Hey guys!

So I see some of you are really curious about what's gonna happen 4 years. =))). Well read on to find out!

I'm really happy about how many reviews, story alerts and favorites after the 4th chapter. Thank you guys! You guys make my day. :D

Shoutouts to:

Donna19! I've noticed that you've given 3 reviews already and you were my first reviewer. And I want to thank you for your support. I'm really happy to have someone like you. :D

Jareth-GK: You never fail to amuse me, your highness. Thank you again for reviewing at every chapter of this story. I am truly grateful. :D

Alright guys! I've already planned on what's gonna happen on each chapter. Now I'm making it a habit to write the next chapter before posting the chapter before it. Comprende?

Any questions, feel free to ask. I won't answer anything that would spoil you. :D. I'm curious though, I wonder what you think will happen in 4 years. Care to send in your thoughts? I guess if you get it correctly… I won't show it though. Hahaha.

Happy Reading!

"So tell me again, why I have to go in my owl form and not in my own tantalizing and alluring form?" Jareth asked Sarah from her bed. He was currently leaning his back on the wall while playing with one of his crystals.

"Are you seriously going to ask me this again?" 17 year old Sarah Williams rolled her eyes at the man of her dreams as she continued to do her homework on her desk.

"Humor me, love." Jareth grinned and decided to lie down instead, inhaling the scent that lingered there. He grinned again, showing his canine fangs. If Sarah knew why he loved her bed so much, she would kill him.

"Well" Sarah sighed and turned to where his Nibs was lying down oh-so-temptingly on his stomach while he embraced her pillow.

Well… Won't we enjoy sleeping later, hmm?

Sarah tried to stop the blush that was furiously rising and gagged her inner voice. The next thing she wanted was the Goblin King asking why she was blushing and his curiosity would peak and badger her to tell him until she tells him that she loved the smell that he left whenever he lied down on his bed and how she would just lie there inhaling his scent.

No. She didn't want that. It's far too embarrassing. And he'll never let her live it down.

Jareth raised an elegant brow at her and smiled mischievously.

"Well, I don't want people staring at us."

"Well so? Let them stare! It's not everyday that an inhuman being takes some of his time away from his busy life to grace them with his presence. Especially if this being was a sexy beast, wouldn't you agree?"

"Still a cocky bastard eh? What, am I supposed to be thankful that said "Sexy beast" is taking time away from his oh-so busy life of kicking goblins and kidnapping chi-"

"Sarah, I thought we had established that I do not "Kidnap" the children. They are wished away to me."

"Oh right. I'm sorry Senor Fluffy Hair. If he is finished rudely interrupting me, may I continue?" Jareth glared at her.

"I do not appreciate this nicknames you are giving me, Sarah."

"Oh I'm sorry your royal greatness. May I please continue?" She laughed at him. Jareth rolled his eyes and mumbled how she better be grateful he can't dump her in his Bog of Eternal Stench. He gestured, with a wave of his hand, to continue.

"As I was saying, taking time away from his oh-so busy life of kicking goblins and taking children who are wished away to him to visit the little person who bested his Labyrinth about no more than 3 years ago?"

"I hardly consider you little, Precious. And yes, I would appreciate it if you thank me once in awhile. My duties as the King of The Goblin City aren't all sunshine and daisies."

Sarah rolled her eyes and threw her eraser at him. He only laughed and threw it back at her, with Sarah barely catching it.

"You still haven't answered my question."

"Well if you would stop making side comments, then maybe I would've answered your question already." She heard him grunt and laughed at him.

"And plus, they wouldn't know you're inhuman either."
"Well they will once they see me."

"Exactly why you have to go in your owl form, see now you're getting it!" Jareth only stared at Sarah who smiled widely.

"There's no arguing with you, is there?"

"Nope."

"Fine Fine." Jareth sighed. As much as he wanted the public-

And all the male species out there, don't forget it.

.. – that Sarah was with him, she reasoned that people would look at them weirdly and wonder why a teenager was with a Man that didn't even look like her father and word would probably get out to and reach her parents about it. So she then came up with the idea that he would go in his owl form and she promised that they would still enjoy their day together.

Anything to make her happy Jareth. And you ARE still spending time together.

Jareth sighed and watched Sarah as she finished her homework. He stood up and looked over her shoulder to see how far she was in her homework.

High School life must be very demanding. Thank gods you didn't go through it. He agreed with his inner voice on this one. He thanked the gods that he had a personal tutor rather than learning in a room with a bunch of children who would only brag about their parent's status and whatnot.

"Must you really do that now?" Sarah sighed and turned in her chair to face him.

"Yes, if we want to completely enjoy tomorrow, then I must do this now."

"But you're so dull when you do that." He pouted, hoping to lure her out of her homework.

'God-dammit.' Sarah thought as she bit her lip and looked down. She didn't deny that his pout was working. Too effectively but she wasn't complaining. She loved that about him, she guessed. He was arrogant and self-centered but she loved how he could make her smile and laugh with that attitude of his.

He isn't always like that, and you know it. He's the sweetest and most caring guy you've met, and you know he only acts like that towards you.

Sarah blushed at the thought. She remembered the their conversation where he admitted that he only showed his sweet and caring side when he's with her.

Jareth and Sarah laughed together. She was lying on her stomach while Jareth leaned on the side of her bed, a cup of hot chocolate on their hands.

"Sarah… Did you get injured or something?" Sarah suddenly remembered the wound on the back of her hand and she moved to hide it.

"Uh… It's nothing. Just a scratch. Really, it's nothing!" Jareth gave her the look and placed his cup down and reached for her hand.

"Really Jareth! It's nothing!" Sarah protested but Jareth didn't listen. He held her hand gently and examined the wound.

"Where did you get this?" He whispered as he conjured up what looked like a first aid kit and started looking through it to find the ointment he needed.

"It's nothing. I got careless. I was washing a knife and I wasn't paying attention. I ran a hand on it and it made a cut on my palm. But really, it's fine. It's healing already."

"Geez Sarah. You didn't even put a band-aid on it. It might've gotten infected already." He said with a hint of annoyance as he placed the ointment on the wound and placed a band-aid over it. He then kissed it lightly making Sarah blush.

"I'm sorry…" Jareth smiled at her and lightly caressed Sarah's hand.

"It's fine, love. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap like that. I got caught off-guard, you know?" He took a sip of his hot chocolate. Sarah smiled at him.

"I never thought you'd have a caring side, Jareth." She teased.

"Please Sarah. I'm not always heartless and cruel. Either way, I'm only sweet and caring when I'm with you." He grinned at her. Again, she fought against the blush.

"Please. I bet you're sweet and caring with the women in the Underground." She mumbled which cause a hearty laugh to come from Jareth.

"Oh Sweet, Naïve Sarah. You're the only one I show this side to. And you'll always be the only one to see this side of me, so consider yourself lucky." He winked at her and continued drinking.

"Sa~rah" Jareth called out to her in a sing-song voice. This broke Sarah out of her flashback.

"Uh… Yes?" Jareth laughed.

"A penny for your thoughts, Precious?"

"Shouldn't you be sleeping?" She answered back. "Isn't that why you're bothering me right now?"

Jareth made wounded face and placed his hand over his heart.

"Oh Sarah. You wound me. You act like you don't enjoy our time together." Sarah rolled her eyes. 'Drama King.' She thought.

"Well I would start not enjoying it if you would please rest and let me do my homework." She said as she traced the slightly appearing circles under Jareth's eyes with her thumb.

"You know how I don't like you being tired." She whispered. He closed his eyes and smiled, enjoying the feel of Sarah's touch. He always wondered how a beautiful, caring and sweet women like her allow someone like him to be in her life.

Sarah's heart fluttered when Jareth wrapped his arms loosely around her waist and pulled her close. He leaned his forehead on hers, and not once did she let go of his face. She blushed as they stood like that. Her heart was beating triple time with thoughts of him suddenly placing his lips upon her own, fuelling the fire that was slowly burning inside of her. Oh how she wished he would do that. But no, she knew he only saw her as a little sister, or a friend. She convinced herself of that as she placed her arms around his neck and pressed her cheek against it too. He brought her closer to him, their bodies already touching.

Jareth enjoyed moments like these, when she would allow him to hold her like this. Even if they were only friends, he was glad that no matter how intimately he acted towards her, she wouldn't mind it and return it by holding him closer.

Wonder what this woman could do when you're at the base of kissing and intimately touching, hmm? He grinned at the thought. As much as he wanted that to happen, he wouldn't. He would respect their boundaries, not asking for more than what she was willing to give. He wanted more with her, but was pretty sure she didn't want him like that. He only saw her as an older brother, a father (Sometimes, much to his dislike) and a friend.

Sarah sighed and slowly pushed him away while patting his chest.

"Don't think you've distracted me, Goblin King. You still need to get your rest. God knows how much you sleep in your own castle." She laughed at he pouted like a child.

"As you wish it." He grinned and kissed her forehead before heading towards her bed. She went back to her desk and continued her homework.

"Oh and Sarah?"

"Hmm?"

"Remember to bring that delicious chocolate cake you made, alright?" Sarah laughed.

"Of course. I wouldn't dream of you it. God knows what you'll do to me."

"Oh I won't do anything to you…. That would hurt. I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy your punishment." He grinned and closed his eyes.

"Oh I'm so scared." She rolled her eyes and stared at the royal fae that was currently sleeping on her bed. She shook her head at how demanding he was and went back to her homework.

Karen went inside the kitchen to find her step-daughter packing things inside a basket while mumbling to herself and caressing the necklace she was wearing that mysteriously came upon her possession. She smiled knowingly at her.

"Sarah Dear. What are you doing?"

"I'm packing a picnic basket, what does it look like?" She replied as she continued to fuss over the basket.

"I can see that, dear." Karen laughed and moved to help her daughter.

"Ugh… Damn it I knew I forgot something." Sarah mumbled as she moved towards the refrigerator.

"Language dear." Karen scolded lightly and looked inside.

"Wow. That's a lot of food. Who's going with you to this picnic, Sarah?"

"A friend." She said as she carefully packed the chocolate cake she baked two days ago.

"Uhuh.. And who is this… Friend? Hmm?" Karen hid a smile from her daughter.

"You don't know him." Sarah said thoughtlessly before slamming her hand on her mouth when she realized what she just said. She stared wide-eyed at her mother who was wearing a grin that would put a Cheshire cat to shame.

"I…"

"Don't worry Sarah." Karen winked. "I won't tell your father." Sarah sighed a thanks and continued packing.

"So...Is this the same Man who gave you that necklace?" Her mother causally asked as she helped her step-daughter.

"Huh? Man? Why would you think it was a man?" Sarah laughed nervously, looking like a deer in headlights. Her mother shot her the look.

"Yes…" She sighed in defeat. Karen squealed in delight.

"I knew it! So who is he? What's his name? How old is he?"

"Woah Mom. Calm down. We're just friends. And plus, he only sees me as a friend and a sister, nothing more." Sarah mumbled the last part and gave her mother a smile, but Karen saw through it.

"Oh Honey." She said as she hugged Karen. "It'll get better. Trust me. You'll have him wrapped around your finger in no time. And considering the food you packed for the both of you, I'm sure he's not far from falling for you." She winked. Sarah laughed.

"Thanks Mom." Sarah hugged her mother before taking the basket and turning to leave.

"Oh Sarah?"

"Hm?"

"Take Care. And Good Luck." With a last teasing grin and a wink, Sarah left home and started walking.

"Karen is smarter than she lets on." Sarah mumbled. It's scary, really. She agreed with her inner voice and couldn't stop the excitement bubble in her as she walked towards the park to meet with Jareth.

Jareth was enjoying himself, even if he was in his owl form. He sat on the arm of the basket while Sarah happily talked to him, with him hooting as a response.

"And here you'd thought you'd be miserable because we wouldn't be able to hold a conversation since you're in your owl form." Sarah laughed. Jareth only hooted and picked at his cake.

Sarah stroked Jareth's head as he softly hooted.

"Can you imagine? We've been friends for 3 years now. And here I thought we wouldn't even try to talk to each other after everything's that happened." Jareth hooted in response as he continued eating his cake. Sarah looked at the sky.

"And only 3 more years till I'm officially an adult. Can you imagine that? 20. Wow." She whispered.

This stopped Jareth from what he was doing and looked up at Sarah. 3 more years…. Time was certainly against him right now. He stared at her with sad eyes and tried to ignore the pain in his heart. No. He wouldn't think of that now. He is going to enjoy the time he has left with Sarah and he won't do anything to destroy their friendship right now. Sarah looked at him and she smiled.

'She's worth it.' He thought. He then shook his head, hooted and went back to eating his cake.

Oh no. Threatening male species fast approaching!

Jareth looked up to see a boy walking towards their direction. He better did not call Sarah's attention from him.

"Sarah!" The intruder called.

Sarah turned around and gasped in surprise.

"Daniel, what are you doing here?" She said as she stood up and waited until he came to her. Jareth snorted. At least she didn't go to him.

"I was walking around until I saw you! I forgot you came here often." He said as he smiled at her. Jareth snorted again.

Please. That guy has been lurking in the trees, looking at our Sarah.

Sarah laughed in response. "Well I don't come as often as I did before but today was such a nice day so I decided to have a picnic."

"Oh cool. Can I join you?"

"What?" She asked, her eyes wide in shock.

'Fuck No.' Jareth thought as he glared at this Dancoop guy.

I am not even going to scold you for your language. Fuck No is right.

"I asked if I can join you." He repeated and Sarah looked at Jareth nervously. Jareth shook his head to say no but Sarah turned away before she can see it.

"Uhm…."

"Were you with other people?"

"Uhm.. No but…"

"Then why can't I join you?"

'This son of a bitch…..' Jareth wanted to just drop this bastard in the nearest oubliette.

Pushy bastard I see.

"No. I'm not with anyone. Sure Daniel. Come sit down." Sarah sighed in defeat.

"Great!" He said as he sat down. Sarah slowly sat down and drank her juice. Awkward silence hung in the air between them.

Daniel smiled at Sarah and looked at the owl on top of the basket curiously.

"Wow. That's cool. I thought owls only went out at night."

"Hmm? Oh. He's a special owl." Sarah said.

"Is he yours?"

"Yes… He's mine." Sarah blushed. Jareth felt a small triumph when she called him his and continued to glare at him. Daniel blinked.

"Oh wow. I must be imagining things. Your owl is glaring at me." Sarah only laughed nervously.

"Don't be ridiculous. Owls don't glare."

"Well I'm pretty sure he just glared at me… Weird huh?" Daniel blinked again as he continued to stare at the owl.

'She's mine. She. Is. Mine. You got that?' Jareth thought to him like he was going to be able to hear it. He couldn't hold back the jealousy he felt. This was his and Sarah's day together, ALONE. And he was enjoying it when this guy suddenly has the audacity to come and join them!

He obviously doesn't know he's in the presence of a king!

"Haha. No. He's a sweetheart." Sarah said as she smiled fondly at Jareth. Jareth hooted and smiled back, if he could.

"Oh really? Well isn't that cute. He is kinda cute… and cuddly." Daniel said as he patted Jareth's head. Jareth screeched and pecked at Daniel's hand.

"Jareth!" Jareth flew to Sarah's lap as she placed her hand on his head.

"Daniel, are you okay? Oh I'm so sorry!" Sarah said and turned to Jareth. "You shouldn't have done that, Jare!" Jareth only hooted and nuzzled his head onto her chest. Sarah sighed and turned to look at Daniel.

"I'm sorry Daniel. Jare isn't used to being petted by anyone except me and Toby." Daniel smiled at her weakly and sucked at his fingers.

"It's fine. It's my fault. I acted too comfortable with him." Sarah turned to Jareth the owl and glared at him.

"And you, your highness. Don't do that! Suddenly attacking people like that." Jareth gave a hoot that sounded like a snort and continued to nuzzle Sarah's chest. She nodded her head and hugged him. "You crazy bird, you."

"Wow. What is he, king of the owls or something? And you're really close to him, aren't you?" Daniel stared at her in awe. "And he acts like he understands you." Sarah could only laugh.

"Well, he's been with me since I was 15."

"Ah. I see." Sarah stroked his head, trying to comfort the Goblin king as he glared at Daniel.

'Mine.' He hissed.

"Sarah, I wanted to thank you." Daniel said.

"For what?"

"For showing me around school last Thursday. And for hanging out with me too."

"It's fine. Being the new kid can be tough." She laughed.

"Yeah I know. And I got lucky since I got to hang out with a pretty girl like you." Sarah slightly blushed. Jareth fumed under Sarah's hand.

'Is he trying to be Casanova or something? Because if he is, it's failing.'

Oh this boy doesn't know who he's dealing with….

On the other hand, Jareth was ready to claw Daniel's eyes out.

"Please, Daniel. I'm not pretty." Jareth hooted in protest. "If you wanted someone pretty, you could've asked someone else to give you a tour."

"Stop it Sarah. You're pretty. And smart and kind. I knew you would help me when I first saw you. And when I thought you were pretty from afar, you're more gorgeous in person." Daniel reached out to touch Sarah's knee.

'OH THIS BASTARD BETTER LEARN HIS PLACE!'

Jareth flapped his wings at Daniel's face and scratched his hand.

"Ow!" Jareth pulled on his hair with the intent to get it into his head that she isn't available and that she was his.

"Jareth! Stop that! Jare!" Sarah screamed as she tried to calm Jareth down.

Jareth flew down on Sarah's shoulder and nuzzled her head.

"Oh that is not going to work on me Mister!" She said as she glared at Jareth.

"Daniel are you okay?" She said as she held Daniel's hand. Jareth pulled slightly at Sarah's hair in protest.

"No Jareth. Stop it! You're acting like a brat!"

"I'm so sorry Daniel. I don't know what came up with him." She shot a glare at Jareth's direction.

"It's fine Sarah." He said. "I'm pretty sure if you kiss it, it'll get better." He gave a shy smile at Sarah.

'Oh grow up.' Jareth rolled his eyes.

Smooth. Very Smooth.

He positioned himself to attack again when Sarah stopped him.

"No Jareth. Enough! You're acting like a spoiled brat rather than a king!" Sarah then ignored Jareth and went back to Daniel's hand.

Jareth huffed and glared at Daniel and flew away.

"Uhm… I'm sorry, Sarah. I think I got your owl upset…" Sarah shrugged it off as she started dabbing Daniel's hand with a cloth.

"It's fine. He's a big boy. He can handle it." She mumbled. "I'm really sorry Daniel."

"It's fine Sarah." He smiled at her. "So I wanted to ask you…."

"I'm sorry Daniel but I have to go. I have to follow Jareth or else God knows what he's going to do." She smiled and started packing up the picnic stuff.

"Oh… Okay." Daniel said, feeling dejected.

"See you in school Daniel!" Sarah said as she started to walk home.

"Bye Sarah." He whispered and cringed at the sting of his hand.

"Bloody Mad Owl."

Ok so I hope it isn't too blah or anything. =))).

If anyone's curious about how Jareth freely nuzzled Sarah's chest, she got used to it and he didn't do that directly on her chest. More like below the neck. Got me?

I know my mentioning of how many years here is a bit confusing. Don't be. The 4 years starts on her 16th birthday. You can do the math. Count it off.

Please Review or else Jareth won't feel better.

-Dreamers see the future-

Lys-Rayn