Number 93: Give up

"Give up. You'll never beat me."

Jareth shot Sarah a disparaging glance. "I never give up."

"You could always ask Hoggle, Ludo, or Sir Didymus for help." Sarah suggested, she thought helpfully.

"Absolutely not," he scoffed. "I don't need the help of the bungling crew of idiots you call friends. It's cheating."

"Making friends isn't cheating - it's a skill. There's even a book, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People'. You should read it."

His eyes shot heavenward before sliding to her in exasperation. As if reconsidering, he paused before giving her a slow once over, his lips curving into a smug smile. "I have other skills, precious."

She had no doubt. Choosing not to linger on it, she wandered off leaving him to find his own way. As an afterthought, she called out over her shoulder. "Be careful of the pond - Hoggle pees in it."

"Thank you for that delightful mental image."

"I aim to please," she replied cheerily.

Moments later, the thoughts she had told her self not to linger on were interrupted. "Damn! Blasted fairies!"

Sarah couldn't help but smile. "Having trouble?"

"Only minor. Although, I never quite tire of the sight of you on the ground with your skirts over your head." Sarah rolled her eyes.

"What was it you called this again?"

"Nintendo."

"Whatever it is, it's disgraceful." He tossed the controller down on the couch as he stood. "This is nothing like my Labyrinth."

"Well, the one concession is that you're considerably nicer at the end." Sarah replaced the lid on a pot of simmering red sauce on the stove. Turning to face him, she leaned against the counter crossing her arms over her chest. "Amazed and welcoming, in fact."

Navigating the short distance from the living room to the kitchen, Jareth came to a stop in front of her, mimicking her stance. "You constantly amaze me, Sarah." Reaching out, he let one finger trail along her jaw line before cupping her chin, his eyes searching hers. "How was I not welcoming?" he asked, his voice soft and low as he leaned in closer. "I could be considerably more welcoming if you'd quit being so stubborn."

She held his gaze, refusing to be moved. "I don't hook up with losers. You can't even get through your own Labyrinth."

Jareth sighed, letting his hand drop. "How long?"

"An hour, maybe."

"Hardly 13, but I can work with it."

Sarah smiled as she set the table. Jareth was sprawled across the couch, one leg draped over the arm, completely engrossed. Men, Fae kings or not, could always be counted on – so easily distracted by toys.

---oO0Oo---

Author's Note:

Just a little scene that popped in my head - not fully hashed out or heavily edited. For those of you not familiar with it, this was inspired by the Labyrinth NES game. Sadly, it was only released in Japan, but you can download it and play it online for free. Those fairies will get you every time. And it amuses me that when Sarah dies, she falls down with her little feet kicking in the air.

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