AN:
Disclaimer: I do not own the Labyrinth...just Jareth :P I guess the REAL people I used own themselves...hopefully. It would be odd and sad if they didn't. (And I changed some of their names for their own protection...well actually mine...but you know who they really are!!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scream!...if you like this movie
(Part I)
Steam came billowing out of the bathroom as the door opened, seconds later Sarah stepped through in a robe with a towel wrapped around her hair. She crossed to her closet and stepped inside to get dressed. Minutes later she walked out in jeans and a green sleeveless shirt. She stepped into some stylish sandals before walking out of the room towards the kitchen.
It looked to be a slow day. She was a professional author, and quite accomplished. She had already published several and she was only in her early twenties still. For once, her overly active imagination was paying off for her. Today, though, she was trying to get some motivation for writing more for her stories, as she had been for the last couple days. This always happened at some point in her books...where she came to a slow spot in the plot and hit a dry spell in her writing.
She hoped the current dry spell didn't last too long as she poured herself a glass of orange juice and grabbed a danish. She went over to the table to eat and grabbed the morning newspaper. On the cover was a story of a missing child. It prompted flashbacks to her experience years ago. It seemed like ages since she had wished Toby away; he had come so close to being like this poor child on the front page. She mused with a smile if that's where this child was.
"What's in store for the world of news today? Any inspiration for a fantasy author with a creative block?" she muttered to herself as she flipped through the paper. Sometimes reading movie descriptions gave her ideas for her stories, same as reading other books. She flipped to the entertainment section and read the list of upcoming movies then stopped when she spotted a disturbing headline.
"Several creative powerhouses team up to produce movie loosely based on the classic book, Labyrinth..." Sarah read aloud. "What the-" He eyes scanned the article; having had her interest piqued to high heaven and wanting to know what "loosely" meant exactly.
Her eyes scanned the article a bit franticly. Loosely, meaning that they were setting the story in modern times. And not just putting the characters in modern time, oh no. The movie was going to be about a girl who loved the book so much that she spent all her time daydreaming about the story, and one day finds herself within the story...in the Labyrinth. She felt lightheaded, and she couldn't quite get enough breath. With alarmed eyes she stood and started to make a run for her room, but the world came spinning into blackness before she got too far from the table.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gregory Lymon, big time movie producer and the guy behind many big sci-fi classics, stood in a room looking at the other two producers of the movie that was already getting so much hype just for the collaboration that was being formed between him and director, Jake Hall, who also had many fantasy movies to his credit and was also known for his great special effects. Both turned towards the man who had pulled them together for this movie. He was helping produce, direct, write, compose, sing, and act for this movie.
"If we are to start filming soon we need to fill the role of the heroine, David," Gregory said wringing his hands at the young rock star.
"No problem," David purred back in his British accent. "I have the perfect girl for the role. Unfortunately I can not get a hold of her, though. But, I know for sure she will want to be a part of this. As soon as she gets wind of this she will be coming to US."
"And just who is this girl?" Jake tilted his head to the side to study David. "And what if she doesn't come?"
"Oh, she will...and you'll find out soon enough when she gets here. "Sources" have already leaked to the press that there is a collaboration in the works between all of us. That was quite a bit ago, she has heard of it by now. I am sure. She'll be here very soon I'd say." He checked his watch as if he knew the exact moment she would burst through the door.
As if on cue the door did burst open and Sarah spilled in followed by a couple security guards. David waved them off and they left with suspicious looks in the young woman's direction. Sarah looked at all three of them and then stormed over to David. She waved a finger under his nose.
"Where is he?? I know he's behind this!" Sarah demanded. Jake reached for her, but she shrugged him off.
"Jake, Gregory...this is the girl I told you about. Did I not say she would be here?"
"Don't I know you from somewhere, miss?" Gregory asked.
Sarah spared him a sideways look. "Sarah Williams, New York Times best-selling author." She glared back at David. "Tell me where he is!"
David waved away the other two men with a comment that he would handle this. He looked down at Sarah. "Well well well, you are as intelligent as ever. I knew you would come as soon as I *LEAKED* the information about this movie to the press."
Sarah's eyes narrowed on the other man. "Jareth put you up to this? Why ever would you agree to such a horrid thing??"
David walked around behind Sarah, purring in his velvety voice. "Obviously, not quite quick enough to get the whole puzzle figured out are we?" He leaned forward to whisper in her ear. "I *AM* Jareth, my dear Sarah."
She spun around in shock. Her face alternating between flushed and pale, which was quite hard to do...but couldn't be helped in these circumstances. She struggled to regain her composure...she had already fainted once today, twice would do her no good. So she brought back her hand and slapped him hard across the face. "HOW COULD YOU?!"
David/Jareth caught her hand, squeezing a bit harder than he meant too. His jaw worked as he fought down the anger that came bubbling up in response to her striking him. "How could I what, Sarah? How could I not tell you of my Aboveground persona? It was none of your business. How could I make this movie? It was my story to tell, also." He yanked hard on her arm so she stumbled up against him. "But, you are a part of it, too. Aren't you? I told those two men that you were going to be playing the heroine, yourself. If I had it my way, though, your role would be called the evil ice queen."
"I'm sorry then. Sorry you will have to tell them to find a new actress. Sorry that you think I owe you something for not falling at your feet after your horrendous behavior! And I am SORRY that you are such an ASS!" She lifted her chin and looked up at him stubbornly with just as much anger blazing back at him from her shining green eyes, shining with tears unshed and brought on by such hot anger.
"Oh...you will be playing yourself." His voice deadly calm. "Wasn't it your dream to be an actress, anyways? This is your chance, your first movie...a major event in theatrical history and you get to be a part of it." When he saw no change in her unending stubbornness he leaned in real close, lips nearly touching hers...breath heating each other's skin. "You will be in it or I tell a whole lot of nasty secrets. Ones about how very real the events this movie is based on, our sordid past together, a few things you don't think I know but I do from watching you through my crystals...need I continue?"
There were many reactions that poured over her face. Paleness...then a warm flush again...and then hurt...but it was gone quickly to give way for defeat. "Do I have any say in the reenactment of my life-story here? Cause I know you well enough you will edit to your outrageous liking...and there are some things that even those threats won't get me to do." She lifted a shaky chin.
"I could be a nice guy and say yes..." he took a step back and released her quite suddenly. She stumbled back into a table and grabbed onto the surface to steady herself. "We'll see..."
Sarah was standing there with large eyes. Her day had started out so normal and boring. For the second time in her life she regretted complaining about the boring side of life. Boring wasn't so bad as long as you were safe and happy. Now she was neither.
"I believe I should drag you down to wardrobe so they can get to fitting you," Jareth looked her up and down, studying the young women she had become. She had filled out into soft womanly curves. He swallowed and regained his train of thought. "You were the one we were waiting for...we start filming next week."
He stalked towards the door, taking her by the arm and nearly dragging her along with him. He was more frustrated with himself for reacting to her than actually mad at her. Well...he WAS mad for that strike across his face. But, deep down he knew he had had it coming to him. He growled to himself as he flung her through the door into wardrobe.
"Libby, this is the girl you were waiting for, our dear Sarah," he said to the middle-aged woman inside. "I believe you can get right to work and tell me when you are done." With that he stormed down the hall towards his own office.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few days later Sarah sat huddled on her couch. The script was on the coffee table and she was glaring at it intensely. Of course he would put his own spin on it, she had pretty much expected him to. But this was preposterous! In this she trembled at his feet and gave in! And the ball...well, we won't mention what he did there.
She was staying here in her house! Hang the consequences, he couldn't make her do it. Who cared if he told everyone everything. No one would believe him! She nodded to herself and with her foot kicked the script onto the floor.
She heard a chuckle from the doorway and snapped her head around to look. "Now is that any way to behave at your age? What did the script ever do to you?" He smirked and crossed his arms as he leaned against the wall.
Her eyes narrowed and she gave him her most deathly glare. "It sickened me beyond belief. I will not have a part in this foolishness!"
"Oh yes you will, remember our agreement?" He straightened and walked over to her.
"I also remember saying that I was not going to be a party to you butchering the events that took place."
"I told you we'd see." He dropped onto the couch beside her and she scooted away from him. "I can have a look at the script with you and try to work out some kinks with you, but if you insist on being disagreeable..." He let it drift off and gave her a knowing look.
"Doesn't mean I have to sit in your lap or something..." Sarah grumbled and tried to scoot a little closer. She picked up the script and flipped to the first scene she had a problem with.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sarah stood in the dressing room at the studios and glared at the mirror. She was so not wearing this. She couldn't believe the man and him trying to push his luck at every turn. He thought running the labyrinth in a halter top and miniskirt was going to fly with her? No way. She stomped out and towards his office. She stood in there and glares at his infuriating face.
"I am not wearing this. I am starting to think you are doing everything you can to give me a very early stroke," she tapped her foot angrily.
He smirked. "You're right...that's not the real costume. I just wanted to see your reaction."
"GODDAMN YOU JARETH!"
Sarah turned and stormed out of the room. He just threw back his head and laughed as hard as he had in a long time. When she reached her dressing room she found a different outfit laid out for her. It was much closer to the clothes she had worn the original trip. It was loose jeans and a light blue t-shirt along with canvas shoes. She sighed and changed into them gratefully.
Afterwards she headed to the set where they would start filming today. She sighed and took a look around. At least he wasn't fudging the details of the scenery. She was still standing there looking around when Jareth...ahem...David came walking towards her from behind with a smile.
He leaned in to purr, "You going to complain about the set next?"
She spun around to look at him, then raised her chin. "Not really...you didn't try to mess this up I guess."
"Just behave and I won't make your room into a David Bowie love shack," he smirked insolently. "Or wear the sex kitten outfit again."
She glared at him and moved to the opposite end of the set until it was time to start filming. The whole time she gritted her teeth and forced out the words he had written for her. These coming months were going to be really hard. She dreaded it all...especially those scenes that got WAY off the mark from reality. At least they had reached SOME compromises the other day.
When they were done for the day she stormed back to her dressing room. She had started to peal off her shirt when she turned and saw him standing right there. She squeaked and yanked down her shirt again.
"Haven't you heard of knocking???!!" She cried, distressed at having just flashed the Goblin King.
He just chuckled and walked further into the room. "Yeah."
She shook her head and looked at him with a frown. "Is there something you wanted??"
"You," he retorted with a straight face and she frowned more deeply. He shrugged. "You can make it all much more easier on yourself...if you would just give in to me instead of being so damned stubborn."
"So that's what this is? A ploy to get me to give myself over to you again? Some kind of payback for defeating the labyrinth and wounding your pride?"
He loomed over her and leaned in close. "Isn't it always a trick to get you in my arms? When has it not?"
She planted her hands on her hips. "Well you have another thing coming, so you might as well give up now."
"Really? Well we'll see about that by the end of our new little game." He reached out to cup her face in his hand and run his thumb over her cheek. "For you know I can be just as stubborn, and right now I have the upper hand."
"Maybe I shall just have to cut off that hand." She let the double meaning sink in before he let his arm drop back to his side. She tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Now will you please leave? I need to get dressed and go get some rest. It's going to be a LOOONNG day tomorrow." She smiled with mock sweetness and waved him away. Once he was gone she dropped onto her couch with a loud sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It had been a month and the two were still at odds. Neither gave ground to the other and they repeatedly butted heads about everything. The rest of the crew could sense the tension that was thick between the two, but never said anything. Soon the holidays were upon them and the crew went on brake for the week. Sarah went home to sulk in private.
Hours later Jareth appeared to check in on her and probably give her a few gray hairs. He found her sitting in the middle of the floor nursing a bottle of liquor with another bottle laying empty beside her. He rolled his eyes heavenward and groaned.
"Sarah...what are you doing?" he asked and knelt beside her. He pried the bottle from her fingers.
"Celebrating my horrid life," she muttered. "And it's a private party so scram...both of you..."
Jareth stretched out his legs and sat down fully beside her. He slipped an arm around her shoulders. "Have I been treating you that badly?"
She snorted. "Yeah!"
"Oh...well maybe we should just call a truce, make a deal or something," he looked down and murmured against her hair. "I'll behave if you do."
"That sounds nice," Sarah leaned her cheek against his chest and closed her eyes. This felt all warm and good.
"And, if we get through this without hurting each other," he rubbed his jaw with his free hand, "again. I'll help you with your stories. I know of course you were hitting a dry spell before this movie came along."
"Kay..." she mumbled sleepily into his shirt. He leaned his head down to look at her face and saw she had fallen asleep in his arms. He cradled her for a bit comfortingly before carrying her to her bedroom and laying her down on her bed. He tucked her in under the covers and then bent over to give her a light kiss before going.
"Sleep well, my Sarah."
Disclaimer: I do not own the Labyrinth...just Jareth :P I guess the REAL people I used own themselves...hopefully. It would be odd and sad if they didn't. (And I changed some of their names for their own protection...well actually mine...but you know who they really are!!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scream!...if you like this movie
(Part I)
Steam came billowing out of the bathroom as the door opened, seconds later Sarah stepped through in a robe with a towel wrapped around her hair. She crossed to her closet and stepped inside to get dressed. Minutes later she walked out in jeans and a green sleeveless shirt. She stepped into some stylish sandals before walking out of the room towards the kitchen.
It looked to be a slow day. She was a professional author, and quite accomplished. She had already published several and she was only in her early twenties still. For once, her overly active imagination was paying off for her. Today, though, she was trying to get some motivation for writing more for her stories, as she had been for the last couple days. This always happened at some point in her books...where she came to a slow spot in the plot and hit a dry spell in her writing.
She hoped the current dry spell didn't last too long as she poured herself a glass of orange juice and grabbed a danish. She went over to the table to eat and grabbed the morning newspaper. On the cover was a story of a missing child. It prompted flashbacks to her experience years ago. It seemed like ages since she had wished Toby away; he had come so close to being like this poor child on the front page. She mused with a smile if that's where this child was.
"What's in store for the world of news today? Any inspiration for a fantasy author with a creative block?" she muttered to herself as she flipped through the paper. Sometimes reading movie descriptions gave her ideas for her stories, same as reading other books. She flipped to the entertainment section and read the list of upcoming movies then stopped when she spotted a disturbing headline.
"Several creative powerhouses team up to produce movie loosely based on the classic book, Labyrinth..." Sarah read aloud. "What the-" He eyes scanned the article; having had her interest piqued to high heaven and wanting to know what "loosely" meant exactly.
Her eyes scanned the article a bit franticly. Loosely, meaning that they were setting the story in modern times. And not just putting the characters in modern time, oh no. The movie was going to be about a girl who loved the book so much that she spent all her time daydreaming about the story, and one day finds herself within the story...in the Labyrinth. She felt lightheaded, and she couldn't quite get enough breath. With alarmed eyes she stood and started to make a run for her room, but the world came spinning into blackness before she got too far from the table.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gregory Lymon, big time movie producer and the guy behind many big sci-fi classics, stood in a room looking at the other two producers of the movie that was already getting so much hype just for the collaboration that was being formed between him and director, Jake Hall, who also had many fantasy movies to his credit and was also known for his great special effects. Both turned towards the man who had pulled them together for this movie. He was helping produce, direct, write, compose, sing, and act for this movie.
"If we are to start filming soon we need to fill the role of the heroine, David," Gregory said wringing his hands at the young rock star.
"No problem," David purred back in his British accent. "I have the perfect girl for the role. Unfortunately I can not get a hold of her, though. But, I know for sure she will want to be a part of this. As soon as she gets wind of this she will be coming to US."
"And just who is this girl?" Jake tilted his head to the side to study David. "And what if she doesn't come?"
"Oh, she will...and you'll find out soon enough when she gets here. "Sources" have already leaked to the press that there is a collaboration in the works between all of us. That was quite a bit ago, she has heard of it by now. I am sure. She'll be here very soon I'd say." He checked his watch as if he knew the exact moment she would burst through the door.
As if on cue the door did burst open and Sarah spilled in followed by a couple security guards. David waved them off and they left with suspicious looks in the young woman's direction. Sarah looked at all three of them and then stormed over to David. She waved a finger under his nose.
"Where is he?? I know he's behind this!" Sarah demanded. Jake reached for her, but she shrugged him off.
"Jake, Gregory...this is the girl I told you about. Did I not say she would be here?"
"Don't I know you from somewhere, miss?" Gregory asked.
Sarah spared him a sideways look. "Sarah Williams, New York Times best-selling author." She glared back at David. "Tell me where he is!"
David waved away the other two men with a comment that he would handle this. He looked down at Sarah. "Well well well, you are as intelligent as ever. I knew you would come as soon as I *LEAKED* the information about this movie to the press."
Sarah's eyes narrowed on the other man. "Jareth put you up to this? Why ever would you agree to such a horrid thing??"
David walked around behind Sarah, purring in his velvety voice. "Obviously, not quite quick enough to get the whole puzzle figured out are we?" He leaned forward to whisper in her ear. "I *AM* Jareth, my dear Sarah."
She spun around in shock. Her face alternating between flushed and pale, which was quite hard to do...but couldn't be helped in these circumstances. She struggled to regain her composure...she had already fainted once today, twice would do her no good. So she brought back her hand and slapped him hard across the face. "HOW COULD YOU?!"
David/Jareth caught her hand, squeezing a bit harder than he meant too. His jaw worked as he fought down the anger that came bubbling up in response to her striking him. "How could I what, Sarah? How could I not tell you of my Aboveground persona? It was none of your business. How could I make this movie? It was my story to tell, also." He yanked hard on her arm so she stumbled up against him. "But, you are a part of it, too. Aren't you? I told those two men that you were going to be playing the heroine, yourself. If I had it my way, though, your role would be called the evil ice queen."
"I'm sorry then. Sorry you will have to tell them to find a new actress. Sorry that you think I owe you something for not falling at your feet after your horrendous behavior! And I am SORRY that you are such an ASS!" She lifted her chin and looked up at him stubbornly with just as much anger blazing back at him from her shining green eyes, shining with tears unshed and brought on by such hot anger.
"Oh...you will be playing yourself." His voice deadly calm. "Wasn't it your dream to be an actress, anyways? This is your chance, your first movie...a major event in theatrical history and you get to be a part of it." When he saw no change in her unending stubbornness he leaned in real close, lips nearly touching hers...breath heating each other's skin. "You will be in it or I tell a whole lot of nasty secrets. Ones about how very real the events this movie is based on, our sordid past together, a few things you don't think I know but I do from watching you through my crystals...need I continue?"
There were many reactions that poured over her face. Paleness...then a warm flush again...and then hurt...but it was gone quickly to give way for defeat. "Do I have any say in the reenactment of my life-story here? Cause I know you well enough you will edit to your outrageous liking...and there are some things that even those threats won't get me to do." She lifted a shaky chin.
"I could be a nice guy and say yes..." he took a step back and released her quite suddenly. She stumbled back into a table and grabbed onto the surface to steady herself. "We'll see..."
Sarah was standing there with large eyes. Her day had started out so normal and boring. For the second time in her life she regretted complaining about the boring side of life. Boring wasn't so bad as long as you were safe and happy. Now she was neither.
"I believe I should drag you down to wardrobe so they can get to fitting you," Jareth looked her up and down, studying the young women she had become. She had filled out into soft womanly curves. He swallowed and regained his train of thought. "You were the one we were waiting for...we start filming next week."
He stalked towards the door, taking her by the arm and nearly dragging her along with him. He was more frustrated with himself for reacting to her than actually mad at her. Well...he WAS mad for that strike across his face. But, deep down he knew he had had it coming to him. He growled to himself as he flung her through the door into wardrobe.
"Libby, this is the girl you were waiting for, our dear Sarah," he said to the middle-aged woman inside. "I believe you can get right to work and tell me when you are done." With that he stormed down the hall towards his own office.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few days later Sarah sat huddled on her couch. The script was on the coffee table and she was glaring at it intensely. Of course he would put his own spin on it, she had pretty much expected him to. But this was preposterous! In this she trembled at his feet and gave in! And the ball...well, we won't mention what he did there.
She was staying here in her house! Hang the consequences, he couldn't make her do it. Who cared if he told everyone everything. No one would believe him! She nodded to herself and with her foot kicked the script onto the floor.
She heard a chuckle from the doorway and snapped her head around to look. "Now is that any way to behave at your age? What did the script ever do to you?" He smirked and crossed his arms as he leaned against the wall.
Her eyes narrowed and she gave him her most deathly glare. "It sickened me beyond belief. I will not have a part in this foolishness!"
"Oh yes you will, remember our agreement?" He straightened and walked over to her.
"I also remember saying that I was not going to be a party to you butchering the events that took place."
"I told you we'd see." He dropped onto the couch beside her and she scooted away from him. "I can have a look at the script with you and try to work out some kinks with you, but if you insist on being disagreeable..." He let it drift off and gave her a knowing look.
"Doesn't mean I have to sit in your lap or something..." Sarah grumbled and tried to scoot a little closer. She picked up the script and flipped to the first scene she had a problem with.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sarah stood in the dressing room at the studios and glared at the mirror. She was so not wearing this. She couldn't believe the man and him trying to push his luck at every turn. He thought running the labyrinth in a halter top and miniskirt was going to fly with her? No way. She stomped out and towards his office. She stood in there and glares at his infuriating face.
"I am not wearing this. I am starting to think you are doing everything you can to give me a very early stroke," she tapped her foot angrily.
He smirked. "You're right...that's not the real costume. I just wanted to see your reaction."
"GODDAMN YOU JARETH!"
Sarah turned and stormed out of the room. He just threw back his head and laughed as hard as he had in a long time. When she reached her dressing room she found a different outfit laid out for her. It was much closer to the clothes she had worn the original trip. It was loose jeans and a light blue t-shirt along with canvas shoes. She sighed and changed into them gratefully.
Afterwards she headed to the set where they would start filming today. She sighed and took a look around. At least he wasn't fudging the details of the scenery. She was still standing there looking around when Jareth...ahem...David came walking towards her from behind with a smile.
He leaned in to purr, "You going to complain about the set next?"
She spun around to look at him, then raised her chin. "Not really...you didn't try to mess this up I guess."
"Just behave and I won't make your room into a David Bowie love shack," he smirked insolently. "Or wear the sex kitten outfit again."
She glared at him and moved to the opposite end of the set until it was time to start filming. The whole time she gritted her teeth and forced out the words he had written for her. These coming months were going to be really hard. She dreaded it all...especially those scenes that got WAY off the mark from reality. At least they had reached SOME compromises the other day.
When they were done for the day she stormed back to her dressing room. She had started to peal off her shirt when she turned and saw him standing right there. She squeaked and yanked down her shirt again.
"Haven't you heard of knocking???!!" She cried, distressed at having just flashed the Goblin King.
He just chuckled and walked further into the room. "Yeah."
She shook her head and looked at him with a frown. "Is there something you wanted??"
"You," he retorted with a straight face and she frowned more deeply. He shrugged. "You can make it all much more easier on yourself...if you would just give in to me instead of being so damned stubborn."
"So that's what this is? A ploy to get me to give myself over to you again? Some kind of payback for defeating the labyrinth and wounding your pride?"
He loomed over her and leaned in close. "Isn't it always a trick to get you in my arms? When has it not?"
She planted her hands on her hips. "Well you have another thing coming, so you might as well give up now."
"Really? Well we'll see about that by the end of our new little game." He reached out to cup her face in his hand and run his thumb over her cheek. "For you know I can be just as stubborn, and right now I have the upper hand."
"Maybe I shall just have to cut off that hand." She let the double meaning sink in before he let his arm drop back to his side. She tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Now will you please leave? I need to get dressed and go get some rest. It's going to be a LOOONNG day tomorrow." She smiled with mock sweetness and waved him away. Once he was gone she dropped onto her couch with a loud sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It had been a month and the two were still at odds. Neither gave ground to the other and they repeatedly butted heads about everything. The rest of the crew could sense the tension that was thick between the two, but never said anything. Soon the holidays were upon them and the crew went on brake for the week. Sarah went home to sulk in private.
Hours later Jareth appeared to check in on her and probably give her a few gray hairs. He found her sitting in the middle of the floor nursing a bottle of liquor with another bottle laying empty beside her. He rolled his eyes heavenward and groaned.
"Sarah...what are you doing?" he asked and knelt beside her. He pried the bottle from her fingers.
"Celebrating my horrid life," she muttered. "And it's a private party so scram...both of you..."
Jareth stretched out his legs and sat down fully beside her. He slipped an arm around her shoulders. "Have I been treating you that badly?"
She snorted. "Yeah!"
"Oh...well maybe we should just call a truce, make a deal or something," he looked down and murmured against her hair. "I'll behave if you do."
"That sounds nice," Sarah leaned her cheek against his chest and closed her eyes. This felt all warm and good.
"And, if we get through this without hurting each other," he rubbed his jaw with his free hand, "again. I'll help you with your stories. I know of course you were hitting a dry spell before this movie came along."
"Kay..." she mumbled sleepily into his shirt. He leaned his head down to look at her face and saw she had fallen asleep in his arms. He cradled her for a bit comfortingly before carrying her to her bedroom and laying her down on her bed. He tucked her in under the covers and then bent over to give her a light kiss before going.
"Sleep well, my Sarah."