MJ IMAGINES (World with Applehead) ON GOING

Jealous Hearts

There was a time when being around Michael felt as natural as breathing. Back then, you were almost always at Hayvenhurst. Some days, you came over for Janet and ended up staying because Michael asked if you wanted to hear a new song he'd been working on. Other nights turned into hours spent talking in the kitchen long after everyone else had gone upstairs.

Somewhere along the way, being around each other simply became routine. Expected. The Jackson family noticed it too. If Michael was home, chances were you weren't far behind. Until one day—everything changed.

At first, it was subtle.

Shorter phone calls.
Canceled plans.
Replies that lacked warmth.

You remembered asking him once if something was wrong, only for him to flash that soft smile and say, "I'm just busy." But busy slowly turned into distant. And distant eventually became silent. You tried for a while after that. Harder than you probably should have. You reached out, showed up less unexpectedly, and gave him space when he seemed overwhelmed. Nothing worked. So eventually, exhausted and hurt, you stopped trying too.

The Jackson family was confused when the sudden separation happened. Janet asked questions. Even Katherine once looked between the two of you during dinner with quiet concern in her eyes. But neither you nor Michael ever explained it. And over time, everyone simply assumed whatever closeness once existed between you had faded away. Even the two of you tried to believe it yourselves.

Which was why today felt dangerous...

The Jackson family invited you to celebrate the accomplishment of the Jackson brothers in their Victory Tour. After spending years with this family, they've basically considered you a part of theirs.

Later that evening was the formal celebration, but you arrived early at the request of the sisters— Rebbie, LaToya, and Janet so you could relax and spend some time together before everything started. As you pulled up, you parked your car a short distance from the main entrance. Even from there, you could already spot LaToya and Janet standing outside, waiting excitedly for you. You smiled and waved at them from inside your car.

"Y/N, it's been so long! How are you?" LaToya said warmly as soon as you stepped out, pulling you into a hug.

"I've been doing great, you guys!" you replied with a smile.

"Sis, I'm so glad you came," Janet added, wrapping you in a hug right after.

"Of course. I wouldn't miss this for anything," you said, making the two sisters grin before the three of you headed inside together.

As you stepped inside, you were immediately welcomed by the sight of the busy staff rushing around, making final preparations for the celebration later that night. Decorations were being carefully arranged, trays of food were carried from one room to another, and soft music played faintly in the background as the venue slowly came to life. The entire place buzzed with excitement, making it clear that tonight was going to be something special.

"Wow, this place looks amazing. Is there anything I can help with?" you offered, just as Rebbie came down the stairs.

"Y/N, dear, welcome!" she greeted warmly.

"Hey, Rebbie. Thanks again for inviting me." You smiled before you glanced around the house.

"So... seriously, is there anything I can do? Fold napkins? Taste test food? Supervise dramatically?"

"Girl, we've got everything under control," Rebbie laughed. "Besides, you're a guest."

"Janet, why don't you help Y/N get settled in?" La Toya suggested as she tapped Janet's arm.