Sarah glanced at her watch in a panic. 4:30. So she still had time, sunrise wasn't due for another hour. As the last vestiges of sleep wore off she became aware of Jareth running his finger along the outline of her tattoo. Smiling, she rolled onto her back, bringing his attention back to her.

"I didn't mean to fall asleep" she apologized, stifling a yawn as she did so.

He shrugged as nonchalantly as one can while propped up on one elbow. "I've always enjoyed watching you sleep. One could almost imagine you were innocent."

She smacked him on the chest and pretended to pout. "Brat. I was innocent until you decided to take advantage of me in my inebriated state."

"Ha! If I recall correctly, and having been the sober one I believe I do, you weren't exactly putting up much resistance. Of course, I can't say I blame you" That look of superiority was absolutely infuriating.

"You are the most arrogant being imaginable, I swear! This is your fault too you know!"

Suddenly Jareth switched tactics. Almost instantly the smirk was gone and in its place were very sad (albeit staged) puppy-dog eyes, and Sarah decided those were much much worse. "Are you really mad at me Sarah?" he asked, all innocence and good intentions. Trying very hard not to lose this game, she refused to look him in the eye and instead glared at the ceiling. "Hmph" she pouted. But the game was over as soon as he began kissing her neck and they both knew it. "Damn you, that's cheating."

"Well, I had to get back into your good graces somehow. Besides, I've had some time to think and I want to discuss it with you before time runs out."

Now very serious, Sarah sat up so she could look him in the eye. After a minute to collect his thoughts he started, "In the last seven months I searched everywhere to find some way to return to you of my own power. After coming up empty handed I am almost certain that it is in fact impossible. I only tell you this so that you understand: as much as I want to, I cannot be here to protect you. The tattoo has a protection spell, so you should be safe, and Tori will protect you as well. When the baby is born, call me and I should be able to come to you."

When he paused Sarah added, "I sense a 'but' coming."

He sighed, "I do not believe that this Trey problem will remedy itself as easily as you hope. When I return to the Labyrinth I am going to seek out any factions that may want our child for their own interests. With any luck, this will be taken care of before the baby's due."

"And if it isn't?"

"I don't know."

Time was passing much too quickly for Sarah's taste; far too soon the sun was approaching the edge of the sky. 'Only two more months' she repeated to herself mentally. Jareth kissed her goodbye and they sat for the remaining 10 minutes in silence, trying to absorb as much of the other as they could.

* * *

Sarah hadn't been a drama major in high school for nothing. That morning she put on the show of her life, going about her daily routine, even saying good-morning to Trey as if nothing were wrong. Later, while absently watching the customers mill about the store, Trey approached her.

"How are you this morning?" he asked.

"Oh, you know, get up, eat, throw up, a typical morning really." she joked.

"Ah…um…have you given any thought to what we discussed last night?" he asked tentatively.

"Actually, I gave it a lot of thought yesterday and my answer is no. It's not that I don't appreciate what you're trying to do for me, but I've decided that's not how I want my child raised." she said, remembering the last time she had uttered that phrase and hoping this time it had better results. When Trey was silent she almost cheered her triumph. And Jareth thought this would be difficult.

"You know, I really don't think that's a good idea," he began, his voice low, "after all, a woman in your condition is awfully vulnerable. I don't think you're considering the dangers out there for someone without any protection."

His tone wasn't quite menacing, but she knew a threat when she heard it. "Get out" she told him, her voice dangerously low.

"Excuse me?" he asked, looking shocked.

"I said get out! You think you can come in here and threaten me? I don't give a damn who you are, your ass better be out the door and I don't want to see you again!" she yelled, ignoring the curious glances coming from the customers.

"Sarah, I wasn't threatening, I was just –"

"Out!" she interrupted, pointing towards the door. Trey stalked out, but the look he threw Sarah assured her he would be back. She silently prayed that he didn't bring any friends with him.

* * *

Back in his room, he stormed angrily from wall to wall, occasionally punching at whichever wall he was facing at the moment. He turned to make another round and ran into Azreal, who looked as composed as ever, if not slightly amused by his comrade's tirade.

"I take it she said no then" he said with just the slightest hint of a smile.

"Shut-up Azreal, I don't want to hear it. You'd better have those answers you promised last night."

"Indeed I do. If you'll stop damaging the furniture for a minute I'll fill you in." After Trey settled on the edge of the bed with a huff, Azreal continued. "It took some research, but our plan is possible. While permission from the mother would be the easiest route, there are enough of us to overpower her."

"But what about the-"

"The protection spell is of no concern. It is Fae magic, and because the child has Earth magic as well it cannot protect her completely. And since the mother does not know how to use her magic she cannot fight us."

"Yeah, but that spell was still pretty strong, how do we know this will work?"

"There are five of us and one of her. She does not know how to fight spells; we can easily overpower her."

"What then? I mean, what happens to Sarah."

"It doesn't matter, she is of no more use to us. You may keep her if you like."

"And if she calls the Goblin King?"

"We'll be gone already. Barriers have already been prepared; once the child is in our possession there will be no tracking us until it is too late."