A/N: I know it's been a while! I've gotten some excellent suggestions from my reviews and I'd love to thank Magik Sause Of Death, London Bai and Diane Hart, Helena Desjardins, tomoe-gozen52, Danalas the Lady Chaos, and MyraValhallah for your suggestions and also everyone else who reviewed.

But yeah, I know it's been quite some time so I made this chapter extra long. Anyway, enjoy the new chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth or any of its characters and I'm not making any money off of this.

Chapter Seven

"Sarah dear, I know you're busy with college life but have you met a special someone yet?"

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Jareth stiffen once more and then continue the last few steps towards my family. He set the suitcases on the ground and held out his hand to my father, introducing himself with, "Hello Mr. Williams. I'm-"

"He's my boyfriend. Dad, Karen, Toby, this is Jareth."

For a ridiculously noisy and crowded airport, the air seemed to grow thick with silence around us. Two matching shocked faces and Toby's look of confusion stared back at me. I looked to Jareth to see how he was faring and… Damn him! He couldn't have looked more smug. He held his hand out to my Dad, breaking the tension.

"Good afternoon Mr. Williams and Mrs. Williams. I apologize for not alerting you before hand that Sarah invited me. It was very last minute. But if my presence makes either of you uncomfortable-"

Karen interrupted him.

"Oh no dear, it's fine! Really, we're just a little surprised is all. Sarah, why didn't you tell us you had a boyfriend?"

Was it possible to physically feel the immense self-satisfaction radiating off of His Royal Highness? If it was, all that radar equipment must be going haywire in the air traffic control room. Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the six o'clock news. Tonight's headlines include a disastrous day at the local airport, where eye-witnesses claim to have seen airplanes crashing in mid air. The suspects are, of course, rogue teletubbies, Spartans, and the Goblin King…

Okay so maybe not like that. But truthfully, that's all my mind could think of. What kind of excuse would work here inner voice? Lost their phone number? No, you used to live at the house. Busy with college life? They call you every Friday dumb ass! You don't have to be rude! Sorry…

But of course, my quick wit came to my rescue yet again.

"Umm…"

Nice going quick wit…

The silence continued until Toby's small voice shattered the tension…

"But Sarah, I thought you didn't like the Goblin King? You said he was a-"

I shot Toby a warning look and he fell silent but not before I sent out a mental thanks to whoever blessed me with the subject change and Karen taking notice of his words.

"Goblin King? Goodness Sarah, are you still reading Toby that same story?"

"It's his favorite story Karen. And trust me, I tried to get him interested in other stories."

Toby nodded his head vigorously in agreement and I couldn't help but feel thankful that Karen and Dad hadn't made the connection between the Goblin King and Jareth. A far stretch for them, obviously, but still Toby talked about the book enough. The kid wouldn't take no for an answer! I tried introducing him to that Lightning Thief series, Harry Potter, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and everything else in the fantasy/fiction sections of the numerous bookstores surrounding my college. The kid's as stubborn as me,I thought fondly.

With an awkward silence still plaguing our group, Jareth stole the opportunity to wrap his arm around my waist and pull me a bit closer to him and because of our deal, I couldn't punch him in the jaw for it. Damn. Although I noticed with satisfaction, my Dad's forced smile twitched a bit. I had a feeling if Jareth went any further, Dad would make the weekend a living hell for him.

"Well I think we've lingered in the airport long enough. If we keep standing here they'll probably mark us as loiterers or terrorists." I half-heartedly joked. I eased myself from Jareth's grasp and went to grab the nearest suitcase only to find my wrist encased in his gloved fingers.

"Don't worry love, I'll carry the luggage."

Behind him Karen made an Aww! face. Great. Already she was eating out of his palm. I forced a smile and walked ahead with Toby and Karen, Toby telling me how he planned on staying up all night to catch the elusive Easter Bunny.

"Yeah! I'm gonna drink that weird black stuff that Dad always has in the kitchen. That's s'posed to keep ya awake, right Sarah?"

"That's coffee, Tobes. And I dare you to drink it black. No sugar, creamer, milk, or anything else! Then we'll see how long you can handle staying awake."

"You're on!"

With the car loaded, Dad started the car and the forty-mile drive. Toby and I buckled up tightly and held hands for a moment, said a quick prayer and returned to our normal positions. Jareth's quizzical expression prompted me to explain. "My dad drives like a squirrel on energy drinks." Another puzzled face. "He's a bad driver and we always pray for our lives before we start our journey because it may be our last." I finished ominously. Maybe those acting classes weren't a complete waste after all. And Jareth looked thoroughly nervous now. He muttered, "And I thought you were a bad driver." I shot him a glare and was about to retaliate but my father cut in.

"Sarah Elizabeth Williams! You will not slander my driving skills! Besides, when have I ever endangered anyone else's life?"

"You hit old Mrs. Parker during her morning walk."

"That doesn't count. She was moving way too slow in that wheelchair."

"She was in the wheelchair after you hit her!"

And thus the ride continued. A few near misses with very large cement trucks and one terrifying duck-related incident, ended with our relatively intact arrival at my old home. Jareth continued to endear himself to my parents by opening the door for Toby and I and of course carrying all of the luggage into the house by himself. He acted the part of a perfect gentleman; witty, charming, and well-spoken.

As I went upstairs to unpack, I could hear Karen sharing old stories and news with Jareth who laughed in all the right places and offered sound advice when asked. He even wowed my father by fixing the garbage disposal (which I know he did with magic!) which had been jammed for two weeks. Not to mention he shared stories of his own with Toby, who looked nothing less than enraptured with tales of Bushy the Bearded Goblin and his adventures through treacherous oubliettes and Bandit Territory in search of shaving cream and a razor (Karen and Dad enjoyed the story too). Even my old dog Merlin seemed to claim Jareth's lap as his headrest.

Dare I say it? It was sweet how Jareth fit in with the family. And though I'd never admit this to anyone, even under pain of death, I didn't feel to urge to castrate Jareth when he pressed a kiss to my cheek or wrapped an arm around me as we sat. We acted the part of the sweetest couple and the evening turned out to be more pleasant than I expected. You like this… my mind whispered. No I don't! It just wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be. Sure toots. In the meantime, I'll be ogling the eye-candy who's making your family fall in love with him TO IMPRESS YOU!

Everything I do…

Karen's yell from the dining room halted my mind's mental rant.

"Alright, dinner's ready! You three go ahead to the table. Sarah will you help me in the kitchen?"

Dad and Toby left for the table and Karen went back into the kitchen. I made to move myself from Jareth's arms when he pulled me back down with a mischievous grin. "Jareth," I warned. "Karen-"

"-will not mind if it takes you a few extra moments to get to the kitchen." He finished for me. "Besides, I've been a good King this evening haven't I? I think," Jareth purred in my ear. "I deserve a reward." He finished huskily. His mismatched eyes seemed to glow in the dimmed room. I desperately ignored the warm sensations spreading from my head to my toes and fought to retain my dignity.

"Ok I admit that you've behaved yourself. But since you blackmailed me into doing this, this is your reward!"

"Such a harsh word love."

"Harsh or not, it fits. You've done nothing to deserve an extra bonus here."

"The night is still young Precious. Perhaps by the end of this evening I will."

I snorted in an un-lady like fashion which earned a reprimanding glare from Jareth. "I seriously doubt-"

"Sarah? Are you coming?"

"Yeah, I'm coming Karen."

I shot up out of Jareth's arms before he could grab at me again. Feeling childishly triumphant, I stuck my tongue out at him. He simply smiled bemusedly as one would at a stubborn child. Why did I have the feeling this wasn't over?

Shaking my head at my paranoia, I made my way to the interesting smells of the kitchen. And I say interesting because there are no other words to describe those aromas in the English language. Karen had never been a fantastic cook, I learned that early on. But it looked as if she had outdone herself.

"Oh dear. Is the roast too charred to eat?" Karen asked worriedly, gesturing to a shapeless black lump which I assumed was a beautiful choice cut of meat in its' past life. I took a small sniff in its direction and quickly withdrew. We took a long look at each other and in unison we said, "Takeout?"

"The takeout menus are over there Sarah. And all we really need is a main entrée. The steamed vegetables and potatoes came out fine."

I flipped through the menus and decided that a large order of orange chicken would suffice. But before I could reach for the phone, Karen spoke out again.

"You know, I wouldn't have burned the roast if I hadn't been so interested in your boyfriend's stories!"

She turned and winked at me. Oh dear. She loved him already! She better not start pulling out the bridal magazines again, showing me which dresses were the latest fashions and best prices.

"That man is gorgeous! Not to mention sweet, charming…" She rambled.

"If you really think so, you can have him." I only half joked. But she laughed anyway.

"Oh Sarah, I'm just so happy for you! He's a perfect gentleman, great with Toby, and goodness, have you seen the way he looks at you? He's got it bad honey!"

What in the world?

"What are you talking about?"

"Look, I don't know much about the two of you in your relationship. I don't even know how long you've been dating. However, I do know a man in love when I see one. And Sarah, I know that you've had trouble dating in the past. But this guy seems genuine. And I'm amazed at how he's managed to gain acceptance from your father and Toby in one evening! You know how protective those two are of you."

Jareth loved me? I mean, I knew he was interested in me. But I always assumed it was more of a 'I must conquer the one who conquered me' kind of thing or just purely sexual. Or hell, even an, 'I must annoy Sarah at every opportunity!' I'd never thought of the possibility that he may genuinely care for me. I stood stunned in the kitchen before a pot of slightly burnt potatoes were thrust into my hands.

"Come on dear. Those men are hungry!"

**SCENE**

After what was left of the roast had been thrown away and the takeout orange chicken showed up, dinner had been perfect. Dessert consisted of frozen Easter Candy left over from last year (it's still good people!) and for our entertainment we made Toby attempt his first ever cup of black coffee to stay up for the Easter Bunny… who promptly spit out the black substance and ran to the bathroom claiming he had to cleanse his mouth of the demon juice. Jareth then surprised us all with a special hot chocolate recipe that he whipped up in the kitchen (I suspect magic) and we all sat on the back porch, enjoying the few stars still in view. Jareth positioned me on his lap and surprisingly, I had no objections this time.

Karen bid us goodnight minutes later and Dad followed with a sleeping Toby in his arms. Poor kid didn't even make it past eleven p.m. Jareth and I sat in silence while I swirled the remaining dregs of my delicious hot cocoa.

"Something on your mind, Precious?"

I smiled gently into my empty cup.

"If I tell you, do you promise not to mock me for forever?"

He leaned in and whispered, "Forever isn't that long at all, now is it?"

I groaned. Well it had to be said eventually.

"Okay. Understand that this is extremely difficult for me to say."

His poofy head bobbed out of the corner of my eye. I took that as confirmation.

"Thank you."

He looked at me in mock amazement. I couldn't help but giggle at his wide-eyed owl impression.

"I must have glitter in my ear. What did you say Sarah?"

I rolled my eyes and pecked him on the cheek. "Thank you Jareth."

"Whatever for?"

"Nuh uh! Don't make me go into details, then everything will get all mushy and who knows what will happen next."

He flashed his canines at me, as if he was imagining exactly what would happen next (which knowing the Goblin King, he probably was). I rose from his lap and gave a cat-like stretch, noticing the way his eyes followed my shirt when it creeped up to expose my flat stomach (and not necessarily hating it either). Good Lord, what was happening to me? One minute I'm about ready to chuck His Nibs out the highest window of the Empire State building while praying that his ability to fly is temporarily disbanded, and the next I'm thanking him and even doing a bit of flirting of my own? Just because Karen mentioned that he might love me?

"Ok! Well, it's been a long day. I bid thee goodnight Goblin King. And sorry, but all the rooms are taken so you'll have to bunk on the couch in the living room for the night."

My face grew heated as he continued his obvious appraisal of me. It should be illegal for one man to ooze that much sex appeal at a time!

"I'm sure your room would have plenty of room for-"

"Ahem."

I glanced up to see Dad leaning against the door frame to the house with 'Overprotective Father' stamped across his face. His voice carried a cool authoritative tone to it, also known to me as the 'Don't you dare mess with me, I rule this house' tone.

"Jareth we have rules here. No significant others allowed upstairs. And it'll be the same thing for Toby when he starts dating." He threw in for good measure in case I argued. As if! I could barely deal with Jareth in non-bedroom territory fully clothed. Bedrooms would be a dangerous boundary to cross with him. Jareth nodded at my dad and gave a good-natured smile.

"Of course Mr. Williams. I'll say goodnight then to you both. And sweet dreams Sarah."

He pressed his lips lightly to my forehead and sidestepped my father on his way to the house. Surprisingly, Dad smiled after him. I just looked on, a bit of a shocked expression lingering on my face.

"What? I still like that guy! Nice job Sar. Goodnight sweetheart."

Maybe that hot chocolate was spiked…

**SCENE**

Midnight rolled around just as I stepped out of the shower in my old room. I wrapped myself in a green towel and dried off quickly, my hair haphazardly drying in wavy patterns. I changed into comfy flannel pajama pants and a large David Bowie shirt and fished my ipod out from my purse. With "White Room" by Cream blasting in my ears, I took me a while to notice the black, hairy thing that scurried over my pillow.

"AAAIIIEEEEEE!"

I honestly didn't expect anyone to come rushing to me. Dad, Karen and Toby could sleep through hurricanes. But several handfuls of glitter later, Jareth appeared wild-eyed and holding a crystal, ready for battle. He turned to find me sitting in the corner, paralyzed with fear.

"Sarah! What happened?"

If I hadn't been terrified, I would have thought it sweet how he pushed my hair out of my face and held my hand. Too bad I barely noticed it. Instead, with my free hand I pointed to my pillow and the Black Thing moved an inch to the right.

I gave another little shriek. Jareth lightly tossed a crystal at the hellish creature and it was swallowed up, never to be seen again.

My breathing slowly returned to normal and I could feel the embarrassment settling in my cheeks. Jareth took one long look at me and settled into the small chair at my old vanity. "Let me get this straight," He began conversationally. I braced myself for humiliation.

"You faced my Labyrinth, including dark oubliettes, Fireys, the Bog of Eternal Stench, a rather dashing but dark King," He ticked off on his fingers and smirked at me when he mentioned the last one.

"You successfully moved out of your parent's house and faced the world on your own at a young age of 18 now 19…"

I nodded, not really liking where this was going.

"…And you've dealt with the insane lunatics that plague our apartment complex for the last year. And you're telling me that the mere sight of a spider sends you into a catatonic state?" He finished mockingly. Okay. No more Miss Nice Sarah. Time to bring out the fangs.

"Hey! No judging! They happen to be extremely cunning and freaky. They can sense fear, I swear! And they go straight for the jugular! Haven't you seen all of the horror movies?"

He really tried to hold it in, I know. But soon he was doubled over howling with laughter and clutching those well-defined abs (not that I paid any attention to those). I merely scowled. There wasn't much else I could do. I felt like a little tough kitty who'd been de-clawed and all I could do was growl. Jareth wiped tears the tears from his eyes and gradually worked himself into a calm state.

"Well, you've had your fun. Goodnight Jareth."

"Precious, you know I-"

"Yes I know Jareth! You didn't really mean it, you have to admit it was funny, I didn't mean to offend you, yada yada yada yada! Spiders are damn freaky and they can all die for all I care. Now it's after one in the morning and I know Toby's going to burst in here at an unholy hour to hunt for the eggs, so will you please leave so I can sleep? Thanks for getting rid of the spider and I will see you in the morning." I finished tersely. Jareth continued regarding me momentarily and the mischievous grin returned once again. Shit.

"You know Sarah dearest, this act of valor should very well earn me that reward."

"You're kidding right? Please Jareth, I'm too tired to deal with this right now."

"Ah ah Sarah! I deserve payment for facing your nightmare for you. For willingly placing myself into an eight-legged hell hole of danger, for-"

My head hurt too much to deal with this so I quickly cut him off.

"If I give you a 'reward', will you let me sleep?"

"Gladly. I would very much appreciate a goodnight kiss from you Sarah. A proper one. Then I will leave you to retire." He finished in triumph, folding his hands deviously in front of him.

Ugh. How did I know he'd manipulate this situation in this direction? Meanwhile, my inner voice started a conga line in celebration. Not that you can blame me… the inner voice chirped. He's freakin' hot! I sighed in defeat, but the butterflies in my stomach refused to settle down.

"Just one kiss?"

"Unless you want more of course. I'd be happy to oblige you Sarah." He murmured. He rose from my vanity with a predatory glean in his eye. I nervously took a step back, but the brief look of hurt that flashed across his face held me still. He stalked closer to my form until my neck strained in looking up at him. Jareth backed me slowly into the wall, his hands on my hips and his eyes never leaving mine. Normally, I'd be uncomfortable with this kind of intimate staring contest, but now it felt almost right.

Jareth first pressed his lips to my forehead, as he had done earlier. Then he moved across my eyelids, cheeks, and jaw line. I melted at his gentle touch and was thankful for his weight pressing me against the wall otherwise my knees would have given out. His velvet lips continued their path to the corner of my mouth, his hands wandering to the small of my back, pressing me close to his firm body. He pulled his face just inches from mine, our bodies still fused together. My heart pounded in excitement and my lips ached in unfulfilment. This is ithe's going to kiss me!

My eyes fluttered closed with a small satisfied sigh. I leaned up ever so slightly into his warm, waiting lips only to feel air. I lifted my heavy lids to see Jareth smiling sadly down on me and I countered with a look of confusion. He sighed.

"Precious, you don't know how much I want to finished what we've started."

Hell yeah! Then do it! My inner voice chimed in and honestly, I wanted to disagree but found I couldn't.

"But try as I might, I can't disregard your father's rules of the house." Jareth ground out in mild frustration. I don't know what I had expected but it certainly wasn't that.

"You're kidding, right? YOU are concerned about my father's RULES? That's just as rich as my phobia of spiders!" And I promptly doubled over with laughter, much as Jareth had done moments ago.

He waited until my moment of insanity passed to press his fingers beneath my chin and look me square in the eye, green meeting mismatched.

"Your family has been nothing but generous to me, something I hadn't expected. I wish to honor your father's wishes. For now anyway." Jareth smirked.

"So I can assume this isn't over?"

"Not until the heavy lady sings."

"It's fat, Jareth. Not until the fat lady sings."

"Yes but my version was the 'politically correct' one."

Laughter erupted quietly between us and I loved it. This Jareth I could get used to. Maybe getting poofed onto Jareth's lap a few days ago wasn't such a bad thing after all. With a final whisper of, "Goodnight," Jareth vanished with a small puff of glitter and left me to my even more jumbled than usual thoughts.

A/N: 1...2...3... Darn! So close ;) Thanks for reading and please Review! I hope I did your suggestions justice.