description: you are a lifeguard at one of the most exclusive celebrity pools in california, often keeping to yourself. but a simple errand sparks friendship and more.

content: pre otw!michael, fluff, smut, 18+, fingering, making out, strangers to friends to lovers, kinda long-ish.

word count: 3.5k

your lips pop as you reapply your dark brown lip liner along with your baby pink lip gloss to your pouty lips.

despite all the shouting, splashes of water, whistles, and chatter across the exclusive celebrity pool, michael hears that pop.

his eyes daring to glare into yours from afar, only now impossible due to the bright red hat placed on the crown of your head, shading those big beautiful eyes.

the cold drink, dripping with condensation feels as if it’s getting warmer and warmer in michaels hand the closer he gets to you.

his heart beating just as fast as his current walking pace. his eyes absorbed your presence; noticing the pool water dripping down your neck and arms.

michael was in a daze of admiration up until he came to an abrupt stop—“hey slow down bud, she ain’t goin no where!” ralph macchio teased just before sprinting past michael and jumping into the pool.

michael shook his head nervously and proceeded with a laugh. finally he made it, and there you were, sitting high up.

“hi there.” michael struggled, the words almost didn’t want to come out.

guiding your sunglasses to the top of your head, you glared down blankly.

“hey, is there anything i can do for you?” you say politely, with a look of slight concern.

“oh— uhm, no. i’m totally fine, i was just wonderin’ if you were thirsty, i know you’ve been here for a while.” michael gently grins, using his hand to shade his forehead from the sun to avoid his beautiful view of you being dimmed.

seeing the soda can in michael’s hand, you sigh, “i’ve got my own water up here, thank you though.” you say nearly in monotone. putting your glasses back over your eyes.

“oh okay!” michael says, just before quickly scurrying off into the cafe.

you sigh as you overlook all the familiar heads bobbing out of the waters.

about an hour has passed and your break was finally here. grabbing your book, water bottle, and keys just before going to the clock out station.

before you could even step into the office, your name was called from afar.

turning swiftly, to see your manager, rachel waving you over.

“hey hun, i’m so sorry. i really need a quick favor.” she says, eyebrows raised with hopefulness you’ll agree.

“i’m down for a quick favor, but i was about to go on break. could you maybe let someone else cover—“

“i’ll let you leave early!” your rachel says quickly. “i just need you to go and pick up some fruit from the store, the crates are definitely heavy, but i know you can do it.”

“okay.. leaving early, i like it.” you say with a slight smile. “yeah, it may take longer with those crates but of course.”

“i’m not sure if shawn is back from his break yet, to help you.. maybe i can find someone.” she says, face crumbling in doubt.

suddenly a head peaks around the corner. that familiar afro dripping pool water, that you’ve seen all day; it was michael.

“hey rach did you have anymore—“ he interrupted, cheeks getting hot once he saw you. “oh goodness, sorry for butting in.”

“wow mike, you’re just in time. mind heading down to the store with this kind young lady?” she questioned, a smile creeping on her face.

“oh no i’ve got it rachel…” you said with an expression of reassurance. you strive off of independence and you’d hate for someone to mess that up.

“girl, let that boy help you!” rachel disclaimed, her voice screeching in an annoyed, yet humorous tone— along with the grin still plastered on her face.

the three of you let out low giggles, as michael’s nervousness, your desire for independence, and rachel’s stress died down. “come on michael, i’ll drive.” you say waving him along with you.

the radio blasted summery tunes, as the wind brushed softly against your skin. michael’s cologne and the slight scent of chlorine clouded the car. but you didn’t mind at all.

there was silence for you, but not for michael. he felt as if his heart was about to jump out of his chest. the nerves were eating him up.

soon, they arrived at the small fruit stand. luckily there was no paparazzi— which michael hadn’t even considered due to the fact that he just wanted to spend time with you.

“okay so we need strawberries in this crate, along with mangos, and bananas.” you said pointing to the light blue crate.

michael nodded silently as he loaded the crates up while you paid with rachel’s card.

checking off the list with a smile, you felt accomplished. rechecking it just in case, heart fluttering at the success. now opening up the separate list.

your mind was suddenly distracted. “soooo… how long you been working at the pool?” michael’s voice rang through your ears.

“two summers.” you speak softly, then there was silence.

michael’s voice struck again, “do you enjoy it?”

“mhm. it pays.” you say with a blank expression as you folded the first list and placing it down into the pocket of your red swim shorts.

the silence arrived. michael was unsure what to say. “this one looks good” he said pointing to a watermelon.

you lightly tapped the watermelon and sighed. “it’s terrible.”

“how can you tell?” michael questioned, an eyebrow raising.

“it clearly doesn’t wanna leave with us michael.” you murmer.

the two of you share a small laugh, then you finally finish shopping, after adding more fruit into the second crate.

“a tomato is a fruit!” you exclaim as you and michael walk to the car, you with papers and your purse; and michael holding up two crates, which nearly blocked his eyesight. (but he insisted.)

“oh my goodness girl, i promise you it ain’t!” he says with an unbelievable grin on his face.

from afar, about three girls, probably friends notice michael. they jump up and down and smile. michael just smiles in response.

you keep walking, unaffected as you recall your defense to the very serious disagreement you and michael were having. michael smiled, noticing you didn’t mind the fans.

“michael i’m not gonna argue with you now.” a smile flashes on your face as well. you open up the car door, and the two of you are finally done shopping.

after playfully arguing about fruit and vegetables, the ride back converts back to its silent origin.

“do you ever get tired of being recognized?” your voice topples over the low radio.

michael pauses in his seat. reacting to such an unusual question. “sometimes.”

you just nod, the silence ready to come back once again.

the two of you arrive back to the pool. entering the backside of the cafe, you unload the fruits.

suddenly, a bag of oranges breaks. you groan in annoyance and both of you chase the oranges around the room, giggling.

next thing you know, there’s a smushed orange on the floor and michael’s laying right next to it.

you can’t help but hold your core and laugh. “there’s no way.” you chuckle.

michael is laughing right along with you, despite the light pain on his funny bone.

you come closer to him letting out two hands to help him back up. now, there were two smushed oranges. and you fell right on your bottom.

the laughing got way out of control, the both of michael’s hands still in yours as the two of you laughing from such an unexpected moment.

gently you let go of michael’s hands, just while sitting in front of him, where the both of you slipped, your knees to your chest, same as him.

michael sighed at the loss of your touch, but the sound of your laughter still lingered in his heart.

as the giggling dies down, the two of you are just glaring into each others eyes softly, wondering who will say what next.

“a few friends are having a pool party friday..” you say, gently tracing his knee.

“oh yeah?” michael says, trying his best at acting casual, knowing his heart was racing.

you nod while getting up, picking up some of the messy oranges. “you should come.”

and before michael can even answer, you throw away all the messy oranges and finish cleaning.

“yeah, totally.” he smiles “can i have your— your um number?”

you smile, showing your approval, grabbing a piece of paper towel and a pen, writing your digits and handing them to him.

next thing you know, your back at the clock out machine, a smile lingering on your lips at the thought of him.

it’s now two days later— you brush your hair just before putting on your bonnet and long baby pink night gown.

hopping into bed, you open your new favorite book. the two characters are about to go on a date for the first time, you’ve been waiting all day just for this.

right as you remove your bookmark, the phone sitting on your bedside rings. unsure who it is, you hesitated.

you sigh, picking it up anyways.

“hello?” a warming voice speaks.

“hey there, michael.” a slight smile appears on your face.

“sorry— did i um, call too late?”

you chuckle. “mikey, it’s only 8:00.”

“oh so we’re doing nicknames now?”

“my apologies.. michael, it’s only 8:00.”

“no, no, i liked it.”

you giggle slightly at his playfulness.

“i haven’t been able to stop thinking about you slipping on those oranges— it was supposed to be the bananas.”

“oh wow, that’s what you see me as now?” michael gasps humorously. “don’t ignore the fact that you fell too.”

“woah—woah.. we aren’t talking about me though, are we now, mikey?” you say in a soft sweet tone. something michael has rarely heard before.

his breath hitches in his throat. the way your speaking this late at night, so soft and relaxing. he finally replied, coming out of his daze of admiration. “your right, we weren’t” he breathes.

your smile slowly fades as you readjust in your bed, finger playing with the chord of the phone. “so, the party.. you comin?”

“of course as long as your there.” michael mumbles.

the tension could be felt throughout the phone, it was soft yet, flirty.

you bite your lips, suddenly remembering the situation and how you’d been handling it. you needed to hang up immediately. these romantic feelings are starting to worry you.

“okay, well michael i’ll see you there.” you say back in monotone.

michael shifts at the change in your voice, “oh—okay, see you there.”

next thing he heard were beeps, notifying that the call had ended.

michael leaned back into his pillows sighing in frustration. the thing he wanted most is right there, but she keeps getting away.

you turn on your side getting comfier in the sheets. you groan at the thought of michael. you can’t get him out of your mind— but you don’t need any romance in your life, it stresses you too much ; he’s just a friend.

today’s the day of the pool party, michael agreed to come pick you up, beyond excited you spend plenty of time getting ready.

you turned around in the mirror with ease. your short jean shorts sitting over the revealing bit of your yellow and white polka dot bottoms sculpting your waist, and your matching top, that made your boobs pop, and add a bit a cuteness with the puffing of the short sleeves on the side.

your curls popping, along with your favorite pair of sunglasses— and signature lipgloss.

finally, stepping out of the door, you walk down your driveway, to see michael’s red convertible, with his afro popping out at the top. you couldn’t help but grin at the sight.

michael hops out to open your door, but easily gets distracted by you. “oh wow— you look amazing.” he spoke softly, almost like a whisper to himself.

you thank him as he opens the door for you, allowing you into the luxurious car.

the entire ride is just the two of you glaring at each other, hoping that the other wouldn’t notice.

finally arriving to the party the two of you walk through the luxurious home full of neon lights. as soon as you enter, michael is pulled away by others. you don’t mind so why not go play cup pong? minus the alcohol.

you join the game excited, there was cola in each cup. as you and a few friends played, every now and then you’d see michael across the room searching for you as well.

cup pong is finally over, you didn’t win but you had fun. suddenly ‘blame it on the boogie’ blasts through the loud speakers. dancing along with some of your girlfriends to the music you grin to yourself listening to that familiar voice.

then there’s a hand on your waist. you didn’t even have to turn to know who it was. you knew that cologne by now.

keeping your back pushed against his chest, you and michael began to sway to the music, in a groove. finally you are letting go tonight, not letting the self sabotage ruin something good.

every now and then he’s twirl you around, grind, and even show you some of his moves.

the two of you had been dancing for a while. the entire night you smiled, heart aching with happiness. “i’ve never seen you so loose before.” michael slightly shouts over the loud music in your ear.

you look at him with a questioning face. “oh i know how to get loose, michael jackson.” you grin while flipping your hair in a sassy move.

michael just chuckled in disbelief, yours and his hips both moving in sync to the upbeat. “your always so stern and serious, i thought id never see that pretty smile before this past week.” he states playfully, eyes darting right into mine as we continue to move.

rolling your eyes, you gently grab his hand. “yes, michael— i cut up every now and then. if you don’t believe me, then i’ll just show you.” giggling as the two of you start to walk away from the dance floor.

you and michael stumble through the crowd as you stumble up the stair case. after all, this is your friends home, and you knew it was a hot tub on the roof, but it was private.

finally reaching the roof, michael gasps at the sight.

“there ain’t no way.” he mumbled

“there’s always a way, baby” you say sweetly, not even realizing what you had called him, only because you were having so much fun.

michael blushes at the name, his cheeks now rosy as the two of you slowly sink into the hot tub after taking off your cover ups.

“can i ask you something?” michael finally breaks the silence that flowed along with the bubbles from the hot tub.

“depends.”

“how come you never act impressed?” michael question eyeing her up and down.

silence rang in the air. “should i be?”

a low chuckle slips from michael. “most people are.”

“well—michael, being introduced into the industry by my father, i’m used to it. i’ve met famous people before.”

“and?” he wonders.

you shrug softly, “most of them are just people.”

that exact moment right there, is what made michael see you, and understand you. even after so long of trying to.

“you know… when i first met you, i thought you were kinda annoying.” you say slowly rubbing your arm.

“thats nice.”

you smile, “yeah, you kept finding reasons to talk to me.”

“i did not.”

you eyed him, cocking your head to the side. “now, michael.”

he sighed, following a chuckle. “okay maybe a little.”

“mmm— i don’t know.”

“what?” he questioned

“i’m glad you did.” your eyes glaring right at his.

michael was caught off guard. the common crimson color reaching his cheeks for the hundredth time of the night.

michael continued to stare into your eyes.

“you’re staring.” you giggle.

“i can’t help it.” michael mumbles softly while slowly floating towards you in the small hot tub.

nervously, you play with the curls in your hair. “i’m glad you came, mikey.” you whispered softly while holding your gaze.

michael’s hand traveled up to the curl you were just playing with, “i’m glad you wanted me here.” he spoke, his voice so soft and stable.

the city lights, the music, the people outside, the glare from the pools down below, there were so many things to look at, yet you were looking into michael’s big brown eyes.

he was staring at yours, up until they traveled down to your lips. the steam from the hot tub rises around you both, creating an intimate little world.

michael pulls you closer, your wet bodies pressed together. his hand trembles slightly as he cups your face, thumb brushing your cheek. "can I kiss you?" he asks softly, voice husky.

he leans in, kissing you gently at first—sweet and tentative, his lips moving slowly against yours. but as you respond, his hands slide down to your waist, pulling you flush against his chest.

the kiss deepens, becoming more passionate, his tongue meeting yours in the most delicious way. hot water bubbles around you both as he holds you close.

you whimper softly against his lips, breathlessly whispering "michael..." and it instantly undoes him. he lets out a low groan into your mouth, his grip on your waist tightening under the bubbling water.

hearing his name said like that makes him kiss you harder, tongue slipping past your lips, turning the innocent makeout into something heated and desperate.

michael gently pushes you back against the edge of the hot tub, his lips trailing down your neck.

he kisses and nibbles softly, murmuring against your skin, "god, you're so beautiful..." his hands slide under the water to your hips, pulling you closer as he continues to kiss and praise you.

you tilt your head to give him better access, running your hands through his wet hair. "you’re so good to me, michael..." you whisper, and he lets out a soft moan against your neck.

his hands move to your thighs, squeezing gently as he pulls you apart to stand between your legs.

their kisses turn sloppy and desperate, tongues tangling messily as wet, needy sounds escape both of you. michael presses you firmly against the tub edge, his hands sliding underwater to squeeze your thighs and hips.

you're both trembling and completely turned on, the innocent makeout shifting into something deeply sexual, though he keeps being incredibly loving.

"touch me, michael..." you whimper against his mouth, arching into him. he groans, sliding a hand slowly down your stomach under the water.

but instead of going straight to your core like you need, he teases, running his fingers along your inner thighs.

michael’s trembling fingers brush against your folds before letting out a low chuckle. the hot water making everything feel more intimate. "can I... touch you here?" he breathes against your lips, already positioning himself.

when you nod desperately, he starts slow, gentle circles around your entrance, his eyes wide and sweet. "you're so wet..." he whispers, making you blush. "i thought i was annoying..."

"you're annoying as hell right now," you pant against his mouth, making him laugh softly before diving back into the kiss. he slides two fingers inside you slowly, watching your face for reactions.

"too much?" he asks gently, even as his thumb finds your clit. you shake your head, gasping as he adds a third finger, stretching you perfectly in the warm water.

he keeps a slow, deep rhythm with his fingers, curling them just right inside you. between soft, open-mouthed kisses, he whispers against your lips,

"you feel incredible... doing so good for me." his thumb rubs gentle circles on your clit, making your toes curl underwater. "that's it, sweetheart, just relax... i've got you,"

you cling to his broad shoulders, fingers digging into his wet skin as pleasure builds intensely. your head falls to his shoulder, breath coming in short gasps against his neck.

michael feels you tighten around his fingers and immediately slows, making it sweet and deep. "let go, baby, i've got you," he murmurs, kissing your temple. "i'm right here."

your orgasm crashes over you, making your body tremble violently against his as you bury your face in his neck. "i like you so much, michael..." you whimper out, completely undone.

he holds you through the aftershocks, fingers slowing gently to help you ride it out, pressing sweet kisses to your wet hair. "i like you so much too, sweetheart.”

you kiss deeply and slowly, still clinging to each other as you come down. you can feel his hard cock pressing against your stomach under the water, but he doesn't seem bothered by not getting his own release. he just keeps kissing you softly, hands stroking your back gently.

you two are engaged in a passionate kiss, completely lost in the moment, when suddenly the rooftop door slides open.

your father's shocked expression freezes both of you. michael pulls back abruptly, his hand still resting possessively on your hip under the water. your father's face turns red with anger and disappointment.

"what the fuck are you two doing?!" your father's voice shatters the peaceful atmosphere.

michael stands up abruptly, water cascading off his muscular body, completely unashamed of his nakedness except for the swim trunks around his waist. you shrink back, feeling completely exposed both physically and emotionally.

your father grabs your arm, forcibly yanking you out of the warm water. you stumble out, soaking wet in just your swimsuit, catching michael's eyes one last time.

he nods almost imperceptibly, jaw tight. "call me," you mouth silently as your father drags you toward the rooftop door, his grip bruising.

your dad drags you downstairs and practically yanks you around, furiously. "you are absolutely forbidden from seeing michael ever again. do you understand me? that is final." your face instantly crumples, tears overwhelming you.

your heart breaks completely at the thought of losing michael, who had been nothing but sweet and perfect to you. this was what you were afraid of, letting someone end only for it to fail.— but for michael, you were willing to work for it.

a/n: so guys what do we thinnkkkk???? i’m feeling a part two where she sneaks into michael’s house, or a studio 54 scene —but regardless, i hoped you all enjoy!