Repercussions
"Surely you're not that surprised."
Thunder crashed ominously outside.
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "These theatrics aren't really necessary. And underscore the problem."
The sky darkened even further, though if you had asked me if that was actually possible a few moments ago, I would have said no. Apparently, there was in fact something beyond "starless midnight in the depths of winter".
I sighed. "What did you expect when you put your full power on display and terrorized them in a fit of pique? Love and adulation?"
The ground rumbled threateningly.
I crossed my arms. "I'm not saying anything you don't already know. You just don't want to hear it. And honestly, while tantrums are unbecoming when you're two, they're utterly ridiculous when you're over two hundred. Significantly over two hundred, I might add."
Jareth glanced up at me then, ice shooting along his gaze like a harpoon.
Good thing I was immune to that sort of nonsense now. I waved the ice shards aside and let them shatter around me. Besides, he was looking at me now. I'd count that as a win.
I tapped my foot against the frozen floor. "How much longer do you intend to sulk?"
"Why do you stay with me, Sarah?"
I paused for a few heartbeats. "Honestly? Because I've made a you-shaped space in my life, I happen to really like that space most of the time, and I'm never bored."
He snorted. "Even when everyone you know and love wants nothing to do with me because I act horribly and frighten them silly?"
"Nearly everything is fixable, given time. But yes, even then." I sat down next to him. "Though if you'd like to make those occasions requiring said fixing less frequent, I'd appreciate it."
"Your life would be much easier without me."
I nodded. "And much more boring."
The sky outside lightened an almost imperceptible amount. We were now back firmly in starless midnight territory.
He leaned his head against the cold stones of the wall. "Is it really worth it?"
"What you mean is, are you really worth it? And why don't you let me be the judge of that, hmmm?" I rested my fingers on his, letting my warmth infiltrate his chill.
The world was suddenly quiet without the thunder and impending earthquakes.
I stroked my fingers gently along his. "I love you. Even with everything. Especially with everything."
He turned to touch his forehead to mine. "I don't know what I did to deserve you."
"Say a prayer of thanksgiving to the Universe, and let's go take a walk outside, shall we? Fresh air will do us both some good."
Moonlight streamed through the window in a halo of welcome.
"Good." I pulled him to his feet. "I'll take that as a yes. Let's go, my ever-interesting love."
"Do let's, Sarah mine."
