jules

Growing up with the Jacksons was full of many adventures, laughs, and good times but beneath all of that was Joseph Jackson’s temper, yelling, and abuse. You were always close friends with LaToya, running around the house after being in the pool all day long and leaving wet footprints everywhere. 

One day, while having a pool day with the Jackson sisters, you had overheard Joseph yelling in his office, coincidentally, in order to get back outside you needed to pass by the office. Curiosity took over you and you couldn’t help but peek through the crack of the door. 

On the other side of Joseph’s desk was a crying Michael, silent tears falling down his face, eyes wide open and staring straight at his father. It looked like Michael wasn’t even aware of what he was being told, his body frozen and mind whirlpooling with thoughts. “You’re selfish Michael, that's what this is. A solo album, solo album you say…selfishness. What about your brothers? Your mother? Me? That never crossed your mind, now did it? You’re sure to scare all those people away with the album cover, big nose.”

Michael remained silent, eyes now pointing to the floor and his lip quivering. “Now get on out. Selfish that’s what this is Michael. Get out!” Joseph laughed. 

“Yes, Joseph.” 

You quickly walked away, trying to keep your feet light. Finally making it out to the pool you heard LaToya, “Y/N! Did you go to Paris for that swimsuit? It took you forever to get changed, we’re basically toast now!”

You let out a little laugh as you dipped your feet into the pool, testing the waters and finally letting your lower body sink into it. “Well it takes time to look pretty, LaToya. Unfortunately this beauty isn’t natural, it’s ten pounds of makeup.”

The door creaked open, Michael walked out of the office while wiping his tears and looking around to make sure no one was around. He walked down to the kitchen to grab some juice and splash his face with water before exiting to the yard. He heard faint laughter and complaints coming from his sisters. 

“Oh please! A little mascara isn’t ten pounds of makeup.” LaToya rolls her eyes, “Who are you even trying to impress? Maybe hmm…oh speak of the devil! Michael, Y/N here-”

“LaToya.” You said as your eyes went wide warning her to not continue her sentence. You turned back and waved to Michael, “Hi Michael!”

Michael’s eyes were at his feet, one foot over the others and switching, a blush creeping on his cheeks, “Hi.” He always kept it short, unlike his brothers, Michael was on the shy side. He didn’t flirt with you or make many jokes, though sometimes you wished he did. In fact, you were close to almost everyone in the house except Michael.

It wasn’t that you both never spoke but when you did, it was just short and straight to the point. Unfortunately for you, even if the other brothers wouldn’t hesitate to get at you the moment you let your guard down, you took interest in Michael, the very brother you barely ever talked to. Moments like earlier were the type that made you realize you had a soft spot for him. LaToya eventually caught on to your little admiration of her younger brother and would tease you right in front of him. 

“Do you mind if I join you all?” He asked hesitantly looking between his sisters and finally to you.

“‘Course not, get in!” LaToya smiled directly at you as she responded to her brother.

── ⟢

Hours had passed, everyone was exhausted. LaToya had gotten out of the pool once the sun had set and was now sprawled on the couch with her arm over her eyes. Janet sat beneath her with her legs crossed and focused on the movie playing. Michael was sitting on the other side of the couch with you just a couple feet away from him. 

As the movie went by, the space between you and Michael was closing. You hadn’t realized that every time there was a jumpscare, you would inch closer to him. Unfortunately for Michael, he had noticed how close you were getting, his body stiff and casual glances to see if you were looking at him but your eyes were stuck on the movie. 

At some point your foot touched his thigh, finally you had realized the distance between you both had disappeared. “Sorry. I didn’t realize I got so close.” You let out an awkward chuckle and brought your ankle close. 

“It's fine, don't worry ‘bout it.” He gave you a smile, “Do you like the movie?”

You silently shook your head, still staring at him, “Not really. I’m not a big fan of horror movies. They give me nightmares.”

Michael laughed, his teeth slightly peeking. “I can see that. You keep getting closer.”

“Was I? Must’ve moved unconsciously.” You held your ankle a little tighter, “You have a pretty smile, you should smile more.” 

A blush was creeping up on his cheeks, as it often does, mouth slightly agape, not knowing what to say. He nodded, “I’ll make sure to smile more when you’re around.”

“Michael, you’re very handsome, you know. You’ve got a pretty smile, a cute nose, and the most dazzling eyes.”

“You’re flattering me, I wouldn’t say all that though.” He looked down, his finger grazing his nose. Looking back up at you with a smile, “I don’t hear that often.”

“Well you should. I’ll be here to tell you whenever you need it and even when you don’t. It’s the truth Michael, I wouldn’t lie.” You smiled at him and looked back to see LaToya and Janet fast asleep. “Y’know I can spot you easily even when all your brothers are around. You’re the most handsome.”

“Yeah…” Michael looked into your eyes, down to your lips and back up. He hadn’t kissed anyone before but right now, right now it felt right and apparently so did you because you leaned in and pressed a quick kiss on his lips. He turned his head with his fingers pressed to his mouth, trying to conceal that the redness had now reached his neck and a big smile was on his face. “You’re pretty too, Y/N. I get excited seeing you around.”

“Now you’re flattering me baby.” You tapped his thigh and rose up from your spot, stretching your hands up high letting your shirt rise up. “Good night Michael.” 

You pressed a kiss to his cheek as his face was still turned, finally leaving his bubble, you started shaking LaToya and Janet awake, “‘Toya, Janet, let’s go to bed. ‘M so tired, I need a bed.”