Sarah stood at her window watching Jareth fly away. After the gifts were all given, he'd insisted on taking her home himself. He hadn't kissed her again, but the way he'd looked at her as he said goodnight was almost as intoxicating. She had never had quite as interesting a birthday celebration as she'd had tonight. The nobles had been kind, her friends had been loving, and = he'd kissed her. She grinned like an idiot. He had kissed her twice and seemed to want to do it again soon.

She'd told him she wanted time. She'd told Ariana that she wanted to date others. She was only fifteen, she couldn't be courted by Jareth without ever dating anyone else - it was crazy. How could she not date other boys - how would she know who she really wanted if she agreed to belong to someone she barely understood? Jareth had been understanding but she'd seen the faint flicker of disappointment in his eyes as they'd finished their dance. Somehow that saddened and thrilled her at the same time. A funny flutter in her stomach when she remembered that look in his eyes made her smile softly to herself. He was so - no, it wouldn't do to think about him like that. His infatuation would fade and she'd be the one holding onto feelings that wouldn't let go of her. She had to grow up and face the fact that she had a normal life to live, even with her somewhat abnormal situation.

She looked down at her gifts, focusing on the large book that radiated warmth and love to her somehow. Just keep believing in the Labyrinth, in all of them. How could she forget them now? They were a part of her that gave her strength, taught her courage, loved her for who she was without trying to change her. And so they did change her - for the better really. They all believed in her ability to love them and be there for them, like a good friend should do for the people they cared about more than anything in the world. And Jareth trusted her now, how strange was it that she in turn was starting to trust him?

Though I do believe in you, yes I do...live without the sunlight...love without your heartbeat...I can't - live - within you...

His last song flowed into her mind and she frowned. He believed in her, might even love her. He thought she brought new life to his world. She was just a girl, a mortal child. And he was - what exactly? A king yes, but he was more than that, she could feel it when he was near, the air seemed charged with electricity and her thoughts turned to having him hold her in his arms and kiss her again.

Guardian of the Labyrinth. She smiled, how could he think she'd ever forget such a wonderful place? Wonderful except for that witch, Eliza, Sarah groaned. What was her problem anyway? Obviously Jareth had no interest in the woman. She put her gifts away carefully and grabbed her pajamas and robe before heading to the bathroom. After a nice hot bath, she settled into bed and closed her eyes.

JSJSJS

June came, bringing summer breezes and carnivals. Sarah held Toby as they walked towards where the carnival was setting up and watched the men setting up rides. Sarah loved carnivals, especially the ferris wheel at night. You could pretend you were above the world, almost flying, and time seemed to stop. She remembered that she knew someone who could reorder time and there was that funny flutter in her stomach again.

"Sarah, hey Sarah," a voice came from behind her and she turned to see Robert Simmons running up to her. She tried to hide the goofy grin on her face as he ran up to them. He was tall with dark red hair and clear blue eyes and didn't tease her when she said she wanted to be an actress. And he helped her with her history homework sometimes. He'd make a good first boyfriend, she thought dreamily.

"Hi Robert," she answered, shifting Toby from one hip to the other. Robert patted Toby on the head and the baby laughed. And he's good with kids, she thought.

"Pretty cool about the carnival coming. Do you think your parents would let you go tonight? I mean with me? I have some money saved and I know you like the rides," he seemed to stammer a little at the end as if he hadn't thought out the whole invitation. She smirked.

"I think I'll be able to come, but you have to go ask my dad. He's on this thing about how no one's gonna date his daughter without asking his permission first." She rolled her eyes dramatically. "Parents."

Robert grinned. "I think I can do that, so - do you really think we're going to have a surprise quiz next week?" The two friends continued to chat as the men set up the rides.

Somewhere, off in a certain Goblin Kingdom, a very interested king was watching his Sarah through a crystal. And so it begins, he thought to himself. Ariana walked into his throne room, grinning as she watched him stare into his orb as if the future of his kingdom depended on this. She hadn't spoken with him about his grand gift to the girl, but it had been on her mind for weeks.

"Jareth," she said lightly and he glanced up, spinning the crystal away. Straightening in his throne, he watched his sister approach.

"Something I can help you with, sister mine?" His eyes were full of mischief and she hid a secret smile. He was in love and that made him unpreditable.

"I wanted to talk with you about your gift to Sarah, really - giving her control of your Labyrinth? The child is fifteen and needs the option to have a somewhat normal life, does she not? You've in effect bound her to this world with these obligations. Do you not trust her to choose you without forcing her to return?"

"She's my Champion," he said shortly. "She deserves the gift and she liked it." He was almost pouting now though he'd never admit it.

"Jareth," Ariana said his name as if she'd like to say more. He sighed and rubbed his eyes.

"I cannot lose her and I will not consider the possibility. If giving her a reminder of what is here waiting for her helps my cause, I feel no guilt in doing so. Do you rebuke my efforts?"

"No, of course not, brother mine," she said, smiling. "Just remember that she does have free will and you must be prepared for any eventual outcome."

"Every outcome will end in the same way, Sarah will be my queen and she will never leave my side," he said forcefully.

Jareth smirked and Ariana laughed out loud. He was too proud for his own good, but the girl did love him even if she didn't realize it yet. This could actually turn out well if outside forces were kept at bay.

"Has there been any news on the border breach?" Ariana asked, walking over to his large windowsill and perching on the edge. He got up and walked over to her, sitting opposite of her on the ledge.

"Yes, it appears we have a spy feeding them information. I cannot see who it is as they are very careful to meet on neutral territory and I can't be everywhere at once. But I'm sure our little sister will have the name of the spy in due time. She's very efficient. And now dear sister, I have to meet with Sarah."

"Is she expecting you?"

"Of course not - that is why I must go. The little girl thinks to have a date with one of her human boys and it's time I set the rules for her little game."

"Jareth," Ariana warned, trying not to laugh. He waved off her concerns.

"She is allowed to date the little boys, but there will be rules in place. I shall see you shortly, dear sister." And with a bow and a flurry of glitter, the Goblin King was gone.

JSJSJS

Sarah brushed her hair and changed her clothes for the fifth time since coming home. Her father had liked Robert and had told them to have a good time at the carnival. All of Sarah's friends were going to be there too so Mr. Williams was sure Sarah would not be focusing on just one boy.

Sarah held up a red tank top and frowned. Too red, she decided and threw it on the bed. Holding up a blue T-shirt, she smiled. She liked blue.

"Rather the color of my eyes - or rather one of them," a voice drawled and Sarah spun around, almost landing on her bed in shock. Jareth stood by her window, dressed in a button down blue shirt and black pants that still seemed - tight.

"Jareth, you scared the crap out of me," Sarah hissed. "I mean - what are you doing here?"

"My dearest Sarah, I've heard that you have a date this evening. I wanted to wish you a fun evening." Her eyes narrowed at the small smirk he was giving her.

"Really - you're fine with my date."

"Of course, and I'm quite pleased that you have one as it makes our conversation all the more pertinent. There are a few rules of courtship I'd like to make you aware of before you go on this date of yours."

"I haven't agreed you could court me, Jareth," she said, her low voice surprising them both. He walked over to her, cupping her chin in his hand. She shivered and internally, he shouted to the heavens.

"You said that we could get to know each other and I'm allowing you to date the little human boys. However, I am setting down my terms."

"Really?" Sarah said, amused in spite of his domineering attitude. "And what exactly would those be, your highness?"

"Ah respect, so refreshing from you. Let's see - ah yes. For every date you have with a mortal boy, I am allowed one of my own."

"You want to date a mortal boy whenever I do?" Sarah teased. His eyes grew dark and he hugged her to him, causing her to gasp.

"Don't toy with your king, Sarah - it isn't polite. Now then - where were we...ah yes. When you have a date with one of your boys, I am allowed to have time spent with you as well. You said yourself you need a basis for comparision." She'd said that to his sister, not him, but she'd worry about that later, she thought.

"That might mean a lot of dates with you, don't you have a kingdom to run?" Really, Sarah thought, she was getting quite bold with him now. And he seemed to like it.

"I can reorder time if you don't remember and besides - we have to get to know each other if you are to be Guardian of my Labyrinth, correct? There are many things I must teach you," his eyes darkened briefly as she gazed up at him, mouth slightly open. He coughed briskly and let her go.

"So this is also some sort of job interview?" Sarah asked, eyes lit up from his flustered attitude. He glared at her.

"Not at all, you are the Guardian, you must also learn you are," he stopped, spinning from her to run his hand through his hair. She walked over to him and took his arm, gently turning him to look at her.

"Your terms are acceptable as long as you don't interfere with my - human boys. No tricks, no oubilettes, no anything. Deal?" She could see the struggle on his handsome face but she stood firm. She couldn't let him go around bogging boys she kissed now could she?

"Fine, but after your human date is gone this evening I shall be here to take you on our first proper courting. Be prepared for anything." He kissed her then, hard and fast and then he was gone in blaze of glitter.

"With you, I think I'll have to be prepared for anything," she giggled, then ran downstairs to have her dad drive her to the carnival.