I'm sorry for the long wait. With finals and my brother's graduation, I didn't have a lot of time to write. I offer this chapter up as a peace offering. I think you all will really like it.

Jareth was desperately trying to force air into his lungs. Huffing. Puffing. Huffing. Puffing.

"Please..." Jareth started, gripping his knees, "can't we just walk for a bit?"

"Oh, come on! You're a king for crying out loud!" Sarah said, spry on her feet as she kept her body in motion.

"Physical fitness was not something I ever had to worry about." Jareth said, still trying to catch his breath.

"Well, you asked to tag along on my morning run." Sarah said, still staying light on her feet.

Jareth had to admit that seeing a sweaty Sarah was an absolute turn on. Her ponytail bobbed from side to side as she tried to keep her muscles warm. It was worth the pain he was experiencing. She warned him about shin splints, and while he didn't understand what she was getting at thirty minutes earlier, he now felt like he was going to be spending his afternoon researching ways to remedy it.

"By the gods and goddesses, cut me some slack here. How can I compete against you?"

"This isn't a competition, but I see you're trying to make it one." Sarah responded while she winked.

Seeing the various vehicles pass the streets without any regard to the joggers, Jareth wondered how nobody got hit in the process.

"You know, there are paths to run in Central Park. Why the sidewalks?" Jareth asked as he followed Sarah's lead.

She was kind enough to go at a slower pace for his sake.

"Because they're alive. I get bored by the silence of the park." Sarah said as she jogged beside him.

Continuing to catch his breath, Jareth tried to understand her reasoning behind such decisions. He didn't want to sound like a whiny child, but he didn't know how much longer his body could take her daily form of exercise. When he nearly tripped over a rock, Sarah stopped running and gripped his forearm.

"You okay?" Sarah asked.

"Yeah." Jareth said, stopping again to catch his breath.

Why did she have to be so damn irresistible? Wiping the sweat off of his brow, Jareth looked up at Sarah and it appeared as if she hadn't even broken a sweat. Every part of her was pristine, and he knew that such a thing could never be admitted to in the Underground. Oh, how his subjects would laugh at him!

"I think I should just call it a day. If you want to continue running, I'll catch up with you in a few hours." Jareth added jokingly.

"Easy there. I'll call it a day too." Sarah said as she slowly walked to match his pace. As the two slowed their pace, Sarah talked about how frustrated she was with her upcoming work week. The workload was getting heavy because of a showcase featuring all of the students. Jareth understood that their time would be limited, but maybe the busy schedule would make the grace period easier for him.

Each day brought them closer to the end, but it was time he allowed himself to indulge in her every whim. She indulged in his too, but it was no longer about him. It hadn't been since the moment he worked his way back into her life. He was all too aware of his past mistakes, and he wasn't eager to repeat the past. Now it was about enjoying the now. Even though he knew his body would pay for it in a matter of hours, he smiled knowing that it was all worth it if he got to have a life with the woman walking next to him.

Four days later

Jareth had given Sarah a key to his place just as she did him days ago. According to humans, it was a sign of trust and a positive step forward in their relationship. Grabbing a fresh cup of pressed coffee, Jareth immediately perked up when he heard the sound of a key being inserted in the lock of the front door as it was being knocked on. Running into the living area to greet Sarah, he tried not to spill his favorite drink as he heard the door open and shut.

"I'm sorry I didn't call you to warn you earlier. My phone died." Sarah said as she dragged Mischa behind her, exhausted after a day at school.

She suddenly paused when she saw a space cleared in the middle of the room.

"What's this?" Sarah asked curiously.

"I have a surprise for you." Jareth said.

Jareth watched as Sarah walked towards the surprise: a cello, but not just any cello.

"This isn't what I think it is?" Sarah asked.

"Well, it depends on what you think it is." Jareth cooly replied.

"There's no way you arranged to get your hands on a Davidov Stradivarius! Instruments like those are worth more than some of the properties on Central Park West." Sarah appeared afraid to touch it, as if her fingerprints would forever stain it.

"It's not a real Stradivarius, I'm afraid, but it's a very close replica."

"What's this for then?" Sarah asked, looking up at Jareth.

"I want you to teach me."

"Seriously?" Sarah was still in a state of disbelief.

"Well, I don't think I'm as promising as some of your students, but I think I could stand to learn a few things. I'm sure the last thing you want to do is teach an adult after a day full of kids, but I thought…"

"I'd love to." Sarah stated, smiling at Jareth.

"Did you buy this?" Sarah asked as she circled the instrument.

"No, but I did a lot of digging around."

"It's beautiful. How long will you have it?" Sarah said.

"Only for a few weeks. The shopper told me it has a few nicks, but its sound is all the more richer. It's easy to treat them badly if you know it's not yours to keep forever." Jareth acknowledged.

"That's true."

"Shall we begin? Come on, teach me something Ms. Williams." Jareth said, excitement running through his veins.

Sarah taught him the proper way to sit in the chair and grip the instrument and bow. It took longer than Jareth originally imagined it would, but one of the things he admired about her was the fact that she made it all look so easy.

He never considered the importance of cut nails with the instrument along with proper finger placement. Such things were easily taken for granted. Four hours later, their first official lesson was over. Jareth felt comfortable with a few notes, but he had to admit that it was hard to pay attention to her when he felt her hands on top of his, "teaching" him the various techniques she was born to master.

After the lesson, they ordered in Thai. There was a tense silence that permeated the room as the two ate. Jareth knew something was on her mind, but she was debating within herself whether or not she should ask it.

"Just ask me whatever it is that is bothering you." Jareth said.

"Can I see you? The real you."

"This is me." Jareth responded.

"You know what I mean." Sarah asked, placing her fork down as if to ready herself.

Jareth didn't realize that he braced himself before summoning the magic in himself to transform into the Jareth Sarah saw all those years ago. His hair had tamed itself down with the passage of time, but it was still there in all of its pale glory. He could feel Sarah's grip on the table as she observed him. He could tell she was having a flashback to her time in his labyrinth, but she remained calm.

Her face was unreadable. It looked as if she was afraid of his true form. She processed the truth, but she never got to do it with him in his true form.

"Thank you." Sarah said, returning her attention to her meal.

"I can tell it has disturbed you." Jareth said, feeling himself return to his physical persona.

"No." Sarah was quick to say, but Jareth knew she was lying.

She took a few more bites of her pad rad nah before resting her fork on the plate.

"I'm afraid." Sarah said.

"What are you afraid of?" Jareth asked.

"I'm used to seeing you like this, not as you are in the Underground. I thought I could put them together, but it's not so easy."

"My magic won't allow me to keep up that guise when I'm here."

"Does it bother you that I'm a bit attached to your current incarnation?"

Jareth took a few seconds to think about his answer.

"I would lying if I denied it."

"I understand that you're really you, but I don't think Underground Jareth would blend in so easily." Sarah said as she smiled. "Please tell me the fashion trends have changed since my time there."

"Oh, you think you're funny!" Jareth said, catching her dig at his clothing.

"Oh no, nothing's changed I bet." Sarah said as she continued laughing.

Jareth grabbed a spring roll and nibbled on it as he tried to act offended, but he couldn't help but join in with her giggle fest.

"You know, your people have had some horrific decades in fashion too. Bloody hell, who thought disco and shell suits were a stroke of genius?"

The two continued to laugh as they finished their meals.

As Jareth watched Sarah leave that night, he knew it would take some time for Sarah to get used to his real form. Enough time would lead to acceptance, and time was what they both seemed to have plenty of. He felt a sense of hope that was laced with promise and positivity. Her retreating form reminded him that he had so much to look forward to. She loved him, accepted him, and one day she would be his wife.

Days later Sarah invited Jareth over for another cello lesson. He wasn't making any significant progress, at least, he felt that way. Sarah was patient with him, and even though he knew he wasn't meant to play such an instrument, he was all the more happy to have one on one time with Sarah. After three hours of repositioning his fingers and stretching out his own patience, Jareth was ready to end his lesson.

"Would you play something for me?" Jareth asked.

"I'm tired of playing, but for you, I'll make an exception." Sarah said as she fixed her posture.

It took her a few seconds to chose something. He wasn't familiar with the piece, and a part of him believed she was just making it up on the spot. She wore a black sweater, still shy about revealing her scar to the world, and the gaze she always possessed when she played was present. It was a slow tune, but it wasn't morbid or depressing. Jareth walked behind her, focusing on the sheen of her dark hair. He didn't realize that he placed his hands on her shoulders until she stopped playing.

"Was it bad?" Sarah asked, looking up at him.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think this would stop you. Your playing was exquisite."

He couldn't explain the sudden urge he had. It came over him suddenly, and he figured it best to go with his instincts.

"Shall we dance?" Jareth asked.

"Aren't we missing something?" Sarah asked.

Sarah appeared to be surprised, but Jareth didn't notice her hesitation when she stood up and placed his hand in hers.

"I seem to recall your dancing skills. They weren't so wonderful." Sarah said, as she felt Jareth place on hand on her waist and the other held her hand.

"Well, before you learned about my true identity, I may have done so on purpose. I'm rather wonderful when it comes to waltzes."

"Really?" Sarah asked, surprised that it was part of his earlier ruse.

"I think I can manage."

"I don't think my apartment is big enough for a Viennese waltz."

Jareth led Sarah through the steps, and it didn't take long for the two of them to be in perfect step for the waltz. He was reminded of their dance together all those years ago, and he was tempted to see if she remembered it, but he didn't."

"I must applaud you."

"For my dancing skills?"

Sarah laughed before continuing, "No. We passed up the grace period three days ago, and you haven't mentioned anything about it."

"I know. I chose not to make a big deal out of it."

"Why?" Sarah asked, as she allowed him to continue to lead their dance.

"You still don't see how much power you have over me?" Jareth whispered, desperation in his features.

This caught Sarah off guard a bit.

"I don't know what say about that."

"You don't have to say anything. The fact that we're here says it all."

Jareth pulled Sarah's head towards him. He felt such a sense of relief that she had forgiven him. It was a warmth that filled his heart in a way he had never felt before. He closed his eyes, not realizing that he was humming along to the Beethoven tune he saw her play some time ago. He imagined her upper back was the neck of the instrument as he softly moved the pads of his fingers up and down the fabric of her sweater.

He smelled gardenias and knew it must have been her perfume or shampoo. The two swayed in perfect unison, still to no music. The sounds of New York traffic provided an interesting soundtrack mixed with his variation of pieces she tried to teach him. Jareth felt Sarah curl into his body, molding herself to fit perfectly into his arms. Here. This moment. This was all he ever wanted, but he didn't realize it until it happened.

The silence was thick, and for a moment Jareth thought Sarah had fallen asleep, but she began to play with the collar of his shirt.

"My shirt has caught your interest." Jareth softly said, their bodies still swaying.

"I'm more interested in the person underneath it." Sarah responded.

Jareth could tell that there was a question on her mind.

"What is it precious? I know there is a question on the tip of your tongue."

"I don't know if it's so much of a question. I suppose I can't believe that you would still be willing to stay here with me."

"Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't think many would do such a thing. I never thought you would do such a thing. I know, I'm beating a dead horse, but it all feels like a dream that I will soon wake up from. What if you're not here? What if I wake up in the hospital? What if all of this was and is a figment of my imagination?"

Jareth stopped moving and focused on Sarah's green eyes. He placed his hands around her face, hoping his touch could somehow convince her that the horrors of her past were over. Now was the time to move on and build a better life together.

"Those days are over Sarah." He kissed her, pouring all of his love and frustration into the passion play. Guiding his tongue to trace hers, Jareth felt Sarah grip on to his shoulders. She was giving in, truly giving herself over to him: heart and soul. After a minute or two of snogging, Jareth felt Sarah wrap her arms around him in a hug. He felt a sense of protection from her arms; it only made him feel as if the two could conquer the world together.

"Take me to bed." Sarah whispered into his ears.

He wasn't expecting to hear those words from her. Jareth expected Sarah would want a few more days, so it was odd for him to question her words.

"I don't want you to feel like we should move forward because of the grace period." Jareth said.

"I'm not. I'm tired of running away from everything. I've spent the last eight years of my life doing that. I'm ready, you know. I've been ready for a life with you." Sarah implored.

Jareth didn't realize that he picked Sarah up and headed towards her bedroom until he placed her on the duvet cover. Sarah began to remove her top, but Jareth moved quickly to stop her hands.

"Don't." Jareth whispered as he slowly began to pull the black cotton over her torso.

He could hear her take in a breath and expel it - the tension thick with lust. Jareth gently removed each arm from its sleeve, tracing his fingers over her skin. When he came upon her scar, he paused and traced his lips over it. It was a reminder that he almost lost her; it was a reminder that, now that they were together, he would never lose her again.

Working his way to her bra, he felt her flesh mold into his hands through the fabric of her garment. Sarah watched him, and Jareth didn't dare remove his eyes from hers. He could feel the dryness of her mouth, but that didn't stop him from gently guiding her down to where she lay on her bed. Her bra was still on, but he would deal with that later.

"Please indulge me in this. You have no idea how long I've been wanting to do this." Jareth said as he slowly removed her pants.

Jareth continued to drag his lips over her skin. Every now and then his tongue would dart out to tease her. Removing her underwear, Jareth didn't waste any time moving his lips up her inner thighs, prolonging the torture for both of them.

He could see her arched neck, the veins in it even seemed desperate for some sort of release.

"Say it." Jareth said.

"You know what I want." Sarah responded.

"Yes, but I need to hear you say it."

"Do whatever you want. Taste me. Love me. Fuck me. I'm yours. I always have been." Sarah whispered.

She still didn't understand. It was then that he moved up to meet her face with his.

"I need to hear you say it. Please." He gently whispered as he ran his fingers over her face.

It was then that she understood. He could tell by the look in her eyes.

"Jareth." Sarah whispered.

A flood of relief washed over him.

"Say it again. Please." Jareth begged, moving his lips down her neck and across her collarbone.

"Jareth." Sarah again whispered.

It only fired him on. He softly kissed the flesh of her breasts that weren't covered by her bra before moving his lips down her stomach. He didn't have to touch her to know she was ready for him, but he loved hearing his real name exit her lips.

"Jareth."

He moved his tongue along her slit and indulged in her flesh as he held her hips down. He was slow and deliberate, enjoying her reactions. Yet again, she wasn't as overt as previous lovers, but that was what he enjoyed about her. Pleasure wasn't a competition; it was to be searched for and savored. Still flicking his tongue against her, he could tell she was close by the way she seemed to be holding her breath. Quickening his motions, Jareth moved his hands over her stomach, hoping his touch would give her the final push she needed. It didn't take long for her to peak.

Crawling up her body, he felt like a cat approaching its prey.

"You have no idea how you've bewitched me." Jareth said before meeting his lips with hers.

She helped him remove her bra - where it ended up, neither really cared.

"Give yourself some credit there. You found me." Sarah responded, pulling him closer to her.

"But you found me first. You've enchanted me for so long. My champion. My love." Jareth said before kissing her.

The tension was tangible, and for a moment Jareth forgot everything else around him until he felt Sarah's hands running up and down his back. Needing a moment to catch his breath, he felt Sarah's lips run along his face and neck. He was so hard, but he wanted to indulge in touch and taste. It wasn't until he felt Sarah's hand on his cock that he focused his eyes on hers. The tips of their noses rubbed together, and Jareth smiled at the memory of the last time they did such a thing. It was the first time they were intimate, but it felt like it happened yesterday.

Deciding to continue with the tradition, Jareth moved his lips down her torso as he recited lines from his favorite Tennyson poem,

"For this is the golden morning of love, and you are the morning star..."

Jareth took a few seconds to run tongue over her left breast before continuing,

"Flash, I am coming. I come, by meadow and stile and wood, oh, lighten into my eyes and my heart,"

Jareth worshiped the other mound, while Sarah finished the sentence,

"Into my heart and my blood!" Sarah whispered, running her fingers through his hair.

Sarah continued the poem from where Jareth left off.

"Heart, are you great enough for a love that never tires?" Sarah spoke as she began to stroke Jareth's weeping member.

He had to know her - truly know her. He knew she was ready, and he couldn't stand the thought of not meeting her eyes as he entered her. Meeting his forehead against hers, he caught his breath, knowing that the next line would be spoken by both of them simultaneously.

"O heart, are you great enough for love?" They both said as he slowly entered her.

He stared at her face as she gasped. He felt her body adjusting to the new fullness, and he waited a few seconds because he needed to remind himself that all that was happening was real. He wasn't stroking himself, desperate for the fantasy. They were living, not a fantasy or a dream, but a new reality. One where he was hers just as much as she was his. No, he wasn't her first lover, but he was determined to be her last. All of his fantasies of this moment paled in comparison to the reality of it. This is what he had waited for. All of the years. All of the pain. All of it was worth it.

He didn't realize that he began to slowly move within her until he heard her whimpers and felt her hands on his ass, pulling him closer into her. Instinct wanted him to plow into her, but there would be a time and a place for that. Now he wanted to feel every part of her.

"I love you so much. You have to know that." Jareth whispered into Sarah's lips.

Sarah didn't say anything. Jareth could tell that she was overwhelmed with everything around them. It was as if they were weaving their own magic spell.

"I need you closer." Sarah said, pulling his head to hers.

He took in her breath, enjoying the tightness of her. It was as if she were created just for him. No, he was created just for her too. It didn't take long for him to quicken his pace, spurred on by her soft cries.

"Don't stop. Don't ever stop." Sarah whispered as she moved her hands to his upper back, her grip tightening.

"I wish to do this with you forever." Jareth replied, picking up the pace even more.

He could tell she was close. He added his finger to the spot of their joining and lightly rubbed.

"Come for me Sarah. Let me take you there, darling." Jareth whispered before crushing his lips to hers.

It didn't take long before her release hit her. He was so close, but he needed to bask in her afterglow, so he slowed down the pace. Kissing whatever part of her his lips could reach, Jareth felt Sarah's legs move up to embrace his waist.

Jareth ran an arm up her calf, still slowly pumping into her.

"Look at me. Let me see you." Sarah whispered.

He would never refuse her anything. He knew what she was really asking. Maybe it was the magic they created, or maybe it was power of the coupling. Jareth felt himself transform into the goblin king she saw all those years ago. He could immediately sense the effect it had on her in that she began to meet his thrusts with her hips.

"I'm ready for the touch of a lover. Come inside of me." She added before pulling him down to her.

Their lips met again as he felt himself getting closer and closer to granting her request. Her use of his line turned him on more than he thought it would and it didn't take long before he came. Never before had an orgasm been so powerful, and he breathed into her neck, feeling his seed spill into her. The aftershocks just as powerful. He felt Sarah clutch his flesh to hers, refusing to let him go. He felt her kiss his hair as he closed his eyes, hoping it would help him catch his breath. His heart pounded heavily against hers.

He wanted to tell her how great she felt, but words were no longer necessary. After a few minutes, he removed himself from her, but pulled her to him. She was partially asleep, but kissed him before falling asleep. As Jareth watched her slumber, he traced his fingers along her flesh. Their time was now, and he would battle anyone who would dare take such happiness away from him.