A/N Another time jump! But a huge chapter to make up for how long it took!

The next couple of months were a whirlwind for Sarah. She was swamped at work during the week, working many late nights, and she spent many weekends ensconced in Jareth's bedchambers in The Goblin Kingdom, much to both of their delight.

For Sarah is was like having a vacation almost every weekend, with Jareth making sure she was pampered and spoiled and taken care of.

Deep inside, Sarah waited for the other shoe to drop. It was too perfect, and life wasn't perfect. Even in something as "impossible yet does exist" like another world.

As they sat on the balcony, contently gazing out over Jareth's lands after a lovely weekend of good food and better sex, Sarah sighed and turned to Jareth.

"Sooo...next weekend. I can't come here. I'm sorry." She said. "4th of July weekend is next weekend, and my parents rent a cabin by the lake. It's our traditional thing, and I can't miss it."

Jareth raised his brow. "Oh? I can certainly understand that. We have our entire lives together I don't think one weekend will destroy all we have been building here." He kissed her forehead. "I will miss you."

"Well.." she started, " I was thinking, you might like to join us. If you want to. It's no big deal."

"I don't think your father would like that." He answered. Seeing the disappointment in her eyes tore at him. "However, if you really would like me to attend, I can make arrangements for what, two nights? Your father will, as you humans say, have to get over it."

He could she was relieved. "It might be fun. I do enjoy fireworks."

"Me too." She agreed. "Can you keep up a glamour that long?"

He smirked. "Piece of cake. It's a parlor trick."

She snuggled closer and laid her head on his shoulder, content.

Friday evening after Jareth arrived, They walked to the garage and climbed into Sarah's car, settling in for the 2 hour drive to the lake resort.

It was peaceful, Jareth greatly enjoyed the simple pleasures of chatting, listening to music and looking at the scenery. While he had traveled all over the human world, he rarely had a chance to just look at it. He was always there with a purpose, a job, a human to fetch or to tempt into taking their dreams.

This time with Sarah had been a novelty, and he found it suited him. He was constantly amused by the fact he walked among people who never gave his presence a thought. No bowing, scraping, fawning. No demands or requests or begging for a moment of his time or his favor. He could breathe and not always be on guard.

"You're deep in thought.' Sarah said, breaking him out of his inner musings.

He sunk a little lower in the seat, relaxing and closing his eyes. "I am relishing in the momentary peace." The hum of the car motor made him a little sleepy.

Her laugh warmed him and made him smile. "I bet. Goblins can't be the easiest roommates. You can go ahead and nap a bit if you like. I don't mind."

"I want to keep you company." He resisted the pull towards sleep.

"No really it's fine. Driving is relaxing and I don't get to as much as I'd like. I walk most places because of the traffic." Sarah replied. "Besides, just your presence is enough. We don't always have to be talking or doing something."

He could already the heaviness that signalled he was about to enter sleep state. "If you don't mind..." he mumbled.

"Hah. sweet dreams." She said. Sarah had gotten an idea of what Jareth's daily life was like. It gave her insight into why he kicked goblins. She smiled to herself at the idea she would probably be doing the same, if she ultimately moved there.

Giving in to the temptation to take her eyes away from the road, she glanced his way and was glad to see he was fast asleep, his long lashes casting shadows on his smooth chiseled profile.

Turning her eyes back to the road, a warmth filled her at the thought of being with him all the time. It struck her as ironic that she was in the driver's seat, Jareth along for the ride, feeling like they were fast heading towards their destination, both literally and figuratively speaking.
_

"Wake up sleepy head. Well head of state really."

Jareth's eyes fluttered opened and he turned his head. "What time is it?" He wondered out loud.

Sarah glanced at her watch. "8:30 ish." She pointed out the window. "Anyway, we're here."

Jareth stretched and looked around at their surroundings. In the dimming light of sunset, he saw the were parked in front of a fairly large cottage style home, the porch light glowing, and lights on inside as well. Further down there were other homes lining what looked to be a body of water glittering gold.

"It's lovely." He told Sarah, and he meant it. The gold rays of the waning sunlight made it almost, even to him, magical.

He got out of the car and insisted she wait until he opened the car door for her. By then Karen was standing on the porch watching, grinning at the man being so gallant to her stepdaughter.

"Hi!" Sarah waved as she closed the car door and went to the trunk. Jareth had followed her and took the bags out of Sarah's hands as she removed them.

"Thanks!" She grinned at him, and he tipped his head in welcome. He was thinking it would be better to say as little as possible and merely stick to polite conversation for Sarah's sake. They needed to keep the peace among her family.

Karen opened the door as they walked up the porch stairs, and let them in then closed it after all were inside. "Sarah is here! And Jay!"

Robert came out of the kitchen. "Good to see you, Sarah." He said pointedly.

Sarah rolled her eyes inwardly and went to her father, hugging him around his waist. "Daddy..." She said in his ear, imploring him to be nice.

He hugged her back and then stepped to the blond man waiting silently. "And you of course, Jay. Welcome to our vacation home." He stuck his hand out and Jay took it readily.

"I am grateful for your hospitality, Mr. Williams." He gave him a toothy smile. He couldn't quite help himself.

Robert was a bit taken aback that Jay had such pointy feral teeth, it almost seemed a warning, and a note that Jay knew he was less than thrilled but was also willing to be cordial for Sarah's sake. They both gave each other a knowing look in silent agreement. A truce was made.

"Let me show you to your room." Karen indicated they should follow her up the stairs, which tey did.

When they stepped onto the landing of the second floor they stopped. "Down this way is the master bedroom." She pointed to the left. "As we have another, slightly smaller suite at the other end, I thought you two might like to have the larger room for the private bathroom. Robert and I will share the other with Toby down that way." She pointed back to the right and turned her head before showing them the way "Toby! Your sister and her boyfriend are here! Come say hello!" She yelled before she moved to guide Sarah and Jareth to the other side of the house.

The room was a much bigger than Sarah thought when Karen opened the double doors. It was really quite lush and reminded her of Jareth's rooms, but lighter colors. There was huge king size canopied bed in the middle, and the irony wasn't lost on her. The colors were summer beach colors, blue, and beige with accents of yellow and a peachy orange, and a touch of mint green. "Wow, Karen, are you sure we should take the bigger room? You guys went all out." Sarah spoke as she watched Karen open one of the large windows. There was even a small balcony, which at the moment Jareth was looking out the glass doors leading to it.

Karen winked at her. "I convinced your father to rent one of the bigger houses this year. You need your privacy. I told him I was afraid you might not come if you have to holed up in one of those small bedrooms with another person and a full size bed. You would have to sleep practically wrapped around each other. It seemed to work." She laughed conspiratorially. "Not that you won't anyway."

"Karen!" Sarah had never heard Karen be so frank.

"Sarah. I remember well what it is to be in love and moving towards a future with someone. I see it in your eyes. And, I think it's wonderful. I know you think me an old fuddy duddy, but I'm really not. I just didn't want to be a bad influence on my stepchild. It's very difficult to...well I feel as if I don't have to walk on eggshells so much anymore, you're going on 30 and have your own life. You should enjoy this time and all the joy it brings in every way."

She looked over her shoulder at Jareth. "Besides, Jay is good for you. And he is..well as lucky as I think he is to have you, I think you definitely hit the jackpot too."

"Why thank you Mrs. Williams. " Jareth chuckled as Sarah's shocked face. "I feel very blessed to have Sarah in my life, and know her worth."

Karen joined in the laughter. "I know you do."

When the laughter died Karen took a deep breath. "Anyway, I'll leave you to get settled. Dinner is in an hour. We ordered pizza since it's so late."

She left, closing the double doors behind her, still smiling.

"Well that was different." Sarah said. She took her bag and put her clothes in a dresser against the wall. There were two, and Jareth had claimed the one near the bathroom door. Well not so much as claim it as set his bag on top. Sarah had no preference anyway. She hadn't brought anything but what would be appropriate clothing for a lakeside weekend. Shorts, tank tops, and one light sundress in case they went to a restaurant, it was casual but nice enough for such an occasion if it came up. A wrinkle free low maintenance wardrobe.

"What did you bring to wear?" Sarah asked. She had let him borrow one of her overnight bags, since he had no real need to pack.

"Nothing really." He answered.

"You will have to wear clothes around my family, Jareth." She teased.

"Hah. Yes. Really I just stuffed my robe and some of my sleeping attire inside the bag. I will adjust my clothing to what seems appropriate by my observations of what everyone else is wearing." He closed the drawer he had placed his silky pants he slept in closed and wandered over to wrap his arms around Sarah while she unpacked. "It looks as If I can get away with the usual denim pants and button up shirts." He kissed her neck. "I do hope we get some unclothed time in here, at least."

She finished and turned in his arms, placing a light kiss on his lips. "Hmmm. Maybe. If you're lucky. We have to keep it down though. No hot monkey sex, swinging from the chandelier type stuff."

"When have I ever swung from the light fixtures?" He asked, tickling her side.

"Stop that!" She giggled and squirmed away. "Okay you haven't, yet. But there was time a few weeks ago when we were out by your private lake and you jumped out of tree into the water then we..."

"I remember." He interrupted. "Fair point then. I won't do anything adventurous. All I need is you next to me. Or under me, or above me...or..mmm...bent over in front of me..." His eyes darkened. "Come to think of it, you should plan on controlling yourself as well." He cupped her backside, massaging gently.

There was a loud knock on the door causing Sarah to move away. "Come in." She called.

Toby stepped in to the room, looking like he would rather be anywhere else. "Hey. Mom made me come say hello, so...hello Sarah." He glanced Jareth's way. " Oh, and hi."

He turned to leave but Sarah caught his arm. "Toby, come on. It's me. Remember? Big sister? You can talk to me? Jay too. He's a good guy..well mostly." She gave them both a joking smirk.

Toby's eyes warmed slightly, but his face remained glum. "Yeah I know. Sorry. I just..well it's not important anyway." He shrugged.

"Wrong." Sarah told him. She pulled him further into the room, and shut the door. "If whatever is bugging you is making you feel this down, it is important. we're not going to judge you."

Tody stood there a long moment, look back and forth between the two of them. "They wouldn't let me bring Jimmy." He sighed. "He has come to the lake with us every year since I can remember. Now because Dad...anyway, Jimmy is my best friend since kindergarten and nothing...but Dad doesn't trust me."

Jareth, who was observing quietly, spoke then. "They think Jimmy is your lover?"

"I doubt that." Sarah answered, giving Jareth a sharp look. "Besides he is too young and maybe there are better ways of putting it."

Toby stared at Jareth. He had never heard it said that way. It threw him for a loop, such an open statement.

Speaking to Sarah he nodded. "Well, yeah. Sarah, no he is right. They think Jimmy is my boyfriend. I mean I've never...except I kissed a girl at a dance once...but that stupid magazine I found in the trash...I was only curious."

Sarah guided him to a chair and crouched in front of him. "Toby, you are who you are. I love you no matter what. You're going to have to be honest with yourself most of all. Everyone gets curious about things, even me. So are you still considering things?"

Her brother stared at the floor. "I don't know how I feel about anything. I know I like girls, and I'm definitely not into Jimmy shoot he's my friend is all. I'm just...open minded I guess? I'm not even 15 yet. Dad is pushing me to be one way, and I'm just not ready to say yet. I just want them to give me space. He threatened to kick me out, and it hurts that he would do that because I looked at some stupid dirty mag."

Sarah stood and hugged him. "I just want you to know you will always have a safe space with me okay? Neither of us will say anything."

She looked to Jareth and he agreed. "Of course. We all have parent issues. While mine were not the same, I can surely understand." He said.

Toby got up to leave. "Okay. I guess. Whatever." In typical non committal teenage fashion he slumped away. He opened the door, but paused. "Just...um...thanks." He didn't look at either of them as he mumbled.

After he was gone, Sarah sat in the chair, quiet.

"What is it?" Jareth prodded.

"I'm worried about Toby. And dad. I know he can be a hard ass, but it's Toby." She looked up. "He is my dad's pride and joy. I know he loves me too, but he wanted a son so much. Then my mom left. When Karen found out Toby was a boy, he was the happiest I've ever seen him. This is going to be a disaster for both of them. They were so close."

Jareth laid a hand on he shoulder. "You can't solve everyone's problems, love. Trust me on this. I'm a king and even I have to let some of the little battles solve themselves."

"I have to ask. If we get married, do you expect to have a son? I know it was a big thing with *your* father, what about you? There aren't any guarantees." She laid a hand over his and looked up at him.

He smiled down at her. "Sarah, I'm sure whether we have a daughter or son, or many of each, our children will be as strong willed and intelligent as you. A daughter of your blood with mine would be as fine a ruler in the future as a son. I will adore our offspring." He picked up a piece of her hair and curled it lovingly around a finger.

"But what if we don't have any?" She asked. She knew it was important to have an heir for any king. Yet, she was sure she wanted to wait a few years.

"Then we will adopt one, or several. It's a common thing in my world. The ceremony binds our blood to any adopted child. They are almost in every way our own. The only difference is you would not be the vessel of their birth. They tend to still take on the characteristics of their parents due to familiarity and proximity. Mothers of my world have even been known to be able to breastfeed their adopted infants, the magic blood bond is so strong. Their bodies recognize through the magic, the child is as their own." He explained. "Ultimately, I could find a young person with strong magic and name him or her my heir if I have no children. For the lesser kingdoms, blood relation is not so important. The Goblin Kingdom is different than most. The last king before my father died with no blood relations and no appointed heirs, so in that case, there were trials, contests of magic and skill, which he won.

"Yet, even then the High King can deny the winner. Since my father is the high king now and my stepmother wanted me out of her hair, here I am."

Sarah listened with more than a little awe at the process. "I wouldn't think there would be many orphans in the Underground. Considering your job."

"Typically, no. perhaps a dozen a year. But there are the wish aways. Royalty is always first. Not that I necessarily agree with that. Many royals aren't fit to parent I try to circumvent that when I can. The one upside to that, is royal children are usually raised by a staff of competent nannies and nurses. From first hand experience, a nanny is much better."

This made Sarah curious. She knew Jareth was considered a "bastard" son in his family. "So you were raised by a nanny?"

He walked across the room and sat on the bed facing her. "Yes. My mother's sister. She was a good woman. My only shield of defense most days. She was poisoned by my stepmother when I was in my pubescent years. She thought it would be easier to get rid of me that way, for some accident to befall me. So far, I've proven her wrong." He gave her a half smile at her alarmed expression. "Don't look at me that way. I'm perfectly safe now in my own kingdom. As you would be..and our children would be. She would be imprisoned for moving against me now, and harming a child is the most heinous of acts to us, calling for immediate execution. I do believe this is why my father, as disappointing father he has been, gave The Goblin Kingdom to me instead of someone else when he became High King, besides the fact it's hardly sought after to rule and I am the most powerful sorcerer in the Underground...and the only one to pass the trials." He waved his hand nonchalantly. "He could have waited for another round of trials to choose. For more proper candidates to try their hand. He didn't."

"But I don't know if I want any possible kids raised by a nanny." Sarah told him.

"That is optional, though we will need someone for those times when we both have to be away. There is so much you need to know, but I'm never certain how much to tell you all at once. Not that I don't want you know these things, I just don't want you to be chased away." He kissed her hand. "You will get more formal instruction when we are formally engaged, and likely after we are married. I believe I'll do all of that myself." He laughed. "You might be too obstinate for any of the tutors."

Sarah poked him in the chest hard. "Hey!"

He playfully fell upon the floor and looked up at her. "See? Vicious. I'm just teasing you love. I like that you're stubborn. It makes things much more interesting and fun for me. The thrill of the chase and all that."

She slid off the chair and laid on top of him. "You. I'll get you back." She joked.

He pounced then, flipping her over and kissing her senseless. As they giggled and made out, the door opened.

"Sarah...oh. Sorry." Her stepmother turned around, her face turning red.

The two scrambled up off the floor. "Sorry. What is it?" Sarah asked, a little breathless from all the kissing.

Karen talked to the wall. "Pizza is here."

"I'm starved." Jareth answered. He offered Sarah his elbow. "Shall we?"

They tromped down the stairs where Robert and Toby were waiting patiently.

After dinner they all when down to the lake shore to look at the full moon and walk on the beach. Toby went off with Jareth in tow, wanting to point out all the constellations to him. Jareth planted a kiss on Sarah's forehead and let himself be led away from the rest of the group.

Sarah was glad Toby seemed to be getting comfortable with Jareth. It was a good sign.

Her father however, wasn't thrilled. He watched as the two wandered down the beach, Toby pointing out stars and various other things, Jareth nodding his head and chatting along.

"I don't like him." He told Sarah.

She knew it was coming. "I got that. Loud and clear. But daddy, you need to try. For me."

Karen touched her husband's arm. "He is good for her, Robert. She practically glows."

"I would like to know when my children stopped caring about what I thought." Robert frowned. "Karen I'm going to walk the other way for a bit then go to bed."

Sarah's stepmother gave her a sympathetic look. "Don't stay out here too late. Toby needs to get to bed soon too. It gets chilly even in the summer at night here and we don't want anyone getting sick. Goodnight."

Sarah shook her head at her father's stubbornness, then went to join Jareth and Toby down the shoreline.

Later, after she ushered Toby to bed and her and Jareth had gotten comfortable in the bed they were sharing, she told him her worries.

He listened patiently as he held her close. He wished he could relate to the closeness Sarah shared with her family, but he could, at least, soothe her and lend an ear.

"So, what do you think?" She asked him.

He leered at her. "I think you're incredibly beautiful and sexy." he smiled wolfishly.

She laughed and poked him. "I mean about what I should do."

"Well...I do not see how you can do anything. Between fathers and sons are emotions you couldn't change. It will ultimately be up to them to work through." He replied as he laid back against the pillows. "We really should sleep, but..." He moved his fingers up and down her arm, pulling her closer.

Sarah admired his bare chest displayed before her. Whe knew he was hinting, more than hinting, and was watching her reaction through his lashes.

"I don't think you could be quiet." she giggled.

He chuckled. "Me? As if you don't scream to the rafters when I make you come."

He moved so fast, she had hardly enough time to blink. "and I do so enjoy your screams when you come for me." his voice lowered to a predatory growl as he straddled her.

Sarah chose a pretty, yet fairly tame nightgown to take, seeing as her family would be wandering the same hallway. "I'm not even dressed for seduction. How is this sexy? Ohhh... " she moaned when he began to nibble the skin just above her neckline.

He stopped and met her eyes. "You would be sexy if you were wearing a tarp. Because I would know what lies beneath."

He unbuttoned the top of her gown to get to her breasts and took one uncovered nipple between his lips, worrying the hardening flesh with his teeth. The sounds of her breath quickening and little moans as he pleased her caused his body to respond.

"Jareth..." she hissed in pleasure. He went back and forth, watching her face.

He stopped and slid upward to capture her mouth in a smoldering kiss. He bare skin rubbed against hers, the friction against her swollen peaks making her squirm and rub against his cock, straining against the silky pants he wore, wanting to be set free of its constraints.

He sat them both up and jerked her nightgown over her head in between kisses. "Fuck..Sarah.." He moaned against her mouth.

"I know." Sarah answered. She reached down, untied his pants and pulled them down. When she grasped him and moved her fingers over his erection he grunted and thrust himself into her hand.

She lay back and caressed him as he was there on his knees next to her. His eyes dilated as she watched him looking down at her moving hand. When he looked up he smiled devilishly. "Vixen." He whispered.

She smiled up at him, biting her lip. "But you love it." She whispered back.

He grabbed her hand and laid over her, pushing her legs open and bringing himself flush against her. As he rotated his hips, his cock rubbed against the softness of her panties, which were already soaked. " Damn..woman. So wet." He said in her ear. His hand worked it's way between her legs and rubbed her over her underwear. It cause her to only wiggle more, her hips pushing up to meet his fingers.

"Take them off." She commanded.

"Bossy boots." He smiled. But he complied happily. He slipped them down her legs and threw them halfway across the room as she laughed.

Jateth's fingers dove into her center, he slid two fingers inside while his thumb flicked away at her clit. "Anything else, dearest?" He asked as he toyed with her body, his fingers plunging in slowly.

"Yes..just..please.."She gasped.

He chuckled. "Please...what?"

"Fine." She answered. "Just please fuck me already. But quietly."

"Finally." He declared to the ceiling.

In seconds he was deeply lodged with her body as she wrapped her arms and legs around him, giving herself over to him completely.

They moved together, being as silent as possible, spending much of their time suppressing their usual passionate sounds with kissing and a concentrating on the sensation of being locked together.

When they did come, Sarah first, as Jareth always tried to make sure of, then himself, it was just as intense but Sarah found that consciously trying to make it all about what they were feeling through everything but using the power of speech was a incredibly sensual challenge. Much like a loss of one sense shifts added intensity to all the others.

Later as they were wrapped around each other, sated and sleepy, she told him how she felt in that moment.

"I wasn't expecting how that would be, since we typically have no restrictions. I never thought about it." She was whispering.

Jareth kissed her cheek and snuggled closer. "Sometimes, sensory deprivation is a game that is played with a partner. Fully consensual of course. I'm sure you have heard of such things, blindfolds, gags, and the like. Perhaps later we can explore those themes if you like, but only if you wish to. Those games aren't for everyone."

"You always struck me as a guy who liked the kinkier stuff." Sarah teased. "Maybe, probably. I guess I'm pretty vanilla compared to a lot of stuff you've experienced."

"I happen to love vanilla." Jareth answered. "It tastes and smells delightful, decadent and sinful. Besides, I suspect you are far more adventurous than you believe. Regardless it does not matter. I would rather be with you here, just lying together naked as we are. I suppose in human terms my appetites have been...unconventional, but I've been down that road. Yes, I've had kinky sex of almost every kind you can think of, and my nature is naturally more carnal, but I've never had the experience of just..what we are right now."

"I guess I worry if I can keep you happy. Don't get me wrong, I know you've been around longer than I can fathom, and I'm not jealous, but in time..." Her words drifted.

"Sarah..." He turned her. "I love you. My desire for you, at least in a physical sense, may wax and wane..." Sarah's expression changed at his unexpected admission. "...but yours will too, for me. We have to trust that we will work through all of that as it comes. I will promise, I will not stray, and once I make that vow, it will be kept. Vows are not taken lightly by my people. Magic seals them in such a way, that not keeping them can have dire consequences. What we have to do, is work to keep it alive, as with any marriage. To be not just lovers but the best of friends which in some ways is a far deeper relationship than lovers."

"You did tell me that once you found me, your desire for others ended." She reminded him.

"I did. And it is the truth. But..well, let me try to explain. Magic in the underground, while always constant, shifts and changes with the individuals. It's always in flux. Let us say, if for some reason, you start to no longer to desire to be with me physically for a time. Well, my magic would shift to open up the possibly that mine will do the same and we both could...have the same feelings, and we might be more open to others sexually. In these early months and years, being so focused on one another, what I said is absolutely true. It doesn't mean either of us will act upon those changes that *might* occur many years from now." Jareth said. "Once we are married we will share the same magical fount, you might say."

"I have a lot to learn." Sarah replied. "And a lot to get used to. But what if it's the other way?"

He smiled. "I have faith in you. I believe you do not take vows lightly, either."

"Yeah, I do. Take them seriously, I mean." She said.

Sarah let out a large yawn. "I'm sleepy. Too sleepy to continue a pretty important conversation."

"As am I" He agreed readily. "Sweet dreams precious. Go to sleep."

She already was. He pulled her closer, and followed suit.

The next morning dawned sunny and bright. Everyone slept in as the festivities didn't start until late morning.

It was the 4th of July and there would be a day long party on the beach. It would be crowded and noisy, with kids running around, and a potluck barbecue.

A bonfire would be lit at dusk and after the sun went down a fireworks display. Once the kids went inside for the night, the younger adult crowd would gather around the bonfire for drinks, music, dancing and socializing.

Sarah kissed Jareth awake, then Jareth carried he into the bathroom and they showered together.

Jareth had noticed the humans were primarily wearing short pants, so conjured up a pair of khaki colored ones that went to the knee, and a loose white linen button up shirt. Sarah brushed his silky hair into a messy ponytail and he had a fedora style wide brimmed hat for the beach. She had bought him dark sunglasses to shield his sensitive eyes and he brought a pair of sandals woven from fine fibers of a hemplike plant from underground.

Sarah pulled on a pair of denim shorts and a white halter top with red and blue stars on it over her swimsuit opting for a blue one piece with a mesh cutout in the middle, grabbed her big straw hat and slid her feet into a pair of flip flops. She had gotten a pedicure and her toenails were painted white with little glittery stars on them as were her fingernails. She had her hair up and didn't bother with makeup. She threw both of their sunglasses, sunscreen, a couple of towels, her camera and her phone in her beach bag and they were ready for the day.

Karen had made breakfast burritos filled with eggs, cheese, onions, ham and mushrooms, so they could have a quick breakfast and get a good spot. She had made a huge bowl of pasta salad for the potluck, and they would take a cooler filled with drinks and snacks, as well as hamburger patties to put on the grill later on.

After eating and cleaning up, Robert went to pick up the heavy cooler, and Jareth stepped forward to pick up the other end. Grateful for the help, Robert gave him a nod, and they silently carried it out the doors and down the stairs to the beach. Sarah followed carrying beach bags and fold out beach chairs and lastly Karen with Toby's help, maneuvered the big bowl of salad carefully down the steps together.

Once they found a spot, Toby ran back and got the big umbrella, then made sure the sliding door was locked. Sarah set up chairs and the umbrella with the help of Jareth, and Robert helped Karen get her salad to the potluck area. When they got back they found all was set up.

Sarah had laid out hers and Jareth's towels to the side so they could sit together. Toby was off and running, meeting some kids his age almost immediately and jumping into a lively game of volleyball. All down the beach and in the water people of all ages were frolicking and playing, the water filled with people splashing and swimming.

"Swim if you want Sarah." Jareth told her. "You don't have to entertain me."

"Don't you want to?" She asked.

He shook his head. "Not today, I don't think. Perhaps later tonight we can go for a midnight swim. I'm content to relax and hu-people watch. Not a luxury often afforded me. I may even nap."

She stood up, reluctant to leave him alone with her father. Karen had went a way down the beach to speak to one of her friends she ran into.

"I'll be fine, love. I'm skilled in negotiations." He urged her.

"Alright." She stripped off her shorts and top.

Even though her swimsuit was fairly conservative for her, Jareth lifted his sunglasses and looked her over appreciatively and gave her a wink. "Have fun, gorgeous."

She turned and tilted her head over her shoulder with a cheeky smile, and strutted to the water just so he could enjoy her swaying hips. When she got there she turned again, waved, and jumped into the water as he chuckled.

Jareth settled in at laid back, his head in his hands. After a moment a shadow stood over him and he looked up. Sarah's father was there, a cold bottle in each hand, offering Jareth one. Sensing the gesture was one of peace, Jareth took it and twisted the top open. "Thank you, Mr. Williams."

Robert sat in the chair closest to him. "This is good Scottish ale, not the cheap shit. I don't drink often, but when I do, I like quality." He took a long drink. "Yep, good shit."

Jareth tipped the cold bottle in Robert's direction and followed suit. The ale was strong and dark, like he liked it. "It is quite good. I also don't drink often. Quality is key to anything. And it is rare."

"You know I'm not overly fond of you, Jay." Robert said after a moment.

Jareth didn't look at him, but instead watched Sarah, who had been joined by Toby, play in the water. "I am aware, Mr. Williams. It changes nothing, which I am certain you also know. As I said, quality is rare. I do not pass the opportunity by when it presents itself to me. I have spend far too many years looking for a woman like your daughter. She is the one. You can be assured, she will want for nothing and I would lay down my life for her."

Robert was quiet. Jareth heard him sigh. He continued. "And by virtue of being her family, that will extend to encompass all of you, as well."

"That's...not what I expected you to say." Robert answered.

Jareth lifted his sunglasses again, and turned slightly to meet the other man's eye. "I had a difficult childhood and I vowed not to make the same mistakes with my own family, whether blood or bond. My wife's kin will be my kin, and will be given the respect that comes with it. Besides, whether we see eye to eye or not, I will be forever grateful for the gift of Sarah, no matter what the future has in store. "

"So you will be getting married then." Robert said, not a question but a statement.

"I hope so. I've asked, Sarah is still considering. " Jareth said "She is stubborn, but I respect her decision in taking her time."

Robert smiled, but just a little. "That she is. Always has been hard headed."

Jareth agreed. "Yes, she certainly has been. On that we can agree."

"What are we agreeing on?" Karen walked up and heard the last line.

"Sarah being stubborn. How is Phyllis?" Robert turned his attention to his wife.

"Fine. As is Jim. I need a mimosa." Karen collapsed in the chair next to her husband and filled in the details of her conversation while Robert made her a drink.

Jareth finished his ale and turned his attention back to the water, and to Sarah. A couple of men had gathered around her and they were having an animated conversation, but Sarah was laughing so he assumed she was fine. He was making a concerted effort to control his possessive instincts.

He had to keep reminding himself Sarah wasn't like many women he knew, always scheming and politically maneuvering themselves. She was an open friendly human female who wasn't raised the same way as royal underground children, to try to get as well positioned as possible. He didn't have to shield her from her own kind.

Sarah looked over where he was and waved. She pointed, as she talked, the two men turning to look too. After another minute Sarah gestured to him, waving him to come over.

He got up and went over.

"There he is." Sarah said as he wandered up. "Jareth this is my friend Mike, and his partner Derek. We went to college together, Mike and I. Guys this is my boyfriend Jareth."

"You didn't lie, Sarah. He is hot." Mike said as he stuck out his hand. "If only I wasn't taken."

Jareth laughed, feeling more relief than he cared to admit. He took the man's hand readily. "A pleasure to meet you both."

Sarah put an arm around him and they continued chatting while Jareth stood there, just listening. He reciprocated the gesture, glad Sarah could so easily pull him close and be relaxed about it. To Jareth, it meant she was comfortable their relationship.

A few minutes later they went back to their spot and sat back down, Sarah drying off and Jareth helping her. Her parents went for a walk and the two lovers got settled on the sand, not saying much, just enjoying the warm weather and good company while sipping drinks.

Once everyone returned, it was time for lunch. Robert took his turn at the grill while everyone grabbed what they wanted. Jareth stayed behind to watch the belongings and Sarah got a plate of food for him With loaded plates they went back and everyone ate. After that Sarah grabbed Jareth and they took their turn walking around, with Toby tagging along which neither minded.

It was a relaxing day, Sarah was grateful her family was getting along. By the time the Sun set over the water and darkness fell, between the mixture of food drink, and fun, it looked like it would be a better weekend that she had hoped.

They all enjoyed the fireworks, then Karen and Robert retired to their cottage, dragging Toby along to let Sarah and Jareth attend the bonfire and party. They didn't stay long, about an hour, before Jareth practically carried a yawning, tipsy Sarah to the house, up the stairs, stripped of both of their clothes and tucked them into bed.

With a flick of a finger, Jareth shut off the lights and cuddled up for a good night's rest. They would be driving home the next day, so he wanted her to get some sleep.

A few hours later :knockknockknock:

Jareth opened one eye slowly. It was just getting light outside.

:knockknockknock:

Sarah stirred. "what's that?" she mumbled.

"Sarah?" Her stepmother's voice called through the door. "Jay?"

Sarah sat up and saw she was naked, so grabbed her robe and stood. "Just stay there." She told Jareth.

She opened the door to Karen who looked slightly panicked. "What's going on?"

"I can't find Toby. He isn't in bed, or in the house. Your father is still asleep." Karen answered. "Do you know where he went?"

Sarah looked over at Jareth who shook his head. "No we don't. Let me get dressed I'll help you look."

"I'll be downstairs." Karen said, and left.

Sarah closed the door and raced around to find clothes. Jareth had gotten out of bed by then and stopped her. "No need."

He dressed them both with a mere thought, and they were downstairs that much faster.

The three threw on sweaters and grabbed flashlights, going out into the early morning chilly lake air. The sun was just peeking over the horizon, and smoke drifted from the remnants of the bonfire. There were people sleeping on the beach and they had to be careful. They called Toby's name as quietly as they could, asking anyone awake if they had seen him.

"Sarah?" Her friend Mike had been drinking coffee on his back porch of his rented cottage and saw them walking. "What's wrong?"

"My brother is missing. He's 14. Pale blonde, blue eyes. Have you seen him?" She could hear the worry in her own voice.

"Oh yeah. He and a few other kids walked by here about 2 hours ago. I've been up all night. Derek ate bad shrimp yesterday and was sick. Told him not to get discount seafood at the supermarket but didn't listen." Mike pointed. "That way. I figured it was teenagers partying, you know? Probably went to the cove down the beach."

"Thanks, Mike" Sarah turned and spoke to Jareth and Karen, and they ran the direction Mike had pointed.

Jareth was frustrated because he could have gotten them all there instantly but had to run along at a human pace. He followed Sarah, and kept an eye on the older woman behind him. She was panting a bit heavier than him and Sarah, and he didn't want her to collapse.

About 10 minutes later they came to a wall of rock. Jareth stopped them. "Let me go first, as we aren't sure what's on the other side."

"Just a bunch of kids." Sarah answered, irritated to be stopped in her tracks.

"Teenagers can be as volatile as adults if frightened, Sarah." He said, and slowly stepped around the rocks. He turned back and waved the 2 women to join him.

There were a dozen or so teenagers there around a small dying fire. Some were asleep, a few were sitting here and there, and seemed to be either high or drunk. Sarah looked around until she spied Toby's blonde hair peeking out from under a blanket. She raced to him and was on her knees pulling back the blanket before Karen or Jareth reached them.

"Toby?' Sarah shook him. "Toby wake up." He mumbled and shifted slightly, but didn't open his eyes. He was clad in only a pair of jeans. There was an empty bottle of cheap vodka nearby.

"We need to get him home before your father wakes up." Karen said, her voice shaky.

Jareth and Sarah looked at each other. "What if...I told you we could be home in about a minute?" Sarah answered.

"How on earth could we do that?" Karen snapped at her. She was on her knees to now, caressing her son's head. "Is he drunk?"

"I believe so." Jareth crouched. "Sarah..I don't know if it's a good idea to reveal things yet."

"Please, Jay, just give me a second." She addressed Karen. "Karen, I need to tell you something important about Jay. He's sort of, not quite human."

"What the hell are you talking about Sarah? Right now I need to get my son home, get him sober, then cross fingers Robert doesn't go through the roof. You're not making sense. Why are we wasting time?" Karen was talking as quietly as she could as upset as she was.

Jareth took charge. He picked up Toby as if he weighed nothing, a crystal appearing in his hand. "Alright. Sarah, grab her around the waist and hold on to my arm."

Sarah did so, Karen struggling slightly against her, but it was enough. Sarah heard a small yelp from her stepmother and then nothing for about 3 seconds, until they both fell backwards in front of their own cottage. Jareth, used to traveling by magic landed softly on his feet with Toby still in his arms.

"What the fuck?" Karen moved away. "Give me my son!"

Sarah had never heard her curse before like that.

Jareth sighed. It was going to be a long day. "Let's just get him to his bed." He carried the boy into the house, up the stairs, and into his room, placed him carefully on the bed, and prepared to face the wrath of an angry mother.

He turned as the two women came into the room. "He will be fine, he just needs to sleep it off. I don't sense any damage to his organs, but he is going to have one hell of a headache, and likely a stomach ache. I could cure him of his hangover, but I think he needs to learn this lesson."

Sarah's face was ashen, but Karen looked terrified. They had obviously had words before reaching Toby's room. "You need to get the hell out of this house and away from my family. I don't know who or what you are, Jay, but I will not allow you near my child any longer. Sarah is an adult and I have no control what she does, I'm not her mother, but Toby is MY son."

Sarah grabbed her arm. "Please Karen, I swear, he would never hurt Toby or me, or you or dad, he's a good guy. He's a King. We will tell you everything. It won't be easy but..."

Karen's eyes practically shot fire as she turned on her stepdaughter. "I can't do this right now. Just pack, and go. Please. I don't know how much longer I can keep from throttling you from bringing that...THAT..into our home. I'll tell your father something. He will be up soon. Go, now."

She went to speak again, to make another plea, but Jareth stopped her. "It will take time to accept and adjust, Sarah. We knew this was a possible outcome. Perhaps we should go, for now, and work things out later. Let everyone calm themselves, including us."

Sarah sniffed tears back and nodded. "I guess so. Goodbye Karen. Tell dad and Toby I love them."

They made quick work of getting their things together, and as fast as they could, threw everything into to car and left. Before they did, Sarah spied the book she saw Toby reading earlier and tucked a note inside, asking him to call her if he needed her. She had to let him know that much, at least.

The ride home was silent. Sarah barely said anything, and when they got back to her apartment, she collapsed into tears on her sofa. Jareth just sat beside her and wrapped an arm around her, letting he get her tears out.

She leaned against him, and he kissed her face and hair, trying to comfort her. The tears subsided into sniffling and sighs, then let up altogether. Jareth got a warm cloth for her to put on her eyes, urging her to lay back.

"Sarah, I know you're feeling sad about all of this. I'm sorry you have to go through it. Give it time, they'll accept things. I can be very charming, when I need to be." He tried to lighten the mood with a smirk.

"Just don't." She answered. "Look, I know it's better that they know. I know we were going to have to tell them. But they're my family Jareth. I realize your relationship with yours is crap, but I love mine. No matter what, I can't just not have them in my life. Especially Toby. You know that."

Jareth back away. "What are you saying, Sarah? Are you saying, you want to end this?" He touched her face, wiping ehr dryingtears with his thumb. "Sarah, I love you. I would never want to be the cause of your pain, but I...I hope.."

Sarah took his hand. "No..I mean, I don't know what to do. I just need some time. Maybe...maybe we need to be apart for a while, just until I can straighten things out with them. I'm starting to see what the price might be, and I need to think about it. I love you too, I really do. I'm just confused." She kissed him. "Just some time, okay?"

Sarah hated the look on his face. She could see his sorrow, his disappointment. The light in his eyes he always had when looking at faded a little. It tore at her heart. She stood and took his hand, pulling him into the bedroom. "Stay with me a while longer."

She crawled onto the bed, and brought him with her. With a sad smile she kissed him again, and they made love slowly, savoring every touch, every kiss, finding solace together.

After, she fell asleep in his arms, exhausted from all the emotional upheaval, the driving, and the running earlier.

Hours later, when she woke up, he was gone.

Dearest heart,

I will respect your request for time and space to work things out with your family, and within yourself. I want you to know I understand and do not hold it against you or your kin. It is is a life altering decision, in the end, and my only wish for you, is your happiness, whether or not it is I that provides it. I will always love you and be here, should you need me. Just say your right words, and I will drop everything and appear. The box is still there if you wish to write.

My eternal love,

J.

Sarah took a deep breath, trying not to cry again, and carefully placed the note in her bedside drawer.

She had a great deal of thinking to do, and explaining to her family to accomplish.
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The plan for the last few chapters is mapped out and I'm hoping with that done it won't take too long to finish!

Nope, still not abandoning anything!

Thank you to all of you beautiful people out there for reading, following, favoriting and reviewing my stories! I read them all with absolute glee, they keep me going and are often the highlight of my days.

To my LFFL family, you guys are amazing people. You inspire me every day. Much love to you all. The past couple of years have been really tough for us, working through grief and trying to keep the home fires burning. Glad we have each other to lean on, to laugh and to cry together, and grateful the laughter outweighs the tears now.

As always, every word I write is in tribute to DB. My King, my biggest inspiration, and the light of my world. I am honored to be your humble scribe. I feel you smiling and now and then, I hear your laugh. Miss you so.