lswj&s

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Disclaimer: once again, I own nothing from the Labyrinth.

A Choice Given

A thrill went through Sarah at his words. Part of her was astonished that he would state it so boldly. The other part was intrigued. She mentally ordered herself to remember that things are not always what they seem, especially when they came to Jareth…

"How exactly did you 'want' me?" she asked, wincing as she realized how that probably sounded to him.

"The possibilities are endless." Jareth said softly, his eyes holding hers as he set the music box down. "But I'll stick to the point. I want you to return to my castle with me."

"Why? I defeated you. I won my freedom, as well as Toby's. You have no power-"

"I'd prefer not to hear those words again, if you don't mind." He said, waving his hand impatiently. "What if I told you that the Labyrinth was a test? That you passed this test? And that by passing you've earned the right to live there?"

Sarah digested this slowly, uncertain as to whether she should believe him or not. The idea had possibilities, if she allowed herself to think about them. Which she wouldn't. She'd never stopped believing, but fantasies had little place in everyday life, and she'd stopped using them as a means of escape long ago. Except for the ones that came at night, when she thought of him, and reality no longer intruded…..

"If it was a test, why have you waited so long to tell me I've passed?" she asked, folding her legs under her as she relaxed into the chair. "Why didn't you come for me sooner?"

He smiled at the picture she made, chatting with him in her bathrobe in the middle of a Monday afternoon. The sunlight streamed across her hair, turning it a beautiful bronze bound tightly against her neck.

"You were a child." Jareth replied. "You weren't ready to accept what I was offering you. And you do have to accept it. You have to make the choice."

Unable to resist, he disappeared from view, only to reappear behind her chair immediately. She jerked as his fingers delved into her hair, pulling out the pins that held it securely. A tingle moved up her spine as he stroked her hair, and she stiffened in response, unsure of what his intentions.

"And what is it I have to accept?" she asked, breathless as his hands moved through her hair. "What is it you are offering me?"

Jareth leaned down so that his lips were just brushing her ear as he whispered his answer.

"My heart."