melodies at midnight (a.g x m.j)

limerance

Ariana ~ June 8th, 1978

"What..." I breathlessly say. "What are you doing here? I mean...I don't-" I laugh nervously. "How did you even get my address? I-"

"I'm here to apologize for...everything." He states, his arms rest behind his back. "I have a lot to talk to you about and I know you're probably mad and upset at me but if you could just give me a chance and hear me out, I promise I'll give you an explanation worth listening to."

I stand there, incredibly perplexed. This is what I've been wanting from Michael for forever now, I just can't believe he's actually here.

"Come in." I wave the man inside, he slowly walks in. I close the door behind him. I watch him look around at his surroundings.

"This is a really nice apartment." He says, still standing at the door.

I feel awkward even making conversation with him but that's the whole point as to why I even invited him in.

"It is...Epic gave me this apartment for a bit, I could never afford a place like this on my own." I admit, walking to the kitchen. "Do you...want anything to drink?"

He stays put in his position. "You'll definitely get there. Bill told me you're finally working on your album, studio sessions and all. I'm real happy for you...and uh...no thank you." He flashes a small grin.

I wonder to myself where Bill would get that information from but then I immediately remember Quincy.

"Yeah, it's been amazing so far. I've been working with Quincy of course and Bruce Swedien-"

A bright smile now sits on Michael's face. "Oh, I love Bruce! I want him on my next album as well. He's a genius..."

"He is." I say, the air becoming awkward again. I glance at Michael's who's already looking at me, his smile has faded while I never had one to start with.

"Michael." I sigh, looking down. "I don't even know where to start..." I cross my arms comfortingly. "I know Randy's your blood but I would have never said any of those things in a million years. I don't think you're a bitch-" He winces at the swear word. "I don't think you're embarrassing or pathetic. If anything, I love that you're so in tune with your emotions. Not many men are nowadays...I just-...I can't believe Randy said that."

Michael takes a step closer to me. "It's exactly that, Ariana. I didn't think he was capable of doing something like that, I really didn't." He takes a breath. "But I'm so sorry for not coming to you about it first, we wouldn't be here if I did and I know that. Randy's always been a bit more selfish than my brothers and I, he can't stand that I was in the picture before him. I'll admit...I was angry when he asked for your number because I know his intentions. He was just going to try sleeping with you and then toss you to the curb, I'm not like that. He's mad that I'm not like that."

Hearing all of this from Michael's perspective is insane, I knew Randy was interested in me but I took that as hanging out a few times, not hooking up and then never speaking again. He's clearly a little boy that's stuck in that mindset.

"Well, I never liked your brother in that way so the fact that he really thought he was just going to have me like that...I have too much self respect for myself." I say. "I think what makes me the angriest is that he's willing to risk your guy's relationship over me, I barely know him!"

Michael nods in what seems to be agreement.

"You clearly care for your siblings and I don't doubt Randy loves you but....what an evil thing to do to your own brother." I add.

"He doesn't see it as much of a big deal as everyone else does. I tried talking to him about it but he was trying to make it seem like we were in the wrong for reacting the way we did." Michael tells me, a sad look on his face.