Sarah stood ready for the procession beside her procession partner, an excited girl, who discussed rapidly with the man in front of her of all the exciting plans she had with her family and boyfriend after graduation.
The longer she stayed next to this girl, the more she felt alone.
No one in her family even called to congratulate her today. She had waited all day by the phone, thinking her father would at least ring for two minutes. She was also hoping to hear from Toby as well.
Her mother hadn't called either, which was fine by her, but it still hurt to have her mother's pettiness and lack of love confirmed in such a final fashion.
While the conversation with Jareth from a few days ago was quite enlightening and pleasant, Sarah couldn't help but feel even more alone than she had before his visit. She had enjoyed their talk a lot more than she had anticipated and felt that painful pang in her heart when he left.
"Well, isn't that what he taught me a long time ago? That I didn't need validation from anyone? It would only give them power over me and none for myself. I guess I have to get used to going through life in solitude. I need to rely on myself for my own happiness and esteem."
Even so, that line of reasoning didn't make much sense to her. Can't she both have someone to love and rely on and still be sure of her own self-esteem?
Humans are social creatures, and she was no exception.
She had pushed thoughts of loneliness away for so long, never confronting it fully. She would fill her days with busywork, so as to not dwell on it too much.
Perhaps it was time to embrace solitude.
The university's esteemed wind ensemble started Pomp and Circumstance, the notes filling the arena. She filed in, unable to smile unlike her procession partner, who was waving excitedly to her family and blowing kisses.
Surprisingly, Sarah felt no jealousy towards the girl, even if it made her a little sad that she didn't have anyone to wave to at the ceremony.
She elegantly sat down, adjusting her cap, hoping the bobby pins weren't coming off.
All of a sudden, the self-consciousness sunk in.
Why was she even here?
She would graduate regardless. She didn't know any of these students. She didn't know the faculty who would present her diploma. She could embrace that solitude without any of them there.
Maybe she was doing this for Jareth, in a way. The way he spoke highly of her position as Champion and his personal admiration for her made her remember why her journey meant so much to her in the first place.
The thought made her smile a little. If she couldn't do this for herself, maybe she could do it for him.
The president of the university made his way to the stand proudly.
"Friends, family, faculty, please join me in welcoming the graduating class of 1993!"
Cheers erupted from all sides. Someone even brought a megaphone.
The president held the podium, grinning from ear to ear.
"Today, we celebrate the amazing accomplishments of all the graduates before you. Graduates, you have all worked so hard to be here. Some of you have taken paths that you would not have expected on your first day, whether that means switching majors, finding a career you love, taking a leave of absence, or more. No matter what, you should be proud of yourselves. What you have done these past years cannot be understated. It's something no one can take away."
A tiny tear hung on Sarah's eyelash. It was true. She worked so hard, and she should be proud. She was living the dreams so many others could not. What fortune she was given should be used to better the world and herself.
It was why she went to college in the first place, and it would do good for her to remember that.
"Tonight, I'll treat myself to a good cry while eating ice-cream and watching a movie. Really feel sorry for myself. Tomorrow, I'll pull myself together and focus on the future."
It seemed like a perfect plan. After all, it was good to feel the full force of her feelings, instead of constantly burying them over and over again.
After Jareth had left, she thought of wishing for him again but wasn't sure what to say. She didn't want him to just see her as being sad and lonely. She also wasn't up to doing anything particularly fun either.
Besides, he was a king. She couldn't expect him to be at her beck and call.
"Oh, my goodness!" the girl next to her gasped, interrupting her thoughts. "I thought they were nocturnal!"
Sarah was about to ask what she was talking about when a beautiful, glorious barn owl perched on her lap.
A few students craned their necks, excited but nervous at the seemingly wild animal.
Sarah wiped her tears. "Jareth?" she whispered.
He turned to her, nuzzling against her shoulder affectionately.
"Aww!" a few students sighed, a little wary but watched them both in fascination.
"Class of 1993," the president continued. "Look around the stadium. Look at all the people that love you, and who are here with you today to celebrate. None of us could have done this alone."
Sarah clapped enthusiastically, never taking her eyes off him.
Jareth puffed his chest, extending a wing around her arm as if embracing her.
"Oh…" she patted his head. "Thank you for being here."
He closed his eyes, leaning against her arm. Sarah could feel a slight tremble from him, perhaps a purr.
"You're so cute," she commented, then immediately turned bright red, remembering who it was that she was talking to.
He bobbed back and forth, as if doing a happy dance.
Now that she could see him up close, she could see little details that would distinguish him from a regular barn owl.
There was a slight curve above his eyes, resembling his faerie eye markings. One pupil was larger than the other, a slight blue in them if one looked closely enough.
For the rest of the ceremony speeches, Jareth remained on her knee. She couldn't help herself by bringing her hand to gently caress his feathers. They were so soft, and he seemed to welcome her gentle touches.
Finally, it was her turn to receive her diploma. Jareth tapped her hand with his wing, making sure she had his attention before flying away.
He flew to the crowd of people, sparkling light surrounding him and fading away, revealing the Goblin King in his faerie form.
Well, at least he seemed to be in his faerie form at first glance.
When she looked again, Sarah saw that he was actually wearing a human disguise.
His eye markings were gone, his ears appeared rounded, and the magic surrounding him seemed to not be as strong as it was before.
His hair was swept to the side, appearing much neater than it usually was. He wore a sensible button-down shirt, and a pair of slacks with dress shoes, as he held a crystal in one hand, beaming proudly at her.
"Sarah Lynn Williams!" the announcer called.
She shook hands with the president and other faculty, smiling as they took her photo, looking towards Jareth with a surge of happiness.
No one had a larger smile or clapped more enthusiastically than him.
She was no longer alone.
She practically ran to him, her aching feet in heels be damned.
"Jareth!"
He waved with the largest smile and placed his hand on her arm.
"Sarah. I am incredibly proud of you."
He reached behind his back, holding a bouquet of flowers that were definitely not there before.
"For you."
She hugged the bouquet close, realizing that she never received a bouquet of flowers before. Not even from a boy.
"Wow, I don't know what to say. I didn't expect you to be here today."
Despite the chaos all around them, of graduates trying to find their family members, she felt as if she was completely alone with Jareth. His eyes were only for her, and his smile made her heart forget what it was like to be overlooked by the people who were supposed to love her.
He placed a caring arm around her.
"Of course I would be here. You said it means a great deal to you. I wasn't sure if you wanted me here, to be truthful, as you did not call for me again, but it seems I am not overstepping."
Sarah might as well have been floating on a cloud. She could have kissed him right then.
Did she dare to hope?
Did she dare to dream that maybe he felt something for her too?
"I wasn't sure what to say, and I didn't want to bother you," she admitted. "I wanted to invite you though. Thank you for coming."
"You are not a bother, not to me. I am pleased that attending the commencement was the correct decision."
They made their way to a large tree, surprisingly not taken up by family members taking photos.
Jareth brought out his crystal.
"Now, smile."
"Huh?" she eyed the crystal. "Why?"
"Your photo, of course."
She raised her eyebrows. "With a crystal?"
Jareth blinked a few times, staring at the crystal again.
"You can see that it's a crystal?"
"Uh, yeah? Wait, am I supposed to see a camera?"
Jareth snapped his fingers, the crystal appearing to turn into a camera.
"Yes. It is an illusion. I have learned how to use crystals as a recording device."
He snapped again, turning back into a crystal.
"It seems that you have abilities to see through illusions that most humans cannot see. I had to make it stronger for you, so to speak."
Sarah's eyes widened in fascination. She would have to ask him more about the logistics of it at a later date.
"That's so cool! How can I get the photos though?"
"I can convert them to photos later, you needn't worry," he reassured her.
Turns out, Jareth was a fantastic photographer. He helped her with posing for different angles, finding the best ways to make her smile.
She could tell he was getting tired near the end, but still pushed on to be a perfectionist.
She forced them to get a drink of water, resting on a bench.
"Jareth, it's okay. You don't have to keep doing this. Showing up today already means the world to me. I appreciate it so much."
He beamed at her, making her heart melt.
"I am only fulfilling your wish."
Sarah could feel her heart deflating, hardening back into ice.
He was only here to fulfill a wish. Perhaps out of obligation.
She didn't want him to do that. She'd rather he never showed up than to cheer her up because he had to.
Jareth noticed the shift of moods in her immediately.
"Sarah? What is wrong?"
"Oh, um, nothing. It's just… you're really kind, Jareth."
She didn't want to offend him in any way.
"But I didn't know that's why you're doing this. I can't just wish for someone to just magically care about me, to bend their will to me. That's not right."
She patted his hand, unable to make eye contact.
"Like I said, it means a lot to me that you're here. I just don't want to waste your time or make you feel responsible. You're a busy king; I'm sure. I'll be careful with my wishes from now on."
Jareth was taken aback by her words.
Was that how she saw him?
Was that how she saw herself?
Did she really think that he would just go out of his way to be with her and take all these photos personally out of obligation?
"Do you take me for someone who would pity you, Sarah?" He couldn't keep the harsh disappointment out of his voice.
"You think that I cannot care out of my own volition? A wish cannot make someone or think a certain way on its own. Why would such a thought even occur to you?"
Sarah shrank into herself. She hadn't thought of it that way.
"I just… if no one else seems to care about my graduation, I didn't think you would either. My intentions weren't to offend you. I just want to be considerate of your time. I don't know how these wishes work. You did just say that you were only fulfilling my wish."
Jareth softened. He finally understood what she was saying, and his heart broke for her. He knew what it was like, questioning someone's motives for being close to him.
"I apologize for being indignant," he whispered gently, holding her hand. "I understand now how that phrasing could have been interpreted. I've cared about you since we first met. Your determination and defiance, though frustrating, was and is admirable. Trust me, I want to be here. I want to be with you. I am in earnest."
Sarah slowly tilted her face towards his. Her eyes flickered from his eyes down to his lips, and back to his eyes again.
Hope sparkled all around her.
"Really?"
He held her chin with his hand, leaning close, never taking his eyes off hers.
"Really."
Slowly and gently, he leaned in, allowing her the chance to back away, even if it would hurt his heart to do so.
Sarah's eyes fluttered closed, her lips brushing against his.
Jareth slid a hand inside her gown, the heat of it warming her back through her dress in the most intoxicating way. The hand that was on her chin cupped her cheek, a finger lightly tracing her ear.
Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers finding their way up his soft, fluffy hair.
Neither had experienced a kiss like that before. It came from their hearts, calling for the other person. They fit into each others' bodies like pieces of a puzzle, filling the gaping loneliness in their hearts.
Sarah boldly pressed her tongue to his lips, easily gaining access inside his mouth. Her entire body trembled as he slid his tongue into hers, swiping against the roof of her mouth, and tasting every bit of her as he could.
Jareth could not have been happier with her reaction.
He has had many women in the past, but he had never kissed anyone like this.
His heart freed itself from an eons-long cage, marveling at the beauty, the fire, and the sweetness of the woman in front of him.
He finally understood what the poets of old meant when they said that love was the greatest thing anyone could have.
They had never been touched like this nor had ever touched anyone else like this. This was new, this was something that touched their very souls.
They held each other desperately, as if afraid that the other person would fade away at any moment.
Not until Sarah pulled apart for air, did they realize her cap was falling off her head. She giggled, burying her face in his shoulder. Jareth chuckled, trying to adjust it with one hand, the other making lazy circles on her back.
She caressed his cheek with the back of her hand.
"You have a lovely smile. I like it. You should do it more often."
"I now have a reason to," he grinned wider, his blue eyes drawing her in even more.
Unbeknownst to them, they were being admired by an elderly couple.
"Congratulations!" the lady called to Sarah.
She waved, blushing a little.
"Thank you!"
"Do you want us to take a photo of you two?" the man gestured to the crystal-camera.
They smiled, touched by the kind gesture.
"We would be honored if you could," Jareth thanked him.
Despite having their first kiss with each other just moments ago, they fell into the couple's poses quite naturally. Sarah leaned in close and placed her hand on Jareth's chest, much to his delight. He placed a hand in his pocket, his other arm on her back.
"Say cheese!"
They took a few more photos together, at the couple's insistence. Some had Jareth carrying Sarah. A few of them kissing each others' cheeks and lips. Sarah even used her diploma case to cover their faces, so they were kissing behind it in one particularly cheeky photo.
"Here you go," the man handed the camera-crystal back to them. "I remember when my wife and I were first dating like yourselves. Young love is very sweet indeed. Enjoy every phase of it."
"Oh, Honey!" his wife blushed, turning into a young woman at that very moment.
"We will, I promise you," Sarah thanked them for their wisdom.
Right after they left, Sarah's stomach rumbled, causing her to be embarrassed and Jareth to laugh.
"I didn't eat breakfast, I was too anxious," she retorted.
"You needn't worry, Love," he reassured her. "I will make sure you are fed."
The word still rang in Sarah's head.
"Love. He called me Love."
Her heart did a giddy flip and squealed on the inside.
"Most people do have graduation lunches or dinners," Sarah commented, seeing people start to trickle out. "But we didn't make any reservations."
He took her hand. "You needn't worry, I shall take care of that."
They arrived at a fancy Italian restaurant, one that usually took at least a week to reserve due to most places around the college being cheap for the students. This was one of the few nearby that was pricey.
Sarah looked around, in awe with the beauty of the restaurant. The open windows let fresh air in, plants of all colors hung from the ceiling, and the pretty lights lit a path to the inside.
It felt like she was in an enchanting garden of fairy tales.
Everything was neat and spotless. It smelled delicious too; a good omen for such a restaurant.
"A private room please," Jareth requested to the hostess.
"Yes, Sir," the hostess closed the book she was holding. "One moment."
"Jareth, I can't afford that," Sarah whispered in a panic.
She did not have that kind of money and detested asking her father for anything that wasn't a necessity.
He looked confused.
"Sarah, I am the one taking you to eat. I wouldn't have suggested this place if I didn't have every intention to pay for it."
Sarah was so used to money being used as leverage that it was difficult to break out of that independence.
She had been burned by too many stupid dates in the past. She did feel a little stupid for assuming less than good intentions from him.
She kissed his cheek, making him smile.
"I'm just so used to paying for myself when possible. Thank you."
He squeezed her hand. "I want you to know that I care about you, and you matter to me. Please give me the chance to treat you. This is an important day."
I was and am lonely.
Sarah herself often liked to do kind things for others. It meant that there was someone that mattered to her and that she was someone who mattered as well.
More barriers from her heart fell away, the longer she spent time with him.
"I'm glad you're here, and we can spend time together."
He picked up their intertwined hands and kissed her knuckles, his eyes full of adoration.
"Me too, Precious."
"Precious, another nickname," her heart sighed. "He called me that when he was singing that haunting song in the Escher room."
The hostess showed them the private room, letting them know that they could open up the curtains and doors to the balcony. Similar decorations filled the room as the rest of the restaurant but with a cozier feel. Beautiful landscape paintings adored the walls, framed by leaves.
It was even more enchanting than the entrance.
Jareth pulled a chair out for her, offering to take her cap and gown to drape it against the coat hanger, leaving Sarah in an elegant, light green dress that was the same shade as the dress she wore that fateful day in the park.
His chest puffed out in pride as he took care of his lady.
It took a little convincing for Sarah to order whatever she wanted from the menu and to not constantly think about the prices.
The waitress took their orders and menus, smiling at them both.
"You two make a lovely couple. It's very romantic to see boyfriends do such sweet gestures for their girlfriends. Enjoy your meal."
After the waitress left, Jareth raised an eyebrow, his tone displeased.
"Boyfriend and girlfriend? Is that what she called us?"
Sarah stopped smiling at his questioning tone.
"Uh, yeah. Is something wrong, Jareth?"
What did that mean?
Did he not want to be dating her?
Did the kisses mean more to her than to him?
"Sarah, quit spiraling!" she told herself. "Just shut up and listen to him before doing those crazy leaps."
"No. I am unfamiliar with the terms is all I mean."
He tapped a finger on his chin, in thought.
Well, that was a relief to Sarah.
"Girlfriend and boyfriend? It means two people who are dating. They're in an exclusive relationship."
"So, no one else is expected to be in between them, then? They are committed to each other? This is prior to marriage?"
"Yeah, that's what that means. I mean, some people have other rules in their relationships, and some don't get married, but those are the exceptions. People usually date to one day get to the point of being married."
"Ah," he nodded, looking pleased. "I cannot say I like the terms themselves, but I quite like the idea of us being so."
It took a moment for Jareth to realize what he said out loud.
Damn it.
He was always so careful with his words. He made a shocked face, realizing that he might have been presumptuous.
"Well, that is if you like that as well," he grinned sheepishly.
Sarah's eyes widened, her smile so large that her eyes made little half-moons.
"I do."
Jareth reached over and held both her hands.
"In my world, we court in the hopes of marrying one day. It is something either party can leave at any time. For me, I would expect fidelity, and I hope you will too. It is no rush, we can take as long as we would like. Would you court me, Sarah?"
Sarah threw her arms around him. "Yes, Jareth, I would love to court you. And I agree with being exclusive to each other.
They kissed deeply again, their lips finding solace, and their hearts beating in time.
"I still detest being called a 'boyfriend' though," Jareth lamented, after their kiss ended.
"I am no boy, and I am no mere friend now that we are courting. There is no equivalent word in my language."
Sarah thought for a moment.
"How about beau instead of boyfriend? It's an older word for it."
Jareth's eyes glinted happily and a tad mischievously.
"I like that. Beau. It also means handsome in French, very fitting for someone such as me."
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Are we settled then?"
"No." he made a face. "Girlfriend is not fitting for you either. You are a woman, not a child. And you are not just a friend."
"I don't know, Jareth. You help me with that one. I don't care as much for myself." She looped her arm around his.
"My… lady?" he tested the word. "I like that."
He wanted to say "my love" or "my heart" but was afraid he was moving too quickly. He hoped in time, he could refer to Sarah as those things.
"Both are nice," Sarah beamed.
"That settles it then," he concluded. "You are my lady. Very fitting for someone who is courting the king and is considered nobility by way of besting the Labyrinth in her own right."
Sarah blinked. "Nobility? Me? You never told me that."
"Well, now I have," he winked.
She laughed at his playful attitude. Her heart felt lighter in ages, and yet so full it was sure to burst.
Sarah was happy to be dating him now. The king of her dreams really cared about her, and they could fully love each other one day.
There were still many questions to be asked about their future, such as her mortality, but she would ask him another time.
Today was for celebrating.
They chatted some more, learning about each other. Sarah was quite interested in Jareth and his upbringing, as well as the faerie world, having been drawn to it ever since she was young.
Jareth gladly regaled stories of his kingship and his life prior to that.
They fell into an easy rhythm now that they understood how the other person perceived them.
Sarah held some pasta in her fork.
"Try it."
Jareth obliged, not blinking the entire time he made eye contact with her.
He took his sweet time, his lips slowly retreating from the fork. His tongue coming to lick the remnant sauces on the utensil.
Sarah swallowed hard, trying to keep eye contact, so he wouldn't know how affected she was. Her heart rate refused to comply, making her shudder just a little when he grinned devilishly at her.
"That was… delicious," Jareth sighed, satisfied. "Your thoughts on the dish, Precious?"
Sarah had to regain control of herself. She cleared her throat, her mind still in a whirl.
"My thoughts? Well, it's delicious indeed."
She placed the fork back in the pasta, twisting it for more.
Two can play at this game.
"However, I'm sure there are more delicious things I'll be having in the future."
She licked her lips knowingly.
Her eyes raked all over his body and back to his eyes. She gave him a flirty wink, satisfied by his obvious labored breathing, proud to have the Goblin King desiring her.
Jareth grinned lecherously. "You certainly will be a handful."
"Are you up for the challenge?" Sarah countered. "Think you can tame me?"
"Oh, no, I wouldn't dream of it!" he laughed. "You have a fire in you that I adore."
Sarah glanced up at him, her long eyelashes fluttering.
"I only hope that I can…. live up to your expectations," he wiggled his eyebrows.
"Cheeky!" Sarah joined in the laughter.
They continued their flirting-banter until the waitress came back, inquiring for dessert.
"It won't be for another fifteen minutes for the cakes, unfortunately, is that all right?" the waitress asked apologetically.
"That is fine, we are not short on time; is that right, Sarah?" Jareth checked with her.
She shook her head. "Nope, not short on time. I look forward to it. Thank you."
When she left, Sarah sneaked an endearing glance at Jareth.
"This is the best date I've ever been on. And not because of the expense but the company."
Jareth put a hand to his heart. "You flatter me, Love. This is quite a beautiful restaurant and I aim for your enjoyment."
She sighed happily. "It really is beautiful. Incredibly enchanting."
Jareth carefully stood, extending a hand out to her.
Once again, Sarah felt her heart warm at his tender smile. For a moment, she forgot that he was an otherworldly king. To her, he just looked like Jareth, the man beneath the crown.
Just a man, falling in love with a woman.
"My dear Sarah, will you do me the honor of dancing with me?"
Sarah placed her hand in his, letting him guide her to the center.
Soft music flowed in the room, emanating a beautiful song Sarah never heard before. It sounded like the magic of twinkling starlight and the warmth of a fireplace on a cold winter day.
Jareth delighted in her bright eyes of wonder, hoping to always see her in such a state.
He slid his hand against her waist, the other taking hold of her hand as he led her in a dance. She was so mesmerizing with her large, green eyes, and lips parting in anticipation.
She might have been the human, but he was the one who was bewitched.
Sarah inhaled sharply as he twirled her, her dress unfurling as she spun around. She laughed freely, a tad nervous as Jareth smoothly caught her around her waist and brought her back up, their faces almost touching. She could feel the heat of his hands against her body and blushed at their chests touching.
She was no expert dancer, or even a mediocre one. Jareth was so skilled that he fluidly corrected their movements, so it felt like she knew what she was doing.
Her heart did a flip as he gazed upon her, unused to anyone looking at her with such yearning in their eyes.
The song ended far too soon.
They made their way to the balcony, one of Jareth's hands still holding her around her waist.
Sarah leaned into him, sighing contently as they enjoyed the view of the gardens below.
"Sarah?" he asked her gently.
"Hmm?" she snuggled closer to him.
"In a few days, would you like to come Underground? Just to visit. I shall take you on splendid outings and show you my world. It will not be a formal affair. I only seek to get to know each other better, since we are now courting."
Sarah was so overwhelmed with joy, she had to stop herself from doing a silly little dance.
She was used to uncommitted men who didn't know what they wanted.
She kissed his cheek. "I would love that very much."
Jareth slid two fingers under her chin, bringing his face down to kiss her passionately.
Sarah leaned in so close, she lost her balance and fell forward, Jareth catching her once again.
He grinned mischievously. "If you wanted to be so close to me, you could have just said. You can be as close to me as you'd like."
"You pervert," she laughed, playfully swatting his chest. "My feet hurt from these heels and became unbalanced."
"Well, that won't do, now would it?"
He led her back to the dining table, urging her to rest her feet as they waited for their dessert.
"Jareth, I can walk now, it's okay."
She couldn't allow herself to enjoy being carried. Years of being ultra self conscious about her appearance and weight by her model-actress mother made Sarah insecure of herself.
She had only said yes half-jokingly when Jareth offered to carry her when her feet were hurting from her high heels.
"Nonsense." He flicked a finger, using magic to push the button on the elevator to open. "I will not put my lady's feet under further duress."
"Surely, you're getting tired from carrying a whole human being?"
"Not at all. I mean it," he reassured her. "I wouldn't have suggested it if I couldn't or didn't want to do it."
Sarah brought her other arm to wrap around his neck.
"I just want to be considerate and not be a burden."
His head snapped towards her direction as the elevator dinged.
"You are no such thing. Never, ever say that about yourself ever again."
His rough tone and unblinking, dour stare unnerved her. It made her feel a mix of embarrassment and pride.
"Okay."
It came out more like a squeak than the solemn agreement she meant to convey. It didn't help that she couldn't hold eye contact with him either.
His gaze softened.
"It was not my intention to make you feel unpleasant. You are special to me, Sarah, and to my world, whether the greater faerie nobility will admit it or not. Do not downplay your worth for anyone, especially in front of me. I will not stand it."
The truth was, he could've easily magicked some shoes for Sarah, summoning them from his world. He just wanted an excuse to hold her, to be close to her, and to show her that he would take care of her.
Sarah kept her right hand around his neck, her left hand sliding down his chest, touched by his words.
"Thank you, Jareth, for being patient. I still need to work on learning to not downplay my worth, as you've said."
Jareth rested his head against hers affectionately.
"No, thank you for being patient. Likewise, I need to learn to not take what others do or say personally and to communicate my feelings better."
"You know what? We'll learn together. That's what courting is for, isn't it? We'll navigate this."
She kissed his cheek, her lips lingering on his skin for longer than they should have, wanting him to know just how much he meant to her in the short time they spent together.
Jareth never smiled so widely.
He turned to Sarah, who was turning beet-red and tucking her head in his shoulder.
Her uncharacteristic shyness made her all the more endearing.
"You are quite lovely when you blush like that, especially when your freckles redden," he complimented.
"Damn, you're teasing me now. I usually dislike my freckles."
"Usually?"
Using magic again, Jareth used Sarah's key to unlock and open her apartment door, sliding his shoes off before making his way to the couch.
"Well, yeah. But since you like them, it makes me appreciate them as a part of who I am."
Now that Sarah was certain that carrying her wasn't a burden to Jareth, she fully relaxed in his arms.
"Thank you for carrying me. You know, it's really nice, actually. Makes me feel like.."
Like what? Like a blushing fool?
"…like I'm being treated like a princess," she settled.
Jareth raised an eyebrow, clicking his tongue in teasing disapproval.
"That won't do. Quite unacceptable."
Still carrying Sarah, he sat on the couch, her legs across his lap. The arm behind her back pulled her up, so their faces were quite close.
His voice lowered, husky and passionate.
"A princess will not suffice. I aim to treat you like a queen."
"Oh, god," Sarah thought to herself, breathless as his lips descended upon hers.
He kissed her with more surety, no longer holding back out of fear. His heart was healing bit by bit, hope filling the cracks that had been broken by various people in his life.
He pulled her close, growling into her mouth and gently exploring the crevices with his tongue. She tasted exquisite, like warm nectar on a winter's day.
Sarah sighed happily, shifting her body, so that she was sitting in his lap. He was really here, kissing her and caring for her.
Everything about Jareth just felt so right.
It took her a moment to realize the fabric of his shirt felt different and her face was being tickled by something soft.
Opening her eyes, she made a noise of approval, seeing that he had changed out of his human guise into his normal, faerie self.
One of her hands wandered to his hair, loving the softness of it. The other played with the skin on his chest, tangling her fingers in the amulet.
"You look nice. I like it when you look like your true self."
Her hand made its way to one pointy ear. Jareth's eyes drooped in pleasure as she explored his body.
"Thank you, Love. I hope to show you who I am with time, giving you full transparency. I look forward to getting to know you better and spending more time by your side."
"How about starting tonight?" she asked hopefully.
"Stay here with me. I had planned to have a good cry, eat ice-cream, and watch a movie all alone. I'd love to do that with you, minus the alone part and replacing good cry with cuddling. And, maybe…" she shyly looked away. "We can wake up to have breakfast together."
Jareth held her face, gleefully planting kisses all over her face, neck, and shoulders. Sarah squealed with delight.
"I am over the moon, my dearest Sarah."
They both got dressed into comfy clothes. Sarah gathered blankets and pillows, pilling them onto Jareth, as she climbed in to snuggle next to him while they flipped through the channels on the TV, his appearance now back to his usual faerie self.
"You know," she started, leaning against him under a blanket, covering both of them, "I'm so glad you showed up in your owl form and that I made the wish."
Jareth pulled her close, kissing her forehead.
"Me too, precious thing. Being with you right now makes my heart full."
He grew a little more serious, holding her chin.
"I want you to know that I mean what I say. You are important to me. I will not abandon you. I will always be here when you call, no matter what may happen between us. I give you my solemn vow as a fae, and the fae do not break vows."
Tears sprang to her eyes. Even if this didn't work out, he was willing to make a vow to her.
"Thank you, Jareth. I also promise you that if you need me, even for a chat, I am here for you. You never have to be alone ever again."
They shared another kiss, full of hope for the future, daring to believe that they would never be a part of the lost and lonely ever again.
Thank you everyone for reading! I hope you all enjoyed this little fic. Congrats to you if you graduated recently! I have plans for a summer vacation fic, thanks to the LFFWAR (Labyrinth Fanfic writers and readers) Facebook group. I would also like to thank my friend RMBiel again for being my beta. Go check out her awesome fics! I'm making through her Seven Years fic, it's awesome!