Unnaturally Beautiful

Chapter 12: Experiencing Love…?

The inside of the palace was more spectacular than the outside. In preparation for the ball, massive lengths of glittering cloths had been stretched all about them, draping down from the impossibly high ceiling in reds and oranges and browns.

Just past the main entrance, Tobias was unable to keep himself steady. His gaze so fixed on the decorations high about them, he stumbled on a stair. The Goblin King held him firm, however, and smirked as they began their gradual ascent. The staircase seemed to go on forever. It had to be some fifteen feet wide, and there were many others making the climb along with them. Everyone’s clothes were amazing, bright dots of color along the gleaming white staircase. Tobias noticed that none of the men were dressed as well as his king. However, the ladies’ dresses gained all the attention. He noticed some with trains so long as many as four servants were needed to assist them.

Finally reaching the top of the stairs, the crowd slowed. Each couple was being announced grandly before being allowed to enter. Tobias could see just enough around the others in front of him that the room they were about to step into was indeed the ballroom. Perhaps it was the throne room on any other day? He could see in the distance, high on a platform, four massive thrones were positioned, the two in the center the largest. All were empty, the royalty no doubt enjoying themselves on the dance floor.

At last it was their turn. A short man in a rather dull suit marked on the papers he was holding, marking them off the list maybe? Then a much taller man with broad shoulders and a deep chest, called out in a surprisingly loud voice that carried over all the chatter, “Announcing His Majesty Jareth the Goblin King and Tobias.”

Tobias didn’t blush, didn’t notice the swarm of eyes turn their way, didn’t hear the few whispers. All he could do was stare open-mouthed. The room was all gold! If it could be called a room. His entire house would have fit in this room! The walls were covered it material spun of gold, and over that, golden-framed art was placed along with draperies and numerous golden candlesticks mounted to the walls, all the candles alight, the room blazing. In the center, from the arched ceiling, hung an enormous chandelier that would put the one in Jareth’s dining room to shame. It was all gold, of course, holding hundreds of burning candles and dripping with amber crystals.

The floor felt soft beneath his feet. Looking down, Tobias found that he was standing atop a thick carpet with large autumn leaves in it’s design. He could see that further out, in the center of the room, beneath the chandelier, the floor changed to rich, polished wood, more suitable for dancing. Many couples were already in full swing, dresses flaring about as gentleman swept them across the room. Servants kept to the edges, milling about with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

“And Tobias?” The lovely voice pulled him from his gawking. There was a woman standing before them, nearly as tall as Jareth. Tobias was impressed by her beauty. She was perhaps the most stunning woman he’d seen yet. Her skin was a smooth olive tone, her eyes honey brown, and her hair was the richest burgundy, more red than brown. It hung in thick waves nearly to the floor.

Her full, crimson-painted lips pulled into a smile, “Who is this boy you bring to my ball?” She was obviously speaking to Jareth, not even glancing once at him.

Jareth bowed respectfully, “He is my date, if you will.”

She continued to stand tall, unflinching, “Hardly appropriate, Jareth.”

Tobias knew now that this had to be the Autumn Queen. He’d imagined her older, but this woman appeared no more than thirty.

“I apologize if I offend.” Jareth said coldly, his eyes like steel. Tobias wondered at this new expression.

The queen didn’t answer, waving her hand in a dismissive manner and turning to head back into the crowd, “What was that about?” Tobias asked, realizing his hand still held Jareth’s arm.

The Goblin King shook his head, “She doesn’t approve of your sex or status, but she has not notice the real offense.”

Tobias frowned, wondering if maybe all of these royals were crazy. Before another word could be said between them, a small group approached them, two young ladies and a man. The conversation was all polite and cold, very harsh in Tobias’ eye. He couldn’t understand. One of the young ladies seemed upset with his presence, he could tell she liked Jareth as more than a friend.

It continued on this way for the better half of the evening, meeting endless amounts of royalty. They asked how things were, asked if Jareth had his eye on any of the ladies. Jareth answered calmly, his arrogance doubled. He spoke as if he were above it all, as if it didn’t matter. He was so cold! Tobias had found it somewhat interesting at first, trying to remember all their names, gawking at the ladies’ dresses, but it became so annoying so quickly. It was obviously an act, one that was repeated over and over. Tobias found himself growing bored amidst so much beauty.

He felt Jareth stiffen then and looked up. A woman stood before them, a glowing beauty. Her hair was nearly black with beautiful auburn highlights. It was done up on her head in a mass of carefully arranged ringlets adorned with jewels. Her hair alone could have held his attention for the rest of the evening.

She wasn’t as lovely as the Autumn Queen, but she was indeed lovely. Her skin was a ripe peach covered in endless amounts of glittering white fabric. Tobias wondered how much the dress could possibly weigh. Her dark, cold eyes stared from maybe six feet away, never blinking. Neither she or Jareth spoke, and everyone around them seemed to feel the tension building.

A man approached then, nearly stepping between them. Tobias quickly noticed the resemblance. This man was Jareth’s father, no doubt. Though they were similar, however, they were also different. This man was masculine in all the ways Jareth was feminine. The hair was a touch darker, the jaw squarer, shoulders broader, chest thicker, even his voice was deeper. “No fighting.” He said it quietly but forcefully.

Tobias turned to look at his lover, wondering how he had been born so beautiful from such a man. Jareth was taller, fairer, more graceful, everything beautiful. He wondered what his mother looked like. For if this was the Great Queen, then she was not his mother. Jareth had said he was born a bastard child.

The tension waned as Jareth smirked, that cruel expression, not even amusement reaching his eyes, “Of course not, Great King.”

The queen wasn’t so easily stopped. She stepped forward, speaking in harsh whispers, “How dare you bring such a creature!”

Jareth’s eyes widened in mock surprise, “But, Great Queen, he is my date this evening. I hadn’t realized their were such rules.”

“There are no need for such rules because no one would dare. You do this to spite me!”

His expression became serious then, “Hardly. Tobias is very dear to me. He’s the one who got away.”

The Great Queen was slightly surprised by that, her ranting halted, “This is Sarah’s babe?”

The hold Tobias had on Jareth’s arm released, their hands meeting. Jareth then used graceful force to turn him out into the center of their little gathering, as if displaying him. Nervous, Tobias bowed deeply to the Great King and Queen.

The royal couple stared for a moment, their eyes sweeping his form. The queen shook her hand then in a dismissive manner, “That doesn’t matter. He’s here now. You should have turned him into a goblin the second of his arrival.”

Jareth stood tall, pulling Tobias back to him, “I will not and cannot do such a thing.”

The queen flustered, something she’d obviously been fighting. Her face scrunched ever so slightly and she stepped even closer, “What are you saying? You are the Goblin King! I made you such! Are you refusing your duty?”

Calmly, Jareth lowered his eyes and bowed shallowly, “Hardly, Great Queen. I have always served you and always will, however, this is an exception as it was with the lovely Sarah. Perhaps it is my lower breeding that causes me to become so attached to these bold creatures that escaped my clutches. Sarah is lost to me, but I have Tobias, and I don’t intend to let him go.”

The queen literally growled, “You mean, he’s your lover?”

Jareth looked up then, his eyebrows drawn together, his smirk in place, his expression altogether fierce, “That’s just it.”

She turned away, making a circle and approaching again, “I will not have this!” The whispers were forgotten, the few who were still unaware were all staring now, “So many want your affections, our breed dwindles, and you’re off on another fling? Not only with a male, but one without status… From Aboveground!”

Eyes all around went wide. Tobias turned, looking from face to face. Why were they so shocked? Was it really so strange? Tobias didn’t feel like he was something to be stared at so. It was unnerving. He didn’t know whether to blush or grow angry. Unsure, his emotions in a bit of a tangle, he moved to Jareth’s side, taking hold of the Goblin King’s arm again.

Jareth only shrugged in response to the queen, watching in secret amusement as she huffed and stomped away, the king hurrying after her along with several servants. The band was even silent. The dance floor had cleared. He spotted the Autumn Queen across the room who gestured to her ruined ball. Jareth only shook his head and smirked, a clear indication that it was far from ruined.

“Dance with me.” He said, almost a question as he peered down into Tobias’ eyes.

The boy nodded, nervous, swallowing.

They walked onto the dance floor, both their heels clicking by the Goblin King’s will, their hands joined. The band started up, a slow, deep sound. Tobias suspected it was a cello but didn’t know enough about instruments to confirm this. He really didn’t know much about proper dancing, like the Waltz or whatever, but he knew how to dance as other teenagers back home did. How hard could it be?

Hesitant, Tobias tried simply to follow Jareth’s movements. It turned out to be rather easy. The Goblin King led well with firm hands on Tobias’ narrow waist. They turned slow, moving seductively about one another, eyes locked. Others joined and chatter began again in the crowds but most eyes were on them.

Feeling a bit daring, Jareth spun the boy as he would a woman, Tobias’ shirt tails flaring as he did so, a bright smile coming to the boy’s face. Now they could all see how lovely this creature really was. He pulled him back from the spin a tad too forcefully, causing their bodies to clap together. The song was at its end. Jareth leaned down, his hands on the boy’s face. He knew they were watching, but it really had little to do with that. It had been his first dance with Tobias, he wanted a kiss, and so it was.

Tobias’ head was already spinning from the ball itself, then the argument, and then the lights and the dancing… And, God, Jareth… Now this kiss? He fell into it, his hands covering Jareth’s, his mouth open, welcoming. It lasted a bit longer than was appropriate but left them both fairly satisfied.

The Goblin King watched those big, brilliant, blue eyes blink in their surroundings. The blush quickly rose in those pale cheeks. Jareth laughed, a real laugh, one that was a little on the loud side, a bit sadistic, his head tossing back slightly. They left the dance floor, arm in arm.

After dodging royals and supposed friends, they managed their way to a corner sparsely populated. The Great King found them there later that evening, “Jareth.”

Jareth turned from the boy, his smile falling as he saw his father, “Yes?”

“You’ve done it now.”

“And what’s that?”

The king frowned, “Don’t play your games with me, boy. You know very well what you’ve done. I’ll never hear the end of it.”

Jareth made a sound between a sigh and a growl, “It doesn’t matter. This is what I want.” He gestured to Tobias standing at his side.

The king shook his head, “Have your fun, get it out of your system, and send him back. Do not bring him to the Winter Ball if it should last that long. I want it ended by the New Year, and I want you to bring your future wife with you to the Great Ball. Understand?”

Jareth’s eyebrows furrowed in anger, “You can’t order such.” It was said quietly but menacingly.

“I’m your father! Of course I can.”

“And if I don’t?”

The King’s eyes grew dark, “Should the boy remain, I’ll turn him into a goblin myself. And if you don’t choose a bride, I’ll choose one for you.”

Jareth stepped back, turning, pacing, hands on hips, hatred in his eyes, “This is ridiculous.”

“I agree.” And with that the king was withdrawing, stepping away without making a scene. No one was the wiser for this argument.

Tobias stared wide-eyed. What had just been said? It had happened so fast. Had he followed the conversation correctly?

Jareth reached out and snatched the boy’s wrist, “Come on, we’re going.”

The Autumn Queen called out as they started down the stairs. They stopped, waiting for her to catch them, “You’re leaving before the end? Is my ball so unentertaining?”

Jareth chuckled, “Hardly, however, if I stay much longer, I’m afraid I’ll ruin your lovely ball.”

She nodded, understanding, “The Great Queen is having a bit of a fit over this, isn’t she?”

“Of course.”

The queen’s face became serious, her eyes hard, “I certainly don’t approve, but it’s strange… Were you my husband’s bastard son, I could care less if you spoiled your name with such a coupling.”

Jareth shook his head sadly, “It isn’t that. She sees my happiness, and that’s the last thing she’s ever wanted for me.”

The Autumn Queen smiled, “You? Happy? The dark, mysterious Jareth of the goblins?” She was teasing! Why had others said she was so stern?

Jareth smirked, bowing low, “My Lady.” And with that they were leaving, trotting on down the stairs.

The servant girls were mingling with several other servants just outside the main entrance. The moment they spotted them, they hurried off to find the coach and coachman.

………………………………...

In the solitude of the carriage, Tobias allowed his thoughts free reign. He went over everything that had happened, everything that had been said. So, it was true. The royalty despised his presence, his kind. Tobias knew of prejudice, had witnessed minor incidents back home, but never had he been the subject of such, never in such a harsh manner. It was unfair of them to hate him so easily. He couldn’t help where he was from. Tobias wished suddenly that he’d been born Underground so that he and Jareth might be together peacefully.

The instant he made such a wish, he took it back. As much as he loved Jareth, he couldn’t forget his home, and Sarah. He missed his old life. The gentle swaying of the carriage lulled his sorrows, allowing him to slouch down against the Goblin King.

Jareth frowned at his lover, knowing much was troubling the boy, however, it couldn’t be helped. He slouched a bit as well, wrapping an arm about the boy as he thought on their situation. The Great King wanted Tobias sent home, and expected him to bring a fiancé to the Winter Ball. How ridiculous indeed! And if he refused such orders, Tobias would be turned into a goblin.

The Winter Ball was a mere three months away. Frustrated and growing rather angry, Jareth kicked the empty seat across from him. Tobias started in his arms but remained silent.

“Let’s not think about it right now.” He whispered, slipping an arm about his king’s waist.

The rest of the ride was made in silence, the castle bathed in morning sunlight when they arrived.

………………………………...

“I thought for sure Julianne would be up. She was so excited, I thought she’d have a ton of questions for me.” Tobias said as he went about removing his shoes and accessories.

Jareth remained silent, watching his young lover as he kicked off his own boots.

Tobias retreated to the bathroom to change, glad to be in his comfy night shirt. He really needed a shower, but felt too lazy. Instead, he washed up at the basin, using a towel to scrub the make-up away. As expected, Jareth was already changed and in bed with the help of magic, no doubt.

Tobias smiled and climbed in next to the Goblin King, “I really had fun. I’m glad you took me.”

Jareth wanted to argue that it had been a disaster, that if he’d simply left him at the castle, things would still be fine. Now he had so many worries! Was it normal to be so concerned over a lover? Jareth couldn’t remember worrying so before.

The candles were out and the curtains drawn, but light still seeped into the room, just enough to see by. Jareth leaned over the boy, looking down at his smooth, pale complexion, those big, brilliant, blue eyes, and those delectable lips, “Let me make love to you.” He whispered.

His eyes went wide, “Wha…?” Tobias managed, suddenly uncomfortable lying beneath the man. He glanced to the side, swallowing nervously, “But… Remember, I want to wait for love. I…”

Jareth silenced the boy by placing his fingers over those soft lips, “I may never love. I can’t. I want to love you, but…” Sighing, he leaned down, resting his forehead against the boy’s left shoulder.

This knowledge sank in slow, and deep down, Tobias felt he already knew this. He lifted his arms to wrap them loosely about his king’s waist, “Okay.” He whispered.

Pulling back, Jareth looked into his lover’s eyes to confirm what he’d heard. Those eyes were soft, smiling up at him with fragile confidence. Without hesitation, the Goblin King leaned down again, this time pressing their lips together in a gentle kiss. The covers slipped to the floor and were forgotten as Jareth moved his kisses to the boy’s neck, sucking gently, marking his lover. Tobias gasped, his hands and knees shaking. The Goblin King chuckled, nibbling at the slight jut of the boy’s collar bone. He knew the trembling body beneath him was in the throes of nervousness, anticipation, all the things that accompanied one’s first time.

He slipped his hands beneath the large sleep-shirt, running them up, bringing the material up as well. Jareth could tell the boy was fighting to remain calm, pliant. Seconds later, the shirt was joining the covers on the floor. He dipped his head and took a pert nipple between his lips.

“Nnn… Jareth, wait…”

The Goblin King sucked gently, rolling the little bud of flesh carefully between his teeth before looking up, “Hn?” He asked.

Tobias swallowed, already breathing heavily, “I… I’m scared.”

Moving back up, a smile in place, Jareth chastely kissed his young lover before whispering, “Don’t be silly, there’s nothing to fear.”

“But… I’ve never… And, what if you…”

“Shh…” Jareth said through a slight laugh, placing his fingers again over the boy’s lips, “You’ve already exceeded my expectations, many times over.”

Tobias smiled, wondering who else would give such an answer. Not that he was disappointed. Quite the opposite. Jareth was unlike anyone he’d ever met, he loved the Goblin King so very much. He nodded, ignoring the tear that escaped the far corner of his right eye.

With the press of his thumb, Jareth wiped up the tear, erasing it. Having reassured his lover, he moved to where he’d left off, running slight touches over the boy’s chest, his fingertips dancing as he took the other nipple into his mouth.

“My God…” Tobias half-moaned, his hands finding the sheets, balling the material in his fists.

He ran his hands up the boy’s sides, fingering armpits lined with the fine down of pale blonde hairs, “Tobias, I want you to know… The magic between us is natural. I’m working no glamour here.” The last was a whisper as Jareth dipped his tongue in the boy’s navel, his hands coming down to pull at them hem of black, cotton boxers.

Nervous as hell, Tobias remained silent as the last of his clothing was pulled down the length of his legs to be deposited on the floor. The cool air caressed his body as he lie still, feeling awkward. He shifted his gaze so he might see what Jareth was up to.

The Goblin King was on his knees in the process of loosening the tie on his pants, pushing them down. Tobias closed his eyes, squeezing them shut. He could feel the bed shift under the older man’s weight and then heard the sound of more clothing being dropped to the floor. No doubt, they were both nude now.

Cool hands came to his hips, pulling him closer. Tobias made a slight sound of surprise, opening his eyes. Jareth’s form was so pale, like ivory, golden hair hanging over his forehead and shoulders in seemingly weightless wisps. Those hands moved to his legs, spreading them apart, positioning them properly.

Tobias swallowed, watching as the Goblin King moved to kneel between his legs, “Will…”

Jareth looked up, finding the boy’s worried expression rather adorable.

“Will it hurt?” Tobias felt like an idiot for asking. He knew enough to know such things but was still afraid.

Running a hand in a soothing manner over a somewhat sharp hip, Jareth smiled again, an expression he was beginning to show the boy more and more often, “I’ll be gentle.” He whispered, lowering his head to place a chaste kiss to that place where thigh meets groin.

Tobias felt his arousal twitch and stiffen further. Hands like butterflies moved over his most private parts, kissing, exploring. Jareth kissed his thighs, licking up the length of them, fingering the backs of his knees. Tobias unknowingly spread his legs wider, wanting already, his desire burning.

Jareth smirked, complying. He moved slowly as he went down on the boy, careful not to bring him to release. Tobias moaned beneath him, arching his back and twisting. Jareth had to stop rather soon, causing Tobias to look to him questioningly.

“Here,” He said, moving up, being sure to press his aroused body against Tobias’, “Get them wet.” He whispered, offering his fingers before the boy’s mouth.

Tobias knew the reasoning behind this and blushed madly as he took a single digit into his mouth, sucking, coating it with saliva. Then another, and another.

Jareth pulled them away then, “Good.” He said through a smirk, leaning down to kiss his lover.

The kiss was deep, their mouths open wide, their tongues meeting in familiar intimacy. Tobias felt Jareth lift his leg, holding it by the back of his thigh, pushing up until his knee was nearly touching his chest. Then there was that pressure, cool at first, then instantly warm. The pressure increased and suddenly his virginity was breached.

It was an awkward feeling, but Tobias took it without complaint. When the second finger entered, he felt twinge of pain. It must have shown on his face, because Jareth was kissing him again, distracting him. The third digit really hurt, and Tobias gasped.

“Relax, child.” Jareth whispered, his own arousal aching against the writhing body beneath him. He worked slowly, stretching his lover appropriately. He moved to lick and suck at the boy’s neck, pulling his fingers free.

Tobias gasped at the sudden removal, tensing up, knowing what was next. He watched Jareth reposition above him, kneeling again, their groins suddenly meeting. Tobias moaned, noticing in the back of his mind that both his legs were pressed up now, knees to his chest. Then there was that pressure again, so hot now.

“Breath.” Jareth whispered, pushing, slipping in. He groaned, letting his head fall back at the sheer tightness.

His hands moved from the bedding to Jareth’s arms, gripping as he writhed. It was more than awkward, and it hurt, it really hurt, and Jareth was still pushing forward!

“You have to breath, baby.” Jareth hissed, the pleasure so intense.

He sucked in the air, bringing it deep, exhaling, doing it again.

“That’s right, relax. Almost…”

Tobias opened eyes he hadn’t realized he’d shut. What was that? Jareth had brushed up against something inside him.

The Goblin King pulled back somewhat and pushed forward again with a bit more force, and with a smirk, he knew he’d found it.

“Nnn… Ah!” Tobias moaned, arching his back to the breaking point. The pain was so miniscule now. That place again, please… Jareth hit it, and he moaned again, fingers biting into the flesh of Jareth’s arms. He knew of the prostate, knew that it was a pleasure spot during male sex, but my God… He hadn’t really known.

The thrusts quickly went from slow to rapid, becoming deeper and deeper. Tobias threw his head from side to side, pulling his knees back harder, making them actually touch his chest, crossing his ankles behind Jareth’s neck.

Jareth drew closer, one hand pressed against the back of Tobias’ thigh, the other sneaking up to caress the boy’s face adorned with the beauty of his strained expression, his bottom lip caught between his teeth. The Goblin King groaned as the tightness clenched around him yet again, and he picked up the pace, feeling that sensation building within him.

“J… Jareth… I’m gonna…” Tobias didn’t get to finish, his lover’s lips suddenly crashing into his own, that hand on his face slipping down to suddenly grasp his weeping arousal. He cried out into the kiss, feeling the heat spill onto his stomach as he came. He couldn’t get enough air, his hands wouldn’t unclench, the sensation was still riding him. My God… Jareth pounded into him a final time, exploding forth. Tobias felt the heat fill him, felt Jareth’s form shutter over him before collapsing. What had the Goblin King cried out? Tobias had been unable to understand, but suspected it had been his name.

“I love you, I love you, I love you…” Tobias chanted, feeling his body relaxing finally. He slipped his knees off Jareth’s shoulders and stretched out his legs. He made a little sound as Jareth slipped from his body, that warm liquid leaking down.

“Are you okay?” Jareth asked, his voice laced with concern as he pushed off his lover, turning to lie by the boy’s side.

Tobias instantly moved close, clinging to the beautiful man gazing down at him, “I’m wonderful, it was wonderful. I love you.”

Jareth laughed, amazed. He’d never experienced sex so pure, so pleasurable. He was still catching his breath, still picturing the boy’s beautiful expression, those sounds that escaped those delicious lips. God, just thinking about it was getting him aroused again.

“Jareth… I don’t want to leave you…” Tobias whispered, exhaustion catching up with him.

“Never.” Jareth said with a bit too much urgency, wrapping his arms about the boy and pulling him close. Was it assurance or hope that caused him to answer so boldly?

Tobias rested his head atop his lover’s chest, sighing, “Say it again…?”

“Hn?” Jareth asked, unsure.

The warmth was so amazing, “Call me baby…” Tobias whispered, pressing his hands to his king’s smooth, firm chest.

Jareth smirked, “Shh… Go to sleep, baby.”

Tobias, eyes already closed, sleep upon him, smiled wide, “Nn… Love you.”

As his lover slept in his arms, Jareth wondered as to the warmth that indeed seemed to course through his very being. He’d always exuded a coldness that dissipated only by the warm touch of another, but this was different. Even his face and legs, places currently untouched by Tobias’ sleeping form, were warm. He felt young.

Jareth laughed to himself, a smile pulling at his lips. It was an unusual expression, one he’d been showing more and more often, mostly to the boy but now and then to others. How strange! It was as if he were becoming a whole new person. No. It was more like he as a person was simply improving, changing.

In the past, He’d have hated such changes in himself, he’d have considered this a weakness. Now, however, he found himself enjoying this warmth, this feeling, this growing emotion within. He wanted to hold Tobias closer, he wanted their bodies joined again.

Sleep crept upon him as these thoughts flowed and repeated themselves. He forgot entirely the events of the ball and the three months he had to decide what he was going to do. He forgot the Great Queen’s horrid expression of anger and disgust. He forgot the Autumn Queen’s disappointment, and his father’s ultimatum. He thought only of the warmth in his arms and the boy who brought such happiness to his heart. Nothing else mattered.

He was already asleep when the words slipped passed his lips, a whisper in the dim morning light, “Experiencing love…?”

To be continued…

Not as long as I wanted… Sorry. Next chapter will definitely be longer. Is this fic going on forever or what?

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