Disclaimer: I don't own Jareth's Labyrinth nor any of his little minions. I just write for fun.

Knowing her temperament, Jareth decided his crystal should best be used for another time. His gloved fingers slid against each other, somehow still resulting with a prominent snap, as his magic immediately transported them directly in the midst of his labyrinth. Gritting her teeth, Sarah closed her eyes as she restrained from doubling over and retching. She really hated when he forced her to travel. A smudge of color flying by startled Sarah into instantly straightening as she gauged her surroundings. Jareth simply stood there, facing her, an aristocratic eyebrow raised. Their feet touched the ground, yet blurs constantly swam by like the water of a strong current. Goblins—torrents of them—scurried around the two and rushed into the multiple tunnels around them. The sun shone brightly overhead, but the goblins' overwhelming presence gave Sarah the claustrophobic feel of a cave. A deep murmuring sound resembled an echoing cavern river, adding to the cave atmosphere. Almost amused now, Sarah belatedly realized the goblins were yelling to each other. Jareth tapped his boot, but Sarah held up her hand to silence him. Bits and pieces finally managed to register as English.

"Kingy mad!"

"The King is mad, you idiot."

"Hamburger know! I tell you!"

"Never mind! Queen here. Ugh, the Queen is here."

"Why say twice?"

"Just run, dummy."

Sarah's eyes widened as she turned to face her impatient master. The Queen? Who was the—

"I think their definition of fun is quite different from mine. I sincerely hope it's different from yours as well."

"Well, at least they're having fun."

Jareth scoffed. "Pardon me for considering the welfare of my labyrinth and her creatures above my goblins having this—" He waved his gloved hand. "—supposed fun."

"Perhaps you should reconsider your treatment of them then," She crossed her arms and lifted her delicate chin. Confidence emanated freely from her being even though she stood amidst a streaming river of goblins jostling her with every step they took.

His face hardened again. "Remember who you are, peasant. I don't need to explain myself to you."

"But you want to." Sarah brought her face back to meet his, her eyes daring him to lie. "That's why you're explaining even now."

A sneer spread deliberately across his face. "Keep dreaming."

Sarah maintained eye contact for a second before hurt replaced her sudden bravery. "I know enough anyway. I beat your labyrinth, remember?" She met his gaze again.

"Yes, but you couldn't overpower me, could you?" His teeth gleamed in a mocking grin.

"I convinced you to release Toby, didn't I?"

His scornful laughter rivaled with the murmuring of the goblins. "So you lost on purpose, then? So you could supposedly trick me into allowing your presence? You took a lot of risks, Sarah; but I'm still quite flattered that you want to stay with me."

Sarah managed a step back without tripping over the Goblin River. "Your food awaits, Sire." He'd been winning way too many arguments lately.

"That is all? No witty comeback for me? Tut, tut, I'm disappointed."

Sarah bit back her retort. No use now. He was right. She'd finally overcome his labyrinth only to lose to the King himself, and she would spend the rest of her life paying for it. He just stood there. Watching her closely. She swung her back around toward the castle. Quite a long walk lay before them.

"You do know I can just whisk us back to the castle, to the very dining room where my dinner awaits?" He managed to ask through his smirk as he fell into step beside her.

"Yup."

Unfamiliar confusion penetrated Jareth's mind. "Then why are we walking?"

"Your magic makes me sick."

Jareth tch-ed her again. "You always seemed rather entranced to me."

Sarah almost laughed at how upset he sounded. "I merely meant your method of transport makes me feel queasy."

"Maybe it's just the close contact." A hand snaked around her waist. "Feeling queasy now, my little peasant?"

"So you'd rather me be sick of you and your magic?"

His arm slithered from her waist as quickly as it arrived. He stepped back to stand regally at a respectable distance. "Perhaps," His velvet voice purred as he mockingly bowed from his waist, "you weren't focused on the right thing."

Only able to give him a quizzical glance, Sarah finally noticed her surroundings. The kitchen stared back at her. "H-how—?"

Jareth smiled, not his usual smirk or even his bemused lifting of the mouth but a gentle smile. Both his eyes addressed her warmly.

In short, his reaction terrified Sarah. She squirmed. "Your food's getting cold."