The first thing Sarah did was find the time, ten in the morning, and then buy a stationary set along with all she would need for various letters. It was quite handy that she had the gang's addresses memorized. Sitting at the food court with a much missed soda flavor she set to work at writing as much as she could as fast as her hands could write. She also had a list being scribbled down of things she wanted, other than clothes and the much desired supplies for her monthly friend that wasn't at all welcome she also kept an eye on those around her.

More than one look had been tossed her way; she ignored the interested faces of the local teenage population. She was so accustomed to having very few to talk with and the only large crowds coming from the goblins, being in public was setting her on edge.

Or it could be that she had never had so many boys looking at her at once, the occasional double take at school was something she had been amused by, Jareth was someone to take care around but his attentions had…softened. She wasn't afraid of him anymore. Her mechanical pencil stilled over the paper at that thought, she wasn't afraid of Jareth, not with how he had been acting. He shuddered when the memory of that morning came to mind, but since then he had backed down. No more being pressed to walls, no more uncomfortable situations. Part of it was her adjusting, but there was still part of it being him. It didn't make her ecstatically happy, but she wasn't miserable.

After finding a mailing box she double checked postage and addresses before placing them in. Each was thick and it had taken her nearly two hours to write the four letters. Despite that there being only two residences.

Looking around the mall she decided to see where she was, hell she could be in another country and she wouldn't know it. Either way she soon knew what the mall had to offer, and knew she was going to be busy. Already it was noon and she had lots to work on, starting with finding clothes that fit. Bras were at the top of her wish list at the moment and since money was not a hindrance at the moment, she was going to spend it well.

Oh the looks she was getting from the shop keepers. Mostly is was how she had dressed, her top was drawing gazes and she had bought a pair of clothes just so she could change into them in the nearest bathroom stall. Shoes soon became a desire for her and she was more than happy to see that the outlet sold toe-shoes as well, so she bought enough to last her quiet a while to replace the once she had worn out. Also sneakers and boots were welcome additions to her diminished wardrobe. Finding a place alone she stuffed most of her purchases in the wonderful little bag Jareth had provided her with. She had more bras than she would possibly need for a year but who knew when he would let her on another shopping spree?

There was a hobby store that she fell in love with, especially the art section that had pencils she had dreamed of using but had few of due to price. She bought the largest available set and then bough many individual colors that were either absent from the former purchase or ones she knew would be used quickly. Paints were next along was a few canvases and many brushes. She carried the canvases, there was no way she could fit them in the bag, the same went with a few of her new sketch pads. Her present ones were full.

She had found the local candy shop and indulged greatly, her excuse for so much candy was a party, girls night type of deal. If only it were true.

Clothes, food, and art supplies, it was five thirty already, meaning she had only a little longer left for freedom. She had found a few things that could work for added dance clothes, a few weights for the hell of it, she even got the kind that wrapped around ankles and wrists. After lord hard on she decided she should have taken that karate class with the girls. But nooooo, she just had to go to camp, well she had loved the horse rides, even if they did leave her untrained butt numb.

A few books on self defense, the kind that came with a million pictures and lots of details, were placed in her basket of book options. This was the type of thing that needed hands on teaching, but that wasn't an option. Beyond that she found many other books to hold her attention, how to draw books, books full of photos that she could use as models. Books about animals and places she had never seen. Other books were purely for entertainment, one or two she got for historical reference, she wanted to point out a few things to Jareth. Something in print would help as well.

Either way she was sitting at a bench with bags at her feet waiting for her 'ride' when sounds of a crying child pulled her from the facts about cheetahs. Looking up she pushed her reading glasses down her nose to allow her to focus on things beyond her arms reach. In the corner next to a potted plant was little girl. Blond hair and in a sun dress her face was red from crying. Looked like the kid was lost, gathering her bags she moved to the kid and was expertly calming the girl down within minutes. Lifting the poor thing to into her arms she carried her load to the security office. Glancing at her cheapo watch she bit her lip, it was seven and she wasn't where she was supposed to be. But she couldn't leave Elly, the lost little one, alone. She was holding to her as if she were a life post. So they waited together for her mom to rush from the other side of the mall to here. Thank god for intercoms and telephones. Ten after seven and she was trying to assure a frantic but grateful mother that it was ok, no problem, and that she couldn't possibly accept a reward. Five minutes later she was out of breath and panting as she held her load. Looking around she couldn't see Jareth, at least until someone pulled her from behind and almost dragged her to where she assumed he had appeared.

"Jareth-."

"You had best tell me why you were not here Sarah." He was mad but she refused to act on her speeding heart.

"I was helping someone. A kid got separated from her mom, I brought her to security, she wouldn't let me leave until her mom showed up and then her mom wouldn't let me leave." He looked at her, as if determining whether he could believe her words. Couldn't' he just demand the answer from her? Either way his hold on her arm lessened and fingers gently brushed against the abused flesh. IT seemed he had accepted her reason and found his anger foolish. She rolled her eyes. "Boy, you'd think I ran again. I read the book remember? That little spell you did is a pain in the butt, I can't do anything if you say I can't and you've already said I can't run away again. If it's my intention to escape I can't leave the room." Her lower lip pouted out, lenience and freedoms she may be gaining, but he still didn't trust her worth beans. She didn't know why that hurt her. She didn't trust him all that much, but still she wondered why his faith mattered to her at all.

When she had told her answer he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of guilt at how he had treated her so roughly. She hadn't run, hadn't made the attempt, and had obviously done her best to get to the meeting place as fast as she could. Only he had let his temper get the better of him, having had to deal with the Lords and Ladies of court had not helped his mood any either.

The emotion in her eyes at his treatment to her, had thrown him from his anger. But when she told her answer with complete truth and without needing any magical push he knew he would have to make this up to her. Willing them to the castle and then leading the way to their room he could not hide his amusement at the mass she had purchased.

She brushed by him and quickly picked out bags and moved to the closet. The sound of droors opening and closing and her playing with the hangers as she replaced her wardrobe amused him. He wondered what she had bought to dress in, although she now had new clothes that would fit her, but she had come from that world and comfort was to be found in their styles.

"Did you purchase things other than clothes Sarah?" He wanted to draw her into a conversation, something not deceptive much like he had dealt with all day. He also wanted to move past his actions from earlier.

"Well I bought some jewelry but nothing that expensive, mostly costume or sterling silver. A hand poked out from the closet and he took note of the ring and bracelet. "Oh ya I also got some piercing."

"What?"

"Had holes poked into me so I can attach more metal." He forgot his intention to remain in his chair and was soon turning her to face him. Along her ears were several new additions. Two extra in her lobes and one extra on her left ear, he had never seen something like it but didn't find it unattractive. One hand raised to the highest piercing. "This one will hurt for a while but I like it." Looking around he saw the horrid pants she called jeans, and many interesting shirts. Some seemed to have taken imitation partially to wardrobe he had provided her, while others were quite obviously Aboveground in everyway. On the top of her dresser he saw some of the aforementioned trinkets. While not gaudy he did not know how he thought about her having false jewels and metals around her neck. She deserved better than that.

On the floor were a few new pairs of shoes, some obviously made for comfort while others, well he would not mind seeing her in the pair of boots that looked as if they would reach her knees. There were more conventional boots he assumed she would wear when she took her excursions into the Labyrinth. He noted the absence of the pair she had worn when he dropped her off, it had also not gone unmissed that she was dressed differently than she had been when he set her loose.

"Did you enjoy your shopping?" A smile that was in no way restrained was beamed at him; the day was worth it for that smile alone.

"Oh ya, if the money mattered I think you would cry at the amount I spent." She laughed and pushed him so that she could leave the closet area. He glanced at the bags she had carried and noted them to be filled with larch flat surfaces, most likely for her craft projects. He wondered if she would show him any of her creations, since his discovery of her talent he had not pushed to see her works. "I got candy!" She smiled much like a child. "And if you're good I might even share." Her tone grew imperious, but amusement lit her eyes. "And I got books and pencils and markers and paints, and you probably have very little interest in what I got." She was still smiling.

Pouring himself a drink he made himself comfortable as he watched her go through all her things, making piles and opening packages. His eyes were closed when music filled the air; looking to the mortal girl he saw that she was looking at a small box.

"CD player, and many CD's, something to dance to other than what's in my head." She pointed to a rather weighted bag. "And the batteries to keep it going for hopefully a long while."

She fussed over her purchases for a few minutes more before he heard nothing. Cracking an eye open he saw that she was under the covers, pulling the blankets tight around herself. It seemed she had tired herself out, after a few minutes he joined her beneath the sheets. Waving his wrist he had the drapes around the bed fall to close out the light from the fire. Her threat had been valid, though he wasn't apposed to her walking around clothed only in a sheet or something similar. Touching her head he found her to already be asleep. Fingering the silken locks he froze when she tuned and pressed against his side, shoulder now passing as her pillow. His eyes widened as he felt her soft body against his, suddenly he regretted having her sleep with so little clothing on. Gently he wrapped the rest of his arm to cradle her. When morning came and he slipped away from the still slumbering maiden he couldn't help but think that it had been among the most restful nights sleep he could remember.

Well it took forever but hopefully the length will get you guys to forgive me. Now let me take my finals and work my butt off during my x-mas break.

BUM