Chester sighed, rolling out of bed. He was annoyed at the events that were to be held later that day. It was group therapy, Chester's least favorite event in the mental facility - though he genuinely hated all the activities. He knew he'd be forced to talk, considering he never ever says anything and he just started talking again. It'd be different this time though, at least he hoped, because Talinda would be hosting it.

After getting ready, he went down to the lounge, seeing everyone had already taken their place and started their chatting. He wasn't surprised Talinda didn't push him to be on time, knowing he was her favorite patient. He took the open seat next to her and gave her a soft smile. 

"I've been... alright. It's been better, honestly. I haven't even thought about... ending it... since I came here," A patient Chester didn't know finished talking, smiling at Talinda. Chester guessed they were due to get out soon, but would probably just end up back here - like most.

"Thank you for sharing with us. Chester, why don't you share something. How have you been feeling lately? Don't worry, this is a safe place and we'll understand how you feel," Talinda said softly. Normally, Chester would lash out and claim nobody knew how it felt to be betrayed by a close friend in such a way, but it was Talinda and he couldn't yell at her.

"Um... I've been... not that great," Chester said shortly, looking down to his hands, which were shuffling nervously. He glanced up quickly, seeing people seemed shocked by the fact that he spoke. He knew the facility was hoping that his change of speech would rub off on the others and encourage them to think that it was alright to speak.

"Why do you think that is? It's good to share intimate details with us, we're here to listen," Talinda lightly pushed. 

"I... My friend... He... I..." Chester tried, but found it too hard to share. He sighed deeply, pushing his hands through his hair and shook his head, knowing he should share. "I'm in a band, as some of you might actually know... I'd really appreciate it if you didn't pass this along in case it gets out of hand and is shared with the media... but a friend in the band hurt me in ways I never thought he would."

"Can you share more?" Talinda asked softly. Chester looked up, glancing at everyone to see if he could continue. He saw interested eyes and decided it was healthy for himself and encouraging to the others to share their own issues.

"It started during our last tour, after the first concert actually. He cornered me and asked me questions about my boyfriend, Mike... Again, I'd appreciate it if you didn't share this stuff with anyone... But he just wanted to know about our sexual relationship... I thought he was just curious so I asked him if he was interested in guys or why he was asking. He said he wasn't really interested in guys, but he was interested in me. I reminded him that I was happy with Mike and that I wasn't willing to hurt him in anyway... That's when he said that I wouldn't hurt Mike. He would hurt me.

"I was already cornered, so I tried to slip away, but he had my arm. I struggled as hard as I could, but he wouldn't give in. He pushed me into this closet that was backstage and started touching me. He ripped off my shirt and used it to gag me before I could scream. I tell myself that I did... I do... everything that I can to get away, but I still feel like I could've done more. He went further with it all and he did the same thing every day of the tour and it continued afterwards," Chester finished, taking in a deep breath. He had said everything as if he had no emotion towards it and was trying to mentally deny the fact that anything at all happened.

"What resulted of this? No one ever found out? What did you do? What are you doing?" Talinda pushed and Chester knew he should continue, no matter how hard it got. He was actually feeling more relieved, knowing all these people were aware of his situation. It helped him feel safer. If 'he' came into this room, he had a group of people here to defend him. 

"I started cutting and thinking about killing myself, until I actually tried and the rest of the band found out. It was the hardest on Mike. We never got intimate after it started happening. I told him it was because of my past - not the present or because of the fact that I was self harming. They never found out who and most of them still don't know what made me do any of it," Chester replied and bit his lip before adding, "I wish more than anything that I could speak out against it, but I'm afraid of hurting the band. We've come so far and if it means I have to shed a bit of blood to keep it going, I will."

~

Mike: I seriously need to talk to you. It's about Chester.

Joe: I'll be right over.

Mike was glad Joe was so willing to drive by in the middle of the night. He wanted to talk to him sooner, but couldn't work up the courage nor get away from the other guys. He was expecting Chester to text him as well, but he hadn't yet and Mike was getting worried. He waited for Joe to arrive at his and Chester's house after convincing the others to leave, when he got a text. He immediately bolted back into his phone.

Chester: Hey, Mikey.

Mike figured the nickname meant Chester was feeling better than he had been the night before and he smiled.

Mike: Hey, you! How was your day?

Chester: It was alright, actually. I opened up in group therapy and I actually feel a bit better.

Mike: Am I allowed to know what they know?

He hoped he wasn't pushing Chester by asking this, but his curiosity was getting the best of him.

Chester: I just told them that it started at the beginning of the tour and that it continued afterwards and that if I had to suffer a bit to keep the band rolling, I would.

Mike: Chester, the band is your dream. You aren't supposed to suffer in your dream or else it becomes a nightmare.

Chester: Eh

Mike: Don't be stubborn.

Chester: :P

Mike: Wow.

Chester: Nurse is checking the rooms again, I'll text you either later or in the morning. I love you, don't forget that!

Mike: I love you too, kitty.

Mike turned his phone off and sighed, seeing headlights pulling into his driveway. He was glad Joe had gotten here just as he said goodnight to Chester. Mike went up to welcome Joe, all while wondering if there was anyway he could wiggle Chester out of the mental facility and get him back home so he could protect him. 

~

A/N: This chapter was long over-due, I'm so sorry! :O