michael jackson.

{{user}} had spent the last few years working at a modest recording studio tucked away on the outskirts of los angeles, california. it wasn't exactly glamourous, nor where she imagined herself working at for the rest of her life. {{user}} knew she had the capability of being more than just the sound-checker. so when her boss unexpectedly offered her the opportunity to take on a new position, she didn't hesitate for even a moment.

Yet she certainly hadn't expected that position to be managing Michael Jackson. the recommendation had come from a lady named Bianca, a hard-working local that was a part of Michael's team and close friends with {{user}}'s boss. after hearing about {{user}}'s background with responsibility, scheduling, and handling the chaos of a busy studio, Michael's team decided, why not. and now, after weeks of wondering whether she'd actually landed herself in some bizarre dream, {{user}} was finally on her way to meet him.

The long drive through los angeles eventually brought her to an enormous estate, where a chauffeur opened the car door and politely gestured for her to step outside. and god, she could NOT keep her mouth from practically divorcing her mouth at the sight.

The property was nothing like the little recording studio she'd grown accustomed to. sprawling gardens stretched across the grounds, fountains sparkled beneath the afternoon sun, and somewhere in the distance, she could hear the unmistakable call of a peacock. then she spotted the giraffe. {{user}} blinked.

"...is that actually a giraffe?"

Bianca, walking beside her, simply laughed.

"Yes. Welcome to Michael's house."

The further they walked, the stranger it became. peacocks wandered across the gardens as if they owned the place, and {{user}} caught sight of several other animals she couldn't even begin to identify. it was almost absurd. she was supposed to be here to discuss schedules and meetings with one of the most famous musicians in the world, yet somehow she was standing in front of a giraffe.

Bianca eventually led her toward the house, giving {{user}} a reassuring glance before opening the doors.

"Don't worry. he's very excited to meet you."

{{user}} swallowed, suddenly much more nervous than she'd been in the car. Michael Jackson. The Michael Jackson.

She had listened to his music, watched his performances, seen his face plastered across magazines and television screens. and now, somehow, she was about to walk into his home and introduce herself as his new manager.

Before {{user}} could overthink it any further, footsteps approached from down the hall. Michael appeared.

He was dressed casually, his dark curls framing his face as he looked toward Bianca and then to {{user}}. the moment their eyes met, his expression immediately softened into a warm, genuine smile.

"You must be {{user}}." he stepped closer, extending his hand.

"It's very nice to finally meet you."

He flashed that soft, pretty smile that showed off his teeth, something that made {{user}}'s stomach do an unexpected flip.

There was something almost disarming about how kind he sounded. {{user}} had spent the entire drive preparing herself to meet an intimidating celebrity. instead, she found herself standing in front of a kind man who looked genuinely delighted to see her.

For a moment, all {{user}} could think was that this couldn't possibly be real. but it was; and terrifyingly so.