Alright so usually I start writing chapters of this story at 12 am. But I started at 1:30 because I was preoccupied by Final Fantasy Dissidia Duodecim 012. It's addicting I tell you. But because I love Jareth so much (And I love you guys. ), I will continue writing. :D. Now isn't that Generous?

PLEASE READ! Now, okay this is the result of my writing at 2 am. Don't start going "Why is Jareth acting so blah? Where's his confidence? Blah blah blah". There's a reason for that, okay? You'll know the reason. And I know you guys can figure out the reason by the end of this chapter because I left a clue there. It's a short sentence. But it explains everything. Well maybe slightly not everything but still explains nonetheless. Hmkay? I'm just saying cuz I don't want to hear people go "He's not him! He's so emo-ish here and all." And I don't wanna try to explain. You're all smart. I know you are.

Warning! The lower part of this fic will be a little heavy.

The Goblin King paced in his throne room, mumbling to himself. Certainly the goblins would've gotten worried for their monarch and inquire what was worrying their "Kingy's" mind. But considering seeing him doing the same thing for a year already and being ungratefully kicked, they decided (More of voted on it) that they don't bother their king at all when he was pacing around and mumbling like that. Yes, it's funny and weird to see the Goblin King talking to himself, but as any other unpleasant things in the kingdom, they learned to ignore it.

Being worried will make you grow older.

'Shut up. I'm of Fae blood. I can't grow old.' Jareth hissed at his inner voice and continued mumbling.

Talking to yourself won't convince people that you're sane.

'Oh please. Nothing is what it seems in this world.' He growled. 'Now if you please stop criticizing me and actually help me, then maybe I wouldn't be doing this!'

Touchy touchy. That's all you've ever been this week. What is occupying thy mind?

'Like you didn't know.' He snorted. 'It's Sarah's birthday. Her 16th birthday, or as they call it Aboveground, her "Sweet 16".'

Pray tell, what is a 'Sweet 16'?

'All I know is it's when a youth celebrates their 16 year of being alive.'

Why do the mortals find it necessary to use a term for their 16th year if they celebrate their birthdays every year?

'I have no idea.'

And is that what's causing you to wear a path in front of your throne?

'No you imbecile. I have no idea what to get for Sarah's birthday!' Jareth pinched the bridge of his nose as he lounged on his throne.

Well just show her something similar to the Peach Dream you gave her when she was running the Labyrinth.

'Are you honestly stupid? I can't do that to her.'

… I will pretend you didn't just insult me. What's wrong with that? She'll like it. What are you worried about?

'It's not about if she might or might not like it. There's no originality and sentimental value in the thought if I just repeat a thing I did for her before.'

Oh you and your urgent need to be grand and special.

'What? You think she's not worth it?' Jareth growled. His Sarah was worth more than the moon and sun. She should be treated no less than a Queen.

Of course! Of course she's worth everything. I just don't see why you're taking such troubles into a mere gift. You can lavish her with so much more of those in the future.

His inner voice did have a point. But there was always something special about your 16th year. And he wanted to do something special for Sarah. He was already in a foul mood since he can't see her today. Something about her family taking her out for her birthday. Those details aren't important. Right now, he was worrying about what to give her, still.

"Yes but this would be the beginning of me spoiling her with gifts ever since we became friends." Jareth sighed.

They've been friends for over a year now. Almost a year. He smiled. He never imagined the gods smiling down at him and giving him a second chance with the woman of his dreams. He never thought that Sarah would accept him with open arms a few hours after their dispute. The moment that she did, his body felt… Alive after so many years. He saw everything in a different light, and his attitude changed, much to the curiosity and surprise of the creatures of the Underground. The lady was a miracle. To both the kingdom and their King.

Jareth sighed again and tapped his riding crop on his leg. It was not the usual steady rhythm, but more of an urgent one. He wanted to see Sarah, and he wanted to see her NOW. But he couldn't. Because 1. She was out with her family. 2. He had absolutely nothing to give.

The Goblin King screamed in frustration and stormed out of the throne room. The goblins stared at the retreating figure of their king in shock, and went back to whatever they were doing. That was new. He never did that. That was definitely new.

Jareth slammed his bedroom door close and started pacing again.

Decided to wear out the floor of your own chambers as well I see.

"Just bloody shut up. Okay? If you have nothing better to say, I suggest you shut up."

Well here I am, taking time out of my busy life to help you with your dilemma. And this is the thanks I get? It's so strenuous being your inner voice.

"Did I say 'Suggest'? Change that to 'Order'."

Oh please. I'm the only thing you can't order around. Besides Sarah of course. His inner voice grinned.

"Scratch 'Order'. Make it "Demand or else I swear to everything that is good, I will drive an iron needle upon my brain just to make you shut up." Jareth growled, irritated.

Woah Woah your Majesty. No need to get violent! Why are you getting so worked up about a simple gift anyway?

"I offer dreams and gifts to those who was simple minded enough to wish away their charge away to me. And yet here I am, having no idea what to give to the only person who matters to me!" He kicked a chair and glared at it as it fell with a thud.

Boy that is frustrating.

Jareth continued to glare at nothing. He could offer her his dreams. He could give her dreams to her. But no. Not yet. It's not time. He has to offer it at a later time.

The frustrated king rubbed his eyes and stared at himself at the mirror. His once poofy hair was limp and was sticking to the back of his neck. He wore his usual white poet's shirt that was open at the chest that revealed his medallion, grey breeches and his black boots. He would have to wear something more proper when he showed himself to Sarah. There were dark rings under his eyes. 'She would definitely get worried about this.' He mused. His loving Sarah never failed to show concern towards him. Especially after a court meeting that left him frustrated and tired that he would always appear in Sarah's room and she would let him sleep on her bed as she did her homework.

She had asked why he was so persistent in resting on her bed rather than his own. He told her that it was peaceful in her room; no one would bother him while he sleeps and he fell asleep easier when he felt her close by. Not that he told her the last part. And he would definitely not tell her that her bed smelled like her, which he absolutely loved. Not being perverted or anything, but he felt like he was sleeping in her arms. And that made him feel at ease.

A trickster, yes. Brilliant, yes. A liar, yes. A stalker, yes. But never a pervert. His inner voice rolled his eyes.

He stared at himself a little longer until it hit him. It hit him hard. Hard like one of Ludo's rock that fell on an unlucky goblin's house during Sarah's run.

He grinned like a Cheshire cat and shouted in triumph.

"I've got it!"

Sarah closed her bedroom door and sat on her bed with a happy sigh. Today was the best, even if she didn't have a 'sweet 16th' party. Her parents surprised her by making her favorite for breakfast and told her to get ready before lunch time because they were going out. They greeted her a happy birthday and Toby's greeting sounded more like "Hapee birday, Sawah!" 'It's the thought that counts' she thought as she thanked her stepbrother and kissed his blonde head.

They took her out for lunch at her favorite Italian restaurant. Then they took her shopping at the bookstore and they went to the park afterwards. Robert and Karen sat down while Sarah and Toby played at the playground. After that, they had dinner and surprised her with a birthday cake. Sarah was certainly touched. This was probably the best birthday she ever had. Before they went home, Robert and Karen surprised her with yet another gift. It was a Computer. Her very own computer! She cried and thanked her parents for the millionth time that day. They hugged and kissed her. Her father said that they prepared it for her and had everything she needed in a laptop. She hugged her father and her stepmother and thanked her again.

It was ALMOST the perfect birthday. It was the best, yes. But not perfect. Because the person she wanted to see wasn't here yet. Nor did she see his owl form following her either.

Sarah sighed again. She thought that Jareth would be the first one to greet her. But no. It seemed like he had forgotten.

Oh trust the Man. I'm sure he had a perfectly good reason why he wasn't the first one to greet you.

Her inner voice was right. Jareth was surely busy, what with all the court meetings and the summons he's been having lately. Not to mention the goblins that was irking him every day. She couldn't be selfish and ask him to come tonight. She'd seen how tired he was lately, falling asleep as soon as his head fell on her pillow. She asked him why he would take a nap in her bed rather than his, though she was secretly pleased about it. Surely his bed was more comfortable than hers.

"I insist on sleeping here, Sarah, because it's rather peaceful in your bedroom and there would be no goblins who would suddenly barge in my room, interrupting my well needed rest. And I get to spend more time with you." He grinned and winked at her as he explained.

Sarah remembered rolling her eyes at him and turning her back to him so he wouldn't see the blush appear on her cheeks and the smile on her face.

You were facing a mirror. I doubt he didn't see that!

She ignored her inner voice and stood up. She started to prepare for bed. She brushed her teeth and changed into a blue tank top and black shorts. When she came back, she opened the window and leaned on it. She closed her eyes as the night wind surrounded her.

"Sarah love, will you please come back inside and close the window? I don't want you to start catching a cold. Especially with the clothes you're wearing right now." Sarah jumped and quickly turned around. There, behind her was none other than Jareth, in his poet's shirt and vest that had golden vines at the sides. His black breeches under his black boots. And a grin shaped by his mouth as his eyes traveled her frame. Sarah blushed, suddenly self-conscious about what she's wearing. This was one of her clothes that showed more than a little flesh.

Oh suck it up and raise your chin up high. He's totally appreciating what he sees. Thank God you decided to wear this. Sarah willed her inner voice to shut up and smiled at him shyly. She tried to greet him but no words came out of her mouth.

"Cute Jammies." He grinned again and went towards her. Sarah's heart ran faster as he wrapped his arms around her and laid his head on her neck.

"Don't you have something less than that though, darling?" He teased. Sarah laughed and nudged him with her shoulder. Jareth laughed as she embraced her.

"Happy Birthday love."

"Thank you Jareth. But you didn't have to come tonight, you know. I know you're busy." Sarah said as she pulled him close. He pulled away slightly with wide eyes.

"And miss the opportunity of seeing you in your bed clothes? Particularly tonight since you saw it fit to not wear your usual pajamas and wear this delicious ensemble? Never. You are cruel, Sarah, especially if you don't let your king see you wear these!" He said as she tugged at her tank top. Sarah blushed.

"You pervert." She mumbled.

"Honest about what I think and feel, yes, but never a pervert, dear Sarah." He smiled as he stared at her eyes with a passion Sarah refused to name. He let his fingers run down her face, brushing some of her hair in the process. Jareth stared at his mismatched eyes when she noticed the dark rings under them.

"Jareth! You haven't been sleeping properly again, haven't you?" She said as she placed his head between her hands, rubbing the circle under his eyes with her thumb.

"It's nothing Sarah." He whispered as he closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of her hands. He placed one of his own on top of hers.

"It's not 'nothing' Jareth! You shouldn't be here tonight! You should be resting! I could wait until tomorrow you know."

"I would rather spend the rest of my nights with you than sleep, Precious." Sarah felt a strong tingle run down her spine.

"But is it worth making me worry about you?" She whispered. Jareth kissed each of her fingers as he grinned at her.

"Maybe if you see your birthday present, then you would change your mind." He pulled her from the window to face her vanity mirror.

"You didn't have to get me anything, Jareth." Sarah protested, but of course, it fell on deaf ears as Jareth covered her eyes with his hand.

"Now, Precious. It IS your 16th birthday. It's the year where you start maturing into a beautiful woman. Now please close your eyes." Sarah did what he asked. She felt him let go and fought the urge to take a peek.

Jareth ran his hand on her hair, feeling the soft strands brush his fingers. He closed his eyes and pressed his face on her hair, inhaling the scent he wished he could trap. He laid his hand on her stomach and pulled her close. No one could make him feel this way, make him feel the way she caressed his face, the way she would take his hand in hers, and the way she felt when she was in his arms.

All the while, Sarah started breathing unevenly and her body suddenly became warm. Every inch of her tingled and responded to Jareth's simple touch.

Oh is he trying to kill us?

Sarah sighed and leaned against him. Loving every moment they were spending together.

Jareth smiled as she leaned on him. He took her hair and placed all of them on her left side. The sudden feeling of his warm breath made the hairs on her skin stand up and her heart run and leap faster. Jareth lightly brushed his lips on her neck and placed a butterfly kiss on the middle of her neck. Sarah's heart was uncontrollable now, and she was pretty sure that if she opened her eyes now, her face would be red as a tomato.

Suddenly, she felt something small, cool and slightly heavy on her chest.

"Don't look yet, Precious." Jareth whispered on her ear, which caused her hand to stop and her eyes to stay close. Did he know what he was doing to her?

Jareth locked in the clasp and kissed it. He slowly fixed her hair, making it fan on her back and placed both of his hands on her shoulders.

"Now you can open them." Sarah opened her eyes and stared in shock at her reflection. Jareth was behind her, his cheek pressed against the side of her head, smiling at her. But that wasn't what caught her attention. It was the necklace on her chest. It was held by a black string, it knotted on the top of a small crystal bead that reminded her of Jareth's crystals. Under that, was another small knot and an almost triangular pendant with curved edges that looked like horns was placed underneath it.

Sarah touched the circle that was in the triangle with the infinity looking symbol. Her mouth opened wide and tears started to come out of her eyes. The pendant was gold and the circle in the middle was silver. It was heavy, but not that heavy. She turned to look at Jareth. She looked at him with wide eyes and couldn't speak.

Jareth started to worry. Did she not like it?

"Don't you like it? If you don't, I can get you something else." He started to say as Sarah suddenly engulfed him in an embrace. The Goblin King stood dumbly there for a second, then wrapped his arms around her small frame.

"Thank you. I love it." She whispered as she let go of him and turn back to the mirror. From behind, Jareth smiled at her, knowing she could see from the mirror.

"You're welcome."

"How… When…. What…?" Sarah started to ask as she stroked her pendant.

"The crystal bead represents my crystal." He grinned. "Then my medallion. " He took out his and lifted hers with his finger.

"Why are they different colors though?" Sarah asked. Jareth stayed silent as he placed his medallion back on his chest and placed his hand on her cheek. It took awhile for him to reply.

"It symbolizes your power over me." He whispered. Sara could only stare at him in shock. More tears came out as she covered her hand with her mouth.

"Oh Jareth…" She hugged him tightly this time. And he held her close. "Thank you so much… You don't know how much this means to me."

"I'm glad you like it." He whispered on her ear. He rubbed small comforting circles on her back. "I wanted you to have a piece of me, wherever you go." He leaned back and brushed the back of his hand on her face.

Sarah felt her heart beat faster as he stared in his eyes. She smiled at him and placed her hand on his.

Jareth couldn't help the joy he felt that she loved his gift. He thought it was going to scare her away with it, but he was glad he risked it. He didn't expect her reaction though. But she still loved it nonetheless.

With this gift, he wanted to show him how special she is to him. How much he'll do anything for her…. Anything for her to be happy. Even if it meant letting her go. Jareth suddenly looked away from her. If… If ever she met someone else… Someone else that she would fall in love for. Jareth closed his eyes at the sudden pain in his chest. He couldn't bear it. Watching his Sarah in the arms of another. He couldn't…

Yet, he would. Because he loved her. He loved her so much that he would keep the pain that could kill him to himself… If it meant seeing her happy. Even if she was happy with somebody else. He didn't believe in the whole "If you truly love someone, let that person go." But he also didn't believe in forcing someone to love you when they would never feel the same.

Little did his Sarah know that the necklace was a promise. A promise he made to her, even if she didn't know it. The promise that he would do anything for her. A promise that he would willingly step back to let someone else take her hand.

Sarah stared as Jareth looked away from her. The emotions that ran on his face broke her heart. What was Jareth thinking? Did he think she didn't love his gift? It was the best gift she had ever received in her entire life. Sarah placed her hand on his cheek and made him look at her. He slowly opened his eyes.

Eyes were said to be the windows to one's soul. That's why eyes are so precious. Jareth's eyes, it held so much. Eyes that held so much emotion and pain. Eyes that held back the tears that threatened to fall. He would not show her. He would not show how much pain she's causing him. He smiled sadly at her, seeing the question in her worried eyes.

"I'm fine." He whispered. Sarah didn't push, but was still unconvinced. "I'm fine, really love." He said again, firmer this time. Sarah nodded her head and smiled at him. "I love it." She whispered.

"Will you always wear it?" Will you accept my heart?

"I will. I'll never take it off."

"Will you take care of it?" Will you take care of it, no matter how broken it is?

"Always. I'll keep it near my heart." She smiled at him.

"I'm sorry I couldn't give you more."

"You've given me so much!" Sarah smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you. You've done so much for me… And I haven't even done anything for you."

Jareth bent forward and cradled her head with his hands, making her face him.

"You letting me stay by your side is enough." Jareth tried to ignore the pain in his heart when he said that.

Sarah smiled at him. 'No matter what.' He thought as he stared at her. 'I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy. The pain doesn't matter.'

Jareth traced Sarah's face with his knuckles, lightly as a feather. He smiled at her and he stopped. He stared at her lips, the lips he longed to taste, but he couldn't. It was like the forbidden fruit to him. Always seeing, never tasting what it's like.

Slowly, he brushed his thumb on her lower lip, leaving trails of fire. Sarah stood still. She wondered if her heart was getting tired of beating loudly. She saw Jareth's eyes turn to hers and back on her lips. Her breath quickened when he slowly leaned in. 'This is it.' She thought. 'He's going to kiss me.'. She couldn't hide the excitement she was feeling. He was merely inches away. He was close… So close….

Something stopped Jareth. He couldn't go further. He couldn't. Something was stopping him. And he knew what it was. Jareth pressed his mouth together in disappointment and to hide the pain he felt. He couldn't do it, even if he wanted to. The words wouldn't let him. He then decided to just press his lips to her forehead.

"It's getting late Sarah. You need your rest." Jareth whispered as he pulled back and smiled at her. Sarah hid her disappointment.

"Okay." He led her towards her bed. He closed the lights and tucked her in.

"Happy Birthday Sarah."

"Thank you Jareth. Thank you for the wonderful gift." She smiled and then yawned. Jareth chuckled.

"Good night, Precious." He kissed her forehead again and started for the window but Sarah got ahold of his hand and made him sit down again.

"Jareth?"

"Yes, love?"

"Why weren't you the first to greet me?" Jareth grinned mischievously.

"Because I wanted to be the last person you see before you dream."

"Oh. Okay. G'night Jareth. Thank you, again." Sarah mumbled sleepily.

"Anything for you, Sarah."

Jareth started for the window. Now if Sarah could've opened her eyes to watch him go, even for a few seconds, she would see the Goblin King stand by her window, the moonlight adding a magical touch to his face. She would see him close his eyes and sigh deeply. She would see him look back at her with a painful smile. She would see the single tear he let out. She would never know the secret he kept from her. And it was a very precious secret indeed.

The alarm clock read 1 in the morning. Sarah slept peacefully in her bed, knowing that no danger would come to her tonight.

What she didn't know, was a man stood beside her bed. In his hands, was the music box that contained their song. This man was no danger. He would stop anyone from harming the one he calls 'beloved'.

Jareth turned the key and their song began filling the room. He gently placed it back beside the feather on her bedside table and stared lovingly at the sleeping female.

Surely, it would be best for the girl to know what was to happen in 4 years. Why the King of the Goblins didn't want that year to come. Why it pained him now, to leave her everytime he comes. Surely 4 years is still a long way to go… But for him it isn't.

Jareth slowly sat down beside the girl who bested his Labyrinth. He brushed the hair away from her face. He stared at her, memorizing every feature of the face that visits his dreams.

"Sarah…. You will always be the keeper of my heart." He whispered as he kissed her forehead. He pulled away, but only slightly. He remembered what he thought earlier. 'The pain didn't matter', he thought. "Because you're worth it." He whispered, too low for any human awake to hear. He stared at the girl he had freely given his heart to. Others would think foolish of the king for doing so, for they knew what would happen when the time comes. But he disagreed. She was worth it. She was worth every pain, every heartache. He just wishes, that when the time comes, he has prepared himself for the moment where he would never see the bearer of his heart again.

There was a reason why one of the genre is 'Drama'. Dun Dun Dun! You'd thought that this was all just a light, happy fic? ))). I thought so too. But writing this at 2 AM, the inspiration train hit me more than it did before. You guys have a clue now on what will happen? =))). If you have questions, ask. I'll try my best to answer it without revealing anything.

I'm sorry if Jareth's a bit… OC here. But hopefully you'll get why. :D.

It is now 4;43 AM here, and it's time for me to sleep.

Honestly though, I did cry while I was writing this. You can't say that the writer writes her characters without feeling what they're feeling.

Reviews please! I want to know what you think of this little slice in our story! If you guys don't like it, I can change it back to what I thought of earlier. Please review!

-Dreamers see the future-

Lys-Rayn