Exposed || MJ/Prince

Exposed || Chapter 28

Author's Note: srk2015 DProjects amoniquebee LunaMoonglade vickiwaitingx ToniJones232 indiii_bindiii keiathegypsy ShonaShaniece

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1984 - American Music Awards

Brenda

Once Michael released his "short film" for "Thriller" last year, everyone couldn't stop talking. Even now.

Fans around this world obsessed over those dancing zombies and that red leather jacket. Genius in the best ways possible.

The album itself struck gold in this entertainment industry, still selling with every passing moment.

I couldn't stop smiling every time media outlets begged me to chime in. My heart just felt so proud of Michael.

"Before I mention our final guest for this incredible entertainer, I'd like to introduce another person that Michael truly admires. Please welcome vocalist, songwriter, and Soul Train Brenda Hughes." Soon after Barry Manilow finished his remarks for Michael, Kenny Rogers announced my presence.

During boisterous applause, I walked out from backstage. Audience members even wolf whistled at times.

My dancing but shapely figure  into another long and black dress, signaling one trademark for the industry to notice.

This lipstick smile reached my face as I grinned once more for  the audience. Michael and Brooke Shields immediately stood up, cheering.

"Damn. Go head, girl!" Jackson took off his Aviators for once and flirted with me out of nowhere.

Thankfully, noise pushed on and no one else seemed to hear him. I laughed to myself just moments before everyone settled down.

"Mike, words cannot express how proud I am. You will always be a musical hero and friend of mine. Congratulations." I couldn't stop grinning once more.

My eyes then started watching Michael and Brooke from the stage. Michael continued standing and blew kisses.

I blushed right before leaving the open. Diana Ross concluded this stream of famous faces.

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When Michael finally walked up to the stage, he embraced everyone from Quincy to Barry.

By the time we noticed each other, Jackson opened his arms and squeezed me tight.

After pulling away, he kissed my cheek, heading closer and closer to Diana. I nodded once more, almost bowing my head with another painted smile.

Given their prolonged connection, I completely understood when Michael offered her another sweet embrace.

We all laughed together onstage to help out before long. Diana had accidentally fumbled her statement regarding the award.

Right before Michael  began his  acceptance speech, his finger gestured for me to stand nearby. I stood on his left side with the biggest grin on my face.

Diana Ross located on Michael's right end, standing beautifully near one silver grand piano.
Everyone else situated behind Mike. Even Lionel Richie held onto the award itself.

One by one, Michael thanked everyone from Barry Gordy to  family regarding success. His parents Katherine and Joseph seated in the audience.

For a moment, I grinned  watching Michael drape his arm around Quincy Jones while expressing more gratitude.

These two illustrious men quickly smiled to one another  before separating again.

In that moment, Michael finally turned to his left side and faced me.  I reached out to hold his gloved hand, swinging our joined palms.

"You look so beautiful." Michael whispered in my ear during more applause. Those who stood around noticed compassion between us.

Even Diana witnessed  that quiet gesture. I blushed for the umpteenth time when Jackson now turned away.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank Miss Brenda Hughes. My partner in crime. I love you so much." Michael then released my hand while speaking into the microphone.

When we locked eyes again, the entire crowd shouted. I quickly found myself hugged once more by this man.

My real best friend.

Not Prince.

This exact moment would stand as the very first time Mike acknowledged me in public. Out loud.

But I suddenly felt awkward watching Michael acknowledge Diana in the end. My eyes lowered, fighting an urge to seem jealous.

But his smile looked infectious around Diana. To be honest, I'd probably never evoke that type of happiness.

He was still in love. His presence just beamed without hesitation by now.

"I taught you how to dance, right?" Diana slipped in flirtation during Michael's last remarks. The audience chuckled right with her and Michael.

I stared at Michael before leaving this stage with everyone else. Lionel and Barry seemed absolutely oblivious. And with good reason.

At least I thought so.

Jackson didn't even notice my  smirk.

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"What's wrong? The smirk means you're pissed off." Michael questioned me backstage during this commercial break. 

We would only have minutes "alone" together right now. I'd appreciate every single moment. For as long as possible.

Jackson invited Brooke Shields  and Emmanuel Lewis for this incredible ceremony. I arrived by myself for the "Merit of Honor" remarks.

We even sat in completely different rows tonight. I probably wouldn't see my man again until the after party,  either.

"Wait. You noticed my face earlier?" I narrowed both eyes at this point. Music bass and crowd chatter pushed on elsewhere.

"I notice everything about you. Please talk to me, girl." Michael held my hands. Aviator sunglasses and all.

"Do you still love Diana?" I whispered. Lionel Richie and Barry Manilow passed by in this crammed area.

"No." Michael lowered his voice without hesitation and kissed me  deeply. I smiled against his sweet lips afterwards.

Seconds later, I didn't know what to think. My heart almost dropped. Michael even reached over to hold my hand once more.

Diana cleared her throat behind us.