Chapter 9, A Strange Affinity

Sarah walked down the narrow hall. She didn't go back to her room, she needed space, needed to keep busy. Wall, wall, wall, stone, wall, stone. Are there any windows in the place? She wondered, longing for fresh air and sunlight. I would have cherished being out in the Labyrinth more if I wasn't busy fighting for my life . She groaned.

She stared at the stone floor, not looking where she was going. After a while, she noticed something, shadow. A shadow meant there was light, and light meant there was a window. She looked up, and saw she was about to enter a large hall. The left wall of which was lined with twisted windows stretching all the way to the ceiling.

She felt a breeze on her face, and rushed over to the railing. I was midday, the sun shone high in the sky and cast a golden hue over the Labyrinth. She looked around, and saw the brilliant reds and oranges of fall. It was so warm and beautiful, she could stare at it all day; if she hadn't been interrupted that is.

She hadn't been standing for more than five minutes when she nearly jumped out of her skin and out the window.

"Enjoying the view, precious?" Came a familiar voice from just behind her ear. Sarah grasped the frame of the window so she wouldn't fall over.

"Holy shit, you scared me." She said, turning slightly to see an eerily joyous looking Jareth standing behind her.

He wore the most charmingly impish grin on his face, and stared at her as if he were a cat and she the mouse. He was a little close, ok really close. Too close for comfort. With no immediate means of escape, Sarah resided to simply deal. Holy fuck, he came out of no where. She thought. His smile widened at the way she looked at him, he was enjoying the little games they played.

"Perhaps I should try harder, to make you more aware of my presence." He said. She wasn't sure if he meant it as flatly as he said it or, something a little more- enticing.

"Everyone is aware of your presence." She said in an exaggerated tone, turning to look out the window, once again.

He gave a huff at her remark, and leaned in, resting his hands on the window sill on either side of her. She shifted closer to the wall. His head was level with hers now, both overlooking the Labyrinth. She felt the awkwardness coming, though he seemed completely indifferent. Maybe she was just thinking about it too much. Why does he have to be so close to me? What is he even doing here? Ugh, I hate these silences. She fought the urge to look over at him.

"You have yet to answer my question, Sarah mine." He said, still staring out the window. She tried not to seem so stiff.

"Uh, yes. It's really beautiful. To be honest, it's just nice to see actual sun light." She said, referring to the dreary confinement of her room.

"You should see it when it sets." He replied.

Sarah's expression twitched, she wasn't expecting a remark like that. It wasn't so much what he said, as it was the tone in which he said it, and the sensual vibe that washed over her. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, they were so close to touching. It was world war three just to keep from looking at him. She didn't say anything in response.

Something caught her attention. Something, out in the distance, had disturbed a flock of birds. She saw the trees rustling as they made there escape into the horizon. She had to admit, she'd never seen a place more beautiful.

"It's so peaceful, and lovely, you'd never know how dangerous it can be." She saw Jareth crack a smile from the corner of her eye.

"Now, why does that sound familiar?" He asked, rhetorically. She looked down and gave a quiet laugh. She didn't know, but Jareth looked at her then, never missing the opportunity to see her smile. Her mind went blank for a moment, her smile lingered, as if recalling a distant memory. Jareth watched with interest.

It was such a picture perfect moment, he'd wrap his arms around her and pull her tight. He'd nuzzle his head into the base of her neck, planting subtle kisses along her shoulder as they stared out at the calm autumn's day. She'd lean back into him, turning her head as he looked up at her. He'd kiss her then, as if they'd enacted the same scene a hundred times over. She'd bat her eye lashes, and he'd smile... But none of that happened. With a mental slap in the face, Sarah shook herself from her daydream. She was still standing by the window, with Jareth's arms still engulfing her. She grew a little antsy. Why in the world am I thinking of these things? Why do I want this- SOMETHING to happen? Why the hell am I waiting for him to make a move. This is so ridiculous.

Jareth didn't notice her inner turmoil, because he was in the exact same situation. He wanted nothing more, than to brush away the hair hiding her face. He wanted to touch her so badly. They were so close, the tension was excruciating. The creaking sound of his leather gloves gripping the window sill, managed to bring him back to reality. Gloves...heh, I wonder how soft she would feel under my caress... He thought, on the verge of being dragged back into his fancy.

"Jareth..." Sarah started. That got his attention. "I've been such a bitch to you in all this. I just want to say I'm sorry, I'm sure you're doing everything you can. And...you're right, you have been generous. After all, I'm not your problem." She said. He rose from the window, just a tad.

"You're not A problem." He said, inching closer so that her back touched his torso. She didn't flinch this time, but relaxed into him- if only slightly.

They stood silent, each not wishing to push the other. The light started to dim. Sarah thought of watching the sun set with the Goblin King, but quickly dismissed the idea. It wouldn't actually set for a few more hours, and she didn't think either of them had the attention span to stand dead quiet, staring out the window, for another three hours. Besides, she shouldn't be encouraging herself. Ugh, this isn't healthy. Why can't I just start yelling at him? Where are those Goblins when you need them...God, I don't think I've ever gone looking for a reason to be angry, especially one that involves my not-so-wellbeing. Shit. She was leaning more and more towards the Goblin King. No, not the Goblin King, towards Jareth. She was slowly getting to know this man, and she wanted to know more. Why did she want to know more? Could she actually be developing feelings for him? She told herself no, but she knew otherwise, and it pissed her off. Ugh, this was so much easier when I was fifteen. Ignorance is bliss.

Sarah's hand rested in the window sill, dangerously close to Jareth's. They were both thinking the same thing. What would happen, if we were to just touch? What would it feel like?

A cool breeze came through the window, making Sarah shiver. She brought her arms to her sides to quell her goosebumps.

"The night is starting to creep in, shall we retire from the window, my dear?" Jareth asked, placing his gloved hands over her bare ones. She stopped stroking her arms, moving away from the window and from him.

"Sure. You must have more -Kingly- stuff to do, I'll just find my way back to my room." She didn't trust herself anymore than she trusted Jareth- well, that wasn't exactly true. She was damn well sure she trusted Jareth a lot more than she trusted herself at the moment. She needed to get away from him, for her own good, so she told herself. Jareth still stood by the window, and made no move towards or away from her.

"Actually, I have no affairs planned for today. Would you care to join me for dinner?" He asked.

She looked at him for a moment, weighing the pros and cons of another evening alone with the Goblin King.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt." She said, not wanting to sound eager or indifferent.

"Until tonight then." He said with a grin, before disappearing right before her eyes.

Sarah stood for a moment, she had half expected him to graciously offer to walk her back to her room, but couldn't complain, she had wanted to be alone. Hadn't she? She was getting tired of all the second guessing fast.

She made her way back to her room in record time. Maybe I'm starting to learn my way around this place. She thought with some satisfaction. She opened the door and entered the chamber, making her way across the room towards the bathroom to freshen up. The golden light from the window made everything glow.

Wait a minute- window? She stopped dead in her tracks, and did a double take. And then another. Where there was once a barren wall, there was now a very large window. The light of the setting sun cast a shimmer over the Underground. It had just started to sink behind a mountain. Thin rays shone through the cracks of the landscape, molding over hilltops and floating through the drifting fog.

A bitter sweet smile spread across her face, and she felt her eyes start to water.

"That son of a bitch was right." She tried to laugh, but failed. Jareth was right, an Underground sunset was proving to be the most spectacular sight she'd ever seen, and he'd given it to her. Her eyes watered a little more. He'd given her something so beautiful, and she was forced to enjoy it alone. She wanted to share this moment with some one, to be able to have another to appreciate such beauty. But, did she want him there? Did she want him with her now? Deep down, was she expecting it? Was that why she was so angry all the sudden?

She looked around the room, hoping to see a pair of boots propped up on the table, but she saw nothing. She was alone. Her stubbornness took hold, angry with herself for such an outburst of emotion.

"Fucking ass-hole." She muttered.

Sarah had been so distracted by everything, she had only bothered to look over the right side of the room- the side with the fire place, where she assumed Jareth would be sitting. Leaning against a wall, just to the left, was a very proud looking Goblin King. His arms were crossed, and one foot draped over the other. It was a stance of pride. He stared at her with an expression of pure victory, and a hint of humor. He was only about a foot away from her.

"I will take that as a thank you." He finally said, unable to resist the impending explosion.

Once again, she nearly fell out the window. This time however, she brought a hand to her chest as she tried to stop her heart from leaping out of her chest. Jareth either couldn't or didn't bother hiding the smile that spread across his lips.

"What. The. Fuck." Sarah said, turning her head to look up at him. He moved from the wall and proceeded to walk past her, dipping in when they neared.

"You're welcome." He said, as he crossed her. Sarah didn't move, she was still a bit startled, and growing more and more aggravated.

"What the hell ever happened to knocking?" She hissed. Jareth looked at her with a playful grin.

"And here I thought this was something you might enjoy, was I wrong?" He asked, raising and eyebrow at her. She tried not to stomp her foot.

She looked out the window once again, the sun had sunk a bit lower. This was what she wanted wasn't it? Hadn't she just been resenting the fact that she was alone? That Jareth wasn't beside her? God she hated to let him win.

"No, you were right. It's even more beautiful than before." She said.

"Then why do you not look so pleased?" He asked. She fidgeted a little. What did she want? She knew what she wanted, but she didn't know how she would react if she actually got it. God Damn It! Why can't I just jump him and get this over with! She screamed. No, no, no, no. I can't do that. Bad Sarah, bad. I can't sleep with him. What would happen then? No, better to just stay away from that all together. All this had swarmed her mind just then, and Jareth was still waiting.

"You just startled me, that's all. Why do I get the feeling you enjoy it?" She asked, eager to change the subject. Jareth straightened a bit.

"Because I do." He said matter-of-factly, turning to make his way towards the fire.

Not much time had past before Sarah gave in and decided to join him. They sat and ate, much the same as the night before, carrying on casual conversation about nothing at all.

"So, I've been thinking. You said all those books are in your native tongue, does that mean you have people? That there's more like you? What are you exactly? You're sure as hell not a Goblin." She laughed. Jareth's attention grew more intense, and he took the time to focus himself on her.

"And why would you think I'm not a Goblin?" He asked, eager to hear her response. Without thinking at all, Sarah blabbed the first thing that came to mind.

"Because you look like a fucking rockstar sent from God's personal ipod." She spat, instantly turning red once she realized what she'd said. Jareth was sure he should find some amusement in her response, but he could only look confused.

"A what?" He asked. Sarah looked up at him, unwilling to believe him. But then she realized something- he wasn't human, he wasn't even from her world. She sat back, unwilling to take his bait. She let out a compliant sigh when she saw the sincerity in his eyes.

"Uh, a glamorous, eccentric person that either sings or plays an instrument who is usually well known throughout the Aboveground." She made the definition as simple and vague as she could. Her face returned to its natural color when his confused expression had yet to falter. Oh, what the hell. The thought, eyeing him with a huff. "Ok, a glamorous, eccentric person, that has a lot of sex appeal to most everyone and is very talented in various ways of entertainment and pleasure." She hoped he would catch on before she made a total fool of herself trying to explain.

"Interesting. What's an ipod?" He asked, before dismissing the question with a wave of his hand. "Never mind, I never understand mortals and their excessive contraptions. As to your question, no. I am not a Goblin. I am a Fae. And yes, there are more of me, though very few." He hunched back in his chair. Sarah leaned in, full of curiosity.

"What's a Fae? Is that short for fairy?" She asked. Jareth raised an eyebrow at her, trying not to laugh at the sheer absurdity.

"My dear, I am no fairy. I am a Fae, a superior magical being. Do I look like a six inch tall flying woman?" He asked. She was about to say something when he cut her off. "Oh, that's right, I look like a rockstar." She closed her mouth and rolled her eyes. When she was sure he was finished mocking her, she continued.

"There's not many of you, are you all alone here?" She asked. His eyes seemed to lock with hers, but she didn't notice.

"I'm a king, of course I'm not alone." He said. She didn't catch the stiffness in his voice.

"That's not what I meant. Are there no others like you here? Is there no Goblin Queen?" She didn't think before she asked, and immediately wished she hadn't said it. Her question was completely out of place. Jareth didn't really wish to discuss such matters with her, he didn't know why the topic bothered him so.

"Why? Have you seen one roaming my halls?" He asked, masking his uneasiness with sarcasm. She wasn't sure if he was actually upset or not.

"I'm sorry, it's none of my business. I just can't imagine it. It must be so lonely." She trailed off. Jareth cast his gaze towards the fire.

"This is a place for the lost and the lonely, it only fits." Their cheery mood was dying fast. He tried to perk up the conversation. "Besides, I can visit your world whenever I so chose. Don't worry, I'm never without ...a friend" He said, with a very implying tone.

Sarah heard what he'd said, but she wasn't listening. The moment he'd said those words -the lost and the lonely- she'd gone blank. Jareth grew concerned with her silence. The shadows of the fire hid her expression from him. He leaned in to get a better look.

"You have a beautiful voice." She spoke softly, not sure if she really wanted to say it. "I, I'd forgotten." She looked up at him with a smile. "I don't know how that could ever be possible, but I did. It was good to hear it again." She said.

Jareth was taken back. The way she looked at him, such a sad love haunted her eyes. He wasn't sure how to react, clearly she'd heard his little number that morning. But why bring it up now all of the sudden? He should have paid more attention.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." He said, just as softly. Her smile widened, just a little. What are you thinking, you precious thing? He wondered.

"It brings back...a lot of memories. Memories that seem forever ago, like in another life...or a dream maybe." She turned towards the fire. "Tell me, why did you protect me. Why help me?" She asked, the question had been nagging at her since she first arrived. Jareth stiffened a little, this was certainly turning into a random conversation of uneasy divulgences.

"I'm not the bad guy Sarah. I only did what you asked of me. We've been through this before, must we recall that nightmare?" He asked. Sarah stared at the crackling flames of the fire, rethinking everything for the first time in eleven years. -I'm exhausted from living up to your expectations of me- ...He wanted me to win, he helped me to survive, to win, but...But I wouldn't let him. He needed to be the villain, some one that I could fight and defeat. Everything he's done, he's done for me...Why? Why would he go through all that trouble? Unless...unless he truly cares about me. Somehow, somewhere, deep down, maybe he cares about me still...But why? Why after all this time? Why are things never just black and white? Why can't something just happen already! Good, bad, I don't care!

"Jareth?" She asked, after a long silence.

"Yes?" He replied, a bit cautious of the direction of their conversation.

"Did you make the sun set for me?" She asked, still lost in the fire. Jareth shifted slightly. What? Why is she asking such random questions? My dear, what is going on inside your pretty little head?

"Perhaps." He answered, a little suspicious of her question.

Sarah smiled, a gesture that caught Jareth off guard.

"Good night, Jareth." She said, out of the blue. Jareth's brow narrowed, he didn't understand her behavior.

"What?" He asked.

"I'm tired, I think it's time for bed. I'll see you tomorrow." Her eyes darted to the floor before looking up to meet his. She wore the same eerie smile. He was still wary and suspicious, but things had gotten too off track, and thought it best to just comply.

Sitting up in his seat, he eyed her intently before speaking.

"Sleep well." And with that, he was gone.

She sat for a minute, when she was sure he wasn't hiding in any nooks or crannies, she stood and made her way towards the dresser, shaking her head and laughing along the way.

" 'I move the stars for no one' - Bullshit." She snickered.