(AN: The next chapter! Thank you to all the people whom reviewed, as requested here is the next addition in the tale. I hope you all enjoy and comment with constructive feedback.
In time the mystery shall be revealed to all...
Sit back and enjoy my written desires.)

Sarah woke with a groan. Sitting in her bed she twisted her spine until she heard the satisfying crack and repeated the motion by twisting the opposite way. She continued her daily stretches as she made her way to her cupboard. She selected her clothing for the day and ambled into the hallway. The house was still dark and she made sure no sound came from the house's carpeted floorboards.

The window showed the faint ting of the sun soaking into the night's sky. She took in the sight for a brief moment, noticing the way the bright colour seemed to drain the deep blue slightly, slowly converting it to a crystal blue.

She winced at the slight creak of the hinged door and slinked into the bathroom. Though the shower was probably the best option she couldn't resist the notion of having a relaxing bath. As the tub filled with heated water and mixed with the scented oils Sarah set about brushing her teeth. She set her folded clothes on the sink bench and put her night clothes into the hamper by the door. The warmth of the water immediately relaxed her muscles and she sank further into the concoction.

Sarah descended the stairs a good twenty minutes later. She wore a dark purple sundress that ended at the knees and her towel dried hair lay limp at her shoulders. She padded over to the kitchen and opened the fridge, today was her turn to make breakfast for the family. She had started the habit recently and rather enjoyed it. As she got out the bacon and eggs from the fridge she absent-mindedly turned the radio on, it made her restless to hear just the sounds of cooking implements and food preparation. She turned to get the bread from the pantry as the song ended.

"And our next number is an old favourite of mine. Here we have Dean Martin with 'Sway'."

Sarah smiled as the instruments started playing. The solo guitar plucked out the melody before the singing began. She swayed in time to the music and flipped an egg. The smell of cooking bacon and sausages made her mouth water. Humming along with the tune, she sliced the tomato and mushrooms and cooked them with the sausages while the bacon and eggs simmered in a separate pan.

When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more

She turned the griller on and took out the tray. Once the continental bread was sliced she drizzled oil on each side and put the tray back to grill.

Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When we dance you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me

Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes see only you
Only you have that magic technique
When we sway I go weak

I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now

Sarah softly sang along while she cooked. The food was done and the bread was coming along, she flipped them to cook the other half. She went to grab the plates and utensils.

After setting the table she served the food onto the plates. A sausage for Karen and her father, eggs and bacon for all three, mushrooms for her dad and tomato for herself and Karen. Two slices of bread for her and a slice each for the adults.

There was a break in the singing as the violins took over. She got Toby's food from the fridge and set it aside for Karen. The guitar overtook the violins and she danced along to the instrument before the singing started again. She closed her eyes and swayed along, still singing with him. At the feel of hands encircling her waist her eyes flew open. She looked up to find Jareth smiling down at her. She smile shyly back and they continued dancing.

Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes see only you
Only you have that magic technique
When we sway I go weak

I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now
(sway me now)

You know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now…

They stood for a moment as the next song started playing. Sarah fixed her gaze to his chest and retrieved her hands from their position on his shoulders. She quickly turned the volume down at the words of the song.

You won't admit you love me
And so, how I'm I ever to-

As the music drifted off a blush settled itself on her cheeks and she retreated from his hold to turn the radio off. Sarah turned back to find him inspecting the food on the table. His head snapped up at the sound of movement from above. Jareth turned his head to her and gave a mischievous grin before fading into the shadows by the wall.

"Good Morning, Sarah. How was your-oh," Robert's question was interrupted by the pleasant smell of breakfast. His expression turned slightly shameful and apologetic. "Sarah, I didn't get a chance to tell you last night. Karen and I need you to look after Toby while we attend a business breakfast. I'm sorry darling, but we need to leave in about ten minutes." Sarah's smiled faltered briefly before she plastered it back and hugged him.

"It's fine, daddy. I'm sure I can find some way to use the food. Try to enjoy yourself." Robert smiled softly at her and kissed her on the cheek. He gave her arm a comforting squeeze before heading back to get his wife.

Karen bustled down the stairs a short while later with Toby in her arms, Robert tailing behind while fixing his tie. She pushed Toby into Sarah's waiting arms and turned to finish Robert's unsuccessful work.

"I'm sorry, Sarah. Maybe you could invite some friends over while we're gone." Karen smiled hopefully at her. Again, Sarah's smile slipped. They left with apologies and promised to be back after lunch.

"Well, looks like it's just you and me kiddo." Jareth appeared again and looked at her in mocking arrogance with his hands at his hips and his brow raised. "Ok, make it just you, me and a flustered magical king."

"That was not the look I was going for," he grumbled under his breath. Sarah gave him a hapless shrug and set Toby in his high-chair. She turned to look at the food and gave a defeated sigh. She had been looking forward to a family breakfast. Sarah grabbed Karen's plate and went to retrieve her father's when a gloved hand took her wrist. She looked up expectantly to Jareth.

"Leave the plate, I am famished." He gave her a boyish smile and sat down in her father's seat. Sarah blinked in surprise and gave him a brief look of doubt before turning to set Karen's plate on the kitchen counter. She opened the screen door by the kitchen and looked out.

"Merlin!"

The sheep dog came bounding into the kitchen with his tail wagging enthusiastically. Sarah laughed lightly at his behaviour and served his food at the door's entrance. She took her seat next to Toby's chair and opened the jar of baby-food.

Toby clamped his mouth shut and shook his head with his fists balled at his sides. She sighed and tried to get him to eat the spoonful again. "Toby, please don't be difficult. You know Karen's going to be at my throat if you don't finish this jar." When he still refused to cooperate she brought the plastic spoon to her mouth and ate the mush. She rolled her tongue along the roof of her mouth and swallowed. "See? Not bad at all."

Toby still refused and she sighed again. "One way or the other Karen expects this jar to be finished when she returns and if you aren't going to eat it than I will." Sarah took another spoonful and made a show of eating it. Toby's face showed his shock at the neglect of being fed. His little hands unclenched and he reached for the spoon. "Oh, so now you want it. Typical. Always wanting what you are told you can't have," she said in mock disappointment.

Jareth watched while he ate. He remembered her telling him about reverse phsycology once, he had to admit it worked well with children. He briefly wondered if the same could be done with the goblins. He shook his head from those thoughts, it was far too early in the day to be thinking about them. He took the time to appreciate the view before him.

Sarah's sable hair fanned over her back and shoulders shining in the sunlight that streamed through the windows. The plum purple dress hugged her figure at the torso and billowed out at the waist. Her hair fell forward each time she reached over to give Toby another portion of his nourishment. The look on her face was nothing but love and devotion for her brother and the picture painted before him was one of family love. A slight pang of longing constricted his heart at the thought of children. Will she ever grow to love me? Will my castle ever house children that have not been wished away?

Jareth lost himself in the thought of what their children would look like. He smiled wistfully and took his mind from such contemplations. It would not do him any good to have such thoughts around Sarah. He turned his thoughts from the future to that of the present in time to see her smile, a smile that told of her victory as Toby ate the last of the jar's contents. Jareth discreetly turned his attentions back to the food in front of him as Sarah took to eating her own.

The room was quiet as they ate in comfortable silence.

Sarah rose from her chair and took the dishes to the sink. She filled the water and let the dishes soak. She turned back to watch Jareth playing with Toby. A tapping noise brought her out of her daze and she rounded the corner to look at the full length mirror in the hall. A smile spread across her face at the site of the little fox knight tapping his sceptre against the glass's surface.

"Come in, good sir. Your timing, as always, is impeccable!" Sir Didymus walked through the mirror and gave a sweeping bow to the girl before him.

"I apologize for the intrusion, my Lady. I am sure thou art breaking fast though I had hoped to have a quick word if my lady permits it." Sarah smiled down at his manners and motioned for him to follow her to the kitchen.

Jareth looked up with Toby on his lap as Didymus rounded the corner. He narrowed his eyes slightly at the unwanted guest but remained silent. Didymus bowed to his king while Sarah directed him to sit in her previous chair and placed Karen's plate for him. Sir Didymus's eyes widened in appreciation and he dug into the meal with satisfaction all the while Sarah smiled encouragingly and washed the dishes.

"I must commend thee in a splendid meal, thank you," he said. He placed a hand to his full stomach and nodded with a pleased smile. His praise was met by melodic laughter and Sarah proceeded to wash his plate also. Jareth marvelled at the sound, he'd never heard her laugh like that in his presence before and he felt the slight twinge of jealously claim him.

"What is it you wanted to ask?" Sarah turned to the knight as he climbed off the chair and produced a heavy envelope from his tunic. He handed it over to Sarah as he explained,

"I would enquire as to your thoughts of attending the Winter Solstice Ball, Sir Hoggle had intended to ask you but was halted by his duties and he was most hopeful that you attend. Please consider your answer. I am afraid that I must be leaving as I too have duties to oversee. Again, I thank thee for the generous meal and hope to see thee soon."

"Thank you, Sir Didymus I will think on it. Give my thanks to Hoggle and say hello to Ludo for me," she said cheerily. She led him back to the mirror and waved him away.

When she entered the kitchen again she found Jareth staring at the envelop on the table. Toby lay asleep in his arms as he gently rocked back-and-forth in the chair. She put a finger to her lips and motioned for him to give her the sleeping child. She disappeared up the stairs to put Toby in his crib.

Back downstairs Jareth watched as Sarah walked up the stairs. He'd hardly said a word to her this morning and already she had taken her attention to that of his traitorous subjects. He looked back to the invitation on the table top. The seal of the court closed the envelope in midnight-blue wax. He would have to look into how the dwarf had gotten an invite. The thought of the little scab started the steady boil of his blood. He dare asks my Sarah to attend with him. We'll see about that.

He stood as Sarah came back into the room. She gave him an exhausted smile and took the envelope with her to the living room where she collapsed onto the couch. She snuggled into the corner and bent her knees to bring her feet under her. Merlin took a place on the floor beside her.

"Sorry, I'd forgotten Hoggle was meant to be visiting me. I should have told you, I know how you two don't exactly...get along," her voice trailed off as she glanced out the window. Jareth took a seat in the leather recliner adjacent to her seating.

"Sarah, I've an inquiry as to your...health of late." She raised an eyebrow at the formal tone in his voice.

"Ok, what gives? What's with all the formalities? If you have something to say to me just-" Their conversion was interrupted by a knocking at the front door. Merlin raised his head to the sound and turned his gaze to her.

"Huh, go away!" she groaned. Pushing herself out of the coach she made her way to the door, all the while mumbling under her breath about the universe's timing. She opened the door and quickly shut it again.

"Sarah!" A muffled yet exasperated voice called through the door.

"Go away!"

"Oh, come on baby. I need to-" She threw the door open and shot a glare at the boy standing on the other side. Side-stepping her to enter the house he made his way to the living room. He crouched down on his hunches to ruffle the fur on Merlin's head. His brow rose at the sight of Jareth before he nodded in acknowledgment of his presence and took a seat on the couch.

He was an adolescent, tall for his age of fifteen. His jean had a tear at his left knee and his feet were covered in combat boots while his torso was topped with a loose fitting shirt that held the logo of a popular band. His sandy blond hair was rugged and long enough to fall into his brown eyes.

"How many times have I told you not to call me that?! It's bad enough I'm stuck with you for English class!" Sarah set her fiery gaze on the boy reclining in her previous seat. "Shove over, that's my spot." She waved her hand at him and retook her spot in the couch's corner while he settled himself on the other side. He gave her a shrug.

"I've lost count, babe. So anyway, I wanted to ask if I could borrow your notes on the last class we had."

"Tom, you're hopeless!"

"Yep!" He gave her a winning grin and winked at her, "also, thought I'd ask if you could help me with the poetry assignment." Sarah gave a pitiful whimper and buried her head in her hands. He patted her shoulder in an act of support. "I feel for, I do. I wouldn't want me for an English partner either, hell I'd run to the hills!"

She peered at him through her fingers. "Remind me again why I put up with you." Tom gave her another smile and stretched his arms above his head before locking them behind his head and slumped further into the furnishing. He sniffed at the air and his mouth watered at the smell of the previous meal.

"Got any grub left for me?"

"No, my friends cleared the meal up."

"Did you just say friend?"

"No, I said friends."

"Wow, not only friend but the plural. Williams I never thought you had it in you," he teased. "Come on baby doll, tell the truth. I know you don't have any friends! I'm pretty sure I'm the closest thing you have to a friend."

"There're not from school," she defended lightly. The fire returned to her eyes. "And don't call me baby doll!"

"Well, what I'm I supposed to call you?"

"How about Sarah, it is my name."

"Honey, I don't even call my parents by their title of mum and dad! I give everyone a nickname."

"You can give me nickname just not those pet names..." She huffed in her seat and folded her arms over her chest. He laughed and stretched again.

"Well back to the subject at hand, baby. I don't get what the old sod is asking us to do when it comes to this poem. I mean I can't even understand what the poem means let alone interpret the 'hidden' meanings, furthermore the wording just confuses me!"

"Have you actually read the poem?" He gave her a sheepish smile and made a half-and-half gesture with his hand. "Tom," she groaned.

"I skimmed it..."

"That's not good enough!" she admonished. She gave another huff and shot a withering look his way. Sarah once again vacated her seat to stand in the centre of the room. "Tom, I'd like to introduce you to Mr King. Mr King, this is Tom Mitchel." She turned on her heel and want back to her bedroom to retrieve the English work. "Do whatever you like with him!" she shot over her shoulder.

Jareth's lip twitched slightly at the turn of events and he directed an icy gaze at the young man relaxing in his spot. Tom gave him another nod and extended his hand in greeting. He stared at it a moment and returned the gesture.

Sarah descended the stairs with her school satchel and placed it on the coffee table. Papers and books spilled from the flap and spread across the table in a neat line. Tom's eyes widened in slight horror and he turned accusatory eyes on her.

"Don't worry, it's not all English work," she teased. Sarah knelt down to sought through the subject papers and reduced the pile to a text book and notepad while the rest were put away. She directed him to take as many notes as he could and handed him a separate notepad to write them down on.

"When you're done just leave me alone for the rest of the weekend. I'm not up to doing anymore school work. See if you can work on this on your own, if not just be nice and leave me alone until our next English class."

"That's a lot to ask Williams. It'll cost you," he said lightly and gave her a toothy grin.

"What's the price?" He looked to give it contemplation with his hand to his chin. His eyes took on a gleam and he smiled at her while he bargained the tax.

"How about a kiss?"

"No," she stated flatly. Tom gave a playful pout and tapped the pen to his chin. His eyes glanced upwards as he gave real thought to his next request.

"Do you know Amy Nattel?" With her nod he continued "Well, see the thing is-"

"No," she raised her hand to stop his tirade, "not happening."

"But Sarah-"

"No way, now way in the seven pillars of hell! I'm not risking life or limb for that. I will not incur the wrath of Amy Nattel. Not for you, not for anyone."

"But this is something I really need help with. I don't know how to...I don't know what to do," he confessed. "Sarah, please. Help me...I need to know what to do. Haven't you ever met someone who just makes you feel...different. No matter what mood you're in they always make you smile and your heart beat just that little bit faster. Haven't you?" Sarah's breath caught in her throat. She stole a quick glance at Jareth and looked back into Tom's eyes.

"Oh my boy, you need to court her," Jareth said softly. Tom gave him a quizzical look and raised an eyebrow at Sarah.

"I don't think taking her to court is going to help my cause..."

"He means...woo her. Find out what she likes, hang out with her and just be in her company, that sought of thing. It's an older term, sort of like dating."

"Sure keeps in character, doesn't he? What play are you supposed to be from anyway?" He turned his body to look at the Goblin King. Jareth stood from the recliner and bowed.

"I have frolicked among the ladies of the Fairy Court and danced to the tune of Puck's pan flute. I answer to the High King of the Fairy Realm and Avalon."

"A Midsummer Night's Dream, eh? My, my," he turned back to Sarah, "Where do you meet these people? Surely your mother isn't sending her fellow cast members from England." He shrugged when his question was met with silence.

Jareth sat back down and watched as Sarah directed the Mitchel boy and explained things to him. Every so often there'd be a complaint or misinterpreted information. She would smooth things out and go over the notes with him again.

He watched as Sarah walked Tom to the door and waited for him to step through. He turned to her with a worried look.

"What is it? I thought our study time went well. Is there something you still don't understand?" He opened his mouth then closed it, gave thought to his wording and then asked his question.

"What if she rejects me? We've been friends since as long as I can remember. I don't know if my ego could take that...rejection. Sarah, what should I do?" Her eyes softened and she tilted her head to one side.

"Tom, you're asking a girl whose only friend in the school is a boy she was forced into partnering with for English Studies. I don't have any experience with that sought of thing. Hell, I haven't even been kissed before. Ask her, the direct approach seems the best option to me, don't skim around the subject like you do for everything else. If you keep biding your time you may never find your chance."

"But, there's still that 'what if'..."

"You never know until you've tried, take a chance and roll the dice." She smiled a small smile and waved him off. She turned back to find herself trapped against the door with Jareth blocking her path. Her breath hitched in her throat as he brought a hand to her waist and drew her closer. The other hand found its way to her face and tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. He held her eyes captive as he lower his face to hers.

(AN: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Tell me, what you wish to happen next. But I must let you know here and know that this story will not have sexual content, perhaps slight sexual references but that will be all.
Until next time, your ever faithful personal devil awaits.)