Chapter 6: Love is a Battlefield
If Jareth ever found out about this one date with Tyler, he would be hurt beyond words.
Hurt didn't even cover it. Jareth had no idea that one person could feel so many emotions at one time. His entire inside was an inferno of emotion fueled by hurt, anger, betrayal, sadness, insecurity, frustration, and strangely … intense love.
"Oh come, come Hogbrain! I'm surprised at you losing your head over a girl!"
Jareth could hear his own words echoing in his mind from ten years ago.
"I ain't lost my head!"
That had been Hoggle's answer. That's what we all say is what Jareth thought about that now.
The Goblin King was sitting on his throne with not a goblin in sight and thought.
Jareth had always been watching Sarah. Ever since she was ten years old, she held a special place in the Goblin King's heart. She meant everything to him and he had vowed years ago to watch over her and give her everything that she wanted.
She asked that Toby be taken, and he did it. She needed an adventure, and he provided it. She asked him to allow her to stay with him in the Underground, and he didn't deny her although he should have. She wanted him to be her friend and he was … though he wanted to be so much more.
Sarah didn't know it, but every time she visited the Aboveground, he followed her. He followed her wherever she went with Toby during the day and returned to the Underground at night … most of the time.
Some nights, when he couldn't sleep, he watched her sleep instead. At first, it was only as an owl outside the window, but after a couple times, he found a way into the house and was able to watch her from the shadows in her room. He knew that it was sick, but he couldn't help himself. He felt so at ease when he watched Sarah sleep peacefully. It was a time when he could think and not be bothered.
The feelings he had for Sarah were nothing like he had ever felt before. Everything she did drove him crazy, in both good and bad ways.
He ran a hand through what Sarah called his "blonde, poofy mess" as recent events ran across his mind for what seemed like the thousandth time that night ……
He had been sitting on the Williams' mailbox for awhile as Toby and Sarah sat inside playing a board game of some sort. Then, the door opened unexpectedly and Sarah came out of the house with her little brother, keys in hand.
Finally, he thought, they're going somewhere.
He followed them to the mall and, when he was sure that nobody could see him, changed into his human form, wearing black jeans, a tight, white shirt, and, of course, his leather jacket. Jareth strolled after them and followed them from a safe distance. Half of him wanted to walk up to her, grab her from behind, and surprise her. The only reason he didn't was because Toby was there. Otherwise, he would have done so.
He laughed at Toby's excitement over this mortal holiday and was actually having a good time, when Sarah crashed into another man.
Instantly, Jareth's smile fell when he recognized the boy. He knew Tyler from Sarah's childhood, but he had never seen him as a threat … until now. He had grown into a handsome young man and Jareth clenched his teeth and forced himself to not come between them.
He continued to follow them, but this time, neither he nor Toby were smiling. Jareth would have questioned Toby's sudden change in disposition if he had not been so focused on Sarah. Her smile was genuine and her laughter was like the jingling of bells. Jareth had seen the way she looked at Tyler before, but it had always been saved for him and him alone.
When they returned to the outside, he changed back into his owl form and rested on a branch, watching the two of them together. He could hear them perfectly.
"You know Sarah. It was nice seeing you. I'd like to see you again … without your brother around. You know, just the two of us. Maybe I could take you out to dinner or something."
Jareth could feel his feathers bristling. How dare this … boy try to be with Sarah … his Sarah!
But, technically, she's not yours, he admitted to himself. She's still free to date whomever she wants.
Jareth continued to watch the two of them when he felt someone watching him. He turned and found that he was staring into the eyes of Tobias Williams. He could see recognition in the boy's eyes. This intrigued him since Toby shouldn't have remembered him, but he turned back to Sarah and Tyler.
It was obvious that Sarah was really thinking about it. If he had been in a better mood, Jareth would have chuckled because it was easily visible that Sarah was fighting herself on this one.
She won't do it, he thought, She wouldn't do that to me. We both know that we agreed on being friends, but she knows how I feel about her … doesn't she?
He felt almost panicked now as he thought, Maybe she doesn't know how I truly feel? No! She can't do this to me! I love her. I … She …
"Sure, Tyler. I'd like that." Sarah answered, pushing some of her hair behind her right ear.
NO!!
Jareth could feel his insides squirming inside of him and he began to feel faint. He thought she knew. How could she?! he kept thinking, How could she do this to me?! After everything I've done, everything I've given up for her!!
Jareth was so enraged that he barely heard Tyler say, "Really? Ok, then how does this Friday sound? I'll pick you up at six."
When he really had to control his temper was when Sarah replied, "See you then," and kissed him on the cheek!
All that boy had done was ask her out! But he, Jareth, had done so much more!
*flirted with her
*gave her everything she asked for
*allowed her to stay with him
*gave her a wardrobe that fit her desires
*danced with her
*turned crystals into flowers
*allowed her to see her family and meet his own
*kissed her cheek and hands
*gave up having any other sort of relationship with a woman in the hopes that she would return his feelings with time
*walked with her
*listened to her
*played games with her
*held her when she needed comfort
*opened himself up to her
*been nothing but a gentleman to her
*been her best friend for ten years
He had done all of this and more and had never once received a kiss on the cheek … even a friendly kiss on the cheek!
He felt used. Oh yes, Tyler, he thought, We shall see you six this Friday night!
Then, taking one last look at Sarah, he flew away.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Tyler took her to a place called "Sip It". What the Hell kind of name was that? Jareth thought.
Jareth chuckled to himself because he found it pathetic that Tyler finally worked up the courage to ask Sarah out on a date and now he was taking her to a cheap café.
If this were him, Jareth would have taken her to at least a restaurant. Maybe not an overly expensive one (Sarah didn't like him spending "too much" money on her), but it would be impressive nonetheless. She deserved that much.
"Sorry I couldn't take you somewhere more fancy," Tyler apologized, "but my wallet didn't seem to receive the memo that I was taking a beautiful girl out today."
Ugh … Jareth was beginning to feel nauseous. First of all, that was a dim-witted thing to say and second, he referred to Sarah as a girl. He couldn't stand that. Even when Sarah was young, Jareth had always called her a young woman. Calling her a girl made it seem like she was less than what she really was.
Jareth saw Sarah put her hand on Tyler's and smile and he could feel himself tense. That smile was reserved for one person and one person only … him. Yes, she smiled often but that smile was the one she always gave to him. Not even Toby received that smile because he had his own.
He didn't catch what Sarah had said, but he was relieved to see that Sarah had removed her hand.
Nothing much happened for awhile. Jareth tried not to do it, but he began to find himself in his own little world where only he and Sarah existed. All he could see was her and his heart throbbed with love and longing. Everything she did made him love her more.
Sarah left the table and Jareth snapped out of his trance. She walked over to the other counter to make her coffee so Jareth decided to use this time to study Tyler.
Tyler wore a long-sleeved shirt, a denim jacket, blue jeans, and black cowboy boots. His hair was slicked back with gel. He had hardly spoken to Sarah since this - Jareth cringed - date began and he hadn't even attempted to hold her hand.
If it was possible, Jareth would have smirked. Perhaps this mortal boy wasn't as dense as he looked, Jareth thought.
Tyler was so different from himself. If he had taken her out, Jareth would have worn a poet's shirt (revealing skin) or a muscle shirt (to reveal what muscle he had), black jeans or his normal choice of tights, black boots, and, if they were Aboveground, he would wear his leather jacket to fit in. Of course, his hair would also have to be extra "poofy" so Sarah could play with it.
As for how he would interact with her, he would just act naturally. It was obvious to him that this boy was trying too hard. Jareth was naturally flirtatious so he would, of course, flirt with her, but more importantly, he would show her that she was wanted and that he enjoyed her company. Jareth knew that he could do so much better than Tyler was right now and it was killing him.
Sarah returned to the table, and once again, there was silence at the table. Jareth didn't know whether to jump for joy or be pissed. He was thrilled that this date was turning out to be a flop. Maybe this would show Sarah that she couldn't replace him. She was obviously deep in thought and Jareth hoped that he was somewhere in her thoughts.
On the other hand, he was pissed off at the fact that Tyler wasn't showing Sarah a good time. She deserved to have fun, not sit around in a shameful excuse for a café in silence.
Sarah turned to look at another table where two couples were sitting. He couldn't help it. Jareth's love for games made him think it, just as Sarah said it.
"I'd bet you anything that those couples came here for blind dates, but what that" - Sarah pointed to a young woman - "woman really wants is to be with that" - she pointed to another guy at that table - "guy. Actually," - she put her finger to her lips in thought then pulled them away and continued - "I'd bet that they know each other."
Jareth breathed sharply. He loved it when Sarah put her fingers to her lips in thought. He also loved it when she bit her lower lip. He didn't know why, but it made him inhale sharply every time she did.
As for her wager, he would have taken it a step further. He would have bet that the couples would break up and leave with another. So, the two nerdy looking people would leave together and the muscular guy would leave with the other woman.
Then, Sarah raised her eyebrow. That one always got him. If there was one thing he loved more than Sarah biting her lip, it was that eyebrow raise of hers.
Jareth wanted to pummel Tyler when he heard his answer.
"Nah. I don't like making wagers about people I don't know … or people I do know for that matter. Making bets just never appealed to me."
Even if Jareth hated games (something that was hard to even imagine), he would play them with Sarah just because she enjoyed them.
Actually, that's how she came to love them. Sarah was hesitant at first, but after playing a few easy ones with Jareth, she grew to love them with a passion equal to his own. So far, her favorite game was the same as his … the Labyrinth. On some days, when there weren't any runners and they had some time together, they would go through it together or play against one another.
Yes, Jareth knew the Labyrinth as well as he knew his bedroom, but Sarah got better and better over time and the Labyrinth helped her to cheat by locking him in oubliettes and trapping him in circles. It was annoying at times, but always made Sarah laugh.
When Jareth turned his attention back to Sarah and Tyler, he saw that they were preparing to leave. He glanced down the street and saw the two nerdy people walking down the street, hand in hand. At least he knew that he won halfway.
It killed him to leave in the middle of a game, but it didn't matter anyway. Tyler hadn't wanted to play a game and Sarah wasn't with him, so Jareth couldn't insist that they stay to see what happened to the other couple.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Jareth saw the theater and rolled his eyes. Great, he thought, a movie. Now my IQ level finally has the chance to drop down a few points.
After much consideration, Jareth changed into his human form and decided to follow them in. If the situation hadn't been so serious, Jareth would have laughed out loud. He stood right behind them in line, but Sarah never noticed. She was too lost in her own thoughts to realize what was going on around them.
Tyler, however, did see him. He kept anxiously glancing at him and all Jareth had to do was smirk.
Sarah grabbed their tickets and headed towards the entrance and before Tyler could follow her, Jareth grabbed his shoulder and said, "You better hold on to that woman, mate. A fella might try and take her if you're not careful." He smiled and let him go, but had succeeded in freaking him out. Of course, scaring Tyler had never been such a hard thing to do.
He sat a couple rows behind them and could feel his temper reaching its limit.
That pathetic excuse for a man, Tyler, never even looked at the movie. Instead, he was staring at Sarah. He held her hand, fed her candy and popcorn, and held her close to him. Multiple times throughout the film, Jareth had to stop himself from beating Tyler to a pulp!
As for Sarah, Jareth didn't know whether to be pissed or forgiving. His hands shook with frustration and rage and he sighed with relief when the movie was over.
He followed them out again, staring at Tyler's hand holding Sarah's. He clenched his fists when Tyler gave her his jacket to keep her warm. He did that all the time!!!! Everything Tyler had done tonight, Jareth could do so much better! How could Sarah not see that?!?!?!
How easy it would have been to punch Tyler in the face, grab Sarah, kiss her passionately, allowing her to feel all of his pent up emotions, wisk her away to the Underground, then let her experience how much he needed and desired her. It would be so simple … but no.
He couldn't do it. He wanted Sarah to come to him.
So, he changed back into his owl form and followed them home. As they stood on the Williams' porch, Jareth watched on, mentally daring Tyler to try something.
Finally, that moment came. Placing his hand on her cheek, as Jareth himself would have done, Tyler leaned in and kissed her.
Jareth saw red and dug his talons into the branch of the tree he was on so hard that it hurt.
Sarah pulled away and after exchanging a few words, she went inside.
As Tyler walked back to his car, Jareth couldn't hold himself back any longer. He lunged for Tyler's head, feeling immense satisfaction when his talon met Tyler's cheek.
It wasn't much, but it would have to do for now.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
When Jareth had returned home to the Underground, the Goblins had been having a party. There was ale everywhere and normally Jareth allowed them to have their fun as he found something else to do.
Before Sarah lived in the Underground, he would have joined them for awhile. He would have grabbed his mug, filled it with ale, and had a few drinks with his subjects. But Sarah didn't like that, so he quit. Now he only drank occasionally, mostly at Fae parties and that was only wine.
When he returned, it was obvious that he was in a foul mood and the goblins ran in every direction to escape his boots that actually hurt when he wasn't playfully kicking them.
After every goblin had left the room and he was sure that he wouldn't be bothered, Jareth formed a huge crystal and threw it with all his might at a wall. It shattered into a million pieces. Jareth threw himself against the wall, pounding his fists against the stone. It hurt terribly, but he didn't care.
He screamed and cried out with rage and betrayal. He threw a couple more crystals at the walls and destroyed anything he could get his hands on.
Breathing hard with hair more wild than normal, Jareth eyed the abandoned ale with a feral look in his eyes.
What did it matter to him anymore, what Sarah thought and approved of? She obviously didn't care about what he wanted and thought of on a daily basis, so why should he care about her?
He turned a crystal into a mug and filled it. He stared into the cup, trying to take a drink, but he found that he couldn't do it.
It wasn't even about the drinking. He had made a promise to Sarah that he wouldn't drink like that anymore and he wouldn't go back on that. He couldn't hurt her, even a little bit, if he tried.
Jareth didn't even think that he could yell at her for her treachery to his heart.
He screamed again as he sank to the floor and held his head in his hands.
That woman drove him nuts!! She could have literally stabbed him in the heart and he would have found a way to forgive her. Just thinking about her smile right now made him weak and he felt his heart throb with emotion.
Randomly, he thought of a song that Sarah was fond of. It was from the Aboveground, but Jareth knew it perfectly. At one point in time, Sarah had sang it for two weeks straight.
Her voice rang in his mind, taunting him with memories of the evening, and reminding him of how these words described his feelings for Sarah perfectly.
"We are young, heartache to heartache we stand
No promises, no demands
Love is a battlefield
We are strong
No one can tell us we're wrong
Searchin' our hearts for so long, both of us knowing
Love is a battlefield
You're beggin' me to go, you're makin' me stay
Why do you hurt me so bad?
It would help me to know
Do I stand in your way, or am I the best thing you've had?
Believe me, believe me, I can't tell you why
But I'm trapped by your love, and I'm chained to your side
We are young, heartache to heartache we stand
No promises, no demands
Love is a battlefield
We are strong
No one can tell us we're wrong
Searchin' our hearts for so long, both of us knowing
Love is a battlefield
We're losing control
Will you turn me away or touch me deep inside?
And before this gets old, will it still feel the same?
There's no way this will die
But if we get much closer, I could lose control
And if your heart surrenders, you'll need me to hold
We are young, heartache to heartache we stand
No promises, no demands
Love is a battlefield
We are strong
No one can tell us we're wrong
Searchin' our hearts for so long, both of us knowing
Love is a battlefield"
Yes, these were his feelings in a nutshell.
And as he thought about it, the song was right. Love is a battlefield. Tyler had just begun a war.
Jareth was not going to give up Sarah without a fight.
But … what if it's all in vain?, he thought to himself, What if you tell the woman how you feel and she turns you down or laughs in your face? What if Tyler is who she really wants?
Well, if Tyler was who she wanted, then Tyler was who he would give her.
Sure, the boy was pathetic, but if it was what Sarah wanted, then for the first time in his life, he, Jareth - the Goblin King, would be … dare he think it … pathetic.
Jareth loved who he was and how he acted, but Sarah was everything to him and she was worth changing for.
Even if he was miserable not being able to be himself, it wouldn't matter as long as she was happy.
Jareth looked at himself in a crystal and said to himself, "Jareth, my boy, tonight will be your last night acting the way you do. Tomorrow, when Sarah comes home, you will not act as you always do. No flirting, hand-holding, kisses of any sort, or arrogance. From now on, you shall be sweet, kind, shy, and … pathetically lame. If that's what Sarah wants, then that's what I'll give her."
It was time to make a change for the woman he loved. It would change him entirely, but Sarah was worth anything.
He sat on his throne and let his thoughts wander.
A/N: Ok, so surprisingly, this was the chapter I was most excited to write, and I had the hardest time with it. I wanted Jareth to be angry, but hurt as well. I hope I did ok.
Let me know PLEASE!!! I really want to know what you thought of this chapter.
Oh, and sorry Reine de Lutin, but you were outnumbered. Everybody asked for Jareth's chapter.
Next is Toby's chapter. I'm not sure how long that one will be but Sarah comes home in the chapter after so stay tuned! ... AND REVIEW!!
.... please? *puppy dog eyes*