A/N: This chapter has been even more co-worked by me and my rp partner Vinya. Later on she has promised to edit the chapters from our rp which I check and edit before publishing. This should help us MAJORLY to get the chapters out faster, thank you for your patience! :) And please comment, it would mean a lot to us both!

Chapter 7

A week passed and Marko started to feel better, the bruises had healed and closeness shared with Nai was again starting to feel more comfortable and easy. He found he could again trust the other and here in this unfamiliar place Nai was all he had to relay on. He missed what they had shared before, the deepest kind of closeness and bonding.

They lay on the bed close to one another, the sounds of traffic outside and for awhile Marko listened to it. Tokyo was so much bigger than Helsinki and the idea of venturing outside still felt somewhat terrifying after everything, but if Nai was there by his side then he knew he’d be safe. He smiled looking at the long haired brunet next to him, carefully moving closer and stealing a kiss from his lips and then another, building up the courage to kiss him deeper, longer, more sensual and desiring, just like he had been planning all day.

Marko’s actions took Nai by surprise, he gasped into the wanton kiss carefully touching the blonde's cheek. Softly the kiss was broken and the green eyes looked at him with a coy look in their depth. “W-we could be naked?” Came the equally shy sounding whisper that
caused Nai to tense up for a moment. The nights spend there next to the younger man hadn’t left him unaffected; after all, they had been lovers before the ‘incident’.

“I- I’m not sure I it’s a good idea. I mean that… I don’t want to hurt you or freak you out by… well, you know?” Marko smiled gently.

“But I want to…” He confessed. “Couldn’t we be close again? I- I miss that and I want that… So that I know I’m not broken,” Marko lowered his hand on Nai’s chest drawing small circles. “Can we make love?”

Asking if it was too early would have sounded stupid in Nai’s opinion. Marko could decide for himself and he would respect that. "J-just tell me if you want to stop, don't force yourself."

“I’m not forcing myself,” Marko assured. “Just… Go slow; I want to see your face…” He said carefully reaching to pull Nai’s shirt up and planting a gentle trying kiss over his collar bone. Nai helped to remove his own shirt, reaching for Marko’s hand then and kissing his palm while keeping their eyes locked in each other.

Marko smiled and slowly removed his own t-shirt before lying back down next to him. Another kiss, slow and gentle, their bodies carefully tangled together and Nai ran his fingers softly along Marko’s spine. “You’re beautiful…” He whispered kissing his cheekbone
and forehead before returning to his lips.
“So are you…” Marko whispered back before he brought his hands on Nai’s boxers carefully pulling them. “Take these off?” He asked and the other nodded doing just so. Marko gazed down at the hardened member and brought his hand to touch the velvety length, he closed his fingers around it caressing it and making the other moan out loud. “I guess you really did miss me, huh?” He grinned and Nai gave him half amused look, his eyes clouded with desire.

“Of course,” he was able to utter and stole another kiss. “So much…”

“Like wise…” Marko assured looking deep in Nai’s eyes while undressing the last piece of clothing he had on. Another kiss, Marko lay down on his back pulling his lover on top of him. He felt his own heart beating fast as their erections touched each other.

“Are you scared?” Nai asked with worry, his lips caressing Marko’s face.

“No,” the blond assured. “I want you, to feel you to be here with you… Be yours like I was before, like you were mine.”

Nai nodded, allowing his hands to travel softly along the others naked body, still enchanted by the grace of his form like he had been the first time. In away this felt like the first time all over again, it was different, tender and almost coy and Nai took his time just to make his lover feel good and relaxed, make sure to bring him pleasure and plenty of it. Chase away the ghosts of the nightmare they had shared.

Nai again smiled, kissing his way down on Marko’s chest, further down on his stomach finally reaching his groin where he planted a kiss over the tip of his erection pleased by the small gasp of pleasure that escaped from the blonde’s lips. Encouraged Nai continued
taking the length between his lips and offering oral pleasure to his lover to make him relax further. He looked up to Marko’s face enjoying witnessing how he was enjoying himself. Carefully Nai reached for the lube to prepare him.

Marko closed his eyes at the feeling of Nai’s finger entering him, he took a deep breath and tried to relax, when he reopened his eyes and met with his lover’s worried gaze he smiled gently. “I’m fine, go on…” He whispered the reassurance before Nai had time to ask for it. Nai smiled at him gently before slowly moving in a second finger to stretch him carefully, all the while resuming the eye contact to make sure his lover was okay with the progress. Marko tensed up for a moment but soon relaxed enough to make it easier for Nai to continue. “I want you, Nai…” Marko whispered after awhile reaching for the brunette's hair, signalling him to move forward.

Nai licked his lips, pulled his fingers out and slowly crawled on top of the smaller frame. He kissed the others moist lips eagerly yet all the while keeping his actions gentle, this was no time to hurry. This wasn’t only sex but making love, becoming one once more.
Marko moved his hands on Nai’s back, running smoothly over his spine down to his firm buttocks. Another kiss, they kept their eyes locked while Nai slowly moved the tip of his erection against Marko’s hole and proceeded to penetrate him. Small moment of pain,
nothing overwhelming and something Marko knew to pass. For a moment Nai looked worried, clearly wondering if he should stop and Marko decided to quickly silence such thought by bringing his head up and stealing the others lips for a kiss.

Slowly, gently, their bodies moved against each other, while the lights of the city illuminated the room. Sounds of the traffic disappeared into the background, not reaching their private world for that special moment. Kisses, warmth, Marko moaned delighted at the feeling of pleasure and closeness that for a moment he had feared to lost.

Afterwards, they laid in each others arms, sweaty and relaxed, unwilling to move. “We should probably shower…” Marko whispered, not making any effort to move however.

“Probably,” Nai agreed, equally spent and just held onto Marko little bit tighter.

“Later…” Marko murmured and kissed Nai’s forehead, before closing his eyes and drifting off to more peaceful dreams that he had seen in days.

**^^**^^**^^**

Next morning Nai woke up to his lover’s gentle hand brushing over his hair. He looked down to the blond whose head was resting over his chest, smiling up at him. “Morning,” Nai whispered returning the smile and reaching to touch the others hand that now caressed his cheek.

“Good morning, very good morning,” Marko whispered back before lifting himself up so that he could kiss Nai’s lips. “Did you sleep well?”

“I did,” Nai answered after the almost chaste kiss. “You did too, I think?” He grinned. “Are you hungry?”

“Yes, but… sticky as well,” Marko made a face and snickered while blushing at the same time. “I think we should shower first.”

“Agreed… Shower and then breakfast. You need to eat,” Nai pointed out before slowly getting up and pulling the other with him.

“You as well…” Marko grinned and stole another kiss his body seeking the others warmth.

“Perhaps…” Nai murmured feeling distracted as he felt Marko’s fingers caressing his spine. “Come now…” He continued and they moved towards the bathroom sharing kisses and small snickers on the way.

It was their private world that no one else could reach; Marko thought as they stood under the warm spray of water with Nai. His lover had washed his hair and now he was repeating the same action to him. Another kiss under the warm water spray, Marko’s hands slowly moved on Nai’s waist, stroking the warm skin. He was feeling aroused again and could see his lover having the same problem. “I wonder…” Marko started hesitantly.

“Yes?” The older youth asked with a whisper.

“Could I… I would like to try that is… if you would I mean…” Marko bit his lip and snickered nervously at the clumsiness of his own words. Nai was smiling at him, waiting patiently and Marko took a deep breath. “Would you mind if I would be the top this time?” Marko finally asked and Nai grinned at the nervous sounding question.

“Why would I mind?” Nai asked. “I believe I would enjoy it,” he replied making Marko feel more relaxed as he kissed him.

“Good.”

The watcher leaned to plant another kiss on youth's wet lips smirking before making sure they were both properly rinsed. “As much as tempting is sounds at this very moment it has to wait. I need to feed you first or you won't have strength to climb on top of me, not to mention doing anything else.” He winked placing a towel on Marko's head. He was worried, Marko still ate less then before... "Maybe something light? Fruit salad with whipped cream?" He suggested grinning.

"Mm... Whipped cream..." Marko repeated remembering the taste on his tongue, he had always had a sweet tooth. He knew he had lost weight, he didn't remember ever weighing so little in his short adult life. "Hm okay." He nodded then and stole another small kiss.

**^^**^^**^^**

Being half Italian half French and raised in Rome, Nai loved fresh food. His mother had always looked after a healthy diet and made sure that whatever they ate was fresh, it was easy in the area where they lived. In Japan however, it wasn’t quite the story and it caused Nai to spend a fortune to get fresh fruits and veggies, but he didn’t really care about that. The young man loved to spoil himself more than he would enjoy saving. Old habits died hard indeed.

"What can I do?" Marko asked, feeling more than happy about the delicious treat that they were starting to prepare.

“Just...” Nai started while picking up a heavy machine from the cupboard. “Help me with the blender while I cut the fruits.” With Marko's help the brunet placed the blender on the table and the younger male plugged it in. “This will be real whipped cream, no spray.” Nai winked pouring bottle of sweet cream into the bowl before taking another for the fruits.

Marko watched the cream and fruits with interest, noticing to his surprise, that this time he was even looking forward to eating; it had been awhile since he had real appetite, mostly it had been just forcing something down. He turned the machine on. "Does it stop when it’s done, or should I keep an eye on it?” Marko asked and Nai smiled slightly.

“It will stop,” he assured and Marko glanced at the blender that was busy doing its job, finding such machine quite amazing. He glanced back at Nai, who was now cutting the pineapples, he felt terribly out job himself. “What now?” He asked eagerly.

“Those.” Few oranges rolled towards Marko, who caught them and started pealing the fruits before cutting them into smaller pieces. Soon they ended up in same bowl with the pineapples.

"I'm ready!" He grinned. "I was faster than you!" He joked and stuck out his tongue.

"Oh really?" Nai raised his brow with a grin. Marko had no idea how his joking and cheerfulness made the Watcher happy. "I guess I have to try harder. Now... No, I won't give you bananas, do the kiwis."

"Why not bananas?" Marko inquired still grinning as he took the kiwi fruits; somehow he already knew the answer.

"It might be dangerous, me seeing you handling them, that certain sha-" The giggle that was interrupting his every word finally turned into loud laughing.

Marko blushed but laughed just the same. "I see, perhaps we shouldn't cut the poor bananas-"

"Too late!" Nai exclaimed putting yellow slices into the bowl.

"Ouch." Marko commented on the fate of the poor bananas, kiwi soon joined them. “What next?”

"Now peaches... Shame we don't have apple but we have pears!" Nai’s favourite fruit, Marko knew what that meant. He took them from Nai before the Watcher could start.

“No you're not. You will eat them all before even peeling them, I'll do the pears.” As expected Nai stuck his tongue out, sulking. Marko had to admit, he looked rather adorable at this moment. The watcher frowned, gazing at the full bowl and after a moment of thought, he added few spoons of cognac, not too much since it was still morning and this was their first meal, but it would give a nice kick to it. Then a generous amount of whipped cream was placed on top of the salad and the rest was divided into two smaller bowls between them. “Breakfast is almost ready, why don’t you turn on the coffee maker.”

The young man could compete with the superman considering the speed he pushed the button on coffee maker and returned to Nai's side and, most important, the bowls. "It looks so good... the cream..." He sighed almost dreamily. The way Marko was devouring their food with his eyes made Nai certain that this was a good idea.

"Want some?" He asked dipping piece of pineapples in whipped cream before offering them towards his lover.

"Yes." Marko nodded liking his lips before parting them, ready to accept. Nai placed the treat on the youth's lips then gently brushed his fingertip against Marko's lower lip.

"Tastes good?" Nai knew the answer already by the happy grin that spread of Marko's face when the pineapple melted on his tongue. He released a small moan when savouring the sweet taste.

"Tastes wonderful..." He breathed and then deciding to act on an impulse; he leaned closer to kiss Nai softly.

Nai returned the kiss but then pulled away to load Marko's bowl with more than a generous portion. "Don't try to distract me you sneaky critter. Eat." This time though he didn't need to tell his lover twice.

“Yes sir.” Marko grinned and took small bowl from the brunette who then filled his own. He took first spoonful in his mouth smiling brightly. "Delicious.”

"I was wondering." Nai started getting up. He poured them both coffee and brought the cups to the table. “If you feel like going out, we could go shopping today. You need new clothes.” Slowly Nai was running out of sweat pants and t-shirts that Marko was wearing every day, even now. The Watcher was different build and most of his clothes were too tight for the blond. Well now, when he lost weight, he would fit in them but this situation should not last. “You're going to love Japanese fashion trends.”

"Shopping?" Marko perked up slightly, he used to love shopping, but now... He was curious yet hesitating... all those people... The blond twirled his spoon in the bowl and looked at his current clothing before agreeing. "I do need new ones..."

Nai noticed the hesitation and gave his lover reassuring smile. “If you don't feel like going out just yet I can buy something online.”

"No, I want to go. It will be good for me." Marko stated with a firm nod, he wanted to convince himself more than Nai that he could do that. Last night was a big step, he wanted to go with the flow and make another. "But only if you won't leave me alone anywhere?"

The Watcher reached to squeeze the youth's hand "Of course I won't. Don't ever think I would."

Marko shrugged, glancing at Nai quickly then back at his bowl. "I guess I'm still nervous, of... silly things... but I think we should go, if I prolong going out it will only get harder, right?"

Nai sighed, everyone dealt with tragedy like Marko's in different way, and some victims could never stand being intimate again. Nai was more then proud and shocked how fast Marko asked and wanted them to be close like that again. “No need to hurry. First, finish your breakfast.” He pointed at the salad then took sip of his coffee. "You know I'll be there, no matter what?"

"You... don't regret... taking me with you?" Marko asked, knowing Nai had gotten some trouble because of him.

"Of course I don't. I care for you too much" The thought was scary, but the Watcher was sure he would have even tried to find a way to stay longer with Marko, there in Finland. But what happened...

Marko smiled. "I care for you, too..." He whispered. "And I want... I want to..." He struggled to find the words. "...be like we were, when I wasn't afraid." He finally finished.

"We will and I want you, damn I really do but I know how it is... But don't push yourself, I know you want to prove yourself, but there is no need to rush it." Deciding that a kiss would do no harm, Nai leaned to capture Marko's lips. It tasted amazing, of fruits, whipped cream, coffee and with hint of alcohol.

Marko smiled into the short, gentle kiss. “Taste good...” He murmured, his hand still holding Nai's. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome.” He replied taking another sip of coffee and grabbing back his spoon. There was nothing sweeter and better than those unexpected kisses they shared, it was a sign he had someone he cared for and someone who cared for him.

"What if... we walk hand in hand? Is that okay here?" Marko asked carefully taking another spoonful in his mouth. Helsinki was quite tolerant, you would get looks for it, but no major drama depending where you did it, he wasn’t sure how Tokyo was however.

Nai nodded and swallowed before answering. "It's Tokyo, everything is okay here. It's a weird country."

"That's good." Marko nodded and took a sip of his coffee, continuing to quietly devour the content of his bowl. "So..." He started then, having almost eaten everything but still having some left. “Shopping?”

Nai looked into the bowl grinning but didn't say anything. It was quite a progress. "Yeah, shopping."

Marko grinned and stood up offering his hand to Nai and waiting him to take it. The Watcher finished his coffee and placed in the fridge what was left before taking youth's hand. Marko was really tempting him today which made him even more grateful of the previous night.

"Maybe... we could get some wine... for this evening?" He suggested, he wanted to relax and be bolder with Nai. What they did the previous night was a big step but the one he was planning was maybe not bigger but daring? Nai was always on top and Marko never had, he couldn't see it any other way, the brunette was just made for that. Now Marko wanted to try, to take the control. He had no clue if Nai was on receiving end before and was sure that he could use something to relax as well.

Nai grinned nodding slightly, he liked the idea. "Yeah but we should get something for that wine. Could have nice dinner, what do you think? What would you like to eat?"

"Hm.... " Marko wondered. "Perhaps some...sushi? I don't think I've had sushi before."

Nai nodded wondering out loud "Bought isn't that great as made in the restaurant. I can make you sushi here but it won't be near as good as made by Japanese."

"I'm sure it will taste perfect, because you've made it." Marko stated unaware how cute he and what he said was to Nai.

After getting changed they were almost ready to leave. Marko stood in front of the mirror nervously brushing his hair, wanting to look okay but wasn't sure if he was managing to do so. "Will we take a cab or walk?" He asked.

Distracted, brunette dropped one of his credit cards at sudden question. "What? Oh, a cab, I called one already." He answered throwing things into his pockets.

Marko glanced at him, then back into the mirror. "My hair is over grown." He sighed and then shook his head reaching for a light jacket; all of the clothes he was wearing belong to Nai. One could tell by the style, the watcher liked his clothes dark and very fitting.

"I like it..." Nai stated walking to Marko's side, looking at the blond reflection he combed his fingers in Marko's hair.

Marko looked at him, tilting his head and smiling "So maybe I should let it grow? So I can wear it on ponytail?" He suggested with a grin.

"Long yes, ponytail, no. It looks cooler when hair falls down the neck and shoulders; wilder. You don’t grow your hair to keep them in ponytail." Having long hair himself Nai never put it in ponytail. And he had to admit; in Marko's case, it felt nice to bury his fingers in that softness.

"Long then," Marko said and kissed his cheek. "So, we should get going, right?"

Nai looked at his cell phone, in Tokyo everything was on time and their taxi should be waiting for them for about 74 seconds now... "Yeah, the cab should be waiting already."

Marko reached for Nai's hand. "Then... lets go?" He grinned and pulled him towards the door determined to make most fun he could out of the day and not let the past get too strong hold. He could survive if he wanted to and only he himself could make that needed effort, yet with Nai’s help it would be a lot easier to take those needed steps.

Web published: July 31st, 2011.

My Secret Shore

© KOLGRIM/VINYA

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