synopsis: michael shows his gf his stable and they ride horses tg :)
michael jackson x black!reader
warning(s): kissing, him calling you βbabyβ and βgirlβ and βmamaβ you calling him βbabyβ not proofread.
a/n: happy Juneteenth, i had fun with the visuals on this lol and the other fics will come later bc itβs 4am and ima be in deep slumber!
the golden light of the late afternoon spilled across the rolling hills of hayvenhurst ranch like honey, turning the glass into a ocean of emerald and gold. you stepped out of the black car, driven by bill who gave you a smile before driving off. when michael approached you with the idea you didnβt know how to dress for the occasion. you slipped on some guess blue jeans and a white tee shirt, hoping it was acceptable.
oh! and you brought your polaroid camera, for memories.
the california breeze caught each and every edge of you. you took a deep breath, taking in the air of the grassland and the stillness of the atmosphere. it was peaceful. just how michael liked it.
michael was already standing at the bottom of the steps, curls soft around his face, dressed simply in a blue and red, a puff jacket that looked cozy and plaid bottom up that was tucked into a pair of tan slacks and to top it off with a deep brown cowboy hat . the moment his eyes laid on you his face broke out in a smile you were familiar with. his warm boyish gaze laid on you as you felt yourself walking towards him.
βyou came,β he says, meeting you halfway, taking your hands in his. his thumbs brushed against your knuckles, gentle and affectionate. βiβve been counting down the hours.β
you laughed, engulfing him in a hug. βyou act like iβm miles away, baby. i only live a couple hours away.β his hands squeeze your waist in response before giving you a actual response.
βany distance feels to far for me when i want to show something that matters to me.β he lifted one of your hands and presses a kiss to the back of it, eyes never leaving yours. he didnβt ask about the camera, it was kind of your thing, you liked taking pictures and capturing time. βcome on. i want to show you the stable.β
you giggle at his eagerness as he took your hand in his and led you past the grand main house, through the bright grass and the dust and laughter of the zoo animals, down a winding path lined with towering oaks. the air grew richer with the scent of earth and wildflowers. then the stable came into view, a long, beautiful building with white trim and open double doors that revealed rows of stalls inside. sunlight slanted through the high windows, catching on polished wood and the occasional glint of metal halters.
michael paused at the entrance, turning to you with quiet pride. βthis is where I breathe easiest. when the cameras and the noise get too loudβ¦ i come here. the horses donβt ask for autographs. they donβt care about courtrooms or rumors. they just want kindness and a good run.β
you heart warmed, happy to know he had a escape from his outside life. you stepped inside beside him, setting down your camera on the chair that was next to you. the fresh scent hay, sweet feed, and warm horse enveloped you. you smelt something unpleasant with made your nose curl but it was to be expected. michael took one look at your face and chuckled.
βI know what it is, michael.β
michaelβs gate of laughter broke, his cries filling the stable and his hand on his stomach. βitβs perfectly normal, mama. humans do it too.β
you smiled, sheepishly. βcan we change the conversation?β
michael let out one more laugh before nodding. βlet me introduce you.β he says, a nicker from one of the horses being heard soon after. michael smiled and moved towards it.
βthis is belle.β he says, stroking the velvety nose of a gente, chestnut horse with a white blaze down her face. βsheβs patient and steady. i think sheβll be perfect for you today.β
you followed him as he moved to the next stall, where a sleek black stallion tossed his head. βand this troublemaker is shadow. Heβs fast, opinionated, he kinda reminds me of you, baby.β you shot him a look at his remark, scoffing and grinning.
michael snickers before continuing. βand heβs been my partner on a lot of long rides when I needed to think.β michaelβs fingers traced the horseβs neck with obvious affection. βi got him a few years ago from a rescue. he was skittish with everyone else. took months before he let me close. now he follows me around like a puppy when Iβm mucking stalls.β
you watched the way michaelβs shoulders relaxed when he talked about the animals, most importantly when he talks about things he loves. it made your chest ache in the sweetest way seeing him smile and did things he wanted to do rather than doing things people expected him to do. his gentle nature shone through in every interaction with the animals, and it drew you in deeper.
he turned to you, eyes sparkling. βwant to help me get them ready, baby?β
you nodded, stomach mixing with curiosity and nervousness. michael handed you a soft body brush and stood close behind you as you stepped into belleβs stall. his chest pressed against your back when he reached around to guide your hand in long, smooth strokes along the mareβs shoulder.
βlike this,baby.β he murmured, low and smooth in your ear. βfirm but gentle. sheβll tell you if she likes it.β belleβs skin twitched under your touch, and she let out a contented sigh. michaelβs low chuckle vibrated through you. βsee? she already trusts you, mama. just like I do.β
your heat beat faster at the time of his voice. you would be lying if you said his voice didnβt make you feel some type of way that moment but it wasnβt the time nor the place. his fingers stayed over yours longer than necessary, and when you glanced back, his gaze had softened into something deeper, full of quiet longing.
βyouβre a natural.β he says, quietly. βmost people rush. you listen. thatβs one of the thing I love most about you.β
you swallowed, voice softer than you intended. βi like listening to things that matter to you, michael.β
his smile was small and private, just for you. βi love you, angel.β
at that moment, michael turned you around and pressed his lips against yours, hands gripping your hips and pulling your against him, space nonexistent. you were still holding the brush as you wrapped your arms around his neck, melting into the kiss. michael continued his kisses on your warm pulse, earning soft moans from your mouth when he began to nip that area. you two were interrupted by the sound of belle naying and huffing in frustration. michael pulled away with a chuckle, glancing at belle.
βi think sheβs ready to be rode.β he says before continuing the routine with you. you two continued brushing, picking hooves, checking legs. michael told you stories between tasks: how he used to ride with his brothers when they were kids in indiana, how the feeling of a horse moving beneath you had always felt like flying, how he sometimes brought children from the hospital here so they could experience the same freedom. his voice wrapped around each memory like a melody, soft and rhythmic.
every so often, michael would praise you, kissing your temple and telling you βyouβre doing so good, babyβ and βlook how calm she is with youβ
when it was time to saddle, he demonstrated on shadow first, then he helped you with belleβs tack. his hands were sure and careful as he adjusted the girth, checked the stirrups, and finally turned to you with a helmet in his hand, for safety reasons.
βsafety first, baby.β he placed the helmet on you head, making sure that your curls werenβt out of place. he buckled the strap beneath your chin. his fingers lingered against your jaw as he pulled you in a another, quick kiss. βalthough Iβll never let anything happen to you.β
his sincerity made you feel safe. βi know, mikey.β
mounting was easier than you expected. michael stood at belleβs side, one hand on the reins, the other at your waist as you swung up. His touch was steady, respectful, but the heat of his palm through your shirt stayed with you even after you settled into the saddle. He gave your waist a gentle squeeze before stepping back.
βyou look good up there, baby,β he said, swinging onto Shadow with fluid grace. βlike you belong right here with me.β
you felt the powerful animal shift beneath you, muscles adjusting and breath, and for a moment the world narrowed to the creak of leather, the jingle of bits and michaelβs warm, infectious smile beside you. his reassurance made everything more intimate, like he was claiming these moments just for the two of you.
his clicked his tongue and shadow moved forward at a calm walk. belle followed without prompting. you rode out of the stable into the open afternoon light. the path widened into a long, grassy trail that curved toward the back of the property. rolling hills stretched ahead, dotted with wild mustard flowers, random lakes.
far a while you rode in comfortable silence, the only sounds the rhythmic thud of hooves on soft earth and the occasional hums of content. then michael spoke, voice thoughtful.
βi used to come out here alone a lot. especially after tours. after everything.β he glanced at you, eyes gentle. βitβs different with you here. better. like the colors are brighter, the air sweeter. you make everything feel right, mama.β
you felt heat rise in your cheeks. βYou donβt have to say that, mikey.β turning away, bashfully.
βI know, but I mean it.β fingers coming up on your chin, turning your attention back towards him. βyouβre β¦ youβre real, y/n. you see me. not the image. not the stories. just me. and that means everything.β
your chest tightened. you had spent so much of your life loving michael and supporting him always having doubts if he knew how much you loved him through all the hard time and that you still had his back after all these years and for many years to come. but michael knew you loved him and his words, laced with those affectionate names, made you feel cherished in a way that went beyond romance.
the trail opened into a wide meadow. michael nudged shadow into a smooth trot, and belle matched the pace. the wind tugged at your hair, cool against your warm brown skin. you laughed when a particularly enthusiastic bounce made you grip the reins tighter, and michaelβs laughter joined yours, bright, uninhibited.
βfaster, mama? are you ready?β he called, a playful challenge in his tone.
you nodded, heart racing with adrenaline and no fear in sight.
he gave shadow his head. the black stallion surged forward into a canter, hooves drumming the earth. belle followed, high-powered and steady beneath you. the world blurred into green and gold mixed with gold filled the sky. you and michaelβs laughter engulfed each other as you rode side by side, the wind whipping past the both of you as the sun warmed against your face.
when he finally slowed shadow down to a walk, so did you, both of you breathing hard and grinning. michaelβs curls were wind-tossed, cheeks flushed.
βthereβs spot up ahead that I wanted to show you, angel.β he motioned to a trail.
the trail led to a small, secluded clearing beside a clear stream. ancient oaks shaded the grass. wildflowers nodded in the breeze. michael dismounted first, then came to your side. his hands found your waist again as you slid down, and this time he didnβt let go right away. you stood close, the horses grazing nearby, his thumbs resting lightly on your hips.
βyou okay, baby?β he asked, voice low and full of concern.
βyes mikey, mβokay- better than okay.β your hands had come to rest on his chest without thinking. You could feel the steady beat of his heart beneath the thin fabric.
michaelβs eyes searched yours, something vulnerable and hopeful flickering there. βiβve wanted to bring you here for a long time. my most prized possession.β
you rose on your toes and kissed him.
it started soft and tentative, sweet. his lips were warm, slightly chapped from the wind. one of his hands slid up your back while the other stayed at your waist, pulling you closer. βmmm, baby,β he whispered against your mouth before deepening the kiss. the world narrowed to the press of his body, the taste of him, the way he sighed your name like a prayer mixed with those sweet hums.
when you parted, his forehead rested against yours. both of you were smiling.
βcanβt wait to get you back home.β he confessed, quietly with a hint husk.
you laughed, breathless. βslow down, applehead.β
he groaned at the name before kissing you again, slower this time, savoring. his hands roamed gently over your back, respectful yet full of desire. βyou look so good, girl. so right.β his whispered, before spinning you around making you smile.
eventually the horses wandered closer, curious. belle nudged michaelβs back gently, breaking the moment with a soft snort. you both laughed, the sound echoing across the meadow.
you donβt how but the moment made you remember something, then it hit you.
βdamn, mikey. i just remembered I forgot my camera.β you whined in annoyance, cursing your memory.
βitβs okay, we can take pictures when we getting back, thereβs plenty of pictures we can take around that area.β he says, always calm. always problem solving. you started to relaxing again, content with michaelβs idea and excited to take pictures of michael in his cute hat.
βwe should head back before it gets dark, baby,β he said, though he didnβt sound eager. he stole one more kiss, quick and sweet. βbutβ¦ we can come out here again. anytime you want. this place is yours now too, mama.β he says, rubbing your shoulders.
you helped each other remount. The ride back was slower, quieter, the horses content after their run. michael rode close enough that your knees brushed now and then. every so often he would reach over and squeeze your hand where it rested on the saddle horn. the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in streaks of orange and rose. fireflies began to wink in the lengthening shadows.
back at the stable, you worked together to untack and groom the horses. the routine felt even more intimate now with shared glances, soft touches, quiet conversation laced with affection. michael would brush against you deliberately, whispering, βcβmere, girl,β when he wanted to show you a better angle for grooming or simply to pull you into a quick embrace between tasks.
when the last brush was put away and the horses were settled with fresh hay and water, michael pulled you into his arms in the dim, golden light of the stable aisle as he lifted the helmet off your head.
βthanks for today.β he murmured against your curls, holding you close. βfor trusting me. for letting me show you this part of me, mama. you make me feel alive.β
you wrapped your arms around his waist, breathing him in. βyou donβt have to thank me, baby. I like spending time with you. thank you for letting me in.β
he kissed you once more, slow, deep, promising more. his hands cupped your face tenderly. you finger slipped through his curls, pressing him against you. when he finally pulled back, his eyes were bright with something that looked a lot like love.
βokay, letβs take those pictures.β
you eyes lit up as you pull away to towards the chair you camera was laying on. you smiled as your finger traced the sides of the camera.
βokay stand right by there, so the barn is beside you.β you directed.
mike walked where you pointed. βlike this?β you nodded, instantly pointing the camera to his direction.
βgive me a serious face, like vogue.β
michael chuckled, smile line engraved in his face before he got serious. you waited a couple of see before snapping the shot.
the camera made a couple of sounds before sliding out a little paper that had the picture on it. you pulled it out and flapped it back and forth before looking at it.
βouu mikey, you look as handsome.β
βah ah, weβre not done. get back on shadow.β
once michael hopped on shadow you guided him down to the streamβs edge. βjust like that, give me vogue again.β michael mounted shadow, tilted his head back with eyes closed toward the sky, hat resting in his gloved hand. the horse lowered its head to drink. you snapped the shot, heart full. βperfect, baby. you look so serious, so cowboy mob boss.β
the camera made the sounds again, slipping out the picture. you pulled it out and flapped it in the air before looking at it.
βoh my- i canβt for you to see these.β
finally, you led him to the rocky outcrop in the meadow. βarm wide open, in a βwe are the worldβ way.β michael snickered at the reference before spreading his arms dramatically, coat catching the breeze, a content smile on his face as he embraced the vast sky. You took the photo, then lowered the camera and walked straight into his arms.
βthis is going to be my favorites,β you whispered, sliding the picture out the camera and doing the same thing you did to the others. you looked down at the picture and squealed.
you pulled the rest of the pictures out your back pocket as michael came up behind your shoulder. you showed the one with him on the horse first. βshadow got thirsty but the picture is so cute.β
βyou capture me so well.β he says before giggling. the one of him standing beside the barn in the background came second, you squealed again.
βmy angel face.β michael groaned, head falling back in embarrassment.
βmama, donβt call me that.β
lastly, the most recent one. him laying against the rock with his arms open. βthis one is definitely my favorite.β you whispered, kissing his cheek.
he held you tight, pressing a kiss to your forehead. the two of you lingered there a little longer, the camera forgotten for a moment as he pulled you close under the stars.
hand in hand, you finally walked back toward the lights of the main house. behind you, belle and shadow settled into their stalls, the gentle sounds of horses at peace filling the quiet air. ahead of you lay more conversation, more laughter, more kisses, and the beginning of something that felt bigger than either of you had words for yet.