The day after Christmas dawned sunny, bright and cold.

Jareth awoke early with Sarah sound asleep in his arms once more. He was able to slide carefully away, and with a kiss on her forehead, was dressed with a wave of his hand.

He bundled up and walked to the main building as the sun was rising, and the workers were putting out a buffet breakfast. With a generous tip he was able to get two large cups of coffee and a plate of fresh pastries before everyone else could file in and get a quick meal before packing and leaving.

He asked around and found out that the shuttle busses would be there at 11am to begin carrying guests down the mountain to their preferred modes home.

They would be on the afternoon train at around 1:15pm.

Sarah was still asleep when he snuck quietly back into the bedroom with the tray.

He changed into a pair of silky pajama pants, perched on the side of the bed, and gently shook her shoulder, then placed a light kiss where his hand had been.

"Sarah love. Time to awaken. We need to pack and say our farewells."

"Mmmmnoosleepy." Sarah mumbled as she snuggled deeper into the blankets.

Jareth chuckled. "Don't make me come in there and tickle you. I know all your tickle spots now, remember?"

One green eye opened and peered groggily at him. "Don't even."

"Then get up and I won't. I come armed with strong coffee and a plate of morning sweets."

Sarah pushed herself up on her elbows. "I never thought of you as a morning person." She answered. "Gimme coffee."

She sat up enough to wrap her hands around the warm cup Jareth handed her.

Taking a sip she moaned in pleasure. "Oh that's good. I think I've overdosed on wine and you. Not that I'm complaining."

Jareth turned to sit beside her, placing the tray between them. "You'll never hear me complain either. I don't think I'll ever get enough of you."

"Mmm flattery will get you everywhere, Your Majesty." She grabbed a gooey Danish and took a bite. "Ohhhh cream cheese and blueberries. Oh God this is amazing. It's still warm."

"Perks of getting up early my love. See?" he teased.

"Hey, I'm on vacation. Usually I'm up at 6:30 tops during the week."

Jareth sipped his coffee. "And I'm not a morning person by choice. My days are typically so full an hour or two in the morning is my only free time. I rarely get a vacation."

Sarah finished her pastry. "I guess running a kingdom is pretty labor intensive."

"Please have another."Jareth urged." I brought plenty."

"Man I'm going to gain 10 pounds after this week." Sarah took another one. "Okay that's it."

"I think you've worked it off if you're concerned, but I wouldn't worry. You're beautiful."

"You're sweet, Jareth."

Jareth let out a snort.

"At least someone thinks so. Now finish, we need to shower and pack."

After their breakfast in bed, Jareth swept Sarah out of bed and carried her to the bath. They brushed her teeth while the water was warming then got in after.

Once clean and dressed they packed their belongings and sat them by the door. Jareth made sure to leave the remains of their breakfast on the tray in the kitchen, with a generous tip for the cleaning staff who would attend to getting everything ready for the next guests.

After a last look around, making sure they got everything, Jareth found her standing silently looking out the window a pensive expression on her face.

"What are you thinking about, love." He asked as he put his arms around her.

"This has been the most amazing weekend. I don't want it to end. I want to just stay here forever with you and just...I'm scared. When we get back to the city, the whole world will be there to intrude. Here we are just you and me."

"We will always be you and I, Sarah. We have to not let anything come between us."

He kissed her cheek. "Don't be afraid. I know this is new, but I swear I will never let you go, just hang on to me, believe in me, and we'll make it work."

She nodded. "I'll try. Really I will try. I promise I won't let my hang ups stop this. Again. But it could take time."

"Is that all?" Jareth turned her to face him. "I have all the time in the world. It's only forever, Sarah. I can assure you, forever is far shorter than you think it is. Let's just enjoy each other."

She kissed him then. "I could fall in love with you," she bit her lip, her eyes huge and full of unshed tears.

"I'm counting on it, my Sarah. And I won't give up. You may as well go ahead and do so now." He removed his arms from around her and cupped her face. "As promised when you fall, I will be there to catch you."

They kissed again.

There was a banging on the door that made them jump apart.

"SARAH! JARETH!" Toby bellowed. "MOM SAYS IT'S TIME TO GET LOADED UP!"

"Oh geez." Sarah opened the door. "No need to yell, Tobes. And good morning to you."

"Sorry." Toby said." Why weren't you at breakfast? Hi Jareth! Did you guys pack? What are we going to do this week? I want to go to the movies, and arcade, and maybe we can..." Toby rambled on excitedly.

Sarah looked at Jareth and they both just laughed.

Toby insisted on helping carry suitcases, and they closed the door to the cabin one last time with a long look around and at each other.

Toby was in a rush, already halfway down the path, so Jareth and Sarah hurried to catch up, and they were off to join Robert and Karen as the shuttles began to pull in and load luggage and people for the trek off the mountain, then home.

"Here now." Aunt Minnie approached them. "Not leavin' without saying goodbye Sarah Jean and my new friend Jay." She hugged them both. Jareth kissed her on both cheeks and her eyes sparkled.

She pulled them aside and spoke in a near whisper so no one else could hear. "Now listen. You treat my Sarah right. Don't let that hot Fae blood of yours get the better of ya, gettin' all wily and tricky. Ya can't fool me, Jay. I've seen plenty of yer kind around. I sensed the magic touch ya carry with all that sparkle, the way your tracked that lad in the snow. But it's fine with me as long as ya take care of this girl." She waved her finger at Jareth.

Jareth smiled at her. "I swear it. Miss Minnie. And, I'm sure you are aware, I do not take oaths lightly. Or lie."

He moved his shirt enough so that she could see his amulet. Minnie's eyed bulged a little and she reached out and touched it. "Yes. I do believe I do know that. My Sarah Jean, a chosen one. More than a touch then."

Gordon appeared then to escort her to their bus. "Guess we're leavin'. Ya have a good trip home." Her eyes traveled over Jareth again and she gave Sarah a knowing smile. "Be blessed, my Sarah Jean. You'll be safe with this one. Ya been given a great gift. Cherish it."

She took Gordon's arm as he helped her get in, and with a wave the shuttle pulled away and they were gone.

"What was all that about? Karen asked. She had walked up and caught Minnie's last words.

"Uhh, I don't really know. You know how, superstitious she is." Sarah said hastily. "Here's our shuttle."

The van pulled up and luggage was loaded in, then people.

Sarah watched as the resort disappeared into the distance as they drove away, back to the real world once more.

It would be a holiday they always remembered.

Once they were off the mountain, the train was pulling in as they arrived at the station.

Jareth had mysteriously disappeared for a few moments while the train was letting off passengers and switching tracks but was there to step up behind Sarah.

They were led back to the private compartments, and the usher opened a large compartment.

"Wait." Jareth held Sarah back and her parents with Toby entered. Robert turned. "Coming?"

"I was able to acquire a second compartment further down for Sarah and myself, so we would be less crowded." Jareth said.

"Can I.." Toby started to ask.

"No." Karen gave Sarah a knowing smile. "You'll be with them for the next 4 days, Toby. Let them have some time alone. You two enjoy your trip." She winked at them and closed the door behind her.

Jareth guided Sarah to follow the attendant a few compartments down. The door was opened and Jareth thanked the man with a generous tip then gave Sarah a gentle push inside and closed and latched the door behind them.

"Why..." Sarah started to ask.

"Shhhh. No more questions. We have 3 to 4 hours alone. Let us enjoy it. I've put a small sound barrier to assure privacy." He, pulled down the shades as he explained.

Sarah's eyebrow rose. "What nefarious activities are you planning, Goblin King?"

His glamor dropped, and he fill the room with his presence. "I plan to ravish you thoroughly right on this train, my dear. For it may be our last chance for a few days. So just plan on removing your clothes and enjoying the ride."

He pulled her against his body, and his hands began to wander. "Is that acceptable?"

Sarah let her hands wander too. "Oh yes, my king of the double entendre, it most certainly is. But I'm not the only one getting ravished, then."

Jareth kissed her. "Then let's get naked." He grinned and let go of her long enough to shrug off his jacket.

Sarah laughed as they gave in to their desire.

The passion began to take over, and the train taking them home rolled on.

Once his jacket hit the floor, Sarah began giggling uncontrollably. "Why are you wearing that?" She asked through her laughter.

Looking down, Jareth realized she meant his tie. It was the one Toby had gotten for him. "Oh," he chuckled. "I forgot to wear it to dinner last night. I figured I'd wear it for Toby's sake today, that was before I arranged for us to have our own cabin."

"I see." Sarah grinned as she grabbed the tie. "Well, I'm sure Toby will be thrilled, but right now..." she used the tie to pull him to her for a tender kiss. "It has to go." She said firmly when the kiss ended.

"What's the matter, love, too festive for you?" He teased.

"No way I can take you seriously with that on," she laughed.

Unclipping the tie, Jareth tossed it on his jacket. "I would argue that it could be useful, but sadly its a clip on, so I can't use it to...tie you up." He stated with a smirk as he wrapped his arms around her.

Sarah shook her head. "That pun was bad, but I've heard worse." She kissed him soundly as he lifted her into his arms.

The train started moving, causing Jareth to fall back onto the large seat with Sarah on his lap. "I'm certain our trip is going to be very pleasant." He whispered as he nibbled on her ear. "We know how to fall into a perfect rhythm."

"Jareth."

"Yes, Precious?"

"Shut up." She kissed him before he could argue and her hands started unbuttoning his shirt.

Before long their clothes were scattered on the floor of the small compartment and Sarah was on Jareth's lap, kissing him passionately as she rode him. The rhythmic rocking motion of the train made their lovemaking all the more exhilarating. Sarah rocked back and forth, the click clack of the wheels on the track gave her a steady rhythm to keep pace with.

Jareth kissed, caressed and licked her breasts as she rode him. Her moans were music to his ears.

When both reached their climax, they simply sat there holding onto one another. No words were spoken for a long time. None were needed. They smiled at one another and exchanged kisses until they had to stop for air.

After a brief recovery period, they went for round two, and then three. By the time they reached their station, both were throughly exhausted and blissfully satisfied. As the train pulled into the station, Sarah helped Jareth out his tie back on.

"Can't believe you're actually going to wear this." Sarah shook her head.

"Why? Shouldn't I be doing all in my power to keep your brother happy?" He questioned as he tilted his head. "It's just a tie, nothing to be embarrassed about."

After a long sweet kiss, Sarah sighed. "Have I told you much I appreciate all you've done for me?"

"Perhaps," he smirked. "But you're welcome to show me that gratitude as much as you wish, " he said before kissing her again.

They gathered their things and as the train slowed to a halt, they made their way, hand and hand, down the corridor.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next few days with Toby were busy ones.

From morning until evening when Sarah had Toby tucked into the pull out sofa bed in the living room, They ran around the city seeing movies, visiting arcades and go kart tracks and Sarah ate more pizza and hot dogs than she would have thought possible.

Jareth accompanied them a few times but he also let them have brother and sister bonding time. He had been called back to his kingdom the day after they got back for some sort of goblin related issue only he could solve. But he popped in for several outings.

Sarah's roommate Glenda also tagged along now and then, but unlike Sarah she didn't have the time off.

Sarah's cat, Smudge, who had been well taken care of but missed his mistress, was thrilled she was home.

He also loved having Toby there who showered him with a lot of attention and gave him another lap to sit on.

Toby loved animals and he was trying to talk his parents into getting another pet, as Merlin had passed on several years before. The cat was mildly suspicious of Jareth and watched him closely but eventually came around.

As promised Sarah had Toby on the train and back to their parents on the 30th, who looked much better rested and relaxed when they picked him up. They invited her to come back to their home for the night but Sarah declined and took the train back.

She got inside her door and collapsed on the couch next to Glenda. "I am exhausted. I just want to soak in a hot bath, and go to bed."

"What about Jay? Will he be joining you?" her roommate teased.

"Ha. Not tonight." She forced herself to stand. "Goodnight Glenda."

"Sweet dreams!" she heard as she closed the door to her room.

The next night she was ready and waiting when Jareth arrived to pick her up for the New Year's Eve party her firm was having.

"You look like a dream." He said when she opened her door.

She had taken special care that night. Her dress was a form fitting sheath and a sparkly champagne gold, with matching strappy heels.

Jareth was drop dead gorgeous in a black 3 piece suit.

"So do you." Sarah breathed. He was stunning.

Glenda whistled. "You two look spectacular. I need a picture."

"This isn't the prom." Sarah laughed.

Gloria made a face. "Just pose."

3 pictures later Jareth and Sarah were off.

They arrived in style and when they walked in every head turned.

Sarah had certainly turned up with dates before, but none like him.

They danced and drank and socialized, Jareth charming everyone. Many women flirted but no one could take his attention from the woman by his side.

At midnight, under a crystal moon alone on a balcony, their lips met.

"You remember when I said I could fall in love with you?" Sarah asked.

"I could never forget." Jareth answered, as he looked into her eyes.

"I think I'm falling. Does your promise still stand?" She pressed herself against him.

Jareth kissed her again, slowly. "Yes. I'm waiting. Let's go dance."

Sarah went to take a step and her heel caught on her dress.

She began to fall, but she never hit the floor.

"I believe the universe is telling you something, precious." Jareth chuckled as her held her up.

"I guess so." Sarah felt her reserves, her defenses, the wall around her heart Jareth had been chipping away at, shatter completely. "I think it's telling me it's too late already."

"Oh?"

"I...I...think I'm in love with you."

Jareth sat her on her feet gently. He was quiet, and looked at the floor.

"Jareth?"

He lifted his head, there were tears in his eyes. "You're all I've ever wanted, Sarah. I love you more with each passing moment."

Sarah took his hand and guided him to the dance floor. "Happy New Year, Your Majesty." she said as he swept her into the dance.

"Happy New Year, my Champion. It looks to be a magnificent one."

Sarah laid her head on his shoulder. There was a tingle, a fall of magical glitter and the music changed.

As they danced he sang their song quietly into her ear.

Sarah knew it would be the best year she ever had.

Falling...falling in love...