Unnaturally Beautiful

Chapter 16: Begging

Tobias dressed casually, jeans and a T-shirt. He and Sarah had decided to go simply to a café where they could talk. They told the others there were going to do some shopping and whatnot.

She picked him up in her little, red Honda. This time he wore his jacket, a black, zip-up hoodie. Their talk was generic until they reached the café. They selected a corner table farthest from a small group of teenagers that had formed near the entrance. Sarah was having a latte while he had a chocolate cappuccino.

“Okay,” She said, starting things, “I know you’re holding back.”

Tobias sighed, “I already know this is going to upset you, but I can’t not tell you.”

She nodded, sitting up, preparing herself for the worst.

“The thing is, I’m not staying. I’m going to go back, and when the time comes, I’m going to need you to send me there.” He said, just spitting it out. He watched her face, unsure what he was going to get.

Sarah remained silent, thinking. In the back of her mind, she’d suspected this, but she’d concentrated so hard on not realizing it. She shook her head, “No. I won’t do it.”

Actual fear crept up Tobias’ spine, “You have to, Sarah. I love him.”

“He’s evil, Toby!” She hissed, trying to keep quiet, “He changes innocent babies into monsters!”

He shook his head wildly, “No, you don’t understand. He doesn’t have a choice, and it doesn’t happen much anymore anyway. He’s not the person you remember. He’s… God, Sarah… How can I explain it?”

She sipped her latte, “It doesn’t matter. I was there, I remember the things he did. He has you seduced completely.”

“It’s not like that. I know him, I love him.” Tobias said, his voice growing urgent.

“But does he love you? Does he care about you at all?”

The tears welled in his eyes, “He cares.” He whispered.

“But?” Sarah asked, her eyebrow cocking high, her voice harsh.

“He’s incapable of loving. He wants me in every way, wants to love me, but…” Tobias sighed, looking up at his sister with glassy eyes, “He was cursed to be the Goblin King, and the Goblin King can’t love. It’s hard… For both of us.”

Sarah regretted being so severe with her words, but she refused to do this, “Toby…” She said, unsure how to comfort him. She stared down at the olive green tabletop.

“It’s so complicated.” He said finally, sniffing, “Jareth’s the bastard son of the Great King. The queen hates him, she cursed him with this, but… He’s made the most of it. Even if he never loves me, I want to be with him so long as he wants me. I’d be more than happy to live that way.”

“You don’t understand what you’re saying.” Sarah whispered, sipping at her latte again. Unconditional love was something great, something to wait for, search for. She knew now she didn’t have it, and she wanted it for Toby.

Tobias went on, “There are laws there that forbid my existence. The Great King ordered that I be returned or transformed into a goblin. He’s ordered Jareth to choose a fiancé by New Year. All the royalty hate me for being from here, for being a guy, everything. They hate everything about me, but Jareth wants me. He’s fascinated by who I am. Don’t you know what that means to me, Sarah? Right now he’s fighting for me, talking with the king and queen.”

“I just… Can’t imagine it.” Sarah whispered, and that was the truth. For so long, the Goblin King had been an evil figure in her mind, and here her little brother was in love with him! Was she supposed to condone this? Could she?

“Jareth’s the only one to ever accept me for who I am, completely, despite all my flaws and hesitations. He’s the only one I’ve ever loved this way.” Tobias pleaded, his hands on the table, his cappuccino untouched.

“Let me think about it. You can’t expect an answer from me right now.” Sarah said, anger creeping into her voice.

Tobias nodded, sitting back, “Thank you, Sarah.”

………………………………...

They went to the mall afterwards, walking slowly, window shopping, “Claire’s really gotten taller.” Tobias said out of nowhere.

Sarah smiled, “I know. Makes me feel old.”

Tobias laughed, “You’re not old! Just think, Jareth’s like hundreds of years old.”

She sighed, “You’re so different.”

This caused his expression to become serious, “What do you mean?”
Sarah stopped walking, “You talk more, you’re happier.”

Tobias blushed, “I guess.”

“And now you blush!” She exclaimed, gesturing wildly to his reddening cheeks.

“Would you stop it!” Tobias demanded through a burst of laughter, turning and heading into a toy store.

Sarah followed him, keeping her eye out for things Claire would like. They went up and down every isle, playing with all the battery operated toys, pressing the buttons and laughing. They talked about their childhood, how toys then hadn’t required batteries. Now kids didn’t even need imaginations, the toys played by themselves.

She had to do some convincing, but she finally got Tobias into a clothing store. JC Penney’s wasn’t all that fabulous, but their clothes were affordable, and she thought they were nice enough. The only things he’d even glance at were in the junior department.

After an hour of scouring the numerous wracks, they’d managed to select several articles, all of dark colors, of course. There weren’t any employees to be seen, so Sarah went into the dressing room with Tobias, standing just outside the door of his stall. After a while, she got tired of standing and sat in a nearby plastic chair. The door to his dressing room was slatted, and from her angle, she could see right in.

Tobias’ jeans hung low on his hips, and he was topless, in the process of selecting the next shirt he’d try on. He was slouching and turning about, and Sarah got a great big eyeful of the numerous marks on his body. She even thought she noticed one or two that weren’t there before.

She should’ve look away, but couldn’t. How many times had Tobias slept with the Goblin King? How far had they gone? Was the Goblin King too rough with her little brother? Would Tobias even say if he were? She grew more worried by the second, and yet, she couldn’t look away.

Had he tried on all the shirts already? Obviously so. He tossed the one he was holding to the side and reached for the pants, looking through the ones they’d selected. He then moved to remove his own pants. Sarah glanced away but couldn’t help glancing back again.

She gasped, shifting in her seat. Tobias wasn’t wearing any underwear! The marks were here too. Several about his groin, more on his thighs. She even spotted some on his rear as he turned to pull the new jeans on. It was too much. She stood, knocking on the door.

“Hold on a second. This was your idea, Sarah, so you’ve got to wait.”

She rested her forehead against the door, “Just let me in.”

Her voice was so serious. Zipping his fly and securing the button, Tobias opened the door, moving to pull on his shirt while she entered, closing the door behind her. “What’s wrong?” He asked, confused by her solemn expression.

“I… I couldn’t help it. I could see in when you were changing just then, and… I saw all the marks all over you. I have to know… You’ve had sex with him?”

Tobias fought the blush, keeping his face straight. This really wasn’t any of her business, but he felt she needed to know, “Yes.”

“All the way? Many times?” She didn’t know why she wanted to know. She was just so amazed that Tobias had done such a thing with the Goblin King.

He sighed, “Yes. I told you, I love him.”

“But how can you allow him to be so rough with you? Are you the… The girl?”

Tobias sighed again, “Yes, Sarah. I’m the ‘girl,’ the one on bottom, and I like the way we have sex. It looks rougher than it is. He’s really very gentle, only… He likes to bite, but it’s good, because I like it. Why does this bother you so much anyway?”

She wasn’t sure if she was angry or disgusted or a little of both. She knew, however, that it wasn’t any of her business, “I just worry about you. I mean, look at this on your neck.” She said, reaching forward and carefully pulling his collar back. It looked worse than before, there were little teeth marks there, “It looks worse…” She whispered aloud, stepping back, releasing his shirt. “Don’t tell me. You’ve been with him again? How?”

“I really don’t think you want to know.” He said, shoulders slumped. They’d been having such a good time too.

“No, I do. Tell me. I have to know.”

He sighed yet again, “Even though I’m here, we can be together when we’re sleeping, in our dreams. Remember? Like before. It’s a spell. He uses his magic. It’s not the same as really being together, but… Well…” He trailed off, wondering if she was satisfied at last.

Sarah pressed the heels of her hands against her eyes. She wanted to yell at Toby, to tell him it was uncalled for to be so rough in bed, that he was too young, but it really wasn’t any of her business. She shouldn’t have asked! Deciding it best to change the subject, she gestured to the strewn about clothes, “So, which ones did you like?”

Tobias smiled, seeing clearly that his sister was making an effort, “You really don’t have to buy me anything.”

“No, I want to.” She insisted, concentrating on the task at hand, refusing to think about her brother’s sex life.

“Well, I like these jeans, and…” He rummaged through the T-shirts on the little bench seat, “And this shirt.” The jeans were the typical black, only they fit snugger than his others. The shirt was brilliant blue and long-sleeve with wide black stripes on either of the upper arms.

She nodded, “Okay. Let’s go then.”

They left the dressing room a mess and had a hell of a time finding a cashier. Tobias suggested they just leave, but Sarah refused, thinking he was surely joking.

They walked one more lap in the mall before heading out to the parking lot. The sky was growing dark, the stars already visible.

“Did you want to grab something to eat before heading home?” Sarah asked as she placed their bags in the backseat.

Tobias shrugged, “Sure.”

After a bit of arguing, they decided on Sonic, remaining parked there as they ate. Tobias was glad for the silence between them and the muffled sounds of bad, oldies music they’d deliberately rolled their windows up against. So much had passed between them in just a matter of days. He realized suddenly that Sarah was taking this amazingly well. Before, they’d repeatedly discussed the Underground, and even over months, Sarah had still refused to believe. She believed now, no doubt about it. Tobias decided that he should be thankful for that. She also didn’t seem too shaken about he and the Goblin King’s relationship. Obviously she didn’t like it, but she wasn’t screaming and crying. It seemed she was quite simply worried about him, which he was also thankful for. What he need to do now was make her understand that the Underground was amazing in his eyes, an ideal home, which he hoped it to be. He needed her to understand that Jareth wasn’t evil, that he honestly hadn’t come across anything of the sort. Also, with the little time he had remaining, he wanted to simply spend time with his beloved sister, see that she was well and happy and promise her he’d visit again.

He popped another tater tot into his mouth, wondering if the waitresses at these drive-ins would ever were roller skates again. He’d missed out on that little nugget, having been born in a time when young women refused such things. He had to admit, it’d make the job a hell of a lot harder. It’s just, he’d seen old images of drive-in waitresses in their little four-wheel skates, and he couldn’t deny the appeal.

Sarah laughed, watching her brother stare a the young girl serving the neighboring car their food, “What are you thinking?”

“Huh?” Tobias said, turning to his sister.

“You’re zoned out.” Sarah answered, shaking her head. She’d finished her burger and fries and was collecting the trash. All Tobias had left was his tots, so she started the car, deciding they’d better head home.

“I was just thinking it’d be nice if they wore roller skates again.”

She eyed her brother, keeping her attention on driving, careful to avoid zooming teenagers. He really was a different person it seemed. It was hard to argue, it seemed the Underground had really done him some good. She just didn’t want to think about him going back, leaving her again. And no matter the good in it, she couldn’t imagine Jareth as anything other than evil.

Shaking all thoughts away, she turned on her blinker, pulled onto the highway, and flipped on the radio to one of her presets. The ride home was fairly silent, idle chitchat mostly. Neither knew what to say really. Tobias had just finished his tots as they pulled to a stop.

Sarah turned to her brother, “It’s already late, I better get home.”

“You’re not coming in?”

She shook her head, “Nah, if I do, I’ll be here another couple of hours. I’m sure Aaron’s going to fuss at me as it is.”

Tobias chuckled, “Good luck.”

“Tell Karen I said hi and goodnight and all that.”

Tobias nodded, climbing out, making sure to retrieve his bag from the backseat, “Thanks for the clothes.”

She nodded, lifting a hand in a farewell wave, “See ya later.”

Tobias waved back before turning and starting up the steps. He listened to the fading sounds of his sister’s car as he pulled back the screen door and headed inside. Sure enough, his mother attacked at once, asking how things went, where Sarah was, etc.

After a good thirty minutes of reassuring her that everything was fine and dandy, Tobias managed a retreat upstairs. He dropped the shopping bag by his dresser and turned to face the bed. It was all he’d been thinking about all day, going to bed, seeing Jareth again. He loved his sister, no doubt, and he loved his home and his life and his parents and even Court a little, but… He loved Jareth more. He loved the Underground and everything in it. He couldn’t understand why Jareth had been worried he wouldn’t return. He was actually rather anxious to get back.

………………………………...

Sarah lie awake in bed, the lace edging of her silk nightgown scratching at her skin. She ignored it easily enough, she had a lot on her mind. In fact, she’d had a time of convincing Aaron that she was fine. He treated her so much like a patient. She remembered a time when they used to tease more often. It was casual back then, as opposed to the strained courtesy that seemed to have developed between them.

She lie on her side, knees curled somewhat, facing the far wall. The room was pitch black save for the soft glowing light of a little nightlight near the bathroom door. Claire was asleep down the hall. If she listened carefully, she could hear her daughter’s soft snores over her husband’s.

Closing her eyes, trying to concentrate on nothing but sleep, her thoughts wandered again to her worries concerning her little brother. Oh, Toby… What had he gotten himself into? She wasn’t sure what she was going to do! It was obvious the boy was love struck, head over heels, but that was just it… He was still a boy! She simply couldn’t allow him to literally throw his life away for some fleeting, prepubescent emotion.

The slight silhouette of Aaron’s morning suit hanging there on the bathroom doorknob made her sigh and regret opening her eyes. The stress and sorrow that pulled at her psyche was ruining her life. Or would things have progressed to this all on their own? She didn’t like the sight of her husband’s suit there, knowing he chose the next day’s attire each night. She didn’t like knowing that, were she to turn over, she’d find he was sleeping on his back, hands resting atop his chest or stomach.

She sighed again, letting her eyes slip closed again. She no longer minded much her brother’s sexuality. She was happy he was in love and enjoying his youth, but why did their lives have to be wrapped up in this fantastical nonsense? It was her fault in the end, wasn’t it? She’d been the one to call the Goblin King forth so long ago. Tears burned her eyes. It was her fault! But she’d make it right! She’d see to it that Toby had his chance at life and happiness.

………………………………...

Jareth dressed neither quickly or slowly. He wasn’t in a hurry to get to the ball nor was he putting it off. He simply had to see it through. He’d replied to his invitation early, declaring that he was bringing no date. It was probably not such a good idea. The Court ladies would be all over him. No matter. He’d brush them aside.

There was only one reason he was even going to this damned ball. He had to speak with his father. He had to plead for Tobias. Tobias!Jareth breathed deep, closing his eyes for a moment as he exhaled in slow, soothing manner.

Merik watched from across the room where he waited near the door, leaning against the frame. He’d noticed his king sighing rather often as of late but knew better than to question it. His lovely Julianne was snapped at repeatedly for questioning their king’s strange behavior.

Jareth turned to his long-time friend, “Is it time?”

“Whenever you’re ready.” Merik answered, bowing slightly and stepping aside so that his king might pass.

Jareth nodded, exiting his bedroom, the room where he and Tobias had lain together. He ignored the gasps of the few servant girls they passed in the halls. He noticed Wren starring from afar.

Down the stairs, through the corridors, and finally, out the main entrance. The carriage awaited as it had before, only this time it was adorned with glittering white streamers and pulled by only two horses, both snow white and prancing, raring to go. No maids were to accompany him this time, only Merik, who stepped forward suddenly to open the little carriage door.

Nodding once to the driver, Jareth climbed inside, motioning for Merik to follow suit rather than sit up front in the servants’ smaller chamber. He thought instantly of he and Tobias riding together only months ago, returning from the Autumn Ball, holding one another, that thin, lithe arm about his waist, that warm cheek pressed against his chest, the warmth reaching his cool skin even through yards of fabric.

Anger built in the king’s features, and Merik became worried, “Please, calm yourself. It’ll be fine.”

Jareth sighed again, “Will it? I’m not so sure.”

Merik was a little fearful. Both anger and sorrow dwelt within Jareth, and it was hard to tell what the Goblin King was going to do next. He simply wasn’t himself. Merik could remember a time years ago when Jareth had been this way. Hadn’t it been after Sarah’s rejection? Oh, but it hadn’t been near this bad. It was strange though, Tobias had promised to return, hadn’t he? Jareth was behaving as though he’d never see the boy again.

………………………………...

The Autumn Queen stepped out of her enormous carriage, maids flowing out behind her. The Winter Kingdom was chilly, and everyone was dressed warmly in thick cloth and flowing sleeves. The castle itself towered above them all, a great immaculate thing with innumerable towers shooting skyward, gleaming despite the dark of the night.

Discreetly, she glanced about her, taking note of the other ladies’ dresses. Most everyone was wearing white and light, cool shades of blue, but her mother-of-pearl gown was apart from all of these, countless pearls edging the low line of her neck, the bell more full of endless ruffles. Her rich, burgundy hair was piled high on her head, delicate strands of pearls laced throughout. Her hair alone made her stand out from the rest.

Satisfied that she had indeed dressed well, the Autumn Queen began her ascent up the main entrance stairs. Her maids at once took hold of her dresses hem, enabling her to walk with more ease. Grace was maintained in this, heads turning to watch the Autumn Queen’s arrival. She really wasn’t one so vain, only she knew how to enjoy herself. Glancing about once again, she chuckled to herself to see all eyes turned her way…

Except for one. She stopped altogether, confusing her little servants for only a moment. There was Jareth, the Goblin King. His carriage was already being pulled away where it would wait until the ball’s conclusion. He was dressed in thigh-high black boots adorned with little bits of silver metal, curving and swirling about the heels, toes, knees, and upper portion of the thighs. What little else was exposed of his legs was clad in skin-tight, pale, bluish-gray pants of a seemingly silky material. The best, however, was the stunning jacket of what had to be leather dyed the deepest, richest indigo. Normally Jareth was one to leave his chest partially exposed, but the jacket was buttoned as it was designed, showing only a small, pale triangle of skin just below the king’s graceful neck. The jacket too was adorned with endless silver jewelry, inlaid curling designs at the cuffs, hem, shoulders, and neck. His hair was the typical wild mess, sweeping, golden-blonde strands billowing in the gentle wind. She watched as he brushed stray strands from his face with hands gloved in the same material of his pants.

“My Queen?”

She turned to find a young servant girl looking up at her with confused, questioning eyes. She smiled to the girl, “We should be getting inside, shouldn’t we?”

The typical followed then. She ascended the stairs with the rest of the guests, following and endless hall before coming to the ballroom. It was perhaps slightly smaller than the grand throne room she used at her own castle, but it was impressive none the less. The dance floor was designed to look like a pond frozen over, the bluish-white tiles polished to death to obtain that seemingly translucent sheen. The chandelier above also looked like ice, the crystals dripping like icicles from the numerous candleholders.

Through all this, and the endless greetings, the Autumn Queen continued to think again and again of the Great King’s bastard son. Had Jareth come alone? Where was that typical smirk? There, she could just see him coming in. His presence was announced and many eyes turned his way. The young ladies of court were worse that vultures.

She chuckled at their disappointment as he walked right passed them without so much as an upward glance. One was even so bold has to step directly before him, but he merely walked around her.

“Enjoying yourself?”

She turned to find the Winter Queen smiling like a doll, “Ah, you surprised me.”

Despite the Winter Queen’s age, she remained a true beauty. Her hair was completely white now, her eye’s the palest gray-blue, her skin radiant in tone and graceful in its wrinkles. Her dress was an icy blue done in with more glitter than imaginable. It outshined all the other gowns.

“Who are you watching?” The elderly queen asked, her voice strong and timeless.

The Autumn Queen was about to gesture with a look towards Jareth but was surprised again to find that he was approaching, “Why, Jareth, you look stunning.” She greeted.

The Goblin King bowed deep, “Your Highnesses.”

“Oh stop, you’re a king yourself, you know.” The Winter Queen hissed.

Jareth nodded, standing straight, “Have either of you seen the Great King?”

They both shook their heads, but as he was turning to go, the Autumn Queen reached out, grasping his elbow, “I’m usually not one so caring, but something’s wrong. Where’s the witty Jareth with the smirk and polite insults?”

The Goblin King half-smiled, “I’m afraid he’s in mourning. Let us hope it’s only temporary.”

She watched him leave, his form easing its way through the crowd. She’d never seen him this way. Perhaps?

………………………………...

Jareth understood now Merik’s decision to wait with the carriage. How he hated this ball! The fawning women wouldn’t let him be no matter how rude he behaved. It’d gotten to the point where he was physically brushing them aside, gently using his arm to hold them aside as he passed by.

The music was a little to cheerful for his tastes, and couples were already filling the dance floor. He wanted nothing more than to speak with his father and leave.

Just as his frustration was getting the best of him, Jareth spotted the tall form of his father standing beside the Great Queen speaking with the young, twin princesses of the Queen of Air’s. He stood back considerably, waiting for the conversation to end naturally rather than interrupt. He knew already the reaction his stepmother would have were he to simply approach as other royalty do. He was getting a headache already just imagining her screams.

Finally, they finished their little chat with the Star Twins, only the rowdy young King of the Flame stepped forward, entertaining a large group with a silly tale in which he injured himself accidentally. It ended in uproarious laughter. Jareth merely stood by and waited.

It went on this way a good hour or two. He’d even ended up following them halfway around the room. His anger was nearly boiling, for he knew they’d noticed him there. However, he was forced to wait until the greetings had slowed and finally stopped.

“Your Highnesses.” He said, bowing deep, standing again tall and silent, awaiting their approval.

“Jareth, I’m surprised you didn’t bring your little human.” The queen snorted, placing her hands over her stomach in attempt to show that she was physically holding in her laughter. Jareth thought she just looked ridiculous.

“As my king ordered, he’s returned to the world above.” Jareth said curtly, biting back his anger.

“And have you spent your time here wisely? Greeting all the lovely, young ladies?” The king asked, gesturing towards the full ballroom, “I do expect a fiancé chosen come the Great Ball.”

Jareth nodded, “Yes, and this is what I have come to speak with you about.”

The Great King’s eyebrows lifted high, his eyes widened, clearly impressed, “By all means…”

“I’ve decided on my life companion, only you will probably not be pleased with my choice, however…” Jareth held up a hand for silence, continuing, “I have realized that there is no one else for me. My choice may be insulting to others, but who am I but the lowly Goblin King? Why do they care?” He paused for a breath, glancing at his stepmother whose mouth was open, her face unrevealing as to whether she was angry or not.

He swallowed, “I’m getting off track, aren’t I?” He said, more to himself, “The thing is, with my position, I was rendered unable to feel deep, heartfelt emotions. I have improved in this with the years. I have strong bonds of friendship with others, and… I find myself in a position where I believe I may be falling in love.”

The Great King stood back and the queen gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. It had been she who cursed Jareth, and it was she who’d decided he not be allowed to love.

Jareth watched their faces, unable to decided what they were thinking, how they were reacting. This absolutely had to go his way! Others were glancing their way, wondering at the conversation that had the highest of royalty reacting so.

There was no other choice. He bowed again then proceeded to get down on his knees. He bowed again, placing his palms to the floor and leaning so far forward that his forehead touched the floor as well. He closed his eyes and fought the shame. He tried in vain to ignore the gasps all around, the shuffling sounds of footsteps as a crowd formed.

Rising to his knees again, he looked up to the Great King and Queen, “I’m begging you as a servant would. Allow me my human goblin.” He bowed again, remaining down, keeping his forehead to the floor. It surprised him a little that the floor was cooler than his own skin, a strange sensation when most things felt warm to his touch.

“My idiot son!” The king scoffed under his breath, using the toe of his boot to nudge Jareth rather roughly in the shoulder, “Rise you fool.”

Jareth did as was told, fighting the anger. He could here a bit of laughter in the crowd and wanted nothing more than to glare their way, to steal them with his hateful gaze. He hurt inside, and he was unable to describe some of the emotions. He kept his eyes downcast, not quite trusting himself.

“You could have any of your choosing, you know? You could have a beautiful princess, forge your kingdom with another, escape your curse. You know this, and yet you choose a human? A boy, no less? One of little beauty or status? I don’t understand.”

Jareth chanced a glance at his father when he paused in his ranting. The man’s face was slightly red, his eyebrows drawn together in anger. He was even pacing a little. His stepmother was breathing heavy, clutch her tightly drawn dress, anger evident on her flustered features. He waited.

Finally, his father turned towards him, “Are you prepared to remain in your position as the Goblin King forever?”

Jareth cocked his eyebrow, “Was I ever to be anything else? I am the Goblin King.” The last was ground out, anger unavoidable in this. He remembered long ago days when he was but a child, trained never to refer to his stepmother as anything other than, “Your Highness.” He remembered being shown his magical powers, being taught to change the infants into goblins, he remembered crying himself to sleep. As a young adult he lost these emotions, sneering and laughing as he displayed his impressive power, instilling fear in other children.

“I see.” The king said through a sigh, “You are as we’ve made you, I suppose.”

“No,” The Great Queen said, speaking up finally, “You’re different now.”

The Autumn Queen stepped forward, “Yes, his heart of ice is melting, and it’s that boy, isn’t it?” She said the last with a smile, turning to Jareth.

He said nothing, only nodding slightly, fighting his rampant emotions; sorrow, anger, hope.

“We’ve always talked of young Jareth and his being without conscience due to his harsh upbringing and position. He’s made the best of his life, however, and is considered high royalty. He’s always had power, and he’s worked hard for his status, and now he yearns for happiness. I see no reason to deny him this.” She bowed her head ever-so-slightly, “That is my council, Great King.”

Jareth turned to his father, trying his best to remain calm, trying not to be too hopeful.

The king sighed again, “I grant you this then, my son. I shall indeed allow you your human goblin to make your own.”

It was too much. Just way too much. Jareth stood silent for a moment, staring, disbelieving. Had it really worked? He noticed suddenly that the music had stopped, that the entire room shared in his silence. When had that happened? He’d been so enthralled.

Tobias could be his now in the eyes of all others. It was done, just like that. There could be a ceremony now, and a… What was it humans called it? A honeymoon thereafter! They could attend balls together, explore the kingdoms, be seen together.

A feral grin came to the Goblin King’s face, pulling wide, teeth exposed, eyes alight. He straightened his posture, raising his head high. Victory was his! He looked to his stepmother, still standing there with her mouth open, stupefied. His father seemed content, a strange smirk there above his square jaw. The Autumn Queen was smiling softly, nodding his way. The Winter Queen was there as well, always a kind soul, she was grinning with happiness that reached her eyes easily. He turned about, catching flabbergasted expressions on the crowd. He wished Tobias was there to celebrate in this.

He turned to the Great King and Queen again, “I thank you!” He said, turning quickly to the Winter Queen then, “I’m sorry if I’ve disturbed your ball, but I must go, I must…”

“Go child!” The Winter Queen exclaimed through laughter.

He turned to do so, but his father called after him, “But Jareth… Didn’t you send Tobias home?”

Jareth’s feet never stopped, “He’ll be back soon!” He called over his shoulder, turning and striding quickly for the exit.

………………………………...

Merik noticed Jareth exiting the palace right away. Who wouldn’t? The man looked frantic; handsome, angry, excited. Merik wasted no time. He called the driver to attention and managed to arrive in place just as the Goblin King stepped off the polished pavement.

“Leaving already?” Merik asked, opening the door for his king. Had something gone wrong? He was having trouble reading his long-time friend.

Jareth climbed into the carriage, nearly stumbling as he went. Merik was hardly seated when he called for the driver to hurry home. He was so anxious. He wanted to speak with Tobias, share in the good news. He wished his young lover were with him now.

Merik secured the door, turning to his king, “Has something happened?”

Sitting back, Jareth stretched out his legs, resting his feet on the opposite seat beside his friend, “Indeed.” He couldn’t fight the joyous smirk that pulled at his thin lips nor could he stop the laughter that poured forth.

A little unsure and uneasy, Merik smiled, eyebrows quirked, “Are you alright? I’m guessing something good happened, but why are we hurrying home?”

Jareth sighed, for the first time in days it was a pleasant, contented sigh, “All the better to go to sleep and be with Tobias.”

Merik sat back then, smiling with understanding now. So, something good really did happen. No doubt the Great King and Queen had given some kind of approval to the king’s new relationship. He watched Jareth as they made their return journey. Jareth was slouched, tapping his toe, fiddling with his jacket, completely edgy. In fact, he looked angry, as if the carriage weren’t moving fast enough. Merik chuckled with the sight.

Though Merik had few, if any, magical powers, he could feel it when they’d exited the Winter Queen’s kingdom. It was as if a slight weight had been lifted from his shoulders. No doubt Jareth had felt it and probably much stronger since his powers were so great. It was due to the ball, the rules. No magic during such events. A sort of protective atmosphere had been put into place in order to nullify those with such powers.

Jareth sat up, reaching out to rest a hand on Merik’s arm, “I’m going ahead.” He didn’t bother waiting for a response, quite simply blinking himself away, disappearing and reappearing in his castle, his bedroom to be exact.

Taking this opportunity to sit back and relax, Merik made himself comfortable, figuring he might as well enjoy the ride. Hopefully this good news would change the mood of the castle. Since Tobias had left, everyone was on tiptoes due to their king’s edgy, angry, melancholy state. Wren was improving a bit, Jareth was surely going to be back to his old self, all they needed was the boy’s return, and the castle would be perfect.

It brought a smile to his face. Yes, once all these worries were out of the way, he could concentrate on his own happiness, his and Julianne’s.

………………………………...

Jareth blinked his clothes off and leapt into bed. There was no need to bother with the curtains, it was still night out. The rest of the castle was bustling with wakefulness, but this was the time when Tobias was asleep in the world above, this was the only time they could be together. Jareth had to use a little spell in order to fall asleep quickly. There wasn’t much time, the sun would be up soon.

He closed his eyes and opened them in his dream. It was a bit hazy, but with concentration, it cleared, making everything more real. Tobias was lying in bed, stomach down, completely nude save for the black sheet pulled over his back. Jareth drew closer, sitting gently on the edge of the bed. He could see the night sky lightening out the window and cast a quick and gentle spell over his young lover, making the boy sleep more deeply so as not to wake.

Tobias felt feather-like touches on his back and half-turned, looking up through squinting eyes. Jareth was leaning over him, expression calm and serious though his eyes were wild with excitement. Tobias smiled, reaching up to touch the older man’s face.

“I thought you weren’t coming.”

Jareth placed his hand more firmly on his lover, rubbing up from the small of Tobias’ back, leaning down so as to whisper in his ear, “I have good news. It had been allowed that I have you.”

It sounded so much like ownership, but Tobias didn’t care, he understood, and he was so happy. He’d been worried that the kings and queens of the Underground would never approve of his existence there. It really seemed impossible there for a little while.

He sat up, climbing to his knees, never mind the sheet that slipped to the floor, “That’s wonderful!” He exclaimed, throwing his arms around Jareth, pressing their bodies together. He couldn’t be happier!

Jareth felt the dream waver and used all his strength to hold it together, concentrating on his task. He rubbed the boy’s nude sides, pulling back enough to kiss those delectable lips for a moment before speaking, “Come home to me.” He said, still whispering.

Tobias smiled, leaning forward to kiss his lover again. Jareth wasn’t asking, it was more a gentle demand, and Tobias couldn’t help but nod in return. Who was he kidding? He was dying to return “home.” The thought brought a smile to his face. Yes, the Underground was his home now, more so than this place ever was. He deepened the kiss, wanting nothing more than to make love in the wake up such good news.

Regretfully breaking the kiss, Jareth shook his head through a chuckle, “It’s morning already.”

Through a sigh, Tobias nodded.

“Spend the day saying your goodbyes. Come nightfall, have her wish you away. I’ll be waiting.” Jareth kissed the boy again, feeling the dream fade. He opened his eyes to see that it was indeed becoming hazy, terribly so, as if a fog had rolled in.

Tobias tried in vain to reach through it, but he was only grasping at black, smoky air. In seconds he could no longer see the Goblin King, he couldn’t see anything. Though he could still here his lover’s voice as if it were a last minute reminder reaching across the distance.

“Tonight…” It called.

To be continued…

Okay, some more notes: Feels to me like my Jareth is constantly going in and then way out of character. I’m going to try and improve on that in coming chapters. Other than that, I feel I know where I’m going with this, I hope you guys enjoy. (smile)