Tempting Fate

Tempting Fate
By: Jester

Chapter 1: Home again

The scent of dried leaves and chrysanthemums filled Sarah's nose as she walked out the front door of the town library. The cool wind whipped her dark hair about her shoulders as she crossed the street and headed home. She smiled as she trekked through the freshly fallen leaves and admired the expertly carved Jack O' Lanterns that sat in silent vigil in the doorways of the cozy New England homes that she passed.

She pressed her books to her chest as she walked home, a walk she'd taken a million times before. She shivered in the cool autumn air, glad that she had worn her sweater. It was a lovely fall day and she couldn't remember more perfect weather for Halloween.

She had been overjoyed that her father had asked her to come watch the house while he, Karen, and Toby were away. She had just graduated from college a few months before and found a little apartment for herself in the city. She hadn't made many friends in her new place yet, so two weeks at home would be a nice comforting change and give her the perfect chance to spend some time thinking about what she wanted to do with her life.

She had landed a part time job doing some writing for a women's magazine, which also gave her the time to be involved with a local theatre company where she volunteered her help in the wardrobe department. Occasionally she was lucky enough to land a small role. As much as she liked living in the city she had to admit that so far it was a bit lonely. She was thankful that between her job and the theatre she was able to keep herself busy.

Sarah rounded the corner and turned down her street, thinking how nice it was going to be to see her old friends from high school. She hoped the Halloween party she'd been invited to would be just the thing to lift her spirits and give her the chance to get back in touch with old friends.

Speaking of old friends... she thought to herself. She wondered how her friends from the underground were faring. She hadn't seen them in several years. She had started to drift apart from them as she went through high school and made new friends, and soon after she went off to college her friends had become little more than a memory. It hadn't been intentional, she had tried to stay in touch.

She had tried many times to contact them, but once she left home, it never worked, in fact she remembered the last time she had spoken to Hoggle was as she was getting ready for her high school graduation. He had appeared in the mirror and told her that he was so proud of her and that he wanted her to enjoy college, and that they would never forget her and with that he was gone. That was the last time she had seen anyone from the underground.

As Sarah walked through the front yard enjoying the sound of the dried leaves crunching under her feet she remembered the large pumpkin she had left on the porch. She'd have plenty of time to carve and it and get ready for Trina's party. Quickly letting herself in, she dumped her books on the coffee table. She grabbed a large knife, a trash bag, and the pumpkin carving kit from the kitchen and headed back out to the porch.

Sarah sat on the steps and got to work on her Jack O' Lantern. She removed the top piece and started scooping out the insides when she heard an owl softly hooting in the tree above her. She thought nothing of it, and ignored the persistent sound. As she finished the pumpkin she set it down to admire her handiwork. The Jack O' lantern smiled back with a stupid toothy grin, and she couldn't help but think that the jagged smile had a somewhat goblin-like quality about it.

It was then she heard the owl again, this time its call was louder and more persistent. Sarah looked up at the tree and after a few seconds she spotted it. A striking white barn owl. Rather odd for an owl like that to be active this time of day.

It hooted again and she remarked, "Well, what do you want?" With that the owl swooped down and landed on the railing of the porch about two feet from her. Sarah stared wide-eyed as the white owl stared back at her. She felt her throat tighten in panic as a name she had never dared to utter out loud, echoed in her mind.

Jareth.

Could it be?

Sarah swallowed and the owl held it's ground. Her mind was reeling in about a hundred different directions, What if it is him, what does he want, is he trapped in that form or is he just trying to torment me, or is it simply just an owl?

She didn't know what to think. Feeling more than a little silly she addressed the bird "Is...is it you?" The owl simply blinked twice and took off. Sarah sighed in relief, "Now, I'm talking to owls...I must be losing it..."


Darkness wasn't far off, so she brought the pumpkin inside and set it on the mantle. She glanced at the time and decided she'd take a hot bath before she got into her costume.

Sarah lovingly looked around her room. It was still the safe haven and escape from reality that it had been all those years ago when she had encountered the labyrinth. Most of her childish belongings had been carefully put into storage, and posters of rock bands now adorned her walls instead of her stuffed toys, but it still was a magic place all her own.

She carefully removed the black skirt and blouse from the closet and laid out a pair of back tights and a headband with two furry cat ears. Last she found the tail and got a safety pin to attach it to her skirt. It was a simple costume but it was cute and she'd be able to dance while wearing it. She pulled off her sweater, tossed it on the bed and headed to the bathroom.


As she was soaking in the steaming tub she pondered whom she might run into at the party. It would be nice to see all her old friends; no doubt many of them would come with dates. She wondered how she had managed to stay single. Sure she had dated a few guys but it never turned into anything serious. Somehow none of them seemed to really do anything for her, and it wasn't like her to string people along.

She finally came to the conclusion that maybe she was just too picky. No, she corrected, I just know what I want. He needs to be someone intelligent and wise, mature but fun, confident...and please let him have a sharp wit. Mmmm and handsome would be a plus. Platinum blonde maybe?

She let out a ragged sigh as her mind ran away with the thought, A certain position of authority perhaps...Ughhhh I have to stop, it's definitely not healthy. She banished the thought before it went any further. Forget it...thinking like that could only get me in trouble.

She couldn't help recalling how the arrogant king had made her feel, small, terrified but strangely alive at the same time. She distinctly remembered how she lost her breath every time he appeared, and that no one since had ever made her feel quite that nervous. She silently cursed herself for dwelling on such thoughts, but she couldn't help but be curious about what had happened to the goblin king.

Had she destroyed him? Deep down she hoped not, her anger at him had been very real, but at the same time there was some truth to what he had said. She did after all ask that Toby be taken away. She also wondered if what he had said in the end had been true or some kind of trick to stall her. Well sadly she realized she'd never know because if even the Goblin King still existed, there was no doubt in her mind that he wouldn't be very pleased to ever hear from her again, and somehow she couldn't really blame him. She had been spoiled, selfish, and cruel if what he had told her had been the truth. Thankfully she had gotten Toby back, but still she couldn't help wonder if he had meant any of what he said. Never know now...will I?


Sarah shook her head and realized she'd been in the tub far too long, her skin was getting wrinkled and the water was getting cold. She got out and dried off, threw on her terrycloth bathrobe and headed to her room. She dressed quickly in her costume and checked herself in the mirror. The black blouse and short back skirt complimented her figure and the ears added the right amount of cuteness, but something was missing.

As Sarah reached for her cosmetic bag she realized what she had forgotten. With her black eyeliner pencil she drew a small triangle at the tip of her nose and added three whiskers to each cheek, and just for effect she applied some dark eye shadow, a little liner and mascara. A hint of glossy lipstick, and she was ready.

Suddenly she heard the doorbell, "Oh damn...the candy, I almost forgot", and with that she made a dash for the kitchen to get the bowl of mini candy bars and peanut butter cups. As she left her room she didn't notice that the white owl was perched in the tree just outside her window.

She opened the door to reveal a small witch, a tiny slasher in a hockey mask, and a couple of assorted Pokemon. She offered them the candy as they shouted "Trick or Treat", and she wished them a happy Halloween. She handed out the candy until eight and then placed what was left of the candy on the porch beside the glowing Jack O' Lantern.

She decided to walk to Trina's house in case she decided to get a bit tipsy; why not after all? It was less than a half a mile's walk and it was a relatively safe neighborhood. She grabbed a bottle of merlot and was out the door.

Chapter 2: Let's Party

A few hours later Sarah was peeling the label off the empty bottle of wine and was drinking cheap beer from one of those large plastic cups that are always found at a keg party. Trina was living in her grand mother's old house and she had done a great job of adorning the basement with all sorts of goulish decor for the party.

Sarah couldn't believe how many of her classmates had shown up. The place was packed. The music was pretty loud but the four best high school friends were laughing at one of the tables. Sarah was having fun, it truly seemed just like old times, most of her friends had boyfriends but had opted to come by themselves so they could have a great time with old pals instead of entertaining their guys who would not be familiar with the crowd.

Suddenly a new song started and Trina grabbed Sarah and Kim, before either one could protest they were all dancing singing along with "Come on Eileen" at the top of their lungs. They danced and laughed and drank and danced and laughed and drank some more.

In the middle of the Macarena, it occurred to Sarah that she really had to use the bathroom. As she trekked up the stairs she noticed that she was really starting to feel the effects of the alcohol. Sarah waited in line for the bathroom and just as she was certain her bladder would explode, it was her turn.

As Sarah relieved herself she finally had a moment to think. She noted that most of her friends now had serious boyfriends and many of them were engaged already. Her mind wandered,
What's wrong with me? A voice in the back of her mind chided, You had a chance once, but you let him slip through your fingers. Where did that come from? Who am I talking about? You know very well that you are referring to a certain goblin king! Frustrated she bit her lip and mused, I really have to stop thinking about this.

She suddenly realized, Oh my! I can't even feel my lips....good and drunk now. She quickly washed her hands and silently prayed she wouldn't make a fool of herself or let any mention of Jareth fall from her lips, as drinking did tend to loosen her tongue a bit.

As she stumbled back down the stairs she started laughing as she mused, I wonder what Mr. High and mighty goblin king would think of me now, the one who beat his ass at his own little game being so pathetically drunk that I can barely manage these stairs. I wonder if he knows that I was the loser. I gave up on my dreams, there's no magic in my life now, no love...

She stopped herself there for fear of where her musings might take her. After a couple more beers Sarah decided she had better head home since she would probably be laying on the bathroom floor soon. Kim lived only two blocks from her and agreed to walk with Sarah most of the way home.

As the two of them stumbled out of the house, arms around each other's shoulders to keep from falling, Kim broke into hysterical laughter. "Shit Sarah...I've never seen you like this. This was sooo fun. We have to go out to a club together before you go back to the city." Sarah nodded and slurred, Ok...sure, just give me a call, you know where I live."

Kim nearly tripped, and giggled, "So Sarah babe, are you seeing anybody these days?"

Sarah laughed at the use of the old high school nickname, "No Kimmie...I'm not."

Kim looked puzzled, "Well why not? Honestly I don't get it, you are the prettiest nicest girl I know, and that's saying a lot...cuz...I know a lot of people."

Sarah gave her a wry smile, "Yeah okay...you've definitely had too much to drink."

Kim nodded, "Well, that may be true. God I hope Brian is home because I get really horney when I am drunk."

Sarah's jaw dropped, "Kim! I really don't need to know..."

Kim interrupted, "I'm sorry but it's so true, you can't tell me that you don't get easily turned on when you've had too much to drink?"

Sarah shook her head, "I don't know...I don't do this very often you know."

Kim giggled and squeezed he arm, "Well maybe you should...You might have some real fun..."

Sarah just laughed as Kim backed away from her heading to the front door of her house. "See you later Sarah, I'll call you later in the week about going out.

Sarah nodded and waved "Night."

Sarah let out a long sigh, it was a good thing they had gotten to Kim's house so fast because Kim was a skillful interrogator and she might have let something slip about someone she wasn't supposed to mention...or think about, she added, scolding herself as her thoughts kept drifting back to the Goblin King. Damn, what is wrong with me? Why can't I stop thinking about him?


Chapter 3: A Halloween Surprise

As Sarah unlocked the front door and stepped into the dark hall of her parent's home, she noticed several candles burning on the mantle above the fireplace. T

That's odd, I don't remember leaving any candles burning.

Her thoughts were hazy from drinking, and she had already stepped into the house and closed the door behind her before she thought better of it. Had she been clear headed, the possibility of an intruder being in the house would have been obvious.

She didn't notice the dark figure lounging in the armchair by the fireplace as she ventured further into the dark living room. When she neared the shadowy corner of the room by the chair, a voice cut through the darkness, knocking the very air from her lungs.

"Hello Sarah."

She froze. There was something hauntingly familiar about that voice. She saw his shadow grow longer on the floor as he stood. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she realized he was directly behind her.

She felt the warmth of his breath on her neck as he drawled from close behind her, "Did you miss me?"

She closed her eyes for half a second, wondering if this was just a drunken hallucination, but even in her intoxicated state she knew it wasn't. Someone was there, so close to her, that she could feel the warmth of his solid body. Every hair on the back of her neck stood up in warning and her heart suddenly felt as though it was going to pound right out of her chest.

She was frightened out of her mind but she had to be sure. She had to see him with her own eyes in order to believe it.

She spun to face him, her eyes frantically searching the darkness. She could make out his silhouette; His tall lean frame, his wild hair. There was no mistaking him. It was the Goblin King, really standing there in her dark living room.

His posture was sure and confident, as though his presence in her house was the most natural thing in the world.

It took a moment before she was able to force the words from her dry throat, "It...It's you."

There was a sudden spark of light as he struck a match and lit the candle he was holding.

Sarah looked up and found herself looking into the same magic eyes that had mesmerized her years ago.

His mouth curved into the same self-satisfied smirk that was permanently burned into her memory, as he arrogantly replied, "Were you expecting someone else?"

Sarah tried to calm herself down.

Breathe...just breathe.
He is really here...I'm not imagining this.
What's he doing here?
He doesn't look angry, but he can't be happy to see me after everything that happened...
Oh God why now?
Why does this have to happen right now?
I can't think straight...

She did her best to keep from noticeably trembling as she answered, "Wha...What are you doing here?"

He looked thoughtful for a moment as he placed the candle he had been holding with the others on the mantle. Slowly he turned, his eyes locking with hers as he leaned closer to her. "Perhaps you should answer that question."

Sarah tried to steady her voice and was careful not to slur her words as she countered rather defensively, "I...I haven't the slightest idea...I haven't wished anyone away lately."

He was now slowly circling her, his eyes seemingly scrutinizing her from every angle.

Suddenly he stopped, standing just behind her, leaning close to her ear, "I think I am here, dear Sarah, because you wished to see me."

She nearly jumped out of her skin at his invasion of her space, and the way he said her name totally shattered her concentration. Quickly, she reminded herself that this was her home and he had no business being here.

She whirled around to face him, her apprehension turning to irritation at his audacity. Her eyes had finally adjusted to the darkness and now she could see him clearly, outfitted in his grey breeches and white poet's shirt.

She couldn't help but notice that in his more casual attire he looked even more enticing than she remembered.

God why does he have to look that that? This is sooo not fair.

He didn't miss her sudden appraisal and the corners of his mouth curved into a knowing smirk.

Remembering her annoyance, she hotly quipped, "What are you talking about? I haven't wished for anything. I'd have to be out of my mind..." She paused suddenly, thinking back.

Maybe I was thinking about him...so what? I sure as hell didn't wish for him to show up here.

She shook her head and narrowing her eyes at him she finished, "No. I have nothing to do with this. Enough with the games...tell me why you are here!"

He cocked his head to the side and said, "It is Halloween, perhaps this is just a nightmare." He stepped closer his eyes sparkling with sinister mirth, "...then again, if this is the product of your imagination, perhaps it is another kind of dream altogether..."

Sarah shook her head, taking a step back. He was toying with her and quite frankly she was getting annoyed, "You know as well as I do, that this is no dream. I'm serious...what do you want?"

He smiled and leaned forward, his face inches from hers, "I think we both know the answer to that."

Her breath caught in her throat, and it was a moment before she could answer. "No way...You can't have Toby! I got him back fair and square, besides he's not even here."

Jareth laughed, "Oh come now Sarah, you mean to tell me that you haven't figured out that this was about more than your baby brother?"

Now she was really shaken.
If he doesn't want Toby then what does he want? Oh god he can't mean me...

She felt terribly afraid and highly elated at the same time, and the combination was becoming too much for her already queasy stomach.

She needed to hear the truth no matter how scary, "I'm getting tired of playing guessing games, why don't you just enlighten me."

His eyes burned into hers for a moment as he replied, "Very well."

Before Sarah could see it coming, he lowered his mouth to hers. Sarah didn't even have time to gasp in surprise. Her lips had been slightly parted when their lips met. She was so taken aback, that she didn't even think to pull away. So, she stood there, frozen, like a stunned animal.

His lips were soft as they gently moved over hers. Every move was slow and deliberate. She was overcome by sweet longing, as her mind gave in to the sensation.

What is he doing to me? God he smells so nice...


Then it happened, he artfully slipped his tongue past her lips, deepening the kiss. The surprise pang of desire that struck her was like a bolt of electricity right to the stomach. Everything suddenly grew delectably warm.

Lost in the euphoria, she allowed him to continue. Like a growing fire, the feelings only intensified and before she knew what she was doing she was kissing him back.

His hands were suddenly grasping her hips, as his kiss grew greedy, communicating a thousand unspoken desires.

The passion of it startled her and she gasped quietly against his mouth, as the realization dawned on her.

Oh God, he wants me.

She was lost. She couldn't think straight with him kissing her like that. She knew she should stop him. She would. Any minute now...

Her heart was beating so fast she was sure he could feel it and her knees had suddenly gone weak. What am I doing? I shouldn't be doing this...But it's just a kiss. She knew that was probably the alcohol taking control of the rational side of her brain, but any excuse to let the feeling continue was good enough.
His mouth felt so good on hers, she felt as though a wave crashed over her head and threatened to drown her.

Defeated, she wrapped her arms about his neck, sinking deeper into euphoria. She kissed him back fiercely, letting her tongue explore his mouth. She felt his arms wrap around her waist tightly, urging her nearer to him. She could feel the whole length of his body pressed tightly against her. She heard him murmur her name as one hand began traveling up her side to brush against the side of her breast.

Liquid fire surged through her body, settling in her nether region.

In the next second her only thought was how much she wanted him and she knew she was in trouble. With all the self-control and willpower she could muster, she jerked her face to the side and pushed him away, gasping "Stop...we can't."

Chapter 4: Breathe Sarah. Breathe.

She barely made it to the couch before she plopped down, thoroughly out of breath. She ran a shaky hand over her forehead, trying to compose herself. She noticed that he hadn't said anything yet, though he looked a little stunned himself.

He glanced down at her, his eyes still dark with desire as he leaned back casually against the mantle, determined to still appear in control.

Sarah let out a ragged breath and began, "Look, I don't know what just happened, but I've obviously had too much to drink so maybe we should just start again...and just forget...that...whatever that was."

He smirked, noting how shaken she was. Her cheeks were crimson and she couldn't quite look him in the eye. He knew she was desperately trying to hide just how badly she wanted him. Too bad for her it was already too late. Her kiss had given everything away.

He taunted, "Well, I don't think I could ever forget that if I tried...but very well, let's begin again."

Sarah nodded thankfully, "Now please, just give me a straight answer...and stay over there...What are you doing here?"

Jareth cocked his head to the side, smirking as he answered, "Truthfully, I don't really know. For the past few years I've been stuck in my alternate form. It was only just a little while ago that I became myself again, and I found myself sitting in your house with the distinct notion that you wanted to see me."

Sarah looked surprised, "You mean, you've been an owl all this time?"

Jareth shrugged "So far as I can recall, the last memory I have being myself, was the moment you said those six little magic words."

Sarah was intrigued, "So you didn't come here of your own free will?"

Jareth looked solemn for a moment, "No, I merely just appeared here. I tried to conjure a crystal several times and it hasn't worked...I think my magic has left me."

Sarah looked more than a little worried, "So let me get this straight...You ended up here, you don't know why, and you have no magic to send yourself home?"

Jareth removed his gloves and replied, "Well I'm glad you've been paying attention, I'm not even sure where home is anymore, I haven't set foot in my kingdom since you defeated the labyrinth."

Sarah got up and started to pace nervously, "Well I don't see how I fit into this..."

Jareth continued, "Well, I'm not entirely sure either. The only thing I am sure of is that since the moment I saw you, I knew we'd have a part to play in each other's destiny. Tonight I was overcome by the feeling that there is unfinished business between us."

Sarah looked more confused, "What are you talking about?"

Jareth was getting impatient, "Come now Sarah, you don't recall how you couldn't help but feel drawn into the story of the labyrinth? Why, you performed the part with such conviction...such enthusiasm, I'd even go so far as to say that added a few of your own embellishments. You even managed to get the words right and actually invoke my goblins."

Sarah's face flushed as it all came back to her. She wondered how much he actually knew. Had he heard when she had made up the line...
"...and the king of the Goblins had fallen in love with the girl, and he had given her certain powers."

Her mind reeled. Oh my God did I do this? Is he here because of me?

Cautiously she replied, "I admit, the story was a favorite of minw...but never in a million years did I really think it was real."

He frowned but said nothing. Finally she ventured a bit apprehensively, "What makes you think...we have any business...unfinished or otherwise?"

Jareth sighed, "I can't really explain it. Just the way everything happened, it all felt as though it was meant to happen...at least up until the end. I hadn't thought that you would discover the power in those words. I expected you to accept my offer. Toby would have been sent home, safe and sound...and you would have your dreams. But, as you know that wasn't what happened, and like I said everything feels unfinished to me...incomplete."

He looked for thoughtful for a moment, his frown deepened and he suddenly seemed irritated, "Did you honestly believe that I would have turned your brother into a goblin if you had accepted what I was offering?"

She gave him a blank look and he remarked, "You weren't even listening at that point, were you?"

Sarah shrugged, stammering, "Well, not really...I was kind of concentrating on the lines. It was all I could think of. Toby was all that mattered."

Rather agitated, he sneered, "You refused to even look at what I was offering you. And before I could do anything about it, you declared that I had no power over you. My world came crashing down. You refused to believe in me, or even give me a chance and I lost. I lost everything. My Kingdom, my power; gone. Everything gone."

Suddenly he looked very tired. His voice came softer as if he were no longer angry but weary, "Why didn't you even consider that I might be telling the truth? Never once did I lie to you Sarah. You asked that the child be taken, so I took him. When you changed your mind, I gave you the option to win him back. All along, I played my part, being exactly what you expected...what you wanted me to be. All along the way, you were told not to take anything for granted...that nothing was what it seemed. But in the end, you took me for granted. You never questioned if I was what I seemed."

Sarah was stunned. She felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. He was right. He had been telling her the truth the entire time. He wasn't the villain. He had simply been playing that part for her.

She swallowed, realizing her error, "Oh my God, this is all my fault...everything you said, it was all true...You...did all those things for me..."

Vaguely from the back of her mind his words drifted back, Fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave. Had she been so selfish? Had she actually made him have feelings for her, and then banish him?

Suddenly she felt sick to her stomach. Getting to her feet she groaned, "Oh Jareth...I...I am so sorry."

He was astounded to see her so upset and it pained him, "Do not apologize, it's not your fault. You didn't realize."

He suddenly seemed hopeful, "Maybe this is our second chance. Maybe I'm here so that you can get to know me and I can really get to know you, so we don't have to take anything for granted."

Sarah was starting to feel dizzy and the nausea at what she had learned was still threatening to overwhelm her. "Alright, I tell you what, I don't know how long you'll be here, but I can let the past be the past, if you can. You can stay here as long as you want, er, well until my parents come home. Then I have to go back to the city...but I guess we'll deal with that when the time comes."

Jareth nodded and softly replied, "Thank you, Sarah. I'd welcome the chance to prove myself as a friend, I think you'll find that I'm not quite the villain that you have made me out to be." It was obvious that he was attempting to tease her.

Sarah smiled even though she still felt wretched and as she took another step dizziness and nausea overwhelmed her. Apparently her hangover was not going to wait until morning.

Covering her mouth, she managed, "OK, hold that thought, my hangover has just caught up with me...I need to go pray to the porcelain god."

Jareth was confused but he got the idea as Sarah ran into the bathroom. She didn't even have time to shut the door. She barely made it to the toilet before she wretched. Once, Twice...

Chapter 5: Some Civil Conversation.

Jareth winced, and silently followed. By the time he reached the bathroom door, she flushed and was rinsing her mouth. She wiped the tears from her eyes and sniffed miserably before she squirted toothpaste on her toothbrush.

He leaned against the doorframe, "Are you alright?"

Sarah replied, "Yeah, I'll be fine now. I'm just paying the price for having a little too much fun. I shouldn't of had that last beer."

He stood in the doorway and continued to watch her brush her teeth. In the short time he had been at her house she already fascinated him.

She looked the same as he remembered except she was a bit taller and she now had the curves of a woman. He noted this as he admired her in the bathroom light. She was wearing a short skirt that revealed long shapely legs; he could see her knees for heaven's sake. The dark silky material that was covering her legs was entirely fascinating.

He further studied her, working his way up. The black skirt hugged her shapely hips. The blouse was a silky material and she had left the top button opened revealing her pale throat. It was low cut enough to reveal a bit of the swell of her breasts but it left him wanting to see more, much more. Her hair was still a beautiful cascade of dark silk that seemed to beckon for his touch.

Her eyes were the same bewitching shade of hazel that he remembered. He smiled as he gazed at her face, admiring the little cat nose she had added and the neat whiskers. She was quite a sight to behold, still innocent, yet she radiated a sexual quality. The symbol of the feline could not have been a more perfect analogy to describe her.

For him, seeing her again was like being given pure water after thirsting in the dry desert heat for centuries. He could barely contain the relief and hope that he felt. She finished brushing her teeth and glanced up at him, no doubt realizing that he had been staring at her.

He smiled and gestured to her outfit, "Is this some human attempt to transform yourself into a cat?"

She glanced down realizing she was still dressed in her Halloween costume. "It's Halloween, I was at a costume party...I thought you knew?"

He shook his head, "I saw the sign on the door and that poor orange vegetable you've hacked up, and I've heard about the ancient festivals of Samhain, when people used to dress like demons to deceive evil spirits...but I'd never heard anything about cats."

She smiled feeling slightly better now that she had gotten rid of the excess alcohol. "It's just a silly holiday, for kids mostly. People dress in all sorts of costumes and children go from house to house to collect candy."

He looked puzzled, "Candy?"

She laughed as she exited the bathroom and grabbed a chocolate from the candy dish in the hall. "Here...try one."

She unwrapped the candy and handed it to him. He put it in his mouth not knowing what to expect. He was pleasantly surprised at the sweet smooth taste. He nodded "It's quite good."

Sarah led him back to the living room and turned on a light, "Yes they are good, wouldn't have gotten through my teenage years without them."

He plopped into the chair as she sat across from him on the couch, "So you went out collecting these treats?" Sarah sighed and shook her head, "No I went to a party to meet up with my friends from school."

He smirked at her, "And you and your friends enjoy getting intoxicated?"

She felt her face flush, "Well, sometimes it's fun, but not when you overdo it."

He seemed intrigued, "And what in blazes were you drinking?"

She ran her hands through her hair, "Cheap wine, then I made the mistake of moving on to even cheaper beer."

She noted a hint of recognition on his face, "Do you drink wine?"

He smiled, "Occasionally, although I doubt it's anything like what you are used to. The wine the goblins make is enchanted, so one must be cautious about how much they drink."

She sighed, "Well that's a good rule, no matter what kind of wine it is."

He continued, "They are also fond of beer and ale, but that's not my style."

She rose an eyebrow at him, "No, I guess it wouldn't be." You are far too pretentious for that, she thought to herself.

Jareth noticed a framed picture of Toby on the end table, next to the chair he was sitting in. He picked it up and asked wistfully, "How is your baby brother?"

Sarah tried to quell the feeling of alarm that tensed through her. "Well, he's none of your concern, but if you must know, he's fine. I don't think he even remembers what happened."

Jareth grinned at her knowingly "Oh Sarah, still so convinced that I would do your innocent brother harm? I assure you your brother was never what I was truly after." His eyes devoured her hungrily.

She tried desperately to ignore the implications of what he was saying and the desire in his gaze. She swallowed, nervousness washing over her again. She looked away and replied, "You already mentioned that..."

He was quickly out of the chair, and before she could react he was sitting beside her on the couch. She shifted uncomfortably, crossing her legs, frantically trying to think of a way to change the subject.

Jareth's gaze fell to her lap noticing the way she had shifted. He stifled a self-satisfied smirk. She was nervous.

After what seemed like an eternity of silence she stammered, "How long will you be staying above ground?" He turned to meet her gaze, "I can't say for certain, I've lost all my magical abilities." His eyes darted to her lips. "You're the one with the power remember?"

Sarah inhaled and focused on the same clock that chimed when she had beaten him all those years ago. Gaining a small amount of nerve she replied, "Don't take this the wrong way, but I feel a lot better knowing that you can't use your magic."

He lounged back comfortably against the sofa with his arm stretching out behind her as she uneasily leaned further forward on the edge of her seat. "There's that sharp wit I remember. Well, you may be more at ease, but I have a great deal to be concerned about. There's no telling what type of mischief my goblins may be getting into."

Sarah had to agree, "Good point... they've probably torn the place apart by now."

Remembering his subjects Sarah had to wonder how it had come to be that he became their ruler, "If you don't mind my asking, how did you come to be the King of the Goblins?"

Jareth chuckled, "Well that's a bit of a long story."

Sarah shrugged. She was intrigued, "Well I have lots of time..."

Jareth nodded and said "Very well... when I was a small child my mother wished me away to the goblins. I have very little memory of her and no memory of my real father. All I know of them is pure legend, rumors, and speculation. It was said that my mother was a mortal from above ground and that my father was Fae. How they came to be together, I have no idea. I was told that my father was killed but no one could tell me how it happened. At that time the goblins had no ruler, but a powerful sorceress happened to be visiting the goblin city the moment I appeared. The Goblins were about to turn me into one of them but she stopped them, noticing that I had the gift for magic. She must have recognized that I was half Fae. She implored the goblins to spare me and promised them that if they raised me I would become their King and build them a great city and a labyrinth that would keep them protected. They listened to her. She taught me how to use the magic of the crystals and then she disappeared without a word of explanation. The rest is history. I created the labyrinth and I sent my goblins to take away children who were wished away, and the only way they could be retrieved was if the person who wished them away could solve my labyrinth."

Sarah's eyes were wide, "Has any one ever beaten it, I mean besides me?"

He shook his head solemnly, "You are the only one."

"So How many children have you turned into goblins?"

He noticed the acidity of her tone and looked intently at her, "I'm not that cruel Sarah. I sent them all to new homes, good homes where they would always be loved."

He sighed and continued, "That's how I became the goblin king...I too was from the aboveground, maybe that's why I've always felt compelled to come back."

Sarah looked thoughtful and a little sad, "It must have been sort of lonely...being the only one of your kind."

Jareth simply stated, "It was. That is, until I found you."

Sarah's stomach suddenly fluttered and she hoped her face wasn't red again, "What do you mean?"

Jareth looked into her eyes for a moment and gently replied, "The first time I saw you was not the night you wished Toby away."

Sarah's eyes grew wide, "It wasn't?"

Jareth continued, "No. I first saw you in the park. I used to fly there sometimes to watch the moon rise. On one of my trips there I saw you. You were sitting up against a tree and you were crying. I wondered what could have made you so sad. Whenever I came there I would see you, rehearsing your plays, or playing with your dog. I felt as though there was something familiar about you and when I heard you speak of the labyrinth and of me I knew our meeting was not pure chance. Sometimes I would follow you home, and once I saw how things were for you here, I knew it would only be a matter of time before you called upon me."

Sarah was stunned. She wasn't sure how she should react to this, "So you watched over me? But why?"

Jareth eyes caught hers, "You fascinate me Sarah. Your sadness, and your imagination and...your dreams, they drew me to you. I've been haunted by you from the moment I saw you."

Sarah was breathless; no one had ever said such things to her before. He continued, "I wanted to offer you your dreams, I wanted to make you happy. I thought I could do that by making your fantasy come true, but I was wrong. I went about it the wrong way, and I lost you."

Sarah closed her eyes as if his very words were breaking her heart. She swallowed the lump in her throat and then carefully replied, "But why me? I'm...I'm nobody."

Jareth looked at her his expression was a bit sad, "You are mistaken. You solved my labyrinth. That is something no one else could do. You don't realize how special you are."

He brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face. Sarah felt like she was in a dream. There was no way this could really be happening. "This is so strange, all this time I thought you were my enemy and that you hated me. I should have realized that just like everything else in the labyrinth nothing is what it seems."

He let his hand fall away from her face, "I wanted to be everything that you expected. You expected a rival, someone who would challenge you. So that was what I had to be. I thought I could change your perception, I should have seen that Toby was too important to you. That although you acted as though he was a burden, you truly loved him, and you'd beat me no matter what the cost. I thought at the end I could convince you. Just as I was about to fully explain, you said the words."

Sarah felt the pangs of regret stab at her heart. Then his eyes met hers, "But it looks as though I've been given another chance, a chance to let you see the real me, a chance for us to be something I've wanted since I first saw you..."

Sarah was nearly breathless, "What's that?"

Jareth's intense stare met hers, "Friends."

Sarah felt all the tension in her body melt away as she smiled brightly and nodded, "Alright then friends it is." She extended her hand and he accepted it and they shook hands.