“What time is it?” Nell asked, stifling a yawn with the back of his hand.

“Almost five in the morning,” Cha responded quickly while he tuned his guitar.

“Five in the morning? How is it possible that you’re all coherent at this ungodly hour?” the ‘rookie’ asked, incredulous. “I’ve pulled late nights, but never mornings this early.”

“Well the answer’s simple,” You answered. Looking up from his cell phone he added, “We haven’t gone to sleep yet.”

“You haven’t slept yet? How--? Why--?” The younger man was nearly beside himself.

“You’ll get used to it, don’t worry.”

“And until you do,” Cha added with a grin, “extra shots of espresso work wonders.”

“Cha is an extra shot of espresso,” You chuckled.

“Cha’s an extra shot of something,” Gackt said, wondering back into the studio, the band’s manager following closely behind, “but I wouldn’t call it espresso.”

The guitarist chuckled and winked at his co-producer. “I’m far too raunchy to be merely coffee. I was thinking some pretty-colored mixed drink.”

“You would,” Gackt laughed, shaking his head before sliding down into one of the studio’s office chairs.