Exposed || MJ/Prince

Exposed || Chapter 24

Author's Note: I've uploaded an unreleased version of "Possessed" by Prince. But unfortunately, please find tissues again for this chapter.
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1983 - "Motown 25" Anniversary Special (California)

Michael

At the afterparty, guests and Motown legends wouldn't stop raving about my "Billie Jean" performance. As if the "Jackson Five" reunion never even occurred beforehand.

Most questions related to my dance move that took place during the bridge instrumental.

Years ago, "Soul Train" dancer Jeffrey Daniel and I began collaborating. His choreography style incorporated fluid and complex motions I'd never seen.

Jeffrey named the back-slide I'd used in this performance "Moonwalking." The gesture itself referred to illusions of "moving on air."

Now, Diane  (Diana Ross) stopped hugging me long enough for us to pull away. As much as I adored that woman, my eyes scanned the dim and crowded room to hopefully find someone else.

"What's going on?" Diane still held onto my hands as if she never broke my heart. As if we were still in love.

"I'm sorry, Diane, but I need to walk away for a second. There's someone I'm looking for." I  answered truthfully and kissed her cheek out of respect.

"Please come back." Diane whispered moments later. Unfortunately, we unlocked fingers and she just knew that I wouldn't return.

After walking around and nodding to other familiar faces, I finally discovered that person of interest.

She stood near the bar in this sparkling black dress, red wine in hand. Musical echoed reasonably all directions.

"Hi, Beautiful." I whispered to her before long and licked my lips. Nearby laughter

"Thought I couldn't see you, Michael? Really?" Just when Brenda started walking away from me, I smoothly took away her drink.

It wasn't long before I even sent the alcohol close to my own lips. We locked eyes in that moment. Brenda only smirked at me her lipstick-painted mouth. 

"What's going on with you?" Brenda then shook her head. I quickly arched one of my eyebrows. Music continued playing all around us.

"Nothin." I shrugged after actually finishing the rest of Brenda's wine. Even our  bartender for tonight dropped his jaw. 

"You're crazy." Brenda chuckled.  I also slammed down both the empty glass and this fifty dollar bill. Fellow celebrities gasped nearby. 

"Don't blame me for wanting your attention next time." I lowered my voice. When my hand reached out, she held my palm right back.

__

"I'm proud of you." Brenda smiled again.  We toasted two more glasses in the limousine. Baby Girl would return to hear apartment. 

"Thank you so much, girl. I worked extremely hard." Stuck in traffic, her chauffeur turned up the radio volume. "Ain't Nobody" by Chaka Khan began playing.

You're welcome. Nice dance moves, by the way." Brenda smiled once more. My head nodded along to these rhythms while Baby Girl spoke up again.

"You know me better than that. I can do so much more back at your place." In that moment, I decided to be slick.

"Mmm...Really?" Brenda wouldn't even protest when I actually leaned in to kiss her neck.

"Yes, Baby..." The alcohol prompted my mood to shift and my love for her resurfaced. 

"Mike?" Her brown eyes faced me after I sadly detached my mouth from that amazing complexion.

"Yes?" I noticed her without hesitation. As we finally passed streetlights during the drive, I couldn't help wanting to kiss her lipstick right off.

"Word of advice: never trust anyone with your heart. That's why I'm not in a relationship right now." Brenda cleared her throat and even scooted away from me.

"B, don't say that. I felt the same way about people for the longest time, but you completely  changed everything for me." Seconds later, I almost shook myself out of the alcohol trance.

"We're having fun, but I'm not the one for you. How many times do I need to say that, Michael?"  Brenda was absolutely serious right now. I needed to pay attention.

Silence fell between us for the rest of this journey. I  couldn't even encourage myself to debate with her anymore.

***
The Penthouse, California

Brenda (Monty)

My Sweet Prince,

I miss you so much more now.

I'm not asking you to leave her, but the void in my heart grows wider every time you reach my thoughts.

Baby, as I've said, go on and live life.

You are my best friend, even without love rushing through our passionate veins.

I will never forget you. Please don't ignore how remarkable you truly.

I will always be here for you.

- Mo-Mo. ♡

I cried over Prince for the first time since we "broke up." Patrice now captured his heart. One more round of heartbreak filled my soul.

Tears ruined my cosmetics. A Newport cigarette already place between my fingers. My curly lion mane faced the wooden floor.

"How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore?" blasted in this living room. I just needed to hear his voice.

When the melancholy record faded, I switched songs to make myself feel better.

"Possessed" kicked off. My face smiled through the drying tears.  My lowered head lifted to nod along.

I'd never forget when Prince wrote this jam. It wasn't for Vanity. It wasn't for Susan.

This funk was for me. And only me. 

Throughout the recording session, Prince wouldn't stop dancing with me.

His lyrics whispered to my ear all night. For a moment in time, we were in the only people in that room.

But love can't last forever.