Imagine seeing Michael in the hospital for the first time after the Pepsi accident and spending time reading to him as he recovers.
This one is based off of an imagine request by @fandomsarefamily1966 but when I began to write it, it was less about reading stories (as requested) and more about seeing him for the first time, but, I think it's beautiful this way, too 🥹
Inspired by the events following the Pepsi accident - so there is mention of hospital and his burn but nothing graphic so it should be okay. Just letting you know!
I am also very tired and 100% know the tenses are not perfectly aligned throughout but that doesn't matter in a one-shot right lolol
Enjoy!
Michael had been injured - very badly. The worst he ever had been and the worst you had ever known of someone so far in your life. You cried when you were told he had been badly burned during the commercial shoot. You waited with his family in the waiting room for hours and hours, hoping for some sort of miracle or positive outcome. When the doctor finally arrived, he said Michael was in stable condition but there would be a long road to recovery ahead. You breathed out a shaky sigh of relief.
“He does not want visitors yet,” The doctor said.
Two days later, you received a phone call from Michael’s mother, Katherine. She tells you that he is in a lot of pain but he wants to see you.
“You always know how to cheer him up. Could you come, please?” she asked.
“Of course, Mrs. Jackson,” you replied.
That night, you entered the hospital through a special door for visitors of those higher in status in the hospital. They checked you in and gave you a special badge and lanyard that you were to wear around your neck. You slipped it over your head carefully.
“He’s in room 403,” the nurse said. You gulped and nodded. You turned to your left and walked down the darkened hall. As you approached his corridor, you saw Bill resting out front of his room. Your footsteps were quiet, but not quiet enough. Bill opened his eyes and sat up straight. When he saw you, he smiled.
“Hey, (Y/N),” he said.
“Hello,” You said with a rattled voice. Bill nodded.
“I know. This is…messed up to say the least. That boy don’t deserve this…,” he said. You shook your head.
“No. He doesn’t,” you say. Bill stood up.
“Go on ahead in. I know he’s been asking for you,” he said. You nod.
You hesitate for a moment as you approach the door. You grab the door handle. As you peered into the window of the door, your chest dropped into your stomach as you viewed the state Michael was in. You held your breath as you pushed the door open. You walked in and looked around the door. Michael seemed to be sleeping. You then closed the door behind you as you walked over towards the bed. You stood back a few feet as you looked down at him. The top-back portion of his head was wrapped in white bandages and he had an IV with pain medicine drip…drip…dripping down. You cover your mouth with your fingers as tears welled into your eyes.
“Jesus…,” you uttered. This was a bit louder than you anticipated as Michael’s eyes opened. He blinked and moved very slowly. He sniffed as his eyes focused. Then - he saw you. A very small smile broke out on his face.
“(Y/N),” he said groggily.
“Michael…oh, my fucking god,” you said.
“Hey…don’t cuss, please?” he asked.
“I am so sorry. I just…I have been worried sick. And seeing you like this…oh…,” you wiped your eyes. You walked to the side of the bed near the guest chair. You looked down at him.
“What on earth are they giving you?” you asked as you looked at the IV.
“Probably morphine,” he mumbled. You exhaled softly. You didn’t really like the sound of that. But you nodded and sat down on the chair next to him. He had enough strength to turn his body and look over at you.
“You don’t need to be here. I know it’s hard. But, I wanted to see you,” he said.
“Don’t worry about me. I’m here. I’m always going to be here. I told you that before,” you say. Tears now welled in Michael’s eyes. He sniffled and nodded.
Then, he reached his hand out for yours. You leaned over and took it gently.
“Do you need anything right now?” you ask.
“Yes,” he said.
“Can you…can you read me some stories?” he asked. Your heart nearly melted at the child-like nature of his question.
“Of course, honey,” you replied. You looked up and around, seeing a stack of books on the table in the corner. You stood up and walked over to it.
“What are you in the mood for?” you ask.
“Anything,” Michael said.
“How about old reliable?” you ask, lifting up his beloved Peter Pan book. The corner of Michael’s mouth turned into a smile. He nodded. You smiled in return and walked back over to the chair. You sat down, made sure he was ready, and then read him his all time favorite story. After you finished, you saw Michael’s eyes were nearly closed again. You smiled faintly and stood up. You leaned over and kissed his forehead with a small peck as to not hurt his head.
“Get some rest,” you say.
“I will. And (Y/N)?” he asked in a sleepy tone.
“Hmm?” you reply.
“Stay the night? Please? I don’t want to be alone,” he said, trying not to cry. You took his head gently and nodded.
“Of course. I will see you in the morning,” you say. You let go of his hand and walked back over to the chair. You put out the footrest and used your coat to cover your legs. You watched Michael sleep for a little while, checking his vitals on the screen before your eyes burned. You then closed your eyes and drifted off to sleep, keeping your promises to Michael.
So, here is some fanart I did of MJ with his daughter from my fanfic (her name is Melody), The Way The Wind Blows!
And even if you don't read my fic or don't have any connection to these characters, I still think it's mega cute to see Michael cuddling a widdle baby 🥹
