"I win!" Technically, Jareth let Toby win, but he was proud at how quickly he understood chess and was mastering at it. Good strategic skills, he mused as the curly-haired boy positioned his knight for attack on his bishop. "You are much better than your sister," he said. In the kitchen, he could hear Sarah grunt in disagreement. "I can hear you!" He smiled inwardly at Sarah's declaration.
Sarah was sick and working on some editorial column for work, even though it was technically her day off. Jareth offered to help her care for Toby, something she was hesitant about since she still wasn't sure whether she wanted to trust him or not. Luckily, he was very considerate about it. "Sarah, I don't want anyone, especially a child, to be abused and taken advantage of. That's why I'm helping you. If you don't feel comfortable with me alone with the young lad, we can stay in the same room so you can supervise us. I want to make sure you're comfortable with everything."
Sarah wasn't sure why she trusted him so easily. It was like she had known him in another life or so. Even so, she didn't let her guard down. She had trusted people who have let her down before.
She stole a glance at Jareth. This is the first time they've seen each other in person since the apology. Ugh, why did I even hug him? She asked herself. It felt more like an impulse, but she couldn't deny that it did feel nice. She hadn't embraced anyone who made her feel safe and secure in years. They had been talking on the phone late at night for a week, each very busy with their work.
The king had told the girl about his time Aboveground when he was a child. It made her dizzy knowing that he was here when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. In turn, she told him about the years of pain she had endured, and how she wouldn't leave because of Toby.
He had been so thoughtful. He even brought her some homemade soup for her cold and some barbecue chicken for Toby. Poor Toby. He couldn't go anywhere since Karen was too strict to let him leave the house. I guess a goblin king is more fun than nothing, she thought, hearing Toby shriek at Jareth declaring a check mate on him.
"Oh, do you play piano, Toby?" Sarah took another glance at Jareth and he and Toby walked towards the piano. "Nah," Toby replied. "Mom bought it for Lisa. But Lisa never used it." Jareth chuckled, a sound that made Sarah feel warm and happy. "That's too bad," he said. "It's a lovely instrument, meant to be played and not be displayed like something in a museum."
Jareth took off the leather gloves and set them down next to him. The King played a few warm up pieces, then played a beautiful tune. Sarah had never seen Toby so quiet and transfixed on anything. He listened intently and looked impressed as Jareth's graceful fingers glided along the black and white keys. As for Jareth himself, he looked so serene and peaceful. The lines of worry disappeared from his face. If he hadn't told her that his magic was gone, Sarah would've thought that he was enchanting her with the music. She could feel innocence and sweetness emanating from the piano into the deepest part of her soul. Like being happy to see the sunrise of a new day.
All three of them sat in silence, soaking in the beautiful music. "Chanson de Matin, by Edward Elgar. It's such a simple but beautiful piece. It's one of my favorites," said Jareth. Toby nodded, then walked away to play with his legos. Jareth looked up into Sarah's eyes.
Something strange happened. Both could feel something between them. A connection? Understanding? Neither was sure as to what it was, but it caused both of them to smile at each other. "So, do you play any other instruments?" Sarah asked. Jareth sighed. "I picked up guitar a bit while I was Above, but haven't played since then. I do miss it." Sarah nodded, feeling sorry for him. She supposed that being king took time away from these pleasures. It really wasn't fair that he was forced to be king and to leave his family at such a young age.
"Hey Jareth, check this out!" Toby ran downstairs, holding a painting in his hand. Sarah gasped in horror. "Sarah painted this! Isn't it amazing?"
It was an owl, a painting that she did during art class while in high school a few years ago. Sarah made it as close to Jareth's likeness as possible, down to the feathery details. Jareth raised an eyebrow. "That's so interesting Toby. Sarah, looks like some special owl caught your eye?" Oh, how he LOVED teasing her!
Sarah's face grew bright red. Toby looked back and forth, confused at their interaction. What was Sarah so shy about?
"You are quite talented. Such detail..." Jareth absentmindedly traced the outline with his finger. After Sarah whispered a quiet "thank you," he dared himself to ask another question. "Are you good at sewing, by chance?"
Sarah was confused. "I've never tried. Why do you ask?" Jareth fumbled around for an answer, but was saved by the front door unlocking.
Just then, a streak of red hair bounced through the hallway. "Oh great," muttered Sarah. Lisa was home early and no doubt she would ruin everything. Maybe even scare Jareth away from Toby.
SLAP! Sarah knew her face was bright red from Lisa striking her. She let out a disgusting cough that resulted from her lungs straining from the shock and her cold. "Sarah, I just a really rough day and I told you I'd be home early! Where is my meal? Why are your things all over the-"
"Ahem."
Both women turned around to see a stone-faced Jareth. Lisa's eyes widened. Who was this man in her home? He was also quite attractive, she thought, licking her lips.
"Who are you?" Lisa asked Jareth, her tone almost a seducing tone. Sarah groaned inwardly. For some reason, her blood began to boil. She told herself that it was because Jareth was her friend and he didn't need a scumbag like Lisa, NOT because she was jealous.
"I'm Jareth," he replied cooly. Sarah was disappointed to see that he relaxed and no longer looked angry. She just SLAPPED me! She thought angrily. You can't just side with her and FLIRT with her!
Lisa's hips swayed as she walked to sit next to Jareth. Sarah noticed that a few buttons on the top of her blouse were unbuttoned that weren't before. The Labyrinth Champion gripped her chair so hard that her knuckles were white.
"Pleasure." Lisa squeezed next to Jareth. "So tell me, why are you here?" Their knees were touching at this point and Sarah went from gripping the table to making fists. Half moons were etched in her palms.
"Oh, I've heard so much about you," Jareth crooned, turning to look her. Sarah couldn't believe it. But she still couldn't move or bring herself to look away. Her heart was beating faster and her breathing quickened as she got more upset by the minute. Men, she thought to herself. Dad had been like that with Karen too. They're all the same. Why did I expect Jareth to be any different?
Lisa winked at he handsome man by her side."Really? Like what?" Their lips were now dangerously close. Jareth held something up next to their faces. "Oh? What's that?" Lisa said distractedly.
Sarah had never seen anyone's facial expressions change as fast as Jareth's did that day, and probably never will. He went from flirtatious to rage in a split second. "This! This is a film of YOU slapping Sarah!" Lisa backed away, but failed as Jareth leaned in forward. Sarah didn't know how she didn't see the camera next to him before. He must've caught everything without anyone noticing. "You see, Sarah and Toby are very precious to me. If you DARE lay another hand on either of them, I will hear about it. I have powerful friends, more powerful ones than what your mom has, believe me. I will develop these photos for all to see! If you don't want to end up in jail, you will leave them alone."
Lisa's face turned sheet white. Nodding, she got up and out of the house quicker than you could say "Goblin."
Sarah stared at the front door, trying to understand what just happened. She faced Jareth, who was still lounging on the couch as if nothing had happened. It took her a few moments to notice that Jareth was reading the draft of her advice column. "Really Sarah," he said with a disappointing tone. "An advice column for a woman who's torn between her husband and her lover? She obviously shouldn't be with either of them and the husband should find someone better than her. Aren't there better questions out there?"
"Erm," she stared. "That's drama. People will want to read more." He scoffed. "Oh, of course. Humans." He tossed the papers back onto the table. Sarah shook her head to clear her thoughts. "Jareth, I appreciate what you did for me, but she's going to make my life worse. I-" he held a hand to cut her off. "Sarah, though I may only be 26 years of age in my age and maturity, I have been king for years. I've had men and women act this way towards me to try to gain favor. Yes," he responded to her open mouth, "Men can be attracted to other men as you well know. Anyways, people like your stepsister are full of themselves but become scared when it comes to anyone threatening them. I know I don't have magic, but she will not hurt you anymore or tell Karen about it. She'll be too busy looking over her shoulder."
He fiddled with a pen for a few moments before looking at Sarah again. Her eyes were filled with tears that were slowly falling on her lap.
"Sarah?" He walked towards her, worried. She coughed, still sick. The excitement hadn't helped her at all in healing. "Jareth, I've never had anyone stand up for me before. Thank you." He smiled, and held one of her hands in both of his, like he did when they were 13. "Anything for you, Precious."
Two chapters tonight! Woo! I felt the muses today and am surprisingly motivated. Hopefully tomorrow we will have a chapter about a date, but we'll see!
I really hoped that Jareth came across as respectful and considerate, yet he can be annoying at the same time. It was important to me that he didn't necessarily save Sarah (she's a strong woman, after all), but that he stand up for her. But, I can't tell if you guys don't let me know (hint hint). :P
Also I just had to make him play Chanson de Matin. I know not all of you are musicians or love classical music, but I promise that you'll recognize the tune and know what I mean when I say it's sweet and simple. It's also special to me since I played a clarinet solo for this in high school and it was one of my best solo performances.
Next chapter will have more Sarah and Jareth fluff. I think you're all going to really like what I have in store! Please please please R&R. Only one person has done it so far and I really want to know if you guys think this story is worth reading. Thanks again for reading guys!