Disclaimer: I own nothing.

The Incentive

by Fou Fou

Chapter 16: Full Time Bodyguard. . . Could it get any worse?

Sarah woke up feeling refreshed. She had forgotten what it was like to fall asleep, truly fall asleep in any case, without traveling to some other world and living out a day there. All in all it had done quite a number to her system. She was almost tempted to go back to sleep, just because she felt so comfy, but after a moment's reflection she decided it would be best to figure out what Jareth decided to do about the whole Mara situation. And maybe apologize.

"It seems that's all we seem to be doing lately, though," said Sarah to herself as she got out of bed and went the closet to pick out something to wear. "When we're not arguing at least. I don't think we've even really kissed for a week. God, I must be the queen of dysfunctional relationships. I mean, I'm sorta-maybe dating a guy who is engaged to one of my best friends!"

Shaking her head with bemusement, she shuffled her way through her morning routine, taking some extra care to make herself look presentable. After she had finished, she stepped up to the door and held her hand over the doorknob. This better work. If Jareth still has this door locked I'm going to kill him. She was just about to open the door when it opened, seemingly of its own accord, and she was facing none other that Garith.

"I'm sorry . . . I thought this was someone else's . . . Sarah, great to see you again!" he greeted.

"Garith, what are you doing here?" asked Sarah looking at his suspiciously. "I thought you were suppose to be watching Mara. Remember? The elf who is out like a light? And that barrier thing?"

Garith shrugged. "Jareth went to Mara's uncle who was one of the mages who set up the barrier and he took it down. The two of them, with the help of me, busted Mara out of the hospital. Just in time too, her father was entering the room just as we came here."

"Is Mara alright?" asked Sarah.

"It would appear so. She woke up as soon as we got here, but I put her back to sleep when she started flipping out and we were all worried that she was going to hurt herself."

"How's Jareth taking it? I mean, you being here?"

Garith laughed. "He's not too pleased. He was all for leaving me in the hospital and making me take the blame, but they needed more magic to be able to get Mara out of there. For a moment, it was as if he was acting all defensive brotherly about Mara."

"Sounds like Jareth," said Sarah, rolling her eyes. "He loves Mara like she was a sister."

"Well, he has been like a brother to her all these years. A better family then the rest of her family has been."

"You're telling me," said Sarah. "Does he know you think that? About him being great brother figure to Mara?"

"Nope, and he's not going to find out," said Garith with a hard glare.

"How do you expect to ever go out with Mara if you don't impress Jareth? I mean, it's like you said, he's a protective brother to Mara. And no offense, he doesn't really like you. He's not about to let you court her if you can't prove yourself."

"What the hell is up with you paring my name with Mara's?" demanded Garith, glaring at Sarah. "Are you so hopelessly romantically driven that you see romance in a simple conversation?"

"Well, it's kinda obvious you like her. I mean face it, you nearly lost it back at Borders when you found out she was losing magic faster because of my presence."

"For your information, I was simply concerned for her well-being," he replied indignantly.

"Mara and Garith, sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G . . ." sang Sarah with a grin.

"Watch it."

"So, who's room were you looking for before he came here?" asked Sarah, changing the subject. Sort of.

"Um . . . Mara's. And you can get that smug grin off your face."

"Can't find it can you?" asked Sarah, a smug smirk playing across her face.

Garith sighed. "Not exactly . . ."

"I know where it is."

"Really?" Garith asked in a disbelieving voice.

"Yeah, I found it one day when I was roaming around. Or at least I assume it was hers. It gave off a very Maraishy feeling. I could show you if you want. If you promise not to do anything stupid."

"Have I ever?"

"Yes."

Garith sighed theatrically. "I'm hurt. Really I am. But I promise."

"Fine, this way then," said Sarah leading the way.

After a few moments of silence, Garith asked, "If it isn't too bold to ask, how are things going with Jareth? I got the impression yesterday that things weren't going to well in paradise."

"I don't know, Garith. It seems like all we seem to do is argue. The last one was about you actually."

"Me? I'm flattered."

"You would be," she snapped playfully. Then she sighed. "You see, he doesn't believe me when I said that Mara would be all right with you. He told me that you were some psycho evil maniac intent on sex and getting your mission done."

"Well, that is what I'm being paid to do."

Sarah looked at him. "You get PAID to make Mara's life a living hell?"

He shrugged. "So, what ended up happening?" he asked, changing the subject.

"He told me that if I thought you were such a great guy I might as well get back to you as soon as the barrier is down. Then he did his little Star Trek "Beam-me-up-Scotty!" thing and sent me back to my room. I haven't talked to him since."

Garith placed a comforting arm around Sarah's shoulder. "I have an idea on how to make sure that he fully believes that it is him you're interested in."

"Oh God, I tremble in fear," said Sarah sarcastically, but she gave no sign that she wouldn't listen.

"Chances are he'll be in Mara's room right?"

Sarah nodded. "It sounds plausible. The only other place he would be about now is the Throne Room."

"So let's say he's in Mara's room. When you enter, go up to him and give him the deepest, sexiest, whateverest kiss ever. Believe me, he'll enjoy it."

"I can't believe I'm taking advice about improving my relationship from you, Garith, of all people," said Sarah.

"Well, it can't hurt," commented Garith.

Sarah gave him a look before stopping before a door. "I suggest you take your arm off of my shoulder before we enter there," she said.

"Your wish is my command," he said with a bow and a wink.

Rolling her eyes and muttering something about a "Man Whore" under her breath, Sarah opened the door to Mara's room. Just like Garith had predicted, Jareth was sitting in a chair next to the bed, talking to Mara, who seemed to be the most alert Sarah had seen her in a long time, if still bed-ridden.

"Hey, Sarah," said Mara with a smile, waving at her hand.

Jareth turned and gave her a cool nod. "Morning, Miss Williams."

Still as pleasant as ever. I might as well try this, thought Sarah as she strode over to Jareth and then planted a kiss on Jareth's royally surprised lips. It didn't take him long to recover, however, and soon he was responding eagerly to her. Heat flared up within her, and Sarah wrapped her arms around Jareth's neck in a semi-conscious attempt to bring herself closer to him. At the same time she felt his arms wrap around her and pull her into his lap. All thoughts of anything else fled Sarah's mind as she concentrated just on the Goblin King whose mouth she was franticly exploring with her tongue. A light groan escaped Sarah's throat.

"Is this a free viewing, or is this going to turn into a Pay-Per-View?" asked Mara with barely contained laughter.

Instantly, Jareth and Sarah broke apart from each other, embarrassed.

"Well, that was certainly interesting," commented Garith pulling a chair over.

"Is that how you two always make up after arguments?" asked Mara innocently, eyes darting towards Garith.

"Um . . uh . . . well," stammered Sarah, trying to control the rapid beating of her heart.

"Maybe you and I should try it sometime, Mara?" said Garith with a smirk.

"Uh . . . no," said Mara quickly. "I don't think a kiss would solve anything."

"I believe I quite agree," said Jareth, having fully gained control of himself. "I believe it would create more problems than anything else." He gave Garith a hard look, who only shrugged in return.

"Hey, I can't help that I'm trying to be friendly guy," said Garith palms apart, the embodiment of total innocence.

"You're a sex fiend that's what," snapped Jareth.

"Can't say I argue with that," muttered Mara, not-so-quietly under her breath.

"Oh, come on, Mara. You know you want it," said Garith playfully.

Mara raised one eyebrow. "How do you know what I want and what I don't?"

"Because I know you," said Garith seriously.

Mara laughed. "Now if that doesn't sound like something some psycho stalker would say, I don't know what does. Who let you in here anyway?"

"I did," said Sarah quickly, after a quick glance at Jareth. "You see, I found him the hallway in a complete funk, because he was so worried about you. You know when he figured out at Borders that you were almost at the end of your magic reserves he nearly . . ."

"That will be quite enough of that story, thank you very much," interrupted Garith quickly, giving a hasty glance towards Mara.

"No, wait, I want to hear this," said Mara, delighting over the idea of making Garith uncomfortable.

Jareth, seeing Garith's curious reaction chimed in saying, "Yes, Sarah, tell us."

"All I'm saying is that Garith nearly had a breakdown when he found out you were wasting your magic to keep me Aboveground. Made us all leave Borders and rushed right over to the dormitory. He literally sprinted up the steps to make sure you were alright. . ."

"And that's enough of that story, thank you very much," said Garith with a forced smile.

Jareth raised an eyebrow at Garith, but said nothing.

"I'm shocked, Garith is actually uncomfortable about something," remarked Mara dryly. "Probably doesn't want to admit that he was only concerned because he was protecting an investment."

God, that girl really doesn't get it sometimes, thought Sarah. Do I really have to spell this out to her?.

"You cut me to the quick, Mara," said Garith, raising a hand melodramatically to his heart." Mara gave an undignified snort. She was just about to reply when a knock came at the door.

"Come in," said Jareth.

The door open to reveal a goblin and Mara's Uncle.

"Uncle, it is great to see you again," said Mara with a smile.

"Good to see you too, my dear," said Rawthorn fondly. "But I fear I have some serious news. Your father is in the guest chamber, with some of the members of the Underground Council, and they don't look like they're here for tea and crumpets.

Jareth sighed. "I was hoping they wouldn't show up for a few days yet."

"Well, I think seeing you steeling your fiancé away is warrant to suspicion," commented Garith dryly.

"They are also requesting to speak to you, Garith," said Rawthorn gravely.

"Wonderful."

"We'll be off then," said Jareth as he got up. "Come with me Garith. I trust they're mad at you too, Mage Adapt?"

Rawthorn smiled. "You have no idea.

Jareth nodded. "Sarah, Mara, don't leave this room."

Mara rolled her eyes. "It doesn't look like I'll be going much of anywhere at the moment. Doctor says I should remain in bed, though I feel fine."

"Stay," commanded Jareth, pointing a finger at her as a warning.

Mara snorted before saying, "Yes, Mother."

"Is there any particular reason why you chose to help His Majesty Jareth and Mage Adept Rawthorn in the illegal kidnapping of my daughter?" demanded Lord Taranus.

Keep cool, Garith, Garith commanded himself mentally as he schooled his features into the personification of innocence. "Why, Your Highness, when I discovered that Her Highness had suffered from what the mortals call a coma from lack of magic in her system, I naturally became concerned. You told me yourself that you wished your daughter to be alive to marry His Majesty Jareth come Midsummer. So, when the opportunity presented itself to bring your daughter back to the Underground, I took it. I had no way of knowing that you and you're esteemed colleagues were on your way to get your daughter. I felt that time was of the essence, and I acted accordingly. Please believe me that I was harboring no traitorous intentions. I was planning on informing you the moment I could ascertain the seriousness of Mar. . . Her Highness's situation."

From somewhere to his left Garith was pretty sure he heard Jareth snort.

"You're loyalty to the council does you credit," said Krish, the gnome, regally after a glance at Lord Taranus. "That is why we've decided to give you the position of full time escort and bodyguard to Her Highness until the wedding."

"You have got to be joking," said Jareth. "You want him watching after your daughter? Don't you care at all about your daughters virtue?"

This is coming from the man with a reputation equal to my own when it comes to women, thought Garith ironically.

"My daughter's virtue already came into question when she started living with you, Your Majesty," snapped Lord Taranus. "The least you could do is to go along instead of careering off after that Sarah girl."

"I can assure you that my intentions all these years with your daughter have been completely chaste," said Jareth, a spark of anger in his eyes.

"She's been living with you, who's not even her blood relative for nearly two-hundred years. Even ten years warrants suspicion. Two-hundred, and without marriage?" Lord Taranus trailed off, look meaningful.

"Gods, the girl is a bloody virgin if that's what you're going on about. I haven't touched her!" said Jareth.

I doubt Mara would be happy if she found out Jareth was discussing that fact . . .

"Would it not be better if I chaperoned the girl?" asked Mage Adept Rawthorn.

"Brother, you are hardly to be trusted, taking down the barrier without consulting anyone. No, you won't be the one watching her. And you are forthright expelled from the Magick Team."

Rawthorn shrugged. "Fine by me. I was thinking about resigning anyway."

"So, it is agreed that Garith will be responsible for Mara. As for the matter of the Williams girl; she'll be taken back to the Aboveground. Hopefully by her removal this situation can go back under control."

Jareth grew pale, but said nothing.

"Fine," said Rawthorn.

"You shall return her by midnight," said Krish. "That will give you a chance for all of you to say your goodbyes."

"I thank you," said Jareth, not graciously. "Now, if that is all, I would appreciate it if you leave."

"We shall," said Lord Taranus coldly. "Good day." And with that, the representatives disappeared.

Jareth sighed, placing a hand to his head. "Well, this destroys all hope for getting around this," he said defeated. "I never realized that about Mara's reputation . . . I know I should have, but . . ."

Garith, hesitatingly, placed a hand comfortingly on Jareth's shoulder. "We'll think of something."

The curious look Jareth gave Garith earlier in Mara's room returned. After a moments pause he said, "Garith, from a guy who is like Mara's brother and fiancé, what is your intention towards Mara?"

"What the hell is up with you people and asking me about my affection towards Mara? Everywhere I go, its all, 'You love Mara!' 'You really care for her, don't you Garith?' Yada yada yada!" demanded Garith hands up in the air, frustrated. "Could we please stop going over this all the time. I mean, the girl hates me! She would be thrilled to see my head delivered on a silver platter. I highly doubt she would return any affections, if they did exist."

"Did I say anything about love?" asked Jareth with a smirk. "I only asked to make sure you weren't going to try make a move on my dear sister. . ."

Garith paused, his mouth open like a codfish. For the first time in his life, Garith felt speechless.

"Am I to believe that Sarah is actually correct in assuming you like my fiancé?" asked Jareth.

"I have nothing to talk about," said Garith before he spun around and left the room.

Do I? Do I like her?

He sighed, frustrated. What were his intentions? Whose side was he even on anyway?

Author's Note:

sighOk, I wrote it. Yay for me! (And a chapter in my other fanfic. Meg told me that I could write one in Labyrinth Academy if I didn't write one for this one, so this looks like it is going to be the trend from now on . . . hint hint) Thank you my lovely beta, Megs, for threatening torture and getting my butt into gear to write this chapter.

I love reviews, please review. It makes me happy.

Thank you reviewers:

Enchanted Flower: Hopefully my updates will be quicker now, but I don't know. Yup, Mara is back in the Underground, but it looks like Sarah is leaving . . .

Nubian Queen: Well, fireworks happen briefly between Jareth and Sarah, at least if Mara's comment on "Pay-Per-View" meant anything. And who knows about Mara and Garith? He is now, after all her full time bodyguard. Sorta.

The Sea Fairy: Thank you very much. That has got to be one of the nicest things anyone has ever told me.

dreamoon: YAY Worm Fan Club! Thank you so much for working on the translation! Mille Merci!

The Dragon Soceress: and suddenly, after almost month, the button appears. . .

CatWhiskers: No doubt, there will be a smack down of some sort. Jareth is not going to start getting along with Garith . . . especially now that it looks like he has lost Sarah.

b00kperson: Yeah, I know I have to catch up. Still working on it. I don't get much time online lately, so I read when I have a chance.

Jessie Deal: It's ok . . . and I'm glad you like it.

Cereberus: I'm glad you like the last chapter, and Garith. (But please, don't tell him that, he's got a big enough ego as it is).

Dreaming One: Well, the diary format was more of an experiment, and I couldn't think of how to have that much time pass and still like how it turned out.

Sarah H. : It's so funny how after a year I wrote many of the first chapters, those events happen in our lives. Bizarre really.

Yoraine: I'm glad you like Mara as an OC. I really wasn't sure how she'd turn out when I first started writing. I knew that at first she came off as Mary Sueish and I had to work to pound out some of those traits. It took me a long time because I was kidnapped by aliens (not really, my life suddenly got really busy, I had no time to myself and I was sleeping in class to make up for the 5 hours of sleep I had been getting).

angeloneous: I'm glad you liked it! I've been working hard on it.

Mooniaya: Hope you liked this chapter too.

draegon-fire: Well, it would appear that Garith has for some odd reason, tried to help Jareth and Sarah's relationship. Of course, it was in a completely Garith way "Just kiss him, Sarah. Then he'll be happy," but hey. That's sorta how he operates. I'm looking at the idea however that while Sarah and Jareth do love each other, they both have extremely strong personalities that don't like to back down (or really apologize). There's affection there, they are just trying to figure out the best way to express that.

BugerKingsHamburgler: I'm glad this fic opened your eyes up to the Labyrinth genre again. And I'm glad you like how I write the characters. Hope you liked this chapter.

Green Maiden Moitan: Yeah, I died for six months, but I'm back, and now I shall attempt to write on a more frequent basis. (Meg, my beta, has told me that I better finish it within a year). I hope you liked this one, where we get Jareth turning into the teasing older brother while Garith is still trying to figure out his feelings (and Mara clueless to everything).

MysticalStar1: Thank you for understanding the craziness of life. I hope you liked this chapter.

Acantha Mardivey: Well,. Mara's back, but it doesn't look like Sarah will be there for long . . . I'm glad you've like it thus far and I hope you like this chapter.