🅼🅰🅳🅸

Summer of 1973.

“Hide! NOW!” (Y/N) shoved Michael into a bush, following behind him.

“Ow! Hey!” Michael yelped.

“SHH!” She covered his hand and peeked around to where Bill had arrived. “He’s close, get ready.”

The two teens clutched their water guns tightly in their hands, getting ready to ambush. Bill, Michael’s body guard, quickly started walking toward the house. Michael had made a very worrisome call to Bill, something about “I need help urgently! Hurry!”

He wasn’t in any real trouble when he made the call, but he was about to be.

“Fire!!” (Y/N) whispered to the boy as Bill walked up to the front door.

Michael jumped out from behind the bush and started spraying Bill with the water gun, drenching his back in water. Bill turned around quickly, the worry that was on his face morphed away at the sight of Michael okay.

(Y/N) giggled while she shuffled away: Michael was the only one to shoot water at Bill. (Y/N) left him hanging and dropped her gun into the bush, she just wanted to watch him get in trouble. Michael realized this quickly and turned around in betrayal. He quickly started shooting water at her instead of Bill and the two were now running rapid across the front yard.

They were laughing and having the best time ever, both of the kids completely soaked head-to-toe in water. It was the perfect summer day.

Unfortunately, Joseph was having none of that. “Michael, get inside now. And (Y/N), I suggest you get home.”

Joseph never liked her. Ever since Michael became best friends with the girl, he’s been “distracted”. He didn’t want Michael doing childish things when he should be focusing on his career in the Jackson 5.

(Y/N) looked toward Michael with apologetic eyes, “yes, sir.”

₊˚.༄

“Hey! Do you wanna come over to hang out? We can watch a movie or something,” Michael offered.

“Ugh I totally would but my parents don’t want me leaving! They’ve banished me to my room because I came home soaked today,” (Y/N) turned onto her back in bed, playing with the cord of her phone. “I was like ‘mom, I’m literally fourteen years old!’ And she wasn’t having any of it. She still thinks I’m a little kid and it’s so annoying.”

Michael sighed on the other end of the line, “I wish my father saw me as a kid. I feel like he only uses me for fame and money.”

“Oh jee— I’m sorry Mikey, I didn’t mean it like that—“

“No, it’s okay! I get what you mean. It just kind of sucks, y’know? I’ve never been able to do normal things that kids do for fun, there’s always been this pressure to do better, practice harder, always show up and it’s just.. I just want to have fun.”

(Y/N) paused, she didn’t know what to say.

“You’re the only one who’s made me feel my age. When we hang out, it feels like I’m a kid. I don’t have the pressures of ‘doing things right’ when I’m with you.”

“And I’m glad. Mikey, you’re so talented and so amazing and it’s stupid that your father thinks it’s okay to exploit you like this! You deserve to be a kid and have fun, I’m glad I can be there for you and that you don’t feel pressured around me, but that’s not enough!” She sighed. “One of these days, I’m gonna beat up Joseph myself!”

Michael laughed. “I’d like to see that!”

“Oh din’t worry, you’ll get VIP seats, popcorn, a soda.” Michael laughed harder. “Maybe some Pepsi?” (Y/N) smirked.

“What?! No way! Coca Cola is so much better.”

The two were now laughing hysterically and bickering lightly over sodas. Eventually, a comfortable silence fell over the call.

“Hey, (Y/N)?”

“Yeah?”

“Could I also get some peanut m&ms with this ‘VIP package’?”

“Um, no!”

“What?!”

“If there’s m&ms around, you best believe those are going into my stomach!”

They both started laughing again and the conversation eventually shifted. They talked on the phone for hours and hours until (Y/N) fell asleep. Michael softly hung up the phone and also curled up to go to sleep.

☏ ⋆˙⟡

“Mikey— MIKEY!!”

“Shh!! You’re supposed to be quiet,” Michael laughed.

“Mikey, this was a terrible idea. I’m literally going to break a bone. I should have just snuck out through the front door!”

“Sneaking out through the front door is no fun! Windows are a classic.”

Just then, (Y/N)’s hand slipped and she fell from the edge of her window. “OH GOD—“ Michael moved to catch her. Being fourteen, he couldn’t catch her, so he broke her fall instead. Now, they were both lying on the floor in pain from the big fall.

(Y/N) got off Michael and smacked the back of his head lightly, “that is the LAST time I take advice about sneaking out from you!”

“Oh, come on! It worked! Sure, it was a little painful, but now you’re out of the house!”

“You watch too many movies..” she rolled her eyes and grabbed him by the wrist. The two kids ran over to a car parked with the lights off.

“The nearest diner, please!” Michael requested as he hopped in with (Y/N) following.

Bill chuckled and started driving to the requested destination. He would never say it out loud, but he was happy to be a part of their sneaky adventures. It made Bill happy to see Michael having fun and being a kid.

⛐ ᝰ.ᐟ

Summer of 1974.

The Jackson boys had a long day. Joseph had them up at the ass crack of dawn practicing their harmonies. Eventually, Katherine insisted that the boys be allowed a break and they all found themselves by the pool.

Jermaine, Tito, and Jackie were relaxing in some chairs and Marlon and Michael were lying on some pool floats.

“So, Michael, that (Y/N) friend of yours, she single?” Marlon smirked, splashing a little water at the boy.

“Wha— shut up!”

“No, wait, I’m curious, too,” Jermaine teased.

“Guys, come on. You don’t stand a chance!”

“Why? Is it ‘cause you got your eyes on her?”

“What?! No way! (Y/N)’s my best friend, nothing more, nothing less.”

“Mhm, what about your late night calls—“

“Speak of the devil!” Jackie spoke up.

The boys looked over to the yard door and saw (Y/N) walking over. She was wearing a colorful bikini, oval sunglasses, and had her hair in an updo. After seeing (Y/N), they quickly whipped their heads over to see Michael’s face. He was frozen in place, his jaw slightly open, and his cheeks turning slightly red.

“Hey boys! Heard we were doing a pool day!”

Marlon snickered as he passed Michael in his pool float. He used his hand to close Michael’s mouth and Michael swatted him away, splashing him with a ton of water.

“I like your suit, (Y/N),” Jermaine said, giving Michael a small look before continuing.

“Thanks! I just got it!” (Y/N) looked over at Michael. He was giving Jermaine the nastiest look ever and that made her giggle.

Just then, she jumped into the pool, fully submerging herself in the water. “Cold! Cold! Cold! Holy shit!” She swam over to Michael’s quickly and shoved him off the float, getting on top and taking it for herself.

“Wha— HEY!”

“I’m sorry but that water is freezing!”

“Yeah, that’s why I was on the float!”

The two started fighting, splashing each other and fighting over the float. They were having so much fun, they didn’t even realize that everyone else had left.

Eventually, they both got out of the pool and were now lounging on the chairs.

“I’d love to have a ton of pets someday. I’d save them and make a sanctuary for them,” Michael sighed. “I love animals.”

“What animal would you get first?”

“Maybe a llama? I’ve always wanted one.”

“Boring! I’d get a giraffe! Could you imagine?”

Michael started laughing, “a giraffe?!”

“Yes! I love them, they’re so cool and I bet they’d be the best pets ever. Like, do you think I could climb its neck?”

Michael only laughed harder the more she kept talking. Eventually, they were going through a whole zoo of animals, saying all the ones they’d like to have and why.

𓃱

Fall of 1974.

“Michael,” (Y/N) laughed. “What are you doing?!”

“Get up here!”

(Y/N) laughed as she ran downstairs and out the house. Michael had been throwing pebbles at her window for about five minutes straight, trying to get the girl to look outside.

Once she was outside, she quickly ran over to the old tree they would hang out at constantly. “Damn, I haven’t been up here in ages.”

“I know! It’s been like two years.”

Once she made it up to the treehouse, they looked around. A couple books were left up on the platform, some drawings, and colored pencils sitting next to them.

“This place could use some serious redecorating,” (Y/N) giggled.

“You think?” Michael laughed, picking up one of the drawings and admiring it.

It didn’t take long for the two to get deep into conversation. It was always easier to talk to each other than anyone else, they could always be honest about whatever was on their minds.

They were talking for hours, staring up at the sky as it got darker and the stars started spearing in the sky.

“The first star of the night! Make a wish!”

(Y/N) giggled and looked at Michael, he clasped his hands together and closed his eyes with such excitement. It warmed her heart to see that things like this still brought him joy.

When he was done wishing, the two basked in the comfortable silence that surrounded them. They stared at the stars and (Y/N) occasionally pointed out constellations. After a while, the stars started disappearing and clouds covered the sky. They paid no mind to it and continued to relax.

After a few more minutes, they heard a big boom and then it started to sprinkle.

“Ah crap!”

“You better run home, it could start pouring any second.”

Michael looked at her with saddened eyes, he hated going home. Both of them knew this, it was hard at home for him.

“I should be free tomorrow if you wanted to do something. Maybe a movie night?” This brightened Michael’s face instantly.

“Yeah, okay! I’ll see you (Y/N)!”

“Bye, Mikey!”

(Y/N) ran inside her house and Michael started sprinting back to his house, hoping to beat the rain. Later that night, (Y/N) got a call from a soaking wet Michael.

She was laughing so hard, her stomach hurt, “I wish I could see your face right now! As soon as I got inside it started raining cats and dogs. I knew you weren’t making it!”

“Hey! I could have totally made it, I just.. chose to enjoy a nice— walk in the rain..?” Michael sounded unsure at the end, making her laugh harder and allowing him to join.

“I know we like just started calling, but I have to wake up early tomorrow and I don’t wanna be to groggy when I do so I’m gonna head to bed.”

“What?” Michael sounded sad and pleading.

“I’m sorry, Mike! I’ll make it up to you, promise!“

“Whatever, enjoy your sleep, weirdo.”

“Look who’s talking, loser!” (Y/N) laughed. “I’ll see you tomorrow, bye!”

Michael smiled to himself as she hung up. “Uh, you good?” Jermaine questioned as he passed.

“Yeah, why?”

“Did you jump in the pool or something?”

“Oh, um.. not exactly.”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Michael stood in his front yard shivering in confusion. A few minutes ago, (Y/N) called to tell him she was coming over. She said she was just stopping by to drop something off.

“Mikey!”

“There you are!” Michael sighed, his breath coming out in a small puff of heat. “I’m freezing out here!”

“Sorry, sorry,” (Y/N) took a second to catch her breath. “I just needed to get this to you.”

Michael tried peeking behind her back at what she wa shooting but she stayed firm in hiding it.

“I know you don’t celebrate Christmas, but I got you a little surprise! You don’t have to think of it as a Christmas gift if you don’t want, but I thought you could use this,” she handed him a box. It was red and had a beautiful ribbon tied at the top, “I know that you’re going to Disneyland for the first time in January and thought that this could be useful?”

He opened the box carefully, revealing a pair of Mickey Mouse ears, the kind that everyone wears when they go to the theme park. His eyes lit up a little at the gift and his heart warmed at the gesture.

“You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to, but I know how much you love Disney and—“

“It’s perfect. Thank you.”

“Yeah! Anytime,” she smiled brightly. “Anyway, I better get back home, my whole family is in town right now and I’m supposed to be watching my little cousins.”

“See you, (Y/N)!”

“Bye, Mike! Have fun in Disney!”

Michael looked down at the ears again after the girl went booking it back down the street. He smiled warmly at them and quickly went inside after another cold breeze blew past.

Ⰶ

January finally rolled around and the Jackson’s went off to Disneyland. They had a great time performing and had even more fun getting to stroll around the park and go on rides.

“Yo, Mike! Where’d you get the hat?” Marlon questioned.

“What?”

“Your hat, dude, when did you get that?”

“Oh! Uh, a friend got it for me..”

“Just a friend?” Jermaine teased.

Michael groaned as the brothers started laughing. “Aw, you boys leave him alone! You’ve teased him enough for one trip,” Katherine scolded softly.

Unfortunately for Michael, his mother’s lights holding on his brothers did nothing to stop them. He got teased the rest of the trip despite his constant denials of his and (Y/N)’s relationship.

They were just friends. Best friends forever and ever, until the end of time.

𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥! 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗜 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁!

ᴀɪ ɪꜱ ɴᴏᴛ ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴍʏ ʙʟᴏɢ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ ᴜꜱᴇ ᴀɪ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀɴʏ ᴏꜰ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋꜱ ᴇᴠᴇʀ.

It’s September of 1971 and the Jackson’s have been living in Encino, California for about 4 months now. They’ve settled nicely into the house, but Joseph still has them working day and night. One day, though, Joseph had a meeting out of town with some new potential producers. This meant the Jackson kids finally got time to themselves.

“Hey guys, can I play, too?” Michael ran up to Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon who were all playing basketball.

“C’mon, Mike,” Jermaine started. “Can’t you find something else to do? You’ll just slow down the game.”

“Can you even reach the hoop? You’re like seven,” Jackie laughed before tossing the ball to the net, the ball bouncing off the rim.

“I’m thirteen! I can reach!” The boys laughed at Michael as his voice cracked slightly.

“Go play twister with Randy and Janet or something,” they all laughed before going back to their game.

Frustrated, Michael ran back in the house and flopped onto the couch. After a second, his mother came through the kitchen and found him face first in a pillow.

“Now what’s got you all riled up, baby?” She asked, sitting next to him and rubbing his back softly.

“I have no one to hang out with,” he started. “Jermaine and the others won’t let me play with them.”

“Well, why don’t you go try making some friends,” Katherine suggested. “There’s a house next door with a kid around your age. I’m sure they’d love to play with you.”

This perked Michael’s interest and he accepted the offer. His mother sent him off with his coat and half a dollar to spend. As he jogged over to the house next door, he took in the surroundings. The house was nice, it was big, but not nearly as big as his family’s home. There was a trail leading to the entrance of the house and lots of greenery across the front yard. There was a huge tree near the front gate with a big tire swing hanging from it and a small treehouse.

When he approached the front door, he gave the door a small knock, scared to disturb the family too much. When the door opened, he was met with the kind face of a woman.

“Oh! Hello, sweetie, how can I help you?”

“Uh— hi! I’m Michael, um,” he started, suddenly getting very nervous. “I live next door, we moved in a few months ago and I was wondering if your kid was home and if they wanted to maybe come play with me?”

“Oh, how fun!” The woman giggled. She turned her head inside the house, shouting up the stairs, “(Y/N), darling, there’s someone at the door! Our new neighbor wants to know if you wanted to hang out?”

The next thing Michael knew, running and footsteps could be heard approaching before someone bolted down the stairs. Michael didn’t have any idea who the kid would be or look like before coming here, but he assumed it would be a boy. He was pleasantly surprised when he found a girl in blue overalls, a striped red shirt, and her hair in two pigtail braids standing by the door.

“Uh, hi! I’m Mich—“

“Hi! I’m (Y/N)!!” The girl squealed in excitement. “Do you play ball?”

The next thing he knew, he was running down the neighborhood streets with (Y/N) playing catch. They were laughing their heads off and talking about whatever popped into their heads.

“Wait, how old are you?” (Y/N) tossed the ball.

“Thirteen, you?” He caught the ball in his glove.

“Thirteen!” She agreed.

He tossed the ball over to her, but he threw it too far and she had to chase after it. Once she picked it up, the conversation and game continued to flow.

“So, what’s your favorite story like of all time,” she asked.

“Peter Pan, without a doubt!” Catching the baseball and throwing it right back at her. “What about you?”

“I love the Frog Prince! My mom reads it to me every night.”

✧જ⁀ ⋆⚾️ིྀ

Michael and (Y/N) were now in her yard, sitting under her tree with some sodas. (Y/N) was swinging on the tire swing and Michael was propped up against the tree’s trunk.

“And then my mom screamed and started taking her curlers out while throwing them at my dad!” The two kids were laughing their heads off.

“No way!”

“Yes,” she laughed harder, tears streaming out of her eyes. “He just wanted to make her breakfast in bed, but it was a disaster from the start!”

The two started laughing harder and harder, reminiscing on old stories.

❀˖°

“And that’s Cassiopeia!” (Y/N) pointed up at the stars. The two kids were lying in her treehouse looking at the stars and she was pointing out constellations to Michael. “It was named after the Queen Cassiopeia from Greek Mythology!”

“It’s so cool that you know all this stuff,” Michael looked to the sky, admiring the stars.

“That’s what happens when you grow up on a street with no one your age,” she started. “You get really into reading.”

There was a small comfortable silence before she sat up. “You’re actually the first real friend I’ve made.”

“You’re my first real friend, too,” Michael admitted, sitting up with her.

“Right here, right now, we should make a promise.”

“What promise?”

“To stay best friends, forever!” She hopped down from the tree and grabbed a sharp rock, Michael hopping down with her. She carved her name into the trunk of the tree and handed the rock to Michael. He took the rock and cried his name next to hers, putting a plus between them.

They were giggling and smiling, “Do you, Michael, um- what’s your middle name?”

“Joseph.”

“Do you, Michael Joseph Jackson, promise to be best friends forever and ever, until the end of time?” She extended her pinky to the boy.

“I do,” he smiles brightly, locking pinkies with her.

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆

Michael waved as he walked down the path, leaving her house to head home. A little after their promise to each other, Michael’s mom called (Y/N)’s mom to send him home for dinner. They said their goodbye’s and planned to meet up again tomorrow.

When Michael walked in and sat at the dinner table, the whole family knew something changed.

“How was your day, Mikey?” Tito questioned.

“I made a new friend!” Michael beamed with more excitement and happiness than the family had ever seen.

Best friends forever and ever, until the end of time.

𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥! 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗜 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁!

ᴀɪ ɪꜱ ɴᴏᴛ ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴍʏ ʙʟᴏɢ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ ᴜꜱᴇ ᴀɪ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀɴʏ ᴏꜰ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋꜱ ᴇᴠᴇʀ.