Author's Note:
At this rate, Speed Onis will never be finished! Oh well, what the Muse wants, he gets. Especially with, well, everything. Has anyone else seen the Time tribute magazine for David Bowie? I picked it up at the grocery store, opened it to his wedding with Iman and, well, had to buy it. (sniffle)
Jareth and Sarah property of Henson & Disney. The Mistress of the Crossroads is mine. I'm joining the lovely writers Ellen Weaver and TheRealEatsShootsAndLeaves in regards to Jareth's...nature.
SoHo just wasn't what it used to be. Jareth, King of the Goblins and Curator of the Labyrinth sighed as he wandered aimlessly through the back alleys of his once favorite part of the Above. Mortals burned so quickly, their tastes and trends changing faster than he could keep up. They were fascinating little fireflies, too bad their brightest had found other places to gather. He turned toward a bigger street, deciding to go home. It would be his shortest birthday trip Above. Halfway up the street, his magical senses twinged. He stopped, head snapping toward what looked like a modest pub. He moved closer, ignoring the grumbled protests of mortals dodging him to study this new thing. The magic was old, as old as the Labyrinth, but not hostile. In fact, it felt familiar.
"Is it possible?" He whispered, intrigued. It had been a long time. His lips curved into a dangerous smile and he boldly walked in, his black cape materializing with a loud snap. The pub was a quarter full of young men and women, most gathered around a large central fire pit. Opposite the door was a small raised stage ready for a musician or singer. To his left, a wood bar with a marble top ran the length of the building. Backlit glass shelves displayed a dizzying amount of spirits and there were no less than two dozen taps. Pulling ale from one tap was the person he was hoping for.
"Chara!" He called, striding to the bar, boot heels clicking just so. Conversations ceased and the bartender gave him a withering look.
"You'd best be having a good story showing your beak here," Chara growled. Jareth laughed. The Mistress of the Bar at the Crossroads was one of his few trusted friends. The bar was her kingdom, the patrons her loyal subjects. Here, unlike anywhere else, he could be himself without censure. He reached over the bar, snagged her free hand and nibbled it. Chara sighed. "Let me see to my paying customers first, Snow Cock."
"Snow Cock?" A youth three stools down sniggered. Jareth propped his chin on his fist and leered at the boy.
"Say that again and lose your testicles," He said with cheerful menace. What a stroke of luck! Chara to flirt with and mortals to terrify! His birthday looked rosier by the minute. The boy flinched and looked at Chara, who plunked his pint on the bar and glared.
"For that, you owe me a song AND a story. Get your tush on that stage, Collin, before His Majesty decided he wants balls instead of voles."
"Y...yes ma'am. Any...song in particular?" He squeaked. Jareth sneered and drummed his fingers on the marble.
"Make it a good one, Chara. I do so want to hear this," He drawled. Chara sighed and shook her head.
"Fourth moon of the second spring, should have expected this," She muttered. Jareth's ears pricked and he showed off his teeth. Collin whimpered. "Give me a Beatles song, Collin."
"Beatles. Right!" Collin chugged half his ale and scurried to the stage. The crowd turned almost as one to watch as the boy punched numbers into a box and grabbed the microphone. His song choice was met with cheers and laughter. Voices soon joined in, making the song bearable. Chara shook her head and turned to Jareth.
"Many happy returns, then?"
"Oh yes, now there are." He leaned over the bar, his pendant swinging out to clink on the marble and showing off his chest. Chara rolled her eyes.
"I'll treat you to one, since it's your birthday and all, but after that, standard fees apply. Goblin, Elven or Mortal?"
"Strong and hoppy."
"Mortal it is then." Jareth grinned as he watched her grab a large mug and pulled a reputable ale for him. She slid it to him and turned to the cast iron stove tucked away between shelves. Unlike most Fae and changelings, Chara had no trouble with mortal metals. When one monitored the Crossroads, one's health depended on certain immunities. He drank his ale slowly, savoring the taste and enjoying the view of her working. She would always be dangerously beautiful and he was glad for it. A match between them was laughable, their commonalities too close and their kingdoms too disparate. Besides, he was taken. Chara turned back with a plate in her hands. Jareth's eyes widened and he gulped the last of his ale.
"Chara!" He breathed, humbled by her generosity. Out of his many allies and few friends, only Chara took care of both his natures. She smirked at him.
"The ale was your present, Snow Cock. These little beauties will cost you a song and dance."
"Oh really? Exactly what song and dance are you referring to?"
"The one you've skipped out of for the last thirty years and no, you're not getting an advance." Collin finished his song and blushed off the stage. Chara put the plate down just under the bar and casually vaulted over it. Patrons cheered as she propped her hands on her hips and matched him sneer for sneer. "Well?"
"As it is my birthday, I am inclined to be generous." He gave her a showy bow and she curtsied saucily back. Jareth offered his arm and she took it. The crowd quieted as they walked to the stage. Mortals they were, but even they could sense Something Was Happening. Chara took the microphone and handed Jareth a second before fiddling with the machine.
"Ladies and gentlemen, a special surprise and rare treat for you all today. Consider yourselves most fortunate this fine Fae has agreed to grace us with his...talents," She said into the mike. There were many whistles and cheers.
"Chara, I do believe you are trying to embarrass me," Jareth purred into his mike. Chara flicked her fingers at the machine.
"You get tenor, GK. I'll take the hard one." A familiar rhythm flowed out of the speakers. The two friends snapped and clapped, the audience eagerly picking up the beat. Chara went first, facing Jareth as she sang. Jareth smirked as he joined in. Soon the two were dancing about, singing more to each other then the rapt mortals. Jareth reached out with his free hand and Chara grinned as she took it and he spun her. Her three octave feat was met with whistles and cheers. Jareth pulled her against him, she spun in place and slid down his body as she echoed two words. He stepped back when his part started again, she rose and faced him. He took her hand, twirled her twice and pulled her back against his chest, one arm flirtatiously around her waist. Her free hand dropped to grab his thigh as they finished the song. With whistles, cheers and hooting, they separated and bowed to each other.
"Ladies and gentlemen, my good friend GK!" Chara said. Jareth grinned and bowed slightly to the crowd.
"Chara, as always, it is an honor to sing with you," Jareth said. Chara collected the microphones and put them back before hopping off the stage and vaulting over the bar. Jareth followed eagerly, pointedly ignoring the females who reached out to him. Only one female besides Chara would ever be allowed to touch him and since he doubted he'd ever see her again, the bartender was his sole comfort. Especially when she brought out the plate of piping hot field mice. With a shiver of pleasure, he shifted to his owl form and flew onto the bar. There was a distinct lack of mortal screams and panic. He twisted his head to look behind him, shrugged, turned back and snapped at the mouse dangling by his beak. Chara pulled it away and he glared at her.
"The little ones think we're flirting outrageously." He clacked his beak and stared longingly at the mouse. She laughed and brought it closer, letting go when he snatched it. "I suppose we are, which is good. I've been worried about you." She fed him another mouse. Jareth gulped it down with relish and cocked his head.
"Rrrrr?" He asked. Why would she be worried about him? Chara smiled one of her mysterious smiles.
"Hearts don't break evenly. I'm glad yours is smoothed out a little." She gently stroked his back. He shivered in delight. "I would have stayed nearby, if She had let me. I wanted to. You needed a friend."
"Chrrrrr." Yes, he had needed a friend after his ignoble defeat at the hands of a chit with cruel eyes. Bu,t as he was pledged to the Wished Away and the Labyrinth, Chara was pledged to the Cross Roads. Her pristine white apron with the words embroidered in a lopsided cross shape was as much a symbol and receptacle of her kingdom as his pendant was for him. Always Duty first and hers was not as clearly defined as his. He gently nibbled her wrist and made googly eyes at the last mouse on the plate. Chara laughed and teased him with it, making him almost go airborne to catch it. He finally had it in his beak when the door jingled and a new person walked in. His feathers stood on end and he choked on the mouse when he saw her. Chara deftly fished it out by its tail and threw it away.
"Try not to be quite so obvious, hmm?"
Sarah Williams looked around and waved at Moira. The proprietess of Cross Roads waved back. Sarah hurried over and blinked in surprise. What was Moira doing with a barn owl on the bar? A very fluffy and surprised looking owl at that.
"Hi, Moira, I'm sorry that I'm late."
"Hush, lass, you're not late. Well, you did miss a really good duet, but there hasn't been much call for music tonight. People are paying in stories." Sarah nodded, grinning. What she loved most about Cross Roads, after Moira herself, was that if you were broke, you could pay for a beer or some food with a story or a song. This was very important for starving students like herself. A double major in zoology and veterinary medicine cost a lot. The internship at the London Zoo paid enough, but she was still cautious about leaning on Moira's generosity. She hadn't forgotten the Missing Cross Road week.
"Ok, good. I've been practicing a new song, can I get a bowl of Irish stew for it?" She asked, clutching her violin case. Moira glanced at the owl and smirked. It was a borderline evil smirk that left Sarah blinking. Moira covered the barn owl's head with her hands.
"Pet the owl and you'll get the stew." Moira mouthed and released the owl. It snapped at her and shrieked, clearly annoyed with the treatment. Sarah looked at the owl skeptically. Moira had pulled this stunt on her before, with a cat. It had followed her around for a full week, even into restricted areas at the zoo. Sarah was certain the only reason it left on the seventh evening was because its contract with Moira had expired. Whatever the deal was, she hadn't been bothered by the creepy penguin keeper since. Sarah was well used to Odd Happenings in her life. No one goes through a trial in a magic kingdom without side effects. A barn owl would be a step up, considering she worked in the raptor section and had the rehabilitation license to rescue, patch up and release birds of prey.
"Stew and a hot toddy."
"A hot toddy? Bad day?"
"You have no idea."
"I can think of several. Stew and toddy, then, but you'll be playing before the toddy."
"Fair." Sarah moved closer, keeping a wary eye on the owl. It looked at her and fluffed up again, going from beautiful predator to adorable fuzzball. Sarah smiled and chirped at it. The barn owl's black eyes seemed to get bigger and the feathers quivered. Slowly, Sarah brought up her hand, letting the owl study it. After a few seconds, she gently brushed her fingertips against its chest. The owl trilled and leaned into her touch! She moved her fingers over the shoulder and stroked the back with her palm. More cute trills and the eyes closed. If she didn't know better, she'd say the owl was enjoying her touch. Perhaps even too much. Its eyes opened and Sarah gasped at the intensity of the gaze. Her hand froze in mid stroke.
"Here you are, lass," Moira broke the spell, putting a large bowl of stew on the bar. Sarah snatched her hand back and scrambled onto a stool a few seats away from the owl. Moira moved the stew to her and added a chunk of bread. Sarah fell to with gusto, being equal parts hungry and nervous. The owl had been so cute with the big eyes and the fluffed feathers, she had forgotten. He manifested as a barn owl. That owl could...have...she froze mid bite and slowly turned to look. Moira was pulling pints for one of the regulars, Dave? Or was it Daniel? The owl was nowhere to be seen. Sarah looked at her right hand clutching the spoon. Her fingers felt a little tingly and...was that...glitter? Surely not! Moira wouldn't do that to her! Or would she? That tuxedo cat, after all. Sarah shook her head and focused on her dinner. She was imagining things. If she really wanted that hot toddy, she needed to clear her mind and get ready to play. She had played this piece as soon as she could make her violin sing instead of screech, but never in public. It was special, from a very special moment in her life. She may have grown up and turned her creative energies towards raptor rescue and zookeeping, but she hadn't forgotten that night, or her friends. She invited Sir Didymus, Hoggle and Ludo to tea every month after she got her own flat. Today was the first time in three years they hadn't come and she was very worried. What had happened? She swallowed the last bite of stew and looked up. The barn owl was sitting on one of the shelves, flanked by a blue and a black bottle, watching her closely. Moira came over before she was drawn into a staring contest. Owls always won.
"Feeling ready now?" Moira asked kindly. Sarah shivered and picked up her case.
"Yes, I am. When I'm done, can I talk to you? Something happened this afternoon." Moira looked her up and down.
"But of course. Let's hear this new piece." Moira hopped over the bar and escorted her to the stage. Sarah carefully unpacked, primed and tuned her violin while Moira introduced her. She stepped up to the mike and smiled shyly at the applause and a few whistles.
"Thank you, everyone. I'm a little nervous."
"Don't be!" Several folks called. She laughed a little.
"I'll do my best. This song, it's...well, it means a lot to me. I learned it from someone I knew in school, haven't seen them in years in fact, but...I hope I do it justice." She took a deep breath, raised her bow and started to play. A piercing shriek tore through the pub and everyone jumped. Sarah winced at the sour note and looked around. Moira was holding the barn owl, which was struggling and staring. Staring right at her! Moira sighed, lifted the bird to her chin and whispered. The owl stopped struggling and tried to nip Moira's nose. The bartender whispered again, looking very annoyed.
"Uh, Sarah?" Someone in the audience asked. She blinked and shook herself.
"Oh. Yes. I'm sorry. Moira? Is it okay? Should I not play?" She called. The bird screeched again.
"Snow Cock, you'll be the death of me yet," Moira said clearly. Someone choked in the audience. Sarah's gaze darted back and forth. Moira sighed as the owl dug its beak into her fingers, drawing blood. "Enough of that!" She snapped. Storming out from behind the bar, she walked over and plunked the owl onto the karaoke machine before wrapping a corner of her apron around the puncture.
"Oh, Moira!" Sarah put the violin down and moved to help her friend, only to be waved off. "Moira, that needs to be looked at. Owls don't have the cleanest beaks." The owl in question screeched again and fluffed up.
"It's fine, Sarah, I'll wash it in a jiffy. Just...do us all a favor and play your song while facing Snow Cock, okay? Daft bird thinks you're playing a love song."
"Well, it is," Sarah said, twisting her fingers. She looked at the owl. It spread its wings and screeched, a different call from before, one she only heard from a mated pair. Sarah's hair stood on end and her mouth fell open. "Wh...what did you do that for?! I'm not your mate!" She gasped. The owl blinked, blinked again and promptly tucked its head under its wing. Moira laughed.
"Best dedicate your song, Sarah, or I'll never hear the end of it."
"All...all right." Sarah picked up the violin, cocked her head and gently rubbed a fingertip against Snow Cock's chest. His head popped out fast as a jack in the box. "You remind me of…" Her voice trailed off. Snow Cock's eyes seemed to get bigger and he trilled softly. Sarah sighed and shook her head. Going back to the mike, she apologized. The crowd cheered her on.
"Since Moira asked so nicely, I'm dedicating this song to...to the person who taught it to me. I w...I hope he remembers me, because I haven't forgotten him or the lessons. All the lessons." She glanced at Snow Cock. If barn owls could smile, he would be beaming from ear to ear. She turned to face him, tucked her violin under her chin and played.
Jareth was beside himself with joy. Sarah! His Champion, his soon-to-be mate was here! On his birthday! Playing the love song he sang to her in the ballroom! She remembered him! It took all of his control to not shift, wrap his arms around her and spirit her back to his chambers. Or her chambers. Or the back room of the Cross Roads, SOMEPLACE private. By playing the song to him, she made her declaration and he was ecstatic. Her little comment about not being his mate could be ignored, she obviously didn't mean it. He spread his wings, anticipation coursing through him. Chara's angry glare struck him between his shoulders and he slumped, tucking his wings back. She was right, he had to wait until Sarah finished the song before he could reply in kind. His instincts were screaming to claim his mate at long last, but his will was strong. Really. It was very strong. He could wait until Sarah finished. Right? Gods, why had he written such a long song? He clacked his beak and danced a little on the plastic machine. Sarah smiled, her eyes soft, watching him as she played. Her intent was crystal clear. He trilled happily, dancing in place. Sarah finished the song and lowered her bow, smiling at him. Jareth twisted his head around, looking at Chara. Now? Now? Chara rolled her eyes. Jareth trilled, turned back. He waited until Sarah had put her violin away before shifting to man form and pouncing. Sarah's scream was smothered in his cloak as he yanked her to him, burying his face in her hair.
"Yes, Sarah! Yes!" He cried happily. He pulled back, eager for their first kiss. What he got was a knuckle sandwich. He staggered back and tripped over the cords. To avoid an embarrassing fall he teleported to the bar. Chara dug all ten claws into his shoulders, holding him while Sarah stalked over with murder in her eyes. "Um, Precious?"
"You...you...SNOW COCK!" Sarah yelled, bringing her fist back again.
"ENOUGH!" Chara shouted. Everyone shut up. Sarah paused. Chara forced Jareth onto a stool, snapped her fingers and pointed to another. Sarah glared, but took the seat. "My apologies, everyone, but you don't want to see this. It's going to get ugly. Out you go and don't worry about any tabs. I will be very well paid tonight." Chara called. The rest of the mortals gathered their things, whispering amongst themselves as they filed out. Jareth suppressed a wince when he heard several bets in favor of Sarah killing, castrating or cutting him. Chara waved her hand when the last human left, locking the door with an ominous "clunk".
"Right. Jareth, don't be an ass. Sarah, today's his birthday, so try to keep a lid on your temper. Both of you, drink this." Jareth's head swiveled as a shot glass slammed next to him. It was full of red liquid that seemed to glow ever so slightly. Glancing in Sarah's direction, he saw she had the same thing.
"Chara," He groaned, seeing the Mistress' plan.
"Chara? I thought your name was Moira!" Sarah cried. Chara shook her head.
"My name comes from my customers, lass. Each one is different and I answer to all of them. Now. Both of you drink that."
"What does it do?" Sarah asked suspiciously.
"It suppresses magical ability," Jareth growled. "It was brewed by the dragons as a means of maintaining order and diplomacy during negotiations. If no one can use magic, everyone is equal and must work to reach an accord, rather than fighting or compelling."
"But I don't have magic. What will it do to me?" Sarah asked. Chara folded her arms and smirked.
"It keeps mortals calm and clear headed while increasing their logical thinking processes. Brings you up to his level."
"What are you anyway?" She asked. Chara tsked.
"Drink first, then ask the questions. I'll mediate." Chara took a leather bound book and a cup of ballpoint pens out and put them on the bar. She flipped to a blank page, selected a pen and nodded. "Drink so we may begin."
"Is this really safe for me?" Sarah asked. Chara leaned over and tipped Sarah's chin up to meet her eyes. Sarah's bugged out.
"I swear on my blood, Sarah. This will not harm you, nor will it bind you to the Cross Roads, to me or to Jareth in any way. Jareth spoke truly. It is simply a means of ensuring equal footing for tonight. Better than a babel fish and temporary."
"How temporary?"
"The effects will not wear off until an accord is reached and the parties commit to it. The first item on the agenda is how you will swear to keep to your accord. Now, please drink. Snow Cock isn't the patient type."
"Bog, Chara, the next time Cross Roads puts a brick into my kingdom."
"You'll have to find me first. Now hurry up, you two. Reordering time is not allowed here." Jareth sighed and took the shot glass.
"Please, Sarah. Trust Chara at least, for all our sakes." Sarah bit her lip, an action that made Jareth's stomach clench in longing, and picked up her drink.
"On three." She said. Jareth nodded. "One. Two. Three." He tossed back the shot, wincing at the burn and shuddering as his magic retreated deep within his mind, wrapped in steel lined cotton. He would not even be able to transform! He flung the shot glass into the fire pit. Sarah's quickly followed. He blinked at her. She shrugged.
"It's a safe way of expressing frustration. Pity there weren't any fireballs."
"My thoughts exactly," Jareth said suspiciously. Chara sighed.
"Oh, you two are going to be a right treat, you are. For that, you'll be sealing this deal with a kiss."
"Really?" Jareth sat up eagerly. Sarah groaned.
"I can't kiss him! He'll...he'll read too much into it!" Chara shook her head as she wrote.
"A pledge is a pledge, Sarah. It's in the book now anyway, too late to change it. Now, since you two are on equal footing by drink and by power, I shall defer to the birthday boy to start. Kindly explain to Sarah why you made such an idiot out of yourself tonight."
"I did not! I was only responding to your declaration, Precious!"
"Declaration? How is that song a declaration? I get that it's a love song, now. I didn't then, but really?" Sarah frowned, looking adorably puzzled. Jareth sighed.
"I'm...not human." She gave him a "Yeah, and?" look. "I'm not even what mortals call Fae, although that seems to be the catch-all term. I'm, I suppose the best description would be were owl."
"You were bitten by a were owl?" She asked skeptically, folding her arms under her breasts. He stared longingly until Chara thumped him on the head.
"No. I was born this way. It's not really a curse or a disease like lycanthropy. I can't turn anyone."
"Then how in the Underground did you end up King of the Goblins?"
"I won the game." He sat up proudly and preened a little. Sarah deserved to know. "I ran the Labyrinth after the old king faded."
"All the way to the Castle in the center of the Goblin City?"
"All the way." Sarah cocked her head. He copied her, grinning.
"Then, since I won too, does that mean I've usurped your kingdom? Oh gods, is that why I couldn't reach my friends today? Why didn't anyone tell me about this!?"
"You didn't win the throne, Sarah," Jareth said gently, putting his hand palm up on the bar. She looked at it, then at him. He sighed. "You were running for your brother, hence you got him back. You're not the only one who's successfully run the Labyrinth for a Wished Away. You're the first…" He trailed off and sighed, fingers clenching on the bar.
"I'm the first, what? First one to impress you? First one to do it in ten hours?"
"First one I wanted!" He shouted. She blinked several times. Chara sighed and made notes. "You're also the only one I want. You made a serious impression on me, Sarah. I did everything you asked and you still turned me down."
"I was fifteen, Jareth," She said softly. His heart did a little dance, hearing his name on her lips. Such pretty lips, too. He sighed and propped his chin on his fist.
"I knew that. I allowed the mirror portal so you wouldn't forget...anything. Even though you spurned me, you kept in contact with your...companions. I hoped eventually you would call me directly." He looked into her wide green eyes. "I've been waiting a very long time."
"Impression," She looked away, a charming blush staining her cheeks. He smiled slightly and tried to see what Chara was writing. The Mistress flicked his forehead and pulled the book back. Sarah gasped and he looked at her astonished expression.
"You...you imprinted me? But...how? Barn owls don't…" Jareth sighed heavily and she shut up.
"You were beautiful, cruel and clever. Very, very clever. You pulled me into your dream and when we danced, I knew." He sighed again, glaring at the fire pit. He wanted to throw more shot glasses, preferably full. "I wrote that song ages ago, but that dream was the first and last time I used it. I declared you my mate, but you broke the dream. I set my troops on you and you broke the gates and the robot. I called you out and you broke the Escher room. I appealed to you and you broke my heart." He turned his cold glare on Sarah, with her open mouth and astonished face. "You're still beautiful and still cruel. You said you remembered the lessons. You played my mating song back to me, in front of witnesses! You responded, Sarah! You said 'Yes' and then punched me in the face! My jaw still hurts, thank you very much." Chara bopped him on the head again and he snarled.
"I...I didn't know!" Sarah protested. He sighed and rolled his eyes. "I knew it was a love song, but I...I didn't understand then! A child can't respond to an adult like that!"
"So why now, then, hmmm? Are you going to take it back? Say you didn't mean it?" He sneered.
"What's said is said, Jareth," Sarah said firmly. He nearly fell off the stool, astonished.
"Wh...what?"
"I didn't know you were...courting me. I was convinced everything you did was a trap or a trick to keep Toby. I was eighteen when I figured it out, but I still didn't know what to do or how to reach you. I had to keep Hoggle, Sir Didymus and Ludo a secret until I was in college and out of my parents' house. I only managed to afford my own place three years ago!"
"It's been ten years, Sarah," He said tiredly. "How much longer are you going to make me wait? You mortals have such short lives, if you don't join me in the Underground I'm going to lose you for good." She sighed.
"When I couldn't reach my friends this afternoon, I knew I had to do something, find some way to reach you. I was afraid to wish, afraid you might steal me away or do something unforgivable. I've been practicing that song for five years, Jareth. I wanted to make sure I perfected it before...before I tried to call you with it."
"Call...me?" He leaned forward, hope once again dancing with his heart. "How did you plan on calling me without a wish?"
"Well," She tucked some hair behind her ear and shrugged, staring at his hand once again open on the bar. "This is the Cross Roads. I figured it was a good place to try, since my mirror wasn't working. If you didn't come, I was going to drink enough hot toddy to get the courage to ask Moira to help me. Then I was going to play in front of the mirror. And if that didn't work…"
"Yes?" Jareth breathed, so focused on Sarah he missed Chara's sly smirk and quick scribbling in the book. Sarah took a deep breath and put her hand in his. His fingers closed reflexively and he held his breath. Sarah, his Precious, smiled at him. The same smile she graced him when she played.
"I was going to wish for you to join me for a drink."
Sarah's eyes widened at Jareth's expression. His face went from surly to surprised to ecstatic. He squeezed her fingers, then used that grip to pull her off the stool and into his arms. She squeaked as he clutched her, arms trapped at her sides. He was cooing and trilling and possibly saying something, but she couldn't make it out through the owl noises. Were owl. Somehow, it made sense. She gasped when she felt teeth gently graze her cheek and nibble towards her ear.
What...he's...um...wow...that feels...really good! Her hormones, a body chemistry that had been lacking a certain punch in the last ten years, were making up for the delay in nerve-tingling enthusiasm. Her cheeks burned and she managed to move her eyes and appeal mutely to Moira for help. The nibbles moved around her ear and down to her neck. Sarah gasped again as her knees gave out.
"Oy! You're not finished!" Moira groused and thumped Jareth's head with her knuckles. Jareth lifted his head from Sarah's neck, which promptly got cold, and screeched at Moira. Sarah gasped when he pushed her face into his chest. What was going on? Did he think Moira was a rival or something? When he started to pull her away she struggled, twisting to get free. He chirruped softly at her before shrieking at Moira again.
"Jareth, I'm sorry," She said into his chest. He stopped.
"Why, Precious?" He asked. She stomped very hard on his foot. He yelped and let her go, she backpedaled to the bar while he hopped a few times before turning on her.
"You...you…" He sputtered, filling the room with his angry aura. Sarah swallowed hard, but put her chin up. Never show fear, yet another lesson learned in his kingdom.
"Moira's right. We're not finished. We've barely reached an understanding."
"What's to understand?! You agreed to be my mate!"
"I agreed that we are attracted to each other. That's not a mate, Jareth. That's the start of a relationship. I'm not a were anything, or Fae, or have any magic whatsoever. I want...I want us to...court."
"Court?" His aura retreated, but he stayed where he was, cocking his head and looking every inch the Disgruntled Were Owl King. "We did that already."
"No, we didn't. You courted a fifteen year old girl who didn't know what you were asking of her. I want us to court properly, as adults, with the hope of a happily ever after but an understanding that it might not happen."
"You are MINE, Sarah," Jareth growled, advancing. She held her ground, Moira's strength reassuring behind her.
"I am MINE. You are YOURS. I hope there will be an US, where WE share EACH OTHER, but I'm not going to let you whisk me away. I have degrees to finish."
"You'll be done in a year, right?" He asked. She blinked. Had he been keeping tabs on her? Then again, all he would have to do is ask her friends, or possibly interrogate Hoggle. Suddenly zoology and vet med seemed a bit of a waste of time. She should have gone for the MBA. Wait, what?
I haven't said yes to that or anything else yet. Let's get the dating agreement settled first.
"Hopefully, yes, by next summer I'll be done with my master's program. Double majors take a while."
"So we'll...court...for this year and then you'll become my mate. I can wait." He nodded. Sarah rolled her eyes and only jumped a little when he appeared in her personal space, practically chest to chest. She tried not to think about how her hormones approved of this.
"The last year of a master's degree is the most stressful, Jareth! I won't have a lot of time to court! Maybe we should wait until I'm done." His arms wrapped tightly around her back and he pressed his nose to hers. She blinked at the mismatched eyes filling her vision.
"I will help you," He said softly.
"Wh...what?"
"You're majoring in zoology and animal medicine. I am part animal, I can help you with your studies. I can also help you with the stress," He pulled back just enough for her to see his pointy toothed smile and sultry expression. She swallowed against another tidal wave of hormones. "Don't make me wait another year to be with you, Precious. Please." The last word was breathed against her lips. Sarah shivered. Jareth's gaze zeroed in on her mouth. She could feel their heartbeats racing together, but her arms were once again pinned to her sides. Jareth leaned forward and...and...suddenly she was back on the barstool.
"Wh...what?" She looked around, grabbing the bar to stop a fall. Jareth was two stools away and glaring black daggers at Moira. The bartender waggled her pen.
"You haven't finished setting the terms, quit trying to steal the accord, Snow Cock." Jareth's chest inflated and he screamed the loudest barn owl scream Sarah had ever heard. She clapped her hands over her ears. Moira shook her head and held up the book, pen poised.
"Now. Are you two in agreement that starting from today, you will be courting? Courting only, no dragging off to the Underground except by mutual consent and no formal mating dances or declarations will be made until the Champion Sarah has finished her studies and agreed to be Goblin Queen, however long that takes? And if it is decided during the courtship the two of you are not suited for each other, you will part on amicable terms and NOT take ANY vengeful, jealous or angry actions against each other at all, even if one or both of you find relationships with another?" Moira glared at Jareth.
"Can we add a clause that allows for trying to win back?" He asked. Moira looked at Sarah.
"Better to agree that dissolution of the courtship should be done when both parties have made true and honest efforts to patch up disagreements and will not, under any circumstances, happen when one or both parties are angry."
"That's my girl," Jareth purred. Sarah rolled her eyes.
"I just don't want you getting your feathers in a twist. Communication is the most important part of any relationship."
"Right. So you agree to the above stated terms, with the addition that this courtship will not be dissolved in anger, but may be dissolved if further negotiations cannot repair the relationship?" Moira asked. Jareth stood up, put one hand on his chest.
"I, Jareth, King of the Goblins and Curator of the Labyrinth, do agree to the stated terms."
"Sarah?" Sarah slid off her stool and copied Jareth. The clarifying drink made it easy to understand what was happening. This was Very Formal and Binding. A magic contract, sealed with a kiss. At least she had an out if things went sideways that he agreed to.
"I, Sarah Williams, Champion of the Labyrinth, do agree to the stated terms."
"Thank the gods that's over!" Moira sighed, slid over the bar and held out the book and pen. "Sign next to your names and then you can kiss." Jareth eagerly went first, signing with a flourish. Sarah read the entire accord, making sure it matched what she was agreeing to, before signing her name. She was amused to see Jareth had very scratchy yet legible handwriting. Moira took the pen back and snapped the book closed. "Seal the accord, you two and then scoot. I have a lot of paperwork now." Sarah looked at Jareth. Despite the eager, Christmas morning with All the Presents look on his face, he took her shoulders gently, leaving her arms free.
"Thank you, Sarah," He whispered and carefully kissed her. Her eyes slammed shut at the wave of desire that poured through her from his mouth. When he started to pull back her arms locked around his neck and her lips chased his. She could taste his surprise when her tongue slid against his bottom lip. It didn't last long. He yanked her flush against him and opened for her, tongues quickly dueling. Her hands burrowed into his hair, he grabbed her tush. Her hormones sang at the realization he was equally affected. A sudden burst of heat against their faces broke the kiss, Jareth roughly shoving her behind him to face...the fire pit.
"I said scoot!" Moira complained behind them. Jareth straightened from his protective stance, flipped his cape back into existence without hitting her, and offered his arm.
"Your place or mine, Precious?"
"My apartment and you are NOT staying the night." She picked up her violin case before accepting his arm. They walked out, Jareth trying to wheedle her into letting him stay as a barn owl.
I sighed as the newest couple walked out, Snow Cock leaving glitter in his wake. Grabbing my yew broom, I cleaned up the glitter and dumped it in the fire, smirking at the firework effects. After putting the broom away and a good stretch, I sat down to work on the books. An Accord, two songs, a dance, a recital and a half dozen stories. The Accord took me an hour. When I was finished balancing the books, I made myself that hot toddy and sat by the fire. Cold hands stroked my shoulders.
"My Propolos, you have done well."
"I am yours to command, my Queen." I didn't turn to look at her. That was forbidden.
"Fear not, my priestess. You will see their paths merge." A slow rumble, building in volume and subsiding in equal measure, signaled my next job. The cold hands vanished. I poured half the toddy into the fire, drank the rest and unlocked the door. When I turned back, I was standing in a sleek little coffee shop with good music, gleaming gold equipment and excellent roasts. The bell in the back rang and I hurried to collect my daily shipment of baked goods. New York was always fun.
Cookies to anyone who guesses the duet.