Chapter Seven: Sensual Seduction/As the World Falls Down
Jareth stood, fully dressed, mask in his grasp. He stared across the massive Labyrinth; the moon had already risen into the sky, casting sinister shadows in the corners where little light could touch. Hoggle and Sir Didymus stood by the entrance of his chamber, both of them trying to mask their own excitement. It had been many years since they had reason to travel to the mortal world. But now… their prayers were being answered.
The Goblin King had made everything perfect. His hair was pulled back by a blood red ribbon, streaks of blue and red lined throughout his dirty blonde locks. He was wearing a deep purple shirt, a black vest, a dark purple overcoat, a black cloak, gloves, black pants, and boots. Assorted shades and colors of faery dust were littered about his coat. Even a few sprinkles in his hair. His heart pounded in his chest. He barely knew the young child, and here he was, prepared for a Halloween dance where he hoped to make her see that he wasn't a bad man. And from all that he had seen watching her, he was certain that she had developed a sort of "crush" on him.
He closed his eyes slowly, inhaling slowly, and exhaling even slower. He couldn't have been more nervous. For this time, he had to work to sway the girl. This was not like his ballroom encounter with Sarah. She was drugged… hallucinating. And she would have remained so… if it wasn't for that fucking clock he decided to have. Jareth opened his eyes again. The hands sat just passed eleven o' clock in the Underground. But he knew that it was in truth only about eight in the mortal world. He wasn't sure if Sarah was going to be there. His plan didn't include her… not yet anyway.
"Sir…? Is it almost time?" Hoggle asked quietly. Jareth didn't turn to look upon the dwarf. He knew that Hoggle was anxious. If Sarah did get in the way, it was their job to make sure she didn't try hunting her daughter down. The King knew of Sarah's protective side. He had seen it with Toby. He knew that she would be ten times more so with Aerynn.
"Yes. I am aware that you have your method of transportation?" He said, turning his head to the side to glance at Hoggle and Didymus. They both nodded once, and he returned his attention to the window. Stepping up onto the ledge, he stared across the Labyrinth, seeing the decaying stones and dried ponds looking a little fresher… newer. He smiled. Soon, this entire world would be restored to its natural beauty. "You may go now." He said, hearing a slight pop as the dwarf and knight disappeared.
He let himself slip from the ledge, transforming into the owl. He soared across the sky, his mask clenched in his beak. The night air was chilled with winter frost, clouds looming across the horizon. Another storm would be coming for the mortal world. Rain was a definite, Jareth observed. Snow was possible, if it got cold enough. Which seemed unlikely, but he couldn't control the weather. He had no desire for such powers. His body wasn't built to control all that occurred in the mortal world. He was a master of illusion and trickery, not nature.
He soared through the barrier, flying high above the city streets that were filled with trick or treaters dressed as witches, vampires, werewolves, sorceresses… Jareth could have sworn he even saw a few goblins here and there. He squawked with laughter as he approached the school. How little some knew of what truly lie beyond the horizon every day. Though he could have just teleported, he found flying much more enjoyable, and pleasant. Teleporting caused his skin to itch like he had a thousand bug bites all over his body. Not to mention, every time he did teleport places, his new location greeted him with a raging headache.
Turning down a corner away from curious eyes, he flew to the back of the school, near the gymnasium. The air spun around him as he transformed, a pile of faery dust (of which mortals tended to call glitter, mistaking the magic for colored pieces of plastic) pooling around his feet. Sir Didymus and Hoggle stood beside the back doors. He nodded to them once, before vanishing through the doorway, walking along the deserted hallways and passed empty classrooms. He heard the distant thumping of music reverberating off of the walls of the auditorium. He placed the mask over his face, before blending with the crowd, standing off to one side so not to be in the way. He stood watching and waiting, knowing that she would be turning up soon.
"Alrighty then." Sarah said, parking the car by the front doors. I inhaled slowly, glancing through the window of the passenger side, staring at the crowding students as they filed in an unorganized fashion into the building. My heart was lightly rapping in my chest. I clenched a mask in my hands. It was painted a deep purple with glitter lining the edges. I positioned it on my face, tucking the strap beneath my hair so it was unnoticeable. I opened the door, stepping out onto the pavement. My dress had been touched up, the lace fixed up. I had added extra fabric to the sleeves, puffing them up so that it resembled a sort of fairy-tale outfit.
"I'm going to be in the office dealing with the organization. If you need me, you'll know where to find me." Sarah said, before placing a hand on my shoulder. "Will you be alright, sweety? You've been sort of upset lately." I shook my head, giving her a slight smile.
"I'll be fine. Besides, Cya and Haley will find a way to cheer me up." I said. She sighed, before nodding.
"If you don't feel like staying, just let me know, and I'll take you home. Okay?"
"I will. Thanks, Mom." I said, giving her a hug. She chuckled, before rushing off to the office. I followed behind, the air brushing across my bare skin. The neckline cut across, revealing my shoulders. It was a look of innocence with a sexy touch (according to Sarah). I walked along into the school building, making my way to the auditorium. I had told Cya and Haley that I would find them, but I didn't know when I was going to actually meet up with them.
By the time I reach the auditorium doors, my mood had lifted somewhat. I could see a bunch of students I knew dancing in the dim lighting. I saw Haley swaying side to side. I made my way to her. She turned and saw me, a slight smile on her face. She waved someone over, and Cya appeared at her side.
"Oh my God, girly! You look a-fucking-mazing!" Cya practically screamed in excitement, hugging me tightly. I hugged her back, grinning ear to ear. Remembering something, I pulled the pendant out from my bra when my friends weren't looking, and slipped the cord around my neck. They turned their focus back to me not a moment later, not noticing the addition I had made.
"Thanks Cya. You don't look too bad yourself!" She struck a pose, blushing slightly. Haley stood next to us, silent, until her head snapped up at the song change.
"OH MY GOD! LET'S DANCE! I LOVE THIS SONG!" She cried, grabbing our hands, and pulling us into the pit of fabric and somewhat sweaty bodies and hairspray. I laughed, dancing shakily at first, but eventually I became comfortable with it, moving my hips to the beat. I finally recognized the song when it reached the chorus.
"Sensual seduction, sensual seduction ooh whoa! Sensual seduction, sensual seduction, ooh whoa! I'm gonna take my time, she gon' get hers before I... I'm gonna take it slow... ow... oo... ow, I'm not gonna rush to stroll…" Cya swayed side to side, shaking her hips in rhythmic motions (which caught the eyes of several seniors). I laughed aloud, taking her hand and spinning her in circles.
I barely noticed the song end, molding into some other song that detailed about a guy wanting to hook up with this girl just to have a one night stand. I spun my way through the crowd, leaving my friends to continuing moshing together. I leaned against the wall, breathless. My face was covered in a thin sheet of sweat, which began to dry relatively quickly. I inhaled deeply, feeling calm and relaxed. I closed my eyes for a moment, resting my head against the stone.
"Dancing much?" An unfamiliar male voice spoke. I opened my eyes, staring through my mask at a man with dirty blonde hair (with red and blue streaks). He had this sort of sparkly purple outfit, a cloak draped from his shoulders. He stood about a head taller than I did, not including the boots that he wore. I laughed lightly, standing up straight.
"Just a little bit." I replied, looking up at him. The light was to his back, so I couldn't see his face properly. But what I did see was his eyes. And his eyes alone made me take a step back away from him.
They were like my own.
"Mind if I have this dance?" He asked, holding out his hand. The song changed to a soft tune, one that I had never heard before. I glanced around, seeing other couples beginning to dance slowly together. I looked back to the masked man, before taking his hand in mine.
"Sure…" I said softly. He smiled, leading me closer to the dance floor. I place my hand on his shoulder, his left hand resting on my hip. We rocked back and forth, occasionally spinning in circles. I heard a sweet, velvety voice singing, but when I looked up at my partner, his lips were moving to the words.
"There's such a sad love, deep in your eyes, a kind of pale jewel, open and closed within your eyes. I'll place the sky, within your eyes. There's such a fooled heart, beating so fast, in search of new dreams, a love that will last. Within your heart, I'll place the moon within your heart." I had a sense that he was singing the song to me. Though I wasn't sure if he was singing along, or if he was the voice. Slowly, I leaned against him, feeling safe in his arms as we spun around together. An empty space had formed around us, like one would see where the groom and bride had their first dance together…
"As the pain sweeps through, makes no sense for you. Everything thrill has gone, wasn't too much fun at all. But I'll be there for you, as the world falls down…" I opened my eyes suddenly, but I didn't pull away. I knew those words. And the voice was so familiar. My heart pounded ever so rapidly as my masked companion spun me in another circle. The world felt light as we moved in motion to the beat.
"I'll paint you mornings of gold, I'll spin you Valentine evenings, though we're strangers 'till now. We're choosing the path, between the stars. I'll leave my love between the stars. As the pain sweeps through, makes no sense for you. Every thrill has gone, wasn't too much fun at all. But I'll be there for you, as the world falls down…" I no longer doubted my suspicions. I pulled away from his grasp, stopping in my tracks as I stared up into his eyes. He held my gaze, a look of concern in his expression. The music continued around us, though it was just instrumental now.
"I know who you are…" I whispered, knowing well that he could hear me. He tilted his head to one side as the music faded, changing to a different slow song.
"And who am I, hm?" He said just as soft. I glanced around, before taking his hand, pulling him after me as I led him to the courtyard. The moon was shinning brightly as clouds rolled over one another, trying to conceal the light. There was no one else around, and it was deathly quiet. My heart pounded even faster, threatening to explode within my chest. He stood patiently, waiting for my answer. I reached up slowly, touching his face, before running my fingers along the mask.
"You were the one who's been following me home. You were an owl. You sent me the sheet music to Underground. This pendant was meant for Sarah more than twenty years ago, but you gave it to me." I paused in my speech, trailing my fingers on my left hand on the metal necklace. His eyes averted downward, before returning to my gaze. "Sarah's wanted to forget you, but I don't see how she could…" I pulled his mask away from his face. He didn't move or tried fighting back. He remained still.
"…Jareth…" I whispered. His eyes glowed in the moonlight. My admirer for the past week had been the same exact man who fell in love with my mother… Faster than lightening, his left arm snaked around my waist, his right hand winding in my hair as he captured my mouth with his own in a passionate kiss. I placed my palms flat on his chest, but I did not push him away. I found myself kissing him back. My hands slid upward, clasping around his neck. I pulled him closer to me, never wanting to let go. But eventually, I found myself in need of breath, and I broke the kiss, leaning against him as I panted for breath.
"I'm surprised you figured it out…" He whispered in my ear, and I laughed.
"Well… I put a few things together. Sarah did mention that you had the ability to change into an owl. Though… she never said you were a composer." He smiled, stroking my face with his thumb gently. His smiled dropped slightly.
"But how did you know that it was me dancing with you?" He asked, curiosity in his voice.
"Sarah may not have been in her right mind during the illusion of the ball with you, but she did remember the song you sang to her. She wrote it down, and when you began singing it, I was so sure that I knew it was you. And… besides… no one here would have taken the time to look as good as you…" He laughed, sliding his fingers under the bottom of my mask, pulling it off my face.
"You look so much like your mother…" He said softly.
"But the eyes… I know…"
"Not just the eyes. You smile more than she did when I first met her. You have the natural soft blush upon your cheeks. She didn't. Your hair has a lighter tone to it, so it glows." He said, kissing my forehead gently when he finished. I smiled, leaning against him again. I enjoyed the feeling of being in his arms. And I barely knew him.
"Aerynn?" I pulled away from Jareth quickly, glancing around. I saw my mother standing in the doorway of the building. Luckily, it was too dark for her to see who I was with. I turned my gaze back to Jareth.
"You have to leave, right now…" I said quickly, pushing him towards a deserted hallway. He kept his gaze on Sarah, but it wasn't a look of happiness or misery. It wasn't even a look like he had seen his lover again (which he technically had). Instead… the glint in his eyes was cold and almost hateful. "Jareth! You have to go, now!" I pushed him a little harder, and he glanced down at me, the darkness gone from his face. He nodded once, giving me a parting kiss, placing a rose in my hands. I watched as he fled to the darker corners of the hallway, and he vanished.
"Aerynn—?" Sarah came running over, glancing down the hallway. "Who was that?" She asked, not noticing the rose in my hands or the redness on my face.
"An old friend." It wasn't a total lie. Sure, he wasn't my old friend, but none the less. She turned to stare at me, raising an eyebrow slowly.
"Hmph. Could'a swore I saw him kiss you before he left. And aren't you dating Danny?" My heart dropped, crashing against the floor of a bottomless pit, shattering like glass. Danny… oh God… 'Oh God, what do I tell him? I can't just waltz up to him and say 'Hi Danny, how are you. By the way, while you were out with your family, I practically made out with a guy I barely know. You don't have a problem with that, do you?' I swallowed the lump in my throat.
"Y-yeah, I am. It was just a friendly sort of thing." I said, quickly tucking the pendant inside the fabric, the metal cold against my breasts. Goose bumps traveled up my skin as I hid the rose slightly behind my back. Due to the fact that it was nightfall, Sarah didn't notice the positioning of my arm or the leather cord around my neck.
"I see. Well, the dance is winding down, do you want to head home?" I stared down the hallway, feeling his eyes on me. I smiled slightly.
"Yeah… Let's get outta here."
He strode out of the back doors, finding no traces of Hoggle or Sir Didymus anywhere. He sighed slightly, leaning on the wall of the school building. Aerynn was smart, like her mother. He frowned, placing a hand over his heart. Something was different.
"Hoggle. Didymus." He said softly, his two companions appearing in front of him. They both looked confused for a moment at the scenery change, and then they noticed the Goblin King in front of them. "I believe your orders were to make sure that Sarah did not intervene." He said coldly, staring back and forth between the two of them.
"Uh… well…"
"We became sidetracked, Your Majesty." Didymus said, bowing his head in apologies. Hoggle did the same, though Jareth could see they were visibly shaking. He rolled his eyes.
"I'm not going to hurt either of you. Besides, it doesn't matter. I received what I came here for." He said, staring at the trees behind the two.
"And what was that, My Lord?"
"Aerynn…" He whispered. Hoggle glanced upward, fidgeting slightly.
"Uh, sir, with all due respect… I thought you were in love with Sarah…" The dwarf questioned. The knight nodded once, staring up at the Goblin King with equal confusion and curiosity. Jareth smirked, stalking passed them as his eyes fixed themselves upon the full moon.
"I thought I was too…" He remarked honestly. "But… it seems…" He placed his hand over his heart again. "It seems as though I am not attracted to Sarah like I used to be. I don't see her as the woman I loved… but… a long lost friend." He chuckled quietly. "I guess you could say I've fallen out of love with Sarah. Besides… she wouldn't want me back anyways. She's happy with her life. She's come by without any of us."
Jareth averted his eyes from the moon, turning back to Hoggle and Sir Didymus. His expression saddened slightly. "However… I fear for Aerynn…"
"And why's that, Your Majesty?" The dwarf said, his face turning bleak. Jareth stared at nothing but the grass. His heart was lost in love for a girl he wasn't sure he could ever truly be with.
"Because… Sarah is going to have to find out soon enough. And I don't think that she will take kindly to my relationship with her daughter…" He said, smiling slightly.
Chapter Eight: Love Injection
(Sunday Morning)
I couldn't stop thinking about Jareth.
I couldn't stop thinking of the way he kissed me, his body so close to my own. True, I had only been dating Danny for a grand total of one day, but… His kisses were not so warm. They didn't hold a sense of true passion behind them like I had hoped. It was like he was holding back. I shook my head. What did I know? Sure, I'd known him for years on end, but none the less… I had hoped for more from him.
I sat upright in my bed, the covers draped over my legs up to my waist. I was in just a t-shirt again, holding the rose in my fingers. The pendant was around my neck, beneath the gray cotton. I hadn't taken it off since Friday night. Sarah hadn't noticed it during any of the brief and rare moments where it was practically in plain sight. Then again, I didn't know if she didn't notice or didn't care about it. 'But I think she would… if she actually took the time to look at it…' I thought, twirling the rose slowly.
I slid off of my bed, setting the rose down on my side table. Getting onto my knees, I pulled the box out from underneath my bed, rummaging through, pulling out a light blue dress. Tugging it over my head, I shoved my arms through the sleeves, letting the rest of it fall to the floor. Perfect sizing, the ends of the dress graced my ankles with light touches of cotton. I pulled on a pair of thin, white socks, sliding my shoes on my feet. Brushing out my hair, I pulled it back into a loose ponytail.
I walked across the floor, shutting my door behind me. Sarah was still out shopping as far as I knew. I wrote on a napkin, saying that I would be out for a little while and be home for lunch. I walked to the front door, stepping outside into the warm daylight. I walked down along the path to the sidewalk, making my way to the neighborhood park (which was one street over, thank God). Birds flew along the skyline, and I found myself searching to see if there was a certain white and barn owl fluttering along with them. But there was none.
I sighed quietly, making my way through the woodchips to the swing set. I sat down in one, swaying back and forth slowly. For such a beautiful Sunday morning, it was oddly deserted. Usually, I had to fight off five years old just for thirty seconds on the swings. I smiled at the memories of the times I ventured down here in the early mornings or late evenings, just to be alone from the rest of the world. I found a childhood playground a peaceful place. Blanketed in snow, it looked like Wonderland. And when it rained… it seemed like such a sad, forgotten memory. But more often than not, it was during the rain where I spent most of my time, walking among the metal structures and rusting merry-go-round.
I pushed myself farther up into the air, reaching a safe high point in my climb forward. I slid away from the rubber and chains, falling to the ground. I landed lightly, crouched in a ball. I was surprised at how well I kept my balance. Usually I fell flat on my ass or forward onto my face, pulling a stunt like that. I stood slowly, glancing around. It wasn't just the playground, but the streets as well. Everything was deserted. Shivers ran up my spine as clouds rolled over the sun, blocking the light and warmth.
A pair of gentle hands slid up my arms from behind, caressing them. My instinct told me to run, if not, then attack. But my body didn't move. I knew these hands from one experience. I closed my eyes, feeling a warm breath along my neck. I smiled, a chuckled bubbling in my throat. I turned, opening my eyes again. I felt his name on my tongue. My mouth began to form it, but my throat clenched shut when I saw who was behind me. My companion tilted his head to one side, his blonde hair swaying in a gentle breeze.
"You seem upset to see me." Danny said softly, a look of hurt flashing in his eyes. My throat released, and I smiled slightly.
"You caught me by surprise." I said, tucking a strand of hair behind his left ear.
"Ah, I see. Well, I am sorry for startling you. But, how was your Halloween?" He asked. I laughed lightly, but inside I was pounding my head against a wall. How was I going to explain the utter perfection of my Friday night? I walked over to a bench, Danny following close behind. I sat down as he did, and I leaned against his shoulder.
"I had a good time. I danced with a few friends, even a few people I didn't know. There was one guy who was coming onto me, but I think Cya pummeled his brain in enough to get the hint to leave me alone." The bitter taste filled my mouth again. Though it was like someone had put sour milk, vinegar, and moldy bread on my tongue all at once; whereas it used to be just sensation of natural bitterness. Like if you were to bite down on your lip and taste your own blood. But Danny obviously didn't catch the horrible lie, and he just laughed.
"Well, I'm glad you had a good time." He said, cupping my cheek with his hand, and kissing me softly. I kissed him back, holding back a giggle as he licked my lower lip. I parted my lips slightly, allowing him entry as he roamed the inside of my mouth. I allowed him domination, pulling away when I was breathless. Danny opened his eyes, staring at me.
"What?" I asked, smiling slightly. He didn't tear his eyes away, and his expression didn't change.
"Something's wrong." He said blatantly. My brow scrunched slightly.
"What do you mean? Nothing's wrong."
"You held back on me." I leaned away a few inches.
"No I didn't." He chuckled.
"You never just hand me dominance. You always have to fight. But today… it was like you didn't even care." He traced his thumb in circles on my cheek, before playing with a few strands of my hair. "Is something bothering you, Aerynn?" 'Well… I'm not sure you want the honest truth… Then again, I don't even know what I'm really feeling.' I thought. I pushed such thoughts away, smiling at him.
"Yes, I am perfectly fine. I couldn't be happier…" I mentally cringed, the bitter taste in my mouth again. Lying came naturally for the past few days, whether I was talking to Sarah or one of my other friends. But lying to Danny was like I was lying to God himself. 'Though, some days Danny does seem like God. He's been a Saint since the seventh grade…' He smiled, taking my hand in his.
"Good… that's good…" He said, leading me away from the bench, away from the playground all together. I glanced up into the trees, looking along the shadows of the falling leaves. My heart stopped when I saw a flash of white and brown fluttering from branch to branch; sweeping and soaring in a delicate dance. I couldn't help but smile somewhat, knowing that no matter what would happen to either myself or Danny… we were safe…
To an extent.
We hadn't even made it fifty feet from the park when we heard a soft piano tune playing. "Oh, jeez. I'm sorry, one second Aerynn." Danny said, sliding his fingers out of my grip, and retrieving his phone from his pocket. He flipped the phone open, pressing the TALK button, and held it to his ear. "Hello?" There was a pause, and he sighed.
"Hi Mom. I'm with my girlfriend right now. Yes. No…" He rolled his eyes. "But Mom… I haven't seen her since Friday afternoon! I know that—" He inhaled slowly, closing his eyes in frustration. I had a bad feeling I knew what he was going to say, but I kept quiet. "Alright. Well, let me walk her home, and I'll meet you guys there, okay? Thanks Mom. Bye." He snapped the phone shut, running his fingers through his hair before looking at me sadly.
"Let me take a wild guess. She needs you to run some errands with her, and you were looking forward to spending the day with me, right?" I said with a soft smile on my lips. He chuckled.
"Yeah. Well… today is my Aunt Charlotte's birthday… and we're all going out to lunch. She wants me home to greet my family when they arrive." I nodded once in understanding. Standing on my tiptoes, I pecked him on the lips gently, feeling his arms wrap around me as he deepened the kiss. I could have stood there for forever, but he pulled away too soon. "Come on, let's get you home. Or my mother will escort us there herself." I laughed, taking his hand again.
I gave Danny one last kiss, before he walked down the street towards his own home a few blocks away. I sighed sadly, feeling terrible that I didn't give him the truth. That I had kissed another guy… enjoyed it. A guy I knew from the contents of my mother's diary, no less. I placed a hand over my forehead, closing my eyes. I knew I had to tell him sooner or later. But I was afraid of what his reaction would be. I saw how his soul had practically been destroyed when he found out that his old girlfriend had been cheating on him.
I didn't want to inflict the same pain on him again. 'He doesn't deserve it…' I trudged over to the piano, sitting down upon the bench, running my fingers over the keys. I began playing a soft tune, one I knew well enough. "I'm holding on your rope, got me ten feet off the ground. I'm hearing what you're saying, but I just can't make a sound. You tell me that you need me, then you go and cut me down, but wait! Tell me that you're sorry, didn't think I'd turn around, and say hey… It's too late to apologize, it's too late. I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late…" I stroked the next few keys gently, knowing that there were other instruments involved with this song, but I tended to play just the piano.
"I take another chance, take a fall, take a shot for you. I need you like a heart that needs a beat that's left from you. Yeah, I loved you with a fire red…" I lost my voice, choking back suddenly, but I continued playing. My hands never quit moving. "It's too late to apologize, it's too late. I said it's too late to apologize; it's too late, whoa… It's too late to apologize, it's too late. I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late. It's too late to late to apologize, yeah… I'm holding on your rope, got me ten feet off the ground…" I played the last few notes, letting silence fall around me. Such silence didn't last long though.
"That's was beautiful, Aerynn. And do I dare ask if that is what your darling Danny will say to you?" I spun on the chair, seeing the dirty blonde Goblin King standing beside the couch. But his appearance was not what I had expected it to be. Instead of wearing something that resembled medieval-esque times, he wore a simple pair of jeans, a white t-shirt, boots, and a reddish-brown cotton jacket. His hair was pulled back by a blue ribbon, his bangs falling in front of his eyes. I looked away from him, staring out the window.
"What are you doing here?" I asked coldly. He seemed shocked by my tone, but not my words.
"Well, I came for a visit. Or would you prefer to be alone?" My breath hitched in the back of my throat, and I answered quickly.
"No." I thought for a moment as he smiled slightly. "I don't like being alone. Some days, I prefer it… but it's usually a rare case…" He straightened his posture, stalking forward to me. He stopped at my side, stroking my cheek and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "You were watching again today, weren't you?" I said.
"Yes. From a bit of a distance. I watched you on the swing set… But…" He began.
"But… what?"
"When Danny came up behind you, the look on your face… was, in my opinion, teasing. You seemed like you were enjoying his touch, but the moment you saw his face… you were disappointed." He smirked, glancing at me. "I wonder why that is…" My face flushed a bright red, but I didn't return the gaze.
"I thought it was you…" I answered honestly. "I…" I paused, closing my eyes for a few seconds, before looking up at him. "I was hoping it was you." He laughed quietly, bending down and kissing my forehead.
"So I noticed…" He said, his breath trailing along my neck. My breath quivered slightly as chills ran up and down my spine. 'No!' I thought, shoving him away. Jareth stared at me, hurt and confused. "What is it?" He asked.
"I— I have a boyfriend, Jareth! I can't be doing something like this behind his back!" He nodded a few times, backing away a few steps so that he stood about five or six feet from me. "I'm sorry. I really am… but… I just can't…"
"I understand. I shouldn't have crossed the line…"
"N-no, it's not your fault…"
"Oh, but it is! I've been watching Sarah ever since she entered the Labyrinth, more than twenty years ago. I didn't know that she had any children until a week ago, when your uncle came over. But what's strange is that in that one week…" He stopped, glaring out of the window. I followed his gaze, seeing Sarah's car pull up into the driveway.
"Oh shit." I said.
"Oh Holy Mother of Fuck sounds more appropriate for this situation." Jareth remarked. I smiled, shot up from the bench, taking his hand, and leading him to my room.
"I can pry the screen out of my window. You'll be able to transform and fly to the tree." I said, kicking open the door, and rushing over to the window. Jareth stood close by, watching the door as I slid the glass open, pounding the screen out of the frame. I heard the front door open. 'Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit…' Finally, the last corner came free; my hands were red from pounding so hard. Jareth turned to me, smiling slightly. I glanced at the door, before standing on my tiptoes, much like I had done not fifteen minutes earlier with Danny, and kissed him softly.
"Now go!" I whispered. Jareth's face reddened slightly, but he nodded once, lunging out of the window as his body molded into a small owl, fluttering to the tree beside my room. I slid the glass shut, locking it as Sarah opened my bedroom door, holding shopping bags. I smiled at her sweetly.
"Hi Mom." I said, praying she wouldn't immediately notice the glitter all over my floor or the faint scent of peaches. She held a curious look on her face, but she was not able to really look at my room as I ushered her out of the doorway, taking bags from her hands. I led her to the dining room table, setting the bags onto the wooden surface. "How was the shopping today?" I tried making casual conversation while planning on how I was going to get rid of whatever sparkly substance was truly all over my floor.
"It went well. I bought some movies, new clothes for you— most of which are things like poet shirts, boots, most of which were hard to find… just… a bunch of things…" She glanced at the dress I was wearing, and grinned. "I remember that one… I was wearing it one day at the park…" She cut her sentence short, but I had a vague idea of where the story would have led had she decided to finish. She blushed. "It was a long time ago." She answered simply when I gave her a questioning glance. She sniffed slightly, leaning closer to me.
"What?" I asked. She raised an eyebrow, staring down at me.
"You smell like peaches." She inhaled again, before shaking her head. Something caught my attention out the sliding glass door, and I saw Jareth in his owl form, posed on the patio railing. I could picture him laughing his ass off. I waited until Sarah had turned away, and I flipped the bird off. The owl fluttered its wings; letting out a soft squawk that I was sure was laughter.
"So how are things between you and Danny?" I cringed, thankful Sarah had her back to me.
"We're doing well. I was at the park, and he came up from behind and scared me a little bit. I could tell he wanted to hang out, but his mom made him head home. It's his Aunt's birthday or something…" I said, sifting through the clothes that she had bought, noticing a few items that reminded me of Jareth's regular attire. Sarah continued to mingle in the kitchen, pulling out a few things for lunch. I glanced up at her, before walking into the living room. I strode over to the piano, the sheet music was still on the thin ledge. I sat down, trailing my fingers on the keys. Though I had learned to play the guitar and the drums as well, I found piano much more… suiting for my personality.
"Damn it." I heard Sarah yell. I didn't turn to face her, but I heard her footsteps as she grabbed her keys and her purse. "I forgot that I was supposed to pick up a package from Toby. I'll be back in about an hour, sweetheart." She was out the door in seconds, slamming it shut behind her. I began playing the music, fully completing it, when the soft scent of peaches filled the air again.
"You play it better than I thought anyone ever could have." He said, taking a seat beside me on the bench. I thought for a moment, playing the intro to Don't Stop Believing. I didn't bother with the words. I just didn't feel like singing.
"I've been playing since I was four. I learned the drums starting at seven, and the guitar at ten. But my heart has always been for the piano." I explained, blending into Trail Of Broken Hearts. "My friends have tried convincing me to start a band, but I just don't want to deal with that kind of drama. I play for my own pleasure, not for others." I changed the song early, my fingers like lightening as I played the piano intro from Bat Out Of Hell. "But when my dad left, I stopped playing everything all together. I lost the drive and passion to play. It was only about two years ago where I picked up everything I left off on." I stroked one last key, standing up and walking over to the Fender guitar. I lifted it into my grasp, placing the strap over my shoulder. I strummed once, before playing Sweet Child O' Mine. Jareth sat in awe as I played a long chord, before picking up into a solo from Through The Fire And Flames. I stopped shredding along the neck, and set the guitar back onto the stand.
"Everyone says I have a natural ability when it comes to music. But I have yet to find the untapped potential." I looked into Jareth's mismatched eyes, seeing nothing but amazement and awe trapped within. I watched as he stood up, walking over to me, and placing a firm hand on my shoulder.
"You already have the potential. I think what people see is nothing but perfection, and therefore they praise you. But what you really need is someone to say that you're not quite perfect. That you need to work just a little harder."
"That I need criticism on my progress."
"Exactly." I nodded once, taking three long strides back to the piano. I sat down, gazing at the music sheet. Jareth walked over, and sat down beside me. I played the first few notes, thinking for a long moment.
"What if we were to do a duet…?" I asked, playing well into the song. Jareth's eyes never left my face, even after I stopped playing and turned to look at him. He smiled slightly, lost in thought.
"I never thought of that… but… what about Sarah? Surely she wouldn't miss seeing you perform for the Talent Show, and if we were to do a duet while she was present…" He trailed off, leaving me with an excellent point. 'Well fuck…' I sighed quietly, glancing up at the sheet music again. I began to play, softly singing the words as I went.
"No one can blame you, for walking away. But too much rejection, no love injection. Life can be easy, it's not always swell…"
"Don't tell me truth hurts little girl. Cause it hurts like hell." Jareth cut in, smiling slightly at me. "But down in the Underground, you'll find someone true. Down, in the Underground, a land serene, a crystal moon. It's only forever, not long at all. Lost and the lonely, that's Underground, Underground…" His voice carried as I struck the next notes, letting my voice fill the space where his began to quiet.
"Daddy, Daddy, get me outta here. I, I'm Underground. I heard about a place today, where nothing ever hurts again. Daddy, Daddy, get me outta here. I, I'm Underground. Sister, sister, please take me down. I, I'm Underground. Daddy, Daddy, get me out of here…" There was a bit of a solo between the chorus and the next verse, but this time, Jareth sang instead of myself.
"No one can blame you, for walking away. Too much rejection, na na, no love injection. But down in the Underground, you'll find someone true. Down in the Underground, a land serene, a crystal moon."
"It's only— It's only forever. Not long at all. The lost and the lonely… that's Underground. Underground… Daddy, Daddy, get me outta here. Heard about a place today, where nothing ever hurts again. Daddy, Daddy, get me outta here. I, I'm Underground. Sister, sister, take me down. I, I'm Underground. Daddy, Daddy, get me out…"
"Wanna live Underground."
"Wanna live Underground."
"Wanna live Underground."
"Wanna live Underground."
"Wanna live Underground."
"Wanna live Underground."
"Wanna live Underground."
"Wanna live Underground. Daddy, Daddy, get me outta here…"
"I, I'm Underground."
"Sister, sister, please take me down. I, I'm Underground. I, I'm Underground. I, I'm Underground. Daddy, Daddy, please. Daddy, Daddy, please."
"Wanna live Underground. Wanna live Underground. Wanna live Underground…"
"Sister, sister, take me down. Sister, sister, take me down…" I ended the song softly, looking over at Jareth. A pleasant smile was on his face as he just stared at the sheet music on the stand. The lighting of the living room created warming glows around the two of us, hardly any corners left in shadow. The clock on the wall struck noon, and I saw Jareth wince at the sound.
"It's still hard, isn't it?" He gave me a curious look. "There's so many things that remind you of her, myself included, I guess. But… a bell chime. That's the worst isn't it?" He looked away, suddenly seeming like a small child. I slid my hand away from the piano, and into one of his, squeezing tightly. He glanced down at me as I leaned against him, closing my eyes. He tilted his head downward, resting it on top of my own.
"Yes… But… the misery and pain that I've felt for so long seems to be decreasing in intensity…" He said softly.
"Really…? Why is that?"
"Perhaps it's because I've learned to live without her… maybe… even in such a short time… you've have healed me." He chuckled. "As cliché as that sounds… I believe that it's true." I remained beside him for a long moment, not moving or speaking. Barely even breathing. Just silent and motionless.
"I don't know how Sarah could have done it. I mean… I can understand her frustration and whatnot about having to run through the Labyrinth trying to find a fricken baby. But… what I don't understand is how she could have just…"
"Refused her dreams?"
"No! I don't know how she denied you!" I exclaimed, sitting up straight and gazing at him. His left eyebrow raised in curiosity. I stood up, pacing in the living room. "I mean, you're smart, you're funny, you're damn good looking, you have this sense of warmth about you… but most of all…" I turned, facing him. "You have a heart the size of the moon. You know when someone needs you… and you'll be the shoulder than they cry on… You know when someone needs advice, and you're more than willing to give it to them. You…" I laughed lightly, glancing out the front window. "You're amazing, Jareth… and I don't know why Sarah could have been so cruel…" I exhaled my breath, looking up into his eyes as he walked over, standing in front of me. He smiled, stroking my cheek with his thumb.
"You do realize that you're a fucking unbelievable tease." He said. My face flushed slightly.
"How so?" I questioned him.
"One moment you shy away, even if I'm not touching you, because of your boyfriend… and the next you're acting as though I'm the face of God."
"Well, to any love-struck girl who would be fortunate enough to ever see you, you would be." Jareth laughed, his voice like ringing bells. I smiled up at him, a sense of peace washing over me (along with the intoxicating scent of peaches). His fingers slowly traveled up into my hair, his right hand gently cupping my other cheek. I felt a soft tug, pulling us together. My eyes began to close slowly as the gap between us dispersed. I felt his lips brush mine, but he stopped. "What?" I hissed in a whisper.
"You really are a tease." He replied. I smiled, wrapping my arms around his neck, pulling him closer, capturing his warm lips with mine. His tongue clashed against mine, fighting for dominance. His fingers twisted tightly into my hair, pulling slightly. I felt a moan rippling in the back of my throat. Air was becoming scarce, but I clashed further. I could feel Jareth also loosing air, for he slowly lost the strength to keep fighting. He broke away, panting for breath. I laughed in between breaths, resting my forehead against his.
I had only known him for less than a week.
I had been dating Danny for four days…
But then I knew.
I was in love.
Chapter Nine: Vizael's Appearance and Magic Dances…
He returned to the Underground (much to his and Aerynn's displeasure), a smile stretched on his face as he gracefully landed in his Fae form within his chambers. Light filled the stone walls, much like it had done within the living room of Sarah's home. He glanced out of his window, seeing splotches of green here and there, the walls of the Labyrinth being restored. Life in the Underground was returning to its natural state. His smile widened further (if that was possible). The Labyrinth was affected by his behavior and emotions. Because his heart was filling with the joy and love that he had almost forgotten about, the Labyrinth began to look… healthier, in a sense.
Jareth walked over to his wardrobe, quickly changing into a pair of grey pants, a white shirt, a black vest, and a black pair of boots. He ran his fingers over the smooth skin of his chest, the pendant vacant from his neck. He had seen it, resting around Aerynn's throat, where it had been since the dance he attended to. His smile touched his tingling lips again, her kiss still present in his memory. There was so much more passion within it this time. So much more energy and fire…
He chuckled once, padding over to his window sill, and staring out at the twists and turns of the Labyrinth, which surrounded the Goblin City. He sighed, gazing across the stone and fields. The wind tossed his bangs around his eyes, and a musky smell of singed oak invaded his senses. He didn't turn to the arrival, for there was no need to. A tall, dark haired man strode across the chambers, his dark red robes billowing around his slim and muscular form. His eyes were a deep shade of blue, glowing in the sunlight. His hair was dark brown, shoulder length, and tied back by a red ribbon. He stood beside Jareth, admiring the beauty of the land.
"The Council has been taking interest in the sudden change of your actions." His voice was a deep, husky sound like a harmony. Jareth smirked slightly.
"Have they now?"
"Well, when you sit in your room all day, staring at a crystal, and suddenly gain the affection of a sixteen year old mortal… Of all people Jareth, you should know better than most that even the changes in the Labyrinth would have caught some attention! Or are you too busy wooing Sarah's little girl to notice?" The Goblin King glanced to his companion, before rolling his eyes.
"Jareth, the goblins are seeing alterations they haven't had in a few decades. They're excited. They think you're winning her back. How would they feel knowing that it isn't the babe whose powers could change our life forever? That it's her child?"
"They'll have to get used to knowing that prophecies don't have to be followed." Jareth said coldly. The brunette sighed, folding his arms over his chest.
"And what of Sarah? Are you just going to go to her one day, say 'Hey, by the way, I'm in love with your daughter', and run off with the child? Jareth, the prophecy foretold your future with Sarah. It can't be any other way! If you were to commit yourself to this girl, you do know that she would either have to have her memory erased… or she would be executed." Jareth winced, clenching his hands on the stone sill. He knew very well of the consequences, but he was determined to change that.
"Vizael… have you ever been in love?" Jareth asked.
"I have not. But this is the second time Jareth—"
"No… what I felt for Sarah was not like this. Do you not remember her words? Twenty-four years ago, she told a story to Toby, saying that the 'King of the Goblins had fallen in love with the girl, and he had given her certain powers'. Her words bound my emotions to her heart."
"But when she came here, you really did love her." Vizael said softly.
"I will not deny that I began to feel attracted to her. I thought that I could make her stay, and that I really would love her. And after she left, I was forbidden from making contact with her. But I watched her for years on end. But… when I saw Aerynn for the first time, I knew that I had to meet her. And in this short time… I believe that she lifted whatever spell Sarah may have cast on me all those years ago."
Vizael remained silent, staring out at the vastness of the Underground. The land stretched beyond the horizon, the Ancient City where the Council ruled far beyond the length of the Labyrinth times ten. He placed the palm of his hand on the stone wall, leaning on his arm casually. "I will need to clarify this with the others on the Council. They abide to the prophecies like mortals abide to God. I wouldn't be terribly surprised if they say that you cannot be with Aerynn." He changed his position, facing Jareth, and placing his hand on the Goblin King's shoulder. "Just be careful, little brother. The Ancients will do all they can to make sure that things go according to plan. And not all of them are as forgiving as father and I."
Jareth nodded once. "I know that. But people do crazy things when they're in love…" Vizael rolled his eyes.
"You've got to stop watching mortals. They're creations are influencing you too much." He laughed slightly, his body bursting into flames and feathers as he molded into a fire red phoenix, taking flight through the King's window. Jareth stared after his brother for a long moment, before turning his back to the city. He strode out of his chambers, down the seemingly endless stair cases and hallways, before appearing in his throne room. Dozens of goblins mingled about, busy with their usual activities, most of which out of boredom. Jareth walked over to his throne, and sat down in it, his presence like any other.
"I saw my baby, crying hard as babe could cry… what could I do? My baby's love had gone, and left my baby blue, nobody knew. What kind of magic spell to use? Slime and snails, or puppy dog's tails. Thunder or lightening. Then baby said, dance magic dance, magic, dance magic dance, magic, dance magic dance, magic. Jump magic jump, magic, jump magic jump, magic. Jump magic jump, magic, jump. Put that magic jump on me, slap that baby make him free." The goblins cheered as they danced about the throne room. Jareth smiled, standing up, and prancing about.
"I saw my baby, trying hard as baby could try. What could I do? My baby's fun had gone, and left my baby blue, nobody knew. What kind of magic spell to use?"
"Slime and snails!" One goblin cried.
"Puppy dog's tails!" Another shouted.
"Thunder or lightening…"
"Then baby said, dance magic dance, magic, dance magic dance, magic… Jump magic jump, magic, jump magic jump magic…" Jareth danced around the room, grinning brightly as the goblins cheered and shouted in glee. It brought back memories to the King's mind, but there was a vacant star. The little baby Toby wasn't present. Though… this time, Jareth wasn't singing about the baby. His mind was picturing another individual, more grown up than a baby. Much more beautiful too.
'Soon… very soon…' He thought to himself, laughing at the happiness of his subjects.