MEL: I am a radioactive cornstalk. I am coming for you. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

AMY: Bwahahaha-take that! (lights match)

MEL: help! Im on fire! And I cant run away! (mad giggling from author in background) curses.

AMY: (laughing hysterically. Pulls out fire extinguisher just in time)

MEL: I despise you

Are you following ok? Remember all, Italics are them thinking

Hell Is Living Without You

I can't find your face

Sarah spun around but everywhere she looked was dark. A chill ran through her as she wondered what was going on.

She thought she saw something in the distance and squinted to see it better. It was small, very small, but seemed to grow. It was getting nearer, she decided.

A…ball? No-a crystal! It floated smoothly through the darkness and hovered in front of her. She eyed it warily. It must be Jareths.

Curiosity got the best of her and she decided to look into it. She reached to hold it, but the moment her hand touched it it shattered, bright light bursting from the pieces. Her hands flew to her eyes as she squeezed them tightly shut. She waited a moment, removed her hands, and gasped.

In a thousand masqueraders

"W-what?" she whispered. The familiar ballroom surrounded her, as did the many guests. Déjà vu all over again. How many times am I gonna be in this damn ballroom!

They circled her, laughing and jeering. The beautiful masked and painted faces from before now seemed horrid and uninviting. Her irrational fear of clowns was now justified.

She tried to shrink away but she backed into even more. A panic welled up inside her. What did they want?

Something caught her eye. Was that Jareth? she wondered as blue material slipped behind a pillar. With a deep breathe she shoved through the crowd. Hands grabbed at her white dress but she rushed through, eager to get to him. She slowed as she left them behind and ducked around the pillar to see nothing but more dancers.

"Bad seed!" She mumbled quickly as she leaned against the pillar. Ok…ballroom dream… again… oh joy…She closed her eyes and placed a hand on her forehead. "Ger-her-her…" she grumbled, causing a passing couple to stare at her.

You're hidden in the colors

She opened her eyes as she stepped around the pillar, bracing herself for the worst which didn't come. They ignored her completely. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the room. Oh I see how it is-I'm not good enough to torture all of a sudden. Fine, she said with a sour smile and a raised eyebrow. See if I care you losers.

After a minute she was bored.

She spotted a rather hot guy on the other side of the room, a level above her. She casually moseyed on over, forgetting that this was usually the time she would frantically be searching for Jareth.

After politely introducing herself, and boring conversation, he asked her to dance. Score one for me! She thought happily as she took his hand. And here I thought this was a nightmare.

They danced for a few songs before a slow one came on. A rather familiar slow one. In fact…she thought, to familiar…She realized with a jolt that it was her song…his song. A strong burst of embarrassment shotthrough her as she looked back to the man she'd been dancing with.

"Um, I'll sit this one out…" She said awkwardly. She pulled back but he kept a firm hold.

"One more won't kill you," he said with a smile. She looked at him, confusion in her face.

"No really, I um, have a thing about this song…it's a long story-"

"No need to explain, everyone knows." He smirked at her. Sarahs brow furrowed.

"E-excuse me?"

'There's such fooled heart, beating so fast…' played around her. His smile widened.

"You can't believe people didn't hear about it. It's not often the cold hearted King falls in love. With a mortal, too." He looked her over as his grip tightened. "A good looking one at that," he added.

Sarah gave a nervous laugh.

"I don't quite feel comfortable…with all this…if you don't mind I-"

"I do." He said quickly, pulling her up to him. Her short fuse was lit and she glared at him.

"Let go." She said through clenched teeth, eyes only inches from his.

"Not until I have this dance," he said. "I'll play this song all night if I have to." He laughed. "Anything to anger His Majesty." Sarah looked at him with a blank expression.

"Dude…we're in…a dream…" she said slowly, as if he were a child. His nails dug into her wrist and she cried out in pain. The other dancers ignored it and the scene happening before them.

"Doesn't feel like a dream," he purred.

'As the pain sweeps through, makes no sense for you'

What the hell is going on? Who is this freak! She thought as she scratched at his hand with her free one. Damn…so much for a nice romantic dream!

'Every thrill has gone'

"Now then," he said as his nails left her skin, "shall we dance?" Blood trickled down her arm leaving a red stain on her pearl-colored dress. One of his arms had found its way around her waist and he tried to lead her to the center of the floor. She tugged back but he pulled her closer. As she stumbled slightly forward he used the movement to start their dance. Before she knew it she was twirling around the floor.

Of a million other lost charaders

Suddenly she stopped. That voice…She ignored the irritated look she received and the small insistent tugs. Her ears strained to make sure she was right. She looked at the man in front of her, and was at a loss whether to yell or gasp. He was singing to her. He was singing Jareths song to her!

She glared at him and he smirked, singing louder. Her nails slashed at his face, leaving four red marks. They steadily grew darker until little droplets of blood ran down his cheek. He pressed a hand to it, looked at the blood on his fingers, and then looked up to her. Flames of rage danced in his eyes.

Sarah took the time to run. She pushed and shoved through the floor of dancers who all seemed to stop right in front of her. She heard the angry cry of her dance partner and pressed on. She reached the edge of the room, the glass wall. Damn it, no chair! They thought this dream through pretty well!

She turned as the music stopped abruptly and changed to another, faster paced song. He walked up to her slowly, there was no where to run.

He closed in on her, and she raised her arm slightly ready to strike when-

"Ahhh!" she shrieked. He'd turned into-

"Jareth!" The man laughed.

"You wouldn't strike me, would you Sarah?" Her brain tumbled over itself. What the hell is going on!

"You're not him." She said convincingly. Now to convince myself…

"Aren't I?" he purred, a hand stoking her cheek. "Prove it to me." She tightly shut her eyes, trying to fall back into the wall.

They flew open as his mouth played with hers. Her nails clawed at him and he jerked back, glaring at her.

"Sarah…" he said in a warning voice. His hand was lightly on her neck. "Don't defy me." His grip tightened, and she gave a short, cut off scream.

'Jareths' eyes glinted as the lights dimmed slightly.

"He's not here to save you Sarah," he laughed. "What will you do?"

It's a dream, she told herself, a nightmare like this is reasonable after the last week or so. It al-

"Ahh-huh!" she shrieked as his fingernails dug into her. Her eyes rolled and she tried to focus-focus on anything but the pain.

He pressed her harder against the glass wall. Her terrified eyes wouldn't leave his face. Jareths face.

Am I sure it's-no! Of coarse it's not. He wouldn't! I mustn't think like that. Her eyes, if possible, widened as she heard him speak.

"Fear me," he purred. "Love me, do as I say," and he loosened the hold on her throat. "What's next, Sarah?" he whispered. She squeezed her eyes closed.

"St-op," she choked out. "Please," was barely a whimper.

"What's next?" Sarah was silent. "I said what's next!"

She started to shake her head but he stopped her the his tightest hold so far, nails like claws sinking into her.

"Say it!" he hissed. She gasped as blood trickled down her neck. She needed to breathe.

"I…" she swallowed, pulling at his hand with both of hers. Sarah looked into the eyes which seemed to mirror Jareths. "…will be…" tears streamed down from physical and emotional pain. Her heart knew it wasn't really Jareth, but her mind was following the rule seeing is believing, and the sight was embedded into her brain. The mere suggestion burned, the thought of Jareth still so sensitive. "…your…slave…" she choked.

He smiled but didn't loosen his grip.

"There's a good girl," he said, voice like silk. His left hand moved swiftly under his jacket. She gasped as a small knife appeared.

He brought it up to her throat, the dull end running smoothly over her skin, toying with her. She waited for the cut. He smiled.

"It's me." He whispered. 'Jareth' raised his arm and the ballrooms glass walls and beautiful dance floors were reflected on the daggers shining steel.

"It's me." He thrust it forward.

Sarah shrieked and tumbled out of bed.

In life's big parade

I'm the loneliest spectator

Jareth yawned. The party had been dragging on for hours. He walked through the crowded room. He longed to be in his own castle where he was free to spy on-erm-watch Sarah.

He'd been invited to a celebration, of what he did not remember. He sat down, now interested in why he was there. A few girls in chairs next to him gasped then giggled madly at the beautiful king near them. He ignored them. He placed his elbow on the table and held his head in his hand. Now I'm here why…?

They wouldn't have invited me to something as simple as a birthday party, I'm sure. A coming out party? But who would it be for? There haven't been young Fae around for ages. A holiday? Probably, not that I would know which one…what month is it anyway…?

He gave up trying to figure out what was going on. The thought of Sarah was always in the back of his mind and he lost interest in everything quickly. Oh there we go again! he thought as he began turning her over in his mind. A voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Good evening, Your Majesty," a smirking man stood before him. He brought his head up to meet his gaze.

"Evening," he said without much enthusiasm. The man didn't seem surprised at his response. The group behind them became quiet. They had been trying to get his attention for some time now, but were now intent on eavesdropping. Why was he smirking at the king?

"May I join you?" He asked politely. Jareth gave a small wave to the chair beside him.

"If you wish," he said in the same tone.

"I assume you're not enjoying the evening." He said after he'd gotten comfortable. Jareth looked at him emotionlessly.

"No I haven't. Is it that obvious?" He asked sarcastically and glanced away.

"Yes. But it's understandable, considering the date." The man waved his hand and a drink appeared. He sipped it happily, still watching him. Jareth raised his eyebrows and the mans smirk grew.

"Ha, you've forgotten, Your Majesty?" He seemed very amused. "It's the anniversary of the day your Labyrinth was defeated by that mortal. Sarah, I believe her name was. But I know you haven't forgotten that." His eyes narrowed as he smiled and Jareth glared at him. The circle of girls giggled softly, finding it funny that he hadn't remembered such an important day, especially one so important to himself.

"Huh, thank you so much for reminding me." Jareth sad coldly.

"Don't mention it, Your Highness." The man said as he tilted his head to the side. "But that's actually not what I came to remind you of. The performance is starting soon."

Jareth stood and soon after so did the man, watching his retreating form. Jareth kept his face expressionless as he left the room. I'm not staying for this, he thought. He made his way through the next room, it filled with chairs and couches like the one he'd just left.

Cuz you're gone without a trace

In a sea of faceless imitators

Suddenly he was surrounded by loud cracks and smoke. Damn it! he thought as dancers swirled around him. He tried to magic himself to his castle, but he stayed. Of coarse they throw this in a castle you have to actually walk out of. They knew I'd try to leave and they make me go threw this every year. He glared at everyone and everything around him.

Women dressed the same way as his dance with Sarah spun around him. Underneath his anger he found himself grateful they weren't playing the same song. A circle of guests formed around him and the dancers. He stood still. He knew what they wanted and he wasn't going to give it to them. A girl in a white dress slowly circled closer and closer. When she was right in front of him she stopped, her hand extended.

He was amazed at how similar she was to Sarah. Last years hadn't looked even relatively like her.

He had never understood this…tradition. How was this celebrating his defeat, and why would you want to? The crowd laughed and shouted at him to dance with her. He saw her eye twitch. She obviously wasn't enjoying her role either.

As he brought his hand up to cross his arms the circle cheered, thinking he was going to dance. It quickly turned to moans as he took a step back. He glared at the ones closest to him and they backed away, replaced by braver ones who smirked at him. His bog threat wouldn't work unless he planned on dragging them all the way out of the castle, then sending them there. Doesn't sound that bad, actually…he thought as he took in the whole room, remembering who the ringleaders were and planning what he'd do later.

They want a repeat of last year. He thought angrily. He had danced with the girl, having been so desperate to have anything that reminded him of her. He hadn't looked at her the same way, but they wanted to see their cold Goblin King show that same emotion again. Any hint of something other than anger and annoyance from him was rare in public.

Tonight was the one chance they had at it, and the one time they could laugh at their king, saying they had been laughing at the performance in general. And the one place he couldn't escape it.

But one thing was different this year.

Last year he hadn't seen her in ages and hadn't had any hope that he would. He'd been depressed and desperate and hadn't totally hated the 'holiday.' Slightly enjoying his dance with the actress.

But this year he had seen her. Held her. He'd spent months with her and now an imitator wasn't enough for him. He wanted the real thing. This year it was insulting.

He stormed through the dancers, some of which were bold enough to try to tug him back. With one glance they jumped away.

"Quite a difference from last year," said the man who'd spoken to Jareth to the woman beside him.

"What do you think happened? I always thought he had a soft spot for her and thought he might want to dance with Lori. She looks so much like Sarah."

"I think he's seen her."

"Well of coarse he's seen her," the woman said in an annoyed voice. "His Majesty's got those crystals. He's been watching her for years, I bet."

"No, I think he's actually gone to her."

"No," she gasped. "She would have had to call him for him to go." The man smirked.

"You think?" He nodded. "Well now that's something. And he went? Of coarse he did. But…it must've been for revenge…"

"I'm not so sure," he smirked as Jareth disappeared through the door. "Remember his face from last year?"

I can't take another night

Burning inside this hell-is living without your love-

Ain't nothing' without your touch-me

Sarah landed with a thud on her hard wooden floor. Her hands were clasping her throat as she took in deep breaths. When she realized she could breathe just fine, she stopped. She looked around, half expecting to see the man in her room with a knife. She shook her head as she stood up. She made a face as she took in her sweaty body. She headed to the bathroom for a shower.

The warm water ran over her as she cried. She was still a little scared, she was tired, and like everyday, she wondered why she left him. He haunted her dreams and she knew he watched her. She sighed and stepped out. She dried off and got dressed and slumped down her apartment stairs to go to the mall.

She wanted to curl up in the corner of its Borders like she did when she was little, and read. When she read of fantastic worlds where everyone lived together happily ever after, for a moment, she left hers where everyone lived alone miserably for ever and ever-the end.

As her eyes ran across the page of the book she suddenly grew angry. Why was they able to get what they wanted? All of them. Looking beyond the fact that it was a fictional story with flying monkeys (Wizard of Oz people! J) Sarah sat there arguing with herself. After a while she realized what a stupid thing getting mad over a story was-especially the one where you can totally see the ending coming, she put it back. And another thing, she's how old? She's probably heard that story a hundred times.

She put it back and was about to leave when she saw an interesting display.

"A Series…of Unfortunate…Events." She said slowly. She smiled and grabbed the book. If I see anyone I know…a little cousin told me I had to read it.

She read through the first one quickly and grabbed the second, delighted to read about someone who felt like horrible.

Heaven would be like hell-is living without you

Try to walk away

When I see the time I've wasted

Jareth had stayed in the area. He'd stopped in the gardens to calm down before returning and ended up falling asleep on the bench he'd sat on. It wasn't a true sleep, more of a daydream, and in it he saw himself winning back Sarah. How unusual, he thought sarcastically.

He thought about the day he had. He frowned. So different from last year. For one brief moment he wished he hadn't seen her again. None of this would be bothering him. He wouldn't feel so helpless and defeated, his Kingdom wouldn't get the hint he missed her, and he could be yelling at himself for enjoying the dance. He kicked himself. No, this was worth having her for that little time.

What a waste of time tonight was.

Starvin' at a feast

And all this wine I've never tasted

He realized with a start that he was hungry. He huffed as he realized he was five minutes away from one of the biggest feasts of the year, one which he wouldn't be attending. Grrr.

On my lips your memory, has been stained

He licked his lips hungrily, and remembered the taste of hers on his. He clenched his teeth and took a deep breathe. No telling how long it might be before that happens again.

Like every moment of every day, she filled his thoughts. He was rapidly losing hope of getting her back. He couldn't think of anything more to do. He couldn't just go up to her and say 'Now or never.' Because it would be a lie. He would wait until never passed. He was immortal, he had plenty of time.

Is it all in vain?

But that was it. Would her answer be never? Were his attempts even worth it? He sighed deeply. Sensing someone near him, he opened his eyes.

"Your Majesty, I thought that you had left." The man from before smirked. Jareth smirked back.

"Yes, Marcan, I'm sure they all did."

"Well, what has kept you here?"

Jareth stood to face Marcan and tilted his head slightly to the side.

"That is the question, isn't it?" He said smoothly. His eyes shown brightly before he turned away.

"As a matter of fact," he said looking over his shoulder as he strayed toward the gardens gate, "I was just leaving."

"For good this time?"

Jareth's eyebrows rose.

"Should I be under the impression you want me to leave?" He asked dangerously.

"Of coarse not Your Majesty. Why would you think that?" He gave a sly smile and strolled the other way. "Don't be suspicious."

Tell me, who's to blame?

I can't take another night

Burning inside this hell-is living without your love-

Ain't nothin' without your touch-me

Heaven would be like hell-is living without you

Now Jareth was burning. Marcan had been acting strangely lately. Even before tonight he hadn't been himself. Everything seemed to happening at once. The celebration, Sarah, Marcan, not to mention all the responsibility he had to his Kingdom. Somehow he still found time to run it as though nothing was wrong. Only those looking, only those like Marcan, would notice something was different.

All of a sudden he had been so happy, almost floating like a cloud. He had let it show accidentally a few times in court, but now he was back to his angry self. Even more so than before.

His castle seemed to grow darker each day. He refused to leave, but refused to take in its comforts. He stormed down hallways, frightening the goblins at work. More goblins were kicked in the following week than most years. Anything and everything angered him. A beast in an unlocked cage, unwilling to go out where others were. The only times he left were for short walks or flights around his Labyrinth.

His mind was his true prison. No matter how fast he went, how far he ran, he couldn't escape it or her. She was always right behind him in his thoughts. He awoke from yet another nightmare.

Today was the day. He'd go to her.

Nights get longer and colder

Sarah was awake in her bed. She stared at the bookcase in the corner. A few new books sat happily on the shelves. She'd bought all they had last night. She rolled over and the covers fell off her shoulder. She sighed. She felt good, that was the first night in weeks she'd had a good sound sleep.

She closed her eyes as she smiled and stretched, falling back onto her back. She looked around, squinting in the sun. She gave a small yawn.

"Boo." Came a slow deep voice. Sarah jerked her head to see him.

"Jareth!" He smirked.

"Good to see your smiling again," he said as he stepped closer to her bed.

All she could do was blink.

"Surprised my love?" He asked with a laugh.

"Y-you…but…I didn't call you…" her brow furrowed.

"I can break the rules now and then. I am the King after all."

"Well…what do you want?" Sarah asked nervously.

"I want you," he started, "tell me what happening in your brain." She crossed her arms in front of her chest with a raised eyebrow.

"Excuse me?"

"What is going on with you?" He had to hold back a shout.

"Jareth," she began, "what made you come back all of a sudden?"

"Because I'm tired of it." He said angrily.

Sarah's breath caught in her throat. Was he tired of waiting? Tired of her?

"O-of what?" She asked shakily.

"I'm tired of being alone." He said as his gaze softened. "I've been through Hell, Sarah." He gave a sad smile. "Hell is living without you." He held out his hand for her.

I'm down, begging to hold ya

On my own and I feel like hell-is living without you

KK Ness, have at it! J I want your honest opinion and I want/need your ideas for improvements. The story gets weak in places, I know. I'm not used to using an outline aka song. Usually I write whatever I think up but now I have to follow something

Authors note

Some go to libraries, some go to the Mall. Lakeside Mall woot woot! Oakland Mall rox too! Great Lakes Crossing has a Waldens I think…but I never read in that one, when I find it in that ridiculously big shopper heaven, cuz I'm running around it's huge FYE and lovely Hot Topic. Hehe. Things are so much more fun super sized. BIG mall J well as much as I'd love to talk about my fav malls-and that's not sarcastic I love my malls-I will let you go. fly free my readers. Just look out for planes!