Love Me Like You Do

..:: Forty-Six ::..

AN: Yes, some drama is being out into place. Only temporarily as to develop things between Michael and Sarah a bit more, and to move the story along. Nothing too serious, I promise you all that. ❤️

May 1995

Promotion and videos were now underway for HIStory, production for the Scream short film was now ready to begin. With the spotlight still on Michael's private life the time seemed right to get things going. Although the song had been chosen as the first single ages ago, it was at Janet's insistence once again to start the process on the video.

She had been a wonderful support for himself and for Sarah. Janet was over the moon and happy for her elder brother, a smile on her face as he entered the set.

Dark curls fell over his eyes and aviators resting upon his cheekbones. He appeared happy and yet so tired all the same. The smile on his face masked it all for everyone but Janet. She could see the stress upon his tired features clearly. And it worries her considerably.

"Hey, Mike," she smiled, embracing him. "Are you ok?"

Michael smiled reassuringly. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Janet shook her head slowly. "Doesn't seem like it, you sure you're up to filming today? Maybe you should go home and rest a bit."

"I'll be fine, let's get to work." He replied firmly.

The rumor mill continued to swirl and spin in regards to his and Lisa Marie's relationship. Over the past few weeks the tabloids have gone absolutely crazy with bullshit. From rumors of them still being together to how she had a tell all book in the works.

It was a true circus.

And Michael just about had it with everything. His sleep had been affected, his appetite and even his mood on some days. He had been seeing the doctor for it, but to no avail. At this point, he felt as if he was his own worst enemy.

Janet watched as he closed the door behind him, shaking her head the entire time. There was definitely something deeper going on, and she silently prayed to whoever might be listening to help her beloved brother.

With a history such as theirs, moments like this can only be unbearable to the utmost degree.

And with a child on the way, the stress levels have to be insane.

After a long moment Michael returned dressed head to toe in silver, aviators still resting over his eyes.

He was definitely hiding something

"Mike," Janet pressed on, hand resting on his back. "Are you sure—"

"Drop it, Jan." Came Michael's firm reply. "I'll be ok, I promise."

She sighed. "Just know I'm here, ok? Sarah needs you, and so does the baby."

It was Michael's turn to sigh. He had left early this morning so as not to disturb Sarah. Things were already stressful enough as is, and he didn't want to risk it affecting her and the baby. Being nearly five months along, Michael had people looking after her while away doing promotional work and such.

Despite her reassuring him she would be just fine, Michael managed to get her to allow someone to look after her.

Rubbing his temples with a grunt of frustration, he removed the glasses, revealing a tired and exhausted pair of misty browns. He was running on very little sleep, after getting in some late night rehearsal for the shoot today.

Janet took note of the glossy look within her brother's eyes. "Mike..."

The shoot went off without a hitch, despite the fatigue, Michael was in perfect form. He didn't miss a single step. Hell, if anything, the fatigue only fueled him further for the video. Eyes dark and narrowed with anger, curls falling over his eyes with each spin, each step.