𝓡𝓮𝓭

Bankai, Minazuki

[lluvared]

Bye cus everyday its something new. this whole time I thought baenation was just some hashtag on Twitter and whole time it was actually a gc 😭?

I mean this disrespectfully when I say yall gotta grow up.

Yall do not know these people and they don't know you, and they'll never WANT to know you. All shade.

[lluvared]

The way I just canceled my Netflix subscription so fast. First I'm tight they pulling Michael from theaters and now Netflix wanna actually drop that fuckass documentary? They been playing in my face all week.

All Hollywood does is make the stupidest decisions back to back and ion know who told them wrong but play with my goat and it's gon cost ya, no shadeeeeee

[lluvared]

"bad era" this "mature era" that "vampire Michael" this

I WANT OFF THE WALL MICHAEL

yall don't love him the way I do ALL shade.

[lluvared]

I know jaafar and jermajesty got at least a 5 million snapscore combined

[lluvared]

Was blasting thriller in the car just now and these random middle schoolers started dancing to it at the gas station. I love life omg

[lluvared]

Him with acne 🥹

[lluvared]

Mannn let me tell you sum...

[lluvared]

What Comes After (.2)

Synopsis: We humans seek praise and the validation of others when we accomplish things in life or even fall in what we think is love, but what comes after that? After the praise...the possible chance of love and marriage or sorrow and heart break? Do we keep pushing for do we accept what is for how it is...do we go bigger or do learn when to stop?

୨୧• Michael Jackson x Reader

Word count: 6.4k words

Warnings: None? (They do kiss so idk if that counts for something, lmk tho!!)

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୨୧

The days that passed after that night felt like a blur with time seeming to have stopped as you simply basked in that beautiful afterglow of a victorious moment you had worked so hard for.

If you weren't writing music or out doing another interview you were laying in bed in your luxurious hotel room, staring up at the ceiling with a smile on your lips, thinking everything over.

You felt so accomplished. So proud...and your ego was a little bit inflated. Why would it not be though? You had won...but it still felt like there was something missing.

You got the award, but now what?

Shoot for another? Multiple in one night with your new album you're working on possibly? Or maybe try making more friends with influential faces for your own career benefit...after that night it would make the most sense and give you even more attraction. Maybe do a song—

Randy suddenly poked his head into the room causing you to look over. You were going to whine about him not knocking before coming in, you had left the door cracked open just a bit just in case you were needed considering people had been calling in for you non-stop.

You slowly sat up and fixed the robe around your body and waited for Randy to speak.

"Michael is on the phone, Y/N." He said simply which made you sigh. You hadn't forgotten about your quick agreement to working with him, you had just been holding it off as the thought of it was now making you anxious.

Giving a whole motivational speech to him about him not needing anyone's validation just for you to be in want of his when it came down to something like this...but...it's Michael Jackson. You might have been casual with him just a few nights ago, but like you've always felt whenever you two did speak, you two were not friends. You two were a part of the industry who had brief conversations at times but not friends. You weren't exactly that comfortable with him just yet.

However you knew you also would be an idiot to ignore his call. So, you got out of bed, slipped on your fluffy white slippers and walked out the bedroom towards the phone located in the living room.

You stared at it for a minute, watching the red hold button blink before you picked it up and pushed the same button, watching as it turned green and once connected you spoke.

"Hello?"

The other line was quiet for a moment before a sweet voice spoke. Undeniably his.

"Gosh girl, did you forget about me or something?" His tone was light and playful, a little whiny.

You rolled your eyes and chuckled, immediately slipping into the cool mask you wore well.

"You aren't exactly forgettable. And no, I ain't forget about you, I've been busy is all..."

"To busy to speak to me? I'm hurt. I thought we had plans to work together!"

"And we still do."

"So when are you coming?" He responded quickly.

You were silent. He always managed to silence you somehow with his quick comebacks...he was really witty. You liked it.

After a few seconds you sighed and let out a breathy chuckle while shaking your head. "Uhh.." You glanced over your shoulder at Randy, then looked down at the table the phone sat on, right next to it a calender. You looked at the date March 3rd, 1986.

"When do you want me there?"

"As soon as possible."

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You sat silently in the backseat of a 1985 Fleetwood cadillac, with your arms crossed over your chest as you watched the city of California pass by out the window. In the driver's seat was your own personal bodyguard, Joey.

Randy had hired him about five years ago and he was cool. He was quiet for the most part even after being at your side for all this time but you two got along well and when you two did speak the conversations were far from dry or boring.

As he drove you suddenly turned to look at him, eyes making contact with his own in the rear view mirror as if he had been watching you before you even looked his way or called out for him. It didn't make you uncomfortable though, he's just doing his job.

"Are we almost there?" You asked softly and he nodded.

"Three minutes, ma'am."

You rolled your eyes. "Joey. We've been friends for five years. You dont have to call me ma'am." You said with a chuckle.

"Friends is a bit of a stretch—

You quickly raised a brow and un-crossed your arms as you leaned forward a bit.

"Oh yeah? Then what are we?"

"Employee and employer." He said simply to which you huffed at.

"Wrong! Randy hired you, I didn't get a say so technically Randy is the employer and I just so happen to be the...client."

Joey smiled a little bit. "Right...whatever you say ma'am."

"Stop it! 'Ma'am' makes me feel old and I am only 25!" You whined.

"Twenty-five is closer to thirty than it is–

"Go to hell." You said quickly as you sat back in the chair, and the car pulled into the beautiful neighborhood of Hayvenhurst Avenue. The houses were huge and trees were lined up neatly and trimmed perfectly into shape on the sidewalks. You quickly rolled down the window and leaned your head out to take in the sent of pure wealth but also the crisp air because of how clean everything was kept.

As you took everything in, the car pulled up outside of one specific house.

4641 Hayvenhurst Avenue

You hummed as you read the numbers on the mailbox and moved to rest your head out the open car window, and when the gates open and you were met with the sight of the Jackson family home your eyes widened slowly.

The house was beautiful without a doubt. Grass was kept freshly cut and green, the sprinklers were going and of course there were multiple animals all across the estate which made it feel like some sort of forbidden wonderland. You always wondered how he legally got away with this...you'd known he kept animals roaming freely around the estate. You'd seen photos...but a whole llama? That's bonkers.

Joey got out the car before you did and was quickly at your side to help you out the car by opening the door for you and taking your hand as you stepped out on a heeled foot.

You chuckled at the action and adjusted the colorful shirt you wore.

"Joey, I can open my own doors too..." You said with a small smile to switch he shrugged.

"I'd be useless to you then, ma'am."

"You're impossible—

Before you could finish you heard the front door of the estate opening and out stepped Michael. He was dressed very simple and the first thing you noticed was the Mickey Mouse sweater he wore. That made you arch a brow and smirk a little bit. You didn't find it childish, you found it cute and very...him.

"You aren't hot?" You called out as he approached, your eyes squinting under the glare of the sun and to answer your question he shook his head with a bright smile.

"I dance for a living and sing for a living, no such thing is to hot anymore." He said simply as he stopped just a few feet away. He turned to Joey, and gave him a wave to which he got a nod in return.

You sighed. "Ignore Joey. He likes to stay super professional."

Michael chuckled. "That's alright, not something you see a lot of anyways..." He said simply and then held a hand out for you. "You ready?"

You stared at his hand for a moment before slowly reaching out and locking your hand around his. "Yeah." You nodded and allowed the male to guide you towards the entrance of the house.

"I'll be here when you're done, ma'am!" Joey called out which made you roll your eyes yet again, and Michael giggle.

"Not to fond of the professionalism?" He asked as he helped you up the steps and opened the door for you.

"Not into seriousness...I like people who loosen up every now and then, and he will but not as much as I'd like." You explained as you walked into the house and Michael followed after behind you, allowing the door to shut as he continued to guide you through the estate.

"I like him, but he's stiff most of the time which makes him boring..." Michael giggled again and wrapped an arm around your shoulder.

"Well, atleast I know now you like to have fun."

"Well I was never stuck up..."

"No, you weren't atleast from what you showed me. Today ill really see something." He said with a smirk as he nudged your shoulder. "How does it feel to finally have your Grammy?" He asked suddenly which caused you to scrunch your nose a bit and look up in thought.

"It feels good...I feel accomplished..." You said calmly, but you trailed off.

"But?" He questioned.

"...I feel like I can do more, y'know? Shoot for two in one night...maybe three—

"Now you're getting in over your head." He said bluntly which made your brows furrow as you looked over at him with a frown.

"The hell is that supposed to mean? You sayin' my music ain't good—

You quickly shut up when he began to laugh and rub your shoulder. "Relax, Y/N. I'm not saying you can't not get another one but I'm just telling you to not get so focused onto it. Trust me, it feels good for the moment but they aren't all that."

"Yeah, to you..."

He raised a brow, and smiled wider as he lead you into the studio room and shut the door behind him and as you turned to look around the room, you were met with the sight of Michael's pet chimp, sat comfortably on one of the chairs in the room.

You stood there, staring at the furry animal dressed in a pair of overalls and after a moment you spoke.

"You're not serious."

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"I can't believe you're serious." You said bluntly as Bubbles sat on your lap, toying with the buckle of your belt while Michael just chuckled and toyed around with the soundboard infront of him, turning different things up and moving things up and down. "He's my bestfriend." He said simply.

"That's sweet, but does he not distract you? He sure is distracting me..." You said with a giggle as you looked down at the chimp and reached out to scratch behind his ear making him lean into your palm and nuzzle into the soft skin.

"He's not. He keeps me company and he seems to like you around." He hummed as he glanced over.

"Well I like him too, but unfortunately cute animals make me lose focus."

He shrugged at that. "You'll get used to it soon enough, trust me."

You looked over. "Oh yeah?"

He nodded. "Yeah. It ain't like we'll finish the song in just one session. He'll be seeing you a lot." He hummed as he sat back then turned around in his seat to face you fully.

You shifted Bubbles on your lap and crossed your legs. You looked down at the cute animal, giving him a little scratch under his chin before you felt the intense eyes of Michael staring at you from the side. You lifted your head up to look at him and sure enough he was definitely staring. "What?" You asked softly as you looked the male across from you up and down wondering if you had done something.

"Your shirt." He said bluntly and you raised a brow.

"What about it?" You said in a confused tone, wondering if you had a stain or had torn the fabric somewhere without noticing.

"It's colorful. I like it and can picture the song with that same vibe and style."

You stared at him for a moment, your hand that was once petting at the chimp on your lap slowed to a stop making the animal look up in confusion and start to bounce on your lap seeking the comfort again...but you couldn't think about that right now. You shifted the animal once more before tilting your head and speaking.

"You like to plan ahead, huh?" You asked with a little shy chuckle.

He smiled at your shift in demeanor.

"It's natural.." He said in a smooth voice.

"I see that," You nodded. "To late for me to back out?" You asked playfully which made him tilt his head.

"And why would you do that?" He said calmly which made you go quiet...then you shook your head with a breathless chuckle.

"Shut up and let's just get to work." You said as your rolled closer to the soundboard and also began to pet the chimp in your lap again because he was clearly starting to get agitated.

Michael had this certain affect on people, especially women, and you weren't immune to it. You didn't know what it was...something about how quick-witted he was with his choice of words combined with how he said them with such suave made him so likeable. Not to mention the energy he radiated. He could appear so certain of himself on the outside if you didn't pay to much attention to his eyes and how they moved...it also didn't help that he wasn't ugly. You'd never say it to his face...not yet anyway, but you always thought he was handsome even before you got into this industry.

It was a little embarrassing to get flustered around one of the many artists you looked up to but you'd pull through and keep up the front as always.

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"So, is this going to be a record or do you have other plans for it?" You asked softly as Michael stood infront of his bulletin board and carefully stuck a piece of paper with the lyrics you two had come up with on it onto the board. He looked back at you and slid his hands into his jean pockets.

"Probably a single...this song deserves it's own moment." He said calmly. "I know people are going to go crazy over it because, well...you're you, and I'm me." He said with a small smile which made you chuckle.

"That's a compliment coming from you." You hummed to which Michael rolled his eyes.

"Everything I say is somehow a compliment to someone." He waved off your words and slowly moved to sit back down. "People get excited over the most simple things I say or do...even when I'm being sneaky." He said softly as he settled back in his seat and began to spin around in the chair.

"Well yeah?" You hummed with a raised brow. "Why wouldn't they? You're—

He cut you off. "Michael Jackson, I'm aware." He said bluntly as he stared up at the ceiling whilst still spinning. "But sometimes I don't want to be Michael Jackson...I've been doing this for years and just want to feel normal for once."

His words made you arch a brow and lean forward in your seat, visibly curious now and since you were alone with him you felt a little bit more comfortable prying.

"Normal?" You asked.

He nodded in return. "Yeah, I mean, I've been doing this since I was like 5, Y/N. I don't know how it feels to be normal or to go out and spend one day to myself without people running up to me and asking me for a photo or autograph. I don't mind it, of course but sometimes I just want to know how it feels...if I'd like it more...if things had gone differently for me."

His words were simple, but they held a lot of weight and you had to take a moment to think about how to respond...because what does one say to this? Being forced into the industry at a young age isn't fun and neither is it being your whole life before you even get the chance to discover yourself and who you want to be, what you want to do. It made you wonder what the possibilities could have been had he not been pushed into this path. What could his career had been? Would he even have one? It was all a lot to take into consideration because at the end of the day he was only one person and a person can only put up with the need of being sought out for perfection before they break.

You sat there just watching him for a moment before reaching out to grab the arm rest of his chair, causing his spinning to stop.

"So why don't you quit?" You asked simply which made his eyes widen.

"Girl what—

"I'm serious." You said with a shrug. "You say you want to be normal so why don't you quit and go do your own thing and live your own private life. Who's gon' stop you?" You said calmly and he scrunched his lip at you like you were stupid.

"You know why I can't..." He replied. "I'd be letting everyone around me down if I did that."

You rolled your eyes. "You got brothers that can sing...why don't you let them take the heat?"

"Because that's not fair, especially after I chose to do this...going solo."

"Well now what?" You asked as you sat back and crossed you arms.

"What happens now? After all your solo success? You have a choice to stop making music, you have enough money to be on your own."

"I don't want to ge on my own, I want a friend." He said firmly before letting out a huff. "You were right. I'm not normal, I'm Michael Jackson but even people like me want to experience the small good things in life too. I have all this money, a bunch of animals and so many other looked over talents and nobody to share them with, nobody to speak back to me and tell me what they think about what I want to do and give me an honest answer and not an instant 'yes' just because of who I am–

"So tell me about them." You said simply which made him pause his venting and look at you with confusion.

"What?" He said with a frown.

"I said tell me about what you like to do. About your animals and other things. You said you have nobody, well, I'm here and I'm willing to listen."

He stared you down for a moment, looking you over as if you'd personally offended him before letting out a little smack of his gums. "How do I know you won't be another 'yes-man'?"

"Because if I was I wouldn't have spoken to you how I at the Grammy's. I meant what I said when I told you that you need to remember who you are and that doesn't just go for the man on stage but the person behind closed doors to."

This time he was the silent one...nobody had ever spoken to him that way. So bluntly and so honestly, but the look in her eyes showed how she felt. She was looking at him for more than just what he was in the persona of a performer. She was looking at who he was when he wasn't making music and when he wasn't on stage. She wanted to know him. She wanted to know Michael Joseph Jackson...the thought made his chest feel a little warm.

"Theres to much to say." He said softly as he turned his head away.

You shrugged.

"I have time."

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You two were in that studio for hours just talking about absolute nonsense but to him it meant so much more. To have somebody listen and make genuine commentary back and also poke fun at him made him feel something he'd never exactly felt before. Something he thought he felt with other woman but it wasn't quite all the way there. The way you smiled when he talked about different animals, and how you chuckled and laughed at his jokes about odd encounters he'd had with people in the past due to said animals made him feel lighter, like a weight was coming off his shoulders and you were the one lifting it.

All his life he's only known perfection, performance and money but to have someone openly tell him that his flaws were falls but minor missteps along the way and that he didn't owe anyone around him anything...it felt good. Of course that didn't mean he would go around being ungrateful for the life he'd been blessed with because of his talent but now he felt like he would be able to operate more smoothly and be less anxious about everything if you were around.

He wanted to keep you around...and he always made sure to get what he wanted.

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May 6th, 1986

"I got a thing for you

Dreams of you and me, baby–

The instrumental was abruptly cut in Michael's headphones.

"Michael you can't keep dancing while we record the song..." Quincy said with a small smile as he stared at the skinnier male through the glass barrier.

You sat beside Quincy, your arms over your chest as you shifted in your seat to lean forward. "Yeah I thought you said you gained some control over that since you were a kid." You said with a playful smile.

Michael slipped the headphones off his head and spoke loudly.

"I can't help it!" He yelled out which made you and quincy laugh loudly as you looked down at the floor and shook your head.

Things had been going well between you and Michael. A healthy friendship had blossomed since this whole project he'd suggested began and the more you two spent time together the more comfortable you both got. Even when not working, you two were always into something. Michael allowed you to feed his animals, and showed you some of his favorite toys he'd accumulated over the years which you took genuine interest in. While yes it could be seen as childish you saw no issue with a man enjoying collecting things.

Enjoyment has no age limit.

As Michael left the vocal booth and shit the door behind him he quickly approached you and gesture to the door leading out to the open court with his head. "Come on, let's take a break from this. Maybe if I tire myself out I'll stay still better." He joked as he approached the door, grabbed the handle and turned the knob. He pulled the door open and waited for you to leave first before he would.

You stood to your feet and gave Quincy a nod before walking out the room into the courtyard with your hands in the pockets of the red skirt you wore.

"Come on, let's go find something to do." He hummed sweetly as he wrapped his arm around you and began to lead you elsewhere in the house into the living room. Your shoes tapped along the floor along side his loafers as you two made your way upstairs and down the hall and slipped into his room. He didn't shut the door all the way, he left it open a little bit.

You sat yourself down on the floor onto your knees and watched as he sat across from you and then reached back behind him on a shelf where he had rows upon rows of boardgames. He shuffled them around for a moment, being careful about which one he picked because you two have played some before and you weren't exactly...good.

He pulled out Monopoly with a smile and set the box down which made you whine.

"Michael I hate Monopoly..." You huffed. You didn't. You actually won constantly but it was a super long and tedious game which made you start huffing and puffing after the first hour. "It takes forever for somebody to win."

He rolled his eyes at your complaints. "Girl please...you win at this game all the time, be happy I didn't pick something else."

You sucked your teeth and rolled your eyes. "Shut up and set the game up."

He giggled and grabbed the lid, pulling it off and tossing it to the side as he took the gameboard out and laid it across the floor getting all the pieces and cards in order before sitting back. "You go ahead, youngest goes first." He nodded.

You hummed and grabbed the dice, giving them a shake in your hand before rolling them across the board. The cubes bounced around before landing on a six. You picked up your little character and moved it six spaces on the board before sitting back. "I'm not buying that." You shook your head and then gestured he can go for his turn.

It was a steady back and forth for a few minutes before you finally decided to make conversation because playing in silence was getting boring.

"Do you have an idea for the music video yet?" You asked softly as you slid fake bills over to him after landing on one of his properties.

He looked up from the gameboard and furrowed his brows before shaking his head. "No...which is odd because normally I'm full of ideas." He chuckled.

You smirked. "I'm sure you want something that will have people entranced." You hummed as you tilted your head in thought, and after a few seconds your brows raised as you remembered something he had said a few months back during your first session together. "...You said you could feel it relating to the song somehow."

"Yeah, I remember what I said." He nodded. "Just not sure how to execute it..."

You sat silently next to the male for a moment, your legs crossed as you thought. You weren't even focused on the game anymore, but rather putting your mind to work. Colorful...something colorful...something related to you– and then you glanced down at the game board, staring at all the colors...and you sat up straighter as you leaned closer to get a better look at everything on there and after a moment you let out a noise somewhere along the lines of a squeal and gasp before grabbing the board and holding it up causing all the items on there to fall off.

Michael's eyes widened at this and he looked at you as if you had lost your mind because you had just thrown the entire game off but when he saw you point to the board he leaned in with interest.

"Let's make this the music video." You said quickly. "It's colorful and bright and I think I have an idea of you chasing the girl around the board trying to win her–

"Chasing you." He corrected.

"...Huh?" You said with surprise as you slowly lowered the board.

"Why would I have another girl in the music video besides you if we're doing the song together? You're clearly going to be the girl in the video."

"...Okay. Fine. You'll be chasing me, but do you see what I'm getting at with this?" You gestured to the board.

"It'll be like a game of cat and mouse between you and me with you being focused on me while I'm focused on the task at hand and the entire point of the game itself." You explained with a smile as you ran your finger around the pathway along the board to show your point, and the more he stared at the board and listened to your words the more his smile began to grow before he nodded in understanding.

"That's gonna cost something serious.." He started off. "But I like how you think, let's do it." He said with a smile and you sat up straighter as you raised your hands up to give him a double high five which he happily returned while also sliding his fingers to smoothly lock around yours. "Come on, let's go finish recording the song."

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August 20th, 1986

"You dancing hard as hell." You chuckled as Michael moved across the set. His feet were gliding across the floor but he stopped when he was infront of you and turned to look at you with that smile you couldn't get enough of. He reached up to adjust the sleeves of the white shirt he had on that was littered with black leather buckles up the arms.

You two were matching, both wearing black and white. Your outfit consisted of a cropped black leather jacket with gold hardware along with black and white stripped pants. Your hair was looser and frizzy at the moment because you had been dancing yourself and had been doing it constantly since you two began filming this music video just about a month ago. The hair stylists were constantly stepping in to maintain the curls but Michael told them to stop because he wanted the ending scene of the video to feel more real.

You didn't know what he meant by that. From what you knew the ending scene was going to be simple with him winning the 'game' and you because of you couldn't focus on the tasks at hand due to him constantly chasing you around the board and distracting you causing you to make poor choices...or rather 'shortsighted' choices in the game. You two would finish things off with a simple hug and that was going to be that.

But Michael always had something up his sleeve and you knew he was going to pull something on this set, you just couldn't tell what.

Suddenly, the director called out for you and Michael to head to the set where the final scene would take place.

Indiana Avenue

You two made your way to the next set over which had to be your favorite although you loved each set because they all have their own vibe relating to the city they were named after but your favorite thing was how each set looked like it came out of a cartoon and was going to be animated to have things come off like you were watching an animated film. It was literally like being in a real life boardgame.

When you got into your position on the set and adjusted your jacket you looked up at Michael who was getting into his own position.

You moved to lean on the prop street light and crossed your arms over your chest as you listened to the director count down, and when he said 'ACTION!' You quickly got into character, putting a pout on your face after having just lost the game, and then you felt two hands on your shoulders. You blinked a few times, then turned your head and looked up at Michael, who was giving you a genuine look of adoration.

He dropped one of his hands from your shoulder to rest at his side and then wrapped his arm around you as he pulled you close and began to slowly walk with you. It was supposed to be a brief, short, intimate moment with you finally deciding to give into his advances. So why was he looking at you that way? Why did the look in his gaze hold such a gentle warmth? Why was the smile on his lips so pure that it illuminated something in your heart? Why did he suddenly stop making you stop abruptly too? You and him were supposed to keep walking...

And he gently pressed his hands into your shoulders again as he guided you to stand to the side so the camera could get a clear view of what he was about to do.

And before you could speak for yourself and stop him...well, you didn't really try actually. Not when he was looking at you like you were the only woman in the world.

His hands slid from your shoulders to rest on your waist, and before you knew it he had you wrapped up in a slow, warm kiss. You blinked a few times in surprise and in the back of your mind you hoped the camera didn't catch it. You were quick to catch yourself and immediately returned the kiss because if this is what he was doing with you now, you'd go with it.

You raised your hands up to rest on the side of his face and tilted you head which made him deepen the kiss and slide his tongue into your mouth, immediately taking full advantage of what you would allow. Michael was still a man after all...and right now he was also yours with the way the pink muscle in his mouth swirled around yours like he wanted to eat you from the inside out.

With how he was moving you absolutely knew that he had this idea in mind for a while and was just silently testing your limits as filming went on and possibly even before that. No man kisses a woman this way if he doesn't feel some sort of attraction to her. He'd always been a lady's man, you knew that but now your brain was working overtime to try and pin-point where this attraction could have possibly started for him to feel like he could do this with you.

When he pulled away you gasped as a string of saliva still was connected you two at the lip. You didn't even hear the instrumental cut or the director yell that the scene had concluded in a confused tone. It seemed the kiss had thrown everyone on set out of bound because everyone knew it wasn't a part of what was originally meant to be included (but they definitely weren't going to cut it out).

You stared up at Michael with big eyes full of so much confusion and...definite interest. He stared back with hooded eyes and his lips were in a straight line as if waiting for you to speak first but all you could say was...

"Why?"

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Author note: Funfact, my friend reads all ts as I write and she told me to leave it off here.

Yes they are going to fuh eventually 🙄 yes I will go more in depth about the music video and be more descriptive and yes you guys will hear what the song sounds like don't worry just let me cook.

Taglist: @wondergotham @kneelarmhstrung @thebabykashmere @xyahx

[lluvared]

Hello, I'm here to tell you how much I loved your latest Michael fic💞 Looking forward for your future writings... (Also preferably a part two for the Michael one if you're up for it!!) Hope you're having an amazing day!

Ty lovely 🥹🫶🏽 I'm working on part two and I'll try to have it done by tomorrow or friday. I hope you have a beautiful week!!

[lluvared]

What Comes After?

Synopsis: We humans seek praise and the validation of others when we accomplish things in life or even fall in what we think is love, but what comes after that? After the praise...the possible chance of love and marriage or sorrow and heart break? Do we keep pushing for do we accept what is for how it is...do we go bigger or do learn when to stop?

୨୧ • Michael Jackson x reader

Warning: slight mentions of grooming (and Diana Ross).

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The sound of voices cluttered under voices filled the Shrine Auditoriums large space as people, men and women, some young and some old dressed in dresses and suits tailored from the finest fabrics money could buy flooded into the space one after another.

The year was 1986, specifically February 25th. It was Grammy awards night. Not just a gathering of stuffy old business men with their wives, it was a night for talented people to be recognized for putting their talents on display to entertain everyone around the world. Singing, dancing, and starting major trends amongst the generation, influencing them for the better or the worse.

And amongst these people was you.

Y/N L/N

You were a star at this point of your life. Adored by many and envied as well. You were approaching the height of your career with millions of records and albums being sold across the United States at a rapid pace. People love you...how could they not? Your range was absolutely undeniable. Your ability to switch styles of music and dance? Forget about it. From soulful r&b and jazz to the classic funk of the 70s and mixing all that into pop girl persona that was now engraved into you...a luminary.

You had it all. The music, the style, the face, the recognition and appreciation...

But you were lacking. Because above that all? Beyond the fame, the adoration, the love and support...you had no Grammy.

You had been in the game since the age of 17 , and now being 25 you would think...or rather everybody would think that after eight years of hard work you'd have the Grammy in your hands or multiple to show it pays off.

But you didn't.

And it was starting to piss you off.

Eight years of constant work and four out of those eight years you'd gone to the Grammy's...hoping...praying...wondering when your time would come to be in that different kind of spot light. To be able to be proud of yourself...to hold your award high and have it on display for your future children, grandchildren, great grandchildren.

Your grandmother always told you to have patience but it was getting hard when you saw your competitors who you felt like didn't hold a light to you with golden piece in their hands holding it high....showing it off...felt like they were fucking rubbing it in your face at times.

But the anger you felt like expressing out loud wasn't worth it. No point in throwing subtle shots in your music, no shots in expressing your frustration in interviews, and definitely no point in making your annoyance for other celebrities obvious when you stand next to them and have the urge to give them that nasty ass side eye you were well known for after doing it in one of your music videos that was ironically called 'Nasty'.

'If it ain't broken, don't fix it.'

You always told yourself that. You still had many fans, many lovers, many people who would pay hundreds of thousands of their money just for a chance to hold your hand.

"Just wait..." You whispered to yourself as your manager and date for the evening who'd you'd decided would be your best friend of multiple years and who was now also your stylist walked behind you. Randy and Jacklyn. Had been with you since the start, and you'd never let them go. Without them, you probably wouldn't be here now, so you had to remind yourself to be grateful at all times because you suppose things could be worse for you.

"It's just a reward.." You murmured as Randy guided you to your seat, and Jacklyn grabbed the train of your black, backless fitted dress. She had sewn it herself. The fabric was soft, and for an extra touch, she put a big pink bow on the back of it to make it stand out...just a little bit.

You sat yourself down on the soft red seat and crossed your legs while Jacklyn carefully folded the extra fabric up and let it rest over her lap so it wouldn't pile up on the floor around your feet and she too crossed her legs and leaned over to whisper in your ear in a gentle voice, "how you feeling?" were the words she asked every single time you went to an award show.

You glanced over and shrugged, not even feeling like being proper and sitting up straight in your seat like you normally would. You sat slumped back with your hands folded on your lap and spoke in a dry tone.

"Same as the past six years..." You said dryly. "High hopes, low expectations," You continued as raised a hand and with long manicured nails scratched the side of your next awkwardly. "Though that hope slowly burns out every time I come here specifically."

Jacklyn scrunched her nose and shifted in her seat to turn her body to you a little more.

"Y/N..." She started off. "You need to ease up. I know you and the Grammys don't have the greatest past but your career still has so much more life left in it, you just need to be—

"Patient. I know." You cut her off bluntly with a scoff leaving your lips afterward. Not annoyed, just unimpressed? "I hear it from my grandmother all the time, Jacklyn...and I tell myself that all the time around this time of year, but I'm really startin' to lose faith. All this money I've made, all these records I have sold and all the blood, sweat and tears I have put into my music just to not have the one thing that really pays off for it..."

"Y/N, it's just a vinyl player painted gold." Jacklyn said bluntly.

You glared.

"Jacklyn it's natural for humans to want something in return for their accomplishments. I managed to sell fifteen million copies of my album last year, and if I don't win not one award for that tonight, then it's fuck the Grammys until I die." You argued back quickly and that made Jacklyn hush up.

Because you were right. It was natural for humans to want something in return for their accomplishments besides a pat on the back to show for it. Sure, you had the fans and the love from them, but you wanted more than that... Everyone always wants more. Holding the award in your hand would be a sense of professional validation, a historical prestige, and it would open more doors for you because of commercial benefit, more recognition by not just the people but artists who came before you and after you...you wanted to be remembered. Was that so much to ask for—

Your thoughts were cut off by the sound of squeals and loud voices.

You turned your head to the sound with a raised brow and saw a group of photographers gathered around trying to get a flash of somebody.

Your eyes narrowed and face scrunched as you tilted your head back for a better look and that's when you saw it. Those jheri curls and that military style jacket in black...

Your brows raised as you realized who'd just walked into the room and was being carefully guided to the same row you sat in at the very front. You almost groaned...not for that reason, but because you knew what would happen if he did. You didn't not know Michael. No, you knew him and you knew him well because you two have had many encounters. You met him at the 1984 Grammy after party face to face and have spoken to him every now and then on the phone because when he wasn't writing music, playing with a fucking giraffe or on stage gliding across it like he was on ice he was on the phone.

And he just so happened to like calling your phone a lot to poke fun you after yet another Grammy-less night. He did it in 1984, 85' and now? He'd probably do it again tonight.

You cursed under your breath when you saw that smirk on his lips, and he, of course, was seated right next to you.

And it didn't take long before the teasing began as he sat himself down, spread his legs comfortably, and tilted his head while looking you up and down, admiring the craftsmanship of your dress. Jacklyn always did her thing when it came to styling. He felt that if the Grammys had an award for best dressed you'd definitely win.

He then spoke in his casual tone of voice he only reserved for certain people.

"How are you?"

You wanted to ignore him badly...but you didn't want to be a bitch. You couldn't... as annoying as he was with his constant jabs at you for your lack of gold vinyl players, you still respected him. He was one of your inspirations for this along with his brothers, so you sucked up your pride and glanced over slowly before fully turning your head to the male and giving him a dry smile over glossed lips.

"Great. Real excited to be here..." You said dryly and obviously sarcastically. "How are you?"

He shrugged and sighed. "Good..." He said simply as he glanced around, and with no shades on her couldn't be subtle how he'd like...well, he was never subtle actually, he always hid where his eyes were looking behind his shades because he was rather expressive.

You arched a thin brow and tilted your head to the side when you saw his look around and then chuckled. "Who are you lookin' for?" You asked with a smirk and he flinched when he realized just how he obvious he was. He chuckled awkwardly and scratched the side of his neck.

"...It's just human nature?" He said with a little smile causing your eyes to scrunch as you smiled at him.

"What girl do you see?" You responded playfully, which made him shift and turn his head away slowly. The sudden change in his demeanor made you furrow your brows in confusion...but you didn't want to pry. His emotions were honestly none of your business. You guys weren't friends, rather just friendly acquaintances in the industry so you didn't pry....however you did follow his eyes.

You were nosy sometimes. What can you say?

And as your eyes followed his own...they landed on...

Diana Ross.

You stared at her for a few seconds. In her black dress and her big hair and her big eyes that looked like they could stare right through your soul...and you realized.

you had heard about the many rumors about Michael and Diana. About how he'd openly adored her since he was a child, about how when he met her, she kind of took him under her wing...molded him? Shaped him... brought him to clubs like Studio 54 and apparently slept with him.

You didn't say it openly. Always replying with things like "Oh wow?" or "that's an interesting story..." But in all honestly, you found it disgusting. Meeting somebody as a child and then turning around and allegedly sleeping with them when they become of age? It rubbed you the wrong way, but everyone else seemed to gloss over it, and you had no reason to stir up something, so you simply shrugged it off and minded the business that paid you.

You turned you head away and instead looked toward the stage. The show would start soon, and you had other things to worry about then somebody else's rather...interesting love life.

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The night passed on boringly, with different celebrities going on stage to claim their awards and you and your small entourage giving your claps of respect and congratulations to the winners and other nominees. And the entire time, Michael continued staring the lady on that stage, handing out the awards down... with so much hurt behind those eyes. His change in mood was such an interesting thing to witness for him to go from looking ready to tease you for the first few minutes to having a mini invisible storm cloud over his head.

You couldn't hold it anymore. You turned your head to him, curls whipping with the movement of your head and spoke.

"Keep staring at her like that and her eyes might explode in her head." You said with a small smirk to which he looked at you and smiled...just a bit. He shifted in his seat and got a little more comfortable.

"Don't think I'd mind that." He said simply, which made your brows raised a bit at his gentle tone but harsh choice words.

"Well damn?" You said as you crossed your arms over your chest and chuckled.

"What she'd do that got you so aggravated tonight? You been staring her down like she killed your chimp." You joked, which caused Michael's smile to falter at the mention of bubbles... but he did not get upset. He sighed instead and sat back as he reached up to scratch the side of his nose. He looked like he was contemplating something... and after a few seconds, he licked his bottom lip and spoke.

"What would you do if someone you have been in love with turned around and married someone else?" He asked simply as he stared at the woman on stage.

You arched a brow at the question and crossed your arms over your chest as you sat back.

"Hm.." You hummed in thought as you looked up as if in deep thought...and then you looked at him.

"Move on." You said simply.

He looked at you with a confused face.

"How?" He said in a genuinely curious tone.

You shrugged in turn. "Healing over time...but even then it probably wouldn't get to that point with me. I can take a hint when someone isn't into me─

He cut you off.

"What if they give you false hints? They sleep with you...do songs with you and stuff..."

You stared at him blankly. False hints? Sleep with you?

Your eyes narrowed and then you looked at Diana, back at him, looked at Diana, and back him....and then you smirked slowly.

"You really let this pug eyed bitch get you to this point?" You asked bluntly which made his eyes widen and he quickly sat up and spoke defensively but was careful to not raise his voice.

"She's not—

You stopped him with a shake of your head and raised hand.

"You're letting someone who took advantage of you make you feel this way? You're Michael Jackson and letting yourself get to this point over someone who isn't seeing your success with a ten foot pole?" You said bluntly and that made him frown.

"She didn't take advantage of me, and you don't give her enough credit. She's Diana Ross—

"And?" You said simply

He stared silently. "And..."

"And you're Michael Jackson." You said simply as you sat up a bit.

"Listen, I know we aren't friends or anything that personal yet, but you should really see more in yourself than what you do. I understand you're hurting and stuff, but at the end of the day you're adored and respected by millions even those outside of America and you have a lot to give...stop letting a need for love distract you from that. Look at the man in the mirror, love and respect starts with you."

You had ranted you realized...but you didn't regret it at all. It felt good to actually voice how you felt to the person who needed to hear it the most in your eyes..and from the looks of it...he listened, and he listened good because he was silent for a while. He stared blankly at you, just taking in the look on your face and that pure fire in your eyes. You meant what you said.

He then chuckled.

"You should take your own advice...saying I need to look for less validation when you're the one who leaves this event with nothing ever since you started going and you pout about it everytime..." He said softly which made you scrunch your lip.

"That's different." You said quickly.

He raised a brow.

"Maybe, but we're two sides of the same coin still." You stared at him blankly, lashes fluttering against your cheeks with each blink...and then you heard it.

"The award, for album of the year of the year goes to..." The paper unfolded slowly...and the name was read out.

"Y/N L/N!"

The people erupted into a sea of cheers and applause and your entire body stiffened up for a moment...and your throat got dry. A hand came to rest over your chest as you looked up at the stage, looked at Jacklyn and Randy...and then you felt a nudge and looked at Michael who smirked at you.

"Go get your award, girl." He said with a smile which made you swallow as Jacklyn helped you up on shaky legs, holding the back of your dress in her hands while Randy rested his palm on your shoulder for support as he helped you up the steps to the stage.

The moment felt so surreal. The lights shone brightly in your eye as you felt sweat beads start forming on your head. Your chest rose and fell rapidly, and your legs shook as you approached the podium slowly. Your heartbeat could be heard in your eyes, your throat felt tight, and the moment your hands touched that cool piece of metal...the tears began to form. Your eyes clouded and grew merky in vision and your lashes began to stick together as you turned to the mic, let out a shaky breath....and smiled.

"...Thank you."

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The speech was beautiful. You thanked your team, your best friend, you family...and all the artists who inspired you to get to this point. This industry wasn't easy, you realized, but the wait was worth it because standing up their on that stage holding the award that you deserved...and that you knew other people wanted you to see have beyond fans was the absolute most exhilarating feeling you've ever felt and you knew when you got home you'd be jumping off the wall with joy. You were going to get so drunk tonight it would've even be funny.

As you sat back down in your seat with a smile on your lips Michael turned to look at you.

"You gonna keep whining about having no Grammy still?" He asked with a smirk.

You looked over and smirked right back. "You gonna keep cryin' over somebody who never cared?" She nodded to the woman on stage, to which he furrowed his brows and his smirk falted just a bit...but it returned just as fast as it left and he leaned forward.

"You know, despite it taking eight years I want you to know I've always enjoyed your music." He said softly.

Your smirk faded and you blinked a few times because small smile of appreciation crossed your lips and you got a little more comfortable.

"Thank you...feels good hearing that from the inspiration." You replied.

He raised a brow.

"That little part of the speech was for me?" He asked with a playful smile to which you shrugged.

"You'd definitely be one of the main inspirations." You said with a nod.

He hummed and sat back comfortably while looking you up and down...and then he crossed his arms.

"I think you're right...about...the self-respect thing." He said softly as he looked down at his feet and bounced his leg. "I do a lot of things for a lot of people, and the only people who had ever really shown the appreciation outside of family are the fans..." He said softly as he let out a breath he did not realize he had been holding in.

He looked over and stared you real deep in your eyes...and then his brows furrowed as he glanced down, thinking visibly.

"Man in the mirror..."

He whispered, referencing your earlier words to him about looking deeper within himself and realizing he has more to give...everyone does.

He bit his bottom lip as he began to smile and then looked up.

"You're a genius girl, you know that?" He asked with that beautiful smile before nudging her.

"When are you free next?" He asked which caused you to furrow your brows and tilt your head to the side in confusion.

"Uh...maybe in week or so? I think I'll be free for mostly the beginning of March." You said with a nod as you thought over your schedule. No major things planned from March 1st to about the 8th...yeah, she was pretty certain about that because she was mainly focused on writing music for her next album.

Michael smiled at that reply.

"...I want to work with you." That made your eyes widened...damn near buldge right out the sockets.

You sat there absolutely stunned into silence. One of the musicians you idolized the most...wanted to work with you?

You sat there...just staring in silence...but then you didn't need to even think about it. Didn't look to your manager for approval or anything of the sort before you replied quickly.

"Yes."

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Might continue??