synopsis: your ex-boyfriend, michael, and you are forced to confront the painful reality of your sudden breakup. after weeks of heartache and unanswered questions, joseph lets the truth slip and reveals he was the reason your relationship fell apart. now that the truth is finally out, will michael fight to rebuild what you lost, or are the two of you destined to remain estranged?

part one

pairings: thriller michael jackson x !femreader

contents: fresh breakup, anxious reader, heartbreak, tears, pleading, anxiety, desperate ex, slightly miserable on both sides, HEAVY YEARNING, insane angst, mentions of joseph jackson, slight smut if you squint, angst with happy ending

a/n: i'm so happy with how part one of this fic did!! like im gen over the moon, if you want to be added to my taglist please comment below. this fic is a little off with dates but thats okay?! i needed them to tour even though victory wasn't until ‘84 pls bare with me!! anywho i hope you all enjoy this love you all and TYSMM FOR FOLLOWING AND REBLOGGING!!!! 🫰🏾please comment if you're interested in permanently remaining on my tag list + like and reblog please (ask to be mutuals!)

taglist: (reminders for pt.2): @ibescrollingsoidk @lanibuggg @michaelsbabymother @xoxogossipgirl02 @jusforbey @aureliareadsss @divaaprincess @itzpookiepooh @cookielady133 @favoritethingtofantasize @platanita @oidloid @twixicecream @lavnderluv @r0manticd3lay @whismyb @king-mila @tiredasfk @teheabrams

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Your fingers anxiously twisted around the cord of your landline. All you had to do was press the last digit to you boyfriends...-or more recently ex-boyfriends number and he would answer in a heartbeat. You knew that but you couldn’t bring yourself to do it. You angrily slammed the phone back on the wall and drug yourself to bed. It was another sleepless night which was your fault. Around three weeks ago you stupidly decided to end your happy relationship with your boyfriend Michael. If there was a global title for the 'world’s biggest idiot', you would proudly hold it. Your fingers curled around the hem of your blanket as you remembered that night. All the lights in your apartment were off. The soft glow of your favorited scented candles provided as the only source of light. Unfortunately those same candles now probably remained broken in a landfill somewhere due to the constant reminders of happy memories you shared with Michael. It had been three long gloomy weeks of self pity that you couldn't shake. This was due to the seed meticulously planted by Michael’s father, Joseph. You were allegedly “In the way” and a barrier to Michaels career. After weeks of reflection you realized that wasn't true. You could vividly remember the sight of your boyfriend face falling as you blurted out “I think we should breakup.” It was sudden. Your mouth moved faster than you brain could process and before you knew it, an argument broke out. You honestly wouldn't even call it an argument. Maybe a plea on Michaels end to keep you two together.

“No! Break up? For what?” Michael said as he stepped closer to you.

You gaze quickly fell to the ground before swallowing the salvia that gathered in your mouth due to the violent waves of nausea you were suddenly experiencing. Before you could think of an excuse to blurt out Michael cut through your train of thought as he stepped closer to you. “Did I do something? Be honest mama. Why? This isn’t sudden.” He hastily exhaled.

You could now visibly see the disarray you'd subjected your boyfriend to. His hands frustratedly ran through his hair before his hands loosely flailed around as he spoke. “You’ve been avoiding me for weeks! What did I do? I don’t understand. You won’t come over," He paused. "Not..not that you have to but it's bigger than that! You won’t come to the studio and now you’re saying you want to break up!” Michaels hands ran over his face as your body slowly turned away from him. He stared at the backing of your pink satin nightgown that loosely hugged your frame. He stepped closer to you and hesitantly rested his hands on the back of your hips. He just wanted to hold you and feel what you were experiencing in this moment but that felt almost impossible when he was actively getting broken up with. “I just don’t understand baby.” He said his voice reduced to a whisper. Your face was turned in a way that Michael couldn’t see. Tears threatened to spill but you knew this was the right thing to do. You separated yourself from Michael’s grip and turned to face him. Your dewy eyes revealed the regret you were feeling but it was far too late to turn back. “It’s not for you-“ Your voice cracked before you could even utter the words. This set off a chain reaction, your eyes immediately filled with tears and instantly spilled over. Your shoulders sank over immediately and Michael quickly embraced you into his arms. His whispers almost served as a plea to console you. “Baby it’s okay. Please don’t cry.” He couldn’t understand what was wrong. He didn’t know what was going on but figuring that out right now wasn’t his goal. It was comforting you. “Mama look at me. Just breathe.” Your body trembled against his as you tried to follow his breathing instructions. You shakily inhaled after him and exhaled. “It’s not for you to understand.” Your tear stained lashes avoided meeting his eyes. The rest of the night was a blur. You couldn’t remember much other than Michael pleading with you not to end things. Tears blurred your vision and riddle filled sentences sufficed as excuses. “It’s not for you to understand” Turned into, “You won’t understand it now!” Which ultimately ended with, “Michael please, I just don’t think we-“ a pause. You couldn’t say you weren’t compatible because you and Michael immediately clicked. You couldn’t say you didn’t love him because anyone watching could tell the two of you were love struck. “Don’t think we what?”

“We just shouldn’t be together anymore Michael!” That’s all you remembered. You were convinced your brain erased his pleas because it broke your heart. Since that night your life hadn't been the same. Your world almost grew dull due to the lack of whimsy Michael naturally carried around. Not to mention, his face was plastered everywhere because his new album Thriller was soon to be released. The first week was agony due to Michaels persistence . He would come to your apartment daily, pleading with you to open the door. It would mostly be after his recording sessions. He knew you were there, but you didn’t have the heart to open the door. His father’s words infiltrated your mind.

It was better this way. The second week, Michaels head hung low as he slowly moped back to the car with the presents he brought for you still in his hands. He would bring your favorite flowers, take out that you once mentioned, or even jewelry that your eyes fell upon in passing. Very small things that anyone would want their partner to remember. You peered out your window and watched his lean figure trudge over to his car where Bill nonchalantly leaned on the hood. This was the fourth time this week. The awareness that you were hurting him, haunted you, but the thought of permanently ruining his career hurt you even more. The only reason Michael stopped coming after the third week was because Bill felt bad after constantly seeing him get back in the car every day brokenhearted. “Sometimes you have to give people space. If it’s right, your paths will cross again.” Michael took it into consideration, but it was hard when everything reminded him of you. He would wake up and light a candle, but that reminded him of how you would leave multiple candles burning at once. He would go on a walk, but he wouldn’t fail to remember how you smiled every animal that across your path. He couldn’t enjoy the simple things because you were his life. Everything he enjoyed doing was because of you. Besides music, you were his whole world. The third week, Michael was finishing his album 'Thriller'. Quincy recommended a last minute song suggestion to Michael. He listened with open ears and the song Quincy recommended truly spoke to him. The track was titled 'The Lady In my Life'. You were on his mind the entire time. If Michael was being completely honest, it was hard to record because of how much you crossed his mind. Quincy swear he saw him crying, but he didn’t dare mention it. On the fourth week, the album released, and his face was everywhere. Commercials of him plagued your tv. His music blasted through every radio you interacted with. You were in love with the glimpse of the album so much so that you bought it. When you finally got an afternoon to yourself, you sat down and listened to the whole album while cleaning your apartment. The track titled 'The Lady In my Life' began playing, your resolve that you upheld for weeks crumbled. Your eyes immediately began to swell with tears and your lip began to trembled. The song was similar to every conversation the two of you had. The song reminded you of how secure and loved you were in your relationship. You regretted throwing everything away. Before you could stop yourself, your feet moved to the phone and his number was punched in. All you have to do was press the last digit, but of course you didn’t. Your shaky hands slammed the receiver back onto the wall, and you dragged yourself back to bed for another restless night.

Micheals album ‘Thriller’ dropped a little over a week ago and it was quickly climbing the charts. He was over the moon about it but in the back of his mind, he only yearned to share this moment with one person. You. He’d been doing promotion all week and the only thing he could think was,

‘I wonder if she’ll see this.’

Michael couldn't stop vividly thinking about that night . He tried hard not to harp on it but that was it was nearly impossible. Everything hurt. He tried for weeks to piece together the reason for the sudden breakup. He couldn't figure out if he’d done something or if you’d simply fallen out of love with him.

“It’s not for you to understand”

What did that even mean? You were usually an open book, but that night Michael couldn’t decipher anything you were saying.

“It’s not your fault!”

“It’s not about you.”

“We can’t keep doing this!”

He didn’t understand any of it. The thought alone made him nauseous. Something that was importantly ingrained in Michael’s memory was the day after. He’d spent the entire night crying.

He’d went downstairs with his aviators perched all the way up to the bridge of his nose. Weirdly he’d lost his voice. His brothers lazily groaned out "mornin's" to each other but Michael remained silent. His brothers looked at each other in confusion due to his quiet demeanor. Michael was usually one to start his mornings by helping his mom in the kitchen and goofing around with his brothers. This behavior from Michael was more than odd.

“What’s up with you Mich?” Randy asked.

“Trouble in paradise?” Tito jokingly responded.

Michaels head dropped and the brothers instantly knew. They didn’t dare further comment on it and instead exchanged worried glances at each other.

Somehow the word got back so Joseph and at rehearsal he murmured something about how Michael would finally be able to focus now. That temporaraly set off alarms in Michael’s head because, what did that mean?

Despite his overthinking Michael was a pretty understanding person. He could empathize with many about problems he would never face. Unfortunately he wasn’t very understanding of your decision. His biggest concern was why.

“Why would you throw away a three year relationship?”

“What led up to your breakup?”

“Why did you keep muttering about how he ‘wouldn’t understand’?”

Michael tried not to let the situation eat at him but everyone could tell the toll it was taking on him. He inquired about your wellbeing to everyone who you two mutually shared relationships with. This included his sisters. He pestered La Toya about first.

"Have you heard anything from her? I mean this is all so sudden, I don't understanddd." He said dragging his hands over his face. La Toya understood her brothers agony but she unfortunately couldn't be any help to him because she hadn't heard from you in weeks.

"Im sorry Mich, we haven't spoke in weeks. Last time we did.. La Toya thought for a moment. "We attended an art class together but, that was weeks ago."

Michaels face fell momentarily until La Toya's face lit up. "Ahh! Try Janet. She usually talks to her every now and then. Right?"

Michael mentally facepalmed. Why didn't he think of Janet first?

A few days later Michael finally had the chance to talk to Janet one on one while on an visit to her apartment, but the conversation initially went nothing like he expected.

"Hey Jan-" Before Michael could even finish she cut him off.

"I haven't heard anything." Michael audibly groaned. You'd basically ghosted his entire family. He didn't understand.

"She won't answer any of my calls, she won't open the door and all of her friends are ignoring me. Not to mention everyone is telling me to give her space and move on but how can I move on whe-"

Janet cut him off once again. "How about I try calling her?" Michael happily agreed. This is what led to the two sibilings being hunched over over Janet's home phone as her phone loudly rang on speaker. Anticipation and anxiety filled the room, but mostly on Michaels end. Janet was more so worried about you not answering and witnessing Michael fall apart. Janet truly loved her brother but consoling a grown man about the love of his life wasn't particularly something she was good at.

The phone rang for a while and just as Janet was getting ready to throw in the towel and announce to her brother that it was no hope, you answered.

"Hello?" Your soft voice filled the silence of the quiet apartment.

The two looked at each other in shock. Janet quickly pressed the phone speaker to her chest.

"What should I say?" She whispered to Michael who quickly shrugged.

"Ask her.. if she wants to hang out? I don't know! Say something, but don't mention the breakup!"

The two of them attempted to quickly discuss the flow of the conversation before your voice ran through the phone once more.

"Janet, are you there?"

She quickly spoke into the phone.

"Hey girl, sorry about that! My line has been trippin' lately. Are you busy this weekend?"

Unfortunately this conversation went nowhere. You were busy and your responses were curt. The siblings couldn't get a insight of anything in your personal life. The two of you discussed Janet more than you talked about you. Michael attempted to reroute the conversation but that would've been too suspicious. Janet hung up after a while and Michael was completely defeated. The only thing the siblings took from the conversation was the tone of your voice.

You were usually extremely bubbly and chipper but your tone was off. You usually filled empty silence with laughter and your excitement was infectious but you sounded miserable. Forced dry laughs infiltrated the line and you allowed the silence to become awkward. Michaels heart broke. This was the final straw for him. He realized that this was bigger than him. Why would you make a decision that would negativley imact you?

It had been a week or two since you and Janet spoke and the breakup was still fresh on Michaels mind. Rehearsals had started back up, Michael attended frequent interviews about his new album and he began planning short films for a few of his songs on the album. Michael had his days where he sometimes felt okay enough to not harp on his heartbreak and then he experienced harder days where his focus was off. Today was one of those days.

The brothers were rehearsing once again and Michaels concentration was obviously off. He was a beat too late, he missed simple cues he'd spent months memorizing. His brothers noticed, staff noticed and unfortunately Joseph noticed.

"You're off." He said. His voice rang through he studio. Everyone immediately knew who he was talking about. Michael let out a quiet sigh. The stress of everything was weighing heavily on him. Despite you breaking up with him to help him focus on his career the breakup unbeknownst to you did the opposite. He couldn't sleep at night, he wondered what you were doing 24/7 and it all took jabs at his health. Something you didn't intend.

After Michael messed up on a simple lighting cue Joseph's frustration became evident. “Y’know.. I intended for your concentration to be more work centered after that girl was out of the picture.. clearly she wasn't the problem.”

Michael immediately tensed up. He wasn’t one to be combative but this was the second time his father had mentioned you in the same sentence as his focus. His brothers eyes darted between Michael and their father.

“Intended? What do your intentions have to do with my personal relationships? [Insert name] doesn’t interfere with my work, so why do you keep mentioning her?”

The Jackson’s were surprised by Michael’s directness. He was usually deeply averse to conflict. Joesph was stuck for a while.

“She’s mentioned because she takes your time and focus from your craft.” Joesph said knowingly.

The brown wooden chair he sat in slowly creaked as he comfortably readjusted himself. That chair haunted Michael in his nightmares because it held memories of his father effortlessly judging every mistake he and his brothers made .

“That talk set her straight. She knew what was good for you.” Joseph said chuckling at the thought of you scurrying out of the picture so easily.

“Talk...talk? What ta-” Everything clicked. You being disillusioned after his recording session, the sudden distance between the two of you, you being hesitant scared to come over.

He should’ve known based on the language you used.

“It’s better this way”

That was all his father. Michael ran his hands through his hair.

“That isn’t for you to decide! Nothing pertaining to my personal life involves you. This is he last time you speak to her. I’m grown now you don’t control me anymore. This tour isn’t my main focus it’s yours.”

Everyone was star struck by Michael’s sternness.

Joe stood from his chair, he stood in the same spot, maintaining distance.

“Joseph you listen to me. I will quit. I don’t need this. You do.”

Silence.

“I’m done.” Michael apologized to the crew and gave a curt nod to his brothers before quickly leaving the studio.

The only thing on Michael’s mind was you. He needed to talk to you. He'd requested Bill take him to your apartment. Bill was initially skeptical and immediately advised for Michael not to. He’d seen minimal progress when it came to Michael’s healing but it was still progress.

“No Bill, It wasn’t me! It wasn’t us. It was h-” Micheal could barely spit it out without the words getting caught in his throat. Bill didn’t even try to understand. He knew that Michael needed to see you. Urgently.

It was past noon, Michael made his way to your apartment where instead of his usual pleads he took a different route. Michael calmly knocked on your door. It's been a month since the breakup, you were sure that Michael would've given up by now.

Soft knocks rang through your apartment. Your head peeked over the book you were once engorged in. "Coming!" You said as you jumped out of bed and quickly slid on your house shoes. Today had been a self care day due to all the stress you'd put yourself through recently.

You swung the front door open expecting a package or a neighbor asking for sugar. Something cartoony but instead you were met with your ex boyfriend. Your breath caught in your throat. Reflexively you quickly shut the door.

"Mamas please...I know why now. Josephs an ass! I know how he is ,and what he said isn't even true."

Him knowing changed everything. You felt your ears heating up from your rising anxiety. "Well of course you would say that! Why would you admit to me that I'm overbearing?"

"What are you even talking about?" Michael said slightly raising his voice. "Baby, please let me in so we can at least talk about this." His head quickly peered down your shared hallways. "We're probably distrusting your neighbors."

You rolled your eyes at his compassionate nature despite this high stress situation. Your eyes subconsciously darted down to your vinyl player where 'Thriller ' laid. You quickly slid the vinyl into its protective cover and gently pushed it behind a couch cushion before hesitantly letting Michael in where you struggled to face him.

The two of you awkwardly sat in your living room before you decided to break the silence.

"Look Michael"

He physically winced at your usage of his first name. You didn't even address him as Michael when you were upset with him.

"I know what Joseph said isn't 100% true but there is some truth to it. I mean c'mon. You have so many responsibilities. Who would I be to-"

"[Insert name], what does that matter? We were together for three years. Before all of this. I just don't understand. I'm more hurt that someone easily swayed you to end our relationship. I mean.. I just though we were stronger."

Your heart broke.

"We are! Or- we were! I just thought it would be easier for you. I saw how exhausted you were after rehearsals everyday. I heard your exhaustion through the phone. It all felt like too much on your end."

"On my end? If I hadn't complained about it to you then why would you assume how I felt about something? Joseph's feelings aren't mine. They've never been. You know this. I love you. These few weeks have really put into perspective how important you are in my life."

Your fingers anxiously intertwined together. "I haven't been able to sleep without you, or even do simple rehearsals. To know Joseph's words weighed down on you for weeks and I couldn't support you through any of it hurts. More than anything"

You finally made eye contact with the man who'd been protesting his love to you. Him being here was all you needed. "I'm sorry Michael. I've felt the same. Life was been...dull. Joseph's words seemed so damning especially considering how busy you were."

"Baby, when did I make you feel like you weren't worth my time?" He took your hands in his. "Never right?"

You stopped and thought for a minute. Despite Michael being busy he never did brush you off or treat you as less than. You looked down in realization as memories immediately clouded your mind.

Michael asking you to come to a studio session with him.

Michael begging you to come over.

Every hangout you denied with the fear of taking time away from your boyfriend despite him actively trying to spend time with you. His words rang through your head. "Have I?" You shook your head in realization.

Michael hooked a finger beneath your chin and tilted your chin upwards towards him. "Words baby."

"No, you never made me feel like that."

"I know. Relationships are about communication. I know how it is, anxiety, but we've build a strong enough foundation to establish communication."

He rubbed gentle circles on the backs of your hands.

"So next time, please don't make the decision for us."

A watery laugh escaped your throat.

"There won't be a next time."

You stood up and suddenly thew your arms around your boyfriends neck. There was a pause of silence between the two of you. "I'm sorry Michael-"

"Mich" He inturupted.

"Im sorry Mich,"

A pause,

"For everything. It was stupid of me to make such a big decision without even asking you how you felt. I was just scared of ruining everything you'd worked for." Michael placed a soft kiss upon the top of your head.

A low breath escaped from him. "You are my everything. One copy of 'Thriller' could've sold and I would've been right here. I love you"

The two of your embraced for awhile before Michael gently pulled away. His hands still gently rested on your waist. The constant contact served as makeup for lost time.

"Sooo." Your boyfriend teased. "Is it safe to assume I can call you mine again?"

You laughed through the tears before quickly nodding. "Duhh." You said before placing a gentle kiss on your boyfriends lips. His hands cupped your face as he kissed you again. Your bodies pressed closer together this time, leaving no space between the two of you. Michael craved this for months.

He missed everything about you. The way you felt under his touch. Your soft, warm, delicate skin that consumed him every time he touched you in the slightest. The way your soft voice echoed through every room he stepped in, your laughs that infectiously spread through crowded rooms. Even down to the way you constantly smelled like cozy night on the beach. Vanilla scents mixed with hints of coconuts lingered on every item on clothing he owned.

But there was nothing more he missed than the way your lips tasted. Your plush lips constantly coated in a sugary gloss that he had no shame in showing off. The scrub like coating disappearing on his tongue was an encapsulating feeling. He was nothing but hungry for you.

Your lips broke apart as the two of you attempted to catch your breath. Your foreheads remained touching as your hands clasped with his. The moment of silence was broken with a breathy,

"I love you too mich."

synopsis: while waiting for your boyfriend to finish a recording session, you unfortunately encounter joe, who implants the idea in your head that you are slowly ruining michael’s career. this causes you to slowly spiral and distance yourself from michael, which he quickly notices.

part two

pairings: thriller era michael jackson x !fem reader

contents: anxious reader, previously established relationship, mentions of joe jackson, anxious habits, angsty,

a/n: i previously published this on my other blog but i took it down because my other blog was more anime focused but i also just wanted to start over yk!! I rewrote some stuff and improved the fic. I enjoy writing so much. I previously wrote and it kinda felt like a chore but my obsession with michael makes it so easyyy!! comment if you are interested in being included in my taglist!

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Blood rushed to your face and through your ears as Joe’s harsh words came like a slap. “You’re in the way. Michael’s success rides on one thing; time,.” Ouch. A pause fell over the two of you as his eyes cold scanned over your broken expression. His lip curved into a slight smile before he spat out, “That’s something you selfishly steal from him.” Joe turned on his heels before the lock of the Jackson’s shared family mansion clicked. “If you know what’s best for him... you would let him go.” Joe smiled to himself and walked up the stairs, briefly leaving you alone with your swirling thoughts. Joe and you never freely spoke. Truth be told, you were scared of his intimidating presence ever since your first tense interaction. Michael introduced you to his family after months of sneaking you around the Hayvenhurst estate and calling you a ‘new friend’. Despite the quiet but giggly whispers you two shared, his family immediately knew by the way his eyes sparkled when they meet yours. He couldn’t keep your name out of his mouth for more than ten minutes and more importantly he couldn't keep you off his mind. To majority of his family it was love. They were over the moon to see a new bubbly side of Michael due to your presence. Unfortunately to Joe it was greed. He swore he saw glimmers of greed and lust in your eyes and he claimed that he would be damned if a “money hungry slut” ruined his son’s career. Of course you never heard this because Michael was sure to protect your ears from the sickening comments of his father. What he couldn’t protect you from was the hostile energy his father exuded when he first met you. Joe’s piercing eyes judged you relentlessly which caused you to uncomfortably shift in place. The rest of his family was the kindest it was just Joe that caused your skin to crawl at his presence. To solve this you avoided him to the best of your ability until one day you just couldn’t. Michael told you to come over to Hayvenhurst after he finished recording but due to his session running overtime you arrived early and had to wait awhile. You intended to go greet his mother and hang out in his room until he came home but you had the misfortune of interacting with Joe. His words swirled in your mind before you felt a large warm hand rest on your lower back. “Hey baby, what were you two talking about?” Michael whispered as he placed an innocent kiss on the top of your head. Michael waited for your response as his eyes followed his father’s figure until he disappeared around a corner upstairs. You remained still as your teeth pulled your bottom lip in.

You suddenly became hyper aware of Michaels presence which caused you to clear you throat before voicing with a forced smile, “He was just saying hi.” Michaels hands found yours as he turned you towards him. His soft eyes scanned over your face. Michael was such a caring soul and worrying him was the last thing you’d ever want. To avoid conflict and wasting time dealing with such a small issue, you quickly reassured him. “Just a hi.” Only it wasn’t a small issue at all. The words swirled in your mind that night as you tried to finally rest. “Let him go” “You’re in the way” “Selfish” You unintentionally internalized every single word. You’d already previous suffered with anxiety. The weight of possibly ruining your lovers music dreams crushed you. Joe’s suggestion to leave Michael completely broke you but despite the cruelness of the words you would never do that. Right? You loved your boyfriend too much to even be away from him for as little as a week, but on the other hand you also loved to see him passionately pursuing his dreams. It all felt like a moral dilemma. If you left him then he would be heartbroken but he could actively and successfully thrive more in his career. On the other hand if you stayed with him then you would weigh him down with the responsibilities of a relationship which could hold him back. Your mind wandered before you knew it and you found yourself impulsively self soothing. Your hand would constantly rub over your forearm on late nights like this and your foot would graze over your calf repetitively until you could feel the friction causing a burn to form. These methods were to prevent your mind from running circles around you and to prevent yourself from selfishly venting to Michael.

You didn’t want to give him reason to worry but your behavior made it inevitable. Michael started to worry about you when he realized that you didn’t want to come over anymore. It started with small excuses. “I would love to go but I have a dance class later.” Michael’s lip formed into a thin flat line. “I thought your instructor was on a pregnancy leave.” You could feel Michaels eyes suspiously burning into you. You inhaled deeply as your eyes stared past him. “She recommended her regulars a similar instructor” Michael pouted at this. “Mamas please, It’ll be quick. Swear. Joe just wants us to run through our routine a few times and we’re done. Thirty minutes max.” Your face twisted at the mention of Joe and you felt the pit of anxiety swell in your stomach. You knew your logic didn’t match reality. Joe was a shit talker who did everything on the premises of money. In Joe's eyes Michael’s relationship with you was considered distracting, which allegedly blocked Michaels focus on the group and the profit he was making off his solo album. He believed that instead of lounging around with you, he could've been practicing or promoting his solo album. It was all about the money. You knew his concenrn weren't true but you couldn’t help your overthinking. Realistically Joe couldn’t do anything to you. He couldn’t make Michael break up with you because that wasn’t in his power and he definitely couldn’t change Michaels feelings towards you. He was all talk. Your alleged ‘negative’ influence on Michaels career was non existing but you didn’t know that. The cunning tone in which Joe spoke was so assuring to the point where you would’ve thought that Michael vented to joe about his true feeling towards you. Michael noticed your contorted expression and reluctantly dropped it while simultaneously making a mental note at your unusual behavior. You would’ve usually been jumping at the idea of visiting Hayvenhurst, in fact, you’d usually go over when Michael was busy. You loved to talk to his mom and hang out in his room.

“If you don’t want to go it’s fine. I’ll be back later mk?” His head ducked down as he placed a light kiss on your cheek. These small excuses led up to bolder rejections of quality time. He confirmed that something was truly wrong when you denied hanging out with his family at the studio. Michael had stopped by your place to see you before a studio session. He begged you to come with him because some of his family would be there, and the more he thought about it, the more he realized you hadn’t visited or spent time with his family in a while. He missed you. A few of his brothers decided to accompany Michael to the studio while he recorded for a good time. Michael didn’t tell you it was only his brothers, he only said “some of my families going to be there.”

“I think I’ll pass this time baby,” Michael audibly reacted with an exasperated sigh. “You passed last time and the time before that, my family wants to see you. I’m sure they miss you. I miss you." A nervous laugh fell from your lips. You knew he wasn’t lying. His family loved you dearly and you enjoyed time with them but Joseph’s cruel words clouded your judgment. “Next time, promise! I have to go run some errands and I want to be home early tonight.” The excuses were becoming less elaborate and more obvious. It had been weeks since you rejected Michael’s request to visit his family along side him. If you were being completely honest with yourself you had began to believe Joe. Michael was becoming something huge and in hindsight a relationship was a lot of work. Hypothetically, Michael would come home late from the studio and still have to adhere to the responsibilities of a relationship. The guilt of distracting your boyfriend from his career got so bad that you felt horrible for staying up late in hopes of being able to hear his laugh over the phone or even debrief about your day because you feared exhausting him even further. He held so much on his plate that adding any responsibility felt evil. The excuses turned into small changes in the way you loved. When you noticed Michael becoming short with his staff from stressful days you followed suit and fell back, if you noticed him zoned out and humming to a beat you left him completely uninterrupted in fear of ruining his creative process and you stopped being so clingy in a sense.

This was a huge upset on Michael’s end. As far as he was concerned, being clingy was the best quality a partner could have. It allowed him to be constantly reassured even if it wasn’t verbal. He enjoyed the way your head would rest in his lap as he rhythmically massages new instrumentals of his songs into your scalp or the way you would massage his shoulders when you felt him getting overwhelmed with scheduling compliments. It’s what he loved about you. Unfortunately you on the other hand found it impossible to allow yourself to breathe freely around your boyfriend due to the constant pressure of ruining his career. Your boyfriend noticed this huge change in addition to the rejections of visiting his family. He found it strange that you’d suddenly became so distant in a relationship that you both valued with your lives. It was eating at him. He overthought almost every predicament that came to mind. Were you mad at him? Had he done something to upset you? Were you overwhelmed with his busy schedule? Did something happen that you aren’t comfortable sharing? He couldn’t put his finger on it. One night he decided to ask you in hopes mentioning the growing distance in your relationship he didn't want it to come across as forceful just a slight mention. He’d just finished pre-recording a promotional commercial for his upcoming album and he was drained. The drive to your place felt like a never ending road trip but as soon as arrived he smiled and made his way to your suite despite his eyelids becoming heavier with each step. “Hello?” His voice echoed off the empty halls of your apartment. He made his way inside, without complications of course due to his spare key. Your apartment was quiet and cozy, per usual but today it felt different. You usually had a slowed down vinyl spinning in the background to fill the apartment with some kind of noise or at least a tv playing with the latest news but today, nothing. The sound of a metal spoon repeatedly tapping glass lured Michael into the kitchen where he found you blankly staring into your mug. “Baby?” Your head quickly snapped towards the sound before you placed a fake smile onto your face. “Hey Mich,” You said as you walked over and placed a light kiss on his jaw. His hands found your waist where they rested. Meanwhile his tired gaze scanned the dark kitchen suspiciously. “Why’s it so gloomy and quiet in here? I thought you were off to bed already.” You nervously laughed and shrugged before slipping out of his embrace. You turn around and grab your cup of tea. Your hands kept a steady grip on the cup as your boyfriend watched you cautiously sip the tea. “I was off to bed actually.. long day ahead tomorrow.” Michael’s lip formed into a deep pout. “You’ve been so busy recently. I feel like you’ve had a lot of long days. We need to go on a date and spend time together before my album releases so you won’t miss me too much when I’m swamped in tours.” He leaned back onto the kitchen counter as he joked about the last part but a serious expression formed on your face. Your lips pursed into a thin line before rudely muttering, “You’re already swamped in enough work as is.” As soon as the words left your mouth you regretted it. Not because it wasn’t true but because you could see the hurt settling into his face. Despite your boyfriend’s common calmness and patience that went into communicating with you, he instantly got defensive. “Woah.. I haven’t been swamped in work to the point where I’m neglecting us.” He stated before quickly asking a rhetorical.

“Have I?” His eyes burned into you for an answer but your gaze fell to the kitchen counters. You placed your mug down and your finger nails subconsciously rested in between your teeth. Michael noticed the skin around your nails and how it was chewed raw. Your once healthy nails were now reduced to a jagged worn down mess.

Were you anxious? This was becoming alarming to Michael. You’d never been hesitant to speak your mind or express yourself in the slightest. Michael ran his hand through his hair as confusion set in. “Baby what’s going on? I mean with everything. You’ve been distant.“ He said throwing his hands up.

“You don’t want to come over anymore, I can’t get you to talk to me about the simplest things and now you’re practically saying I’m ignoring yo- Us. Not to mention I can practically sense your anxiety radiating off of you."

You shook your head. “Nothings wrong.. well...I just" You glanced at him while purposely avoiding eye contact. Michael’s brows lifted at this but he stayed quiet, allowing you to finish. “I just feel like.. you’re doing so well in your career.” Michael cut you off before you could even finish. “What does that have to do with anything?” Your heart sped up as your thoughts raced through your mind. Before you could even think you blurted out. “I think we should break up.”

synopsis: you and michael hadn’t spent a day alone together in weeks, so he surprised you by renting out the amusement park where you shared your very first date

pairings: off the wall michael jackson x !fem reader

contents: teeth rotting fluff, previously established relationship, head over heels michael, slightly strict but extremely loving reader, overwhelmed michael, no pt 2, mentions of rollercoasters and body parts??, slight mention of paranoia

a/n: my infatuation w michael has led me to write elaborate fanfics about him that I WISH would happen..a girl can dream (¬_¬) this is my first fic and I’m extremely excited to start writing all the ideas that pop into my head. this is also a blog to track my writing!! to look back and see improvements in my writing or things i need to do to improve. please like and maybeeee follow for moots!!? I want to build a community on here and be able to interact w evb and all that!! please send recs or I’ll warm your pillow cases in the oven 🫰🏾(threateningly)

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The white balmy sunscreen melted into your palms as you stood in between Michaels spread legs. Michael sat ideally beneath you as his fingers mindlessly drew patterns across your legs. A smile fell upon his face as your finger lifted his chin.

"How many times do I have to tell you michy! Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. If you're thinking about going outside...sunscreen, if the sun is beaming on you through the living room window...sunscreen, if you're taking me out especially on a day like this then sunscreen!"

Michael smiled sheepishly beneath you. "Yes ma'am, it won't happen again. The sun beamed down on the two of you. It was a whopping 107°. Unfortunately this wasn't even the hottest day of the week but it was the only free day Michael had and he insisted on taking you out. It has been weeks since the two of you went on a date.

Michael missed you dearly and going to an amusement park was one of the first dates you two had.He had a weird sense of nostalgia about it. So the though of resparking old memories now that you two were far more comfortable in your relationship sent an adrenaline like feeling rushing through him.

"How long can we stay here?" You asked as he placed his hands gently on your waist.

"I rented the park out today.. for us."

You quickly gasped.

"Michael are you serious?" You said now smiling down at him.

Michael mirrored you smile. The thought of him making you smile brough him so much joy. "No more silly disguises this time around."

You laughed at the memory. The first date the two of you ever had, Michael had to dress up to conceal his identity. He wanted it to be a normal date. A date that you could look back on and smile about. Fortunately it was exactly that and this time around the two of you could be free without the paranoia of paparazzi harassing you two.

You laughed at his comment before nodding in agreement. "Okay but you have to admit that was fun! It was kinda like a witness protection roleplay! I was the government and you were the threatened witness."

In a sense this was true but only because of how invasive and dangerous the paparazzi could be. Protecting him would be impossible but being with you was all the protection Michael needed. It brought him a sense of security far greater than any hired team could provide.

Michael's brows furrowed as he looked for words. He suppressed a laugh. "You and these roleplays..”He said playfully as he pretended to judge you.

“Right but you’re the one who’s always dedicated to your character..”

His head dropped before letting out a quiet chuckle. “y’know I love it baby.” You playfully rolled your eyes before placing a quick kiss on your boyfriend lips, which was followed by a swipe of sunscreen to his nose.

The two of you soon started to make your rounds around the park hand in hand. Huge smiles were basically plastered on your faces. The two of you began on the smaller rides and built your ways up to adrenaline pumpers. Since the park was so quiet the two of you screamed your hearts out on every ride, had endless conversations with coworkers and took endless pictures with Michaels camera at every aesthetically pleasing spot that was deemed picture worthy.

The two of you decided to skip a lunch break to avoid throwing up on each other mid ride. Your hands were practically bound together with sweat. The anticipation built to one of the last rollercoasters of the day the infamous 'King Highland Magic'. It was known for making people literally pass out. The two of you didn't care and you eagerly sat at the very front to get the true experience.

The workers securely buckled you in and read the usual script for the ride before sending you off with a brisk 'Feel the Magic!"

The two of you nervously looked at each other before securely gripping the handles of the ride. The ride smoothly made its way up to the peak of where it gave a brief overlook of the mountains behind the park.

"Baby look at the houses up-" Your admiration for the houses was cut off as the ride dropped. You physically felt your guts drop. Terrified screams left the both of you as the ride spun in endless upside down loops. Profanities flew out of your mouth where as Michael on the other hand just screamed like a chicken with its head cut off. The ride entered a brief cave where pure darkness took over. You took this time to cover your eyes in horror.

"Get us off this ride!" Michael screamed. Laughs almost escaped your throat but the wind of the ride took the wind out of your lungs as it performed another sudden drop. The ride soon jerked to an end and you two sat still for a minute in complete silence. Michael suddenly glanced over at your displaced hair and burst out laughing, you soon followed suit and your laughter carried over to the carousels.

Michael had bought the two of you ice cream on the way there and you now peacefully settled onto two silver horses. The sun was now setting and it was a beautiful view. Your hair gently blew as the wind breezed by the two of you. Michael stared at you with infatuation as your curls gently swayed against your shoulders due to the movement of the ride.

Michael was so grateful for your presence. You had completely changed his life for the better. Since he met you he had someone who matched his personality, someone to look forward to seeing, someone to call his.

Your impact in his life inspired multiple popular hits and helped him get through tough days. He didn't know what he would do without you. His future was bright with you in it and despite only dating for a year, he could see you as his forever. More importantly something permanent like his wife.

"You're staringgg." You said purposefully teasing him. He adverted his gaze for a second before blurting out.

"Y'know.. I'm so lucky that i met you. I-" Michael smiled before continuing. "I really love you [insert name].

The corners of your lips lifted as you bashfully grinned. Your cheeks heated up at the sudden display of affection. "You know I love you more Michy. Seriously."

The ride had ended a while ago and the moment felt rich. Your boyfriend made his way over to the horse you once sat on. He took your hand to help you down.

"My princess." He said as you took his hand. The two of you giggled at this.

"This was really nice Michy... if i was delusional then I would've probably though you were going to propose to me." You said laughing and nudging his side lightly. Michaels let out a curt laugh. His brown doe eyes shifted down towards your face as you continued talking. Though your lips were moving your voice became muffled by the thoughts that ran rapidly through his head. His slender fingers subconsciously slipped into his pocked and played with the square shaped box in his pockets.

If only you knew what went on in his mind.