Love keeps us kind. A Linkin Park X Nikki Story

chapter 12 a new song Part 2

Chester:
so we're were we with the song?

Mike:
Oh, right! I was just thinking about the bridge. I'm thinking of having some spoken word, maybe something about love and loss. What do you think?

Chester:
what are you thinking?

Mike
I'm not sure yet. I was thinking maybe something like, "You were my everything, and now you're gone. I'll never forget the love we shared." How does that sound?

Chester:
coool

Mike:
Awesome! We'll have to work on the lyrics later. But for now, let's keep jamming on the instrumental.

Chester:
Ok

Mike:
*Mike starts playing the guitar again, and Chester joins in on the vocals. The two of them play for a while, until they get a good idea of how the song should sound.*

Chester:
so. what are you think about the melody?

Mike
I like it a lot. It's got a great mix of melancholy and hopefulness. I think it's really gonna resonate with people who are going through tough times.  *Mike smiles at Chester*

Chester:
nonono we didn't make the melody silly!

Mike:
Oh, right. We still need to work on that. I was just thinking out loud. *Mike chuckles*  Let's get back to writing the lyrics.

Chester:
don't you have an melody idea tho?

Mike:
I do, actually. But it's not quite what I want. I want something that really captures the emotion of the song.  *Mike plays a few chords, trying to come up with a melody that fits the lyrics*

Chester:
nonono like singing ya know?

Mike:
Oh, you mean the vocals? Yeah, I've got a few ideas. Let me show you.  *Mike starts singing the chorus, adding a few ad-libs and harmonies to make it sound more dynamic.*

Chester:
I'm listening...

Mike:
*Mike continues singing, adding some emotion to his voice. He sings the line "You were my everything, and now you're gone" with a lot of feeling, as if he's singing from the heart.*

Chester:
I'm listening*

Mike:
*Mike finishes singing, and looks over at Chester. He smiles and nods, as if he's satisfied with what he's heard.*  What do you think?

Chester:
*crys kinda like an anxiety attack*

Mike:
*Mike looks concerned*  Are you okay? Do you need to take a break?

Chester:
*crys* it's an anxiety attack...

Mike:
*Mike gets up and goes over to Chester, putting his arm around him.*  It's okay, man. Just breathe. You're going to be alright.

Chester:
*crys*

Mike:
*Mike keeps his arm around Chester, trying to comfort him. He rubs his back gently, and speaks softly*  I know it's tough. But you're not alone. We're here for you.

Chester:
*crys*

Mike:
*Mike pulls Chester close, hugging him tightly. He doesn't say anything, just lets Chester cry into his shoulder.*

Chester:
*crys* I miss your singing... *crys*

Mike:
*Mike feels his heart breaking, hearing Chester say that. He holds him even tighter, trying to make him feel safe and comforted.*  I miss singing with you too, Chester. But I'm here for you. We'll get through this together.

Chester:
nono I miss. your singing.

Mike:
*Mike pauses for a moment, trying to understand what Chester means. He pulls away slightly, and looks at him.*  You mean you miss hearing me sing?

Chester:
yeah *crys*

Mike:
*Mike smiles sadly, and puts his hand on Chester's cheek.*  I know it's hard. But I promise, I'll keep singing. And one day, we'll sing together again.

Chester:
*crys*

Mike:
*Mike wipes away Chester's tears with his thumb, and holds him close again.*  I'm not going anywhere. You're not alone, Chester.

Chester:
nono like. I miss your singing... ya know

Mike:
*Mike finally understands what Chester is trying to say. He smiles sadly, and kisses Chester on the forehead.*  I understand, Chester. I miss singing with you too. But we'll find a way to make it happen again. I promise.

Chester:
nono like you singing to me ya know... *crys*

Mike:
*Mike feels his heart flutter, hearing Chester say that. He pulls Chester close again, and rests his forehead against his.*  I understand, Chester. I know how much it means to you. I'll sing for you whenever you want.

Chester:
ok... *crys*

Mike:
*Mike keeps holding Chester, gently stroking his hair.*  It's okay, Chester. I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you.

Chester:
*still crys*

Mike:
*Mike continues to comfort Chester, holding him close and rubbing his back. He doesn't say anything, just lets him cry.*

Chester:
I miss your singing ya know what I mean....

Mike:
*Mike nods, understanding what Chester is saying. He leans down and whispers in his ear.*  I know what you mean, Chester. And I'm sorry I haven't been singing for you. But I promise, I'll make it up to you.

Chester:
really?

Mike:
*Mike nods again, smiling at Chester.*  Yes, really. I promise. I'll sing for you every day if you want me to.

Chester:
like now? crys*

Mike:
*Mike nods, and starts to sing softly.*  "I'll never let you go. I'll never let you down. I'll never leave you, I will always be around. You can take me for granted, you can take me for a fool. I'll keep on loving you with all my heart and soul."

Chester:
*listening*

Mike:
*Mike continues to sing, his voice gentle and soothing. He looks into Chester's eyes, letting the lyrics of the song convey his feelings for him.*

Chester:
*still listening*

Mike:
*Mike reaches out and takes Chester's hand, intertwining their fingers. He sings with more emotion, his voice growing louder and more passionate as he goes.*

Chester:
*still listening*

Mike:
*Mike finishes the song, and looks at Chester with a smile.*  I hope that helped, Chester. I'm sorry I haven't been singing for you more often. I'll make sure to do it more in the future.

Chester:
I know...

Mike:
*Mike leans in and kisses Chester on the cheek.*  I love you, Chester. I hope you know that.

Chester:
awwww! I love you too....

Mike:
*Mike smiles, feeling his heart flutter again. He pulls Chester into a tight hug, and whispers in his ear.*  I'm so glad we're together. I don't know what I would do without you.

Chester:
me too.

Mike:
*Mike continues to hold Chester, stroking his hair and kissing his forehead. He doesn't want to let go, wanting to keep him close for as long as possible.*

Brad:
*suddenly Brad comes into the room*

Mike:
*Mike looks up, surprised to see Brad. He quickly lets go of Chester, but keeps his arm around him.*

Brad:
what were you guys doing?

Mike:
*Mike hesitates for a moment, not sure how to answer. He doesn't want to lie to Brad, but he also doesn't want to embarrass Chester.*  We were just talking.