Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth

Chapter Ten: Meeting

While Sarah did not outright think Jareth would turn into some posh guy that would sweep her off her feet, she did realize he was somewhat civilized to her now. He did not ignore her like he used to, but he did occasionally jab at her when he got the chance. She was fine with that. Hell, she glowed.

Because whether the whole world knew it or not, she continued to receive flowers from Jareth. And that in itself was enough to make her forgive any stupid mishaps he happened to make.

Their tour did not happen automatically, but in small increments, whether the king had time. She supposed she could liken that to her and Jareth's steadily growing friendship.

Maybe Yesmir felt the same, for he ordered that Jareth show her around the castle. Or maybe he was trying to make her feel less squeamish about finally being able to see the world outside the castle by distracting her. Whatever it was, she and Jareth were made to spend the day in each other's presence.

There was an internal happy dance made.

Jareth's response consisted of a mild stiffening of the shoulders.

"Now off, off with you." Yesmir later shooed, watching the young teenagers make their way down a random hall.

"He's getting pusher," She muttered, watching the exuberant male wave back.

The younger male sighed tiredly, "Yeah."

Sarah wasn't sure if the disappointment she felt was the lack of conversation or that Jareth had reverted to indifference like usual.

"So," She began, "Where are we going to go?"

"You actually want a tour of this place?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

There was a measured examination of the interior, and then, "It's really just a longstanding building. Nothing special."

"What are you talking about?" She twirled around, "It's a freaking castle!"

He rolled his eyes, "Believe me, after living here your whole life, it starts to get a little old."

Sarah stuck her tongue out, "Spoiled much?"

"I like to think I'm sheltered."

She pictured the horrid boys from her world, the older ones she had glimpsed swaggering around the town. The ones who felt the world should offer themselves up and catcalled at females. And couldn't help but appraise Jareth for his somewhat elegant manners of not throwing himself around.

"So you get a few good points, whoop di doo." She applauded, "Guess that's the perks of being a prince." Not that she really saw Jareth as a prince. Most of the time, he was really standoffish with her, and she was pretty sure she saw all of his worst moments.

Yet somehow she kept coming back to see him. Odd.

"Being a prince has nothing to do with my behavior."

She wondered why that sounded… kind of hostile. "What's your deal?"

Jareth pressed his lips into a tight line, "Nothing that concerns you."

"Funny how you seemed so quick to correct me." She clipped out, "Now you're all silent about it. Weird huh?"

"I don't see why this needs to be explained to you."

"Hey, I'm just wondering why the prince over here is so neurotic about his magnificent life."

Jareth ground his teeth together, "It's not as lavish as a commoner would think."

Sarah took in the lovely clothes, the castle they were walking in, the fact that he was a freaking Faery, and shrugged. "Beats me."

The blonde responded with a dour tone, "They're certain duties required of me. Ones I would love to live without. This prince charade is ridiculous."

Sarah, with her somewhat young mind, blinked. "Come again?"

"Of course." He almost threw his hands in the air, "You wouldn't get it."

"Wait." She had snatched his sleeve before she even realized it. And when she did, there was a dead silence that made her redden, "Uh I mean, so I don't get quite what you mean. So what?" Visibly, she could see Jareth withdrawing and she scrambled for words. There had to be a way to get through to him. "That doesn't mean I don't know what you mean."

She silently let loose a breath of relief when he paused. So far, so good.

"My dad, he's a total airhead." She began, likening the fact they were stuck with really ignorant people. "But that doesn't mean he doesn't expect me to be this like, dream daughter that's gonna get along with his new wife." She felt a pang of hurt at this, "And it's something I just can't give him, no matter how much he'd want that."

Why she was telling him this, she didn't know. But that was all she was gonna say on the matter because she was not going to go into detail about Karen. What she really wanted to focus on was keeping this moment together, keeping it grounded.

Maybe that wasn't enough to satisfy Jareth, she wasn't sure. She hoped it would, because spilling that was something she hadn't intended to do, ever. No one needed to know what she and her family situation were like.

Regardless, he still pulled away, and she was left with the sinking feeling in her chest. Had she failed?

"It's not quite the same." He answered, "But… I get the airhead part."

His reply was somewhat demure, she noted, but it was a start. Jareth wasn't moping, and he was still here with her.

It still scared her, that'd he shatter like that first time. Lately, that was all she seemed to be concerned about.

A quiet silence descended upon them, only broken by their footsteps. While it wasn't awkward, it was definitely strained. After the feelings that'd raced through her, Sarah was a bit apprehensive to break the hush.

He seemed to notice, and inwardly, he was kind of grateful for it. Her little spill had been alarming. He didn't know how to deal with such things other than keeping them bottled up, but Sarah always seemed to do the exact opposite.

Perhaps that was why he kept seeking her out, even if she didn't know it.

He cleared his throat, watching her glance up swiftly, "W-Well, let's get on with this tour and be done with it."

While Jareth supposedly wanted it to be over with, he was comfortable with leisurely strolling through the corridors. Every now and then, he would point out something in order to cease Sarah's blathering.

Things had settled into an unspoken understanding between the two.

For the time being, they were killing time in the library. Had she known of its existence earlier, she was sure no one would've seen her for months on end.

Her love of fiction was a weakness, but one she proudly bared to the world for all to see. And if that wasn't a deal sweetener, Jareth had smugly assured that all she read was true in the Faery realm. She wasn't sure if letting that pompous behavior continue was a bad thing, but hey, Yesmir could deal, right?

"Now tell me, oh wise one," She began after sifting through the stacks of books, "Shouldn't you be like, working?"

Jareth whined in disagreement from his spot on the reclining couches, a book on his face, "This is my day off. Don't ruin it."

Sarah puffed out her cheeks, "Whatever." Rather than deal with him, she turned her attention to the books who didn't insult her. She skimmed most of them, deciding what seemed good and what could be put off until later.

One particular book was just getting exciting when she abruptly felt warm breath by her ear, "Are you done yet?"

"AGH!" She screeched, knocking over the pile in her surprise. She whipped her hand over her ear, "Personal space!"

Jareth frowned at her, straightening. "What?"

Completely oblivious to the flush on her face, she regarded him with a glower. "We've only been here like ten minutes."

He shrugged, "Adequate time before leaving, don't you think?"

Sarah threatened him back to his seat with a book, before turning to the mess. "Gee thanks."

"Anytime."

She rolled her eyes, grabbing a couple of the volumes. She'd like to think it was pure chance that something fluttered out of one of the older ones. A weathered piece of paper landed soundlessly on the floor, and she stared at it for a minute. "What's this?"

"Hm?" Jareth's sound of interest fell on death ears.

"She's so beautiful." She breathed, taking in the delicate features of the women portrayed. The light auburn hair was twisted up into a delicate bun, with curls that loosely adorned the slim face. Her striking aqua irises stared forlornly out, and she noted the air of mystery the female held. It was with surprise that she finally saw the crown perched delicately atop her head. "No way…" She quietly whispered. "The queen?"

She could only gape before the paper was ripped from her hands. "Huh?"

When she finally looked up, she was met with the stern glare Jareth directed at the paper. "I thought they were all disposed of." He bitterly spit out.

"That's the queen right?" She got off her knees, reaching out,"She's beautiful."

"She's dead." There was no sweet talk, no tact put in the statement.

It was like a punch to the gut.

"O-Oh." Sarah stuttered, "I... I'm sorry." How in the hell was she supposed to respond to that?

Her response came in the form of ripped up paper. "Hey! What are you doing?" She pushed aside his arms, falling to her knees to catch the dropping pieces. "Are you crazy?"

He watched on viciously, "This isn't your business to meddle in."

The thirteen-year-old ignored that, scrambling to gather them all up.

"Are you listening? Just throw them out."

There was a large piece of the picture by his boots, and when she reached over to grab it, he stomped on her hand.

A startled cry left her mouth, "Ouch! Jareth?!"

He glared down at her, "Stop what you're doing Sarah, she's not your mom."

His response hit a sore spot, and she felt her cheeks flush. "Is it so bad to be curious?"

"There's a limit to the amount of things you can and can't know." He ground out, "This is pushing it."

Sarah looked down at the floor, at the remnants of the late queen staring sadly up her. "But, she looks so-"

"Sarah." She heard the quiet fury in his voice, "Drop it."

Her hands shook, in indistinguishable anger and hurt. "Fine." She bit out, dropping the pieces. "Forget your mom, at least you have pictures of her."

He sniffed, "What of it? I can put her behind me, I suggest you do the same."

She bit her lip until she was sure it bled, standing up. The books tipped over as she stalked out, uncaring of their condition. She paused by the door, gripping the frame, "You know what Jareth? It's no wonder you're always alone."

He did not follow her out, and she was glad he didn't. Instead, he watched her go, kicking the books once he was sure she left. For a few moments, he was able to keep his composure, before he ran his fingers angrily through his hair.

"We're always fighting dammit. Give me a break once in a while."

The brisk walk she took down the hall consisted of a few stray tears she did not bother to wipe away. Their argument this time seemed different, felt different, and she knew why.

Moms were a touchy subject for her, they always had been. Apparently, it was the same for Jareth. "Oh, he's so stupid." She muttered, scrubbing at her tearing eyes, "So thoughtless. Ugh, I hate him."

She slowed to a standstill by a window, "Why is he so problematic?"

Her rants would've continued had it not been for the streak of red that passed by. Normally, she would've ignored it to wallow in her self-pity, but she felt compelled to peer closer. Which was a touch difficult considering her vision was blurred by her waterworks.

She glimpsed familiar coppery hair hurrying away, and her body straightened.

It couldn't be, could it?

"Mister?" She called out, wincing at the strained toned her earlier crying voice made, "Hey!" If only she had bothered to ask the foreigner's name that time.

Sarah weighed her options: Stay here and cry over her hurt feelings, or jump into action (while conveniently ignoring said feelings) and pursue the unnamed male that'd been so kind to her in the beginning. Who'd been kinder than Jareth thus far.

At the remembrance, her mood soured.

Jareth.

She was out the window in record time, rubbing her tears away, "Wait up!"

Either she was really short or the male was just that fast. Before she knew it, he'd become a blob in the distance, unaware to her calls. By then, she'd managed to somehow make her way unseen past the gates and into the courtyard before the castle.

"Ugh if only I had a name!" She wailed, coming to a halt. The mysterious male disappeared around the corner and she sighed. "There he goes." She decided to jog after him for a bit, not that she was really trying to catch him anymore.

She was merely killing time.

From what she noted, he really seemed to be in a hurry, going from place to place.

'We're not even that far from the castle,' Sarah noted, observing the grand structure peeking over the shops.

She really didn't feel like going back.

She abandoned the unfamiliar yet familiar male and meandered off. She supposed someone would come to get her later, and after her little spat with Jareth, she honestly didn't care if she troubled anyone.

It made her feel needed regardless. That's all she wanted, she realized with tearing eyes. But, her mom didn't want her. Her dad didn't want her. Her flesh and blood didn't want her, why would the kind people here?

So she stood there. A troubled, crying teen surrounded by the world. No one came to her aid, none dared approach. She cried a little harder. She cried until the walls gave way, tangibly speaking.

She cried until the Labyrinth comprising of their town merged into a door on the nearby cobblestone wall. The overgrown weeds slithered around the wood door and she jerked at the sound.

"W-Wha?" She mumbled, looking up mid sniffle. Her eyes were assaulted with a curious looking door that hadn't been there minutes earlier. Briefly, she wondered if her grief was causing her to hallucinate. Part of her desperately wished this was the entrance that'd brought her here, and that this time it would take her back home.

She threw open the door.

To her not so delirious mind, it wasn't home.

Sarah sank to her knees. Liquid fell freely down her face unnoticed, and she finally grasped the truth, "I'm never going home," She whispered, "Ever."

"What're you doing here?" She looked back at the grumpy voice, "Get away from there, that ain't no place to be strolling about in." Hoggle reached to grab her, but she had already bolted through the door, "Hey! Don't be stu-!"

The door slammed shut behind her, but she didn't care. She was running through her new home now. That's what she thought before she ran straight over an overhang.

And fell right into a raging river.

Sarah had no time to scream or cry out for help. All she could seem to get was a lungful of freezing water that burned. And she was being knocked around more than she liked trying to keep her head above the thrashing, foggy waters.

The shock was enough to tear her out of her lethargic state, and she wondered if this was how she was gonna die.

"AH-!" She reached out for empty air, instead grabbing handfuls of slippery water. The strong current battered and soaked her body, pushing her underneath its vigorous pull. Random scenery whipped by, unrecognizable landmarks passing by her eyes.

Although her chances looked bleak, Sarah fought against the river's pull with every fiber of her being. She used every swim technique she had ever learned, ignoring the undergrowth nicking at her defenseless body as she raced by. She had almost made it to the end of the water's edge when she hit a low tree branch.

Her rapidly dimming vision presented her with a fast approaching rock.

Pain.

Unimaginable pain racked her body, if there were any parts left of her. She shivered, blearily cracking an eye open. From what she observed, she wasn't dead yet. But she wished she was, feeling the hurt all over. She also felt completely soaked, the howling wind chilling her body.

Sarah lay there, half in the still icy water and half on wherever. All she knew was that she wasn't floating and that was enough to satisfy her fragile body. Even though she felt compelled to get up and survey her surroundings, her body wouldn't move. She settled for agonizingly turning her head to the side.

Her eyes met the calmer running parts of the river, which smoothly transitioned from a drop off a mini waterfall to the tame sandy bank she was lying on.

'How in the heck did I survive that?' She wearily questioned, closing her eyes. Sleep sounded so great right now, but she had to inquiry that she'd been out for some time already. Staying in her wet clothes any longer than she had to seemed less than desirable.

'I've… gotta get back.' She thought, thinking of a warm bed she could crawl into. It took every ounce of willpower she had, but just thinking of that image was enough to get her to roll over.

Sand crested the back of her body, and she rose up on four quivering appendages. With that, she managed to flip onto her knees. And then her shaky legs.

With no otherwise sense of direction, she wandered into the opening forest, rubbing her hands up and down her shoulders. She had no idea what kind of forest she was walking into.

The magical creatures inside did, some peering curiously and others cackling delightedly. It'd been some time since a human had last come this deep into the Labyrinth.

A horde of inquisitive eyes watched as Sarah stepped cautiously over felled trees and rocks, entering deeper and deeper into their playground.

"Should we mess with her?"

"What's a human even doing here?"

The not so incognito voices echoed throughout the forestry, reaching her ears as she glanced around in an attempt to glimpse whoever was making the noises. She hunched further in on herself, duly noting that this was a freaking faery realm.

Fleetingly, she'd wished she'd read up on what kind of creatures were home to the land.

She wisely chose to speed up her gait, ignoring the biting cold that cloaked her body as she did so.

"Is she trying to run? How cute."

The commentary was starting to get a little old. She didn't have the time to dwell on that as something huge jumped in front of her, the hooves just short of kicking her in the face.

She threw herself to the ground, uncaring of the scrapes she received, "Ohmygod!" Her hands flew up over her head, balling up.

More creatures leaped out from the bushes, passing by, and over her with thunderous clamor.

'Is it a stampede?!'

Her rampant thoughts ended with a disbelieving, "What're you doing?"

The pounding sounds of hooves died down, and she felt it was safe to look. What she was greeted with shocked her as she reeled back in surprise at the observer before her.

"Wha-? You're… You're a horse!" She none too brightly exclaimed, glancing at the half teenager posed in the makeshift walk away.

The teenage male centaur wrinkled his nose, "Ew no. Get your facts right mortal." He raised his haired chin proudly, "I'm a centaur."

Sarah wasn't sure if she should've been impressed, taking a step back, "Uh right."

He took the chance to peer closer at her, "Are you lost?"

"Y-Yeah." She shakily answered, "Do you know the way out?"

There was a noticeable preening in his stature, "Of course I do."

She waited a bit, "Do you mind telling me so I can get out of here?"

"Why would you want to leave?"

As if it were the most obvious thing in the world, she gestured to her sopping clothes, "I'm wet." Her explanation was lost as he regarded her blankly, and she continued. "Humans can't be wet long, we get sick."

The centaur shivered at that, "I know sickness." Before she could ask, she noticed his ear flick a bit, before he paused. "Oh, I got to go now."

"W-Wait!" She yelled as he bounded off, "How do I get out?!"

In the distance, he called something out before pointing a little ways off of her course. It looked like he was warning her, the revulsion clear on his face. Once she saw, he turned and yelled out a faint "goodbye" before disappearing as quickly as he came.

She was left watching, "I kind of wished I'd gotten his name." She mumbled, turning in the new direction. "Centaurs are awesome."

Her trek forward began, a little lighter than it had been before. It wasn't long before she entered differing surroundings, most noticeably the thinning tree line.

Her pace quickened, 'Am I getting closer to leaving?'

Her thoughts were interrupted by faint erratic laughter, and she barely had enough time to collect her thoughts before more things jumped in front of her.

"Whoo! What's this sweet thing doing here?"

Her automatic reply was to jump back with a small squeak playing on her lips, "W-what?"

"Hey, you're right! She's easy on the eyes, eh?"

Sarah took in the red matted creatures before her, their filthy fur dotted with white and red colors. She also observed their pointed beaks and protruding bellies. What could possibly make this bizarre moment even weirder?

They were dancing. Horribly if she might add.

"Come on lady, dance with us!"

She reeled back in unease when they began to invade her space, brushing up against her, "N-No, I'm okay."

"Why don't you take a break huh?" The plumper individual of the group suggested, taking in her wet clothes, "We've got a campfire going farther in, warm you up mighty quick."

The idea of warmth tempted her greatly, but she wasn't sure if going with them was the wisest idea.

"Uh, no thanks."

"Oh, why not huh?" They bounced around her, "It'll be fun, sweet cheeks!"

Her face flushed in embarrassment. "I'm trying to leave, this is the correct direction, right?" She began briskly walking, dismayed when they chose to follow still moving to a beat of their own.

"The way to boredom!" One pointed out, laughing at his own joke. He reached for her, "Stay awhile!"

The thought of his spindly fingers being remotely near her made her backpedal, bumping into the others behind her. "I'm fine, thank you!"

"That you are!"

A horrified gasp ripped itself from her throat when she felt something touch her backside. "Back off!" She cried, slapping the hands. "Don't touch me you creep!"

"Woah calm down lady!"

Her body shook in fury, "I've had it here! I'll be going now!" There was no hesitation as she shoved her way through the throng of bodies, "Out of my way!"

Stunned silence met her before she heard cries of mirth behind her. "Oh, she's a spitfire huh?"

Fiery red invaded her peripheral vision, "I like that~"

"Ugh buzz off!" She cried, breaking into a jog.

"You're crazy if you think you can outrun us!" One drawled, lazily keeping up. "We're the Firey's lady!"

"I don't care what you are, go away!" She looked forward at the break in the trail. The one on the left looked pebbly, and the right a smooth transition from forest to meadow.

In all honesty, she would've preferred the meadow, but once she saw that stupid Fiery jump in the way, she bolted left. Anything to be away from them.

She supposed it was the strangest thing when the Fierys' ceased to follow her but the sweet silence that ensued was music to her ears.

"Oh thank goodness." She murmured, glancing back at the retreating Fierys'. "They're gone." Her pace slowed to a steady walk, and she brushed the wet dirt from her clothes, "I'm so ready to be done with this."

She shook the water out of her hair, mildly noting the forest's transition to stone architecture.

"What is this place?"

It looked uninhabited, but it seemed well taken care of. She was almost expecting crumbling walls and overgrown foliage, but everything seemed perfectly managed to create an almost homely feel.

"It's beautiful." She commented, stepping onto the suddenly appearing walkway. Had it always been there?

Sarah would've stood there, gazing at the hidden paradise had it not been for the inquisitive, "Who're you?"

When she turned, her gaze fell on the small child standing before her, arms clasped onto a small blanket. It was a strange picture she realized, his tiny form dwarfed by the booming structures surrounding them.

"Are you here to play?"