J.✦ ݁˖

pairing: the velvet rope era janet jackson x fem!reader

desc: janet invites you to her album release party after ending your relationship, but she's got a lot on her mind.

warnings: suggestive themes

wc: 1.1k

a/n: first fic on tumblr eowwww!! i've been lurking for some time now. be gentle please! i've been listening to tvr nonstop for the past month. fun fact, janet was my first concert hehe. happy pride month to all the gorls and the gays! make sure to request if there's something specific you want : )

oct 1997.

you have been cordially invited to the velvet rope, a release party.

the engraved card stock read as you removed it from your apartment's mailbox.

"you can't be serious..."

the last time you spoke to janet was three months ago, abruptly cutting you off after dating for six months.

"i need more time alone to focus on my album love, i really hope you understand..."

"i don't...janet where is this coming from? i thought we were doing so well?"

"we are, but i really just need my time. i hope i can show you that our love is worth the wait."

"what? dunk-"

click.

as you walked into your dimly lit apartment, surrounded by the soft sounds of baduizm playing on the cd player you forgot to turn off before leaving, you read the invitation what seems like fifty more times. half of the time you all spent together was engulfed with her recording the album. her work ethic and determination to complete it despite going through issues of her own was admirable. you understood how personal this album was, comforting her when the heavy topics it surrounded took over. late nights on your couch became the norm after recording sessions, and the pain of her absence cut deep.

this woman is crazy. how can you not speak to me for months after seeing each other damn near everyday and then invite me to your party like it's nothing? kissing your teeth, you flung the invitation onto the kitchen counter and got ready for bed.

the steamy shower was paired with long thoughts of janet. the way she would touch you when you shared that same space. her poetic expressions of love towards you. her body nuzzled next to you in bed. no. you thought. she left for a reason. if she feels my presence was too much, she doesn't deserve to take up space in my head, trying to convince yourself that you have moved on.

out of the shower, you rested quietly in your studio apartment's bed, fighting your thoughts until slumber took over.

days went on, as you left the invitation in the same place it landed. you continued your own life, nearly forgetting about the invitation until your close confidant, and janet's choreographer, tina, called you. from the tone of your voice alone, she knew she had some convincing to do.

"i'm. not. going."

"whyyyy!?! look- i know you both have lingering feelings for each other, why do you think you got an invitation in the first place? she wants you there!"

"what does it matter what SHE wants? it's always what she wants. thats why we aren't even together right now..."

"listen..you should be there. you were there for a good chunk of the creation of it, its like your baby too-"

"tina, please. before you make me say absolutely not right now."

"so it's a yes?"

"bye tina," you said before hanging up the phone. you sat.

and sat.

and sat some more.

the party was friday night, and it was going on thursday. you had no weekend plans, no excuse not to go other than avoiding janet and her attempt to reach out via invitation. what would you say to her? what would she say to you? maybe she's moved on and wants to rub it in? you sighed, and began to dig in your closet for tomorrow night, accepting that you would be in attendance.

your stiletto boots clacked on the pavement as you walked up to the entrance of her malibu residence, filled to the brim with A list celebrities and family to celebrate janet's milestone. toying with the jewelry draped around your waist, you realized you came at a what seemed a perfect time, right as janet was going to give her speech.

"wow. thank you all so much for coming tonight. wow," she laughed. "i was not expecting all of you here, i would've booked a bigger place!" the crowd chuckled at her shock. "but no seriously, thank you for coming on this journey with me. this album hands down has been the most difficult and complex piece of art i've created. so much of myself went into this, and i hope you all are able to take something from it." looking deeper into the crowd, she spotted you. "i'm so appreciative of those who supported me though this process, barring with me even when i gave so little." looking back at the general crowd she exclaimed, "lets get this party started!"

we have a special need to feel that we belong come with me inside inside my velvet rope...

the lights darkened, emphasizing the pulsating sound of the introductory song. you disappeared into the grooving crowd as you saw janet searching around for you, avoiding the inevitable conversation between you two.

tired of aimlessly wondering around the party, you stepped into the bathroom you came to love during your time with her, the walls adorned in zebra print. staring at yourself in the mirror and admiring your outfit, but also questioning further why you were there, you heard a knock on the door.

"i know you're in there."

"janet?" you said opening the door, allowing her to slide through the crack and lock the door behind her.

"why are you running away from me?"

"why did YOU invite me here?"

her eyes told a story only you would understand. she reached for your hand, but you created distance between you two, allowing her to feel the physical and emotional barrier she created.

"please baby. please listen to me. i wanted you here, that's why i invited you. don't you hear these songs? i wrote them about you...i'm sorry about what happened between us, i was going through such a difficult time and i thought the only way to get over it was isolating myself from the ones who loved me the most."

you stared blankly into her eyes.

I need you Like the flowers need the rain I need you Like a bruise needs the pain I need you Like the stars need the night I need you Like the waves need the sea

she longed for you in her lyrics playing behind the door, showing that even though you all were separated, she thought of you just as much as you did of her.

closing the distance, she wrapped her hand around your waist and pulled you closer. notes of orange blossom and vanilla filled your nose as your stares intensified.

you broke.

"dunk, i need you."