Michael Jackson x Fem!Reader
Summary: Visiting Michael’s family to tell them the news that you’re pregnant and getting married.
A/N: I’m thinking of including a scene in a later chapter where Michael records a music video with you. What do you think and also since it’s a HIStory music video, what song should it be??
Tapping his fingers against the steering wheel, Michael's engagement ring reflected beautifully under the setting sun's glow.
Driving along the highway, his destination is Hayvenhurst. Music is faintly playing from the radio, he's lost in thought; it becomes background noise.
Alone in the car, he takes a glance beside him, at the passenger seat. Where you would usually be sitting, his eyes are only met with the lasagne dish you provided him with. His mind drifts to a few hours prior...
You cover the food with several pieces of foil. After taking it out of the oven and placing it on a wooden block, you allow it some time to cool down.
"Do I really have to bring this?" Michael watches you untie the apron you're wearing, hands in his pockets as he's about to leave.
"Yes," you nod as if it's the most obvious answer.
"It's only my family," he tries to excuse, reassuring you that there's no need to strain yourself.
"They already like me," he smiles. His sunglasses slightly lift as they rest above his cheeks.
"That doesn't cancel out guest etiquette," you manoeuvre around the kitchen, placing the ingredients you used back into its cupboards and preparing dishes to be washed in the sink.
Michael tries to be helpful by picking up what needs to be cleared, but ends up not knowing where they go. You take it off him and complete the task yourself.
You return to the lasagne, completely packed and ready for travel, you hand it over to Michael, "there."
"Thank you," he takes the dish into his own hands, leaning down to place a brief kiss to your lips.
"You're welcome," you smile. He's truly grateful for your help. And although his family have already expressed their love for you, he appreciates the effort you put in regardless of the fact.
"And I'll be there soon, okay? Huda just needs help with a few things first." Huda was expressing how stressed she is, over the phone, about the date she's going on with her boyfriend.
Although it isn't their first date, she's having an episode of panic. Using the excuse that she helped you with all of your dates with Michael, at the beginning of your relationship, you're forced into helping her.
Michael nods in understanding. Despite knowing you'll be arriving later, he still wishes you were coming with him now.
The memory fades as Michael drives through an exit, leaving the highway and now travelling along a main road.
His thumb brushes unconsciously against the gold band resting on his finger. Still unfamiliar with the new feeling of it, his minds drifts again to the day he bought it with you.
As much as he wished the ring was a perfect fit on you, it was slightly loose and needed adjusting.
Finding yourselves at a jewellery shop, you turn to Michael, patting his back, you encourage him, "you should get one too."
"A ring?" Michael clarifies and you nod.
A woman who works at the store gestures towards the display she was leaning her elbows against, "have a look, we do have matching bands available."
You're immediately intrigued as you bring yourself to inspect the rings which were showcased behind a protective layer of glass. Michael wanders beside you, observing the options for himself as well.
They were simple, nothing flashy, which you love as they embody elegance.
"How about that one?" Michael points. You struggle to figure out which one he's referring to as his finger taps against the glass.
The shopkeeper seems to know exactly which one as she slides the door open from her side and takes out the small box people propose with. She places it on the table as Michael picks one up carefully from its cushioned bed and tries it on.
"May I see yours again?" She smiles and directs her question at you.
"It needs adjusting," it easily slips off your finger as you hand it over to her.
She admires it beneath a warm light, provided by a lamp, she brings her own hand up. "My husband proposed with this thirty years ago," she says warmly, "still my favourite thing I own."
Your expression softens, "it's beautiful."
Michael moves his hand into your view, wearing the ring, he asks, "what do you think of this one?"
You steady his hand in yours, taking a clearer look at it, you smile up at him, "I love it, baby."
He becomes relieved once hearing your approval. Glancing at the shopkeeper again, he nods, "I'll take this please, and how much will adjusting the ring be?"
The woman quietly calculates the total on the register before looking back up politely, "that will be $8,460 altogether please, including the resizing, whenever you're ready."
You blink, subtly glancing at Michael, he doesn't even react. Calmly reaching for his wallet as if it was nothing.
You tap your foot against the floor. It's carpeted so it drowns out what would have been an incessant noise.
"I'll just package these properly for you," her eyes squint behind her glasses as she provides a tight smile, briefly leaving the room to enter a staff only area.
"Baby," you lower your voice even though she's gone, "that's too much."
"It's fine," he tries reassuring you, "it's forever." He says it so sincerely that you can't even argue anymore.
The shopkeeper returns with a small bag containing your rings, "congratulations you two."
"Thank you," you smile, nodding your head as Michael waves at her and repeats your words.
As soon as you leave the shop, before continuing down the pavement, Michael suddenly stops near the door. You turn slightly in confusion as he digs through the bag to pull out the small velvet boxes and opening them both.
Naturally, he slides the ring onto your finger. The band fits perfectly around you this time.
Michael smiles, still holding your hand, he admires the sight. Trying on his own, what may have been a simple gesture in his mind, feels a lot bigger to you.
Standing on the pavement outside some random jewellery store in Beverly Hills and watching him slide an engagement band onto his finger without hesitation shows just how much he truly means it.
He flexes his hand, getting used to the feeling of a ring around his finger. He turns to you, with a smile on his face, "looks better now."
Your chest aches so painfully with love that you have to look away for a second. Somehow, even the smallest things he does always have a certain effect on you.
As the flashback ends, Michael turns the ring once more around his finger before finally lowering his hand back against the steering wheel.
The windows reveal a familiar scenery. Roads that have followed him through nearly every version of his life.
As a child, he would sit in the backseat half asleep after late rehearsals.
As a teenager, he would return home from recording in studios.
As an adult, he would come back from sold out stadiums.
Somehow, they all feel less intimidating than tonight.
Hayvenhurst had once felt enormous to him. Then fame happened. And somewhere over the year, the house slowly transitioned into something quieter.
Less like home and more somewhere he visits between responsibilities.
However, he's not arriving there alone. Despite your absence from the passenger seat, he's carrying pieces of you. From the ring on his finger, to the cooking beside him.
Hayvenhurst doesn't feel distant any longer. Instead, it's somewhere he wants to bring you into.
The streets begin to narrow. Trees stretch over the roads to create uneven shadows beneath the setting sun. Even the air manages to somehow look nostalgic.
His fingers tap quietly against the steering wheel as another song drifts softly through the speakers, barely registering in his mind anymore.
Finally, the gates to Hayvenhurst suddenly come into view as he turns a corner.
The sight of them twists something inside his chest every single time he visits. He believes that the history he has with the place causes it.
His car doesn't get the chance to come to a stop when the gates being to slowly open. Assuming someone inside must have already recognised his vehicle, Michael exhales softly through his nose as he drives forward.
The long driveway stretches ahead beneath the fading evening light. Perfectly trimmed grass, fountains, rows of trees, warm lights glowing from inside the house in the distance.
As he drives further up, more cars become visible near the front of his house. All of his siblings seem to have already arrived. Michael immediately smiles faintly to himself as he notices Janet's car is parked slightly crooked.
Some things never change.
The closer he gets, the louder his nerves return. Not enough to scare him, but just enough to remind him of how important this is.
His family already loves you. He knows that. But this changes everything.
He pulls into a free space near the front steps before shifting the car into park. Michael leaves enough space, next to his car, for you to park when you do happen to arrive.
The engine becomes quiet and everything feels still. For a brief moment, he stays sitting there, hands against the steering wheel and ring glinting perfectly beneath the dashboard lights.
There's reality of tonight settles all over him again. He swallows once before finally reaching towards the lasagne dish on the passenger seat.
Protected with careful layers of foil and wrapped neatly inside a carrier bag, he smiles at your guest etiquette. Carefully lighting the dish into one arm, he steps out of the car,
The evening air feels cooler. From somewhere inside the house, he can already faintly hear laughter. The sound alone relaxes him slightly.
Slowly, he starts towards the front door . Stepping onto the familiar stone steps, they vaguely creak beneath his shoes.
By the time Michael reaches the front door, he's adjusted the grip on the dish at least three times from nerves alone.
Finally, he lifts his hand to knock. Loudly so it can be heard, but still maintaining a softness to prevent any sign of aggression.
Immediately, movement can be heard from inside the house. The door opens to reveal Katherine. "Michael," she smiles warmly the second she sees him.
"Hi, mom," he reciprocates her smile, the tension in his chest immediately put at ease just at the sight of her.
Before he can even properly step inside, Katherine wraps her arms around him, initiating a tight hug. The dish balances awkwardly in his arm.
"Where's Y/N?" Is the very first thing she asks once pulling away.
"Don't worry mom, she'll be here soon, she just has something out to sort out," he reassures his mother.
"Okay, Mike," she nods, "I've put in a lot of effort for her tonight."
"You don't have to do all that," Michael shakes his head, wanting her to relax instead of build strain.
"I can't help it," she laughs softly, "I get really nervous when one of you kids bring a special person around." Michael laughs under his breath at her still referring to him and his siblings as kids.
They continue to smile helplessly as they walk further into the house together. Closing the front door, warm light spills from the living room ahead along with overlapping voices and laughter.
The second Michael steps inside, nearly all of his siblings look up at once.
"Look who finally decided to show up," Jermaine immediately acknowledges.
"Where's Y/N?" Janet unknowingly echoes her mother's question.
Michael laughs, "you people love her more than me."
"Well, she is nicer than you," Randy smirks as he teases his brother.
Michael rolls his eyes, turning to Katherine and carefully handing her the lasagne dish.
"Oh, thank you baby," Katherine gasps at the pleasant surprise, "did you make this?"
"No, Y/N made it especially for you," Michael smiles at the previous flashback to earlier that day.
She places her free hand over her chest, grateful for her kind gesture, "I love her cooking." Despite not having it often, the few occasions you did cook for Katherine became unforgettable in her eyes.
Jermaine leans back against the couch dramatically, "you're lucky. You get her cooking whenever you want."
Michael laughs softly, looking back at his brother, "she's not my maid."
"She made lasagne for your whole family," Jackie points out, "that's love right there." Michael lifts his brow after hearing his analogy, wondering when they became experts on love.
Janet smiles regardless, "how long until she gets here?"
Michael shrugs lightly, "she's helping her friend out with something."
"Is everything okay?" La Toya makes sure.
"Everything's fine," Michael clears before adding, "it's not that kind of emergency you're thinking of."
He lifts his hand absentmindedly while talking, before anyone can interrogate him with asking what sort of emergency he's referring to, the gold band on his finger catches beneath the living room light.
"What's on your hand?" Janet immediately questions with a straight face. Everyone's eyes narrow to observe what she is talking about.
Michael freezes for a second before looking down instinctively. The second he smiles, everyone loses their minds.
Janet stands up, pointing at him, "YOU BETTER START TALKING RIGHT NOW."
Michael laughs nervously as every single person in the room starts yelling over one another.
"Alright, alright!" He tries calming them down.
"No, because what is that?" Randy demands an explanation.
Michael looks down at the ring again before smiling, "...I have news."
The room quietens immediately. Everyone stares at him, awaiting an answer.
He inhales slowly, preparing his next words, he smiles, "Y/N's pregnant." There's complete silence for a few seconds as he continues, "and...we're getting married."
The entire room erupts. Janet's screams are louder than everyone else's combined. Katherine covers her mouth, completely taken aback.
"How far along is she?" Rebbie asks quickly.
Michael already knows this question will erupt in conflict and discussion. Nevertheless, he answers, "twenty weeks."
Everyone's surprised, the room becomes quiet again.
Randy frowns, "twenty weeks?"
Michael's smile falters, "yeah."
"Mike," Randy shakes his head slowly, looking at everyone else in the room who are equally confused. "Why didn't you tell us earlier?" After a brief pause, he then goes on to ask, "...was it her idea?"
The room goes still again. Tense enough that Michael immediately understands that what you feared was unfolding right in front of him.
Even Katherine says nothing. Simply looking at him carefully now. Searching his face for an explanation. Underneath all the excitement, she was hurt he didn't tell her sooner.
Michael notices instantly and shakes his head, "no." His voice is firm, "she wanted to tell you all sooner, but it was my idea not to just yet."
Nobody interrupts him, allowing him to continue speaking, "it wasn't exactly planned. And when we found out...I don't know. We wanted time to process it ourselves first. And honestly...I wanted to protect her a little. I didn't want everybody overwhelming her before we even fully wrapped our heads around it."
The room grows gentle after everyone has listened and understood the matter of his circumstances.
Katherine's face visibly softens and suddenly, the offence disappears entirely.
The room stays quiet for a moment longer before Jermaine sighs dramatically, "well...you're still insane for waiting twenty weeks."
A few laughs break through the tension at last. And slowly, the room begins to feel a lot warmer again.
"Wait," Janet suddenly gasps, "do you have ultrasound pictures?"
Michael's eyes widen in excitement, finally getting the chance to show off his precious baby, "yeah."
She squeals and walks over to Michael's side as he reaches for his back pocket, pulling out his wallet which contains the photo.
It's from your last ultrasound which was only a few days ago. Everyone surrounds Michael, trying to get some form of a peek at the photo he has.
"The due date's November 30th," Michael remembers. He extends his arms so everyone gets the chance to see.
"A thanksgiving baby," Janet clasps her hands together.
Randy leans in closer to the photo, tilting his head to try and get a better look, "...I'm not going to lie Mike, I have no idea what I'm seeing."
"That's the head," Michael describes, pointing at each part of the photo, "and those are the legs." It's a lot more clear than the first scan at nine weeks.
"Oh my God..." Jermaine's eyes widen. Proof right in front of him that Michael's going to be a father.
"They're already beautiful," Katherine gently pats Michael's shoulder, pressing a light kiss to his cheek.
"Do you know if it's a boy or a girl yet?" Jackie asks.
"We have the envelope," Michael smiles at the memory of how heavy it felt in his hands.
"And you haven't opened it?" La Toya raises her brows, in shock at how patient he is.
"We want it to be a surprise," he explains, "...though we might cave eventually." Although you're past halfway through the pregnancy journey, it still feels like a long time until you meet the baby.
"Lemme see the envelope," Jermaine extends his hand out as if Michael has it with him right now.
Michael side-eyes Jermaine as if he can't believe he just asked that, "no."
"I can keep a secret," he pokes a finger into his own chest, elaborating how responsible he is.
"No you can't," Michael's brows furrow as everyone begins to laugh.
The doorbell rings which causes Janet to smile even more, "she's here!" Before anyone can react to this piece of information, Janet suddenly runs to answer the front door.
"Janet," Michael immediately hurries after her, laughing.
Once he reaches the entrance, she opens the door to reveal you. Barely having time to say hello, Janet throws her arms around you tightly, "congratulations!"
You laugh, immediately understanding Michael has told them the news, you wrap your arms around her too. "Thank you."
Janet pulls away, still grinning widely, Michael finally reaches the doorway to greet you. He steps closer immediately and presses a quick kiss against your lips, "everything okay?"
"Yeah. Everything's sorted," you nod. The nervousness you were just carrying instantly softens.
Janet looks down, her eyes widen at the sight of your unmistakable bump beneath your outfit. "Oh my God," she covers her mouth and you begin to feel shy. She looks back up at you excitedly, "can I touch it?"
You freeze, "...um." Feeling a sense of overwhelm, you're not used to anyone besides Michael, Huda or doctors truly acknowledging the baby.
"Janet," Michael notices your hesitation, "leave her alone, she just got here."
"Oh my God, sorry," she realises how scared you must feel, all of a sudden, being the centre of attention.
"No, it's okay," you smile, shaking your head to confirm your reassurance.
"I got excited," she takes a second to calm down, brushing her hair away from her face.
"I know," you place a gentle hand over her shoulder, understanding how momentous this news must feel.
Michael waits for you to step inside before gently resting a hand against the small of your back. The three of you enter the living room together which is where absolute chaos erupts.
You jump in surprise as everyone immediately starts talking over each other again.
Through all of the noise, Katherine stands up from her seat. She pulls you into a warm, tight hug once reaching you. You melt almost instantly into it.
"My goodness," she murmurs softly, "look at you." Emotion rises in your throat. There's something so deeply maternal in the way Katherine holds you. Something you grew up without.
She rubs your back gently before pulling away just enough to look at you properly, "you know I'm always here for you, right?"
You feel your eyes begin to water, "...thank you." You mean it more than Katherine probably realises.
Her eyes widen at the sudden reminder, "and thank you for the lasagne."
You laugh softly through the emotion, "you're welcome."
La Toya grabs your hand, "let me see the ring." She brings your hand up to inspect the jewel on your finger. Everyone's also intrigued as they crowd around you.
You laugh in slight embarrassment, holding your hand out, the diamond catches beautifully beneath the living room light.
"Michael," La Toya gasps as Jermaine shakes his head, wondering why bought something that probably costs more than his car.
You look over at Michael who's standing away from the crowd. Hands in his pockets, he watches everyone admire your ring. "I love it," you smile, tenderly gazing into his eyes. "I can't stop looking at it."
He grins proudly at the fact that he chose something you love. "It's beautiful," Katherine smiles, taking your hand and watching the diamond glint.
She gently lowers your hand before clapping hers together lightly, "alright, now that everyone's finally here, we should go to the dining room and eat before everything gets cold."
The room immediately shifts again. Randy starts to complain about being so hungry. Voices overlap and chairs move as the crowd which was gathered around you slowly begins to break apart and head towards the dining room.
Janet squeezes your arm one last time before finally moving away with La Toya and Rebbie still talking excitedly over each other.
Gradually, the noise which was previously surrounding you moves to be ahead of you.
You're left standing there for a brief second before feeling Michael's presence beside you. He stayed behind like he always does. Your eyes lift to him automatically.
He smiles, settling his hand carefully against the middle of your back, his touch grounds you beneath all of the noise and excitement which still echoes from the next room.
"You look beautiful," he glances over your dress, taking in the sight with appreciative eyes. His hand slides slightly lower, resting over your ass, he guides you forward with him and towards the dining room.
Your hand comes naturally to rest lightly against his back in return. Fingers curling against the silk fabric of his shirt, "you look handsome."
Michael smiles immediately, curls falling softly around his face, "yeah?"
"Very," you nod, pressing your lips together in amusement. Michael traces a finger over his bottom lip in an attempt to maintain his composure. He becomes shy so fast.
Ahead of you, laughter spills from the dining room. Arguing over who gets to sit where, Katherine tells everyone to just sit down already.
The two of you walk in together to find the long dining table already completely set. A warm light accompanies the atmosphere as it stretches across the polished dishes and glasses.
Everyone has already chosen their seat, leaving two chairs closest to the entrance for you and Michael to take. He instinctively pulls a chair out of you as you settle into it. Slowly lowering yourself down as your bump starts to feel heavy.
Almost immediately, the ultrasound photo becomes the centre of conversation again. Katherine smiles softly while looking over at you from her seat, "that baby's going to be beautiful." Her hand extends to yours, encouragingly patting it. "Michael showed us the ultrasound; he keeps it in his wallet."
Jermaine laughs too, "he started giving us a presentation, pointing at everything." You glance at Michael beside you, smiling softly to yourself at the thought.
"As long as they look like her they'll be beautiful," Michael looks at you again.
"Oh stop it," Katherine’s voice softens instantly, understanding his insecurity and where it comes from.
You turn to look at him, "I want them to look like you too." Michael looks unconvinced by your words. "I'm serious."
Jermaine lets out a small laugh, absentmindedly rubbing his finger over his chin in thought, "yeah, they'll be better off not looking like you, Mike." Michael can't help but release a laugh at his brother's teasing.
Katherine's expression changes immediately, "Jermaine." The warning and firmness in her voice quietens the room almost instantly, "don't say that."
Jermaine's lifts his hand in surrender. Katherine turns back to look at Michael, "you're handsome. Always have been."
He sinks slightly lower into his chair. Immediately embarrassed with the attention he's receiving. As if he doesn't physically know how to receive compliments about his appearance.
Everyone's attention is redirected to the staff who enter the room, carrying dishes of food, you spot the lasagne you made as it's placed onto the table.
"Turns out I was rushing everyone in here but the food wasn't even ready," Katherine covers her mouth in slight embarrassment as everyone laughs.
Rebbie takes your plate, considering you're the guest of honour, you're provided with the first serving. When returning your plate, it's covered with each portion of what has been cooked; pasta, vegetables and of course, your lasagne.
"...I still hope they look like you," Michael mumbles quietly under his breath. It's just enough that only you can hear. Besides, everyone's too infatuated with taking out their food.
"Stop saying that," you reach your hand beneath the table to rest lightly against his leg. Michael just grins.
The conversation around the table varies between work, recent projects, kids until Katherine brings up a childhood story about Michael.
She smiles fondly across the table and towards you, "you know, when Michael was little, he used to sneak into the kitchen late at night thinking nobody would notice."
Michael immediately sighs, "mom..."
She ignores him completely as she continues, "I'd come downstairs and find him standing on the counter trying to reach the cookie tin."
You laugh, looking over at Michael who's about to die of embarrassment, "he climbed onto the counter?"
"Oh yes," she shakes her head at the memory, picturing it in her mind, "he was so small; I don't know how he got up there."
Jermaine extends his arm, eyes widening as the flashback comes back to him, "he was so tiny."
"I wasn't tiny," Michael's brows furrow, offended with how targeted he's becoming.
"You were built like a spoon," Jermaine comments, causing the table to burst into laughter as Michael presses his lips together in betrayal.
Katherine taps her finger against your hand, "and every single time I caught him, he'd blame one of his brothers."
Michael comes to his own defence immediately, "because they used to eat them too."
"Mhm," Katherine raises her brows, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms, "except your brothers weren't the ones leaving footprints on the counter."
You laugh at the image of tiny Michael standing guiltily on the kitchen counter at three in the morning.
Randy suddenly leans forward dramatically, "oh no, tell her the mall story."
"No," Michael's eyes narrow immediately.
"What mall story," you smile curiously, assuming it's something embarrassing as Michael doesn't want you to know.
"Don't encourage him," he turns back to you.
Randy grins anyway, beginning to tell the story, "we were teenagers and Michael thought he could disguise himself with sunglasses and a giant hat."
Michael looks exhausted already, "I was disguised."
"You looked ridiculous," Tito adds.
Jermaine's already laughing before Randy can even continue, "anyway, he kept telling everybody not to look at him because he was undercover."
"Oh my God," you laugh, glancing at Michael who looks over at you completely defeated.
"But then," he uses hand gestures for dramatic effect, "he walks directly into a perfume display because he was too busy hiding from people."
Even Katherine laughs openly. Michael looks horrified, "that's not how it happened."
"Yes it is," Randy leans back in his chair.
"No it's not," Michael leans forward, shaking his head. "You're forgetting the part where you tried flirting with that girl at the makeup counter."
You sit up straighter, looking between the two, "what happened?"
Michael smiles innocently, amused by your interest in the story, "he thought she was flirting with him."
"She was flirting with me," Randy casually takes a sip of his drink.
"She worked there," Michael continues mercilessly, "he spent twenty minutes showing off just for her to ask if he wanted to sign up for the store's membership card."
Janet covers her face in secondhand embarrassment, "oh my God."
Randy furrows his brows, "you're twisting the story."
"I'm just correcting it," Michael shrugs. Unfortunately for him, his siblings were nowhere near finished with humiliating him.
"Tell her what happened after the perfume counter," Randy changes the subject.
Michael's smile drops, "no."
The entire table bursts in fits of laughter again. You look around, completely lost, "what happened?"
Michael looks over at you, placing a hand on your thigh, he shakes his head, "he exaggerates."
"Well I'm not right now," Randy rolls his eyes.
Jermaine continues with the story, laughing too hard to properly speak, "so after the makeup girl rejects Randy-"
"She did not reject me," he adds.
"-somebody finally recognised Michael."
Michael's hand drifts away from your thigh to his lap. You look over at him, wondering what happens next in the story to make Michael look so drained just at the telling of it.
"This woman just stares at him for like ten whole seconds," Randy takes over the story once again. "She keeps looking between him and a magazine cover which is by the register."
"And then, she finally goes, 'that's Michael Jackson?'" Even Michael starts laughing quietly to himself, "she looks him up and down first. And then she says, '...I thought he'd be prettier in person.'"
Michael covers his face with his hands as everyone laughs at the words of some random woman who worked at the mall.
Unlike everyone else, you didn't find it funny. Your smile fades almost instantly. You couldn't believe someone could say something so awful. Especially to him.
Your eyes flicker to Michael who's sitting beside you. What hurts the most is how normal this story seems to him. As if he hears comments like this so many times they barely even shock him anymore.
"I don't like that story," you press your lips together and shake your head.
"It's funny," Jermaine laughs, raising his brows, he's confused with how you're not finding it comedic.
"Not what she said," you provide a small smile, not wanting to seem a complete buzzkill. "You are pretty," you turn to Michael. He glances at you, expression softening instantly at how you defend him over something small like that.
"That's the compliment he's been waiting his whole life for," Jermaine laughs loudly.
"Oh my God," Michael mutters into his hands as he covers his face again, irritated with how he's unable to spend a peaceful moment with you. Despite hiding his face, he's still smiling.
Conversation around the table soon settles into a softer tone. Topics shifting into politics and everything that has been reported in the news from the past week.
Empty glasses and plates scatter the table as staff quietly begin clearing them away. Jermaine still laughs occasionally every time he looks at Michael, "you're never escaping that story."
"I hate you," Michael shakes his head with a small smile. Brows knitted together and exhausted with the conversation.
Janet stretches, almost falling off her chair, "I'm gonna fall asleep if we stay in here any longer."
"That's because you ate half the lasagne," Randy furrows his brows, blaming her for the reason as to why he only received a small portion.
Katherine shakes her head fondly before standing, "come on." She gestures everyone out of the room, "let's go back into the living room."
At her request, everyone collapses onto the couch. Absolutely stuffed from the delicious food, the room stays comfortably quiet for the next few moments.
Your hand rests over your stomach, looking over at Michael, he seems bored as he stares up at the ceiling. You move your foot to lie on top of his. He looks down at what you're doing before he begins lifting his leg up, causing yours to move along with him.
Katherine walks towards the stereo system which is positioned against the far wall in the living room. The large speakers sit on either side of the polished, wooden cabinet stacked with decks of different cassettes.
Opening a small case beside the stereo, she flips through several CDs before finding the one she's looking for. "Ah," she slides the disc carefully from its case.
A soft mechanical whir fills the room as she presses the eject button. A CD tray slowly glides out. You watch curiously from the couch, wondering what song will eventually play. Katherine places the disc inside before pressing the button again.
The tray disappears smoothly back into the stereo. A small click sounds through the speakers, static plays before a brief second of silence. She adjusts the large volume knob slightly higher.
And suddenly, the opening notes of "I Want You Back" play warmly through the room.
The entire room reacts instantly. Annoyance can be heard with slight amusement. You look up to read Michael's expression, despite pretending to be annoyed, he's smiling widely.
"We really have to do this?" Tito raises his brows.
Yes," her answer is final. Completely unbothered by everyone's complaining, she adjusts the stereo volume to become slightly louder.
The intro continues playing, Katherine begins softly singing beside the stereo, swaying to the music, "uh-huh huh huh huh..."
The room bursts into laughter and groans again. "She wants backup singers now," Rebbie rolls her eyes jokingly.
Katherine points around the room, "oh, all of you are joining."
Jermaine leans back against the couch, singing the next line, "let me tell ya now..."
Randy immediately joins, louder than necessary, "uh-huh!"
Janet laughs while singing, "when I had you to myself..."
"I didn't want you around..." La Toya takes over, pointing a finger at Tito for him to continue.
You feel as if you're getting your own private concert. Everyone's voices are effortlessly amazing. They're sinking into the couch, after eating a full meal, and still singing as if they're on stage.
You press your lips together, smiling as you watch and enjoy listening to everyone sing their beloved family song.
Several of them turn to Michael, expecting him to join in. "Oh no," he lowers his head into your shoulder, hiding the smile on his face.
"Your turn," Marlon orders, clapping his hands together to the music.
Michael shakes his head, still facing into you.
"You literally sang the original," La Toya encourages him.
He looks up, still refusing to sing, Janet pushes his arm, "Michael! We're missing the lyrics right now."
He finally gives in. Smiling shyly to himself, he leans forward slightly, elbows against his knees as the next line approaches, "trying to live without your love is a one long sleepless night..."
The entire room has completely changed since walking in here. When everyone was tired, on the verge of going to sleep, has turned into a whole performance.
Despite relaxing into the couch, his voice still sounds so beautiful. Everyone around him smiles proudly.
Jermaine joins loudly after, competing with Michael, "let me show you girl..."
Marlon stands up, starting to dance, "that I know wrong from right!" Everyone cheers, beginning to get up themselves and start to dance.
You stay seated alongside Michael whose arm drapes lazily over the cushion you're resting against.
Janet steals the next line, "every street you walk on..."
La Toya and Rebbie join in with her, harmonising, "I leave tear stains on the ground."
Katherine stands up, Tito takes her hands and begins dancing with her.
Janet walks towards you, holding out a fake microphone using her hand, wanting you to sing, "your turn."
"No thanks," your eyes widen, smiling awkwardly, you shake your head.
"Come on," Rebbie walks over. She takes your hands, encouraging you to stand up and dance with her, "just one line."
"She's shy," Marlon laughs.
Michael looks over at him, "she doesn't have to if she doesn't want to."
You laugh nervously, all of the attention on you, the chorus approaches and you quietly join in, " oh baby give me one more chance..." It wasn't loud at all. You break into a fit of laughter in the middle of it.
"Keep going," Janet laughs, using her hand to gesture for you to keep the song flowing.
You laugh into your hands, covering your entire face. Michael watches in a knowing smirk, listening to you sing along to songs playing on the radio but unable to look them in the eye when trying to sing in front of his family.
Everyone starts singing again regardless. Jermaine takes over most of the lines, trying to show off, as Marlon's dancing outshines everyone else.
You and Michael try your best to contribute to the song, briefly singing lines. He looks at you in complete awe when you do sing. Not because you're the greatest singer he's ever witnessed, because he's seeing you so happy and uncontrollably laughing.
He's suddenly hit with the reminder that you've never experienced a happy family moment like this before. Growing up so lonely and afraid, with no one to rely on or help you, he can't help but reach his hand out to yours.
You look over at Michael and the hold he has on you. Smiling back up at him, you lean in to give him a kiss. It's small, but lingering, it doesn't need to speak a thousand words. And that reassures Michael as he understands that's what you want.
A life that seems unattainable considering the fame that comes along with him. It's difficult to find a moment's peace with constant fear of paparazzi snapping a photograph and tabloids generating ridiculous headlines.
He desperately wishes you can just walk out in public, go shopping with your pregnancy bump being so visible and no one caring that you're his fiancée.
The stereo continues filling the room. Voices overlap with each other and everything feels alive. During another round of the chorus, you suddenly feel a gentle hand touch your shoulder. Turning slightly, you find Katherine standing beside the couch.
"Come with me for a moment, sweetheart," the request is quiet enough that you barely hear it above the music.
You blink in slight surprise before nodding, "okay."
Michael glances at you as he watches you stand up from your seat and let go of his hand, "what's happening?"
"Your mom just wants me for a second," you explain, brushing lightly against him as you move past him.
"Uh oh," you hear Michael quietly add, causing you to laugh and Katherine to roll her eyes fondly before guiding you into another room.
Behind the two of you, you hear the music continue loudly. Jermaine yells at Marlon for dancing off-beat before sighing, "here's how you do it."
And gradually, the noise softens as Katherine leads you into one of the quieter sitting rooms further down the hall. The door is left slightly open to seem less daunting on you.
For a moment, you simply stand there awkwardly, unsure what is exactly happening.
Katherine reaches up slowly towards the necklace around her neck. You've always admired it, embodying something delicate, elegant and timeless. It's a thin, gold chain which holds a small, oval locket with tiny pearls surrounding it.
Beautiful in the kind of way family heirlooms always are.
You watch in confusion as she carefully unclasps it, "Ms Jackson-?"
Katherine turns it in her hand, "I want you to have this."
Your eyes widen at the gesture, "no, I can't take that."
"Yes, you can," Katherine steps closer, placing the necklace carefully into your hands.
"That's exactly why I'm giving it to you."
You look completely overwhelmed now," I really can't, Ms Jackson."
"Call me mom," she smiles warmly, reaching over to squeeze your hand gently, "you're family now." Her words impact you significantly. "I've always had a soft spot for Michael. He grew up carrying so much pressure on his shoulders."
You listen carefully, occasionally looking down at the necklace stiff in your hands. "And now he's marrying you," she continues. Her eyes move over you gently, "I see the way he looks at you."
You immediately look down, smiling at the ground, finally aware that his mother notices the way he is around you.
"And I know life hasn't always been kind to you either," she says carefully, you look back up at her as she continues, "you didn't deserve the things you went through."
Silence settles softly between the two of you. She reaches forwards and brushes a strand of hair behind your ear gently, "but look at the woman you still became." Feeling yourself trying to hold back tears, you're finally receiving the maternal support you've always yearned for. "You should feel proud of yourself for that."
You swallow hard before finally whispering, "...thank you." You mean it with everything you have to give.
Katherine gently takes the necklace from your hands and moves to put it around you. To be of help, you lift your hair out of the way as she clasps it around you. "There, you look beautiful."
Your fingers rise instinctively towards the locket now resting against your chest. The pearls catch softly beneath the warm lamp light. It feels heavier than jewellery should be. Emotionally heavy.
You blink quickly, trying not to cry in front of her, but she notices anyway. Her expression softens instantly, "oh sweetheart..."
Before you can properly think about it, you step forward and hug her. It's careful at first then tighter when she immediately hugs you back.
One of her hands settle against the back of your head comfortingly while the other rubs slowly along your back.
"Thank you," you whisper quietly against her shoulder.
Katherine squeezes you once more before pulling back slightly, "you don't ever have to thank me for loving you."
From down the hall, loud laughter echoes through the house again. Followed by Jermaine yelling, "give me the remote!" You both laugh softly at the chaos.
Katherine shakes her head, "they've probably destroyed my living room by now."
You smile, wiping the tears that have already begun leaving your eyes, "I should probably go save Michael."
"Oh no," Katherine laughs, "that boy enjoys the attention too much."
She gently fixes the necklace one final time as it rests against your collarbone before guiding you both back towards the hallway.
For the first time in your life, walking beside Katherine feels strangely close to walking beside your mother.
The closer the two of you get to the living room, the louder the television becomes. Gone is the music from earlier. The atmosphere shifts into something softer and more relaxed.
The hourly news broadcast is playing on the television while nearly everyone talks over it. Jermaine is somehow passionately arguing with Randy about politics despite neither of them fully understanding what the reporter is discussing.
"Can we please stop pretending any of you care about politics?" Janet groans dramatically from on of the armchairs. Rebbie laughs into her drink as La Toya begins challenging what the reporter says on the television.
Nobody even properly notices you and Katherine returning at first. It honestly helps as your emotions still feel fragile.
The necklace feels cool against your skin as you quietly enter the room again and retake your seat next to Michael at the end of the couch. He immediately shifts slightly to make enough room for you to be comfortable.
His hand settles absentmindedly against your knee, still half listening to his brothers argue.
"You can't trust politicians."
"You literally voted for him."
"That's beside the point."
You laugh quietly beneath your breath as Micheal's attention is completely stolen by the necklace you're wearing. You touch the locket shyly at his gaze, "your mom gave it to me."
Michael looks up immediately towards Katherine standing across the room. She simply smiles knowingly. He's almost destroyed emotionally, understanding the acceptance behind her gesture.
His thumb brushes gently against your knee, leaning closer into you, his eyes search for yours before pressing a brief kiss against your temple.
Katherine disappears briefly towards one of the cabinets nearby. She returns holding a camera and walking to the middle of the room, blocking what's being shown on the television. "We're taking pictures."
"Mom..." Tito sighs. No one wants to take photos after becoming bloated from a full meal and lazily stretching across the couch.
"No," Katherine's completely unmoved by the complaints, "we're doing this."
"Why now?" Jackie stands up from his seat, smoothing his shirt so that it isn't crumpled anymore.
Janet sprints to a nearby mirror, adjusting her appearance. You grab your handbag, taking out a lipstick and running to the mirror as well to apply it.
"Can I borrow that?" La Toya comes up behind you, laughing, you hand it over to her.
Michael takes the sunglasses he left resting in his collar to put them on. "You're indoors," you look at him through the mirror.
"Take those off," Katherine points at him, finding it ridiculous. He sighs and places them back into his collar. "Theres something else I need to get," she remembers, disappearing again for a second before returning with a large tripod beneath her arm.
"Oh, she's serious," Marlon reacts instantly at the professional camera equipment, "let me help you with that, mom." He comes to her side and takes over the heavy lifting.
"Thanks, baby," she begins setting the tripod near the fireplace whilst everyone else frantically continues fixing the way they look.
The metal legs click loudly as she adjusts the height carefully. You watch in amusement as Katherine attaches the camera properly before stepping back to inspect the angle.
"Everyone stand together," she instructs as people still move around the frame aimlessly. "No, not there," she starts arranging everyone herself, "Michael, stop hiding behind Y/N." You laugh, turning your head to find him ducking behind you.
Michael moves around you, slipping his arm comfortably around your waist as everyone crowds together.
"The timer!" Janet suddenly gasps. Katherine presses the button as a small red light at the front of the camera begins blinking. "Oh my God go," she hurries her mother.
Katherine moves to squeeze in the middle of everyone. People nearly trip trying to get into position. Jermaine shoves Randy as Janet laughs too hard to stand still.
"Smile!" Katherine yells as everyone tries settling in frame. A flash beams, the room lights briefly, and everyone's suddenly running to the camera to see how it turned out.
"I look ugly," Rebbie gasps to your surprise after seeing how gorgeous she looks in the photo, "take another."
"We need one with just the engaged couple," Katherine laughs, planning out the next photo.
Michael's hands are behind his back with his lips pressed together, you look up at him and begin laughing.
"Look at them pretending to be shy now," Randy looks over at the two of you.
"You two stand there," she points near the fireplace, getting Marlon to pick up the camera, alongside its tripod, to move it somewhere else.
You walk towards her desired location as Michael follows closely behind you. The second you stop walking, his hand settles naturally against the small of your back.
"Closer," Katherine instructs. You bury your face in Michael's shoulder laughing,. He shakes his head smiling.
Eventually, you settle beside him properly with one hand resting lightly against his chest and his arm around your waist. His hand settles carefully against the curve of your stomach without even thinking about it.
Another flash blinds you as Katherine speaks instantly, "oh that one's lovely." Which causes you to grow shy. "Okay," she clasps her hands together, "now I want one with my girls."
You stand nearby, watching fondly beside Michael. Katherine notices immediately, "sweetheart, get in here."
"Yes you," Janet grabs your wrist and pulls you into the group. Rebbie laughs softly behind you. "La Toya, hurry up," Janet calls her as she's still looking at herself through the mirror.
"I am hurrying," she presses her lips together after applying another coat of your lipstick.
Katherine seats herself in the middle, Janet practically attaches herself to one side of her mother as La Toya adjusts her hair every five seconds. You're unsure where to stand exactly ad Katherine reaches towards you, "come here sweetheart."
She pulls you closer until you're standing directly beside her chair. Her hand settles warmly around your wrist while the other rests against Janet's arm.
Jermaine's holding the camera, before he clicks it, Janet speaks up, "La Toya, move, I want the baby included too."
La Toya shifts slightly away as instructed, smiling at the bump being clearer in the frame. Jermaine points at your stomach, "that baby's not even born yet and they already have paparazzi level photo shoots."
"I like this angle better," La Toya changes the direction of her face.
"Everybody smile," Randy speaks up from the couch.
The camera flashes once again and Rebbie takes it from Jermaine, "aww, I love this one."
"Alright," Jermaine points towards the couch, "time for the men."
"Oh Lord," Janet mutters, shaking her head at what will be a difficult task. She proves to be right as they become immediately impossible.
Gathered near the couch is Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Randy and Michael. Not one of them can behave.
"Stand still," Michael tells Jackie.
"I am standing still," he argues back.
Randy keeps making faces behind people's heads. Jermaine refuses to stop laughing. Marlon keeps shoving Tito slightly out of frame.
Michael stands near the middle, already regretting everything, "can we just take the picture?"
"Everyone look normal," Janet holds the camera. At the very last second, Randy lifts two fingers behind Marlon's head to make bunny ears.
The second of the flash goes off, the room explodes, "Randy, you're so annoying."
"You looked too serious," he laughs in Marlon's face.
Katherine takes the camera from Janet and skims through the roll of photos that were just taken, "these are definitely going in the photo album."
"Oh no," Rebbie facepalms herself.
The room gradually settles with people sinking back into the couch and the television continuing to play as Jermaine flicks through the channels.
Michael leans back into the couch cushions with a long sigh. You glance towards him instantly, "you okay?"
He nods once, rubbing tiredly beneath one eye, "mhm."
He turns slightly towards you now, voice quieter, "little bit."
Your expression softens, "do you want to go home?"
He smiles at the mention of your shared home, going back somewhere together, "yeah." He sits forward, elbows against his knees. "Alright," he announces to the room, "we should probably head out."
Katherine's smile drops, "you can't stay a little longer?"
Michael smiles apologetically, not wanting to hurt his mother's heart, "I've got to go to the studio tomorrow."
At the mention of work, Tito points at him, "how's the album coming along?"
Michael exhales tiredly, "slow."
"That means he keeps changing everything," Jermaine translates.
You laugh quietly beside him as Jackie's shakes his head, "you've been working on this thing forever."
"It's important," he explains. Despite him wanting to keep it a surprise from you, you understand this album means something deeply personal to him.
Marlon leans back into the couch, "so when are we hearing it?"
Michael throws a pillow towards him, "shut up."
You slowly stand up, Michael helps you as it becomes a difficult task after sinking into the couch.
Katherine hugs you first before Michael. Janet squeezes you dramatically one final time, promising to call you sometime this week. La Toya offers to pack you some leftovers from dinner.
Randy manages to almost knock over a lamp as he jokingly hugs Michael so tightly they both fall onto the couch.
Eventually, you and Michael make your way to the front door together whilst Katherine follows closely behind. "You two drive safely," she says warmly.
"We will," you smile, taking your car keys out of your bag.
Michael pauses, looking over at you, he remembers, "...we came in separate cars."
"Yeah," you nod, walking towards your own car and turning the keys into the door.
"Just come with me," Michael walks towards you, hands in his pockets.
"No," you laugh, shaking your head and opening the driver side door.
"Why not?" He watches you get in and place your handbag on the passenger seat.
"I'm not leaving my car here," you look over at him in disbelief that he's even questioning you.
"We can get it tomorrow," as if it's the most simple solution.
"That means I have to come back for it tomorrow," you turn your key into the ignition, hearing the car start.
"Come on, baby," he leans his hand over the door, you press your lips together, trying to suppress giving in.
"It's only fifteen minutes until we're home," you excuse. He sighs loudly and straightens up, closing your door before walking away.
You check yourself in the mirror before catching him, through the windshield, walk around your car. The passenger side door opens and he gently picks up your purse, getting in the car first before placing it on one of the backseat.
"You're coming with me?" You tease him.
"Yeah," he nods, smiling.
"Okay," you wait for him to put his seatbelt on before driving out of the parking space and leaving the gates of Hayvenhurst. Michael rests his head back against the seat, visibly more relaxed now than he has been earlier this evening.
You glance at the radio which is currently playing some late night talk show. Reaching forward, your fingers wrap around the tuning knob slowly, carefully twisting it.
Your eyes shift between the road and the frequency as you drive along. The sound crackles between stations until music finally floods clearly through the speakers.
"Oh my God," your face instantly lights up. Michael already recognises the opening instrumental before the vocals even begin.
The beginning of Rock with You fills the car softly. You immediately turn the volume up slightly. Michael turns his head to look outside as the streets glow softly beneath scattered streetlights.
You begin singing along, "girl, close your eyes...let that rhythm get into you." Michael watches you for a second, completely distracted now. There's something surreal about hearing someone you love sing your music back to you so naturally.
As the chorus approaches, he quietly joins in for a line, "I wanna rock with youuu...all niiight."
"Oh my God, you're singing," you look over at him briefly with a big smile.
"I sing this for a living," his brows knit together.
"But you're singing with me," you place your hand over his thigh to rub him affectionately.
"You're cute," he places his hand over yours. The song keeps playing in the background as Michael begins talking again, "so..."
You glance at him briefly again, "so?"
"How'd everything go with Huda?"
You stop at a red light before continuing, "I finally met her boyfriend properly."
Michael immediately looks interested, "oh?"
He tries to sound casual after, "...is he handsome?"
You look at him immediately, brows furrowed and a confused smile, "what?"
He shrugs innocently while staring out the windshield, "I'm just asking."
The question itself isn't jealous exactly. Somewhat curious as if he's trying to figure out what catches your attention in other people. You know him too well not to notice.
Michael turns to look at you instantly, "baby."
"What?" You grin innocently.
He looks away, pretending to focus on something that's outside, "you flirt too much."
"You make it too easy," you glance at him briefly before looking back at the road.
He sinks lower into the passenger seat, shaking his head whilst trying, and failing, to hide the smile breaking across his face. The passing streetlights continue to expose him anyway.
"They suit each other," you say after a second, "it reminds me of us a little."
He trusts your judgement more than anyone else's. If you think someone is good for the people you love, then they probably are.
"When Huda first met you. Do you remember?"
"Of course," he grins, leaning back into the seat, "she threatened me."
"She was trying to protect me," you clarify.
Michael nods, "I know," he lifts the hand you have on his thigh to his lips. "What does she think of me now?"
The question catches you off guard. He isn't insecure, but despite everything, part of him wonders if the people closest to you truly trust him with your heart.
"She does?" He looks over at you, taken aback by your answer.
You shrug lightly, assuming it was obvious, "because you make me happy."
Michael smiles to himself quietly for the rest of the drive home.
