Jareth awoke to the sounds of chatter in the kitchen and roused himself. For a long moment, his mind lingered on Sarah's strange behavior the night before. Her level of upset had been completely out of proportion to the situation, which led him to believe that she felt more for him than she was letting on. Disappointed with himself that he'd fallen asleep before they could talk further, he hoped to find a way to get her alone today. He dressed in his new clothing before venturing out to see what was going on.

Jen, Sarah and Steve were sitting chatting and Jen jumped up when she saw him. "Hey, Jareth! I made some breakfast, if you want some. It's kind of my specialty, just ask these two who've been stuffing their faces all morning." Sarah avoided his eyes, but Steve gave Jareth a thumbs up, grinning around a mouthful of food. Jen beamed at him. "You like pancakes and sausage?" she asked excitedly.

Ah, Jen... He considered Sarah's friend gratefully. Without her encouragement yesterday, he might be near despair at this point. "Indeed I do, thank you. It sounds wonderful, Jennifer. I would love some," he replied.

"Sit yourself down, I'll grab you a plate," she replied. Jareth took the seat next to Sarah, but she still didn't look at him. Instead, she was staring intently at a magazine article. Jen smiled at him encouragingly and proceeded to serve him a generous helping of pancakes and sausage as well as a glass of orange juice.

"Thank you very much, Jennifer," he stated before tucking into his food enthusiastically. His appetite had returned in full. He also had an inkling that his magic was just out of reach and would return to him soon. Although it would certainly cause Sarah to believe he would instantly abandon her, he did greatly look forward to feeling like himself again. He would just have to prove Sarah wrong in her suspicions and convince her that he would only leave once they had hashed out their current impasse. It would be much more effective than merely telling her.

He greatly enjoyed his breakfast along with the morning ruckus and conversation. Sarah seemed far more at ease with their friends present. After a few minutes, she even glanced over and gave him a warm smile, which made his heart somersault in his chest. Chastising himself for reacting like an adolescent with his first crush, he smiled back and winked flirtatiously, then went back to his pancakes.

"So, Jareth," Jen said, refilling everyone's coffee cups. "We were talking about spending the day at the lake. You know, pack a lunch, go swimming, take a walk… Are you up for it?"

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," he agreed readily, glancing up to see Sarah's eyes upon him anxiously. "As for the walking, as long as we go in pairs, I can see no flaw in the plan." He winked at Sarah again, grinning as she averted her eyes. Realizing he didn't even know if she had come to bed last night, he determined to ask her about it when he got the chance.

"Great! Steve even brought an old tire and some rope, so we can swing and jump into the water," Jen said excitedly. "I haven't done that since I was a kid."

Jareth didn't quite understand the concept, but figured he would find out soon enough. "Can I assist in preparations for this outing?" he asked.

"Jen and I will take care of the food," Sarah replied, standing and picking up her plate. "But you guys could pack some folding chairs and blankets in the car. We have too much stuff to carry it all that way. We'll have the cooler ready in a few minutes."

Jareth followed Steve outside, carrying a couple of blankets the girls had set by the door. Steve was opening the trunk of the car and clearing out some items to make room for the chairs and cooler. Jareth stood by, watching and enjoying the morning sun.

"So, how's it going, Jare?" Steve asked, sitting casually on the back bumper of his car. "And… I know you're feeling better. What I mean is, how's it going with Sarah?"

Taken somewhat aback, Jareth leaned against a tree trunk and considered the question. "I'm sure Jen has told you more than I can, as she has spoken with Sarah. Sarah has told me some of her concerns, but I don't seem able to alleviate them at all. She's skittish and stubborn… At times I feel things are going well and at others… I don't. She is attracted to me; I can tell that much. Beyond that, however, I cannot guess."

Steve nodded. "I think, judging from what Jen has told me, Sarah likes you more than she thinks she should. Just don't give up on her, she's been through a lot, and her reasons for caution are very real to her. I mean, the fact that you're from another world and another species is a lot for any woman to take in. Thing is, Sarah's not just 'any woman', Jare."

"I know," Jareth said, agreeing wholeheartedly. "In fact, to say Sarah is not just any woman is rather an understatement," he mused out loud. "I know this isn't what you were referring to, but she's got more magic in her than any mortal I've ever seen."

Steve's eyebrows shot toward his hairline. "Really?"

"Hmm," Jareth said in answer.

Cocking his head to the side, Steve said, "How'd it go last night… about the whole wandering off issue? I've never seen Sarah go off quite like that. I know you were kinda pissed off at her, but you should really take it as a sign that she cares about you."

Jareth studied the young man in front of him. He was a good friend, and Jareth instinctively felt he could trust him. Instead of appearing lasciviously interested, he seemed genuinely concerned. Deciding to confide in him, Jareth replied, "She was very worried… I ought to have known she would be, because of her reaction the other day. She awoke after sleeping on the couch, and went into the bedroom to check on me. I was in the kitchen, but she didn't know that. Her response was one of panic, as though she was afraid I had disappeared. I could hear it in her voice. So I blame myself for last night's conflict. I ought to have told her where I was going, not because I had to, but as a courtesy. I caused her needless worry."

"Did you tell her that?" Steve asked.

Jareth shook his head ruefully. "Not in so many words. At first I was indeed angry at her attitude. I am a king, after all, and perfectly within my rights to come and go as I please, and there she was, scolding me like a recalcitrant child. But then she just… broke down, and I realized just how upset she really was. Not because I had gone walking, but because she had been afraid I wasn't coming back. All I was able to say was that I was sorry… and then…"

Steve nodded, making an encouraging gesture. "And then…" he prompted.

Jareth took a deep breath, remembering. "I don't know who moved first, but suddenly she was in my arms, kissing me as if she would never see me again," he recalled, his voice softening. "She was crying and clinging to me… All I could think of was that she was in my arms willingly, kissing me as if her life depended upon it. Somehow we ended up on the bed. Her hands were in my hair, and I could feel her heart beating against mine. Then… Then she insisted we must stop. Every time it seems we're getting somewhere, like I've finally gotten through to her how I feel, she finds a reason to end it." He shook his head, reliving the bitter disappointment he had felt. Not at the fact that they had to stop, because Jen and Steve were there, after all, but because of her words. "She said we couldn't continue, that there was no future for us together, and that we would only end up hurting one another."

"Wow," Steve said.

Jareth nodded. "Yes, I know. It's hopeless, I fear."

"No," Steve disagreed emphatically. "No, that's not what I mean. It's not hopeless at all." Pushing off from the car, he moved closer to Jareth and lowered his voice, not that the girls could have heard him from the house anyway. "Listen, Jareth, she's trying to convince herself, not you. Don't you see?" Steve paused for a moment as if considering his next statement. "When I first started seeing Jen, she was adamant that it could never work out. She grew up really different than I did, which I admit can cause issues in a relationship. Her folks are a disaster and they fought all the time... They finally got divorced but they still fight like cats and dogs. I grew up with parents that get along great, and my childhood was pretty ideal. As soon as I showed any interest in her, she seemed to constantly find excuses why it was going to fail," he confided.

"Jennifer?" Jareth stated incredulously. "She seems very comfortable and certain of herself."

Steve nodded. "Yeah, she acts like that... But inside, she was as terrified of rejection as Sarah is. Sarah's folks split up when she was little, too. I think it really messes with their heads... Makes them think they're responsible. I know in a way, Jen still thinks that she had something to do with the breakup. It took me awhile to get her to see how much I really liked her. Then it took ages for us to work out how to handle conflict rather than just running from our problems. Anyway, if Sarah felt nothing for you, she would tell you so flat out, and she wouldn't mince words. She's never been anything less than totally upfront with guys once she knows there's no point in going on. For her to say you'd only end up hurting one another indicates that she has feelings for you that could end up hurt. That's massive, Jare. She feels something for you."

"I thought so, too," he admitted quietly, glancing toward the cabin thoughtfully. "After all, her response when I kiss her is greatly encouraging. However, if she is bound and determined to push me away, it hardly matters if she has feelings for me or not."

Steve smiled. "No, it matters, trust me. You can't give up, Jareth – I'm sure that's what she's both hoping and fearing you'll do. You've got to keep chipping away at her armor. Sooner or later, she'll be defenseless because she won't want to push you away anymore. She needs you, Jare, probably more than she knows." He paused, and his face grew serious. "That said, I'm telling you right now to be certain of your own feelings. Because if she decides to give you her heart… If you end up changing your mind, you'll break a lot more than her heart. She would never be the same Sarah again. Not to mention that I'd have to hunt you down and hurt you, which would suck, because I consider you a friend."

Jareth smiled in understanding. Respectful of Steve's protective attitude toward Sarah, Jareth placed a hand on the other man's shoulder and said, "I've never been more certain of my feelings in my life. Sarah is the only woman for me. By the way, I consider you a friend, as well, Steve, and I promise you, I will never hurt Sarah. I'd rather die."

"Then don't give up on her," Steve replied, slapping Jareth's back. "Come on, let's get the girls. They've probably packed enough food to survive on the lake for three days."

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Sarah saw Jareth and Steve outside by the car, talking earnestly. "Look at those two out there. They look thick as thieves, almost like they're plotting something. What do you suppose they're discussing so seriously?" she asked Jen.

Jen glanced up from tearing chicken off the bone to look out the window. She shrugged. "Who knows? Cars… women… the stock exchange. Don't worry about it. They're becoming friends, that's all. Unless of course you're afraid they're talking about you," she added cheekily.

"Pfft," Sarah replied succinctly. "Why would they be talking about me?" Sarah asked, laughing nervously. "What a silly thing to say." She went back to pulling leaves of lettuce off the head and placing them into a plastic baggie.

Shrugging, Jen said, "I don't know why else you would be so curious, is all. It's good that they're bonding. Jareth could use a friend like Steve, and Steve has said he really likes and respects Jareth." Tossing the chicken carcass into the trash, she got up to wash her hands. "So… did you two talk some more last night after we came inside?"

"No," Sarah said, placing the bag of lettuce into the cooler on top of the chicken, tomatoes, onion, and condiments. "He was asleep when I went to bed." Recalling the conversation she'd had with Jareth about sleeping together, she giggled.

"What's so funny?" Jen asked, turning from the sink.

Sarah shook her head. "Just remembering something Jareth said the other day."

"Do tell," Jen coaxed.

"We had this whole discussion… Jareth said we were 'sleeping together' and I sort of freaked out before realizing he meant it innocently, which was really stupid and a testament to just how flustered he makes me. Anyway, I ended up trying to tell him what that phrase usually means, and he came to the conclusion on his own." She laughed again. "He was so formal. He said, 'So I deduce that 'sleeping together' commonly refers to having sexual intercourse, then.'"

Jen laughed, too, then fanned herself as though overheated. "Wow, just hearing him say those words, with that voice of his, would have been enough to make me melt!"

"Yeah, well, he does have a great voice. I was a bit too embarrassed to melt at the time," Sarah replied, "but I've sure thought a lot about it since. Gosh, last night, when we were on the bed together, I could have easily let him—"

"You said he was asleep when you went to bed!" Jen interrupted, her eyes wide.

Sarah realized her mistake as soon as Jen pounced on her words. Giving a mental shrug, she grinned. She might as well tell Jen about it; after all, they were best friends. "No, this was before. See… when he followed me into the room, he was really pissed off at me. If he'd had his power, I swear he would've sent me to an oubliette. But he didn't, and I was so upset, I just kept telling him how self-centered and thoughtless he was… Even though he was angry, he stayed pretty calm. Then he asked me what was really bothering me, and I… I just broke down. Because that was the thing – I'd been afraid he might be hurt, yeah. But we'd have found him and helped him back. Same if he was lost. What I was most upset about was that he might have just left and gone home. I blurted it out, though I'm not sure how much sense I made. He got it, though, because he had this look on his face like he finally understood, and he said he was sorry." Sarah paused, biting her lower lip. "And then, suddenly, we were making out… I mean, really making out. He's kissed me before, but never like he did last night. And then we ended up on the bed and things were moving way too fast… But I wanted… I really wanted…"

"To continue," Jen deduced, nodding. "Of course you would. What healthy red-blooded girl with a penchant for hot fairy tale kings wouldn't? And I had to knock on the door and ruin it. I'm so sorry!" She bowed her head.

Sarah touched her friend's arm. "No. It wasn't you. I'd ended it before you knocked. I told him we had to stop. The look on his face nearly killed me."

"But why?" Jen asked, frowning in confusion. "Sarah, why?"

"Because I felt so out of control," Sarah said, trying to find the words to explain. "I felt like I was losing myself in him. If we had gone on, it would have changed things between us forever, and I can't let that happen."

"I have news for you, babe," Jen said dryly. "Things have already changed between you two. Jareth loves you, and you love him. You just have to decide what you're going to do about it. You can ignore it, and let him go when he gets his magic back, or you can admit it, and see what happens."

Sarah frowned. "Jen, the thing is, I can't imagine why he would love someone like me," she said slowly. "But you're right. I'm starting to think I do love him, Jen, and it scares me to death. I don't know what to do about it."

"Well," Jen said with a small shrug and a smile. "I shouldn't gloat, because I already knew you were in love with him, but it's nice to hear you say the words. Now, here they come, so we'd better clam up for the moment." She moved closer to whisper, "Just… whatever Jareth does, go with it. Let him show you how he feels. Don't discourage him from flirting with you."

Snorting, Sarah whispered back, "Right now I'm not sure I'd discourage him from dragging me to the bedroom, but if you tell him that I'll kill you."

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Both girls were laughing when Jareth and Steve entered the cabin. When they saw Jareth, they immediately made a visible effort to calm down. Shaking their heads, both men grabbed a handle of the large cooler containing their lunch, snacks and drinks. They carried it outside and as soon as they were out of earshot, Jen and Sarah started laughing again.

"Poor guys," Jen said through her laughter. "They didn't even ask what was so funny. Probably because they have a good idea what we were talking about."

Sarah gasped, no longer amused. "Oh, Jen, I don't want Jareth to think I was laughing about him… I mean, what will he say? What if he gets mad?"

"Honey, all that's on Jareth's mind is the hope for a replay of last night," she replied. "Not the fight part, but the other part. Nudge, wink. As long as you were talking about him, he probably doesn't give a damn why."

Rolling her eyes, Sarah pushed playfully at Jen. "You have a one-track mind." Remembering what she had put on that morning, she bit her lower lip. How could she have been so stupid as to put on a bikini when she knew Jareth would see her in it? "You know, I think I'm going to change my bathing suit really quick," she said, starting toward the bedroom.

"Why, which one do you have one now?" Jen asked.

"My two-piece," she said, cringing. She'd put it on automatically, because it was her favorite and the one she usually wore when with friends at the lake or a pool. Normally she didn't give it a second thought, but thinking of wearing it in front of Jareth made her feel self-conscious.

Jen grinned at her. "Don't you dare change it," she threatened. "I'm wearing a bikini, too, and I didn't bring anything else. I don't want to be the most naked girl out there, so you're leaving yours on. Besides, you owe it to Jareth. He's been quite a sport, so reward him."

"But Jen," Sarah began.

Her grin widening to wicked proportions, Jen's glance was diverted from Sarah to Jareth, who stood in the doorway watching them curiously. "What do you think, Jare?" she asked. "Should Sarah wear a regular bathing suit to the lake or a bikini?"

Jareth frowned, glancing at Sarah and tilting his head as though curious. She knew her face was on fire, and she was ready to kill Jennifer. Jareth thought a moment and then said, "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the terminology. What is the difference?"

With a gleam in her eyes, Jen picked up the fashion magazine Sarah had been reading and opened it. "Well, see for yourself." Turning the pages, she found what she was looking for – a swimsuit ad. "This one is a one-piece bathing suit. And this one is a two-piece, otherwise known as a bikini."

Jareth stared at the pictures briefly, and then glanced up at Sarah. She felt herself fidget nervously. He then looked at Jen and said, "Women do not wear such deliciously revealing costumes Underground. However, upon reflection, my preference of the two is definitely the bikini."

"I'm not surprised," Jen replied, nodding approvingly. "Sarah's wearing a bikini under her clothes, Jare, but she's thinking of changing into her one-piece."

"I see," Jareth replied, still watching Sarah with open interest. "I see no reason for you to change now, Precious," he said silkily. "I should very much like to see your bikini."

Sarah felt his eyes on her but she refused to look up, avoiding the smirk she was sure graced his lips. She felt certain that the women Underground didn't wear cut-off jeans shorts and tank tops, either. Forcing her feet to move, she walked past Jareth and Jen, muttering, "Now I'm really going to change."

"Let's go!" Steve shouted from outside.

Jen lurched forward and grabbed Sarah's hand. "Aw, sorry, Sar. No time to change!" she sang out, dragging Sarah with her out the door behind Jareth.

Five minutes later they arrived at the lake and found a small beach area that was next to some trees. The guys unloaded the car while Sarah and Jen unfolded blankets and set up the folding chairs in the shade. They had brought one lounge chair for Jareth, in case he grew tired and needed to take a nap while they were there. As Jareth and Steve brought the ice chest over, Sarah saw that Jareth had removed his shirt. His jeans rode low on his hips and she found herself transfixed by the sight of his washboard stomach. Belated she noticed that the bruise was completely gone. Obviously his vanity was appeased and he was eager to show off his body in front of her. She cursed herself for being so affected.

Jen grabbed her arm and whispered, "You have a will of steel if you can resist that," she said fervently. "Good gravy, Sarah, look at him! You have to have noticed how his jeans hug his rear and his legs. I mean, don't get me wrong, Steve is my guy and to me he's the most attractive man on the planet, but Sarah. Honey, enjoy the view… You know he took off his shirt for you!"

"Shh," Sarah admonished, blushing furiously. "Jen, you're killing me here," she complained.

Once everything was unloaded, Jen passed out bottled water to everyone and then settled herself in one of the chairs. Sarah sat down on a blanket and slid off her deck shoes and socks. To her simultaneous delight and dismay, Jareth joined her on the blanket and removed his own shoes. Seeing him there in nothing but a pair of form fitting jeans did wicked things to her insides. Jen was right, he was something to look at. Even his feet were beautiful, she noted. He'd pulled his hair back again in a messy ponytail and she had to restrain herself from touching his ears.

"I didn't hear you come to bed last night," he whispered to her.

She resisted the urge to shiver as his breath teased her ear. "I was there… You were asleep when I came to bed. I didn't want to wake you up."

"I wanted to talk with you," he said, watching Jen and Steve walk along the lakeshore hand-in-hand. "You were so upset last night, and I made light of it. For that I apologize."

"You don't have to apologize," she replied, shrugging it off. "I over-reacted. I was just worried that you… that you might be hurt. But… you're a grown man, and you have every right to do as you please."

Frowning slightly, he said, "True, but what I did was not very courteous, especially after all you have done for me. You had the right to be upset and to have expected better manners from me."

"Apology accepted," she said, not wanting to discuss it anymore.

He was watching her intently. "About what happened between us," he began.

"I'm sorry about that," she cut in before he could say anything more. "I was just so glad you were all right… and I was so emotional. I just… reacted without thinking."

"Perhaps you should react without thinking more often, then, Sarah," he said quietly. "Because I quite enjoyed your response. Can you honestly tell me you didn't?"

She closed her eyes. "Jareth, look, I—"

Before she could say another word, he leaned forward and captured her lips with his own. It was such a soft, pleading kiss. Her first reaction was to break the contact and ask him not to kiss her again, but she found herself responding to him eagerly. His lips were so perfect – soft and moist, demanding yet gentle. As usual, he smelled way too good. Being so close to him always clouded her judgment, and all she could think of was that she wanted more… much more.

Sense prevailed when she heard Steve and Jen's voices as they returned from their walk. Pulling away, she was startled by the raw desire she saw in his expression. Breathing heavily, she found that she couldn't ask him not to kiss her any more; she was quickly growing addicted to his sneak attacks. It was as though he knew she would bolt if given the chance to do so, which she knew she would.

Steve and Jen sat down, seemingly unaware of the tension between Jareth and Sarah.

The four chatted amiably for a while, drinking their water and snacking on fruit. After about an hour, Steve stood and retrieved the tire and rope from the trunk. He tied the rope tightly around the tire. As they watched, he climbed the largest nearby tree and set about tying the rope to a sturdy branch, then let the tire drop. He shimmied down the rope to test its strength. Nodding in satisfaction, he hopped down and pulled off his jeans to reveal bright red Hawaiian print swim trunks. Getting back on the tire swing, he pushed off from the shore and swung back and forth a few times before plunging into the water with a Tarzan-like cry.

Jen laughed and jumped up out of her chair. She quickly stripped down and hurried over to the swing, climbing on. A few seconds later, she launched herself into the water, splashing and laughing with Steve.

Sarah was acutely aware that even though Jen had just stripped down to almost nothing, Jareth had hardly even glanced at her. He had kept his eyes on Sarah the entire time. She sat up, watching her friends play together in the lake. Feeling Jareth's eyes upon her still, she felt self-conscious but not uncomfortable. It was rather thrilling to contemplate him being that fascinated by her. Suddenly she felt him sit up as well, and was aware of how close he was.

"Going to join them, Precious?" he asked lazily.

She shrugged. "You first."

"Oh, no," he replied. "First I want to watch you remove your clothing, my darling."

Sarah frowned and turned to glare at him. "You what?"

"Don't look so shocked and dismayed, love," he coaxed, leaning closer to kiss her bare shoulder. "Go on, take them off."

Her face, she was sure, was flushed from his suggestive tone. He was completely serious! She didn't know whether to be amused or annoyed, but her hormones were reacting on their own, and they were extremely excited by his demeanor. When she failed to act immediately, she saw Jareth's hand reach over and start tugging at her tank top.

"What are you doing?" she asked breathlessly.

Jareth smiled widely, revealing sharp teeth. "Assisting you."

"I don't need your assistance," she argued, but she could hear the change in her voice. The level of her attraction to this man was startling.

He leaned closer and whispered, his lips tickling her ear, "So independent." His fingers started to sneak further up her bare stomach, drawing her top up, too.

Frowning at him, she swatted his hand away and stood up. She walked over behind the car and pulled off her shorts, tossing them into the back seat where they would remain dry. She pulled off her tank top and tossed it in too, wishing she'd brought along a jacket or extra shirt so she could have left the tank on. Cursing herself for not thinking of wearing her more modest suit, she walked casually over to the water's edge. Turning, she found the Goblin King staring intently at her with frank approval in his eyes.

"Thousands of times I've imagined what you would look like, Sarah," he said huskily. "Never did my imagination live up to the reality. You're beyond beautiful."

She ducked her head to hide her reaction to his compliment. Crossing her arms in front of her, she lifted an eyebrow. "Are you going into the water or are you going to rest?"

Jareth stood up and unbuttoned his jeans. She quickly turned away, hearing him chuckle in amusement. A moment later, he was at her side, wearing black and white shorts bearing the same print as Steve's. It was yet another surreal moment to add to her growing list.

She indicated the swing. "You first."

Watching the Goblin King fly from a tire swing into the water was something Sarah had never thought she would see. Laughing to herself, she climbed on the swing and a moment later landed in the water not far from him. He swam to her, his golden hair flattened down, and pulled her into his arms.

"That was a lovely sight," he told her. "You, half naked, flying in the air toward me. Reminded me of some of my more enjoyable dreams."

She shook her head, pushing him away. "You're crazy."

"If so, I'm only crazy for you," he replied seriously, his hands returning to rove her back under the water they both tread.

Shaking her head, she moved away from him and swam toward Steve and Jen who were busy dunking one another under the water. The three splashed around and took turns swinging off the tire, but Jareth merely swam back and forth, keeping his distance from the group. He was the first to get out and dry off, and when they returned, he was sprawled out on the lounge chair, sleeping. Sarah dried off and redressed quickly, watching Jareth in concern and hoping that swimming hadn't been too taxing for him.

Pulling the cooler from the car, Steve opened it up and started pulling out food. Indicating Jareth, he said, "Should we wake him up?"

"No, let him sleep," she said, removing a few sodas and drying them off.

Jareth shifted in his sleep and moaned her name. Sarah froze, feeling her face blush hotly. "On second thought, wake him up," she said dryly, ignoring the amused glance Jen and Steve exchanged.

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Jareth ate his sandwich quietly, listening to the others talk. He knew he'd been dreaming about Sarah when Steve had nudged him awake to tell him lunch was ready. It was futile to hope he hadn't given any indication of his dream; if he hadn't said Sarah's name or moaned out loud, they likely would have left him sleeping. It was horribly undignified, but there was nothing to be done about it. At least no one had mocked him.

Sarah seemed to be avoiding his eye even though she sat facing him. He was having a hard time keeping his eyes off her, and an even harder time contributing to the conversation. When they had finished eating, the weather started cooling down. No one wanted to take another swim, so they packed everything up and headed back to the cabin.

They spent the afternoon playing games. When teams were required, Jen and Steve insisted on being a team which left him and Sarah as the opposing team. Jareth found that he quite enjoyed playing games, and Sarah was a good ally to have; they ended up winning quite a few times.

When evening fell, they raided the refrigerator for leftovers and then sat around the fire drinking wine and roasting marshmallows. They told one another what were meant to be frightening tales but mostly they ended up laughing a lot, probably due to the amount of wine consumed. Jareth found himself growing sleepy and announced his intention of going to bed. To his surprise, Sarah said she was tired as well, and followed him into the bedroom.

He had hoped that she would want to talk things out some more, but after returning from the bathroom in her pajamas, she merely climbed into bed with her back to him and promptly fell asleep. In the next room, Jareth could hear Jen and Steve still laughing together, and wished that he and Sarah could be so easy and comfortable with one another. It didn't take long for Jareth to fall asleep, but his dreams all consisted of Sarah telling him to go back to his own world and leave her alone.