Unnaturally Beautiful

Chapter 08: Underground

It was dark but not completely. An almost full moon along with numerous stars provided just enough illumination. Tobias could see that he was in some kind of courtyard. The ground was stone, large stones fitted together neatly. So were the structures, high walls on all sides with many arched windows and railed balconies. There were no lights on inside, not even a single streetlamp. As his eyes adjusted, he realized that this could very well be a private courtyard and that all four walls were of the same structure, almost like a castle.

His eyes widened with the thought. Where was he? He took in details, shrubs along the edges, a large fountain in the center, little carvings of demonic creatures everywhere. Goblins? A gentle breeze reminded him of his nudity. He was barefoot and shirtless, and it was rather cool in this strange place. He started for one of the many doorways, hoping to find someplace warm. He wondered if he should knock, the place was completely silent. Was everyone asleep? Far off he could hear voices, music maybe?

He stepped into a long hall that was littered with windows open to the courtyard, it was almost like a porch. The doors within this hall were wooden and closed. Though he was tempted to enter and seek warmth, he didn’t want to go barging into someone’s house, or mansion rather. Instead, he took a seat on a stone bench delicately carved in a rather lovely, curving shape. Running his fingers over the surface, he found that smooth stones had been laid into it, a careful design laid out in an abstract pattern. He wondered what color these smooth little stones were. It was too dark to tell really, he could only see that they were of a lighter color than the mass. That and they all seemed to be different shapes, all angles. It was like something out of a museum.

A noise at the far corner of the courtyard caught his attention, something had scurried by, but what? He listened a moment longer, glad when he heard nothing else. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to know what occupied this place, though he had a good idea. Then it dawned on him, he couldn’t hear the water of the fountain. That had been a fountain, right? He could still see it, gleaming there in the center beneath the pale moonlight. No movement either. The water must be turned off.

He pulled his legs up, trying to warm himself with body heat. Was he in the Underground? Was that why it was so cold? Moments ago he’d been in his bedroom having a screaming fight with Sarah. He’d been on the verge of losing his mind, halfway believing he really was crazy. She was, after all, the only person he had really. If she thought he was crazy, maybe he was. It had all been rather maddening. One thing had led to another, and she’d done it. She’d wished him away. Just as she had in the past, angry and frustrated. Maybe that’s why it had worked.

Or had it? “Where am I?” He whispered aloud to no one in particular.

The breeze came again, carrying that musical laughter.

Tobias shot to his feet, recognizing that sound, “Where are you?” He whirled around, seeing nothing but darkness and stone. He turned until he was facing the fountain again, stepping out towards it.

“Here.” Came the voice, much more distinct now, material, and right behind.

Tobias spun again and this time came face to face with Jareth, in the flesh. He was leaning against the wall beside the bench as if he’d been standing there all along. Because he was shadowed, Tobias could just make out the wisps of the Goblin King’s blonde hair and the fullness of his white poet’s shirt. He moved closer, taking note of long legs clad in form-fitting, black material and knee-high boots. He stopped once he was able to see the man’s face. Tobias had to look up to do so, Jareth perhaps more than a foot taller. It was still too dark to make out the fine details, but Tobias could see that this was the man of his dreams, this was indeed the Goblin King, smirk and all.

“This is real?”

“Of course,” The Goblin King answered, “You’re in my castle within the Goblin City in the center of the labyrinth.”

Mind reeling, Tobias moved to lean against the cold, stone wall between he and the open courtyard, “It’s so hard to believe.”

Jareth stood then, pulling away from the wall and his seemingly comfortable position, taking several steps closer, the moonlight playing over his delicate yet manly features, “Is it really? You’ve believed all along, haven’t you?”

They weren’t questions to be answered, having been spoken with arrogance. Somehow the Goblin King knew far more than seemed possible. Tobias took a deep breath, trying to calm his rampant heart rate. “I’m tired.” He whispered, feeling a bit woozy on his feet.

Jareth’s smirk faded slightly. With concern maybe? It was hard to tell. The Goblin King came closer still, but Tobias couldn’t bring himself to look upon the man’s face, fearful maybe? It was just too much too fast. His heart was out of control, there seemed to be a lack of air in this place, and his mind will swimming.

“Have you injured yourself?” Again, though it was a question, it wasn’t one to be answered. Tobias looked to the Goblin King to find the dream of a man looking down. Following the downward gaze, Tobias noticed dark little spots on the stone floor and even a few on the bench. Blood?

“Oh, that’s right…” Tobias said, lifting a foot to peer at the bottom. He’d cut himself, hadn’t he? He’d forgotten. Unable to properly balance on one leg, Tobias found himself tipping. He reached out to steady himself with the wall, but failed to find it. He was really out of it, not even realizing that were he to release his foot, he could perhaps regain his balance. Instead, he was falling over.

Jareth moved in, gently taking Tobias in his arms, lifting him far too easily. Tobias thought for a moment about their sudden nearness, but couldn’t quite concentrate on it. He was slipping away, on the verge of unconsciousness.

He blinked, seeing that they were moving through one of the large, wooden doors, into the castle. It was dark inside, he couldn’t see. He noted the firmness of the chest his body rested against, feeling something cool on his bare arm, something metal. What did the Goblin King have on his chest? He remembered then the large crescent-shaped pendent he’d seen in his dreams, the one he’d taken care to paint twice now already that hung about the Goblin King’s neck. The darkness seemed to sweep in then, taking his thoughts with it. Seconds later, he was unconscious.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

There was a strong, delicious smell pulling him into wakefulness. He took a deep breath, realizing it was food he smelled, breakfast. His mother never cooked anything so fabulous, usually either toast or pancakes or cereal. This smelled meaty, like sausage or bacon.

Cracking his eyes open, Tobias found himself confused. He was in an immense, four-poster, canopied bed, white material draping down all around him. The sheets and pillow cases were white and the bed was unnaturally soft, he was all but swallowed up by it. There was also a huge quilt thrown over him, the design an intricate abstract pattern of muted blues and greens. Everything was so soft, like thin, worn cotton, only nothing was old or worn. For everything being in white, it was rather spotless.

Tobias sat up slowly, fighting a slight wave of dizziness as he began to move to the edge of the bed. He found he was still wearing only his black jeans. He remembered then, he’d been fighting with Sarah, she’d wished him away. The next thing he’d known he was in some strange courtyard and the Goblin King was there.

He hissed in pain, bringing a hand to his head, a headache forming near his temples. It passed to a dull ache in a few seconds, and he then proceeded to climb out of bed. The room was massive, making the enormous bed almost seem a natural size. The walls were all stone, lovely polished gray. Tobias counted four windows and two doors. There were two large dressers of the darkest wood, clothing and knickknacks littering their surfaces. Nearby were two large chests, also littered with clothing. Tobias guessed that little corner was something of a closet, shoes neatly lined up there beside one of the chests. There was giant of a desk against an opposite wall, three oil lamps positioned around a mess of papers. Bookcases were against the wall on either side of the desk, full to the brim with books wedged in here and there. Though the room was large and impressive, it was also lived in, very comfortable looking. Tobias noted several candles in fancy jeweled candlesticks set about the room here and there. He looked up. There wasn’t a light fixture. No electricity? He moved towards the nearest window, wincing in pain at the first step. He looked down to find his right foot neatly bandaged. Oh, that’s right. He remembered cutting it on a broken bit of glass from his overturned lamp. He’d been so mad at Sarah. He wished he could tell her that he knew now. He knew this place was real, that Jareth was real. He wasn’t crazy and neither was she.

He noticed then that the floor was carpeted, large throws covering nearly all of the stone, each with it’s own careful design, the edges fringed.

Starting for the window again, Tobias ignored the slight pain in his heel. The windows themselves were beautiful and arched, white, floor-length curtains billowing gently in the wind. He pushed the curtains open and peered out, leaning on the edge. He could see right into a courtyard. In fact, it appeared to be the very courtyard he’d found himself last night. The fountain was on now, a lovely statue of a winged woman pouring water from a vase. He’d thought last night that it had all been stone, but he could see now that there were large patches of grass, and the shrubs were there, and now he could see flowering bushes here and there as well. So much had gone unseen in the cover of night.

Beyond the courtyard he could see more of the castle, pale stone gracefully erected into two towers and a surrounding wall, and beyond that, he could see a city. The buildings were lower, little shingled roofs, some even of straw. There was another wall about the city, and then there was the labyrinth itself, sprawling out endlessly in twisting patterns. It was overwhelming. Tobias couldn’t believe that Sarah had actually bested the thing. Far out, as far as his eyes could see, beyond the labyrinth, was wilderness, nothing but wilderness.

Tobias gazed out upon this new world for some thirty minutes, wondering why it was called the Underground, the sun shone brightly.

Nature calling, Tobias turned and started for the nearest door, hoping to find his way out and to a bathroom. As luck would have it, upon opening said door, he found himself faced with just the room he was needing. Only, it wasn’t like any bathroom he’d seen before. There was a large wash basin set into a delicate-looking wooden stand. It was half full, towels hanging here and there on the stand, bar soap in a small dish, and a large pitcher down lower, filled with water. Tobias assumed this was to refill the basin. The bath tub was a massive claw-footed affair, shiny white and also half full. Tobias spied two metal contraptions below, something like large skillets covered with wire and filled with faintly glowing coals. Testing their purpose, he reached out and dipped his fingertips into the water. Warm. Okay, so there was no plumbing. With that in mind, he turned to what had to be the toilet. It was somewhat similar to the one he knew back home, only without the tank built onto the back. He lifted the lid and found that it was cleaner than he’d expected, no smells wafting up. While relieving himself, Tobias decided that the bottom section sort of slid out to be emptied and then replaced. It was a disgusting job, he wondered who did it.

Once finished, he closed the lid again on the toilet and turned back to the tub. Was this set up for him? He could think of nothing more relaxing. Large towels sat on a small, nearby table along with a small dish of soap and several unlit candles. Tobias realized then that the room was well lit and began searching for the source. None of the candles were lit, but there was a high window above his line of sight, near the ceiling allowing sunlight to pour in.

Without another thought, Tobias stripped off his jeans and climbed in, careful to keep his injured foot out of the water, propped up on the edge of the tub. It felt fantastic and he had to be careful not to fall asleep. As he lie there after washing well enough, he began to wonder how long he was going to be there. Would he be in this place forever? And why had Jareth summoned him in the first place? Would he never see Sarah again? Though he was happy to have finally come to this place, he felt troubled. He really couldn’t stay here forever, could he? What about school and college and his career? What about his family? His thoughts were worrisome, and he decided it best to simply not think on it. He was here and he would enjoy it. He wanted to see every fantastical thing! And most of all, he wanted to see Jareth.

Deciding he’d spent quite enough time in the tub, Tobias climbed out and dried off, trying to leave things as neat as he’d found them. Stepping back into the large bedroom, he caught the scent of breakfast again and his stomach churned. He was starving!

As suspected, the other door led out into a hall. He wasn’t sure which direction to head, so he simply followed his nose. There was no one about to ask for directions, which he thought odd. This was a palace, wasn’t it? Shouldn’t it be bustling with people? After many wrong turns, Tobias finally found the kitchen, an enormous room that appeared well used. There was a woman at a black iron stove, sweat beaded on her forehead. He kept quiet, looking her over. She appeared human, and quite lovely. She was perhaps thirty, dirty blonde hair pulled back and tied with a bit of red cloth. She was somewhat short, but sturdy looking, obviously capable of holding her own. Her dress was a simple red cotton, only slightly soiled from her task.

He cleared his throat, causing her to scream and whirl about. Her face was without make-up and very friendly despite her shocked expression, “Don’t go sneaking about this early in the morning! You nearly caused me to jump out of my skin!”

Tobias quickly nodded, moving into the room and taking a seat at a square table situated in the center of the room, four chairs about it. “I’m sorry.” He said quietly, “Where is everyone?”

She cocked an eyebrow, “It’s eight o’clock in the morning. Only humans rise this early. Didn’t you know?” She laughed, turning to the stove again.

He watched in silence, wondering what exactly that meant. Was he and this strange woman the only humans? “What is Jareth then?” He asked once she seemed less busy.

“His highness is the king of the goblins, he might as well be one himself. Here, eat.” She set a large plate before him carelessly, the glass clattering atop the table. She then heaped a couple of patties of some kind of meat upon said plate as well as several large bread rolls.

He picked at the rolls, finding them rather good, however, he wasn’t about to eat the meat. Who knew what it was. “So, no one gets up early?”

She shook her head no, plopping down in the chair opposite him, “Just a few of us. Everyone’s usually up by…” She took a moment to think, looking to the side and squinting her eyes in thought, “I guess about three… four o’clock.”

Tobias nodded, taking this information to heart, “What’s your name?”

She grinned then, sitting up straight, “I’m Lynlea. Most people call me Lyn. And you’re the baby from a long time ago, right?”

“Tobias.” He said clearly, hoping to put a quick stop to any such nicknames as baby or boy. “And you’re the cook?” He asked, changing the subject.

“I’m in charge of the cooking, yes. I have lots of helpers come dinnertime. And I’m in charge of cleaning too. In fact, I keep most things in order here.” She laughed at her own joke as she pushed herself to her feet again, checking to see that nothing was burning.

“Where is Jareth?” Tobias asked, praying he wasn’t blushing.

“Wasn’t he in bed?”

Tobias simply looked at Lyn, not understanding.

“You slept together, right? Wasn’t he still sleeping?”

His mouth all but fell open, “No, no. I slept alone. There was no one in the room. You mean… That was his room?”

She nodded as if it were nothing, “Where else did you think you’d sleep? I’ve never seen a man more obsessed.”

Tobias’ cheeks flared to life and a gentle wave of dizziness overcame him. Last night, he’d slept in the Goblin King’s bed. This morning, he’d bathed in his tub, pissed in his toilet. And now he was chatting with the cook. He had seen Jareth yesterday, hadn’t he? In the courtyard? He remembered, but the memory was vague, dreamlike. He wondered if maybe he was dreaming now. Where was this place? Geographically speaking. No where on Earth, surely. An alternate dimension? It couldn’t possibly be underground, despite it’s name. There was a sky and clouds and a sun. He was confused and a bit scared for his sanity. He had so many questions.

“He… He’s not there now. So, where is he? I need to see him.” Tobias said, rising from his seat.

Lyn could see he was serious, “I don’t know, child. The throne room or maybe the library… The study… But he does most his work at the desk in his room.”

Tobias didn’t wait for her to ramble on further. He remembered the way back to the bedroom. Perhaps Jareth was there now. He hurried along, his heel aching each time it came down on the hard, stone floor despite the many throws. He threw the door open, not surprised to find it empty. Frustrated and determined, he turned out of the room in search of the throne room. It wasn’t too difficult to remember his way, though he had to work at it. He wondered if everything was meant to be a labyrinth.

After an hour of searching, he’d found a wing filled with nothing but small bedrooms, no doubt for those that worked and lived in the palace. He’d heard snoring behind several doors, but didn’t dare disturb anyone by peering in an occupied room. The wing which housed the king’s massive bedroom also held the library, a study, and a massive sitting room complete with a balcony overlooking the courtyard. At the end of the hall was the kitchen, which he didn’t enter again, hearing enough noise within to know that Lyn was still cooking, alone in the room. He then found the dining room. He stood in awe for a few moments. The table was in the shape of a huge U, the king’s place at the outside center, an ornate throne of a chair making it obvious. Everything was thoroughly polished. The walls were covered with a lovely, dark indigo cloth that hung like drapery material, mirrors were hung as well, their frames the gaudiest things Tobias had ever seen. There were small tables here and there lining the walls, vases of flowers placed upon them along with numerous crystal candelabra. The most impressive thing in the room, however, was the chandelier. It was hung in the center of the room by a thick chain, all crystal, little glass teardrops hanging from every vantage point. It held at least fifty candles, though none of them were lit at the moment. This room had no windows and was rather dim currently, but Tobias could imagine how dazzling it was with the chandelier alight.

Finally pulling himself away from the dining room, Tobias wondered down a wide hallway. He found a door that opened to an upward flight of stairs. He guessed these led to one of the towers and was tempted to have a look, but a noise distracted him. It came from further down the hall, a small indistinct sound, as if someone where moving about. He closed the door to the stairs and continued down the hall. It opened into yet another surprisingly large room. And there, seated in a wide, overly-decorated chair, was none other than the Goblin King.

The king’s eyes were closed and he was sitting sideways, slouched down, his legs draped over the chair arm. Tobias couldn’t help but admire the man’s beauty, his natural grace, like a great cat stretched out for a nap. Blonde hair hung over his forehead, lips slightly parted, one arm resting on his chest, the other hung to the floor, fingers curled. He wore another of those great draping shirts, black this time, and left considerably open at the chest, pale flesh peaking out. His shirt was untucked and had ridden up, wrinkled about his midsection, leaving a tiny line of skin visible there as well.

Tobias took a small step forward, keeping quiet. He was hypnotized by this line of skin. He wanted to place his hands there and slide the shirt up a bit more. His thoughts left him rather suddenly when he stumbled and fell, his arm crashing into a silver platter of fruit, making quite the crash. He’d landed in a large circle in the center of the room, lower than the rest of the floor and lined with several blankets. He noticed now that the entire room was a bit of a mess, cups and saucers everywhere. There was even a chicken meandering about in one corner.

His ankle burned with minor pain now, the very ankle of his injure foot. What a mess he was becoming. He remembered then and looked up to the only chair in the room. Jareth was awake, eyes upon him, an elbow propping him up, one leg pulled from the arm of the chair, booted foot resting on the floor. His legs were open, spread wide, and his pants were so thin and form-fitting. Tobias blushed and looked away, feeling a fool. God, why was this man so beautiful!

“You’re awake.” The king said, his voice the very same liquid sensuality it had always been.

Tobias nodded, “D… Did you have to sleep here? I didn’t know I was in your room. I wouldn’t have-”

“Shh…” Jareth interrupted, rising from his throne and coming closer, “Calm down now.”

Tobias slowly looked up, trying to keep his gaze from lingering on long, shapely legs, “I’m sorry.” He whispered, unsure what he was apologizing for. The bed? Or his rambling? Or maybe for having taken so long to arrive, to figure it out. Or for yelling at Sarah and saying such ugly things to her. Then again he’d been ugly to his parents lately too, especially his mother. And that girl from school, Court, that only wanted to be his friend. How stupid of him to push everyone away when he was so lonely!

Tears sprung to his eyes and he looked away, covering his face with his hands. Like a little girl he sobbed, the tears only getting worse when he realized what a fool he was making of himself before the Goblin King.

Cool hands gently clasped to his wrists, pulling his palms from his face, and Tobias found that Jareth was crouching down before him, concern in those dazzling miss-matched eyes. The Goblin King slowly stood, pulling Tobias to his feet as well. He tried not to wince, but his ankle really hurt. He’d sprained it for sure.

“Can you walk?” The king asked, not really waiting for an answer. Before Tobias could even come up with anything that didn’t sound overly pathetic, Jareth had swept him off his feet again.

“Wait! I…” But Tobias’ protests went unheard, the king hushing him before he could insist he could manage.

Again in the bedroom, Tobias was sat upon the bed. Jareth carefully examined his ankle, cool fingers cautiously feeling the bones, “It’s nothing serious, but this heel… You’ve been all about already this morning? It’s bled through the bandage.”

“I’m sorry.” Tobias said, trying to fight the heat in his cheeks that refused to fade.

“We sleep late here. I suppose I should’ve expected you to wake early.”

Tobias swallowed, “Did you really have to sleep in that chair in the…” He couldn’t find the words. What was that room anyway?

“Throne room.” The king smirked, that intimate yet cold expression that made the world pause and admire it, “Don’t you remember, Tobias?”

He closed his eyes, recalling suddenly being surrounded by goblins and music, “Yes,” He whispered, “I remember.” When he opened his eyes again, the king was rising, moving to the corner where he deposited his boots along with the many others.

“It’s still too earlier, and it was damn impossible to sleep in that chair.” He grumbled as he sat on the opposite side of the bed, stretching those long legs out and lying back.

Tobias stared wide-eyed. Jareth was going to sleep? Were they going to lie together? Nervous and unsure, Tobias sat frozen. After some minutes, the king cracked an eye, gazing at him through a frown, “Aren’t you going to lie down?”

“I’m not-” His voice squeaked and Tobias swallowed before continuing, “I’m not sleepy. You go ahead.” He moved to rise, but a long arm snagged his waist, holding him back.

“Nonsense.” Said Jareth, “Lie down, you need to rest.”

It was a blatant order, and Tobias nodded, doing as told. The arm didn’t move from it’s hold on his waist, and ever-so-slowly, Tobias turned to face the Goblin King whose eyes were already closed. He took the opportunity to admire the man’s face. High cheekbones, straight and narrow nose, very regal, delicate yet masculine jaw curving down to a slightly pointed chin. And those lips, thin and cruel and utterly erotic. Tobias wanted nothing more than to have those lips descend upon his own. It would be his first kiss if one discounted those strange erotic dreams he’d had not so long ago. He wondered if that had been real. Had he lost his virginity to this man in a dream? He wanted to ask him, but didn’t dare wake him. That reminded him of all his other questions, there was so much he didn’t understand. His mind was worn out from all this thinking. Perhaps he could sleep more after all.

Carefully repositioning, making sure not to move too much, Tobias settled down further in the plush mattress. When he woke again, he’d ask Jareth his question, find out what was going on and why. For now he’d look upon this beautiful man and drift to sleep. How could someone be so beautiful? It was unnatural.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Jareth awoke with a smile. Before he even opened his eyes, it was there on his face. He could feel it. How long had it been since he’d smiled so?

His arm was still draped about the boy’s waist, delicious warmth. He wanted to move closer, feel that warmth pressed against the entire length of his body. Deciding this wasn’t a bad idea, Jareth cracked his eyes open to peer at his prey. The moon was nearly full out and it’s dazzling illumination poured through the windows, lighting everything sufficiently since the curtains had been pulled back.

His sensuous thoughts left him as he looked upon the sleeping Tobias. The boy’s face was like Sarah’s, oval in shape with lovely pale skin, and the eyes were the same, dark features, nearly black eyebrows and lashes. Their likenesses differed then. Tobias’ eyes were a piercing blue. Jareth was tempted to wake the boy to simply look upon them. Where had those eyes come from? And those lips. While the boy’s appearance held its own in masculinity, those lips were entirely feminine, large and pouty, the top lip larger than the bottom, and a natural faint pink.

Jareth leaned in, breathing deep of this boy, his treasure. He lifted his arm from its warm place on the boy’s waist and ran his fingers through shoulder-length hair. He liked the color, though he knew it was false. It contrasted so sharply with Tobias’ skin, and shone so strangely, like a raven’s wing, tinted blue.

The boy shifted then, and Jareth repositioned, leaning back to watch as those big, blue eyes opened to gaze upon him. He watched as confusion and awareness dawned in those eyes.

“Good evening.” He said through a smirk

Tobias sat up rather quickly, “What time is it?” He asked, blushing.

Jareth wanted to touch those cheeks, feel how hot they’d become. He shrugged, “Does it matter? Come. We’ll dress and have something to eat before the night gets started.”

But the boy shook his head, “No, wait. There’re things I need to ask you.”

Jareth’s smirk returned as he sat back, gesturing for the boy to continue.

Tobias swallowed, turning to better face him, “Where am I?”

“The Underground. Here, with me.”

“No. I mean, where is the Underground? Where is this place?”

Jareth wanted to spout the typical nonsense he delivered to most humans, but this was Tobias, his sought after, and the question was said in near desperation, “It is a world on the other side of yours, beneath it, if you will. You can only travel between the two through magic.”

“Like… Another planet?”

He laughed, “No, not another planet. It’s like two sides of the same coin. Our worlds were the same long ago, and many traveled back and forth. But that was before my time, before anyone’s time, and all we know now are legends.”

The boy took it all in, listening carefully, obviously having a bit of trouble comprehending, but at least trying, “Okay… And this is all real, right? I’m really here? I’m not going to wake up from a dream?”

Jareth really laughed then, rising to his feet, “No, this is real, I assure you.”

Tobias seemed tempted to ask another question, but his blush deepened, and he appeared to change his mind, shaking it off, deciding to ask something else instead, “One more then, for now.”

Jareth gesture again for him to continue.

“Why?” The boy asked through a sigh, “Why did all this happen? The dreams, the voices, everything.”

“Because I wanted you here.”

Tobias rose to his feet as well then, coming around the bed to face the Goblin King, “Yes, but why?”

Jareth reached out and gently stroked the boy’s jaw line with the back of his hand, “Because I was lonely, because you were lonely, and because you’re the only one who still believes in me.”

Tears began to well in Tobias’ eyes, but he held them back. He had more questions, but he wasn’t ready to ask them. He could only handle so much of all this at a time. Jareth watched him, waiting perhaps to see if there were anything else. Tobias shook his head and gestured that he was fine, that that was all.

“To dress then.” The Goblin King said, turning to the trunks on the floor and the clothing piled upon them. He’d had several garments brought to his chamber in preparation for his young guest. He snatched up several items and passed them to Tobias, turning again to open one of the trunks.

The clothing felt strange in his hands. Tobias supposed this was silk or something like it, very soft, almost delicate. His ankle had felt well this morning, but it was beginning to ache now. He looked up to find that Jareth was in the process of removing his shirt, material slipping up and up, revealing the king’s naked back inches at a time. Tobias’ blush returned in full force, and he quickly spun around, “I, um… I’m going to change in the bathroom.” Without waiting for a response, he carefully made his way across the room, limping only ever-so-slightly.

Jareth chuckled to himself, dropping his dirty shirt to the floor where a maid would come later and collect it. It was so easy to read the boy’s emotions. Always before, when he’d become infatuated with a human, said human would never truly desire him in return. As attractive as they claimed him to be, he was also evil, the one who took unwanted children and turned them into goblins. How could they want such a man? Sarah had been the closest he’d ever come to winning a human heart. She’d talked with him almost naturally and stared at him so openly. He’d thought for sure she’d desired him, but while Sarah had been brave, she hadn’t been brave enough. There wasn’t enough courage in her to take a chance with him.

But now there was Tobias, the only babe he’d ever lost. And how the boy gazed at him now! Those cheeks glowing red at every turn. Jareth pulled a new shirt on, white this time, thin lace at the cuffs and neck, which he left open, ties dangling. He then removed his black pants and pulled on some gray ones, keeping in mind that Tobias was only feet away, no doubt nude.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Tobias closed the door and rested against it. He felt so stupid, like some halfwit teenage girl. How many had he seen behaving in such a manner? How many times had he thought them stupid and ridiculous? He shook his head, trying to shake the silliness away, looking to the clothing he held, trying to distract himself.

The shirt was a deep violet trimmed with thin, black lace. He pulled it on over his head finding that the sleeves were those big loose , drooping kind like Jareth always wore. Didn’t he hear someone call these poet’s shirts once? Whatever, it fit, and finding a floor-length mirror on the door, he thought he looked pretty good in it. The sleeves were loose, but the rest was pretty normal, like a T-shirt. He laced up the small opening at his chest, leaving it just slightly open. It was too long though, and he realized he was supposed to tuck it in. That brought his attention to the other article of clothing he’d draped over the edge of the tub. He lifted the black material to find it was pants, those form-fitting pants the king always wore, high-waisted and highly revealing. Nope. There was no way he was wearing those. Instead, he tried tucking the shirt into his jeans. No, he didn’t like it. He never tucked in a shirt in his life, and it just didn’t look right on him. Unsure as to what to do, he tried a few things and ended up gathering the extra material and tying it in a loose knot on the side at his hip. It still looked a little silly, but it was the best he could come up with. He found a comb in a little drawer of the washbasin stand and combed out his hair, which was a vast improvement. Not to mention the nub of eyeliner he found in his back pocket. Finally satisfied, he came out to find the Goblin King sitting on the end of the bed looking at him, legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. As always, Jareth looked spectacular, a black belt high about his waist matching knee high black boots.

Jareth suppressed a laugh, “I guess you’re not accustomed to the clothing here.”

Tobias shook his head, “I look dumb in those pants, and I just don’t tuck my shirts in.”

The king stood, purposefully being a little cruel, “I don’t look suitable?”

Blushing, Tobias shook his head again, “No, that’s not what I mean. You look good, really good, but I… I just prefer the clothes I’m used to I guess.”

Jareth nodded, “I’ll just have to get you some clothes from your world then, but for now, let’s get to dinner.”

“I, uh… I need some shoes.” Tobias said quietly.

The Goblin King slapped his hands together, silly that he hadn’t thought of shoes. He grabbed the pair he’d had brought in before and gracefully kneeled before the boy. The boots went just above the ankle, and he was glad for it, hoping they’d offer some support to the boy’s injured ankle. He ran his bare hands over Tobias’ nude feet, delighting in the contact and the warmth of the boy’s skin. All too soon, however, the task was done. When he looked up, he found Tobias blushing. Jareth rose to his feet, “Now shall we go?”

Tobias leaned down and pulled his jeans over his boots, nodding once he was finished.

Jareth hadn’t considered such differences before. The others at his table were going to think the boy dressed odd, the shirt untucked, tied to the side, the jeans, the way he wore his boots. The eye make-up wasn’t so odd, after all, he wore a bit himself on formal occasions, but the way Tobias wore it was odd, the thick black line completely surrounding the eye, very gothic. Long hair was common for men of the Underground, but the false color was odd, the bluish black. And the boy’s nails painted black as well, he suspected people were going to talk. He only hoped they had the common sense to do it out of his earshot. In his eyes, Tobias was the loveliest of exotic creatures.

To be continued…

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