Welp. Just came up with a little bit more for the Halloween Party. A while back the idea was floated that Jareth might show up, and that idea never really left my noggin, sooooo......
(This would take place immediately after they got back home with the trick-or-treaters and he's made the initial introductions.)
After Ben had made his rounds, he politely excused himself so he could get a few minutes to himself. After closing his door behind him and locking it, he went and plunked himself down in his sectional sofa and let a long and tired sigh.
Discovering the Takamachis had been... Intense.
No, get it right, stupid, thought Ben ruefully to himself. Seeing Nanoha... Holy crap, what was that!? He thought back to that one moment where his and her eyes had met the first time and how they simply stared at each other for the longest moment.
Ben was no stranger to these things. It'd happen a at least one other time in his life - he knew that's what it was for certain because he'd started dating that girl several months after that incident.
But little Nanoha?
WHAT. THE. FUCK.
He knew that he'd love the girl. She was kind, brave, passionate, intelligent, inquisitive, and bold. But most of all, just so very kind and loving. She wore her heart on her sleeve and never gave two shits about it. She was a girl that he knew he could spend hours just talking about whatever happened to come to mind. But Ben never imagined that there would have been that sudden lightning-strike impression between the two of them. It was just so far out there. Why him? Why her?
He sighed to himself. Fucking Murphy. Not only did she have Fate already, but she was still a child.
It was always something like that. Too young, too old, or already taken. Benjamin's match was a young woman with a wickedly sharp mind and a kind and caring demeanor, but not afraid of cracking jokes. Or to stand up for herself and call others - especially him - out on their bullshit.
That type never stayed on the market for long - they were in short supply, and most men were well aware of what kind of treasures such women were.
"Quite a dilemma you seem to have on your hands," said a smooth, cultured, and accented voice. Ben nearly started, moving upright as soon as he heard the voice. Sitting across from him in the easychair with his legs crossed was David Bowie wearing Mamoru's costume. "The Takamachi girl is quite young. Too young, really. But events in the past have caused her to mature to a startling degree despite her young age. And I don't just mean her recent adventures. I will say this much about you: you at least have her best interests in mind."
Ben blinked as a beat passed.
"You're the Goblin King," said Ben.
Jareth inclined his head. "Of course, my reputation precedes me." He then got up and began to pace around as one of his crystal balls appeared in a and he began to roll it smoothly up, down, over, and around his fingers with his unnatural-seeming deftness. "I can understand what you're thinking now - What does this person want from me?" Jareth then smiled at Ben. "For one thing, you needn't worry. I have no designs for any of the young ones here. Nor do I have any designs for you."
Ben rolled his eyes. "Well that's a relief," he said sarcastically, then sighed. "Okay. I'm gonna need some sugar in my system if I'm going to cope. May I offer you a drink?"
"Something cold would be appreciated," said Jareth. "It is quite warm here - particularly for the time of year."
"It's not all that unseasonable for this place," said Ben as he opened the refrigerator and retrieved a pair of Big Red sodas in their retro-style bottles, then opened both using a bottle opener. "Sometimes it stays warm all through winter. I often tell people that their summer wardrobe never really gets put away around here."
"Quite," said Jareth with a smile as he accepted the offered soda and then took a pull at the bottle. "Hmm. Very sweet. Children must adore this."
"It's a summertime favorite in these parts," said Ben lackadaisically. "If you ever want to make a native Texan happy when they're away from home, hand them one of these and watch their eyes bug out."
Jareth smiled. "Indeed. Well then, to business, Mr. Rhodes. I have been informed that you are very much aware of a problem I have."
"A problem that happens to have the name of Sarah," said Ben, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. I understand your reticence, but I do not intend to ask anything so uncouth as to do anything to trick or deceive her."
Ben nodded at that. "I see then. In that case, your Majesty, please go on."
"Thank you. What I seek, Mr. Rhodes, is advice. While I have indeed watched Sarah quite closely, I am afraid that even now she is still a mystery to me."
Ben raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me that you want me to be your own personal Cyrano de Bergerac."
Jareth scoffed merrily. "Of course not, dear man! I have no intention of being shot - ever - just as surely as you don't intend to die of something as ignominious as a log being felled upon your head! No, what I desire is insight into her character, and advice as to how I should pursue her."
Ben scoffed as well. "Evidentally you haven't seen how my life has been - ignominious fortune is a fair description. As to Sara, though..." Ben thought for a moment why Jareth patiently waited.
"She's a firebrand," said Ben. "And I'm sure you've noticed that."
"It is one of the things I appreciate about her," replied Jareth matter-of-factly.
Ben nodded and continued. "Well, in your dealings with her, you need to keep that in mind. She has pride enough to sit at your side, for certain. But there's the thing - she has that pride. And it's not going to let her just simply acquiesce to being your bride. If she is going to be yours, then you need to be hers - she absolutely must have equality. What is yours is hers as well, and with all the implications that goes with it."
"I see," said Jareth thoughtfully. "The thought had occurred to me, though perhaps I had been somewhat too vague about what I was offering her."
Ben nodded again. "Maybe. But another thing to consider is that Sarah is young, even by human standards. And while it is one thing to read and fantacise about romance, when it actually happens it's not exactly what one expects. The simple fact of the matter is that you tried too hard too fast, and her being as young as she is, it frightened her. If, instead, you had appeared to her as a normal person and, over time, won her heart, then you perhaps would have been able to reveal your true self to her.
Ben sighed and went on, "Instead, you must now perform damage control. The upshot here is that later on in life, she will be able to thank you for the experience she had in running your Labyrinth. It not only helped her grow as a person, but she also gained many wonderful friends along the way. And while there was some negative experiences, it was exactly that which helped her grow.
"For now, I suggest you write her a letter and apologize profusely. She's not so prideful that she won't read it. And as long as you are heartfelt and honest in your apology... Well, she may not forgive you right away, but she will eventually. And make sure you describe yourself and your actions using words that Hoggle would say about you when he thinks you can't hear him." Ben grinned and winked at this. "Trust me. It'll get a laugh out of her."
Jareth barked a laugh himself. "Of course she would. And what then?"
Ben smiled. "Then? The slow and easy approach. Don't crowd her or pressure her. But instead, give her a token - something that she will tell her that you are serious when you say the following: that no matter what, where, why, how, and when, if she ever needs help with anything at all, then she only needs to call on you. And as an aside, if she is ever feeling heartbroken, make sure that one of her friends from the Labyrinth goes to her with your blessings."
Jareth nodded as he took that all in with a thoughtful expression. "And you're certain this will have a better effect?"
Ben shrugged. "Beats sitting outside her bedroom window and learing at her," he stated glibly.
Jareth took the shot at his pride with a laugh. "Quite true, that." He then got up, saying, "I know that to you, it may seem out of character of me, but believe it or not I do appreciate your advice, Benjamin. And as such, I would like to extend to you a token of my gratitude." He then made one of his crystal balls appear in his hand and offered it to Ben. "Ask me for a favor, and I shall give it honest consideration."
Ben frowned thoughtfully at that. "There may come a time when I need to protect a young one. If such a time comes and I'm unable to protect them myself, my I wish that child away to you until the danger is past? I'll even run the Labyrinth to get them back."
Jareth smiled warmly at Benjamin. "Good sir, if your utmost concern is the safety and wellbeing of a child, I will gladly keep them safe for you. You won't even need to run the Labyrinth. However, if you wish to do it solely for sport, Me and Mine Own will certainly not mind."
Ben smiled and accepted the crystal ball. "Thank you, your Majesty," said Ben with a courtley bow.
"Though are you certain you do not need help of another nature?" said Jareth with a coy grin. "The Takamachi girl seems to be quite taken with you."
Ben groaned and Jareth laughed merrily.
"It could be nothing," said the Goblin King. "These young ones usually grow out of these infatuations." His expression then turned sober, but not unkind. "But make no mitake, Benjamin. You've made quite the impression on her, and unless I missed my guess, she on you as well. Take it from someone who knows what it is to be smitten with a younger lady."
"She's still just a child, though," said Benjamin.
"Very true," replied Jareth with a sage nod of his head. "But that is the beauty of it. If this isn't just a passing infatuation, then she will change herself to suit you. Normally, this could be very dangerous, but I know that you being the man you are, you will strive to keep her mind free and open, and remind her that she must put herself first."
"And Fate?" asked Ben.
Jareth smiled knowingly and put a hand on Ben's shoulder. "You and miss Testarossa are already far closer than you imagine. But that's enough from me. And you have a party you need to attend to."
Ben sighed and rolled his yes. "Yeah, yeah. I can only imagine how it's got to be for you, dealing with Goblin Nobility."
"You night be surprised," said Jareth with a grin. "Even if they're nobility, they're still Goblins. And Goblins know how to have fun if nothing else."
"Dance magic, dance, baby?" said Ben with a grin.
"That is just the tip of the proverbial ice berg. Now, go on. Your guests are waiting for you."
Sooo, whatcha think?
(This would take place immediately after they got back home with the trick-or-treaters and he's made the initial introductions.)
After Ben had made his rounds, he politely excused himself so he could get a few minutes to himself. After closing his door behind him and locking it, he went and plunked himself down in his sectional sofa and let a long and tired sigh.
Discovering the Takamachis had been... Intense.
No, get it right, stupid, thought Ben ruefully to himself. Seeing Nanoha... Holy crap, what was that!? He thought back to that one moment where his and her eyes had met the first time and how they simply stared at each other for the longest moment.
Ben was no stranger to these things. It'd happen a at least one other time in his life - he knew that's what it was for certain because he'd started dating that girl several months after that incident.
But little Nanoha?
WHAT. THE. FUCK.
He knew that he'd love the girl. She was kind, brave, passionate, intelligent, inquisitive, and bold. But most of all, just so very kind and loving. She wore her heart on her sleeve and never gave two shits about it. She was a girl that he knew he could spend hours just talking about whatever happened to come to mind. But Ben never imagined that there would have been that sudden lightning-strike impression between the two of them. It was just so far out there. Why him? Why her?
He sighed to himself. Fucking Murphy. Not only did she have Fate already, but she was still a child.
It was always something like that. Too young, too old, or already taken. Benjamin's match was a young woman with a wickedly sharp mind and a kind and caring demeanor, but not afraid of cracking jokes. Or to stand up for herself and call others - especially him - out on their bullshit.
That type never stayed on the market for long - they were in short supply, and most men were well aware of what kind of treasures such women were.
"Quite a dilemma you seem to have on your hands," said a smooth, cultured, and accented voice. Ben nearly started, moving upright as soon as he heard the voice. Sitting across from him in the easychair with his legs crossed was David Bowie wearing Mamoru's costume. "The Takamachi girl is quite young. Too young, really. But events in the past have caused her to mature to a startling degree despite her young age. And I don't just mean her recent adventures. I will say this much about you: you at least have her best interests in mind."
Ben blinked as a beat passed.
"You're the Goblin King," said Ben.
Jareth inclined his head. "Of course, my reputation precedes me." He then got up and began to pace around as one of his crystal balls appeared in a and he began to roll it smoothly up, down, over, and around his fingers with his unnatural-seeming deftness. "I can understand what you're thinking now - What does this person want from me?" Jareth then smiled at Ben. "For one thing, you needn't worry. I have no designs for any of the young ones here. Nor do I have any designs for you."
Ben rolled his eyes. "Well that's a relief," he said sarcastically, then sighed. "Okay. I'm gonna need some sugar in my system if I'm going to cope. May I offer you a drink?"
"Something cold would be appreciated," said Jareth. "It is quite warm here - particularly for the time of year."
"It's not all that unseasonable for this place," said Ben as he opened the refrigerator and retrieved a pair of Big Red sodas in their retro-style bottles, then opened both using a bottle opener. "Sometimes it stays warm all through winter. I often tell people that their summer wardrobe never really gets put away around here."
"Quite," said Jareth with a smile as he accepted the offered soda and then took a pull at the bottle. "Hmm. Very sweet. Children must adore this."
"It's a summertime favorite in these parts," said Ben lackadaisically. "If you ever want to make a native Texan happy when they're away from home, hand them one of these and watch their eyes bug out."
Jareth smiled. "Indeed. Well then, to business, Mr. Rhodes. I have been informed that you are very much aware of a problem I have."
"A problem that happens to have the name of Sarah," said Ben, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. I understand your reticence, but I do not intend to ask anything so uncouth as to do anything to trick or deceive her."
Ben nodded at that. "I see then. In that case, your Majesty, please go on."
"Thank you. What I seek, Mr. Rhodes, is advice. While I have indeed watched Sarah quite closely, I am afraid that even now she is still a mystery to me."
Ben raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me that you want me to be your own personal Cyrano de Bergerac."
Jareth scoffed merrily. "Of course not, dear man! I have no intention of being shot - ever - just as surely as you don't intend to die of something as ignominious as a log being felled upon your head! No, what I desire is insight into her character, and advice as to how I should pursue her."
Ben scoffed as well. "Evidentally you haven't seen how my life has been - ignominious fortune is a fair description. As to Sara, though..." Ben thought for a moment why Jareth patiently waited.
"She's a firebrand," said Ben. "And I'm sure you've noticed that."
"It is one of the things I appreciate about her," replied Jareth matter-of-factly.
Ben nodded and continued. "Well, in your dealings with her, you need to keep that in mind. She has pride enough to sit at your side, for certain. But there's the thing - she has that pride. And it's not going to let her just simply acquiesce to being your bride. If she is going to be yours, then you need to be hers - she absolutely must have equality. What is yours is hers as well, and with all the implications that goes with it."
"I see," said Jareth thoughtfully. "The thought had occurred to me, though perhaps I had been somewhat too vague about what I was offering her."
Ben nodded again. "Maybe. But another thing to consider is that Sarah is young, even by human standards. And while it is one thing to read and fantacise about romance, when it actually happens it's not exactly what one expects. The simple fact of the matter is that you tried too hard too fast, and her being as young as she is, it frightened her. If, instead, you had appeared to her as a normal person and, over time, won her heart, then you perhaps would have been able to reveal your true self to her.
Ben sighed and went on, "Instead, you must now perform damage control. The upshot here is that later on in life, she will be able to thank you for the experience she had in running your Labyrinth. It not only helped her grow as a person, but she also gained many wonderful friends along the way. And while there was some negative experiences, it was exactly that which helped her grow.
"For now, I suggest you write her a letter and apologize profusely. She's not so prideful that she won't read it. And as long as you are heartfelt and honest in your apology... Well, she may not forgive you right away, but she will eventually. And make sure you describe yourself and your actions using words that Hoggle would say about you when he thinks you can't hear him." Ben grinned and winked at this. "Trust me. It'll get a laugh out of her."
Jareth barked a laugh himself. "Of course she would. And what then?"
Ben smiled. "Then? The slow and easy approach. Don't crowd her or pressure her. But instead, give her a token - something that she will tell her that you are serious when you say the following: that no matter what, where, why, how, and when, if she ever needs help with anything at all, then she only needs to call on you. And as an aside, if she is ever feeling heartbroken, make sure that one of her friends from the Labyrinth goes to her with your blessings."
Jareth nodded as he took that all in with a thoughtful expression. "And you're certain this will have a better effect?"
Ben shrugged. "Beats sitting outside her bedroom window and learing at her," he stated glibly.
Jareth took the shot at his pride with a laugh. "Quite true, that." He then got up, saying, "I know that to you, it may seem out of character of me, but believe it or not I do appreciate your advice, Benjamin. And as such, I would like to extend to you a token of my gratitude." He then made one of his crystal balls appear in his hand and offered it to Ben. "Ask me for a favor, and I shall give it honest consideration."
Ben frowned thoughtfully at that. "There may come a time when I need to protect a young one. If such a time comes and I'm unable to protect them myself, my I wish that child away to you until the danger is past? I'll even run the Labyrinth to get them back."
Jareth smiled warmly at Benjamin. "Good sir, if your utmost concern is the safety and wellbeing of a child, I will gladly keep them safe for you. You won't even need to run the Labyrinth. However, if you wish to do it solely for sport, Me and Mine Own will certainly not mind."
Ben smiled and accepted the crystal ball. "Thank you, your Majesty," said Ben with a courtley bow.
"Though are you certain you do not need help of another nature?" said Jareth with a coy grin. "The Takamachi girl seems to be quite taken with you."
Ben groaned and Jareth laughed merrily.
"It could be nothing," said the Goblin King. "These young ones usually grow out of these infatuations." His expression then turned sober, but not unkind. "But make no mitake, Benjamin. You've made quite the impression on her, and unless I missed my guess, she on you as well. Take it from someone who knows what it is to be smitten with a younger lady."
"She's still just a child, though," said Benjamin.
"Very true," replied Jareth with a sage nod of his head. "But that is the beauty of it. If this isn't just a passing infatuation, then she will change herself to suit you. Normally, this could be very dangerous, but I know that you being the man you are, you will strive to keep her mind free and open, and remind her that she must put herself first."
"And Fate?" asked Ben.
Jareth smiled knowingly and put a hand on Ben's shoulder. "You and miss Testarossa are already far closer than you imagine. But that's enough from me. And you have a party you need to attend to."
Ben sighed and rolled his yes. "Yeah, yeah. I can only imagine how it's got to be for you, dealing with Goblin Nobility."
"You night be surprised," said Jareth with a grin. "Even if they're nobility, they're still Goblins. And Goblins know how to have fun if nothing else."
"Dance magic, dance, baby?" said Ben with a grin.
"That is just the tip of the proverbial ice berg. Now, go on. Your guests are waiting for you."
Sooo, whatcha think?