Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, although I'd happily snog Jareth within an inch of his life given half a chance. :)
Warning: Mature content…yadda yadda. And a tiny bit of evil Jareth – just to keep Sarah on her toes. *purrrr*
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TIES THAT BIND
Ch. 14
Sarah wasn't entirely sure what had changed or when, but she was no longer afraid anymore. Not of Jareth. Not of herself. Not even of her past. Somewhere, in the course of surrendering to him and her desires, she had rediscovered her own power. And it felt good.
Turning in his arms, Sarah looked at him, his face relaxed and peaceful, eyes closed as he leaned against the headboard. Her fingers moved of their own accord, reaching up, they traced the angles and curves of his face as if memorizing him, even though she would know him anywhere as he was already etched on her heart.
He didn't open his eyes, but his thin lips twitched ever so slightly. "Yes, precious?"
In response, Sarah leaned forward, her lips seeking his, almost reverently. Although the kiss itself was sweet, chaste in its way, it carried with it the full depth of her emotions. She didn't notice the change, but his ears, so sensitive to the effects of magic, heard the chiming hum that built around her. Opening his eyes, he looked down at her as she leaned back, her gaze finding his.
"Sarah," was all he could say, as he watched her eyes shimmer from emerald to sea-green.
"Thank you," she breathed softly.
"For what, precious?"
She smiled contentedly, leaning in to kiss him once more, not seeming to notice the hum that rang around her.
"For giving me back my power, my own control."
Jareth brushed his lips softly against her forehead, murmuring quietly, "It seems you have learned the next important lesson all on your own, pet. The very act of surrendering willingly can only be done if one is has their own control and power."
He didn't address the other power she seemed to have also found. She was not yet aware of it, but its very presence in the Aboveground, heralded great things.
Jareth stretched, reluctantly shifting her toward the edge of the bed.
"While I could happily stay curled up with you for the rest of the afternoon, Sarah, it is advisable that we eat as we do have some errands to see to. Although I find your current attire, or lack thereof, most fetching, it would be best if you managed to put something more presentable on."
Flicking his wrist, the chain that had restricted her to the room disappeared, while the silver cuff transformed into a fine silver chain, with a small crystal orb hanging from it.
"A present," he said, his lips curled in amusement as he remembered other presents he had once offered her. "Nothing more."
She laughed softly, moving away from him toward the bathroom. Watching her move without hesitation despite her lack of clothing, Jareth could feel the changes in her. Without fully realizing it, she had fully committed herself. The actual decision itself would be nothing but an afterthought, it was only a matter of time.
Gliding back through the room toward the armoire, she fixed him with a mock glare, her eyes shifting once more, from sea-green to violet. "Well, your Majesty…if we are to go out, you'll have to lose the armor. While it might be great for keeping goblins, or me in line," she winked, "it won't do much for your dealings with people Aboveground."
Moving his hand in a lazy arc, his clothing changing immediately. Where once he had been resplendent in embossed leather, he was now handsomely attired in black wool slacks and a black sweater, a tailored black leather blazer laying next to him.
"Nice parlor trick. I'd like to see it in reverse sometime. Instead of putting clothes on, why not try taking them off for a change," she teased.
"In time, precious. All in good time," came his cool response.
Laughing, Sarah turned to the armoire, wondering what to put on.
"Jareth, would you let me take you out to dinner?"
Puzzled, he looked at her. This was not what he was expecting. "If you wish, Sarah, but it is hardly necessary."
Nodding, she returned to the armoire, and laughed. The selection of clothes told her he had been watching her for sometime, as the armoire was stocked with duplicates of many of her favorite outfits.
"It isn't so much that it is necessary. But you have done so much for me, I wanted to do something for you. And to be honest, it was the first thing I could think of."
Chuckling, Sarah slipped into a pair denim skirt and a baby blue cashmere sweater, wrapping a navy silk scarf around her neck and slipping her feet into matching flats.
"How do you feel about sushi?" she asked.
Jareth just smiled, making a note to reward Elendra.
Opening the door, Sarah happily led Jareth into her favorite sushi restaurant, run by her friend Kiko's family.
"Sarah-chan, wa anata o sanshō surunode yoi kotodesu. (Sarah, it is so good to see you)!" replied the young, raven-haired woman behind the counter, waving cheerfully at Sarah.
Bowing slightly, Sarah returned the other woman's greeting, her eyes shining brightly, "Konban wa, Kiko-chan."
Kiko glided from behind the counter, moving gracefully in her pink silk kimono, the shoulders and sleeves covered in white cherry blossoms, complimenting the red obi. She hugged Sarah tightly.
"Kiko, this is Jareth no Kimi*," Sarah continued, a sly smile teasing the corner of her mouth, "he is a close friend of mine."
Jareth peered at them, raising en elegant eyebrow knowingly, he purred in Sarah's ear, "Do you know what 'no Kimi' translates as, precious?"
"It was either that or lord and master, I thought it was the lesser of the two evils," Sarah replied laughing.
Bowing deeply to Jareth, Kiko quietly greeted him, "Hajimemashite Yoroshiku Jareth-sama."
"Would you like your usual place Sarah-chan?"
"Actually Kiko, is the alcove busy? I know your father reserves it for business-men, but there are some things we need to discuss privately."
Kiko hurried behind the counter, speaking in hushed tones to her father. While they were busy, a small woman with silver-white hair quietly walked up to them. Gnarled fingers leaning heavily on a thick wooden cane, she looked at Sarah, deep brown eyes peering at her knowingly, before speaking to Jareth.
"Dono yōna bijinesu wa, koko de goburin no ō o motte?" (What business brings the Goblin King here?)
Smiling softly, Jareth held his hand out to the old woman, who gently placed her hand in his.
"Shōrai no joō o saibansho ni (to court the future queen)," he replied quietly.
"Sarah-chan wa, hijō ni kyōryokuna yoi sentakudesu (Sarah is a good choice, very strong)."
Laughing gently, Jareth nodded, "Hai (yes)."
The withered old woman slowly guided Jareth toward the alcove, pausing to pull back the shoji divider that separated the alcove from the rest of the restaurant.
Moving as if to bow once more, Jareth's hand stopped her.
Smiling warmly he murmured, "Sore wa daijōbu kenmeidesu (that is okay wise one).
Instead of bowing, the little woman smiled up at him, her eyes shining, "Heika arigatō (Thank you, your Majesty)," before slowly making her way back behind the counter.
Sarah followed Jareth into the alcove, puzzling over what she had seen. Slipping her shoes off, she settled herself on the pillows by the small table.
"I don't know what grandmother Miyake said to you, but somehow I think she knows you," Sarah mused, watching him settle onto the pillows.
Nodding, Jareth smiled. "Some wise old ones do recognize me for who I actually am, although they may never have had personal dealings with me before. Legends of the fae can be found in many cultures, Sarah."
At this, they heard Kiko's father grumbling behind the counter, until grandmother Miyake firmly ended whatever the argument was, her voice stern and final as she said, "Anata wa kare no heika goburin no ō o sonchō shimasu (You will respect his Majesty the King of Goblins)."
Kiko hurried from the behind the counter carrying a tray of tea. She paused to kneel at the end of their table, as she began to place cups of tea before both Sarah and Jareth.
"I am so sorry for grandmother. She is under the impression that Jareth-sama is some form of royalty. I am afraid father is quite upset as she is going on and on, something about goblins."
Jareth smiled kindly at the flustered girl, then looked at Sarah.
"Don't worry, he often has that effect on people."
Chuckling, Sarah turned her attention to her friend and their order. "Warm sake, keep it refilled, gyoza, and the house special sushi and sashimi sushi platter – no eel and no sea urchin. Ugh."
"Bah, Sarah-chan! Where is your sense of adventure?" Kiko teased.
Sarah shook her head and laughed, "If you only knew, Kiko-chan. You would be surprised what I get up to when you aren't around."
"Well, I hope Jareth-sama can keep you out of trouble then, Sarah-chan."
Jareth laughed, his eyes teasing, "I try."
Bowing low, Kiko retreated to the kitchen, leaving Sarah and Jareth to themselves in the quiet of the restaurant. Sitting back against the pillows, Sarah looked at Jareth, her lips pursed as she considered things. She was still mulling things over when Kiko returned with the sake. Taking the bottle from her friend, Sarah poured a cup and offered it to Jareth, before pouring one for herself.
"Kampai," she said, offering the traditional toast, before downing her sake, then refilling her glass, working to steel her courage. She had to ask him, but was not sure that she would like the answer.
"So, are you going to explain to me why I suddenly have magic?" Sarah asked.
*no Kimi: used to refer to a lover, alternately a reference to one who behaves like a prince or princess from ancient times.