Jareth lounged in his bathtub, large bubbles covered every inch of his muscular body in a most enticing way. His hair was a wet tangle of gold and blue strands lying about his neck and shoulders. And though he loved the blue, he was once again thinking of changing the color of his highlights. Perhaps a maroon or deep purple. . .

It would have been a very peaceful bath for him had he not been eavesdropping on Sarah and Tetra's conversation in the Aboveground.

The Goblin King listened intently to the girls, taking in every word. He wasn't surprised when Tetra told Sarah about her dream encounter with him. He actually enjoyed watching Sarah's expression when Tetra divulged that they had met.

He chuckled to himself. Did Sarah really think that for one instant I would not watch her? Uncover her weaknesses and her strengths? Learn about her passions and her dislikes? I do want her to be my wife after all. As the Goblin King observed his beloved and took in her expression on her face answered all of his questions. She obviously had not considered the fact that he watched her.

Jareth scowled when Tetra challenged his power as they left the horrible 'fast food restaurant'.

Who was this girl, a mere mortal, to dare such an insult towards him? Sarah may have won, but that didn't mean he was inadequate against humans. This human, this Tetra would pay for her insolence. But for now he would just watch and wait. His time would come and it would come soon. For at midnight Sarah would be his.

Jareth smirked as his head went beneath the hot bubbly water.

Sarah drove 10 above the speed limit, approaching the older part of town. They passed many businesses and small shops on the way and after a while Tetra smiled.

"I know where we're going."

Sarah smiled at her friend, "It took you long enough! We come here almost every weekend."

Every weekend for a couple of months now, Sarah and Tetra had gone to a karaoke bar and listened to people perform while having a cold beverage.

Tetra would get up and do a comedy act which everyone seemed to love, even though it was extremely cheesy and full of innuendos. But Sarah couldn't complain. It was a lovely atmosphere.

Sarah had always been too shy to perform, so she would sit and cheer for everyone else. When Tetra was on stage she would sit and watch her friend secretly wishing she had the resolve to get up and sing. But it had been nothing more than a fantasy.

Sarah loved to sing and act. It had always been her passion and it always would be.

The girl was tired of sitting on the sidelines. If today was her last day in the Aboveground, she was going to make it count. Sarah was going to sing, and she was going to make it meaningful, even if it was memorable only in her eyes.

As they pulled up into the little bar Tetra opened the glove compartment and pulled out her bag of emergency makeup. The Ziplock contained mascara, eyeliner, concealer and a pallet of eye shadow.

"What will it be?" Tetra asked as she opened the bag.

"You know I don't wear makeup."

"Today you have to; you might never get another chance to perform. And if that's the case you have to look nice!" Tetra shoved the eyeliner into her hands. "Apply it, now."

Sarah sighed in revulsion but obeyed, taking down the mirror on her visor. She slowly traced around her eyes and when she was done Tetra handed her the mascara. Sarah brushed her long eyelashes nimbly, and blinked rapidly, trying to get used to the feeling.

"Now what color?" Tetra said looking through her vast collection. She finally picked a beautiful dark green that matched her friend's eyes. Sarah held out her hand expectantly, but Tetra just shook her head.

"Please let me do it? You always make such a mess of it."

Sarah started to protest but Tetra gave her a look that told her it wasn't a question. So she closed her eyes again and felt her friend gently rub the color onto her lids. After a moment she stopped rubbing, and rummaged through her cosmetics again. "Where is that glitter?" She muttered to herself frantically.

Sarah's eyes shot open, "Glitter?"

"Yes glitter." Tetra said matter-of-factly, "I want you to look like a star when we go in there. Glitter will enhance your eyes."

"I have enough enhancing without the glitter Tetra." Sarah huffed, flabbergasted.

"Humor me girl! I might never get to see you in makeup again." Tetra made a pouty face and whined.

Sarah grimaced but ultimately surrendered.

"Here we go." Tetra warned her as she started putting it on.

The glitter was fine and small but it still annoyed Sarah. The girl made sure to sigh loudly several times before Tetra finished.

"I'm gonna look like an idiot. . ." Sarah murmured under her breath as Tetra bade her to look in the mirror. "So what do you think, sweetie?"

Sarah's breath caught in her throat as she looked at herself. The girl couldn't deny that the makeup made her look stunning. Truthfully the only reason she didn't wear the stuff was because it always made her itch like crazy.

Sarah tipped her head to the side examining her and Tetras' handy-work in wonder. She truly looked like a princess from a fairy-tale. Her eyes seemed bigger and brighter than usual and the glitter which was a silvery color went very well with the dark green eye shadow.

"Wow . . ." Sarah gasped staring into her own eyes in a daze. "It looks good." She added with surprise.

"What did you expect? A second rate job?" Tetra scoffed. "Your friend is the best damn makeup artist in town babykins, so you only would get the best." Tetra smiled smugly as she put the makeup bag away.

"You are so annoying sometimes. You know that?"

"Of course I do! It is one of my many talents," Tetra mocked.

Sarah rolled her eyes and got out of the truck slamming the door as hard as she possibly could.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Tetra screeched, her eyes planted on her truck's door.

"Returning the discomfort," Sarah replied simply. Then the girl walked towards the bar, leaving Tetra behind to examine the door. She could hear Tetra muttering curses behind her. But she didn't care. After Tetra had been that bossy she deserved her car door slammed.

Tetra caught up just as Sarah was nearing the door. "That was uncalled for Sarah! I just wanted to help you look good. Honestly you should be thanking me!"

"Whatever."

Standing in front of the door was a large black man who had his arms crossed over his chest and a mean look on his face. But his scowl completely vanished when the girls walked up. He grinned broadly at them, showing them his large white teeth.

"Sarah Williams and Tetra Grace, how you two doing?"

"We're good doing James, how bout you?" Tetra asked smiling up at their bouncer friend.

"I'm doing fine," He said smiling even bigger than before which should have been physically impossible. "You actually gonna perform today Sarah?" He asked eagerly as he stamped their hands with the no alcohol stamp.

"Yes I am," Sarah admitted bashfully.

James looked at her happily, "I want to watch you! I can't believe I'm finally getting to hear you sing!" He looked at Tetra briefly before looking back at Sarah. "Tetra always does a routine for us. But you have always sat quietly."

Sarah looked at the ground but a big hand lifted her chin. "You will be amazing Lady Sarah." He said quietly.

"Lady Sarah? Why did you call me that?" Sarah asked.

"If you're a nothing but a Lady, then I can't call you anything else, now can I?" He asked kindly. Sarah smiled at him and nodded her courage stoked.

"Thank you James. Let's go do this."

James held the door open for them and they all entered.

Jareth smiled as he got out of his bath wrapping his towel around his athletic frame. His man was good, or should he say his 'Goblin'. Jareth had posted James at that bar to watch Sarah and befriend her. And he had accomplished his job to perfection.

"I'll be glad when this is over and done with." Jareth said to the small Goblin that had handed him the towel.

"I'm drained from the effort to keep James in human form- and to watch Sarah constantly."

"My lord is powerful," the little Goblin said bowing.

Jareth looked down at him curiously and noted that he couldn't be more than fifty years old. What was one so young doing serving him?

"What is your name," He asked in interest.

"Marshus Grimbold, my King."

"So . . . you are Mariya's son."

Marshus nodded solemnly, never making eye contact with The Goblin King.

"Well you're well-mannered for one so young, Marshus Grimbold." Jareth complimented.

"Thank you Sire, Your Majesty is kind to say so."

"Most Goblins never learn manners like yours. I am impressed." Jareth paused for a moment, "Your mother has taught you well, Master Grimbold."

The Goblin blushed at the praise. "It will mean a lot to her, Sir. For she always said manners were important."

"That they are," Jareth agreed. "You may go now Master Grimbold, I wish to be alone." Jareth said dismissing Marshus.

Marshus bowed once more before he scuttled away a grin covering his green face.

The Goblin King chuckled as he watched the retreating form of Mariya's son. He's just like his mother.

Jareth slowly walked to his wardrobe pulling out his everyday attire and got dressed quickly. He didn't want to miss Sarah's big performance.

The Bar was a moderate room made up of tables, a dance floor and stage. Along with the distinct counter where you could order drinks. There were mirrors on all the walls so that you could see the stage at all times no matter what you were doing. And there was a DJ constantly playing requests. He had every song you could think of, karaoke or otherwise.

The bartender smiled at them as they passed. "Two Mountain Dews with extra ice," he said getting two tall glasses ready. But James shook his head.

"Sarah's performing today."

The bartender nodded and put the glasses away, looking expectantly towards the stage. James selected one of the front tables and sat down.

Tetra pulled Sarah aside, "You go first."

"But Tetra we're supposed to sing a duet. . ."

"I'm not a singer," Tetra said with a smile. "I'm a comedian. I'll do my own act after this, don't you worry about that." She said winking. "Go knock 'em dead, Sarah."

Sarah smiled and hugged her friend, "Thanks Tet."

Sarah made her way up to the stage and she went straight to the DJ. "Um. . . . Excuse me, do you have 'Where is Love' from Oliver the musical?"

The DJ looked up his files on his computer and nodded. Sarah thanked him and walked to the center of the stage.

She looked down nervously at the table where her friends sat. James gave her the thumbs up sign and Tetra winked at her and did a loud whistle.

Sarah would have laughed if she hadn't been so nervous. She sighed; the girl had waited a long time for this moment and she wasn't going to chicken out now. She had to do this, it was her last chance.

She grabbed the microphone and pointed to the DJ queuing him to start the music. The intro washed over the whole establishment. It was a soft sound: a harp and a piano. It was a mix of sentimental notes with one purpose. To be heard.

And as the introduction ended Sarah opened her mouth and began to sing.

"Where is love? Does it fall from skies above?

Is it underneath the willow tree . . . that I've been dreaming of?

Where is he? Who I close my eyes to see?

Will I ever know the sweet 'hello'

That's only meant for me?

Who can say where he may hide? Must I travel far and wide?

'Til I am bedside the someone who I can mean something to ...

Where...?

Where is love?"

She paused with the instrumental break her heart soaring with the music. All thoughts of Jareth and her friends pushed completely from her mind. She had only one purpose and that was to give the song a life of its own.

"Who can say where...he may hide? Must I travel...far and wide?

'Til I am beside . . . the someone who, I can mean...something to . . .

Where?

Where is love?"

She ended the song softly, letting the last note linger. She closed her eyes and blushed a delicate pink as she realized she had done it again.

Ever since Sarah was a little girl, whenever she sang or played an instrument, she always got carried away. To the point where the music became a part of her and she lost all control. It had always been a problem. People didn't like the way she sang, it tended to confuse or frightened them. Her old music teacher had once told her, 'You are too unpredictable . . . Your voice is too different.'

So Sarah had stopped singing and playing her beloved Cello. It was a horrible thing for her, but she had done it.

Now Sarah opened her eyes expecting cat calls and boos. But instead she was greeted with loud applause and whoops from here and there. James stood up and clapped a huge grin spreading across his face.

Sarah felt like she was going to cry. They actually liked her singing.

For the first time since her adventure in the Labyrinth she felt like she belonged. A grateful tear trickled from her eye; she felt complete and . . . bold.

"Would you folks like another song?" She asked impulsively.

The crowd erupted into another loud cheer, she had her answer.

Sarah smiled and walked back over to the DJ. She whispered her request into his ear and then returned to the center of the stage.

"The next song I am going to sing is a love song." She said into the mic. "It is for my friends who cannot be here tonight . . . without them I wouldn't be here. So . . . thanks guys."

The crowd clapped politely and waited for her to begin. A quiet piano started to play accompanied by two violins. It had a bitter but beautiful melody. Sarah looked out into the crowd, her arms outstretched towards them.

"The day starts, the day ends . . . Time crawls by

Night steals in, pacing the floor- The moments creep, yet I can't bear to sleep . . .

Till I hear you sing . . .

And weeks pass, and months pass- Seasons fly

Still you don't walk through the door

And in a haze I count the silent days

Till I hear you sing once more."

Sarah paused as an image entered her head: Jareth. She saw herself in his arms, dancing around a ballroom filled with breathtaking bobbles and masked people. Her heart fluttered at the memory.

"And sometimes at night time I dream that you are there

But wake holding nothing but the empty air . . .

And years come, and years go

Time runs dry . . .

Still I ache down to the core

My broken soul - Can't be alive and whole

Till I hear you sing once more

And music, your music, it teases at my ear

I turn and it fades away and you're not here."

Sarah threw back her head and belted out the words, thanking the heavens that she was having this moment. No matter what happened it could never be taken away from her. She was invincible!

"Let hopes pass, let dreams pass- Let them die!

Without you, what are they for?

I'll always feel, no more than halfway real

Till I hear you sing once more!"

Her voice echoed off of the walls and bounced around the room, her voice rising and falling like the tide. She started to cry as the image changed: Jareth bending down to kiss her, their lips meeting gently. She admired how their tongues complimented each other flawlessly.

"Jareth . . ." She whispered into the mic her tears running freely.

The crowd went wild again. Most of the people got up out of their seats as they cheered. She felt aglow with pure joy.

Sarah put the microphone back in its holder and walked off the stage, to a welcoming round of applause. She bowed gratefully and walked to the table where James and Tetra sat.

Tetra sat wide eyed and Sarah realized this was the first time her friend had heard her sing.

"I had no idea you could sing like that!" Tetra said, still in shock.

Sarah smiled through her tears, "I thought you would be freaked out if I showed you."

"Are you kidding me? That was cool!"

"Tetra's right that was beautiful Miss Williams," James agreed his eyes bulging.

Sarah thanked him and Tetra and sat down, "Your turn Tet."

"There's no way I can top that," Tetra groaned as she got up. "Wish me luck."

"You don't need it," Sarah replied.

Tetra grinned as she walked up to the stage and grabbed the microphone. She began her comedy act and everyone was laughing within a few minutes.

Sarah sighed. She had loved every second of performing, but she was glad it was over.

"Beyond words my love," Jareth's voice said passionately from within the recesses of her mind.

Sarah blushed at his words of praise, "I couldn't have done it without you." She said aloud, to her utter surprise.

"Did you say something?" James asked curiously a smile playing on his lips.

"No, just talking to myself."

"You sang like an angel, my darling."

Sarah lowered her head and closed her eyes, breathing deeply, trying to imagine him as he said it. Though she hated to admit it, at that moment she really wanted to impress Jareth. And all his praise meant more to her than anyone else's ever could.

"I love you."

"I know."

Sarah couldn't help but smile to herself. For her last day in the Aboveground, it was going extremely well.