She didn't know why she bothered t, he was going to find out anyway. Over the sound of running water she heard soft steps behind her. Most likely one of the twins coming in for a quick snack. "Alright you." She started, a playful smile on her lips as she turned. "No snacks, you've been eating…all…day." It wasn't Eve, it wasn't Evan. "I-I-I thought you were one of the kids." He didn't say anything, merely starred. She was used to it by now but he being who he was and the way he knew her made her shame rebirth.
"What happened? When?" He moved to her and a gloveless hand touched the scarred cheek. It was the first time a mad had done so, the twins out of curiosity, the doctors out of necessity, and even those times there was the disgust in the doctor's eyes. Jareth was merely examining her deformity, no pity in his eyes, and for the first time in a long time there was no pity in the eyes of the one looking at her.
"I was burned in a car wreck, I was the only to live. Toby died." Pushing his hand away she gave a smile, trying to appear brave. "It was years ago, I've moved on." Quick to change the subject to anything else she let some humor enter her voice. "You, my dear King, need a shower."
His lips curled in a forced smile and she could see he was trying to find his bearings. "The way your world functions is quite different and-."
"You don't know how to work the plumbing." She finished, doing her best to laugh. "I'll show you, best get your shower before the kids take all the hot water." She missed the grimace he made when she mentioned the kids. Walking into her bathroom she smiled, it was the only room n the house she had completely remodeled. It had been a separate bath and shower, a tub that she indulged in quite frequently and a shower with jets that shot water at a person from all sides. "This is the shampoo, just a little bit, this is the conditioner, and that is the soap." She pointed out as the water began to warm.
"What's this?" She looked to his hand and saw that he was poking her loofa.
"That's mine, don't bother with it. Umm excuse me. I have to find a plausible excuse for having a man in my home and their not knowing about it." Sighing she shook her head. "This is why I never married." She didn't know that the resident King has heard her.
After setting a towel out with the clothes she returned to her living room. The clothes had been given to her at some point in her past, too large for her she had never worn them. She could only assume that they had come from a bargain bag of clothes and that she had never gotten around to ridding herself of them. All they were was a pair of jeans, a large sweatshirt, and a set of boxers. 'Nothing fancy but nothing ready to be thrown in the fire either.' Throwing pillows back to various pieces of furniture she tried to rediscover her floor. Normally a mess was not made but they had lived in front of her TV since they awoke. And the only reason they had gotten away with that was due to her attention being on the then unconscious King. She was in the middle of trying to free her video when the sound of running water stopped. She would have given a lot of money to see his reaction to his new set of clothes. Laughing softly she turned to look at the kids, both looked as if they had been running a marathon and she had no desire to smell the results. "I'm ordering in pizza. Get cleaned up before it arrives and I want your things packed and ready as well." Moving towards her room she knew her wallet to be somewhere in the vicinity of her purse. Now to find the cursed thing.
"Miss Sarah?" Eve questioned softly.
"Yes." She responded, not realizing she had reacted to her given name until it was too late. Eyes growing wide her gaze flew to the pile of tapes. Actually taking in the titles. Each one she had starred major roles in. She missed the sound of the bathroom door opening behind her, being to busy trying to gain some semblance of thought. The noise coming from the children brought her back to the Aboveground. The twins were gaping at the figure behind her.
Both children eyed him in surprise, obviously they had not been told of his arrival. Looking to Sarah he saw her look between him and the younglings. "Crap." She muttered, just loud enough for him to hear. "Eve, Evan, meet Mr. King. He's a guest for a while." She grabbed something off the wall and tossed it to the sandy haired girl. "Call for pizza, one medium and one large. Large meat lover's pizza thin crust, the medium whatever you two want. And as for the Sarah bit." He watched her grow uncomfortable and had the odd urge to wrap an arm around her. "I'll explain that later."
As both ran to the kitchen he looked to the mortal woman he owed his life. "They don't know you name?"
"It's a long story, the short of it being that I'm watching them until their parents get back tomorrow." She must have read his surprised look and laughed. "You thought they were mine? Impossible, they look nothing like me." He had to admit, she was correct.
"Mr. King?" He mocked, raising a brow at her as he spoke.
"Shut up. I'd like to see you come up with something when you just found out you cover has been blown. It's not everyday that I'm called Sarah, not by a human anyway."
"And why is that?" He questioned, tailing her as she moved to the outside.
"I keep a low profile here, I don't announce to the world that I was once the biggest actress in Hollywood." He rose a brow at the ego, she saw it. "And that's not a boast, it's a fact. I'm still living off the royalties er, money from my works." She dropped artfully into a bench that hung from the overhang and rocked it gently with one foot. Gesturing around she silently told him to take a seat. "I'm only going to say this once so listen up. While those two are here you are not to give them any hints as to who you really are. Not that you would but it might have been on your mind to remind me of how we originally met. Your being here is putting their lives in danger, and the less they know the better." He nodded agreeing with her words and worries.
"I thank you Sarah, and somehow I will repay you for your generosity. She waved a hand dismissively and looked away from him at his thanks.
"Don't thank me. I don't deserve it." There was no false humility in her tone, though he didn't expect to hear it. But there was pain, in her voice, in her eyes, in the aurora that surrounded her. But she covered it and hid it well, she was still the actress he had seen in the park so many years ago. "When the kids leave I'll take you to town. We'll get you some more clothes hen and I'll get to restock on my groceries." He made to object but she cut him off. "You need to recover Jareth. And whether you show it or not I know you're worse off than you're letting on. And that means you'll be here a while. I'm fine with that and can more than afford the visitation of a guest." A bell rang somewhere in the house and she stood. "Besides." She paused at the door. "I'm in this just as deep as you are." He was ready to demand an elaboration but she had already retreated into the small house.
He was quickly coming to hate following her around like a mindless fool but momentarily forgot his annoyance when he saw the delivery boy's face when he caught a first glimpse of Sarah. She handed the cur some green pieces of paper and he was sure he had seen a flash of pain in her expressive eyes. Carrying the two boxes to the kitchen table he watched the children finish setting the table. Taking the seat beside her he wondered what the disk like concoction before them was. As she lifted a triangle slice out he decided to ask. "Wha-." Only to be cut off by her placing the tip of the food slice in his mouth. Her fingers tore at what he now knew to be cheese and she placed on his plate. Her eyes laughed at his reactions and she was soon serving herself.
Standing she knew he probably wouldn't take to soda all that well, grabbing two glasses she filled them with water and gave him one before proceeding to stuff herself. She hadn't eaten much since Jareth's arrival and if the way he was inhaling the modern food was any indication, neither had he.
"Jeez Miss Wills, care to breathe between bites?"
"Shut up Evan." She mumbled between swallowing and bringing her cup to her mouth.
"So you're a famous movie star Miss Wills?" Eve began, Sarah flinched at the memories but began to explain all the same.
"Was Eve. I quite make movies after the crash. I moved out her not long after I finished recovery."
"But you're rich! Why live here?" Evan sputtered.
"I was looked upon with pity by those who even acknowledged me. By coming here I had hoped to be forgotten. To an extent it worked. No one knows I'm the Sarah Williams but merely Miss Wills. That was until you two found me out, how did you do that by the way?"
"The movie you sent us two had a preview with you in it. We searched your video cabinet for anything with you in it.
"You two haven't seen half of what I was in. I was very busy and usually was doing at least three projects at once. But I would appreciate it if you wouldn't tell anyone of my original social status." Both nodded solemnly and she cast a glance to the clock. "All right you two, bath, and then to bed." She pointed towards the direction of their room for emphasis. When the twins were out of ear shot she looked back to Jareth, she noted there was no more pizza left to be seen. "You can have my room for the night. I'll change the sheets first though."
After emptying his glass of water he returned to Sarah's room. She was pulling the blood stained linens from the mattress, he focused on the dried blood and frowned. "How did I get here Sarah?" He whispered, closing the door behind him.
"Hoggle came to me for some help, I've seen a little of what that bastard has done. It's more than enough to bring me into this fight." She tossed the sheets into a corner and he noted more bloodstained clothes, no doubt what she had worn when first tending to him.
"How long until you're fully recovered?" He would have sworn that he heard concern in her voice.
"I've never been exposed to iron for that long of a time. It did not bode well for my magic." He admitted the weakness with much difficulty, she knew it. And in a way she understood, even if she was mortal born. "A few months at least." She placed her small hand on his forearm and gave a gentle squeeze.
"You won't like waiting, things will get worse. But remember that you have no choice and that sometimes waiting is all you can do. Your subjects know this, they know that you are someplace safe and that time is needed before you can come save them." Until then her tone had been encouraging but it soon took the edge of a blade. "But also you need to know that too many sacrifices were made to save you and that I'll kick your ass my self if you fall into a pity party on me." His eyes flared at the accusation and his arms shot put to pull her close. Her eyes shown with surprise and he soon held her chin along with her gaze.
"I'll tell you this once Sarah. I am in your debt, and even though I find myself in that position I will not tolerate your insulting me." By this point his mouth was a mere whisper from hers. Not moving he felt the stirrings of desire birth. And as much as she wanted to believe that it was the sensation of freedom that had brought on his lust he knew it wasn't. He wanted Sarah, not just any woman that was attractive and willing. Sarah, but unlike any of the woman that he normally associated with she would not warm his bed to gain his favor. Or in the unlikely hopes of his taking her as wife. Sarah didn't care for titles, the power of court meant nothing to her, and if her small shows of intricate spells meant anything. She was coming along magically well enough to suit her tastes.
Looking to her eyes he saw that she was focused more closely on how near he was rather than his angry demands. "Sarah." His voice was thick and he wondered how well she understood the Fae lust. "When was last a man was near you?"
"Last doctors appointment." She whispered.
"I didn't mean that." His whispered softly.
"Five years." He nearly didn't hear the words.
"Not any more." Before she could register the meaning he captured her tender mouth.
She wanted to believe that he could feel something for her. But she knew that he was most likely acting on the aftermath of having been freed of the dungeons. Just the urge to procreate and celebrate life. But the hunger he expressed and the loneliness built up over the years was stronger than her will for a short moment. Slowly she returned his fever and made no motion to douse the fire.
In the end it was the noise of the children that broke them apart. "I-I'll go get some bed sheets." She stuttered. Turning crimson at the double meaning of what she had just said. Fumbling with the door she soon found herself in her hall. Once she reached the cabinet she began to mentally scold herself. 'Stupid! Stupid! Sarah! What were you thinking?' The thing was that she hadn't been, only reacting. And the memory of never being able to think clearly around him was brought to the front of her mind as she rested her head against the shelf. He had somehow been passionate while at the same time gentle with her. In all her years of acting she had never been kissed with such intensity. 'I'm reduced to a teenage hormone, how pathetic.' She thought bitterly, recalling how her knees had nearly melted. 'Now of all times for my hormones to surface, and why him? I've survived a lot in my life but I can't survive a heart break.' She had lost too many loved ones to death, a romantic tragedy would undoubtedly be the end of her, 'Why couldn't I have been a normal horny teen and learned to control these emotions then?' Her attraction to King both terrified and thrilled her.
"Miss Wills? You ok?" Lifting her head Sarah chuckled at the tone of the young girl.
"Fine, just tired." Her carrier as an actress showed its merit by her ability to act as if nothing was wrong when her heart was shattering and the only ones who had truly understood her were dead.
"Do I have to tell you to get to bed?"
"I am, just getting all my guests settled before I zonk out on the couch. It's called responsibility kid, get used to it." Gesturing for the girl to get to bed she braced herself for the encounter of Jareth. Nothing was ever easy for her when concerning the man, now would be no different.
She noted that he was looking out the newly opened window when she entered. But his focus went from the stars to her when she entered. She could feel his eyes on her as she made the bed, when she finished she was ready to run. She was halfway to the door when an arm encircled her waist, in that instant she found herself facing him and by far closer to him than she wanted to be.
"I frightened you." He stated, holding her gently despite her struggles.
"Hardly." She bit out, lying through her teeth. "Let go." She fought to keep her voice low, Eve and Evan were just in the other room.
"Never again." He breathed softly.
"What?" She turned in his arms to meet his eyes and he could see the question hers held.
"No." He voiced, louder this time. Shedding his pride her made sure he had her attention. "I should not have taken advantage of you." Her eyes slid down and he felt her struggling cease.
"Its alright. I understand." She whispered softly. He heard the hurt in her tone and it nearly hit him like a physical blow. The attraction was not one way. It nearly made him grin.
"No its not Sarah, even in this state I'm stronger than you. You had little choice." Sarah gave a soft laugh and he felt surprise fill him at the sound.
"Hardly Jareth. If I had wanted to hurt you I would have. I'm far from helpless you know." Letting her lighten the mood he played along.
"I'm coming to learn this. Where are you going to sleep tonight.' He had meant it out of true caring. Then the double meaning and several innuendos hit him. Her lips curled in amusement.
"Someplace alone. Don't worry; I've slept on a lot worse things than my couch. Besides its only for a night. Then the kids' leave I move you in there and I get my room back." She was halfway out her door when she paused and cast him one last glace. "We'll go get you some things tomorrow." When she left he actually looked around the room as a whole for the first time. It was a far cry from the luxuries of his personal chambers. But it was also a large improvement from the dungeons he had been occupying. But there was still the fate of his Kingdom and home weighing on his shoulders, and as much as he enjoyed seeing the only one to defeat his Labyrinth. He had to return to fight his war.
'And as much as I want to go charging into my lands I can't even gather the magic to create clothes.' The fact that Sarah currently held more power than him rubbed his ego raw, it was hard to accept that he, among the strongest of all Fae, was weaker than a mortal woman. 'But another question is as to how she got that way.' There were so many questions. And he knew that he would have the time to ask them. He needed to recover and though it would hurry him along if he were in the underground it would also be more likely to bring danger to wherever her went. Stripping he crawled under the cool linins, mindful of his aching body and was soon asleep.
Sarah groaned softly as she fell into the couch. Pulling the blanket up she tried to forget the reason why she was displaced from her room, and who it was that was occupying her bed. It didn't work. Keeping her emotional walls up she refused to let the sorrow get to her. Choaking back on sobs she forced her body to relax refused to think of anything. And eventually sleep came to her tortured and battered soul.
AH HA!!!! I finally got all my hand written work typed. I should hire a typing person. Oh well. What do you think?? REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~BUM~