AN: Extra-long chapter coming right up! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Labyrinth. I've said it so many times.*cries*

O0o0o0o00o0o0o

I Wish

Chapter 12

Chocolate Peaches

Sarah took a bite of one of the pies Hoggle had made for them. She'd expected it to taste meaty, however, this pie had an almost sweet taste to it, yet it wasn't fruity. As she took another bite and looked to Hoggle.

"These taste great, Hoggle. What ingredients do you use?" She asked with her mouth still full. She blushed slightly as a few crumbs escaped her mouth when she spoke. None of the friends seemed to notice and if they had, they certainly hadn't cared enough to comment on it. It made a refreshing change actually; if Karen had seen her even dare to speak with her mouth full she would have gotten a long lecture about how unladylike she was.

Hoggle smiled proudly over at Sarah as he picked up another little pie for himself. "These are me own recipe, one I's been very proud of."

"They taste like a mixture of savory and sweet but that's not fruit I taste, right?" She lifted the pie up, inspecting it carefully with a frown upon her face.

"Nah. It ain't fruit ya taste, it's fairy." He explained before devouring the rest of his pie as though it was a completely normal thing to eat. Maybe it was for him.

Sarah immediately stopped crewing and quickly turned away from her friends, spitting out the remaining pieces of her pie on the ground. She paled a bit when she realized she'd almost eaten the whole thing.

Glancing around, she was relieved to see that Hoggle hadn't noticed, but Didymus kindly offered her a goblet of water, giving her a sympathetic look.

Sarah nodded her thanks and quickly drained the contents.

Out of breath from drinking without a break, she wiped her mouth on her sleeve before she passed him back the empty goblet. "Thanks, Sir. Didymus. You're a lifesaver."

Sir. Didymus removed his hat, bowing his head to her in respect. "My Lady."

With her appetite now gone, Sarah leaned back on the picnic rug, enjoying the little bit of sun as it shone down on her face, helping her forget the unfortunate food incident that had just occurred.

It was a beautiful autumnal day, a lot less chilly than it had been in a while and she had taken full advantage of it and ventured outdoors without a cloak, although she had taken a little shawl for her shoulders just in case the weather decided to change.

She had briefly considered wearing her jeans and t-shirt today, it was the weekend after all and Jareth had told her that she could wear what she wanted on weekends; however, she'd found herself reaching for the beautiful pale yellow dress which was dotted all over with little blue flowers. It was long but not quite as long as some of the other dresses in her wardrobe, this one stopping just above her ankles.

Closing her eyes against the blinding light of the sun, a small smile crept over her face as she listened to her three friends laughing and chatting together about various things. As she listened, she realized just how lucky she was to have them as her friends. She dearly loved them and swore to herself that she'd never neglect them again.

She half-opened one eye when she felt something wet and warm brush against her hand. She grinned when she noticed it was just Ambrosius licking the remaining crumbs from her fingers.

She giggled, pulling the shaggy white sheepdog onto her lap, gently stroking his head.

Oh, how he reminded her of her own shaggy sheepdog, Merlin. Long gone but never forgotten.

With Ambrosius still half seated on her lap, she turned her attention back to her friends. Ludo saw innocently nodding in agreement to everything Hoggle or Sir. Didymus said and at one point, he'd even slapped his large furry knee when Hoggle made a joke.

With a smile on her lips, her mind was cast back to Saturday morning. Hoggle had taken her to see Ludo and Sir. Didymus for the first time since she'd been living in the Underground.

The two of them had been so happy to see her. It had moved her deeply just to see how much she still meant to them, even after so many years without contact.

Sir. Didymus had even shed a tear, and Ludo had pulled her into a tight embrace, refusing to let her go until he was certain she was really there. It was a very precious reunion, one she would never forget for as long as she lived.

As Sarah watched them, she found herself wishing that there was just one another friend here joining them. One she still loved even though he'd hurt her.

As her friends laughed, she couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to have him here laughing with them. Not in a cruel or mocking way, but genuine laughter over something that was mutually funny between them all.

Hoggle glanced at her, noticing the wistful look in her eyes he leaned in closer, quirking an eyebrow. "Is ya alright, Sarah?" he asked, his concern was apparent in his gruff voice.

She blinked a few times, banishing away the thoughts of Jareth. She nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, everything's just fine." She assured him, gently patting his shoulder. "It's so good to be with you all again... I didn't realize just how much I missed you guys." She told him truthfully.

Hoggle blushed a little and took off his hat, smoothing out his thin white hair. "Well, ya knows we missed ya as well, don't ya?"

"Yes. I know." She smiled, glancing at Ludo and Sir. Didymus, who had stopped rambling and were gazing back at her with smiles on there faces.

Sir. Didymus reached into the picnic basket and pulled out another sandwich.

"Another sandwich, fair maiden?" he chirped happily, offering her the sandwich that he held in his little hands.

Sarah giggled and shook her head, "Thanks, but I'm full." She told him, watching as Hoggle grumbled about Didymus's lack of manners.

"Very well, then I shall indulge thyself in another -" He stuttered, blinking a few times as Ludo took the sandwich from his hands and ate it himself. "Well!" He said, folding his arms over his chest. "That was extremely rude, Sir. Ludo!" He grumbled, lightly hitting Ludo on the arm with his cane.

Sarah had to hide her smirk behind her hand as Ludo shrugged.

"Hungry." He replied simply.

Didymus shook his head, rolling his eyes. "Well, next time just ask."

Ludo let out a sad sigh when he noticed Didymus's sharp tone, and he lowered his head in remorse.

Sarah, feeling sorry for her furriest friend, gently rubbed his back. "Aww... don't feel bad, Ludo! There is still one sandwich left for Sir. Didymus to eat. Maybe next time just take one from the basket instead of out of his hands, okay?"

Ludo nodded, "Yeah...yeah!" He beamed, seeming to cheer up again. Sarah always knew just how to handle Ludo and he responded well to her teaching him how to behave.

He reached into the picnic basket he took out the last sandwich, passing it to Sir. Didymus who blinked a few times and then let out a laugh, throwing his head back and slapping his knee in amusement.

Sarah and Hoggle joined in laughing as well and Ludo furrowed his brow in deep confusion. "What?" he asked, innocence in his eyes.

Sarah shook her head, smiling pittyfully at him. "Oh, it's nothing. You did great, Ludo." She smiled, gently tapping his back again.

After all the food had been consumed and they'd all had a long catch up, they began to fold up the blankets they'd used to sit on while they ate. Sarah and Hoggle laughed merrily as the blanket slipped from their hands and flapped around them when a gust of wind picked up suddenly, the sun vanishing behind the clouds. Ludo managed to solve the problem and with Sarah's help, he managed to fold the blanket up neatly.

In the distance a white barn owl perched on the branch of a very autumnal beach tree. He watched with a pang of sadness in his heart to see Sarah smiling happily as she enjoyed the company of her friends. Her real friends. Not the one who had played her, betraying her trust and her friendship.

He watched as she took Ludo and Hoggles' hands, the three of them skipping back towards the dwarf's home, Sir. Didymus following behind them, riding on Ambrosious's back.

With a sudden wave of depression and guilt overcoming him, he flapped his wings and flew back towards the castle for another lonely day without Sarah's company.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Aiden wasn't really sure why he was feeling so nervous about tonight. He'd dined many a time with Lilium, but tonight was different. Tonight he had the dreaded task of asking questions about supplying the City with more food. He cursed himself for being foolish enough to allow Jareth to talk him into this.

Glancing in the ornate gold mirror for the fourth time, he adjusted his black cravat, making sure it was perfect.

Ellie and Nugan were busy rushing around his chambers, setting the table ready for when Lilium arrived. Aiden had insisted upon Ellie adding a vase of magically produced flowers to the table. They would disappear just before midnight, but first impressions were everything.

As he admired his appearance in the mirror, he heard a soft giggle from behind the long velvet curtain which separated his chambers from Adelaide's bed. He smirked when he saw two little feet, dressed in pale pink satin slippers with a ribbon on top, peeping out from under the certain.

He quietly sneaked up towards her, his smile broadening when he heard her giggles increase. Suddenly, he pulled the curtain back, causing Adelaide to scream in surprise and delight as he swooped her up in his arms, swinging her around a few times in his arms. "Got you!" he laughed as he began to tickle her gently, her happy laughter and squeals echoing in the room.

He chuckled softly and stopped tickling her when he knew she'd had enough. "You cheeky girl, trying to hide from Daddy?"

She giggled and pressed her chubby hand against his face. "Did I scare you?" she asked, her eyes shining in delight at the idea of giving her Father a shock.

Aiden nodded, "Oh, that you did, Addy. That you did."

"Yey!" she cheered, raising her arms in the air as she called victory.

He kissed her cheek before he put her down once more. "Now, you remembered that Daddy was having dinner with the Princess tonight, didn't you?" he asked her, crouching down to her hight.

"Yes, Daddy."

"Good girl. Patty is going to take you to the nursery for a few hours. You'll have some food with her and Patty and maybe Sarah too if she doesn't have work."

She nodded her head in understanding, her brown ringlets bouncing around her face as she did. But Aiden could see the disappointment of not seeing Lilium reflecting back at him.

He stroked her hair from her face. "Hey, listen...next time the Lady Lilium comes to see me you can stay as well, okay?"

"You mean it, Daddy?" She asked, a hopeful look in her eyes.

"It's a promise, Addy." He smiled, stroking her cheek and placing a soft kiss to her nose as Patty entered the room.

"Oh, do forgive me, My Lord! I's meants to be here to get young Addy about ten minutes ago but cook asked for some help." She explained, slightly out of breath from her rushing around, her cheeks slightly red against her greyish skin.

"No need to apologize, Patty. You're here now and that's all the matters." Aiden placed a hand on her shoulder, gently reassuring her.

Patty smiled gratefully and took Adelaide's hand, taking her out of the room and down towards the nursery.

Aiden straightened, turning towards the table which was now all set up beautifully with food and drinks for himself and Lilium.

"Thank you, Ellie and Nugan." He smiled, nodding to them both.

They both bowed respectfully before they scurried out of the room.

Aiden paced the room nervously until he heard a gentle knock around ten minutes later.

He took a deep breath and opened the door, his eyes widening when he saw just how beautiful Lilium looked this evening.

She was wearing a pale green dress, elegantly detailed with silver embroidery and accessorized with silver jewelry. Her long pale hair was down in soft waves, quite simple compared to some of her other hairstyles, although, he noticed the diamonds that were intricately woven into the front and back, almost like a tiara on her head.

"My Lady," he breathed, taken aback by her beauty.

She smiled sweetly at him, happy with his reaction.

"Lord Sallow," She greeted, allowing him to take her delicate hand and place a gentle kiss upon her soft pale skin.

"Thank you for coming. Do sit down." He said, showing her to the dining table which was beautifully laden with the best silverware.

He pulled a chair out for her, motioning for her to sit.

"Thank you," she smiled, taking her seat in the rather comfortable velvet padded chair. "You have such lovely chambers." She complimented," Such a unique style, one I don't often see." She said, gazing at the green floral wallpaper and the Victorian style lamps.

Aiden took a seat beside her, "Thank you. I visited the Above with Jareth once when somebody wished away a child. That was about...let me see," he patted his chin thoughtfully, "About a hundred years ago. I found that I enjoyed the styles they used to decorate their homes with a lot, and decided to incorporate it into my chambers back here. So a lot of the things you see are from the world of humans." He explained as he poured some sparkling wine into Lilium's goblet.

"Fascinating." She whispered, turning her attention back to him. He looked rather smart she noticed. Aiden always tried to look nice, most Fae took pride in how they looked, but Aiden looked extra nice this evening.

He was dressed in a deep plum velvet jacket and waistcoat to match, which had gold buttons down the middle. With it, he wore a black shirt and cravat, which contrasted beautifully against the plum. She noticed he'd pulled his hair back into a ponytail with a piece of ribbon, but of course, there was always that one piece of wavy brown hair that hung at the side of his face.

She had to admit that he looked very handsome.

"I've never visited the human world," She told him, lifting her goblet to her lips and taking a little sip of the sparkling liquid. "I've always wondered what it was like..."

"I was only there a short time, so I don't know much about how things work there but according to Jareth things change extremely quickly. Fashion and style especially."

"How strange... especially since things hardly change here at all, with regards to fashion and style, that is."

Aiden nodded, "Our world values tradition. The human world, not as much." He glanced at the food set out for them. "Shall we?" He said a small smile on his lips.

Lilium nodded."Yes, this all smells wonderful."

Together they ate and chatted, often finding something funny to laugh at especially when the beautiful bunch of assorted flowers on the table suddenly vanished, leaving a mass of glitter floating around them and all over the table.

Aiden had apologized profusely, his cheeks reddening from the embarrassment. His magic had been meant to last until around midnight but had only lasted a few short hours.

Lilium had told him it was fine, and that there was no need to be so apologetic, especially when it had given her something to laugh about. This eased him, and he actually started to laugh as well.

Once the food had gone and Aiden and Lilium had moved from their seats at the dining table to sit on the leather couch by the roaring fire, enjoying coffee, Lilium sighed and looked at Aiden, who was gazing into the fire, looking content and happy to have company for once.

"So, why did you really ask me to have supper with you tonight, Aiden?" she asked, watching as he glanced at her with a surprised look on his face.

"I know it wasn't just to have my company." She chuckled

Aiden sighed and shifted uncomfortably beside her."You're right...there is another reason." He admitted with a hint of guilt in his voice. "Jareth asked me to speak with you about supplies."

She nodded, glancing away from him for a moment, "I thought perhaps that would have something to do with it. I don't see why he couldn't just ask me himself..."

Aiden glanced at her and felt ashamed. She had looked so happy this evening, but now she looked quite hurt and he understood why.

"I'm sorry that I wasn't honest with you. I should have told you my reasons for inviting you tonight."

Lilium shook her head, "Don't be. You're just doing what your King has asked you to do."

He sighed again and stood, pacing the room. "He wanted me to ask if you had any more plans about bringing more supplies? We went to the market today and were met with a terrible horror."

She looked up at him, concern sparkling in her eyes.

"Many Goblins lie in the streets, begging for food, mostly mothers and babies..." he swallowed hard, stopping his pacing for a moment and resting his arm above the fireplace. "Several were dead... it was a heartbreaking thing to see. I knew the supplies were getting low but I was shocked to see just how starving they are in the city. They are almost completely out of food. Jareth even made the announcement to start distributing food from the castle."

Lilium shot him a look of surprise."Oh, my...how awful," she whispered, covering her mouth with her hand.

Aiden turned to face her, "It frustrates me that we have to ask so much of you..." He approached her, his eyes never leaving her own as he continued."It upsets me that we put such a huge responsibility on your shoulders..."

Lilium gave him a weak smile and reached for his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You shouldn't let it trouble you since I was the one who offered to help in the beginning. His Majesty never asked for me to bring supplies." She looked down at her hands "I'm ashamed of my Fathers' behavior... I wouldn't have been as much if he had just stopped trading... But contacting every other surrounding Kingdom and telling them to block Jareth from contacting them... that was a step too far."

Aiden sat beside her again "He was upset... Jareth used you. If somebody did that to Addy I'd have done the same thing."

She swallowed hard but refused to get upset. "I understand too. But why should every citizen in the Goblin Kingdom suffer because of the mistake their King made?"

Aiden smiled at her. "I'm afraid not everybody has a heart as good as yours, My Lady... You're so forgiving and kind and just."

She almost blushed at his sweet words, quite taken aback by the man who sat beside her. Aiden had never been this complementary before had he? "Thank you, Aiden..." She gazed into the fire again, deep in thought for a few moments. "You can tell His Majesty, or I will, that I shall be heading back to Ryrella in a few days... and that I shall be returning soon with more supplies. I'll bring as much as I possibly can."

Aiden felt a huge weight lift off his shoulders at that moment. He almost wanted to cry from relief and joy. "My Lady, thank you, so much..."

She turned to face him and was surprised to see tears in his grey eyes. She could see just how much the well being of the Kingdom and its citizens meant to him.

"Of course," she smiled.

Still overjoyed, he closed the distance between them, and without thinking, he placed his hands against her face as he kissed her lips tenderly.

She gasped in surprise, her eyes widening in shock.

Aiden froze. Unmoving for several seconds, his lips still upon her own. He wasn't sure how on earth he was going to explain his actions to her or himself. What in all of god's name had made him lean in for a kiss?!

He pulled back slowly, covering his mouth with his hand. "Oh Gods, Lady Lilium... forgive me, I don't know what came over me... gratitude, I suppose, but that's no reason for me to kiss you! I am mortified by my actions! Please, forgive my rudeness."

Lilium brushed her fingertips against her lips, which still tingled with the sensation of being kissed.

It had been years since she'd been kissed.

Yes, she and Jareth were intimate most evenings, but the truth of the matter was, he had not kissed her lips since they'd been a couple which was over three years ago.

She glanced at Aiden, watching as he gazed back at her with a look of utter shame and embarrassment.

"No... don't apologize, Aiden..." She whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. She suddenly wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his neck as tears started to escape her eyes and roll down her cheeks. She could feel his heart thumping hard against his chest, and she gently pressed her hand over his heart.

To say Aiden was shocked would be an understatement. He wasn't quite sure what he'd been expecting her to do or say, but it certainly wasn't this. He swallowed hard when he heard her sobbing quietly into his neck, her warm tears soaking through his clothing. He wrapped his arms around her gently, holding her close to him, his heart almost somersaulting when he felt her press her palm against it.

He wasn't sure why, but holding her felt... right?

As her sobs subsided, he continued to hold her and she continued to hold him. They sat there together for hours, simply watching the fire as it turned from wild dancing flames to glowing embers.

O0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Jareth watched Sarah from behind the door as she polished the large table in the dining room. He knew it was behaving a little silly, hiding behind the door like a child, but he couldn't help himself. He was still racking his brain on what he would say to her, how he would apologize and make it up to her.

He watched her for a little longer before he finally decided to come out from his hiding place. He approached her slowly.

"I already know you've been watching me." She said coldly, not even bothering to turn around and face him.

Jareth sighed, "Well, of course you did..." He watched as she began polishing the table a little harder, as though his very presence in the room distressed her. "Sarah," He gently captured her wrist in his gloved hand.

She tried to ignore the tingling sensation that shot through her as he touched her. She felt her heart begin to pound in her chest.

He gazed into her forest colored eyes as his fingers lightly brushed the back of her hand. "Would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner? Later this evening..."

Sarah noticed the hopeful look in his eyes and for a moment she almost gave in to his request, but she had a point to prove. If Jareth was truly sorry, he would prove it to her in a way that would let her know just how sorry he was. Dinner with him wasn't going to do that. Regretfully, she shook her head and pulled her hand back.

"I'm sorry, but I'm too busy to join you for dinner." She turned her attention back to the table, picking up her rag she began to polish it again.

Jareth gazed at her back for a moment before he sighed."How am I ever meant to make amends with you if you won't talk to me or spend time with me?" He said, trying and failing to keep the frustration from his voice.

Sarah shrugged as though it meant nothing to her.

"You're the Goblin King. You figure it out."

Jareth silently watched her for a few moments before he leaned over her, whispering in her ear. "I will believe me, I will."

As she heard him walk from the room, she glanced after him, watching his cloak flowing behind him, tears shining in her eyes.

She wanted to forgive him. She missed him a lot and not seeing him every day was so hard.

But she really was done with being treated like second best. She promised herself that she wouldn't let this go until Jareth really proved to her that he was sorry.

She wiped the tears from her face and took a deep calming breath before she continued to finish her chores.

The next day Sarah wasn't surprised to find Jareth watching her from a rather silly 'hiding place' again. Really, what kind of adult male hid behind the curtains? And why on earth did he keep hiding anyway?

Still, she pretended she hadn't seen him and continued on as though she had no idea of his presence in the room.

Eventually, he'd come out from behind the curtains and approached her with a silver paper bag in his hand.

"Sarah, I have something for you." He said as he approached her. When she didn't turn around to see him, he gently turned her, pulling the broomstick from her hands, he leant it up against the wall and put the paper bag in her hands instead.

Sarah raised a questioning brow. "What's this?" She hadn't meant to sound quite so irritable but she was getting so tired of his empty apologies.

"Open it and have a look."

"I don't have time for games, Goblin King-"

"Sarah, open the bag. It's not a trick and nothing's going to jump out at you." He was becoming annoyed already and he'd only just spoken to her.

Why didn't she even give him a chance?

She sighed and opened the bag, peering inside. She blinked a few times and poured some of the contents into her hand.

"Chocolates." He said, picking one up and offering it to her.

"Poisoned chocolates?" she asked, raising a suspicious brow.

"For god's sake, Sarah, no, they aren't poisoned. They are just chocolate. I thought girls liked chocolate? I even made sure they were shaped like-"

"Peaches?!" She interrupted, her voice raised in anger. Had he really thought he could win her over with chocolates shaped like peaches?!

"Apples, actually." He corrected her, sighing and shaking his head.

"That's a fucking peach, Jareth. Don't tell me otherwise." She put the offending chocolates back in the silver bag and passed it back to him.

Jareth's frown deepened. "I promise they aren't poisoned or enchanted, and they don't taste like peach."

"I don't want them! I've already told you that there's nothing you can buy me that'll make things better!"

Jareth took one chocolate out of the bag and held it out to her. "Just try one."

Sarah scowled at the chocolate for a few seconds before she opened her mouth to say 'no thank you' for the third time, but Jareth took this as an invitation and pressed the chocolate between her parted lips.

"See?" he smiled, gently brushing some hair from her face when she glared back at him with eyes so dark.

"Ishakowjf"

"What?" he asked, cupping his ear with his hand, leaning closer to hear what she had said.

"I said I didn't want one." She grumbled, not because she didn't like the chocolates, but because she did. Which infuriated her even more.

Jareth brushed a gloved finger against her lip, wiping away a little bit of chocolate."You're so beautiful when you're angry."

Sarah immediately slapped his hand away. "Stop. Just stop, Jareth."

He stared at her with a hopeless look in his eyes and for a moment she almost felt bad for being so irritable.

"Listen...I don't want jewelry. I don't want chocolate. I don't want anything but a genuine apology."

Jareth gazed at her for a few moments and then sighed, "Fine,"

Sarah watched in astonishment as Jareth knelt at her feet, reaching for her hand he squeezed it gently. "Sarah... I am sorry."

She gazed down at him for a few seconds, eyes searching his own. "Why are you sorry?" she asked quietly.

"I'm sorry that you got jealous and upset-"

"No! No, no, no." She pulled her hand away from him as though touching him burnt.

Jareth was quickly losing his patience."What do you want me to say? What do you want me to do? I'm on my fucking knees here, Sarah!"

"I want you to be sorry because you mean it! Because you actually are sorry! Not because you want me to start cleaning your rooms again!"

"You think that's why I'm saying sorry?" He got to his feet again, grabbing her gently by the shoulders."I'm saying sorry because I am! I may not understand why you're so upset about something so small but I'm still here apologizing to you..." He watched as Sarah shook her head, her throat bobbing as she swallowed hard.

"And that's why I can't accept your apology...and I don't want you trying to say sorry until you realize just how much you hurt me. Only then...will I be able to forgive you."

Jareth sighed, allowing his grip on her to loosen. As soon as it did she fled from the room, leaving Jareth to gaze down at his reflection in the highly polished marble floor.

O0o0o0o0o0o0o

A few days later

Lilium walked swiftly through the long corridors of the castle, her red velvet cloak flowing behind her as she walked.

As she reached the large doors, she was greeted by Aiden. He smiled warmly at her, bowing politely as he took her hand, gently kissing the top. "It will be strange to not have you around." He whispered, a glint of sadness in his eyes.

Lilium nodded in agreement, her eye's mirroring his. "It'll be strange not to be here... but I'll be back." She told him, reassuring him with a gentle hand on the shoulder.

Aiden nodded, straightening his posture. " I will count the hours until you return."

Before Lilium had replied, Jareth appeared beside them. He smiled warmly at Lilium. "Thank you for doing this, Lily." He said, taking her arm and leading her towards the door.

"You know I'll always do what I can to help the Kingdom, sire."

Jareth smiled at her, gently patting her hand.

Aiden sighed as he watched them walk ahead before he followed after them.

The goblin guards pulled aside their spears and opened the large double doors. Jareth nodded to them both as they bowed for him and Lilium.

It was pouring with rain outside, the skies dark and gloomy. Autumn leaves swirled around in the air and on the cobbled ground.

Lilium pulled up her hood to shield her hair and face from the rain.

"I hope your ride back to Ryrella will be swift and easy for you, Lily," Jareth said as they stepped out the doors. Aiden followed them both, his hair blowing around his face as the wind picked up.

"Thank you, sire. I'm sure it shall." She replied, smiling at him. Jareth smiled back down at her and gently patted her hand again.

Soon enough a carriage started to approach them. "Ah." Jareth declared, "Here is your carriage at last."

Nugan, with the help of another goblin servant began to carry out the heavy trunks of luggage.

Lilium turned to face Jareth, blinking a few times as the rain began pelting down harder. "Goodbye, Sire." She said, taking his hands she leaned up on her tiptoes, gently kissing his cheek.

Jareth smiled down at her, giving her hands a gentle squeeze. "Goodbye, Lily... and please find a way to forgive me... I never meant to hurt your feelings last night."

Aiden quirked a brow, leaning in a little closer to hear more easily what was being said.

"I understand, my lord." She gave his hands one last squeeze before turning to Aiden, who stood with his hands locked behind his back, his posture straight, but there was something about his eyes that made her know he was sad to see her go.

Gently, she leaned up and kissed his cheek, lingering for a few moments, her beautiful hair blowing softly around him.

"Goodbye, Aiden...Thank you," she whispered, gazing up into his eyes before she turned away from them both. She managed a little curtsy before she climbed into the carriage, the goblin servant closing the door for her.

The carriage immediately began to move and Lilium leaned out of the window, waving to them both.

Jareth waved back to her.

As the carriage began to fade from view, Jareth turned to go back inside the castle but was surprised to see the contorted look on Aiden's face.

"Aiden?"

Aiden swallowed hard before looking back at Jareth.

"Shall we?" He said, gesturing to the door.

Aiden shook his head after a moment's consideration. "You go on in... I need a few moments to think."

Jareth quirked an elegant eyebrow but did not question his friend any further. Instead, he entered the castle, motioning for the goblin guards to close the doors behind him. Why let all the warmth out after all?

As Aiden heard the large doors close, he walked out to the middle of the road. Through the rain and wind, he could just make out the carriage as it turned into some trees. He felt his eyes sting with tears as a horrible feeling surrounded his heart.

She's not coming back...

O0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Sarah opened her eyes, blinking a few times, trying to adjust to the morning light. Once she had fully woken, she stretched and got to her feet making her way over to the window, gazing out at the Labyrinth. The sky was filled with dark clouds and she imaged it would probably rain all day.

Wanting to feel the fresh air on her face, she pushed open the window, closing her eyes as the cold morning air swirled around her. She took a deep breath, enjoying the feeling until she felt goosebumps appear on her skin. She leaned forward to close the window once more but heard voices. Curiosity getting the better of her, she looked down and saw Jareth, already fully dressed, speaking softly to Lilium, who was dressed in a red dress and matching cloak, gazing up at him, her hands in his. Sarah bit her lip as feelings of jealousy and hurt surrounded her. She was too far away to hear what they were saying, but she imagined there were probably sweet words being said.

She watched as a goblin servant carried one of Lilium's trunks onto the back on the horse and carriage, then he climbed down and took the next one.

Sarah watched as Lilium leaned up on tiptoes to kiss Jareth softly on the cheek. He did not stop her from doing this, but Sarah noticed there was not much of a response from him besides a smile.

Then she watched as she approached Aiden, and kissed his cheek, lingering a little longer than she had with Jareth.

After a few more words were said, Lilium bowed to both Jareth and Aiden, and then climbed into the carriage, the goblin servant shutting the door behind her.

The horses were given a quick tap with the whip, and then Lilium was off, her head hanging out the window as she waved goodbye.

Jareth waved back for a moment and then she watched as he entered the castle, leaving Aiden alone, merely watching as her carriage disappeared into the distance. Despite the rain, he remained where he stood, not moving a muscle. Sarah furrowed her brow, wondering why Aiden hadn't gone indoors. Lilium was out of sight now, so there was no reason for him to be stood in the rain, gazing off into the distance.

The rain got heavier and Sarah pulled her window shut so that she wouldn't get any wetter.

As she dressed she wondered why Lilium had left. She knew that Lilium didn't live here, but Jareth hadn't mentioned to her that she was leaving? But then again, she hadn't really been talking to him.

She suddenly felt a little guilty for refusing his invitation to dinner the other night. What if he needed her because he was sad that Lilium was leaving?

"For god's sakes Sarah! Why do should you care about him being sad? Especially when it comes to him being sad about Lilium!"

She sighed heavily as she sat on the edge of her bed, burying her face in her hands.

"I care about how he feels even if it is about another woman. I care because I love him. And I want to be there for him if he needs me,"

Glancing over at her vanity, she noticed the little paper bag of chocolate that Jareth, at some point, must have brought to her room when she wasn't around.

She stood and picked it up, peering inside. She was surprised to find a little note folded up, she was sure it hadn't been there before.

She carefully unfolded it

"Sarah,

I know that you said you did not want any of the gifts that I have tried to give to you, but I noticed that you did like the chocolate I gave you, even though you wouldn't admit it to yourself. So, I've decided to return them to you.

I DO want to make it up to you properly and I realize now that perhaps it was a little foolish of me to think that gifts would make you see just how sorry I am. Quite frankly, I'm embarrassed by my lack of originality.

Enjoy the chocolate.

Ps. I changed the shape.

Yours, Jareth.

Sarah's lips twitched as she read the note. Even though she still felt hurt by him, there was no denying that he was cute. She reached into the bag and pulled out a piece of chocolate, only this time it was shaped like a rose.

"Charmer..." she smirked, "You'll have to do better than that."

O0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Jareth couldn't sleep no matter how much he tossed and turned in his bed trying to get comfortable. Even a full goblet of goblin mead hadn't helped him to relax. He had an inkling that it wasn't just the guilt of denying Lilium last evening that kept him up, but something far more distressing.

It was the realization of what Sarah had said to him in the stables the other day had been true.

"I'm not some trinket you can play with when you feel like it and then rush back to your dear Lilium when you think I'm distracted! I'm a human being! I have feelings and I deserve your respect! if you can't give it to me then this...this..." her lip trembled, her eyes welling with tears. She took a shaky breath to try and calm herself down again. She would not show him any weakness right now. She had to be strong. "Then this friendship... or whatever you call it, is over."

Those words had been replaying through his head ever since and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't block them out. Why did he care so much about kissing her? Why did he care more about kissing her then he cared about being intimate with Lilium?

He sighed heavily, covering his face with his pillow.

He'd felt awful when he'd denied her last evening. She'd dressed especially for him in her prettiest dress, her hair styled and makeup beautifully applied and yet he'd turned her away. Something he'd never done before.

He hadn't missed the tears that had gathered in her eyes or the way her lip had trembled as he'd tried to explain to her why he couldn't be with her.

He felt like the worst man alive. How had he managed to hurt two wonderful women? The only ones in his life! The only ones who gave a damn about him and yet he'd hurt them both in the worst ways.

He'd really wanted to take Sarah's words on board. Not just for her, but for Lilium too. He didn't love Lilium and their relationship was becoming strained. He was sure that even Lilium had noticed this and he wished that he'd put a stop to it before.

He sighed again as he pulled the pillow from his face, gazing numbly up at the ceiling.

There was more troubling him, though. He missed Sarah so much it almost physically hurt. He missed her friendship, her gentle smile, her laugh when he teased her, the way her cheeks turned crimson when she noticed him staring at her, the soft feeling of her lips caressing his, the way she gasped into his ear when he sucked at her neck, the way her forest-green eyes became hooded with desire after he'd kissed her.

He let out yet another shaky sigh, trying not to think too much about those things. He could feel himself becoming extremely hard just from thinking of their last heated encounter.

He wanted her. He had always wanted her, but it was so much more than that now. It wasn't just desire, it was something else entirely. Something pulling him towards her like a force unseen. Something that made him want to hold her in his arms and comfort her when she was sad.

Feelings like this wasn't something Jareth was accustomed too and he'd be lying if he said it didn't make him uneasy.

All he knew was their moments together were beyond precious to him. How he ever thought he could go along with this 'plan' to overpower her he would never know.

As the thoughts and feelings consumed him, he decided that he probably wasn't going to fall asleep anytime soon.

He needed a drink but when he grabbed his goblet, he found it empty. Sighing, he pulled on his grey tights and shirt; not bothering with anything else. He made his way down the hall towards the servants' staircase.

It had been a long time since he'd used the servants' staircase and normally he would use the main stairs, but he knew that it leads right to the kitchen. He could have easily just magically refilled his goblet, but he thought it might do him good to have a little walk around. Perhaps he could clear his head and actually get a little sleep when he returned to his bed.

He took a right and saw Sarah's door just in front of him. He was about to walk past when he noticed that light was shining out from the cracks in the wooden door. He furrowed his brow. She couldn't be awake at this time, surely not?

He glanced over at the clock that was positioned directly across from her door. It was 4 o'clock in the morning.

Shrugging it off, he continued past until he heard the gentle sound of her sobs coming from the other side of the door.

For a moment he stayed outside her door, listening to the heart-wrenching sounds of her crying, wondering if he was the cause of her tears. Another wave of guilt consumed him as he stood there, pondering with the idea of going to see her or just leaving her to be alone. She probably wouldn't want him anyway. She'd made it clear that she wasn't ready to forgive him yet. She'd probably be mad if he knocked at her door at 4 am.

He wasn't sure when he made the decision to knock on her door, especially after everything he'd been thinking to persuade himself not too, but knew he must have, because Sarah slowly opened the door. She was wearing a nightdress and had a shawl over her shoulders.

She gazed up at him with tears still shining in her eyes. She looked so tired. She had big dark circles under her eyes.

"Sarah..." He whispered, reaching to wipe a tear from her cheek. "What's is it?"

Sarah had known it would be him at her door. Somehow she'd felt it as soon as she'd heard the knock.

For a moment she contemplated telling him the truth. That the reason for her tears had been because she was missing him. but decided against it.

"I... it's silly, really," she whispered, another tear falling silently down her cheek, quickly wiped away by Jareth's bare fingers. "I'm just missing my family..." It wasn't a complete lie. She did miss them terribly. She supposed her tears were actually a mixture of everything, consuming her all at once.

Jareth gazed sadly into her eyes, gently caressing her cheek with his thumb, delighting in the way she shivered at his touch. How he'd missed touching her.

"It's not silly to miss your family, Sarah. I understand it must be hard being so far away from them..."

Sarah nods slowly, tears filling her eyes again as she glances away from him. Having him touch her so tenderly and stare into her eyes again was almost proving to be too much for her while in this vulnerable state.

"It is... I never knew I'd miss them this much...or Diane,"

Jareth quirked an elegant brow, "Diane?"

"My best friend..." she explained, her voice cracking with emotion."Well, best friend in my world." She assured him when she noticed the slight look of hurt crossing his features.

Hearing Sarah sound so upset was beyond painful and Jareth was struggling to know why it hurt so much? Why should he be so affected by the way that she was feeling?

There is was again, that frustrating wave of the uncertainty of his feelings.

When they'd been silent for a few moments, Sarah reached into her pocket and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe away her tears.

He watched her, chewing his lip when a sudden idea came to mind.

"I have something for you," He whispered, lifting his hand up into the air, pulling a crystal out from nowhere. Sarah gazed at the crystal with a glint of fear in her eyes. if the circumstances had been different, Jareth would have felt quite offended by that. Didn't she know him at all?

"Don't be afraid, it's a crystal, nothing more... If you look into it and wish to see your family, you will..."

Sarah gazed into his eyes, searching them for answers. Was he being serious? Would this really show her her family? At first, she'd been annoyed and a little hurt again when he said he'd got her a gift. After all, hadn't she made it clear that buying her things wasn't going to make things alright for them again? But when she looked into his eyes, she saw something genuine gazing back at her.

"It's yours." He whispered, gently placing the orb into her little hands.

Sarah looked down at the orb in her hands and fresh tears started to gather in her eyes. "Jareth... That's so kind of you... I don't know what to say,"

"Then don't say anything. Just accept the gift and speak with your family."

Sarah looked back into his face, seeing that genuine emotion on his handsome features. then she glanced at the crystal again, noticing how it shimmered in the dim light.

Without thinking it through, Sarah swung her arms around his waist, pressing her face into his chest as the tears started to flow freely down her cheeks.

"Thank you," she repeated over and over, her voice no more than a broken whisper.

Jareth stood there, stiff as a board. Nobody, not even Lilium, had ever expressed their gratitude in such a way before. He'd held Sarah before when they'd kissed, and that one night when he'd fallen asleep next to her, however, this was different to that. This was a hug to express her deep gratitude.

Feeling her pressed against him, her arms locked tightly around his narrow waist as she cried tears of gratitude, it was something he'd never experienced before.

Slowly, he lifted his arms up and wrapped them very loosely around her, his gloved hand gently patting her back.

"That's, erm, quite alright..." He stuttered as a strange feeling washed over him. A feeling he'd been trying to figure out for days.

Sarah released him after a few moments but kept her hand gently on his arm. "You don't know how much this means to me,"

"Go and speak with your family, Sarah... then you'll feel better, and that's what matters most." He smiled warmly at her and her expression mirrored his own.

Jareth rubbed her hand gently. "And no more tears?"

Sarah shook her head, a smile still on her face.

"Good girl..." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and turned to leave the room.

"Jareth?"

He slowly turned again, his heart skipped a beat to see Sarah gazing over at him, her green eyes sparkling in the firelight. "Thank you..."

"You're welcome, Sarah... Goodnight."

"Wait-" She carefully placed the crystal on her bed so that it wouldn't fall and break.

She approached him again, gazing up at him through her dark lashes. "You really don't know how much this means to me..."

"I think I do." He chuckled softly, his voice a little croaky.

Sarah shook her head, becoming serious. "No... not to the extent that I do."

Jareth gazed down at her, watching as she raked her eyes down his body. He knew he looked a bit of a mess right now. He hadn't even brushed out his hair. He was fresh out of bed and she knew it but she didn't seem to care, in fact, she seemed to very much approve of the way he looked.

He resisted the urge to tease her, to ask her if she liked what she saw, but it wasn't worth hurting her feelings. He didn't want to cause her any more pain than he already had.

Sarah blushed a little when she realized he'd noticed her staring at him, but recovered quickly. She reached forward and gently ran her hand down his chest, delighting in the way he shivered, gasping quietly in surprise from her touch. "I forgive you..."

Jareth was completely and utterly surprised at her forgiving him. He hadn't even done this to try and make it up to her, because if the truth was told, he didn't think it would work. This gift had been just for her because he cared about her, because he wanted to see her smile again, not because he was trying to get her forgiveness. But the fact that it had made his heart swell in his chest. He wanted nothing more than to push her up against the wall and kiss her thoroughly.

As if sensing his wish, she leaned up on tip-toes and pressed her lips firmly against his, pushing him lightly against the wall.

She wasn't sure what had come over her, all she knew was that he was really showing her that he did care about her, and goddamnit, she couldn't bear another day without kissing him.

Jareth sighed softly against her lips, trembling from the amount of passion he felt burning inside him. He slowly placed his hands on her waist, sliding them up and down.

Sarah wrapped her arms around his waist again, sighing softly against his lips as his tongue lightly traced along her lip, demanding access.

She allowed him entry.

As the kiss deepened, Jareth was very aware of her hand clutching his shirt and the way she was pressing herself against him, her breasts pressed firmly against his chest. So close he could feel her heart beating wildly, matching his own erratic heart-beat.

Feeling her heartbeat in unison with his own sent an electric-like pulse through his veins and that odd feeling once again rippled through him, only this time he knew what that feeling was.

He was falling in love with her.

As if stunned by his own discovery, he pulled himself away from her, watching the confusion trouble her perfect features, unspoken questions in her eyes, reflecting back at him.

He offered her a warm smile, trying to reassure her that everything was alright.

"Jareth, what-"

"Shhh..." He gently traced his fingers over her brow.

She wanted to ask him when he'd pulled away. She had told him she'd forgiven him, hadn't she? Hadn't she made it obvious how much she wanted this to continue?

Just as she plucked up the courage to tell him, he opened his mouth and spoke softly. "It's very late... I should go..." He made sure to stroke her hair so that she would know he wasn't trying to hurt her.

She still looked a little perplexed, but she nodded, agreeing with him, even though sleep was the last thing on her mind. "Yeah... okay."

He placed a little kiss to her forehead before he turned and left without another word.

Once back in his chambers, Jareth leaned up against the door, not caring as the handle pressed uncomfortably into his lower back. He took a shaky breath.

This wasn't possible. He couldn't be falling for her! Even the thought of it was beyond ridiculous. How could he fall for somebody that had ruined his Kingdom? Somebody that had caused him to lose connection to his Labyrinth?

He swallowed hard, closing his eyes, trying to calm down his racing heart.

He'd been so busy trying to get her to fall for him that he hadn't even noticed as he'd started falling for her...

"I love her..." The words rushed out of him, almost seeming to hang in the air around him like little sparks of light. Beneath his bare feet, the ground seemed to hum approvingly.

O0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

AN: I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Let me know what you thought about Sarah forgiving Jareth. Do you think he was worthy of her forgiveness at that moment? I will probably elaborate on this in the next chapter if any of you feel like you need a better apology from him. Perhaps a more deliberate one? Let me know!

I actually wrote loads of this chapter months ago! The part when Lilium left has been written since the summer! It's been left to get dusty on the shelf but it was finally to polish it off and use it!

Anyway, massive thank you for all the reviews, follows and favorites! I can't even express the joy I get when I see I have a new review! I get so addicted to reading them! Hahaha.

Replies:

AngleGlass: Ahhh! Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It sucks about your ex :( I want to kick him in the head. Just remember that he really didn't deserve you. One day your knight (or Goblin King ;) Will arrive in shining armor (and tight pants!) Hehe. Anyway, hope you enjoyed watching Jareth on his knees in this chapter!

Margot Grazyna: You were right! Lilium has all her bags packed! Off she goes! And who knows if she'll return... ;)

LadyDragon28: *Claps hands* Yey! Your comment motivated me so much that I decided to give you a longer chapter! xD I know what it's like to be left waiting! Our minds do tend to wander! I hope this is a big enough fix till the next chapter comes!

MayCarey: I know this was a comment on chapter 10 but I wanted to reply anyway! Thank you so much for your great comments! They genuinely make me smile every time. So glad you were pleased to see Hoggle come back! And in this chapter, they are all reunited! There are loads of more political things happening in the next few chapters. I'm glad you understand that it takes a while for everything to come together. I'm getting there – slowly but surely :) Thank you for the get well wishes too. I'm slowly getting better although I'd be lying if I said I was completely healed (At least bed rest means more time to write ) Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Helena Clara Bouchet: You got your wish! Lilium and Aiden 'sort of get it on' Well, almost... and who knows what future chapters bring! Ah yes! I'm so glad you enjoyed Sarah's dialogue! It needed to be said and Jareth needed to know that he can't just play her and expect her not to notice! She's young and naive, yes, but not stupid. Hope you enjoy this chapter! :)

DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!

Oh, and forgive the chapter title. I honestly couldn't think of what to call it! Lol