A/N: I've been unwell and recovering from some surgeries the last year so I apologize for not updating sooner. Thank you all so much for your patience. I went through chapters 7-9 to do some small editing, and will try to upload more chapters this weekend if possible. Thank you all again for your patience and kind words! Happy Holidays! :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Labyrinth

A Writer Required

Chapter Ten

"Look straight ahead." A little light shone first in my left eye and then the right. "The pressure is definitely up again." The words were accompanied by a frown. "Alright let's try your strength test. Hold out your hands and pinch your thumb and index fingers together." The way Dr. Jacqueline Marquez gave the instruction was practiced.

We'd been through this a lot, so I already knew what to do. I had my fingers together even before she finished speaking.

She didn't seem affected by it, though. It was the usual progression of the tests.

She started on my right hand first. Taking my thumb in one of her hands and my index finger in the other, I squeezed my two fingers together as hard as I could, and she tried to pull them apart.

The fingers of my right hand came apart a bit, and she hummed in response. "Ok, now the left side." She moved to my left and did the same. Pulling on my fingers, my index finger and thumb pulled away easily.

I felt my face drain a little of color.

She gave me an encouraging glance, but I could tell she was worried. "Palms down now, please, and don't let me move your hands." Again I preceded her and my hands were ready.

She tried to push them down at the same time with her own hands. My left hand gave way and my right wavered slightly. "Ok." The doctor murmured, then turned her hands palms up beneath mine. "Now I'll push up on them. Same test, don't let me move your hands." She pushed up on my hands, and I tried to keep them in place as best I could. My left hand rose with hardly any resistance and my right moved just a bit.

"Let's try your legs now." She gestured back at the examination bed and I laid down. Lifting my left leg when she stepped to that side, she spoke. "Try not to let me push your leg back down. Ready?" I nodded.

With next to no resistance, she pushed my leg back down.

My eyes widened in fear. It was worse than my left arm!

She glanced at me, alarm in her eyes.

My fear increased and I felt cold.

When she saw my expression, she quickly smoothed her own away into a reassuring calm.

Without another word, the doctor tried my right leg, which responded better and stronger.

Hesitating, thoughtful, she offered me her hand, and helped me to sit up, all while I could see a pensive look turning the wheels in her mind through her eyes.

She was working something out.

The doctor stepped back once I was upright, and typed some notes on her laptop before speaking. "Your left side is weaker than it was the last time you came in-your left leg in particular. I'm going to prescribe the same medicine as before, to lower the spinal fluid production and lower the pressure around your spinal cord and brain. You may get drowsy, so I'd recommend taking it a while before trying to drive again."

She leveled a stern look at me. "I want you to take a week off of work to test it. I'll write a note to your employer, so he's aware of the circumstances."

All the time she'd been speaking, I felt my shoulders sagging lower and lower. A week off work? I needed what money I could get to pay bills! I frowned. 'I'll have to take up extra shifts when I can work again.' I thought, then remembered what she'd said about the side effects.

I shook my head negatively. "I remember the side effects. I would only get a bit dizzy at first. It goes away after about an hour."

Dr. Marquez's lips pressed thinly together but she still looked stern. "Even so, I'd rather you take that full week to get used to the medicine. Call me the second to the last day and tell me how you're doing. When I'm sure you'll be alright, we'll order more for you, and then you can return to work."

I didn't argue the point-though I wanted very much to do so-I knew if I wanted to get better, then I had better listen to her. As much as I hated taking pills, the alternative brain surgery was far less pleasant and would take much longer to recover from.

I called Andrew with what the doctor had said once the appointment was over, and he offered to have me stay with him until I'd accustomed to the medicine. I thanked him but declined, wanting to keep to my everyday schedule as much as possible.

He agreed to this with uncertainty, assuring me that I was welcome to stay with him should I change my mind. I reassured him, and he reluctantly let the issue drop.

"I'm at your house now." He said through the phone. "I talked to the police. I don't think anything is missing, but you'll be better able to tell. The door is broken and will need to be replaced. The police couldn't find any fingerprints, though. Was the burglar wearing gloves?" Andrew asked. I tried hard to remember.

I remembered seeing the glint of the knife, seeing his face, and now I thought about it, I couldn't remember whether or not he'd been wearing gloves. His hands had seemed dark, though, so he could have been.

I told Andrew as much and I could hear the frown in his voice. "Well don't worry about it any more. The police said they'll run extra patrols in this area, but they can't do much more than that. They recommended getting a stronger door and an additional lock, which seemed kind of obvious to me..." He trailed off with an irritated huff.

A faint laugh escaped me at his tone. I wasn't entirely surprised-I knew the police could only do so much. I did still need to get a new door, though.

"I know a guy at home depot, I'll have him bring a new one over." Andrew was saying. His words brought my attention back to him.

"What?" I questioned, not sure I'd heard right. I could sense the shrug Andrew offered on the other side of the line.

"I know a guy. He'll get here before you get back. Would it be ok if I have him go ahead and install it for you? That way you don't have to wait, and your house will stay warm."

I hesitated.

I didn't really like the idea of Andrew just choosing a door for me-and especially after last night I didn't want some strange man I didn't know in my house. But Andrew would be there to over see the installation, and I did want to be home and to feel safe again, and I really, really needed a door. I relented. "That would be great, Andrew, thank you." I'd talk to him later about maybe checking with me before doing something like this in the future. I really appreciated his help, but I'd rather he talk to me first before jumping to make a decision that affected my home.

I let it go for now, and we said our goodbyes.

I went by the pharmacy on my way home to pick up the medicine my doctor had prescribed. I gave the bag an unhappy look when the pharmacist handed it to me.

"Have a nice day!" She said cheerfully.

I offered her an attempt at a smile and hers fell. "Thanks. You, too."

As I walked out of the store, my mind was troubled over my imminent conversation with Jareth about my stalker-turned-burglar. I couldn't help but get a sinking feeling in my gut that he'd take drastic measures somehow, in seeing I'm at risk. Whatever those drastic measures would be, I didn't know.

Maybe if I talked through what-if scenarios with him, that would help and hopefully, if I went about it convincingly enough, he wouldn't lean towards any extreme ideas.

My stomach sank a little further. I couldn't help but doubt that. But I had to try.

I took a deep breath and let it out, focusing on the icy road before me. 'Let's just get it over with.' I thought. I needed to tell him about my illness, anyway, and knowing he'd have no reason to stick around, it would give him a break from traveling back and forth for a while. He could take care of his kingdom while I recovered.

By the time I returned home, Andrew and his friend were just finishing up. I was surprised that I actually liked the door. It was an older, charming style, but made with modern materials so that it wouldn't warp or crack with the temperature changes.

Besides the usual doorknob lock and sliding bolt, a chain had been installed. I couldn't help wondering if it would do any good. The chain didn't look particularly strong, even with Andrew's friend reassuring me that it and the door was the strongest design yet.

At these words, my stomach teetered to a lower position. How expensive was the door? When I asked, Andrew waved away my concerns with a smile, "I already took care of it." and Andrew's friend, Derek, nodded confidently.

"I gave him a really good deal, too. These doors are popular lately what with the holiday season, and incredibly sturdy." He patted the door almost fondly, passing me a grin. "I have one, myself. You needn't worry about another burglary attempt."

My stomach rose from its sunken position as a steadying reassurance settled over me. "Thank you so much, I really appreciate it."

"Not a problem. You two have a good one." Derek smiled at me and nodded to Andrew. "See ya tonight."

Andrew returned the gesture. "Thanks, Derek. See you later." My brow furrowed. Did they hang out often? Andrew saw my expression and grinned. "Derek and I go way back. I invited him to poker nights that one of my coworkers holds. We needed an extra man." He shrugged. "My boss also thought it would help us coworkers get to know each other better and increase productivity." He chuckled. "He wasn't wrong." Andrew waved to Derek as he drove off, and we stepped inside.

Andrew stayed a little while, insisting on building the fire for me and half-ordering me to lie down to rest on the couch.

My fever was gone, but the headache and ache growing in my back had become stronger. He made sure I took my medicine and afterwards that I was as comfortable as possible.

"You're an actual angel, do you know that?" I said when he at last settled down on the floor before me, his arms resting on the couch cushion.

Taking up my hand in his, he pressed a gentle kiss to the knuckles. "You know I love you-and I will do anything to make you happy."

My heart warmed at his declaration and a smile blossomed upon my lips. "I love you, too, Andrew. Thank you for taking such good care of me."

Andrew smiled, and after a few minutes had passed, I got the sense that he was wanting to leave. He seemed fidgety and distracted.

It took me a glance at the clock to realize why. He was usually at work by now. He must've been anxious about getting into trouble with his boss.

"If you need to go to work, then you can go. I'll be fine here." I squeezed his hand for emphasis. "I'm just going to sleep, anyway."

Andrew was hesitant, and his expression torn in indecision.

"Alright… So long as you're sure?" He raised his eyebrows. "I can just call in-"

I cut him off with a frown, waving one hand-though it was more of a vague movement of my fingers-and replying. "I'll be fine, really. You should go to work."

Andrew's expression was a war of uncertainty, but eventually he slowly nodded in relief. "If you're sure…?"

He began, and I hummed. "I am. I'll be fine."

His lips twisted a little, showing he wasn't totally on board with the idea, but then he sighed. "Ok. But if you need me, don't hesitate to give me a call, alright?"

I hummed again, a nod being too painful at the moment. "I will, I promise."

My promise seemed to satisfy his concerns, for the lines on his forehead eased away and he pressed a kiss to my forehead before reluctantly gathering his things and leaving.

It turned out I was right about the medicine's side effects. It left me dizzy for a solid hour. My boss had been understanding when I'd called him, and he told me to call if ever I needed anything. I thanked him, telling him I really just needed to rest.

But while I didn't have work, I still needed food. I'd kind of forgotten that food was important, and that I needed some.

I waited a half hour after the dizziness wore off to go to the store. I regretted the idea as soon as I started to get my coat and boots on, then stepped outside.

And immediately went back inside.

"Nope! Nope nope nope!" I kicked off the snow. Definitely not up for that!" I kept my eyes shut as I closed the door behind me. The light outside-despite being almost completely overcast-was reflecting off of the snow and was too much for my eyes. That was when the nausea grew, and I changed my mind about going out.

With my eyes still shut, I carefully removed my boots and coat, then stood there, one hand on my coat, and the other pressed against the wall to steady myself. I made a conscious effort to breathe properly and the nausea began to abate.

The door opened and shut of its own accord, and I gave a start. I felt the air sweep past me, then shift and become displaced with the touch of magic and the presence of another person.

Jareth.

"Surely you're not going out in your state? You should be resting." Jareth's disapproving voice reproved me.

I could feel his eyes fixed on my hand where it rested on my coat. He must have thought I was preparing to leave.

"I was," I started, continuing quickly before he could further reprimand me. "Until I stepped outside, and realized it was an absolutely terrible idea. So I came back in."

'I think I'll use one of those shopping apps to have my things delivered,' I thought, grateful for the modern convenience, and wishing I had remembered it before going to all this trouble to go out.

"I should say so." Jareth agreed sternly.

I turned to face him, my hand still on the coat rack, and opened my eyes to look towards him before shutting them again quickly as the movement caused my nausea to get worse.

I could sense his disapproval evaporating to make room for alarm. "Stars above-you look terrible!"

"I feel terrible." I replied honestly, then straightened up, and turned towards the couch, my other hand still holding on to my coat to help line myself up properly. I knew the couch was directly across from the coat rack, so it seemed a safe bet to reach it from there.

"Do you need assistance?" Jareth asked.

"No, I can manage." I declined. Then I squinted towards the couch, and another wave of nausea hit. "Ok, wow, I was wrong." I quickly corrected myself, shutting my eyes fully again.

The slightest touch of amusement came off of Jareth, but it faded as he stepped toward me, the air shifting until he was just behind me. His breath lightly brushed the side of my face as he took my free hand in his, and placed his other hand on the small of my back. His fragrance washed over me then.

He smelled of dark leather and spices; crisp winter air, and a musky scent like what I might imagine magic would smell like. It was almost a deep, electric sharpness. There was also a refreshing woodsy smell that was subtle, but still present. It made me think of a pine forest, and I wondered if that was from his owl form.

Carefully he led me around the couch, and I relaxed in relief once I was seated.

"Thank you." I told him.

"Of course." He replied, and I heard his chair shift as he sat in it. "Now," He continued, and his tone was such that it immediately brought to mind our conversation about the stalker, and I felt a mild apprehension at it. "We should discuss this stalker incident. I know you are not well, but that fact alone is further reason I feel it would be wise to discuss the matter sooner, rather than later."

I knew he was right, but it didn't abate my apprehension for whatever he had planned. I agreed regardless of how I felt. I wanted to be safe. "I understand and I agree. I'd like to be safe." I shifted on the couch as I wrapped the blanket there around myself. "What did you have in mind?"

Jareth seemed to mull over his suggestion briefly. "Goblin guards. One to remain with you wherever you are, and the other will be keeping watch on the property. They will only be visible to you and myself. No one else will be able to see them. They will assist you with whatever you need."

Jareth's chair made a sound that indicated he was turning to look toward the kitchen. "Runt. Brunt." He spoke with authority, and the shuffle of feet sounded until they stopped between Jareth's chair and the couch. "This is Lady Amelia. You will be guarding and assisting her in whatever she needs, as previously discussed."

My brow furrowed at the unnecessary title. "'Lady'..?" I questioned Jareth quietly.

Jareth replied. "You are assisting me with an important task, and that puts you at a temporary higher status from a normal mortal. So, yes, for the time being, you are 'Lady' Amelia. Brunt and Runt will alternate between guarding you, and keeping the property secure."

The king turned his attention to the goblin guards. "Attend to your duties."

The goblins grunted, "Yessire!" which was accompanied by the sound of metal against metal-I assumed a salute-and I heard one guard stand at attention a little behind and between where Jareth and I sat, and the other made towards the front door.

There was the faintest bit of magic, and then it faded and silence fell when the goblin went outside.

"Thank you, Jareth." I wasn't sure what else to say, but I knew a thank you was certainly in order.

"Of course." Jareth replied. "I care about your safety, Amelia. This is the least I can do for now. Try not to let it worry you."

Further discussion about the goblins and their duties was brief, as their main duties were to focus on guarding me, and by the time we finished, my eye pain and nausea had eased enough that I could open my eyes a little.

I used the opportunity to order the groceries I needed through a shopping app, and I informed Jareth they would be arriving in a few hours. I wasn't sure how long he planned to stay, seeing as I couldn't do a lot of writing at the moment, so he let the goblin inside the house know to expect the groceries arrival, and the goblin stepped outside to tell the other goblin as well.

After an hour or so I started to get a little hungry, and felt well enough that I could make some tea. I let Jareth know, and while he protested this, I insisted it would be alright. I would be careful.

He was not quick to agree, and instead offered to help so I wouldn't need to do as much.

As he hunted down the coffee mugs-with a little direction from me-and set them and some spoons on the kitchen table, I waited for the water to boil in the electric kettle while I got the tea out of the cupboard.

He sat down at the table and I suddenly found myself trying to ignore the eyes I could feel staring at the back of my head and occasionally resting on my back and left leg.

I wondered if he had noticed the limp. I felt a little wary at the thought. I knew I'd have to tell him; but the fact that he might have noticed already made me a bit nervous for his reaction. I had yet to tell him about my condition, and I didn't want him to freak out about it.

The kettle began to whistle, and not long after, we both sat across from each other enjoying our tea.

The Goblin King and I, enjoying tea.

I couldn't help but to smile a little behind my mug. It was probably silly of me to be amused by it.

My smile faded when I took a sip and placed my cup back where it rested on the table. "I noticed you were limping as you prepared the tea-did you injure yourself somehow?" He asked abruptly, and I felt as though his serious, mismatched gaze, burned into my very soul.

I stiffened and I cast my gaze down at my tea. "No, I haven't injured myself."

He leaned back in his seat with some relief at that, but went on. "Is your illness causing it?"

"Yes." I nodded and took another sip of tea.

"Would you care to elaborate on your condition?" He pressed with some impatience, though not unkindly.

It was something I knew he should know. Especially if he wanted to continue to work with me.

That thought hit me hard as I realized how much of an issue my illness could be for his project. The medicine would help, definitely, but the week of recovery I needed would push the project back and stall it! Would he have the patience to wait? Or would he decide to find someone else to continue the project?

I frowned behind my cup as I drank, then held the cup there to let the heat coming off of it warm my face as I thought.

"Amelia." Jareth pressed.

"Right, sorry." I set the mug down and cleared my throat.

"I have what's called Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, or IIH." When he gave me the blank look I expected, I continued. "It's a chronic, incurable disease. It mimics a brain tumor in symptoms, and is just as dangerous."

I paused a moment to let that sink in for him, then took a quiet breath and let the words begin to flow out. "It's when the body produces too much spinal fluid, and that excess puts pressure on the brain and spinal cord." I avoided looking at the expression on his face once I'd caught a glimpse of it, willing myself to push on.

"Which means I get migraines, nausea, light and sound sensitivity, and numbness and weakness on one side of my body. In my case it's the left." I lifted my left hand and waved my fingers. I noticed even this action was weaker than it should have been.

"I can still feel things-some temperature, pain-but not as well as my right side can." I clenched my fist as tightly as I could, the knuckles turning white, but my hand shook, my palm feeling numb.

I did the same with my right hand, which neither shook, nor felt numb. I did this as I was speaking. "The left side is weaker as well, so I limp some of the time, but especially when the illness is strong. It's worse some days more than others; it hasn't caused me to fall or drop anything, but I avoid carrying anything heavy when I can help it." I shrugged. "I'm lucky, though. My symptoms aren't as bad. Other people often have more severe symptoms. Some go blind or deaf or are incapacitated by the illness-having to stay in bed all the time. The headaches are that bad."

I took a moment before I added. "Because my condition has gotten worse again, I'll have to take a week off of work to recover and to let the medicine my doctor prescribed do its job." I gestured at him without meeting his eyes. "And now you are aware of my condition, I will understand if you would prefer not to work with me on your story any longer."

All that said, I glanced up at him.

Jareth's expression was intense, and I almost wanted to take back what I'd said. But I knew he needed to know, and that was what was important. He needed to know, and to make an informed decision on whether or not he wanted to continue to work with me.

"I am fine to continue, as long as you are. However, I think it would be best to wait to continue working on my story, until you are well again. You need to rest as much as possible." He waved his hand as though shooing something small away. "I would prefer to work with you, as we've already started the story, but I will understand if you cannot continue. I will also expect you to inform me if you cannot write." He leveled a stern look at me that made me nod my head in agreement.

"Of course. I will let you know." I agreed, and at that moment my stomach rumbled, reminding me that I'd forgotten to get out cookies to have with the tea.

I set my mug down and spoke with a small smile, "Now that's settled, I nearly forgot I was going to set out some cookies with the tea! Would you like some? I have some strawberry ones in the cupboard-" I began, turning and beginning to stand to make my way to the cupboard.

But Jareth was suddenly before me. He had moved so quickly that one moment he'd been sitting at the table, and the next he was towering before me.

Startled, I reached behind me, my hands searching out my chair and the table to stop myself from falling backwards.

I misjudged their placement, and my hands grazed them instead of grabbing hold, and I began to fall.

But not before he caught hold of my arms, stopping me, and then gently lowering me back into my seat.

My heartbeat seemed to run three times faster than it should, and my eyes were staring widely into his, my cheeks flooding with color.

He made sure I was safely seated, and turned to point at the cupboard, keeping his eyes and one hand on me. "Here?"

I nodded numbly and he turned away fully to retrieve the long box. I stared at his back, not comprehending what had just happened. What had just happened?

He sat back down a moment later, opening a bag of the strawberry cookies he'd retrieved from their box. He laid it sideways on the table so they stuck out at an angle from the opening. Jareth raised his eyebrows at me, and I hesitantly took a cookie. "Oh-Thank you..." I murmured.

The monarch just inclined his head and plucked one from the bag for himself.

I continued to watch him, wondering. At last I voiced my thoughts. "I meant to ask-why are you here today?"

He polished off his second cookie when I asked, and he stared at me a moment as though I'd grown a second head. "I was concerned." He gestured over his shoulder as though pointing out the past. "In seeing your condition, I wanted to be sure that you were doing better. Your fever was difficult to remove." He studied my face a moment with quiet intensity. "I see that it has fully gone, now."

I nodded an affirmative. "Yes, it's gone."

Jareth's shoulders eased, and he inclined his head, taking a sip of his tea. "That's good."

His brow furrowed when he lowered the cup to look into it, the warm liquid a lovely pinkish amber color. Almost the same pinkish amber as some sunflowers displayed. "Speaking of good. What kind of tea did you say this was? It's excellent."

I beamed at him. "I designed it. I call it 'The Queen's Garden'. It has chamomile, peppermint, rooibos jasmine, and strawberry pieces. It's really good with the strawberry cookies, or toast and strawberry jam."

Jareth's eyebrows rose, first in surprise, and then as though impressed. "It's a good blend." He complimented, and I smiled, pleased he liked it.

"Thanks. I've been working on another, but I can't seem to get it right." I shrugged with a disheartened frown. "Anyway, how are things for you? How fares the goblin kingdom and its king as of late?" I spoke my second question with lightly teasing regality.

Humor lit Jareth's eyes, and he raised an eyebrow. "Both are faring well, thank you. Paperwork and goblin quarrels over whether or not chickens should wear bonnets never cease."

I laughed, and a strange look came upon Jareth's face.

My cheeks went red in surprise, and I looked at him sideways. "...What?"

Jareth blinked, and a distracted smile danced upon his lips for a moment before it sobered slightly. "I don't believe I've ever heard you laugh before. It has a pleasant sound."

A tomato would be jealous of the blush settling upon my face at that moment, and I uttered a quiet. "Thank you."

A companionable silence fell around us for only a moment. It was pleasant enough, and I missed it when it was gone. Jareth's voice broke that silence.

"Amelia…" He hesitated, as though mulling over something complex that he was trying to make simple.

"Yes?" I waited for him to continue.

"Have you ever seen that man, or any other men like him, recently?" Even in speaking he seemed to be trying to work something out in his mind, to the point that his question was almost absent minded.

"I haven't." I answered truthfully, and I hoped that would continue to be the case. "Two encounters with that man was more than enough." I added with a shudder.

Jareth's eyes focused on mine. "I have some suspicions about that man. If my thoughts are correct about his identity, there shouldn't have ever been one encounter. In fact the behavior is quite out of the ordinary."

My eyebrows sank over my eyes in question, and I opened my mouth to respond, when a sharp pain up my spine made me take in a sharp breath. "Jesus!" I hissed, and my face blanched with pain as I felt the color in my cheeks fleeing.

Jareth seemed to remember my current health concerns and his expression turned serious. "We've talked long enough. You need to rest."

Jareth stood up before I could protest, and waved his hand at the dishes on the table. They rattled and vanished, and I heard the kettle appearing with a sound as though someone had set it in its holder. The cups made a similar sound in the cupboard, rattling a little as they appeared.

Jareth offered me his hand, and after a moment's hesitation, I took it. His gloved hand was warm, and he was steady and strong, helping lift me to my feet.

I made to let go of his hand, but he held fast, surprising me. "You should change for comfort. Do you need assistance to your room?" I minutely shook my head no. I was too dazed by his kindness to even think about the possible impropriety of his words.

The goblin king nodded his head and gently released my hand. "Very well. I'll be in the living room."

He waited until I slipped away to my room, and casting a look over my shoulder at him, our eyes met. My cheeks reddened, and I looked away again and went into my room, closing the door.

I changed carefully. I didn't want to jostle my head and make my headache worse. I changed into a hoodie, long pajama bottoms, and socks and slippers. I let my hair out of its bun, and my headache eased a tiny bit.

I returned to the living room to find Jareth sitting on the ground in front of the fire, prodding it with the fire poker and just then setting another log on it.

He glanced up at me as I came in, and I folded one arm over myself to hold onto my opposite arm, feeling self conscious.

Jerking his head at the couch, he half ordered. "Lay down." I didn't even have the energy to give a snarky remark to his order, and instead just did as he said.

Lying comfortably on the couch, I told him. "Thank you for checking up on me. You can go, if you want." Even as I was speaking, Jareth was getting to his feet and placing the poker back in its stand. He dusted off his hands-though there really was no need for him to do so.

"No." Jareth replied, facing me. "I'm going to stay a while, I think."

I frowned at this. "Really, you don't have to. I'll be just fine. I'll sleep most of the time; and we won't get any work done, so there's really no point-"

Jareth spoke over me with surprising gentleness as he approached. "I've made my decision, Amelia. I'm going to stay."

My heart warmed. I watched him settle down to sit on the ground before me, and he gave me a reassuring smile.

I hesitated, wondering if he was trying to trick me somehow. But his expression was so sincere-and I couldn't think of why he would trick me. I thought instead about how nice it would be knowing that someone was nearby.

Someone who'd keep me safe.

I could finally, really relax, without worrying about another stalker-burglar breaking in. Jareth would be here to look after me. At last I conceded. "Alright. Thank you." Jareth nodded and turned to lean his back against the couch.

Even though he turned his back to me, I got the sense that he was still very aware of my presence. I shifted on the couch, and his head turned slightly toward me, the peripherals of one eye fixing on my face. Seeing I was fine, Jareth turned his head to watch the fire, a vigilant air surrounding him.

I was watching the flames dance upon the logs in the fireplace when I heard him saying something. It took me a moment to realize that he wasn't actually speaking-he was singing.

I listened with interest, and found to my surprise that the song was different from ones I'd heard in the film. It made the music all the more interesting to me. The notes themselves were mysterious and sweet and even a little bit sad.

"Sleep now, little flower,

save your shining face.

Sleep in night's healing power,

let it adorn you like lace."

Jareth paused as though thinking, and hummed a few notes before repeating them with words. My eyes widened. Was he writing this song right now?

Immediately I was alert, slipping my head quietly forward on my pillow to catch more of his music. I saw his pointed ear twitch toward me, but it relaxed again when I settled. He kept on singing.

"When the moon gives her light,

the merry fae will prance.

There, in the peaceful night,

you will join them in their dance."

His voice was so soothing, I felt myself beginning to feel sleepy.

"And when, in the morn you shall wake,

the fair folk will not leave you forsaken.

But bless you with a changeling's gift,

That you should join them, and not be taken."

My eyes closed as if by their own will; but still I listened on.

"With love you shall be clothed,

and hair bedecked with dew.

Never will you be lonely,

For your friends will not be few."

His voice softened.

"Your every moment will be guarded,

the fae folk at your side.

And with their faith, wholehearted,

they are in whom you can confide."

A feeling of safety settled over me as he finished the song and I felt that rare, pleasant in-between feeling you get just before falling asleep.

All my anxieties seemed to have faded away. I was still very much aware of them-but it was like they'd been put on the shelf for the moment. In a way, I was free from my worries and fears, and I was at peace.

For now, everything was peaceful.

For now, I was safe.

I gave a small smile of gratitude. "Thank you, Jareth…" I murmured.

I heard the rustle of Jareth's clothing as he moved. His breath like a warm breeze drifted over my face, and Jareth's voice sounded quite close. "You need to rest." His tone was warm, tinged with something else I couldn't at that moment identify.

I wanted to open my eyes, to see his face, but found they were too tired. "I'm so tired..." I told him, and Jareth's voice increased in warmth.

"I know." I felt it when he tugged my blanket up higher on my shoulder, the soft fabric brushing my cheek. "Sleep, now, little flower. I'll keep watch." He said, and his hand released the blanket to take my hand in his, giving it a light, comforting caress.

"I'm here."

A/N: What did you guys think?