She sits on her bed, idly stroking the hair of a doll. Wondering why she felt so empty, but yet still smiled to herself. Knowing that she could still see her friends made her happy, the Labyrinth was never really far away, and she'd saved Toby.

Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave.

The man certainly had a way with words, didn't he? She remembers something Hoggle said to her in her room, right before leaving tonight and it echoes through her head like a record that won't stop spinning. "He's gonna be miserable now, but he's brought it on himself, he has. Stupid rat - his loneliness brought you to him and his pride shoved you away."

His loneliness. Could Jareth be lonely? Goblin Kings didn't really take children, Hoggle had said - Jareth had surprised them all with Sarah's visit. And now - it was ended. No one could tell her what he'd meant by his last words because she'd never admit to anyone that he'd said them. They'd stay part of a half remembered dream for her, something to pull out of her memory when she needed a small, sad smile that no one would understand. She planned to have that smile a lot.

"I wish I could tell him thank you," she sighed. "Jareth, wherever you are – we played our parts and I've learned I love my brother. But you were right, I was spoiled and selfish wishing him away. Just as I was for wishing you away from my life."

A flapping of wings got her attention and she held the doll tighter to her, as if it could protect her. The owl swooped into her room and transformed back into the man she couldn't understand, but needed to see again.

"Sarah," he said, not moving from her window. He wore no armor, no feathers - just a simple white poet's shirt and grey tights, his boots shiny and polished. He looked like he'd been waiting forever to see her, he looked almost - afraid.

"You - Toby?" Her mind stopped and he grimaced. Looking away he spoke so softly she had to strain to hear him.

"Never Toby - always you." She looked at him, not understanding. He seemed so sad. She stood up and walked closer to him, caution in each step.

"Always me - how?" Sarah asked, never letting her eyes leave his. He swallowed, suddenly speechless and it fascinated her. Did she scare him now?

"I'm not sure what to say," he admitted. "I just knew I wanted to see you one last time." Her heart fell and she didn't know why.

"Last time - but everyone said they'd still be able to come see me when they wanted to - why couldn't you?" The question was out before she knew she'd said it and she blushed furiously. His eyes sparked with a tiny bit of hope and she looked away, embarassed. He walked closer to her, cupping her chin and turning her face to him gently.

'You'd have to invite me back to see you, Sarah - I'm allowed one goodbye but no further hellos unless you wish it." His eyes were honest, appraising, and Sarah felt herself lost within them. How did she feel for this man now? Not afraid, just sad that he seemed so lost which was ridiculous. He was a king and yet at this moment, he was somehow just Jareth. A man who had no real friends and no hopes of having one. She sighed. Maybe he could have one.

"And if I did - invite you back from time to time - Toby?"

"The babe remains safe. You've won him back and truly I would never harm him. Or you," he whispered and she believed him.

"Then - all right. Please. Your majesty - come see me now and then and maybe we can become friends."

"Thank you. But it's Jareth and I think - friends may be acceptable to me. Goodnight Sarah," he said, reaching for her hand and kissing it gently. He backed away and with a flurry of fine glitter and a soft breeze, he was gone.

Sarah sat back on the bed and closed her eyes.

Friends. Oh boy.