Author's Note, May 18, 2011: I know, I can hardly believe it myself.

Chapter Thirty-Five: A Little Play, A Little Work

Jareth returned Sarah to her living room via the window just before lunch. He held her hand as she stepped down, raising it to his lips in farewell before stepping back and closing the door to the Underground. She felt a momentary pang of loss before realizing that she could, in fact, still feel his emotions. It was a strange sensation that she had still not gotten used to but as of yet had no difficulty distinguishing between her own and what she knew were his.

After standing in the middle of the room contemplating her situation for a moment, she finally turned toward getting ready for her class. This was a process that included grabbing a couple of books of the bottom bookshelf next to her fridge and, as she got up, she nearly fell over having knelt on the long skirt. "Damn." The clock on her wall she had several minutes before Agnes was due to fetch her for lunch.

After throwing clothes on the bed to change into, she went over to the mirror to see how, exactly, to remove the gown. The lacing was tied just barely out of her reach. "Oh for crying out loud. Who designed this thing as a good idea?" She eventually had to fish out a clothes hanger to pull on the highest loops. She finally got out of the entire ensemble, with several tangles and, much to her own surprise, only a minimal amount of swearing, and was just pulling on her pants when she heard the banging on the door. She ran over to the door, sticking her arms through the sleeves of the t-shirt, and unlocked the door before pulling the shirt over her head.

"What'd you do, Williams, sleep in?" When Sarah's head appeared, Agnes eyebrows popped up. "Woah. You look like you just saw a ghost. Are you ok?"

In truth, she felt like she had. As Sarah's eyes lit on her best friend, the realization struck her that the choice she had made would not just change her life, but her relationships with her family and friends as well. "It's nothing," she lied, shaking her head. Dealing with this would have to wait, assuming she could ever tell anyone she knew the whole truth, and she tried to push it aside. "I just had a... long night." She turned around to grab the books where she left them, using that as an excuse to break eye contact and compose herself. How do I do this, alone? As the thought formulated itself, however, she felt a wave of adoration and sympathy rush over her from that place in the back of her mind. It made her smile. Ok, so maybe not so alone... It was not a solution by any means, but it made the idea easier to endure.

Sarah turned around, pushed by Agnes, and pulled her door shut behind her. Locking it, she said, "Let's go. I'm curious to see what concoctions await our plates at the Caff."

"Ugh. What is it about this time of year that makes the cooks feel the need to be creative?"

The unusually crowded Dining Room was loud and rambunctious so the pair squeezed in at a table with Edmund and his friends. The topic at hand was fantasy basketball and this held little interest for Sarah and Agnes.

"So, what's going on with you and Jareth? Did you make up and everything?"

"Mm. It was nice, actually. We had a long talk."

"And you gave him the opportunity to apologize?"

Sarah giggled. "Something like that."

"High five, babe, for letting the man win." Edmund reached across the table, and she shrugged one shoulder before slapping his hand.

"What do you mean, 'letting the man win'?" Herb looked incredulous. "Maybe he was right."

"No, no." Rex shook one finger. "Men are never right. See, it's like this..."

Having successfully derailed a conversation she had no interest in for one she had even less interest in, Sarah rolled her eyes. Agnes was looking askance at the boys, lost in thought. After a few minutes of this, Sarah grinned and threw a grape at her friend's forehead.

"Huh? What? Oh, right. So, details details."

Sarah shrugged again. "There's not really much to talk about. We made up, talked about things, we kissed-"

"Woah, woah. That does not qualify as not much to talk about. We're supposed to live for juicy details, you know."

Sarah cast a look over to the boys, who were still grossly involved in their own discussion. "Oh, alright. It was..."

Agnes tried to wait patiently, noting Sarah's complete change in features as she remembered and looked for the right words.

"It was delicious. Electric. It felt like I was floating." Come to think of it, I think we were... She leaned in and lowered her voice. "You know, if I knew before that kissing someone was supposed to be like that, I probably would have wanted to do it a lot more in hopes of that happening."

Agnes grinned. "And?"

"And he smelled really good. Like, like a crisp, winter morning just after it snows, with the hint of a fresh pot of coffee being brewed. You know, clean and refreshing and... comfortable." When Agnes raised a dubious eyebrow at that, Sarah leaned back and laughed. "I know, that's totally weird. But I swear, that's the best way I can describe it."

"You're in love." She grinned, widely, knowingly.

"Well, yeah. Like never before." Sarah met Agnes' eyes. "I'm going to marry him, Aggie. He's going to take me away and we'll live happily ever after."

"I don't doubt it." She said it flippantly, but then sat upright. "Hang on, he didn't propose last night or something, did he? I mean, I understand the whole 'when you know, you know' thing, but I mean come on."

Sarah shook her head, slowly. "No, he didn't." Not really, anyway. "But we talked about it a little." Sort of, I guess. "Look, I just... know it's going to happen."

"And you don't think this is all rather sudden?"

"Well sure, I suppose but-"

"Oh, whatever. I think it's all romantic-like," Herb threw in. The girls looked at him, startled that he was listening in. Upon looking up, however, they saw that all of the table was regarding them. Sarah blushed, wondering how much they heard. "He seems like a nice guy and all. Very sporty. You know, athletic."

"That is what you are basing your opinion on? Seriously?" Agnes shook her head and smacked Edmund on the shoulder.

"Hey, I didn't say anything."

"Yeah, but I'm sure you deserve it."

"Seriously though," Herb insisted. "Love is awesome. We shouldn't try to knock it down."

"I'm not trying to knock it down. Wills has every right to pursue love and happiness and all that. I'm just saying that- Hey," Agnes interrupted herself when Sarah got up, "where are you going?"

Sarah pointed at the clock on the wall. "I've got class. I'll catch you all later."

"Dinner?"

She shook her head. "Jareth has a study at his... place." Place, palace, castle, whatever... "I'm going to try to get some work done there where it's quiet and that dragon of a Librarian won't be breathing down my neck for thinking too loudly. Then I think we're eating in."

"Right on. Later."

Sarah finished gathering up her things, waved at them all then went on her way, chuckling to herself at the conversation continuing at the table.

"As I was saying, I'm just wondering if taking their time a little might not be so bad, considering the last one there."

In a somewhat bold move for him, Edmund ventured two cents. "But if you take too much time, you might miss an opportunity."

Go get her, Eddie, Sarah thought as she opened the Dining Room door and jogged down the hallway.

Jareth leaned back in his chair, watching Sarah. She had something called headphones over her ears and was shaking her feet to the beat of some unknown song. Every now and then she would sing or hum along a few notes, but for the most part, she was silent. She lay on her stomach on the couch, legs bent and ankles crossed above her, reading a book and making notes on several pads of paper. When not actually writing, she waved a pencil rapidly back and forth between two fingers. There was a stack of books on the floor next to the couch, and another on the table.

When she had asked Jareth if she could come back to Underground after her class to study, he had not been sure what that would entail. He had assumed he would get little done as the likelihood of her being a distraction seemed very high. He often found her a distraction when she was not there.

Yet almost immediately after arriving she had ensconced herself on the couch in the corner, apologized if she should start talking to herself, insisted that if she was bothering him she could go somewhere else, and promptly got to work. She paid no heed to the assortment of Goblins that came in to report on the status of various building projects going on in the City. Only once did she look up, removing the headphones and leaning back to receive his lingering kiss as he told her he would return shortly, but his presence was required elsewhere. When he returned, he found her piles of books and papers had spread but she was still bent over her note-taking.

Jareth watched her for several minutes. The hour had grown late and he supposed they should dine at some point. But he found himself enjoying this comfortable silence. It was unexpectedly familiar and he marveled at it.

There was a whisper of magic on the other side of the desk and he knew before he saw that the High King had arrived. Jareth did not bother getting up, looking over and bowing his head in a nod toward formality. There was no one here to judge and they were in his kingdom. But he also knew that had Oberon wanted pomp and circumstance, that would have been made crystal clear.

"I did not expect to see you so soon." Which was mostly true. He had expected a visit at some point, just not with Sarah present for it just yet. "I have few answers to give you."

Oberon snorted. "Yes, well, upon her return to my side, Titania made it quite clear what her expectations were. She feels rather strongly that she must take your beloved under her wing. Which cannot be done just yet, of course."

"Of course. I do not suppose it needs to be said that she may not be as receptive to that as might be thought."

"I said as much."

"Yet here you are."

"Indeed." Both turned their gazes toward the young woman who was unaware she was the subject of discussion. "What is she doing?"

"Researching for a paper, I believe is what she called it."

"Ah." There was a pause. "And what is that?"

"It is apparently a learning exercise that she feels is a waste of time as she has yet to learn anything new from her current teacher, but as she is required to complete it she has little choice in the matter."

"Ah." Another pause. "How long will it take?"

"From what I understand, it encompasses most of what she does at this school of hers, though the subjects vary."

She felt rather than heard his request for her attention. She stuck the pencil in the middle of the book and pulled her headphones off, hitting the pause button as she looked up. That they were not alone in the room did not concern her, it was more the specific visitor that made her blink. He was dressed in splendor, she decided was the only way to describe it. And I am in yoga pants. Granted, she came here today to enjoy Jareth's company while she studied, not go to a ball, but still. She pursed her lips, then looked at Jareth. "You know, I don't know that I want to keep coming here if I continue to find myself in situations where I am so horribly underdressed."

Oberon looked slightly taken aback. "I do not understand." He gestured around the room. "We are all informal here."

She looked at him dubiously. "Right." That she did not believe him was clear. That she was at a loss as to what was expected of her only slightly less so. That she was determined to not be intimidated overshadowed it all.

"Titania was right," Oberon said to Jareth. "She is an open book to all who would bother to read it. It is quite disarming."

Sarah's eyes narrowed minutely and she said the first thing that popped into her head. "Perhaps you would rather she sit cool and calm like an emotionless nitwit that can be talked about rather than spoken to and not be bothered by the whole thing?" The sudden burst of amusement from Jareth soothed any mortification she felt as the words left her mouth.

"I- Indeed. My apologies. It has been long since I last had dealings with any Mortals, human at that. Perhaps too long." He stood, Jareth following suit. Before Sarah could unearth herself from her notes and do the same, Oberon stood before her. She was sitting up at that point, but before she could rise completely he had taken her hands and was on his knees before her. Her dismay was evident and her bravado faltered. He knew she knew, if only through Jareth's reactions, that this was not typical behavior. But then, this is not a typical situation, by any means.

Though she felt the sudden urge to go hide under a bed, she held his gaze, reminding herself to breathe. His eyes bore into her soul.

Finally he looked down, pressing her hands flat with her palms together, still wrapped in both of his. He exhaled, slowly, shook his head, and raised his eyes once more. "You must never leave him, child."

She gnawed on her lower lip, looking back and forth between the High King of the Fae and her own Goblin King several times. Where is all this going? Jareth exuded reassurance. Her voice was quiet. "I don't intend to."

"Even at the cost of leaving everything you know, everything you have, until it fades to a distant memory?"

"Do I really have any other choice? At this point?"

"There is always a choice."

She stood, fairly pulling him to his feet as well, so tight was his grasp on her hands. He looked down at her, eyebrow raised. "I chose him. And I would do so again, even now, even..." she paused, her voice breaking. "Even knowing, I would choose him."

Oberon released her hands and, with one hand on her cheek, kissed her forehead. "I think I will enjoy this." Then he turned to Jareth. "Not, I suppose, that any of that matters."

Jareth shrugged. "As I said, I have few answers for you. Do you wish to attempt to undo it?"

"Absolutely not!" From their discussion the previous night, Sarah had picked up on what Jareth was referring to. "I have had it with other people, and things that are," she stumbled briefly, "not... people, deciding what happens with my life without my consent. He," while still looking at Jareth, she pointed at Oberon, "does not get that option." Suddenly realizing who she was referring to and looked at the High King. "Oh. No offense or anything.

Oberon smiled as he saw the determination return. Stubborn, I see. The thought was for Jareth alone.

Jareth responded in kind at the invitation to do so. You have no idea.

I believe I shall definitely enjoy this. He chuckled.

"Sarah," Jareth leaned against his desk, crossing his arms with a smirk, "unfortunately His Majesty does get that option. And by all means, encourage the most powerful Fae of us all to rise to a challenge."

She glared at him, saying, "Don't patronize me." She then snapped the look to the High King. "Go ahead then, try it."

He chuckled, highly amused. "Actually, no. I do not think I shall. Not only do I like you, but if I did so I believe my own beloved would have my head." He then turned serious. "Though I promise you, others may not be so ready to let this be what it so clearly is."

"Well then I suppose I should get ready for that." She knew he had successfully redirected her ire, but found she did not mind that so much.

He smiled at her. "And you shall. Time will tell as to how this indirect way of going about things may affect the process. Though I understand you have obligations Aboveground you have yet to fulfill, you must spend as much time as near to each other as possible to ensure the bond is complete, at least until we have a better understanding as to what all has happened. Goblin King, we shall speak again soon for answers must be found."

Jareth bowed gracefully. "At your will, Your Majesty."

And with that, Oberon disappeared.

"Honestly, Sarah, what possessed you?"

"Well," she shrugged and looked up at him, "I sort of figured since I was thinking it, and since he would probably just read my mind anyway, I might as well say it aloud. You know, express, don't repress. It's healthy."

He kissed her forehead. "Ah, of course."

After a few moments of silence, Sarah asked, "Jareth?"

"Yes?"

"Did you... bequeath this room to me?"

They stood on the balcony attached to the Burgandy room. After a quiet dinner, Jareth brought her here to watch the sun set over the Labyrinth. It was giving off a particularly glorious show, and he presumed it was all for her amusement. He chuckled. "In essence, yes. Anything I possess is yours for the taking should you want it. It always has been, it seems. Though recently that has been my intent. Particularly with these chambers, though I never formally cast a spell. Why do you ask?"

"One of the Goblins used that word to explain how the doors work."

"Ah."

"So I can stay here?"

"Whenever you wish. You need only ask and the way shall open."

"Hm. I only have a few weeks left before Graduation."

"And that is?"

"I'll be done with school, officially, and we have a big ceremony to celebrate it." She thought about her word choice. "Though it has nothing eternally binding about it. Just lots of speeches and we get a piece of paper."

"You Mortals," he teased.

She giggled. "Anyway, until then I still have classes to go to and I really am supposed to stay on campus when I'm on duty at the dorms."

"Mm hmm." He wondered where she was going with this.

"But after Graduation, after the school year is over, everyone moves out. Usually back home for the summer, until they come back for the next year or find a job or something."

"Is this what you intend?"

"I think it is what is expected. At least by parents. Aggie and I have talked about getting an apartment together, but I think she would be comfortable with my changing my mind to move in with you. I mean, she's met you. She gets it."

He thought he understood. "But I have not yet met your family. Your brother, Toby, he will not remember me."

"Right. You know how you said the whole bonding process has all this ritual because that's the way the Fae like it?"

"Yes."

"Well, this is sort of like that."

"And when should this happen?"

"Well, both..." she was still having a hard time thinking of the High King and Queen by their rank and not by their Shakespearean versions, and paused. "Both of Their Majesties indicated that there is some sort of time frame, and-"

"Sarah, make no mistake. I want you here. I want you in my world, in my home, in my life." And in my bed. Her lack of response to that indicated she still was not yet able to touch his inner-most thoughts at will. Not that he expected it quite yet. "And I will have you. The problem with time is that what is happening here is different, new. Possibly on levels yet to be discovered. Other Fae may not take kindly to it and both you and I are vulnerable until the bond is complete."

Sarah sighed. "But mostly me."

That, she picks up on. "Yes, this is true. But understand this, I have spent my entire life hardly daring to hope this could happen. Nine years of waiting for you, half of which I did not realize that I was doing so. My ability for patience may be hard fought. But I can wait until you are ready." Fingers under her chin, he gently tipped her face up. "And until then, I will keep you safe."