coco

In just a few minutes, Jaafar is about to get into position to shoot for Bad. Crew members and the band were getting into position, it was quite a buzzing setting at the moment. Since it was the first film shooting for a performance scene, you had accompanied him for the entire day. As excited as you are to see your boyfriend finally making the dream come true, Jaafar was beyond nervous. His legs bounced nervously, he kept on running around the dressing room and eventually sitting alone in a corner right beside some set properties. 

You found him staring at the floor, you knew instantly that he was extremely nervous and it pains you because you knew how talented and capable he was, but the pressure was definitely a lot to carry. 

"hey," you approached Jaafar.

"there you are." He looked up.

You sat beside him. "what's wrong?"

"i don’t know, I don’t think I could live up to their expectations."

You didn't say anything right away, you waited for him to let it all out.

"what if I can't do it right? what if I won’t do good up there? everyone knows every move. i keep thinking about how everything needs to be perfect."

You felt your heart melted. On the outside, Jaafar looked very composed. But moments like this reminded you that he carried a lot of pressure on his shoulders, more than you imagined.

“jaafar, you were chosen for a reason. i know you're scared and i know this performance means a lot, but don’t put too much on yourself. they chose you because of your hard work and the way you bring your own heart into this role. that's more than enough.”

"you've worked for months on this," you continued. "every rehearsal, every late night, every time you felt numb on your feet and you kept going anyway. nobody can take that away from you and you will absolutely kill it up there."

A small smile appeared on his face.

"you really think i'll be okay?"

"i know you'll be okay."

Before you could say anything else, Jaafar leaned forward and rested his forehead against yours. The nervousness in his eyes slowly faded.

"you always know what to say." 

Just then, a voice called from outside, "we're ready!"

The assistant director.

He stood up, his hands were no longer shaking and there wasn't a trace of doubt left in his eyes. He took one deep breath and looked your way, “one more thing”

"what?"

"can i atleast get a good luck kiss?"

You rolled your eyes with a smile and tiptoed to kiss his cheek.

"there."

and you know the rest. the second the music started, it was like something possessed him.

fawk

the next morning, you tiptoed out of bed quietly, making sure not to wake michael.

you had bill pick up some groceries the other day in secret. you had bought some of his favorites. you made your way to the kitchen of the hotel suite, slicing oranges and squeezing them to make fresh orange juice for him. then, you made some pancakes and arranged them beautifully on a fancy hotel plate. you took some honey and jam and carved his initials into the pancake: m.j.

you smiled at the sight because it was all his favorite things. it was all very him.

you decorated the platter with some of his favorite fruits and placed a little mickey plush on the side of the plate.

at the perfect moment, you heard sounds coming from the room where you had both been sleeping, indicating that your boyfriend might be awake.

you peeked into the room to see if he was awake.

"michael?" you murmured quietly, making sure he was awake.

he was about to get up, but you stopped him immediately.

"no, wait! stay there, i have something for you."

you ran back to get the breakfast platter and brought it over to him.

"oh my god," michael laughed at the sight of you, surprised. he just couldn't stop smiling.

"i made this with love."

he examined the platter with pure adoration, as if it were a song he was composing. he noticed every little detail of his breakfast-in-bed treat: the mickey plush, his initials on the pancake, and, of course, the orange juice.

he couldn't help but find the gesture extremely cute, and he felt loved by you.

"i love it, i love it. thank you, angel."

you sat down next to him.

"anything for u."

the television played softly across the room as you both enjoyed breakfast in bed simple, yet very warm.

For the past few days, you have been working nonstop. You were writing music for your new album, and recording sessions took up most of your days. It was a Tuesday morning when you woke up with a sore throat and a light-headed feeling. You checked the time and saw it was almost 11 am.

"Shit," you mumbled.

Even though you were sick, your first thought was still finishing your album. It was your passion, and neither illness nor exhaustion could stop you.

As you were about to get out of bed, you felt a hand wrap around your waist and pull you back down.

"Where do you think you're going?" Jaafar asked in a sleepy voice, struggling to keep his eyes open.

He pulled you closer against his chest.

"Jaafar, I'm going to the studio."

"No, you're not." He pulled you closer to him. "Last night you didn't sleep at all, and mind you, it was almost 4 am Y/N. You barely sleep these days, and you've been working your ass off. So no. I'm worried about you, and I'm keeping you here. You're not going anywhere."

You sighed and tried to let go of Jaafar, only for him to pull you right back to him.

"Jaafar-"

"Nope."

"I have to go."

"And you are not feeling well."

"I’m fine, just let me go I’m gonna come back early I promise."

Without a word, he pressed the back of his hand against your forehead. His eyebrows immediately furrowed. “You have a fever Y/N.”

You eventually gave up and buried your face in the pillow.

"The album isn't going to disappear if you take one day off," he said softly. "But if you keep pushing yourself like this, you're gonna end up passing out in the studio, and I am not letting that happen."

For a moment, neither of you spoke. Then he gently brushed a hand through your hair and pulled you closer into a hug.

"Just stay with me today, okay? Let me take care of you."

_