Linkin Park Oneshots!!

A Place For My Head

Ahem... this is my first Bennoda, so enjoy!

"I just don't understand." Chester sighed, plopping onto the used futon in Mike Shinoda's apartment.

"Neither do I." Mike said, "What was her deal?"

The two had just gotten rejected from the record label for the 43rd time, and they were considering giving up. Their determination to put out their album was fading away, almost as quickly as the money in their bank accounts.

"I don't know, man. Maybe we should just give up. I can't afford to do this anymore, I need to get a regular job. I cant keep living under your roof Mike." Chester put his head in his hands and let out another exasperated sigh.

"I don't mind letting you stay, Ches. I enjoy the company." Mike smiled at his best friend, knowing full well that things were going to change between the pair very soon. Mike wasn't lying, he really did enjoy Chester's company, perhaps a little too much.

"I know, Mike, but I can't keep living like this." Chesters voice became softer as he felt tears well up in his eyes. There was so much that Mike didn't know, and Chester wasn't sure how he'd react if Mike found out, which he would, if Chester continued to live under his roof.

"Well then I'll help you find a job, if this next gig doesn't work out." Mike offered.

"Are you sure? Y-you don't have to." Chester made eye contact with Mike for the first time that night.

"I want to. Now try to get some sleep." Mike stood up and walked over to the linen closet, opening it and throwing a blanket at Chester. "Use one of the pillows on the futon, they should be comfy enough."

"Thanks for everything, Mike." Chester whispered as Mike turned off the lights and headed into his bedroom.

Mike had only just found out about Chester's living situation, and became immediately concerned for his friend. He really didn't have much, and he was living in his car that he could barely pay for. Chester was also alarmingly skinny, because he couldn't afford to eat much. What he didn't know, however, is that most of the money that entered Chester's bank account was immediately withdrawn to pay for his addiction.

Chester woke up at 2am, the effects of withdrawal beginning to take over him. He hadn't used the entire day, or the night before. He crawled out of bed, desperate to find his car and get his fix. He walked carefully, to avoid waking Mike, but as he passed Mike's bedroom, a floorboard creaked underneath him and he cursed the shitty building.

"Chester?" Mike opened his bedroom door, rubbing his eyes. "What are you doing up? It's 2 am." Mike leaned in the doorway and glanced at his friend.

"I-I couldn't sleep, so I was gonna go for a walk." He lied, cursing up a storm inside his head.

"Oh! Let's go for a walk then!" Mike smiled, eager to spend more time with his best friend.

Chester's internal cursing became louder as he shook his head vigorously. "I'm fine, Mike. Thanks." Chester hoped he could convince Mike to go back to bed but it was no use.

"I'm already up, and besides, night walks are fun!"

"Okay, I guess you can come along." Chester rolled his eyes at Mike, who immediately darted into his bedroom and changed into some 'more appropriate' clothes to wear in public.

He grabbed his keys and the two left the apartment, cool, crisp night air filling their lungs as they walked outside. "So, where did you want to walk to?" Mike asked, as Chester passed by his car, the slightest hint of sadness in his eyes as they walked.

"I'll let you pick." Chester sighed for the seemingly millionth time that night. Chester pulled out a box of cigarettes from his pocket and lit one.