The Way Forward Is Sometimes The Way Back:
Sequel to Labyrinth
Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, shape, or form own Labyrinth, its characters, its scenes, or quotes. They all belong to the geniuses Jim Henson, George Lucas, David Bowie, Brian Froud, Dennis Lee, Terry Jones, & Trevor Jones. I only own this fanfic storyline and the characters I made up (if I make up any).
Note: Just a reminder, Sarah and Jareth are going to have flashbacks to Labyrinth throughout this fanfic, so their flashbacks, which will be a flashback of images, sounds, or both, with be written in Bold and Italics like this…
Chapter Six: Though We're Strangers Till Now… We're Choosing the Path Between the Stars…
Jareth smiled as he remembered Sarah unanticipated visit to the Goblin Nursery. He was amused that he had thrown her for a loop when she learned he not only held a nursery for the little goblin children, but that he also took part in being with the children. I certainly hope this has somewhat changed her perspective of me…Jareth thought. He laughed quietly as Sarah slightly moved within his arms, murmuring sleepily. He was carrying her back to her room as she was still sleeping soundly after the goblins' naptime.
He had been depressed after she had rudely mocked him on his feelings for her and failed to thank him for his generosity. It was not as much the lack of generosity that had depressed him. He was accustomed to her ignorance of his generosity towards her, but it was her mocking and ridiculing his impetuous love for her.
And strangely, after her mocking and jeering, his feelings for her did not change. He was of course disappointed in her, which he had also grown accustomed to feeling about her. But, remarkably, he still loved her. He couldn't believe himself, but he couldn't deny his true feelings. He would always love Sarah, whether she insulted, spurned, despised or abused him.
Sarah shifted in his arms again and memories of the last time she was that close to him came back to Jareth quickly. Sarah's fantasy after she had eaten the peach he'd ordered Hoggle to give her. She had imagined a ball and she was utterly exquisite. She'd been wearing a very adult gown, makeup, and jewels and looked very adult herself. She searched through the masses to find him, and when they had found each other, they'd danced, romantically and dreamily. Jareth had relished every second having her in his arms, not wanting it to end. The look of enchantment and intrigue in her eyes. He would have gladly stayed that way, with her and her not caring about anything; just being there, with him. But even then, her mission could not be shaken as she suddenly looked to the crowds, recognizing the familiarity of their masks and the goblins. She noticed the clock and she looked back to him with fear: she remembered what she had been doing. He would've given anything to see that look of enchantment in her eyes again. But he knew she had a choice, and he fearfully awaited her decision: stay there with him or leave and continue her mission. Sadly for Jareth, she broke away from him, pushed through the crowds and shattered the bubble of her fantasy. He sighed as he remembered one of the numerous times he'd had his hopes up and laid his love on the line.
As he reached her room, he carefully opened the door, being mindful not to wake Sarah. He entered her room and gently laid her on her bed. Her hair fanned out on the silken pillow and Jareth couldn't help but smile looking upon Sarah's beauty. He mildly stroked her hair, savoring their proximity. He breathed her in, taking in the same bewitching scent he'd observed the last time they'd been that close; her scent. That scent of orange flowers… and ginger… and what he'd come to find was honey-sandalwood…
The moment they'd come into contact at the ball, he perceived it, and he'd been unable to forget it since he had. After seeing and learning her preferences in scents and fragrances, he made sure she had the exact scents she enjoyed placed in her bathroom for her usage. He was very pleased to see she'd used them. He was pleased to know she was pleased.
Not wanting to leave her, but knowing there was work to be done, Jareth got up and moved to the doorway. She was still in her clothes, and Jareth had taken in how elegant she'd looked when she turned and saw him in the nursery. It accented every curve flawlessly, but was not too revealing or inappropriate. I'll send my personal servants to change her, like they did the last time…Jareth thought. They must have obeyed his commands at taking special care of her and not waking her, for she'd not complained of being roughly rearranged or the like.
As he stood in the doorway looking back on her, Jareth smiled at the peaceful expression on her face. It had contented her to see his tender side. Even though she'd rudely disregarded his generosity, again, and mocked him spitefully, again, he found himself thinking, as if Sarah could hear his thoughts, I forgive you, Sarah… Jareth flicked his fingers as the lights in the room dimmed and he shut her door quietly.
Sarah awoke the next morning, late in the morning, calmly after having a great nights sleep. She suddenly remembered where she'd fallen asleep and wondered how she'd woken up in her room. Jareth… She thought, I hope he isn't cross with me… I never really apologized…
Sarah got out from under the sheets and noticed she was in a silky nightgown. Okay, how do I keep changing clothes unconsciously? Sarah thought. She shrugged it off, not really caring, and moved to the closet to change.
After dressing in a corset, loose, light-blue linen skirt, a darker blue blouse and comfortable ballet-slipper style shoes, Sarah put on a sparkly pair of sapphire earrings she'd found with the outfits. Pleased with her appearance, she set out to find Jareth, to finally officially apologize for her behavior.
She was beginning to feel comfortable with the person she'd let herself be as she was in the Underground. It began to feel familiar, and Sarah enjoyed the sense of familiarity she'd continued to experience since she's left the Aboveground.
She didn't have to look long, for she came upon the throne room. She recognized it, as it was empty, just as it had been the last time she'd come upon it. She saw Jareth in the window overlooking the Goblin City, sitting with his back to the edge of the window, his left leg on the windowsill, his right leg dangling over the edge into the castle. He was watching the goblins, clutching a staff that had a small crystal, similar to the ones he often manipulated, in the handle.
Sarah stopped and didn't say a word, taking in what she saw. She'd never seen him like she saw him just then. So… handsome. She'd seen how handsome he was before, but never like this. She couldn't put her finger on it, whether it was the light from the window immersing his figure in the window, or his position. Sarah could see clearly in the light, his long blonde hair falling around his strong shoulders. Her gaze continued as she took in his strong arms. She could even see how strong they were under the loose, black poet-like shirt he wore. She took in his strong legs that were visible under the close-fitting gray pants. She swallowed as she noticed another extremity that could be nothing but strong that was also defined under the gray pants. The gray pants were tucked into knee-high black boots that he always seemed to be wearing. Doesn't he wear any other kind of footwear besides those boots! Sarah was baffled, but found she wouldn't want to see him in anything but those boots.
Sarah, ready to apologize, cleared her throat and said softly, "…Jareth?" Jareth turned to her, taken off guard by her entrance to the throne room. He quickly got up, making the staff disappear, and moved towards her.
Sarah timidly approached him, quickly losing what she wanted to say to him. "I… I just wanted to thank you… for all that you've done for me… I realized I had failed to thank you and I wanted to beg you for forgiveness to my rude and ill-mannered behavior… I'm really very sorry…" Sarah could feel herself reddening, and she hated revealing much more emotion than she had intended to.
"Sarah…" Jareth silenced her by taking hold of her shoulders and looking into her pale green eyes with his mismatched eyes, "…I forgive you…" He repressed his desire to do more than smile at her as she finally fulfilled one of his deepest desires: recognition of his generosity and remorse over her misgivings towards him.
Sarah, unable to contain her happiness in his acceptance of her apology, flung her arms around Jareth and unconditionally hugged him. A gesture so little was not overlooked by Jareth, who first stood there in shock at the sudden display of affection, but then cautiously enclosed his arms around Sarah.
Sarah, quickly realizing the boldness of her embrace, broke away from Jareth. She realized her pulling away was only more bold than her embrace and she felt herself reddening even deeper, unsure of what to do.
Jareth quickly cleared his throat, realizing how engrossed he'd been in their embrace, and quickly said, "Well… I'm glad we are on good terms, then…" He busied himself, attempting to break the awkwardness, and left the throne room.
Sarah quickly followed him, not wanting to leave the embrace at that. "Wait, Jareth…" She called after him. He stopped and slowly turned, unsure of what she was going to say.
She stopped, trying to find the right words, then said, "Jareth… I would very much like to be… friends… I'd like to get to know you, and I'm sure you'd like to get to know me…" She said, rationally, "…How about we take some time to get to know each other…?" She finished, thinking, …And maybe see what comes of it…
Jareth stood there with Sarah in the deserted hallway, not expecting an offer of friendship to their embrace. He quickly answered, "I would very much like to be… friends as well…" He smiled at her, then added, "How about we get to know each other over one of my favorite hobbies?"
Sarah smiled, surprised at Jareth admitting to a hobby, and not just a hobby, but hobbies, plural. "I'd like that… very much…"
Jareth smiled, unable to conceal his happiness, and said, "Alright… I'll have my servant meet you in your room in an hour and he'll bring you to me…" Jareth turned and began to walk away, then suddenly turned back to Sarah and added, "…and be sure you're wearing comfortable pants and boots…"
Author's Note: I hope you liked the description of Sarah's scent… It was Armani Code, I smelled a sample of it in a magazine and I couldn't help but think about Jennifer Connelly… Just that raw, natural beauty… I thought it was well matched… ;-)