Mediterranean Kiss ~ Taeten

Sun, Sea and Sarandë

“This was a good decision.” Mark hummed as he stretched out on his beach towel.

Taeyong looked at him over his sunglasses. “So you're sure you don't want to walk through the town at all?” He asked.

“Yup. I just want to relax all day on the beach.” Mark replied happily, as he stared out into the bay. “Besides, the Albanian money kind of confuses me. I mean, some of the stalls have prices in Euros and others have it in Albanian Lek; just decide on one man.” He huffed.

“But you didn't even bring any cash with you, did you?” Johnny asked, who sat on a beach towel next to him.

“Exactly.” Mark replied, clicking his fingers. “This is my worry free day where I'm not going to do anything except sunbathe and swim. This is what you're supposed to do on holiday anyway. Besides, look at this view, it's stunning.” Mark threw his arms wide. His eyes were bright with excitement as he gazed at the beautiful sunny bay of Sarandë, Albania.

Out in the harbour, the giant cruise ship was anchored. The sun was shining and heaps of other people had the same idea as they did to spend the day at the beach. Taeyong had to agree with Mark; it was nice to lay back in the sun and relax.

Mark rolled onto his stomach and riffled through his bag. He pulled out a tube of sunscreen and began merrily slopping it over his legs.

“Pass it here. I’ll do your back.” Johnny said as he shuffled over to sit behind Mark.

“It’s okay, I can reach.” Mark replied.

Taeyong let out a laugh when Mark tried to reach his arms behind him to apply the sunscreen. He managed to smear some onto his lower back and shoulder, but he couldn’t get to the middle of his back.

“I said give it here.” Johnny repeated, snatching the tube out of Mark’s hands. He sat down cross-legged and began to rub the sunscreen onto Mark’s back. Mark sat quietly, looking out at the sea.

“Done.” Johnny said. He lightly jabbed Mark in the ribs, making him jump.

“Hey!” Mark complained. He turned and pushed Johnny but Johnny grabbed his arm and pulled him down, causing Mark to fall on top of him. He wrapped his arms around him and laughed while Mark struggled against his grip.

“You guys are so loud! I thought we were supposed to be relaxing on the beach.” Taeyong chuckled. He pulled out his phone and quickly snapped a picture of the two of them rolling around on the beach towel. “Johnny, come and do my back now please!” He said eagerly, tapping him on his shoulder.

Johnny grinned up at him and then released Mark, who rolled off him and slapped his arm.

“Saved by Tae yet again.” He smirked at Mark.

“Just you wait, I’m going to get you back when you least expect it.” Mark responded with a dark grin, narrowing his eyes at him.

Johnny gave him a friendly shove and then picked up the tube of sunscreen and sat down behind Taeyong. Taeyong smiled happily as Johnny massaged the lotion onto his back.

“How warm do you think the water is?” He pondered, thinking out loud.

“Warm. I think it's definitely warm.” Johnny replied from behind him.

Mark stood up and stretched his arms. “Well, there's only one way to find out.” He responded. He flashed the two of them a cheeky smile and began to pick his way across the pebbled shore to the water. He strode confidently into it until he was mid-thigh deep, then turned to face them. “Come on guys, the water's great!” He yelled and waved at them to come join him.

Johnny patted the last bit of sunscreen onto Taeyong’s back then stood back up and offered him a hand. “You coming?” He asked.

“Of course.” Taeyong replied with a smile. He grabbed hold of Johnny’s outstretched hand who helped him up.

By the time he and Johnny began wading in, Mark was already fully submerged and swimming further out in the water. It was the perfect temperature; like a lukewarm bath.

As soon as he got deep enough Taeyong started swimming. The seabed was covered in mossy rocks, making it hard to walk on. The water was beautifully clear though and he leisurely paddled into the deeper water toward Mark. Not too far away from him, Johnny took a breath before diving underwater. Taeyong stopped and tread water, watching the calm surface of the water to see where he would surface.

Mark yelled and splashed around wildly, looking down into the water around him. Johnny then popped his head up in front of him, wearing a wide grin and Mark’s scared expression changed to one of exasperation. With his eyes wide, he flung his head back and sighed loudly.

“I should have known it was you!” He grumbled, splashing Johnny in the face.

Johnny laughed and went to hug him but he swam away and sunk down into the water. Only his eyes were above the surface glowering back at him, clearly not impressed with Johnny’s antics.

“Aw, come on Mark, don't sulk.” Johnny pouted as he floated on the water with his head tilted back so he could see Mark.

Taeyong swam over to them. Johnny loved to wind up Mark. Mark was always so expressive and he knew Johnny loved how dramatic he could be and how easy he was to trick. Taeyong also knew that Mark’s playful nature meant he didn't take anything too seriously, which was probably why he and Johnny were such good friends. They just clicked.

Taeyong stopped in front of Mark. He submerged himself and mirrored Mark's pose, sweeping his wet hair over his eyes for dramatic effect. Smile lines appeared around Mark's eyes and he emerged out of the water laughing loudly.

“You look like some creepy monster out of a horror movie.” Mark exclaimed.

“So do you.” Taeyong replied with a grin, flicking the wet strands of hair from his forehead.