ok so i havent written a fic in like 3 years, seriously it has been forever. this just popped into my head and was inspired by chris daughtry's song breakdown, hince the name. hope you like it and please review

The night came as a time for fun. For some, it was a time for clubbing and drinking; while others, it was a time to be alone. Either way, one might find both fun; it would just depend on the individual. Tonight, for one Chester Bennington, it was the latter. Though it was not by choice, Chester found himself alone tonight. All he wanted was to be with someone. He hated being alone, even for one night. Here he was, sitting on his couch at home with a movie that he probably would never watch and a craving he probably wouldn’t be able to quell. He took a long drag from the cigarette between his lips and then let it out slowly, watching the cloud of smoke envelope his face and the surrounding area of the living room. He looked at the clock through the haze of smoke: 10:45. The night was still young, but the question was: to leave or not to leave.

Mind made up, Chester stood from his spot, stretched his arms and grabbed his jacket from the coat hanger. He picked up his keys from the table and opened the front door. The hallway to his apartment complex was empty. Everyone had probably decided to head out earlier, unlike Chester who had waited until nearly 11. All the good fucks would be taken most likely. He sighed, oh well.

***

He pulled into the parking lot at one of the local gay clubs about 10 minutes from leaving his house. He parking lot was full so it took a minute to get a spot. Once he had, he opened the little mirror to check his teeth and popped a mint in his mouth. Hey you never know. He got out and headed for the door. He showed his ID to the bouncer and went inside. He was instantly hit with the loud music blaring through the speakers and the smell of alcohol, sweat, and something that one might describe as sex. He walked over to the bar and sat down on one of the stools.

“What can I get for you hun?” The bartender asked. He was a cross dresser with heavy makeup on.

“I don’t know, I guess I’ll take a ... long island iced tea.” Chester sighed. That would do. At least it wouldn’t take him long to feel its effects. “Just put it on my tab.”

“Sure thing sweetie. It’ll be just a sec.” The bartender gave him a fake smile and went to making his drink. Chester turned his head to look around at the men. His eyes fell on a man he’d talked to last week. He didn’t look the same as he had when Chester had talked to him. He was … fat. Chester cringed. What had he been smoking? His eyes continued to wander. His drink was placed in front of him and he picked it up, taking a small sip. Better to savor it. The crowd of people seemed to be joined in a mingle of arms and legs, all gyrating and swinging as one. He felt his craving boiling in the pit of his stomach again. He desperately wanted to fuck someone tonight. He ran a hand through his black hair. It had been blond about a day ago. He’d wanted a change, so the first thing that had to go was his blond hair. He’d went into a salon and come out with it black. Tonight, he was also wearing a tiny bit of eyeliner. He thought it made him look sexy. It also hid the subtle signs of age that were beginning to show on his face. It was nothing major though, otherwise he might have to shoot himself. Age was not something he was looking forward to. Nobody wants to fuck an old guy.

Oh how he wanted to make out with someone right about now. It’d been too long since he’d pressed against someone, touched someone, felt someone. He wanted to leave with someone special tonight. His manhood was feeling neglected. He just about spit out his drink when his eyes fell upon a man in the crowd dancing rather suggestively with another. But it wasn’t just any man. The man in question just so happened to be Chester’s ex, Mike Shinoda. Chester seethed on his stool. He’d never really completely gotten over Mike, even thought it had been 6 months since he’d seen him. Seeing him here was odd. Mike had never been the clubbing type. Chester sat contemplating whether he go cause a scene and demand why Mike was dancing with another man, or just let it go. He knew it wasn’t his place to scold Mike for provocative dancing, but he couldn’t just do nothing. He had a feeling he would probably regret this later, but …

He set his drink down and got up off the stool. He pushed his way through the throng of people. Somewhere in there, his ass was pinched, but he kept pushing through until he was right next to Mike. The little twat didn’t even know he was standing there. All he was concerned about was making his dance partner weary with desire. Chester stuck his arm out and grabbed Mike by the shoulder, spinning him around until they were facing each other. Mike immediately sneered at Chester.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

Chester scoffed. “Me?! Look at you, all up on every guy you can get your hands on!”

“Chester, I have every right to dance with whoever I want.”

Chester ignored what Mike said. “You were always trying to get in bed with everyone else!”

“Ok, I never cheated on you and we both know that, so stop making accusations because you can’t handle seeing me with another man.” Mike hissed.

Chester could barely hear Mike over the music. He wanted to move outside to talk. He made a noise of disgust and dragged Mike over to a corner, as far away from the music as he could get. Mike crossed his arms and gave Chester a look that said ‘I’m waiting for an explanation’.

Chester sighed. “It’s not that I can’t handle seeing you with another man. I’m not gonna say it doesn’t suck, but that’s not why I’m pissed.”

Mike rolled his eyes. “Don’t think you can use this woe is me thing to justify you pulling me away from my partner.” Mike looked over his shoulder and saw the guy he’d been dancing with pressed against another man, moaning in his ear. Mike scowled. Well screw him then. He probably hadn’t even realized he’d moved on to another man. Mike turned his attention back on Chester who hadn’t taken Mike’s comment very well.

“Who the fuck are you to say that?! What do you want me to say?! Yes I can’t stand seeing you with another man! All I want is to get you back! Fuck you Mike. You’re still so selfish. That’s exactly why we broke up!”

Mike’s eyes widened. “You have some nerve Chester. You come here and literally pull me away from my date and now you’re yelling at me about shit that happened 6 months ago! I’m over it! I’m over you!”

Chester didn’t know what to say to that. So instead, he started yelling at Mike about shit that had happened during their relationship. “You always were the one who didn’t know when to quit! Every time we had any problems, you just ran away! You never tried to fix anything. It was always me! All you cared about was yourself and I was left to do everything in the relationship. Hell, you couldn’t even come unless I made you!”

Mike shoved Chester at that. “Fuck you Chester! I don’t have to listen to this! I broke up with your sorry ass for reasons like this! You come at me, get in my face and insult me because you really have nothing to say! So I’m leaving now because this conversation is over!”

With that, he stormed off through the crowd, pushing people out of his way. Chester stood fuming. He wanted to punch something so bad. Mike had always been the one to bring him to his limit. They never went a day without one of them bringing the other to some limit whether it was sexual or non sexual. Mike had always been and would always be the only one who could do that to Chester. They had dated on and off since high school, but they’d known each other since they were kids. They had come out together, mainly because they were together at the time.

Chester knew he couldn’t let Mike leave like this. He’d been a wreck for 6 months and now seeing Mike again made him want things back. He pushed through the crowd after Mike, who was already out the door and in the parking lot.

“Fucking Chester ... always has to ruin things ... damn it.” Mike cursed as he fumbled with his keys. Chester had succeeded in ruining his night. Damn him for coming to the club tonight. All Mike wanted was to have a good time, but no, Chester wouldn’t allow that. Even when they weren’t together, Chester still ruined things for him.

Chester saw Mike opening his car door and broke out into a run to beat him before he closed the door. He almost crashed into Mike in his haste and knocked the door shut, jerking it out of Mike’s grasp.

“Fuck Chester! What the HELL do you want?!” Mike exclaimed.

Chester took a deep breath. “Why do you always walk out?”

“Well for one, you always piss me off. I don’t wanna see you. I just wanna go home since my night has been ruined.”

“Mike don’t ...” Chester said. “Don’t leave like this.”

Mike rolled his eyes. “Don’t even try it Chester. I know what you’re doing. It’s not gonna work this time.”

Chester sighed, but he took a step closer to Mike and placed his hand on the hood of the car. “I just don’t want us to part on bad terms. I’m sick of us doing that.”

“Chester I can’t do this again. We break up all the time for the same reasons. It’s not like we do it to just get back together.”

“Well maybe we do. It’s been the trend for the past 10 years. We break up, then we have incredible make up sex and get back together for a few months, then rinse and repeat.” Chester couldn’t help but grin at his own cleverness. Mike was unphased though.

“I’m not doing this again Chester. We’re not getting back together.” He shifted uncomfortably, trying to put a bit more distance between him and Chester.

Chester reached out to Mike, but Mike jerked his hand back. “Chester please, don’t do this.” He pulled his gaze away from Chester and instead looked at the ground.

“You say that every time.” Chester whispered, closing in on Mike again. “All I want is you Mike. That’s why we always come back to each other because we belong together.” He slowly touched Mike’s chin, tilting it up until he was looking into Mike’s eyes.

Mike defiantly looked away from Chester. Deep down inside, he knew Chester was right. They were meant together and the past 6 months had been horrible for Mike. He had been with so many different guys in an attempt to get Chester out of his head. But all it had done was make him miss Chester even more. All he had wanted was to be with Chester, but every time they were together, they just fought and broke up only to get back together.

“Are you telling me you want to give up on us?” Chester asked softly.

“That’s not fair. You know I put just as much effort into this relationship when we’re together as you do.” He sighed. “I just don’t wanna keep breaking up. If I’m gonna be with someone, I wanna know that I have something to look forward to.”

“Why did you come here tonight Mike?”

“Why not? It’s not like I’m not aloud.”

“I know that. But you never liked clubbing.”

Mike sneered again. “So ... it’s not like I need a reason to want to come clubbing.”

“You were lonely, weren’t you?” Chester said. “You just wanted to be with someone.”

“So what if I did. You obviously did too, otherwise you wouldn’t have come here either.”

“You’re right.” Chester said. “I wanna be with someone.”

Mike decided that if he was going to get out of this, he’d better do it fast; otherwise, he’d be going home with Chester tonight. “Ok well, there’s plenty of guys in there that I’m sure would love to be with you, so yeah.” He suddenly realized that Chester had gradually come closer and Mike was pinned against the side of the car. He gulped nervously. “Chester ... please.” He knew he was done for. Chester had had him at hello.

Chester laughed a little under his breath and slid his hand around the back of Mike’s head, threading his fingers through the silky black locks that barely peeped out from Mike’s scalp. Mike shut his eyes as Chester pulled him closer. Their faces rested only inches apart and he ghosted his lips over Mike’s, making him shiver.

“Chester ...”

“Shut up Mike.” Chester finally pressed their lips together, colliding gently with Mike as their mouths opened against one another. Suddenly the car felt too hard against Mike’s back as he found himself sandwiched against it as Chester pressed against him. Lips fused hotly and their movements became aggressive. Chester’s hand slithered down Mike’s back, squeezing his ass and then moving around towards his erection.

“Chester ... not here ... parking lot ... not cool.” Mike panted.

“Not gonna make it home.” Chester slurred against Mike’s lips. They kissed again, this time hungrily and Mike opened his car’s back door and sat down on the seat, pulling Chester on top of him. He lay back against the seat, taking Chester with him and clutched at his ass frantically as Chester devoured his lips. In the 6 months that they’d been apart, Chester had thought of nothing but the feel of those lips. He’d wanted nothing more than to touch his beautiful Mike. Now, all he could do was rove his hands all over Mike, touching him, grasping him. He wanted to dominate him in every way.

“I love you Mike ... that’s never gonna change.” Chester whispered, as he planted kisses along the side of Mike’s face and neck. “You’ll never get rid of me.”

Mike moaned in response, tilting his head back to allow Chester more access. His hands roved over Chester’s back, creating shivers in the other’s spine. They panted raggedly into each other’s mouths, gasping for breath as clothing became a burden.

“Chester ... please ...” Mike grasped the hem of Chester’s shirt, tugging it. Chester stuck his tongue suddenly into Mike’s ear and he jerked forward in surprise. “Chester … stop.”

Stop? What was he saying stop for? Chester lifted his head slightly and found Mike resting his eyes as he panted.

“What’s wrong?” He asked softly.

Mike groaned. “I can’t do this.”

What the fuck? “What do you mean?”

“I mean I can’t do this.”

Who the hell ... ? “I don’t understand.” Chester planted his hands firmly beside Mike’s head as he spoke. “You can’t do what?”

Mike rolled his eyes and pushed against Chester, disabling him. “We’re not having sex in the backseat of my car for one. Another, I’m not getting back in this relationship just to break up again in 2 weeks.”

Chester scoffed. “You’ve gotta be kidding me?!” He motioned at his erection which was protruding quite noticeably from his jeans.

Mike blushed. “I’m sorry ... I can’t. Just ... leave.”

Chester groaned in frustration. “I can not believe you’re doing this Mike! You could have at least said something before I got all worked up!”

They had unconsciously put some distance between themselves during their arguing and Mike had suddenly found himself pressing himself back against the car door. He had began to feel bad about the current situations. He looked away from Chester, embarrassed by his own arousal.

“I’m just so sick of this Chester.” He said finally. “All this fighting.”

Chester rolled his eyes. “Come on Mike. You and I both know that now is not the time for this. We’re both hard as fuck and you’re telling me we can’t take care of things. I’m not really in a state of mind to be understanding.”

“I know ...” Mike said quickly. “I know, I’m sorry. I need time to think. It’s been 6 months since we’ve done anything and I’m just not ... ready.”

“Fine Mike whatever. I don’t care anymore.” Chester said heatedly. He opened the car door and got out, wincing at his erection pressing painfully into his jeans. Mike dropped his head, not looking as Chester angrily walked away.

“Fuck.”

***

Mike drove home quietly. He had been so close to getting over Chester. He wanted to curse himself for deciding that tonight was a good night for clubbing. He would have never seen Chester if he’d just stayed in. Now here he was with a semi-hard cock and a heart that just couldn’t seem to settle on something. It was true that Chester was his soul mate, but he was just so sick and tired of their constant bickering. It seemed like they spent more time fighting over their relationship than for it.

He shook his head in disgust. Chester actually had the nerve to be mad at him! Mike felt he had every reason to be resistant towards Chester. Their last breakup had been the worst by far because it had actually been over something serious instead of the usual mediocre arguments. Chester had accused Mike of cheating and had been completely wrong. Mike had never cheated on Chester and he never would have. Chester had been his everything. Ever since they were kids, they had been inseparable. Mike could remember back to that day that changed their lives forever. It was the day he and Chester had finally made sense of their relationship and taken it a step further.

It had been the perfect day. It had been like a fairy tale. Everything about it had been surreal, almost like it was happening to someone else. If he thought about it hard enough, he could even remember exactly what he was thinking and how he felt at the moment when they had consummated their relationship. It had happened in Chester’s room. They had been 16 years old ... it had happened so fast.

***

It had been almost 8 months. Mike had been away for 8 months and now he was coming home. Chester had planned a big party for him and couldn’t wait to see his best friend. After all, 8 months away from your best friend was tough. Mike had been in China visiting relatives and sorting out some family business. During the time he’d been gone, Chester had turned 17 and Mike had turned 16. It had been forever and Chester didn’t know what to expect. They had planned for Chester to meet him at the airport and they were going to go from there.

Chester stood outside the landing gate nervously, watching all the passengers exit the plane. He spotted Mike’s parents and then … Mike. Chester found himself locking eyes with Mike. Mike was different. He had filled out over the months and had really grown into his body. He looked … hot. Chester didn’t know what was wrong with himself. He was staring at Mike with a dorky expression on his face. The boy suddenly flung his arms around Chester, pulling him into a big bear hug.

“Wow, how have you been?” Mike asked. He released Chester and stepped back to look at his friend. “You’ve gotten a little taller I think.”

“Yeah.”

He was feeling different. Why was he feeling this way? He wanted to keep looking at Mike. Mike sighed and looked at Chester. He noticed his friend was looking a bit … off.

“Chester ... are you okay?”

Chester cleared his throat. “Yeah ... I’m fine.”

“Ok. You just look a little flushed.”

“Um ... let‘s just go. I haven‘t eaten all day.” Chester lied. He had to do something to get them out of there. He had to get away from the public. Maybe he hadn‘t gotten enough sleep last night or something. All he wanted to do was touch Mike and that was not normal. They were best friends. Something like that would ruin their friendship. He was starting to feel a little hot. He turned as Mike stopped next to him.

“Fuck ...” He whispered. Mike looked at him.

“What?”

“Nothing. I’m just ... really hungry.” Chester started walking faster, forcing Mike to have to try and keep up.

“Chester slow down. I have to get my bags and everything.”

“Oh.” Chester stopped as Mike turned back around to go get his things.

“Can you give me a hand?” Mike asked.

Chester appeared dazed. “Uh ... yeah sure.”

It seemed to take forever to finally get out of there. Chester wanted nothing more than to keep Mike away from him. He wanted to jump the guy. It was rather unnerving. They were driving in complete silence. Neither of them knew what to say to the other. Mike could sense something wasn’t right with Chester but he didn’t want to say anything. They pulled up in Chester’s driveway and got out of the car. Chester fumbled with his keys at the door and even struggled to get it open. They went inside and Chester went into the kitchen to get a drink.

“You want anything?”

Mike shook his head. “I’m fine. You don’t look so hot.”

“Oh really?” Chester muttered. I wanna fuck you.

“Yeah, you look kinda ... flushed.”

“Yeah I’m just a little ... out of it I guess.”

“Well are you okay?”

Chester looked at Mike. His mind was in a whirl and he was feeling hot. Chester did the unthinkable. He reached out and pushed Mike against the counter before pouncing. He crashed into Mike, who was completely dazed, and kissed him hard. Mike came to his senses and shoved Chester.

“What the fuck man!” He gaped at Chester, waiting for an explanation.

Chester gaped back. “I-I-I think I’m gonna go shoot myself.”

Mike grabbed Chester by the arm. “What was that?”

Chester sighed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. You just looked really good when you came off that landing gate.”

Mike looked confused. “What are you saying?”

“I don’t know ... just forget it.”

“You just kissed me.”

“I know! Ok, sorry.” They looked at each other for a good while, both contemplating what to do with the situation.

Mike, who was still holding Chester’s arm, suddenly pulled him closer until they were only inches apart.

“Mike I-”

Mike silenced him with his lips and they both sighed against each other. The kiss was soft, an exploration. They both knew that this would ignite a whole new relationship between them. Chester was awestruck by this. He thought Mike would have been disgusted and never want to see him again. But here he was, growing more and more aroused as the kiss deepened. Never in his life had he experienced a kiss so passionate. Mike moaned softly as Chester massaged the roof of his mouth with his tongue. Chester stopped when he felt Mike’s arousal pressing against him.

“Chester ... what are you ...”

“Do you realize what we’re doing Mike?”

“Yes.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

“Uh huh.” Mike pulled Chester back into a kiss and started pulling at his clothes. He lifted Chester’s shirt up and over his head, then his own followed. Chester began placing kisses on Mike’s jaw and neck, making him moan. Unconsciously, they began making their way down the hall towards Chester’s room, kissing the whole way. Chester pressed Mike against the wall briefly, kissing him fully, slipping his hand down to tug on the waist of Mike’s pants. They made it to the bedroom and Chester stopped kissing Mike long enough to close the door and lock it. He turned towards Mike who looked completely adorable standing there gazing at him. Mike placed his hands on Chester’s arms and slid them up over his shoulders, pulling him back into another kiss.

They stopped kissing again and Mike backed away slowly. He took a deep breath and unbuttoned his pants, never taking his eyes off Chester. Chester followed suite until they were both standing before each other, stark naked. They came together as if by mutual understanding and Chester guided Mike back to the bed. They fell rather ungracefully in a tangle of limbs and sheets, wrapping themselves up in each other’s embrace. Chester grasped Mike’s cock in his free hand as the other held his own weight up. Mike arched off the bed, crushing their chests together.

“Fuck…” He closed his eyes as Chester kissed him. He continued pumping Mike’s cock, bringing him to a state of utter bliss. “Chester ... you’re gonna have to stop that ... I’m not gonna last.”

“Shhh.” He did stop though. Mike gasped softly, letting his head fall back against the mattress. He unconsciously spread his legs, letting Chester settle in between them. “Last chance to back out,” Chester whispered, dragging his tongue along Mike’s ear before sucking the lobe into his mouth. Mike’s breath hitched as Chester sucked his ear.

“I wanna do this.” He panted. Chester grinned against Mike’s face, and took his own cock in hand.

“Put your legs around me.” He said. Mike did slowly, gasping as Chester’s cock rubbed against his ass. “I’m assuming you’ve never done this before?”

Mike gaped. “Uh no.”

“Just checking.”

“Yeah ok. I never in my life thought I ever would.” Mike said. He tightened his legs around Chester’s waist as the boy positioned his cock.

“Well it might hurt. I’m not sure though.”

“It’s fine. I’m so fucking hard though, come on!” Mike whined. Chester suddenly pushed forward, burying himself in one thrust. Mike’s head shot back, stretching his neck out, and his jaw opened wide as an overwhelming pain overtook him. His legs tightened unbearably around Chester, digging his heals into Chester’s back. “Oh my god.”

“I’m sorry.”

Mike grit his teeth as he fought to take the pain. “Chester ... it hurts ... really bad.” He grabbed Chester’s face, pulling him into a bruising kiss, tearing at his lips brutally. Chester started to move slowly, drawing out each thrust. Mike felt the pain beginning to dull, but it was still there. Chester began moving a little faster, wrapping his arms around Mike’s body, kissing him the entire time.

Thrust after thrust, moan after groan, Mike felt himself nearing climax and judging from Chester’s erratic breathing, he was close too. Chester kissed him again, then just rested his lips against Mike’s as they panted into each other’s mouths. The anticipation was overwhelming. Mike cried out, throwing his head back. He was so close! One more! Chester dug his fingers into Mike’s hips, dragging him flush against him. He let out a strangled cry as his climax hit. He felt Mike’s inner muscles clenching down on him as his lover reached his own completion.

Sated and exhausted, Chester collapsed into Mike’s arms. A thin sheet of sweat glistened on their bodies, making them shimmer in the pale moonlight. Mike’s legs dropped onto the bed, but Chester stayed between them. He placed a light kiss on Chester’s forehead before closing his eyes.

“Everything’s going to change now, isn’t it?” Mike said softly.

Chester sighed and lifted his head from Mike’s chest. “Do you want it to?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Well did you like this?”

“Yeah.”

“Enough to do it again?”

Mike paused to look into Chester’s eyes. Here he was with his best friend since childhood and they had made love, and now everything just felt so different.

He nodded. “Yes.” Chester’s face broke out into a wide grin before he kissed Mike with as much passion as ever. They kissed until they had to breathe, but Chester went right back to kissing Mike.

“I think I might love you Mike.”

“Oh God.”

“What?”

“Nothing ... wow.”

***

Mike cursed Chester for being at that club tonight. All he wanted was to get over him, move on with his life. Yeah sure, they had spent practically their whole lives together up to this point, but that was over. Chester would not let it go. His mind was spinning. All he could think about was their little tryst in his car earlier. Chester was always able to get his way with Mike. It made him sick too. It took nothing and he’d just give in to Chester.

But at the same time, he had never been disappointed with Chester. He was an incredible lover and person. He had been with a few different people over the past 6 months, but nothing compared to Chester. So what now? Were they to be two lovers locked in an infinite battle, or would they finally learn to be together and not apart?

***

Chester pulled up to Mike’s apartment at about quarter past one. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be asleep. He walked up the two flights of stairs and then down the hall until he was standing in front of the door. He reached behind the ‘welcome’ sign and pulled a key off the hook. Still in the same place. Chester smiled to himself. So many memories. He remembered sneaking into Mike’s apartment in the middle of the night on numerous occasions; that was probably why he had kept the key there for so long. He paused for a second. Mike would be furious if he just let himself in. But he would just say the key was still in the same place.

He opened the door as quietly as he could, tiptoed inside, and then closed and locked it back. He slipped his shoes off and laid the key down on the table. Then he walked down the hall to Mike’s room. The door was slightly ajar, the way it always was, and Chester stepped inside. Even though it was dark, Chester could see the outline of his lover buried under the sheets. He hoped Mike wouldn’t be too bitter to see him. He took a deep breath and knelt close to Mike’s face.

“Mike?”

His face twitched.

“Mike.”

“Hmm?” His eyes fluttered. “What the-” He sat up suddenly, almost knocking Chester in the face.

“Sorry ... don’t be mad at me.”

“What are you doing here Chester?! How did you get in?” Mike cried.

“The key.”

He sighed. “So even though I don’t want to see you, you decide to use it to break into my place at-” He looked at the clock. “-1:20 in the morning.” He suddenly realized he wasn’t wearing anything and drew the covers up.

“Look Mike, I’m just gonna say it.”

“Say what.”

“I’m getting there.” Chester paused to look at Mike. He was just so beautiful. “Anyways, I know your mad at me and I know you hate me.”

“I don’t hate you.”

“Well, I know things are rocky between us and I know we break up more than we’re together.”

“Yes.”

“But the point is ... I’m miserable without you.”

“Chester-”

“Now don’t start telling me why we can’t be together because we’ve been together for our whole lives! Why else do you think we keep coming back to each other?!” He felt himself getting a little too worked up. “Mike ... we’re meant for each other.”

Mike looked away from Chester. “I know. Chester, all I ever wanted was for us to grow old together. I wanted to be with you ever since before I can remember, but ... oh I don’t know.”

“No what were you going to say?”

Mike finally looked at him. “I don’t know Chester. I just don’t know anymore.”

Chester’s gaze dropped. He didn’t know what to say. Every fiber of his being wanted to be with Mike, wanted to be together for the rest of their lives. He sighed, “I love you.”

Mike scratched his head. “Let’s talk about this in the morning. Just come on to bed.”

He lay back down and scooted over. Chester gaped. Mike actually wanted him to sleep with him. He didn’t move for a minute, then he took his jacket, pants, and shirt off before climbing in next to Mike. “Goodnight Chester,” Mike said softly.

“Goodnight.”

***

The next morning, Mike woke up to find Chester sleeping soundly beside him. He sighed contentedly. He realized how good it felt to have Chester that close to him. He pulled the covers up to his chin and turned over on his side facing Chester.

“Ches ... wake up hun.” He touched Chester’s cheek. “Ches.”

Chester woke slowly. It took him a minute to see that he was in bed with Mike. When he did, he smiled weakly. “Hey.”

Mike smiled back. “How you feeling?”

“Alright, you?”

“Fine. Let’s talk.”

Chester nodded. “Yeah.” He sighed. “What are you thinking?”

Mike yawned. “I’m hungry.”

Chester scoffed. “Very funny.”

“Ok ok, I don’t know what I’m thinking. Everything is just a big blur up here.” He said, tapping his forehead.

“Well I pretty much said everything last night.” Chester said. “I told you how I feel and what I want.”

“I know Ches.”

They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, thoughts and ideas running through their minds.

Suddenly Chester blurted out, “Why don’t we just get married?”

Mike’s eyes widened and he gaped at Chester. “What?!”

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“Chester that’s crazy!”

“Why?”

“Be-because ...” Mike sputtered. “It just is! We can’t get married.” He scowled at Chester and looked away defiantly.

“But why?” Chester raised himself up on one arm and leaned over Mike’s face, which had contorted into an adorable pout. “Tell me why.”

Mike stubbornly refused to look Chester in the eye. “Chester come on now, be reasonable. You know we can’t get married. There are so many restrictions and-and.” He sighed, “It would never work.”

“We’ll never know unless we try though.” Chester tried to kiss Mike, but the man continued to be a hard head. “Come on Mike, stop being a mule.”

Mike sneered. “Mule?! Good Lord Chester. Since when do you call me a mule?”

“Since you decided to act like one.”

Mike gave Chester a death stare. “Don’t push my buttons.”

“But I like pushing your buttons.” Chester whispered and leaned down to lick Mike’s ear. Mike put his hands up, preventing Chester from getting too far.

“Chester come on, not right now.”

“Why not?” He gave another swipe of his tongue along Mike’s ear. “It’s not like we weren’t going to anyways.”

“Oooooooooo you make me so mad.” Mike groaned. He was beginning to lighten up a bit though. Chester did always know the right buttons to push.

Chester laughed under his breath. “Are you going to marry me?”

Mike sighed dramatically. “I’ll think about it.”

Chester’s grin widened. “I was thinking maybe a spring wedding-”

“CHESTER!!”

“Ok ok sorry.”