Our Little Secret

Chapter Two

I wanted to say an enormous thank you to everyone that read/reviewed/subscribed etc. It honestly means the world to me and I wouldn't be writing anything without you all supporting me. So thanks! :) And I'm so happy you like this idea! Enjoy and review?

Oh! Before I forget, right at the end there is sort of SPOILERS for the most recent On Demand Epsiode: Volume 9 Chapter Eight. Nothing too drastic though and I put my own spin on what happened.


Review Replies:

But I Have Promises To Keep - Thanks so much, the secret will develop more throughout the story, enjoy!

Breezy Fan - Hey Lisa! Thanks, I had always imagined his rebellious youth to be like that, and thank you I wanted a new spin off instead of the wedding thing. Haha yeah she is, but later on ;) Haha thanks for the awesome review, enjoy.

HopelessRomantic1994 - Hey Jade! Thanks, I'm glad to hear you say that. Well you'll find out later ;) Enjoy!

Things in Ink - Hey Rose! Thanks, glad you like it! I will do, thanks for letting me know you want to see that. Aww thanks, I did try! Thanks!


The entire sky was painted the most dazzling array of reds and oranges that anyone had ever seen. The pink clouds sailed across the orange ocean in the sky and covered the sinking sun; that gave the appearance of setting into the sea itself upon the horizon. San Francisco city was still abuzz with various activities and people whizzed by without a care in the world.

Mal pulled his car up outside Rip Van Winkle's and slid out of the vehicle, feeling slightly more nervous and going over a mini speech in his mind to try and explain the topic of conversation he was dreading would turn up over the evening. He walked around to Natara's side and opened the door for her, hiding his emotion by flashing her his charming smile and extending his hand to help her out. Natara responded with a grateful smile and elegantly placed her hand in his. Mal wrapped his fingers around her palm and gently lifted her out of the car. He shut the door as Natara made her way inside. Turning around, Mal noticed the natural sway of Natara's hips when she walked. It was almost mesmerising and Mal found himself staring... just watching as she walked. That was of course until Natara looked over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow at the lack of company by her side.

"You coming or what daydreamer?" She quipped.

Mal shook himself out of the trance and responded by nodding, before jogging up beside her and looking away, blushing slightly. Natara giggled and they made their way inside, throwing open the wooden double doors and strolling in. As usual, the restaurant was bustling with life and Mal led Natara over to where the owner, Sean, was stood talking to customers. Upon seeing them, his face lit up and he quickly ceased his conversation, making his way over.

"Mal, Natara! Good to see ya! You want the usual table?"

"If it's not too much trouble." Mal replied, smiling.

"Of course, anything for my best customers," Sean gestures over to his left "This way."

Sean grabbed two menus and led Mal and Natara over to their usual table, overlooking the beach. They took a seat opposite each other as Sean placed the menus down in front of them. He turned to Mal and winked before walking off, making Mal roll his eyes. They decided on the usual and ordered. While they waited Natara started off the conversation about their latest case, discussing her ideas and in return Mal telling her they were brilliant; which he honestly thought they were. Every idea was even more intellectual than the previous one.

"With ideas like that, we'll catch him in a heartbeat." He commented while looking at her admiringly.

Natara blushed lightly and lowered her head, so that her hair fell in front of her face and slightly obscured it from Mal's view. He still noticed it though and smirked, before their food arrived and cut off his train of thought. While eating, their talking ceased and they were left in contented silence. Only after they had both finished eating did their conversation resume and Mal brought around the topic of their past cases, unaware that he was subconsciously edging Natara's mind closer to the topic he dreaded. They spoke for a short while inside, enjoying the relaxing candle lit atmosphere and warmth, until Mal asked if Natara wanted to head out on the porch like always. She agreed and they both stood up, leaving the money on the table and heading outside.

The cold breeze whipped at their skin as soon as they stepped outside, causing Natara to involuntarily shiver. Mal noticed this gesture and looked down at her with concerned eyes.

"Nat, you okay? We don't have to come out here."

"Yeah I'm fine."

She flashed him a reassuring smile and walked over to the handrail, resting her arms on the wood and staring out at the deep blue ocean. Mal sauntered over to her side and imitated her actions, before sighing. Natara glanced over to him to see him hanging his head, staring down into the water. She instinctually reached over and placed her hand on his arm, making him direct his attention to her.

"Hey, what's wrong?" She asked softly.

"Hmm? Nothing's wrong." He said, trying to sound genuine.

"Mal." Natara said somewhat sternly. "You know I know you better than that. What's the matter, seriously?"

"Damn." He sighed "Nothing gets by you does it."

"Nope, now come on."

"It's just... do you remember when we first came here?"

"Of course, we'd just met, during the Maskmaker investigation. Why?"

"Things just... seemed easier then. I mean sure, I was going through one hell of a divorce, but... I dunno. My life's changed so much since then, and I'm not sure if it's for the better or not."

"Mal..." Natara turned to face him and took his hand in hers. "Change isn't always a bad thing. We've been through a lot, yes, but honestly? Meeting you and coming here, to San Francisco, has been the best thing to happen to me in a long, long time. I couldn't imagine my life without you in it anymore."

"Me either." Mal smiled and squeezed her hand gently. "Thanks Nat, sorry to be a downer."

Natara laughed and gently slapped Mal's chest. He chuckled and looked up into the sky. Natara followed his gaze and her mouth slightly dropped at the sight. She gasped and leant over the rail a little more, almost trying to get a closer look. Mal smiled at her reaction and silently hoped this would be enough to avoid the topic a little longer.

"It's beautiful..." She mumbled. "Well, you know, for the city."

Mal nodded in agreement and watched as Natara moved a little closer to him. He didn't hesitate to lift his arm and let it rest upon her shoulders. Natara smiled and leaned into the embrace, snuggling into his shoulder. They stared up and saw a few stars dotted around the black sky, illuminated alongside the full moon, shining brightly and casting a silver ray across the ocean. The gentle waves lapped at the sand below.

Natara looked down and bit her lower lip. She had always loved the beach at night and felt a strong urge to run down there and feel the cold, soft sand beneath her feet. Mal caught sight of her doing this and raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"It's just... can we?" she whispered, almost timidly.

"Sure, if you want to."

Natara beamed and pulled away from the embrace. She grabbed Mal's hand and rushed through the restaurant, narrowly avoiding customers and jogging down the hill that led to the beach. Because it was night time, no one was in sight, which made Natara happier. She hated crowded beaches; it killed the atmosphere for her. Finally releasing Mal's hand, Natara slipped off her shoes and held them in her hand, before running onto the sand. Mal laughed as he watched her make her way to the water, before following in suit. She stopped just before the waves were able to grab her feet and closed her eyes, breathing deeply. Sea air was refreshing. In moments Mal was by her side, staring out into the water once more.

Natara felt his presence and re-opened her eyes, looking at him and smiling wildly. Mal returned one and gently slipped his hand into hers, feeling her soft skin brush against his. Natara blushed slightly as they began walking along the beach together. Only now did the thought cross her mind.

'Now would be a perfect time... He's calm, he's not hungry, which is always a bonus, and we're alone.' She thought, smirking to herself.

She knowingly began stroking the top of his hand with her thumb and glanced at him. She didn't even give him chance to respond in any way before blurting out the one thing that had been on her mind all night.

"Mal, I want to know about what you've been hiding from me."

Mal inwardly groaned. He knew Natara would bring that up now, while they were alone. He stayed silent for a short moment, going over whether or not to try and avoid the situation or just to tell her. But how could he... it was their place. Completely secret to everyone but them.

"Natara, it isn't something I can really tell you."

"Why? I don't understand."

"Because... because, it's secret."

"Secret." Natara parroted in an unimpressed voice "Seriously."

"Yes. It's a secret."

"Mal, we're not ten. We don't need secrets, and I thought we told each other everything anyway?"

"We do, we do... just not this."

"Why? Don't you trust me?"

"What? No, of course I trust you Nat. It's just..." Mal sighed. "I can't."

"... Please?"

Mal went wide-eyed. It was so rare to hear Natara actually beg for something. She was normally calm and collected. He looked at her, meeting her eyes and instantly locking with them. He saw the concern, the worry and curiosity that were hidden within them. It caused his pace to slow and eventually stop. They still locked eyes, and turned to face each other. Mal saw how they dazzled under the moonlight, and the reflection off her eyes made her appear like tears were present, which thankfully was just an illusion. Seeing the almost innocence within her eyes, Mal felt his walls crumbling down and knew he couldn't hide something from her, especially when she looked at him that way. He huffed and took her hands in his, gaining a serious look and looking her straight in the eye.

"Okay. You win," Natara smiled "But,"

Natara's smile faltered slightly.

"But, why does there have to be a 'but'?"

"Just listen, okay?"

Natara nodded and unconsciously squeezed his hands, waiting eagerly for him to continue.

"What I'm going to tell you... it's something I've been trying to forget all my life. I know you wouldn't anyway, but please Natara, promise me you'll never breathe a word of this."

"I understand Mal, you have my word."

"Thank you... Okay, here goes nothing... When I was younger, I got into trouble. A lot. Over stupid things, like partying and drunken fights, that sort of thing. But there was always this one place that absolutely No one knew about, except for me and... Well, Dad."

"You're father?"

"Yeah, we discovered it years back when I was six. He took me out for some father bonding crap and we came across this deserted area in the woods. To make sure we could always find it again, if need be, we carved nearby trees. Every weekend, we went back there and... Well, you know what?"

"What?"

"I'd rather show you." Mal said smiling.

"Y-You'd show me? Mal, you don't have to... I mean it's obviously a special place that you and your father shared when you were younger."

"I know, but I want to." Mal smiled "I trust you Natara, and you're going to have the privilege of becoming part of this."

"Wow... thanks Mal."

"Just one thing... this is our little secret."

"Of course."

Natara smiled as they made their way back up the beach and got back into Mal's car. He took a deep breath and began driving towards the forest that he knew so well. All the while Natara couldn't help but think of how much Mal must trust her to allow her in on his one and only secret. She smiled to herself and felt an uplifting feeling in her chest. She knew they were close, but this just proved to her exactly how close they had become over their brief time together. And now... she was heading to a special place in the woods, she had always loved the outdoors, but couldn't imagine what in there would appeal to Mal. As he'd said before, it was just a bunch of dumb trees. So many things rushed through her mind as she tried to picture the scene. Was it large? Small? Open or closed? Would there be a river nearby? Who knew. Only Mal and his Dad did, and she was about to be allowed access to it. It truly was an honour to her. But all she could do for now was wait in silent excitement as Mal cruised down the streets.


Meanwhile...

Down at the crime lab, Amy and Kai were working the graveyard shift, going over a number of different types of evidence that fell their way. Amy was at her old work station, typing away furiously on her computer, whereas Kai was hunched over a telescope analysing some skin cells recovered from a crime scene. There was a long, partially awkward silence that befell the room until Kai broke it.

"Booyah!" He exclaimed, causing Amy to jump.

"Kai!" She scolded, glaring at him.

"Oh... sorry. I-I did it."

"Congratulations, I'm so happy for you..." She replied sarcastically and got back to work.

Kai looked up at her and debated with himself whether or not to approach her. Amy had been running on low energy recently, which made her irritable, so Kai didn't want to risk getting slapped... again.

"Um... Amy?" He said timidly. "Do you want me to grab us some coffee?"

Amy's glare softened and she looked back up from her station. Almost immediately did she meet Kai's gaze and smiled slightly.

"Uh... yeah, if it's not too much trouble. Thanks Kai."

"No problème!"

With that said he bounded out of the crime lab, leaving Amy to giggle to herself.

'He's such a goof.' She thought. 'Wait... was that French?'

Amy shrugged her shoulders and hit the print button, before getting up and walking over to the printer, waiting patiently for her documents. While waiting, she found herself gazing around the room at the assortment of lab tech equipment. She sighed contently and beamed, never happier to have returned after such a long absence. After spending many weeks with Azrael and Brimstone, she had discovered that this was where she truly belonged. Along with Mal, Natara, Maria, Blaise and even Kai. Also that there was a new Detective called Jeremy Redbird that she had never seen before. Amy had contacted Kai shortly after the livewire case, and they had got to talking. Kai became her ears and eyes on the inside, filling her in on how everyone was coping. Of course, Kai being Kai, some things were exaggerated, but nonetheless accurate.

Thankfully, Captain Maria Yeong had been allowed back into her job after much debate and things were running smoothly again. Mal had taken over for a short while, until Maria came back. From what Amy had heard, he did an amazing job but said he was glad to be back on the beat, chasing criminals instead of being a desk jockey. It wasn't his style.

While lost in her thoughts, Kai returned silently with two steaming mugs of coffee in his hands. His eyes fell on Amy, who was looking around the room, smiling, as the printer made a noisy humming sound. He strolled up to her and smiled, presenting the coffee in front of her face. Amy jumped, but giggled and gladly accepted it.

"Thanks," She said before taking a sip.

Kai shifted his weight on his legs and had a mini battle with himself before taking a deep breath and looking into Amy's large, brown eyes and smiling.

"Ames," He started, gaining her full attention. "It's good to be back isn't it?"

"Yeah Kai..." She looked around the room once more "It really is."

With that said Amy grabbed her documents and walked back over to her station to file them. Kai grabbed the next piece of evidence from the pile and started analysing it. They stayed silent for a long time, acting as if nothing ever happened. Kai smirked and lifted his head up, looking over at Amy.

"Hey, Amy."

"What Kai."

"Would you rather-"

"No!"

"Awww come on!"

"No Kai, ask me anything like that again and this coffee is going over your head. Understood?"

"Yes ma'am!"

Kai saluted and got back to work.

"But seriously though, would you rather-"

"Kai!"

Amy sighed... it was going to be a long night...