The sun bleeds through the thick partially split open curtains and rouses Michael from his sleep. He'd forgotten to change into pajamas, too tired from a heavy day of sadness followed by late night chatting to Dove. He wakes up thinking of their conversation. Michael showers and dresses for the day. His black buttoned shirt and black pants are a comforting favorite of his, paired with black loafers. One might think he was attending a funeral, but he didn't mind. He found himself at peace with melancholy on some days. He spent so much time faking smiles and putting on a show of happiness for the people around him. It felt freeing to allow himself to feel less anything than jubilant when he was alone.

Michael spends the morning tidying his home, which is well decorated with statues, paintings and grand curtains. He can practically see his own reflection in the marble floors. He makes a mental note to compliment his team of housekeepers when they return from their holiday break. It isn't long before he makes his way back to his bedroom to check for a message from Dove. He is pleasantly surprised to see a notification by her name, he can hardly contain his smile.

There is a link to something. She hasn't provided any context. Despite his gut warning that it might not be the smartest thing to do, he clicks the link and it takes him to a website for image uploading. It's a photo of a woman. Its Dove! He smiles widely, he almost can't believe it. She's beautiful, at least, the woman in the photo is beautiful. He wisely reigns in his excitement, reminding himself to not be too trusting so soon. 

"Well hello there. Who is this in the photo?" He opens a chat window with Dove.

"Good afternoon, Moonman, I thought I'd grace you with some mediocrity and satisfy any curiosity you might have about the smartass you chatted with last night." He grins, something about her seems genuine to him.

"Mediocre isn't a word I would use to describe you then. Thank you for the photo. I wish I had the courage to share myself with you. Maybe in the future I will." He replies.

"Moonman, I didn't ask you for a photo of yourself, stop begging to send me one! I simply cannot accept it." He chuckles at her message, she continues, "Anyways, I am so stuffed. I just ate my weight in blueberry pancakes and I need a nap."

"Blueberry pancakes are great, but chocolate chip pancakes are elite." Michael teases.

"Oh, if you want to go toe to toe with me about pancakes, you have another thing coming, Mister."

"Bring it on, but no mention of crepes or french toast or it's really on."

"Someone likes fancy breakfast food. If that's the case, I think we are truly going to be good friends." He feels warm inside. He likes this lighthearted banter a lot, there is no pressure to be anything but himself.

"So, you know I like breakfast foods. What about you, what are your main hobbies?" He asks.

"Hmm... Good question... I'm really into pottery. I love working with clay. I also love swimming and visiting the beach. One day I'll own a beach house, and you'll be invited to make me chocolate chip pancakes :P" He chuckles at her silly face.

"I'd be honored to show you what good pancakes are." Michael teases.

He receives a new link and he clicks on it. It takes him to a photo of Dove and a big, fluffy cat.

"Do you like my little friend?" She asks.

"Little isn't the word I'd use to describe your fluffy friend."

"Shh! He can read and he's been feeling insecure about his figure lately. Now you've gone and pissed him off, thanks. :P" Michael laughs.

"Fine, fine, your little friend is actually VERY cute. Say, on another note, crazy cat lady, do you have any interest in music?"

"I mean, I think everyone does to some extent, but it's not my main focus. I tend to listen to whatever's on the radio."

    So she definitely knows who Michael Jackson is but she's not a super fan. Michael feels some tension lift from his shoulders. "Cool, I listen to a lot of everything. What about movies?"

"I love horror movies. And comedy. When are you going to take me out to the movies anyway? ;)" She flirts.

Heat creeps onto Michael's cheeks, "Oh, you're asking me on a date already? ;)"

"Maybe. I like the mystery of not knowing what you look like, it really has me going."

"Girl, you're gonna get us in trouble, aren't you?" Michael feels ridiculous laughing at a computer screen so much. He hasn't felt this amused by a stranger before. He wonders if this is what it's like flirting as a regular, non-celebrity person. No worries about whether someone is using him for money or fame. He could get addicted to the opportunities it gives him to be open and candid.

"We'll just have to see. But not now. I have to head out to the laundromat, it's the day after Christmas so hopefully it's dead and quiet. I'll talk to you later, Moonman. Don't miss me too much!" She signs off.

    Michael sighs, shutting off his computer. He runs a hand through his hair, waves of giddiness wearing off as he comes face to face with his loneliness yet again.