"Baka yarou!" the nasal voice yelled out. "Get serious, we only have a few weeks before the concert!"

"G-gomen," his partner said through stifled giggles, gruff voice sounding almost boyish in merriment. "You just look too funny swinging your leg around like that." Another bout of laughter ensued.

"I'll show you funny," the first man glared, then smacked the other, who was sitting on the floor next to where he stood, sharply upside the head. Not a second later he found himself tackled to the ground. His legs had been pulled out from under him, and wrists were pinned above his head, holding him down while the other singer looked down at him, grinning his feral grin.

"Wanna fight, do ya?"

"You started it."

He leaned in, bringing their faces closer together. "I'll finish it, too." And leaned in closer still.

"All right, break it up," a deep tenor voice broke in, interrupting the moment. "You can do that later, right now we have work to do."

"I'm too young to see such things!" the youngest member of the quintet covered his eyes mockingly. "Now I'll be scarred for life!" he joked.

The fifth member just stayed quiet, wanting to say something, but not knowing what, and slightly afraid of giving something away if he did. He just stared at the couple on the floor until it was too painful, then looked away.

After a quick kiss, the aggressor got up off the fallen man and stood, offering a hand up.

They were partners in every sense of the word. Even before the band was started, they worked together at numerous other jobs, and had developed a close friendship that eventually grew to much more. Everyone knew, where one was, the other wasn't far behind. And though the public and the fans weren't aware of their true relationship, their close friends knew and accepted it. Of course, that meant they had much teasing to deal with.

"We'll finish this...later," said with a wink and a sexy growl.

The rehearsal was tiring, but went well. Hikaru worked hard until he could properly execute the difficult dance move and wasn't 'swinging his leg around' oddly. And, of course, Nobutoshi was by him every step of the way, helping him get the hang of it, with enough energy for them both. Hideo, for his part, seemed a bit distracted most of the time, but performed well, slipping up only when Daisuke accidentally tripped and landed on top of him. The older man simply gave a somewhat forced laugh and rustled the boy's hair, teasing him about being clumsy.

Their esteemed leader, Ryotaro, just rolled his eyes and wondered if he was the only straight man in Japan.

With the day's work over and done with, the group got ready to go, gathering their gym bags and hair care products and CD players and anything else they'd brought. Changing into his street shoes, with a sly grin to himself, Nobutoshi made it a point to bend at the waist, giving the room a view of his perfect posterior as he tied the laces.

A view Hideo couldn't help but appreciate as he approached the other singer.

"Ah...Hayashi-kun...."

Nobutoshi looked up at the other man, then, with a final tug on his shoelace, stood up straight. Though he was a year and a half older than his friend, he was a good five or so inches shorter [1], and had to crane his neck a bit to look at him. "Yeah, what's up?"

"I was...ah...thinking of going out for a drink. Was wondering if you'd like to join me."

"Oh...well...I was going to go to Hikaru's place for dinner...." he felt a bit sorry at turning down the friendly offer. "But, hey, you can come too if you'd like. The others too; we can make it a group thing." Nearby, Hikaru scowled at his koibito inviting people over to his house without consulting him about it first...he'd have to teach him some manners later.

"Sorry," Ryotaro breezed by, "but I've got this sudden urge to spend some time with my wife." He glanced at them out of the corner of his eye, tossing a smile over his shoulder and taking his leave.

Spending the evening in their love nest, watching his crush dote on another, was not high on Hideo's list of things to do, so he politely opted out, saying he'd just hit the bar by himself.

"I'll go with you, Ishikawa-kun," Daisuke piped up.

Nobutoshi nodded happily; "there you go."

Hideo smiled and slung an arm around the much shorter boy. "Alright, you'll be my date tonight, Daisuki." [2]

The youth looked down to hide his blush, aware of the other's pun, but correcting him anyway. "It's Daisuke."

"I know." Said with a teasing grin.

"In that case," Nobutoshi started, slinging his gym bag over his shoulder as Hikaru stepped up next to him, "we'll let you be." And with bows and good-byes they left, the happy-go-lucky star taking his partner's arm as they walked away, gossiping. "Oh, they're so cute together!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Water that was more hot than warm poured from the shower fixture, soaking the head of dark hair that stood under it. Hikaru Midorikawa found himself wondering how he kept up with his lover's limitless energy. A full day of rehearsal, and then a night of...romping. How did he do it?

He leaned his head against the tile wall, momentarily resting his eyes. Too whipped to notice someone stalking into the shower behind him. When strong arms encircled him he cried out, startled.

"Jumpy?" the husky voice smiled into his ear.

"Don't do that; I thought I was going to die of a heart attack." He got a laugh in response. His heart rate never got a chance to calm down, for as the effects of his shock wore off, he became more acutely aware of the hard body pressed against him. He again wondered where the other man got all his pep. "You've got to be tired by now."

"Iya..." Nobutoshi nuzzled his lover's neck, lapping up the droplets of water there while a hand made it's way down the slick chest. "When it comes to music, and you," down further still, reaching his goal and producing a moan from the other, "my energy is never ending."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You can not hold your liquor, kid." Hideo adjusted the burden he carried on his back.

"Wazzat?" the smaller singer slurred, head rolling on his friend's shoulder. He hiccupped.

The tall man laughed, only slightly buzzed himself. "Come on, I'll take you back to my place. It's closer."

A snore was the only response.

Arriving at Hideo's dwelling, he went straight for his room, placing the dozing youth on his bed. After looking at him a second, he covered the boy up and grabbed a spare blanket for himself, intending on sleeping on the couch. He briefly hoped the other wasn't too hung-over in the morning to attend rehearsal; it'd be his fault for taking him out in the first place, and he didn't feel like listening to Ryotaro and Hikaru bitch.

He turned to leave the room, but was stopped when a hand grabbed his pant leg. Looking down revealed to him Daisuke staring up, eyes only half open. "Don't leave."

"Huh?"

He blinked slowly, then opened his eyes fully, slightly glazed over. "I dun wanna be 'lone.... Stay with me."

Hideo looked at the other a moment, several emotions flitting through his heart. Eventually he just shrugged and climbed in, still fully clothed, next to his friend. Right away the smaller boy snuggled up next to him, wrapping his arms around the taller singer and laying his head on his shoulder. Enjoying the warmth and closeness, Hideo put his own arms around the other, holding him close.

There was a rustling of sheets, and the older man felt his partner move up. He was a bit confused, until a pair of soft lips pressed against his. Daisuke was kissing him. It was a kiss that involved more than the alcohol; he realized...knew and understood why the younger idol was always wanting to spend time with him. The same reason he was always trying to find excuses to be around Nobutoshi.... And he wondered if this was a chance at happiness.

Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was his loneliness, or maybe it was some combination of both. After a moment of hesitation, Hideo began to return the kiss. Returned the kiss while his mind tried to block out images of a bright smile and a too sexy voice.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Watching the clouds go by, Hideo formed one of his own as he exhaled the smoke he'd held in his lungs. He spent the rehearsal's break time smoking and contemplating the previous night. It had felt good to hold someone, to have someone lay by his side. He felt a bit of happiness, and smiled to himself. Then the smile, his eyes, took on a twinge of sadness, wondering what it would be like if the body that laid next to him was a bit stockier, stronger. Like....

The door next to him opened suddenly and Nobutoshi exited the building, carrying his own pack of cigarettes. "Yo. Didn't know you were out here."

Hideo's heart fluttered a bit. "Yeah, well, you know..." he trailed off.

The older man sat next to him, taking a cig out of the pack, but not yet lighting it. He looked over at the other and smiled. "I noticed you and Dai-chan came in together today," he teased.

"Yeah," was the reply. "He got...a little drunk last night," he chuckled at the memory, "so he stayed the night at my place."

"You didn't take advantage of him, did you?" Joking, of course.

"No! ...Of course not." [3] Hideo looked to the side, but a second later his head jerked as Nobutoshi grabbed him, pulling him close. Their eyes met and the gaze was held a moment before the older singer touched the end of the cigarette in his mouth to Hideo's to light it. They stayed still, eyes locked, waiting for the tobacco to catch the flame.

The nearby door opened again, and Hikaru walked out. He stopped short when he saw the other two men, too close for comfort. His eyes widened a bit before becoming much more narrow. "What are you doing?"

The cig having finally lit, Nobutoshi took a puff, holding it in a moment before exhaling. "Just having a smoke." He lifted it in offering, "wanna taste?"

"No...thanks." His voice was even more nasal when he was annoyed. "Hurry up, we've got to get back to work." Without waiting for an answer, he turned and went back inside.

Nobutoshi blinked at his exit, then frowned. He hoped he didn't make his koibito angry. Now that he thought about it...that wasn't the first time Hikaru had caught him and Hideo in close proximity. [4] He flicked his ashes. Well, tonight he'd just have to reaffirm with his lover who the only one he cared for was. His body stirred a bit, and he grinned at the thought.

Hideo glanced over at the other man, who'd suddenly started giggling for no reason.

When the two missing singers finally came back in, Daisuke rushed over to Hideo, taking his hand. "I was looking all over for you," he pouted a bit, trying to be cute, "but I couldn't find you."

"Aww..." Nobutoshi snickered as he walked by, and received a tongue-sticking-out from the youngest member.

The tall star watched as the older man took off running towards his koibito, who was crouched over, studying the rehearsal schedule that rested on the floor. Without slowing down, the energetic man took the other by the shoulders, using his momentum to vault over him, landing on his feet in front of his partner. He liked how much space the large room gave him to play. ^_^ [5] Hikaru, for his part, picked up a nearby shoe and threw it at his 'baka', who in turn threw a wadded up ball of paper. An all out war started as the two chucked everything within reach at one another, laughing the whole time.

Hideo's heart contracted at the two men's antics, trying not to wish he were the one 'playing' affectionately with Nobutoshi. He remembered Daisuke by his side, becoming aware of the heat where he still held his hand. Sliding an arm around the shorter boy and bending down, quite a bit, he kissed him full on the lips, there in front of everyone.

When he noticed cheering, he broke it off, smiling at the younger singer who was blushing something furious. He glanced over at the other couple. Nobutoshi continued his cheering while Hikaru smiled at them.

Ryotaro just shook his head.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Daisuke had to do something. It had been months since he and Hideo had 'gotten together', and he was still being treated like a kid. It was time he showed the other just how he felt, and that he wasn't just a kid.

He had it all planned out. A nice dinner out, then back to his place for tea and...whatever else. It was so simple, nothing could go wrong.

After the tea was made, he led the older man back to his room, where they both sat on the bed. Without wasting any time, he made his move, pulling the other in for a rough kiss. It was faster than his kisses usually were, with a nervousness to it.

Hideo returned it at first, out of habit, but when he realized the intention behind the intensity, along with the quest of roaming hands, he pulled back, pushing the other away. "Iie, Dai-chan...we can't do this."

"Why not!?" His boyish voice sounded angrier than he meant, but damn it, being pushed away hurt! "I'm not a child! Just because I'm younger, and smaller, you all treat me like some kid, but I'm not! I'm a man too!" Then softer, "and I...I...."

"No..." the other interrupted, "don't say it."

Daisuke's eyes widened a bit, a wetness coating them. "W-what..?"

"I meant...we can't...I can't continue this...relationship."

"Don't say that...." Whispered softly.

"I tried..." a sob caught in the taller singer's throat as he went on. "I really tried. Because you're my friend and I care about you, I wanted you to be happy. And I wanted me to be happy. And I thought we could be good for each other. But I can't go on pretending I'm in love with you...it's not fair to either of us. Because...because my heart is someplace else, it's not fair."

There was a moment of silence before the other responded. "...It's Hayashi-kun, isn't it?" He could almost hear Hideo's head slightly nod. "I...I know...I guess I've always known, that he was the one you really cared for. The one you love. But I refused to believe it; I ignored it. ...I didn't want to believe it." The tears escaped his eyes and slid silently down his cheeks, leaving a wet trail as they went.

He looked at the smaller youth a second before wrapping long arms around him in a final embrace. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I'm so sorry...." He kissed the top of his head, lingering a moment to breathe in soft hair's scent - this last time. Then finally pulled away. "I'll go."

At that, he left, with one last glance back at the boy - man - whose head bowed to hide his tears.

to be continued....

notes:

[1] Hideo is 6' tall! ^^* That's tall for an American, it's huge for a Japanese!

[2] 'Daisuki' means 'I love you' in Japanese.

[3] ¬_¬ Of course not....

[4] Ehehehee.... ^^  This is the first time.

[5] Da, where'd that smiley come from!? ^^* I didn't want to put it, really. A smiley doesn't belong in a story... But it just wouldn't go away! ::laughs::

An explanation of the title... E.M.U, the band this fic is based on, stands for Entertainment Music Unit. ....it's that simple. ^,^ The titles of the chapters are titles of E.M.U songs, and each one represents the approximate period of time when the events of the chapter are happening (for example, 'Shonen A to Z' is on their very first album...this chapter takes place during the beginning of their career together).

::clears throat:: Now, I would like to say...I don't know the members of E.M.U personally. I've never met them (well...except Hikaru Midorikawa ^,^), and can't really say I know what they're like on a personal level. All I have to go by is my videos and magazine articles and their web pages such. So...I may have them out of character (in fact...I'm sure I probably do...^^*). Like with anime fanfiction, this is basically my interpretation of them, based on what I've seen (and taken to slight extremes).

I was really hesitant about writing this fic. I've had the idea for a long time, but had always been afraid of writing it out. Unlike anime or manga fics, this one has the potential to hurt actual people. Duo's not going to care if I write a GW fic about him and Heero sleeping together; Tasuki won't 'Rekka Shien' me for writing about him and Chichiri. But this is different, because real live people are involved. ::laughs:: I'm actually kind of scared about one of these guys finding this and suing the pants off of me (and these are new pants, damn it!). But I know that's highly unlikely; I question if anyone besides my friends reads my fiction. I recently was browsing some Weiß Kreuz web sites, and found that someone actually wrote Seki x Koyasu yaoi lemon fanfic...that was brave...and it gave me the courage to put my ideas for E.M.U into words.

Anyway, the next part should be done soon. ^_^ Thanks for reading!