Pins & Needles (Michael Jackson)

{13} A Birthday to Remember

Michael beamed as he looked down at who was resting in his arms. He felt a smile starting to tuck on his lips as he saw his girl finally starting to awaken. It was her special day, and he was intent on making it the best day possible.

As Celeste's eyes fixed upon Michael, he began stroking her hair softly as she nestled her face in his chest. She was breathing softly, taking in his sweet scent. "Good morning," she greeted, her voice tickling Michael's skin.

Michael placed many affection kisses in her hair before speaking. "Good morning, birthday girl," he replied, causing Celeste to snort.

Celeste shook her head, still managing to let many giggles fall from her lips. "Michael, plea—" she tried to say.

"No," Michael said firmly yet softly. He pulled her away to face her fully. "Before you say that it's not important, just know that it's your first birthday we've spent together while being...together." She smiled brightly at that.

Celeste gave a defeated sigh. "You're right," she admitted. "And I couldn't be happier about that, don't get me wrong." She paused, looking at him seriously. "I just don't want you going all out for me."

"But it's your birthday. At least, let me go all out for today."

Celeste was silent for a few moments. She then smiled at Michael, watching as his face lit up. "Fine."

"Yes!" Michael said in victory, playfully clapping his hands. Celeste smiled from ear to ear at his pure joy. "First, get up and get ready to go out," he instructed softly. He quickly got out of bed, going over to Celeste's side to help her do the same. "I have something special planned."

"You and your plans," Celeste murmured as she shook her head. They both released many chuckles before proceeding to get ready for the day.

After they took care of their necessary tasks, Michael and Celeste were walking hand in hand to his surprise location. He couldn't help but to steal many glances at her as they walk, and this only made Celeste's pulse race quicker.

"You're blushing," Michael stated, chuckling as he did so. "One look and those cheeks redden like no other." Just as he predicted, Celeste allowed herself to blush once again. "See?"

Celeste playfully rolled her eyes, her gaze shifting down to her feet. "Well, when you have a charmer for a boyfriend, it's quite hard not to." She paused, curiosity instantly filling her. "Where are you taking me, anyway?"

"Somewhere very special to me," Michael told her softly as they walked further. "You'll see."

Within the next few moments, the couple had arrived at their destination. A big picnic blanket took up the surrounding area, along with all of Celeste's favorite foods spread out next to the wooden basket. A breathtaking river was ahead of them, sparkling as the sun reflected off of it.

Michael smiled as he watched Celeste gasp in delight. "Did you do all of this for me?" she asked in disbelief.

"Of course," Michael answered, a big smile spread across his lips. "I thought it was only right that I brought you to my spot—well, our spot now."

Celeste's heart softened as they began walking before relaxing on the blanket. She pressed her lips against Michael's in the most loving kiss she could. When they pulled away, she embraced him close. "Thank you, baby," she said, sincerity evident in her tone. "This is the best gift I could've ever received."

Michael gently released their embrace to completely face her. "Don't thank me," he insisted. "You deserve this and so much more."

Celeste's gaze held the utter adoration she felt for him in that moment. "I love you," she finally said.

"I love you more," Michael responded softly. "And trust me when I tell you that."

Celeste smiled at him before proceeding to stuff herself with the delicious food that Michael provided her with. Their time spent together was full of the undying love that they felt for each other. They looked back on the last few months of their relationship and felt more than grateful to be in each other's presence.

Within the many hours they'd spent together, the sky was soon filled with many bright, twinkling stars. The two were laying peacefully on the blanket as they looked up dreamily at the stars, Celeste's head resting on Michael's chest.

"So, do you come to this spot often?" Celeste asked, gazing at the night sky.

"Oh, God," Michael breathed. "All the time. It was like an escape, you know? To just come out here and forget about the stresses of real life."

Celeste sighed softly. "I completely understand," she said. "It's absolutely gorgeous out here. How could anyone not feel peaceful while watching the stars?"

Michael giggled. "Exactly." Suddenly, a twinkling star came shooting across the sky at full speed, causing Michael to sit up urgently. He helped Celeste to do the same. "Cel, look, it's a shooting star!" he exclaimed excitedly.

Celeste looked up in disbelief, watching in awe. "Oh my God!" she squealed. "Do you know how lucky you have to be to actually witness one of these?"

"Make a wish before it's too late!" Michael encouraged her, excitement still strong in his voice.

Turning her head to look at him seriously, Celeste searched Michael's gaze for a long moment. She captured his lips in a breathtaking kiss, her hands running through the curls of Michael's Afro. "As amazing as it is to see one of these, no star is ever going to grant me what I want." She paused, giving Michael yet another kiss. "Because I already have all I could ever want right here."

Michael gave her the biggest smile he could muster up as he embraced her ever-so-tightly. "I love you so much," he whispered. "You have no idea."

"I love you, too," Celeste replied, meaning every bit of the three words. "And thank you for giving me the best birthday I could've ever dreamed of."

As the night went on, Michael and Celeste remained in a comfortable silence for many moments, savoring their time together. He continued holding her close, whispering sweet nothings in her ear as he kissed her head repeatedly.

The pure love that was coursing throughout their entire bodies couldn't be matched, and they knew that it'd continue to stay that way.

***

Awwww, I love them so much! I hope you guys enjoyed this one as much as I enjoyed writing it. I love you all so much, and as always, thank you for reading!