Terry Hollinger threw himself out of the sofa chair he'd been napping in, nearly tripping over his wife's purse. He barely caught himself before his head made contact with their glass coffee table.

"Good Lord, Terry. Are you all right?" Margaret rushed over and helped steady him. Her perfume wafted gently through his mind and he turned jerkily and grabbed her arms.

"You're alive?" His voice was rough and edgy, nothing like the smooth baritone that was usually her husband.

Margaret stood there uncomprehending for a moment, clear confusion showing on her beautiful face. But before she had a chance to form a response Terry yanked her into his arms.

"My God. You are alive. And I'm alive. And…" With the same abrupt shaky movements Terry pushed his wife back to arm's length and searched her face with fearful panic.

"Josh? What about Josh?"

"Terry, calm down." Margaret gently laid her palm against the side of his face, "You must have been having a nightmare. Josh is fine. He's out back playing."

"Playing?" He parroted her, the confusion not quite gone from his eyes.

"Goodness, Terry. What happened? Was it a dream?" She led him over to the couch and sat, placing his hand between her own.

Terry ran his free hand through his hair pausing for a moment. Images of death flashed through his mind like they were burned there. Josh dead; Margaret killing herself; And more. A waitress. A gun. He shook his head forcing the images away.

"A dream. Yes. No. A nightmare. It was so real. I swear it was just so real."

Margaret smiled sympathetically at him, "That's what makes them so scary. The fact that they do seem real. But it was just a nightmare sweetie."

His face didn't relax and she looked at him with real concern, "Maybe I shouldn't go today. Perhaps it's best if I stay here with you guys."

"Go?"

"Out with the girls. Terry I've been getting ready for the past hour, you knew about this."

He licked his dry lips and tried to force his thoughts to make sense.

"You're going out with Kim, Shelly, Amy, and Beth. For dinner and a movie."

Margaret leaned in and gave him a peck on the cheek, "See. I knew you paid attention." She frowned slightly, "But I can stay if you'd like. You don't really seem like you're feeling too well."

She tried to hide it, but the disappointment was hidden in her voice. Terry's wife hardly ever got out of the house and he now remembered how much she was looking forward to today.

"No. No, this is your day. Go. Have fun. Like you said, it was just a nightmare." He forced a strained smile and stood. Carefully, so he didn't sprint at a dead run and make Margaret worry even more, Terry walked with deliberate even steps to the back sliding glass door and peered outside. The sun had already started its slow decent into the west but there were still hours of sunlight left in the day.

A young boy with sandy windblown hair stood poised under a basketball hoop. He carefully aimed, jumped, and sank the ball through the net. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, something he inherited from his mother.

Terry shut his eyes and leaned heavily against one arm braced against the wall as he concentrated on not collapsing onto the hard linoleum. His dream… short pieces flashed through his mind as he pushed back the details. It wasn't exactly clear and he wasn't sure he wanted it to be.

"Dad?" Josh's voice was close; right on the other side of the glass. Terry forced on his best poker face as he opened his eyes and looked at his son. His perfect beautiful alive son.

"Josh." His voice thick with hope and sadness drew a frown from the boy.

"You okay, dad?" Terry nodded, unwilling to speak least he burst into tears.

"You aren't sick, are you? I'd hate to think you 'caught' something right before our big match." Josh teased, his eyes dancing with mischief. His confusion must have been clear for Josh frowned in earnest. Feeling like a drowning man with no coherent thoughts Terry forced the unnatural feeling of overwhelming grief from his mind and made himself focus.

"Our match. In the park. I'm taking you to the park today."

"Uh-huh." Josh replied, dragging out the syllables.

Terry chuckled and wiped a hand across his damp brow, "I'm sorry kiddo. I fell asleep and I guess I'm just not quite awake. Give me ten minutes and we'll head out."

And with the unburdened enthusiasm that only children and teenagers possess, Josh smiled, gave his dad a salute and jogged back over to their small driveway trying to balance a spinning ball on his finger.

Licking his dry lips, Terry forced down a few long breaths before standing straight.

Snap out of it, man. For Christ's sake it was just a bloody nightmare.

He poured himself a tall glass of water, chugged it down then returned to the living room where Margaret was searching for her keys.

"Ah hah." She announced triumphantly, snatching up a pair from behind the couch cushion.

"Well, I'm off my love. I should be back by nine at the latest. It's an early movie." She swept in to give her husband a peck on the lips, but the moment her scent hit him the same feeling of loss and agony assaulted his mind. Reaching out he pulled her close and melding his mouth to her own, kissed his wife like they were reckless youngsters once more.

As she stood breathless, heart racing, Margaret wrapped her arms around her husbands neck and laced her fingers together, "Why Mr. Hollinger, what a lovely goodbye."

Terry pressed his forehead to her own, "Just something to remember me by."

Margaret chuckled as she gave him another kiss and promised she wouldn't be too tired when she got home.

He watched her as she shut the door and even crossed the living room to see her get in her car, check the mirrors, and pull out of the drive; an odd feeling still hovering in his chest.

Terry ran a hand through his hair and down over his neck. Another big sigh. Attempting to shake the fog from his mind he quickly raced up the stairs and grabbed a pair of loose knee length work out shorts and a fitted white tee. He stripped down and changed before standing in front of his wife's vanity mirror. At 47 he still was a man in fit condition. The right food and good exercise had kept away the spare tire that many of his co workers had gained over the years. His eyes were a dark melted chocolate, as Margaret described them. Salt and pepper hair showed his age, but many women still thought he was dashingly handsome.

Lucky for him, he'd lost his heart at the tender age of 19 to Margaret, and had never regretted for a moment marrying his wife.

From downstairs he heard the sliding door open. Terry grabbed a pair of socks and jogged down the hall, taking the stairs two at a time.

"You ready?" Josh asked as his dad came into view.

"Sure am. Let me grab my sneakers and I'll meet you outside."

As Terry laced up his shoes he smiled at the realization that he felt like singing. There was a lightness in his step and a new outlook on his life that he wasn't sure was there before. He searched his mind for what was causing his exuberant good mood and finally decided it was just 'one of those things.'

His first clue that something was wrong should have been how his heart began to pound the second he heard the shrill ring of the phone. It was like a jet had taken off within his chest.

His mouth immediately went dry and for moment he was completely paralyzed.

The phone rang again.

Terry's eyes darted to the door, lingering on the gold handle that would lead him to freedom.

It rang once more.

This is ridiculous, he berated himself as he walked across the room with strong deliberate strides.

"Hollinger residence."

"Terry. Thank goodness I caught you." The man's voice sounded panicked and relieved all at the same time.

"What's up, Martin?"

"The Spaniards are threatening to pull out of the deal. Something about the secondary market bi-product rate being higher than the initial contract stated. They are saying we are trying to rip them off and they are pulling their money out of the deal."

Terry pinched the bridge of his nose, "Look. Tell them that we would never try and rip them off. There must be a simple mistake. The secondary market fluctuates constantly. We've had this deal in the making for three months. Monday morning I will personally…"

"They won't wait until Monday!" Martin's voice rose a notch and Terry winced, "Monsieur Declve is in the downtown office right now and he wants answers. If he doesn't get them, he his pulling out today!"

"So go get George and have him…"

"He doesn't want George he wants you. You're the primary on this exchange. He won't talk to anyone but you."

"Martin, my wife is gone for the night. There's no one to keep any eye on Josh."

"Josh? Oh Josh! Right. He's old enough to spend a few hours alone. It's not like he's a toddler. Terry. We are talking 20 million dollars walking out the door. Isn't that worth a few hours?"

Terry sighed harshly and gripped the edge of the door.

"Fine, Martin. Give me a few minutes to change and I'll…

The pain hit him like nothing he'd ever felt. A low moan escaped his lips as claws dug themselves into his brain.

"Terry?...

But Terry couldn't hear him. The pain in his head eased, and yet he wished it would return. Anything to stop the crippling visions that passed in front of his eyes and brought him hard to his knees.

His nightmare came back with each horrifying detail ripping itself through his body. His stomach churned and he barely made it to the toilet before retching. Twice he heaved before deep gulping breaths helped ease the sickness.

"Mar…Margaret.." Her name slipped from between his lips as he closed his eyes and settled his body back against the cold tiled wall.

Terry had no idea how long he sat there on the floor of his bathroom; the images of his nightmare running rampant in his mind. He was frozen in fear. Terrified if he got up, he'd find the past hour was the dream. And that he was back in an empty house.

Alone.

Alone..

Alone.

Alone.

Alone.

The word sat heavy in chest pinning him down with its severity. Slowly he began to cry. All the strength leaving him as the hopelessness drowned him once more.

But this time, amidst the crushing despair of his own emotions, came the most beautiful sound.

"Dad?"

Terry refused to look up. Convinced he was hallucinating like he'd done so many times before. After Margaret…

"Dad? Dad, you okay?"

But the hand on his arm felt too real. And his son never sounded scared when he brought up his image in his mind.

"Seriously, Dad, what? Is it mom? Is she okay?" His voiced finally cracked and Terry was brought out of his stupor by the worry in his son's voice.

"Josh." His brought his hand up and touched his son's cheek, "Josh. You are real. This…this isn't a dream?" He asked tentatively.

"Dad, you're kind of freaking me out. What's going on?"

And suddenly, Terry was laughing. Laughing louder and harder than he had in years. He pulled his son into a bone crushing hug and laughed and wept all simultaneously.

"I'm fine, Josh." He managed to get out, "I'm better than fine. I'm ecstatic!"

He finally let Josh go and the boy's face had him in stitches once more.

"You've lost it, you know that?" Josh reprimanded him the way only son could to his dad.

Terry smiled fondly at him, "No. No, I've finally found it."

Josh just shook his head and with a small smile rolled his eyes, "Whatever. You ready for our match?"

Terry rubbed the back of his neck, "Actually, would you be severely disappointed if we caught a movie instead? I've had a really long day."

Josh nodded enthusiastically, "Sure! There's this new Zombie movie out that everyone tells me is super sick!"

A loud beeping sound rang through the air cutting off his reply.

Both looked over to the dresser where Terry's cell phone lie.

With a loud sigh, Terry walked over and snatched up the phone, "This is Terry."

He wasn't at all surprised to hear Martin's frantic voice on the other end, "Terry? I've been calling and calling the house phone. Is something wrong with the line?"

"No, Martin, nothing is wrong with the line." He replied rolling his upward.

"Oh. Okay good. Anyway, when you get here…"

"Martin," Terry looked back at Josh. "Martin, I'm not coming in today. I have plans."

"But, but.."

"Goodbye, Martin." And Terry hung up the phone then promptly shut it off.

"What was that about?"

"Hmmm? Oh nothing. A little disagreement at work. So, new sick zombie movie, huh?" Terry put his arm around Josh's shoulders and led the boy out to their car.

"Yeah, Curtis said it has the most blood and guts than any other movie this year."

"Just what I wanted to see."

"You sure you're okay dad? I mean, if you have to go to work I can stay here. No big deal."

Terry shook his head very slowly, gripping his car keys, "No. In fact, I was thinking of making a career change."

"Seriously? Like what?"

"Well. Nothing set in stone. But there's that small time opera house downtown. What if I tried out there and started doing some singing? Maybe a few plays."

He looked out of the corner of his eye at his son, "Would that totally mortify you if you had an old man who sang opera?"

Josh snorted, "Peter's dads are gay and Bill's mom teaches sex ed at school. I'm pretty sure no one will care my dad sings opera."

Terry laughed, "Now the only dangerous part is trying to convince your mom."

Josh just smiled. He knew his mom hated dad's job, and anything would be better than what he was doing now. She'd probably love it if he bagged groceries instead of being a stock broker.

"I wouldn't worry too much about that."

Sarah and Jareth watched an image of Josh and Terry get into their car and back out of the driveway.

The Ambrosia Fountain glistened in the bright sunlight, its carved stones shining with an inner cheerfulness.

Pulling his new wife into his arms Jareth placed a tender kiss on the corner of her mouth.

"Better?"

Sarah nodded, her eyes misty.

"If it wasn't for Terry, I would never have found my way back here to you. He helped me find my happy ending. I wanted to give him a second chance at his."

For the inhabitant of the Underground, where being immortal means centuries pass without a thought, three major events marked that year for all.

The first and most important was the defeat of the Devil. Hades had taken his rightful place as ruler of the underworld and shift for the better could be felt even among those still living.

Next was the marriage of who would be known as the most beloved rulers of all time. The masses that gathered to celebrate the defeat of the Devil were spread over miles of land, crushing together like a sea of flesh, their arms raised in prayer as the sun beamed down on their smiling faces. But that number was still incomparable to the crowd that congregated to see the joining of Jareth and Sarah. So many people were in attendance that the couple had the fae mages create huge crystals throughout the city for all to witness their union.

The wedding was held in the Labyrinth, and with the enchanted crystals showing the ceremony it was the perfect place since the outer grounds were wide and open, accommodating all who attended comfortably.

The Labyrinth itself was luscious and beautiful; its greenery deep and colorful while the walls shone with an illuminating inner glow. Merely one month had passed before the Labyrinth was healed, its magnificence showing almost nothing of the battle that was waged within its walls not long ago. Only a single blackened fissure in the earth, where the portal had torn open and the devil tried to come through and subsequently pulled Sarah under, remained; despite the continuous efforts of Hoggle. Sarah didn't mind though. She and Jareth both agreed it was a battle scar the Labyrinth had earned. Its own red badge of courage.

Memories of all that had happened within its walls would forever be etched upon Sarah's mind. She, who had witnessed the greatest of evils sprout from the depths of hell and the most passionate of loves on her wedding day.

Music began, lightly drifting through the crowd as dozens of white silk strands floated on the air. Sarah recognized the notes immediately and couldn't help but smile over the tears that glistened in her eyes.

It was their song. A song that had survived time itself. It was the song that Klara's husband sang on their own wedding night, and the song that Klara had sung to Jareth when he was but a child. It was the song that Jareth associated with love, since the sprite never sang it without looking off into the distance, the thought of her husband waiting for her bringing happiness and a bit of sorrow to her face each time. It was the song that Jareth sung to her when they were first engaged, and again in the ballroom while she ran the Labyrinth, desperate for her to remember him. It was the song he was singing when she realized for the second time she loved love him, and now it was the song she would walk down the aisle to, and stand next to her soul mate.

Velron gave her arm a soft squeeze as he led her forward and into view of the procession. He had been honored when she'd asked if he'd escort her down the aisle. Since Sarah really didn't care for the idea of someone giving her away, she'd asked Velron as a friend to be her escort and he'd been more than happy to step in.

Sarah felt her breath catch as they turned the corner and stepped fully into view. Not realizing she'd stopped breathing, Sarah vaguely felt Velron pull her forward, her whole being fully captured by the sight that stood before her.

Jareth held her eyes, his expression like nothing she'd ever seen before. She tried to search for the words to describe it but they never came. She smiled lightly, her breath returning, as she realized that words truly couldn't describe the moment. It was simply as if every single part of her soul was singing with the purest most rarest form of happiness.

He was dressed in formal black, with hints of white and lavender accenting his attire. His hair was styled but still left wild like he knew she preferred it. His eyes shone with a love that left her breathless once more, and Sarah was very grateful she had Velron there at her side; else she knew she'd be hopelessly lost.

As Parin began to speak, his smooth ancient voice rumbling over the words that began the ceremony, Sarah forced her attention to the others that stood with them. Garrett was at Jareth's side, his brown hair cropped shorter than usual and looking dashingly handsome in his own formal attire. As Jareth's greatest companion it was no surprise that he stood up as the best man.

Adam stood one step behind Garrett, taking what would have been Velron's spot, had he not agreed to lead Sarah down the aisle. Adam smiled and winked at her, his serene joyful nature back in proper place.

Delaina stood side by side with Libby, since Sarah refused to put one over the other. Neither had minded and they both beamed at her happily. Their dresses were a deep off the shoulder lavender, with tiny pearls sewn into the squared necklines and hems. White magnolias and baby purple roses made up their bouquets. Jareth's attention never wavered as Sarah beamed at each person in their wedding party. When at last her eyes came back to him he grinned ever so softly at her.

Her dress was pure white and strapless, with a large lavender sash tied around her waist. It crossed in the back and trailed over the edges of her veil which flowed freely down behind her, secured tightly in her hair by the delicate platinum crown she wore. Her long hair was curled and held up by dozens of pearled pins, her make-up was light and earthy, and Jareth knew that in a thousand years he'd never get this perfect image, which was even now so deeply embedded, out of his mind.

Parin said a few words, unheard by the engrossed couple's perusal of each other, and then Velron was taking her hand and placing it lightly in Jareth's. The rest of the ceremony was a blur, and before either really had a chance to register Parin's final words, he was nodding to Jareth.

"The couple will now exchange the sacred vows of marriage and reveal the gift they give in honor of each other.

"Sarah," He whispered to her, not caring or even realizing that every person within hearing distance hung on his every word, "I've waited so long for this moment to arrive. I've bled with you, loved with you, and fought side by side to save not only our people, but each other. I trust you with my life, my soul, and my heart. They are my most precious gifts and I give them to you freely. Never could I have asked the High God for a more perfect woman. I truly am blessed."

It took Sarah a few moments to compose herself. She smiled through wet eyes and swallowed at the lump that had formed in her chest.

"Jareth. I've lived two lifetimes, two worlds, and two in two different minds; but never have I ever truly left you. I fought my way back to your side and will continue to fight any obstacle that tries to tear me away. If you give me your life, soul, and heart as tokens of love then I must confess I have nothing that would compare to such magnificent gifts. I can only offer my own soul, my own life, and my own heart; yours for the taking now as they were so long ago. You have me for all eternity and longer. I love you, Jareth."

Tears streamed down the faces of more than one guest, including Velron and Libby. Garrett blinked rapidly as he looked skyward while Adam and Delaina both grinned with unbridled happiness.

"As the High God gifted us with life and death, he also gifted us with the glory of marriage." he held one hand over Jareth and Sarah's entwined fingers, "Under his praise, I now join your spirits and grant you this combined love."

Deafening cheers erupted from every direction as Jareth pulled his bride into a tight embrace and pressed his lips eagerly against her own.

Sarah smiled softly to herself as she glanced out over the twilight darkened labyrinth. The summer air was a perfect mix this time of morning and she hummed softly as her foot pushed to and fro setting her rocking chair into a lulling motion.

Twenty five years had passed since that fateful day the Labyrinth had nearly sacrificed itself to save her and Jareth. Only a single blackened scorch mark, where the devil's portal to hell had opened, was all that remained of the infamous battle. With love and nurturing the Labyrinth had healed fully, and as Sarah and Jareth began their lives at the Castle Beyond the Goblin City, it seemed to flourish even more than ever.

Sarah sighed and pressed her lips gently to the soft blond hair of the baby girl she nuzzled in her arms.

Libby had been so thrilled to finally have a baby to spoil. Considering Garrett and she had been trying to have children for years now, Sarah couldn't blame her. But neither of her friends seemed discouraged. When Sarah finally broke down and asked Libby if it bothered her that she had yet to conceive, her old friend just smiled that easy going smile of hers and gently shook her head.

"I have all eternity to try and become a mother. And I'm not exactly complaining about the 'trying' part."

It amazed Sarah at how well Libby had taken to becoming a Fae. When she herself had changed, it wasn't so much of becoming something new, as becoming what she had been. But Libby naturally just seemed to take to the form well.

"Sarah?"

Jareth silently came up behind her chair, "Is she okay?"

She nodded, "Just hungry. Go back to sleep."

He didn't answer but did come around to sit at her feet as she knew he would. If Jillian was awake, Jareth was awake. He seemed to think if he didn't watch her constantly she might disappear. At least, that's what Sarah said to tease him with.

Jareth ran his finger up and down her calf, massaging it tenderly. Sarah leaned her head back and closed her eyes in pleasure. She wondered if she'd ever been this happy before. Only a single event surfaced and her mind drifted to years back when she wore a dress of hand stitched lace and finally walked down the aisle to marry a man who's love had reached her even after death.

"You're smiling." Jareth told her, "What are you thinking about."

"Hmmm? Oh. Just thinking about the first song we danced to at our wedding."

Jareth chuckled and began to quietly hum their song. Perhaps it was because this song was connected to them in so many ways that it was Sarah's favorite to sing to Jillian.

"You know, standing there that night, dancing in your arms as your wife, I never thought I could be any happier than I was at that moment."

"And now?" He asked.

She threw him a playful grin, "Sorry, but holding our child together just beat that memory out by a tiny bit."

Jareth chuckled and nodded, "I must say I agree whole heartedly with you." He glanced lovingly up at his daughter as she greedily nuzzled Sarah's breast.

"My mother will be busy with this one for a while. Perhaps she'll finally give Delaina and Yahir a break."

Sarah couldn't help but grin. Garrett and Libby had gotten married a few years after Jareth and she. Delaina had settled down as well, although she hated that expression, and finally picked a date for her wedding.

The celebration that followed Vampire's wedding could have rivaled her own. Whatever fears Delaina may have had about her people's reaction to her decent into matrimony were more than unfounded. The Vampire stocks and the half ones that were under their protection couldn't have been more thrilled to see their ruler's joining.

Since that day both Delaina and Yahir had worked even harder to bring prosperity to their kingdom, and were even setting up a three way alliance with Trenton and Isadora's Kingdom about implementing stronger rights for half ones.

Sarah felt her heart constrict just ever so slightly as she thought of Trenton. Despite Alwen's deep sorrow over losing her love and sister, the couple kept to their original plans and were married. Trenton had offered to postpone the wedding, but always the martyr, Alwen knew this small act would bring happiness to many in the Underground, and so fake smile firmly in place she walked down the aisle feeling none of the happiness a bride should feel on such an important day.

Trenton swore he'd give Alwen as much time to adjust to their new marital status as was necessary, but many, like Garrett and even perhaps Jareth himself, thought Trenton would revert back to his old womanizing ways; especially since it was a full year later and the couple still slept in separate rooms.

Perhaps it was because she'd seen him at his most vulnerable, or maybe she just understood how much Trenton truly loved Alwen, but Sarah never doubted for a moment that Trenton would spend the rest of his life being nothing but caring and devotedly faithful to Alwen, even if it meant never having her love in return.

But then six months after their one year wedding anniversary Trenton and Alwen had secretly invited them all over for a special night.

Although they were technically married already, before their closest friends the couple exchanged vows again, only this time it was true words they spoke and love shown equally in their eyes. Five years later, Alwen gave birth to a beautiful baby boy with most vibrant purple eyes anyone had ever seen.

Still, it tugged at Sarah's heart to know the anguish that the couple had had to go through in order to get their happy ending.

Subconsciously her eyes roamed over Jareth's sleepy features and she mentally noted that the same could be said for her own situation.

But perhaps it was only with those hard times that you could ever truly appreciate the good times.

I am so sorry this took me forever to get out. It's easy to start a story, and even detail it. There's always time to fix something. But the end is the hardest part. And this one really is just a catch up. I wanted to leave things open for another story. Which, I have already started. I know it's been forever but I'd love some reviews or questions about the story. Again, this is my first story so anything that was left unsaid or unexplained, please point out and I will do my best to correct the error in future stories.

Thank you to everyone who enjoyed The love of the Labyrinth.