't want to talk about it, and I'd rather pretend like it wasn't happening so I don't have to think about it."There was a moment of silence, Jimin perfectly understood that he wanted his mind off his family so he instead asked "What's in the bag?"At this, Tae smirked "something I've been working on. It's a present for you, since it's your birthday in a few days.""Taehyung." he groaned "you know I hate presents."He was quickly shushed however "you'll like this. I was gonna wait until the actual day but with the festival tomorrow, I know how much you love it, thought we could use it sooner rather than later." and with a flourish, he pulled a stoppered bottle from her bag. Inside it was a glittering red liquid, floating around in the glass like it had a mind of it's own."What the heck is that?" Jungkook raised an eyebrow."This, my dear friends, is a potion that - if I've done it correctly - will turn a human into a mermaid for 24 hours."There was dead silence in the cavern, Jimin was the first to speak "you're pulling my tail.""I resent that." Taehyung smiled, moving the potion around in the glass, it shimmered against the watery sunlight, throwing red light onto Taehyung's face and giving him a very sinister glow "you know I'd never joke about science." he turned to Jimin "and I figured since you have a painfully obvious crush on Yoongi, you could take him to the festival."Jimin was about to snap at his about the crush comment when the reality of it washed over him "you're sure it'll work?""a solid 85% sure yes.""That doesn't reassure me." Jungkook was rubbing his forehead now. Jimin reached out and took the bottle from Taehyung, it sloshed in the stoppered bottle and glittered prettily."How long have you been working on this?" he asked"Since he didn't try to stuff you into a fishing net after your first meeting." Taehyung shrugged "I originally wanted to turn mermaids human... but a happy accident." he shrugged "still working on that but for now.""We don't even know if he'll drink it." Jimin whispered, though his brain was ticking. The idea of prolonged time with Yoongi and when he could actually not have to hide it seemed... wonderful. On the other hand, he'd be bringing a human into the land of Atlantica, which if Yoongi betrayed them - which he doubted he would but it still ningled in the back of his head - then his father would most certainly kill not only Jimin but Yoongi as well. Taehyung and Jungkook would be sent to jail for helping them..."Stop thinking about it." Taehyung whispered "you like him, yes?""Yes." Jimin blushed"Then it's settled, we're doing it." he shrugged, folding his arms in a matter-of-fact way "speaking of Yoongi, we should get going if we want to get there before sundown.""This is a bad idea..." Jungkook said, but Jimin wasn't listening as he followed Taehyung out the door, staring at the bottle in his hands."You think he'll take it?" Jimin asked"I think he'd just as crazy about you as you are about him." Taehyung chuckled "so yes, I think he'll take it.""We're going to diiieee." Jungkook moaned.Shooting him an annoyed look Taehyung said "Kookie, let's be real. Jimin fucking hates being a Prince and the only time he genuinely smiles is around Yoongi." Jimin blushed, looking over at Taehyung "so any chance he'll cheer up, I'm taking the risk."Jungkook sighed and nodded "yeah.. I know."Jimin opened his mouth to express how greatful he was when Taehyung shushed him, sending him a look that just read not to get sappy on him and he just smiled, turning back to the bottle as they neared Smuggler's Cove. Jimin saw Yoongi was already there, apparently skipping stones into the water as he watched ripples splay out from where the boy stood."Mind where you're throwing those." Jimin smirked as he surfaced right next to the rock at Yoongi's feet."Jimin." he smiled, lowering the hand he had a rock in and sitting on his knees in from of him, Yoongi's eyes darted behind Jimin and he let of an "oh."Jimin turned to see Taehyung had surfaced for the first time since his meetings with Yoongi started a few weeks ago "oh, Yoongi, this is Taehyung.""Oh, man." Yoongi smiled as Taehyung swam over to float beside Jimin, he held a hand out to him. Taehyung seemed to know what to do as he raised a glittering yellow, scaled hand out the water to shake it."Nice to finally meet you." he smiled "I'm not gonna crash your date long.""Tae!" Jimin hissed and he just laughed, Yoongi was blushing at the comment."Just thought I'd help explain." he shrugged"Explain what?" Yoongi asked with a frown, looking between him and Jimin."Uh, so basically the annual festival celebrating the turning of the moon's in tomorrow." Taehyung said "i.e. Jimin's favourite thing in the whole world, you should see him, he's like a kid in a coral shop.""Taehyung..." he moaned again and Tae waved a hand at him to shush him."Did Jimin tell you I'm an alchemist?" he asked, Yoongi shook his head and he shot Jimin a look, carrying on with bluntly telling him the situation. "basically, I make potions. I recently came up with this one." he lifted Jimin's hand out the water, which was still clutched around the red bottle."O..kay?" Yoongi frowned"It's gonna turn you into a mermaid for a day." Taehyung said "allowing you a perfect amount of time to go on an adorable date with my friend here.""Tae!" Jimin snapped again, blushing a lot at this point and he continued to ignore him."Well, that's everything." he smiled, he took the bottle from Jimin, pushing it back into his bag, Taehyung squeezed his shoulder "I'll keep it safe, see you tomorrow." and with that, he dived under the water, flashing a golden tail before disappearing into dark waters. Jimin watched the yellow glow from his markings fade as he swam away."Is that... true?" Yoongi was the first to speak and Jimin turned back to him."Yes." he nodded, his throat feeling a little tight "listen, don't feel pressured to come but.." he blushed "I'd like to show you the festival.""I'd.. I'd like to spend that time with you." Yoongi mumbled but Jimin caught it and he beamed up at him."Really?" he asked"Really." he scratched his neck "but you're gonna have to teach me some mermaid-isms? I have no idea how I'm supposed to act.""Oh, buckle up." Jimin grinned, pushing out the water to sit with him "I'll teach you everything you need to know."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"You look nice." Hoseok commented and Jimin shrieked, nearly jumping a foot as he was trying to leave, or to be more accurate: sneak out of, the castle. Not that there was anything suspicious about that, he was allowed to.... but he was about to go give a human a potion to break about a million mer laws so he didn't blame himself for being a tad jumpy. Hoseok laughed and raised an eyebrow "what are you up to?""Nothing." Jimin laughed hastily "I was just off to meet Tae and Jungkook.""Oh, well have fun at the festival tonight." "You're not coming?""No, unfortunately." he sighed "I have a mountain of work, but have fun - bring me back something pretty.""Will do." Jimin laughed "also, thank you." he adjusted his shirt.People usually dressed up for the festival, Jimin usually just wore necklaces and his crown on a daily basis. But today he had on a baby blue tank top with silver embroidery over it, bangles around his biceps and his crown around his forehead. His bag was slung over his shoulder with some of the shirts he never wore stuffed in, they were in a variety of colours as they didn't know what colour Yoongi's tail was going to be. Jimin would not be seen with someone with clashing clothes and tail. He was assuming it might be purple since his eyes and hair were dark but.. it wasn't always the case. So there were a few other colours jammed in."Have fun." Hoseok waved him off and he flashed out the door. The streets were bustling with people setting up and getting excited, many said a polite hello or bowed, which he returned even if he was in a rush to get to the cavern.
He eventually made it to the outskirts of town and increased his speed to make it to the hideout fast. When he did Taehyung and Jungkook were waiting outside, both also dressed nicely. Jungkook wore the same thing he wore every day but his hair had been done into a crown braid with many silver, ornate slides holding it together. Green and gold necklaces around his neck. Taehyung wore his nicest gold shirt with more rings that Jimin had ever seen on one person but Jimin was definitely most into his jewellery out of the 3 of them."Ready?" Jungkook asked him as Jimin arrived, tail aching at the speed at which he'd swum here."As I'll ever be.""Let's get going." Taehyung nodded "Yoongi will be there any minute." and with that the three of them took off. The swim there was in silence as Jimin mind ticked a million miles an hour. He tried not to think about how this could be a catastrophically bad idea as he saw the torch light and Yoongi's silhouette sitting on the rock. Jimin and Taehyung surfaced while Jungkook kept a lookout below - not that anyone ever came near Smuggler's Cove but they were doing something very stupid and also very illegal so it was good to be on the safe side."Hey." Jimin smiled as Yoongi saw them "sorry we're late.""It's okay." Yoongi said back "so, uh, how are we doing this?""Well, you gotta get in." Taehyung said "only works in water. Also you might wanna take off a few layers, have some dry clothes for when we drop you back off.""Right." Yoongi looked pale and very nervous. Jimin reached out the water and curled his fingers around his wrist, his blue eyes met Yoongi's dark ones and he smiled."It's gonna be okay, we'll keep you afloat." he spoke softly, remembering Yoongi couldn't swim very well. Hence how they met in the first place. Yoongi smiled and nodded, he stood up and Taehyung turned to give him some privacy as he peeled off his sweater. Jimin turned more reluctantly as he started unbuttoning jeans and yanking off his shoes, after stowing them in the little boat he used to get to the Island from the mainland. He cleared his throat. The two of them turned and he was sat on the edge of the rock, his shins dangling into the water."Here." Jimin moved forward "Put an arm around me, I'll keep us above the surface until you're ready."Yoongi nodded silently; curling an arm around Jimin's shoulder, he lowered himself into the water. Jimin clutched him tightly round the waist with one hand, the other keeping them afloat. When Yoongi was in to the chest, he let go of the rock and clung to Jimin's neck."See, you're fine." Jimin said softly, grip on Yoongi's waist tightening as he shivered in the water next to him. Yoongi's skin was so warm under his touch Jimin felt his head spin a little. Taehyung meanwhile was unstoppering the bottle and handing it to him."Drink it in a oner."Yoongi gave it a sceptical look "will it hurt?""I don't think so, no." Tae replied, Jimin could tell he actually had no idea but was trying to make him feel better."Here goes nothing." Yoongi sighed, then threw back the glowing, red liquid. There was a moment of silence before he coughed and then his face screwed up. There was a rush of wind and Jimin squinted, holding on to Yoongi as tight as he could without hurting him. There was suddenly a flashing, bright white light from Yoongi and Jimin had to close his eyes against it as wind rushed in his ears.After a moment the light suddenly faded and the wind stopped, Jimin looked to Yoongi quickly, who looked like he'd seen a ghost. His face was slightly green and he looked like he might throw up."Are you okay?" Jimin asked worriedly."It worked..." he laughed, suddenly grinning at Jimin. Who'd nearly forgotten about the whole reason he was here, his eyes flickered to Yoongi's legs, his eyes widened at the deep, crimson tail where his legs had been and beamed. Yoongi seemed to realise he was still clinging to Jimin's neck and backed up a few inches, still holding his shoulders."Oh my god." Taehyung laughed, slightly like a crazed scientist "I actually did it!""We can praise you when we see if those bad boys work." Jimin nodded to where gill slits had formed on Yoongi's ribs "Yoongi, do you think you can come under with us?""Y-yeah." he said nervously."I won't let go of your hands." Jimin smiled, reaching up to take Yoongi's hands from his shoulders. He looked down to where Yoongi' hands were now webbed, red scales all over his them to the elbow. Yoongi gripped his hands hard, Jimin trying not to wince as nails dug into his skin and looked him in the eyes "ready?""Let's do it.""Just... breathe in through your chest?" Taehyung said, trying to explain how to breathe as a mermaid when it was just second nature to them in possibly the most unhelpful manner. Jimin let himself sink under the water, pulling Yoongi very gently by the hands with him. He watched as Yoongi kept his mouth firmly shut but seemed to breathe in just fine through his new found gills."You're a natural." Jimin laughed "you can open your mouth you know. You talk just the same as on the surface.""I can?" Yoongi said and then clamped a hand over his mouth "this is so bizarre." he whispered through his fingers."Can I have my hands back?" Jimin smiled "I brought you some clothes.""Right!" Yoongi blushed, pulling his red hands out of Jimin's blue. Who was smiling as he reached round into his bag."I was assuming your tail would be violet, given your eye and hair colour but I brought a red one." he said mostly to himself, yanking out the red shirt. It was a pretty nice button up waist coat, with ornate, gold buttons and trim."Thanks." he said, taking it from Jimin and pulling it over his shoulders. Which Jimin realised were a little broader than his own but it still buttoned up just fine."You look great." Jimin smiled "everyone always dresses up for the festival." he snatched Yoongi's hand into his own "speaking of, come on and meet Jungkook - he's our look out."Yoongi was a little slow at swimMing as he got used to it, but with Jimin's hand guiding him and Taehyung teaching him how to use his dorsal fins, they got to Jungkook in relatively good time. Yoongi couldn't quite believe what was happening, he had a tail and was going on somewhat of a date.. with a mermaid. A royal mermaid.
As they stopped he found himself in front of a kind faced mermaid with a flashy green tail and glowing markings. Yoongi glanced down at his skin, blood red, glowing marks had appeared on his body."Yoongi, Jungkook, Kookie, Yoongi." Jimin waved between the two of them."Nice to meet you." Yoongi said to him.Jungkook was sceptical but he seemed to warm up to him as they swam. Jimin's hand didn't leave Yoongi's the whole way, his excuse being he was helping him to learn to swim with his new tail. Taehyung and Jungkook followed a little behind them as Jimin chattered away, looking very happy. Yoongi just let him talk, smiling rather fondly as he did, just enjoying the fact he was getting to spend so much time with him.
He'd told Namjoon he was going on a class trip. He never needed to know about this. Yoongi's eyes widened as they reached the outskirts of Atlantica. He was overwhelmed, it was like a dream. The streets of the water city spiralled out in front of him, all of the houses seemed to be made out of glittery gold coral and looked like they grew that way out of the ground. The people were something else. Mermaids were casually swimming through the streets, all of them with various colour scales but all dressed up to the neigh with jewellery and nice clothes."This is beautiful." he breathed"Welcome to Atlantica." Jimin smiled. The streets were busy at this point, all with merpeople heading to the city square."It's amazing." his eyes sparkled, Jimin tugged on his hand."Come on, the festival's this way." he beamed "you're going to love it! The whole city comes to it and there's loads of stalls and games."Yoongi smiled and swam after him, which is was getting the hang of it now but wasn't really complaining at having Jimin hold his hand. They made their way through the streets of Atlantica towards the festival with everyone else, Jimin got a few hellos and another couple bows and he returned them."You're kinda a big deal around here, huh?" Yoongi smirked at him, Jimin shrugged."I guess, I am the Prince after all.""Also everyone in the kingdom has a crush on him." Jungkook said as him and Taehyung caught up."They don't." Jimin laughed"That's a lie, you're just blind to it." he shot back "I mean being the only obtainable Prince does mean all the ladies are gonna go after you, you're their only shot at being a Princess. It's not like Hoseok is gonna woo them.""Good thing I don't get out much then." Jimin said flatly. Taehyung caught Yoongi's eye for a split second and looked away. As they made it into the city square Jimin heard Yoongi's breath catch beside him. He understood the reaction, the festival was always beautiful. Everything was lit by a warm, orange light of a thousand Glow Fish in glass jars strung round the walls. Stalls were set up all over the place and there were people milling around, chatting and eating things from stalls."Beautiful isn't it?" Jimin laughed, dodging to the side as two young kids swam past, chasing one of the snapping turtles they sold from a stall in the back. Yoongi looked lost about where to start."Jimin, Kookie and I are gonna head over to the Alchemy stalls." Taehyung said "catch you two later?""Oh, okay?" Jimin frowned as Taehyung didn't wait for an answer before he seized Jungkook's arm and, with strength Jimin didn't know he contained, dragged him away from the two of them. Who plunged into a slightly awkward silence while floating at the edge of the festival.Jimin cleared his throat roughly "you hungry?""Starving." Yoongi smiled"Come on." Jimin seized his arm "I know the best place to get food here." and with that he dragged him through the water and into the festival. The place was bustling and there were loads of people milling about. More people bowed to Jimin or offered him things half price but he smiled and declined politely as they continued to move. No one gave Yoongi a second glance. He just looked like a normal mermaid. Although, red was quite a rare colour of scale."Oi! Chimchim!" came a voice and he spun to see Hoseok's beaming face come towards him."Hobi!" Jimin grinned "I thought you weren't coming?""Oh, Seokjin said I could go - I'll finish my work tomorrow. Festival's only on once a year." he noticed Yoongi by Jimin's side. "oh, hello.""Oh right, Hoseok, this is my new friend Yoongi, um, he's Taehyung's cousin." Jimin made up on the spot "Yoongi, this is my older brother, Hoseok.""Nice to meet you!" Hoseok grinned, seeming so much more happy than usual. His face was pulled into the huge grin Jimin loved but rarely saw anymore."Y-you too." Yoongi stuttered, Jimin looked over at him rather fondly - something Hoseok definitely picked up on and smirked."I'll leave you guys to have fun." he said slyly "I'll see you tomorrow, baby brother. Don't forget you promised to buy me something pretty.""Bye?" Jimin frowned as he took off again, leaving him alone with Yoongi again, they kept moving into the festival and Yoongi was the first to talk again."So, ChimChim?" he asked with a smirk, raising an eyebrow and Jimin groaned."Please forget you heard that, my mom gave me that name and all my family use it as a term of "endearment."""It's sweet." Yoongi smiled "so that was your brother, huh?""Yeah, the oldest and the one I'm most fond of, Hoseok." he sighed "he's next in line for the throne." he looked over at Yoongi "you said you had a brother?""Yeah, well... step-brother. Namjoon." he smiled"You guys close?""About as close as two people can be." Yoongi nodded "since our parents died when I was 18, we've been looking out for each other ever since.""That's so sad." Jimin said "my mom died when I was 6.""Oh, how did it happen?" Yoongi said gently. Jimin stopped swimming for a second and cleared his throat "s-sorry, I didn't mean to-""No it's fine." he scratched his neck and moved again "um, she got trapped in a fishing net.""Oh." Yoongi's eyes widened."It's why my Dad hates humans." he mumbled sourly "it was an accident but she was injured and by the time they got her out..." his voice trailed off and he bit his lip. It was still painful to think about. He felt Yoongi's hand slide into his own and squeeze "sorry, let's keep going."Yoongi nodded and turned to the first stall he could see to try and lighten the mood, which was apparently some sort of jewellery and blown glass stall, Jimin smiled as Yoongi picked up a dark red, dragonfly glass hair slide off the stall and looked at it with big eyes. The lady who ran the stall leaned over the counter to them. She looked middle aged but was very prety with dark hair, tanned skin and glittering icy blue eyes and a tail to match."Pretty, isn't it?" she smiled at Yoongi"Oh.. yeah it is." he said"Why don't you take it, honey?" she smiled, reaching out and taking it from his hand before brushing his bangs from his eyes and sliding the clip into his hair to keep them off his face "it matches your eyes.""I don't have any money." Yoongi's cheeks were red and Jimin's eyes bulged as he looked at his face. For once getting a good look at his eyes since the first time he rescued him on that rock. Shit, he really was cute. He didn't quite realise just how long Yoongi's eyelashes were. Thick, dark eyebrows making the brown of his iris really stand out."I'll get it for you." Jimin spoke, reaching for the coin purse he had strapped round his waist."Oh, no, your majesty." she shook her head "please just take it, it was made for him.""I can't possibly-" Jimin started"Oh, but I insist - a match made in heaven." she laughed sweetly"Th-thank you." Yoongi said, Jimin glanced at him to see him blushing and smiled and his fingers relaxed around the wallet."Yes, well, thank you very much." Jimin smiled to the woman, who bowed to him "come on, Yoongi." he took his hand "let's go see some more stalls."Yoongi swam after him, now smiling softly with his hair pulled from his face. Jimin was having a problem concentrating now. Heck, he was having trouble breathing. God, he was so cute this might kill him."She's right." Jimin squawked, then cringed and he cleared his throat."Huh?" Yoongi looked up at him.He smiled slightly at him "it does match your eyes." Yoongi's cheeks reddened and he looked at down to the floor, muttering out a thank you and Jimin's grin grew slightly "come on, I think that's the food stall I love."Yoongi looked across the festival to see a stall with a load of things on it that could be food but he was so lost. Jimin swam up to it and smiled at the man behind the stall, for a second Yoongi thought it was Jungkook but then realised he looked middle aged, lines of silver going through ebony hair that was pulled into a bun and realised it had to be his father."Jimin!" boomed the man."Evening, Mr Jeon." the boy grinned back at him, Yoongi hung back a little bit behind him "festival treating you well?""Don't you know it, son." he laughed warmly "what can I get you two?""Uh, couple of Starfruits?" Jimin asked "or have you got any recommendations?""Now, there's a question," he chuckled "but no, you're heading the right way with the Starfruits, got 'em straight of the tree you and Jungkookie planted all those years ago.""Awesome!" Jimin grinned "it's growing fruits now?""Biggest ones I ever seen." the man nodded, picking them up off the stall "they're on the house!""Nonsense." Jimin handed the fruits to Yoongi and pulled open his money pouch "I refuse to not pay for them, let me have this normal thing!""Oh fine, at least take 'em at friends and family reduced price." he smiled at Jimin"You strike a mean bargain." Jimin said, handing the man a couple strange coins Yoongi had never seen before "catch you soon, Mr Jeon.""Have a good night now!" the man waved as Jimin seized Yoongi's elbow and headed to the edge of the festival, where there was a comfy looking bench where the two of them could sit down."So, what am I about to eat?" Yoongi asked, looking at the vibrant yellow fruit with some apprehension."Heaven in a spiky exterior." Jimin shrugged "Taehyung hates these things, but he has the flavour pallet of a guppy." Jimin took a huge bite out of his fruit, moaning happily in a way that made Yoongi's face go a little red."What is it?" Yoongi asked, looking at the yellow... thing in his hand. It resembled a pineapple but with the texture of a pear wih lumps sticking out of it."Oh, just trust me and eat it." Jimin laughed. Yoongi sighed, bringing it to his mouth and taking the smallest bite out of it. His eyes widened as sweet juice exploded on to his tongue and he let off a noise of surprise. Jimin chuckled at the reaction "they're called Starfruit for a reason. Shoots flavour on to your tongue.""It's incredible!" Yoongi laughed, taking another huge bite. Jimin smiled at him, a content look on his face, bangs brushed out of his eyes. He looked so perfectly happy that Jimin couldn't help but smile widely too as they ate in a content silence.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"Jimin, where are we going?" Yoongi was smiling next to Jimin as they swam out of the city. Yoongi's hand was clutched tightly in his, trying to keep up as Jimin was a very fast and strong swimmer. He was getting used to his new found fins but he wasn't exactly up to speed with actual mermaids."I wanna show you the hideout, plus I can't just walk you into the castle so you need somewhere to sleep." Jimin babbled. Yoongi was smiling fondly over at him. Words could not describe how much fun he'd had. This was all amazing, magical in fact, but the fact Yoongi knew he had feelings for Jimin now... made things rather complicated."You guys have a hideout?" he smirked, just processing the information as he raised an eyebrow at Jimin."Yes." Jimin said indignantly "when you do as many mildly illegal things as we do you need a place to hide."Yoongi barked a laugh, he felt himself falling behind Jimin as there was a slight tug of currents - the water getting colder again. Yoongi's hand tightened and Jimin turned round to him "are you alright?""Fine, I'm just not as fast as you, Jimin, I've been swimming for, like, 4 hours." he laughed"Sorry." he smiled sweetly, slowing down a little and clutching Yoongi's hand that little bit tighter "I forget you're not actually... I mean, you're a natural."Yoongi chuckled, he was actually getting used to this; which was quite a bizarre feeling. Taking the potion was like having someone stick his legs together and his feet grow into fins in the most intense pins and needles feeling he'd ever experienced. Though at the moment the muscles were aching, how was Jimin swimming this long?"We're almost there." Jimin said, Yoongi looked over to him and found a small blush rise to his cheeks. The blue glow from his markings was lighting up his face. Silver hair floating and with all the added jewellery he looked positively ethereal. Quite possibly the most beautiful thing Yoongi had ever had the pleasure of laying his eyes on. Yoongi wondered what he saw in him, he was nothing special. Maybe just because he was human? Jimin grinned back at him and his heart did a little flip in his chest and the thought simply dissolved away as they came to a halt by a huge cluster of rocks with ply wood discarded by them."Welcome!"Yoongi cocked an eyebrow "it's a rock."A laugh bubbled out of Jimin's chest "looks can be deceiving." and with that he did a sort of fancy knock on the ply wood. Two short followed by three quick raps, the ply wood swung inward as if on a rope. Jimin swam in first, followed by an apprehensive Yoongi. The two were plunged into darkness as the wood slapped shut again, their markings glowing a path through the brief dark tunnel before it opened out. Yoongi found himself in a huge cavern surrounded by trinkets all the way to the top. There were ridges of rock, each of them containing dozens of items Yoongi recognised as things he used everyday. The cavern was a little dark, the only light trickling in from the gap in the top, though Jungkook had a little glow fish in a jar over by his corner that was casting warm, yellow light into the room."Woah." he breathed"So he had clearance for the secret hideout?" Came Taehyung's voice and Yoongi turned to see him and Jungkook sitting on some rocks across the cavern."By order of me." Jimin laughed "he is a human, he could tell is what some of this stuff is."Yoongi watched Jungkook's eyes sparkle at the idea "welcome to the hideout, Yoongi!"Jimin rolled his eyes but with a smile on his face, Yoongi was staring at all the stuff on the walls - ordinary human things. Bottle caps, corks and cutlery as well as beautiful objects like a ornate, gold microscope over by Jimin and a globe of the world."What do you think?" Jimin asked as Yoongi took in the place."It's amazing." he laughed, looking over at Jimin. He reached out and picked up the music box with the dancing couple on it. Jimin's eyes twinkled as he absent minded turned the key to let the music tinkle out."What is that?" Jimin asked, looking curiously at Yoongi as he watched the figure rotate slowly."It's a music box." Yoongi smiled "there's not much point to it, other than looking and sounding pretty.""Amazing." Jimin beamed and Yoongi's heart melted just a little at how excited and interested he was in human objects."If you say so." Yoongi chuckled, handing it back to him. Jimin put it gently back up on his shelf "where did you find all this stuff?" he scanned along Jimin's shelves, stuffed full of bits of glass smoothed down by the sea, pretty shells, an ornate mirror and a glittering gold locket."Near where we met." Jimin smiled, watching the music box come to a halt "the tides stop around there, stuff gets washed away from the mainland." Jimin eyes drifted toward where the water was getting darker above them with a heavy sigh "Jin will start to worry, I should be getting back to the castle soon.""We'll wait for you out by the rocks." Taehyung said, tugging on Jungkook's arm toward the door, less that subtly giving Jimin and Yoongi the opportunity to say goodnight alone. Taehyung gave Jimin another very obvious wink. Yoongi pretended not to notice as he studied Jimin' shelf a little too hard."I.. uh," Yoongi said as the plywood snapped shut behind the two of them. Jimin turned to him to see he was already looking at him from a few feet away. His hair still brushed off his face and his cheeks had gone a little red "I had a lot of fun.""Really?" Jimin grinned "the festival is the one time I'm really allowed out for the whole day, I'm so glad you liked it." Yoongi smiled a little softly over at him, colour rose to Jimin's cheeks "well, goodnight. There's some sea sponge over there and blanketson the shelves.""Thanks, Jimin.""Well, I'll see you in the morning." he smiled a little awkwardly, turning towards the door."Jimin, wait!" Yoongi said quickly"Huh?" Jimin turned and as he did for a split second he was aware of a warm pressure against his cheek. It took him all but 2 seconds to realise it was Yoongi's lips as the black haired boy looked away almost as quickly as he had initiated the contact. Jimin felt his entire face flush bright red."R-right.." he manged "well..." he cleared his throat "good night, Yoongi.""Night, Jimin." The soft smile on the black haired boys was the last thing he saw before he turned to the door, smiling goofily to himself, brushing fingers across the tingling skin where Yoongi had just kissed him. Taehyung and Jungkook were waiting just outside the door and exchanged a small smirk as Jimin appeared, totally flushed in appearance and smiling like an idiot."So, did you have fun tonight?" Taehyung asked, the smug smile not moving from his face. Jimin looked over, eyes a little glazed as he hummed out a noise that appeared to mean yes."Thank you so much, Tae." he sighed as they made it to the edge of town, the festival had died down, only a few people milling about in the streets now "this was incredible."The smile of Taehyung's face became fond and he nodded "no problem, loverboy.""I guess we actually pulled this off, so I gotta hand it to you - that potion was amazing." Jungkook sighed"Now just to master the one that turns mermaids into humans." it was supposed to be a murmur to himself but Jimin heard and looked over as they stopped at the steps up to the palace."You think you can do that?" he whispered"I'm sure I can." he nodded "I'm almost there, actually." The idea made Jimin shiver, being a human - if only temporary seemed... wonderful. Yoongi could show him his world, like he had done. It would be amazing "but for now, I bid thee goodnight - Your Majesty." and he bowed sarcastically."I can have you beheaded, watch it." Jimin grinned"Lies!" Taehyung laughed as he started swimming away, waving wildly before he disappeared round the corner in the direction of his house.Jungkook sighed with a fond smile "good night, Jimin." he clapped his shoulder "I'm glad you had fun tonight.""Thanks, Kook." Jimin smiled as Jungkook swam after Taehyung, raising a hand to wave his friend off before turning towards the castle. He sighed as it loomed above him, he felt better than he had in weeks as he pushed open the heavy front door. Trying to keep quiet as he turned toward the hallway for his room."You're home late." came a voice from the darkness. Jimin let off a screech as he jumped, spinning round to see Hoseok sitting in one of the chairs in the main enterance hall."Oh, yeah sorry.... I was with Taehyung and Jungkook." he said sheepishly, scratching his head as Hoseok lit the lamp next to him. Jimin could now see his face was smiling and he relaxed a little."And your new "friend", Yoongi, was it?" he said smugly.Jimin blushed and looked away mumbling out an incoherent "yeah.""Oh come on, little brother, humour me - tell me about the boy you so desperately seem to have a crush on.""Hobi..." he moanedHis brother giggled "is he nice?""Yes, very. Now can I please go to bed?" he was horribly embarrassed and Hoseok smiled at him."Sleep well, baby brother, I'm glad you had fun tonight.""Good night, Hobi." he chuckled, scratching his neck and swimming as fast as he could in the direction of his room. x This had to be a new form of torture.Jimin couldn't stop checking the sun while his morning duties dragged on - being forced to go round the town with Seokjin to "connect" with the people of the city. A duty he usually quiet enjoyed and looked forward to but right now he wanted nothing less than to be talking to one of the constructionists about how they needed more funding - the idea that Yoongi was just hanging out in his hideout with Taehyung and Jungkook was driving him insane."Jimin, are you alright?" came Jin's voice as his mind wandered."Oh, yeah I'm f- wait did you call me Jimin?" he grinned at Seokjin."Yes, well, I thought that I should since you prefer it." the older boy sighed "besides the point, you're rather jumpy today?""Oh, well Jungkook said he had some news and I'm looking forward to hearing it later." he managed to think up a pretty good lie on the spot, awkwardly scratching his neck while he didn't look Seokjin in the eye. It was always hard for Jimin to lie to him, he's been like a second brother the last few years since he started working at the castle"Well, we're just about done here. I can take care of the rest - why don't you take off?""Really?" Jimin beamedSeokjin chuckled "yes, go have fun.""One cannot ask for a better royal adviser!""Flattery will get you no where, now go before I change my mind." Jin smiled. Jimin grinned at him hugely, throwing his arms sideways around his neck. Jin chuckled, patting his arm before he let him go, waving happily before dashing away.He couldn't swim fast enough out of the city, not pausing to take in how nice of a day it actually was, sunlight trickling down through the water as he raced out of town and towards the hideout. As he finally reached it, muscles aching and chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath - he could hear Jungkook roaring with laughter inside and smiled softly, raising his knuckles to knock on the door. There was a pause as the plywood swung open and Jimin entered quickly.As he did he saw the three of them all sitting around the rocks on the far side, Yoongi was mid laugh and it appeared to be at something Jungkook had said."What did I miss?" Jimin asked, grinning as he moved over."I was just telling Yoongi the sea turtle story." Jungkook said and Jimin immediately groaned."I was 5!" he flopped down on the rocks next to Yoongi."You tried to raise a baby turtle?" Yoongi was still chuckling "in your room in the palace?""I found an egg floating in the gardens and I did my best!" Jimin said defensively "how was I supposed to know it was a shark egg?" Jungkook and Taehyung roared with laughter and Jimin cringed, Yoongi was giving him a fond look while trying to hold back his chuckles "how many of my awful childhood stories have you told him?""Not all of them, we're saving the truly awful ones." Jungkook grinned and Jimin sighed, running a hand into his hair "anyway, I didn't think we'd see you here for a few hours?""Jin took pity on me." Jimin smiled "let me off for the afternoon.""So, treasure hunting?" Jungkook's eyes sparkled "Yoongi can tell us what the things are that we find.""Sounds good to me." Jimin smiled at the younger boy's excitement. For once Taehyung didn't complain at the treasure hunting as they left the cavern for Smugglers Cove, making sure to take their time so Yoongi could keep up. It was a short trip, tides were pushing them in the direction they wanted to go so they made good time.“So, you guys just pick stuff up that gets washed up down here?” Yoongi asked curiously as he trailed behind the three of them who were swimming inches away from the sand, scouring the sea floor for anything remotely interesting, the rush of water from their tales sending sand swirling through the water, sometimes dislodging interesting things.“Usually yeah…” Jimin was mildly distracted as he saw something glint in the sand, grinding to a halt to get a better look.“Find something?” Jungkook asked, him and Taehyung slightly further ahead.“Think so.” Jimin grinned“We’ll circle round and catch up with you guys later.” Taehyung waved a hand, Jungkook catching on that he wanted to leave Jimin and Yoongi alone during their last day together and swimming after the older boy quickly. Jimin, for once, hadn’t noticed their less that subtlety and was digging through sand to try and dislodge whatever item had got stuck there. It looked like a big circle of glass… he eventually dug enough sand away to get fingers beneath whatever it was, yanking it out of his bed.Jimin frowned at the object in his hands, brushing some of the sand away from it. To him it seemed pointless, it was a circle of glass with what looked like a human dancer inside.“What is it?” he asked Yoongi, turning around to him.Yoongi looked at it and smiled softly “it’s a snow globe. There’s not a lot of point to them…” He chuckles slightly, taking the object from Jimin’s hands and shaking it, making the tiny flakes of snow float around. Jimin smiled at it as he watched them swirl around inside the glass “I collected them as a kid, my mom used to buy them for me.” Jimin looked up at him, the red glow of his scales shining on to his skin, he was looking at the snow globe with a sort of sad nostalgia.“Why don’t you keep this one?” Jimin said with a smile.“You don’t mind?” Yoongi asked“Of course not, I have plenty of things – you can add it to your collection from me.”“Thanks Ji-” he stopped suddenly and Jimin frowned.“Yoongi, are you okay?!” Jimin said, grabbing his arm as Yoongi doubled over, gasping as a load of bubbles shot out of his mouth. It took Jimin all but two seconds to notice that Yoongi’s gills were merging back into his skin, patches of his tail melting into human skin and his eyes bulged. He was changing back.“Oh god.” Jimin managed “hang on!” He lurched forward, grabbing Yoongi quickly around the waist, too much in a state of panic to blush at his arms gripping on to his shoulders, and with a powerful surge upwards he was swimming as fast as his fins would carry him toward the surface. Jimin was a good swimmer at the best of times but with the added weight he felt like it took years to get to the surface, Yoongi seizing up in his grip. As they broke the surface Jimin heard Yoongi gasp, heaving in as much air into his lungs before spluttering.“Are you okay?” Jimin asked, holding on to Yoongi’s waist tightly. He could feel the boy shaking under his hands, nails digging into the skin of his shoulder and he tried not to wince.“I’m… I’m fine.” Yoongi’s voice came out in barely a whisper and Jimin was worried at how much he was shivering, holding Jimin in a death grip.“Yoongi, you need to loosen your grip, so I can swim us to land.” Jimin whispered softly, trailing his fingers gently up the groove of the boy’s spine.“Just… give me a minute…” Jimin barely caught it. The boy seemed weak, like a scared child as he shivered and shook under Jimin’s touch. Jimin didn’t know what to do, his tail was seizing up as he treaded water to keep them both bobbing above the surface. Yoongi’s breathing was heavy as Jimin brought a hand up to the back of his head, fingers trailing lightly through dark, wet hair.“You’re okay.” Jimin mumbled, the shell of Yoongi’s ear so close to his lips that he shivered at the intimacy of the moment “I won’t let anything hurt you.”Yoongi breathed out a sigh, his muscles relaxing into Jimin as the later continued to stroke one hand through his hair, the other keeping a tight grip around his waist. He had almost calmed down when the noise of Taehyung and Jungkook breaking the surface next to them made him jump, arms contacting around Jimin’s shoulders again.“It’s okay, it’s just Tae and Kookie.” Jimin said softly, looking over the boy’s shoulder at his friends who looked worried.“What happened?” Taehyung asked“He started changing back while we were still under.” Jimin whispered“Shit, Yoongi, I’m sorry.” Taehyung reached out and touched the boys shoulder, Jimin was glad he didn’t flinch as he prised himself away from Jimin’s chest, still holding his shoulder with one hand. Jimin nearly gasped audibly at his face, he was white as a sheet with fear and looked like he was going to throw up any second. There had to be something deeper there than the initial shock of not being able to breathe that had terrified him so deeply.“It’s alright.” He tried to smile but it shook on his face, his voice cracking noticeably but no one dared to react to it.“Come on.” Jimin said, unconsciously raising his free hand to brush the dark tendrils of hair that were falling in Yoongi’s eyes off his face “let’s get you back to land?”Yoongi nodded and between the three of them taking turns they managed to safely swim him back to their meet up rock. Jimin gently helped him clamber up on to the rock, trying not to purposely look at his half naked form. Taehyung caught Jimin’s eye and smiled before sinking under the water, Jungkook gave his shoulder a squeeze before doing the same, for once being subtle about leaving the two alone. Jimin turned to where Yoongi was wrapping a towel around his shoulders, shivering against the cold air as night drew in around me.“Are you okay?” Jimin asked gently, leaning on his elbows on the rocks and looking up at Yoongi, who smiled softly. The colour had returned to his face now and he seemed to just be shivering against the cold and not in fear.“Yeah, I’m sorry for freaking out a little.” He scratched at the back of his neck awkwardly “I’ve not always been the most confident around… water I guess. The ocean.”“You should of said sooner.” Jimin frowned “I would never have made you come-”“Exactly.” Yoongi cut him off “you wouldn’t have asked me to come and I wouldn’t have had such an amazing time.”Jimin felt him lips twitch into a smile “really?”“Really really, I had a lot of fun, Jimin.”“I’m glad.” Jimin sighed “wouldn’t have been worth the jail sentence and possible death if you had a crappy time.”Yoongi laughed, fully and warmly as he brushed hair from his eyes “same time tomorrow?”“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Jimin smiled.