Title: Boys of Summer

Author: SapphirexKat2

Rating: PG-13 (At least for a while)

Pairing: Eventual SatoshixDaisuke; KradxDark .

Warnings: VERY AU (no Phantom Thief, Wing Tamers, etc.); Maybe a little OoC.

Disclaimer: I do not own DN Angel nor its gorgeous bishounen.

Summary: Dark and Daisuke Niwa go to Summer Camp for a whole month. Meanwhile, they meet two half brothers, who both moved from Tokyo. Two get on the right foot, but not the other pair. Bonfire, smores, and a morning hike to the woods!

Status: Incomplete series.

Chapter 3: Bonfire 1 and Hike 1 of Summer

000

Dinner consisted of everything in a bento box. The campers sat according to cabins (some snuck off to be with their friends in other houses) and chatted away as they ate. Daisuke had Dark and Saehara on either side, and Satoshi sat in front of him beside his brother Krad. Some teens Daisuke's age tried talking to Satoshi, but they quickly grew bored and gave up with the short responses they received. Daisuke tried to pretend that he didn't notice how antisocial Satoshi really was in public, and he couldn't help but sympathize with him, so he made his own attempts at conversation.

"How do you like the food?" he asked over the noise of the others around them.

Satoshi glanced up at him from his tray. It still had plenty of food on it, and it was fifteen minutes into their meal (some boys were already done!). Daisuke himself was at least halfway. "I like it," he replied. "Why do you ask?"

"Nothing. It's just that you didn't seem to eat much," Daisuke said quickly, suddenly feeling like he was being too observant and irritating. "Nevermind." He looked back down at his food.

"It's okay that you asked," Satoshi said, as if he knew exactly how the redhead felt. "I just don't eat a lot."

'Yeah, obviously,' Daisuke thought, reflecting on Satoshi's size. 'But he ate a lot at lunch… maybe he was just hungry then.' "Are you even hungry?" he asked again, looking back up. Satoshi nodded his head slightly.

"Yes, but only a little."

Saehara, who had heard this and was long finished with his food, turned to the pair with his chopsticks. "You gonna finish that?" he asked, eyeing Satoshi's nearly untouched tray. Daisuke rebuked him for being so bold.

"Saehara-kun!" he exclaimed, surprised (well, not really) by his friend's greediness. "He didn't even eat much yet."

Satoshi shook his head, pushing his tray over to the raven-haired teen. "It's fine, really, Niwa-kun."

"See? Nyah!" Saehara stuck out his tongue at Daisuke before picking at Satoshi's food. Daisuke just scowled, but the effect was ruined by its cuteness. Dark, seeing this, pointed it out.

"Aw! Little Dai-chan is pouting again. How cute!" the violet haired teen cooed, pinching Daisuke's cheek. Daisuke wrenched his face free and turned scarlet.

"Dark!" he yelled, embarrassed. "People are watching," he muttered, glancing around. He caught Satoshi gazing at him, and he blushed even further, hunching over his food.

Dark saw how Satoshi kept his eyes on Daisuke, but said nothing about it, instead retuning to his meal for a final bite. Was Satoshi… attracted to boys too? He didn't mind it, of course, but if he was attracted to his brother… Well, he just had to get used to the idea. Hold on. Why was he suddenly jumping to conclusions? Just because Krad might be into guys didn't mean that his little brother was too! But if Satoshi was... like that, it didn't necessarily mean that he would be attracted to Daisuke, no matter what signals he was sending.

"Shit. Nevermind," he muttered, confusing himself further.

000

Up next was the bonfire and smores! Dark was literally skipping to the site to be the first to eat the treats (he had a soft spot for chocolate). Daisuke had to call after him and ask him to save him one, as he was left behind. Dark just gave him a smirk over his shoulder and ran off. The redhead could kiss the deserts goodbye. He was stuck in the traffic on the way out and would never get any in time.

It turned out that Dark was only teasing Daisuke, and they had a log by the fire with an armful of smores. The two brothers ate happily and invited some friends to sit with them. Dark managed to get a hold of a guitar and some other teens with them also so that they could make parodies of songs. A rather large group (some friends and some not) surrounded the small band as they sang.

Daisuke stayed for a while, talking animatedly with his own friends and singing along when Dark pointed him out to join him for some stupid duet for fun. He had never felt so social! Three smores later and the need to pee came around, and he excused himself from the crowd as he made his way to the restrooms.

After Daisuke was done, he came out and saw a flash of blue out of the corner of his eye. He looked to his right in the direction of the forest trails and saw Satoshi walking in. Daisuke didn't want him to be alone, or even get hurt, so he followed. Besides, those places were off limits without an instructor and definitely at night.

000

Dark gave the guitar back to the owner and got up to leave, much to the dismay of the teens. He gave them a bow and said that he'd be back later, wanting to get a breather for a while. He idly wondered where Daisuke ran off to. That boy said that he needed to pee (but not in those words). Dark walked and saw some of the counselors eating smores and telling their own stories at a nearby pavilion with their own little fire outside. Others were in the cabins with the teens who wanted to stay inside. Did Daisuke decide to call it a night? Dark glanced at his watch. It was only eight!

As he roamed the camp in search of his brother, he shivered in the cold. Now that Dark was far from the fire he felt the full blast of the cold night. So much for just wearing a simple tank top. That was the last time he didn't listen to Daisuke…

"Cold out, huh?"

Dark paused with some sense of dread (accompanied by a tinge excitement?) before turning around. Krad, comfortable in his blue jeans and large green sweatshirt, stood with a smirk. His long blonde hair in a ponytail fell over his right shoulder, clashing with the green. Gold eyes gleamed with amusement at Dark's misfortune.

The violet haired teen shoved his hands in his pockets as the urge to wrap around himself became stronger. "No," he bit out in denial. "It's actually a little warm." Just then a particularly strong breeze blew. Dark bit his lip as he fought back a whimper.

"Hn," Krad chuckled in amusement before he slipped off the sweatshirt. He wore a gray long-sleeve with a single white stripe across his chest. "Yes, it is, isn't it?"

Dark arched a brow at this. Why was Krad wearing two layers of clothing? The blonde was walking passed him when he felt a warm bundle on his chest. He took the offered object from Krad. "What ?"

"I'm tired," said Krad suddenly, as if he didn't hear Dark in the first place.

Before Dark could open his mouth to protest, or to perhaps shove the article of clothing back to him, the blonde had already left to the green cabin, yawning and stretching slightly. He held the sweatshirt against him. It was still warm from Krad's body heat and smelt faintly of lavender and cologne. Dark unconsciously wrapped his arms tighter around it, almost hugging it, before walking back to the bonfire.

Why didn't he just wear it? Wasn't that why Krad "lent" it to him, so that he wouldn't be cold anymore? Dark suspected that the blonde just wanted to return the favor for lunch, but weren't they on rival-like terms? Shrugging indifferently he slipped on the green sweatshirt, deciding not to think about the situation anymore. It fit nicely, and his skin began to warm up.

000

Daisuke was about to call out to Satoshi in the trail when he saw a little clearing ahead. He jogged ahead and saw the person he followed sitting on the grass, gazing up at the stars. Daisuke noticed that Satoshi didn't have his glasses on.

"What are you doing here, Hiwatari-kun?" he asked, slowly stepping closer. He felt like he was disturbing the other teen's peace, and that made him want to turn and leave, but he followed Satoshi for a reason. "We're not allowed to wander into the forest."

Satoshi turned to him, a slight smirk on his lips. "So then why are you here?" he asked, almost teasingly. Daisuke colored with embarrassment. What would Daisuke's defense be? – that he was tailing after him? That sounded strange even in his head.

"I…ah… I asked you first," Daisuke quickly replied, trying to remove the spotlight from himself. He let out a quiet sigh of relief when Satoshi conceded to that and looked back up to the sky again.

"I wanted to be alone," he said softly. "Crowds aren't my thing."

'So I've noticed,' Daisuke wanted to say, but it was too rude. "Oh," he responded instead, feeling a little stupid. Duh, why else would Satoshi wander off? Sometimes, Daisuke never thought things through. What had made him run after Satoshi so quickly without considering what the other boy's feelings in the first place?

Azure eyes glanced out of their corners to glance at Daisuke. "And you?"

The red head almost forgot what he was going to say. Actually, he had no idea of what he was going to say. "I came in after you," Daisuke said, the truth easily slipping out. He blushed faintly in the moonlight.

Satoshi's expression changed, but Daisuke couldn't tell what it was. "Why would you do that?" he asked with hesitant curiosity, as if afraid that the wrong question would scare Daisuke away.

Daisuke suddenly smiled and approached the sitting teen, remembering him as the boy he first met on the train. "Why wouldn't I?" he replied kindly.

Satoshi looked away as he stood, avoiding Daisuke's eyes. "I – I'm going to leave now," he said, brushing passed Daisuke. The redhead didn't understand Satoshi's response to his kindness.

"Huh? What's wrong, Hiwatari-kun?" Daisuke asked, reaching out to grasp Satoshi's elbow. The other teen paused in his tracks. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, not at all." Satoshi turned his head to flash him a weak, but rare and sincere, smile. "Goodnight, Niwa-kun."

Daisuke released him, slightly shocked by the last couple of seconds. "Goodnight," he replied, as Satoshi left the clearing. What was that strange fluttering in his chest? 'It's my heart,' Daisuke thought vaguely. 'But why is it beating so fast?'

000

Dark and Daisuke rejoined the bonfire group, but they were too distracted to participate in their game or singing. Daisuke walked from the forest to find Dark already sitting on a log further from the zealous teens dancing around (and still eating smores). The older Niwa wore a shirt that he didn't recognize, but he didn't ask about it as he sat down beside his brother. Moments of silence passed before Dark spoke up.

"Where were you?" he asked, breaking the redhead out of his reverie. Daisuke blinked and glanced up at dark.

"Did you say something?"

Dark arched a brow, slightly annoyed that he had to repeat himself. What was with his little brother? "I said, 'where were you?'" he repeated clearly and a tone higher. Daisuke was unfazed.

"Oh, just walking around," he replied absently, remembering his encounter with Satoshi. He smiled convincingly at his brother.

The older Niwa wanted to say more, but he just left it at that.

"All right!" the camp coordinator, Hidayaki-san, called out. "Light's out in thirty minutes! Everyone please return to your respective cabins!"

The campers groaned and reluctantly bid their friends a good-night before following their three instructors inside. Dark and Daisuke followed willingly, glad to be able to finally get a proper rest.

000

The next morning was more exciting than yesterday, Daisuke later found. After breakfast, the whole camp broke off into four groups. Two would stay behind and play in-camp activities while the other two would hike in separate directions. The Green Cabin was fortunate enough to be in the hiking group along with Blue, and Pink Cabins; they were going to a waterfall several miles away.

Each hiking camper packed a couple of water bottles, extra clothes (they were going to swim!), and a sleeping bag (optional) if they wanted to rest at the spot. Daisuke and Dark packed everything minus the last object, ready to go.

The group left at nine in the morning, hoping to reach the waterfall by noon. The trail was slow with several inclines, declines, swerves and sharp rocks. The girls were a little slower at the end, but the boys slowed down for them, taking this opportunity to mingle with the opposite sex. Riku and Risa Harada were in the Pink Cabin, therefore, being with Daisuke. The red head blushed slightly as Risa called out to him.

"Wait for me, Daisuke!" she said upon seeing him up front. Daisuke stopped talking with Saehara and paused long enough for Risa to catch up.

"Risa!" Riku said, running after her. She didn't want to be stuck with the boys that were previously talking to them. Besides, she'd rather be closer to Daisuke.

"Hi, Risa-san," Daisuke greeted shyly as Risa paced herself beside him. She smiled at his courtesy.

"Just call me Risa," the younger Harada twin said. "Don't be so formal."

"H-hai… Risa." It felt a little strange, if not new. Daisuke figured that he could get used to it.

000

The camp site was absolutely breathtaking. The formerly groaning teens were now jumping with enthusiasm upon approaching the waterfalls. After dumping their bags, they stripped off the outer layer of their clothing and jumped right in. The instructors just allowed them to do so until lunch would be prepared.

Daisuke, the Harada twins, Dark and Saehara found a nice spot under a shady tree to dump their things. Daisuke sat down, waiting for the others to do so, but they never did. Instead, they were doing what everyone else was doing.

"Come on, Daisuke. Let's go swim!" Risa said, as she took off her pink shirt. She wore a blue full-piece bathing suit underneath. "I know you can. I've seen you in P.E class."

Daisuke blushed and looked away. Dark was smirking down at him and he glared in response.

"What?" the older Niwa asked innocently, taking off his shoes. He was already prepared to go in black swimming trunks.

"I, uh, sure," the redhead finally decided, not wanting to disappoint Risa. He heard her give a happy squeak before running off. Riku simply stayed back, as if shy. "What's wrong?" Daisuke asked, pausing his movements of untying his shoes.

Riku flushed. "Nothing!" she said defensively. "Why would there be something wrong?" Usually at school she was rather outgoing, if not so much as her sister, but around Daisuke, she seemed more timid. She always took this attitude with him.

"I was just asking," Daisuke replied, crimson eyes kind and friendly. Riku just flushed further and ran off to find Risa. What was that feeling that he gave her with just one look? She couldn't take it.

Dark chuckled, observing the exchange that had just passed. "Smooth, Dai-chan," he said sarcastically. Daisuke turned to him, confused.

"What do you mean by that?" he asked. "I didn't do anything."

"Exactly. Now hurry up. The water's getting cold."

"Yeah, yeah," Daisuke muttered grumpily, standing and taking off his green shirt, but he was actually touched by Dark's patience. They were about to walk out when Daisuke paused, seeing Satoshi sitting alone to the far side and reading a book. Sympathy (or was it?) pulled at his heart, and he wanted to invite the blue haired teen over, to give him a reason to do something, but he remembered their encounter the night before.

"I wanted to be alone. Crowds aren't my thing."

"Hey, why'd you stop?" Dark asked, several paces ahead. He had only just glanced beside him and noticed that his little brother was there anymore. Daisuke snapped out of his reverie.

"Ah, sorry." He jogged up to meet him. 'I wish I could change your mind, Hiwatari-kun,' he thought, as they made their way to the edge of the river. Daisuke was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't see dark tip-toe behind him and give him a great shove.

The older teen cackled in delight as he saw Daisuke come up to the surface, sputtering and glaring. Daisuke was yelling threats when he suddenly stopped and smiled innocently. Dark panicked and managed to glance behind him before he felt two warm hands on his back, pushing him firmly. He caught the distinct shine of a long, blonde ponytail.

Daisuke laughed madly as he saw Dark fall to the water in what seemed like slow motion. He had never seen his brother so surprised since… forever. Daisuke could never pull a prank on him (he was the one always getting fooled.). Krad stood where Dark once did, smirking with amusement as Dark emerged just as Daisuke had.

"Who did that!" Dark cried in outrage, shoving his bangs away and glaring up at the side of the river. He was really upset at being so caught off guard… but it was hard to stay so angry.

Krad wore red trunks, off-setting his pale skin and bright hair. There was a rather soft glow about him. All he needed were wings.

"Why? Are you going to do something about it?" Krad challenged, crossing his arms.

Dark simply smirked, and it looked scarier than scowl. "I'll remember this," he whispered deviously, then swam off to a group of his friends nearby. Daisuke just laughed and looked up at Krad.

"Nice one! But I'd watch out," he warned playfully. "Dark never forgets."

The blonde winked. "That's what I'm counting on."

000

Lunch consisted of barbeque – camp style. There were stone "grills" already there. Firewood was put in the center and meat was cooked on the wire surface above it. The campers could choose from sandwiches (previously made and kept in coolers), or fish or chicken with rice (the rice previously made as well). Daisuke dried off back at his spot and waited until the line would be shorter. He looked around his surroundings some more, noting more of it. His eyes unconsciously sought out for Satoshi. What had he been doing for the past hour by himself?

Daisuke spotted him doing the same thing in the same place. He decided to walk over and keep his company for a while.

"Hey," he greeted softly as to not startle the other teen. Satoshi seemed unfazed even still.

"Hello, Niwa-kun," he replied, not removing his attention from the book. "What are you doing here?"

Was that his favorite question to ask? Daisuke thought it better to give him straight answers from now on. "Talking to you."

Blue eyes were no longer moving along the page. "Why?"

Daisuke shrugged and sat in front of him. "No reason, really," he replied casually. "Why not?" He seemed to like asking that question, too.

They sat in relative silence until a shadow loomed over them. Krad had arrived with a plate of three sandwiches and two slices of chicken breast.

"Joining us, Niwa-kun?" Krad asked, sitting by Satoshi and Daisuke, creating a triangle. "I saw you, so I just brought you a sandwich."

"Thank you," Daisuke said, honestly touched. Why didn't Dark like him again? He took the extended plastic-wrapped object. "What kind is it?"

"Peanut butter and jelly, I believe."

"My favorite." Daisuke unwrapped it happily and took a bite. It felt good to eat on an empty stomach after swimming and playing around. They played five rounds of Marco Polo, two rounds of tag (in the water – very difficult), and "who-can-make-the-biggest-splash."

"Aren't you?" Krad was interrupted by a call from Dark.

"Hey, Dai-chan! Come and get it!" He, Risa, Saehara, and a couple of other older teens (probably Dark's friends) were waving at Daisuke from their spot. Daisuke waved back and turned to the two brothers.

"Would you like to sit with us?" the redhead asked, feeling guilty at ditching them.

Krad just smiled, but shook his head. "You go on. Your brother hates me, remember?" he said jokingly, but Daisuke could sense an underlying hint of pain in his golden eyes.

Daisuke arched a brow questioningly. "What, him? I wouldn't worry about it." He stood. "Are you sure, though?" He didn't want to leave them just yet...

"Yes."

"See you guys later, then." Daisuke still felt bad, but he left anyway since they insisted. Krad had friends, too. He probably just ditched them to stay with his brother. That reminded him of Dark. He smiled. Although they appeared to be on different sides of the spectrum, they weren't that much different from each other at all.

To be continued...

Bento: Um, if I'm not mistaken, bento is consistent in its contents: rice, tempura, chicken, fish, sashimi, and sushi (although I'm sure that the selections vary). Its usually for lunch, but I don't know. I figured that the camp would have something easy, but not really Western.

Thank you very much for reading! Arigatou gozaimasu and muchas gracias! sorry for the long update. I had exams!. UGH!

SappphirexKat