This is me praying that

This was the very first page

Not where the storyline ends

-Taylor Swift, Enchanted

Toby flicked the king over before leaning back and interlocking his hands behind his head. "Checkmate."

"What?!" Hoggle looked at the board. He slumped backwards in defeat. "No way. I cannot believe that the baby beat me!"

"Oh my god," Toby pressed the heels of his hands to his eyes. "Hoggle, I'm an adult now!"

"Not to me!" Sarah ruffled Toby's hair. "You'll always be my baby brother."

"I just want to be known as something other than a baby, is that so bad?" Toby grumbled, shoving her away when she tried to kiss him on the cheek.

"Uncle Toby!" Ben came running to Toby's side. "I beat Ludo at marbles."

Ludo didn't look the least upset at the loss. In fact, he looked perfectly happy and was studying the shiny marbles Ben had given him.

"You're getting really good, Bud!" Toby picked Ben up and set him on his lap. "Woah, keep eating the way you do and you'll be too tall and heavy to sit in my lap!"

"Read this for me?" Ben pushed a book to his face. "Sir Did-mus gave it to me."

While Toby was reading to Ben, Lorraine came in with a meal for all of them. "His Majesty expresses his regret that he cannot dine with you for lunch. He still has some more business to conduct and will meet with all of you after lunch."

"Oh no, will he still be eating?" Sarah asked. She was looking forward to spending more time with him. She didn't want him to go hungry either.

"I'm actually about to drop this off for him," Lorraine motioned to another tray. "I must hurry, I'm behind on a few other duties since someone else was supposed to hand him his lunch."

"I can do that for you," Sarah offered. "I don't mind." Though she loved spending time with her friends, she wasn't sure how much longer she could handle Sir Didymus rant about the different kinds of swords or Hoggle about the fairies raiding his garden.

"That's very kind of you, my lady," Lorraine said, surprised and a tad horrified at the thought. "But I'm afraid that you are a guest. I cannot ask you to serve him his meal like a mere servant!"

"It's okay," Sarah reassured her. "I don't find it beneath me, I'm just giving it to him as a friend. It's not a big deal at all and you're busy. Besides, I wanted to see him anyway."

Lorraine looked torn, but in the end, sighed with relief. "If you are fine with it, my lady, I appreciate it the help. He's in his study, if you know where that is? Take a right at the end of the corridor and the first left is where his study is."

Sarah took the tray from her. "Thank you, Lorraine. Go and take care of whatever you need to take care of."

Hoggle gave her a look. "Why would ya wanna see him?"

Sarah shrugged. "He's my friend. I haven't seen him all day and wanted to say hi. I would do the same for you."

"But he's a rat," Hoggle mumbled. "You got to know him for a month and didn't even come and see us. Ya spent time with him first."

Sarah actually had an answer for this, but it still hurt to hear Hoggle express such disappointment in her. "Hoggle, the reason I didn't come to see you earlier was because I didn't quite trust him yet."

"Eh?" Hoggle grunted.

"I wouldn't have known if he was casting an illusion or tricking me into coming here to speak with you all. I invited him into my home, since it was clear he was already there once in speaking with Ben. Even if he didn't hurt me, I didn't know if he had ulterior motives. We got along pretty much right away, but I needed to fully trust him. It has nothing to do with whether I consider you a friend."

Hoggle awkwardly shuffled, looking to the floor. "I didn't think of it that way."

"You had every right to be upset," Sarah said. "How would you have known otherwise? It's been twenty years between our meetings."

Hoggle played with the loose string on his jacket. "I'm just glad we're still friends."

Sarah hugged him, making the dwarf lose his stoic persona. "We'll always be friends."

She knocked three times to make sure that Jareth knew she was there before going in. She pushed the door open with her back after turning the handle. "Hey Jareth, I brought you lunch-"

She paused, taking in the tense scene before her. They were all standing. Jareth had his hands on some sort of document that was on top of a map, eyebrows raised at the two fae in front of him, a man and a woman. "Oh, uh, sorry for interrupting. Should I just leave this here?" She set the tray down on a small table.

The man turned his nose up at Sarah. He was dressed finely, with a crest on his chest. He must be someone important. If he wasn't eyeing her so creepily, he might have had a more dignified expression to him. "King Jareth, I didn't realize you allowed servants to address you so casually. It's no wonder you have such little respect from actual kings. Or perhaps, she provides other services to you. She certainly looks to be the type." His eyes roamed over Sarah's body. "How insulting, having a human sully your bed."

Sarah felt her blood boil. Good grief, who the fuck was this asshole? She refused to let whoever the fuck this was to intimidate her. "Good thing looks aren't everything, because I might have presumed you were intelligent."

Jareth smirked at her comeback, not bothering to hide his distaste for the man who insulted her.

The woman's eyes narrowed. She was dressed to match the man, similar hue in her dress that was also finely cut. One that was for one of a higher rank, Sarah assumed. "Someone needs to teach you some manners, whore."

In an instance, Jareth's expression changed from irritation to pure fury. He looked like he was about to flip that table over. "You both have insulted me enough this day, and I have tolerated it. But not this. You will not insult anyone who works for me or is a guest, especially this particular person." He pulled back and straightened his body, walking over to Sarah, who kept her expression as dignified as she could. He put a hand on her elbow, looking proud. "This is Lady Sarah Williams, Champion of the Labyrinth and a friend of mine. She is my guest during Yule, something you two should be celebrating instead of bothering me during my holiday." He gestured at the two, speaking with Sarah. "These are Lord Xander and Lady Callista of Yufira. They're married and are ambassadors of the Kingdom of Tirena."

They said nothing or even showed any signs of greeting, just stared at Sarah like she was some animal at a zoo. Callista folded her arms and tilted her head to the side. "You say she's the Champion? She doesn't look so formidable to me. You must have been so weak to let her defeat you." She came closer, inspecting Sarah. "You must have been barely a woman when you were here last. How could you have defeated the Labyrinth and the Goblin King at their own game?"

Sarah took a quick glance at Jareth, finding that he was enjoying this conversation as much as she was. "Well, as I've told your husband here, appearances are deceiving."

Callista took Xander's hand. "I don't believe this!"

"We're leaving," Xander said angrily. "You should be disgraced, Goblin King, for treating me and my wife this way, for allowing your guest to treat nobility this way!"

"Class ranking means nothing when you're acting like one of the asses," Sarah quipped. "But since we're making a big deal out of it, need I remind you that I hold the same ranking as you?"

They glared at Sarah and swiftly left the study, their capes swishing behind like a violent storm.

Sarah sighed. "God, the older I get, the less patience I have for mean people and their petty insults." She turned to Jareth. "I'm only sorry if I screwed up whatever meeting you had with them."

Jareth rubbed his temple. Sarah noted how the bags under his eyes were darker and larger than the day before. He leaned against the wall, placing one arm over it, towering over Sarah.

Suddenly, Sarah had a flashback of the tunnels, of his hair brightly lit behind him as he simultaneously got her aroused and pissed with his arrogant attitude. She was definitely feeling a bit of that now.

"You should instead be sorry for not barging in sooner," he hummed playfully. "Perhaps they would have left earlier."

Sarah folded her arms and leaned against the wall along with him. A delightful smile crept up gradually on her lips. "Well, if you ever need me to interrupt anything, I'll gladly do so."

He moved just slightly closer. "I might have to take you up on that offer."

Sarah could feel herself losing control, so she turned to the tray and grabbed it. She immediately chastised herself for being chicken.

Get it together, Sarah! She yelled at herself. The Goblin King in tight pants that's been the object of many fantasies is right here and you're not going to do anything about it?

"Eat first," she said, trying to control her shaking hands. "You must be famished."

She ushered him back in his chair while she poured him tea. "Sarah, you don't have to do that," he told her.

Sarah didn't stop. "I know, but I want to. I wanted to come here and see how you were doing and if you wanted to take a break. It's Yule, after all. Besides, we're friends. Friends take care of each other, remember?"

Jareth looked at her with deep fondness. "It's something I am incredibly unaccustomed to."

"What is?"

"Someone caring for me for no other reason than being a friend. Not because they're my parents or a castle worker."

"Well, get used to it." She put the teapot down after pouring one for herself. "Because I'm here to stay."

And she meant it.

There was a flicker of intense emotion in his eyes. Before Sarah could read him thoroughly, it disappeared, leaving her faced with him wearing the ice mask again.

Jareth ate his meal in silence, clearly famished. When he shifted, Sarah was granted a view of his cape. It was a much more regal one than the one he usually wore, with intricate patterns that flowed in the sunlight.

"Cool cape," she said without really thinking about the words that she was saying. It was really much, much better than "cool."

"You like it?" Jareth pulled it so that she could get a better look. "I embroidered it myself."

"You did?" Sarah reached out to touch it as he offered it for her to see, absolutely amazed. "All handmade? No magic?"

"The actual needlework was done without magic, but the threads are enchanted to not fade with time," he explained. "To use magic would have been extremely tiring and take much more concentration. Quite ineffective. Although, maybe that would have been a good way to improve my skills."

He pulled the cape back a bit, making Sarah automatically look up at his face. He had a mischievous smirk on his face. "I am quite adept at using my fingers, after all." He brought up his hand, flexing his fingers.

Sarah snorted. "Wow."

"That's what they all say after they've finished." He rested his elbow on the knee that was propped up then propped his face on his hand, giving his best cheeky grin to Sarah.

Sarah couldn't help but laugh a bit herself at his light-hearted brag. "At least they get to finish. Most of the guys I've been with don't usually return the favor so I'd have to take care of it myself." She made a face.

Jareth frowned. "How rude of them. And quite inconsiderate."

"Right?" Sarah exclaimed. "In my experience, women are much better lovers than men."

"Really? I suppose it's different for humans. There's no stigma associated with women down here. I've found them both to be equally good lovers."

"I'm sure it has to do with sexism and lack of understanding of the female body. You know, I met a few guys who didn't think that female orgasms are a thing."

"Are you sure they believed that or were they just lazy?" Jareth shook his head. "Those ridiculous men. If only they could see that if you treat someone well, you would get treated even better. Seeking pleasure with someone else should be a mutual thing."

"You seem to have a lot of experience in that," Sarah joked.

"I have, it's part of my reputation." He leaned back, hands behind his head and crossing one leg over the other. "I mean, who can resist me?"

"You're so arrogant."

"Is it arrogance if I'm not wrong?" He turned to look at her.

"And yet, you say weren't close to anyone, right?" She carefully asked him.

"I meant emotionally," he shrugged.

It did seem a bit half-hearted to Sarah though.

"Well, you already have me, Toby, and Ben. Maybe you could continue with someone like Mara. Maybe even Mara herself," she suggested. "She's a sweetheart, friendly and kind. I'd bet that she wouldn't mind being your friend."

"It's not that easy, Sarah," he sat up. "What am I supposed to do? It's not so easy to make friends, you know. I can't just waltz in and ask to be her friend."

The whole conversation felt so natural to her, and yet, so bizarre. Her, a mere human woman, giving the Goblin King suggestions on making friends?

At least he wasn't closing her off. His last sentence though... that was something that she couldn't exactly give good advice for. "Yeah, I can see how that's awkward."

"It's a lot easier for someone like you than me," Jareth added, still looking at the sky.

"Me?" She asked in disbelief. "What in the world makes you think that I'm this social butterfly?"

"You really don't know?" He turned to her. "Just yesterday you went and charmed my citizens."

"They were probably just curious about me, it's easy to make random conversation with people who approach you. I mean, you did the same yesterday too!"

"Remember how you made all those friends when you ran my labyrinth? How you got Hogbrain-"

"Hoggle," she said automatically.

"Hog-wart," Jareth looked at her, emphasizing each syllable of the wrong name. "To betray me and to help you along in the labyrinth. Never had I seen such loyalty from them. Especially Sir Didymus."

"I was just-"

Jareth raised his palm to her face. "Don't. Do not say anything that devalues your win as Champion. No one else has done what you have. Even those who are kind or clever. You just, I don't know for sure why, but you alone were worthy enough to win Toby back. You are remarkable and you were quite young when you ran the labyrinth as well."

Sarah was stunned. Did he really think that highly of her? "Uh, thanks?"

"You're welcome. Now tell me I'm right."

She gave him a dirty look. "I guess that's true," she conceded after a bit. "Maybe it was the fact that I was a teenager. I'm certainly not close to anyone these days except for you, Ben, and Toby."

Jareth twirled his fork around his fingers. "I am honored to be included in that list. But making friends, as you say, isn't so simple."

She looked at him again, thinking about how he had come to her house borrowing books before understanding that they were now friends, that he could just visit them because he wanted to and not under any other pretense. "Reaching out to people is emotionally draining, so I do understand what you mean. I just don't want you to suffer the same way as me."

His eyes reflected the turmoil that she felt inside. "I'm afraid that's too late. I have been isolated for the greater part of the last few hundred years. But, thank you for your well-meaning words."

"Oh," was all Sarah said.

"Does my age bother you?" It was often something that bothered humans that he would meet.

"No," she said quickly. "It's just a bit overwhelming. I'm 36 years old, so that's many lifetimes of mine. May I ask how old you are?"

"I'm turning 529 on my next birthday."

"Holy shit," Sarah rubbed her temple. "529 years ago was... 1477. You've been around through for so long. Even before most Europeans knew of the existence of the Americas."

She gazed at him with compassion. "You've been alone for a lot of that time?"

He shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant about it all. "It is what it is. I'm not too concerned by it. I have a warm bed, food to eat, a place to call home. More than many, especially the children that are wished to me."

"Remembering that is good, but there's nothing wrong with also realizing that having someone to connect with is part of our needs as human beings," she reasoned. "Even if you're not human, close enough, right? Not that insulting?"

Jareth sighed. "I'm sorry you had to experience that. I promise that most are not so rude upfront, that they at least have more… refined ways of being malicious."

"Yeah…" Sarah dragged the word. "Why were they like that? It seemed really personal."

Jareth didn't say anything. Just continued to eat his meal, avoiding her eyes. Sarah could tell that something about the two bothered him and was about to change the topic when he spoke again. "It was, actually. Callista and I were… well… we have a history."

Sarah understood immediately. Something ugly and dangerous coiled within her: jealousy. She knew that of course, he had a past and had been a bit promiscuous like she was in her younger years, but seeing an ex up close and one so horrid made her angry. She pushed those feelings down, doing her best to address it without putting her personal feelings on the line. "Bad break up?"

"You could say that," he sighed. "However, that would be an understatement." He leaned back, placing both elbows on the arms of the chair and interlocking his fingers. "Do you recall me telling you that I became king at a young age?"

"Yes."

"Callista was why. Well, partially why." He looked up at the ceiling, recalling some painful memories. "I had an affinity to the Labyrinth from the time I was young. It called out to me, touching me as a future ruler. I was not yet going to be king. For a time, someone else was regent, doing the day-to-day work. As I wasn't here yet, the goblins just went with it. If there were Wished-Aways, I would then answer. I was, perhaps, a little older than Toby. I was still enjoying life as a young man. I had a forbidden relationship with Callista."

"Why was it forbidden?"

"Because her parents and Xander's parents wanted them to marry. They were betrothed from birth."

Sarah held back the gasp, but her eyes widened. No wonder they were so nasty to Jareth. "So you got in trouble for it?"

He nodded. "Betrothals aren't the same as engagements Above. It's very common for the couple to court others before an official betrothal is broken for an engagement. They're not set in stone and usually, there aren't harsh feelings if a childhood betrothal is broken. But Xander had a high position, as his parents are friends of the High King, my grandfather, if you recall. As I got older, nearer to Toby's age, I visited this kingdom more and more and was made a king, despite the protests of myself and even my parents. I knew what this place was like. I resented it for a long time because of the stigma it would mean to be here. Yes, there was a lot of power I would wield and the position was not one to scoff at, but also less accessible than the rest of the faerie kingdoms." He traced his fingers along the grain of the wood of his desk. "I wanted Callista to come with me, but she made her choice to stay. Not just to stay, but mocked me. I found out that she had wanted Xander the whole time, but he had been with another woman so I was used by her to make him jealous."

He turned away from Sarah, not wanting to see her face. "I was placed here, away from the so-called proper society. I didn't have to ascend the throne so quickly, but once my affair with Callista got found out, I was sent here to be coronated as king. Away from my world. Away from my family, who chose to distance my siblings from the stigma of my crown above visiting me often. I developed a… hardened exterior to protect myself."

Sarah didn't hesitate for a moment. She pulled him in for a hug.

They hadn't ever embraced like this before, and yet, this felt natural. Like they had been doing it all their lives. The way their bodies, their hands, their heads fit into each other's was as if it was meant to be. He allowed the display of affection to fill his soul.

Sarah rubbed little circles into his shoulders, soothing him as best as she could. "Jareth," she whispered, turning to his ear. "You deserve to be happy, to not feel so devastating alone, you know?"

He knew, but it didn't make it any better. "Life is unfair, Sarah. Whether I deserve it or not doesn't matter."

He didn't want her to go, to leave his arms, but it was getting a bit much to have her so near without being able to go further. He let her go. "I will join you later, please leave me to collect my thoughts."

Sarah didn't want to leave him, but it was important to respect his request. She put a careful hand on his arm. "Okay. I'll see you later. Let me know when you want to meet up again."

She had her hand on the intricate door handle, turning it a little.

"Sarah?"

She paused. "Yeah?"

A moment of silence. "Thank you."

She smiled at the door. "You're welcome, Jareth."

Jareth kept staring at the door, where she had left him. He still felt the warmth of her embrace upon his body.

It felt strange telling her these things. He was used to seeing other people's sadness and dreams but never revealing his own. He saw the darkest of hearts dream of pain and harm. He saw the sweetest and most innocent of minds only wanting someone to give them love. Sarah had a kind of magic that he had never encountered before: being able to sincerely draw out the deepest feelings from his heart.

He never, ever talked so clearly or earnestly about the darkness that surrounded him. How he pushed everyone away to protect himself. Even when he reunited with Sarah, it was more out of curiosity than anything else, seeing as he never reunited with past Runners. He may keep track on them but never did he actually hold a conversation with the again. Sarah's melancholic yet determined personality drew him to her, just as she was when she was running for Toby. She was beautiful, fierce, compassionate, and intelligent. Whenever she left his side, he felt a little empty inside.

She told him that he could talk to her about anything, but was that really fair for her? To be the confidant and friend of a king? After all, holding a king's secrets could drive one mad. Especially a king like himself that was seen as some entertaining abnormality.

For years, he had worked to convince himself that the opinions of others did not matter. That they said their petty things and he did his own thing. And it worked. He still did not care for their opinions or how they saw him. Let them, for he used his powers to take care of unwanted children, which was more than they could say.

But he did care for Sarah's opinion of him. And few things terrified him more than that.

Normally, Jareth would send Samuel or some other worker to find whoever he wanted to talk to, but considering that Sarah had brought him his mid-day meal, he went to seek for her himself.

Walking down the halls, he kicked the goblins that were strewn about, the crazy creatures laughing and some even going back to be kicked more. He rolled his eyes but obliged them all the same.

He found Lorraine snacking on some, what did Toby call them? Doritos? "Lorraine?"

Lorraine immediately stood and curtsied. "Sire! I didn't realize you were coming this way."

"I am looking for Lady Sarah. Do you know where she might be? I assume you've seen her recently, seeing as you're consuming Aboveground snacks."

Lorraine blushed slightly, her fingers still dusted with the orange powder. "You assume correctly, Sire. The Lady is in the kitchen, actually, with her brother and son. She insisted on baking." She looked worried that Jareth would chastise her for allowing Sarah to do something so menial as cooking.

Jareth just smiled. "That sounds like her," he said. "I will find them now. Thank you."

She curtsied once more. "Then I bid you good day, Sire." She snatched her bag of Doritos.

"Lorraine?"

She stopped. "Yes, Sire?"

Jareth reached his hand into the bag and chomped on a few chips. "That is all. You may go."

He whistled, carrying on his merry way to Sarah.

Lorraine looked at his back. "Goodness, this is odd, even for him!

Jareth opened the door to find a rather comforting sight before him. Sarah had a rolling pin, laughing with the two head cooks, Eric and Trisha. Beside them was a pie that was about to be put in the oven. Ben came between them and tattled on Toby for grabbing a tiny piece of chocolate.

He couldn't stop staring at Sarah. Her face bright and refreshed, cheeks colored with red blush. Sarah beamed when she noticed him. "Jareth! Come and help us bake!"

Eric and Trisha went pale. The very idea of them allowing the king to cook anything was unfathomable. Trisha went behind Sarah. "Oh, Lady Sarah-"

"You don't have to be formal to me now that he's here." Sarah waved the title away. "We're making brownies now!"

"Perhaps that name could be amended for the sake of actual brownie creatures?" Eric suggested.

"Probably a good idea," Sarah agreed. "Anyway, Jareth come here!"

He looked and felt very much out of place among the castle workers in there, watching them. His cheeks grew hot, and he almost declined until Ben walked up to him with the biggest smile. "Mister Jareth! You came!"

The two cooks couldn't help but smile at the casual way the young child addressed the king.

"You need an apron," Ben pointed out.

Jareth nodded. "Well, someone get me an apron then. Please."

Eric and Trisha still looked unsure, but at the look, they went to go find him one.

Toby spotted something on the floor. "Sarah! Hey! I found Ben's tooth!"

"Tooth?" Jareth turned as Toby picked it up. Indeed, Ben had a tiny gap at the front of his mouth.

"Yeah!" Ben took the tooth, inspecting it. "I cried a lot but Uncle Toby pulled it out."

"He's been wanting to lose his teeth for a while, since his friends lost some," Sarah said quietly to Jareth so Ben wouldn't hear.

"And the tooth fairy is going to give me money! Right, Mommy?"

"Right, but only if you put it under your pillow, okay?"

Eric and Trisha came back. "Here's an apron, Sire."

Jareth donned it, feeling more and more out of place. He hadn't cooked in a very long time, only helping Sarah here and there. Even then, he did more of the dishes than anything else.

Sarah seemed to understand. "Here, you have to measure the flour like this and scrape off the top."

The cooks tried to not ogle at the Goblin King being a willing student. He listened to Sarah carefully and did his best. Of course, it also helped that Sarah was an encouraging teacher and gave him tips on how to do well. With her, he just seemed so… tame.

When Ben and Toby joined in, he was even more like that. He licked the batter, making Ben roar with laughter. Sarah had to wipe flour off his face a few times, and each time, he found himself lost in her jade-green eyes.

The cooks eased into the rhythm of familial warmth. They would later comment on how they had never seen King Jareth so happy, that they hoped the Champion would come to visit often.

Since no one was hungry (after eating so much of what they had baked), they left to observe the light show, where the lights would dance across the sky in soft colors, creating a glow that would last until the sun came up.

Sarah was done first, waiting for everyone else. She wore a regal gray dress with a matching cape.

She looked into a metal vase, checking her reflection. "Capes should come back into fashion. I don't look half bad in it."

"I think you look much better than half bad."

She turned to see Jareth, dressed in a red and black ensemble, very majestic. And still with that touch of wildness to him.

"I could say the same for you," she said, admiring him. "Just waiting for Ben and Toby. Ben insists that he can dress himself so I want to give him the autonomy to."

"He is lucky to have you as a mother, you know?" Jareth leaned against the wall next to her. "I know sometimes you are frustrated with yourself at times, but you handle motherhood very well."

"Better than I did than with Toby, huh?" She smirked. "I try my best."

She leaned against the wall, tilting her head up for a little stretch… and saw mistletoe.

Jareth saw her expression change. "What is it?" He looked up, seeing the mistletoe too.

Sarah's cheeks flushed tomato red. "Oh, nothing."

"Hmm." He hummed, a mischievous glint in his eye. "It's tradition here for two people under mistletoe to kiss."

"It's tradition in my world too," Sarah replied.

The mischievous glint disappeared from his eyes. He leaned closer, his breath mingling with hers. He still smelled of peaches and cinnamon, but he also smelled of the earth, of nature. He swallowed, looking right into her eyes. "Sarah…"

He said her name in a slow caress, to warn her in case she wanted to stop. That he would stop. He said it to plead with her to accept him, to understand that he so desperately wanted to be as close to her as possible.

Their lips touched so lightly, it was like a butterfly's wing had brushed against them. It was a quick kiss, lasting shorter than a breath. Jareth didn't move back or forward, frozen as he looked at the woman before him.

Sarah, on the other hand, pushed her lips forward to claim his once more. She relaxed, eyes fluttering close as his bare hand came to hold her face, gently gliding his thumb over her jawline. She slid a hand up his chest, resting it over his heart.

Where she longed to be. Where she was meant to be.

They had both been lost in kisses before, but never had they been found in kisses until now. It was gentle, but no less passionate than any other kiss they had. They swallowed each other's gasps and tasted their lips, as if the other person was the very air they needed to breathe.

They held each other closely, the cages that had surrounded their hearts falling apart and calling each other closer. Every moment of that kiss electrified them and they wanted nothing more than to continue it until the end of time.

"WHEEEE!"

They pulled apart as a goblin was hurled their way. "Hi Kingy! Hi Lady!" Blaggerspout greeted.

Jareth looked like he was about to kick this goblin straight into the bog. "What are you doing here?"

"Iglepus made a sling! Toby taught us!" Blaggerspout said, completely oblivious to Jareth's rage.

Jareth glared at Toby's door. "Sarah, your miscreant of a brother is going to be the end of me."

They traveled by boat. The river glowed from the plants inside, like they were sailing in a sea of stars. The forest didn't feel suffocating or frightening, but welcoming. There were little houses in trees, tiny lights flickering in the city of trees lighting their path.

Jareth reached over the river bank and plucked out a flower. It looked like a carnation, lavender in color with gilded edges. He wordlessly placed it in Sarah's lap, avoiding eye contact with her.

Sarah's heart dropped a bit when he was being quiet, but now she understood. It was a mistletoe kiss, and they had yet to discuss what it meant.

He was waiting for her to decide.

"We're here," Jareth announced.

She took the flower and placed it in her hair.

He turned to get out of the boat, holding his hand out for everyone else. When he took Sarah's, he gently brushed the flower pedal with his hand, but his expression was once again, an ice mask.

"I don't see anything," Ben announced.

Jareth crouched down next to the child. Ben leaned into him, comfortable around the king. "Look this way, do you see the lights now?"

Ben's eyes widened. "I see them! I see them!"

Indeed, they were as beautiful as Jareth described them. More so, really. The moon behind the lights, casting a heavenly glow to the display nature had given them. The lights danced for them, illuminating the beauty of the faerie realm.

They each had a candle to commemorate someone they loved who had passed, as was their tradition during Yule as a reminder that tomorrow was not always promised. Being immortal meant that there were very few deaths among the fae and the ones that did die hit the rest of the community hard.

Jareth had a match ready for Ben. "Who do you want to light a candle for?"

Ben didn't even have to think. "For Daddy."

Jareth lit Ben's candle. Then he lit his own. "For Ethan."

Sarah and Toby held back tears. They dipped their wick's into Jareth's candle. "For Ethan," they said together.

Jareth blew on each of their flames, making them detach from the candles and flying up to the heavens. Sarah gazed at him as he joined them in honoring a man he had never met. She reached out and bumped the back of his hand with hers, giving him a heads-up. When he didn't move, she carefully wrapped one finger around his, until he took the initiative and interlocked their fingers together.

He finally turned to look at her, the ice mask on his face melting away to reveal the gentle smile that she had grown accustomed to. They said nothing, leaving Toby and Ben oblivious as they turned back to the stars.

"Look." Toby pointed to the horizon, where a group of lights rose to the air, filling the sky, remembering their own loved ones.

The flames, forged by fire and magic, flew up higher and higher, joining the constellations of old, creating new stories that would last for eons, until the end of time itself.

Jareth let go of Sarah's hand, placing his arm around her waist. She naturally leaned into him, not saying a word.

She didn't need to.

For all you people frustrated with the lack of kiss, I hope it makes you feel somewhat relieved! Sorry it took so long lol, now that I think about it, perhaps I should have done it in the last chapter but at the same time, I'm glad that Sarah took a full day Underground to really be sure before they kissed. So idk lol. I'm sorry about the cockblocking goblin, I promise that when they do make love, they will actually be able to do it then!

I also hope that a little insight to Jareth's background has explained him a bit more. I was worried it was too wordy but let me know what you guys think.

In the 30th anniversary release of Labyrinth on DVD, Jennifer Connelly tells a sweet story of her daughter Agnes, who was four at the time. Agnes loved David Bowie (how cute is that?) and said "isn't it sad that David Bowie can't make any more music for us to listen to?" What a sweetie. Children at that age definitely can learn at least something about death.

She then said that they went to Notre Dame and Agnes wanted to light a candle for David Bowie. That's where I got the inspiration for this scene from.

Reviews are always appreciated, thank you!