"So, little fox, was it? There's a story behind that, isn't there?" he questioned, smiling deviously.
"Yeah when my parents were dating my Dad would call my Mom fox, because of her hair color. When I was born, he took one look at me and jokingly said, 'That's not a baby girl, that's a little fox.' Ever since then, he's called me his little fox." she explained, sighing not out of embarrassment but because she was almost sure he'd want to start using it too.
"I think it suits you perfectly, precious. After all, you are sly, cunning, clever, and beautiful like a fox." he commented.
"Thank you Jareth, but if you try to use that nickname I'll give your parents the idea to start calling you little owlet." she replied.
"Now why would you do that? It's not as though little fox is unflattering." he responded.
"It's my Dad's nickname for me; and if you say it even once in a seductive voice, I'll never be able to look him in the eye again when he says it." she told him.
"Alright love, I understand." he said gently, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"So, what do you think of them?" she asked.
"I think I was right about not getting along with your father, and I'm almost certain now that your Fae ancestor is on your mother's side." he remarked, grinning.
"My Dad was just being protective of his only daughter; his behavior was completely normal. I'm pretty sure your Fae charm worked on my Mom though." she retorted.
"Perhaps, but did you notice the way your mother handled your father? It was very Fae-like, and I've never seen a mortal with eyes that close to true emerald green." he stated.
"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me. Seriously though, what did you think of them?" she replied.
"They both seem to be excellent parents. Honestly, your father's reaction was the one I expected, but your mother impressed me. So yes precious, I like them." he responded.
"I'm sorry, I really have no idea when I started caring so much about getting approval." she commented.
"They're your parents and I plan to be your husband someday; of course you would want us to get along." he told her.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." she said.
"I think it's about time I take you to the Underground to stay, my precious love." he stated, smiling brilliantly.
"I think so too, Jareth; let's go." she agreed, returning the smile.
Jareth pulled her close and Raeya held on tightly, as he transported them back to the Underground once again. Just like the first time, they appeared on the balcony connected to the throne room.
"Welcome home, Raeya mine." he whispered, before kissing her passionately.
His human glamour melted away, as she kissed him back with the same intensity; burying her fingers in his hair and letting them brush across his ears along the way. He growled happily, holding her tighter and running one bare hand through her silken waves. They finally stopped to breathe and he rested his forehead against hers, his gaze soft and loving.
"Congratulations on finishing college, precious. I'm so very proud of you." he told her.
"Thank you, but I couldn't have done it without you." she replied.
"I believe you would've done just fine, but I appreciate the sentiment." he responded.
She smiled at him, and then yawned sleepily.
"I know, love. It's been a long and trying day for both of us. We should get some sleep." he said, transporting them both to her room.
He waved his hand over her to change her clothes into pajamas, then the two of them lay down together for their usual cuddle session. She immediately rested her head on his chest over his heart and wrapped one arm around him, holding him close. A stubborn smile spread itself across his face as he slid his own arm around her and rested his opposite hand midway down her back, holding her close as well.
"You have no idea how much I've missed this, Raeya mine." he told her, sighing contentedly.
"If it's anywhere near as much as I've missed it, then I think I do." she replied softly.
"Oh no precious, I've done it again! I've underestimated the depth of your love!" he responded dramatically.
Raeya giggled at his theatrics.
"Yes, but even so I have no choice other than forgiving you." she answered.
"No cruelty this time, Raeya mine?" he asked.
"Would you like me to be? I could always pretend to be deeply wounded by your lack of belief in how much I love you." she teased, narrowing her eyes and grinning.
"Oh no my love; I think I would much prefer to humbly accept your gracious forgiveness." he stated, kissing the top of her head.
"That's the wise choice; smart Fae, Jareth." she replied.
"You don't have to patronize me, precious." he retorted.
"I'm sorry, that wasn't my intent." she told him.
"Alright, no harm done." he said softly.
"Oh I almost forgot; I guess I'll start turning into a Fae now, huh?" she questioned.
"It's already begun, Raeya mine. In one month's time, you will fully be one of us." he answered, smiling at the thought.
"I thought you said it would only take a week." she replied.
"The physical transformation will take a week, but your magic will not be completely restored for a month." he explained.
"Hm, so as of right now I'm a changeling?" she asked.
"Correct my love, and as such you are vulnerable. That is why I won't be leaving you unprotected for a second this month." he told her, tightening his grip protectively.
"I'll be vulnerable, how so?" she inquired.
"Changelings have enough magic to attract unwanted attention, but not enough to be able to protect themselves." he answered vaguely.
"Jareth, you're not trying to hide something from me, are you?" she questioned suspiciously.
"No precious, I simply do not wish to scare you." he responded.
"You should know me well enough by now to realize that a mysterious threat I have no knowledge of is going to scare me more." she told him.
"You're right; I apologize Raeya mine, I had forgotten. The truth is, changeling magic is very pure and very special. There are certain Fae who would do almost anything to get their hands on magic like that, and you would not survive if they stole it from you." he explained slowly, his voice shaking on the last part as he held her closer.
"Let me guess, the Unseelie Fae?" she replied.
"Knowledgeable as always, my love; yes, the Unseelie Fae. They're not the kind of being you want to cross paths with, and you can always tell them apart from Seelie Fae by their red eyes. Forgive me, but I'm going to have to keep you under castle arrest until your transformation is complete." he continued.
"May I ask why?" she questioned.
"Of course, precious, Unseelie Fae can sense changeling magic from an incredibly vast distance. The castle has a barrier around it that will keep them from being able to feel your energy." he answered.
"Well then, I hope you have a lot of things to keep me occupied, because otherwise you're going to have to deal with me getting a nasty case of cabin fever. Trust me, it won't be pretty." she responded.
Jareth had to laugh.
"I believe I can keep you entertained for a month." he purred, pulling her up for a kiss.
Raeya returned his kiss lovingly, reveling in the sensation of his real arms around her once more. Jareth was just as happy to have her back in his arms, and he wished more than anything that she would never leave his protective embrace again.
After they broke for air, he let her resituate herself before he started singing their song to her. She sighed contentedly, smiling as she enjoyed the harmonious combination of his voice and his heartbeat. He gently stroked her hair as he sang, lulling her to sleep with just a little magic. When he was sure she was sound asleep, he slowly untangled himself from her arms and positioned her comfortably on the bed. For a moment he just sat next to her, basking in the fact that she was finally there to stay. Then he gently brushed her hair behind her ear, softly caressing her face as he did so.
"Sweet dreams, my precious angel. I love you with all my heart and soul." he whispered, giving her one more tender kiss before he disappeared to his own room.