written for the sideprojects challenge, july 08.

The World Does Not Revolve Around Chester Bennington

"Children's story books?"

Rob nods.

"Wh.. What for, I mean why?"

Rob shrugs.

"You can't even fucking write."

Rob nods again.

"What is this, just to make a fucking point?"

Rob opens his packet of bubblegum and slides out a piece. Without even looking at Chester, he offers round the packet, until Mike, who's been watching this whole argument spill out into the tour bus, smiles and takes a piece.

"This is a fucking joke, you know that Rob? We're supposed to be going into the studio next week to start working on the next album."

Rob sighs, "I don't know what the big deal is," He shrugs.

"The big fucking deal is," Chester yells, slamming his can of coke down onto the table, "That you're fucking off to work on some fucking story books? Jesus Rob, what's with you? Didn't you learn already that fairytales don't exist?"

As usual, Chester gets the last say because that's the point that the bus comes to a halt, that everyone has to get off and stumble into their cars and get the fuck home. Get some rest, Mike thinks as he yawns and turns to say goodbye to everyone, frowns and feels his shoulders slump when he realises that Rob's already gotten into his car and is speeding off.

+

They're arguing again. Even though it's been a week and the studio door has only just closed. Mike sits down in the corner, shuffling off his coat and watches as Brad, Phoenix and Joe carry on their game of pool regardless. But there's Chester having a go at Rob and Rob just sitting there eating a Popsicle, shrugging and looking right through Chester, watching as Brad chalks up his que.

"So, what? You'll be in maybe two days each week? Rob that's just not enough. We fucking need to be here as a band."

Mike laughs because it wasn't like this when he went off to do Fort Minor. But then again, that was when Chester was hauled up in rehab so it probably suited his schedule then. And then Mike laughs again because what about the time Joe did his film? Chester barely batted an eyelid. And what about the time Chester fucked off with his other band and wasn't in touch for eighteen months?

"Look this isn't fucking fair, Rob! We've been planning this for ages. Do a short summer tour, mainly to showcase some new songs and then get into the recording studio to make this album. I mean, that's why we've got this place hired out for the next eight months."

Mike laughs again. If they get finished in eight months it will be a fucking miracle.

And Chester loses it, huffs and turns to Mike, "Will you shut the fuck up?"

Mike picks at some fluff on his sleeve, glances over to Brad who's still not made his shot.

+

"It's just something I've always wanted to do," Rob shrugs.

Mike nods, "Then go for it."

"Why's he being such an asshole over it?"

Mike glances out across the parking lot. It's dark and everyone except Brad and Chester have gone home, called it a day. Mike was on his way home too, when he spotted Rob out here, sitting against the wall, knees drawn up to his chest.

"Because," Mike sighs, "Chester is an asshole."

Rob chuckles, "You guys are meant to be best friends."

"We are best friends. Doesn't mean I can't think he's an asshole."

Rob frowns.

"What I've learnt from getting to know Chester is that he needs everything to be order; his order. So when you muck up his plans, he gets pissy. But, listen, he'll come round."

"You think? I feel like he just wants an excuse to mock me."

"What's to mock, Rob?"

Rob stares out ahead, blowing smoke between his lips, "I'm the band retard, Mike and you know it. I'm the blonde one, the guy who has to count on his fingers. I'm the one who doesn't always understand what Brad's talking about and most certainly doesn't get Joe's jokes. But," He turns to look at Mike, "I'm still a fucking person."

Mike's a bit taken aback but he nods and says, "Yeah Rob, I know you are."

"The mocking I can take. But when Chester's all in my face, wanting to know who the fuck I think I am for wanting be a writer, it kind of hurts y'know?"

"He hurts me a lot too," Mike sighs.

"Why'd you put up with it?"

"Same reason you do?"

"I wish I knew what that was, actually," Rob smiles.

"So do I."

There's the sound of the studio door slamming from behind them and they both watch as Chester storms over to his car. He chooses to ignore them, fierce sound of his car's engine all they get as he swerves out of the parking lot and onto the road.

"Tell me about the books."

"They're about this robot," Rob starts, "He's not the best looking robot and he's not the brainiest either. But he tries. And he makes a lot of mistakes but he learns from them, in the end."

"Bagsy the first signed copy?"

Rob smiles. This fucking smile that makes Mike want to never stop smiling.

"I think they sound great," Mike adds, "And leave Chester to me, he'll come round, eventually. You know what a drama queen he is."

"You still think I should go ahead? I mean, I don't want to mess up scheduling or the band, for that matter."

"Fuck yes!" Mike exclaims, "Go for it. The world does not revolve around Chester Bennington. If there's something in life that you really want, you should go out there and get it, do it, whatever," Mike nods, "Seize the moment."

"You really believe in that?"

"Yes."

Traffic flows by on the road and Mike glances down at his watch. It's nearly one in the morning and he wonders where time went. It only seems like five minutes ago he was walking into the lounge of the studio, walking into the angry shouts that were coming from Chester's lungs and wishing he'd save them for later on in the vocal booth.

Mike looks up, sees Rob so close, his head resting against his shoulder. He thinks about what he just told Rob. Thinks about the one thing he's wanted to do for a long fucking time. Mike, bites his lip and then goes for it, leans closer and gently presses his lips to Rob's. Rob's lips feel soft and warm, not unlike Mike had hoped. Rob leans forward and murmurs something into Mike's mouth. More time just seems to slip away.

"What was that for?" Rob asks as they slowly break away.

"Oh you know," Mike shrugs, "Seizing the moment."

END.