Chapter 8: As Long As Grasses Grow and Rivers Run

Thanks to all of you who took the time to read this story and leave a review. I'm so incredibly thankful for all of your kind words. I hope you enjoy this chapter. As usual, David Darling deserves some love for his music.

It was a grand ball filled with masks and elaborate costumes not in any way modern. She could hear the cackling of men and women. Sarah was searching for someone, but she couldn't remember who it was. She was confused, and the masks didn't help. Did they want to help her or hurt her?

Slightly disoriented, Sarah didn't know what to do. Even behind the masks she could feel everyone leering at her. Still searching, she saw him then, the king. He approached her, his eyes never leaving her and as if the universe demanded it, their bodies came together for the dance.

As he led her on the floor, mask still in place, Sarah ignored the fact that everyone else was watching them. She wanted to speak, but couldn't. It was dangerous, but she couldn't release herself from his spell. It was only when she looked into his eyes and willed the mask to be removed that she recognized the face.

"Seth?" Sarah said.

"You have to remember." The king spoke. "Maybe a kiss will remind you."

As his lips moved toward hers, Sarah shot up in her bed. Desperately inhaling air, she ran her hand through her hair. Her heart raced and she turned her head to see Seth sleeping next to her; his pale body was a sight to behold. It was then that she remembered she was only clad in her bra and panties.

"A dream." Sarah whispered to herself.

"Sarah?" Seth spoke. He placed his hand on her lower back as a sign of reassurance.

"I'm sorry if I woke you up."

"Bad dream?"

"That's just it. I haven't had a dream in years, or at least, one that I could remember so clearly." Sarah began to get out of bed.

Jareth could see that she was visibly disturbed. He decided not to press on as she walked around her bedroom; it was like she didn't know what to do next.

"Are you alright?" Jareth asked, now sitting up in her bed.

"I'm fine." She quickly spoke.

Clearly she wasn't.

"I just need to take a shower."

Moments later he heard the water running. Rather than worry about it, he decided to be spontaneous. Walking into her bathroom, he could see her through the glass door. Her eyes met his as she was standing under the shower. The steam from the water did nothing to break their gaze. Her eyes held the invitation he desired and he removed his underwear and joined her. The two stood face to face for the first few seconds before Sarah grabbed her bottle of shampoo and put a small amount in her hand. He could have easily looked at what he denied himself the night before, but he could be a bit of a masochist when it came to torturing himself. Jareth was more than happy to watch her wash herself, but he wasn't expecting to feel her fingers massaging his scalp.

"Your fingers weave magic." Jareth said as he enjoyed the contact.

He closed his eyes and indulged in the sensation. No one had ever done such a thing for him, even as king.

"Rinse." Sarah gently spoke as she pushed him directly under the water.

Next, Sarah grabbed the bar of soap and lathered it up before she started to wash him body part by body part. The two held the eye contact until Sarah moved down to wash his legs. Jareth kept staring at the shower wall in front of him. He felt himself grow hard when her fingers gently cradled his sex. That too was washed.

Finally looking down, he saw her crouched before him. She moved up to meet him, her hand still on him. She rested her head in the nook of his neck just below his chin as she slowly stroked him. Jareth reminded himself to breathe in and out as she continued to stroke him. Her kisses began at his neck and made their way to his lips as he felt her pace grow quicker.

Seconds later he leaned back as he felt his release getting closer. His head now hit the wall and Jareth looked to see that Sarah was watching him with an intense gaze. He never saw such a thing from her, and it matched with the magic of her hand; he didn't realize how vocal he was in his release until he brought her lips to his.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her breasts against him. Such a thing was the least of his concerns as the two continued to kiss under the water. He wanted to reciprocate, but he didn't have the stamina to do it just yet. His legs were a bit weak, and he just wanted to feel her in his arms.

He didn't realize that the contact was broken until he saw her quickly wash her hair.

"You should have told me. I would have gladly done that." Jareth said, his body still against the wall.

"I couldn't help myself." Sarah said, now washing her body. "I loved seeing you like that; it made me feel powerful."

"That's all?" Jareth asked, moving towards her so that her back was now against the wall.

"Yes." Sarah joked, smiling into his kiss.

"You will be the death of me." Jareth whispered as he traced his hands along her breasts.

"I think we've used up enough water, don't you think?" Sarah whispered before putting some space between herself and her guest.

"Why deny yourself?" Jareth asked confusedly as Sarah shut off the water.

"I'm not. You know, sometimes things can be about you." Sarah spoke.

She stepped out of the shower and began to towel herself off before adding, "Besides, I'm starving!"

Jareth laughed as she began to dress herself. He had no choice but to put on the clothes he had on the night before. Moments later they were in the kitchen and Jareth watched as Sarah prepared a meal to break their fast.

"I hope you like oatmeal. I have to go to the store today."

"That sounds just fine."

After a few minutes of silence in the kitchen, Jareth asked, "So, what was that dream about?"

It clearly bothered her given the look on her face as she fixed herself a cup of coffee. Sitting down at the table, Jareth joined her.

"I really can't explain it. I haven't had a dream so vivid in years, well, since my time at the hospital. It scared me to be honest."

"What was so scary about it?" Jareth asked.

"It was him and it was if I was back there." Sarah whispered.

It appeared as if she spoke any louder, the world would hear and she would be imprisoned again.

"I was dancing, and I knew it was him, but it was you."

Jareth didn't know whether to be happy that she saw him in her dream, or worried about whether or not it would be a setback.

"We have been spending a lot of time together. I'm no expert on dreams, but isn't that how those things tend to work?"

"I just don't know what to think about it." Sarah stated. Fear trembled in her voice as she added, "What if I relapse?"

"You won't!" Jareth quickly added. "It was just a silly dream. You should focus on what is here in front of you, and I don't mean me. You have a life here, and people in your life who you can count on."

"You're right." Sarah said, nodding as she got up to check on the oatmeal.

As she checked the pot on the stove and readied two bowls, Jareth came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Placing his head on her shoulders, he laced his fingers together as he swayed their bodies left to right. He didn't have to see her smile to know that was what she was doing.

"Was this how we were dancing in your dream?"

"No, you had better moves. Is bad dancing a reality I have to get used to?"

"Hopefully not." Jareth replied before inhaling the scent of their breakfast.

After grocery shopping together, Sarah offered to take Jareth on a guided walk through Central Park. It was now a bit of a joke between the two considering he admitted he got lost there once. The air was crisp and it was a perfect day to stroll through the acreage.

"Can I tell you something?" Sarah asked as she and her companion walked arm in arm.

"You can tell me anything."

"I really am thankful for your friendship."

"I thought we were more than just friends." Jareth replied, smirking at Sarah.

Sarah began to blush slightly.

"Well, after last night…" Sarah softly spoke.

"And this morning..." Jareth jokingly added.

"I'm not used to having someone in my life that has been so accepting of my history."

"Sarah, I know you're afraid to let your guard down, but I feel that if we didn't explore all that is happening to us then it will be one of my greatest regrets."

"You make it easy to do those things. You do know that, right?"

"I may need you to remind me every now and again."

"Oh, I'm sure you won't let me forget." Sarah said as the two continued walking.

The next few days ushered in a new phase in their relationship. Sarah was more open and affectionate. Jareth never considered himself a fan of PDA, thinking it immature and sappy, but he freely indulged in such things when Sarah was involved. He was even more pleased when she was the one to initiate it.

It was more than just holding hands. Sometimes she would wrap an arm around his waist as they waited for the subway train. It was just enough to let the world know that they were together, but not enough bring out the cynicism that usually followed such things. Jareth never realized just how important something so simple as touch could be.

He would give her the seat on the subway while he stood next to her. Using one hand to grip and balance himself, he tended to keep his other hand in a pocket. With Sarah, it was different. Jareth loved it when she would unconsciously grab his spare hand and softly run her fingers up and down it. Sure, she was paying attention to the people and visuals around her, but they were never apart.

Jareth didn't feel the guilt as much anymore, but it lingered like a ghost waiting to intrude on his happiness. And that was the feeling he had, pure and simple happiness. Her dream had been jaring, but maybe if she slowly remembered things then it would be easier to accept his big lie.

It wasn't a sea change with Sarah, but she began playing more and Jareth was more than willing to be her audience of one. He saw a newfound confidence in her playing, and Jareth was not one to offer advice when he wasn't asked to deliver it.

And then there were the sleepovers.

It has been a custom for Jareth to spend a two or three nights at Sarah's apartment and vice versa during the week. It allowed him to grow even closer to her, and for Sarah to tear down the walls she had spent years building up. Jareth applauded himself for the fact that while he was oh so tempted to take her, neither one was a fan of pressuring the other. Still, there were small indulgences.

Jareth spent so much time imagining the fantasy of indulging in her flesh, but he didn't understand that true intimacy was something one didn't need sex to achieve. And that's what they were doing, building intimacy. He loved how she melted into his body when they went to bed at night; it was the perfect ending to their day. He swore to himself every night that if she accepted his true identity then he would end every night with her the same way. There was pleasure though, but they both understood that building a relationship on carnal pleasure alone was not the best foundation.

And it was here, as he held her sleeping form close in his embrace, that he replayed their evening in his mind. He invited her to dinner, but she insisted on utilizing his fancy kitchen to cook a proper meal. She offered to teach him how to make her grandmother's lasagna, and he was more than happy to see her domestic skills. She could play the cello immaculately, and she could cook that way also.

After cleaning and putting away the dishes, Jareth indulged Sarah by placing her atop the kitchen counter. He inserted his body between her legs as the two kissed each other.

"I didn't purchase a dessert." Sarah said apologetically.

"The wine was a sufficient replacement." Jareth replied.

"It's not sweet though."

Jareth ran his hand under Sarah's skirt, feeling her squirm under his touch. As he traced his finger over her quim, he kept his eyes on hers as he saw her straighten up her back. Kissing her lips, Jareth moved aside the thin fabric and inserted two fingers in her wet warmth.

"I've thought about doing this to you all day." Jareth whispered in Sarah's ear as he noticed her meeting the rhythm of his fingers.

"And here I thought you wanted a home cooked meal." Sarah replied jokingly.

"Oh, my Sarah if you only knew." Jareth said, looking deviously at Sarah before replacing his fingers with his tongue. He could feel Sarah slide a leg along his side as she leaned back into the counter.

As he lapped at her sweetness, Jareth heard Sarah whisper,

"Seth, look at me."

He couldn't deny her this. He couldn't deny her anything. Soon her orgasm took her over, and she leaned her head back against the cabinet door. It took her a few seconds before she looked at the man still crouched down between her legs. Jareth slowly kissed the flesh of her inner thighs, rubbing his cheeks against her skin.

"I'm tempted to ask how you learned such magic tricks."

Jareth stood up and placed his forehead against hers.

"Is this the awkward moment where we trade stories of past lovers?"

"No, I don't care about those things."

"You shouldn't. My devotions lie solely with you." Jareth said before he kissed her lips.

It was then that Jareth realized nothing would stand in the way of their happiness. He would fight for it; he would die for it. What was once a simple plan had become a simple routine. Still, the though to the truth weighed heavily on him. But for now, he couldn't think about it. The breathing of Sarah was enough to sing him to sleep.

"How are things going with Seth?" Dr. Corley asked.

"Great. Wonderful. I'm pretty sure we're dating even though we haven't really acknowledged it out loud." Sarah responded.

"You look so happy. It's a look I've never seen on you."

"His office extended his stay for a few more months. I find that it's easier to not focus on the big picture. It's forcing me to enjoy each day as it comes rather than worry about a future that I truly have no control over."

"You have no idea how it pleases me to hear such things Sarah."

"He even knows about everything, and he's still here by my side." Sarah said, her eyes tearing up. "I never thought I'd experience that from another human being."

"How does it feel?"

"Honestly, like I can do anything now. I feel a new sense of confidence and it's seeped into my playing, my teaching, and just how see the world. It was easy to be jaded, but Seth has helped me to open up."

"Tell me more about him."

"I'm pretty sure I mentioned that he is a lawyer."

"What firm?"

This question perplexed Sarah.

"I don't know actually."

"Well, have you Googled him?"

"I don't really go online. I'm not someone who is a huge fan of all of that stuff."

Sarah could see the hesitation on Dr. Corley's face.

"You think I need to be cautious?" Sarah asked.

"It just all seems rather rushed and I can't help but wonder if his intentions are pure."

"I was following your advice, you know! I don't get it. I need to be open to others, but not with him?"

"Sarah, I think you don't know much about this man. I don't want to paint him as someone who would potentially take advantage of you. Aren't you curious?"

Sarah was silent, but deep in thought.

"Maybe you should be." Dr. Corley said.