No One
pairing: jackie jackson x singer!black fem!reader
summary: As close as you were to his little brother, Jackie never thought that youโd ever return his feelingsโฆ good thing you had a song in your heart to prove him wrong.
warning: none! just fluff!
based on this request. thank you to whoever requested it. hope i did it justice! sorry i ate off of alicia keysโ nachos a little bit here ๐ proofread but im human so mistakes happen. fuck ai. i donโt know that bitch.
For as long as you could remember, you had always been drawn to the piano. The ivory white keys and the thunder of the notes. The calmness that would enter your body when you sat at the stool with your foot on the pedals. You loved that it tested your hand-eye coordination and kept your mind sharp.
As a little girl, you took to it like a duck to water. Many summers spent at your grandparents brownstone in Manhattan saw you sitting at their black parlor grand piano learning various sonatas.
They called you a natural. A prodigy. Gifted. It was a surprise to no one when you were accepted to Juilliard on a full ride. There you worked and trained with the best of the best.
Your teachers at the prestigious school also helped you develop your singing voice. Initially you had no intention of being a singer, firmly content with sitting behind a piano and letting the music take you far away, but it was undeniable the thrill of belting your heart out when the feeling came over you.
Then in 1980 at your senior showcase where you performed a melody of songs from The Sound of Music, seamlessly transitioning from song to song while simultaneously hitting every note, you were scouted by Quincy Jones. He had been there for his niece who was also performing when he was blown away by your vocals and physical talent.
He signed you to Epic Records the day after graduation. Life felt like a dream. Moving to Los Angeles by yourself and starting your career. Before you knew it, your first album โSongs in A Minorโ went to the top of the charts overnight. This opened doors for you that you didnโt even know existed. Sold out concerts and countless talk show appearances with a blur of interviews about your life.
Surreal couldnโt possibly cover it. Twenty-two and around artists you grew up listening to like Patti Labelle, The Isley Brothers and the Jacksons.
Your life was irrevocably changed the day you met those boys. Men, you should clarify. Or more specifically, Jackie Jackson.
Quincy managed to secure you a slot during the evening line up of tv shows where you would be performing before the Jacksons. During those many rehearsals you became close with the family.
You gravitated naturally to Michael. His insane talent, boyish nature and bleeding heart called to something inside of you. Tweedledee and Tweedledum, they called the two of you. You would finish each otherโs sentences and always know where the other was at all times.
Safe to say the two of you were close.
Often times found you at their family home, hanging with Michael while he worked on songs for his next album. He loved having your input on a specific melody or lyrics that werenโt flowing the way he wanted.
Everybody thought the two of you were dating but you both were adamant that there was nothing romantic happening. He was your best friend and you cherished his friendship immensely.
Then there were times when Michael wasnโt around and yet, you still were at the Jackson home. The reason for that being Jackie Jackson. Oldest brother and absolute heartthrob.
You were smitten the first time you met him. He was older and so good looking, why wouldnโt you be? But he also took the time to get to know you.
He remembered the little things you told him like how you took your sweet tea, or your preference of strawberry cake over chocolate or lemon, or how you could get caught up in a piano for hours if left to your own devices.
Sometimes you would get caught up staring into his eyes while he talked then youโd dart yours away on the off chance he mightโve noticed. Though you could listen to him talk for days about the things that were really important to him. His soft voice could soothe you in a deep sleep.
Many nights had you spending the night on the Jacksonโs couch because you and Jackie had been up late at night just chatting about any and everything before fatigue snatched you both. Countless mornings of you waking up on his broad chest leaving you flustered with no choice but to frantically leave before you embarrassed yourself further.
There was no way he would ever be interested in you. The thought was laughable. He was older and could have anybody more famous than yourself. He was a big flirt as well. What made you special?
If anything, you convinced yourself, he was simply humoring your presence.
These thoughts, however, didnโt stop your pen from flowing and writing song after song about him. Though heโd never know their true inspiration if you had anything to say about it.
And Michael, the observant little shit he was, knew very early on that you had feelings for his brother. Too many times heโd watch your facial expressions and body language when you were around Jackie. The way youโd naturally soften, how your words were more carefully chosen and how attentive you became. The biggest indicator being your laugh turned into this witchโs cackle which Michael knew could only be due to you liking Jackie because the man wasnโt that funny in the slightest.
You had gotten into the habit of pinching Michaelโs side whenever he would start teasing you about your crush. It didnโt deter him the least bit but it made you feel better.
One day in mid May of 1981, there was a sweltering heat so Michaelโs solution was a pool day. Two hours splashing each other and playing games in the chlorine left you drained and in need of a nap. He suggested perhaps taking a quick doze poolside. So thatโs how you wound up underneath a canopy yawning and unbothered while Michael floated, humming tunes to lull you to sleep. After getting comfortable on your stomach with your arms pillowing your head, sunglasses covering your eyes you managed a light snooze.
Though your peace was interrupted by another presence jointing you and Michael. Even without opening your eyes you knew that it was Jackie. Something about his aura spoke to you like no other. The heaviness of his footsteps, the minor dip due to his swagger, his cologne, the smell of the product he used in his hairโฆ you knew it was him.
You made no effort to change your position or alert the other parties that you were awake. There was no game planโmore so curious as to what could possibly be said when your presence was not a concern.
You heard the water make a little splash and you imagined Jackie sitting on the edge of the pool, probably somewhere near Michael.
โSay Mike, let me ask you something?โ
โWhatโsโwait, she sleep?โ
โYeah, she sleeps like the dead, man. What you need?
โI want you to be honest with me, โkay? Yโall together?โ
Michael groaned. โNot you too.โ
โNo, man, Iโm serious. I know what you say to other people when they ask but itโs just me. You can tell me the truth. I saw you rubbing her down with sun screen a while ago. You saying ainโt nothing going on?โ
โNothing, man. And I mean nothing is happening between us. Sheโs my friend and I love her but thatโs all there is. โ
โBut I see the way yโall are with each other.โ
โYou seeing something that ainโt there, bro. She donโt want me like that, and the feeling is mutual. Trust me.โ You heard him stress that trust me and you wanted to wring his neck.
โMaybe youโre wrong.โ
โAnd maybe โm not,โ Michael countered. โWhat reason would I have to lie?โ
โEverybody knows youโre a private person, Mike. You donโt be liking folks all up in your business.โ
โSo why would this be any different? If you like her, you like her. Nothing wrong with that.โ Jackieโs tone sounded defeated.
There was silence for a bit then Michael chuckled. In that moment you knew he was about to be messy.
โWhy you so worried all of a sudden?โ
Jackie hesitated. Your ears strained to hear his response.
โI donโt know, I like her, yโknow?โ
โYโlike her? Since when?โ
โMan, you remember that night we filmed the Christmas special? And she had on that sparkly dress with the tights and her hair was all done up and she was just smilinโ and cheesinโ all night long. I couldnโt take my eyes off her, yโknow?โ
Your eyes widened behind your sun glasses. This was news to you. That whole night you avoided looking at Jackie because you knew the moment you laid eyes on him, you wouldnโt be able to turn away. He looked so good in his suede suit with half his shirt unbuttoned and a gold chain around his neck.
โAnd she has the most beautiful voice. She could sing me the yellow pages and Iโd be happy.โ
A smile threatened to creep on your face but you tucked your lips instead.
โSheโs so passionate about everything she talks about but sheโs also just fine sitting in silence. Iโm gone for her but thenโฆ I see how she is with you and it makes me think she donโt like me like that.โ
Your eyebrows furrowed and you were thankful you faced the opposite direction.
โHave you told her any of this?โ
โShit nah, I canโt handle it if she tell me she just sees me as a friend. I donโt think she wants me. She probably wants you, Mike.โ
You wanted shout from the rooftops how much you did not want Michael. The feelings were mutualโhe was a dear friend but the thought of being anything more with him felt wrong.
โI highlyโฆ highly doubt that. How many times I gotta tell you I donโt want that girl? Why donโt you just talk to her, Jackie? Look, I can wake her up right nowโโ The water splashed making you think Michael hopped out of his floatie.
Your body went rigid. This wasnโt a conversation you wanted to have at the moment. There was no time to mentally prepare for it.
โMike, you betโ not get your ass out this pool,โ Jackie whispered furiously. โLeave her be. Ainโt no reason to get my hopes up for nothing. Listen, Iโll catch you later.โ
Michael tried to call him back but you heard the back door slide shut. You slammed your eyes closed and attempted to simulate relaxed breathing. You listened as Michael tugged himself out of the pool and the slaps of his long wet feet drew nearer to your lounge chair. He sat in the one next to you and you didnโt move.
โYou heard that, didnโt you?โ
You weighed the outcomes of responding then eventually sighed and turned your head to him. You pushed your sun glasses up onto your head, glaring at your friend.
โYes, I heard. What the hell was that?โ
โHow am I supposed to know? I didnโt ask him to bring that up to me. Whatโd you expect me to say, honeybee?โ
โOh God,โ you groaned, head falling into your hands.
โIsnโt this a good thing though? He likes you back clearly. And you can stop looking at him with big olโ heart eyes every time he walks in a room.โ
Michael gave you an unimpressed look.
โFine but tell me what Iโm supposed to do now. Iโve never had a man into me before. Especially not one I also have feelings for.โ
โHereโs a thought, just tell him how you feel.โ
You scoffed, โRight, and why would he believe me over his own brother? He seems to have his mind made up already. I donโt wanna embarrass myself, Mikey.โ
You closed your eyes sadly.
Michael snapped his fingers and you looked at him curiously.
โWhat about that song you were working on? Ainโt it โbout finished?โ
โโฆYeah but whatโs that got to do withโโ
โDonโt get mad at me but I took a peek at your song book and read the lyrics. I know you wrote it for him.โ
โMichael!โ You slapped his knee ignoring his little yelp of pain. โThat was private!โ
โI know. I know. Iโm sorry but I was curious.โ
He shrugged. โMy point is why donโt you sing it to him? I bet heโd love that.โ
โWhatโs a song gonโ do if he thinks we together? Absolutely not, by the way. You irk me too bad for me to want to put up with you like that,โ you laughed lightly and he joined in.
โWell what about the tour coming up? You can open for us and perform it then. Heโd have to take you seriously if you sang a song you wrote for him in front of thousands of people.โ
You paused, โYouโd want me to open for you guys on the Triumph tour?โ
โWhy not? Your fans love you, our fans love you, I think it could be fun. And Jackie would have to listen to you then. Whatโdโya say?โ
You squealed and launched yourself at him, hugging him tightly. What an opportunity this could be for you and your career. And if you could get Jackie out of it too, then might as well seize the reins with both hands.
Getting nervous before a performance was never really your style. Calm, cool and collected was more your forte. Youโd been in front of crowds for a good portion of your life so it never occurred to you that it would be possible to sweat through your costume before the show even started.
This was it. The big night. Opening night.
You were sweating like a sinner in church.
People kept asking you if you were good as if you werenโt on the verge of exploding and ruining everybodyโs nightโฆ and your edges.
This would be the biggest emotional risk youโve ever taken. If Jackie didnโt respond positively, youโd more than likely have to move countries and change your name. Tedious and exhausting is what that sounded like so this stunt had no choice but to go the way you wanted.
Michael had sent you a thumbs up from the other side of the stage and it did nothing to calm your nerves. Your hands shook as you stepped onto the platform while the crowd was screaming their heads off. You waved to your fans, smiling sweetly.
Jackie saddled up next to Michael near the curtains and met your eyes. He crossed his arms with a faint smile on his face.
You sat at the keyboard, fingers ghosting over the keys and the lights nearly blinded you. You took a deep breath as the crowd gradually quieted.
โThis one is for Sigmund.โ
The hush that fell over the crowd was worrying.
You couldnโt bear to look in Jackieโs direction again so you just let the music possess you. All that secretive practice you did had better paid off, you thought as your nimble fingers went to work.
โI just want you close, where you can stay forever. You can be sure that it will only get betterโฆ You and me together through the days and nightsโฆโ
Eyes closed and relying solely on the feel of the music, you imagined what Jackieโs reaction was currently. For your own sake, you pictured him smiling extra wide, beaming with pride.
โPeople keep talking, they can say what they like but all I know is everything's gonna be alright.โ
When you wrote the song, it was imperative that he knew that you werenโt worried about outside voices. It didnโt matter to you how often people said how good youโd look with Michael or that everyone assumed you were involved because at the end of the day you knew the truth.
โNo one, no one, no one can get in the way of what I feel for you.โ
At some point, you had gotten to your feet and your whole body moved with the music. The crowd hyped you up as you sang with your full chest.
Your twinkling eyes shot over to the backstage quickly and there was Jackie bobbing his head to the beat, smiling just as wide if not wider than you imagined. Your heart rejoiced.
When your song ended, the crowd response was deafening. You bowed like a lady and humbly thanked them for their support.
There was a commotion on the side of the stage. Your peripheral vision saw Marlon and Tito holding Jackie back before he broke free of them and jogged on to where you were.
You stood there breathing hard and still. Staring up into his sweet brown eyes with a bead of sweat rolling down your back, your lips parted unable to find actual words. It felt like the crowd was holding its breath with you.
Jackie shyly grabbed your hand and laced your fingers together.
โBaby girl, you wrote that fโme?โ
โI did. I meant every word,โ you whispered. โI donโt want nobody else. I just want you.โ
โThatโs good. Because I sure was thinking the same thing.โ
โAnd if I said I want you to be my girl?โ His large rough hand came up to caress your cheek.
โIโd love to be your girl, Sigmund.โ
All the outside noise was drowned out and you completely forgot you were on stage and that there was a huge crowd of people watching this entire interaction. As close you were to the mic, it picked up every single syllable of your conversation.
His eyes darted to your lips and you nodded, slowly leaning onto your toes.
Your lips met in the sweetest kiss you had ever received. Not even the one you got back in tenth grade could compare to Jackieโs pillowy lips setting every nerve in your body ablaze.
The way the crowd exploded brought you back to the present. He stepped back and pecked your forehead. Your eyes fluttered shut and you licked your lips, desperate for another taste of him.
โCโmon, girl, we got a show to start. Then me and you are gonna have a talk.โ
He lead you off stage and you dreamily follow behind him. If a mirror was held up to your face, youโd probably catch a glimpse of those heart eyes Michael spoke of.
i love a good song that will inspire me. had to bring back some jackie before big daddyโs birthday next week. im still working on those requests yall dont worry. lemme know how this one made you feel. idk why but i feel like im not good at writing fluff ๐ญ
psst, check out my tag list post if you want to be added ๐