MJ IMAGINES (World with Applehead) ON GOING

Truth or dare

1981

You were in the living room at the Jackson family home, together with Janet, Rebbie, and LaToya. The Jackson brothers were also there, and everyone was watching a movie together. At first, the room was calm, and everyone was focused on the screen.

Until Janet spoke. "Hey guys, I'm bored. Let's play a game," she said.

All eyes turned to her. "Can we just finish the series?" Randy asked, but Janet ignored him.

"You can watch it tomorrow, Randy, duh," she replied. You laughed quietly at her bluntness. Randy only rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. While they continued bickering about whether they play or not, you excused yourself to go to the restroom. A few minutes later, you quickly fixed yourself before heading back.

As you opened the door, you saw Michael in the kitchen, balancing snacks and soda cans as if it were a serious mission.

Your breath caught slightly. "Let me help you with that," you said quickly, walking over.

"Careful, it's heavy," he teased, handing you a few items anyway.

You rolled your eyes lightly. "It's literally chips." He smiled like he already knew he was right anyway.

"Are we still watching the series?" you asked. Michael shook his head. "Nope. Janet declared war. We're playing a game now."

You laughed. "Of course she did." You then followed him back to the living room, and everyone was already sitting in a messy circle on the floor—like a mix between a sleepover and chaos waiting to happen.

"What are we playing, guys?" Michael asked as he sat down casually.

"Truth or dare," Rebbie said, opening a soda.

"Psh, boring game," Randy muttered. Janet immediately shot him a look. "Then suggest something better."

Randy didn't respond with words, but he did respond by rolling his eyes. That made you laugh again.

"Or," Janet said dramatically, "we spin the bottle."

"Oh no," Jermaine muttered.

"Oh yes," Janet replied, already spinning it.

The bottle spun fast, everyone leaning in like it was a life-or-death situation. It slowed, and it landed on Marlon.

"HA!" Janet clapped. "Okay, Marlon, truth or dare?"

Marlon grinned. "Dare. Obviously."

Janet's eyes lit up instantly when she finally came up with a dare. "I dare you to sing inside Dad's bedroom," Janet said.

The room erupted in laughter.

Marlon stood up like he was accepting a challenge from a movie. "Bet." And just a few moments later...

SLAM.

Then a distant shout. "Marlon, you better practice or I'll beat your ass!" Everyone burst into louder laughter. Marlon returned downstairs, clearly embarrassed.

"Man, forget y'all. Dad just embarrassed me," he muttered.

"You need lessons from me, Marlon," Jackie said proudly, sipping his soda.

"Hell no," Marlon shot back. The room filled with laughter again. Janet spun the bottle once more. It landed on Michael. The room immediately shifted.

"Oooohhh," the sisters sang in unison. Michael blinked. "Why do I feel like I'm in trouble already?"