*
AN: Sorry this took so long. Several IMPORTANT points: 1) I've changed the title because no one has ever heard of that song and it looks like more of a typo then anything else. Yes, believe it or not, I can spell divine. 2) People seem concerned with Sarah's smoking. I cut the scene that had her talking about cigarettes back in the Underground. Lots of young people smoke cigarettes but aren't necessarily smokers. You know? A few cigarettes in the morning with coffee does not put you on the emphysema death list nor the three pack a day list. Don't worry about that, please. 3) There's been mention of out of character Sarah, and all I can say to that is, sorry. I'm writing her how I see her, and possibly how I would like to see her. That's all I can say. Other then that, expects less frequent updates because I've gone back to school.
*
Strangely Divine (Devine, what have you) Chapter Twenty Two: Fiona
*
"Where are we going?"
Sarah folded her arms and refused to look at him. It was just much to strange. As much as she knew that she needed get over her irrational fear of Jareth and his Goblin King persona, she was finding it very difficult to look at him in such---- well--- mortal attire.
They were walking along the tree lined street on which Sarah's building was situated. She wasn't sure exactly where they were going, to be honest. After smoking her way through half a packet of cigarettes she felt down right twitchy and in need of going out. Jareth--- who had spent the remainder of the morning apparently reading an encyclopedia for God knows what reason--- had been more then happy to accompany her.
"I'm not quite sure" she answered slowly.
A taxi drove by and much to Sarah's surprise, Jareth stuck his arm out and managed to get it to pull over. Seeing her shocked expression he winked softly. "It was on your television box"
"Oh" she managed to say "Erm--- well done"
He rolled his eyes and opened the door for her. Sarah slid into the Taxi and watched Jareth do the same. He gave her an expectant look "What now?"
"Oh, god." Sarah sighed heavily. Where was she to take him? Somewhere open where the could talk? Oh, the last thing she wanted to do was talk to him. Sarah could hardly handle Jareth, the Goblin King, who was somewhat a nice bloke from time to time. She did not think she would be able to deal with Jareth, who looks more like a GQ model then a Goblin King and knows how to hail a taxi. Oh, she didn't want to talk to him alone, she was sure to blurt something stupid out. "Er---- Washington Square, I suppose"
The Taxi driver nodded and pulled away from the curb. Slight surprise registered on Jareth's face, he glanced out the window and then looked at Sarah. "Are you all right?"
"Fine" she said a bit too quickly, "Why?"
"You look as though you've swallowed something foul" Jareth explained coolly
Sarah decided to ignore him.
Washington Square was buzzing with loads of different people as usual. Sarah and Jareth cut a path straight through the centre of the square, and Jareth looked around with an amused smirk on his face. A girl with purple hair and rings through every orifice on her face was strumming a guitar and singing in a loud scratchy voice. She caught his eye and winked.
"How extraordinary" Jareth laughed.
Sarah shot him an amused look. "Is it really?"
He nodded mutely and seemed to be absorbing everything he saw instead of listening to her. A bent old man playing violin, college kids with dreadlocks plying hackie sack, a pair of bleach blonde boys sipping cappuccinos and holding hands, a young couple in Birkenstocks kissing.
Sarah grinned and nudged him "Still want to go back to the Underground?"
"Don't be silly" Jareth said distantly "I didn't want to go back before"
"What?" she slowed to a stop "Why not? You can't very well stay here"
Jareth turned to look at her "Yes, I know that. I am going back. That doesn't mean I want to"
"Oh" she said softly and jogged to catch up with him "Well--- I mean, the underground's not so bad."
He made a soft incredulous sound.
"Oh, go on" she prodded and gestured to the kissing couple near the fountain. "That is totally overdoing it on the public displays of affection. Disgusting, really. I bet the underground wouldn't allow that kind of conduct"
She was joking but he grabbed her elbow and pulled her to a stop anyway, his mismatched eyes dancing with mischief. "You're right, you know. I wouldn't be able to do that in the Underground"
"Do what" she heard herself asking and had to fight to keep from physically slapping herself at her own stupidity.
A faint grin played around the corners of Jareth's mouth. "Well, dear Sarah, if I wanted to kiss you on a street corner, I wouldn't be able to. Would I?"
"No" Sarah agreed in what she hoped was a firm manner.
"But up here" he continued, rocking back on his heels slightly and then stepping forward towards her. "I could quite do as I please, couldn't I?"
"I--- I suppose"
Jareth raised his eyebrows at her in that annoying amused way. Did she want him to kiss her then? He glanced at the couple snogging like rabbits in heat and decided that it would be in bad taste. He decided on a different track. "I could do this," he said, capturing her hand in his. A triumphant smile settled on his lips when she didn't pull away but merely held his hand.
"You could" she agreed, looking down at their joined hands. A long silence passed in which they walked quietly though the square, watching the different personalities living their lives. They came to the edge of the Square and walked down a cutesy little street. Sarah stomach turned over and she realized she hadn't had lunch yet.
"Are you hungry?"
Jareth looked down at her. He had half expected them to walk around this city, joined at the hands in silence all day. Not that he would have minded. He quite enjoyed the way Sarah's small hand felt in his, and the way it felt so natural just to walk with her. He hadn't minded those 'aww, how cute looks' from a few older ladies that had passed them by, either.
Yes, Jareth was quite enjoying the Aboveworld. It was a new found freedom he intended to indulge in as often as possible now that the portal was found.
"A bit hungry" he nodded.
Sarah inclined her dark head towards a small café and pulled him inside. A smile lit up her face as she glanced around the darkened room. "Your majesty I don't believe you've had the pleasure of an ice cream cone, have you?"
Jareth gave her a wary look "This isn't like that cheesy stuff you made me consume last night, is it?"
Sarah laughed and told him to stay put while she ran over to the counter to collect their ice cream. He watched her and felt some carelessly happy emotion bubble up in his chest. It didn't matter that he had to change his appearance to fit in, being with Sarah in the Aboveground brought happiness like Jareth hadn't felt in a long time. True, part of this elation was due to the anonymity he was receiving. In the underground he could have never walked around the streets so freely with out being recognized as the Goblin King or the High Prince. This was defiantly an improvement.
For the most part, he was just enjoying being with Sarah. Her joy at being home made him all the more happier. Jareth was not sure if he had come to love her, but he knew the infatuation was still as strong as ever.
She returned with two chocolate ice cream cones and proudly handed one to Jareth. "There you are, double chocolate brownie"
He raised his eyebrows and licked at the ice cream as Sarah was doing. It was surprisingly delicious. "Why can't we just have this for diner?" he asked
Sarah laughed "Um, because if you lived off ice cream I'm not sure how long you would survive". They left the café and to Jareth's surprise she clasped his hand in hers again.
"Where are we going now?" he asked softly.
"We're in Greenwich Village." Sarah sighed, licking her lips. "Soho, that's where my house is, that used to be a very artsy sort of place but now it's just million dollar lofts and the like" she shrugged "The village is still pretty artsy though. When Emily gets enough good sense to kick me out maybe I'll come live here where I can afford it"
"Why would she ever do that?" Jareth asked dryly.
"Hey" Sarah laughed, "Be like that and I won't buy you any more ice cream"
"Dreadfully sorry, Madame" he drawled
"That's okay" Sarah nodded, they were standing outside a small dusty record store that Sarah had been in a few times before. "Want to go listen to old music?"
"Perhaps" he shrugged "Bob Dylan and the Beatles?"
"Oh yes," she laughed, surprised he had remembered that much. "Bob Dylan used to live around here, in fact. But I'm sure he's gone by now" Sarah dumped the last of her ice cream cone into a trash bin and Jareth followed suit as she pulled him into the record store.
It smelled of cigarettes and burning incense and in the background a scratchy Fleetwood Mac song was playing. Jareth had to fight to keep the surprised glee off his face as he looked around. The place was some sort of Gypsy den--- this was where Sarah got her music? And she could just take it with her on one of those little round things? It was amazing.
Sarah chuckled "Come on" she prodded, pulling him gently towards an old row of vinyl records. "They put music on CD's now but Emily likes the old vinyl LP's better and so do I, I suppose" Sarah said, flipping through the dusty records. Jareth leaned over her should and read the names aloud. "Joan Baez, The Beach Boys, Beck, Chuck Berry, Bjork, Black Sabbath, Blondie, Bread--- Bread?" he repeated with confusion "there's a person called Bread?"
"No" Sarah laughed and pressed the record back onto the shelf "It's a band. Sort of like--- easy listening. I suppose if you're going to call yourself bread that's all you can do"
"Right" Jareth agreed, bewildered.
"Sarah?"
They both looked up at saw a strangely thin girl with stringy black hair and blonde roots. Her eye make up was heavy and her face was pasty and white. She wore black leather pants, an oversized grey sweater that slid off her bony shoulders, and clumpy black combat boots. She was clutching an album to her chest and staring at them in an almost accusing manner. Jareth was sure he'd seen this girl somewhere before.
"Hi---- Fiona" Sarah said slowly. "How are you?"
"I'm fine" Fiona said stiffly, her gaze settled on Jareth "Who's that--- hang on, do I know you?"
"I don't think you do" Sarah said quickly. "This is Jareth" Jareth gave the girl a short wave.
"Okay--- well, what are you doing here?" Fiona continued, her voice held an almost suspicious note as she looked Jareth over
"Just shopping" said Sarah softly.
Fiona continued to stare at Jareth "Great. Can you loan me a couple bucks?"
Sarah nodded "Yes, have you had lunch yet?"
"No" Fiona said shortly, her face twisted into a slight sneer. "Going to take me out to one of your fucking fancy little restaurants?"
"No" Sarah narrowed her eyes "Don't be like that, Fiona. I'm only trying to help"
"Fuck off, I don't need your help" the girl snapped before storming out of the record store.
"Hey!" The large man behind the counter glared at them "She didn't pay for that album"
"Oh god" Sarah moaned.
"I'll take care of it" Jareth said softly
Sarah stared up at him, bewildered. "You don't have Aboveworld money though"
He pulled out a roll of bills and grinned cheekily "I do now. Go after your friend"
Sarah shook her head and promptly ran out of the store after Fiona. Fortunately, she didn't have to run far. Fiona was leaning against the red brick building having a cigarette and looking pissed off.
"Fiona" Sarah said softly, touching her friend on the shoulder. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fucking terrific" Fiona spat miserably as she stepped away from the wall and tossed her cigarette butt into the gutter. She crossed her arms and gave Sarah a long appraising look. "Sorry" she said shortly. "How are you?"
Sarah sighed, relieved that Fiona wasn't going to make it difficult to talk to her "I'm alright. It's nice to see you again" she lied. Actually, it was a pain having to deal with her again. But they were friends and Sarah wasn't about to abandon her friend. Even if she was a miserable drug addict.
"Yeah you too" Fiona admitted
Sarah made a big show of holding her arms out for a hug to which Fiona laughed and begrudgingly stepped into the embrace.
"So, we're cool now?"
"We're cool" Sarah agreed smacked a kiss on her friend's forehead and releasing her.
"Good" Fiona slid a sly glance her way "So was that your fuck-boy"
"Fiona" Sarah moaned, "Don't be vile,"
Fiona put her hands on her hips and laughed "You are shagging him, aren't you? Trust me, sweetheart, there is nothing vile about that"
"I'm not sleeping with him" Sarah said tonelessly
Fiona grinned manically "If you're not having sex with him then why would you run off with him"
"I'm not we didn't---" Sarah sputtered "I did not run off with him!"
"Then where were you for a month?"
"I was in England" Sarah said desperately, they hadn't quite worked this part of the lie out yet. Where she had been, as it were.
"In England, having a lot of sex with the blonde British man?" Fiona pressed
"No" Sarah sighed "In England--- looking at art"
Fiona blinked "Why would you go to England to look at art?"
Jareth stepped out of the store looking quite harassed at this point. "Do you know, I think I was just called a tea-loving Nancy boy---" he mumbled, draping an arm around Sarah's shoulders casually.
Sarah sighed and Fiona gave her a triumphant look. "Oh sure, art"
"Did you pay for the record"?
"Yes" Jareth shot Fiona an annoyed look "I hope you enjoy that, by the way"
"Oh" she looked down at the record, unabashed "Sure, thanks a lot, man"
He waved her off.
"Erm Jareth" Sarah looked up at him "Could Fiona borrow a bit of money?" She supposed if he was just pulling money out of thin air it couldn't hurt to give Fiona some of it.
He nodded wordlessly and handed Fiona the roll of bills.
"Um" Fiona said, flipping through the cash "This is like two hundred dollars"
Jareth seemed unfazed, and Sarah suspected it was because he had no idea what a dollar was. "Is that not enough?"
"No--- it's fine" Fiona muttered. "I'll see you later, Sarah. Thanks--- Jareth" she shot him one last look before turning into an ally next to the record store.
Sarah groaned, "I hate giving her money. She's just going to go buy drugs with it"
Jareth shrugged. "That's her problem, isn't it."
"Yeah but it leeches out onto everyone around her" Sarah said darkly "Come on, let's get a cab back home" she stuck her hand out and flagged down a taxi before realizing she was still under Jareth's arm. It had seemed so natural that she'd hardly noticed. Was that a good thing? Or was it a horribly bad thing?
"Sarah?" Jareth asked as he slid into the taxi after her. "Is two hundred dollars a lot?"
"Um, to me. Probably not to you" Sarah explained
"Why not to me?" he prodded
"Well, because you live in a castle and sleep on satin sheets and have servants."
He made an annoyed sound "You make me sound spoiled"
"Well you are" Sarah laughed, turning to look at him "But that's okay. You wouldn't be you if you weren't like that"
"Oh really?" he raised an amused eyebrow "And you like me how I am?"
"Yes" Sarah said simply, she turned back around in her seat.
"Lady, where to?" the cabby asked.
Sarah gave him her address and turned back to Jareth "I suppose I should explain money" she said
"Oh, yes. Do tell." Jareth said dryly
"Hang on, where did you get that cash from?"
"Um, Sarah" he twisted his wrist and a crystal appeared and disappeared just as quickly "Remember that?"
"Yes, I know *that*" she said emphatically "But where did it come from?"
"You mean besides thin air?" Jareth drawled "Well, to be honest I doubt it came from thin air. There are restrictions on magic as far as money is concerned, so most likely, those spells are still in effect and it came from the treasury back at Calais--- just in the strange form your money comes in"
"It's easier to carry then a purse full of gold, isn't it" Sarah grinned
Jareth smiled and looked out the window "Yes I suppose" he was quiet for a long time and then said "Tell me, luv, what's Fiona's family like"
"What?" Sarah was taken aback "I've never met them--- why?"
"No reason" he said, his face blank as usual.
Sarah could tell there was a reason and her curiosity was peaked. Never the less, she decided to tactfully let the issue go.
"Can I ask you a question" she asked instead
"Of course" Jareth said fluidly
She paused "Do you like me as I am?"
Jareth grinned beautifully at her for a moment and then kissed her cheek softly. "Yes, luv. I like you as you are"
*
AN: I had a very lengthy and helpful review from Whiffet, and I can't respond to everyone because it would take a bloody long time but I want to thank you all.
Whiffet: I am English, and you know, I didn't even think about some of the British slang I'm using for Sarah until you mentioned it. We have that rather nasty slur 'fag' here too, and a plethora of other ones. I don't think anyone's ever smoked a homosexual person though. :D. You're probably right about my getting side tracked, as I've the attention span of a small goldfish (IE: Not very large) and generally will forget my point, the plot, etc. In any case, in bringing Jareth to the Aboveground I'm trying to have him experience Sarah's world as she experienced his. And not in the oh- so- cliché way that I've seen it done before. Frankly, I think I'm failing at this point, oh well. Thank you for loving Jareth. Although Jareth receives quite a bit of loving, he can always use some more. :D
Remember to Review.
AN: Sorry this took so long. Several IMPORTANT points: 1) I've changed the title because no one has ever heard of that song and it looks like more of a typo then anything else. Yes, believe it or not, I can spell divine. 2) People seem concerned with Sarah's smoking. I cut the scene that had her talking about cigarettes back in the Underground. Lots of young people smoke cigarettes but aren't necessarily smokers. You know? A few cigarettes in the morning with coffee does not put you on the emphysema death list nor the three pack a day list. Don't worry about that, please. 3) There's been mention of out of character Sarah, and all I can say to that is, sorry. I'm writing her how I see her, and possibly how I would like to see her. That's all I can say. Other then that, expects less frequent updates because I've gone back to school.
*
Strangely Divine (Devine, what have you) Chapter Twenty Two: Fiona
*
"Where are we going?"
Sarah folded her arms and refused to look at him. It was just much to strange. As much as she knew that she needed get over her irrational fear of Jareth and his Goblin King persona, she was finding it very difficult to look at him in such---- well--- mortal attire.
They were walking along the tree lined street on which Sarah's building was situated. She wasn't sure exactly where they were going, to be honest. After smoking her way through half a packet of cigarettes she felt down right twitchy and in need of going out. Jareth--- who had spent the remainder of the morning apparently reading an encyclopedia for God knows what reason--- had been more then happy to accompany her.
"I'm not quite sure" she answered slowly.
A taxi drove by and much to Sarah's surprise, Jareth stuck his arm out and managed to get it to pull over. Seeing her shocked expression he winked softly. "It was on your television box"
"Oh" she managed to say "Erm--- well done"
He rolled his eyes and opened the door for her. Sarah slid into the Taxi and watched Jareth do the same. He gave her an expectant look "What now?"
"Oh, god." Sarah sighed heavily. Where was she to take him? Somewhere open where the could talk? Oh, the last thing she wanted to do was talk to him. Sarah could hardly handle Jareth, the Goblin King, who was somewhat a nice bloke from time to time. She did not think she would be able to deal with Jareth, who looks more like a GQ model then a Goblin King and knows how to hail a taxi. Oh, she didn't want to talk to him alone, she was sure to blurt something stupid out. "Er---- Washington Square, I suppose"
The Taxi driver nodded and pulled away from the curb. Slight surprise registered on Jareth's face, he glanced out the window and then looked at Sarah. "Are you all right?"
"Fine" she said a bit too quickly, "Why?"
"You look as though you've swallowed something foul" Jareth explained coolly
Sarah decided to ignore him.
Washington Square was buzzing with loads of different people as usual. Sarah and Jareth cut a path straight through the centre of the square, and Jareth looked around with an amused smirk on his face. A girl with purple hair and rings through every orifice on her face was strumming a guitar and singing in a loud scratchy voice. She caught his eye and winked.
"How extraordinary" Jareth laughed.
Sarah shot him an amused look. "Is it really?"
He nodded mutely and seemed to be absorbing everything he saw instead of listening to her. A bent old man playing violin, college kids with dreadlocks plying hackie sack, a pair of bleach blonde boys sipping cappuccinos and holding hands, a young couple in Birkenstocks kissing.
Sarah grinned and nudged him "Still want to go back to the Underground?"
"Don't be silly" Jareth said distantly "I didn't want to go back before"
"What?" she slowed to a stop "Why not? You can't very well stay here"
Jareth turned to look at her "Yes, I know that. I am going back. That doesn't mean I want to"
"Oh" she said softly and jogged to catch up with him "Well--- I mean, the underground's not so bad."
He made a soft incredulous sound.
"Oh, go on" she prodded and gestured to the kissing couple near the fountain. "That is totally overdoing it on the public displays of affection. Disgusting, really. I bet the underground wouldn't allow that kind of conduct"
She was joking but he grabbed her elbow and pulled her to a stop anyway, his mismatched eyes dancing with mischief. "You're right, you know. I wouldn't be able to do that in the Underground"
"Do what" she heard herself asking and had to fight to keep from physically slapping herself at her own stupidity.
A faint grin played around the corners of Jareth's mouth. "Well, dear Sarah, if I wanted to kiss you on a street corner, I wouldn't be able to. Would I?"
"No" Sarah agreed in what she hoped was a firm manner.
"But up here" he continued, rocking back on his heels slightly and then stepping forward towards her. "I could quite do as I please, couldn't I?"
"I--- I suppose"
Jareth raised his eyebrows at her in that annoying amused way. Did she want him to kiss her then? He glanced at the couple snogging like rabbits in heat and decided that it would be in bad taste. He decided on a different track. "I could do this," he said, capturing her hand in his. A triumphant smile settled on his lips when she didn't pull away but merely held his hand.
"You could" she agreed, looking down at their joined hands. A long silence passed in which they walked quietly though the square, watching the different personalities living their lives. They came to the edge of the Square and walked down a cutesy little street. Sarah stomach turned over and she realized she hadn't had lunch yet.
"Are you hungry?"
Jareth looked down at her. He had half expected them to walk around this city, joined at the hands in silence all day. Not that he would have minded. He quite enjoyed the way Sarah's small hand felt in his, and the way it felt so natural just to walk with her. He hadn't minded those 'aww, how cute looks' from a few older ladies that had passed them by, either.
Yes, Jareth was quite enjoying the Aboveworld. It was a new found freedom he intended to indulge in as often as possible now that the portal was found.
"A bit hungry" he nodded.
Sarah inclined her dark head towards a small café and pulled him inside. A smile lit up her face as she glanced around the darkened room. "Your majesty I don't believe you've had the pleasure of an ice cream cone, have you?"
Jareth gave her a wary look "This isn't like that cheesy stuff you made me consume last night, is it?"
Sarah laughed and told him to stay put while she ran over to the counter to collect their ice cream. He watched her and felt some carelessly happy emotion bubble up in his chest. It didn't matter that he had to change his appearance to fit in, being with Sarah in the Aboveground brought happiness like Jareth hadn't felt in a long time. True, part of this elation was due to the anonymity he was receiving. In the underground he could have never walked around the streets so freely with out being recognized as the Goblin King or the High Prince. This was defiantly an improvement.
For the most part, he was just enjoying being with Sarah. Her joy at being home made him all the more happier. Jareth was not sure if he had come to love her, but he knew the infatuation was still as strong as ever.
She returned with two chocolate ice cream cones and proudly handed one to Jareth. "There you are, double chocolate brownie"
He raised his eyebrows and licked at the ice cream as Sarah was doing. It was surprisingly delicious. "Why can't we just have this for diner?" he asked
Sarah laughed "Um, because if you lived off ice cream I'm not sure how long you would survive". They left the café and to Jareth's surprise she clasped his hand in hers again.
"Where are we going now?" he asked softly.
"We're in Greenwich Village." Sarah sighed, licking her lips. "Soho, that's where my house is, that used to be a very artsy sort of place but now it's just million dollar lofts and the like" she shrugged "The village is still pretty artsy though. When Emily gets enough good sense to kick me out maybe I'll come live here where I can afford it"
"Why would she ever do that?" Jareth asked dryly.
"Hey" Sarah laughed, "Be like that and I won't buy you any more ice cream"
"Dreadfully sorry, Madame" he drawled
"That's okay" Sarah nodded, they were standing outside a small dusty record store that Sarah had been in a few times before. "Want to go listen to old music?"
"Perhaps" he shrugged "Bob Dylan and the Beatles?"
"Oh yes," she laughed, surprised he had remembered that much. "Bob Dylan used to live around here, in fact. But I'm sure he's gone by now" Sarah dumped the last of her ice cream cone into a trash bin and Jareth followed suit as she pulled him into the record store.
It smelled of cigarettes and burning incense and in the background a scratchy Fleetwood Mac song was playing. Jareth had to fight to keep the surprised glee off his face as he looked around. The place was some sort of Gypsy den--- this was where Sarah got her music? And she could just take it with her on one of those little round things? It was amazing.
Sarah chuckled "Come on" she prodded, pulling him gently towards an old row of vinyl records. "They put music on CD's now but Emily likes the old vinyl LP's better and so do I, I suppose" Sarah said, flipping through the dusty records. Jareth leaned over her should and read the names aloud. "Joan Baez, The Beach Boys, Beck, Chuck Berry, Bjork, Black Sabbath, Blondie, Bread--- Bread?" he repeated with confusion "there's a person called Bread?"
"No" Sarah laughed and pressed the record back onto the shelf "It's a band. Sort of like--- easy listening. I suppose if you're going to call yourself bread that's all you can do"
"Right" Jareth agreed, bewildered.
"Sarah?"
They both looked up at saw a strangely thin girl with stringy black hair and blonde roots. Her eye make up was heavy and her face was pasty and white. She wore black leather pants, an oversized grey sweater that slid off her bony shoulders, and clumpy black combat boots. She was clutching an album to her chest and staring at them in an almost accusing manner. Jareth was sure he'd seen this girl somewhere before.
"Hi---- Fiona" Sarah said slowly. "How are you?"
"I'm fine" Fiona said stiffly, her gaze settled on Jareth "Who's that--- hang on, do I know you?"
"I don't think you do" Sarah said quickly. "This is Jareth" Jareth gave the girl a short wave.
"Okay--- well, what are you doing here?" Fiona continued, her voice held an almost suspicious note as she looked Jareth over
"Just shopping" said Sarah softly.
Fiona continued to stare at Jareth "Great. Can you loan me a couple bucks?"
Sarah nodded "Yes, have you had lunch yet?"
"No" Fiona said shortly, her face twisted into a slight sneer. "Going to take me out to one of your fucking fancy little restaurants?"
"No" Sarah narrowed her eyes "Don't be like that, Fiona. I'm only trying to help"
"Fuck off, I don't need your help" the girl snapped before storming out of the record store.
"Hey!" The large man behind the counter glared at them "She didn't pay for that album"
"Oh god" Sarah moaned.
"I'll take care of it" Jareth said softly
Sarah stared up at him, bewildered. "You don't have Aboveworld money though"
He pulled out a roll of bills and grinned cheekily "I do now. Go after your friend"
Sarah shook her head and promptly ran out of the store after Fiona. Fortunately, she didn't have to run far. Fiona was leaning against the red brick building having a cigarette and looking pissed off.
"Fiona" Sarah said softly, touching her friend on the shoulder. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fucking terrific" Fiona spat miserably as she stepped away from the wall and tossed her cigarette butt into the gutter. She crossed her arms and gave Sarah a long appraising look. "Sorry" she said shortly. "How are you?"
Sarah sighed, relieved that Fiona wasn't going to make it difficult to talk to her "I'm alright. It's nice to see you again" she lied. Actually, it was a pain having to deal with her again. But they were friends and Sarah wasn't about to abandon her friend. Even if she was a miserable drug addict.
"Yeah you too" Fiona admitted
Sarah made a big show of holding her arms out for a hug to which Fiona laughed and begrudgingly stepped into the embrace.
"So, we're cool now?"
"We're cool" Sarah agreed smacked a kiss on her friend's forehead and releasing her.
"Good" Fiona slid a sly glance her way "So was that your fuck-boy"
"Fiona" Sarah moaned, "Don't be vile,"
Fiona put her hands on her hips and laughed "You are shagging him, aren't you? Trust me, sweetheart, there is nothing vile about that"
"I'm not sleeping with him" Sarah said tonelessly
Fiona grinned manically "If you're not having sex with him then why would you run off with him"
"I'm not we didn't---" Sarah sputtered "I did not run off with him!"
"Then where were you for a month?"
"I was in England" Sarah said desperately, they hadn't quite worked this part of the lie out yet. Where she had been, as it were.
"In England, having a lot of sex with the blonde British man?" Fiona pressed
"No" Sarah sighed "In England--- looking at art"
Fiona blinked "Why would you go to England to look at art?"
Jareth stepped out of the store looking quite harassed at this point. "Do you know, I think I was just called a tea-loving Nancy boy---" he mumbled, draping an arm around Sarah's shoulders casually.
Sarah sighed and Fiona gave her a triumphant look. "Oh sure, art"
"Did you pay for the record"?
"Yes" Jareth shot Fiona an annoyed look "I hope you enjoy that, by the way"
"Oh" she looked down at the record, unabashed "Sure, thanks a lot, man"
He waved her off.
"Erm Jareth" Sarah looked up at him "Could Fiona borrow a bit of money?" She supposed if he was just pulling money out of thin air it couldn't hurt to give Fiona some of it.
He nodded wordlessly and handed Fiona the roll of bills.
"Um" Fiona said, flipping through the cash "This is like two hundred dollars"
Jareth seemed unfazed, and Sarah suspected it was because he had no idea what a dollar was. "Is that not enough?"
"No--- it's fine" Fiona muttered. "I'll see you later, Sarah. Thanks--- Jareth" she shot him one last look before turning into an ally next to the record store.
Sarah groaned, "I hate giving her money. She's just going to go buy drugs with it"
Jareth shrugged. "That's her problem, isn't it."
"Yeah but it leeches out onto everyone around her" Sarah said darkly "Come on, let's get a cab back home" she stuck her hand out and flagged down a taxi before realizing she was still under Jareth's arm. It had seemed so natural that she'd hardly noticed. Was that a good thing? Or was it a horribly bad thing?
"Sarah?" Jareth asked as he slid into the taxi after her. "Is two hundred dollars a lot?"
"Um, to me. Probably not to you" Sarah explained
"Why not to me?" he prodded
"Well, because you live in a castle and sleep on satin sheets and have servants."
He made an annoyed sound "You make me sound spoiled"
"Well you are" Sarah laughed, turning to look at him "But that's okay. You wouldn't be you if you weren't like that"
"Oh really?" he raised an amused eyebrow "And you like me how I am?"
"Yes" Sarah said simply, she turned back around in her seat.
"Lady, where to?" the cabby asked.
Sarah gave him her address and turned back to Jareth "I suppose I should explain money" she said
"Oh, yes. Do tell." Jareth said dryly
"Hang on, where did you get that cash from?"
"Um, Sarah" he twisted his wrist and a crystal appeared and disappeared just as quickly "Remember that?"
"Yes, I know *that*" she said emphatically "But where did it come from?"
"You mean besides thin air?" Jareth drawled "Well, to be honest I doubt it came from thin air. There are restrictions on magic as far as money is concerned, so most likely, those spells are still in effect and it came from the treasury back at Calais--- just in the strange form your money comes in"
"It's easier to carry then a purse full of gold, isn't it" Sarah grinned
Jareth smiled and looked out the window "Yes I suppose" he was quiet for a long time and then said "Tell me, luv, what's Fiona's family like"
"What?" Sarah was taken aback "I've never met them--- why?"
"No reason" he said, his face blank as usual.
Sarah could tell there was a reason and her curiosity was peaked. Never the less, she decided to tactfully let the issue go.
"Can I ask you a question" she asked instead
"Of course" Jareth said fluidly
She paused "Do you like me as I am?"
Jareth grinned beautifully at her for a moment and then kissed her cheek softly. "Yes, luv. I like you as you are"
*
AN: I had a very lengthy and helpful review from Whiffet, and I can't respond to everyone because it would take a bloody long time but I want to thank you all.
Whiffet: I am English, and you know, I didn't even think about some of the British slang I'm using for Sarah until you mentioned it. We have that rather nasty slur 'fag' here too, and a plethora of other ones. I don't think anyone's ever smoked a homosexual person though. :D. You're probably right about my getting side tracked, as I've the attention span of a small goldfish (IE: Not very large) and generally will forget my point, the plot, etc. In any case, in bringing Jareth to the Aboveground I'm trying to have him experience Sarah's world as she experienced his. And not in the oh- so- cliché way that I've seen it done before. Frankly, I think I'm failing at this point, oh well. Thank you for loving Jareth. Although Jareth receives quite a bit of loving, he can always use some more. :D
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