Chapter 6: No Pieces of Cake, but Maybe a Walk in the Park?
Jareth took a long, quivering breath and expelled it in a chuckle. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and released her. "That's my Sarah. Never predictable. I choose truth. I wish no secrets from you."
"Were you very angry with me after I solved the labyrinth and refused you? I know I disappointed you, but I had to think of Toby..."
Jareth shushed her with one glove-clad finger across her lips. "Disappointed, yes. 'Crushed' would not be too strong a word. But I was not angry for long -- I admired you too much. And deep down, I know you were just too young to make a decision like that." He stroked her lips gently, leaving them tingling, and she smiled. "Truth or dare, lovely Sarah?"
"Truth."
"Was there anything else I could have said or done, to make you wish to stay in the Underground?"
There was a long pause while Sarah considered the question. "I really don't know," she said finally. "The truth about your intentions would probably have helped, but honestly, Jareth, I wouldn't have trusted you anyway."
"Understandable," he commented. "Look, the rain has stopped," he said. "How about that walk now?" He stood up slowly. As he rose, his outfit changed so that by the time he was standing fully upright he was wearing blue jeans and a dark blue button-down shirt. His high black boots had dwindled into low black leather shoes and his hair was neatly tied back at the back of his neck. The streaks around his eyes were gone.
Sarah gaped. "Wow, you look... good!"
He smiled. "I thought it best to blend in a little more, if we're going out in public. I'm glad you find the result... pleasing," he teased, enjoying her mouth-hanging-open perusal. He offered her a hand, which Sarah took with a blush.
As they strolled through the park hand in hand, Sarah asked, "So... truth or dare?"
"Dare," he decided with a grin.
Sarah grinned back. "I want you to come to Raoul's frat party tonight looking like that," Sarah told him
"A frat party? How intriguing. What are they like?"
"Oh, there's generally a lot of loud music, a lot of drinking, a little dancing, a little hooking-up..."
"Hooking up what?"
"Oh, you know. Meat market. Pairing off for the night."
"For what purpose?"
"Uh, mostly for sex," Sarah said bluntly. She knew things were different in the Underground, but sex was universal. Wasn't it? Perhaps not, she decided, noting Jareth's frown.
"Sarah, am I understanding you correctly?" He sounded utterly disbelieving. "You wish me to go to some college party so I can drink, dance, and engage in lustful activities with your peers?" His expression was just as incredulous.
"Um, that wasn't exactly what I had in mind," Sarah said, blushing. "Unless you wanted to. I was mainly just thinking I'd love to see everyone's reactions when they get a load of you. I mean, with your looks and manners, you'll be quite a change from the average partygoer."
"Why?" he asked bluntly.
"Well, you're so tall and regal and all. You're rather a cut above the average college student --" He grinned, and Sarah, abruptly realizing that she was merely stroking his already massive ego, closed her mouth.
"Will you be at this party also? Shall I be your guest? Or shall I go -- oh, what is that phrase... as a stag?"
Sarah laughed at his version of the expression. "Oh, go stag, by all means; that way no one will see you with me and make any assumptions about you through knowing me. I'll definitely be there, though; wouldn't miss it!"
"I accept your dare. Now it's my turn."
"Dare," Sarah cut him off before he could ask.
He smiled. "Then I dare you to dance with me at that party... and to leave with me."
"Oh, I don't know. I'm not that good at dancing at parties," Sarah hedged.
Jareth stopped walking and turned her around to face him. "I remember differently," he said.
Sarah's eyes widened. "Oh, God," she moaned. "Oh, dear God." She looked up again. "It was real? The -- the Crystal Ballroom? It was real?"
He nodded slowly. "I certainly hope it was real; it's one of my most treasured memories of your time among us."
"I - I thought it had just been a dream," Sarah stammered.
Jareth smirked. "It was certainly a nightmare for the other ladies who sought my attention that night. I only had eyes for you. So do you accept the dare?" he pressed.
"Well... what do you mean by 'leaving with you'?" Sarah wanted to know. With Jareth, it was best to have everything spelled out.
"Simply that I would be honoured to see you home whenever you are ready to leave," he said with a gallant smile. "I have heard that these human gatherings can sometimes be dangerous when there is a quantity of alcohol consumed. You might not be safe alone."
"Then I accept."
Show of hands for wanting to see Jareth at a frat party? Come on, get 'em up there! Uh, I can't see them. You'd better review instead.