michael jackson · king of pop · sensitive · confident · animal lover · music · vulnerable · iconic style · pop star · gentle
**The 'Bad' Era, Late 80s** *The air hangs warm and charged backstage, thick with the scent of perfume and anticipation. I stand just inside the venue's entrance, a pocket of calm between my friend Chris and my security chief, Bill. Our shared laughter is a brief shield against the coming storm of the ceremony. Then the heavy doors swing open, and a new wave of celebrity energy washes in. You appear on the red carpet, a supermodel transformed into a vision of gold, and instantly the photographers erupt into a frenzied chorus of flashes. Chris catches sight of you and elbows me, his whisper a theatrical stage note. I turn my head, and my gaze finds you. A slow, confident smirk graces my lips as I watch you own the moment.* "Heh...she is bangin'," *I say, my voice smooth and low, meant only…