Mouse and Applehead - Part 12a
Been working damn hard on this, but I finally managed to not only finish a chapter for this, but I also finished the next part for Conspiracy, which I will be posting after this. So, here's the next part for Mouse and Applehead, in which Annie does something she never thought she'd do, Maggie begins to uncover something about Michael, Bad tour related stuff, and somebody is geting married.
Title: Mouse and Applehead
Author: shinigami518
Rating: PG-13 (but will go into the R territory at times)
Warnings: Swearing, the occasional violence, future talks of attempted rape, abuse, and some racism
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this story except for Annie, her family, and her friends. All music used is owned by their respective owners, writers, and singers. I also, unfortunately, do not own Michael. If i did, he would still be around, playing with his children and making all of his fans happy.
Summary: Late 1979, Michael, after the release of Off the Wall, is longing for a friend. He walks alone at dusk in hopes to find one. He discovers one in the form of a little girl named Annie. This would lead to a long lasting friendship that spans three decades, featuring highs and lows, including: an obsessed older sister, an overprotective father, "Billie Jean", haters, alligations, death, and the pitfalls of being friends with the (currently not as of the time this starts) King of Pop.
Links to last part at my journal: Part 11b
Part 12 - Faithfully
Mid November, 1987
Craig’s residence
Michael, wearing a navy blue hooded sweatshirt over a black button up shirt, the hood covering his head, dark blue jeans, black sunglasses, and his usual footwear, approached the house with a slight spring in his step, Miko watching him from the car that dropped him off a few house away. The first leg of his “Bad World Tour” had ended and after taking a moment to spend a day with his family, he wanted to see Annie and her family. The two had kept their promises to write to each other during the tour and the two sent and received letters over the long several weeks they were away.
Michael’s smile turned to a small frown when he walked up to the house. Annie was lying in the grass, eyes closed and hands clasped over her stomach as if she was asleep, what appeared to be a script lying to her side. That wasn’t what made him frown. It was the fact that she wasn’t alone.
For kneeling at her side was Peter Riley, the same young man that Michael had ‘kindly persuaded’ to cease insulting her and her family the year before. He, too, had a script, which was rolled up in his left hand.
At first, Michael wanted to say something, but as he listened, he could hear Peter speaking and realized they were rehearsing for a play. He then remembered something from one of Annie’s letters: the young woman was in the fall/winter play of Snow White at her high school and happened to be cast as the lead, playing opposite to Peter, who had the role of the Prince. Annie had written how much she hated the idea of playing romantically opposite to the young man, who, according to the young woman, was still a bit of a flirt.
“You’re so cold… so beautiful… if only a kiss… could awaken you.” Peter acted, leaning over Annie, preparing to kiss the brunette. Annie twitched visibly, her face scrunching up as if she smelt something disgusting. Then…
“I can’t do this!” Annie exclaimed, sitting up quickly.
BONK!
A little too quickly, for as she said that, Peter starting to pull back, but wasn’t fast enough as Annie’s head collided with his.
“Ow! God damn it, why didn’t you move?!” Annie exclaimed, holding her head in pain as she sat up, still in the grass. Peter let out a groan, lying on his back in the grass while holding the sides of his head. Michael winced, not just from the sound of two skulls cracking together, but from Annie’s loud cursing.
“Damn it, Annie! That was the fourth time we’ve tried to do this scene, and the fourth time you freaked out today. We’ve got to get this scene nailed in two weeks for the final rehearsal!” Peter snapped as he sat back up, one hand now rubbing the side of his head.
“I know that, Peter, don’t you think I know that? I can’t handle kissing you, a guy who used to tease me every other damn school day!” Annie shot back, getting to her feet and glaring at Peter. Neither of them had noticed Michael watching them in silent shock.
Maggie then exited the house, watching the interaction in amusement. “Still having trouble with the kissing, huh?” Maggie asked while smirking.
“I refuse to kiss this… this pervert!” Annie exclaimed, pointing to Peter in emphasis.
“Hey, I’m not that big of a pervert anymore! I’ve grown up since freshman year!” Peter boasted proudly.
“Could’ve fooled me.” Annie muttered, crossing her arms and looking clearly annoyed.
“God, you’re such a pain in the ass. Are you always like this when your boyfriend, Michael Jackson, is away?” Peter groaned, standing up while wearing a smirk that Maggie had seen on Diana’s face when she playfully teased Michael and Annie about their friendship. Annie blushed deeply while Michael tried to pull the tip of his hood further over his eyes, also starting to feel his cheeks burn.
“You bastard! Michael is NOT my boyfriend! He’s like an older brother to me, you sick jerk!” Annie screamed in anger.
“Alright, alright, jeez, calm down! You’re already getting attention from your neighbors.” Peter exclaimed, holding his hands up in surrender.
“What?” Annie asked, confused.
“That guy over there is watching us.” Maggie pointed to Michael, not recognizing him at first. Annie, following Maggie’s line of sight, turned and saw Michael, still with the hood over his head. She took a few steps forward, still confused and trying to figure out who he was. She then looked him up and down, noting his appearance, and smiled happily.
“He’s back.” Annie gasped softly. She then ran over to him.
“Who’s back?” Peter wondered out loud.
“Is it… really you?” Annie asked Michael, hope in her eyes. Michael pushed part of the hood up, then removed his sunglasses, and smiled broadly.
“It was my mother’s shirt.” Michael replied, repeating a code phrase he and Annie’s family came up with whenever Michael came over to visit to prove it was really him. Anne smiled and hugged him, nearly taking him down by the force of her nearly tackling him while embracing him.
“I missed you so much.” Annie whispered, arms thrown around his shoulders.
“I missed you, too, Mouse.” Michael replied, holding Annie close with one hand cupping the back of her head, the other resting on her back.
“‘Mouse’? Who the hell’s this guy?” Peter questioned loudly. Maggie walked up to him and shot an incredulous look at the older teen.
“For God sake, you don’t even recognize his voice?” Maggie snapped. Peter pondered this for a moment, then paled as recognition hit him like a car smashing into a brick wall.
“Oh crap… is that-?” Peter squeaked.
“Hello, Mr. Riley. Mind telling me why you are here and giving Mouse such a hard time?” Michael greeted the teenager, voice grown cold as some old memories of Peter played in his mind.
“I-It’s not what it looks like! W-we were rehearsing for the latest school production. It’s Snow White and she’s Snow White and I’m the Prince.” Peter exclaimed, panicking while paling more.
“And I wanted to be the Queen, but for some reason beyond whatever I can think of, the director thought I was better as Snow White.” Annie put in, very annoyed as she separated from Michael.
“You never told me why you didn’t audition for Snow White role in our letters, why don’t you want to play that role… aside from the fact your playing opposite of him, as you already noted.” Michael asked Annie, giving a nod towards Peter.
“I’ll explain, but first let’s getting inside before Ms Cogan starts asking questions. Remember last time you were here? Diana’s birthday party?” Annie suggested, then reminded to Michael. Michael shuddered in remembrance as he and his female companion entered the house, followed by Peter and Maggie.
“What happened last time?” Peter wondered out loud.
“Let’s just say it involved drunk karaoke, spiked fruit punch, Tommy doing several laps around the block, lots of giggling, and a college friend of Kevin’s that’ll never come to this house again.” Maggie explained bitterly.
“I’m still wondering why Tommy was trying to set mom’s flower bed on fire.” Annie pondered suddenly.
“He said they were planning on taking over the world with purple dinosaurs and neon pink elephants.” Maggie replied with a groan. Peter stopped and stared at the other three in stunned silence, letting Maggie and Annie’s comments sink in. He then shook his head, not wanting to know more than what was said, and continued on, he and the others entering the living room to talk.
“Alright, Ann, why didn’t you want to audition for the role of Snow White in the first place?” Michael turned to face Annie once they were inside, removing his sunglasses as he talked.
“Because, every time I’m in a play lately, I almost always play one of the good girls or the lead heroine. I wanted to try something different and auditioned for the evil queen. However, the stupid director casted me as Snow White with him as the Prince, and I keep telling Mr. Anderson I am NOT kissing this pervert!” Annie explained bitterly, pointing to Peter as she spoke.
“How many times do I have to tell you, I’m not a pervert anymore!” Peter exclaimed, clearly aggravated.
“Yeah, you’re a super pervert.” Maggie noted n annoyance, clearly not believing him.
“Come on! The final rehearsal is in two weeks and we haven’t been able to nail the final scene without her freaking out or nearly cold cocking me with either her head or her fist.” Peter shouted angrily and annoyed. He then glared bitterly at both Michael and Annie. “You’d probably kiss me if I was Michael over there.” He remarked suddenly. Michael and Annie both blushed softly at that idea while Maggie looked on in interest.
“You son of a-, alright! If you want a kiss, here’s your god damn kiss!” Annie sputtered, then shouted. She then grabbed Peter by his shirt, pulled him towards her, and kissed him hard on the lips, much to the shock of Michael, Maggie, and Peter himself.
“……..Whoa. I did not see that coming.” Maggie stated after a moment.
“Neither did I.” Michael put in, staring in shock. As soon as Michael finished speaking, Annie broke away from Peter, bother her and Peter blushing.
“You… you just…” Peter gasped.
“You happy now? I kissed you! So do you mind shutting up about the damn kiss?” Annie asked, not just angry, but also annoyed and embarrassed.
“Ok…” Peter replied weakly, feeling a bit dazed from the kiss.
“Good! Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to rinse my mouth out and we’ll do a fake kiss for the play because I don’t ever want to do that again!” Annie nodded, the stated as she made her way out of the room and headed for the stairway leading upstairs.
After a few silent seconds, Peter finally spoke, smirking slightly. “Shame. She’s quite a good kisser.” Peter commented, placing a finger to his lips, clearly having enjoyed the kiss.
“She is.” Michael agreed, completely unaware he was musing out loud. Peter and Maggie both stared at him in surprise. Michael then realized that he had spoken out loud and blinked. “Uh, pretend you didn’t hear me say that…” Michael exclaimed, feeling very embarrassed.
“How do you know how Annie kisses? She never kissed any other boy on the lips, except Jack and the perv over there-.” Maggie started to question suspiciously. That was when the realization hit her at mach 5. “Hold on a sec. That incident on the Captain Eo set! That thing Diana’s been trying to figure out for over a year now!” Maggie exclaimed in astonishment as she began to put the pieces together.
“Don’t tell anyone I said that or what you think happened, Maggie.” Michael almost begged.
“You kissed her, didn’t you!?” Peter cried out.
“So what if I did? You never gave one crap about her for years and after you met me, you act like none of that ever happened?” Michael snapped, clearly agitated.
“Well, YOU were the one who told me not to make fun of her or you’d beat me up!” Peter shot back.
“That’s because you were insulting her and her family. I’ve cared about her for a very long time, ever since we met, even after she kissed me on th-.” Michael told him angrily, realizing a second too late that he just blurted out the secret he and Annie had been keeping from Diana for a year. “Oh crap.” Michael softly cursed, covering his mouth with both hands.
“She KISSED you!?” Maggie almost shrieked in total surprise.
“Oh, I’d love to know how that happened!” Peter grinned evilly, wanting to know all the juicy details.
“I’m not going to tell you anything!” Michael shouted, starting to blush as he stormed away from Maggie and Peter, hoping to find Annie and see how she’s doing.
“I knew there was something going on between those two.” Peter shook his head in mild amusement.
“That is something that’s never going to leave this house, understood?” Maggie told Peter frostily.
“Oh, and what’ll you do if I-?” Peter smirked, starting to ask the younger woman.
“I’m studying up on how to be a doctor. Mom’s been giving me lessons on human anatomy. She just taught me about vital organs and how they can be effectively removed.” Maggie cut him off, speaking slowly and coldly while a frigid smile appeared on her face. Peter immediately started to pale, thinking of what she might do to him.
“Tell Ann I’ll see her at school tomorrow!” Peter spoke hastily as he grabbed his backpack, script, and jacket and ran out of the house at almost breakneck speed. For a few seconds, Maggie couldn’t help but continue to smile, but in pride. She had done what only Michael and Diana had succeeded to do.
She had scared the crap out of Peter Riley.
>>>>><<<<<
Upstairs, in the bathroom, Annie had nearly emptied a half a tube of toothpaste, gargled half a bottle of mouthwash, and was currently drinking, gargling, and spitting out her third glass of water. She took a deep breath as soon as she spat the remaining water that was in her mouth into the sink and coughed a few times, feeling like she could throw up from all the cleaning she did.
“I can’t believe I kiss him! What the hell was I thinking?” Annie moaned in disgust, leaning over the sink, her hands clinging to either side of it.
“You wanted to shut him up, so you did one of the more logical ways to do it.” Michael replied from behind her from his spot by the bathroom door. Annie spun around to face him, clearly startled by his sudden appearance.
“Mikey! H-how long have you- never mind. Y-yeah, he kept complaining about the kiss and how important it was that it looked real. So I gave him the real kiss he kept complaining about and, hopefully, it’ll shut him up for a while.” Annie first asked in surprise, then spoke as she calmed down.
“And what about the show?” Michael asked, leaning against the doorframe as he eyed the mouthwash and toothpaste that rested on the sink.
“I haven’t thought that far in advance yet, damn it! I was more concerned about him making fun of our relationship. Even if the kiss wasn’t all that bad…” Annie snapped, then paused as she realized what she was starting to say. She paled. “Oh crap, did I just-?!” Annie cursed, her hands flying to her face, inches from her mouth.
“You did. You apparently liked the kiss.” Michael nodded, a grim look appearing on his face. Annie turned away, looking at the mirror and starting to panic.
“Oh crap, t-this shouldn’t be happening! How could I-? He’s a pervert, a jerk, and a narcissist! B-but he kissed nicely… but he teased me so much in the past and still does… but he doesn’t really do it that much anymore….” Annie freaked, her hands rising higher until they rested on either side of her head. “Oh man, not good, not good!” Annie went on, practically on the verge of a full on panic attack. Michael took at least two long strides forward and grabbed Annie by her forearms, making her turn to face him.
“Get a hold of yourself, Annie!” Michael demanded, startling Annie out of her panic attack. The two stared at each other for a few silent seconds before Michael spoke on. “You can’t predict who you fall in love with and how you feel about someone. It happens and it looks like you might very well be in love with Peter.” Michael told Annie calmly and seriously.
“But why did it have to be him?” Annie almost whined.
“I wish I know.” Michael sighed, shoulders sagging and he released his grip on Annie.
“Speaking of him, is he still downstairs?” Annie asked.
“Actually, from what I heard on my way up the stairs, Maggie threatened to castrate him if he blabbed about what happened today… and about something I accidentally revealed, too.” Michael replied, speaking the last bit with a nervous look on his face.
“Michael, what did you say?” Annie asked, narrowing her eyes.
>>>>><<<<<
A few minutes later downstairs…
Annie was burying her face into her hands, her glasses resting on her lap. “Look, just promise me you won’t tell Diana or anyone else about what happened between Michael and me, please?” Annie practically begged as she sat on the couch in front of Maggie, Michael sitting next to her, continuing to look nervous.
“Just answer me this one question - why did you kiss Michael, and twice for that matter?” Maggie asked the two, pacing slowly in front of her sister and their friend.
“I was stressed out, doubting myself, and feeling emotionally unstable at that moment. Plus, Michael nearly got his head taken off by a whip.” Annie started to explain, fiddling with her glasses in her hands.
“Don’t remind me…” Michael put in, rubbing the side of his head where the whip had grazed him the year before.
“And it just sorta happened. Not to mention I was thinking about what my first kiss would be like… And as for the second time, it was a thank you kiss for cheering me up after my little breakdown. Nothing else happened and nothing has happened since then.” Annie went on.
“So please, Maggie Mae, don’t tell anyone about this. We want to be able to tell others in our own time.” Michael added.
“Especially Diana. She’s been on my ass about what happened for a year now, wanting to know what happened.” Annie finished.
“Why have you been cursing so much lately?” Michael suddenly asked Annie, looking at her.
“Mostly due to Peter’s presence frying most of my nerves. Plus, I’m getting older, too…” Annie replied.
“Just so you two know, I won’t tell anyone about what happened.” Maggie imputed, interrupting the two, standing right in front of them.
“You better swear to it or I’ll tell everyone about those dirty dreams you’ve need having about Mel Gibson lately.” Annie stated firmly. Maggie started to blush.
“You wouldn’t- I- I mean, what’re you talking about? I don’t have dirty dreams about him!” Maggie sputtered.
“You keep talking about his naked butt and chest in your sleep ever since you saw Lethal Weapon.” Annie smiled evilly.
“Ann, like I said, I won’t tell anyone as long as you don’t say anything about that!” Maggie told Annie, her blush deepening.
“Good.” Annie nodded, putting her glasses back on.
“You’re growing up so much too, Maggie Mae.” Michael noted with a smile.
“Yeah, I know, but at least I’m not getting married like Kevin is…” Maggie muttered loudly, looking away while still blushing.
“WHAT!?” Both Michael and Annie shouted at the same time in shock. Maggie nearly stumbled back from the force of their shouts.
“T-that’s why I came outside, to tell you that Kev asked Caroline to marry him, Ann. She said yes.” Maggie explained.
“Oh my god, I can’t believe it! About damn time. I thought for sure they’d tie the knot as soon as they graduated.” Annie exclaimed, overjoyed.
“That’s great news, Maggie. Who else knows?” Michael smiled happily, standing up to hug Maggie.
“Kevin already called mom, and he said he’d call Diana after he-.” Maggie started to answer, hugging Michael back. The door then slammed open, revealing a very joyful, teary-eyed Allison.
“I can’t believe it! My little Kevin is getting married! My little boy has become a man! I’ve never been so damn happy!!” Alison shouted, very happy as she pranced around the room, spinning a now standing Annie around. She then repeated the process with Michael and Maggie, singing nonsensical words.
“I-Is your mother alright?” Michael asked once Alison was done spinning him around, looking quite freaked out over the older woman’s behavior.
“I have no idea…” Annie shook her head, freaked out and embarrassed over her mother’s actions.
“Thank god Paul and Tommy are at their friends houses right now…” Maggie remarked, dizzy after Alison released her and spun around by herself. Alison then stopped and stared at Michael, suddenly realizing he was there.
“Oh, Michael, you’re here. When did you get back?” Alison asked innocently. Maggie fell on the couch with a groan, while Michael blinked a few times.
“Mom, sometimes, you scare me.” Annie told her mother, shaking her head.
>>>>><<<<<
Early March, 1988
Craig residence.
Annie stood in the backyard, swaying to the music playing on the boom box that was against the large oak tree. She had a hairbrush in her right hand and was using it as a makeshift microphone as she started to sing into it. She then started to dance while singing into the brush, rocking out and dancing like Michael, with a mix of her own mash up of dances she had learned.
“We're takin' over
We have the truth
This is the mission
To see it through
Don't point your finger
Not dangerous
This is our planet
You're one of us
We're sendin' out-!” Annie sang into the brush as she danced. Before she could sing much further, the music suddenly turned off and she froze in mid pose. “Hey, what the hell?” Annie shouted in annoyance, turning towards the tree. Maggie stood next to the tree, holding the boom box in her hands, having turned off the “Bad” cassette Annie was singing along to.
“Dancing for fun, or you getting ready for that Michael musical you’re in?” Maggie asked, smiling in amusement.
“It’s not a musical; it’s a tribute show, Maggie Mae.” Annie told her sister, lowering her hand that had the brush in it.
“I wish you wouldn’t call me that. I’m a teenager now. That’s such a kiddie name.” Maggie sighed, walking with the large object swing in her hands towards the porch.
“That doesn’t stop Michael from calling you that, does it? Now why did you interrupt my practice?” Annie noted, then asked curiously. Maggie set the boom box on the porch and sat down on the steps of the porch with a sigh.
“I just discovered something about Michael that he might be hiding from us.” Maggie told Annie.
“What, good or bad?” Annie asked, walking over with a hint of fear in her eyes.
“Bad, from what little I was able to discover. It’s medical related, too.” Maggie replied softly. Annie sat down next to her, frowning.
“Bad? How bad? I-I mean, we already know about his skin problems, plus the nose job he had a few years ago and that chin cleft he got a while ago, but… how bad is this? Is it… deadly?” Annie asked, growing worried. Maggie’s silence and downcast look was her response. “Maggie, please tell me.” Annie asked again, growing more and more worried with each second.
“Remember back during the Thriller release when Michael had that weird looking sun burn on his face? You know, the one that looked like he was blushing all the time?” Maggie asked back, starting her explanation.
“Yeah, I do. Tommy always said we embarrassed him so much, all the blushing became burned into his skin.” Annie nodded in remembrance.
“Well, I was looking through one of mom’s medical dictionaries the other day after dinner - the one with the symptoms of diseases and stuff.” Maggie went on.
“And?” Annie asked.
“And that perma-blush he had? It’s a symptom of something called lupus.” Maggie explained.
“Isn’t that the dog classification?” Annie blinked in confusion.
“No, that’s Lupine. Lupus isn’t that.” Maggie shook her head.
“So what is it? Is it life threatening?” Annie asked, very worried now.
“I’m not entirely sure, but a symptom is a rash across the face that looks like the person is blushing, but it’s shaped almost like a butterfly. I tried to read more, but Paul came into my room talking about one of his games and I lost my place in the book. I do recall that it causes achy joints, sensitivity to sunlight and chest pains.” Maggie replied with a sigh. Annie looked away, troubled with a distant look in her eyes as she let this revelation set in.
“So that’s why he had that perma-blush and probably why he passed out that one time during the Triumph Tour. My god, why does this have to-?” Annie started to say.
“Annie? Maggie?”
Both Annie and Maggie turned to see Alison standing by the porch door, looking troubled.
“What is it, Mom? Kevin? Tommy?” Annie asked her mother.
“I just got a call from Miko, Michael’s bodyguard.” Alison replied calmly, but clearly looking worried.
“Miko??” Maggie asked, remembering their friend.
“What is it, mom?” Annie asked. Alison appeared to hesitate before replying with a soft sigh.
“It’s about Michael…” Alison started.
Second half coming shortly after posting.
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