Chapter 15, A Start To Forever
Sarah opened her eyes, and looked around the room. She thought for a moment, before it all came back to her. She was about to move, but thought otherwise. She looked up and saw Jareth, standing with his back to her. He turned slightly, he was holding something. As her eyes focused, she saw faint tuffs of dark black hair peeking from around his arm. She relaxed into the sheets, the pain in her lower half wasn't as bad as she was anticipating.
After a minute or two, she began to grow impatient.
"Will I ever get to see them? Or are you going to steal them away from me too?" Sarah asked, a sense of peace had washed over her, finally, and a gentle smile graced her lips.
Jareth stood by the balcony, softly cooing at the tiny puff of hair cradled in his arms.
"I just might." He replied, a large smile spreading across his face, though never turning from the sight before him. Little green gems stared at him in wonderment, followed by the most innocent smile. Jareth gave a low laugh, bringing an ungloved finger to trail along the side of the babes face.
Sarah was quiet, and watched with a warm heart. After everything, they were finally together, it was finally over, at peace. The Goblins and doctors had left some time ago. They were alone now, though it was no longer just the two of them.
"Well, seeing how occupied you are, may I see our daughter?" She asked.
"She's asleep, but perhaps we can compromise." He said, glancing to the bassinet next to the bed.
He stepped towards the bed, and gently laid his son in his Queen's arms. He knelt down beside the bed, beaming at them both. Sarah took the child, kissing the top of his nose.
"He's beautiful, Jareth." She said, just over a whisper.
"Just like his mother." He responded, his voice radiating love.
"Or his father." Sarah retorted with a smile. She watched as the tiny babe drew its eyes together, giving a shallow sigh as he drifted off to sleep. They were both lost in the moment. After a while, she turned to him. "How long have I been asleep?" She asked. "I remember thinking I may have crushed every bone in your arm, and cries...blonde and black...and then..." She trailed off.
"A day or two." He whispered. She stopped herself from gasping.
"What?" She whispered. "I've been sleeping for two days? What happened? I don't remember anything." She quietly exclaimed. Jareth gave a quiet laugh.
"Well, as you are aware, you gave birth to two healthy, beautiful children. The midwives cleaned them and inspected them, while I tended you. I knew how exhausted you were, and I could feel you weren't slipping away, so I let you rest. The nurses came back with two screaming babes, and placed them in your arms. You managed to look down at them, and smile. Such a beautiful smile. It wasn't long after that, that you fell asleep. The doctors said you would be fine, but not to disturb you. So, I've been waiting, and getting to know the two wonderful gifts you've given me." He said, his mouth curling in a boyish smirk.
Sarah leaned her head back, closing her eyes as she smiled. It was perfect, everything was perfect, they were a family. And then something came back. Her eyes shot open, and she looked to Jareth in a panic.
"What happened to Byron." She said, with pleading eyes. Jareth's smile faltered, but not entirely.
"He has moved on, love. He died in service of his Queen. It was the most honorable of departures. He will be blessed." He said, remembering his own reconcilement.
Sarah fought back painful tears. It was her fault that Byron was gone.
"He was so close...I saw it in his eyes, the victory. I saw it disappear, like someone blowing out a candle." She said, recalling those last moments. She looked down to the sleeping form enfolded in her arms.
"I believe his sacrifice was worth it, don't you?" He said, looking deep into Sarah's eyes.
A tear slid down Sarah's cheek as she stared at the babe. She gave a sad smile, and a forced nod in response. Immediately, Jareth wrapped a hand around the back of her head, pulling her face to his. Their foreheads pressed together, as each acknowledged the other's pain.
"I thought I was going to lose you, Sarah. And when I knew you were safe, I thought I was going to lose them. And even still, I thought I may lose you still. If it wasn't for Byron, I would have died a slow and unrelenting death. He loved you Sarah, enough to give his life for you. He should be remembered with laughter and smiles, not silence and tears." His eyes were closed, relishing the warmth of her skin against his, a feeling he thought he may never feel again.
Sarah smiled, turning her tears into a light laugh. They were distracted when they heard soft cries from over Jareth's shoulder. He planted a hard kiss on Sarah's forehead, rising from the floor.
"Someone's up." He said, turning towards the basinet.
Sarah watched with eager eyes as he approached the bed once again, this time with a mound of light blonde hair peeking over the folds of a soft blanket. She adjusted herself on the bed, as he lowered the second bundle into her other arm. Sarah examined the little girl staring up at her. She had piercing blue eyes, and hair so fine it looked as though it were made of the softest feather. Sarah's eyes actually drew back, before looking up to Jareth, who was simply watching in silence.
"She's going to be striking. I hope you're prepared. They both are actually. I have a feeling they're going to be a handful. We got some genes I guess." She laughed, causing the baby to smile in return. Jareth gave a soft huff.
"If they have any part of you in them, they will be." He joked, stroking the light tuff of hair. The babe turned its head, and stared at Jareth, and he returned a loving smile.
"Have you named them?" Sarah asked. She was a little cautious, they hadn't discussed names, and she knew that it usually fell to the King to name children, so she waited.
"I was waiting until you woke up." He said, never tearing his smile from their daughter.
"I know what I want to name her." Sarah said, waiting for his response. Jareth looked up, but Sarah was looking down.
"And what is that, precious?" He asked, curious as to what she had thought of.
"Aria." She whispered. "After the lake...After the cottage where I fell in love with you." She said, bringing her gaze to his. "What do you think?" She asked, a bit warily. He brought a hand to cup her face, giving her a slow kiss.
"I think it's perfect." He said. Then, they both turned their gaze to the little boy, now fast asleep.
"Any ideas for this little Romeo?" Sarah asked. Jareth didn't catch onto her reference, but let it be.
"I had an idea, but I wanted to consult you first." He said, almost hesitantly. She looked up at him.
"Alright." She said, waiting.
"I made a promise..." He started, "that he would be remembered, that he would be honored...that it would be worth it in the end." He stared at the little boy, curled into his mother. Sarah watched the blank expression on Jareth's face, and frowned. He'd stopped talking, lost in his thoughts. She waited for him to look up at her.
"And so he will be. I think it's a wonderful idea." She said, giving him a smile. "You're an honorable man, Jareth. Didn't you just say he should be remembered with smiles and laughter? Stop looking so glum." She teased, trying to lighten the mood. He gave a quick smirk, and glanced down to his new beloveds, taking his own advice.
He sat for a moment, before crawling in on the other side of the bed. He and Sarah lay on their sides, staring down at the two sleeping forms between them.
"You know, this is probably the most quiet we're going to get for a long time." Sarah said, after a while. Jareth laughed.
"Yes, and I bet this is as close to 'alone' time as we're going to get as well." He kidded, and they both laughed.
"I love you, Jareth." She whispered, bringing her hand to trace the line of his face. He laid his hand over hers, and squeezed.
"And I you, my precious star." He answered.
It was silent for a long time before either of them spoke again.
"Jareth?" Sarah asked. She wasn't sure if he'd fallen asleep or not.
"Yes?" He asked with closed eyes.
"Do we have to go to the party I'm sure your father is already planning?" She asked, half sincere. Jareth chuckled.
"As soon as you are able." He said. She gave a pouting face. "Oh, don't do that. I wouldn't allow myself to miss the opportunity to celebrate everything you have given me. I haven't exactly had the chance to show it yet, but you've made me happier now than I could ever be. For once, I fully intend to let everyone know." He smiled with the thought. Sarah gave a light grin of defeat. Then, it fell quiet again.
"I can't believe how much has happened so fast." Sarah said, breaking the silence. Jareth's eyes locked onto hers.
"And to think, we still have forever." He said. She looked up at him with a smile. It was sweet and genuine. It reminded him of the night on the balcony at the Goblin Ball, a night that now seemed so far away.
"That's not long at all." Her eyes sparkled, and his smile beamed.
A/N- This is the end to "The Love That Mends And Tears" I hope you all enjoyed it. I love Labyrinth, and have tried to do my best in honoring the wonderful imagination that it inspires. This was my second story ever, so please, let me know how I did. Thank you for reading, and please, stay tuned for the epilogue ;D
-FGBX