AN1: So this chapter might be a little confusing. There's exposition of the past within a memory that's also in the past. Kinda Inception-y. PM me if you need clarification.

Oh, and I've only been drunk maybe twice in my life and I'm on the petite side so it doesn't take much. I don't know how much alcohol would be needed to render someone Sarah's size blackout drunk. Maybe she's a lightweight like me?

She focused on the scene zooming before her. Talking, talking, Jareth choking down another jalapeno, laughing, her downing a second shooter, more talking... "Hang on!" She cried out reaching behind her to swat at his shoulder. "Pause it… Or at least slow it down a little." She waved the boot in her hand to the left. "Okay, can you rewind just a smidge?" He did so and Sarah observed a third tequila shooter being delivered to their table along with the check. She turned looking at him. "I don't remember ordering a third one."

Jareth looked at the young woman in the restaurant scene. Her face was flushed and her typically sharply bright eyes had a glassy sheen about them. The alcohol was having an effect. "I think it might have been a gift from the waiter- Look."

She did, and noticed how brilliantly their waiter smiled in her direction while frowning at Jareth as he cleaned away their empty plates and glasses. With a wink that Sarah missed since she was laughing at something Jareth had said, the fresh shooter was deposited. She watched herself spy the drink, and with a shrug down it in one gulp. Then, digging through her purse, she deposited a few bills on top of the check. "Let's go to the lake."

Jareth eyed her. "Are you sure you're up for that? You've had three of those-"

"I'm fine." She hiccupped a little. "Besides, the cool air will help sober me up."

"If you insist." He offered her his arm and guided them out the restaurant and into a secluded area around back. He didn't like traveling by automobile- preferring to magic them around. This did have its perks- especially since Sarah's favorite lake was a good 30 miles from here. An hour in the car or, lightning quick travel by, as Sarah called it, 'insta-poof'. He knew what he would pick.

Gathering the giggling woman into his arms he concentrated and they appeared in the shadows next to the well-worn path around the lake. Untangling herself, Sarah straightened her dress which had ridden up while in his embrace. Stepping onto the path, she stumbled and Jareth shot forward to steady her. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he conjured a goblet filled with water. "Here," he said handing it to her. "You need fluids. And a walk."

She took it wordlessly and sipped the cool liquid. Sighing as it combatted the cottony feeling that was forming in her mouth. Instead of watching the path, Jareth watched her. She was lovely- even while drunk. The half-moon cast just enough light for him to see that her face was still flushed with drink. On most people, the ruddiness would lend an ugliness to their features, but he found hers to be enchanting. Particularly on the tip of her nose. He would give anything to kiss that nose- to kiss her.

Tearing his eyes away he looked up to the stars and a sad smile crept across his lips as he observed them twinkling in their simple beauty. A few years ago, he thought he'd try again with Sarah. 'Accidentally' running into her at a local bookshop lead to an awkward reconciliation between them. After adamant reassurances from him that Toby was safe, they forged a friendship.

It was more than he'd hoped for really- even though their friendship on her side was secret. She still shared what she could of her world, and he well, he tried to share his with her. All of the Underground knew who Sarah was- The Champion. Coming face to face with her notoriety caused Sarah to shut down and close herself off. "Why was my Run different? Special?" She had asked him after he quickly brought her home. In her mind she did what any normal person would do- save someone they loved.

Reaching out to lay a comforting hand on her arm, he said "Because YOU are special, Sarah. Don't you see?" He looked into her eyes and saw the disbelief swimming in them.

She shrugged his hand off and walked over to her living room window. Looking out at the street she said, "I think, I need to be alone for a while."

With a curt nod and a sprinkle of glitter- he was gone.

She didn't call on him for a month, and when she did, they talked long into the night. Sipping at her tea which had long gone cold, Sarah asked, "What do they want from me?" She was curled up on her couch, with Jareth lounging in its matching squishy armchair.

Having expected this question, he was fully prepared with an answer. "They merely admire you- your perseverance. They're not asking anything of you." He leaned forward and patted her knee. "You are the only one to beat my Labyrinth, Sarah. Of course, my subjects are going to adore you." He grabbed his tea from the coffee table, which was equally as cold and sipped- making a face when the liquid hit his tongue.

Sarah stared at the dregs in the bottom of her cup. Admiration she could handle- in time. Peeking up at him she voiced her major concern. "They don't want me to… become your queen or anything?"

That question was unexpected, and in reaction Jareth sputtered and coughed- swallowing his tea painfully.

She ignored this and continued. "It's not that I-" She stopped and stood up wringing her hands nervously. "You're very sweet Jareth. And I could easily see us becoming an 'us,' you know? But that would be the limit for now. Anything more would lead to long strings- forever strings. I can't give up my life here to be yours forever. At least not presently," she finished quietly picking at the hem of her shirt.

Jareth quickly gulped down the rest of his tea wishing it was something stronger. She had never indicated any type of attraction to him. In fact, one of his favorite pastimes was to suggest lascivious activities that they could do when they were planning their next outing. They were met with laughter and a "yeah right" or "in your dreams," but he never thought she'd have taken him seriously. Taken them seriously.

This changed things.

Putting his cup down, Jareth stood up and held out his hands. "Come here, I want to show you something." Leading her out into her own backyard, he turned her around so that she stood with her back to him. Leaning down he spoke quietly into her ear. "Remember when you wished away your brother and it came true?"

She nodded not fully understanding.

"As you know that was magic- you could control it, and still can. Look," he pointed at the tiny patch of stars that could be seen from the city. "See that bright star- the one that drowns out the others around it?"

"Yes, but I don't know what this-"

"Focus on it."

"What?" She turned to look at him. "What do you mean 'focus on it?'"

Gently grasping her chin, he turned her to face the stars again. "Trust me and focus on it. Say, you want it to be pink."

"Jareth," she warned. Not in the mood for any of his silly games.

"Sarah," he said with equal warning in his voice. "Try it."

"Fine." Staring at the star she focused with all her being. "Pink. That stupid star needs to be pink."

And well, like magic, the bright star flickered pink- a deep rose pink that glowed warmly at them. Sarah gasped. Turning quickly, she exclaimed with excitement, "it's pink!" He watched her face as a realization formed, but not the one he wanted, for she glared at him. "You did that- didn't you?"

"No. That," he gestured at the pink star that was changing back into brilliant white, "was all you."

"But how?"

Jareth placed both hands on her shoulders, squeezing them when what he really wanted to do was shake her. He sighed. How could someone so brilliant not understand? "Sarah, when you defeated my Labyrinth- defeated me, you walked away with-"

"Certain powers," she whispered as comprehension hit her. "But in the story the king gave the girl powers…"

"I gave you the power to call upon me. But in winning you got to keep them- and gained more." He dropped his hands and balled them into fists at his side, silently deciding that this wasn't going to end well.

"More? What do you mean more?" She cocked her head studying him. Trying to figure out his thought process.

"The Labyrinth granted you powers equal to mine," he said avoiding her gaze.

Sarah took a step back feeling claustrophobic. This was much bigger than the admiration and notoriety. "And just when were you going to tell me this?" She demanded.

"I had planned on telling you the day we visited the Underground, but that didn't turn out well." Jareth took a deep breath and reached for her hands. Barely touching them he said, "Sarah, they won't grow and flourish here. To develop them, you need to be in the Underground. Permanently," he added so quietly she thought she'd misheard him.

When she didn't say anything, he continued. "You wouldn't have to become my queen, Sarah." He squeezed her fingers hoping she'd understand. "But it's something I wouldn't mind."

Sarah's mind latched onto the word 'permanently'. A rushing sound filled her ears as panic set in, and she missed the rest of his speech. "Permanently?" She choked out. "Perma-" Her eyes widened as all thoughts of them being an 'us' fled. Instead her mind boiled over with a million different negative scenarios. "It's a trap. You're trying to trap me!" She snarled.

"Sarah," he said as calmly and gently as he could. "It's not a trap-"

Sarah stalked forward poking him in the chest with her index finger. "Not a trap," she mimicked. "I knew Fae were tricksters but this… you tell me that I have unimaginable powers but the only way to cultivate them is to abandon my life here?" She turned away and walked over to her patio set resting her hands on the cool metal table.

"Sarah," he called out from behind her. "You don't have to do anything. Just forget I mentioned it." There she was- rejecting him again.

"No, this changes everything."

This time, it took another three months before she called.

One of their unspoken agreements when she let him back into her life for the second time was to not bring up the pink star incident. He knew, that when she was ready, she'd talk about it.

"Jareth, what are you thinking about?" She drained her cup and handed it back to him. She was feeling better. The world was still dancing around her on the edges, but at least she was steadier on her feet.

"Stars," he said not looking away from them. "Just contemplating the stars."

"Oh," she looked up. "See any pink ones?" She asked lightly.

Jareth looked down at her and pushed an errant hair behind her ear. "No."

Feeling something small shift between them, Sarah was grateful when she spied her favorite spot over his shoulder. She broke into a grin. "Come on," she grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the rocky outcrop. On top of it, with an old oak tree one on end, and the lake at the other, sat a large flat rock. If one sat just right on the rock, all they would see was lake around them. It was her favorite spot because it gave the sense of flying.

Surprisingly agile, regardless of the alcohol she'd consumed, Sarah made quick work climbing up. Standing on the tip over the water- she spread her arms wide, and squeaked as Jareth's strong arms snaked around her waist and pulled her away from the edge. Not expecting Sarah to yield so quickly, he lost his footing, and stumbled backwards until his back hit the oak tree with Sarah still encased in his arms.

Sliding down the tree they sat stunned for a bit until she started laughing at him. Bell like peals, fell from her lips and were quickly swallowed up in the surrounding darkness. "Smooth."

"I didn't fancy a swim," he said trying to regain his usual regal bearing.

"Hmm." Wiggling slightly in his lap to make herself more comfortable Sarah wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her ear against his chest listening to his soothing heartbeat. This was the closest they had been since the peach masquerade nearly 14 years ago. It was nice, she decided.

"Jareth- I'm sorry." She raised her head to look at him. "For closing you out. For pushing you away. I was wrong."

He smiled at her. Eyes full of warmth and affection. Cupping her cheek in his hand he said, "I understand- it's a lot to take in. I'll always accept you in my life. No matter what capacity."

Sarah felt like something else passed through them at that moment. Like a greater understanding on both sides. She wondered if he felt it too. Or, she reasoned, it could have been the tequila.

Tentatively, she raised her hand and explored his cheekbone with her fingertips. His skin was smooth like one of his crystals, but warm and yielding to her fingers. Her eyes followed the path of her fingers as they traced their way down to his jaw. Closing the distance between them Sarah leaned forward and captured his lips with her own.

"Wait." Once again, the image paused. Sarah turned towards Jareth, her eyes bright with glee. "I remember." Dropping the boot, she stepped towards him and placed her hands on either side of his face, pulling him down. "I kissed you like this."

She proceeded to kiss him like she did the night before. A soft and sweet meeting of their lips which escalated quickly when she ran her tongue against his bottom lip and nipped at it with her teeth, gaining entrance as he offered her more. Their tongues parried and withdrew in an intimate dance. He tasted of nighttime and cool breezes; while she tasted of springtime and warm sunshine. A perfect balance.

With a groan he pulled her hips flush against his and buried his hands into her messy hair. She echoed his motions by threading her fingers through his feathery locks. Pulling away he looked into her eyes. They were black with desire- no doubt mirroring his own, and his bed was only a few feet off to the left. He could break the spell that was encircling them and they could fall back into bed.

Instead he decided to play with her. "So, you remember everything, do you?" He asked silkily.

"Yes," she said, not knowing why he stopped.

He nodded towards their frozen image. "What happened after this?"

Craning her neck over her shoulder she looked at themselves locked in an intimate embrace. Smiling sheepishly, she answered. "I told you I had to use the ladies' room. And completely spoiled the moment."

"Close. It was more like 'Jareth, I have to pee.'" He teasingly corrected.

Still, he had insta-poofed him to his castle so Sarah could use the facilities.

He smiled. "And? After that?" He prompted.

Sarah blushed a deep, deep red. Even redder than she had been after drinking all that tequila. "I uh… smacked your ass."

He fast-forwarded themselves once again, playing from the point of what had happened after her trip to the ladies' room.

They watched a rousing chase through the corridors of his castle. Skittering to a halt, Sarah dove into a dark room and shrieked with laughter as Jareth caught her from behind. She turned towards him unable to see anything in the darkness. His lips crashed upon hers as he steered them towards a wall. Sliding down it he maneuvered them so that he was laying on his back on the floor with her stretched out on top- exploring the planes of his chest with her hands

Completely engrossed in each other, they didn't notice the torches lining the walls flicker to life. He rolled them over, once, twice- until Sarah was once again on top. Breaking their kiss, he moved along her jaw- alternating nips of his sharp teeth with soothing caresses of his tongue. He was busy worrying the rapidly beating pulse at her throat when Sarah's hold on him tightened ten-fold.

"Mmm, like that, do you?" He moved the strap of her dress down her shoulder and peppered that spot with kisses.

"Jareth?" Sarah squeaked. She had ceased moving. In fact, she held as still as a statue.

He took no notice "Yes, my precious one?" he raised the hem of her dress so that he could caress her hip.

"Why are we upside down?" She asked, digging her fingers into his back to keep purchase. So desperately that the fabric of his silk shirt tore.

"Hmm?" That got his attention. Looking up, he assessed the room around them and nonchalantly replied with, "Escher Room," and resumed worrying her earlobe with his teeth.

"Stop that!" Sarah went to smack his shoulder but thought better of it, wrapping her legs around his waist so tightly that he couldn't move.

"Sarah, you're making it hard for me to-" He looked down at her. She was pale and trembling. His gaze softened as he realized what was going on with her. "Sarah, it's okay." He tightened his hold on her trying to calm her down. When she didn't, he turned them in the opposite direction and they landed on top of the platform.

Sarah was still trembling with her eyes shut tight. "Oh, sweetheart" he cooed, stroking her back soothingly. I've got you. You're safe."

Opening her eyes a crack Sarah noted that they were once again upright. Or at least as upright one could be in such a room. With a sigh of relief, she relaxed fully- her body becoming limp from released tension.

He continued to stroke her back and sooth her with nonsensical words until she eventually snuggled into him and fell asleep.

During all of this, the observing Sarah had picked up his boot and retched the remaining contents of her stomach inside of it. "I hate that room," she muttered. "You're lucky I didn't barf all over you."

"Hmm, well at least they're both ruined." Jareth looked at his boot sadly and handed her another goblet of water.

Rinsing her mouth, she spat into the footwear and looked at him. "Hey, wait a minute… we didn't do anything. You said, 'zero gravity sex.'"

"Wishful thinking." He took a sip from the goblet smirking at her.

"Jerk." Sarah swatted at his arm. Another question niggled at her. "If I hadn't gotten scared would we have…?"

"Had sex? No, I would never take advantage of an inebriated woman."

But how come we were both naked this morning?"

He pointed behind her.

Once again, she watched the screen as he tenderly picked her up and carried her back to his chambers. Removing her shoes, he tucked her under the covers. Without hesitation, Jareth snapped his fingers- depositing their clothing in a neat stack at the foot of his bed. Crawling in behind her, he held her close until sleep claimed him as well.

"That still doesn't answer my question."

He shrugged. "I sleep nude. It's more comfortable that way. And 'when in Rome,'" he quoted.

"Ah." They watched themselves sleep. Never knowing how peaceful and content they had been until now.

Clapping his hands once, Jareth ended the spell. With a sprinkling of glitter, the bubble burst and his room was revealed once more. He took the boot from her and walked over to snag the other one. Thinking for a minute, he banished them to the Bog.

He stood there steeling himself for another rejection. Sighing heavily, dreading the inevitable, he towards Sarah and asked, "How long this time?"

"What?" Sarah looked up from trying to decide for the second time if any part of her clothing was salvageable.

"How long before I see you again this time? Six months? Eight?"

"Oh." Sarah grabbed his hand and pulled him over to his bed where they sat.

"Sarah, this," he motioned between them, "is big. This changes so much."

It did, but not as much as he thought. They slept together without actually sleeping together- that was a bridge she certain they would forge eventually. And she supposed, the kissing and things were something that once started, wouldn't be stopped easily. Her heart squeezed painfully at the thought of it stopping. Of the distance that she had imposed upon them- the pain she caused him.

She didn't know where they were heading with this, but did know the adventure wouldn't be boring. Nothing with him was ever boring. Nervously playing with his hand she said earnestly, "Never. I'll never push you away again. I'm a very introverted person and when my world changes drastically, I need time to process. "And this," she gestured between them, "we'll process this together." Looking into his eyes she saw relief trickle through them. In turn, he drank the truth swirling inside of hers. Kissing him she sealed her promise.

After a moment she pulled away. "I do have one more question: our clothes. I was led to believe that they were torn off in a fit of passion, and that didn't happen. So, what did, Jareth?"

He smiled a warm smile and laid down on the bed, pulling her with him to snuggle into his side. "Spartacus."

She sat up looking down at him, mouth agape with confusion. "Spartacus? Who's…?"

He placed a finger across her mouth, shushing her questions. He started laughing heartily- it was a warm rich sound filled the chamber and made Sarah think of chocolate.

"Spartacus," he repeated firmly, as though the name answered all questions: asked and unasked- and kissed the tip of Sarah's nose.

Disclaimer: Jareth and Sarah are not mine. They belong to Jim Henson and Co.

AN2: Not betaed- all errors are mine. I am looking for one for all these little fics that pop into my head.

AN3: The bit about not knowing where they're going but that it wouldn't be boring. Yeah, that's based on an actual quote from David Bowie: "I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring." It's one of my favorites of his since it's a good outlook on life in general.

AN4: Spartacus. You will meet him soon- in a companion piece. Only hint for now: he's not a goblin and (might) have a sidekick named Piccadilly.