A very warm thank you to SebastienMichaelis'sdaughter (yes, Jareth does feel very disappointed) and to BurningThoughts (I hope to continue eliciting that sort of response from readers) for their comments.

The song at the end of this chapter is Dark Waltz by Hayley Westenra

Chapter 7: Dirty Danger

Sarah had been working as a waitress for nearly six months now. Simple Servings was a family-owned restaurant just a block and a half from her house. With the savings she was building she would be able to afford her own apartment within the year. It had been almost two years since she'd visited the Goblin Kingdom. Becoming wrapped up in her mortal life she had nearly forgotten the King's offer of mate-hood, if it could be called that. Deciding to attend a college for dramatic studies she was seriously considering a career in acting. Her experience in school plays looked great and her love of fantasy was a strong plus.

Despite her promise she had given very little thought to anything farther than two months ahead. A pleasant boy friend of hers had asked if she wanted to date him but the same dark fear that had filled her at the thought of Hoggle's possible love had consumed her. She'd politely turned him down. Life was stressful but not unmanageable. Toby was growing rapidly. His first word, to the surprise of all, especially Sarah had been Jareth although it came out more like 'Wareth'. Someone else hadn't forgotten the Labyrinth. She'd miss her family immensely if she became the Goblin Queen, even her stepmother who was trying to be the best guardian she knew how to be despite her easy temper. Life had returned to normal since Sarah had settled back into mortal routines. Excluding the occasional lonely moments when she longed for the mysterious ways and affections of a certain blond King.

Living without Sarah had been hard at first but gradually the Goblin King had gone about his business. The irritating connection, only strengthened by her reappearance continued to plague his feelings. Once in a while he would be forced into reverie in the underground where he could release his true self as much as he required. Repeated disturbances in the far reaches of the Kingdom kept him busy. Rebel goblins and other magic folk had created a radical clique whose soul goal was to enslave younglings. Their doctrine described those of magical abilities to be far above those of other physical realms giving them a right to toy and experiment. Such an uprising was detrimental to peace and stability as it was not uncommon for those of royalty to take mortal mates. Jareth and the other kingdoms were threatening those who ventured toward this group as committing treason, punishable by magical imprisonment leading to death.

The army arrangements kept him up at all hours, discussing plans with the surrounding kingdoms. Since they were small and diverse the members were difficult to track down and even harder to imprison. Their leaders were fairly well-practiced creatures determined to have revenge on mortals that had caused them pain. Emotions are cursed. Jareth decided. Maybe it is better if I leave this Sarah thing alone.

He was woken far before the Star Pixies had begun their evening courtship dance by Celbri magicing herself into his room, hair tussled and clothes dishevelled. Having gone to bed only a candlemark before Jareth was extremely irritated by the interruption.

"Celbri."

"I know your highness and I'm terribly sorry but I thought you'd be far angrier if I didn't tell you right away!" Blinking the sleep from his eyes Jareth could see her pale face glowing. This must be important.

"What is it?"

"The Mortal Snatchers. They have chosen a specific target, one who relates to you."

"But I have n…" His throat shut, face turning the colour of parchment.

"They're going after Sarah. This is defiantly war, she's your."

"No she's not. It's not official. They could go after her and it wouldn't violate any rules. I can't send anyone to protect her either; loyalties are hard to judge these days." He paced the cold floor in thought. "I'll have to go and watch over her myself."

"But what about your army, your plans?"

"The plans are in motion Celbri. I will put together an emergency counsel to handle overall decisions. Anything major will be reported directly to me understand?"

"Yes sir."

"And I want you to deliver them, and attend the counsel sessions as a servant. If I can trust anyone it's you." She glowed pleasantly. "Now, take care of things while I'm gone."

"Shouldn't you get some sleep first?"

"How did you come about this information?"

"I heard it from one of the suspect goblins."

"Have him arrested. No, continue to listen to him. Any information is good information."

She nodded.

"Now, I have to get myself as close to Sarah as possible, that will take some time so it's best if I start immediately. Farewell Celbri."

"Take care my King."

A grin and a flip of his hand signalled his departure.

A banging outside woke Sarah early the next Saturday morning. A tall young man who looked to be around twenty stood underneath her bedroom window. His long black hair was tied back in a ponytail, dress shirt untucked from his black jeans. His skin was pale and high cheek bones made his face very angular. His body was slim but muscled. Her hormones reacted accordingly. He was eye candy of the arousing sort.

Opening her window Sarah poked her head out. "What do you want?"

"Nice way to welcome a stranger." His grin was irritatingly familiar.

"Welcome, now why are you waking me up this early on a weekend?"

"I just moved in and wondered if you wouldn't mind showing me around sometime."

"One usually waits until a decent hour then rings the doorbell." She grinned back at him, this playful banter oddly comforting.

"Well I've heard so much about you I simply couldn't wait."

"What have you heard?" Her heart was lighter than it had ever been in the mortal realm.

"Come down and I'll tell you." He strode away from the window, disappearing among the foliage.

Dressing quickly in one of her nicer outfits Sarah didn't contemplate the emotions surging through her and how this man's presence wasn't alien. Slipping quietly out of the front door Sarah made her way to the back of the house, searching for this strange person. She found him seated by the river that ran along the very back of her parent's property.

"When did you get here?"

"Last night."

"Settled in already?"

"It's only me." His eyes were mesmerizing.

"You really remind me of someone I used to know."

"Don't know them anymore?" His head was cocked to one side curiously. Her memory was screaming something she couldn't quite catch.

"We haven't seen one another for quite some time now."

"Do you miss them? I guess it's probably a man."

She seated herself beside him. "Yes, I keep myself busy though. Saving up for my own apartment."

"Your acting abilities are not be taken lightly I hear."

"So that's what you've heard. They're nothing special yet. I plan on attending McLocke College; they have a professional drama program." Her loose cream shirt blew up her arms as the dawn broke lazily over the horizon.

"That's what you're going to do with your life? Act?" A trace of dark humour betrayed his overall opinion.

"Well it's what I want to do. That's the most important thing. Why am I even talking about this with you?"

He shrugged gracefully. "You sense you can trust me."

"There's something uncannily familiar about you anyway." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him closer.

"Perhaps you knew me in a past life." His smile was mocking with a trace of…regret?

"I can't put my finger on it but it'll come back to me. Now, where are you staying?"

"Just a ways up the street. I'm renting an attic from this friendly Smith's couple. Elderly."

"Yes, they always gave out the best candy at Halloween."

His eyes glazed in confusion but switched quickly to a brighter, unreadable blue. "So about this tour."

"Yes, let's wait for the sun to rise though; it's gorgeous this time of year." Bright oranges and pinks illuminated the tired sky, stars fading in the wake of a sea of gold. Propping her head on her arms Sarah lay back to absorb herself in the overwhelming beauty of nature. The man showed little interest in the sights. His eyes were on her almost constantly. His scrutiny made her skin crawl.

"Do you mind not staring, it's creepy." He averted his gaze and they sat in silence until the sun had broken completely from the surrounding hillside. "Well, hope you enjoyed." Getting to her feet she realised she didn't know his name. "It's a little rude not to introduce yourself. Did you come from the stone age?"

"I beg your pardon milady, I'm called Jeremy."

"I'm Sarah, now; I'll show you the main attractions, although those are few and far between." Smiling she helped him to his feet and they set off along the city streets.

Mortal clothes were loose and unnerving. They moved in the strangest places. Jareth found himself missing the security of his skin-tight attire. Anything could touch his skin! As people began to emerge from their houses he drew comfort from the fact that he was dressed better than most. At least I don't have to feel like a commoner as well. Sarah hadn't really changed. She was dressing better than she had in the days of the Labyrinth and her figure had matured. Her hair was just below her shoulder blades held back by crystal pins. Being near her brought back the pain and pleasure of her presence. Even walking respectably apart the connection reasserted itself like a thick chain. He was a fool if he thought he'd be able to break away cleanly.

Unsure whether or not to reveal his identity he let her lead him around her home town, indicating stores and entertainment areas. She pointed out the restaurant where she worked. Simple Servings. Part two of the plan. Her intellect was sharp, noticing the subtle clues of his behaviour. He'd worked hard on his disguise. Perhaps she still treasured his memory. The way she discussed her life to him seemed to make it apparent that she planned to remain in her mortal life. But he wouldn't think about that now. The plan was his mission. Nothing else mattered.

"Well, I think that's everything of importance. Any questions?" Her smile was the true definition of Fae innocence.

Unable to resist his nature he threw out one arm dramatically and bowed. "Only when I might see you again fair maiden." Peering up he saw her eyes had darkened. She knows. Then she smiled.

"Of course you may my fine gentleman." She curtsied beautifully. "You're quite the actor yourself."

"Whatever comes naturally. Watch out for stray goblins." He vainly hoped she might take him seriously.

"Farewell."

They parted and Jareth made his way back to Simple Servings to make some

Goblin King negotiations.

Adorned in her white blouse and black pant outfit for work Sarah entered the kitchen to put away her things and acquire a money apron. The atmosphere struck her as odd.

"Ah good morning Sarah, I trust your exam went well." The chief asked, leaning over a pan of eggs.

"Yes, thank you Bill."

"Oh, this is our new dishwasher Jeremy." He indicated the tall man from yesterday.

"Good morning Sarah." Jeremy winked.

Taken aback she collected her apron and marched out to the dining area. That was quick. Is he stalking me? His strange attitude was beginning to trigger survival instincts. No stranger should be that friendly. Deciding to keep a fair distance between them Sarah ignored his advances when she delivered dirty dishes to the bus-bin and picked up dishes from the counter. I guess his parents raised him without manners.

Jareth was horrified. The filth that was coming back to him was worse than even the chunks in the Bog of Stench. Unable to use magick in front of younglings his hands became dry and his nails clogged. By the end of the day he felt like throwing up. The Goblin King doing dishes! His mood wasn't aided by Sarah's cold attitude. He'd have to catch her on the way home and explain or else lose her. His behaviour obviously wasn't appropriate in mortal life.

As Sarah turned down her street, the sun vanishing behind the rooftops a hand reached out from a dark alley and grabbed her arm. Spinning to face it, her heart pounding in her ears Sarah recognised Jeremy. She opened her mouth to scream.

"I'm sorry, please don't! I have some explaining to do. Please listen."

"You'd better explain well or I'm going to the police." She snatched her arm back, glaring daggers at him.

"I think you know who I really am but won't let yourself believe it. I'm Jareth."

"Jareth." Anger was raising her body temperature rapidly. "I thought we agreed."

"I know, I'm sorry. There are goblins looking for you and…oh let's go some place more private, we're sure to be overheard here." Taking her hand he led her farther into the alley.

She had suspected Jeremy of being something other than what he appeared but the Goblin King had never come to mind as a possibility. Probably because picturing Jareth doing mortal tasks is unimaginable. He spun to face her again, dropping her hand and waving both in a circle in the same instant. Now the resemblance was painfully obvious.

"Alright Sarah. There are a group of creatures who consider themselves, being magical beings, far above younglings. They have taken to enslaving and experimenting on them. I heard from a reliable source that they were seriously considering going after you."

"So you couldn't send one of your minions to watch out for me?" Her voice was harsher than she'd meant it to be.

"Loyalties are difficult to judge right now as I'm sure you can understand."

And he couldn't bear for something to go wrong. Her heart screamed happily.

"Thank you Jareth, I'm glad you've been thinking of me." Smiling coyly she couldn't help breaking into a controlled fit of laughter.

"And that would be because?" The note of irritation in his voice gave her the opportunity to compose herself.

"I just can't believe you've been doing dishes all day!" If she hadn't looked so wonderful with her face lit up he might have left her to the goblins. "Are you really living with the Smiths?"

"Yes, although I had to play a few mind games to convince them that their attic was suited for greater things than junk." A tiny grin snaked onto his face and Sarah felt a wave of unexpected desire well up in her.

"You chose a gorgeous body by the way. I've already heard half the girls on the block fawning over you."

"One must always find new ways to fan the fires of ego. Now, I suppose we should both be getting home. Don't give me away; I'd like to catch some of these troublemakers."

Following another flurry of Jareth's hand-waving they strode out of the alley together, slightly closer than modesty may have allowed. Jareth swore he wouldn't bring up the choice Sarah had to make. His heart was burning, acidic worry and hope boiling inside him. Glancing at her she seemed so much more confident, ready to face anything. Gone was the girl he'd known. For that he was regretful. I don't know this woman beside me. She was a princess of fantasy in my Labyrinth. Now she's queen of a world that's leaving me behind. Breathing steadily to relieve the pain in his chest his ears didn't hear the sound until it was almost gone.

He stopped, frozen in time. Sarah halted a ways ahead, tilting her head sideways. "What are you doing? We're almost there." But he wasn't listening. His eyes had glazed over and he was heading in the opposite direction. "Jareth?" Panic began to fill her as she took off after him. Although he was not moving quickly the corners were sudden and ground becoming hard to manoeuvre. If it's magic that's got him I'm completely useless. Grabbing his arm they both came to a sharp halt in front of an old church almost two blocks over from their original destinations. "Jareth what?"

Then she heard the voice. A soprano was singing within the small church. The sound reminded Sarah of the powerful waltz she and Jareth had shared before their first kiss. Jareth's moving body pulled her into the warm interior of a church she'd never noticed before.

Let your arms enfold us
Through the dark of night
Will your angels hold us
Till we see the light

Hush, lay down your troubled mind
The day has vanished and left us behind
And the wind, whispering soft lullabies
Will soothe, so close your weary eyes

A lullaby of prayers.

Sarah observed the stone Jareth curiously, compassion overriding all previously negative emotions.

Sleep, angels will watch over you
And soon beautiful dreams will come true
Can you feel spirits embracing your soul
So dream while secrets of darkness unfold

Let your arms enfold us
Through the dark of night
Will your angels hold us
Till we see the light

As the audience in the pews began to notice their presence Jareth turned regally and walked out through the intricate oak doors. Sarah followed close on his heels. When it became apparent that he wasn't going to explain the sudden interest in mortal prayers she asserted herself.

"Did you know that song?"

"Does it matter?"

She grabbed his shoulders and forced him to look at her. "If I'm going to be your wife I have to understand you Jareth." His eyes deepened. I wish I could read those eyes.

"….My mother used to sing it when I was small. I never knew where it came from."

That alien desire was building again. Shifting her grasp she pulled his head down beside hers. "I love you." His body stiffened then relaxed. Arms wrapped around her waist and he pulled away to gaze at her. This time his expression was obvious. Love. Her heart had jumped out of her chest. She was leaning into him, their lips came together and they kissed. Her hands were on his shirt smoothing over the cotton exterior. She could feel his hard body against hers. I want him. Oh, how I want him. Controlling herself she slowly pulled away, leading him toward their houses by a firm hand.