Chapter Twenty-Two - End of Sorrow - Epilogue 

“Chester.” I muttered. Our clothes were laid haphazardly on the ground as he planted kisses wherever skin was exposed to him.

“Shh baby.” He replied. He led our naked bodies towards the water filled tub.

As my foot descended on the warm liquid, it quickly flooded through my whole body. It made me lose sense of everything else other than the man in front of me. The sensation was reflected back in his face and it made me crave for him.

He sat so his back leaned against the back of the tub, forcing me to sit in between him, and which I did obediently. He wrapped strong arms around my lower abdomen, resting my head gently upon his chest. His breathing was calm, the rise and fall of his chest a soothing rhythm.

The water, warm as it was, tingled my skin. It was comforting, and even more so because of the man holding me securely in his arms. He kissed the top of my head, momentarily squeezing me as he did so. With my free hands, I let them roam the surface of the water filled tub, ripples dancing from the touches I created.

“Have you ever wondered what life would be like if sexual orientation was not at all possible?” I heard Chester thought out loud.

I smiled, flailing my hands lightly about the water.

“I mean, what if every man was with a woman, and every woman had to be with a man.”

“I can’t imagine that, sorry.” I chuckled lightly.

He kissed me at the top of my head again, and continued. “Life would be so boring if it was like that, wouldn’t you think so?”

I nodded childishly. “Yup, it definitely would be boring.”

He let out a sigh, pulling me closer against him as done so. I blushed, feeling something rather hard poke me on the back. He noticed my lack of movement and started to laugh quietly, kissing me on my head, my neck and my shoulder.

“Life would most definitely be boring as hell without you, Mikey.” Chester purred against my ear, licking it and taking it into his mouth greedily. “I don’t know what I’d do if I never met you.” His sentence trailed off as mere planted kisses became ravish.

I closed my eyes, burying myself deeper into his arms. He tilted my head sideways, an awkward position, and took my lips, delving his tongue to the back of my throat. A moaned escaped, but to whom it came from was a mystery to us both.

He swerved me around so my body was bent on all fours in front of him, kissing him, and letting him ravish me. He pulled me on top of him, breaking our kiss momentarily but was soon joined once again. I held my palms against the bathtub, keeping my form steady whilst Chester tried to pull me as close to him as possible.

Our chests were against each other, feeling our laboured breathing once we managed to pull apart and look at each other.

His eyes, eyes that wore adoration, lust, love, gentleness and everything in that proximity. He made me melt, made me tremble and made me want him even more.

“Chester.” I breathed, our lips grazing each other.

“I love you.” He whispered, hauling me up. I struggled to his command, confused at what he wanted me to do. Once the idea registered in my head, I gulped and followed.

His body was leaning against the back of the tub, sat upright and I, straddled his legs, my arms around his neck.

“Will you let me?” He muttered, looking at me lovingly.

“I’m yours.” I replied, leaning my head forward and taking his lips into mine, biting his bottom lip tenderly.

Without warning, a single digit entered me. I gasped in his mouth, but his hand kept my head still and our lips locked. The kiss was a distraction, something pleasurable from the state of pain I was currently undergoing. Another digit entered me, this time not so roughly, and for that, I was thankful to him, silently.

He stretched the muscle, readying it for what was to come, what will eventually turn into bliss. Due to the water around us, that seemed to act enough as lubrication, to Chester at least, but it still felt a bit rough to me. Another finger was inserted, and this time, little pain was caused to my body. He inserted them, retreated them barely to the entrance before plunging them back in.

Moments passed and he finally removed his fingers, a feel of loss making me moan lightly. We pulled apart from our slow yet passionate kiss and leaned our foreheads together. I let out heaving breaths, eyes slightly closed.

He placed his arms around my waist, leading my body. I followed and helped about the process. I removed my hands from around his neck and instead placed them at the rim of the tub, steadying my body and getting better leverage.

His body was still seated upright. I closed my eyes as his hardened member touched my entrance. I tipped my body down and bit on his shoulder blade as I had done the first time.

Unlike before, he held me and lowered me slowly upon his member, letting me adjust bit by bit to the stinging it emitted. His head slid through and he held me, waiting. Once I released the slight pressure of my teeth on his skin, he continued, taking it as a queue.

I gasped as he finally sheathed his whole erection inside me. Small trickles of tears left my eyes, begging for the retreat of the invasion but I refrained from doing just that.

He let my body adjust, keeping the connection for as long as possible. He mark snippets of kisses on my shoulder, whispering ‘I love you’s’ on each planted one. Pulling my mouth from it’s grasp on his skin, I looked down at what I had caused, silently apologizing for the mark I created, kissing it.

His member inside me made my whole body tingle, warm and electrified. I felt completed, a whole, and it was right, everything was right. I held on to his shoulders and looked at him, smiling. He removed his hands from around my waist and instead placed them on my cheeks, rubbing away tears that had fallen.

“I love you so much.” He whispered, leaning in to take my lips into his mouth. I quickly complied and let him roam me, our tongues meeting to intensify the duel.

“I love you too.” I whispered in reply. I placed my forehead against his.

With an abrupt move, I closed my eyes, the feeling still quite new to me. I bit my lip as his hips buckled to thrust in my body. I let out stifled chokes, pleasure finally taking over what pain was left.

His thrusts were slow, painfully slow, and somehow intuition got me and made me almost ride him.

“Chester...” I breathed, opening my eyes to look at his lust filled gaze.

He pecked my lips, opening his mouth to let moans escape him. I leaned in closer as I moved our bodies closer, riding him a bit faster. I let my lips roam, licking the mark I created, kissing his neck, biting it lightly before moving on to other parts of what exposed skin lay in front of me.

The water rippled and splashed at our speed, but due to the amount in the large tub, no water was able to escape.

At each thrust, a certain spot within me was hit, making me whimper and tilt my head forward, breathing abnormally. It brought me more and more pleasure. I held onto the rim of the tub, keeping my pace. I pulled my body up, with the help of his hands around my waist before I sat my body all the way back down unto his member. Each time, causing him to moan along with my own, mingled in the air of the washroom.

The vanilla scent of the candles filled my nostrils as deep ragged breaths were taken in. Sweat and water blended together, mixing in the tub. Skin against skin electrified the senses and made the body want more, to touch more.

He met my moves thrust by thrust, his speed somewhat erratic but increasing little by little, signalling that he was coming closer to his climax. With my hands clutching to the sides tightly, he let loose one of his own and went to release my aching member of its need.

The contact made me loose my rhythm but was quickly attained, his strokes at the same speed as the thrusts. “Chester.” I moaned.

My mouth was parted, needing air through my mouth. He stroked me faster, harder, making me watch stars dance about my head. I focused on him. He pecked my lips, unable to lock ours together for my body rocked upwards and downwards upon his.

I was getting closer and I knew he was as well. Our speeds changed and it was lust driven. I closed my eyes tightly, eyebrows furrowing and lip bitten.

Eventuality kicked in and once again, a spark ignited in my body, burning madly over my veins, pulsating through every muscle, and ramming at every corners of my brain. I tilted my head back, opened my mouth; eyes shut tight as I convulsed into his hands. Not too long after, I felt him explode inside me, moaning my name.

I wrapped my hands around him, embracing him tightly, as did he as we started to catch for our breaths. I placed my head gently on his shoulder, eyes still closed, but not as tightly. His member was still fully sheathed within me, enjoying the moment of connection.

He stroked my back gently, kissing my shoulders and spoke. “I love you, Michael. My Michael, I love you.”

Once my breathing had also ceased to normality, I pulled away from him and snaked my hands around his neck. “And I love you Chester, my Chester.” I smiled fondly back as we met for a kiss, slow and passionate.

Once whispers of sweet nothings were exchanged between us, and his member, somewhat limp inside me still, he pulled my body away from his gently.

“How about we get a proper shower now, hmm?” He said, cocking up his eyebrow.

I nodded. “Okay.” Slowly, I made to stand up, gasping lightly at the retreat of his member. I pulled out the drain, letting the water seep through. He turned on the taps and made the temperature bearable.

We stood under the shower, warm water trickling down our bodies. We stayed under there for long minutes, simply washing each other, lathering, and then rinsing, and repeated when we desired, which simply was a lot more than necessary.

“You think we’re clean now?” He said, turning off the tap and letting the last remnants of water descend our bodies.

“Squeaky.” I giggled.

We got out of the shower, our bodies shivering--my body shivering to the rush of air. If Chester was cold, he sure was good at hiding it. He went over to a small closet door, my body tip-toeing behind him. I clicked my teeth against each other repeatedly, wrapping my hands round my chest tightly.

Nice ass, I thought, looking down at the older man’s ass. He turned around and I snapped my head back to his, turning crimson in the process. I took the towel he offered and looked at it intently, trying to avoid the smirk he was giving me, trying not to give one in return.

“T-Thanks.” I stuttered, drying my hair, my body then wrapping the towel around my waist. We made our way out into the bedroom. “Ummm, I’ll be right back.” I muttered to his body, taking out clothing from his drawers.

“Where you going?” He asked, just before I reached for the door knob.

“Getting clothes.” I smiled shyly.

“You don’t need clothes.” He purred, walking towards me. Once finally within distance, he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me towards the bed. “We don’t need clothes.”

“But I’m not use to sleeping without clothes.” I admitted shyly.

“Okay, come here.” He said, walking me towards his drawer. “You can wear these boxers.” He pulled out black boxers from his drawer, handing them over. On the behind it read ‘I have a cute bottom’ in silver writing. I giggled at it, Chester giving me a large grin.

“Silky.” I said, slipping the material on once the towel was discarded. I looked at him, towel still around his waist. He at me intently and I felt naked, and in a way, I sort of am since the only clothing I had on was the boxers. “Do you sleep naked?” I asked.

“Do you mind if I do?”

I shook my head, blushing. He removed the towel around his waist, daring me to look down there. My face turned to dozens of shades of red, keeping my gaze to his eyes. “Sleep?” He said, raising his eyebrows. I nodded. He turned around and for a moment, I caught his nice firm ass again. I bit my lip, keeping myself from giggling. He slipped into the blankets and I followed after him.

Once we were comfortable in the sheets, our bodies on our sides and looking at each other, he whispered. “What are you thinking?” He smiled.

“I’m thinking of lots of things. But they eventually lead to you.” I said, smiling in return. “What are you thinking?”

“Always you.” He answered, again, I couldn’t refrain myself from blushing. A silence loomed over us, eyes staring attentively at each other. He reached over and kissed my lips. “Let’s get some sleep.” He said.

He wrapped his hands around me, pulling me closer to him. I moved my head down so my it was resting on his bicep that he stretched underneath me. He kissed my forehead, whispering a good night.

I stayed there wrapped in his arms, the shampoo still strong to my senses. Like the angel he is. He must’ve realised I was still awake as he whispered. “I’ll go to my father.” He said. “I’ll go for a week and it won’t be anymore than that. Alright?”

I nodded my head, unsure if he had noticed it or not, but his kiss to my forehead once again assured me that he did.

A let a silent sigh escape my lips, running along his skin. “Sleep, baby.” He whispered. He pulled me closer to him once more and I closed my eyes, willing sleep to bestow itself upon me.

~*~

My eyes opened, feeling groggy more than anything. Usually, there would be the sun, a reminder of what the time may be, shining through my window. But here in his room, only rays of it may be seen for it rose on the other side of the house.

I turned my body around, feeling no warmth radiating behind me. Chester, Chester was gone. I shot my eyes open, sitting my body in an upright position in a jolt. I looked around the room but still, he stood nowhere in sight. I jumped out of bed, boxers on and ran to open the glass sliding doors of the balcony. The cold fringe of the wind bit my skin coldly as it rushed past me, but his figure wasn’t there.

What if he left?

I scanned the room. There was no note, not message, no goodbye of his leaving. Panic abruptly rose from the pit of my stomach. I ran to the closet and opened it in a snap. Clothes were definitely taken from their hangers.

Feeling rather stupid in plain boxers, I decided to use one of the pants the older man had left hanging. I took black cargo pants, quickly zipped and buttoned it up, taking a dark blue shirt while I was at it. I ran out of the closet, pants being lightly dragged along the carpeted floor, no doubt due to the slight height the older man had.

Before I had managed to run from the room, I checked the washroom briefly, but again, the man was nowhere to be seen. I ran out of the room, jogging down the dimly lit hallway and down the stairs.

“Chester?” I called, but no one answered.

I snapped by head and quickly opened the glass door to the overly large backyard, extending towards the cliff. I stepped out, the cold concrete floor rapping at my brain, but I pushed it aside and ran towards the edge of the pool.

“Chester?” I called loudly this time, the sun filtering through my eyes. I squinted, but no response came. “Chester?” It came out as a whisper, my eyes beginning to sting.

I ran back inside, frantic now. Quickly scanning the living room with no sign of Chester, I headed to the kitchen, via the dining room, but there were still no signs of the older man.

My heart raced and started to ache. He left, I kept telling myself, almost like a chant. He left without a note, without a word, without any warning, he just... left.

I ran down the small hallway that led to the basement, flicking on lights so as not to bump into walls and such. I ran down the wooden stairs, thumping. The arcades, the light above the billiard tables and everything was off.

I slumped to the ground, knees first and just stared at nothing.

My heart felt battered in my chest, sinking. My breathing was somewhat haggard due to my running, but again, I pushed the thought aside as more important things were in my head, scrapping and rambling on.

“Chester...” I whimpered. I looked down at my shaking hands, placing them on my lap so as to steady them, but even then, they were still shaking. “Chester.” I repeated, feeling the welled up tears finally make their descend.

I wiped them away roughly and let my sobs escape my mouth. More tears fled as they frantically fell. I rubbed my hands over my eyes so as to cease their reign, but it was useless, they kept their torrent.

“Mike, Mike you down there?”

In an instant, I was at my feet and flying up the stairs. “Brad?” I said, unable to muster up even half a smile.

“Why are you crying?” He asked lightly, staying where he is, afraid to make contact with me still.

My lips trembled, finally able to speak. “C-Ches--” But I was cut short as the door opened and in walked the older man. I let a choke emit from my mouth as I ran double speed towards him. It took him a moment to realize the attack, but he finally placed protective hands around my frame, although not hugging me as tightly as I was currently doing, he managed to calm me down even slightly.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” He asked, pulling my body away from his, looking at me concerned. “Why are you crying?”

I let a sigh escape my lips, wiping my eyes of what was left of my tears. My face turned crimson, finally realising the idiocy of the situation I had made. “I-I thought... I thought you...”

“Left?” He said, finishing my sentence. “Baby, why would I do that? Yes, I am leaving today however, but not without telling you.”

A sudden pang of pain reverberated through my chest. “You’re... leaving?” I whispered.

He kissed me on the lips, taking me once more in his embrace. He kissed my head, pulling away, then my forehead, my nose, making me giggle, then last one of my lips. He made it deep, passionate, sucking and biting my bottom lip lightly and in turn, I did the same to his top. He ran his tongue along my lips, asking for entrance. I parted them, letting his tongue delve deep into my mouth--

“Ahem.” Coughed Brad, making both of us blush. I tilted my head down, smiling and biting my lip, resting my forehead against his shoulders.

“Do you have everything ready?” He asked Brad.

“Yup. We got everything on the jet except for the luggage's.” Brad said. “I’ve already informed your mom about your arrival and she said she’ll have a butler await you by the gates.”

“You’re really leaving aren’t you.” I whispered once more, keeping my tears at bay.

He pulled me away, kissing my forehead and smiling at me. “Come on, come with me to the airport.” He clasped my hands with his, letting me put on shoes before stepping out into the morning rays on light.

A light fog was about, blurring the roads only a little bit. The air was misty, cool to the skin. The grass was slick with water, glimmering in the sun. Birds sang in the canopy of the coconut trees, or the other ones that bordered the area.

“Lock the door, will you Brad?” Chester said over his shoulder, leading me to a limo, already turned on and awaiting in the driveway.

Joe was sitting on the trunk, talking amiably to Dave, or is it Phoenix. I looked at the ground, unable to see the standing figure of the bald man. Chester, realising this, squeezed my hand, encouraging me. I tilted my head back up, and this time, both their eyes were on us.

“Everything ready you two?” Chester asked.

Joe jumped off the trunk and stood in mock salute to Chester. “Yes sir!”

“Everything’s in.” The bald man’s voice was soft, warm and came gently. He smiled at me, and in turn I smiled warmly back. It was Dave. “We were wondering,” Dave continued. “Can we come along?” He beamed at the idea, and Joe, his stature finally that of his normal one, also grinned.

“Please?” He asked sheepishly.

Chester eventually smiled back and nodded, signalling the two to dash inside the limo, which no doubt they did, racing to get the best seat. I smiled warmly at their enthusiasm, envying their joy.

“Flight’s in an hour, let’s get going you two.” Brad stated in a business-like way, walking past us and into the car. Upon opening the door, laughter had already ensued inside.

Chester turned around, looked up at the large house, smiling at it. “Won’t be here for a while.” He said. I couldn’t look at the house, instead, I looked at the concrete ground. When he leaves, I’ll spend my time here, alone, and in that time, maybe then I’ll look at the house. “Come on, let’s get going.” He squeezed my hand once more as we entered the limo.

Joe, Dave and Brad sat at the farthest end, near the drivers seat. Drinks in hand, food on Joe’s and talking loudly to one another, laughing every now and then. Chester and I sat quietly by the end of the limo, hands entangled.

I looked at my other hand, placed on my lap, daring it not to shake. But I had clutched the black cargo pants to keep it from doing so.

Chester must’ve realised this for he took my hand with his other one and placed a light kiss on it. “Don’t worry.” He smiled. “It’ll only be a week. I won’t take more than that.”

I gulped, nodding to him before looking away once more.

Once again, the ocean never ceased to capture my attention. In it’s bask of the morning light, it showed glimpses of beauty for diamonds sparkled in its depths. Although tinted due to the limo windows, its splendour is just.

Palm trees past us in a grey blur, houses blocked off the sun before revealing its hope once more. People went about their normal morning routines, walking, riding, doing whatever it may be that head started their day.

I looked away and down at the floor of the limousine.

“Hey, you’re wearing my clothes.” Chester said, beside me, finally realising.

I blushed, grinning at him. “I’m sorry.” I replied. “I just sort of... uhhh... I’m sorry.” I blushed once more and looked at our entwined hands instead.

“It’s alright,” He smiled. “You already have my boxers underneath all that don’t you?”

I nodded in reply. The limo was running up the incline, towards the entrance of the airport. People bustled about, luggage’s dragging behind them. Taxi’s were lined at one side, awaiting for passengers. The walls of the airport were glass, able to see the rustle inside.

I sighed as we stepped out of the limo, opened by a butler. “Thanks.” I smiled, getting a nod in reply.

“We’re gonna be inside!” Joe said, running towards the doors, holding it open and grinning as Dave made his way slowly to it.

“Where are you two going?” Asked Brad as he stepped out of the limo.

“Candy!” He beamed before they disappeared by the closing door. Brad rolled his eyes, making both Chester and I chuckle. Brad joined us by the trunk, grinning.

Chester released my grasp as he went to open the trunk. Brad stood beside me and squeezed my shoulder, his grin still plastered on. “Mikey, come here baby.” Chester said, gesturing me towards him. I smiled sadly at him, walking up to stand in front. I looked at our shoes, hiding my suddenly welling tears. He let a sigh pass his lips. “We won’t be long.” He said.

I snapped my head up, and on his lips quirked a smirk. “We..?” I breathed.

He nodded his head, opening the trunk of the limo. “Yes, we. I Packed your clothes while you were sleeping.” He grinned and met my embrace that I flung towards him.

“Chester.” I exhaled, letting tears trickle down my eyes.

“I could never think of leaving you.” He said, pulling me away to capture my lips. “Never.”

“I love you.” I whispered. “I love you so much.”

“I know.” He smirked. I embraced him again, tightening my hold, constricting him.

“Alright you two.” Brad said from behind me. “The jet’s going to leave if you keep smooching.”

I giggled. “Thanks a lot Brad.” Chester said, his arm around my waist and his other to give him half a hug, the manly way.

I looked at him nervously and he looked back at me, eyebrows raised. “Mikey, he’s not going to bite you.” Chester crooned. I stepped up to Brad and smiled at him tensely. Before tension could rise any hihger, he took me into an embrace.

“Have fun.” He whispered in my ear, patting my back, our embrace lasting.

“Hey Brad, what’re you doing? Trying to steal my boyfriend or something?” I blushed as Chester spoke those words, especially the word ‘boyfriend’ as Brad pulled himself away.

“Nah man, Mike’s all yours. You both deserve each other.” He replied. “Now get going. Bring me back something nice, yeah?” Brad said.

“We’ll see.” Chester said. I smiled at him.

We walked to the entrance of the building, Chester holding the door open for me.

“I love you, Michael Shinoda.” He whispered, kissing me on the lips, not caring if people noticed or not.

“And I love you, Chester Bennington.” I replied genuinely, our figures becoming two more added to the rustle and bustle of the crowded airport.

I found my path.

I found my way and choices were once more laid on the table for me to choose and for me alone. I wasn’t lost, I wasn’t straying, and although the loss of my beloved friend still lingered in my mind, I had found someone who can help me, understand me, accept me for who I am, help me to move on...

...because the sorrow I had thought to be endless... came to an end.

~The End