abs

⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹

Michael’s house was a maze.

Despite the large handful of times you had been there since the two of you started dating, you still got lost sometimes. Halls winding into a labyrinth of polished wood, decorative paintings, and each door started to look the same.

Your fingers landed on another handle. There was nothing special about it. Polished brass. Stained wood. Ordinary.

You tested the handle. Unlocked.

The door opened, silent on its hinges. Your footsteps were muted on the carpet and your eyes adjusted to the low lighting of the room, a warm glow flickering from an array of candles that were lit.

You blinked, standing in the doorway with your fingers still wrapped around the handle and perfectly still.

“What the fuck?”

You blinked again. Hoping that by some strange ripple in reality, that you had to be dreaming. Hallucinating. Lost your mind.

Pictures of Diana Ross were everywhere. Barely a millimeter of the wall could be seen between each frame.

And for fuck’s sake, the candles.

They covered tables and littered the floor, all lit with wax pooling over old and used sticks bent in charred shapes.

A laugh left you, short and sharp. Completely riddled speechless by what you were seeing because this just had to be a fucking joke.

You took a single step forward, still holding onto the door like it was a lifeline to your sanity.

There were letters strewn across some of the tables. Dates varying back a few years up to right before you two started dating.

Letters from her.

You were pretty sure you started to feel your heart rotting in your chest. The soiled artery beginning to infect the surrounding area, bleeding out and ruining everything and sinking right through you and to the floor.

Another blink as you read one of the signatures at the bottom of a letter.

Your dearest, Diana and the lipstick mark next to it.

“I’m gonna fucking kill him,” you muttered.

⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹

“Baby, just wait a second.” Michael threw a hand out, catching the car door before you could slam it shut.

“I don’t wanna talk to you or look at you right now.” You tugged on the door but it didn’t budge. Your eyes flicked up to his face but Christ, everything was blurry.

“It’s not what—“

“It’s not what it looks like? Really? Then what the fuck does it look like, Michael. Enlighten me.”

He winced at your tone even though you tried your best not to raise your voice.

“I…” he looked away from you, jaw rolling. “Listen, she’s been a dear friend of mine—“

“Oh my god.” You yanked on the door harder, not caring if you squashed his fingers in the process.

“I’ve been meaning to take all that down, I promise. I just haven’t had the time.” He rushed, fingers slipping from their hold and the door finally shut.

Your foot pressed on the gas, ignoring him as he yelled out your name.

⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹

You were fucking seething.

The last few days had been hell. And Michael calling you every other hour made it just a bit worse. You wanted to pick up the phone and yell at him. Wanted to pick up and hear him out.

And then you’d shut your eyes and all of the sudden you were back in that God forsaken room.

Then the flowers started to show up on your doorstep and at work.

Your favorite kind in your favorite color with an apology scribbled on the note.

You crumbled up each one and threw it away.

The gifts piled in afterwards. Books you’d been wanting, all either first editions or signed. Designer bags. Heels. The Burberry coat you’d been eyeing every time you went shopping.

You weren’t stubborn enough to toss all of that away. Telling yourself it would’ve been a waste.

He had even sent Bill. Something that would’ve made you laugh but then you’d remind yourself Michael should be the one crawling to your doorstep, so you’d send Bill away with some strong words he likely wouldn’t repeat.

A tv show was playing and your eyes watched dully, not quite paying attention and the laugh track swirled into mindless white noise. Your thoughts all over the place and scattered into a million pieces.

Albeit, you and Michael hadn't been dating for long. Technically. Seeing each other on and off for a while before officially deciding to slap a label on it three months ago.

Three months for him to get rid of that fucking room.

Three months to at least say something.

Then an idea festered. Burying its claws deep into your prefrontal cortex. Shredding whatever character development you’d garnered over the years because it was incredibly fucking tempting.

You wanted to burn it. All of it. Every photo and letter because fuck her and fuck him for hiding it from you.

With a click of your tongue you stood up and grabbed your purse and car keys.

⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹

The cashier looked between the many empty red gas canisters, a cheetah print lighter, and you.

Many times.

“I’d like to fill these up at pump seven,” you smiled at him. Polite as ever and feeling blissfully calm.

“And you also want the lighter?”

“Yup.” You popped the p.

Again, you really did feel wonderfully calm.

He shook his head, deciding to put any questions he had on the back burner. “Alright.”

“Can I also get a pack of reds, a twelve pack of Budweiser… oh and these trash bags”

“Sure.”

You smiled again and swiped Michael’s credit card.

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Humming as the sound of wood ripped, you threw another frame into the trash bag. Not caring at all as the paint ripped on the wall, nails being bent into jagged shapes and oh how unfortunate, some shattered glass.

It was relatively late and you knew Michael’s schedule. One he didn’t often veer off of, even during a relationship crisis.

Or maybe it was just a crisis to you. And Michael didn’t think it was a big deal so he continued on, business as usual, away in his studio and working.

You ripped another frame off the wall.

You were in and out of there for around two hours. Not another soul to be seen as you dragged trash bags out into the back yard. Not satisfied until all that was left in that room was the scraping of old melted candle wax leaving a faint outline on the carpet.

Everything had been thrown into a pile. Broken wood, jagged glass, ripped photos, and the annoying amount of letters that you ripped as you tossed them around.

You didn’t see a single person as you carried the canisters of gas two at a time from your car. Not a concerned glance as you started to unscrew the caps and walk around the pile in mindless circles, dumping the gasoline until everything was absolutely soaked and your nose and eyes burned from the smell.

You then came to a stop, sighing as you stared at all of it. A deformed and wet slop of memorabilia of a woman you really couldn’t fucking stand.

Your dearest, Diana.

Pulling out the pack of reds, you placed one between your teeth and your thumb struck the sparkwheel of the lighter, a sharp sound meeting your ears and a warm glow gently touching your face as the tobacco started to burn and nicotine coated your mind.

Then you tossed the cheetah print lighter onto the pile and up up up the flames went.

The burst of light so bright it made you squint and the heat hit your face like a shockwave.

Watching in delight as that woman’s face got contorted and charred and the letters curled in on themselves and fell into glowing ash.

You weren't sure how much time had passed but your cigarette was almost to the butt when you started to hear footsteps and shouting muffled behind the crack of flames.

Someone had you by the shoulders, yanking you back all of the sudden and you blinked as Michael came into view. His expression panicked and confused as his eyes flicked over you to make sure you were alright.

How sweet of him.

His hand cupped your cheek, brows furrowed as his eyes then flicked down to all the canisters and you watched in amusement as each puzzle piece fell. You could practically see where they landed for him, all coming together in one dazzling picture of fire.

Then his eyes landed on the Budweiser.

“Since when do you drink beer?”

You laughed. Loudly and deep and yanked right from your diaphragm because of course that’s what he decided to ask you about.

Then you slapped him.

Once.

Sharp and precise, his head snapping to the side and his jaw rolling as his cheek twinged red.

“You’re lucky I didn’t burn your fucking house down.”

You tossed the butt of your cigarette to the ground, twisting it beneath the toe of your stilettos you decided to wear. His favorite pair, because fuck him.

“Let’s get dinner. Maybe have Bill call the fire department, though.”

⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹

He had been on his best behavior since then.

It’s not like Michael had to try. Despite that little hiccup, he was a wonderful boyfriend and lover. Always doting and attentive. Buying you whatever you wanted and never able to take his hands off of you.

Burying your face in his mattress as he made you come at least twice before he did.

You were at an after party, the hour late off the tail end of an award show. The taste of tequila still on your tongue as you walked back from the bathroom, fingers messing with your M necklace Michael had given you, matching the bracelet he wore that had your own initial on it.

His idea, of course.

He was trying, really he was. You could give him a little grace for that. He wanted you to know you were his and he was yours. Nothing else and nobody else mattered.

But then you heard voices. Two. Familiar and low and your heels came to a sharp stop after you rounded the corner.

There she was.

Diana Ross leaning in and talking with a lilt, “it’s been so long, Michael.”

You blinked as you watched her rest a manicured hand on his shoulder.

He laughed, though it was more of a strained exhale. “I got a girl now, I can’t—“

“Michael, honey it’s me.”

“I knew you were old, but I didn’t know it was starting to affect your hearing.”

They both froze. Michael’s eyes drifting past Diana and landing on you. Not looking shocked, per se. In fact, now this could be the alcohol talking, but he looked relieved at the interruption.

Diana turned around, brow raised and her eyes flicked up and down. Sizing you up and a breathless laugh left her. “Excuse me?”

“I know I didn’t mumble.” You stared at her, arms crossed and wishing the earth would open up beneath her.

“Young lady, I don’t know who you think you’re talking to—“

You didn’t mean to.

Or maybe you did. Who’s to say?

You’d grabbed a handful of her hair, yanking her head back before slamming it against the wall.

“What part of I have a girl did you not understand? And this ‘young lady’ is the same age as that ‘young’ man, so why don’t you start sending letters to men your own age or maybe your own fucking husband.”

You faintly heard Michael say your name, but it was drowned out the moment Diana called you a bitch.

⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹

You sat on the curb, cigarette held between cut up knuckles and you blew a strand of hair out of your face. Watching silently as Michael sat down next to you as you waited for Bill to pull the car around.

He tapped a rhythm into his thighs as you took an inhale of tobacco, the plumes of smoke taking up the silent space.

“You know,” he started, eyes still focused in front of him but he leaned towards you. “You got a mean left hook.”

You couldn’t help it as you smiled. “I had a good teacher.”

Michael’s eyes finally met yours, the skin crinkling around them as he grinned. A knowing glance being passed between you two like a treasure. “I’m sure you did.”

The night wasn’t wasted even though you’d been asked to leave early by security, something Michael found hilarious the more he thought about it. Laughing nearly all the way home.

It wasn’t wasted at all as he laid you down in his bed, pushing your dress up and around your waist, painting a picture only he could see with his head between your thighs and I love you on his lips.

a/n:

i tried and failed to write a fight scene but i’ll work on it for future reference sorry 😭 hopefully this turned out okay but i feel like it fell flat— the request where michael moans diana’s name will hopefully be out soon (gonna need to buy a bottle of wine to write that)

michael jackson masterlist

taglist: @solarrandom @mjssluttyfish @tojiswifeforlife @sometranslationnoteru @sunshineyrosie @swgarpeas @amoravelee @softchaosdiary04 @slugstarzz @unknown11 @redemptioninthe4ethers @saberlight1 @roseidol @iimsopretty @auroralwriting @thottiepebbles16 @wannabestartinsmth @delicate-ray-of-sunshine @devynrulesboisdrool @loverstar014 @mjjsangel @uconnwbbloversworld1 @ghzfj @18lkpeters @devilslittlehelper @cherubae111 @pr3tt1d0llx @ursamajor17 @sarcasmismyfirstlove @bbpanth3rr @justalocalloser @brainacidsstuff @fayleyy

“stay still for me, baby,” michael whispers as he kisses all the way up your thrashing, bare legs. “open those pretty legs.” he orders softly, tapping the side of your thigh.

you don’t know how he feels. he’s in a simple white tee and jeans, his telling eyes are hidden behind his sunglasses, low and sleepy, but to you it’s a mystery.

you open your legs as wide you can, the sticky sounds of your untouched folds opening up for your boyfriend.

“oh, that’s what i like,” michael murmurs to himself, all self-assured and confident, one hand planted on your abdomen, experimentally pushing down. “all slimey and sticky f’me.”

the pressure in your stomach is tight and suffocating, and your entrance automatically opens up as if calling out for help, the shy trickle of slick escaping you unapologetically.

“don’t tease, mike,” you whimper toward the white ceiling.

“‘m not teasin’.” michael says, pressing fluttery, chaste kisses across the sticky insides of your thighs. the cool metal of his aviators pokes into your skin. “just taking my time, honey.”

“wanna take a look at that,” michael continues, two fingers peeling open your folds. the black lenses of his glasses focused on your welcoming, already dripping hole. “wouldn’t wanna miss that pretty sight for the world.”

you feel drool drip down your ass when michael finally closes his mouth around your pulsing little button. “you’re leaking all over,” he chuckles, as if your squirmy sounds are some kind of joke to him. “so fucking disgusting, baby. got myself such a disgusting, sensitive girl.”

sweat pools all over your stomach, the little dips of your collarbones, the insides of your thighs. and michael laps it all up, tongue swirling over your moist pussy lips, your wet entrance. humming and moaning in approval as you spurt out your sticky substance, leaving his lips shiny.

one free hand stays on your lower stomach, occasionally pushing down. it feels like there’s a big bubble in your stomach that’s about to pop as he increases the pressure of his hand.

your hand clasps around his on your abdomen, whining “it’s sloshing all inside, mike,” voice pitchy and pathetic.

“‘s funny,” michael muses softly, laughing to himself. “when i push down, your pussy...” he pushes down on your stomach, and then you feel it, your entrance gapes open, sweet, balmy cream spilling out.

then, he keeps on attacking your squelching hole with his tongue, fingers rubbing up and down your plush legs, fingers scraping over your knees.

“mike— ah, pl— fuck, go deeper,” you don’t even know what you’re saying, michael eating you out into oblivion. continually babbling out how good to you he is, how you need more, how you feel kind of funny down there.

“michael, i’m gonna—” you moan, feeling the powerful flick of his tongue rolling over your clit. you’re seeing stars, but there’s a light, floaty pressure within. “i’m so— nghh— feelin’ so full.”

“don’t worry about it, pretty,” michael instructs, the dark lenses of his aviators covered in condensation, tiny little drops scattered over the glasses. “feels like you’re dripping all over— but you’re doing s’good.”

your hole sounds empty, filled, empty, filled again, as he continues to tongue fuck you, pressing a kiss to your twitching little hole as he pushes down on your stomach for what feels like the umpteenth time.

you hold your breath for a moment. only the obscene sounds of his tongue prodding into your spongey entrance to coax out your climax. “i know you’re feelin’ it, baby. show me you’re feelin’—”

you can’t take it anymore. the pressure inside you unleashes without warning.

you shatter with a high-pitched moan, white essence shooting out of your hole like a fountain. your legs shake, and you keep gasping for extra air. it’s a lot, it’s sticky, and it’s everywhere.

“that’s a good girl,” michael whispers, completely in awe as he continues to fuck you through it as you empty your flooded channel onto his pretty face, pussy convulsing and spritzing cum all over him.

“that was a big one, huh, pretty? did good f’me,” he murmurs, examining how your pussy bubbles out the last oozes of white. he brings his face up to yours. “made y’squirt, you know that, baby?” michael tells you, full of pride.

little slabs of cum stick to michael’s lips, his cheeks, it’s in his hair, dripping down his jaw, the tip of his nose. and most importantly, it’s splattered all over his infamous aviators.

“maybe y’can lick me clean, baby.” he proposes, but you know it’s actually an order. especially when he looks all edible and authorative with those aviators on.

and you do. you end up straddling michael’s lap, bare cunt spread open across his thigh, cradling his face in your hands as you lick your boyfriend clean like your cum is sweet vanilla ice cream on a hot summer day.

you taste your own essence, shy kitten licks over the cool glass of his aviators, leaving a disgustingly slimey trail behind. “you enjoyin’ it, baby?” he asks, looking at how you lap him up like a lollipop, all blissed out.

you hum. “taste it.”

your tongue slides over his soft lips, as michael sneakily sucks on your tongue because he can’t resist to taste your white sauce again. you follow with long languid licks over the expanse of his cheeks, tongue rotating over the faint stubbles of his beard.

all the while michael rolls your hips down his jean-clad thigh, your pathetically wet, creamy sounds filling his ears all over again. eventually you come again from just rubbing against his thigh, transparent liquid lazily sliding out of your tiny, abused, opened hole, leaving a balmy filter behind over your puckered little entrance. the muscle reddens from exhaustion, the buttery cum oozing out of you slightly stinging as it spreads aaalll over the denim of his jeans and on the duvet like an open faucet.

you come with a small, relieved sigh, all breathy and dreamy-sounding while your tongue is trapped between michael’s lips as he sucks at you, your boobs pushing up against his chest every time you push your cunt to the tent in his jeans again. you can’t even warm him; you’re not able to do anything but just let it happen.

The second you started scratching lightly at his scalp, Michael's eyes closed.

A content sigh escaped him.

"Mmh right there mama.."

You smiled immediately. "Where baby?"

"Mmh..." His head tilted slightly into your hand. "There." Your heart melted.

You loved how comfortable he was with you. How he never hid when he wanted affection.

How he trusted you with every soft part of himself. You carefully combed your fingers through his hair again. Michael practically melted beneath your touch.

"Mmh...that feels so good." he murmured.

Then his hand found yours. Not to stop you.

Just to hold it.

His fingers slipped around your wrist gently, guiding your hand a little higher into his curls. "Right there, baby." You laughed softly.

"Oh, you bossy." His eyes remained closed.

A smile tugged at his mouth. "M'not bossy, baby."

"You absolutely are." You clapped back.

"Mmh..." He sounded far too relaxed to argue properly. Your nails lightly scratched through his curls again.

then again, he mumbles—"There."

A pleased sigh. "That's nice." You couldn't stop smiling.

to be honest, you could sit here forever. Michael's thumb slowly brushed across your hand while it rested in his hair, Back and forth.

Absent minded Affectionate. Like he couldn't help touching you whenever you were near. His eyes opened slightly.

Just enough to look up at you.

And ugh.

That Beautiful look, That Completely in love look.

You leaned down and kissed his forehead. Michael's smile deepened instantly. Then you kissed his cheek. Then the tip of his nose. Which made him laugh quietly.

"Hey baby."

You laughed too. "Hi, baby." He looked entirely pleased hearing that.

His fingers intertwined briefly with yours before placing your hand right back where he wanted it.. In his curls.

"Mama." You brushed a curl away from his forehead.

"Yeah?"

"I love you." The words came so naturally.

So simply.. Like breathing.

Your chest squeezed.You leaned down and kissed him again.

Very Slow and Sweet.

The kind of kiss that made Michael smile halfway through it. When you pulled away, his hand immediately found your cheek.

Just holding it there for a second. Looking at you. Really admiring you, Like he never got tired of it. "I love you too." Michael's expression softened even more.

If that was even possible.Then he settled back into your lap again, completely content.

Your fingers returned to his curls.

few seconds later—"Mmh..." His eyes fluttered closed.

"There, baby." Your nails lightly scratched against his scalp, Another satisfied sigh escaped him.

His thumb continued stroking the back of your hand while he relaxed beneath you.

Not saying much now. Just enjoying you.

The kisses & the touches & The comfort of being together.

After a while, he lifted your hand from his hair long enough to press a gentle kiss against your knuckles.Then another.. Then he tucked it against his chest. Holding it there.

"Mama."

"Hm?" You laugh quietly.

A sleepy smile appeared on his face."You take real good care of me." Your heart nearly burst.

You bent down and kissed his forehead once more.

And Michael smiled without even opening his eyes, perfectly happy right where he was.

© 𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙙𝙞𝙚

the neon lights of studio 54 buzzed with a wild, electric energy as the heavy doors swung open. michael stepped inside, a bright, dazzling smile instantly spreading across his face. he was young, full of life, and absolutely vibrant, practically radiating a playful charm that caught everyone's attention the moment he arrived. this place was his absolute favorite sanctuary, a dazzling playground of music, laughter, and pure freedom.

as the pulsating disco beat washed over him, he threw his head back and laughed, his curls bouncing as he immediately started to move his feet to the rhythm. the air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume, glitter, and excitement. looking around the crowded, glittering dance floor, michael felt a familiar rush of pure joy—tonight was going to be another unforgettable night where he could just lose himself in the music.

the dance floor was a wild, swirling sea of color and motion, beneath a massive disco ball that scattered thousands of glittering lights across the room like stars. velvet ropes, silver confetti dropping from the ceiling, and flashing strobe lights painted everyone in bright shades of purple, gold, and blue. absolutely everybody was moving—there wasn't a single soul standing still. people were laughing, spinning, and completely losing themselves to the heavy, infectious bassline that echoed through the walls.

right in the heart of the crowd, michael was having the absolute time of his life, completely in his element alongside his brothers. they formed a tight, energetic circle, hyping each other up with every single beat. marlon was pulling off slick footwork, making jackie and tito laugh, while michael bounced on the balls of his feet, his energy completely infectious. he and jermaine exchanged a knowing look and started doing a synchronized routine right there on the glowing floor, their smiles huge and carefree. surrounded by his brothers and the best music in the world, michael felt completely unstoppable, dancing like the night would last forever.

meanwhile, all the way on the other side of the crowded club, a vibrant burst of energy was taking over the floor. a girl was standing there, completely lost in the music, starting to catch her own vibe as the rhythm took hold of her. she danced with a natural, effortless grace, but it was her pure, sparkling energy that truly made her stand out. she was incredibly bubbly and radiant, her movements filled with a playful, infectious joy that you just couldn't look away from.

very quickly, the small group of friends around her couldn't help but catch her vibe. they formed an excited circle around her, cheering her on and matching her bright, lively energy beat for beat. every time she laughed or pulled off a smooth, carefree move, her friends would hype her up even more, laughing and dancing right along with her. she was completely commanding her own little corner of studio 54, turning it into a beautiful, glowing center of fun that perfectly mirrored the electric magic happening across the room.

before long, it wasn't just her friends watching anymore. more and more people from across the club began to turn their heads, completely drawn in by the magnetic warmth radiating from her corner. there was something deeply mesmerizing and enchanting about the way she moved—a perfect blend of effortless charm and pure, raw joy that felt almost hypnotic to look at.

one by one, strangers began to drift over, unable to resist the pull of her vibrant energy. the tight circle of friends quickly expanded into a massive, lively crowd of people all trying to get a closer look and join in on the fun. the space around her grew packed as everyone started dancing with her, completely caught up in her spell. she was the undeniable center of attention now, lighting up that side of studio 54 with a captivating brilliance that was impossible to ignore.

suddenly, she stepped right up onto a central table right in the middle of the room, rising above the crowd like she owned the entire place. in an instant, she began to dance like a total queen, completely commanding the room from her new stage. a hush of awe seemed to ripple through the club as hundreds of eyes locked onto her, completely captivated.

her movements were absolutely breathtaking, striking a perfect, effortless balance between wild extravagance and high-class elegance. she would drop low with a dramatic, theatrical flair, her hips swaying perfectly to the rhythm, and then snap back up with the fluid grace of a runway model. every spin was sharp and confident, yet her arms drifted through the air with soft, mesmerizing beauty. she was vibing completely to the infectious bounce of the boogie, catching every single pop of the bass and accentuating it with a playful flip of her hair or a dazzling smile.

just across the room, the sudden shift in the crowd's attention caught the eye of the jacksons. marlon paused mid-step, his eyes widening as he spotted the girl shining like a star on top of the table. nudging the brother next to him, he pointed toward the center of the club and literally asked, "who is that girl?"

hearing marlon's question, michael spun around, his eyes instantly tracking his brother's gaze toward the center of the club. the second his eyes landed on her, he froze, completely captivated and utterly breathless. he was totally spellbound by what he was seeing.

first of all, she was absolutely stunning—radiant, gorgeous, and glowing under the flashing lights like a dream. but the way she moved was what completely stole his heart. she danced with an incredible, unparalleled rhythm that michael, of all people, could truly appreciate. every beat she hit, every effortless glide across that table, and every sharp, elegant snap of her body was pure perfection. he stood there completely mesmerized, his jaw slightly dropped and a soft, amazed smile creeping onto his lips as he couldn't take his eyes off her for even a single second.

"man, she is absolutely tearing it up," jermaine said, shaking his head in disbelief as he watched her move. "she’s got some serious rhythm. look at how she hits that bounce."

tito leaned in, nodding along to the music while keeping his eyes locked on the center table. "yeah, she's totally owning the whole room. you don't see anyone command a crowd like that every day, especially not in here. she's got style."

"she's incredible!" marlon laughed, already shifting his feet as if he wanted to go over and battle her on the dance floor. "she’s got the extravagance, but she makes it look so elegant. who even is she? i've never seen her around here before."

jackie just smiled, glancing over at michael who was still standing completely frozen. nudging michael's shoulder playfully, jackie teased, "hey, mike, look at you, you're staring a hole right through her. can't say i blame you, though. she's beautiful."

just as the bass dropped again, she turned her head and her eyes locked right onto michael's. she didn't look away either; she kept her eyes fixed straight on him, flashing a playful, knowing smile while she continued to dance like a total queen.

beside him, his brothers didn't miss a single thing. jermaine burst out laughing, instantly nudging michael in the ribs. "oh, look at that! mike, she’s looking right at you, man!"

"man, she's completely picking you out of the crowd!" marlon hyped up, laughing and pulling michael by the jacket sleeve. "what are you doing just standing there? go over there! go show her what you got!"

"yeah, mike, don't let her intimidate you," jackie teased, a huge grin on his face as he pushed michael forward a little bit. "go talk to her before someone else does!"

but michael was completely rooted to the spot, his cheeks burning a deep crimson under the flashing club lights. even though he was a superstar on stage, right now, under her mesmerizing gaze, he felt incredibly shy and super intimidated by her. she was just so beautiful and confident, moving so flawlessly while staring right at him, that his heart was hammering against his chest and he completely forgot how to move his own feet.

right in the middle of a smooth, hypnotic spin, she locked her eyes back onto his and slowly raised one hand, giving him a playful little finger wave, teasingly telling him to come over. all the while, her movements grew even more hyper-extravagant and deeply sensual, her hips dropping perfectly to the heavy thumping bass as she completely captured the energy of the room.

his brothers absolutely went wild when they saw that. "oh, it is on! mike, she literally just called you out!" marlon shouted over the music, practically shoving him forward.

"man, you cannot back down now!" jermaine yelled, a massive grin on his face. "go dance with her! go show her who the real king of the floor is!"

hearing his brothers chanting around him and seeing her dazzling smile waiting for him, michael finally took a deep breath. he gathered every single ounce of his courage, shaking off his shyness in an instant. with a sudden burst of adrenaline, he literally broke into a run, rushing straight toward the center of the club, ready to join her under the glittering lights.

with one swift, agile motion, michael leaped right up onto the table, landing perfectly on his feet right in front of her. the entire crowd inside studio 54 completely erupted, cheers and screams echoing through the air as everyone rushed closer to watch the two of them. the energy in the club instantly hit a whole new level, the atmosphere absolutely buzzing as everyone started to hype them up.

the chemistry between them was instant and totally undeniable. it felt like they had been dancing together for years; they caught the exact same rhythm effortlessly, moving in perfect, flawless synchronization to the heavy boogie beat. yet, even while hitting every sharp pop and smooth glide, she kept that same playful, mesmerizing little look fixed right on him, her eyes dancing with mischief and confidence. michael was completely helpless against it, totally and utterly subjugated by her breathtaking beauty up close. looking into her eyes, he felt like the luckiest guy in the room, completely lost in her spell as they dominated the dance floor together.

leaning in close so he could hear her over the roaring music, she flashed a dazzling, wicked little grin and whispered teasingly, "can you handle this?"

before he could even answer, she broke into an even more hyper-extravagant routine, completely turning up the heat. her movements became incredibly sharp, bold, and theatrical, dropping low with a dramatic flair before spinning back up with absolute, flawless precision. she was playing with the rhythm now, accentuating every heavy thud of the bass with a playful toss of her hair and a confident sway of her hips that had the entire crowd screaming in excitement. she was completely letting loose, pushing the energy in the room to its absolute limit just to see if michael could keep up with her.

a confident, playful grin broke across michael's face as he felt an instant rush of adrenaline. the initial shyness completely evaporated, replaced by a massive boost of pure excitement. looking straight into her eyes, he leaned in and shouted back over the bass, "oh, you have no idea!"

with his confidence soaring, he stepped right into her space, beginning to dance much closer to her than before. he matched her wild extravagance beat for beat, his movements becoming smoother, sharper, and incredibly focused on her. every time she dipped, he mirrored her glide, bringing them closer together until they were practically moving as one under the flashing lights. michael completely embraced the heat of the moment, using his own legendary rhythm to answer her challenge and showing her exactly why he belonged right there on that table next to her.

the chemistry between them grew even more intense, completely electric as it filled the air around the table. every single barrier between them seemed to melt away under the flashing disco lights, and they continued to dance, but closer now than they had been all night.

a thick, heavy tension began to settle between them, making the air feel completely charged. they were moving in such perfect harmony that they were almost glued together, their bodies practically touching with every single beat of the music. michael could feel the warmth radiating off her, and every time they spun or swayed to the heavy bass, their skin brushed, sending a rush of adrenaline straight through him. they were completely locked into each other's gaze, dancing so close that the rest of the crowded club completely faded into the background, leaving just the two of them moving as one in their own private world.

suddenly, she spun around, her back facing him as she pressed her hips directly against his, moving perfectly to the slow, heavy groove of the bass. with a smooth, confident motion, she reached back and rested one hand gently on the back of his neck, her touch warm and electrifying.

caught up in the absolute heat of the moment, michael didn't hesitate for a single second. reacting purely on instinct, he slid his hands firmly onto her narrow hips, his grip steady and confident as he pulled her even closer, locking her body tightly against his. a sudden, heavy wave of sexual tension snapped into place between them, thick and impossible to ignore. under the flashing lights of the club, their breathing grew shallow, and every micro-movement of their bodies felt completely charged, turning their playful dance battle into something incredibly intense, raw, and deeply magnetic.

the music slammed into them the second they hit the floor, a heavy, driving bassline that seemed to pulse right through the soles of their shoes. caught up in the absolute heat of the moment, michael didn't hesitate for a single second. reacting purely on instinct, he slid his hands firmly onto her narrow hips, his grip steady and confident as he pulled her even closer, locking her body tightly against his. a sudden, heavy wave of sexual tension snapped into place between them, thick and impossible to ignore. under the flashing lights of the club, their breathing grew shallow, and every micro-movement of their bodies felt completely charged, turning their playful dance battle into something incredibly intense, raw, and deeply magnetic.

it became an absolute blur of friction and heat, a dangerous game of dirty dancing where neither of them wanted to back down. she arched her back, grinding her hips slow and deliberate against his thighs, matching the heavy thud of the speakers. michael let out a low, ragged breath, his grip tightening on her waist as he moved right with her, his front completely flushed against her back, leaving absolutely zero space between them. every single twist of her hips rubbed heavily against him, sending a wild, intoxicating rush straight to his head.

the sheer friction of their bodies sliding together under the strobe lights was dizzying. she spun around to face him, wrapping one leg slightly around his hip as they rolled their bodies together in perfect, sultry sync, their chests rubbing flat against each other with every single beat. it was thick, sweaty, and completely uninhibited. he could feel the damp warmth of her skin, the frantic beat of her pulse, and the way her clothes dragged against his with every sharp, heavy tilt of their pelvises. they were completely locked into each other, moving so close and so dirty that the rest of the crowded club completely melted away into nothing but pure, unadulterated heat.

down on the club floor, his brothers were watching the whole thing play out with wide eyes and their jaws practically hitting the ground, completely and comically shocked. they stood there frozen, totally stunned because they had literally never seen their brother move like this before.

marlon’s mouth dropped so wide a piece of confetti could have fallen right in, his hands slapping the sides of his head in disbelief. "yo, are you seeing this?!" he yelled over the music, shaking jackie's shoulder violently. "is that actually michael up there?! our little brother?!"

jermaine let out a dramatic, high-pitched gasp, pointing at the table while bursting into a frantic, nervous laugh. "man, i didn't even know he had those types of moves in him! he is completely losing it!"

tito just stood there with his hands on his hips, his eyes bulging as he shook his head in absolute comedy. "he completely forgot about being shy, man. she totally broke him!" the brothers were practically tripping over each other in sheer amazement, absolutely losing their minds at how comically fast michael had gone from a blushing, nervous mess to completely owning the hottest girl in the room.

leaning down slightly so her lips were brushing against his ear, she let out a soft, breathless laugh and asked teasingly over the booming bass, "so, what's your name, stranger?"

michael didn't miss a single beat, his hips still locked into the rhythm with hers. with his initial shyness completely thrown out the window, a playful smirk spread across his face. he leaned in close, his voice smooth and confident as he answered right back, "i'm michael."

the moment the words left his mouth, he didn't care about the hundreds of eyes on him, and he completely forgot that he was usually the shyest guy in any room. he was just completely consumed by her presence. they kept dancing, moving seamlessly together in their own little bubble, his hands resting firmly on her waist as he completely embraced this new, bold side of himself, absolutely loving every single second of it.

"michael..." she repeated slowly, letting out a soft, teasing little chuckle that vibrated right against his chest.

michael absolutely loved the sound of it, a thrill running straight down his spine as a wide, confident grin broke across his face. hearing his name roll off her lips like that just made him want to hold on tighter.

answering his silent thoughts, she shifted again, pressing her hips even closer and grinding perfectly into his rhythm until there was absolutely no space left between them. she tilted her head back, locking her gaze onto the dj booth towering over the crowd, and shouted out with a bright, ecstatic laugh, "please don't stop the music!"

michael's eyes darkened with pure excitement as he gripped her hips a little tighter, catching her vibe perfectly. looking at the wild smile on her face and feeling the electric heat radiating between their bodies, he knew right then and there that this night was absolutely nowhere near over.

she spun around to face him completely, her eyes locking onto his with an intense, burning playful energy. holding his gaze, she slowly began to drop low, dancing her way down to the heavy, pulsing rhythm of the bass with absolute, breathtaking grace.

as she glided down, she reached out, running her warm hands smoothly up and down the length of michael's body. her fingertips traced up his legs, over his torso, and lightly brushed against his chest, leaving a trail of absolute fire in their wake.

michael stood there completely paralyzed, his breath hitching sharply in his throat. he was utterly and completely flabbergasted by what she was doing. his heart hammered wildly against his ribs as he stared down at her, totally mesmerized by the sheer confidence and raw, beautiful power radiating from her every movement. it felt like the entire world had stopped spinning, leaving him entirely under her spell as she completely dominated his senses.

slowly, she rose back up to her full height, her eyes never leaving his for even a fraction of a second. the moment she was completely upright again, she closed the tiny gap between them, her chest lightly pressing against his as she caught the rhythm once more without missing a single beat.

michael finally let out the breath he had been holding, a wide, thrilled smile taking over his face. he didn't waste another moment. he mirrored her closeness, letting his own body sway perfectly into hers as they locked into a seamless groove, completely driving the crowd below them into an absolute frenzy.

down on the main floor, his brothers were practically losing their minds. marlon was covering his eyes jokingly before peeking through his fingers, while tito and jackie were high-fiving, completely hyped up by how bold their usually quiet brother was being. but up on that central table, under the dazzling, spinning lights of studio 54, the rest of the world simply didn't exist anymore. there was only the heavy thumping disco bass, the electric heat skin-to-skin, and the beautiful girl who had completely changed his night.

she slid both of her hands up his chest and wrapped them gently around his neck, anchoring herself to him while they kept moving perfectly to the heavy, pulsing disco beat. she stayed pressed completely against him, her body moving in total sync with his under the flashing neon lights. looking straight into his eyes with a playful, teasing glint, she smiled softly and murmured, "did you get shy again, pretty boy?"

michael's heart skipped a beat, the sudden nickname sending a massive rush of heat straight to his face. up close, with her looking at him like that and her hands warm against his skin, he completely choked up. his throat went totally dry, and he opened his mouth to give a smooth reply, but nothing came out except a quiet, breathless stutter. he was struggling so hard to find his words, completely trapped in her gaze and utterly flustered by how confident and close she was.

she let out another soft, breathless little chuckle right against his chest, clearly enjoying how completely flustered she had him. leaning in even closer, she slid her lips right up to his ear, her warm breath sending a wild shiver straight down his spine as she whispered, "do you want to go somewhere a little more private?"

michael’s brain instantly went into absolute overdrive. a wave of pure, comical panic hit him, his heart hammering so loud he was sure she could hear it over the club's bass. his mind raced with a million thoughts—what about my brothers? what if people see us leave?—and his face flushed an even deeper shade of crimson.

but looking down at her, completely captivated by her smile and the electric tension humming between them, he knew there was no way he was letting her go. swallowing hard, he shook off the panic just long enough to nod eagerly, a breathless but definitive, "yeah—yes, definitely," slipping out of his mouth before he could think twice.

without losing a single second, she slid her hand into his, her fingers locking tightly around his. with perfect agility, she hopped down from the table, pulling him right along with her.

she started running through the packed crowd as fast as she could, weaving between the dancing bodies without ever letting go of his grip. michael followed close behind, his heart hammering wildly against his ribs, almost dizzy from how fast everything was moving. behind them, the heavy bass, the blinding strobe lights, and the absolutely crazy energy of the main floor began to fade with every single step.

she guided him at full speed through a dimmer hallway, heading straight for the club's restrooms. in an instant, they left all the madness of the party behind them, slipping inside the private space as the heavy door shut out the roaring sound of the club.

inside the restroom, she gently pushed him back against the wall, completely closing the distance between them. before he could even catch his breath, she leaned in and began to kiss him languidly, her lips moving slowly and deeply against his.

at first, michael didn't really know what to do. his brain short-circuited because the sensation was incredibly intense and powerful, sending a massive shockwave straight through his body. but within a split second, instinct took over.

he instantly placed his hands firmly on her waist, his grip tightening as he anchored her to him. slowly but surely, the initial shock melted away, and he began to melt into the kiss, matching her slow, deep rhythm and completely losing himself in the heat of the moment.

keeping her lips locked completely against his in that same deep, slow kiss, she slowly slid her hands down from his neck, letting her palms trail smoothly over his chest. she began to caress him gently right through the fabric of his shirt, her touch warm and incredibly deliberate.

without breaking the intense rhythm of the kiss, she slid her hands up his chest, her fingers finding the very first button at the top of his shirt. with a slick, practiced movement, she slipped it open, her warm fingertips brushing directly against the bare skin of his collarbone. michael let out a sharp, ragged breath into her mouth at the sudden contact, but he didn't pull away—if anything, his grip on her waist only tightened.

she kept going, her hands moving down with a slow, agonizing deliberation. one by one, she popped the next few buttons open, pulling the fabric of his shirt apart to expose the smooth expanse of his chest. the cool air of the room hit his bare skin for only a fraction of a second before she pressed herself entirely flat against him, letting her open palms slide inside the shirt to caress his chest directly. the intense friction of her skin rubbing against his sent a massive jolt of electricity straight through his body, making him groan softly into the kiss as they completely melted into the heat between them.

the feeling of her fingers moving across his skin sent another massive jolt of electricity straight through him. michael let out a soft, muffled sigh into the kiss, his body relaxing completely under her touch as his grip on her waist tightened, pulling her even closer into his space while they completely lost themselves in the quiet intensity of the room.

slowly breaking the kiss just enough to breathe, she looked up at him with a dark, playful smirk, her eyes completely locked onto his. she smiled softly and murmured against his lips, "you're not as shy as you look after all, are you?"

before he could even attempt to find his words, she leaned back in and shifted her focus downward. she began to press soft, lingering kisses right along his jawline, moving slowly down until her lips met the warm skin of his neck.

the sudden sensation of her mouth against his neck made michael's entire body go completely rigid for a split second. a heavy rush of heat flooded his veins, and without even realizing it, a soft, involuntary moan slipped from his throat. his hands tightened on her waist, pulling her flush against him as he completely surrendered to the intense feeling.

the moment his soft moan echoed in the quiet space, she leaned in even heavier, using her lips and teeth to graze the sensitive skin just beneath his jawline. michael's breath hitched completely, his fingers digging deep into the fabric of her shirt at her waist as a fierce, electric shiver shot straight down his spine. the friction of her body pressed so entirely flat against his front was absolute torture; every tiny breath she took rubbed her chest directly against his, stoking a fire that was quickly burning out of control.

he completely lost his grip on reality as she kept dragging her lips lower, trailing hot, wet kisses down toward his collarbone while her hips subtly shifted, pressing her warmth right into him. a dark, heavy desperation took over, and michael tilted his head back completely against the wall, giving her total access to his throat while his hands slid down to grip the back of her thighs, pulling her up and locking her impossibly close into his heat.

even though he still had absolutely no idea what he was doing, he let his instincts guide him completely. slowly, his hands drifted down from her waist, sliding lower until they rested firmly on the small of her back, pressing her even closer into his body.

gaining a sudden burst of confidence from the feeling of her skin, michael leaned his head down and began to press soft, tentative kisses along her neck, matching the exact way she had been kissing him.

the moment his lips touched her neck, she let out a soft sigh, her head tilting back slightly to give him more room as she completely loved every single second of it. she tightened her grip around his shoulders, moving against him as they completely lost themselves in the quiet, intense heat of the bathroom.

the heat in the room completely shifted as the kisses grew deeper, turning into something raw and incredibly intense. michael didn't feel any of his usual hesitation anymore; he just leaned into her completely, his lips moving against hers with a sudden, burning passion that took them both by surprise.

they kept kissing, each one becoming hungrier and more urgent than the last, completely losing track of time and space. his hands on the small of her back pulled her so close there was absolutely no distance left between them, while her fingers tangled deeply into his hair, holding him right there as they completely surrendered to the wild rhythm of each other.

the air in the small room completely evaporated as the kiss turned utterly feral. they kept kissing, each one becoming hungrier and more urgent than the last, completely losing track of time and space. his hands on the small of her back pulled her so close there was absolutely no distance left between them, while her fingers tangled deeply into his hair, holding him right there as they completely surrendered to the wild rhythm of each other.

the restraint they had maintained earlier shattered entirely. michael dragged his hands down from her lower back, his fingers digging firmly into the curve of her hips to hitch her body upward, forcing her thighs flush against his. she let out a sharp, muffled gasp directly into his mouth, using the sudden friction to press her pelvis heavily against his, grinding into him with a slow, agonizingly deliberate heat that made his head completely spin. a thick, suffocating wave of pure desire crashed over them, locking them into a rhythm that was raw, desperate, and entirely uninhibited.

every single point of contact was burning. her hands tore out of his hair to grip his broad shoulders, her fingernails digging deep through his chest as she arched her spine, completely molding her chest against his. michael let out a low, dark groan deep in his throat, completely intoxicated by the intense friction of her body rubbing so heavily against his own. he pinned her even harder against the wall, his thigh slipping between hers as they moved together in a tight, sweaty, and dangerous blur of friction, completely consumed by the wild, dirty magnetism of the moment.

breaking the kiss for just a fraction of a second to catch his breath, he found himself talking more and more, the words spilling out of him with a rare, unfiltered confidence. he leaned in close, his voice a low, raspy murmur against her skin as he started telling her exactly how much she had captivated him out there on the floor.

"i've never seen anyone dance like you," he whispered breathlessly, his lips brushing against hers with every syllable. "i just loved how you moved... so completely free, like nobody else was even in the room. you didn't care about the crowd, you just didn't care about anyone else's eyes at all."

he let out a soft, amazed laugh at his own sudden boldness, completely mesmerized by her. before she could even answer, he plunged right back in, capturing her lips once again to continue kissing her even more passionately, his hands pressing into the small of her back as if to thank her for pulling him completely out of his shell.

she smiled deeply into the kiss, her lips brushing warm against his as she murmured back, "you know, you were the only guy in that whole place who actually had the nerve to get up on that table and dance with me."

michael let out a soft, genuine laugh against her mouth, the sound rich and completely relaxed. the idea that he was the bold one out of everyone at studio 54 completely amused him, especially considering how terrified he had been just a few minutes ago.

"i guess i did," he whispered playfully, a confident little grin forming on his lips before he leaned right back in, continuing to kiss her passionately without missing a single beat, completely intoxicated by the fact that she had chosen him out of the entire crowd.

he pulled back just a tiny bit, his eyes completely locking onto hers as a soft, completely genuine look took over his face. he ran his thumb gently across her cheekbone, his voice dropping into a low, breathless whisper as the words came out of him naturally.

"you are just so beautiful," he murmured, his eyes scanning every detail of her face under the dim lights. "completely radiant... i mean it, you're absolutely stunning."

he couldn't help the bright, admiring smile that broke across his lips as he said it, totally captivated by her. before she could even process the sweet compliment, he leaned right back down, continuing to kiss her softly, his touch even more tender than before.

she let out a soft, melodic little laugh, her cheeks flushing a bit under his intense, beautiful gaze. she tilted her head up slightly, her eyes crinkling with absolute affection as she wrapped her arms a little tighter around his shoulders.

"you are so incredibly cute, michael," she teased softly, her voice filled with warmth as she used his name for the very first time.

hearing her say that made a huge, proud smile break out across his face, his chest swelling with a sudden rush of pure happiness. he didn't even try to hide how flustered he was this time; he just laughed softly along with her, leaning right back down to press another sweet, passionate kiss against her lips.

he looked down straight into her eyes, his expression becoming a little more serious but incredibly sweet. a tiny, hopeful smile played on his lips as he mustered up the courage to ask, "do you think... we could ever do this again? like, have another dance session just like that together?"

she let out a soft, affectionate laugh at how endearing he was. without a word, she brought both of her hands up, gently cupping his face in her warm palms and tilting his head down just a fraction more. looking right into his big, soft eyes, she smiled and whispered, "you know... we could have way more than just dance sessions, michael."

she paused, her eyes dropping down to his exposed chest, where his shirt still hung completely open from her fingers earlier. a playful, wicked smirk spread across her lips as she smoothed her hands down his neck, letting her fingers trail over his bare skin one last time before she grabbed the edges of his collar.

"but first," she whispered against his lips, her voice dripping with a teasing, sultry warmth, "we're going to have to button you back up, handsome boy."

michael's cheeks flushed an instant, deep crimson at the nickname, a shy but completely charmed smile breaking across his face. he stood there completely captivated as she slowly began to slide the buttons back into place, her knuckles intentionally brushing against his chest with every single one, keeping the tension burning hot between them even as she put him back together.

michael's eyes widened slightly, a bright, happy laugh slipping from his throat. they both leaned in for a quick, tender little kiss, their lips meeting in a sweet, lingering touch before they instantly wrapped their arms around each other. they held each other close in a warm, tight hug, both of them giggling softly as they stood together in the quiet room, completely happy.

she bit her lip playfully, a wicked little laugh slipping out as she looked up at him through her lashes. "we could actually start right now and do another one if you want," she murmured mischievously.

before he could even process what she meant, she gripped his hand tightly and started pulling him right out of the restroom, heading straight back toward the roaring chaos of the club. michael laughed out loud, his heart racing with pure excitement as they burst back onto the crowded floor, ready to completely lose themselves in the music and each other all over again.

 °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚

The argument afterward had not gone.. well. Mostly because it stopped being about jealousy almost immediately—that would’ve been easier. Instead it became about disrespect. About spending an entire evening standing in a room full of people while another woman monopolized her boyfriend’s attention. About feeling invisible and like a second choice. About Diana acting like she possessed a claim on Michael that nobody else was supposed to fucking question. Then, Diana made the catastrophic mistake of questioning her right back. Michael doesn’t remember every detail because the second the tension started rising, his survival instincts kicked in and his brain effectively left the building. But he remembers (Name) asking if she could maybe have five uninterrupted minutes with her own boyfriend. He remembers Diana not appreciating the tone. He remembers trying to smooth things over then—the drink in (Name)’s hand found itself splashing in Diana’s face before Michael had to physically pick up and pull her away while another nearby did the same with Diana.

Now Diana is on one side of the club pretending none of it happened. His girlfriend is on the other side pretending he doesn’t exist.

And somehow Michael is the common denominator in both disasters.

After spending nearly fifteen minutes pacing around the bar (like a condemned man awaiting execution), Michael finally orders her favorite drink. Then orders another because his hands are shaking badly enough that he drops the first one. By the time he starts walking toward her booth, he’s rehearsed approximately seventeen? different apologies and forgotten every single one of them. His girlfriend notices him immediately but she simply chooses not to acknowledge it. Michael stops beside the table and waits. Nothing.

“Hi.” Silence. “Hi,” he tries again, somehow sounding even more nervous the second time. Still nothing then carefully, he sets the drink down in front of her.

“..I got this for you, baby..” That finally earns him a reaction: she looks at the glass. Then at him and back at the glass. A smile appears and Michael’s stomach immediately drops to the floor. Because it’s not her happy smile. It’s the smile. The one that means she’s about to make him suffer.

“Oh.” One word as she picks up the drink and studies it thoughtfully before slowly lifting her eyes back to his. The smile widens.

“Oh,” She says again. “Finally remembered who your girlfriend is?” And just like that, every apology Michael spent the last fifteen minutes rehearsing evaporates completely.

Michael just stares at her. Which, unfortunately, is probably the worst possible thing he could be doing right now. He just.. stares. Partially because he's terrified and genuinely, sincerely terrified in a way that feels ridiculous considering he’s a rising star, one would think very little scares him. But he’s staring mostly because she’s angry, and he's never actually seen her like this before. Not really—not directed at him. Usually when she’s upset, there’s still something soft underneath it. Its huffy, pouty, there’s some visible crack where he can see his way back in. Tonight there isn’t. Tonight she’s sitting across from him looking completely unimpressed, completely unaffected by his presence, and somehow so damn beautiful. She’s beautiful everyday, yeah. But right now? Whew. Her eyes seem darker, her posture straighter and there’s a confidence that feels like she owns the entire nightclub and everyone inside it. Michael knows he should be apologizing. Knows he should be speaking. Knows he should be doing literally anything other than staring at her. Instead, his brain completely betrays him by noticing how pretty she looks when she’s mad.

The silence stretches longer than it should and her eyebrow slowly lifts. Michael continues staring.

“Hello?” Nothing. “Michael?”

His brain finally restarts with all the grace of a car refusing to turn over. “Pardon?” The second the word leaves his mouth, she lets out a short laugh and leans back against the booth cushions.

“Oh my God,” she mutters. “You're not even listening to me.”

Michael immediately opens his mouth to argue before deciding against it. Bad idea. Very bad idea. Then she gestures casually across the club toward Diana and smiles in a way that makes every survival instinct in his body activate at once.

“Please go back over there before I drag that old bitch.” Michael’s eyes widen and his gaze instinctively flickers toward Diana before snapping right back to his girlfriend. Huge mistake. She catches it immediately.

“Oh, don't worry,” she says sweetly. “I’m sure she’d love to see you.” And suddenly Michael understands that this isn’t really about Diana at all—or at least entirely. It’s about spending an entire evening making his girlfriend feel unwanted while he floated around Studio 54 like he didn’t even have one. The realization settles heavily in his stomach, and for the first time all night, he's no longer scared of her being angry. He’s scared because she has every right to be.

(Name) stares at him for another few seconds before letting out a long sigh and sliding out of the booth. Michael immediately straightens because the fact she's standing up usually means a decision has been made, and Michael has a horrible feeling he isn’t going to like it. She smooths down her outfit, picks up her purse, and points directly at him.

“I’m leaving.” She says and Michael blinks.

“Okay..” He nods.

“You can stay if you want.” His face falls instantly. “But,” She continues holding up a finger, “I’m changing the locks if you do.” The statement confirms he is, in fact, still very much in trouble and (Name) watches the realization happen in real time. His shoulders sink. His mouth opens. Closes. Opens again. Then without a single argument, he simply stands up and follows after her immediately with no hesitation. He’s trailing along a few steps behind like a giant, miserable puppy that knows exactly why it’s being punished.

(Name) makes it approximately ten feet before glancing over her shoulder and finding him still there looking guilty and pathetic. Looking like if she left him alone in Studio 54 for more than twenty minutes he’d probably just stand in the corner thinking about life. The sight nearly breaks her resolve. Nearly.

“That's what I thought,” She says, reaching back and hooking a finger into the collar of his shirt and Michael doesn’t even protest. If anything, he seems relieved to be collected. (Name) rolls her eyes and starts steering him toward the exit while he obediently follows along behind her. They’re halfway across the club when a familiar voice cuts through the crowd.

“Well, look at this.” Quincy appears out of nowhere, drink in hand and a grin already spreading across his face as he takes in the scene before him. (Name) with one hand on Michael’s collar. Michael following behind her with all the dignity of a man being escorted out of kindergarten. Quincy immediately starts laughing.

She brightens instantly. “Hi, Q!” she calls cheerfully, as if she isn’t actively dragging her boyfriend through the middle of Studio 54. “We're leaving!”

Quincy glances at Michael and at the hand attached to his collar. “I can see that, sweetheart.”

She nods enthusiastically. ”Early too!” And behind her, Michael closes his eyes for a brief moment as Quincy nearly doubles over laughing.

“What’d you do, Mike?” Quincy asks.

“I don't wanna talk about it,” Michael mutters.

“He knows what he did,” She answers at the exact same time, giving his collar another tug toward the door and Quincy laughs even harder. Michael wishes the floor would open and swallow him whole.

The walk to the car is painfully embarrassing for Michael but she saves him from the embarrassment of the paparazzi because releases his collar the second they step outside, but somehow that’s worse. At least when she was dragging him around, she was touching him. Now she’s just walking beside him with her purse tucked under her arm and her expression fixed firmly ahead. The night air is cooler than inside the club, carrying away some of the heat and noise of Studio 54, but none of it helps the growing sense of dread sitting in Michael’s stomach. When the car finally pulls up, he nearly lunges for the door handle, rushing ahead to open it for her before she can do it herself. She doesn’t acknowledge the gesture beyond sliding into the seat without a word and Michael follows a moment later, settling beside her as the door shuts and the city begins moving past the windows.

The silence inside the car feels louder than the music had.

(Name) sits with her arms crossed tightly over her chest and one leg thrown over the other, looking out the window because she’s suddenly become fascinated by New York traffic. Michael glances at her once.. then again. Then a third time. Every few seconds his eyes drift back toward her before darting away when she doesn’t react. He lasts maybe five minutes before finally giving up. Slowly and cautiously, he reaches across the seat and rests his hand lightly on her knee.

She just refuses to look at him.

“Lovey..” Michael says quietly. No response.

“I’m sorry.” His thumb moves against her knee. “Will you look at me?” Nothing.

“Please? What can I do?” The worst part is how sincere he sounds. He’s not making excuses or defending himself. He’s just being her Michael. Soft and sweet and looking so genuinely miserable that she can physically feel her resolve beginning to crack down the middle. She hates it. Hates how easy it is when he uses that voice. Hates how his eyes get all sad. Hates that she still wants to forgive him..

So instead she turns her head slowly and narrows her eyes at him. Michael immediately brightens.

Big mistake.

“Don't,” she warns and his smile falters. “You are going to massage my feet until your hands hurt.”

For a moment he stares at her then relief washes across his face so quickly it’s almost embarrassing. “That's it?”

Her eyes narrow further and Michael wisely corrects himself. “I mean.. yes. Absolutely. As long as you want.”

“Good.”

“Okay."

“And I'm still mad at you.”

“I know.”

“Very mad.”

“I know, lovey.”

She turns back toward the window, fighting the smile threatening to appear on her face and a few seconds later, Michael’s hand quietly slips from her knee into her hand.

This time she lets it stay there.

The second she lets his hand stay in hers, Michael immediately gets hopeful in that cutie way he gets when he thinks he might still be forgiven. She doesn’t even have to look at him to feel it. Its the little glances he keeps sneaking at her and the way his thumb moves against her knuckles. She keeps her gaze fixed out the window acting like she hasn’t noticed any of it even though she absolutely has.

The quiet doesn't last long.

“..Can I have a kiss?” Michael asks, voice softer than it already is because he’s testing whether the ground is stable again. (Name) closes her eyes for a second like she’s physically bracing herself, then finally turns her head toward him. The look she gives him is unreadable, but it doesn’t stop her from leaning across the space and pressing a quick kiss to his lips anyway. It’s brief, barely even a second, and the moment it’s over she’s already pulling away and turning back toward the window like nothing happened. Michael goes completely still beside her for a second then lets out a small, disbelieving laugh under his breath.

“I got a kiss,” he says softly, and she immediately groans and hides her face in her hand.

“Don’t start,” she warns, but her voice isn’t nearly as firm as she wants it to be. And Michael, still holding her just leans back in his seat with a smile that makes it very clear he knows exactly what he’s doing to her.

By the time they get back to her apartment (he pays for), the argument has started to lose its intensity. She kicks off her shoes the second she walks in and Michael follows her in without a word, already looking for ways to make things right without overcomplicating it.

A few minutes later she’s settled on the couch with one leg tucked under her, a cigarette resting between her fingers as she leans back into the cushions, watching him move around the room. Michael eventually ends up sitting on the floor in front of her, carefully taking her feet into his hands and he starts massaging slowly, thumbs pressing into her arch. She doesn’t look at him at first, just exhales smoke toward the ceiling, acting like she’s still mad, but her foot relaxes in his grip anyway, betraying her before she can stop it.

Michael glances up at her once, then keeps going when she doesn’t tell him to stop. “Still mad at me?” he asks quietly, like he already knows the answer but needs to hear it from her anyway.

(Name) doesn’t look down at him right away. She just takes another slow drag from her cigarette, considering it for a second longer than necessary, then finally tilts her head slightly in his direction with the faintest trace of a smile pulling at her mouth. And Michael, still on the floor with her feet in his hands, keeps massaging like he’s already accepted whatever verdict she decides to give him.

Michael keeps working his thumbs into her feet and she lounges back into the couch like she’s testing how long she can stay annoyed before it dissolves on its own. She finally speaks without looking at him, voice light but still edged with something he knows better than to fully relax around.

“I dunno,” she says, exhaling another thin stream of smoke toward the ceiling. “Do you think I should still be mad?”

Michael pauses for half a second, hands still resting around her ankle. Then he looks up at her properly, curls a little messy, expression soft and painfully earnest.. that look always makes her anger feel less solid than it should. “Yes,” he says immediately, then corrects himself just as fast, “I mean—no. I mean.. I think you were right to be mad.”

That earns him a look.

So he keeps going, “I was stupid,” he admits, thumbs resuming their slow pressure like he needs the movement to stay grounded. “I should’ve been with you more. I didn’t mean to.. make you feel like that.” His eyes flick up again, searching her face carefully, like he’s trying to read whether he’s losing her in real time. “But I.. also really don’t want you to stay mad at me.”

(Name) watches him for a moment, cigarette still between her fingers, expression unreadable in a way that makes his stomach tighten slightly. Then she tilts her head, studying him like she’s deciding something she hasn’t fully committed to yet. Michael doesn’t move, he just waits there on the floor with her foot in his hands.

Finally, she lets out a small breath through her nose, something almost like a laugh buried in it, and leans her head back against the couch.

“You’re lucky you’re pretty,” she says, not quite forgiving him but not holding on to the anger either. Michael lets out a relieved breath he clearly didn’t realize he was holding and immediately goes back to massaging.

“But you’re definitely putting that mouth to work tonight.”

You were wiping down the counter for the third time when you looked up and saw Michael still at the Pac-Man machine. Still. “Mike,” you call out, laughing a little. “Don’t you got a home?” Without looking away from the screen, he says, “I’m busy makin’ history.”

“You’ve been playing for forty minutes.”

“And winnin’ for forty minutes.” He claps back.Which was unfortunately true. Nobody had beaten his score all night. Michael leaned closer to the machine dramatically as the game sped up, his small curls falling in his face while the game lights flashed across his jacket.

Then the machine suddenly blared its victory sound again. Michael immediately spun around with both arms raised. “That’s twelve!” You clap slowly. “Incredible. Truly life changing.”

“You just jealous huh.”

“I’m employed.” He laughs loudly at that, head dropping back for a second before he finally lets the machine go and walks back toward the counter.

The arcade feels weirdly soft now that it’s empty. Quiet enough to hear shoes squeak against the floor.

Quiet enough to hear your heartbeat every time Michael looks at you too long. He hops onto the stool again while you stack cups behind the register. “You always close alone?” he asks. “Usually.” You sighed. “That ain’t safe.”

“You say that like this neighborhood is Gotham City.” Michael grins a little. “Still.”

You shrug while reaching up to turn off one of the menu lights.The dimness somehow makes everything worse...

Or better. Hard to tell anymore.

Michael watches you move around the counter quietly now, chin resting against his hand. Not even pretending not to stare anymore. “You know somethin’?” he says suddenly. “What?” You look at him.

“You real pretty when you work.” Your stomach flips instantly. You busy yourself rearranging napkins that absolutely do not need rearranging. “That line sounded better in your head, huh?”

“Nah,” he says softly. “Sound exactly right.” You look up before you can stop yourself. Big mistake. Because Michael’s already smiling at you—not teasing this time.

Just him being honest. The tension hits harder in quiet moments like this. Because they are no kids screaming, no arcade noise covering things up, Just him, Looking at you like he’s trying not to make it obvious how much he likes you.

You finally finish wiping the counter and sigh dramatically. “Okay. We’re officially closed.”

Michael glances around slowly. “Damn.”

“You really survived it.”

“I really did huh.” You laugh quietly while grabbing your bag from beneath the register. “Alright, superstar. Time to leave.” He slides off the stool immediately. “I’ll walk out with you girl.”

“You don’t gotta do that.”

“I know.” The answer comes too fast. And somehow that makes your face warm again. The night air outside feels cooler than before, neon signs buzzing overhead while you lock the arcade doors behind you.

Michael stays close beside you while you walk down the side alley toward the employee parking lot. Close enough that your arms brush once, Then again. Neither of you moves away. “You always this shy?” he asks softly. “You always talk this much?”

“Only when I’m nervous.” You glance at him immediately. “You get nervous?” Michael laughs under his breath.

“You think I’m smooth all the time?” You scan his face. “A little.”

“Nah.” He shoves his hands into his jacket pockets. “Just with you.” Your heartbeat stumbles embarrassingly fast.You stop near the brick wall beside the building to dig through your bag for your keys.

Michael stops too. And suddenly it’s quiet again, One of those realization silences. You finally find your keys and look up and realize Michael’s closer now. Just close enough to make your stomach twist.

“You know,” he says softly, “I kept comin’ back here thinkin’ maybe you ain’t interested.” You blink. “What?” He smiles shyly, eyes dropping briefly before meeting yours again. “Then you’d smile at me and mess me all up again.”

Your chest melts instantly. “Michael...what?”

“You got me sittin’ in broken arcade machines every night lookin’ stupid.” You laugh breathlessly. “You do that yourself.”

“Mhm..i know” Neither of you moves.The soft light fron the road flickers softly across his face while he looks at you like he’s trying to work up courage for something.

Then quietly: “Can I kiss you?” God.

The fact that he asks nearly ruins you on the spot.You nod once. That’s all he needs.

Michael kisses you carefully at first, one hand sliding lightly against your waist while your back brushes the brick wall behind you.

And the second you kiss him back properly—he exhales softly against your mouth like he’s been holding his breath for weeks.

Very Warm and very Sweet.

A little shaky, Michael smiles into the kiss halfway through, actually giggling quietly when your hands grab the front of his jacket.“There she go,” he murmurs against your lips.

“You talk too much.” You said against his lips.

“You like it though.” You absolutely do. His hand slides gently along your jaw while he kisses you deeper this time, slower now, like he finally gets to do something he’s been thinking about forever.

⊹ ࣪ ˖ & Maybe he has...

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