Lot's of conversation in this chapter. I want them to have a little understanding of each other before they go right into anything ;)

Sarah stared blankly at Jareth and watched him sip his drink nonchalantly after his "confession." Though she couldn't tell if he was fucking with her or not. She assumed he was here for her from the get go, but he was so good at being discreet and god forbid she thought anything revolved around her, as Jareth so kindly pointed out. But what other reason could there be? She needed to find out more.

"What could you possibly want with me?" Sarah asked as her eyes narrowed in on Jareth. "What, revenge for me beating you all those years ago? Pff." She took another shot and Jareth watched with scrutinizing eyes.

"Do you always drink this much before you go home with a man, Sarah?" Jareth inquired. "Word of advice: most men like their women conscious and would prefer them to not starfish it or throw up mid coitus."

Sarah nearly choked on the alcohol that stung her throat. Did he seriously just say starfish it? How the hell did he even know that term? He was beginning to drive Sarah nuts, and she slammed the shot glass down on the counter.

"Do you always have to be so damn critical? Not that it is any of your business, but no, I don't usually drink like this before I leave with a suitor. But since mine has apparently fallen asleep and you're killing my libido, why shouldn't I get shit faced?"

"Fine," Jareth announced. "Let's have a truce, shall we? If you can answer some of my questions, I will do my best to be less…critical as you say, and you and I can just talk. Without you getting…shit faced."

Sarah hesitantly looked at Jareth, and couldn't see any traces of bullshit, but she also wasn't stupid enough to fully trust him just yet either. This was a Fae after all and she knew they were tricky, courtesy of Hoggle and the times she had done research.

"What makes you think I would answer a single one of your questions?" Sarah asked. "So far all you've done is prove to me that you're a patronizing asshole who can't say one pleasant thing. Plus you still haven't answered any of my questions. No deal."

Jareth let out a sigh and took a gulp of his drink, as if readying himself to answer Sarah truthfully. If he wanted this to play out in his favor, he was going to have to be a little nice at some point he supposed.

"Very well then," Jareth said giving in. "You may ask your questions first, I'll try to censor myself more, and you can't take that last shot. Now. What was your initial question?" Jareth asked.

Sarah rolled her eyes at this 'deal'. Who was he to tell her she can't get drunk? Although she really didn't want to wake up with a headache tomorrow so maybe it was for best. She moved the third shot to the side, and threw her hands up indicating 'happy now?' She was willing to play along, and began to talk. "I asked you…what do you want with me?"

"Ah, yes," Jareth started. "What I want, Precious… is to just talk and get to know you," he finished point blank.

Sarah found this hard to believe, and thought he was fifteen years too late on that one. "What? That's it? Why?" she asked all at once. "And can you stop with the precious crap?"

Jareth just laughed. "I find you interesting, Precious," he said pointedly, ignoring her last request on purpose.

"Wha-? Interesting, how? You hardly know me- we haven't even spoken to each other since I turned your ass down," Sarah countered.

"I told you Sarah, I come here often. I've seen you here several times, though I've never had the chance to actually say anything to you, for we were both…occupied each time," Jareth wriggled his eyebrows and Sarah let out a disgusted groan. "Truthfully though, I find your shameless tendencies to be fascinating, and I'd like to understand your motives behind the actions."

"So…what? You've been spying on me?" Sarah questioned accusingly.

"I wouldn't put it quite in those terms, dear. We've merely been in the same place, at the same time on occasion," Jareth clarified. "But yes, I've seen some of your little rendezvous' in the past if that is what you are wondering."

Sarah considered Jareth's comments and didn't fully believe him. She also thought it was pretty awkward that he had seen this facet to herself, yet she had never even noticed his presence here before. And she thought she could spot him anywhere, pfft. She still couldn't quite grasp the fact that her teenage nemesis was here in the flesh and she was mildly surprised at herself for how well she had been keeping it together. Sarah then pondered what Jareth called her 'shameless tendencies' and the fact that the both of them just happen to hang out in the same place occasionally. She decided to question his latter comment concerning his whereabouts.

"Okay so, why do you come here? Of all places," Sarah demanded to know.

Jareth took a deep breath and sipped more of his drink, which was nearly empty by now. Sarah was beginning to feel the effects of not only her spritzers, but those damn tequila shots too. She was silently praising Jareth for the fact she couldn't finish her last shot and started drinking some of her untouched water instead.

"As you may or may not know, I come Aboveground habitually," Jareth started to elucidate. "It allows me to take a break from my world, which is surrounded by politics, schemers, and generally boring Fae's. I've been coming to Lake Tahoe for years, since its inception really. The silver and gold mining days proved to be quite enthralling and I've always had a liking for American discoveries, being that it is such a young country. And you can't deny the beauty of this region; it's a perfect place to escape, relax, and meet adventurous people. I try to come every three months or so, and I've stayed at this lodge since it opened. The skiing isn't half bad during the winter either."

Jareth skis? Sarah asked herself. "Okay…," she said out loud. "So…you come here because you like it. Random and I still don't quite believe you, but okay. How…how many times have you seen me here exactly?" She wasn't sure she even wanted to know the answer to this question, and she felt herself getting warm from the anxiety building up.

Jareth rolled his eyes up towards the ceiling and put his finger to his mouth, as if thinking hard about the number of times he's seen Sarah. She hoped it wasn't a large number.

"I have seen you here, at this bar, a total of four times. Well, five now. You could imagine my surprise when I saw you for the first time," Jareth said as he continued to sip his now completely empty drink.

"Which was when? And why didn't you say anything to me?" Sarah probed. She wasn't sure how she felt about the fact that he had seen her here before, yet didn't have the audacity to say so much as a 'hi.' Why did that make her so disappointed?

Jareth called the bartender over and ordered another scotch before he answered Sarah.

"The first time was a little over a year ago," he explained. "And I didn't say anything because as I said earlier, you were already preoccupied and I wanted to talk to you alone. At first I thought you were here visiting with a boyfriend, but then I saw you again several months later with a different man and my curiosity peaked. When I saw you the last couple of times, I watched a bit more closely and realized what it is you do. Tonight just further verifies my theory after seeing and finally being able to speak with you. Now, here we are, and I'd like to understand you a bit more."

Jareth observed Sarah as she contemplated what he had been telling her. While he wasn't lying that he did enjoy coming to Lake Tahoe, he refused to openly admit that he had in fact been spying on Sarah through his crystals hoping to "run" into her here after he saw her for the first time. The last few times he showed up though, she was already with a boring pinhead and he needed her alone. So he took the opportunity to find a woman for himself each time. No point in wasting a perfectly good time to fornicate, he thought. He had waited patiently for the opportune moment to strike, and tonight proved to be the time. She would be his soon, he just needed to gain some of her trust.

"What is there to understand?" Sarah sought to know, wrenching Jareth from his pondering thoughts. "I come here to do the same as you: relax and meet new people. Simple."

"I think there's more to it than that, dearest," Jareth said.

"Well what about you?" Sarah scoffed. "You seriously come here to just relax? You even admitted you come here to pick up women while you're here."

"Why not do both? I might as well make the most of my time as I relax. And just so you are aware, I don't always go out of my way to woo them. They usually come to me," Jareth finished saying and winked. "Despairing women, remember?"

"Ugh, you're such an arrogant tool," Sarah said.

"I don't see you having any confidence problems. Do you go out of your way to talk to men? I highly doubt it. That dress might as well say 'look at me I'm hot and I know it.' You do look rather ravishing in it, might I add. Red suits you."

Sarah's lip snarled and she murmured 'thanks' to herself, making Jareth laugh to himself.

"Now then. Might I finally ask some of my questions, if you are through?" he asked.

"That depends. What do you want to know?"

"How are you, Sarah?"

Sarah was taken back by this question. She had expected Jareth to ask something along the lines of what she does here right out the bag, but instead he was asking her how she was? Man this guy was an enigma, Sarah thought.

"Uh…I'm good, I guess," she said hesitantly.

"You look well enough," Jareth complimented. "What have you been doing with your life for the past fifteen years? I figured you would be married by now."

Sarah laughed at this. "Yeah, no. The last time I was with someone was five years ago. But I uh, I live and work in Sacramento as a project manager at a marketing firm. I went to Sacramento State to study, got my master's…my life is pretty simple."

"Nothing about you is simple, Sarah," Jareth observed. "How is your brother, Tobias?"

Sarah wasn't sure what Jareth meant by his comment, and she was reluctant to even talk about her brother, given the circumstances. But Jareth asked innocently enough so Sarah replied, "He's good. He's a teen now, and he's an amazing kid."

"I'm sure he is. He was a wonderful little chap."

"Are you kidding me? He was the worst baby ever," Sarah disputed.

"No. You just weren't patient enough and were angry at everything around you. Of course you'd think that."

Sarah was just about to protest about his critical comment, but Jareth interrupted before she could say anything. "Before you suggest that comment was critical, it was not. It's a fact, Sarah. Do you deny it?"

Before Sarah could answer, she saw Jareth take out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and watched him light one up. She scrunched her face in a look of disgust as she watched him do this. She hated cigarettes.

"That is a nasty habit, just so you know," Sarah pointed out.

"Says you. Some could also argue that a woman sleeping around with strange men who might carry an inflicting disease is a nasty habit as well." Jareth took a puff of his cigarette as if he didn't realize he just said that out loud.

Sarah opened her mouth and let out a huff. "Wow. You know what? Screw you." She sat up from her seat, ready to go and took cash out of her purse and left it on the bar counter. "I can't believe I thought you could actually be nice," she finished off by saying.

Jareth shut his eyes briefly and cursed himself for not being more careful with his words. "Sarah, I didn't mean it that way. Please sit back down."

"What other way could you have possibly meant that?" Sarah asked, her feelings genuinely hurt. "You're basically calling me a slut, and I don't appreciate it. You've been ridiculing me since you've been here and I'm over that too. Have a nice life, asshole." She turned to leave, but Jareth caught her elbow.

"I would never call you a slut or anything along those lines, Sarah. But I apologize if you took it that way. I promise that I don't think ill of you in any way. Please, would you sit?" he asked, eyes indicating that he meant it.

Sarah looked at Jareth who lowered his head, as if he really didn't want her to leave. Sarah sighed and begrudgingly sat back down, feeling suddenly terrible about herself. She had never really thought that her sexual tendencies were necessarily a bad thing, but she knew what others would think if they found out, and Jareth's comments just made her insecurities come to light. She wondered what he thought about her. Somehow she really didn't think anything bad, but she felt angered to know that men like him always got a free pass for having sex with a bunch of women, but anytime a woman slept with more than five guys in their lifetime they're suddenly labeled as a scarlet and should be branded with an "A" on their clothing. It was bullshit! she screamed internally.

"Sarah?" Jareth said, bringing her out of her own thoughts.

"What," she snapped.

"I'm sorry," Jareth announced. "If it makes you feel any better, I for one don't judge you. Sex is hardly anything special in the Underground; for us it's like breathing. It comes natural. Humans are rather prude creatures, and like I said, I find your needs…fascinating and even understandable. Everyone has them, you're just not shy about acting upon yours. I think that's admirable, personally," he added.

"Yeah well, you and no one else," Sarah retorted and sipped some more of her water.

"Sarah, there is nothing wrong with recognizing and getting in touch with your inner desires. People might find that they're happier if they took the stick out of their ass and lowered their own inhibitions," Jareth said making Sarah feel slightly better.

"Well, thanks...I guess," Sarah responded.

Silence passed between the two for a minute, when Jareth asked Sarah a question he'd been wanting to know for the past year and all night.

"I am curious though…why do you come here to do it? And what made you create this alter ego of sorts to get the job done?"

Sarah swallowed, and stared at her water. She wasn't sure she wanted to tell him all this, especially since she just snapped at him and she wasn't even sure how she felt about him just yet. This was Jareth- the same man who took her brother, mocked her, threw a damn snake in her face, sent the cleaners after her, drugged her, and practically tried killing her with his horde of goblins. Not to mention the fact that he ignored her for all these years. Why should he be enlightened on anything? On the flip side, he also slightly fascinated her as well, and she had been rather turned on by him since he sat down next to her, but she refused to fully admit that and turned to look at him.

"Why would I tell you anything remotely private about myself?"

"I'm not your enemy here, Sarah," Jareth assured. "I meant it when I said I was genuinely curious about you. I told you why I come here, it's only fair you return the favor. That was the deal after all," he finished saying, and Sarah could faintly hear the jest in his voice as he said this.

"That deal was voided when you started being critical," Sarah noted.

"We have differing views on what critical means, I suppose. But- I rescind any comments that may have come across as such, and I apologize once again."

Damnit, why did he have to go and be kind of nice after being a prick? Sarah asked herself. She sighed and debated whether or not she wanted to go down this road. She decided it probably wouldn't be that bad. It was bar talk, and he was clearly trying to make an effort, though Sarah was still unsure how genuine his intentions really were, but she thought it could be nice talking about it to someone finally. She braced herself and spoke.

"I come here because…here, I can be anybody I want to be. I don't have any rules to follow; I don't need to live up to anyone's realistic expectations of me…it's just a nice way to leave my conventional life back down in Sacramento behind for a bit. There, everyone knows me as 'sweet and proper little innocent Sarah.' I can't stand it honestly. This is simply a way for me to unwind and get in touch with another side of myself, as silly as that sounds," Sarah admitted.

She waited for Jareth to laugh or make fun of her somehow, but neither of those things happened. Instead, what he said surprised her.

"I completely understand what you mean," Jareth replied.

"You do?" Sarah asked as she looked to Jareth.

"Yes," he responded. "I wholly agree that sometimes taking a break from reality is necessary. I abhor the idea of a mundane life."

"Exactly. And don't you ever just get tired of trying to please people all the damn time? And trying to live up to someone's expectations? It's exhausting."

"Yes, I would know all about trying to live up to one's expectations," Jareth said in a bitter tone. "It never got me anywhere either."

Sarah's stomach dropped when Jareth said this. She knew what he was referring to and she couldn't help but feel bad all of a sudden. She never really took into consideration how he must have felt after she rejected him. She was a kid back then for crying out loud, so she assumed all was fine with him, but the resentment in his voice just then told her otherwise.

"I'm...I'm sorry, Jareth," Sarah said softly.

"For what?" he asked harshly.

"For being a brat back then? For upsetting you? I don't know, you tell me what it is I did wrong. Clearly it's something."

Jareth sighed. "What do you want me to say, Sarah? That you always try to paint me as the villain to vindicate your own actions? Even this evening, I show up and you assume the worst of me right away."

"Do you blame me?" Sarah responded. "We didn't exactly end things on a good note between us. Plus, you tried killing me on several occasions that night you know. So that isn't fair of you to say."

"Still saying that same line are you?" Jareth retorted. "You should know I was only acting in the capacity that you wanted. Nothing would have ever really harmed you, I wouldn't have allowed that. Don't be so naive."

Sarah clamped her mouth shut after his words. She supposed they both harbored some ill feelings towards one another in some fashion. How was so he good at making her feel like the jerk? Sarah sighed heavily.

"You know it's funny…," she began saying moments later, smiling to herself. "Earlier you called people here adventurous. Well. I come here seeking adventure…because…because of you..."

Sarah couldn't believe she had just admitted that out loud. Damn that alcohol, she scolded herself. It made her too brazen. She was supposed to be slightly annoyed with Jareth, but she felt obligated to say something nice. The water was hardly helping her either, and she'd need to have about eight glasses to sober up completely again. She waited for Jareth to say something and turned to him when he didn't. She found him smiling at her, and was surprised when it wasn't some cocky-ass smile. Instead, it was a light hearted one and it made her relax a little.

"Is that so? Could that possibly have anything to do with the Labyrinth?" he asked. Jareth didn't quite expect to hear that Sarah came here to feel some type of emotion that she felt from her time in the Labyrinth. This made him feel something inside; something heartfelt. He chided himself and told himself to snap out of whatever haze he was in and focus on his mission. That was hard to do though; this woman sitting across from him was making him feel all sorts of different emotions and he hated that.

Sarah looked down at her hands and began fidgeting with her fingernails. She nodded slowly and bit her lip.

"You don't realize how I felt after that night. It was as though everything in my life became dull and boring; I saw everything in black and white when I wanted color. I carried on with my life, and it's been good, don't get me wrong. But about five years ago, when I broke up with my boyfriend of four years, I drove up here one night just to get away. I found this lodge and sat here, at this bar, when a guy came up to me. We chatted and hit it off well, and something inside me went off and I craved something outside of normalcy. So, you can guess what happened next. After the first time, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about myself, I mean, I just had sex with a total stranger. But it also felt… so exhilarating. After that, it kind of became addicting. Not in a way where I turned into a total sex fiend, but addicting enough to get a kick out of it and escape everyday life.

I know this sounds totally pathetic- getting laid to experience a euphoric feeling. I mean, how sad right? But playing a role, being someone else and knowing I have a type of power over men... I don't know, it's just exciting." Sarah took a deep breath. "Obviously no one knows I do this…I just tell my friends I'm going to visit my family in San Francisco for the weekend. I guess a part deep down inside myself feels a little ashamed for being this cavalier about sex, but. That's what it is, just sex. It doesn't mean anything to me, I just enjoy the thrill. Don't get me wrong, of course there's the occasional terrific sex I'll come across, but…being thirty now, I can't help but sometimes imagine how nice it might be to just experience the rapture and passion I crave so badly, with just one person. I'm just worried it will never be enough, so I avoid relationships and continue doing this. That's why I'm not married."

Jareth was baffled that Sarah had just opened up to him and told him all of this. He wasn't sure how the conversation had taken them here this quick and he expected Sarah to be more resilient, but he appreciated her transparency nonetheless. He also felt odd in knowing how similar they were, for he too felt the same way at times; wanting to get away and play the part of someone else to escape reality. He found it to be an invigorating activity, and he had absolutely no judgements towards Sarah for doing it as well. He could tell she was a genuine soul, and he suddenly felt a little bad for trying to simply get it in with her and take advantage of her tendencies, especially after she had told him all of that. There was so much more to her that he wanted to explore now. He set his cigarette down and put his hand on top of Sarah's. She gasped at his touch, and turned to him again when he started to speak.

"Sarah. For someone who has lived as long as I have, allow me to offer you some advice: never feel as though you have to be a certain way to adhere to someone else's standards in society. While it may seem like the right or normal thing to do, it doesn't always benefit you in the end. It seems to me like you've done a good job at this thus far, yet there's a part of you who is still so skeptical and worried what the outside world would think. I say, fuck them. I understand this is a side to yourself you like to keep private, and that is completely your prerogative. I know my words came out harsh earlier when I mentioned how others might view you, but I intended it to mean that their opinions are worthless. You're a grown woman, and whatever makes you happy and fulfilled is all that matters. I do hope that someday though, you'll find someone who appreciates this side of you and won't pass judgement over you for it. You're different and were touched by magic at a young age so I do not blame you for wanting some kind of euphoria in life. You're special, Sarah. Embrace it."

Sarah couldn't believe Jareth had said all of that to her, considering they were giving each other a hard time only moments ago. But now he seemed so genuine with his words, and she wasn't sure what to make of it. Was he trying to take advantage of her sudden vulnerability? Had she made the wrong decision by opening up to him? She hardly knew him after all, yet here she was talking to him as if they've been friends for a while, and she even found herself enjoying telling him everything. When had their conversation taken this unexpected turn?

"Why didn't you ever come back?" Sarah abruptly asked.

Jareth didn't need to ask Sarah what she meant by that. He knew, for he had the same question. "I thought you loathed me and I didn't wish to upset you. Why didn't you ever call out for me?"

Sarah looked down. "The same reason, I guess. I assumed you hated me. There were times when I wanted to talk, to just…make things right. But, you're a king and you had better things to do. Well, or so I thought anyway. I had no idea you took so much time off from your duties," she said chuckling.

"Even kings need a break," Jareth responded.

She looked at Jareth then; really looked at him. Who was he underneath all this glamour and facade? She of course knew what he really looked like, but she was suddenly more curious about the real Jareth and what made him tick. He was so handsome, Sarah thought. Maybe she had been unfair to him and judged him too harshly. Perhaps he wasn't as bad as she thought, and she misunderstood him? Her mind swiftly turned to thoughts of what it would feel like having him touch and kiss her body, and she began to feel the center between her legs pool with wetness.

Sarah felt herself blush and moved her hand away from Jareth's and cleared her throat. "Um… It's getting late. I should probably head up to my room."

Jareth smiled as he noticed Sarah's subtle change in demeanor and how her breathing had become a little more rampant; her skin looked even more flushed now than earlier; and she had clenched her thighs again. He didn't know where her mind was at exactly, but he could smell the pheromones emanating from her, which indicated she was certainly thinking of something interesting. He wasn't about to let her go that easily. Not after that barrier they just crossed, one where he suddenly wanted to forego his initial plan for he craved her in an entirely different way now.

"Must you go?" Jareth asked in a low voice. "I'm rather enjoying myself sitting here talking with you. Perhaps we could visit with one another for just a bit longer?"

Sarah laughed lightly. "I don't know…I have to wake up early to drive back home tomorrow," she said trying to make up an excuse.

"Let me buy us another round, Sarah. I could use another scotch, and that spritzer of yours is getting low. Why don't you just drink on it?"

Sarah thought about it for a few seconds, and decided she really didn't want to leave quite yet and she had no idea why. She wanted to rip his head off only thirty minutes ago! She just hadn't expected to enjoy talking to Jareth for these past several minutes and the realization put her on edge a little. Oh what the hell, she thought and flashed Jareth a shy smile. "Fine. One more drink."

"That's the spirit," Jareth said.

He called over the bartender again and Sarah peeked at her cell phone to see what time it was- 11:30 PM. She knew the bar was going to be shutting down soon. Damn, she thought. She forgot everything closes so early here. Normally by now she'd be closing the deal with a guy and would be heading up to her room soon with him. Maybe she and Jareth could take their conversation elsewhere later? Hmm. Sarah forcibly told herself to not think that way; Jareth more than likely wouldn't be interested in taking this any further she thought despondently. Or would he? She'd have to test the waters a bit to find out.

The bartender set their drinks down, shaking Sarah of her thoughts. Jareth picked up his glass and said, "To arch enemies becoming friends."

Sarah grinned, and clinked her glass lightly against Jareth's. "I'll toast to that." The two sipped their drinks and Sarah was beginning to feel a little frisky.

"So…Jareth," Sarah purred. "There weren't any despairing mortal women who caught your interest tonight?"

Jareth smirked at Sarah. "I'm afraid I found myself a bit…blasé about tonight's choices. If you could point me in the right direction as to where I might find one though…that would be very noble of you."

Sarah raised one of her eyebrows and smirked back. "Surely you don't need my help in that department. For someone who comes here so often, I figured you'd know all the hot spots."

"Though it would be appreciated, I don't necessarily need your help, Precious," Jareth said as he grinned. "I get around just fine on my own."

So much arrogance, Sarah thought. And she found herself suddenly liking it. "I'll bet you do."

Somewhere within the last few seconds, Jareth had begun leaning closer to Sarah. She took in his masculine scent which was laced with the spice of scotch, and her stomach seemed to curl in on itself as his thigh pressed against hers, solid and warm.

"Such a pity what happened to your suitor," Jareth said. "You must be so disappointed with his ineptitude to keep up with you."

"I know, damn him. Leaving me here all alone to fend myself off from the likes of you."

"It could be worse; I could be that older man who is currently passed out in that booth in the corner."

Sarah turned to look at the corner Jareth was referring to and laughed. There, in the dark corner of the lounge, was the fifty year old man who attempted to hit on Sarah earlier. He was repulsive, Sarah thought.

"He's not so bad," Sarah lied. "He might even be my type, if I gave him the chance."

Jareth shook his head slightly. "I think you need someone a little more proficient in the game of carnality. He would certainly pass out right on top of you."

"Well then," Sarah said. "Perhaps you should point me in the right direction as to where I can find someone of that stature."

All Jareth could do was look at Sarah lasciviously. His face got nearer to hers, and she gulped. Her gaze drifted from his eyes to his mouth, not more than inch from hers, and she breathed heavily.

Out of nowhere, the bartender came strolling to Jareth and Sarah and said, "Last call, guys. We're closing down in thirty."

Jareth backed away from Sarah slowly and finished off the rest of his drink and lapped his lips in a salacious way, leaving Sarah flustered.

"So Sarah," he started to say. "Shall we take this conversation to your place or mine?"

"This place is closing down
But I don't wanna quit
Gotta good thing going girl
Let's find out what it is"

I love this song :D Stay tuned. Things are about to get a little more tender and...heated. ;)