The water fight had lasted what seemed like hours, only to be followed by everyone but Cecil returning to splash in the waves. From somewhere there came a colorful beach ball that they batted around, both in the water after they had convinced Cecil to wade into the water up to his knees.

When at long last they retreated from the waves, and the complaints of hunger were being passed around, the film crew let them have the stash of firewood that had been prepared for them. It was absolutely normal for them to just bring out the pile while the cameras were trained on Otoya who had resorted to doing ball tricks with the beach ball to distract them all from how loudly their stomachs were growling. The crew then retreated behind the cameras to let them handle the lighting of the thing by themselves.

Ren looked slowly from friend to friend. It was obvious that if they were going to get the chance to eat, they were going to have to light the bonfire themselves. As long as they could keep Natsuki from starting everything on fire and mixing everything together they should be alright. They had come a long way from the days when none of them could make anything at all.

It was all those cooking shows.

Well, that and the fact that Masa refused to let them eat anything too unhealthy. That was a good thing, since otherwise there were days they would just grab take out in the rush between engagements.

Ren helped to stack the firewood, and then settled back onto the sand, propping himself up on his elbows to watch as Otoya and Syo worked on actually starting the fire. Masa and Natsuki had gone to the coolers they had been provided to see what sort of food had been packed for them, and Cecil had decided to play with one of the pieces of wood they hadn't used in building the fire. That left Tokiya to move between the groups before he settled down next to Ren, crossing his legs at the ankles before drawing his knees up to his chest, arms wrapped around them.

There was something about the way he sat that expressed worry.

Ren couldn't let that continue. He pushed himself up from his reclining position, and leaned fully against his friend. "Ichi," he complained lightly, starting to pout. "I'm hungry. Why isn't the fire started yet?"

Tokiya leveled a cool look at Ren before rolling his eyes. "You can act just as childish as Otoya at times," he observed.

Ren laughed in return. That was exactly the sort of reaction he had been trying to get out of Tokiya. He enjoyed seeing the reactions he could get from even the smallest amount of teasing. He knew the cameras were trained on the two trying to start the fire, otherwise he would not have done it. He didn't want to share those reactions with anyone, especially not on something that would be broadcast to their fans.

"The ladies like the way I act," Ren pouted, even though he couldn't hide his amusement.

"The last time I checked, I am not a lady," Tokiya scoffed, looking towards where Syo and Otoya were cheering the small fire they had started.

Ren laughed when he saw the light pink blush rise to Tokiya's cheeks. It was an even better reaction than the eye rolling and one that he only ever seemed to give when they were together.

"That just makes you better," Ren purred, enjoying the contact between them for only a moment longer before they were being pulled over to the fire to roast hot dogs, sausages, and marshmallows.

For a while they were all absorbed in cooking their food, still laughing and horsing around. They went through the food they were provided quickly since they had been out in the sun messing around all day.

With the fire light glowing brightly around them, it was easy to miss out on the gathering dusk. The time was passing quickly.

"Hey! Guys! Look! Sparklers!" Otoya called out from where he had started rummaging around in the supplies they still had sitting off to the side. "We still have enough time to use them, right? It's dark enough they'll leave trails and everything. That'll be the best way to end the day."

Instead of answering, Cecil, Syo, and Natsuki cheered, jumping to their feet to grab their own sparklers from Otoya. Masato and Tokiya followed just a moment behind them, and Ren pulled out his phone, ready to photograph their play.

No sooner had they gathered around to light the sparklers, than the crew started moving around, packing up their cameras and the props that had been brought along. "Sorry to cut the fun short, but we need to head out," the director called out, jogging over to them. "If you'd grab your things and head to the bus, we'll get everything else sorted out."

"What's wrong?" Masato asked, the first to actually voice the question they all were thinking.

"There's a storm blowing up, and we'd like to get you all back before it breaks. Nothing serious, just want to keep you all safe."

Ren immediately looked to Tokiya. The other man had been right. They should have talked to the crew right away instead of letting things wait this long. He saw a flash of concern on the pale features, but it was quickly hidden behind a calm mask.

Rather than wait for the complaints to begin, Ren clapped his hands and started moving to their bus. "Then let's get a move on. There are no ladies here to impress with wet shirts and chivalry, and they didn't bring along the weather resistant cameras. Rain makes the best sleeping weather, but we have to make it back to the dorm first," he announced. If he made it look like he was the one wanting to get back before the storm, no one would question Tokiya.

Besides, he really didn't want to get caught out in the rain. Sitting around soggy without the sun was not his idea of a good time.

It took some time for everyone to grab what they had brought along for themselves and then make their way onto the bus. After all there were seven of them all trying to go the same place.

By the time everyone was settled in their seats, the sound of raindrops hitting the roof filled the air.

At least it seemed to just be a sprinkle, nothing to worry about too much.