Don't Stop Now

Disclaimer: I do not own the Labyrinth, any of its characters, the song Don't Stop Now (this story's namesake) or the song As the World Falls Down. If I did own any of these things then I would be a LOT richer.

Rating: Uh…T for now. Subject to change.

Movie base: The Labyrinth

Pairings: Jareth and Sarah

Summary: Sarah beat the Labyrinth fair and square. And she conquered Jareth too…just not the way that she thinks she did.

Chapter One: Dreams Coming True

The Underground - Jareth's Castle a few hours prior the end of the movie

Jareth stood in front of the window in his bedroom and stared out at the rising sun. Sarah was gone now and he felt…empty. She was the first to beat his game and the first to forfeit her dreams for a mere child. It should have irked him that the people at court were laughing at him and his weakness but it didn't seem to. His heart was heavy and light at the same time as he thought of the young girl asleep on her bed surrounded by her friends. For the first time in a long time Jareth wasn't watching her dreams. It hurt too much.

Jareth uttered a curse as he punched the stone wall next to the open window and looked out at the winding Labyrinth. He hadn't had to let her go. She messed up the last lines but when he looked at her face he knew that he couldn't keep her. No matter how he felt about her. If she had stayed in the Labyrinth for more than the thirteen hours that she had been given she would belong there. He couldn't imprison her against her will.

Sighing, Jareth raised a crystal ball from nowhere and whispered into it. "Show me Sarah's dreams. Let me in." He took a deep breath as he felt the familiar whoosh around him as he was transported into the girl's dream. He stared in mild surprise as the ballroom that he had earlier brought her to surrounded him. He looked around and saw Sarah staring at him. Silently, he slipped away as someone walked in front of him. He could hear the faint music drifting around him and shook her head softly as the lyrics formed in his mind.

"There's such a sad love, Deep in your eyes

A kind of pale jewel opened and closed within your eyes.

I'll place the sky within your eyes."

Jareth skulked around, seeing the many dancers leering at the girl in white. She was a vision of innocence in this corrupt, twisted ballroom. Jareth had never written a song for any of his other captives. None were special like Sarah was. She was so innocent, yet she could snap back with this fiery, passion spirit that made Jareth's heart quicken. The song he had written was so true. He would place his love between the stars for this young girl. He had fallen in love.

"As the pain sweeps through,

Makes no sense for you

Every thrill has gone

Wasn't too much fun at all

But I'll be there for you

As the world falls down

Falling in love."

As he followed Sarah around the ballroom he felt something stir in his gut as Sarah's eyes caught his and he stepped forward and put his hand on her waist and led her around in a slow, sensual dance. It took all he had not too pull her tight against his chest and hold her there until the world around them fell down. Soon he couldn't stop himself and opened his mouth to speak to her.

"Sarah," her name fell from his lips as her eyes widened. "Sarah, I am here to tell you one last time that what I did in the Labyrinth… What I said… It was only because I loved you."

Sarah's mouth opened as she looked down at his chest and a small blush crossed her face. "No, Goblin King. I cannot be lead to believe this. You have taken many children and I am sure just as many girls like me. What have I done to be so special that you would fall in love with me? I am a simple girl with little to offer."

Jareth shook his head. "Sarah. First off, stop being sodamn formal. It's aggravating. Call me Jareth. Second: please don't think of me like that. I did bring you here for your child but in the end you began to intrigue me. Your resilience was compelling and I soon found myself falling for you. You are like no other that I have met." He raised his hand from her waist and lifted her chin with a finger. The music seemed to fade behind them and the dancers were not but a blur. He lowered his face and gently pressed his lips to hers. At first she stiffened but when he didn't deepen the kiss she relaxed. His hand made her way to the back of her neck and felt her timidly kiss him back.

Only when he knew she needed air did he pull away. His heart was thudding in his ears but he smiled down at her red face. "There, now. I have done what I came to do. I shall not bother you again, dear. Not without your permission." His hand that still held hers conjured a tiny crystal on a silver chain. Sarah looked over at her hand as he disentangled their fingers. "If you need me all you have to do is wish it with your heart as you say my name." Then he stepped back as the scenery around them faded and bowed low. "Goodbye, my dear Sarah." Sarah stepped forward toward him but he shook his head. "Your stepmother is coming for you." Then he melted away with the dream.

The Aboveground—6:00 AM Sarah's house

Sarah sat bolt upright as her stepmother began to knock on her door. "Sarah, honey? It's time to get ready for school." Sarah cleared her throat and nodded.

"I'll be down in twenty minutes," she said back as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed. She noted dimly that her friends were gone and the only evidence that they were ever was a scrabble board still scattered on the floor. Sighing, Sarah stood up and stretched. She had been having such a good dream. She didn't remember what it was but it had been great.

Smiling faintly, Sara went to grab for her brush but noticed a small silver chain dangling between her fingers. Confused, she opened her fingers and saw the small crystal. The night's dream suddenly came down on her and her eyes widened as she fell back onto the bed. Had it been real? She wondered as she looked down at the crystal. It was in a small cage of silver-carved branches. Her heart thudded in her ears as she lifted a finger to her lips. They still tingled from the kiss. It had been real…

Sarah shook her head sharply. No. She had defeated the Goblin King. And even if she hadn't…she couldn't be falling for the enemy. The heroine just didn't do that. She found a prince who would whisk her away to his castle where they would live happily-ever-after. Sarah closed her eyes to block out the image of Jareth dancing with her. Then she put the necklace around her neck and got ready for school.

That is the end of Chapter one. Please send in reviews. I am a fan of constructive criticism but please: no flames.

I also want to thank a few people. Rose (aka Suicidal Bunny--the author of Casualties of War); sassysarasidle and smacky30 for betaing my other works; and, of course, the voices in my head. You guys are what make this job all worth while. sniff -LOL-

Anyway, Chapter two is still in the editing process so give me a bit. I think I am going to rewrite it... Oh well! Love you all!

Shigure