It was another cold, wet night in Japan. The sky outside had been dark for hours, heavy clouds hanging low over the city as a steady rain continued to fall. Water streamed down the windows, blurring the lights outside into soft, distorted streaks of color. Every now and then, the sound of tires passing over the wet pavement could be heard from the street below. Both bands were currently on a bit of a hiatus, taking some much-needed time away from performing, recording, and the constant demands of touring. For once, there were no rehearsals to rush to, no stage waiting for them, and no packed schedules forcing everyone from one place to another. It was an unusually quiet period for all of them, and they were slowly settling into the strange feeling of simply having nowhere they needed to be. The guys had ended up crammed together inside a small room, seeking whatever warmth they could find. The space was hardly large enough for everyone, leaving shoulders nearly touching and belongings scattered wherever there was room to put them. Jackets and bags had been pushed against the walls, while several cups and half-finished drinks sat nearby. The faint warmth from the heater was doing its best, though it struggled against the chilly air that seemed to seep through every crack in the room. Outside, the rain steadily tapped against the windows, sometimes becoming louder whenever the wind picked up. The constant sound created a strange sense of comfort, almost making the cramped room feel completely separated from the rest of the world. With both bands temporarily free from their usual responsibilities, the atmosphere was noticeably more relaxed than usual. Some of the guys were quietly talking among themselves, while others simply sat back and enjoyed the rare opportunity to do absolutely nothing. Conversations drifted from music and old memories to completely pointless topics, occasionally interrupted by laughter whenever someone said something ridiculous. It wasn't glamorous, and it certainly wasn't comfortable, but after months of performing and traveling, none of them seemed particularly bothered by it. For tonight, the tiny room, the warmth, the quiet conversations, and the sound of rain outside were enough. For the first time in a while, everyone could simply sit together and breathe.