Greetings, oh valued readers. Here it is, finally: the sequel to 'Paint Me A Picture', my first Labyrinth fan fiction. I am pleased to offer this up for your consideration and enjoyment.

Oh, in case I've never made it clear; I do not own the rights to the Labyrinth story, I just borrow the characters and put them into my little tales for my amusement and your pleasure, I hope.

Painting Mornings Of Gold

Chapter One

Days in the month of June, in New York City, are typically very warm; temperatures generally running in the low eighties. Not today! It was nearly ninety outside and it felt equally unbearably hot in the salon, even though the air conditioner was running at full strength. Sarah stood on a pedestal in Kleinfeld's, sweat trickling down her back, her eyes pleading with Nigel and Laura. She felt utterly ridiculous. How could Laura have agreed to let Nigel select this monstrosity of a wedding gown? Layers upon layers of tulle, making her feel like a cupcake! In fact, she looked exactly like a giant cupcake! And the bodice was far too revealing. And way too shiny and glittery. She shook her head as the two discussed the hideous dress with the bridal consultant, giggling and pointing at the gown. Why was Aislinn not here yet? She had promised Sarah that she would help control her mother and best friend.

"Now, Sarah, tell the truth: you love it, right?" Nigel was Sarah's best friend and was just so tickled to be here, to share in the planning of the upcoming wedding. Sadly, he seemed to not notice how much her dislike showed on her face.

"Well, it's not what I had in mind. It's too…too...too much." She smiled weakly. She tried to be honest but shield their feelings as well. She grabbed at the multiple layers of the skirt, fluffing it to show how much it wasn't her style.

Naturally, Laura needed to try to ferret out what it was that she disliked about it. "Sarah, what sort of a dress did you have in mind?" Laura didn't wish for her step-daughter to regret letting her plan this wedding; she was very much aware that Sarah's fiancé was no mere mortal man. "Did Jace give you any idea what he was thinking would be appropriate?"

Nigel gasped. "He is the fiancé! Puhleez! What would he know about fashion?" Nigel was near to fainting from shock at just the notion. He fanned himself dramatically with his hand.

Sarah was just about to say what she thought Jareth wanted her to wear when, much to her great relief, Aislinn arrived. She glided into the salon, dressed in a lovely turquoise summer dress, her pale blond hair piled high on top of her head. She didn't look hot or sweaty at all, in spite of the intensely humid weather. In her alter ego persona of Jace's aunt Ashley, Aislinn had endeared herself to everyone in the newly minted couple's life. "Oh, my. Um, that simply will not do." She tutted and shook her head in dismay at seeing the monstrosity that Sarah was currently modeling.

Sarah was relieved to have a reasonable person on her side. She heaved a grateful sigh and smiled warmly at her mother-in-law. She then jumped off the pedestal and made her way to the dressing room in the back. "Find me something appropriate, please Ashley?" She called out over her shoulder as she disappeared around the corner.

Aislinn smiled at Laura and Nigel. "Good afternoon." She nodded regally. Nigel ran over and hugged her enthusiastically, kissing both of her cheeks. "Ashley, sweetie! How delightful to see you! You'll help us make our girl into a princess for her big day, right?" He grinned, confident that he could persuade anyone to his way of thinking.

Laura just watched, quietly. She knew Aislinn was a Queen and tried to not behave in a manner that would make her highness upset. Even in the weeks since finding out about the Underground, Laura still was having a difficult time dealing with Jareth's family.

"Our Sarah will be a queen on her wedding day!" Aislinn grinned at Laura who was giggling at the double meaning behind that statement. Clearly the ladies understood the joke even if Nigel remained clueless. "I think Sarah needs something with an empire waist, something sleek and elegant. Let's see what they have here that might meet our requirements." And, just as she effortlessly controlled a throne room full of people, Aislinn took control of this bridal appointment.

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Sarah was slipping a silk robe on as the bridal consultant removed the reject dress. Hopefully the next dress would be more in line with her new royal status. Sarah gazed at her reflection in the mirror, her hands coming to rest on the growing swell of her tummy. She smiled at her reflection, loving that Jareth's baby was growing inside her. She jumped when a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist as warm lips pressed kisses along her neck.

"Hello, Precious. I've missed you." Jareth was always full of surprises. She giggled as Jareth turned her into his arms and kissed her passionately. "Mmm, that's a bit better now. How is your day flowing, my Queen?" He rested his forehead against hers and sighed.

Sarah smiled and let her hands glide over the back of his t-shirt. "Just trying to enjoy this moment, my darling." They had both been so busy these last three days that they hadn't seen each other except at bedtime and then they were always both too interested in sharing and giving pleasure, that everything else was always neglected and forgotten. "Jareth, they are going to wonder how you got in here." She kissed him back and reveled in the feel of being in his arms in broad daylight instead of in their bed. "I'm glad you didn't see that last dress. Ugh! It was hideous."

"Sarah, just tell them what you want, or better still, just make one with magic. Why go through this whole process?" His hands were touching her, sliding down her sides and over the swelling of her tummy. He usually discouraged her from using her magic since she was still learning to control it. She grinned wickedly. "Maybe I could magic you a suit as well?" He laughed, trying to untie the sash of the robe, as she attempted to thwart his roaming hands. He reached into the robe, caressing her exposed flesh. "Mo Chroi, I would gladly let you clothe me but I prefer you unclothed." He pushed the robe off her shoulders and was licking and nibbling on her uncovered skin, his thoughts clearly on more intimate pursuits than were advisable in a dressing room at Kleinfeld's. Just when he was ready to remove the robe altogether, the door swung open to reveal Laura and the consultant, Nicole, bringing in an ivory colored satin gown, causing Jareth to step away from Sarah as she quickly pulled her robe back closed.

"Jareth! I didn't know you were here." Laura failed to cover her surprise and the consultant extended her hand towards him. Nicole smiled cheerfully and spoke as she shook Jareth's hand. "You must be the fiancé. Pleasure to meet you, I'm Nicole." She moved closer to her and whispered, "Sarah, he's gorgeous."

Sarah blushed and spoke in normal tones. "He has exceptional hearing, so whispering won't help. He heard you." She grinned at the consultant's discomfort and at how Jareth looked proud as a peacock at the compliment.

"A pleasure, dear lady. I am Jace, Sarah's intended. I just had to stop by and check on her progress. Might I be allowed to stay, Precious?" Jareth was leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. "I know there is a custom that believes it's bad luck to see the dress before the wedding, but.."

Sarah interrupted him, "please, my love, please let's not spoil this for Laura and Nigel. We'll come to the penthouse as soon as we are done, I promise." She gave him her very best puppy eyes, knowing he would be hard pressed to say no.

"You know I cannot refuse you anything. Just remember, get the dress you truly want, mo chroi. Price is not an obstacle." The last was directed at the consultant. Nicole nodded. "Not a problem. We will make sure to not even worry about the cost. We know that Sarah is wealthy and that you are, as well." She hung up the newest dress as Jareth left the dressing room and headed towards the doors to the street. He really had wanted to stay but if Sarah asked him, he could not fail to deliver. He always worked hard to give her whatever was in his power to give. He hailed a taxi and would wait for them to join him at the penthouse.

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Caiolainn was sitting in the living room in the penthouse when Jareth arrived. He bowed to her. "What brings you Above, Cayo? Is something wrong?" He was surprised to find her here since she so rarely travelled above.

She sighed heavily. "No, there is nothing wrong. I just needed to get away from Fergal, that's all." Her hand rested atop her growing belly, rubbing it absentmindedly.

"That's all? I don't understand. What has he done?" Jareth rubbed his hand across his chin. He sat in the armchair across from her, awaiting clarification.

Caiolainn groaned, clearly uncomfortable."He tries my patience. He fusses over me. He is sweet, kind and caring. It's driving me crazy!"

Jareth chuckled. "Yes, showing you how much he cares for you must be very vexing."

"It is!" She huffed in frustration.

Jareth stared long at his sister, a serious look on his face. Then, the corner of his mouth curled slightly in a smile and he began to chuckle which turned into laughter. "Oh, Cayo. Fergal just loves you and wants to pamper you. This is his first child as well. Is it really that bad?"

She looked at him and threw her arms up, "I give up!" She moved over to him and hugged him as they both started to laugh together. "I am finding being with child more challenging that I thought it would be. I had hoped to speak to Mother, but I found no one here."

Now Jareth understood why she was here. "Mother is with Sarah, looking for a wedding gown. They should be here shortly." He stood and walked to the bar, pouring himself a scotch. "Can I get you some tea while we wait"

There was a shift in the air and Lorcan stood in the middle of the room. "Jareth! Caiolainn! I am happy to see you both. Is Mother here?" He moved over to stand beside Jareth, pouring himself a scotch as well. He turned to see his brother staring in disbelief at him. This caused him to laugh. "Something the matter, little brother?"

Jareth recovered from his surprise and chuckled. "Make yourself at home, your highness." Jareth enjoyed adding the honorific to tweak his brother's nose just a little bit. The siblings were forever teasing each other, always had and likely always would. Lorcan snorted and ignored the sarcasm.

"So Mother is helping procure a wedding dress?" At this Lorcan laughed. "Aren't you already married, bonded and marked? How many ceremonies do you need to get it right?" He slapped his brother playfully in the back.

Jareth glared at him. "I need no more ceremonies; my seed grows strong in my queen's womb. Can you claim the same?" He smirked, raising one eyebrow in challenge.

Lorcan pulled up short and stared at Jareth. He was considering what he should say to him. What could he say? Jareth was speaking truth but he and Orlagh had not been married that long and were not a love match. It was safe to assume that Jareth would be very active with his lady. "You did have a head start, you know. And since yours is a love match…" he didn't get to finish the statement because the door to the penthouse blew open and three ladies and a animated man came in, talking excitedly, all at the same time.

"That gown is perfect, just perfect. You will be the most beautiful bride ever!"

"I love the gown. It really is perfect."

"My, when you find the right gown, all the accessories just seem to fall into place."

"I'm glad we decided not to have a veil. I think a veil would ruin the look of the dress."

Jareth covered his ears. "Ladies, welcome back. Just in time for lunch!" The quartet that had just arrived stopped in the doorway. Nigel was the first to notice the 'Jace' was not alone. "Hello, Loren and you, too, Carolynn. We had no idea you would be here, too. This is turning into a party." Aislinn went to embrace both Lorcan and Caiolainn. Sarah wove in and out of all those crowded into the living room and grabbed Jareth's hand and dragged him into the kitchen.

"Sarah, mo chroi, what is it?" And then she was kissing him like they hadn't seen each other in years. He groaned into her mouth as their tongues battled for control of that kiss. Jareth felt his manhood spring to life, growing hard and heavy and he pushed her against the countertop, grinding himself into her hips.

He tore his lips away from hers and whispered into her ear, "Precious, are you planning on having your wicked way with me right here in the kitchen? With a room full of people just a wall away?" He was not persuading her to stop as she was already unbuttoning his jeans and trying to push them off his hips. "Woah, mo bhannon,* let's take this into the bedroom." But she still didn't stop as she magicked his jeans away and dropped to her knees, taking his erection into her warm mouth, sucking and licking. Jareth thought he'd lose his cookies right there, with his mother, mother-in-law, brother and sister less than six feet away. Could she really mean to have sex with him, risking getting discovered? And then he understood: that's exactly what she wanted! And who was he to deny his precious thing anything she desired. He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her up to whisper into her ear. "Don't make a sound." He pulled her panties off and lifted her up by her thighs and pushed her against the wall, thrusting his hard member swiftly into her velvet valley. He rocked her as he took her mouth in another kiss to muffle her moans. After just a few minutes, she dug her nails into his shoulders and her muscles milked him as he thrust a final time into her, spilling his seed in her. He set her back on her feet and kissed her again as he magicked his jeans back were they had been just minutes ago. "Now, what brought that on, not that I'm complaining?"

Sarah was still panting as she smoothed her hands over her hair and straightened the straps of her sundress. "I can't explain it but I just had to have you right away, like an intense craving. Are you upset with me?" There was a twinkle in her eye as she smiled at him.

Jareth laughed. "The day I complain about you wanting to have sex with me, that's the day you call Murtagh and have him cure whatever ailment I've contracted." He pulled her close again and kissed her. "Ba mhaith liom i gcónaí leat."**

Aislinn poked her head into the kitchen and smiled. "Are you two planning on joining us? Or have you found some other activity that is more stimulating?" She winked at the pair and disappeared around the corner again.

Sarah looked at Jareth. "You think she knows?" She was chewing on the edge of her thumbnail.

Jareth chuckled and lifted one eyebrow in amusement. "I am certain she figured it out. You have a lovely glow, mo grá, your cheeks boast a rosiness usually brought on by physical activity." He brushed the backs of his fingers over one cheek.

Sarah swatted his hand away. "Oh no. We got caught without getting caught. I'm so embarrassed." She cringed and buried her face in his chest.

He rubbed his hands up and down her arms, soothing away her embarrassment. "I think you should speak to Cayo about your sudden craving. I think she may be able to help you understand your intense desires, likely hormone related." He took her hand and they walked back into the living room to partake in the food and conversation with family and friends.

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Sarah bade Laura and Nigel farewell after lunch had ended. This left Lorcan and Caiolainn to talk things over with their mother. "So mo pháistí***, what brings you to the penthouse?" Aislinn sat in the brown leather armchair, looking as regal as an exiled queen can look.

Lorcan rose to his feet and knelt down in front of his mother. "I come, Mother, to tell you of Niall." Aislinn paled at the mention of the only man she had ever loved. Lorcan took her hand and squeezed it gently. "It appears that around the time you were wed to King Alroy, he left the Underground to reside here, Above. I have not yet been able to find where he is, but I will." He smiled and nodded to reassure her of his continued commitment to finding the healer/mage.

Aislinn stood and moved to the doorway leading out to the balcony. She stared down at the city and sighed. "That is why I could never find him. He truly left, the Underground and me as well. My marriage gave him no choice." The tears came, even as she tried to stop them, tried to hide them "I think I shall go to my room. "Slán."****

The four remaining Fae in the room looked at each other, none knowing what to say as there was clearly nothing to say. Sad as it was.

*my queen

**I always want you

***my children

****farewell

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A/N well, and so the story begins anew. I welcome constructive critique. Oh, who am I kidding, I would love to hear if you like my story.