Athena Tyler and Michael Jackson are married to people they don't belong with. The history between Michael and Athena isn't complicated; they met on We Are The World, sparks flew, but they never stayed in contact.
When their respective spouses sugg...
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That same night, Michael was lying in his room, thinking of ways to convince Athena—who was in one of the guest rooms—that it was okay to sleep in the same bed with him. He knew that sleeping together would be the next logical step in their newfound relationship, but he also knew that Athena still had trust issues and needed time to heal.
He considered all the times that Liam had hurt her—the abuse, the manipulation, the gaslighting. He knew that it would take a lot of patience and understanding to help her regain her confidence and trust in herself and in others.
Since she had been at Neverland, she had insisted that sleeping in the same bed was off-limits, being they were still legally married to other people, but Michael couldn't help but feel that the physical intimacy would somehow strengthen their bond and help her feel even more safe and secure in their relationship.
This is how he found himself knocking gently on one of the guest room doors, "Athena?" he called softly, "May I come in?"
He heard a noise, like someone fell and scrambled to get up, but then the door opened, revealing Athena's nervous expression, "Hi," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Hey," Michael replied softly, trying to keep his voice soothing and calming, not wanting to scare her, "I was wondering if we could talk," he added, his eyes darting down to where she was tying her dance sweats and then back to her face, "Were you not wearing pants?"
Athena's face flushed, "Oh, um, I got hot....so...." she said nervously, "Liam...he...he used to make me take off my pants when I got home from recording at the studio. He said it was his way of making sure I was still faithful to him," she said, "It doesn't bother me anymore—now I'm just used to sleeping without pants. Anyway, what did you need?"
Michael sighed, understanding the reason behind her habit but hating the fact that it was something Liam had manipulated her into. She was still vulnerable, and he knew he had to be gentle with her, "I just wanted to talk about sleeping arrangements," he said softly, "I was wondering if you'd be comfortable sharing my bed tonight. I know it's a big step, but I think it would help us grow closer and make you feel more secure."
Athena bit her lip, hesitating, "I don't know."
"I won't do anything," Michael promised, "I'll just hold you, if you want me to. And if you feel uncomfortable, you can tell me, and I'll stop right away. I just want to be there for you, to make you feel safe."
The idea of sharing a bed with someone other than Liam was both thrilling and terrifying. She took a deep breath and replied, "I would, but.....you know.....pants and stuff...."
"Baby, I know it makes you feel vulnerable, but I want you to feel comfortable with me," he said, reaching out to touch her hand, "We don't have to do anything, just snuggle and be close. Now, would you like that?"
Athena hesitated once more before nodding, "Okay," she nodded, following him to his room, where he picked her up and carried her to the bed, placing her gently down.
