Love keeps us kind. A Linkin Park X Nikki Story

Chpater 8 Songwriting and Comfort

Nikki:
So where do we start?

Chester:
*I let go of you and sit back down on the couch.* How about we start with you telling me some of your ideas? Do you have any specific themes or genres you want to explore?

Nikki:
Well, sometimes I'm mainly a rock and pop person, you know, kinda like what you guys did with One More Light. It's just, ever since One More Light came out, I kinda, you know, when I was in high school and everything.

Chester:
*I nod, remembering how the album had resonated with a lot of people. It had been a difficult time for me personally, but it had also been a creative and cathartic process.* I understand. It's a powerful song. I think it's one of our best.

Nikki:
It is! It kind of saved me from suicide.

Chester:
*I look at you, concerned.* Suicide? Why would you want to do that?

Nikki:
Well, not at the moment that is. It's just, I've been having lots of anxiety attacks. Like, that moment when I like, you know, cry really loud and breathe constantly and almost throw up.

Chester:
*I reach out and put my hand on your shoulder.* Anxiety attacks are no joke. I've had them too. It can be really scary and overwhelming. But you can get through it. Just remember to breathe and try to stay calm.

Nikki:
*Starts crying*

Chester:
*I pull you into a hug and hold you close.* Hey, it's okay. It's okay. I'm here for you. I understand how you feel. You're not alone.

Nikki:
I missed your voice, *still crying.*

Chester:
*I stroke your hair gently.* I missed you too. It's been a while since we last saw each other. How have you been?

Nikki:
No, I missed your singing. *Start crying again.*

Chester:
*I pull you even closer, wrapping my arms around you tightly.* I'm sorry. I'm here now. And I'll always be here for you.

Nikki:
*Still crying.*

Chester:
*I rub your back soothingly.* It's okay. Just let it all out. I'm here for you. You don't have to be strong all the time. You can let go and cry.

Nikki:
I miss your singing. *Still crying.*

Chester:
*I smile softly.* I know. But I'm here now, and I can sing for you. How about that?

Nikki:
Yeah.

Chester:
*I start singing one of our most popular songs, "In The End." My voice is soft and soothing, but it also has a powerful edge to it. I keep singing until you calm down and stop crying.*

Nikki:
In the end, it doesn't even matter.

Chester:
*I finish the song and let the final note hang in the air for a moment. I look at you and smile.* You see? You're going to be okay.

Nikki:
I hope so. Where were we gonna get started about the songwriting? I kinda got a little bit of an anxiety attack when I started singing to you.

Chester:
*I laugh gently.* It's okay. I understand. Songwriting can be stressful. But it's also really fun and rewarding. You're a talented singer, and I'm sure you have a lot of great ideas for songs. We can start by just brainstorming and sharing our thoughts. Does that sound okay?

Nikki:
Oh, okay.

Chester:
*I smile and sit down next to you.* How about we start with something simple? What kind of music do you like?

Nikki:
Well, I'm into pop, I'm into rock, and I'm also into metal.

Chester:
*I nod enthusiastically.* That's great! We're going to have so much fun creating music together. I'm so excited to see what we can come up with.