MAJUS

An angelic falsetto pierced through the hall as Michael and his producer strolled by. The man next him visibly jumped at the delicate voice curling into a metallic scream.

“I will breeeeeaaaaaakkk”

“Jesus, that girl got some pipes on her” The producer muttered, throwing his hand to his own throat, “I would hate to get on her bad side”.

Michael mustered a weak chuckle, “Yeah, me neither”.

“You sink into my clothes

This invasion

Makes me feel

Worthless, hopeless, sick

I'm so sick

Infected with where I live

Let me live without this

Empty bliss

Selfishness

I'm so, I'm so sick”

All she wanted was to scream. Kira felt humiliated from recent events. It was not only Michael’s rejection that had made her feel this way nor facing the fact of how desperately she had wanted him to go through with it. It was the fact that Michael had still been seeing someone else, whether it was serious or not or still ongoing despite what he said. In a way, she had become the other woman or at least that’s what it felt like. She had been so hurt when she found out Victor had cheated on her, yet was so quick to fall onto the other side of the coin with Michael. No matter how many times Michael had said they were nothing, it still ate at her skin. She saw the gifts he bought her and how chic and elegant she dressed. Kira was her polar opposite, representing everything she was not. There was no way in hell Michael Jackson would settle for someone like her, nor could she handle a casual hookup with him either with how involved her heart had become.

In her muddled self-sabotaging thoughts, they would have never worked. They were day and night. He was the quiet whereas she was the storm, a man that carried the wait of the world with a polite smile and gentle words. She was lightning given a heartbeat, all sharp edges and louder truths, the one that defied societal expectations, forced harsh realities to the masses, and acted with recklessness. Michael used a method of compassion and tenderness to try and soften the coldest of hearts; Kira believed they needed to be shaken awake. He spoke with patience, choosing each word as if they were as fragile as glass. Kira threw hers like sparks without a second thought, a consequence of the emotions she pushed away into the far corner of her mind in a lame attempt of control.

Yet, beneath the surface, they were built from the same rare material. They both knew what it meant to stand under blinding lights and public scrutiny while feeling impossibly alone and betrayed from those closest to them. They understood the strange ache of belonging to millions of strangers and almost no one at all at once. They were simply two different melodies with the same rhyme. Different methods with the same desperate prayer.

She wore her rebellion – her piercings, her tattoos, her dye – as armor, another declaration that she refused to be molded into someone that was more palatable by societal standards. Whereas, he wore grace like a second skin, absorbing criticism with a quiet dignity that often hid how deeply it cut. Neither realized they were simply looking at another version of themselves through an unfamiliar language. She had learned how to survive by becoming impossible to silence, while he learned how to survive by becoming impossible to provoke.

A riot and a lullaby. Michael did not rest until he met perfection, whilst Kira romanticized the imperfect. The world would insist they were opposites because one made noise and the other made peace. In reality, they were far more than that. They were two lonely souls who loved humanity with an equal ferocity, yet terrified to wear their hearts on their sleeves openly.

For the first time in a long time, a childish insecurity had ignited in Kira. She had developed tough skin working in a male-dominated field, having been objectified and underestimated a hundred times over. At this point of her career and at this age, she did not expect to feel as vulnerable as she did now, blinded by her own venom and of the world’s.

She and Michael just wouldn’t work out. She believed it before they could even try.

So when she felt Michael’s radiating presence lingering by the studio door, Kira continued packing her back, shielding her stoic face with a dark pair of sunglasses. 

“Kira, we need to talk”.

“There’s nothing to talk about”.

Michael slipped his fingers around her wrist and spun her around, “Don’t ignore what happened”.

A spark of agitation flashed along her features, even with them half covered. She had completely iced him out, “Nothing did happen, Michael. It was just a kiss, we were drunk. Let it go”.

Michael’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, thumb rubbing small circles around the pulse of her wrist, “It wasn’t nothing, Kiki…”

Her jaw clenched, pulling her arm away from him, “Let’s not make this complicated, Michael. It’s better nothing more happened. We’ve both been feeling lonely and got caught in the moment, okay? It would’ve been a mistake” Kira slung her bag over her shoulder and pushed past him, “I need to go”.

A mistake.

The words dwelled in his mind as he watched her go, his heart pulsating with a soft ache in his chest. He should’ve left it alone, it was for the best. Instead, his legs followed in her shadow, unable to accept this was the end of their story.

His eyes narrowed at the obvious sight of her trying to close the elevator door shut, shooting his hand out before the door could close.

“You’re angry, I understand” Michael stepped inside, “You have every right”.

Kira pressed the button for the bottom floor before crossing her arms over her chest, “I’m not angry-”

“Just let me explain”.

“God, Michael. Don’t make this any more awkward than it is!”

The pair fell silent as a group entered the elevator. Kira shuffled back to give them space, feeling a familiar hand slide over her hip and press her against his chest. Her heart began to thud against her chest, feeling his fingertips graze her skin underneath the hem of her shirt. She closed her eyes in resistance as he moved her hair to the side, his breath trickling down the crook of her neck.

“When will you stop pushing me away, angel?” Michael’s low voice whispered in her ear, lips brushing against her skin.

She felt as if her body was set on fire, her breath quickening as another hand found its way on her other hip, squeezing gently. Her heart ached to lean back and let him have his way with her, yet her mind screamed at her to run.

As soon as the elevator dinged open, she fled.

—

Kira slid herself down the wall, face in hands with a groan, “How hard is it to write a good love song, all these lyrics are dog shit”

The deadline for their addition to the blockbuster soundtrack was frighteningly close, causing a sense of dread and panic to sink into her bones. They had a skeleton of the instrumentals, but she couldn’t write anything that didn’t sound lackluster or cringey to her ears..

She felt Sam’s lanky body slide down next to her with a thud, novel and annotations in hand, “Well, which character do you like more? Maybe we can write from their perspective”

“I don’t know. They’re both so miserable”.

“Hm, well…how did you feel reading the book?”

Kira picked her head up, dragging her face with her hands, “I don’t…I don’t know. I guess, I felt like I was just stuck”.

The drummer raised an eyebrow, “Stuck?”

“Yeah, like…they just keep running in circles around each other and they can’t even see it. And the worst part is that time doesn’t stop. Everyone else is moving on and they’re just…stuck”.

“Well, I see why you chose music as a profession over English literature” Sam grinned teasingly even as the girl smacked his chest, “...Is that how you’re feeling about Michael too?”

“What?” Kira’s eyes fluttered, startled by the sudden question, “What do you mean?”

“C’mon…it’s pretty obvious this stuck feeling you have isn’t about Victor anymore” His words sat heavy on her heart, “Maybe you need to accept that and then try writing again”.

“Accept what?” Dean leaned against the door, nosey about what he was missing out on.

“That she just needs to admit she has a big fat crush on Michael Jackson”

“I do not!”

“Oh, you so do” Dean chuckled, biting into a green apple he had stolen from her purse, “What’s so hard about it? Aren’t you guys friendly anyway?” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“No, no!” Kira shook her head, cheeks ablaze, “Nothing’s happened between us!”

At the look of her two old friends, she started folding under the pressure, “We just kissed, that’s all”.

“Just a kiss?” Sam sounded shocked as the bassist choked on his apple, “He’s been acting like this all over a kiss?”

“When was the kiss?” Dean asked, now squatting down next to them, heavily interested, “Not that I care, just for context”.

“On his birthday” Kira’s eyes flicked between them, as the two boys shared a side eye, “Is that bad? What do you mean with how he’s been acting?”

“Kira, sweetie, I know you haven’t dated in awhile but that’s a grown man and we were there that night – he definitely wanted to do it till the break of dawn, if you know what I’m saying”

Kira shot her arm toward Dean’s chest, watching him lose his balance and topple over, nearly knocking over Luke who was entering the studio, grumbling under her breath “You guys are worse than middle schoolers”.

“Fine, if you don’t believe us – Luke, do you think Michael likes Kira?” Sam cornered.

Luke’s expression was puzzled, still figuring out what he just got himself into, “What do you mean? Aren’t you guys dating?”.

Her stomach flipped, pressing her hands against her cheeks. She felt like she was going to be sick.

—

A few days later, Bad Habit was attending an annual charity festival that had gathered several well-known rock bands. The backstage area buzzed with chatter, guitar techs restringing instruments, and the unmistakable smell of coffee, sweat, and hot asphalt baking underneath the sun. After years of performing at similar events like Warped Tour, the band didn’t blink an eye at the foul stench. 

With their next album in production, a scary close deadline, and their schedule filling faster than Kim could print itineraries, every interview, rehearsal, studio session, and performance gave Kira just another excuse to not dwell on the uncomfortable fact that she’d caught herself thinking about Michael Jackson several times per day.

“Dude, dude-” Dean urged, slapping a heavy hand against Sam’s chest, “It’s the Goo Goo Dolls”.

Kira whipped her head so fast her hair slapped Dean in the face, causing him to spit out a few strands “Where?”

Sam rubbed his chest, pushing the bassist away from him right into poor Luke who was still getting used to the group's antics, “Woah, someone is extra excited”

“Absolutely not, you buffoon” She shot back at the drummer’s teasing, “I just admire him as a singer”.

The three boys bursted into a cackle comparable to a pack of hyenas, easily drawing a few curious glances.

As if summoned by the conversation itself, John Rzeznik wandered over with an easy smile “Bad Habit, great to see you guys again” He extended a hand to each of them, “I caught your latest single on the radio. Hell of a song. Looking forward to watching you guys perform today”.

“Oh, same here. Y’know actually, Kira here was just talking about how she would love to sing a song with you” Dean slung an arm around her shoulders, letting out a wheeze at the sharp elbow that found his ribs.

“Really?” John’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, letting out a small laugh “I’ll call you over during our set then”.

“No, you don’t have to-”

“Honestly, it would be my pleasure”.

Before Kira could protest, the frontman was called over by his team. She slowly turned toward Dean, “I’m going to kill you for that”.

“Oh c’mon, woman. You need to get out of your funk. I thought that would make you happy!”

The band jumped at their manager seemingly appearing out of thin air.

“Guys, c’mon, get ready! You’re on in three minutes!” Kim rushed them out.

Before Kira knew it, she was being pushed into another direction.

…

The opening chords thundered through the venue, thousands of voices answering them like a deafening battle cry. Their energy flooded through Kira’s body like a shot of double espresso, sprinting across the stage, her boots pounding against the risers as Sam’s drumming rattled through her chest. Luke, still being the newest member of the band, matched her energy well, grinning as they crossed paths and thrashed their bodies together to the music.

“This is how we'll dance when

When they try to take us down

This is how we'll sing, oh

This is how we'll stand when

When they burn our houses down

This is what will be, oh, glory”

The audience roared as Kira threw her hands up, bouncing together like one living organism. Hands reached out toward her as she planted a foot on top of the monitor and leaned into the crowd, head thrown back as violent strands whipped around her face. For a few moments – it was as if nothing else existed. 

Then, something stuck to her shoulder, so light she almost ignored it. She glanced down and spotted a small silver square clinging to the sweat of her bare arm.  A condom wrapper. Automatically, her hand shot up to peel it off and flick it behind her. Her chest tightened in embarrassment, but she refused to miss a lyric or single note. Visually, Kira did not falter, continuing her performance professionally and moving to the other side of the stage.

“Slut! We want Victor back! Michael Jackson’s little slut!” The guy shouted, beer sloshing from his cup before shortly being dragged by fans and security alike.

Victor.

Hearing the name did not affect her as much as the following words, as if it were pressing on a fresh bruise on her heart. 

Internally, Kira felt her sense of reality slipping. Her emotions, a whirlwind. She was humiliated. Angry. Heartbroken. Confused. Frustrated.  It all came crashing down on her that she didn’t know what she wanted, feeling as if her limbs were being pulled in opposite directions. 

She fell to her knees, hair covering her face as she rocked back and forth, her hand gripping the floor for dear life. A throbbing pain ached in her chest, forcing her eyes closed shut and trying to will away the tears that threatened to fall. Every note now scraped out of her throat in raw emotion and honesty.

“Father,

Oh Father,

Oh Father,

My Angel!”

Her voice belted into an agonizing cry as she turned onto her back, thudding against the platform and staring up into the blazing sun until her vision blurred.  She was releasing all her bottled up emotions, all the denial she had put herself through, into her performance. She just wanted to scream.

“Father,

Well, I am ready

Won't you let it begin?

Cause I am here now

I want to dance in

The mighty palm of your hand

Your hand!”

A shaky hand involuntarily reached up to the sky, her chest heaving up and down as the heavy instrumentals now vibrated throughout her entire body. She stared at her hand as if it were not her own, as if it were asking for someone – anyone – to pull her back in.  

Both of her hands wrapped around the microphone, arms falling over her face and she let it all soak in. All the noise usually served as her comfort, distracting herself from her own poison. But now, now it seemed as if she were so infected she could not escape. The audience mistook her unraveling for theatrical brilliance. Their cheers grew louder, but all she could hear was the painful heartbeat pounding against her ribs. Dean appeared beside her as the song ended, offering a hand without saying a word, a flash of concern in his usual laid-back expression. 

She took his hand, barely remembering how she got back up onto her feet. Kira smiled, thanked the crowd, and walked backstage, all automatically. None of it felt real.

She barely stepped beyond the curtain before she was being pulled back on stage by John.

The crowd’s cheer erupted once more as they came to the microphone together, “How’s everyone doing?” John smiled charismatically, “You might recognize this crazy talented little lady here that just gave an amazing performance. Can we get another round of applause?”

Kira felt her soul slowly returning to her body, giving a bashful smile as the audience happily obliged to the request. She tried hard to regulate her breathing and force herself out of her shaken state, the older singer’s grounding touch pulling her back to Earth.

“That’s more like it,” John praised, “I was thrilled when she came backstage and asked to come sing one of my songs with her. You know this one, Kira?”

The frontman smiled down at her as the first notes of Iris started, stepping to the side and beckoning her to come forward to the microphone first. The familiar melody wrapped around her like an old friend. Kira let out a bubble of laughter at the surreal moment, letting out an exhale before locking into the song immediately. 

Even caught off guard, she sang the first verse beautifully, making the song her own. She stepped back, looking at each and every face in the once blurred sea as the frontman took over the second verse. At the last chorus, John stepped in so their voices could blend together in harmony.

“And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am”

They shared a singular microphone, staring into each other’s eyes until the ending line. Their chemistry had caused the fans to roll into a stampede of excitement.

Miles away, the performance spread across the media and tabloids faster than anyone involved could have predicted.

"Bad Habit's Lead Singer Joins Goo Goo Dolls in Surprise Duet."

"Festival Performance Brings Crowd to Tears."

"John Rzeznik and Kira Hart Deliver Unforgettable Version of 'Iris.'"

Michael hesitated before watching, the familiar image of Kira filling his screen. Only this wasn’t the Kira that had teased audiences into singing louder with cocky charisma and theatrics. He saw through her heckling. He saw the split second where her shoulders stiffened and her expression contorted before her hair covered it. The audience thought she was acting, but he knew better. Every note she sang carried the same helpless ache she'd tried so hard to bury from the night she kissed him.

His mind betrayed him. She had become another target – not because of anything she had done, but simply because of her association to him. His stomach churned with guilt. This always happened. People who entered his orbit eventually found themselves carrying a weight that had never belonged to them. Was he selfish for not wanting to let her go?

As he watched her share a microphone with the frontman, how their eyes locked and lips tugged into natural smiles, his heart couldn’t bear it anymore. He shut off the television with a shaky breath.

—

Radio silence. It had been days since either of them had spoken to each other and it was eating Michael alive. Before he knew it, he was knocking at her door, hands leaning on top of the frame.

His expressive eyes held a blend of frustration and worry, his brow furrowed and his lips pressed into a tight line. Impatiently, he knocked again, louder and more frantic this time.

The door opened slowly to reveal Kira in an oversized AC/DC t-shirt that draped over her body like a nightgown and a serious case of bedhead. His eyes trailed down her before moving up to her face that was tense, an ice pack pressed against her neck.

“What’s wrong with you? You haven’t been picking up your phone” Michael asked sternly, a tone she wasn’t accustomed to.

“Um, I kinda broke my phone,” Kira explained dryly, a heavy sigh escaping her breath as the older male’s gesture toward her neck, urging her to continue, “And I kinda pulled something on my neck, I think from all the headbanging”.

Michael felt a sharp irritation bubbling in him in spite of his concern, “I’m right down the hill, why didn’t you come?”

“It’s fine, I don’t want to make a fuss of it. Michael, stop-” Kira winced harshly as his fingers made their way around her neck, feeling her muscle hard as a rock under his touch. His thumb found a tight knot, earning another unsolicited whimper from her lips. Her eyes shut close at the pain, eyebrows knitting together. 

Michael murmured a soft apology, his gaze trained on every micro movement of her expression, “You need to get this checked out, mama”.

“I am, I am-” She managed to open one eye as the other side of her face scrunched at his touch, “I have a physical therapy appointment later”.

“Okay,” He nodded, “Who is bringing you?”

Kira remained silent, unable to come up with a lie quick enough.

“You weren’t thinking of driving yourself, were you?” Michael narrowed his eyes, “You’re unbelievable. That’s it, I’m bringing you”.

“I’m fine-”

“It’s not up for negotiation,” He cut off, finding another knot in her neck causing her hand to shoot up and clench around his forearm “Okay, okay, but don’t call up anyone, please? Let’s just take my car, you’re a horrible driver”.

Michael helped her into the passenger seat despite her protests, even going as far as to put her seatbelt on for her before he rushed over to settle into the driver’s side, awkwardly having to adjust the seat to accommodate his long legs.

The drive began in silence before he disrupted it, “How did you break your phone?”

“I threw it…” She admitted sheepishly, “My dad was harassing me about my relationship with you. I didn’t know you dropped him as a lawyer”.

Michael felt guilty, “I dropped him after the day you bursted into our meeting”.

“You did?” Her voice sounded so small, he could only nod. 

“I’m going to get you a new phone and a bodyguard”.

“Absolutely not!” She protested, though she couldn’t turn her neck to face him.

“No, y’know I usually respect all your wishes but I can’t with this one” Michael stood his ground stubbornly.

“I’m not a child, Michael”.

“Yeah, well, you act like one sometimes”.

Silence took over the car again, this one angrier and more tense. Michael parked the car, turning his body toward her, “I didn’t mean that before-”

“I’ll go inside by myself, you’ll draw too much attention”.

…

The ride back was just as quiet, if not more than before. Michael hated this, he hated feeling so distant from her. Everything had changed between them. He moved to turn on the radio, the silence becoming unbearable.

“(Help me)

I broke apart my insides

(Help me)

I've got no soul to sell

(Help me)”

“Oh, God. Turn that down” Kira flushed, her hand reaching to turn the radio off. To her surprise, Michael pushed her hand away, “No, I like this song”.

“You do not!” She protested, “Stop messing with me”.

“I wanna fuck you like an animal

I wanna feel you from the inside

I wanna fuck you like an animal

My whole existence is flawed

You get me closer to God”

A mischievous grin spread across Michael’s face as they rolled into her driveway, leaning back in the driver’s seat as Kira reached over to smack the radio off with a grumble derived from her shyness, “Who's the child now?”.

Neither made a move to exit the small shared space of the car, his face turning toward her, “I’m not lying, I do like that song. Should I sing a little for you”.

“No!” He couldn’t help but laugh at her bashfulness, only feeling so mighty because he wasn’t on the receiving end. He could see the smile she was fighting from her lips, he wanted to coax her back to him so badly.

“You changed the lyric during the performance. It’s usually ‘My Jesus’ you said ‘My Angel’” He spoke up again in a murmur, sensing her body tense .

“Yeah, so? It just came to me” Kira mumbled as she slowly moved her neck, feeling only the slightest bit of relief from the session.

“Hm, just a coincidence then, angel?” Michael hummed sarcastically, turning his body towards her, “Look at me”.

“I don’t want to”.

“Kira, I miss you”.

She reluctantly brought her eyes up as he brought her hand to his lips, “I’m sorry for all the hurt I’ve caused you lately. You’re still getting over somebody and I just confused you more. I don’t want you to think I was trying to take advantage of a situation. It won’t happen again”.

A heavy stone of disappointment sunk in her stomach as Michael leaned over and tenderly kissed her forehead, “Let’s get you inside”.

—

Two weeks later accompanied by hundreds of balls of paper and sleepless nights, Bad Habit finally had their song. As a part of the soundtrack, they would be performing at the movie premiere’s after party.

After years on stage since she was only seventeen, Kira never thought she would be nervous to stand in front of a crowd again. She wiped her clammy hands on her dress as she walked on stage, focusing all her energy in walking in her heels.

Her fingers wrapped around the microphone stand for support, letting the angsty music soak her in.

“I heard you driving in my car then in a frozen bar

And I claimed I didn't care for you

But your verse got trapped inside my head

Over and over again, you played yourself to death in me

I thought I'd drop you easily but that was not to be

You burrowed like a summer tic

So you invade my sleep and confuse my dreams

Turn my nights to sleepless itch”

Somehow, in the dim lights bleeding in pink and purple hues, she found him. Michael was standing toward the back, dressed cleanly in black with his shades over his face, making it extra hard for her to tell what was his expression.

“Stuck on you till the end of time

I'm too tired to fight your rhyme

Stuck on you till the end of time

You've got me paralyzed”

Even across the room, it seemed like they were having a stand off, their eyes locked on each other. Only when she saw another woman near and whisper in his ear did she tear her gaze away. She had missed her train. Time had moved on without her. All the while, she was stuck with no one to blame but herself.

“No, I can't escape

(Stuck on you till the end of time)

Your insipid rhyme

(I'm too tired to fight your rhyme)

When you shoot it deep

(Stuck on you till the end of time)

Straight into my mind”

…

Kira examined the sticky bar with a look of disgust, pulling out a sour apple lollipop and sticking it in her mouth. She was trying to quit smoking, though she really regretted not bringing a pack of cigarettes now.

“I just wanted to congratulate you, that’s all. I’ll still have love for you no matter what” Victor had found her after the performance, somehow weasling his way into the party, probably through one of the bottle girls.

“Well, you congratulated me” Her teeth clinked against the hardened candy, giving him a bored look “You can go now”.

“I’m just trying to be nice. C’mon, Kira, we were friends before all of this” Victor sighed, causing her to let out a sharp laugh.

Just as she was about to reply, she felt a familiar hand snake around her waist and pull the lollipop out of her mouth as he pressed a firm kiss onto the corner of her mouth, “Hi, angel”

Michael straightened up with a cocky smile, placing the lollipop into his own mouth. He acted as if he did not notice the male sitting beside her at all. Even with his sunglasses on, Kira could feel he was not his usual polite self, there was a certain dark energy radiating off of him that sent a shiver down her spine.

“So it’s true, huh?” Victor looked between them with a judgemental expression, “You sure move on fast”.

It was only then Michael acknowledged his presence, turning his face toward him. A heavy hand suddenly launched into his shirt, pressing him up against the bar, “You have something to say?”

“Michael!” Kira gasped at the uncharacteristic behavior, standing up between them, “Let go, let go-” She pulled his hand away, looking around to make sure no one had any cameras directed toward them. Michael seemed like an immovable object, “Please, please, Mike”.

Michael let go of Victor with a harsh push, slipping his arm around Kira’s wrist and leading her out of the tangled bodies in search of an open space further away from the music. 

“Michael, slow down!” Kira protested, tumbling into his chest at his sudden spin.

“What was that?”

Kira frowned at his question, “Nothing, it was nothing”

He stepped closer, towering over her as he threw the lollipop into a trash can next to them, “Are you two talking again? Did you let him in here?”

“Of course not! How could you even ask me that?”  She stepped away from him now, “What you did was reckless with everyone around. What’s gotten into you?”

“I’m trying to protect you and I’m the bad guy now?” 

“No one said that- I never asked for you to protect me!” She threw her hands up, exasperated as Michael clenched his jaw, bubbling with anger, “I’m fine. Go back to your girlfriends or whatever the fuck they are. Just stop fucking messing with my head”.

“Girlfriends? What the hell do you mean girlfriends?” Michael was now raising his voice, the calm collected exterior she was used to breaking away, “How many times do I have to tell you nothing happened?”

Kira was now turning her face away, eyes becoming glassy with frustration, “Y’know, I’m so tired of hearing men tell me that”.

Michael tilted his head at her, hurt flashing across his face, “Is that what you think of me?”

It wasn’t. It was entirely the opposite. She didn’t know what was wrong with her or her mouth. She didn’t know why she had no control, as if it were someone else being so incredibly stubborn in her place. This wasn’t who she was.

She shook her head, but couldn’t find the words to say as they jumbled. It was a series of unfortunate events in which she chose the wrong answer each and every time, “Please, let’s not do this here”. 

She could see from the end of the hall now that Dean was cautiously approaching them, the pair quietening down “Is everything alright here?”

“Yeah, Dean. We’re fine” She mustered her best smile, as Michael only let out a short hum “Are we leaving?”

Dean gave a tiny nod, eyes flicking between the two as he caught his friend’s hint “Yeah, yeah, we are. Let’s go”.

…

The smell of rain filled the air as the wind whistled through the night. Kira limped up to her front door, cursing her heels as she tugged down at her dress. 

“Hi baby,” She cooed at the black cat waiting at the door, stretching onto the doormat and curling around her legs.

Suddenly, like a slap in the face by Karma herself, a loud boom of thunder rattled through the air. As if knowing how overstimulated she already was, the cat took off sprinting in the dark for cover.

“Ivy!” Kira yelled, throwing off her heels and running after her “Baby, come back!”

Her hands shielded her eyes as she squinted into the night, trying to spot her with no avail. The wind only whirled harsher around her as heavy rain drops started pouring down hard. Harsh and cold against her skin, she began trembling as she searched for the furry pain in her ass.

She gasped loudly at the car that sped to a stop in front of her, not having seen it coming at all.  The door flung open to reveal Michael who was already getting out before she knew it, “What the hell are you doing? Get inside!” He yelled over the rapidly brewing storm.

“I need to find, Ivy!” 

Michael’s patience had been worn thin one too many times tonight, not having the energy to argue with her anymore. He bent down and threw her over his shoulder, carrying her back to the house. He set her down before slamming the door shut, slowly turning around with a darkened, irritated expression as he peeled his soaking wet jacket off his arms. 

“You’re stubborn…you’re so stubborn, my God” He breathed shakily, bringing his hand up to flick the light to no avail. The power had gone out.

Kira’s bottom lip began to quiver, unable to suppress the hot tears that started flooding down her face, “I’m sorry, she just ran out. I have to find her” A sense of panic flooding her chest.

“Shh,” Michael crossed the room in two strides, cupping her face, “She’s probably hiding underneath something, she’s okay. I’ll go check”.

Even after the fight they just had, he comforted her with gentleness, making her tears run faster, “I’m horrible,” 

He sighed, “You’re not horrible. You didn’t want it to happen-”

“No, I’ve been so horrible to you. I’m so sorry” Her voice choked on a sob, wrapping her fingers around his wrists, “And I don’t know how you can stand me right now. I’ve ruined everything-”

Michael leaned down, kissing her cheeks, the saltiness of her tears hitting his tongue, “You didn’t ruin everything, Kiki. Don’t work yourself up, c’mon now. Go light up some candles, I’ll be back” 

She answered with a hiccuped breath, watching him rush back out into the storm. 

Kira only sniffled now as she clumsily made her way through the dark and lit candles around the bottom floor, though felt a few tears slip down her face every time she heard thunder. 

When he returned, Ivy was rolled up in his jacket and tucked under his arm, “She was under your car!” He called from the front door.

Kira rushed in with prepared towels, “Ivy! Don’t scare me like that ever again” The feline let out a sound of protest as she ripped her away from the jacket and pressed kisses over her little face until she squirmed out of her hands.

“Thank you,” She mumbled bashfully as she wrapped a towel around Michael’s hair and helped him dry off.

“You’re shaking, mama. Let’s get you cleaned up”.

Michael now led her to the bathroom, pulling a wet wipe to freshen her face and clean her running mascara. She looked up at him through wet lashes as he worked in silence, the warm light flickering along his structured features “I don’t think you’re like Victor” she admitted, sounding far younger than her mature age to her own ears, “You’re nothing like him, you’re so kind and caring”

“I’m sorry too, angel” Michael’s voice came out hushed, tucking a few strands of hair out of her face, “I didn’t mean to get so angry like that. Why couldn’t you have just talked to a good guy like John or something-”.

“Because he’s not you” She took a shaky breath, suddenly turning her back towards him, “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I said that. I think- I think I’m just tired”.

Her heart pounded against her chest, feeling his hands slide along her waist and pull her into his chest, “Oh, angel” She could see the faint outline of his features in the mirror, how his face ghosted over her before pressing a few kisses to the crook of her neck, “Don’t- please, don’t hide from me again….Can’t you see I can’t breathe without you?”

He brought one hand over her throat, fingers at her jawline as he turned her face toward him, tenderly attaching their lips. Relief washed over her as their mouths moved together in gentle ecstasy, one of desperate pining and a need to intertwine their souls together. 

“Let me take care of you,” He requested delicately against her lips, moving his fingers to the zipper of her dress. Kira gingerly nodded, a stomach full of butterflies as she felt him pull down her dress achingly slow. He brought his hands up and peeled the dress over her body, kissing at her shoulder blade as the skin exposed itself to him. He looked at her through the mirror, feeling her tremble under his touch as the dress now pooled at her feet, “I need to hear you tell me, angel. Please”.

“Please, please just touch me already, Michael”

One hand came up and unclipped her bra, letting it fall off her shoulders, the sudden exposure shocking her sensitive buds. “You’re so so beautiful, baby” He sighed against her jaw, leaving hot feverish kisses along her skin. His fingers hooked onto her lace panties, peeling them off until she was bare in front of his hungry eyes.

Michael sucked in a breath through his teeth, bringing his hands up to gently knead breasts and pinch her nipples, eliciting soft gasps from her mouth, “I want you to watch, okay? I want you to see how I take care of you” He whispered in her ear as he brought a hand slowly down between her legs, letting out a soft groan as his fingers found her heat already dripping in arousal, “You’re so perfect”.

Kira released a whimper as he circled around her clit, her breath quickening. A loud gasp filled the air as he slipped a finger inside of her, feeling her gummy walls clenching around his digit. He slipped another easily in her slick heat, sighing at the feeling, “Just like that, angel. Let me hear you”

“Michael-” She whined needily, her hips beginning to squirm. He gently shushed her , bringing her face to his as he began curling his fingers inside her, capturing her soft moans with his lips. Soon his fingers began to pump in and out, squelching sounds filling the bathroom. Her head fell back onto his shoulder as the pleasure shocked her body. Suddenly, a cry left her lips as Michael removed his hand and lightly patted her overstimulated bundle of nerves, causing her hips to jolt forward harshly.

“I said, I want you to watch” Michael brought his hand around her face, steadying her vision toward the mirror as his fingers slipped back inside her. Kira moaned loudly as the sound of her wet arousal echoed in the room, his fingers reaching deeper than her own ever could. She watched her own mouth involuntarily form shapes as his other large hand kneaded her breast. He locked eyes with her in the mirror, bringing her wetness back up into her clit, another desperate whimper coming out of her. He wanted to imprint this image into her mind and mold her underneath his hands until she couldn’t remember another, “So pretty, mama”.

Her inner thighs were glistening with her arousal, her core tensed with desperation. Michael spun her around, lowering himself to his knees as he kissed down her breasts and navel, throwing her leg over his shoulder, “Michael!” She gasped as he pressed his face into her inner thigh, biting down on the soft flesh and running a tongue over her tattoo, with a faint murmur “I can’t - I need to taste you, baby”. 

His tongue flattened against her core, her hips jerking forward onto his face. He growled against her folds, sending shocking vibrations into her core. His hands gripped onto her thighs as he flicked his tongue along her bean, swirling it around before imprisoning it in his mouth and sucking it gently until he released it with a pop. She let out a cry, tangling her fingers into his hair.  He was a hungry man, hypnotized by her sweet nectar, as if it were godly ambrosia. His tongue slipped into her crevices, pumping in and out as his thumb came up to circle around her clit. 

Kira threw her head back, needy hips grinding against his face beyond her control, “So good, baby. God-” He groaned into her core as he slipped his fingers in again, working simultaneously as he tongue fucked her before sucking on her clit once more.

“Michael! Oh fuck, I’m gonna-” She cried, pulling at his hair, which only seemed to encourage him more, lapping at her juices until she was withering and shaking. He rode her to the end of her climax, planting sweet kisses at her thighs. 

“Please, Mike. I need you” She breathed, tugging him up desperately by his shirt. He slammed his lips onto hers, moaning into her mouth as he found her pierced tongue. She tasted herself on him as she gently sucked on his bottom lip, frantically unbuttoning his pants as he worked on his collared shirt. She began ripping his clothes off of him, desperate to feel his lean muscles underneath her fingertips. They stumbled out of the bathroom with attached lips, unwilling to let go for even a second as they bumped against furniture.

His hand cushioned the back of her head as they fell onto the couch, holding himself up with one hand as he hungrily kissed her. Her hands moved to pull out his hardened length, hearing it lightly slap onto his abdomen. She pulled away slightly to get a look at him, mouth watering as the dim light caught his shining arousal on his tip, “You’re so pretty” she breathed shakily. She spit into her hand before wrapping his fingers around him, earning a deep growl into her skin, his teeth leaving blooming love bites along her neck. 

His hips jerked into her hand, his dick twitching with eagerness. She pressed her hands against his chest to straighten up, kissing down his chest and abdomen, revering in how his muscles tensed under her touch. She brought his thick, veiny shaft up to her lips, swirling around his tip with her pierced tongue. Michael sucked in a harsh breath, convinced he was going to burst if he let her continue. He captured her wrists and brought them above her head, planting them in place with one large hand, “I’m sorry, angel. I'm taking care of you tonight. You’ve made me wait long enough”.

He folded her knees toward her chest, positioning his tip at her entrance, teasing through her folds and coating himself in her dripping heat. Her hands began to squirm under his firm hold, “Michael, please-” she became a whimpering and mewling mess underneath him.

“Please what? Tell me. Tell me you need me” Michael bent his head to her breasts, kissing and sucking with an occasional nibble on her nipple.

“I need you inside me, please” She begged with a whine, her eyes rolling back as she felt his tip pushing in, “Relax for me, angel” He cooed, taking his time until his dick slowly bottomed out, filling her whole and stretching her along his length. They let out a harmonious moan together. Michael’s breath quickened at the feeling of her clenched around him, molded to perfection. He kissed her lips deeply as his hips began to roll inside her, moans beginning to trickle endlessly out of her mouth.

“You take me so well, angel” He praised, picking up the pace with skillful thrusts and an unmatched stamina. He straightened himself up, keeping her legs spread open for him as he pistoned in and out of her slick walls, bringing himself to the very edge of his tip before he slammed back into her. Wet squelching and slapping skin echoed through the living room, mixing with their musical sounds.

Her words became incoherent, moaning uncontrollably as she watched him pump in and out of her. He tilted her head down by chin, “Look at how good you take me, angel. Don’t forget this, okay?”

“I won’t, I won’t” She cried as her hips began squirming again, her thighs shaking. He pulled out, lightly slapping his pulsating member against her puffy lips. An overwhelming shock of pleasure and pain electrocuted her body, causing her to arch her back“Not yet, get onto your stomach”.

Kira flipped herself, becoming putty in his hands as he lifted her ass up into the air, sliding into her with ease, “Oh, fuck-” she cried into the couch pillow, feeling him hit deeper into her core at this angle, “It’s too much” she whimpered.

“You’re doing so good, angel, so good” He soothed as he began pounding into her, hips hitting flush against her skin. His fingers gripped the meat of her ass, “So stunning” he groaned under his breath. His thrusts seemed to hit her cervix every time, her mouth hanging agape and drooling as she moaned his name.

Her thighs shook horribly as she tried to push herself back and meet his thrusts, gripping onto the edge of the couch. Michael took one of her hands, pressing it behind her back. Their harmony slowly became more sloppy, “Michael, I’m close, don’t stop. Please, don’t stop-”

“C’mon mama, there you go” He sucked in his breath as she tightened around him, her whole body shaking as she reached her high. He held himself back, his breath hiccuping as he sloppily thrusted into her, “Where do you want me, angel?”

“Inside, please, please” She breathed, still twitching against him, letting out a soft gasp as his warmth filled inside her and dripped down her thighs. His chest fell flush against her back, rising and falling heavily as he pressed kisses onto her shoulder. He lifted himself up to twist her around, kissing her lips tenderly. 

“Oh, Kiki” He breathed, pecking her lips repeatedly, smiling against her mouth, “What have you done to me?”

She let out a tiny giggle, brushing his damp dark curls from his face. He brought his face up to gaze down at her, “Be mine, angel. Please?”

A scheming smirk tugged onto her lips as she lightly grazed his happy trail with her nails, feeling him hardening against her thigh and shuddering under her touch, “I’ll be yours…if you make me”.

—

“What’s this?” Michael unfolded the piece of paper, pulling out his reading glasses.

Kira sat on his desk, kicking her feet back and forth, “Just a little something I’ve been writing. Can you tell me what you think?

She was nervous to hear his opinion, anxiously twirling a silver ring around her finger.

“Why are you so nervous? Since when do you need my opinion?” Michael quirked an eyebrow, looking down at the rushed scribbled mix of print and cursive. As his eyes drifted along the sheet, his lips slowly curled into a smile, “You’re writing a love song?”

Kira stared at her folded hands, “Sort of, I guess-”

Her breath was taken away by his mouth on hers, kissing her deeply and pulling her onto his lap. He peppered his kisses over her face, engulfing her face in his large hands “I love you too, angel” he mused against her skin, eliciting a beaming smile from her face as she hung her arms around his broad shoulders.

“I love you, Michael”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: i hope you enjoyed this short series! i've been feeling a little under the weather lately but didn't want to keep you guys waiting too long. also tried to not make this as lengthy (even though it already is). please let me know if you have any requests or want to see me write anything else!

couple of songs/performances mentioned this chapter: I'm So Sick by Flyleaf; Let The Flames Begin/Part II Outro by Paramore; Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls performed with Avril Lavigne; Closer by Nine Inch Nails; and Stuck on You by Paramore

It wasn’t fair how easily he had allowed her to invade his mind. He thought about how even when she smiled brightly, as if she didn’t have a care in the world, it never met her eyes. Instead, an incredible sadness deeply rooted within them that he simply couldn’t shake. To a point, it unnerved him as he felt her hurt mirrored his own. A pestering craving ate at him, clawing at him for the simple fact he could not get close to her. He thought about her every time he passed the vase she had gifted him, going out of his way to always keep fresh flowers in it and deliberately positioned at the window toward her home so she would be reminded to stop by. A heavy guilt overwhelmed him then as it was not just her connection he craved. It could never be that simple when images of her bedazzled behind and her sweet little tongue, pierced and covered in creamy white, plagued and infected his mind. 

He was going to drive himself crazy if this continued. It was a simple fantasy and the loneliness that was talking. He was a grown man that could control his urges and it was pathetic to have such a schoolboy-level crush over a pretty young woman that had shown him a pleasant personality. She wanted nothing to do with men right now, let alone him. It was not right for him to take advantage of such a situation. 

Michael tried to pretend he didn’t notice her ignoring him. How she would slip into another room as quick as a bee and take longer routes to not cross his path. He then tried to distract himself and act like it didn’t bother him – like he didn’t want her attention and be the sole cause of her cute pink-tinged cheeks.

It had gotten to a point where he’d linger at a doorway just to see her. So far, he had learned she had a comical craving for green apples, the more sour the better – but she really enjoyed fresh figs, they just weren’t as easy to come by. Then he noticed how the band never argued badly over creative differences, filling the hallways with a bright laughter. She tried so hard to blend in and would then linger after hours to create and record in her most vulnerable state. She also seemed to get along well with everyone, even remembering the janitor’s name and taking the time to make his job a little easier during clean up, not that she’d ever let him know. Her acts of kindness were always done in secrecy, as if she did not want it to be linked back to her. It only irked him more and caused one single word to spawn in his mind. 

Why. Why. Why didn’t she look his way?

Today, he had done his best with distracting himself, deciding this was no longer good for his health and he had to end this progressively worsening infatuation before it spiraled out of control. That was until Blanket had come into his office. His breathing halted.

Kira was here.

He remained frozen until his youngest shut the door before he decided to move, feeling something unusual brush along his foot. It was almost as if he knew before he even looked.

Seeing her there under his desk, right in between his legs made his stomach flip harshly. A small, shaky sigh escaped his mouth, trying his hardest to keep his composure before bringing his hand up to beckon her forward.

“Angel, come out of there”.

His hand wiped his mouth, darkened eyes following her every movement as she slithered out from underneath and stood still between his spread legs as if prepared to be reprimanded. To be fair, he didn’t give her much of an opportunity to go elsewhere. A part of him didn’t want to. The universe had made her fall right into the palm of his hand.

His eyelids fluttered softly as they trailed along her curves before meeting her face.

“Sit”.

It came out as an order. Not that he had intended it. It was difficult to keep himself calm and not expose had badly he wanted her at this moment. His heart pounded at the sight of her slipping her lower half onto his desk in front of him, her legs dangling dangerously close to his crotch. His knuckle found itself between his teeth, biting down to pinch his skin in an attempt to wake himself up. He noticed fresh scratches on the soft skin of her shins.

“What happened?”

Kira rubbed her throbbing headache, wishing the humiliation would just make her pass out so she didn’t have to deal with this, “I was chasing my cat- I hopped your fence” she admitted dumbly.

Michael rubbed his face into his hand, exasperated “You’re going to kill me”

Her avoidant eyes finally shot up, “I’m really, really sorry, Mr. Jackson-”

“Michael, God. I’m begging you just call me Michael” His voice raised slightly to interrupt, gulping a lump of nothing as he felt the bulge in his pants twitch. He couldn’t bear it, hearing her call him that, especially in this position. His eyes focused on the delicate silver chain with a cross around her anklet. It was taunting him. His fingertips reached out to twist it into place, goosebumps appearing on her soft skin in an instant.

“I’m sorry,” She froze, sounding achingly delicate.“I wasn’t thinking-”

“I don’t care that you’re here” He cut her off again, fingers now wrapping around her ankle. He could feel her shiver under his mere, grazing touch. His focus remained on the exposed flesh, the red line that had harmed her delicate skin, reaching into a drawer without looking and drawing out a box of band-aids, “Why are you avoiding me?”

Kira gulped, gripping the edge of the desk with her hands “Because”.

“Because, why?” He stared up at her now, watching her eyebrows knit together in desperation at his unwillingness to let it go. He pulled her foot on top of his upper thigh, placing the band-aid on top of the larger of the scratches.

She was too stubborn to fold under his pressure, even if it was suffocating her, “God, can you stop looking at me like that?” Her hips squirmed slightly on the desk, unable to sit still now as she avoided his question once again. She jerked back her ankle slightly, but his firm grasp kept her in place.

He did not look away. He simply didn’t want to. It was uncharacteristically bold of him “What’s so bad that you went through all this trouble just to avoid me?”

“I don’t- I don’t know. You’ve been nothing but good to me” Her eyes became glassy, letting them fall back down to her lap.

Michael hesitantly rose to his feet, afraid she would run away from him if he moved too fast. His warm hand slipped underneath her jaw, his voice a low hush “Look at me”

His thumb brushed along her cheek, lulling her into looking at him, coaxing her to seize her endless resistance against him “It just feels like…every time you look at me, you’re seeing all the hurt I have inside” Her voice came out in a cracked whisper, “I can’t hide it from you”.

“Oh, angel…” Michael breathed, “I don’t want you to hide”.

 The room held its breath as his eyes fell down to her lips, hers following suit. Something magnetic seemed to pull them closer and closer.

“Daddy found Kira!” Prince’s voice boomed as he bursted into the room.

The two suddenly ripped apart, flushed and heavy breathing as the children circled around them.

—

“Figs!” Kira gasped in delight at the fruit basket in the studio, wrapped in a pretty bow,

“You know the way figs grow is kind of disgusting-” 

“I don’t want to hear it, Sam”

The bandmates bickered often, having known each other for several years, it was only natural that they grew into a sibling-type of relationship.

Dean picked up a tiny card and mustered a blatantly obvious sarcastic tone, “MJ. Gee, I wonder who that could be”.

“Kira, can you ask him to send peaches next time? Pretty please?” Sam added with a pout.

“You guys are dicks,” She rolled her eyes, turning her face away to hide her expression as a sickly sweet warmth flooded her chest.

…

After hours of hard work, the band decided to call it a day. Kira lingered behind, balls of crumbled up paper surrounding her, eyes continuously drifting toward the half-eaten fruit basket. 

Their last interaction still haunted her. He had compelled her so easily as if a siren’s call that would tug her heart until she crashed against the rocky shores. The thought of bearing her soul to another man again terrified her. He had done absolutely nothing wrong and yet, her skin crawled every time he got close.

And yet, Michael had been so tender with her. It wasn’t that she wasn’t attracted, no. The problem was the exact opposite. She was so unbearably attracted it spooked her, made her try to resist her urges and convince herself she wasn’t ready. Her ankle still wore the band-aid he had placed as a reminder, her fingers constantly reaching down to check it had not fallen off. Deep down, she wanted so terribly to believe him, that he was genuine. Instead, she told herself she was just hurt and seeking comfort in the first soul that showed her kindness. That was it. It had to be.

And yet, she still wanted to see him again.

She found herself walking up the Jackson estate’s driveway at sunset with a fresh batch of cookies. As she neared, her stride slowed down at the sight of a woman at his door, holding gift bags and pressing a kiss to his cheek. Kira was about to turn around until Michael locked eyes with her.

Her cheeks flushed, feeling incredibly stupid all of a sudden. Of course he would be seeing someone, someone that looked nothing like her, in fact. It was naive of her to think that Michael Jackson would be single and pursue her. He probably just thought of her as a charity case. Her eyes flicked over to the woman’s stare of judgement before looking back at Michael.

“Kira?”

“Oh God, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come unannounced. I was just bringing cookies for the kids, I’ll leave-” 

“No, no, go put them down in the kitchen. I’ll be right there”.

Michael had stepped in her direction before she could flee. Kira felt incredibly awkward as she slipped around him and through the door, ignoring the woman’s glare. She set down the cookies on the counter, unsure of what to do with herself.

She slipped into the yard, trudging toward the swing set. She desperately needed a smoke. Small puffs of smoke drifted out of her mouth, twisting herself around the swing and releasing herself. She heard a small deep chuckle before her spinning suddenly stopped, a hand at her knees, “There you are. What did I tell you about smoking?”

The dim lighting casted beautiful shadows along his face. Kira looked up at him as if gazing at a painting, “I’m sorry for interrupting you guys, I should’ve called. I hope your girlfriend didn’t get the wrong impression”.

Michael shook his head before settling into the swing next to us, “Don’t apologize, she’s not a girlfriend”.

“Oh…” She took in a drag of her cigarette, giving him a peculiar look, “I see”

That solicited a laugh from the man, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing, nothing. Thank you for the figs by the way. How did you know I like them?”

“You’re avoiding my question again”

“So are you”

They stared at each other, the chill of the dark beginning to nip at their noses. Kira found it easier to talk to him under the blanket of the night, not being able to see him so clearly.

“Listen, I’m really sorry about last time. I’m going through something right now and you coming in the way that you did really freaked me out. I pushed you away and that was unfair of me to do”.

She could feel his intense gaze on her, how much his presence radiated even in the dark, “Can we start over, Michael? Can we be friends?’

His fingers slowly reached for hers in the night, tangling them into his own, “I would like that. I really need a friend right now too”.

Her heart thudded in her chest, turning her face away to take another drag.

“You must’ve loved him a lot”.

Kira blew the smoke out of her mouth, letting out a sharp laugh, “No, no I don’t think it was love. I just think it was comfortable” She admitted, “We were together for a long time, the next step was to get married. Then I found him cheating on our tour bus- I’m sorry, you probably don’t want to hear any of this”.

His hand gave her a reassuring squeeze, “No, I do”

All the tension and awkwardness between them seemed to be melting away fast, replaced by a mutual understanding and comfort.

“You didn’t deserve any of that,” He continued.

Kira felt tears prick her eyes, “You don’t know me, Michael”.

“Don’t do that,” He slowly shifted, pulling her swing closer to him in between his legs, “Don’t hide from me”.

“I’m afraid,” She confessed in a cracked whisper, “I used to be so happy and I’m just afraid to go through the pain all over again. Fuck-”

Her hand reached up to brush away the hot tears that rolled down her face, “Look at me-”

“I’m looking”.

“-I’m pathetic”.

Michael’s voice was soothing, grounding her to reality, “I’m looking and you’re beautiful. You’re kind and smart-” The tears were falling faster now, a choked whimper coming out of her mouth, “And you will be happy and love again”.

Her body melted as he pulled her into his chest, pressing a small kiss at her temple.

—

The following weeks, their friendship had greatly approved. As much as they enjoyed talking about a variety of topics, they also enjoyed soaking up each other’s company in silence whenever they could. Stopping by each other’s homes had soon become natural and Kira started smiling more often.

Soon, their friendship blossomed beyond their cozy corner in the world and they began making public appearances together at children's hospitals. While it was never done for publicity, lurking paparazzi still managed to catch them. Rumors sparked as they knew they would but Kira remained unbothered. Michael, on the other hand, couldn’t help but feel a bit insecure at some comments that discussed their age difference. Although they still maintained the respectful boundaries of a true friendship, there were still lingering moments that suggested something deeper that was left unspoken for. While Michael still believed she was writing songs about her ex fiance, Kira knew deep in her heart her dynamic had shifted, yet continued to deny it to herself.

Kira laid on her back on the patio swing at her home, nose stuffed into a gothic romance novel as Michael emerged from inside with two cups of tea. Bad Habit would be responsible for a song on the novel's upcoming movie and she needed ideas.

“Sorry-” She moved to sit up as she took a cup from him.

Michael shook his head, “No, it’s okay. Don’t move” 

He took her legs and placed them over his lap, letting the weight of his arm drape over her. Kira watched him for a moment, how perfect his side profile looked as he blew on his tea while nature-watching before she forced her gaze back into her book. 

She still wasn’t used to how casually affectionate he was, having never considered physical touch to be one of her love languages. Somehow, she didn’t mind it at all.

“Do you never write about love?’

Kira flicked her eyes back up, slightly startled by the question, “No, not really” she let out a mumble, “Not in that way at least”.

Michael hummed as if deeply assessing her answer, his line of sight focused on a tweeting blue bird in the trees that was building a nest “How come?”

She pretended to read her story, eyes absentmindedly drifting along the page, “I don’t know, I like writing about things I feel and believe in”.

“You don’t believe in love?”

“Let’s see, cheating dad, cheating fiance. Makes it hard to believe in” Kira replied bluntly, now placing her book face down on her chest. A squeezing sensation enveloped her heart. Michael was looking at her now, fingers having found her anklet again to play with.

“How come you drive an old beat up car?”

Kira gasped in shock, “Because I love that car!”

“That can’t be the only reason. That car is older than you, Kiki!” He protested with a laugh, though his smile faded at her tense expression, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing…it’s just my mom used to call me that”

Michael’s expression soften, “Oh…I’m sorry”

“No, it’s okay. It’s nice to hear again,” Kira’s heart pounded, “It was her car”

“Then it’s a very beautiful car, you convinced me”.

She smiled lazily at him, picking her book back up to her face. After a moment of silence, he spoke again.

“What do you think of your new guitarist?”

“You’re very chatty today”

Michael leaned his chin against her knee, peering down at her now as if trying to get a glimpse of the passage, “Maybe I just missed you and you’re being a very cold woman for ignoring me”.

She shut her book with a soft thud, propping herself up onto her arms, “He’s nice. His name is Luke. He plays guitar nicely. How’s your little girlfriend?”

Michael groaned at that, lolling his head over her knee until his temple rested instead, “I told you, she’s not a girlfriend”.

“What? An easy fuck then?”

For a moment, a strange form of agitation and jealousy had taken over her, regretting her choice of words instantly.

 His eyes bore deep into hers, a flash of hurt sparking in them before pulling his face away “You know it’s not like that”.

Her expression softened, “I’m sorry, Mike. I just don’t want you to get hurt. You tend to let people who aren’t good for you stick around”.

“I know, I just get lonely…” His voice lowered into a rasp, “Sometimes I think you’re the only one who's good for me. You never want anything from me”.

“I’m sorry, Mike. I didn’t mean to say it like that,” She leaned over and pressed a soft kiss onto his cheek, his eyes fluttering close for a moment to soak in her touch. 

“I should go”.

“Mike, wait-”

—

It was a quiet morning. Bill sat in his favorite diner while he enjoyed the morning paper, thanking the waitress that brought him a steaming cup of coffee.

A young woman slipped into the seat across from him with comically large sunglasses and purple strands sticking out messily out of her hoodie as he brought the hot liquid to the lips, causing him to nearly choke.

“Jesus Christ, Kira. What are you doing here? How did you find me?”

“The Albanian mafia, of course” The frontwoman spoke so earnestly, he almost believed her, “No, I’m fucking with you. I saw your car outside. Listen, I have a plan”

The older man looked at her like she had two heads, “A plan?”

“Yeah, Michael’s birthday is coming up and I want to surprise him. I’m going to be hosting it at my place, nothing too crazy, just a normal and authentic party. I don’t want just anyone coming. Only good people in his life. Will you help me?”

He sighed, “Do I have a choice?”

“No, not really,” She gave a toothy grin. 

…

“What’s happening?” Michael was beyond confused why Marlon had urged him to put the kids to bed so early and insisted on putting a blindfold on him when they got in the car. The drive felt incredibly short, leaving him with no clue what this was all about.

“Quit asking questions, Mike”

“It’s damn near midnight, Marlon!”

Michael took cautious steps as his brother led him, not necessarily trusting him even at his grown age.

“Will you tell me what this is all about already?” He felt the blindfold becoming undone, his eyes taking a moment to adjust to the sight in front of him.

“Happy Birthday, Michael!” A mix of some of his family and close friends cheered in a circle around him. His eyes widened into sparkling orbs, looking at each and every face before shyly mumbling, “What’s all this?”

He recognized Kira’s yard, which had now been littered in party decorations, folding tables and chairs, and a DIY stage with a DJ on the side and band equipment in the middle.

His little aubergine fantasy emerged from the crowd to reveal herself with one of her bashful smiles that he adored so much. The air had been sucked from her lungs. She wore a sparkly halter with a mini leather skirt and strappy heels. A tease of a thigh tattoo peaked from her skirt, making his mouth water.

“Um, duh. It’s your party, silly” Her giggle was like music to his ears, “Boys!”

She clapped her hands, her band mates flooded in and popped open bottles of champagne as the DJ started playing music. The attendees let out a loud cheer, eager to start the festivities.

“Angel, you didn’t have to do all this”

Seeing Michael so red, so shy, did a number on her. A satisfied grin spread across her features, “You deserve it, Mike. I’m sorry for not showing you sooner”.

“Less talking, more drinking. Let’s get this party started” Dean barged in, pushing glasses into their hands as Luke was set on rookie duty to pour the champagne, muttering a quick “Nice to meet you, Mr. Jackson”.

The night unfolded quickly, especially with how dangerously harmoniously the chaotic energy of the Jackson siblings and Bad Habit flowed. Dean took no time at all until he was flirting with Janet while Sam and Luke were playing beer pong with Marlon and Randy. Everyone was mingling, everyone but Kira who did not stop running around in the background to make sure everything went perfectly.

Michael’s eyes followed her the whole time, even when talking with the other guests and trying to enjoy himself. He watched Kira round up her bandmates before they got too out of control, hauling them onto stage. The DJ cut the music as she came to the microphone.

“Hi everyone, I hope you’re all enjoying yourselves. Don’t forget to grab some food if you haven’t already. Before we all get wasted, we wanted to thank you all for coming and play a few songs for you” She smiled, finding Michael’s eyes in the crowd.

The band played a few of their viral upbeat songs, engaging with the audience and even taking a shot of tequila together on stage at one point. Michael watched from his table with a smile, his eyes focused on the hair of purple headbanging and dancing in place as her high heels restricted her from her usual hopping around stage. At one point, Dean came over and whispered something in her ear, coaxing a scheming smile out of her.

“Alright, we have a request from the audience for our next song,” Kira took the mic out of the stand into her hand, “But I’m gonna need the birthday boy front and center for this one”.

The crowd hollered and clapped as Michael’s brothers dragged him to a table in front of the stage. He let out a trickle of laughs, a flush painting his cheeks at all the attention as the band bursted into the song. 

“Oh, oh, oh

You're so good to me baby, baby”

Loud screams and cheers erupted from the opening line as Kira’s eyes locked in on him.

“I wanna lock you up in my closet

When no one's around

I wanna put your hand in my pocket

Because you're allowed

I wanna drive you into the corner

And kiss you without a sound

I wanna stay this way forever

I'll say it loud

Now you're in, and you can't get out”

Michael’s brothers annoyingly shook and slammed his shoulders, hooting in his ear. He covered his face with his hand in embarrassment, a large smile plastered on his lips as he peaked through his finger.

“You make me so hot

Make me wanna drop

It's so ridiculous

I can barely stop

I can hardly breathe

You make me wanna scream

You're so fabulous

You're so good to me baby, baby

You're so good to me baby, baby”

Kira took Jackie’s hand as she stepped onto the table, her elongated legs taking up his entire vision. Instinctively, Michael’s hands shot up around her legs to steady her, rising up from his seat.

“I can make you feel all better

Just take it in

And I can show you all the places

You've never been

And I can make you say everything

That you've never said

And I will let you do anything

Again and again”

His eyes darkened as Kira slipped her hand underneath his jaw and tilted his face up to look at her. A mix of liquid courage and adrenaline from the performance had given her a bolster of confidence. She shuddered as she felt Michael’s hands sliding up to the back of her thighs to hold her in place. She entered the chorus once more, placing her hand on his shoulder as she moved to step down from the table. His hand found her waist, easily taking her weight until she found stable ground. Her free hand gripped onto his shirt, pulling her closer to her.

“Kiss me gently

Always I know

Hold me, love me

Don't ever go”

Kira sang softly, a teasing look in her eye as he peered down breathlessly at her. Then suddenly, she let go, going back on stage to engage the entire party with the rest of the song.

“Little brother, that girl wants you bad. You better lock that shit down” Marlon cackled behind him, placing heavy hands onto his shoulders and shaking him in excitement.

…

Kira had spent most of the party running around in and out of the house, tending to all her guests and Michael had simply had enough. His hands slithered around her waist and turned her around, “Angel, please come enjoy the party. I want to spend time with you”.

His large hands sat so perfectly in her curves, as if she were a statue he was molding and caressing, “There’s so much to do though-” Kira turned her face to the side, flustered by their closeness.

Liquid courage had gotten the best of him, pressing a kiss onto her cheek, “They’re all drunk, they’re not going to notice. Just come dance with me”.

He tugged her to the dance floor, placing her arms over his shoulders as he pulled her flush against him, “Thank you for doing all this”.

She looked up at him through her wispy lashes, as their bodies moved together “I’m sorry about what I said last time. I just really don’t like that girl”

Michael hummed softly, “Consider her gone”.

Kira let out a laugh of disbelief, looking at him skeptically as if trying to assess whether he was joking or not, “Stop messing with me-”

Before the pair could continue, Luke was taking Kira’s attention away, “Hey, I have to drive Sam home. He’s gone, dude”.

“Oh-” Kira pulled away from Michael to help support a flopping Sam, “You buffoon, how did you get so wasted. All this height for nothing. Where’s Dean? - I’ll be back, Mike”

…

“Luke, are you sure you’re okay to drive them? Text me ok?” He heard her scold her bandmates from a distance, watching her conceal a limp from being in her heels all night as she picked up trash littered along the grass.

His sisters gave him a kiss on the cheek and bid them farewell before he darted over to where he had wanted to be all night long. With one sweeping arm under her legs and another supporting her back, he picked her up, “Okay, that’s enough, angel”

“Michael!” She gasped, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

“You’ve been running around nonstop all night, I don’t want to hear it” Michael brought them inside and set her on the kitchen counter, “I didn’t even see you eat anything”

He let out a heavy sigh, as if deeply upset about this fact “I ate a little…” Kira mumbled, tugging down on her mini skirt.

“Not enough” Michael had caged her in between his arms to support himself, a pink tinge on his cheeks.

Kira’s eyes wavered over him, “You’re really pretty, y’know” She blurted, all the shots she had taken speaking for her.

“Don’t say that,” Michael whispered, his head slightly dipping till their noses nearly brushed before pulling himself back in realization. He suddenly lowered himself to his knees. He felt dizzy, his face too close to her moisturized and scented legs. The drinks didn’t help much either. He slid off her heels, carefully massaging the tension in her feet.

Kira let out a sigh of relief, leaning back. She lazily rummaged through a bag for a plastic fork before sticking it into some cake. Now that she was sitting down, she noticed just how much the room was spinning, oblivious to the crisis Michael had just entered.

At this angle, he could see absolutely everything. Her legs seemed miles long and her breasts sat perfectly perched. Even in the dim light, he swore he could see a sliver of her hot pink panties up her skirt.

He bent his head down into the side of her leg, a shaky breath tickling her skin. The magnitude at which he was restraining himself physically hurt, his pants growing tighter. 

“Michael?” Her fingers reached into his hair, “Are you okay down there?”

“Tell me to stop,” Her stomach flipped at the sound of his pained voice, his lips dragging along her knee. He slowly began littering delicate kisses along her skin. How desperately he wanted to sink his teeth in and taste her, to spread her legs open and rip the clothes off of her body. His face moved into her lap, hands sliding up her legs, “Please tell me to stop”.

Her voice caught in her throat, watching him transform into a puddle, not paying attention to the fork in her hand “Ah, shit-” A piece of cake fell onto her cleavage.

Michael tilted his head up, a darkened expression coating his once delicate features. As they locked eyes, Kira’s breath quickened. She remained tense as he rose up at a torturous rate until his face came up directly to her chest. He kept his eyes on hers as his tongue darted out and slowly licked the cake clean off.

In an instant, she pulled him by his shirt and slammed her lips onto his. He did not hesitate positioning himself in between her legs, wrapping her legs around his waist. Her hands traveled along the flexing muscles under his shirt as their lips moved hungrily against each other. He cushioned the back of her head with a large hand as he deepened the kiss, tilting his head into her. His fingers slid into the nape of her neck, gripping at her hair as his tongue slipped into her mouth.

Michael let out a soft groan against her mouth as he found the tiny metal piercing he had been fantasizing about day and night. She could taste the sweetness of cake in his mouth as she toyed with his tongue and nipped at his bottom lip, only encouraging him further. His free hand tucked under her knee and pulled her closer to him. In the tangled mess, he captured her tongue, sucking on it. At the same time, the feeling of his hardened length pressed against her, eliciting a soft moan out of her.

Every pent up emotion, every time they had restrained themselves, came pouring out into an undying thirst. Michael had been the one to pull away, resting her forehead against hers with a heavy breath, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry- Oh God, you have no idea what I want to do to you”

Kira feverishly shook her head, breathless “Don’t be sorry”.

“It’s not right” Michael’s face contorted into a painful expression, fighting an inner battle with himself as he pressed frantic apologetic kisses along her jaw, “I’m sorry- I want to. I want it more than anything”.

He couldn’t stop the overwhelming feeling of guilt and disgust with himself. He had tried so hard to fight his urges and control himself around her, only to take advantage of an intoxicated moment.

Her hand met his hair, soothing him “Michael. It’s okay”.

He hated himself for what he was about to do.

“Not like this, angel. I’m so sorry” He shook his head against her before tearing himself away and striding out of the house.

A resounding slam echoed through the room as the door shut and Kira was left empty and cold on the counter.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: i hope you enjoyed all my yapping, let me know if you want to be tagged in the next chapter or you have any other requests!

song mentioned this chapter is Hot by Avril Lavigne

She felt the vibrations sit heavy in her core, buzzing underneath her feet and tingling to the tip of her fingers. Adrenaline flooded through her veins. Blinding stage lights illuminating her figure angelically from behind as hands reached out toward her.

“I’m just a girl!” She shouted, eliciting a roar from the audience, yet her expression remained unbreakable.

With slow, fluid movements she turned, eyes narrowing on the crowd “Do I have any boys here?”

An earthquake of shouts erupted, gently coaxing a smirk onto her face. Her beat-up converse brought her to the edge of the stage, crawling on top of a speaker, “What if I told you I want aaalll the boys here to sing with me? Would you do it?”

The band members were smiling now, unable to hold themselves as their lead singer edged the crowd to the brink of explosion, causing a static to buzz through the venue. Kira Hart was simply born for this.

“Ok, let’s try it” A wicked smile spread onto her face, dark purple streaks of hair sticking to the sweat on her face, “I’m just a girl!”

“I’m just a girl!” The crowd roared.

“I said boys only! Again! – I’m just a girl!”

“I’m just a girl!”

“I’m just a girl” Her tone now dipped seductively, controlling the men in the audience like a puppetmaster. A sound of amusement tumbled out of her lips before she smoothed her expression in pure stoicism within a blink of an eye.

“Okay, now boys shut up! I want all my cute, sexy girls to sing with me” Her voice drawled as she straightened up tall onto her feet, ignoring her panicked manager from backstage waving at her to get down. Blood pumped in her ears, blocking out even the loudest shrills from the audience. She flipped her middle finger out and shouted  “Say fuck you I’m a girl!”

“Fuck you I’m a girl!”

“Fuck you I’m a girl!”

“Fuck you I’m a girl!”

“Cause I’m just a girl in the world!”

Kira turned her head momentarily, sending a beaming smile at her stone-faced manager, growling into the microphone “Cause that’s all you’ll let me be!” 

She jumped off the speaker as the band finally bursted into the last chorus, unleashing the final catalyst for the fans to riot.

“Oh, I'm just a girl, living in captivity

Your rule of thumb makes me worrisome

Oh, I'm just a girl, what's my destiny?

What I've succumbed to is making me numb

Oh, I'm just a girl, my apologies

What I've become is so burdensome

Oh, I'm just a girl, lucky me

Twiddle-dum, there's no comparison”

Kira’s energy was contagious as she jumped around the stage, kicking her feet and swinging her head – her trademarked purple streaks flying in the air. She must’ve lapped around the stage a hundred times during the show and still never lost her breath.

“Thank you all for coming out tonight, you’ve been an amazing crowd. We love you so so much. Once again, we’re Bad Habit and thank you for making us your baddest habit!”

The curtains came to a close as Kira and the band jogged off stage, “I know, I know. I got a little ahead of myself”

“You did,” Their manager sighed, “You went over time and should’ve told me you guys were going to put up those images during Zombie”.

“We did tell you, you said no and that confused me because I wasn’t asking, I was telling you” Kira shot back with playful mischief.

“Oh c’mon Kim, the crowd loved it” Sam, the drummer, spoke up.

The middle-aged woman sighed, rubbing her hand over her face, “Yeah, yeah I guess they did”.

The band erupted in a cheer, jumping around their manager in a circle until she couldn’t help but laugh, “You guys are a handful” she shook her head, “Don’t get too comfortable though, just because you have a big name now doesn’t mean you get to do whatever you want. We still need to find you guys a permanent guitarist now that Victor is out”.

The name left a sour taste in Kira’s mouth, “Don’t worry, Kim. I appreciate all you’ve done for us so far but we’ve been handling ourselves long before you got here. It’s my fault we need a new guitarist, so I promise I’ll find one and come back stronger than ever”.

“Kira, don’t beat yourself up. It was our decision to kick him out too” Dean, the bassist, now spoke up with a hum of agreement from Sam, “Yeah, we can find another cheating asshole any day. We can’t find another you”.

Kira’s eyes pricked with tears as she looked at her small circle, bringing them all into a hug, “Thank you guys”.

“You guys are so sweaty and gross, please go take a shower” Kim shuddered, receiving a laugh from the band.

—-

“Zombie, zombie!” A tiny voice came from the living room, “I’m just a girl!”

Michael poked his head around the door, “Princess, what are you doing? You're supposed to be in bed”.

Paris was glued to the television set, dancing along to the rock band’s performance. Michael quickly neared, fearful there was anything inappropriate they were saying and lowering the volume, earning a protest from his little girl, “C’mon baby, it’s time for bed. Your brothers are already sleeping”.

“But daddy, she’s singing about zombies! You were a zombie before!” She whined as he took her away, fighting tooth and nail.

After tucking her in, he made his way back down to the living room to unwind. Going through heartbreak, a divorce, another heartbreak, and becoming a single dad of three in a short time span was not for the weak. Michael sunk into the couch, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. His eyes focused on the television as the band that Paris had been watching seemed to still be on. Wanting to figure out what the fuss had been about, he rewinded the performance and hit play. A sense of familiarity filled him as the camera closed in on the lead singer.  He had heard their viral songs on the radio a few times and did enjoy them, though they hadn’t had any chances to interact being in different music scenes.

 The lead singer’s voice was strong with a twinge of delicate femininity that rasped and cracked at just the right moments. It was full of emotion, a mix of natural-born talent and hard work to the trained ear. She seemed to immerse herself in the music, but still allowed herself to have fun on stage, indicating she truly loved what she did. Her looks were a whole other story. She had undoubtedly stunning features sharpened by black eyeliner and infamous aubergine hair that had become her staple. It was impossible to forget her.

 At a sudden recollection, Michael reached over to grab a notebook and flip through its pages to a few of his own scribbles to confirm his suspicions, letting out a small hum at his findings. Epic Records had recently absorbed a smaller label with some rapidly growing artists and this band was one of them. Bad Habit. He was going to start seeing a lot more of them soon.

He turned up the volume slightly higher to hear its contents. The frontwoman was dressed casually in a cut-up and bleached version of the band’s merch, low-waisted jorts that displayed a belly button ring, and a pair of converse. Silver rings and chains adored her skin with a short and clean manicure that matched her hair perfectly. While she was charismatic even in interviews, seeing her perform was a whole other monster. The more he watched, the more he seemed to fall into the same trance as the audience. The girl was a performer, he’d give her that.

“How’s everyone doing tonight?” Kira had asked, looking around the crowd with a bright smile. She seemed like she was genuinely taking in the entire moment and snapping a mental picture in her mind, “How lucky are we to be here on this gorgeous night am I right?”

The fans hung onto every word, deafening their own shrills of excitement. She took a small pause before continuing, “Our next song, as many of you may know, is dedicated to those who are not so lucky. There has been a disgusting amount of hate and violence across the world today-” she stopped briefly as the instrumentals began and pictures of humanitarian concerns and protests appeared behind her, reigniting the audience’s passion, “And I promise you that we Bad Habit will not stay quiet about it. Everyone, this is Zombie”

Screams tore through the night air as the singer leaned close to the microphone.

“Another head hangs lowly

Child is slowly taken

And the violence caused such silence

Who are we mistaken?

But you see, it's not me, it's not my family

In your head, in your head, they are fighting

With their tanks and their bombs, and their bombs, and their guns

In your head, in your head, they are crying

In your head, in your head

Zombie, zombie, zombie

What's in your head? In your head?

Zombie, zombie, zombie”

Michael was now at the edge of his seat.

—

“Did we not have this recording room booked?” Kira’s voice started rising, her temper close to boiling over like a teapot. The band’s first impression of their new record label was not going swimmingly.

“Let’s just see if there’s another room available,” Dean sighed, his arm tingling with numbness from leaning against the wall.

“There isn’t, I already asked. Why fucking take on a band if you can’t accomodate it”.

“Kira, keep your voice down-” Sam urged, which only encouraged her.

“No, we’ve been waiting well over an hour. This is some bullshit and blatant favoritism at this point. They make the most money off of him so fuck the rest of us right?”

“Kira-” The bassist tried again, Dean straightened up from the wall with a sudden urgency as their eyes focused behind her.

“Acting like they’re the only ones with a damn schedule and that last take sounded the same if you ask me-”

“Kira, right?”.

Kira froze at the voice, shooting her band mates a panicked look before slowly turning around to face the Michael Jackson. She had never thought of him to be the tallest man in the world, but in that moment, it seemed as though he towered over her. Curse her impulsiveness. Curse her idiotic mouth.

“I’m sorry, we’ll be done in five minutes. I promise” His voice still remained soft and polite in spite of “Did that take really sound the same?” His head tilted, waiting for her input.

“Um…kind of?”

“How would you make it better?”

Kira’s heart lurched into her throat, wondering if this was a deliberate ploy to humiliate her further, “Give it more balance,” Her voice sounded small and naive to her own ears, totally unfit to be coaching the King of Pop on anything, “The instrumentals are too soft to carry that line, that’s why it sounds off”.

She was waiting for Michael to laugh at her, insult her, anything. Her fingers found her way to her silver ring, anxiously twisting it. She felt her skin crawling under his quiet stare.

“Y’know just because something is louder doesn’t mean it’s correct”

Her eyes slightly narrowed at that. What was he insinuating? She instantly barked back with a defiant tone “Sometimes that’s the only way people listen”.

Kira wondered if he could hear her heartbeat pounding against her chest as she watched him break into an amused smile.

“I’ll try that, mama. Five more minutes like I said”.

He shut the door and Kira remembered how to breathe again. Her ears pricked at the nickname, bringing her hands up to rub the sensation away.

“Did he just call you mama?” Dean asked, covering his mouth to conceal a snicker.

“Shut up”.

…

Michael had returned to the studio a few hours later, having forgotten his wallet. He didn’t expect anyone else to be here but the cleaning staff as most of the lights were turned off. As he rounded the corner, his long strides slowed at the sound of a delicate voice drifting down the hall.

“Maybe if my heart stops beating

It won't hurt this much

And never will I have to answer

Again to anyone

Please don't get me wrong”

The room it came from was dark, the door slightly ajar so a dim enough light could flood in. Michael lingered at the door, spotting the purple-haired female recording alone. She didn’t notice him, keeping her eyes closed as she belted and holding onto her headphones.

“Because I'll never let this go

But I can't find the words to tell you

I don't want to be alone

But now I feel like I don't know you”

A heavy sorrow carried her voice that reverberated deeply within him. A lonely cry. An everlasting heartbreak. After a moment more of listening, Michael brushed away a tear rolling down his cheek. He slipped in with quick stealth, grabbed his wallet and exited the studio.

—

“Alternative bands are quickly flooding into the mainstream but you seem to be the one of the few frontwomen leading the whole movement. How does that feel?” The scheming journalist asked, having been following the lead singer for a couple blocks now.

Kira let out a soft laugh, too polite to completely ignore the man, picking up the speed in her step “Oh God, it feels surreal, yeah. I’ve had to work twice as hard to prove myself in a male-dominated field and I’m just thankful to have incredible bandmates and a team backing us up”

“Rock and punk music can be quite intense, yes?”

“For sure”.

“Will you ever consider doing a pop album to reach a broader audience?”

“No-” Kira replied in a heartbeat, “I don’t think so at least”

“That was a very quick reply. Why is that?”

“Nothing against pop. It just…it doesn’t convey the emotion and the message we want to give. Besides, pop is too safe, too timid. Rock and punk culture has always been about saying what others are too scared to. It’s not about what gets you popular, it’s about what you want to say”.

“So, are you saying pop artists aren’t as genuine?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say it like that. People want to live in their own bubble. Or it’s just a tendency when people listen to pop, they only want to dance. They don’t care about what’s being said-”

“Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is signed to your band’s new record label and a huge advocate for humanitarian efforts. Would you say he isn’t being genuine?”

Kira’s face twisted into a confused frown, a smile of disbelief tugging at her lips, “What, is this a set up?” she laughed, pulling away from the man and speeding into her building, “You have a nice night now”.

A bit shaken by the interaction, her hand trembled at the elevator.

“Kira-” she whipped around at the sound of her name, her stomach flipping anxiously, “What are you doing here, Victor?”

Her ex fiance slowly approached her, “Your dad, he let me know you’re here”.

“He did what?”

“Please, baby. Let’s just go upstairs and talk-”

Kira ripped her arm away from the man, “I’m not your baby”.

“How many times do I have to tell you it didn’t mean anything!”

She twisted her silver rings nervously around her hand, her voice shaking in silent anger “Victor, it’s over between us. Leave”.

“I’m not going to let you just throw away what we built all these years. What we-”

A resounding thud echoed in the air as Kira reeled her arm back and connected it with Victor’s jaw. The man doubled over, covering his face.

Kira ran out of the building, breathing hard. Overstimulating buzzes began to prick over her body as the paparazzi were still lurking outside.  Her body did not feel like her own, instead it had switched to autopilot and carried her to her car, speeding off to escape the scene. 

By the time she rolled into the familiar law firm, her body was moving again on its own, acting before rational thoughts could form in her mind.

“Where is he?” Her voice was low as she approached the front desk.

“Kira- he’s in a meeting right now. You can take a seat-”

Kira didn’t wait for the secretary to finish, stalking past her and bursting through the main office.

Her father looked up with a mix of agitation and surprise.

“I’m sorry, sir. I told her you were in a meeting-” The secretary scrambled, her voice fading away when her boss raised a hand.

“Kira, I have a client with me”

His voice was calm, so calm that it only further fueled the raging fire inside her chest. Her blinding rage focused on him solely.

“Why did you tell him where I live”

“Kira, we’ll talk later-”

“Talk? You have to fucking listen to me for once if you want to talk”.

“Kira-”

“Why, why did you tell him? Do you realize I have to move again now?”

“Okay, fine. You want to talk right now. We’ll talk right now. I told him because you two will probably be back together by the end of the month. It’s inevitable, Kira”. Her dad scoffed, throwing his hand up exasperated.

“Oh, fuck you” Kira breathed in disbelief, “You greedy, miserable piece of shit. I should’ve never let you back into my life” She was seething, taking a few steps backward, “Don’t bother trying to contact me again after this. You stopped being a father to me long ago, you’re not going to start now”.

The singer turned around, nearly bumping shoulders with the secretary as she stalked out. Hot tears of frustration rolled down her cheeks, desperate to be anywhere but here. Cold air hit her face with a terrible shock as she tumbled through the doors. Kira slowly lowered herself to the steps with a racing heart, her shaking hand taking out a cigarette to light up.

The smoke flooded into her lungs with a burning sensation that brought her relief – something to feel and anchor her to the present. She didn’t know how long she sat there, watching cars speed by, counting how many red vehicles stuck out in the shades of black, grey, and white.

“You really shouldn’t be smoking,” A distinct voice sounded from behind her, causing her to flinch.

Without missing a beat she muttered, cigarette between her lips, “Oh yeah, why don’t you kiss my ass?” She turned her face as she took a long drag, meeting a pair of long legs in black slacks before her eyes trailed up. For a moment, she thought she was going insane. Her eyes widened, a sudden coughing fit taking over.

“Oh-” Michael helped her up, patting her back, “I didn’t mean to startle you. Are you alright?”

Kira’s face turned beet red, a mix of suffocating and embarrasment “What- what the fuck?”

“That doesn’t really answer my question” He let out a soft chuckle, rubbing soothing circles along the space in between her shoulder blades. His slender fingers reached out to take the burning bud away from her before it could reach her skin, extinguishing it under his polished leather boot.

She found the air back in her lungs, chest heaving as she looked up at the taller male with her pink-tinted eyes. Kira gasped slightly as she realized she was gripping his arm, seizing her hand like she had been burned as a jumbled word vomit spilled from her lips, “I’m sorry. I’m okay, don’t kiss my ass I didn’t mean that- Sorry, I’m confused. What are you doing here?”

Michael, on the other hand, kept his steady support on her back. His dark eyes glowed with a deep, inner softness and sheer amusement as he loomed over her like she might crumble if he let go.

She couldn’t decide on whether she hated or loved that.

“You didn’t notice me in the room?”

Kira gulped, a flood of humiliation washing over her and brought a hand to cover her face, “You were the client…” she breathed as he nodded, “Should I kill myself now or later?”

Michael let out a gentle laugh in shock at the bizarre question, “Don’t say that”

She pressed her cold hand to her cheeks, trying to force away the burning flush on her face. The coldness of her rings sent electric shocks against her skin.

“I truly apologize for my behavior, Mr. Jackson. I really am not this insane usually, I swear”.

“Michael”

“Hm?”

“Call me Michael, please” He explained in a soothing voice, too soothing it nipped at her red ears “Don’t apologize. I’m not judging you”.

The way her name rolled off his tongue shouldn’t have sounded as natural as it did. She nodded softly, unable to find the words to say. As her foggy mind slowly cleared up, her vision picked up seemingly Michael’s bodyguards in the near distance. She instinctively stepped away from the male, clearing her throat. The way he looked at her almost seemed as if he were looking through her. Her body a transparent diary bearing its soul to him. A one-way mirror where she was the butt of joke, reading all her vulnerabilities and insecurities like they were carved onto her forehead. She disliked feeling so small in front of a stranger, in front of anyone for that matter.

“I don’t want to bother you too much. Listen, if you’re looking for a new place, one just opened up in my neighborhood. It’s real quiet up there. Come by and check it out. My daughter really likes your music, so if you don’t like the house, at least you can escape for a while and meet a little fan that adores you”.

His words swarmed in her head as she tried to make sense of it all, but couldn’t. He reached out to hand her a business card with his information. As she reluctantly took it from his grasp, too polite to refuse, their hands brushed momentarily, his seeming too large near her own.

Kira looked back up, “I don’t understand. Why are you helping me?”

“You seem like you need a friend right now”.

His words were simple and kind like it was nothing out of the ordinary. And yet, it made her stomach flip. Her breath stilled, the ends of her layered hair tickling her skin at the shake of her head.

“I don’t want your pity or if you’re looking for something out of this-“

Michael’s expression smoothed over, a more serious one taking its place, “It’s not pity. I don’t want anything from you. That’s not in my heart”.

 “Can you really blame a girl for not believing everyone’s heart is in the right place?” She let an awkward chuckle, having her eyes fall down to the card in her hands in order to avoid the intensity of his stare.

A soft hum came from Michael, but his words laid heavy on her heart “Have you never wanted to help someone just cause you want to?”

The scenario was so feverish, she forgot how to speak coherently to another human being. “Well, yeah- Yes. I mean thank you. I, uh, I don’t have a business card” She stammered, rummaging through her messy tote bag, “Um, I have lipstick?” At Michael’s peculiar look, she explained herself further, “To write down my number”.

“I don’t have any paper I’m afraid”

“Oh”. Kira replied lamely as she fumbled with the bullet.

Michael paused for a second more before rolling up his sleeve and raising his bare forearm up, “Here”.

Her eyes wavered back and forth timidly for a moment before wrapping her slender fingers around his forearm to steady him as she wrote down her number, the vampy color gliding along his skin with ease.

A shudder rattled down her spine as she realized Michael was still watching her with that curious gaze. She took a step back, “Thank you, Mr. Jackson-”

“Michael”.

“Right, Michael”. She nodded, heart pounding in her chest.

The older male seemed unaffected, only giving her a knowing smile that spiked her embarrassment. 

…

Kira Hart had been everything and nothing like Michael had imagined. He had only done a little bit of research regarding Bad Habit after recent encounters. How they formed the band as high school juniors and stubbornly climbed their way to the top. How they came from a small town in the middle of nowhere. How she was largely responsible for producing their music. How the recent departure of their guitarist was linked to his relationship with the lead singer. 

For some reason, he expected a strong, dominating personality from Kira – the version of her that had oozed out on stage. And while parts of this did show in person as well, she was quite humble and, at times, reserved. Diving deeper into her lyrics, he found himself resonating with her themes of loneliness and heartbreak. It only drove him further down into this rabbit hole.

Running into her had been pure coincidence, but it did nothing but heighten his tiny obsession. Her voice was smooth and controlled, even with the tremble of rage and frustration within it. When he approached her, she melted into such a bashful little mess that triggered a deeper desire in him that was indescribable, yet lingered on the tip of his tongue. He didn’t know where it came from or whether it was merely his own empathy, but he couldn’t help it.

On the way back home, he looked down at the messy writing on his forearm and smiled. She could’ve just typed it into his phone.

—

Five minutes. Ten minutes. The clock kept ticking as Kira sat in her mother’s old 1967 Chevy Impala that she adored too much to give up, picking at the fluffy cheetah covering she had put on the steering wheel. She couldn’t bring herself to come out of the car as she stared at the increasingly intimidating mansion. The longer she looked, the more she imagined the grand windows as condemning eyes and the front doors as a hungry mouth with teeth that would tear her into two. Even if she could afford anything up here, there was no way she could see herself purchasing something so large. It would feel too suffocating all on her own.

She didn’t know why she came here in the first place. Headlines had surged across tabloids, fabricating a story that she had been dissing Michael Jackson and pop music. Pictures of punching her ex fiance and running from the paparazzi didn’t help her image either.

“Oh God,” She buried her face in her hands. Michael Jackson probably had the worst impression of her. Kira took a deep breath and tried to gather all her courage before exiting the car. She hoisted up the vase of flowers she had brought to her hip and made her way to the entrance.

Before she could knock, the door had opened. Her breath caught in her throat as she was met with the man haunting her thoughts for the past few days.

“I thought you were never going to come out of there,” Michael teased, eyes falling to what she was carrying, “What’s all this?”

Kira suddenly wished the ground beneath her feet would be so kind as to open up and swallow her whole “I just thought- I’m coming over for the first time and it’s polite to bring something. Is it too girly? I brought some stuff for Paris too, you said she’s a fan of the band and-” 

That same softness had filled his dark eyes, the kind that made it impossible for her to keep contact with or continue her rambled mess. His large hands were already reaching out to take it from her, not wanting her to carry it for any longer than needed.

“It’s perfect, angel. You didn’t have to bring anything. Please, come inside”.

A prickling burn tickled her cheeks at the new term of endearment. At that moment, Kira decided she needed to find a full coverage foundation to wear around this man. 

Michael stepped to the side for the shorter female, his eyes drifting below for a moment. She wore a velvety plum tracksuit, the top slightly cropped to expose her hip bone and the words “Juicy” bedazzled along her behind. In combination with her hair, she looked like a swirly lollipop. For a moment, he wondered if she tasted as sweet and fruity as one. He forced his gaze up, sucking a tiny breath in between his teeth. Only a blind man could deny her beauty. And the thoughtfulness she had displayed so far only added to that attraction. But, she was a little too young for him. Enough to feel guilty about.

“I wanted to apologize-“ Kira turned around, twisting a silver ring around her finger. An anxious tick, he had picked up. “About the rumors that I was dissing you. Absolutely none of it is true”.

A delicate smile played on his lips, “Y’know, I’ve been around long enough to not believe everything I read on gossip magazines. Besides, you got one hell of an arm on you” Kira flushed at the continued teasing, letting out a short laugh mixed with surprise and genuine amusement, “I know, just let me. I just felt you deserved to hear it from me”.

For a small moment, time seemed to freeze. Kira looked up at him with such sincerity that it made him unable to form his next sentence right away.

The moment broke when the kids trickled in, surrounding them curiously.

“Zombie! Ahh!” Paris shouted in excitement as her brothers stared up at the pretty stranger in wonder.

“Paris, be polite, baby. Everyone this is Kira, please introduce yourselves”

The three introduced themselves in chronological order, earning a pleasant laugh from the frontwoman, “It’s so lovely to meet all of you”.

“Come on everyone, let’s go show Kira around”.

The estate was larger and much more magical than she could have ever imagined, her nervousness quickly dissolving as the children took a liking to her, taking her hand and blabbering about all their favorite parts. She listened intently, genuinely giving them her time and patience. Michael watched from the side with a soft smile, only stepping in when the kids – especially Prince – got a bit too rowdy. 

“I want hair like yours,” Paris sighed, tugging at the strands, “Ooo, but I want yours, look how pretty!” Kira had braided their hair together, earning a giggle from the young girl.

“Can you do my makeup like yours too?” She asked.

“Baby, you’re too little for makeup” Michael now protested.

Kira cupped her hand to whisper to Paris, “Ignore daddy, I’ll do your makeup”

“Hey!” He yelped followed by the children’s burst of laughter, his stomach lurching at how Kira had referred to him. 

After the tour, the two adults stood in the kitchen, trying to concoct the ultimate ice cream cones as the kids played in the yard within their view. Kira was slowly coming out of her shell and displaying her true colors to Michael, which caused his chest to bloom with warmth.

“Oh c’mon, vanilla is such a basic pick”

Michael gasped in shock, “It is not, it’s just a solid base. You can’t go wrong!”

“If that makes you feel better,” Kira shrugged, fighting a smile off her face as she finished layering her monster of a cone, “Guys, come get your ice cream!” She called after the kids like it was second nature. Michael knew this was teetering into a dangerous territory, but he didn’t want it to stop.

“Cheers,” She clinked their ice cream cones together before taking a lick. Michael’s eyes flicked to the flash of silver that had darted from her mouth. 

“Do you want to try?” Kira asked innocently, having noticed where his eyes lingered, “I’m not a germophobe.” She brought the ice cream cone to his mouth.

Michael stared at her for a moment before bringing his own cone up to her mouth, “Only if you try mine”.

The two leaned forward at the same time. Michael’s eyes were still trained on her, on the metal ball that laid against her tongue. A tongue piercing. His eyes flicked up just in time to meet hers, watching with a growing satisfaction at the speed a crimson flush filled the apples of her cheeks. The previous playfulness in the air seemed to melt in an instant, replaced by something heavier. Kira pulled back in resistance, “Good, right?”

“Good,”

“Better than yours?”

“Better” He agreed, his voice lowering into a soft rasp.

The room took a breath of fresh air as the kids flooded in, eager to grab their cones and run back outside.

Kira cleared her throat, slipping back into the brick walls she had originally built around herself “I should get going and check out that place you were talking about. Thank you for inviting me into your home”.

“The pleasure was all mine. I’ll walk you out”.

…

Ultimately, Kira had decided to move into Michael’s neighborhood, not only in a rush to find a space but she ended up liking more than she thought she would. Although, she had tried her best to avoid Michael after their last interaction, disliking how fast her heart was racing by the time she left. It was too early for her to get back into anything again, her wounds still too fresh. Besides, there was no way Michael Jackson would be interested in her. She brushed it off as nothing, convinced it was her hormones acting up from not being laid in a while and her undying loneliness that had made her delusional. 

The property was just up the hill and much smaller and cozier than she had initially expected. It seemed too good to be true. A great amount of distance was set between the Jackson estate that it almost didn’t feel like her impending doom lived next door.

Now she was just an insane woman who scheduled her day around Michael Jackson’s routine. All her thoughts revolved around the cursed man. When he went to the studio, when he came back, when his kids had nap time so she would quiet down her music. The list went on. She now succumbed to moving through life like a ghost, unable to show her face again.

Until one afternoon, she was lounging outside with her cat when the black furred feline took off sprinting in the distance after a rodent.

“Ivy! Ivy come back here!”

She yelled after the cat, running down the hill. She could see the little brat zooming in the distance toward the Jackson estate. A swarm of butterflies filled her stomach, making her suddenly feel nauseous.

Kira started sprinting, but that only triggered Ivy into thinking this was a game. God knows how, but somehow, the very well-loved and very well-fed cat squeezed herself into a hole in the fence.

She started panicking, acting before using her rational mind as she often did. It wasn’t until she had hopped the fence to the other side, falling through branches, and met the eyes of the children did she really realize what she was doing. You never think things through, just running around undiagnosed. She mentally cursed at herself. Ever since this man barged into her life, she had been nothing but a parading jester.

“Kira! Kira!” They shouted in excitement.

“Shhh,” Kira brought a finger to her mouth to settle the children, “We’re playing hide and seek, ok? Everyone be quiet and go hide. If you find a cat bring her to me! Go, go, go!” She urged with her hands.

It was a blessing the children liked her so much and instantly ran off. She muttered a silent prayer before looking around and pulling out twigs from her hair. Where was that damn cat?  She didn’t expect to spend her time off breaking into Michael Jackson’s house but here she was, lurking around like a creep. Her eye caught the slightly ajar door, paling at the thought. Could she have gone inside?

Kira tiptoed around the hall, “Psst, Ivy?” she whispered lowly, checking under furniture. At the sound of steps too heavy to be a child’s, she quickly stood up, banging her head on a drawer, “Shit-” she winched.

With a throbbing head, she frantically rushed into the closest room and took in her surroundings for a hiding space, opting to climb underneath the desk of the office space. Her hand slapped over her mouth as the steps came closer, hearing Michael’s distant voice floating down the hall. Sweat began to form at her temples at the sound of the door creaking, trying to press herself as far back into the corner of the desk.

“And what date is that again?” Michael’s voice indicated he was in the room, seemingly on a phone call. He lingered around the desk, pulling the chair and taking a seat.

 Kira was going to be sick. His legs spread open wide enough that she was left unnoticed, leaving her with the difficult battle of not staring at his crotch right in front of her face. She prayed and prayed, hoping the universe would answer for once in her life.

Evidently, the universe hated her.

Blanket had run into the office, “Psst, daddy. Where’s Kira hiding?”

Michael put a hand over the phone, confusion painting his face, “Kira? Where’d you find that cat?”

Traitor.

The little boy nodded, “It’s Kira’s cat. We’re playing hide and seek”.

“I see…she’s not here, baby. Check upstairs” He answered, “Hey, I’ll call you back”.

She was utterly screwed regardless of how this panned out.

As he moved to turn out of his seat, his leg brushed against her. She froze, coiling up into the tightest ball she could. She watched his legs, how he rolled his chair back until he tilted his head low enough to lock eyes with her.

A small sigh passed his lips, his large hand moved up and curled two fingers at her in a beckoning motion.

“Angel, come out of there”.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: songs/performances mentioned this chapter are Just a Girl by No Doubt, Zombie by The Cranberries, and Never Let This Go by Paramore

Recently, Michael had gotten a digital camera. He was fascinated by the new technology and had soon become addicted, using it whenever he got the chance.

“But baby, you look so pretty” Michael protested, snapping another one

“Hey-”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry-” Michael laughed boyishly, holding the camera out of your reach. He leaned down and peppered apologetic kisses all over your face, “I just want to capture all our moments. I’m going to miss you so much on tour” 

Your heart softened as he slipped his arms around your waist, “Quit your job, just come with me, please” he sighed, his breath tickling your neck as he continued to press his delicate kisses in hopes of convincing you.

“Mike, you know I can’t- at least not in the beginning. I’m so close to getting promoted and-” You began rambling as your hand rested on his head, brushing through his curls as his lips began leaving a hot trail against your skin.

“I know, I know,” Michael grumbled, increasingly nipping at your neck as he pulled you flush against his body.

You came to your senses, tugging his hair gently to pull him away from your neck, “I need to finish getting ready and you are distracting me” you pointed at him as he grinned deviously.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Michael feigned innocence, fingertips brushing underneath the hem of your shirt, “Did I tell you you look really pretty?”

You let out a laugh, pushing him out of the space by his chest, “I need to use the bathroom, get out”

Michael stopped you from closing the door with his hand, peaking his head through the crack “You won’t be gone too long right?”

“Yes, it’s just a business dinner. And yes, I’ll sleep over tonight. Now, out!” You playfully scold him to which he responded with stealing a deep kiss before giving you privacy.

Ever since you had started seeing Michael, he had been nothing but gentle and loving. The man did not have a nonchalant bone in his body when it came to you, but it was not like you were any better either. Even with keeping your new relationship a secret, he never failed to shower you with attention, respect, and validation, dedicated to pursuing you and you only. The two of you had attracted like magnets, quickly growing close though you still had room to grow and explore one another.

As you finished getting ready, you noticed the digital camera abandoned on the counter. You took it into your hands, fumbling with the buttons, having not had the chance to learn how to use it. At an unexpected flash, you flinched, looking down at the screen that showcased a picture directed right at your cleavage. 

At that moment, a lightbulb turned on in your head. Since Michael loved capturing moments, why not capture something to keep you on his mind while you were away? You took longer than you cared to admit, trying to figure out just the right angle and pose. Michael was too much of a gentleman and too shy at times to initiate anything more than make outs and teasing touches, at least just yet. Although, that didn’t mean you couldn’t give him some encouragement.

A gentle knock came at the door, making you nearly drop the camera if not for the wrist attachment, “Are you okay, mama?” Michael’s soft voice was laced with concern, “You’re going to be late”.

You opened the door, a slight flush on your cheeks that could be mistaken for your blush, “Yes, sorry- you forgot this” you handed the camera to him with a stomach full of butterflies due to the newly added contents. 

Michael’s gaze wandered over you with a twinge of skepticism as you pressed a kiss onto his cheek, “I’ll see you later”

He hummed in acknowledgment, “See you,” he watched as you sped through the door, his eyes drifting to how your dress hugged your curves at just the right places. Michael let out a soft sigh as he was left alone in the space, pulling his bottom lip in between his teeth and becoming lost in his thoughts.

—

Two hours had already passed and Michael had failed to get through even a chapter of the book in his hands. He would continuously become lost in thought, not paying attention to the words and having to restart all over again. The clock ticked in his ear like a metronome, causing him to become hyperaware of his loneliness and that fact that you still weren’t home.

A heavy sigh passed his lips as he set down the book on his nightstand, putting his hands over his eyes in hopes of rubbing away this funky mood. The two of you had only just started dating and he was utterly obsessed, it was no good for his health. How was he supposed to do his tour without you by his side through all of it? He could barely wait through a simple dinner.

His mind wandered again to you. Although your dress was modest, he couldn’t help but imagine your figure in it. He couldn’t help but recall how you had painted your lips in a red rouge that accentuated your kissable pout. His fingers pressed to his lips, imagining how it would feel to ruin your lipstick and slide his hand between your legs, bunching up the fabric of the dress around your waist.

A flush creeped up to the tip of his ears, suddenly shaking his head away from such perverted thoughts. You were something he had to treasure, not have such unchivalrous thoughts about. Michael was a traditional man, he wanted to take his time with you – prove that he loved every part of you before you took the next step. He enjoyed your presence and your mind, And while all this was entirely true, he still couldn’t help his imagination. If he could tattoo your body beneath his eyelids, he would.

He cleared his throat, looking around the empty room in an attempt to distract himself. You were likely coming home soon, he didn’t want to seem so strange. He grabbed the digital camera, wanting to view the pictures he took of you earlier.

His breath hitched at the first image that appeared. It was a female’s body, posing provocatively in nothing but a matching lace set. He recognized the beauty marks that littered your body, a tent forming in his pants and he flipped through more of the photos. One focused on your ass, bending forward toward the camera, another directed right at your breasts with your manicured nails cupping yourself. The next photo was the one he had taken earlier, the one of you smiling brightly as you playfully scolded him.

His pants suddenly felt too tight, pressing his hand over his crotch in an attempt to make it go away along with his perverted thoughts. The pressure caused a small whimper to erupt from his throat. The hand that held the camera was slightly trembling, unable to tear his eyes away from the pictures. All he could think about was that you would be home soon and find him in this position. The thought of something so dirty only made him feel like he was suffocating against his own hand.

His teeth attached themselves to the inside of his cheek as he slowly began palming himself through his pants, desperate for relief. His heavy hiccupped breathing soon filled the silence of the room, intensely looking through the scandalous photos.

His hips jolted into his hand, aching for more. Michael quickly pulled down the waistband of his flannel pajamas, releasing his throbbing arousal. His length sprung onto his stomach, veiny and hard. He gulped at the exposure, circling his thumb around his sensitive tip and spreading the glistened pre-cum that had leaked out. Another submissive whine left his throat as he brought his slender fingers around his shaft, impatiently beginning to pump his hand up and down.

A part of him hoped that you would come home and catch him, his mind reeling as he threw his head back, unable to keep up the camera. His groans became more vocal, pulling the hem of his shirt between his teeth in an attempt to silence himself. He imagined your soft mouth, the swell of your breasts, and the curve of your ass. He let out a soft cry at his imagination, needy hips grinding into his relentless hand.

Michael felt dirty, touching himself to the thought of you. At the same time, he had never felt so euphoric building up to his high.

At the sound of the door creaking, he froze, pulling the cover over himself and spitting his shirt out of his mouth.

You.

You stood at the doorway with your hands crossed over your chest, a coy smile tugging at your lips.

Michael paled slightly as his arousal burned for attention.

“Baby, you didn’t hear me come in?” You entered the room at a slow pace, circling him like he was your prey.

His cheeks flushed as he stammered, “No- no, I was reading-” he lied, embarrassed, “How- how was the dinner?”

You knew all too well what he had been doing, having stared from the doorway long enough. You had heard him from down the hall. Delicious sweet mewls and cries that had sparked something primal in you. You had watched and watched before you couldn't bear it anymore. An aching warmth pooled between your legs at the vision and the pleading sounds that came out of his mouth. You watched him with a darkened expression, how he was trying to hide himself and how tense his muscles were from trying not to squirm underneath the sheet.

Your movements were slow and deliberate, perching your ass as you took a seat at the edge of the bed by his legs. A large sense of satisfaction flooded through you as you noticed his internal battle, trying his hardest to not have his eyes wander.

“It was fine, everything went well” You hummed casually, “What were you reading?” you tilted your head at him curiously, thoroughly enjoying teasing him.

“Nothing- nothing interesting-” Michael stammered, his gaze avoidant.

“Are you okay, baby? You’re really red” You leaned forward to press a hand to his forehead.

Michael’s eyes inevitably glanced down to your cleavage, a guilty expression painting his face when he looked back up to your face, “I’m fine-”

“You’re hiding something”.

“No, I’m not”.

“You are”.

“I’m not-”

A breathless cry left his lips as your hand found his hardened length under the sheet. The thin fabric wrapped around his length as his hips squirmed underneath you, “You just couldn’t wait for me to come back home, hmm?” 

Michael was a mess, using his hand to cover half of his blushing face, “Baby, please” his voice sounded so small, so delicate. 

“Please, what?” You slowly circle your finger around the shape of his dick, “Am I wrong?”

Michael softly shook his head, embarrassed yet incredibly turned on by the humiliating scenario. His cock twitched underneath the sheet, desperate to be touched.

“Show me,” Your voice lowered, pulling his hand away from him face, “Show me how you were touching yourself to me”

His chest went up and down in his breaths, eyes searching yours for any sign of judgement.

He didn’t stop you as you peeled the cover away to expose all of him to your eyes, sucking in a breath at the sheer size of him. You felt your mouth water, hypnotized by how beautiful he looked right now, “Show me, baby. Please?”

Michael whimpered softly as he wrapped his hand along his length again, trembling at the sensation. His hands began slowly pumping himself, more timid now that he was under your gaze.

You recognized he needed more encouragement, grazing your manicured nails along his thighs, “Mm, you’re so pretty baby. So big, now this I need a picture of this”

He groaned at your praises, losing himself more and more into the moment. 

You pressed your thighs together, fluttering sensations shooting up your core as you watched him. You rose to your feet, slowly unzipping your dress. His half-lidded eyelids widened, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat as the fabric slipped and pooled at your feet. His pace quickened on himself, becoming desperate.

“I want- I want to see you, mama. Please-”  He begged, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth.

You slipped off your panties, revering in how his eyes followed you as you crawled back to the bed. You situated himself between his legs before spreading your own to reveal your glistening core right in front of his face. Your fingers slipped into your sensitive folds, rubbing your arousal around.

Michael let out a loud moan, twisting his hand around his shaft as he watched you slip your fingers into your heat. His hips jerked upwards, “Oh God, you’re so beautiful, so, so beautiful”

The soft moans laced with his name that tumbled out of your mouth only made him a whimpering mess. Knowing he was close, you suddenly leaned forward to pull his hand away from his length. He cried, his breath heavy, “Why- why did you do that-” 

He was ready to burst, his cock twitching against his stomach. 

“Shh, I know baby” You slipped your fingers coated with your arousal into his mouth, earning a loud groan as you wrapped your other hand around his length.

Michael gripped onto your forearm, hips squirming uncontrollably in your hands. His sounds vibrated around your fingers as you pumped up and down his shaft. His entire body tense as a thick rope of white shot out of his tip with a blinding sense of ecstasy that made him shake. You slipped your fingers out of his mouth, picking up some of the messy arousal between your stomachs with your pointer before bringing it to your mouth for a taste.

Michael watched you hungrily in his feverish state, reaching out and grabbing the back of your head to crash his lips onto yours.

He swallowed a soft yelp that escaped your mouth as he pushed you back onto the bed, his fingers reaching behind to rip your bra off of you. The sudden switch in dominance and behavior made you moan, as he captured both of your wrists in his large hand and planted them above your head..

He maneuvered your legs with his knee, spreading you opened as his fingers slipped in between, circling your clit.

“Michael!” You cried, writhing up into his hand.

“You wanted this all along, hm?” His voice was low as he slipped a finger into your walls, shuddering at the tightness, “It’s my turn to watch” he grinned as he slipped another digit, spreading his fingers slightly to stretch you.

You moaned, withering under his hold, “ “Michael, please-”

“Please, what?” He tilted his head, using the same tactics against you.

You whimpered as he curled his fingers in a slow and deliberation motion, “Faster, please”.

Michael began pumping his fingers into you, watching your expressions with a fascination and how your mouth formed the prettiest shapes as he buried his hand into your heat. His thumb pressed onto your clit, keeping your squirming hands pinned and revering in the sounds you made. It was music to his ears. 

“I want to touch you,” You whined, chest heaving. Michael’s gaze fell down to your breasts as if hypnotized, not hearing your request as he leaned down and took your sensitive bud into his mouth. He started devouring you, kissing and sucking, alternating between your breasts.

You let out a cry when he slipped his fingers out of you, continuing his path of kisses down to your stomach. He finally released your hands, which made their way to his hair as he bit the soft flesh of the inside of your thigh, “You taste so good, mama” he sighed, breath tickling your crevices.

You had brought out another side of the man, one you did not know existed. It was as if he were in a trance, gazing at your dripping core as you ached with anticipation. He brought his tongue flat against your tongue, testing it with a slow lick as he pinned your hips down to the bed.

“Shit-” You whimpered, pussy throbbing hard against his mouth.

His curious gaze focused on you as he attached his mouth to your clit, sucking. The cracked scream that ripped out of your mouth made him burst with excitement. He became hungrier, pressing his face forward into your folds. Your legs shook at the sensation of his possessed tongue pumping in and out your core. His hand found its way to your breast, kneading the soft flesh as you took his wrist into a deathly grip. He slipped his fingers in again, working them simultaneously as he hummed vibrations into your pussy.

“Michael- I’m gonna-” Your mind became hazy, unable to form words as your body tensed, climaxing all over his face. Michael lapped at your juices, continuing his happy humming until you stopped twitching against his face.

He pulled himself up, face glistening with your arousal and smiling down at you. He brought his lips down to yours sweetly, as he normally would. A scheming twinkle in his dark eyes and perkiness insinuated to you that he was not through with you just yet.

“You don’t have to wake up early right, baby?”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was a difference between being in love and loving someone. It was easy to fall in and out of love – the thrill of a new and exciting romance, the first touch, the first grand gesture. We were all human at the end of the day, searching for comfort or pining someone else. As beautiful as love was, it was as easily taken away and painful. The cease in effort, the refusal to compromise, the wandering eyes. Once the rose-tinted glasses were taken away, love faded along with it. You may have loved that person at a single moment of time, but then time would soon fade away their memory to the back of your mind and recall it as a mere moment in your life. 

Loving someone in a way that is to truly love was an entirely different concept. It was devotion. It was worship. It meant that you chose to love all that person had to give. There were no excuses or glorifications, no perfect partner. Truly loving someone meant that you would love them no matter what they did and no matter if you were meant to be. As euphoric it could be, it could also rip you into shreds. Take over your life until you forgot what it felt like to be a person again. The wound would never heal no matter how much time passed as when you came across something that would trigger your love for the person once again, you’d crumble.

Alina feared she had always loved Michael in an otherworldly manner. Ever since she was young, she always found a way to sit next to him. Admiring how his mind created masterpieces out of thin air, how he kept a childish wonder about him despite his awful childhood, and how he dedicated himself to noble humanitarian causes – never letting the near-godly fame and success get to his head. She had always found him an inspiration, an idol. Maybe that’s why she was so terrified of his rejection.

During their time apart, Alina had a great amount to sit with her thoughts, arriving at one simple answer: All paths led her back to Michael.

When Michael’s performance had concluded, their eyes locked in on each other. The world around them faded into nothing. It was just her and him – as they had always been. Alina clapped loudly, eyes shining bright. Come back to me. Michael’s eyes pleaded.

“Alina, you’re on soon after, come on-” Her manager whispered from behind, ripping her from what seemed like an out–of-body experience.

“Y-yeah- I’m coming” Alina felt out of breath, trying to gather her composure as quickly as possible as she followed her manager backstage to prepare for her performance.

A flash of confusion wavered in Michael’s eyes watching her walk away, giving the audience another nod of gratitude for their cheering before exiting the stage.

He was a bundle of nerves – seeming like an entirely different person than he was just a few moments ago. It could not be normal how much Alina’s approval affected him. He had recently concluded that it had always been that way, even when they were young.

“I don’t know. Does it look weird? I feel weird” Young Michael was always too invested and insecure in his appearance. It was his first time styling his hair into jheri curls, so unfamiliar with the new style that he swore his face seemed to morph into one he did not recognize in the mirror. He had gone to his sisters’ room for an opinion, too embarrassed to ask anyone else.

“I like it!” “Yeah, me too!” His sisters had chimed, although he still wasn’t 100% convinced. They were his sisters after all.

“It suits you really well, Mike” Alina had said softly from the corner of the room, “The curls turned out super cute”.

Michael’s heart had skipped a beat, the room falling silent for just a moment. What stirred him even more was the fact he genuinely believed her.

“Did you just call Michael cute!” Janet shrieked, slapping La Toya’s arm in excitement.

Alina and Michael blushed simultaneously at the teasing, sharing a timid glance at each other before avoiding one another’s gaze entirely.

“Janet, be nice-” Michael had warned, though his voice had cracked, resulting in a fit of laughter from the girls.

Michael let out a deep sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. He should’ve never acted so childishly, so self-absorbed in his own fears. No matter what he had been going through or how busy she had been, Alina had always made the time for him, listening to him with no judgement or expectations. 

“Mr. Jackson, you good? You can’t stay here, unfortunately” One of the staff had said to him, “Go freshen up, you did awesome man!” 

He murmured a thank you, taking the offered towelette and loosening his tie. As he exited into the bathroom, Alina had been ushered backstage by her manager. They had missed each other by a millisecond. 

“Oh God, I’m sweating. I’m so nervous,” Alina looked at her manager, panicked, “I should’ve ran this by you first”

“You’ll do great, you always do” Her manager assured, “I think it’s going to get you good publicity either way”

“I don’t care about the publicity! I care about Michael!” Alina bursted, biting the inside of her cheek.

“Trust me, I know-” Her manager sighed, exasperated, “Let’s get you freshened up. Calm down, everything will be fine” she soothed as she pushed the popstar into the dressing room.

From behind the bathroom door, Michael’s heart pounded furiously against his chest.

—-

Back in his seat, Brooke had asked, “Are you alright, Michael?”

“Yes-” He answered too quickly as he wiped the sweat off his palms, “Just tired”.

His mind was on one thing and one thing only. Alina. 

From the corner of his eye he could see the staff preparing a stage. He gnawed at his lip anxiously, straining his eyes to find any figure that resembled her. He had dreamed and imagined her so vividly for so many nights, he could paint her by memory.

Two male announcers stepped up to announce the next act, bouncing off each other in a comedic way

“We have some exciting news. Debuting her new never heard before single tonight, please welcome the beautiful, the talented, Alina Belova!”

He sat up as the stage lit up. It was a simple but classic Roaring ‘20s theme, her dancers spinning into a jazzy number, spreading their arms out at the curtain behind them. The music began in soft twinkles as the curtain rose up. Alina stood in the middle, resembling a singular red rose in a colorless sea in the way her red dress hugged at her curves and flared out in all the right places. His favorite color.

Her voice was smooth and confident despite the vulnerability of the lyrics that unfurled more and more so into a confession. In his peripheral, he could notice a camera pointed in his direction. He didn’t care, only stared at her with a mixture of awe, yearning, and love. 

She stepped onto the walkway, her dazzling smile on display as she bent down momentarily to touch hands reaching out desperately for her attention. Her love. He wanted to reach out too.

The flow of the song didn’t give her much space to breathe before the next line and yet she kept her composure perfectly until the end, raising her hand and punching the air in a means to stabilize herself as she switched to a heartaching belt.

“Oh, baby baby, we belong together, baby!

When you left I lost a part of me

It's still so hard to believe

Come back baby, please

Cause we belong together!

Who am I gonna lean on

When times get rough?

Who's gonna talk to me

Till the sun comes up?

Who's gonna take your place?

There ain't nobody better

Oh baby, baby

We belong together!”

Every crack and cry in her voice tugged ferociously at his heart strings. At her last long belt, he stood up onto his feet, clapping his hands louder than anyone else in the room.

Alina found him and smiled brightly.

—-

The rest of the night, the two felt lighter even though they still sat far apart. Michael had won very much deserved awards, which resulted in Alina cheering and hooting over, beaming at him every time he looked in her direction.

She wasn’t expecting anything else that could top the rest of the evening, only thinking about this damn show finally ending so she could reunite with Michael properly.

“And the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance goes to…Alina Belova!”

She gasped softly in surprise, earning a tap from behind by her manager to get up and go on stage. Janet stood there, smiling with a knowing look, giving a sisterly kiss to her cheek as she handed her award. Alina held onto her a second longer for support, thankful it was she who was up on stage with her.

Alina neared the microphone with a pounding chest, unprepared for a speech but somehow the words began flowing, “Wow, um. First I’d like to thank all the amazing people that helped me on this album as this award is theirs just as it is mine” She began, listing names, pausing in between the loud cheers of the audience.

“I also thank my fans, whom I love very much, that made this happen…and I even thank the all comments that motivated me to prove them wrong”

“Growing up in front of cameras, trust me, I’ve heard it all and I believe those people to be deeply wounded people who must find satisfaction in hurting others to make themselves feel better. I thank them for making me who I am today, for pushing me even further to share my message of love and peace, in which music helps us find a common language and our humanity – even if we don’t understand it”.

“I find it more difficult to avoid the comments of those I love and support me – like Janet here who is like a sister to me and I am so grateful is up here with me right now” Alina giggled at the girl next to her, holding her hand, “As you can see, there’s is absolutely no rivalry between us”. She hesitated for a moment before returning to the mic, “And-...I’m sorry, Michael? Mike, could you come up here too? I want you up here too”

The audience erupted in a deafening roar as the King of Pop made it up on stage. She swore her heart would burst out of her chest with how loud it was beating as he strided up to her, embracing her in his arms and pressing a kiss onto her forehead. His touch lingered even when he gave her her space to shine, a reminder he was right beside her.

Alina turned back to the stand, bashfully and waited for the crowd to quiet down, “I want to address recent rumors…I have admired Michael since we were just kids at the start of our careers. Not only do I believe him to be the greatest entertainer of our time but he is my greatest inspiration. I thank him for being a true friend to me and I thank him for all his support-” She glanced over his direction – pausing for a beat – before pulling him by his tie and pressing a shy but firm kiss onto his lips.

“His support for this” She grinned as she raised up her award, looking deep into her lover’s eyes amidst the chaos she had once feared and now created all on her own.

“That’s my Ali-cat,” Michael had murmured into her ear upon her little stunt, a firm large hand around her waist with his thumb just barely grazing the bottom of her breast. Nothing else mattered in this moment, all he wanted to do was finally go back home with her.

Michael had already been planning to whisk her away at the end of the award show regardless, but the way she had claimed him so openly in public – had displayed her love so openly made him feel like he was in seventh heaven. No one had given him such a grand gesture before. Everyone always had always wanted something from him, while she had only wanted to give her all to him and tonight she proved that. This mixed with his unquenchable starvation for Alina meant only one thing: He was never letting her go ever again.

—-

The paparazzi had swarmed them outside the award show venue. Alina held only Michael’s arm tightly as he navigated them through their pressing questions and even more invasive flashes. 

He pulled Alina in front of him, covering her as she entered the back of the car she had arrived in before following suit and shutting the door behind them. Finally, just the two of them.

“Hi”

“Hi”

Michael had spoken first, his eyes wavering over her face and nervously squeezing their interlocking fingers together, “You’re wearing the bracelet-” he suddenly realized, a boyish smile creeping onto his face, using his free hand to flip over the little ‘M’ on its true side.

“Of course I’m wearing it,” Alina mumbled, cheeks flushed pink. She felt like a giddy school girl talking to her crush for the first time, “I want everyone to know I’m yours…I’m sorry it took me so long”.

Her eyes suddenly pricked with tears, using the back of her hand to wipe them as they spilled over, “I’m sorry- I don’t know why I’m crying”

“Shh, shh, it’s okay, mama. You have nothing to be sorry about” Michael’s heart swelled, reaching over to take her face into his hands, thumbs brushing away her cheeks, “It’s me and you. It’s always been me and you. I should’ve realized that sooner. I would wait an entire lifetime for you if it meant that you would come back to me” he whispered, causing a sob to erupt from her throat.

Michael pulled her into his soothing arms, now crying as well, “I missed you so much” he breathed, “I’m so sorry. I promise to be a better man for you. Please, please, let’s never shut each other out again. I can’t fix things if you shut me out-”

“I promise- I promise to be better too-” Alina nodded with a hiccup, her face pressed into his shoulder and dampening the cloth, “I missed you so much it hurt”

They spent the rest of the car ride in each other’s arms, sniffling and sharing soft kisses until their overwhelming hurt and fears were replaced with the feeling of comfort and security.

Once they entered Alina’s home, the two had calmed down to a degree, both red-eyed and awkwardly giggling, “We look a mess, let’s clean up and then celebrate”.

“Celebrate?” Michael’s mouth stretched into a bright smile.

“We had an eventful night, don’t you think we deserve a little celebration?” Alina bit her lower lip softly, toying with his tie “Do you want to go into the hot tub? To ease the stress of course”

Michael peered down at her, gulping a lump of nothing, “I’d like that,” he replied with a rasp.

She smiled up at him in a teasing manner, turning around to lead him by his tie. Michael followed obediently, hot on her trail as his excitement was rapidly growing.

Alina let him go momentarily to set up the hot tub, testing the water with her hand, “Let me change into something real quick, make yourself comfortable”

Michael’s cheeks flushed, heavy with anticipation. He stripped himself down his boxers before entering the comforting water, feeling his tense muscles slowly unravel themselves. 

That was until Alina had emerged in a skimpy hot pink bikini with golden beaded accents, “Is the water nice” she said casually, as if he didn’t have to physically close his mouth shut.

His expression darkened as he watched her slowly emerge herself into the water, skin wet and glistening. As much of a gentleman he liked to be, he was still a man, his eyes shamelessly traveling over her. 

She handed him a glass of champagne, raising it to clink his glass, “To us”

He locked eyes with her as they took a sip of the bubbly liquid at the same time. They drank in comforting silence, hands brushing at the edge of the tub. Electricity at their fingertips Michael’s gaze was heavy, sinking into the depths of her soul. He had finished his drink first, a bit impatiently.

Alina let out a coy smile as she set her empty glass down, “Why are you looking at me like that” she giggled, as if she didn’t know

“I’m wondering…” He began, hands slowly sliding over her smooth legs underneath the water until he gripped the meat of her hips, physically pulling her into his lap, “Why the hell you are so far away”

Michael could no longer suppress his pent up desires, crashing his lips onto hers. This kiss was unlike their one in the car that had been delicate and vulnerable. This was full of hunger and desperation. He kissed her with everything he had, releasing all the emotions he had been feeling during their time apart. 

His boldness didn’t stop there as his lips began making a hot trail down her neck, “So beautiful,” he murmured against her skin, “All mine”. He knew her body like the back of his hand, finding the sweet spot that made her gasp, sucking and nipping. 

He groaned against the sweetness of her skin, pulling her bikini top down under her breasts. The sharp exposure sent a shock of pleasure through her, her nipples perking up instantly. He swirled his tongue over her sensitive buds before taking one whole, biting and sucking. Her hands tangled in his hair, arching into him. He wished they could stay here forever. As he devoured her, his other hand kneaded and pinched at her bud before alternating his attention. He was determined to not leave an inch of her untouched.

He removed his mouth from her breasts with a resounding pop as she pulled his face back up to her lips, “I need you, Michael-” she whined, pressing herself down onto his hardening crotch “How long are you going to make me wait already?” He groaned as she grinded herself down onto him.

They kissed furiously as Michael nearly ripped off her bikini bottoms and threw them to the side, sliding his fingers up her core while his thumb simultaneously worked on her clit. Her body writhed underneath him, filling him with an immense sense of pride. She pulled down at his boxers desperately, “Please, please” she begged.

Michael absolutely adored seeing her like this for him, “Shh” he cooed, “I’m going to take my sweet time with you. You made me wait so long, baby. It’s only fair”

She let out a cry as his finger curled inside her at an aching pace, her hips mindlessly trying to grind into him, “Mmm, such a pretty little thing” his words made her feel hot as he began pumping his fingers inside her, stretching her out. He swallowed her moans with a deep kiss, revering in her needy cries when he pulled his fingers out and slowly circled her throbbing clit, 

“Did you touch yourself without me?” He asked, nipping at her jawline, littering her in possessive love bites.

“Y-Yes” Her voice broke as she jerked her core into his hand.

“Did you think of me?”

“Always”

A deep inhumane growl rumbled from his throat, slamming their swollen lips together. She pulled his boxers off completely, his eager length springing free. He picked her up by her hips to help position her as she braced herself for the sheer size of him – nervous how she was supposed to fit all of that in. She slowly lowered herself onto his entrance, her jaw fell as she let out loud gasps and moans as she felt herself stretch, a mix of pain and pleasure shooting up her core, “Oh my God-” she pushed her face against his neck, not even half way in and feeling incredibly full.

“Shh, you’re taking me in so good, mama. Just like that” Michael soothed, slowly pushing her hips down until he bottomed out inside her. His head was in the clouds at the feeling of her tightly clamped around him, as if he was born to be right here, “You feel so so good, baby” he sucked a breath between his teeth, “Take your time”

Alina took a moment to adjust to his sheer size, slowly grinding her hips and moaning directly into his ear, “Let me see you, baby. I want to see how you use me” Michael groaned. Her lower stomach felt full and on fire when she straightened up, hands on his shoulders as she felt him deep in her core in places she could never have imagined. She brought herself all the way up to his tip before bouncing all the way down, thighs shaking at the overwhelming amount of pleasure in her body. The water swished around them, the cool night air biting at their skin sending a shocking contrast. 

“Fuck-” Michael cursed, helping her pick her hips up and down. It wasn’t long before he took over again, sucking at the breasts that jiggled in his face as he fucked her from below with his skilled hip thrusts. Her head began bobbing as she couldn’t control how loud she was moaning. He left her up higher above the water to go even faster, skin smacking and water splashing echoing through the quiet night. Alina could barely keep her eyes straight, feeling Michael take her face into his large hand so she could focus on him as her entire body shook, her voice going silent at the intense orgasm that took over her body. 

Michael groaned loudly at how she tightened and shook around him, “So perfect, baby. Just like that” he talked her through it, kissing her lips, “I love you so much”

Alina let out a whimper, as he began grinding himself again into her overstimulating heat, “I love you too” she managed to stammer, knowing Michael was not even close to being through with her.

He suddenly turned her back towards him, spreading her legs against the hot tub jet, angling the vibrating water against her overstimulated clit. She let out a shriek, her body trying to squirm away, but his hands kept her in place, “Michael-” she gasped, feeling his length sliding teasingly at her entrance, “It’s too much-” tears of pleasure pricked at her eyes.

“You can take it, you’re doing so good, pretty” Michael penetrated her again, tilting her head to the side so he could feel her moans against his mouth. It didn’t take long for her body to convulse once again, becoming a whimpering mess.

“So good, so beautiful,” Michael mumbled into her hair. He turned her around again, picking her up out of the hot tub to wrap her around a towel and bring her to the bed. Her body was shaking and tingling all over. Alina nearly choked, seeing his full on hard on. He hadn’t even finished yet. She was a goner. 

He put her legs onto his shoulder, slapping his dick onto her puffy sensitive clit. She let out a cry of pain and ecstacy, burning hot underneath his devious gaze. He had planned this moment for so long, held himself back for so long.

Alina’s eyes rolled to the back of her head as he slid in again, her brain feeling like mush as this angle allowed him to reach even deeper into her core, “Still so wet for me,” he began rolling his hips, “So eager to suck me back in” He pounded into her, focusing entirely on her pleasure, kissing her legs that shook on his shoulders. He was so relentless yet so gentle and attentive at the same time. Alina couldn’t believe she was already reaching a third orgasm, tears rolling down her face. She moaned loudly, reaching to grab any part of him “Cum with me baby, c’mon” Michael encouraged as his thrusts became sloppier, riding out his own high.

She was screaming at this point, aching her body off the bed uncontrollably. Their voices mixed into a beautiful song as she felt his warm seed fill her up, gushing onto his length.

Her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath. Michael pulled himself out and leaned down to shower her with kisses and praises, chuckling when all she could say was, “You fucking  rabbit”.

He slid next to her side, kissing up her shoulder and tear-stained cheek. She could feel him growing, pressed up against the back of her thigh again. He pulled her lower half on top of him, one hand underneath her knee to spread her wide open for him.

“Mikey-” She whimpered, legs shaking as her length rubbed against the outside of her sensitive folds, “Oh my God-”

He kissed away her whines, “I love you so much. I worship you” He praised, sliding himself back into her gummy walls, “I belong to you” he groaned as he rolled his hips at a deep and aching pace. This round was less pent-up, less dominating, but still sent her head reeling at the pure tenderness and intimacy behind it, especially in her state.

His hand reached down to her clit as she squirmed underneath him, mewling and crying. She grasped onto his forearm to steady herself. His breath was hot in her ear as their bodies reached another climax together, shaking and gripping onto each other. He sat inside her for a moment, leaving lazy kisses at the side of her neck as sweat dripped off their bodies.

Michael had released all his possession and pining into her, breathing heavy as their mixed seed oozed out of her and along his shaft. He sat inside her for a while holding her as his dick occasionally twitched. 

“Let’s clean you up,” He said softly, a whimper escaping her lips at the sudden emptiness without him. He was gone for a short moment before he slipped his arms underneath her and carried her to a ready bath, kissing her tenderly as he helped her wash up. 

“Please move in with me,” He murmured, kissing the top of her hair as he dried her off and tucked her into bed, “I can’t bear to be apart from you anymore”

She flushed even in her sleepy daze, nodding softly, “I’d love to”

He pressed another kiss onto her swollen lips before pulling away to clean himself up. She felt herself drifting off to sleep, fighting the urge until he returned.

“Michael,” Alina hummed once he slipped underneath the covers next to her.

“Yes, mama?”

“We really do belong together”.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alina let out a scoff as she picked at her breakfast with her fork, not having the appetite to take a bite, “Don’t be silly”.

“Don’t be silly?” Marko exclaimed, his eyebrows shooting up to his hairline, “He looks like he wants to throw me to the sharks, Alina. Will you say I was silly when you find my body washed up on shore? – No, no, no, this is what I get for trying to be a good person”

That earned a small chuckle out of the popstar, though it took up more energy than she cared to admit. “You didn’t do anything wrong. In fact, the real problem has nothing to do with you. I’ll handle this” She looked up with a small sigh, “I’m sorry you got dragged into this. I appreciate you for checking up on me. Could you please keep this between us?”

“Ah, why would I even tell anyone? I’d be a dead man,” Marko waved off with a grumble, “I went to Juilliard. I can’t fight- and don’t smile at me again, it makes him angrier”.

It was more than difficult to ignore the looming presence of the King of Pop. While he sat on the opposite side of the dining area, it was as if he was breathing down her neck – watching her every move for the right moment to pounce.

Poor Marko had to deal with not making eye contact with his deathly glare as she remained with her back facing him. She was still unable to get out of her funky mood and find the right words to say to him nor what would be the correct action to take, having a bad habit of closing herself off when situations got too real. Too risky. Lost in her thoughts, she could not remember a time when Michael wasn’t in her life and that scared her.

In her life, she had been conditioned into assuming there was a camera or someone quick to backstab her just around the corner. Thus, she would always put on her best show and vowed to never let anyone profit off of her or her loved ones’ lowest points. However, this resulted in her not being able to bear the weight of having the necessary uncomfortable conversations she needed to have, deciding to not make a fuss once things seemed to be going well after the chaos had settled, and – in turn – unknowingly building resentment within herself. 

Unfortunately, Marko had just been caught by the storm, not giving Alina the space to brush past what he had witnessed. How else would she explain why Michael was in her room and why she was yelling at him? While she felt it was a bit more private – a bit more safe – to share a piece of her dilemma with him, as they shared a mother tongue, it had only been surface level information. Alina would never be the type to share all the details of what she and Michael had shared. No matter how angry she felt with him at this moment.

The two rose to put their plates away – most of Alina’s food being discarded in the trash.

 “Oh God, he’s coming over- good luck, girl” Marko scrambled to gather his belongings.

“Marko, wait- psst. You coward!” Alina whisper-screamed after him, a shock of anxiety rumbling in her stomach. Her breath caught in her throat as she felt Michael’s presence behind her. The air around her suddenly felt thick and suffocating – she wasn’t ready to confront him.

“I thought you said you were starving,” A shudder went through her spine from the rumble in his voice – no longer soft-spoken or delicate. She couldn’t bring herself to reply or even look at him. Her emotions were leaking out of the bottle that she shoved them into and was afraid for them to explode if she faced him. Even worse, what if she turned around and all her anger melted away in his arms, unresolved, waiting for the next time they fought to turn even uglier. She was afraid to lose him entirely over immature behavior. This wasn’t who they were at their core.

 She felt his slender fingers wrap around her wrist, pulling her onto the outside eating area that had emptied. It was a skinny balcony that left no place for her to hide or run.

Alina kept her back toward him, staring out into the sea as she heard him close the terrace doors in an attempt of some privacy. Michael stalked her as if she were his prey, nearing closer in unnerving silence and light steps. He wanted to touch her. He wanted to engulf her into his arms and whisk her away until everything was better. His hands ghosted over her arms before resting on the railing in front her, caging her in.

“Are you satisfied?” Michael asked in a low voice, “Was it fun having me watch?”

Her heart quickened, her words jumbled and stuck at her throat that nothing could come out. They were stuck in a cycle of miscommunication and jealousy and she did not know how to get them out of it. Her body was closed off to him, arms crossed tightly in front of her chest.

Her continued silence agitated him, “Alina…” he breathed her in, dipping his head into the crevice of her neck, needing his senses to be full of her. Full of the signature cherry coconut scent that drove him crazy, “I know I messed up, just talk to me. Please”. His anger was slowly dissolving into desperation.

“I…I don’t know what to say to you right now, Michael”

“Anything-” His voice broke, pressing soft kisses onto her shoulder, “Look at me. Yell at me. Hit me”

His arm slithered around her waist, pulling her close. Maybe it was a good sign she wasn’t pulling away from him? He could only hope, “I was wrong, I’m sorry. It was supposed to be you in the video – it was always supposed to be you. Please, we just had a good night together. I don’t want to leave you angry with me”.

She felt a lump rise in her throat, trying to blink away any unwanted feelings, “I think what we need right now is some space-”

“Space? Alina, we’ve barely seen each other lately” He pulled his face up, in disbelief.

“We need to know how to be our own people. You need to learn how to trust me and I need to learn how to trust you” Alina spoke calmly, watching the waves crash onto the shore. How she wished they could pull her in with them. 

“I do trust you, Ali. With all my life I do-”

“You don’t” She interrupted with a shake of her head, “None of this would’ve happened if you did”

“I thought I wouldn’t lose you. I thought you said you wanted all of me. The good and the bad,” He croaked “Don’t let us leave things off like this. Not angry like this”

“If we belong together…we’ll come back to each other”.

—

“Fans have theories on the themes of your latest album, some say the female vocals on your track In The Closet is popstar Alina. Seems like trouble in paradise based on recent photos. Are you two involved with each other?”

“I did not circle that question,” Michael let out a short laugh, refusing to answer.

The interview moment had gone viral along with every magazine and tabloid spreading photos of their encounter in Spain. Everyone wanted the latest gossip and grew relentless the more the singers avoided or denied their connection, hungry for the truth. Fans quickly drew connections in their lyrics, some rooting for them, others even going out of their way to send threats. Internet forums were flooded.

“I knew he was a player. You could just tell! Poor Alina, she’s just another kind girl that fell for it”

“Are you smoking crack? She’s totally the one that broke his heart. What a skank!”

For weeks, the only way of knowing what their other half had been up to was through forms of media or gossip, which obviously exaggerated comments or came up with rumors. Alina tried to stay away from it all, keeping the TV off at all times and focusing on her own activities. She hadn’t even listened to Michael’s full album. It hurt too much.

Paparazzi had swarmed the outside of her home, requiring extra security to travel with her and her driver.

“Ms. Belova! Ms. Belova! What is your relationship with Michael Jackson?”

“Are you talking about Michael Jackson in your latest album?”

“Ms. Belova! Smile for the camera!”

Quiet. She just wanted some damn peace and quiet.

Her work still had to continue as it was one of the busiest times of her career. While it was distracting, her resilience was slowly wearing down. Everything somehow brought her back to  Michael. From the elevator music, she could hear the quiet melody of her great love

“Remember the time

On the phone, you and me

Remember the time

'Til dawn, two or three

What about us, girl?

Remember the time

Do you, do you, do you?

Remember the time (do you, do you?)

In the park, on the beach

Remember the time

You and me, in Spain”

It was as if he was trying to talk to her through his music or maybe she was just delusional. She entered her studio quickly, locking the door behind her. With a shaky breath, she took a seat down and started playing the instrumentals of an old project, the lyrics flowing from her pen almost magically this time around.

A tear slid down her cheek and then another until her cheeks were wet with streams of her tears and her shoulders caved in on themselves. What had she done?

—

Alina still hadn’t heard from Michael nor did she try to call him either. Her heart ached like crazy, every little thing reminding of him. Every time she wanted to share a story with him or give him a call, she would remember she couldn’t and start crying. Her nights felt cold and lonely, unable to hear his voice. She was the one hurt and angry, yet he too had gone radio silence.

She didn’t know that Michael also felt crushed and horrendously disappointed in himself. He had been so caught up in himself and fearful of getting hurt, it turned out he was actually the one to do all the hurting. He simply did not have the courage to call her just yet, feeling as though it was inevitable for him to lose someone he grew to love. He felt hollow. An empty vessel drifting through life. He didn’t know true loneliness until now. This was his punishment. This was his karma.

Days turned into weeks and weeks into months in a blink of an eye. Time passed by whether they wanted it to or not, especially between interviews and touring. It was easier to not think when one was so exhausted and always hopping onto the next event. But after it all, one could only sit in the deathly silence they had built for themselves and remember.

It was midnight, Alina stared at her ceiling, her chest hurting at the thought of him. The pain of missing him was greater than the anger she had had before. They should’ve just talked things through, laid out their boundaries when it came to these things. She should’ve just screamed out to the world tall and proud that Michael Jackson was hers. Was it over between them?

Her bedside telephone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts. She had picked it up without hesitation, not really caring who would be on the other end, “Hello?”

The other end was hesitant, which quickly made her stomach flip. She must’ve stopped breathing too when she heard the familiar voice on the other end.

“There'll be no darkness tonight

Lady, our love will shine

(Lighting the life)

Just put your trust in my heart

And meet me in paradise

(Now is the time)”

Michael’s voice was shaky and vulnerable. He had never performed this song for anyone, having been far too shy, which was why he decided it would be perfect. He was scared of her reaction, though it seemed like she was listening to him and not hanging up instead.

“And baby, through the years

Gonna love you more each day

So I promise you tonight

That you will always be the lady in my life

Lay back in my tenderness

Let's make this a night we won't forget

Girl, I need your sweet caress, oh

Reach out to a fantasy

Two hearts in the beat of ecstasy

Come to me, girl”

Alina’s heart was beating loud. The emotion that came out of his voice made it hard for her to breathe as if he were reaching deep into himself, his pain, his yearning. She didn’t even realize she was crying until he finished.

“Happy birthday, Ali-cat”

—

“Please tell me you’re still coming to the award show tonight” Janet was on the phone. Alina was twisting around the expensive golden bracelet Michael had sent to her house, a petite diamond studded ‘M’ charm dangling from it. His voice still rang in her ears. He had remembered, he had called her. Even if they were empty birthday wishes, it gave her hope.

 “I hate seeing you two torture yourselves like this. You’re long overdue for a talk and you know it. Besides, I beg you to not let any man get in the way of living your life, sis. Not even my brother”

After a long silence, Alina finally agreed, “I’ll come, but don’t tell Michael, okay?”

“Atta girl. You have my word!”

Once the two girl friends hung up, she thought long and hard before picking up her yellow pages book and dialing the desired number on her phone, "Good afternoon, it's Alina Belova. Can I ask for a favor for tonight?...Yes, tonight".

Meanwhile, Michael almost decided to skip the award show tonight, but Janet had been so oddly persistent so he gave in. Besides, he was supposed to give a performance tonight. Would she be watching? He shuddered at the thought.

His ego was still hurt that she hadn’t reached out again after he called, especially after he had made himself so vulnerable, singing a song he never thought he’d sing out loud ever again. It was killing him not knowing what she was thinking. Although he was still angry at how much time was lost between them, he still clutched onto the hope of having her back in his arms, unyielding to whatever was thrown his way.

At the show, he sat next to Brooke Shields, making small conversation just to pass the time. He glanced discreetly past her multiple times, unable to keep his gaze away from her. He hadn’t seen her in person in so long it felt like his mind was playing tricks on him. Alina sat down the aisle, too far away yet too near at the same time. If he got closer, would she disappear?

She kept her face turned to the side on purpose, not wanting to be caught looking at him, especially with how he just had to be seated with another gorgeous model. It felt like someone was rubbing salt on her wound. Had he been with anyone else while they were apart?

“Hey, you alright?” The voice next to her startled her, looking over to the blonde long-haired rockstar at her side. She had been avoiding that direction this whole time she didn’t even realize who her neighbor was.

“Me?”

“Yeah, you” He smiled warmly, “lovers quarrel?”

Alina raised an eyebrow at him, “I don’t know what you mean” she feigned innocence

“I bet he’s looking at us talking right now”

Alina was taken aback, glancing over to find Michael’s obvious and intense gaze on them. Her breath hitched at the electric connection, quickly pulling her gaze away.

“How’d you know?”

“I thought it was pretty obvious” he put simply, “Guys are really simple, he clearly wants you. Don’t overthink it”

Alina was now turning more toward him, “Wait, why are you helping me?”

Kurt Cobain shrugged, “Eh, it can get boring at these things”. 

While Michael could not rid himself entirely of his jealousy, he had vowed during this period to never take his anger out on Alina ever again. As he watched her talk with the grunge heartthrob, he had made an executive decision. He had waited patiently for Alina, reflected, and given her space, but now it was time to fight for her. Now it was time to help guide her back home.

The time had come for his performance. Adrenaline buzzed through his veins. The stage lights were bright, but Michael was used to them. He was dressed in a sleek suit, his walk heavy as he smoothly entered the stage. His mere presence was enough to bring the crowd at the edge of their seats to watch the Michael Jackson perform. He had attained such a high level of fame, he was the celebrity to celebrities. Untouchable. It was time he remembered exactly who he was.

His movements were fluid and powerful, transforming into the best version of himself 

“The way she came into the place I knew right then and there

There was something different about this girl

The way she moved

Her hair, her face, her lines

Divinity in motion

As she stalked the room

I could feel the aura of her presence

Every head turned feeling passion and lust

The girl was persuasive

The girl I could not trust

The girl was bad

The girl was dangerous”

The music flowed through him, making the stage his turf. He lifted his hat to reveal his face, eyes immediately finding her. He would always find her.

“She's so dangerous”

He winked in her direction in the middle of his performance, a cocky smile spreading onto his face before pulling away to embrace the whole audience.

“The girl is so dangerous

Take away my money

Throw away my time!”

Alina clenched her jaw, watching him with a pounding heart as her fingers tightened around her clutch. It was as if everyone else in the room had disappeared and he was talking directly to her. She was taken aback by the sudden camera in her face trying to catch her reaction, mustering her best bashful smile.

By the time his performance ended, she wanted to scream. This whole night felt like a humiliation ritual.

How was she supposed to go on next and top that?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: next chapter will likely be the last one! but no worries, i am thinking of continuing writing. would you guys be interested in another series? oneshots? both? lmk!!

Michael and Alina did not necessarily enjoy their first few weeks together as an official couple as they were both busy recording and shooting music videos. It was almost exhilarating releasing music at the same time and Alina could not wait to finally see the finished product of what Michael had been working on. On the other hand, the time spent apart was not so exhilarating. This was why Alina had not wanted to be exposed to the public eye so soon as it would be too overwhelming for both of them, especially with the few hiccups in communication they had had at the start of their relationship. Neither of them had really been in a real relationship, let alone a public one. It was always the uncalled for and unnecessary opinions of others that caused divide, misunderstandings, and more fear in a new relationship. She wanted to be confident and where they stood and how they work, build a stable foundation before they had to face anything as a pair because then everything would change. Or maybe she was just trying to stall to prepare herself before jumping into the eye of the storm. 

A deep part of her did not want others to think that her success in music was thanks to her connections to the Jacksons. People had been using Michael his whole life and she was not going to contribute to that and no one could convince her otherwise. She wanted this album to purely be her own now that she had attained even greater creative freedom.

She was worried Michael would get the wrong idea at her hesitation or that someone else would plant seeds in his head for her decision, so she tried to put in an effort to give him extra praises and attention whenever she could which would wash away his nerves into nothing most of the time. Alina had known about his previous heartbreaks, the most painful of them being with Diana Ross, which was why she was so understanding of his fears and triggers even when he didn’t say them out loud.

However, with their busy schedules, it was becoming increasingly difficult to constantly reassure Michael. They began missing their frequent late night calls, which led to even needier interactions when they finally did speak. 

“Are you laying down?” Michael’s voice was comforting over the phone.

“Yes”.

“Touch yourself for me,” Alina’s breath stifled at the request, “I miss you so bad, I need to hear you”

Ever since their last argument, he had found it increasingly more difficult to control himself. Alina wasn’t used to this bold version of Michael, reversing their roles on who was the shy one within seconds.

For once, she didn’t mind listening to his orders. As she slid her hand down into her pajama shorts, she imagined Michael’s fingers. She began slowly circling her clit, breathy sighs and sounds passing through her lips.

“That’s it, pretty” Michael hummed, talking her through the phone, “Now finger yourself”

Alina did as she was told, slipping her fingers into herself with astonishing ease. His mere voice was enough to trigger her arousal. Soon, she could hear his own groans, indicating he had also started touching himself. This only made her feel even more squirmish, desperate for the release he was guiding her toward.

“You sound so pretty, I want to touch you so bad” Michael’s voice came out strained as he slid his hand up and down his length. Alina should’ve known how vocal Michael would be intimately by his music alone.

“I want to touch you too,” Alina whimpered, “I miss you so much, Michael”

They continued until they both released at the same time, murmuring sweet good nights. As attractive as that experience was, Alina couldn’t help but feel so alone in her empty bed when they hung up.

And as mature as Alina was trying to be in their situation, she too had become starving for his affection.

—-

The Jackson family had soon figured out that Michael had started seeing Alina as more than a friend. He was still keeping the exact details of their relationship private, not wanting to deal with their commentary. Nonetheless, he still had to bear all the teasing from his siblings as per usual. 

They had all somehow got together to visit the Neverland ranch, sitting in the living room with MTV softly playing on the TV in the background.

“Oh, I always knew you two would end up together,” La Toya gushed proudly.

“Yeah, right” Marlon boomed sarcastically, the rest of the siblings erupting in laughter.

“Whaaaat,” La Toya protested, “I really did, they’ve been playing cat-and-mouse forever!”

“Yeah, and Mike always asked her to play twister and stuff-” Janet added in deviously, wiggling her eyebrows in true baby sister fashion.

“Ok, ok, that’s enough everyone-” Michael cut in, embarrassed, “Can we stop talking about this?”

“Hey, speaking of Ali” Randy cut him off, “Isn’t that her?” he reached to turn up the volume on the TV as Alina’s latest music video played.

The set was full of vibrant colors of white, green, and teal, giving the music video a playful feel. Alina looked absolutely stunning in her extremely low-waisted paints, her waist bedazzled to draw even further attention to her toned body. Her voice was rich and powerful, her confidence and charisma oozing out of the screen. Her chemistry with her background dancers was on another level as well.

“All I want is you (come over here, baby)

All I want is you (you make me go crazy)

All I want is you, now baby, don't be shy, you better cross the line

I'm gonna love you right, all I want is you”

The Jacksons were all grooving to the song, “Maaan, is this song about you, Mike?” Jermaine had commented, teasing his younger brother. Michael blushed, murmuring a weak “Shut up” in reply.

During the second verse, Alina was wearing a yellow jumpsuit with a zipper in the front. Her lyrics were suggestive as her background dancer slid the zipper down her body, leading in a transition. The dancer had his hands around her waist as her hips swirled to the music. Michael’s jaw clenched, trying his best to conceal his jealousy as his siblings let out a collective “Ooooo”. He had to control himself and remind himself it was all entertainment, he was no better after all. Although he wished he had received a heads up before watching this – especially in front of his siblings.

“Oh, my girl killed it. I loved it!” Janet exclaimed with a bright smile.

“Damn, Mike. You better lock it down with her fast” Randy shook his head, “You gotta be strong willed letting her do all that”.

“Ah, shut up, Randy” Janet slapped the back of his head.

“I mean…a girl like that, in her prime?” Jackie added.

“She must wanna keep a single image for her career,” Jermaine agreed “Keep an eye on her, everybody’s gonna want a piece of that”

“Oh, stop it!” La Toya and Janet exclaimed, “Mike, don’t let them get in your head”

The words laid heavy on Michael, each feeling like another stab to his heart. He managed to put on his best smile, “I trust Alina. I can’t help it if others see what I do”.

If only he could whole-heartedly believe that statement.

—-

Michael was overthinking again, and when he was overthinking, he tended to do rash things. He had decided to pop in to visit his girlfriend during a shoot, all the way in Spain. He was standing far back by the door to not disrupt the take, smiling softly as he watched her dance. She was absolutely hypnotizing, her energy transforming entirely within seconds, switching the atmosphere in the studio entirely. He was happy enough just seeing her until he realized the male dancer behind her was the same from her last music video. His mood had soured instantly.

“Awesome guys, let’s take a quick break!” The director shouted.

Alina still hadn’t noticed him, the male dancer handing her some water. They seemed to be chatting it up, making Michael try to stretch his neck out as far as he could to catch what they were saying. There was no way that dancer wasn’t into her. Who wouldn’t be into her?

He couldn’t make out any of the foreign words that left their mouths. It seemed the dancer spoke Alina’s native language. The inability to control that and being boxed out only made him angrier. He pulled away, deciding it was best if he waited for her in her dressing room before he made a scene.

During his wait, he tried his best to calm himself, taking deep breaths. Alina entered, letting out a surprised gasp that turned into a bright smile, “Baby!” she ran over to him, wrapping his arms around him, “What are you doing here?”

That was almost enough to melt his jealousy away, “I had some time and wanted to see you” he kissed her deeply, his hands greedily sliding over the meat of her ass.

“Michael!” Alina gasped into a giggle, “Now my lipstick is all over your face” she reached up to try and rub some off, “Hold up, let me redo it before I forget” she pulled away to sit at her vanity.

Did she not miss him as much as he missed her? How could she pull away so fast?

“I got Naomi Campbell for the music video. I just wanted to let you know” Michael dropped the bomb, leaning against a dressing room table.

“Ah, shit-” Alina cussed, having smudged her lip liner, taking out a q-tip to try to correct it. She looked at her boyfriend through the mirror, giving a tight-lipped smile, “That’s good, baby. She’s gorgeous. I’m glad it worked out”.

Michael definitely had a type in women, even the ones he selected or wanted for his music videos. The thought of him reaching out or thinking specifically about another woman irked her more than she’d like to admit. However, she refused to be a hypocrite and wanted to be mature about all this, so she decided to bite the bullet instead.

Meanwhile, Michael was undoubtedly disappointed he didn’t elicit a larger reaction from her. He had just needed a little something to remind him that she was just as crazy about him as he was with her. She tended to keep her true feelings bottled, maintaining a tough exterior. Was it so bad for him to want to be the only one that could get past it?

She stood up, quickly wanting to distract herself from her unusual sensitivity, “I don’t want to keep the staff waiting any longer. We’ll catch up tonight, Michael” she mentally flinched at how distant she sounded to her own ears, turning around to give him a quick peck as if in a haste to leave. 

He quickly pulled her back by her waist, “I’m staying over at the same hotel as you tonight. I can come over, right?” he hummed.

“Yeah, sure-”

“What do you mean ‘sure’?” He questioned, already kissing at her neck, “Do you have any better place to be?”

A knock sounded at the door, “Alina, we have to start now!” a voice came through

“Coming!” She replied, a small gasp erupting from her throat at the feeling of a hand sliding down her pants, “Michael!” she pushed herself away from him, “It’s not the time right now. We’ll talk about this later”

He pulled her back into him once more, “Is that dancer of yours going to visit you instead? Did I ruin your plan?’ He asked harshly, wishing he could take back his words the moment they leaked out of his mouth like poison. What was wrong with him?

Alina ripped away this time, “Woah- what the hell are you talking about? How could you even say that to me?” she raised her voice.

“Baby-”

“Don’t ‘baby’ me, Michael. We’ll talk later. Get your shit together by then”.

Michael watched her longingly as she walked away from him, feeling small after the rejection. He was hoping coming here would’ve made a difference in silencing his fears, but he had only made matters worse.

—-

A distinct knock came from Alina’s hotel room door, one Michael had made up so she always knew who it was. She was still feeling tense from whatever weird energy he had pent up earlier, hoping that would be the end of that. They were finally in person together and in Spain, she was going to try to lighten up the mood and enjoy it with him. 

When she opened the door, there stood a guilty-looking Michael in his pathetic excuse of a disguise. He held a bouquet of blooming lilies wrapped up in a shimmery bow, “Hi…” he said softly, “Can I come in?”

Her heart fell too easily for him. Alina nodded softly, letting him step inside and clicking the door shut after him. He stood in front of her frigid and avoidant of her gaze.

“I keep screwing up-” Michael confessed, hanging his head low, “I’m such an idiot-”

“I know,” Alina did not skip a beat, trying not to laugh as she stepped toward him. He looked up at her, startled. She pulled down his mask, stepping up onto her tippy toes to press a kiss onto his lip, “But you’re my idiot”

His eyes wavered over her face, still uneasy and unsure of how to react. She took the flowers from his hand, setting them to the side. 

“Come, let’s sit down” she led him to the edge of the bed, lacing her fingers with his, “What was that earlier?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. My brothers, they got inside my head-” Michael covered his face with his hand, ashamed for still being so easily affected at his grown age. 

“Your brothers?” Alina said, stumped, “What did they say about me?”

“Nothing bad! I promise, they were just messing with me, and I let them” Michael sighed, “I just- I know it’s not true but I can’t shake the daunting feeling you’ll find someone that is better than me. That can give you a more normal life than I can. I-...I get so scared to lose you”

“Michael,” Alina’s voice was gentle, shocked by the rare confession out of the man. “I’ve never had a normal life, Michael. I know what I’m doing being with you. I want this with you. I want all of you, the good and the bad”. Her previous irritations had melted away, now wanting to smooth over her man’s tension. She pulled his hand away from his face, “You could never lose me”

She leaned in, peppering his face with soft, slow kisses before connecting their lips. Michael reciprocated immediately, dripping in want and need. He needed her validation so badly it ignited something inside her. She deepened the kiss, placing her hand over his bulge, palming him through his pants.

“Ali, wait-” He whined, his hips jerking up, sensitive to her touch. Alina continued despite, “But you’re already getting so hard for me, baby,” she teased, “Don’t you like it when I take care of you?”

“I-I do-”

“Then let me take care of you,” She kissed him softly as she unbuckled his pants, pulling his dick out. He whimpered softly as her manicured nails gently grazed down his length, “My pretty boy” she cooed, giggling as his hips launched into her hand again, “Oh, you like being called that, Mikey?”

“Stop it-” Michael was red as a tomato.

“You do like it. Watch me take care of you, pretty baby” Alina hummed, lowering herself down onto her knees.

As soon as Michael realized what she was doing, his heart leaped, “Alina, you don’t have to-”

Alina looked up at him as she began kissing his shaft, “Be a good boy and hold my hair back” she tauntingly licked up his length, swirling her tongue around his tip. He squirmed in his seat, becoming more vocal. He reached forward to gather her hair into his hand, a deep groan bubbling in his throat as Alina ceased her agonizing tantalizing and finally took him into her mouth and began bobbing her head up and down his dick. 

Michael had never asked her to give him head, finding it too dirty and demeaning. He was all about focusing on her pleasure. However, Alina was perceptive and could tell how he was too shy to admit he liked being taken care of too.

She angled her head just right and relaxed her throat to set a rhythm along his length, twisting her hand around what she couldn’t reach. She hollowed her cheeks, slurping and sucking, paying special attention to his sensitive tip.

Michael moaned louder than she had ever heard before, jerking himself into her mouth without meaning to. His body was acting against him and reacting to her every touch, “I’m sorry- Fuck-” he whined helplessly, “You look so pretty baby” he tugged her hair. She responded by moaning and humming along him, sending vibrations along his dick. Seeing him turn so submissive under her touch was more satisfying than she could ever imagine. A familiar warmth pooled at her core, his musical sounds urging her to become relentless with him.

“Ali- Ali wait, I’m close-” Michael said in a panic, his hips unable to stay in place. Alina refused to pull away, keeping eye contact with him as he released his load into her mouth. She continued to suck him until he was dry and his dick twitched in her mouth, the overstimulation making him whimper. She slowly slid her mouth out with a pop, swallowing his seed and showing him her clean tongue.

Michael was trying to catch his breath, staring at her in a mix of disbelief and total adoration.

She let out a laugh, rising up from her knees to kiss his lips, “You make a cute bottom”

“Alina!”

—-

As per usual, Alina woke up first the following morning, a soft smile creeping onto her face as she realized she was wrapped in Michael’s arms. She slowly slid out, not wanting to disrupt him when he was finally able to get some sleep, having to get ready for the day anyway.

While doing her hair, she flipped on the TV to find the weather channel, keeping the volume low. She stopped channel surfing when she saw her own boyfriend on the screen, dancing provocatively with Naomi Campbell in his latest music video In the Closet.

Alina was fuming, her grip on the remote becoming deadly. In silence, she slowly turned to look at the reason for her rage sleeping peacefully in bed. She turned up the TV to max volume, causing Michael to jump awake.

“What- what’s happening?” He asked groggily.

“Get out”.

“Alina, what-” His mind took a minute to process his surroundings, his heart stopping when he realized what was playing on the screen, “Baby, it’s just work. Like you said-”

She felt sick to her stomach; not only by how provocative it had been, but by how Michael had gone out of her way to pull this petty shit and make her jealous. She didn’t even want to imagine what the behind the scenes looked like.

“Oh, just work?” Alina cocked an eyebrow, causing him to gulp, “I said. Get. Up.” She threw his clothes at him with each enunciation. 

“Baby, I’m sorry. How can I make it better? Let’s sit down and talk-” Michael stood up, trying to reach out for her, only for her to step away from him.  

“I don’t want to talk to you right now, Michael!” Alina exploded, “Why can’t you understand that? Why do you always have to keep pushing and pushing-”

Michael’s heart shattered seeing what he had caused, knowing he had gone too far. This was stupid and childish of him. He himself couldn’t explain why he had done it. He had gotten the reaction out of her and yet, he felt disgusted with himself. 

Before Alina could rip into him even more, someone was knocking at the door. She took a deep breath, masking her anger scarily well – the only sign being the slight shake in her hands. Michael pulled on his clothes as she moved to open the door. He let out a scoff of annoyance at the reveal of Alina’s little male backup dancer. Of course he would show up.

“Is everything alright in here?” The other man asked, discreetly peering inside.

Michael neared toward the door, possessively taking his place behind his woman and placing a hand at her hip.

“Yes, Marko. We’re fine” Alina nodded with a believable smile, trying not to elbow Michael in the ribs. 

“Great, there was some noise so, we got a little concerned” Marko answered nervously, flicking his gaze between Alina and Michael’s murderous glare, “Oh, also, the hotel staff closed off the kitchen for us real quick for breakfast. You guys should come now if you’re hungry”.

Before Michael could speak up and reject him, Alina acted quicker, “I’d love to! I’m starving. Michael’s not really a breakfast person-” she whipped around to look at him, “Maybe you can ask Naomi if she’s free”.

With that, Alina pulled away from his hold and linked arms with Marko to lead him down the hall. 

Michael was livid. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: sigh it seems like these two keep taking one step forward and two steps back

Alina hadn’t given Michael an answer yet, still needing time to sit with if she was ready to deal with the explosion from the media if she were to agree. The interview and pictures from that night already had made their friendship/relationship more prominent and Michael’s fangirls were no joke.

He had accepted her need to think about her decision, but she could tell how impatiently patient he was being. Was it selfish or cruel of her to want to keep whatever was going on between them private a little longer? They already were receiving invasive questions ever since her interview.  She didn’t want anyone getting inside their heads this early on and wanted to enjoy the quiet normalcy of it all – well as much as they could anyway. Especially with the talks of them both releasing new music soon and how busy they would become.

Michael, on the other hand, was fearful to push her too far too quickly. His own insecurities whispered in his ear. She doesn’t like you as much as you like her. You’re going to end up getting hurt. He tried his best to ignore them so he didn’t end up self-sabotaging himself. He had to be patient and wait for Alina to be ready.

Even with busy schedules, they had started incorporating each other into their lives more and more. Phone calls were a must, even when short. Then began small unexpected gifts – delivered flowers or whatever they mentioned they had been craving that week.

Michael liked it especially when Alina wasn’t afraid to stand her ground. Like the one time he had her over during a brainstorming session and a producer was making him uncomfortable, prodding him to break out in dance as if he was some circus freak. He was too anxious, too polite to say anything about it, just letting out an uncomfortable laugh – until Alina stepped in between them.

“Excuse me, are you good?” She asked the producer who looked at her confused, her eyes blazing with a certain fire

“I don’t know what you mean-” 

“I think you know exactly what I mean, keep it professional or shut the door on your way out”

Michael wanted to devour her on spot, smiling like an idiot as she continued to rant about it later when it was just the two of them alone, a string of curses in her native language tumbling from her lips. He had no idea what she was saying – besides one naughty word she had taught the younger Jacksons when they were kids – but God did he find it attractive that someone could get this bothered over him. She always seemed to pay attention to him and understand him.

The only thing that occasionally bothered him was how she tried to make everything logical or bottle her feelings. He silently admitted he might’ve been too eager and too loverboy at times, wanting to show her off in front of the whole world. Then she would shut down his fantasies, talking ten steps ahead. He knew it wouldn’t be easy having a public relationship in their position but that didn’t matter to him as much as she did. He wished she would tell him more about what exactly she was thinking and feeling. The ambiguity of it made his insecurities bubble up and memories from past heartbreaks flash back, but he too was not the best communicator, not wanting to have too many uncomfortable conversations. Instead, he focused on pursuing her properly as he should’ve from the start.

For their first proper date, Michael had rented out a whole restaurant. Their hands had been interlocked the whole dinner, giggling and even feeding each other. They had ended the night elegantly wine drunk, sharing an innocent kiss good night at her front door. Michael was a traditional man and Alina was soaring. And yet, she still felt that their relationship was unclear. What was holding him back from asking her to officially be his?

—

“Gorgeous, keep that pose!” The photographer bellowed followed by a dozen clicks and flashes.

Alina was modeling for her new perfume launch. A deep royal purple silk draped across her body, looking over her shoulder as she exposed her smooth back to the camera. She wore a seductive expression, holding the perfume bottle near her neck. 

She didn’t know Michael was lurking behind the scenes, watching her in the dark. He had come to surprise her, though stopped in his tracks, mesmerized by the scene in front of him.

“Now we try something else,” The photographer’s thick Italian accent was evident, “Lorenzo, go stand behind her”

The photographer gave his directions, trying to capture the perfect shot, “More passion! You are hypnotized by her! You are a starving man!” 

Michael felt himself pale, watching the male model come onto set. His fists curled into tense balls until his knuckles turned white. Alina was now facing the camera as the male model positioned his face near her neck, as if intoxicated by her scent, and his arm wrapping around her waist. His mood soured even more when she began laughing with him, when they started looking good with each other. 

Without revealing his presence, he walked out of the room, feeling an unnatural fury rise inside his chest. He couldn’t watch that. 

When Alina emerged from the building, she stopped in her tracks at the familiar vehicle parked outside, “One moment” she told her manager as she stepped toward the car. The door opened, revealing Michael, dressed in all black. She felt butterflies in her stomach but as she sank her head lower to meet his eyes, she could tell something was off about him. The air suddenly felt tense and heavy.

“Michael, what are you doing here?”

“Get in,” His voice was low and direct, vastly different from what she expected from him.

“Michael, you don’t seem like yourself. Is something wrong?”

“I said get in” 

That felt like a slap to her face. Alina looked back and gave her manager a small nod before entering the vehicle. She tried to keep her composure, waiting for Bill to start driving and slide the partition up to give them privacy. She studied his brooding silence for a mere second more before letting him have it

“What the fuck is wrong with you-”

“Alina-” He tried reaching for her hand before she pulled away

“No, it’s my turn to talk. Who do you think you’re speaking to like that?” She pushed a finger into his chest, irritated by the darkened look in his eyes – this motherfucker was getting turned on. A small toxic side of Michael did revere in her fury, how easily he could get her to react to him. Typically, she was so calm and collected, even when she was fuming. The stern voice, fierce eyes, and the way she handled him even though he could easily overpower her. “You feel like a macho man now, disrespecting me like that? Is that how you’re going to treat me?”

That made him speak, “What- no, that’s not me”

“Then who are you, Michael? Use your words for once”

“I saw you- with the model”

Alina quirked an eyebrow, her anger sizzling. Michael had to swallow his spit to stop himself from drooling. Why did he enjoy this so much? He didn’t want to cause a fight, and yet, his jealousy and stubbornness had taken over and how good she looked didn’t help either.

“Are you being serious?” she narrowed her eyes, “I was working, Michael. I just met that guy”

“You seemed like you were enjoying it”.

Alina clenched his jaw, pushing him back by his chest, “Oh, fuck you, you hypocrite” she scoffed, her accent tended to come out stronger when she was angry, trying to control herself enough to stick to expressing herself in English “Do you know how many times I’ve seen you with your dancers or models. Am I supposed to make a scene every time? You have no right to be jealous or possessive over me. You’re not my boyfriend, Michael!”

The air was heavy and electric between them. She felt like she couldn’t breathe as they stared each other down, unwilling to yield. She had never seen Michael so tense, his usual Bambi-like eyes now so dark it made goosebumps appear on her skin. He tore his gaze away first, looking out the window in an attempt of restraint.

The rest of the car ride was silent. They had bickered and fought before, especially growing up, but this felt different. An anxious pit formed in her stomach, too hardheaded to ask where he was even taking her. She refused to spoon feed a grown man to communicate with her. 

When they rolled up to Michael’s estate, they continued to soak in the uncomfortable silence. She heard him leave the car first, startled by how quickly he had rounded around to open the car door for her. He reached his hand toward her, but Alina, stubborn as ever, refused it and got out on her own, brushing past his shoulder. She swore she could feel his intense gaze burning through the back of her head. She instantly regretted not taking his hand. If she had felt calmer, she would’ve. Even in his anger, his actions remained the same, while she had rejected him out of pure pettiness.

“You can go home, Bill. It’s okay” She heard him in the distance, tilting her head up at the sky to feel the chill autumn breeze in hopes it would cool the bundle of nerves and rage tangled inside her. Her arms crossed over her chest in an attempt to completely shut herself off.

The hairs on the back of her neck pricked up, feeling his presence near behind her. She could feel his breath tickling her ear, a sign of how close he was to her. With hesitant fingers, he pulled her hair aside to expose her to him, “Go inside the studio”.

Alina whipped around, “That’s all you have to say?” she was in disbelief, “No, I’m not going and you’re not ordering me around”

Michael was notorious for not explaining himself very well. This mixed with his own pride did not relay very well and Alina’s determination to go against him was only the cherry on top. With how dominating her personality was, it made it hard for him to know when or how to step in. That being said, action was the only way around it. He quickly ducked down, picking her up and throwing her over his shoulder as he made his way inside.

“Michael!” She gasped in shock, “Let me down!”

Of course, he didn’t listen, even with the protesting thumps on his back. He opened the door into his home studio, setting her down on top of the recording console. He used his knee to spread open her legs, trapping her with his own body as his arms caged either side of her. She could feel her heartbeat thumping in her throat, as well as in her core. This shouldn’t have been so attractive as it was. She was battling herself, trying to stand her ground but also reeling at the thought that tonight Michael was finally going to cross that line she had only dreamed about.

“You don’t listen,” He shook his head, a drawl of his Indiana accent coming to the surface, “You’re hardheaded, bratty-”

She grew irritated, trying to get out of his grasp, but he put a firm hand on her hip, “That’s it, let go of me-” 

He slammed his lips onto hers, pulling her legs up to wrap around his waist. His kiss was hungry, pressing his chest flush against hers. It soon turned into a battle for dominance, her hands pulling at his hair that elicited a deep groan. He pulled away, breathless, “You’re perfect. I wouldn’t have you any other way”

“Then show me,” Alina replied boldly, challenging the older man, “show me how you want to have me, Michael”.

She placed a hand on his shoulder, pushing him down until he folded at the knees. She brought her heel down to his crotch and pressed in, enjoying the wince that escaped his lips. His shifting expression ignited a fire in her that she never knew she had. Michael drove her to do a lot of things she wouldn’t have usually. He lowered his lips onto the bare skin of her knee, keeping his eyes locked on hers as he kissed up. His hands were large with slender fingers wrapping around the meat of her thighs. The light scruff of his stubble shot a spark through her lower extremity the closer he inched up her sensitive skin. A pinching bite on the inside of her thigh made her gasp, her hips jolt up, earning a devious smile from the male. 

He loved watching her internal battle, trying to fight off how much she was enjoying this. His hands moved to bunch up the fabric of her dress around her waist, coming face to face with the thin cotton fabric covering her radiating heat. Her panties had ruffles around the edges with a bow placed prettily on top. What sent him reeling – and growing down below – was the evident wet patch of arousal in the middle. He looked up at her for approval before hooking his fingers around the fabric and pulling them down.

The wetness of her core glistened, the exposure causing her to shiver. Michael hiked her leg over his shoulder, hypnotized by the image in front of him, “God, you’re beautiful-”

He leaned forward, dragging his tongue aching slow along her arousal for an initial taste. Alina whimpered, burning up under his gaze. Michael did not want anyone else to ever see her in this way as he did. He didn’t want her to be able to even think of anyone else. This was far from traditional and how he wanted to take her time with her, but now he had become a man on a mission. He began with flicking his tongue along her swollen pearl before becoming hungrier, kissing and sucking. Her heel rocked along his crotch, causing him to groan into her heat. Her little mewls sent him into euphoria, keeping a firm grip on her hips to keep her in place as he pushed his tongue into her entrance and began pumping in and out, pressing his nose into her clit.

“Michael!” She gasped, her fingers tangled into his hair.

Michael pulled her other leg over his shoulder, deepening his face into her core. A trickle of uncontrollable moans escaped her lips as he devoured her. He locked his eyes with her, not wanting to miss her expressions, wanting to know what she reacted most to and what sent her over the edge. As her thighs began shaking, he pulled his face away, resulting in a whine of protest from the woman.

“Why, why did you stop?” Alina gasped, her chest heaving. He tilted his head up, her arousal proudly shining on his face.

“You said I have no right to be possessive over you”.

“What?-” Alina’s hips jumped as he slid a finger inside her, unable to pay attention. She should’ve known he would’ve pulled something like this.

“Do I have to claim you in front of everyone to have that right?” he slid another digit into her. Alina bit her lip, trying not to crumble underneath his touch. He clearly didn’t like that as he began curling his fingers inside her, drawing out what he wanted to hear “Those sounds…” he said as if in awe, teasing her, “God, how I want to record those sounds. Should I put them on my next song?”

“Mike, stop-” Her protests were weak as her body responded to everything he did to her. Alina wasn’t used to such dirty talk, it made her feel ten times more hot and bothered than she would like to admit. She would always joke how it was cringey, but hearing Michael do it now while her walls clenched tightly around his fingers was an entirely different experience. As a woman in the industry, she had always made it a point to yield to no man. Michael was undoing her in more ways than one.

“Stop?” He stopped curling his fingers, “You want me to stop, baby?”

He sounded so innocent, it made her want to punch him.

“No,” Alina croaked, defeated, her needy hips grinding into his hips absentmindedly “I don’t want you to stop. Please, don’t stop”

Michael grinned like a mad man, instantly attacking her throbbing bud and getting to work. His fingers pumped in and out of her, reaching deeper than her own ever could. Her thighs tightened around his face and her moans only grew louder. She was so distracted by the pleasure he was giving her, she didn’t even have the sense to control herself.

“Mike, Mike-” His name tumbled out her mouth as if it were the only word she could remember, “I’m gonna-” the knot in her stomach released, jolting her hips forward as she climaxed onto his face. Her eyes rolled back as her body shook in pleasure, grinding her core into his face as he rode her out through it. 

She could feel Michael smiling in her crevices as she came down from her high. He pulled his face away as they both took a moment to catch their breaths. Michael slowly rose from his place on the floor and gave her a deep kiss, tasting herself on his tongue.

“You’re my girl, okay? I’m seeing you, I’m courting you. That’s what I want, if you’ll have me” He soothed, “I’m never going to be against you, even when we’re fighting”

Alina gave a small nod, dazed and flushed, “I don’t want to fight with you either,” she whispered delicately “I’ll have you”. She was typically so grounded, so unyielding, it completely undid him.

“Oh, Ali” He breathed, kissed her again full of passion and love, “Let’s clean you up, pretty”.

“Wait-” She pulled him back by his belt, sliding her hand over his bulge, slowly palming him through his pants “Let me take care of you first”

Michael’s breathing was uneven, his eyes flicking to her hand, “It’s okay, baby-” he wanted their first time together to be special and absolutely perfect, not something raunchy that derived from an stupid argument.

Alina’s lips had attached to the sweet spot on his neck, undoing his pants, “I want to hear you too,” she nipped at his skin as his length sprung out. She shuddered at the sheer size of him, using her thumb to press small circles onto his tip. Michael tensed, his hips jerking into her hand instantly at her touch, “You’re so big,” a soft whine lurched out of his throat, embarrassed at how desperate he was to hear her approval. Her hand twisted up and down his shaft as he moaned into her mouth. She took his large hand into her own and slid it over her breast, “You sound so pretty, baby” she cooed as she relentlessly worked on him. Seeing the male in this way, hearing his submissive sounds, she must’ve been dripping with arousal. 

She lifted his shirt, leaving a hot trail of open-mouth kisses along his chest and upper abdomen, “So pretty and all mine”. Michael’s mind was reeling, being sent over the edge quicker than he’d like to admit because of her words. He had touched himself numerous times at the thought of her, waiting so patiently for the day he could finally claim her. Now that his fantasies had finally come to real life, he was putty in her hands. 

“Ali-” he gasped, enjoying her praises and possession too much, their foreheads touching, 

“I want you so bad, baby,” She whispered, egging him on, pressing his shaft between her entrance as she continued pumping him, “I need you so bad-”

Michael had let out the most beautiful string of sounds Alina had ever heard, his hips aggressively jolting into her hand as his climax released all over her stomach. 

They stayed like that for a while, foreheads resting against one another, smiling into each others kisses

“I’m sorry, Ali”

“I’m sorry too”

—-

After getting cleaned up between soft praises and kisses, Alina was sitting back in the home studio right next to the man – her boyfriend? It was a hard concept to wrap around her head now. It was a familiar feeling, watching him work, as if she was always meant to be by his side.

“So, when I originally came to see you earlier, I wanted to surprise you” Michael murmured, suddenly shy now that he had to talk to her about it, a completely different man than before “And…I wanted to ask if you’d want to record some vocals for my song. I have an idea and I just can’t imagine it being anyone but you”

Alina’s cheeks were pink, nodding softly, “Okay, let’s do it”. 

Michael let out a chuckle of relief, looking at her with a giddy smile, “Great”

He went on to explain his vision, playing her the demo of the song so she could get a feel for it before she found herself in the recording booth, “Whenever you’re ready, Ali-cat” 

The delicate sparkling introductory instrumentals flowed through her headphones. Alina seemed to transform in front of the microphone, settling into the exact emotion she wanted to convey. Her eyebrows furrowed up, her eyes fluttering close as her breathy sensual vocals pleaded.

“There's something I have to say to you

If you promise you'll understand

I cannot contain myself when in your presence

I'm so humble

Just touch me

Don't hide our love

Woman to man”

Michael must’ve not been breathing the entire song, not wanting to disrupt or distract her. This was exactly what he had imagined. When the song ended, he bursted through the recording studio, picking the smaller-framed female up and spinning her around as he littered popcorn kisses all over her face, “Amazing, just amazing” he praised, eliciting giggles out of his girl.

He put her down, towering over her once again, “Will you be in my music video now?” he looked so hopeful it made her feel like the world’s greatest asshole for what she was about to say. Was this all just a way for him to get what he wanted? Alina tried to push those sabotaging thoughts away from her mind.

“Michael-”

His face instantly fell, “You don’t want to?...Are you embarrassed of me?” 

“No, Mikey. Of course not!” Alina took his hands into her own, “I just need some more time, just the two of us. I know it’s just a music video, but with having to release my own stuff too, I just don’t know if I can deal with the chaos of it all right now. We’d have to deal with the media, the fans, it’s gonna be so hectic. I just want to enjoy the quiet while we can” she rambled, growing anxious at his silence. They had just made up, she didn’t want them to end up in another fight., “And…and I don’t want to feel like my success with this album is just because I’m dating  Michael Jackson” she admitted finally.

Michael only stared at her, “Talk to me, Mikey” she sighed, only getting a little nod out of him

“Okay, I’ll find someone else”

She didn’t like the sound of that.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“When I was led to you, I knew you were the one for me

I swear the whole world could feel my heartbeat

When I lay eyes on you, I-I-I-I-I

You wrap me up in the colour of love

You gave me the kiss of life, kiss of life

You gave me that kiss that’s like, kiss of life” 

Alina was writing again, frustratingly inspired by recent events – even more frustrated but the lyrics that had plagued her mind, unwilling to yield and needing to be documented. Kiss of life? She had been kissed before, in hungrier ways too. Why did a drunken mistake dwell on her so much? What had Michael been thinking of doing that anyway?

It was a slower, jazzier melody that she was experimenting with. It felt more intimate, more vulnerable. Suddenly, the memory of Michael flashed through her mind. His bright smile, widening each time he got on her nerves. The sparkle in his eyes when she was gentle with him. His hands just barely ghosting over her skin. Sometimes she wished he would just go all the way and stop tormenting her already. A familiar warm feeling pooled in between her legs.

A harsh shriek erupted from the piano as Alina smashed its keys, disrupting the peaceful silence of the night. She liked the idea of the song, but was feeling too hardheaded to continue due to its muse.

The brunette nearly jumped out of her seat when the phone rang from down the hall. Who could be at this time?

Fluffy bunny slippers hurried down the hall, yet when she stopped in front of the telephone, she suddenly felt nervous. Goosebumps ran over her skin as if her intuition was screaming at her, trying to warn her of who was on the other line. Before the ringing could stop, she picked up the phone.

“Hello?”

The other end was hesitant, but she could hear soft breathing, “Hello? If this is a prank-”

“No-no, it’s me” 

Alina’s stomach flipped at the distinct voice, a bit creeped out by the coincidence of the entire situation, “Mike? Are you okay? It’s late” it had been weeks since they had last talked or seen each other.

“I’m okay– I’m sorry, you were probably sleeping. I can call at a better time-”

“No, no. I was still up, writing” She chewed at the inside of her cheek, trying to act normal and mustered her best teasing tone “Tell me what’s on your mind. It must’ve been important since you couldn’t wait”

“Well…” It sounded like he was fidgeting with a pen, “I couldn’t sleep and…I don’t know, I just thought maybe you could relate. Y’know, also with writing and all”.

Alina hummed softly in agreement, causing Michael’s heart to skip a beat. Her voice was enough to end wars. He tried to pull himself together and do the talking. Not that he found it hard to talk to the female, in fact, he had always found it easy when they were younger. Now that their dynamic had changed, he was thrown aback again and again every time he amped himself up to take initiative. 

“I know it’s been a while, this is strange-”

“It’s not strange. We’ve both been busy” She assured.

Michael swallowed a hard lump of nothing, nodding over the phone even though she couldn’t see him. She had always been so understanding with him, so wise beyond her years and good with people. It was something he admired her for. 

“I saw your interview”

“Oh gosh, that was horrible,” Alina let out a soft, embarrassed laugh, “I was hoping you didn’t see that. It’s just silly gossip” she murmured, twirling the telephone cord around her finger. Talking to him in the late hour of the night made her feel light, as if floating on a cloud. Almost as if the world had stopped spinning and they had entered their own little bubble, free of responsibilities and obligations.

“King and Queen of Pop,” Michael recalled, making her blush harder, “I’d rather call you that over Madonna” That made her laugh for real, making his lips stretch into a wide grin. He felt like a teenager again, though he didn’t know why because he never really had anyone like this to talk to back then. Michael would always yearn for his stolen childhood and missed out experiences, but at least every challenge he had been faced with led him to this phone call with Alina Belova.

“About the kiss-”

“Mike, you don’t have to. We were drunk”

“I should’ve done it properly, like a man is supposed to do” Alina felt her hands get clammy, wondering if this were some cruel prank or a dream she would soon wake up from, “It’s getting real late…can I call you again tomorrow night?”

“I’d like that, Michael”.

These late night calls would continue until they almost became routine. Sometimes they’d talk about little nothings, simply enjoying each other’s quiet company – knowing someone was on the other end listening to them. Other times, they would get into deeper talks about the state of the world or traumas they hadn’t shared with anyone else. It was nice to be able to relate to someone with similar experiences and upbringings. It made him feel a little less alone in the world. Michael liked how he could talk about everything and anything with her without the expectation of something in return. However, at times, he did wish for something more.

“Yes, Mr. Jackson. Whatever you say” Alina had replied in a playful manner once, letting out a trickle of giggles. Michael was a gentleman through and through, but he couldn’t help his own urges. He couldn’t help but imagine how she looked when they had these calls. Was she wearing a tiny little number that left nothing to the imagination? Or did she prefer being engulfed in oversized fabric that would’ve given him easy access. He covered his face with his hand, a flush creeping up his neck at the thought. 

“Mike? Are you still there?’ She had asked innocently while a tent formed in his lap, making his pants feel too tight suddenly.

“Yes- yes, I’m here. It’s getting late, good night”. He clicked the phone off so fast, Alina wondered what she did wrong. Did he feel uncomfortable with her teasing him? Little did she know that was far from the truth and how much of an effect she really had on him.

That night, Michael had tried to ignore his perverted thoughts, burying his face into his pillows. He let out a soft whine as his hardened crotch pressed against the mattress, reminding him of how pathetically easy he was when it came to Alina Belova. Unable to avoid it, his hand slid down to touch himself, his imagination running wild. He felt dirty and cowardly after.

The next time they called, he had made it a point to end this torturous cycle he had put himself in.

“I want to see you, Ali” He had said earnestly, pleasantly surprising the female.

“I want to see you too,” Alina replied with a soft smile.

—

Michael’s skin had been getting lighter due to his vitiligo and attempts to even out his skin tone. He was more-so insecure and anxious with his appearance than normal, having not been in person with Alina for too long.  Not that she would ever make him feel uncomfortable about his appearance, but he himself felt the need to be perfect. He had invited Alina to the Neverland Ranch he was in the process of building. Because of the constant fans and paparazzi lurking around everywhere they went, Michael figured they’d have more privacy and less worries if they just met up here. He couldn’t wait for her reaction.

Alina had spent longer than she’d like to admit perfecting her appearance, trying to give off an effortless style. She had eventually settled on a flowy chocolate brown maxi skirt with a brown belt that carried a large amber buckle paired with a simple thin cotton tank that sat right above her hip bones. She had left her hair in its natural state of voluminous waves, accenting her body with a few golden accessories. Bill had picked her up, sneaking her into the property. She cautiously lifted her face out of the blanket he had given her, “Is it safe?” which earned her a chuckle from the older man, “All good”.

Before Alina could undo her seatbelt, the car door beside her opened. She looked up, connecting eyes with the one and only

“Ali!” Michael smiled brightly, pulling her out of the car into an embrace. She nearly melted at the scent of him, pulling herself away before she got too comfortable in his arms. He looked stunning, the epitome of androgynous beauty. He wore a breathable material of red, which was always his color. His hair framed his face just right and his arms stayed around her just right too. She felt downright delusional and suddenly extremely thirsty.

“I’m so happy you’re here! I can’t wait to show you around. It’s not all done yet but I want your opinion”

Before she could even process what was happening or even collect herself, Michael took her hand and began dragging her away, yapping her ear off about his vision and what he had in plan for the Neverland ranch. A soft serve ice cream machine here, the animals there, and so on. He had such a youthful energy around him, despite how hard of a life he had led. Alina admired that about him and how he had managed to make her life seem so normal and simple at this very moment.

“It’s coming together beautifully, Mike. Thank you for bringing me here” Alina smiled, swinging her leg from the tree branch she was sitting on. Michael had been so excited when she agreed to climb up here with him. He was practically beaming brighter than the sun toasting her face from the other side of the great tree.

“My pleasure, Ali-cat” Michael replied, watching her in admiration. Alina Belova. Alina Jackson. Mr. and Mrs Jackson. King and Queen of Pop. He was already imagining what life together could look like.

“Ali-cat?” Alina mused with a giggle, “I like that”.

“Do you want to play a game?” Michael suddenly perked up, “I think I have a soccer ball somewhere around here”.

“Soccer? Oh yeah, I’m kicking your ass. Let’s go”

The two must’ve been dribbling around each other for hours, literally and figuratively. They had increasingly become more touchy, more daring, as their competitive spirits rose. While they had made make-shift goals with a few pebbles they had found, scoring became less of a priority as it did messing each other up and blatant cheating. Just as Alina was about to score yet another goal, Michael quickly wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up, twirling her off onto the side.

“Mike, you can’t do that!” Alina protested

“Well, I just did, loser” He had shot back as he scored a goal, doing a celebratory spin. The soft tone of his voice and quick-witted replies only made it sound sassier.

His celebration didn’t last long as Alina caught him while still off balance, accidentally pushing him right into the pond nearby. The shock of cold water hit him instantly, hearing a roar of laughter come out of the girl. “Oh my God- I didn’t mean to-” she put a hand over her mouth, covering her beautiful smile. He blew a curl out of his face, reaching out to grab her wrist before she could run away and pulling her right in next to him. Alina couldn’t even be mad as they sat there laughing and soaking wet. 

Michael’s sunglasses had flown off somewhere long ago, allowing her to really see him in all his beauty, “You’re bad, Michael Jackson” She shook her head

“Well, I sang the song-” He replied like a smartass, earning him a playful slap against his chest. They must’ve looked like idiots, sitting in a pond and giggling at each other’s every word. His eyes trailed down, noticing her shivering – as well as how her thin white shirt had become nearly see through, sticking to the swell of her curves. His smile dropped down, flicking his eyes back up with a guilty expression as Alina caught on, gasping and throwing her hands over her chest, “Shit-”

His head was buzzing, standing up quickly and helping her up while trying to keep his face turned away, “It’s okay- it’s my fault. I-I, um- I should have spare clothes inside”. 

The sun was beginning to set by the time they got inside. Michael had rummaged around and found an oversized T-shirt and unused boxers to give her, standing outside the bathroom door. 

“I’m sorry, I don’t have much else. I’m still moving in,” He felt the need to explain himself, “You can clean up, I’ll go to the other bathroom. Meet me in the living room after– and make yourself comfortable”.

Alina peaked her heart-shaped face through the corner of the door, pressing a soft kiss onto his cheek, “Thank you, Mikey”.

Michael must’ve stared at that door forever after she closed it, listening to the soft rummaging inside until he heard the shower turn on. His cheeks flushed at the thought of what’s inside. He instantly peeled himself off the door before he drove himself insane.

When he had come back, his stomach flipped at seeing a familiar bundle of hair on his couch. The closer he neared, he saw two glasses of orange juice on the table. Then he saw her just like he had imagined countless times before except even better. Seeing her in the simple dress of his T-shirt was enough to send him over the edge.

Alina patted the seat next to her, “Sit down” she looked up at him with such warmth he swore he would melt into a puddle.

Michael still had a hand in his hair, drying it with a towel, a sliver of skin from his abdomen showing from his raised shirt. He looked absolutely delicious and she grew more anxious by the second. He slowly sat next to her, his shoulders tense and on the edge of the couch as if preparing himself to flee at any given moment.

“Sleep over tonight” He blurted out, adding on with a stammer once he saw the look on her face, “It’s getting late, just stay over. There’s more than enough room. And I can send poor Bill back home”

“Mike…I don’t know-” Alina tugged at the bottom of her lip. They had had sleepovers before as kids but this was different.

“What’s there not to know? Don’t you want to stay with me?” Michael’s voice lowered, almost into the whisper.

“I-I do, it’s just-”

“Just what?”

“It’s not that simple anymore…” Alina exclaimed, afraid of hurting his feelings. Over the past few months, she had grown to know how sensitive the male truly was. How he wished for a friend and to play childish games to feel less alone. She was scared of hurting him intentionally, of not being able to fill in the role he desperately searched for in someone. Besides all that, she was still confused where she even stood with him as this was clearly not a normal friendship anymore nor had he stated any intentions out clearly. At this point, she didn’t think she could handle it if it didn’t work out between them or it ended up that he had only wanted the company rather than wanting her specifically.

Michael watched her with an expression unfamiliar to her. Rather than the shy soft-spoken boy from her childhood memories, it was as if it suddenly clicked who was the grown man sitting in front of her. She froze up as his face leaned closer, bringing her hand up to his mouth. His lips brushed over her knuckles delicately before turning her hand and pressing a kiss to her palm, keeping his eyes trained on her. He then moved to her wrist, “Ali…” he breathed, “I don’t want it to be simple anymore. I don’t think it can be anymore-”

Alina gulped, watching the man in front of him as if he were put under a spell. The sun had nearly vanished, only a small glow illuminating the room inside. Soft dim hues outlined his face, his head dipping into the crevice of her neck as he continued littering her with adoring kisses up to her jaw and cheek.

He picked up his head in front of her, noses nearly brushing, “Ali, do you really have to make me say it. Can’t you see I can’t get enough of you? The kiss wasn’t a mistake to me” He confessed, bringing his thumb to outline over her lips, “I just- I just want to hold you. That’s all. That’s enough. Don’t you want me?”.

She had never seen him like this. His little pleas rewiring her brain chemistry, “I do, I want to try…I’m just scared if it doesn’t work out” she admitted.

“Why- why wouldn’t it?” He questioned, lingering hurt in his tone that pulled at her heart strings. His warm breath ghosted over her lips, “You’re all I think about lately- I can’t even escape you in my dreams. It’s making me go crazy, please, baby”.

The more he spoke, the more he wanted to shut himself away. His leg began to bounce, anxious that he had just ruined everything. He almost chickened out until Alina tilted her head up and connected their lips, a small sound mixed with relief and ecstasy escaping his throat. Her hand rested on top of his knee, soothing his anxiety, the other gripping onto his bicep as he held her face. Innocent timid kisses soon grew hungrier and synced into a beautiful tango. 

His arm wrapped around her waist to pull her closer to his chest, unable to get enough of her. Although his grip was strong, it was still gentle, handling her as if she could dissolve underneath his fingertips at any given time. They pulled away momentarily for a breath of air, though Michael immediately attacked her neck, leaving a hot trail in his path. A soft sigh released from her lips, melting in his arms, “Mmm, so that’s what you like, baby” his voice vibrated against her skin.

Alina blushed, her brain unable to process this wasn’t a dream and she was actually having a steamy makeout with her childhood crush – with Janet’s brother. Oh, what did she get yourself into? What had made her so flustered was the total switch in Michael’s demeanor. She felt his lips at the pulse of her throat, her body heating up under his touch. At this moment, she realized how dangerous he really was, how easily she could have laid herself out bare for him. Now that he knew her feelings were mutual, there was almost nothing holding him back besides his own chivalry. He hadn’t even touched her in a lustful manner yet and she felt herself becoming undone. She had to get her control back.

She pushed him back onto the couch, raising her torso up tall. His dark eyes glinted up at her in the dim light, needy with want. His hands rested on her hips, tense fingers fighting to slip completely under her shirt. She took his chin between her pointer and thumb to tilt him in any direction she so pleased as she began exploring and nibbling at his jawline. Adrenaline buzzed through her as she could sense his anticipation, how he tried to hold himself back from devouring her on spot. How hard he was trying to remain a gentleman. But he was also a starving man, capturing her lips into his own. Small sighs and tiny moans passed through their lips as Michael raised his hands up to her bare waist. Alina was on a natural high. But she couldn’t give him what he wanted so easily either out of pure respect for herself.

When she pulled off of him, Michael nearly toppled over on top of her until she placed a hand on his chest, “Is-is something wrong?” he asked, concern immediately lacing his voice.

“You said just holding me is enough, no?” Alina mused, “Or were you lying? Mr. Jackson tsk tsk tsk” she clicked her tongue disapprovingly, “Do you fool every girl this way?”

“Alina-” Michael did not take the teasing too well, his voice on the borderline of whining. Music to her ears in other words. “There’s no other girls. I do just want to hold you. It’s enough, you’re enough”. 

Alina felt slightly evil how much she was enjoying having the biggest star of the century eating from the palm of her hand. This was better than she could have ever imagined. He kissed her exposed hip bone, his soft, shaky breath on her body as he moved up to her neck, cherishing her entire body. Even though she was messing with him, Michael wholeheartedly agreed that he needed to take her time with her and worship her properly. He did not want to ever make her feel like he only invited her over for the sole purpose of getting laid. 

“Please, please sleep over”

“No funny business?” She held back a witch cackle at how the older male shook his head into her neck, tickling her with his hair, “Promise?”

“I promise”

—

Alina hadn’t expected Michael to actually keep his promise and not try anything again. Though now he was more touchy and affectionate, it was nothing more than innocent kisses and cuddles. She had thought all men were predictable and thought with their dicks – and Michael’s was clearly working overtime as she felt it all night while he spooned her. He really was a man of his word and a gentleman. Not that she was mad at the turn of events, it was nice to be treated so gently and affectionately with no expectations of anything in return. Honestly, it should’ve been the bare minimum. Michael had truly just wanted her and not what’s between her legs.

She had woken first, never able to sleep in whenever she was in an unfamiliar space. 

“You’re awake?” Michael’s deep sleepy voice erupted the silent morning, making her shiver. His lips pressed against the back of her neck lazily, as if he only had one thought to continue cherishing her as soon as he woke back up.

“Yeah- for a while now”.

“Why didn’t you wake me?”

“You just looked so peaceful…and I know you have trouble sleeping”

Michael propped himself up to look at her, “I think I’m still dreaming…”

That made Alina laugh, hitting him with a throw pillow, “Stop being corny”.

The older male giggled, catching the pillow and throwing it to the side. The way he gazed down at her for a minute too long, which made her start squirming, “What are you thinking now!” she exclaimed, practically seeing the gears turn behind his sparkling doe-eyes.

“I want you to be in my next music video".

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A/N: i hope you enjoyed! hopefully i can start on chapter 3 and get it up later this week. get ready for some drama hehe.

The audience roared with excitement, sending waves of vibrations through the studio as if anticipating a MMA match. She might as well have been pushed into the ring, her breath hitching at her cue to walk on stage. Don’t trip, please don’t trip. Anxious thoughts always flooded her mind before she stepped into the public eye. Growing up in front of millions of eyes on her, she had perfected how to pull herself together and hide her insecurities. Show business was all about faking it till you made it anyway, no matter how uncomfortable.

Alina’s smile as she entered dazzled the crowd, causing high pitched screams that could make a dog howl. Out of habit, she covered her mouth with her hand as she giggled, waving and blowing kisses toward her fans as she finally took her seat in front of a calculating and gossip-hungry show host. She hadn’t wanted to do this interview, but her manager – and mother – had pressed her for the promotion of her new album, especially after certain tracks hadn’t gone exactly according to plan.

Her fresh manicure rested on top of her crossed legs, a timeless beauty that was not aware of how captivating she really was. An effortless bundle of hair sat at the top of the crown of her head with a few chestnut curls cascading down her neck and framing her face. Cat-like eyes and full glossy lips made her into the picture of a porcelain doll. 

“Alina, tell me. How does it feel being the Princess of Pop” The interviewer teased as the audience went wild once again and caused Alina to let out a shy giggle, immediately shaking her head.

“Oh no, I can’t take that title – I mean it’s flattering, don’t get me wrong but I have many inspirations and such stunning, talented women to thank for everything” She answered humbly.

“Tell me, Alina. What was your inspiration for this album?”

“Oh my gosh, everything, really. Every time I found myself in front of a beautiful landscape or a good book. I just had to start jotting down what I wanted to express in my music.”

“Y’know I started journaling recently too – but nothing worthy of winning multiple Grammys,” The interviewer joked, earning a collective chuckle out of the audience, “And some of these songs express themes of love. Tell me, that can’t all be from books. Is there a special someone we should know about?”

Alina knew the interview would get here, she just underestimated how fast. She pulled together her best lighthearted expression, “Oh c’mon, Helen. Between shooting, touring, and award shows? I’m not superwoman,” She mused, trying to steer the conversation back on track “My songs are open for interpretation. My purpose was to connect to a diverse audience, making them feel a little less alone with whatever they’re dealing with” 

However, Helen was determined. On the screen beside them lit up a picture of Alina, seemingly sneaking out of an after party with the only man in the world that could’ve trademarked a pair of white socks and loafers. Alina’s smile twitched slightly, feeling a pit in her stomach.

“The King and Queen of Pop. Has a nice ring to it,” Helen smirked once the audience finally stopped hooting and hollering. 

—

She hadn’t wanted things to get so messy. Alina hadn’t even expected her skyrocketing to fame in the music industry either. She had started as an adorable child model and star in a classic family-friendly sitcom, largely pressed from her immigrant parents who were desperate to use their daughter’s charm and talents. It was tough having a childhood that she had to share with the rest of the world. Her teenage years were the worst, always having to maintain a perfect image and bottle up her own feelings.

Alina had disappeared from the public eye momentarily, wanting to get away from it all, yet it was all she knew. She wanted to reinvent herself and step away from the adorable childish persona she was associated with and find who she really was as a person. Having an outlet through music had allowed a different type of expression that was still herself rather than another character, letting her embrace and build her own confidence. With her first album got the press and public talking, by the second she had blown up – surprising everyone with her versatility and pure talent for all the arts, on top of the woman she had grown into.

She had first met Michael when he was still in the Jackson 5. Alina was younger at the time, having acquainted herself with his younger sister – Janet. Though Alina was slightly older, the two got along more than fine. Her family thought it would be good for her to make a friend her age, one whose family was at a similar level and understood the trials of having famous children. Usually, Alina, Janet, and Randy would be pulling pranks and coming up with the silliest games – sometimes crashing Michael’s studio sessions. Unfortunately, Michael was always too busy – and always being nagged by Joseph – to have as much time to fool around with them. He had seemed so incredibly lonely, even in a room full of people, causing Alina to feel a great amount of sympathy for him. While Janet and Randy started up another sibling argument, she would sit on the side and watch Michael’s skillful fingers turn and slide the knobs of the recording console. Sometimes she would ask him questions, always amazed by how much random knowledge he was able to store. She watched backstage in even greater awe as the soft-spoken male entirely transformed on stage with something electric. Even in his younger years, Michael Jackson had served as a great inspiration to Alina.

With busy childhoods turning into even busier adulthoods, Alina was not able to catch up so often with Janet. When her manager and mother had suggested creating a song with one of her old friends, she was ecstatic to spend some time with her – only to find out she meant Michael. 

It was nerve-wracking at even the thought of working with him. Not only was he potentially one of the greatest entertainers of their time and a notorious perfectionist. He was cute. He was one of her oldest friend’s brother and it was embarrassing how she still kept onto that childhood crush. Alina’s mother had claimed that this would be the best way to promote her upcoming album and that a duet between a male and female would be far more impactful. 

The first few meet ups went well. It wasn’t Alina’s first time talking with Michael after all; although never alone at this length. Michael was polite, however, his particularness and stubbornness quickly became evident. While she too could be a stickler for details, Michael took it to another level, very rarely compromising on musical ideas and insisting on using his own preferences. As if the long hours of work and hiding their little project from lurking photographers wasn’t enough, Michael had insisted on consistently bringing his llama to the studio. One day, Alina had gathered the courage to confront him

“Michael, is it really necessary to bring your llama to all these sessions?” She exasperated, beginning to feel overwhelmed and too agitated to keep up appearances.

“His name is Louie,” His soft voice simply replied, pushing Alina’s buttons even further

“I don’t care what his name is, this is unprofessional – and frankly, he is stinking up the room. Are you even taking this seriously? Are you taking me – AHH” Alina’s rant was cut off by a shriek as her hair and the side of her neck suddenly became splattered by llama spit.

She clenched her fists, shaking with rage as the older male in front of her tried his hardest not to laugh, “I told you, Ali. He’s my friend. He’s just protecting me, don’t be angry”. Michael couldn’t hide his laughter anymore at the look on the girl’s face. Truthfully, he hadn’t necessarily agreed to do this duet and was being too stubborn to let this be an easy process. He had a particular vision on what he wanted to do with his career and did not take well to being pressed to take on random projects. Although the time spent with the younger singer had made him see her in a different light than just his baby sister’s old friend – her mature looks, detailed insights, and attentiveness to others to name a few. Nonetheless, he was too hardheaded to stop what he had already started, too embarrassed to admit something so childish to her face. Being a notorious prankster, he hadn’t thought much about how much he had really been pushing the younger female’s buttons. That was until a loud resounding slap sounded through the studio and his cheek burned, cutting out his laughter. He looked at the girl in disbelief, unable to form a coherent sentence by the time she pushed passed him and slammed the door shut, standing in the heavy quiet on his own,

Needless to say, the duet didn’t continue after that.

But what had begun was Michael’s unnatural obsession with Alina Belova.

—

Being surrounded by “Yes” men ever since he was young, Michael did not have many people in his life that would challenge him or put him in his place. In his position, most people would try to get close to him whether it was for the money or whatever else benefitted them. He knew this. He knew this and would still allow them due to his immense and undying loneliness.

Michael craved true and genuine connection, yet could never find it. Just when he thought he had found someone and had gotten close, he would end up getting hurt. In some cases, his bad habits only contributed to this, instantly shutting out anyone who tried to get close to him. A mix of fear of getting hurt and childish stubbornness. This was why he preferred finding a friend in his animals or even the children he visited at hospitals, knowing they didn’t want him for anything more than himself and his company.

He had an aching feeling he had misread Alina Belova’s character, an odd feeling of guilt weighing on his mind as he watched her across the room. He didn’t particularly enjoy attending after parties, but he had decided to attend after seeing how radiant she looked on the carpet of the award show,

“Mmm, that’s some good fish…” He hummed under his breath, earning a sharp jab disguised as playfulness in his side by his baby sister

“Ew, don’t say that in front of me,” Janet crinkled her nose momentarily before flashing a charming smile toward the cameras, “Grow some balls and tell her that yourself. I’m tired of seeing you drool over my girl” 

If only it were that easy. Michael had always possessed a certain shyness in certain settings, especially when it came to women. On stage, he could transform to whoever he wanted to be, to whatever story he wanted to tell through his performance. Approaching someone that had caught his attention so drastically felt too vulnerable and intimate, as if cutting out a part of himself and presenting it to her, only to risk the chance of being mocked or ridiculed. Gossip spread quickly in this industry and he had enough of it, but no matter how hard he tried to ignore what was written or spread about him, it always circled back to his ears eventually.

Now he found himself staring at his obsession from across the room, finally feeling the effects of liquid courage after all the amounts of toasting, celebrating, and partying. His lanky but lean frame slowly began moving toward her, wanting – needing – to get a closer look. Thankfully, his dark aviators made him look less like some perverted predator, shielding the fact his gaze ran along her curves. Her skin seemed to glisten in shades of gold, pinks, and purples in the disco light. An exposed smooth spine faced him, drifting his line of sight to a long and tone leg slipping out the silky slit of her dress.

His eyes flicked up at her sudden turn, his breath hitching in his throat at the sight. She was so undoubtedly stunning that it made a smile grow on his face in his drunken state. Due to his newfound courage, he slipped his arm around her waist and pressed a polite kiss onto her cheek as a greeting.

“Hi,” his voice still soft, talking in her ear over the music “Congratulations on the award”.  He pulled back, more eager than he’d like to admit to continue soaking up her appearance.

She seemed a bit taken aback from the encounter – flustered. He felt a certain deviousness grow in him, watching her expression from this angle. He looked good, with long curls and a captivating smile.

“Oh, um. Thank you- you, you too. Well deserved” She managed to reply, trying to conceal the reply in her voice, still embarrassed on how things had gone the last time she had seen him, “Hey, look. I’m sorry for…” she apologized, unable to hold it in – soon feeling her eye twitch at the growing grin on the older male’s face. Did he think she was a joke?

“Sorry?” He mused, “What for?”

Before Alina could turn around and walk away from him, he wrapped his slender fingers around her upper arm. There was no force behind it, just enough to keep her near him, “Oh, oh, you’re sorry about that,” he feigned remembrance, “So much time has passed, were you thinking about that this whole time?”

“Michael-” Alina growed irritated, “Do you have a point or are you just bored? Is your date not giving you enough attention?”

“Let me buy you a drink-”

“What? Are you even listening to me?-”

“Please?” Michael hummed, slowly having neared closer and towering over her.

Alina gulped, smelling the faint smell of oddly intoxicating alcohol already on his breath mixed with cinnamon gum. “Just one,” she eventually agreed, “That’s it, okay?”

“Okay,” He said, nearly breathless with the tiniest nod that made her stomach flip.

He was childish, stubborn, and probably had a big ego – being the biggest star and all. So many other girls had probably fallen for his charms and been unable to attain him. There had to be a reason and why was she any different? She wasn’t going to be made a fool out of. At the same time, Alina unfortunately felt obligated to take care of him for Janet’s sake. Who had let this lightweight out of their sight? She had regretted agreeing to another drink, not knowing if he could handle a full one. She slowly circled the edge of her empty glass with her pointer finger, analyzing him under her sharp gaze. Had something happened? Was he nervous? She was trying so hard to figure out what was having him act so out of character, unknowing she was that reason or just how intimating she looked at that moment.

“Michael,” Alina tried to come up with a way to distract him, lowering the cup in his hand onto the bar, “It’s getting hot in here, don’t you think? Do you want to get some fresh air?”

She silently thanked God when he agreed, finding that idea very appealing as he felt he was burning up and was unable to lead a conversation. Alina managed to take an unopened bottle of water from the bar before she took his hand into hers, leading him through the crowd of tangled limbs until she found an exit that led into an alley way. Michael seemingly tripped over nothing and bumped right into her back, “I’m sorry…” he mumbled sheepishly, growing embarrassed of how quickly he had made a fool of himself, “I’m not usually like this-”

“I know,” Alina’s voice was gentle and soothing, becoming a paradox to his senses. How could she calm him and ignite his nerves all at once? She poured some of the water on her hand before pressing the cool droplets along his neck and forehead, making him freeze up. “Take off your sunglasses”

“No-”

“What- just take them off for a second. It’s the damn middle of the night anyway!”

“I don’t want to– I can’t”.

Alina let out a heavy sigh. Why was every conversation a battle with this grown man? “Why can’t you?”

Michael seemed so on edge one would think she had just peer pressured him into taking drugs. He pulled his bottom lip with his teeth, “Michael, you can tell me”.

“I’m…I’m just nervous, Ali”.

Alina faltered, unsure what to make of this situation but tried her hardest to be understanding. He was drunk after all. “Mike,” She tried to soothe, “It’s just me, okay?”

She tried to take advantage of his silence, slowly reaching up to take off his glasses. His wispy lashes fluttered to adjust, fidgeting for a moment before landing on her for the first time that night – doe-like and timid. His hands reached up to wrap around her upper arms, as if to steady himself. Her chest tightened at the sight, clearing her throat slightly, “Have some water,” she coaxed.

His cheeks burned, flustered. His brain felt fuzzy as he looked down at her without his protective aviators. He knew his face without them was too expressive and could give him away so easily. The way she was taking care of him didn’t help either. He gave her another tiny nod, drinking the water as he was told as Alina gave a sigh of relief that Michael didn’t continue bickering with her.

“Thank you, Ali”

“You’re welcome, Mike”

“Can I give you a ride home? – Bill, I mean. Not- not me, y’know what I mean” He stammered, his nerves releasing slightly at the sound of her giggle, soon matching her cute sound.

Alina reluctantly agreed, half persuaded by the puppy look Michael had bestowed onto her. She tried to convince herself that she was just making sure he got back home alright. Nervously tugging at the fabric of her dress as they rode back in almost total silence until a soft groan came out from the man beside her who had buried his face in his hands.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, concerned.

“I-...this wasn’t how I planned tonight,” Michael admitted “I feel like an idiot”.

She rubbed his shoulder in a comforting manner, “Those things happen, no need to beat yourself up for it and I’m not judging you. Just relax, it’s been a long night”.

Michael slowly peaked up at her, an indescribable look in his eyes. He seemed so precious like this, nearly making Alina forget how easily the same man could piss her off. “Can you just not look at me for a second? Can you close your eyes?” He asked nervously, as if he still didn’t fully believe her words.

Alina sighed, going along with his shenanigans for the night, but only because he was so adorable when he was like this. She closed her eyes, only feeling the subtle shifting of the man beside her. Her mind drifted off in the silence, beginning to think about finally getting out of her heels and makeup and how badly she wanted to sleep. Preoccupied by her thought, a soft gasp instantly left her lips as she felt another pair on hers. He kissed her with such heartaching gentleness, his fingers ghosting over her bare shoulder, sending a shiver down her spine. There was no force or lust behind it, as if she were a delicate painting and he a soft brush stroke. Having moved his hand to delicately caress her cheek she snapped back to reality. She shot her eyes open and jerked her head back, looking at Michael in shock.

What was going on? Alina tried to be logical, tried to tell herself they were both just drunk – especially Michael. However, logic wasn’t making sense, nor was her mind cooperating much with her pounding heart.

“I’m so sorry – I should’ve asked. I didn’t plan that. You just look so pretty- I’m sorry” Michael shook his head as he stammered, mentally cursing himself for how idiotic he was acting. Meanwhile, Alina’s thoughts were cloudy, unable to make sense of the events of the night, “You can slap me again, if you want to”

“I don’t want to slap you”.

“But I deserve it-”

“Michael, please shut up”.

—

“The King and Queen of Pop. Has a nice ring to it”.

Michael leaned at the edge of his seat, nearly tipping the chair over leaning over the television set. He did not want to miss a single word she said – even if he did not have the guts to show his face in front of her since that night.

She looked so effortless and down-to-Earth it made his heart ache. Why did he have to go and make himself look like a fool that night?

Alina turned her face toward the cameras with a soft giggle, like she found the whole situation amusing, “Oh Michael? Michael’s just a friend. We’ve known each other for ages”.

Just a friend.

The words echoed in his mind as he slumped back into his seat.

Just a friend.

Why did that bother him so much?

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