Beautiful Day

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

 

Mike's POV

          'This isn't the Linkin Park we know!'

          'Why did they change? What's their point?'

          'Bring back the old Linkin Park! What's this new shit?'

          Mike sighed as he read through all the comments and posts about them. Why couldn't they do what they want without being criticized for it? It wasn't fair. He watched as Chester slept on the couch. They had an interview later on today with the guys. It was about a week before they started their American tour. He was really excited and he could tell Chester was too. They'd be riding around in their tour bus for some parts and then taking planes to other cities. He sat down next to Chester as he continued to scroll through the comments about them.

          'What happened? Where'd the old Linkin Park go?'

          'This new album sucks. I'm not a fan anymore.'

          Mike rolled his eyes and found himself stroking Chester's hair slowly. Over the past month, Chester had been waking up every night with nightmares. It wasn't fair. He wished Chester's nightmares would leave him alone but with a past like his, it seemed impossible.

          "Mike......," Chester sobbed quietly and Mike leaned down next to him. He gently shook the other man awake.

          "Hey, it's ok Chazzy. Wake up," he said softly. Chester shivered but his eyes opened.

          "God....I'm sorry Mike. I must annoy the hell out of you," Chester muttered and Mike gave him a smile.

          "Oh come on Chazzy, we've had this conversation before. You don't annoy me with this. It's not your fault."

          "I should get over it. I've been out for two months now," Chester sighed as he sat up.

          "If it's anyone's fault it's mine," Mike said and Chester turned to him.

          "Don't say that Mikey. I deserved that. I deserved the jail time I got. I was stupid for taking the drugs," Chester said leaning against the couch. Mike hated when Chester blamed himself.

          "Ches.........," Mike said quietly as he took his face in his hands, "You do not deserve this. Please listen to me when I say that. You do not deserve what's happened to you. Chester, you don't deserve it."

          Chester looked at him for a minute before sighing and looking away. He wished that Chester would believe him. He wished there would be a time when he could tell Chester that he was beautiful and Chester would smile and not shake his head.

          "Do you want to go to the interview now?" Mike said quietly. Chester nodded slightly. He still hadn't talked that much. "Are you nervous?"

          Chester nodded again and Mike put his arm around him. He had a feeling that was it. Chester was worried about what they would ask him. Mike gave him a comforting smiled before kissing him softly, "Don't worry. If there's a question that you don't feel comfortable with, just give me a nudge ok? I'll answer for you."

          "Ok," Chester whispered. Mike gave him a pat on the back.

          "Ok. Now come on. Let's get ready," he said before taking Chester's hand and taking him to their room. Chester gave him a small smile as they walked up to their room. Chester sat down on the bed as Mike changed into jeans and a plaid shirt. He glanced around and then handed Chester a plaid shirt as well.