Gah still tired.
The Goblin King lives...for now thanks to your lovely reviews.
Jareth sweeps a bow "aserene, hazlgrnLizzy, futrCSI1490 and notwritten I'm eternally in your debt. If you should ever need me you have but to call and I will be there to assist you within the second.
StarGirl beats him back into the story. Dam Goblin King.
On we go!
"Sarwah!" growled Ludo in delight bumbling forward with Sir Didymus at his heels "Sarwah friend!" Sarah found herself caught up in the biggest hug in history as she ran forward to meet her friends.
"Sweet Lady, it is indeed a great pleasure to see you again, Ambrosia is delighted, as am I, delighted I say. I shall fight anyone, anywhere..." The little fox was silenced as he was also swept up into the huge hug.
Hoggle was standing with Darien; the two couldn't be more different. Darien looked like a giant, a tall slender, ponytailed giant beside the dwarf, however, Darien crouched down to be at his height and was chatting to him as if he was his oldest friend. Jareth stood by Pasha and watched as Hoggle was also swept into the hug protesting half-heartedly. Obviously feeling left out Darien launched himself into the hug as well.
Calls himself Fey and yet he's embracing that beast. Jareth snorted and turned back to the horses. You won't see me doing that in a hurry. Yet a small part of Jareth wished that he could be included in their reunion. Not likely as the last time Sarah was here I was the common enemy they all fought against. If it wasn't for me I doubt that they would even be friends.
Breaking free from the massive group hug Darien wandered over to Jareth and stood looking at him. "What?" snapped Jareth not in the mood for Darien's stupidity. Darien turned to the group which by now had broken apart and were all chattering excitedly and cleared his throat loudly.
"Everyone!" they fell silent and turned to him "... the time has come to...ALL PILE ON JARETH!!" Jareth's eye grew wider and wider as first of all Darien flung his arms around him and was followed by Ludo, Hoggle and Sir Didymus (who were actually pulled into the hug by Ludo unwillingly.) Seeing Jareth, the aloof and proud Goblin King being rendered helpless by the hug Sarah found herself shaking with laughter as she stumbled over and stood by the horses. Using Pluto as something to hold her up through her fit of giggles Sarah watched with amusement as Jareth stood like a rock in the arms of Ludo and Darien (Hoggle and Sir Didymus were too short to actually hug him and so had crawled out the sides and were sitting on the grass amazed at the foolhardy Fey and Ludo who didn't know any better.
"Right enough, enough! Darien let go! Let go!" Jareth struggled free and glared at them "You realise that I could send you all to the bog for that. That was worst attempt at assassination that I have ever seen!"
Sarah raised her hand "Not me."
"I make no exceptions" Jareth growled back.
"I wasn't in the hug"
"Weren't in the hug?" exclaimed Darien "That's terrible! How else are we to thank the Fey that brought all of you together in hate for him." Jareth shot him a glare. "It's true, if Jareth wasn't such a nasty fellow at times then you four" Ambrosia growled "sorry five, may not be as friendly as you are."
Sarah thought about it, he was right, if it wasn't for Jareth she wouldn't have such amazing friends. If I'm honest Sarah thought to herself, if it wasn't for him I would be leading a VERY boring life. No Ludo, Hoggle, Sir Didymus, Ambrosia or Darien. I wouldn't have run the Labyrinth at all. That would mean that I wouldn't have learnt that sometimes life is unfair but you have to except it, I would have continued to resent Toby and be nasty to Karen and my father. Looking at the Goblin King now arguing with Darien she smiled.
While grumbling at Darien who was still protesting about the water Jareth felt a light tap on his shoulder, turning he found Sarah suddenly embracing him, her arms were around his back, her head against his chest. Instinctively he also wrapped his arms around her holding her tightly before releasing her and raising his eyebrows.
"Thank you" said Sarah grinning up at him, Jareth's mouth fell open. Things were surprising him...he didn't like it.
"Now... LUNCH!" yelled Darien as a huge picnic appeared in the clearing. They all sat down to eat chattering excitedly, all apart from Jareth who was strangely quiet throughout the meal. As soon as Darien is gone everything will return to normal. No more group hugs, no more thank you hugs... well I wouldn't mind a few more of those.
As if reading his thought Darien turned to him and smiled slyly "Jareth I'm terribly afraid that I won't be able to leave tonight I'm having far too much fun."
"Please excuse us for a moment" Jareth said politely to the group before grabbing Darien's arm and disappearing.
"Darien's in trouble" grinned Sarah to Hoggle biting into an apple.
"Probably bein' dunked in the bog of eternal stench" grumbled Hoggle "No doubt I'll be next"
"Don't worry Hoggle he's all talk, I won't let any of you be bogged" Smiled Sarah.
Meanwhile in another clearing not far away Jareth was berating Darien. "What do you think you are doing? I can't have my subjects thinking they can take advantage of me like that! You're more trouble than you're worth Darien if you stay even another day my Kingdom will be in pieces."
Darien turned to him suddenly serious. "Jareth I've known you for a long time, you've changed."
"I have not!" objected Jareth
"You have and I'm not saying it's for the worst, you're certainly more fun to watch. Sarah has an effect on you doesn't she, it's obvious that you're head over heels in love with her." Jareth opened his mouth to protest "No don't say anything, for the past fifteen years you've been in a foul mood which I assume had something to do with her rejecting you in the Labyrinth. I don't even know what she is doing back here but when she leaves again it can only spell disaster for everyone."
"I didn't ask for her to come back, she has total power over me so I was forced to bring her here when she asked! What can I do? We're setting off to see the Elders so I can have my power back and she can return aboveground."
Darien sat down on the grass and Jareth followed suit. "I said I wanted to stay because I'm having a lot of fun but the truth is Jareth I'm afraid to leave you two alone for even a second, if you fall for her again then it will destroy
you. Keep your distance, she's a wonderful woman but remember you have no power over her. She rejected you before when you could use all the magic you wanted. She will return aboveground and leave you forever. You have to get over her! I'm assuming that you will be riding to see the Elders?" Jareth nodded "That will take about a week... in that time there is to be NO lingering looks or sly little hugs right?" Jareth nodded again.
"You sound like my Grandmother"
"Shut up I'm serious. To her you're her you're... well I suppose kind of like a toy." Jareth growled in annoyance.
"She can return home leaving you here happy with the short time she had with you but moving on while your heart will break along with your kingdom, she's lovely, charming even but she can be cruel. Remember that."
"Here I was thinking I was meant to be the one telling you off."
"Well I'm not telling you off, I'm warning you, friend to friend right?"
Standing Jareth pulled Darien to his feet "Friend to friend sure..."
"And finally" Darien grinned "do NOT try to seduce her, that will only cause for you to like her more ok?"
"I'm sure that you have my best interests at heart but I'm finding it very hard to take you seriously after that whole "pile on Jareth" fiasco that happened back there"
"I have to have my fun otherwise I would be just like you, grumpy bugger"
The two disappeared and reappeared at the picnic.
"Thought you was in the bog" Hoggle said to Darien as he sat down next to him.
"No just going over plans for my visit, I have decided that I can't possibly stay longer than I had planned since I have so much to do."
"Oh" said Sarah "Are you sure you can't stay longer? What will I do without you?"
"You're not staying that much longer yourself are you Sarah? Jareth said you were setting off to see the Elders tomorrow."
Sarah had the strange feeling that Darien was being a bit cold towards her, as for leaving to return home tomorrow she glanced at Jareth. He simply nodded not meeting Sarah's eyes.
The picnic wore on until late, almost dinner in fact, Jareth stood and Darien also got to his feet. "Sarah I'm afraid we have to leave, we have a long journey ahead of us and Darien needs to prepare to leave. Sarah nodded and started to say goodbye to her old friends whom it was likely she would never see again. Holding each of them in turn she whispered that she would never forget any of them ever and that they were the most precious people to her in the world. Being helped up onto Pasha by Darien she cantered away following Jareth on Sparta. Tears streamed from her eyes as she turned back to watch the waving figures gradually disappear from view.
A couple of hours later tears were prickling in her eyes once again as she hugged Darien goodbye.
"Poor, poor girl what are you going to do without me?" Darien asked pulling away and looking into her watery green eyes.
"I don't actually know, if ever you ever stumble into the mortal world you know where to find me right?"
Earlier Sarah had given him her address and begged him to visit her if ever he was in the mortal world. His answer had been vague, something about being very busy for the next 1000 years. Sarah had laughed hiding the hurt she felt inside, why was Darien being so...cold? So...distant? It was as if they were strangers.
Jareth had held out his hand to bid his oldest friend farewell but Darien had pulled him into a manly hug and murmured in his ear "keep your distance old friend, I feel my heart aching at having to say goodbye and I'm gay and not in love with her." Nodding Jareth gave him a feline smile and said so softly so that Sarah could not hear "She has a way of charming people, I know."
Darien strode out of the doors and leaped onto Pluto waving goodbye to the two figures at the door. Shame he thought to himself with a sigh they would make a lovely couple. Whistling he cantered off and the two watched him until he was out of sight.
Glancing down at Sarah he saw her eyes were wet with tears and inwardly groaned. How could he be distant towards her when she always looked so heart breakingly beautiful? Shutting the entrance doors he turned to Sarah. "Tomorrow we leave for the mountains, get some rest, it's going to be a long ride." His voice was flat and emotionless, his face unreadable, no light shone from his mismatched eyes. Jareth turned and strode across the hall away from Sarah and towards his study.
He halted at her voice but did not turn around "Jareth?" Sarah walked around to face him. He stared back at her blankly. "Yes?"
"Are you okay? You seem...?"
"Im fine"
"Are you that upset that Darien's gone?"
"Not at all, in fact I'm relieved" his answers were short and flat. Sarah felt herself getting a little pissed off.
"What is up with everyone? First Darien acts strange and now you are. Did I do something terrible without realising it? What's with the attitude?"
"Attitude?"
"Yes the attitude."
"Go upstairs and rest" walking past he went into his study closing the door quietly behind him leaving Sarah gaping at the closed door. Sarah had seem him boiling with rage, amused and laughing, quiet and thoughtful, pleading, charming and seductive but now he was...
Completely blank, he's nothing, devoid of all emotion. Stupid arrogant bastard. But he's not... he's... nothing.
Sarah was bewildered by the sudden change. Assuring herself that she was probably just tired and not wanting to make a fool of herself she climbed the staircase and headed towards her room to rest before dinner.
Meanwhile in his study the Goblin King sat at his desk reading a book he had very little interest in. Tossing the offending volume from him he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. Empty he thought to himself blank,
bare, unresponding, impenetrable. Keep everything hidden from her. This is the only way you can keep her at bay. Walking over to one of the sofas he collapsed into it. Darien's right he thought settling down and closing his eyes she's my opponent and I must outwit her as she outwitted me before. Let her be charming, adorable as she is, nothing will affect the heart of this Goblin King anymore.
Authors note: If you don't get it after so much hinting Jareth has decided to block Sarah out in an attempt to rid himself of any emotion towards her as she is going to return home. Darien has kind of unthinkingly torn them apart in the desire to protect his friend... but we still love him right? Sorry for interrupting but I had the feeling I hadn't made it clear : ) Back to the story...
An hour passed unnoticed by our favourite Fey as he slept on the sofa, Sarah on the other hand was up and about and wondering where he was. Clothed in a navy dress she was ready for dinner with her hair spilling loosely around her shoulders in dark waves. Looking down at her waist she frowned and pulled in her stomach muscles, the corset was horribly tight although it did make her look fantastically slim. Knocking lightly on the door to Jareth's office she pushed open the door hesitantly and smiled as she saw him sprawled on the couch breathing peacefully.
Moving quietly towards him Sarah knelt next to the sofa and looked at his sleeping face. The skin was impossibly smooth and white without a blemish. Dammit, why don't I look that perfect when I sleep? Various friends had told her that she snorted, laughed and sometimes even cried while sleeping, Jareth however was perfectly still like a living statue a slight smile turning up the corners of his mouth. His dark eyelashes flickered but his eyes did not open. "He's dreaming" Sarah whispered quietly still watching his face. She had a huge urge to stroke his perfect cheek but she made do with simply brushing a golden lock from his forehead.
Jareth was instantly aware that someone was beside him and felt a light touch brush a strand of hair from his brow. Oh god no, not her. Sarah unaware that he was fully conscious couldn't stop herself from continuing to stroke his mane marvelling at the incredible softness. I wonder what shampoo he uses she wondered vaguely leaning closer. Get off, get off get off! Thought Jareth How am I meant to remain distant and aloof while you pet me? Yet he did not move away from her hand. Turning her attention away from his face her gaze slid down his elegant neck and down his body. Not bad she thought with a wry smile Ok he's bloody gorgeous... when he's asleep.
The stroking of his hair had stopped and Jareth fought the urge to open his eyes. What the hell is she doing? He could feel her presence next to him, could smell her scent. Can't a King get a moments peace around here? Wait is she touching my... No! Not the neck not the neck! AH MY NECK!
Sarah started trailing a finger down his neck which was also ridiculously smooth. Bet he moisturises... vain arse. Jareth suddenly gave a low chuckle and quicker than she could blink he grabbed her wrist in a steel grip. Gasping Sarah saw his eyes were fully open, alert and staring into hers. Jareth's face was fighting a smile as he said as seriously as he could "I, Sarah, am extremely ticklish so I would appreciate it if you would not touch my neck."
"S...Sorry what?" she stared at him in disbelief.
"Yes I know I'm a scary Goblin King but the truth is on this particular part of my neck..." he pointed where she had touched him "...I am ticklish right? New rule. Do not touch my neck."
"Um...okay but..." Sarah collapsed into giggles beside the couch.
"It's not funny"
"It is...sorry...I just can't help..." Jareth could feel her shaking with laughter through the wrist he still held and raised his eyebrows. "...you...King of the Goblins...ticklish!" She only caused herself to laugh harder.
Jareth waited for a while until she had finished then gazed at her coolly as he twisted her arm so her wrist was exposed and ran one finger up to her elbow. Sarah felt a million shivers run through her. "I'm not ticklish" she said defiantly which only caused him to do it again. She collapsed in a fit of giggles "okay, I'm ticklish."
"Truce?" he asked releasing her wrist and lying back on the sofa.
"Truce" agreed Sarah standing up and brushing down her dress. "Are you coming to dinner?"
"No" his face had returned to its mask of vacuity "I'm going back to sleep, Darien exhausts me."
"Right" Sarah felt a little put out; after all she had dressed for dinner with him "I guess I'll eat alone then"
"You do that" he replied shutting his eyes "please, shut the door on your way out"
Sarah ate dinner alone in the large dining room feeling strangely lonely. Dam him and his cat nap. When she had finished she crept back into his study and observed him sleeping soundly. Right time for a little trickery Darien style... bucket of water? No he would kill me. Only Darien can get away with things like that I need to use my feminine charm to prevent him from killing me afterwards...perhaps I should just start mercilessly tickling his neck...what am I thinking that would just lead to an early grave...
Kneeling down beside him as she had before she gazed at his angelic face peaceful in sleep, thinking desperately of tricks she could play on him before he woke up she leaned in closer.
Jareth was faintly amused, she had returned just as he thought she would. Did she really think that she would be able to creep up on him a second time? Opening his eyes a fraction he saw her kneel down beside him. What was she doing? Not the hair again... so unoriginal...maybe he should start purring like a cat. He certainly felt like one.
Sarah stroked his silky hair for a few minutes and finding no genius idea pop into her head she stood with a sigh and left the office shutting the door softly behind her. Dam thought Jareth disappointed something interesting could have happened, why did I allow her to pet me in such a way I'm certainly no domestic house cat. Standing up and stretching he rolled his head around on his neck. That sofa was dam uncomfortable.
Sarah changed into her short silk night dress, it was a beautiful creamy white, it was a shame that no-one apart from she and Demetria ever saw it. Brushing her hair she gazed out the window. The moon shone palely over the Labyrinth, opening the window she breathed in the cool night air hearing the soft hoot of an owl from a nearby tree. Sarah shivered and closed the window quickly. Blimey it's cold out there. Extinguishing the light she crawled under the soft covers of her bed sighing deeply. Jareth appeared at the end of her bed and ducked quickly in case her eyes were open, they weren't. Deep breathing echoed through the room.
She sure falls asleep quickly. He thought as he crawled around to the opposite side of the bed she was lying on and peeked over the edge. Being spontaneously dramatic wasn't as easy as everybody thought, he crawled slowly onto the bed next to her and settled down, head propped up on his arm, and he waited. After 10 minutes he was getting impatient waiting for her to wake, or notice him or anything. This is not keeping her at bay and being aloof a voice inside him spoke you're going to be alone with her for a whole week. Jareth grinned in the darkness Yes I know he replied to the inner voice all the more reason to get this over with now.
Sarah turned over half and snuggled into his chest, Jareth raised an eyebrow. Half waking Sarah felt something unfamiliar in her bed, something stroking her hair, slowly opening her eyes she looked up into the face of the Goblin King.
"Ah! What are you doing in my bed you pervert?" she scrambled back and away from him almost falling off the edge of the bed.
"Pervert? I just thought I should return the favour" his eyes glared into hers "How you like being watched while you're trying to sleep, actually I'll rephrase. How do you like having your hair stroked while you're asleep?"
"You were awake?" He nodded "You could have said something for god's sake like, I don't know, please stop touching my hair I'm trying to sleep. How does that sound?" She was angry and he loved it.
Rolling onto his back Jareth stretched luxuriously "You know I think your bed may be more comfortable than mine, I hardly think that's fair since I am the King."
"King or not you can't just intrude in my bed, get off, why are you making yourself comfortable? You're not staying here! Open your eyes! No! Do not fall asleep!" Jareth grinned lazily and kept his eyes shut feigning deep breathing and snoring.
"Are you still wearing your boots?"
Jareth opened one eye and looked at her "Excuse me?" She repeated the question "Yes I am"
"Take them off" His other eye opened and he surveyed her leaning over him. What a lovely night gown.
"Sarah" he purred "Kinky though your demands are I think you may be going a little bit fast, a few moments ago you were ordering me out of your bed and now you want my clothes off?"
She growled in annoyance "I was actually thinking about you getting mud on my covers which I would not appreciate and neither would Demetria." Jareth waved a hand and grinned at her.
"All clean, both your covers and my boots."
"Get off my bed."
"No"
"Please"
"No"
"Jareth!"
"No"
"Why not?"
"I'm comfortable, may I say what a beautiful nightgown that is."
Glancing down she looked at the material shining in the moonlight. "Yes it's lovely, OFF!"
Jareth reluctantly stood up and Sarah grinned triumphantly, her grin faded however as she saw him return, this time under the covers. "Jareth do you want me to kill you?"
"You said off my bed not out. Goodnight Sarah, pleasant dreams."
"With you here I don't doubt they will be nightmares."
"Oh come on you love it"
"I do not 'love it'"
Lying back down she turned her back on him and shut her eyes trying to ignore the presence of Jareth beside her.
I can tease and annoy her mercilessly while still preventing her from affecting me can't I? I might as well make the amount of time I have with her memorable.
Reaching over he fiddled with her hair which was spreading across her pillow he began twirling dark curls around his fingers. Twitching her head Sarah ignored him, this was a mistake. Disappointed by the lack of response Jareth slid silently closer to her and draped an arm across her waist.
"Jareth" Sarah growled glaring down at the offending arm feeling annoyed and... slightly shaky. This certainly was an interesting position to be in. She moved her feet and felt the leather of her boots on her toes. He's practically spooning with me she thought with amusement turning her head to look over her shoulder and seeing his eyes glow back at her in the dark. "Yes?" she enquired. He grinned at her mischievously, his pointed teeth glinting at her in the pale light.
Turning her head away she thought quickly. I have to turn the tables on him... do something completely unexpected... what does he want? A reaction?
Jareth tightened his hold around her waist. Nothing... I have to do something completely unexpected... get a reaction out of her... Raising himself slightly he nuzzled his head into the back of her neck. His hair tickled her and she fought not to move a muscle. Disappointed with the lack of repercussions he frowned slightly. Surely she must be a little uneasy having him so close and in her bed... this was quite a strange thing to happen he had planned to leave almost immediately after making his point but he found himself wanting to stay. What happened to the aloofness? Well I am just taunting her a little bit more.
Leaning towards her he bit her softly on the shoulder. "Jareth! What the hell?" He grinned, finally a response.
He bit me...bit me! Pushing his arm off her waist she scooted to the very edge of the bed. Jareth couldn't resist with a gentle nudge in the back she found herself on the floor.
Standing quickly she stood with her hands on her hips and glared at the Fey in her bed. Jareth had shut his eyes in a feeble attempt to avoid her anger. Right if that's how you want to play it..."
Climbing back under the covers she lay down and stared into his face. She had deliberately got as close to him as she possibly could without touching him, they were practically nose to nose. Opening an eye hesitantly he was surprised to see how close she was. Fighting back are we?
He shut his eyes again acting like he wasn't bothered by her proximity. Sarah felt her heart rate double, what was she doing? She was lying in bed next to the Goblin King, THE Goblin King: The object of her fantasies for fifteen years.
She grinned and slowly moved her hand towards his neck which she touched lightly. The reaction was immediate. Jareth's eyes snapped open. Still grinning evilly she ran her finger down his neck. He bit his lip. She continued until he could bear it no longer, Jareth tried to get away from her but Sarah doggedly followed him with her demon tickling hands. Shaking from silent laughter he moved to the edge of the bed. A gentle nudge and he was on the floor. Standing quickly he growled. Sarah had spread herself across the bed leaving him no room to return.
"Now that was just mean"
"It was necessary"
"I thought we had a truce"
"That was before you invaded my territory"
"You haven't won"
"I think I have"
She smiled happily and closed her eyes willing him to leave her to sleep while at the same time hoping he would stay. Upon opening her eyes her whole body went rigid. He was on his hands and knees over her, a hand either side of her face, a knee either side of her waist. Her eyes widened in surprise. Jareth grinned down at her.
"I win" he purred
"You don't" Sarah replied shakily
"So stubborn" he sighed "Admit defeat or else"
"Or else what?" she both dreaded and anticipated his reply. Mixed feelings or what?
"Or else...something, anything"
"You're all talk"
"So you refuse?"
"Yes" she whispered her heart rate tripling.
Jareth leaned down and pressed his lips gently against hers. Sarah lay there frozen to the spot but as his kiss became more forceful, more passionate she found herself responding instinctively parting her lips and allowing his flickering tongue to intertwine with her own. Reaching up she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him deeper into the kiss then moving her hands down onto his shoulders and then his back. Jareth, to say the least, was astounded he had expected a slap in the face followed by a lot of angry words and a declaration of war. Sarah was, in fact, reacting in the way he had always hoped. Wincing with both pain and pleasure as she bit his bottom lip he shivered slightly. After a few minutes Jareth broke the kiss and looked down at her a smirk on his face.
"Sarah...this stops now, I'm in no mood to play games, get some rest, we have a long journey tomorrow."
"I win"
"You most certainly do not!" Jareth glared down at her "I just kissed you if you didn't notice"
"I kissed you back"
He smiled slightly "Yes, yes you did and that is why I win. It seems I might have some power over you after all."
Sarah sat up so he was forced to sit back on his heels. "You kissed me" she repeated, this time it was more of an accusation.
"You kissed me back" his tone was also accusing, it was if they were each trying to place the blame on the other.
"It's just a game Sarah, it means nothing" he growled.
"Good, I wouldn't want you to fall head over heels for me" she spat back.
"I won't I promise. I'll never make that mistake again"
With those final words he vanished leaving a very confused Sarah sitting on her bed staring at the space which he had, until just recently, occupied.
Oh my warped imagination... REVIEW YOU READERS REVIEW!!
I do enjoy writing these little scenes... not the kissing as much but the tickling and the bed war... they amuse me even if they fail to amuse you. I will finish this dam fan fic before the end of my holidays.
Review I need to know what you think of the foolishness, how can I improve CRITICISE ME PLEASE!
Next chapter will be up tomorrow I LOVE YOU ALL!