Sarah and Jareth were both lost in their kiss. They had established a fluid rhythm while exploring each other's mouths. Sarah was only brought back to reality when she felt Jareth's hands begin to slip from her waist and down to her bottom.

She inhaled sharply as she pulled away from him, but kept her hands on his chest. "Woah, slow down there cowboy," Sarah panted, slightly breathless from their vigorous kiss.

"My apologies, precious. I just can't seem to control myself around you," Jareth replied equally breathless, returning his hands to her waist. He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers. Sarah couldn't help but smile as she also closed her eyes. They remained in that relaxed position together for a few moments. Their breathing evened out and fell in sync.

Sarah was just about to sign contentedly when a thought hit her. "Wait a second," she began, lifting her forehead off of his to stare into his eyes. "How many times has this happened to you?"

Jareth squinted his eyes at her, unsure of what she was getting at. "Sarah dear, you will have to be more specific please."

She removed her hands from his chest and put them awkwardly at her side; fear creeping into her and ruining their beautiful moment. "How many others have defeated the Labyrinth? And what happened to them?" Sarah asked, deadly serious.

Surprise registered on Jareth's face at her line of questioning, but having nothing else to hide, he spoke honestly. "Since I became King, you are the only person who has defeated my Labyrinth."

Sarah raised her brows in genuine shock. "Really?"

"Really. Every King once crowned gets to design their own Labyrinth for the duration of their reign. The King before me did a terrible job and had many champions. When I ascended to the throne, I designed what I had deemed an impenetrable Labyrinth, that is until you came along." He smiled warmly at her.

Sarah started to smile back, but realized she still had more questions that needed answers first. "Was the King before you your father?"

Jareth openly winced at her words. "That is a story for another time…" Sarah opened her mouth to object, but Jareth silenced her with a finger to her lips as he continued, "One that I promise I will tell you soon, but now on to the second part of your question. All of the defeated runners and whoever they were running for were returned home safely."

"Wait, what?" Sarah furrowed her brow in confusion. "Aren't the goblins the children you took?"

"That is what I wanted you to think. That is what I want every runner to think." He stated coolly.

"Why?" She asked, dumbfounded.

"Sarah," Jareth sighed, "As I told you, I am not the villain you think I am. The Labyrinth was created to give children an escape, a fantastical adventure," he put a finger under her chin, "An adventure to show them what truly matters."

Sarah's eyes softened at his words. "Love," she stated simply.

"Yes." Jareth knew that Sarah was referring to the love she learned she had for Toby, but secretly he hoped that she was including him too.

"Have you ever been in love?" She asked, curious.

Jareth opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. Should I profess my love to her now? Will it scare her away if I do? What if she doesn't love me in return?

Sarah could see the worry enter Jareth's face as he thought. She didn't like seeing him so distraught. She reached out her hand and cupped his cheek, stroking her finger back and forth over his cheekbone. Jareth sighed and closed his eyes at her touch. He needed to confess his feelings to her now or he felt he would explode with doubt.

"Sarah," he began, stepping away from her and breaking contact. "I need to confess something to you and I need you to let me say my peace without interruption…"

"Okay…" Sarah's responded quietly, concerned about what he was going to reveal.

Standing still, Jareth almost lost his nerve, so he began pacing slowly in a circle around her. She slowly turned around to follow, wanting to see his face.

"Sarah, I know you think that I was cruel before, but everything you have wanted I have done. I acted like a villain when you needed me to and now…I want to be your hero. Even in the little time we have had together, I have changed. I have turned my world upside down and I have done it all for you. I want to live up to your new expectations of me." Jareth wasn't even looking at Sarah anymore, just staring blindly ahead as he encircled her, letting his words flow freely. Sarah continued to turn with him, her mouth open in shock at his declaration.

"Look Sarah, what I'm offering you is a dream life with me. I ask for so little; just stay with me and you can have everything that you want. Just be with me, love me, rule by my side, and I will be your slave." Jareth stopped moving and finally brought his eyes back to her face. He could tell she was surprised, but whether it was a good or bad surprise, he couldn't tell.

Sarah's mouth felt extremely dry, but she managed to croak, "I don't need or want a slave..."

Jareth's face fell at her words. I knew this would be too much! Why did I say all of that? Stupid! Since Jareth's eyes were trained on the ground in front of him in shame, he did not notice that Sarah was approaching him from behind. He started in surprise when he felt her arms wrap around his waist.

Sarah buried her face in the back of his shirt and mumbled, "But I know that I love you…"

Jareth's body was completely frozen, his mind processing her words. I must have heard her wrong. She did not say what I think she just said, did she? "You…love me?" He asked, the words sounding strange coming from his mouth.

Sarah lifted her head and rested her chin on his back as she confirmed, "I believe I do. Do you love me?"

Jareth covered her hands with his and then spun around in her embrace to face her, looking sheepish. "Well…that may have been what I was trying to say in my rambling…"

Sarah's face broke out into a beaming smile and she chuckled, "I thought that might be what you were trying to say, so I decided I'd help you out and say it first."

"Thank you," he sighed, relieved as he kissed her forehead.

"So what now?" She asked, looking up at him.

"Well, since this has all happened so fast, I think we take the rest of this year and continue to get to know one another," he suggested, while tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"And then?"

"You can decide whether you want to stay with me or not. If you do, we can figure out a schedule for you to see your family and friends Aboveground and if you do not, I will say goodbye and be out of your life forever," he finished sadly.

Now it was Sarah's turn to place a finger under his chin and tilt his head upward so their eyes could meet. "Somehow, I don't think your second option is going to happen," she said warmly.

"I'd hold off on your final decision though, as I haven't even introduced you to the goblins yet," he warned playfully, "They can be a real handful."

"Oh, I'm sure I can handle them," Sarah replied reassuringly before kissing him on the cheek. Like your Labyrinth, it'll be a piece of cake," she winked.

"A piece of cake. Really?" He asked smugly. "How's this for a piece of cake?" As he began tickling her ribs.

Sarah started to laugh uncontrollably and when freeing herself from his grasp didn't seem to work, she did the next thing she could think of, which was to kiss him. As soon as her lips touched his, Jareth's hands moved to hold her in a tight embrace.

When they had to break for air, Jareth held her face in his hands and studied her, "My, how you've turned my world you precious thing."

"For the better I hope?" She asked, still smiling.

"Definitely."

THE END