My reviews of your stuff lately have really been awful, and this will probably be no exception. You should have dedicated this chapter to me, because it whole thing is about kissing and you are the master of Bennoda kisses, in my opinion, which I feel like I tell you pretty much daily. I'm gonna try this your way. With a list.

1. The thank you cards! Ha, that's priceless. I can totally see this being exactly what Chester would think, and Mike being the one to do cards because it's traditional. Mike's the wife in this relationship!

2. "That’s what our kiss means to him. It’s on the same level as naked Joe." OMG, I was laughing so hard I almost couldn't breathe!

3. I love that Mike can sign Chester's name as well as he can. Of course he can, my little artist. :)

4. I love Chester's whole issue with eye contact. There's something about that that makes every time he IS making eye contact with Mike so important.

5. "I’ve never kissed a guy before. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but what I got was better than whatever was in my mind.” MY HEART IS MELTING!!

6. Chester thinking about the kissing rules. Screw the rules! No rules! And how he keeps coming back to them not being a couple. Whatever. I don't care that this is an "arranged marriage" there are clearly feelings on both sides here. So. Yeah.

7. "I feel his hand on the side of my face, and for whatever reason, that means a whole fuckin’ lot." Because it's tenderness, and because it means he loves you, Chester. Damn. Lines like this are the reason I love their kisses.

8. This kitchen chair. Holy.... just, holy. This whole thing is so hot, and funny, but hot. Even though I KNEW you weren't going to let them go at it like bunnies on the kitchen floor, a part of me was really hoping that they were gonna go at it like bunnies on the kitchen floor.

9. "What am I doing? I’m sitting on Mike Shinoda’s lap like a two dollar hooker, that’s what I’m doing." OMG, and so starts the downward spiral of Chester's freak out panicky self-deprecating thoughts. :/ I just want to hug him and tell him it's okay. That whole bit and him leaving just tugged at my heart. And thinking Mike would marry Joe or Rob- NO! The two trouble makers, Mike could never go for that.

10. He admitted he likes kissing Mike in his head! <3

11. “If we’re going to add kissing into our arrangement, then we need to be careful with it.” For now, Mike. You can go slow. But I'm gonna need y'all to go for it on the floor like bunnies. Soon.

12. Mike's been thinking about kissing him for a while? So that means this whole arranged marriage thing isn't just about convenience for Mike. He knows he likes Chester and was afraid Chester would turn him down? Or something? I don't know why, but this seems critically important.

13. Chester. Please kiss Mike's neck. You know you want to. We all want to. And what's Mike over there looking devilish about? More kissing. More. I need more. It's an entire chapter about kissing and I'm begging for more. Screw the word count.

14. All of Chester's thoughts about Jaws 3 and Seaworld. :) I love them together. I just... it makes me so happy.

15. The kisses over the coffee, lol. Now that they've started, I don't think the kissing is going to stop. And I approve of that.

16. (because even numbers are important.) I love you.

I really love the way you write!! You can be so funny and light and then all of a sudden can turn into something so emotional! Your characters are always so complex with so many layers and details about their personalities.. it's amazing!! I admit I'm guilty of being reading your fics and not leaving any reviews, so sorry about that!

In regards to this chapter... I cannot believe Mike was watching the stripper and that he was actually turned on by him, really Mike! How can you betray your future husband like that and in his own face? My poor Chester! he was really affected, he cannot deny his feeling for Mike... His low self esteem is clearly a problem here because even though he is beautiful, he is unable to see anything good on himself.. he doesn't know how sexy he actually is, even as skinny and with those little imperfections he is truly beautiful. Of course Mike knows thus and went to his rescue...Good thing is that Mike could salvage the situation at the end with that kiss omg it was so hot, you bennoda kisses are the best. Please update soon, I wanna see Chester making the next move, that would be awesome.

Just want to say I wait for this one so eagerly and try to be patient

I love all your stories but after chestersaurus this one's really got me hooked. (The others are sooo good too. U write some of the funniest, sweetest bennoda EVER!!!!)

Lovely chapter. That kiss!!! I love how Mike seems to be helping Chester discover what he doesn't even realize he's feeling. I love being on that journey with him. And seeing Chester so down on himself was insightful.i mean it started with a part of jealousy and suddenly spiralled into so much more! It really is all in our own head like he said in those interviews.

I love when you write these slightly insane first person narratives. It's amazing to be privy to his thoughts. It's also hilarious that there is so little conscious thought going on

Okay, okay! I’m so sorry for not leaving any reviews on this thing. I haven’t been reading since the first chapter since life got to me so now that I’m a little free, I managed to catch up with all the chapters! :D

And oh my goddddd. I was close to screaming throughout this recent chapter. I’m so muddled right now that I don’t know if I can articulate my feelings about not just this chapter, but also the rest in particular.

I love the way you write Chester in this. He has such a colourful personality in this and I really enjoy reading all the comments he makes of certain things. He’s a very descriptive person, which is a testament to your writing! :D

And your Mike is so interesting. He’s a great character too. I think because his personality is like a friend of mine - logical to a fault, diplomatic, and isn’t one for confrontation. So yeah, he’s really life-like. Also, on a different note, I had this stinking suspicion he always has carried a torch for Chester this whole time. And all the information Chester learns leading up until now solidifies my theory. But that’s just me, haha.

Anyway, so this chapter... I felt for Chester because I’m in a similar position before with my friends, and I’m not good enough for them. So that was heart aching to read. But then Mike came in and tried to cheer him up. That was heartwarming. And then, he KISSED him. HE ACTUALLY DID! My mind is still reeling from that for some reason, haha.

Sorry if this whole comment doesn’t make any ounce of sense. I’m not good at explaining myself most of the time and I’ll shut up before I embarrass myself further. XD But I just wanna say how much I’m immensely enjoying your story and I can’t wait to see what else is in store! :D

Gaaaaahhh! I'm just now getting around to reviewing this (to be fair I just got a login last week XD) but I LOVE LOVE LOVE this story SO MUCH! Their relationship, the tension, the confusion, the dedication, the denial... they're just perfection! That kiss was so sweet and I'm just swooning! I'd really like to see Chester make the next move... jus' sayin' ;-) Please don't keep us waiting too much longer!

That chapter was quite an emotional rollercoaster. The beginning with party preparations and Joe and Rob being goofy was really funny. And the party itself too. When they mentioned they have a surprise for M&C, I just knew it's gonna be striptease. And I fuckin' KNEW it's gonna be both male and female. :D

But that's where the hard part started. So Mike was staring at the guy. Uhh. Okay. That's not too weird since I'm pretty sure he's never seen male stripper before. But what wasn't okay was Chester's reaction to it. His emotiojnal breakdown. How he was self-hating. It made me incredibly sad.

And I'm so glad that Mike looked away from the stripper so he noticed Ches is gone and went after him. And he always knows what to say to make him feel better.

But then the KISS! Oh my God, I was waiting so long for that and it was perfect! They are perfect. And I just don't understand how is it possible they don't realize what they feel for each other. O_O

Love is in the air lalalala

Here comes the most incoherent review ever. It's basically my thoughts as I'm reading. Sorry.

Oh, Joe's little joke, getting inside and messing with Chester's head! Poor baby.

"potential Mike-husbands" hahaha, I don't know why I love this so much.

Courthouse? Justice of the Peace? BOOOOOO. I wanted a wedding. Boo. Just. Boo.

And what's up with Rob? And the whole kissing thing? Grrr.

I love that Chester is excited about Mike's boots because he can wear them too. That's so cute. Omg, the entertainment. And Joe plopping his ass right between Mike and Chester, and Chester being offended by this.

"He's watching the guy." Holy shit, this line got me. Like, whoa. And then all of Chester's self-deprecating talk afterwards is making me sad! Mike loves you, Chester, stop worrying so much!!

Omg and the words and Mike's little speech and THE FUCKING KISS! YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DO TO ME WITH THESE KISSES OMG. OMG. I want to cry I love this so much. You should just quit your job and write Bennoda kissing scenes for me every day because I love them more than coffee. Holy crap, that was so hot.

I apologize for this. There is nothing useful or substantial in this review at all. More kisses please.

I'm sorry I haven't been reviewing each chapter but I have been following this faithfully and waiting patiently (not) for every update. Each one just gets better..

I have to say ur like Mike in this story. You had me where Chester was in the beginning but I was totally nodding my head and becoming totally invested in this insane"arrangement" as the story progresses.

As usual the writing has me laughing out loud. And you really do write some of the best Mike and Chester relationships ever. They are so good together without even realising they are together..

What's going on Mike???? Huh? Huh?

I love love this story.. Please don't make us wait too long

I wasn't expecting Anna to make an appearance, so this whole opening scene threw me a bit. I wonder why Chester felt like he needed to talk to her. Is he starting to have suspicions about Mike's real feelings toward him? Anna seems to think that Chester was the problem, so that's interesting. I did feel bad for her when she had that revelation, "he's gay." Even if that's not the actual case, her reaction is what I'd expect someone's to be if they found out their ex was going to marry someone of the same sex.

This hair dye scene is one of the cutest things you've written. I love how Mike repeats himself - I do that. Not because I think the other person didn't hear me, necessarily, but because it calms my anxiety to give the instructions again. It's that control thing. Mike giving up control to have Chester do his hair is so cute. NOW. These sighs and touches and soft looks Mike is giving Chester- whaaatt?? Drawing on him, ok, I get, but he's so tender and loving about it. And then telling Chester he's sexy... my Bennoda heart was so happy. Haha! Mike seemed awfully annoyed by the whole Anna thing, so I wonder if there's a little bit of truth to what she said.

Then Chester imagining what kissing Mike would be like and then Mike actually kissing him! OMG! What is happening!!!!

Aaaaaargghhhh!!!

They cannot be that blind!!!! Dang it !!!

I liked the whole scene with Anna, it would be weird if he got dumbed!

I also like the way you incorporated the thing about the movies, that Mike said about Chester! It was brilliant!

I can't wait for the chapter that they will see the light :)

As much as I disagree with the way Mike's family is acting - they are kind of right. It really seems to be more than a friendship and seen the fact that they are engaged I would maybe also flip out a bit as a parent. Still, not cool to not believe your own child and only scream, that is not going to help.

But Back to Mike and Chester. The way they act around each other (and I certainly don't mean the cuddling in the bed. It's also part of it, but I see the point that this can "just" happen when you share a limited space). I talk about the way they care about each other, the way they make each other smile, they agree with each other, they let themselves getting talked into anything the other person wants, they know each other so well... it's unbelievable. A good friendship should be like this but there are boundaries that they are constantly crossing. And yes, now I maybe talk about the cuddling (even though I still thing that cuddling is also a thing that can happen between friends - because everyone needs a cuddle once in a while). But also about the familiarity they have with each other. And the last scene was just... argh! Migraine is such a bad thing and I can feel Mike's pain and I love the way Chester is taking care <3

Wow, it really bugs me not to be able to be in Mike's headspace and figure out WHAT he is thinking. I am totally confused by this whole arranged marriage and the continued denial of there being more between him and Chester, when there so clearly is... I just don't get it. Not that I don't love this, because I do. And I know you'll answer the questions... eventually.

That first paragraph is just beautiful. I love that mental image of them spooned up together and Mike's hand on Chester's stomach. It's so sweet, ah! They cuddled all night. And as if it's not enough that Mike pulls Chester into him, then he's kissing his neck? What is going on here! Ahh, it's making me crazy.

All of that stuff Jason said about Mike wanting to find the one and fall in love has me even more confused. Because clearly something has changed. But if Mike thinks he's in love with Chester, why not just tell him that? Why go through all this arranged marriage hassle? And then talking about kids? I about fell out of my chair. I don't understand!! And offering for them to go to bed together, AGAIN, once they're back at Mike's place? C'mon, Shinoda, just tell Chaz you're in love with him.

Joe eating peanuts and beer in the morning, haha! And I laughed at Chester thinking about the band sucking, I love that little bit of self-doubt. So much of what you write has the stamp of familiarity all over it- Chester knows about Mike's meds, knows he can't swallow dry pills, the way Mike's hand lingers on his thigh at his parent's house that morning, the way Mike puts his head in Chester's lap, the way Chester strokes his hair... I understand why Mike's family keeps saying they see how the two of them act. It's past friends, and they're in denial. I also like this thread you have of how they don't tell each other to stop things that they probably should, like the hair stroking, and how they don't tell each other no. This is all interesting, even if I don't understand the motives yet.

I like the contrast with Mike's place and Chester's, just add that to the list of reasons Chester never says no to him. He's so much more comfortable in Mike's space than his own.

(Oh yeah, syrupy eggs... *shudder*)

A) he was sleeping with Chester glued in front of him ,while he was hugging him and wonders why his family doesn't believe him... Good try Mike, good try

B) Chester knows every little detail about Mike's migraines and house and he sits with Mike's head on his lap.

Who's in denial boys???

Great story :) :)

Ha! Why would parents understand this? I'd fully expect them to be only ones who are impervious to Mike's ~*logic*~

Those cuddles at the end, though... oooooh! ;)

First night together as engaged, and they are already spooning each other. I don't blame Ches for taking advantage of Mike's bodywarmth. Who could've push fluffy, cuddly Mike Shinoda away?

But really. When they try to convince parents the aren't romantically or sexually involved, they probably shouldn't share bed. I imagine the next morning when Shinoda parents found out they were sharing Mike's virginal bed, they are gonna flip. :DDD

To be honest I'm not surprised they don't agree with the whole idea. It made sense with guys since they are only their friends, and also they all are young and single. But Mike's parents are from old school and they believe marriage should be between people who love each other. And I bet they also worry about whether they gonna have grandchildren or not. :DDD

Who would push away Mike Shinoda? I definitely wouldn't! :D

Cute chapter, I really like your writing. It is a good mixture of humour and serious thoughts and also confusion. I mean, it is so obvious that there is a bit more than friendship and I hope they will figure out. It can be hard to see it yourself, but friends and family are sometimes really good in seeing things you can't see (been there, done that...).

Oh, and over all the family-cuteness I nearly forgot that they bought rings. Which is great!

OMG. Mike is cuddling. I don't care if he's asleep, he's subconsciously cuddling, and I like it. Ugh, I know there is more to him wanting to get married than it just 'making sense' and all that.

I love how you write all the contrast between them. Mike is all calm and collected and Chester's all over the place. It's a good depiction of them. All of the little things, like how Chester says he smiles at Mike more than anyone else, tells me there's just more there. No way you agree to marry your same-sex best friend and it's 100% platonic. Nope. And how Chester is adamant he doesn't want rings but then gets upset when they cost too much... it's all adding up, at least in my Bennoda head. When Chester is talking about their songs on the radio... ah, I smiled so big. I can see that happening IRL.

Boo on Jason, I'm annoyed by him. Little brothers, bah. And what's with this bed situation? Ah, that conversation about the bed and marriage just stole my heart. There's something really intimate about that conversation, and I feel like Mike wanted to say more. Or maybe I just wanted him to. But I felt like him inviting Chester to sleep there was more of a big deal than Mike tried to make it seem. And the cuddling. Damn it, I'm a sucker for Mike cuddling. <3 Lots going on in the chapter, the rings, and Mike's parents, and this developing bed situation!

Wow wow wow. This is a great fic. Thanks for writing it.

C1: I am in love his Chester's inner voice. He is such a smart ass. And holy hell.. What a proposal? At first I was totally against it. But the numbers don't lie. And it make sense for be married to your best friend, right? Although... I'm curious as to how 2 straight guys are gonna boink. That's right.. I said boink.

'He’s visually molesting the stem of his champagne flute, where his fingers are rubbing up and down'

That line is one of a kind.

C2: oh my god. Chester is so in love with Mike, but he doesn't know it. Everything he sees, he's associating it with Mike. This is hilarious. He keeps sliding from pro marrying Mike to against it in seconds. And his rants about the color green. I cannot stop laughing.

Rob and Joe sittin on a tree.

C3: Please stop. Chester's thoughts are so random and hilarious. How can he thought about being married to Mike, then jumped into Joe is a great speller. And I love that they did their meeting at Rob's mom house.

Oh oh oh...Mike sounds so possessive when the band suggested an open marriage. Finally...show a bit of emotion, Shinoda.

Great writing. Looking forward to reading more of your work. Rated.