She was up in her room, not wanting to face the world yet. It'd been three days and still it seemed like only an hour ago. A book lay on the bed as she sketched furiously. It was the new Hoggle, drawn from a memory burned into her head. He was there every time she closed her eyes, there was never an escape.

Finally done with it, she pulled the page from the book and folded it, sticking it in with all of her other drawings. Laughter could be heard from down below, she looked out the window curiously. Jareth and Hoggle were playing hide and seek with Toby. Toby spotted Hoggle almost immediately, he obviously was used to the size difference yet. Hoggle scooped him up and threw him in the air, catching him effortlessly. The laughter that escaped Toby's lips floated up to touch Sarah's ears and her heart. Hoggle looked up toward her room, her heart skipped a beat as his eyes met hers and he smiled.

She pulled away from the window, not wanting to draw any more unwanted attention. Her heart pounded in her chest as she sank down onto the bed. That look, she'd seen it so many times over the years. It was the same look her father gave her stepmother after a fight, the look that said he'd be patient and wait for her to come around because he loved her. What was she supposed to say to a look like that?

Hoggle'd seen her, and he knew she saw him. For just a small second it was like the world was balanced again, but the moment she looked away it was off center. He wanted to hold her against him, kiss her until she melted into him. All the things he couldn't give her before. God, he wanted to dance with her again.

And although he promised himself he would wait until she was ready, he couldn't resist any longer. He practically ran to her room, knocked impatiently. The door opened a little, she peered out at him. "I don't want to talk to you." She mumbled.

"Just for a moment." He pushed his way in as the door swung shut. She stood there in shock, not used to his new found sense of strength. "I'm still me, Sarah." He sighed, stepping closer to her. She responded by backing up into the door.

"I know that." She whispered, looking away from him.

"I don't believe you." He closed the distance, her eyes widened in alarm as he braced himself against the wall. "I'm still the same mean grouch I was, just a little better looking." When she shook her head at him, he couldn't help the wave of impatience that crashed over him. "Why can't you understand? This, this was for you."

"Who said I wanted it?" She shoved at him but he wouldn't budge. "I fell in love with the Hoggle I met back at the beginning, not this Prince Charming stereotype."

"Damn it, Sarah." He pressed himself up against her, felt her shiver beneath him. "I'm not trying to be Prince Charming, that's what I've been telling you. I'm still that Hoggle, it's just easier to be with you now."

"And how is that?" She sighed, trying not to think how close together they were. His hand caught the back of her neck, pulling her lips to his. His kiss was fierce, yet gentle. She buried her hands in his hair, pulling him closer. He let his hand rest at the small of her back, pulled back to breathe. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were wild.

"Try doing that as a dwarf." He laughed breathlessly. He clung to her, smiled as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"God, I love you." She breathed, trying desperately to put her thoughts together. "I'm so stupid, your so stupid, we're both complete and utter morons."

"I have to agree with you there." He nodded. "But at least we're not alone and stupid." She chuckled against the fabric of his shirt, breathed in the scent of him. Somehow, it was like she'd been waiting for this her entire life.

Then he pushed her back enough that he could step away without her falling over. There was a small smirk on his face. "I believe you owe me a dance."

"Maybe I do." She stepped into the position easily, feeling oddly comforted by his touch when he placed his hand on her hip. There was no music but they didn't really need any. It was flawless, each dancing as if they'd had years of practice. She spun effortlessly under his lifted arm, smiled when the space between them got smaller and smaller.

The feel of her against him was driving him insane, he felt like any moment he might explode. Another spin, this one almost lightening fast, for niether one of them wanted to let go for long. Exhausted, Hoggle just held her to him, waited while his head stopped spinning.

She squirmed beneath him, causing him to groan. "Are you alright?" She pulled away to look him in the eyes.

"Not until you agree to spend the rest of your life with me." He shook his head, kissed her forehead.