Chapter 11: Touch

**Warning: This chapter has so much smuff in it that it has become a choking hazard.**

Jareth woke with a start; his breathing was rapid and his skin felt clammy. He couldn't quite remember the contents of the dream he'd just had, but he knew it'd been threatening to both himself and Sarah. Speaking of Sarah, her warm weight still pressed down on him. He shivered and wrapped his arms around her again. She shifted on him, nuzzling her face into his neck. He stroked her back, calming himself with the knowledge that she was safe here with him at this moment. The future was uncertain, but at this moment she was safe in his arms.

He shivered again as he thought about the UnSeelie fae. The one who was after Sarah, Todd, he'd only met briefly, but his master, the King of the UnSeelie, Jareth had had enough experience with. Zuul, King of the UnSeelie had contacted Jareth a long time ago with an offer. He'd wanted Jareth to become UnSeelie. He'd argued that the goblins were creatures of trickery and deceit and having an UnSeelie king would only benefit them. When Jareth had refused Zuul's offer, he'd come back with a different tactic. He'd offered to make Jareth his heir to the throne. Still Jareth refused. King Zuul had become frustrated, to put it mildly, at that point, confused about what the Goblin King would want. It was then that Jareth made it perfectly clear that there was no possible way he would ever take the vows of the UnSeelie. King Zuul had retreated back to his kingdom and Jareth hadn't heard from him again; however he suspected that the increase in raids on the part of the UnSeelie creatures against his kingdom and subjects was Zuul's way of retaliating, if subtly.

It was the secret hidden by the labyrinth that was the reason Jareth would never take the vows of the UnSeelie. Despite the high court's annoyance with him from time to time, they were forced to admit that he was loyal to the Seelie court and kept their treasure well guarded. However it was because of this treasure that he was currently cast out of the Underground. His letting Sarah through the labyrinth's defenses had been a serious mistake that should never have happened. But damn if she wasn't so distracting! The way she defied him and continued onward with only one goal in mind impressed him. He'd warned her she was no match for him, but she'd brazenly proved him wrong. She'd barged through every obstacle he'd set before her until he felt he needed to take drastic action and had had Hoggle deliver the peach to her. He'd met her in the peach dream in an attempt to distract her just long enough to win. However it was she who was the distraction once again. He'd have had to have been blind to not see her beauty. Even though she was barely a woman at the time, the beauty that she would show later in life was visible then. When she'd broken through the dream trance though, he'd set himself against her, taking only one more chance to win her over. When he'd failed, he'd sent her home and tried to forget about her until a couple of weeks ago when the council had put him in her custody.

Sarah shifted again in his arms, but did not wake. Jareth took the opportunity to admire her. She'd grown into a beautiful woman, there was no doubting that, but there was a kind of pull towards her that he could feel inside of him. He wasn't sure if it was her appealing scent, like that of juniper and honey, or her physical appearance, or maybe it was her strong belief in the supernatural that lured him in. He wasn't even sure when the attraction had started. He'd gone from loathing the sound of her name to the man he was now; a man who worried when she got a cold, who was terrified when she got hurt and had to be taken to the hospital, a man who loved the feel of her body against his own, who felt himself come alive when she kissed him, and a man who loved kissing her back.

Jareth let out a deep breath and looked down at the face that was as familiar as his own now. She slept peacefully as a slight smile played around the corner of her lips. He gently brushed a stray strand of hair out of her face then let his hand slide back down her back. He smiled slightly as he realized that he loved this mortal woman before him. A bubble seemed to form inside his stomach at the realization and he felt the need to wake her and tell her in person. He glanced at the clock on the wall; it was nearly two o'clock in the afternoon. She'd had enough sleep… "Sarah," he whispered, rubbing her back.

"Mmm…" she groaned and buried her face in his chest.

"Sarah, luv, wake up."

She shifted again and stretched, one of her arms coming up to prop her chin upon his chest. "What time is it?"

"About two in the afternoon," he answered.

"Hmm… how long have you been awake?"

"Not long."

Sarah stretched again and moved to get up, but Jareth tightened his hold on her. She looked into his eyes to see him grinning mischievously. "Jareth…?"

"I've been thinking…"

Sarah settled back down on top of him, "This sounds dangerous…"

He flashed her a smile. "I've come to a decision, Sarah."

"About what?"

"About you."

Her eyes widened a little, "Oh?"

His arms tightened slightly around her and his head lifted to catch her lips in a gentle kiss. It was a chaste thing, barely a touching of lips, but when he moved to pull back, Sarah followed him down, refusing to break contact. Her hands slid up his chest, over his shoulders, and cupped his face on either side as she pressed against his mouth with her own. He was surprised she continued the kiss, but didn't complain. Instead he growled his approval and deepened the kiss, his tongue seeking entrance as it outlined her lips. She opened to him with a moan and he eagerly took advantage, sweeping into her mouth. His tongue danced about, caressing her own and taking possession of her mouth imitating his arms' possessive hold around her. "Jareth," she gasped as his mouth slipped down to her neck.

He traced her collarbone with his tongue until he reached the hollow of her throat where he paused and began to nip and suckle at it. Her moans only encouraged him and one of his hands slipped further down to grip her derrière. She gasped again and began kissing his face; his cheeks, his nose, his eyelids, his forehead, and his chin. She then moved her head to the side and started on his left ear. Her tongue slid over the shell and down to his lobe where she used her teeth to playfully pull on it. He growled and used both hands to press down on her buttocks as his hips thrust up at her. "Oh my God…" Sarah moaned as she realized how evident his arousal was beneath her.

She thrust back at him, pleased when he moaned gutturally. Her hands moved along his shoulders and attacked his mouth with her own again. His hands caressed her back, sliding under her shirt to allow skin on skin contact. She shivered as electricity sparked down her spine from his fingers.

They both jumped at the sudden loud knocking at the door. Sarah looked down at Jareth to see both pupils dilated with arousal and his breathing was coming in deep gasps. She imagined she looked quite similar. The knock came again. "I – I'd better get that. It's probably Jackie."

His only response was a sharp nod and to loosen his hold on her. Sarah moved to get up, but was halted when Jareth rose suddenly and mashed his lips back against hers. She straddled his hips and fought to gain control. Her hands betrayed her though as they tangled into his hair to pull him closer. Another loud knock at the door broke them apart. Sarah disentangled herself, tripping on the blankets as she got off of him. "I'm not finished with you, yet," Jareth warned, a smirk evident on his handsome face.

"Did I say I was done with you?" Sarah responded as she reached for the door.

Jareth chuckled as she opened the door. She'd been right; it was Jackie. "Geez… take you long enough?" she commented as she entered the loft, walking past Sarah. "What were you…" she paused as she noticed Jareth's mussed hair and half hidden legs still under the blanket on the couch. She turned back to see a rosy blush on Sarah's face. "Oh… sorry for interrupting," she grinned.

"No, it's fine," Sarah said as she closed the door. "We just woke up."

"Uh huh… Look, I just came to see if you needed any help?"

"No, we got everything moved in last night," Sarah answered.

Jackie glanced around at the bags and boxes scattered in the living room and kitchen. "Wow… when did you get to sleep?"
"About seven this morning."

"Huh… well, is there anything you need me to get you? Food? Toilet paper? Condoms?" Sarah smacked Jackie's arm. Jareth snickered. "Alright! I'll leave! I'll be down in the gallery all day, so just come down or give me a call if you need something." She headed toward the door. "OH! How long are you planning on staying?"

"Just until after Jareth's trial. He'll have his power back after that and we can deal with Todd then."

Jackie nodded. "Okay, catch ya later!" she backed out the door.

Sarah's eyes met Jareth's as soon as the door closed. He smirked again and rose from the couch looking for all the world like a hunter stalking his prey. Sarah instinctively moved to put more of the couch between them. "Jareth… maybe we should wait a bit."

He didn't respond, but continued to slowly move around the end of the couch. Sarah mirrored his movements, keeping the piece of furniture in the middle. "Jareth…"

He grinned and suddenly vaulted over the back of the couch, grabbing hold of her as he plopped on the seat. She squealed as he pulled her down on his lap and kissed her behind the ear. He paused though as a loud grumbling was heard. "Was that you or me?" she asked looking down at her stomach. Another grumble was heard, "I think we should fix that before we… do anything else."

Jareth smiled again, but let her go. "As you wish, my dear."

Sarah rose, "Ugh, I feel disgusting. I need a shower before I eat."

"Would you like some company?"

She blushed again, "Not this time."

He chuckled as she found the bag with her clean clothes in it and pulled some out before ensconcing herself in the bathroom. When she emerged twenty minutes later dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, hair in a towel-turban, she went straight to the kitchen and began to prepare grilled cheese and tomato soup. It was a warm and comforting type of meal and Sarah felt that was exactly what she needed. She felt when Jareth entered the kitchen and turned to face him. He smiled again, but didn't advance on her. Instead he wordlessly set the small table with plates, bowls, and silverware from one of the boxes on the floor. She served the food; it was a quiet meal until the end when Jareth was sipping the last of his soup. "We should unpack today. I mean we have like nine days till your trial so we might as well settle in a bit," Sarah commented, wiping her hands on a napkin.

"Of course, my dear. Whatever you wish," the look he sent her way was full of heat and unspoken promises.

She rose to put their dishes in the sink before her deep blush could give her away. How did he do that to her? He barely spoke half a dozen words and she felt the blood rush to her cheeks like she was still a schoolgirl. She took her time washing up the plates, bowls, cups, and spoons, to give herself time to let the blush recede. Unfortunately, Jareth wasn't having any of that. She suspected he quite enjoyed embarrassing her just to see her flush. As she was rinsing the last bowl, she felt his arms snake around her waist, his hands coming to rest on her rib cage. A small squeak indicated her surprise. "If I didn't know any better, I would say you're avoiding me over here," he whispered in her ear.

His warm breath flowing past her cheek caused her to shiver. "I – I'm just finishing up the dishes. We can start unpacking now," she said as she set the bowl carefully in the drying rack.

"Are you sure that's what you want to do right now?"

NO! her mind shouted out. "Y-yes…" she stammered instead.

He squeezed her closer to him and placed a gentle kiss at her temple before releasing her. Sarah was glad she had the sink to hold onto; she wasn't sure her knees could support her just then. After a couple of seconds she regained her breath and turned to see him smiling at her, that knowing smile on that ever so smug face. "Unpack…" was all she said as she managed to push away from the sink and walk into the living room.

Jareth followed, his smugness only increasing with her lack of vocal skills. "You can do the kitchen stuff, I'll do the bathroom," she said pushing a box toward him and grabbing the bags with the toiletries.

He nodded and picked up the box of non-perishable canned goods she'd shoved. All of the perishable food items had been done last night as soon as they entered the loft so that nothing would spoil. Sarah turned her back on him and went into the bathroom with her bags. She had to admit that she was grateful to have a little distance between herself and Jareth. As much as she thrilled at his touch or those unforgiving gazes, there was work to be done.

It didn't take very long to put all of the bathroom items away, in fact it took far less time than she would have liked and she found herself back out in the living room looking at the rest of what needed to be put away. She decided to put away her clothes and make the bed. That would give her some more time. She took her time placing all of her clothes in the dresser and even put away Jareth's clothes while she was at it. When she was done, she returned to the living room and glanced into the kitchen to see Jareth stacking dishes in the cupboard and smiled. What if she played his own games against him?

As quietly as she could, she stepped over the now empty bags in the doorway and snuck into the kitchen, making sure Jareth's back was turned before so. She snuck up right behind him and waited till he'd just set down a stack of plates before pressing herself against his back and wrapping her arms around his torso. His sudden intake of air and frozen body pleased her. He was wearing one of the tight band t-shirts she'd gotten him and dark pair of jeans that hugged his form nearly as amicably as his leggings. She pressed herself tighter against him as her hands started to roam his chest. "Sssaarah…" he hissed.

Sarah didn't respond… vocally. Her hands did the talking for her as they found the hem of his shirt and slid underneath. She her nose nuzzled into his neck, causing him to jump slightly and shiver at her attentions. Her bare fingers skimming over his torso was driving him crazy. "Sarah…" he gasped out. "I would advise you to st-stop," he stuttered as her tongue flicked out and slid up his neck. "'Else I may not be held accountable for my actions."

Sarah paused in her ministrations, "And just what type of actions would those be?" she asked her voice an octave lower than normal.

He growled as he turned suddenly and pulled her to him, his lips meeting her own in a passionate kiss. His arms wrapped around her and kept her close as her hands continued their wanderings over his back underneath his shirt. She gasped as she felt his hands slide down to the back of her thighs and pull her up. He carried her into the bedroom, never breaking contact with her lips. The passion driving the kiss flared the fire burning low in her abdomen.

Sarah's back suddenly met the bed. She gasped as Jareth's weight momentarily pressed her down before he caught himself and held himself above her. He broke away for a moment, his breath coming in sharp gasps as he stared down at her. She stared back up at him; both of their pupils were dilated with lust. "Sarah…" he started.

She shook her head and cut him off, "Don't stop."

"But…"

"No, I know what I want, Jareth," she growled as she pulled him back down to her.

He gave in with a low moan, which only encouraged Sarah as she started to pull his shirt off. Sarah's shirt followed shortly after along with their jeans. Skin met searing skin accompanied with low moans of pleasure. Rational thought and logic had flown out the window, leaving plenty of room for mind blowing and inescapably intense gratification. It wasn't certain where one began and the other ended, so tangled were they. Finally, with a hoarse yell, the height of delight was reached and they both collapsed in a boneless embrace.

o O o O o O o

When Sarah woke, she could feel the lean naked form of Jareth curled around her. She smiled at what they'd done yesterday… only to repeat an hour later… and then once more in the early hours of pre-dawn. She blushed at the memory of how he'd woken her the last time. It had involved a slow sensual dance of his fingers across her body.

As she stretched, she realized that she ached… but in a good way, a way that said her body had been thoroughly used. Sarah glanced at the clock to see that it was almost five in the morning. She wondered why she was up so early then remembered that they'd fallen into bed quite early last night. She smiled again; she just couldn't seem to stop herself from smiling. And it was with that wide grin that she snuggled back down against Jareth and convinced her brain that it was much too early to be awake. "I love you," she whispered to the fae against her before joining him in slumber.

o O o O o O o

It was much later that day when Jareth and Sarah could be found playing an intense game of backgammon. They'd finished unpacking a while ago and after they lunched, Jareth had come into the living room to find Sarah setting up the game. He'd not had much trouble learning the rules since there was a very similar game in the Underground that went by a different name, but had the same principles. Sarah was grateful there was a certain amount of luck involved in the game otherwise it was quite possible she wouldn't have won a single match, so great a strategist Jareth was. "You shouldn't have done that, my dear," he commented, a glint in his eye as Sarah looked up questioningly.

She watched as Jareth shook the dice and the minute they landed, she saw her mistake. She now had three pieces on the centerboard. "Oh shit…"

"Language, language, my dear Sarah. You shouldn't swear in front of a king," he mocked, gleefully moving two of his pieces into his home base.

Sarah gave him an evil stare, "Well maybe if the king weren't such a ruthless player…"

"I play to win, Sarah. You should know this."

Sarah grumbled something indistinct and took her turn, cheering up a little bit as she got one piece off of the centerboard.

The day continued in a similar fashion until just before dinner when Jackie popped in again. She chatted with them and they invited her to stay for dinner, which she accepted. It was several hours later when Jackie was leaving that she pulled Sarah aside and commented on how happy both she and Jareth looked. Sarah blushed at the comment and Jackie's eyes widened. "Did you… you know...?" Sarah nodded discreetly. "Good for you! It's been way too long since you got any!"

"Jackie!"
"What? Just stating facts, Sar."

"Uh huh…" she crossed her arms and gave her friend an embarrassed glare.

"Right, I'll just be on my way then. Nice talking to you again, Jareth!" she called over Sarah's shoulder at Jareth who was watching the television. "Remember, just call if you need anything. I'd rather be inconvenienced than rather have you wandering outside where Todd could find you," Jackie stated.

Sarah nodded, hugging her friend. "Thanks for lookin' out for us, Jackie. You're a great friend."

Jackie hugged Sarah back, "Thanks, Sar. That means a lot."

The two waved goodbye as Jackie walked out the door.

o O o O o O o

Thanks for reading again! I hope the smuff wasn't too much… let me know if it was and I'll change the rating to M.

Please feel free to leave a review!

Oh and thanks to Verity Kindle for suggesting the name Zuul! lol...

Also! This was uploaded today in honor of David Bowie's birthday! Happy Birthday! :D

Labyrinth (c) Jim Henson & Co.