The usual disclaimer applies.
"Why can't you just admit it?" she screamed at the mirror.
The owl, always near, flew silently into the room. He kept that form, knowing she was less likely to strike the bird. I cannot, Sarah. He spoke directly into her mind; it had become the easiest form of communication between them.
She spun to face him, knowing exactly why he chose to stay in his owl body. Peering at him, she gave a weary sigh. "You act like you love me: I am allowed things no one else ever has been, and you spend a ridiculous amount of time and energy protecting me from things I don't need protected from. But still you won't say it!" She held her hands out to him.. "I can FEEL it, Jareth." Tears streaming down her face, she wrapped her arms around her middle and crumpled to the floor.
Sarah, I…
"Just stop," she sobbed. "I have loved you since I first laid eyes on you. You have continually tested me and put me through hell – but still I love you. And you love me – but you can't say it? What the hell is so wrong with me?"
Oh Sarah, nothing is wrong with you. It's just…you and I attempted this once and it didn't work.
Her tears abruptly ended in a shriek of rage. "But it's ok to play with me? You'll sleep with me, keep giving me tidbits to keep me close – take everything I can give – but you can't give me the words? How screwed up is that?
Sarah, you are aware of my feelings on the matter. You know I am not "playing with you". At least, not without your consent.
Voice colder than he'd ever heard it, she spoke four soft words. "Leave, Goblin King. Now."
Helpless in the raw emotions he could feel in her, he did the only thing he could think of – he complied with her demand.
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Sarah crawled into bed; aching and weary. Nothing would change; it hadn't yet. The next time she called he'd act like nothing had transpired.
Closing her eyes against the fresh surge of pain and grief, she prayed sleep would take her quickly. "I don't want to be in love with you either, Jareth. I can't help it any more than you can."
His presence brushed softly through her mind. I know. And…I'm sorry, Sarah."
Her tired laughter flowed into him. Don't apologize, Jareth. We both know it's not going to change anything.
Probably not, he agreed. Goodnight, Sarah.
She hated that she wanted him with her, but his presence soothed, as it usually did. She couldn't help the small contented sigh she made as her head settled further into her pillows. Goodnight, Jareth.
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A/U So…I don't know if I'm going to continue this or make it a stand-alone fic, so opinions would be greatly appreciated. I skipped a lot of explaining that isn't really necessary to the story, so I hope it wasn't difficult to understand. Love me, hate me, can't figure me out…R&R please!
