DISCLAIMER: I don't own Labyrinth or any of the characters associated with the film. They are the property of the Jim Henson Company.

AN: Last one! I hope you like it. Thanks to all my readers and reviewers. Your support is my fuel. :D

Saturday was agonizingly slow-going. It didn't help that Jareth still hadn't returned my calls. I tried a few more times without any luck. I tried not be discouraged by his lack of response, although it was difficult. I decided I would wear his dress, despite insisting that I had no need of it before. Maybe it could act as a peace offering and he would speak to me again. I would have to wait and see. The nature of the dress was such that only sleek, pulled-back hair would do. I parted my hair on the side and pulled it into a low ponytail. I smiled lightly at my reflection. I looked far more sophisticated than I felt, especially now that I had to rummage through the phone book to find a cab company.

I was halfway through dialling the number when there was a rap at my door. Frowning, I opened it with the phone still in my hand. There was a man on my landing, neatly uniformed in a black suit.

"Ma'am," he said, nodding towards me. He handed me a small white envelope on which my name was scrawled in rather familiar cursive. I looked past the man on my porch to see a limo stretched down the length of the driveway. I gave the man a wary look before tearing open the envelope.

Miss Williams,

I know you refused a ride when last we spoke of the gala, however I cannot imagine you arriving on a bus. Please accept this ride as a parting gift, seeing as you wish to end this 'thing' that's happened between us. Rest assured I will be arriving by other means.

Sincerely,

J. Knightly

I frowned at the note and then frowned at the man.

"Jareth's not in there?" I asked, slightly confused.

"No, Ma'am. Mr. Knightly is arriving to the gala by other means. He said that I was to drive you anywhere you pleased this evening," the man replied politely.

"Odd," I muttered.

I read the note over again. A 'parting gift'? What on earth was he talking about? And, what was with the formality? I felt very much like I had missed something somewhere. I glanced at the man again who was patiently awaiting my command.

"Well, I suppose this beats a cab."

The man merely smiled and led the way to the limo. It was lonely to sit in the back of a limo. I wondered if Jareth felt this lonely when arriving to functions in a limo. Who was I kidding? He probably never arrived anywhere alone. With the odd tone of his note, I began to wonder if I would find that he had not arrived alone to the gala. I shook it off reminding myself that he loved me. Whatever this strange mood swing of his was, it was only a small bump in the road of happiness. I contented myself with such thoughts until we arrived at the gala. The kind man, whose name I learned was Sebastian, opened the door for me.

"I'll be parked around back, Miss Williams. Whenever you're ready to leave," he said.

"Thank you, Sebastian. And, please, call me Sarah."

Sebastian nodded and smiled warmly, "As you wish, Miss Williams."

I rolled my eyes at him and smiled before turning and heading towards the gala. I took a deep breath when I realized where I was going. I stifled a snort, having had enough of them during the past two months to last me a lifetime. It seemed that although I had just left school, I could not escape it. The gala was being held in Harvard's Memorial Hall. I found the contrast of the High Victorian Gothic architecture with modern day media highly amusing and ironic. It seemed exactly the type of thing Jareth would do for his own entertainment's sake: combine the old with new, shake and add a little umbrella for good measure.

I smiled ruefully and allowed my eyes to scan the hall for any sign of that familiar smirk, maybe a beige suit, perhaps a glint of platinum hair. I was wondering aimlessly amongst a sea of unfamiliar faces. Most of the guests were of Underground Media employ or from other media firms. I had all but given up hope when I heard his silky chuckle. My head turned instantly, automatically, towards the sound and there he was, surrounded by a group of businessmen, laughing away at his wit. I suppose that was his element, really, to be surrounded by admirers. For a moment, I merely stood there watching him interact with these people, enjoying the smile on his face that I hadn't seen in what felt like ages. I wondered if he would look this way, take notice of me in his dress. I wondered if he would smile in that warm, smug way that he seemed to reserve for me.

As though he had heard my silent plea, his head started to turn in my direction, only to be distracted by a stunning blonde. I was disappointed and internally raging with jealousy as she gripped his arm possessively. He smiled at her, but even from this distance I could tell it was one of his unkind smiles, usually reserved for Lethal Lucie. I felt smug for a split second before realizing that the blonde in the tiny red dress was Lethal Lucie. I scowled miserably at the back of her head.

"Champagne, madam," a voice said out of nowhere. I turned to find a tray of champagne before me.

"Ah, thank you," I said, grabbing a glass and chugging it. I reached for another before the waiter had a chance to escape. I wanted to go over and pry that little conniver's fingers off of Jareth's arm, but instead I stood watching in silence, glowering into my champagne glass. I imagine I would have stayed that way for quite some time had I not heard a very familiar voice behind me.

"Sarah?" the voice asked incredulously. I turned rapidly to face its owner and my face instantly spread into a wide smile.

"Toby?" I exclaimed, hugging my little brother tightly. We took a step back from each other to observe clothing. Toby raised his eyebrows and let out a low whistle as I laughed lightly.

"That's some dress!" he said smiling. I love my little brother; he's just this really wonderful, warm person. It's nice to think that I had a hand in the way he turned out, too.

"Working?" I asked, smirking at the tuxedo shirt and black pants. He looked down at himself and shrugged.

"Harvard ain't cheap, sis."

"Ain't? Gee, I hope they're teaching you better words than 'ain't' at Harvard," I joked. Toby laughed.

"Nah, we speak real good here," he replied playfully. His face became serious quickly as he tossed a look over his shoulder, "Listen, I have to get going. I'll chat with you later."

Within seconds he was gone, lost in the expanses of the makeshift kitchen. I sighed happily. I hadn't seen Toby in months, which was sad considering that we didn't live all that far away from one another. Time was always of the essence. Anyway, I was glad to have the distraction from my Lucie and Jareth watching. That sort of behaviour is downright damaging to one's mental health. That didn't stop me from preparing to turn around and watch again. I was setting down my empty glass on a nearby table when I heard Lucie's voice from behind me.

"What a lovely dress, Sarah. Where did you get it?"

I spun to answer her, apparently a little too fast and not at all prepared to see Jareth attached to her arm. I looked into his eyes as I answered.

"It was a gift," I said breathlessly. Concern flickered through Jareth's eyes as I blinked to regain focus. Apparently I shouldn't drink champagne quite so fast in the future.

"Really?" Lucie said, still clutching Jareth's arm tightly. "From whom?"

What a little minx! She knew damn well who it was from. Was he really here with her? If so, then I had sorely misjudged him.

"From the man who wasn't there," I mumbled, pinching the bridge of my nose between my thumb and forefinger. The world was really spinning now.

"Miss Williams is unwell," I heard Jareth say. I didn't really here was Lucie said in response, but I did hear the sharp tones of Jareth immediately afterwards. "Lucie, please."

I smirked involuntarily at the coldness behind the words. I suddenly felt like a pre-schooler, fully prepared to taunt and stick out my tongue at her. That is, if I could have done so without vomiting.

I felt a warm, strong arm catch me around my shoulders and lead me from the room. Within seconds, I felt the crisp, cold night air on my face. I could instantly feel my world clearing a little. Jareth took off his jacket and dropped it around my shoulders. He wasn't looking at me; he was staring off over the Harvard grounds.

"Honestly, Sarah, the gala just started," he sighed, amusement colouring his voice.

"I didn't drink that much!" I protested hotly. "I just drank it too fast. I'll be fine in a few minutes. You can go on inside if you want to; don't want to keep Lucie waiting."

It was then that I felt his eyes boring into the side of my head. My cheeks were warm, probably a combination of the alcohol and my barely restrained anger.

"Is that what you want?" he asked quietly.

I didn't like the tone of his voice; he sounded wounded. I turned to face him and see what emotions his face betrayed. There actually was genuine pain there. My anger was subdued by guilt.

"No," I said begrudgingly. "I need to talk to you. Something has gone quite wrong with us."

"I agree," Jareth said easily. "Would you like to go somewhere warmer to talk?"

"No," I replied. "Too many people to take you away."

"Sarah," he started, his tone relaying that he felt I was being ridiculous. So what? If it was over, I wanted to know why. I didn't need to be told I was ridiculous either by tones or straight out.

"What happened in England?" I interrupted. My head was almost completely clear now. Jareth stared at me for a moment, as though contemplating his answer. He looked away, over the grounds again.

"Jareth," I started again. "What did you inherit?"

To be honest, I wasn't even sure I wanted to know but part of me knew that I needed to know. Jareth turned to me again, pausing in thought once more.

"The truth, Sarah. I inherited the truth," he said finally.

"The truth? What?"

"About me," he said, running a hand through his hair. "About you…about us. And, also about my kingdom"

I blinked at him, suddenly wishing that I hadn't had anything to drink yet. But, I could see it in his face so very clearly.

"You have to go back," I said, understanding finally dawning on me.

"I do," he said shortly.

My eyes burned with unshed tears and I turned my face away from him. "I knew you'd leave me," I said bitterly biting back the tears.

"I was beginning to get the impression that you wanted me to leave," he said, his voice holding a slightly puzzled tone.

"Of course not," I mumbled into the cold breeze. "But, you were so cold…so cruel. I was angry. You were angry. I thought we'd come to an impasse."

"So did I," Jareth admitted. "Although I will admit that the fault was my own. You see I found out certain facts about choices and sacrifices I had made. I was angry at myself and I placed that anger upon you, having no other outlet."

"Who did you inherit 'the truth' from?" I asked. There was no sense in discussing past mistakes. We had a misunderstanding, and now we understood each other. End of discussion.

"A woman of no real consequence. A gypsy, powerful in the arts of deception," he replied truthfully. I turned to him again, confused.

"A gypsy? Wha-?"

Jareth swallowed and gazed at the stars for a moment. "Do you know the name of that constellation?" he asked, pointing upwards. I followed his finger and frowned. Why was he asking about the stars now, as though we were simply lovers without a care in the world?

"Uh…Orion, I think," I answered, confused.

"And, do you see that constellation?" he asked, pointing far off to the left, nearly on the horizon. I could barely make out what looked like two sticks.

"Mmhmm," I mumbled, "Gemini."

"Right. That star," he said pointing at the brightest one, "That star is Castor."

I frowned. Orion and Castor. The pair sounded familiar for some reason, but I couldn't place it.

"And, we," he said, smiling lightly, "are directly in between them."

I looked up at the sky again, trying to figure out where he was coming from. "Okay," I said slowly. I looked at him expectantly and he sighed resignedly.

"After you defeated my labyrinth and rejected me, I was desperate," he started. "I realized, being rather old and very alone, that I had not met a person in all that time who had made me feel as you did. I wanted you, or maybe even needed you, so very urgently. I couldn't accept that you had slipped through my fingers. But given your final declaration, there was little that I could do about that by myself – so I sought some outside help."

"The gypsy woman?" I asked, enthralled. It was both surreal and quite flattering to think that I had made such and impression on the Goblin King at such a young age.

"She was apparently quite good at weaving deceptions, and I am not afraid to tell you that I was not above deceiving you simply to possess you. However, she wouldn't do that for me. She told me that our fates were certainly intertwined, but the thread was thin and inconsistent given the current situation. She told me that I would most certainly lose you entirely should I deceive you. Now I know how right she was."

I smiled warmly. The gypsy woman was infinitely wise.

"The gypsy woman refused to touch your memories, insisting that with your youth and the path that fate had laid in store for you, you would most certainly forget about me on your own accord."

I nodded. This was true. It was both very sad and somehow relieving to discover that my life up until now had been set in stone.
"But," Jareth said quietly, "And, there's always a 'but', I would be required to lose all of my memories and take up a set of new ones. This would mean leaving my castle and kingdom ungoverned for an undisclosed amount of time. You would imagine that this was a difficult decision for me, but such is my nature to give in to rash impulses. It was not a difficult decision. I gave it up without a thought. That is how deep my obsession was. And, I call it an obsession, Sarah, because that's what it was."

My brow furrowed as I tried to take this all in. I nodded absently. Really, I couldn't figure out what was that great about me at fifteen. Now I can tell you that I have a lot of spunk, but at fifteen? As though Jareth had seen my puzzlement, he continued with an explanation.

"I was in love with your innocence, your warm heart, your defiance, and your underlying cruelty. I was in love with everything about you, but not with you. Regardless, the gypsy woman told me that with my new set of memories, I would make my way in your world alone for a fashion, until our paths eventually crossed again. She told me that when our paths crossed, I would have to seize the moment or it would slip away."

I recalled his playful demand for a date in honour of the destroyed suit when we first met. He had seized the moment, indeed, flirting with a strange woman in the middle of a sidewalk in front of an advertising firm and in between a Security provider and a law office. I frowned again, something was niggling its way to the front of my mind. Something I was almost forgetting…

"There was a family who had just lost a son. They were called the Knightly family, and their son was around eighteen years old when he passed on. They had come to the gypsy woman hoping that she could ease their pain and, heaven forbid, bring back their son. She could do neither alone, but with my spirit and body she could give them the semblance of both. And so, I was given the Knightly boy's memories. Master of deception as she was, she allowed me to retain my name to keep the back of my mind forever linked to my fate."

I couldn't think of anything to say. This story was so convoluted and intense that I was lost in its complexity. All this for me? It hardly seemed reasonable or believable. Jareth watched my face carefully and then continued. How painful it must have been for him to lay himself bare like that!

"After she had suppressed my memories and given me a new set, she hid behind the guise of a fortune teller. The only thing that I recall about this woman from the Knightly persona is her 'reading' my palm when I was eighteen. I wonder if you know what she said," he speculated. I gave him a blank look and a soft smile, eagerly awaiting the next turn in this story of his. "She told me that I would meet the love of my life on the path between the stars. I was to catch her like a falling star, but never stifle her brightness."

Jareth laughed easily, lost in nostalgia. "I had no idea what she meant then."

That's when it hit me - finally. Orion. Castor. The Security providers and the law office! "I ran into you between Orion and Castor!" I exclaimed in awe.

Jareth smiled and nodded. "Yes. Yes, you did. Quite literally and on more than one occasion."

I smiled, overwhelmed by this incredible knowledge. I had been sitting on the fence for so long about the concept of fate and this story just pushed me right over it.

"I realize now what the gypsy woman had done for me. In order to 'have' you as I wanted, I had to love you, Sarah. Not as a selfish king loves a prized possession, but as a man loves a woman."

My smile only grew wider with that statement and I stared at him in awe. I found myself leaning into him automatically, wrapping my arms around him and burying my face into his chest. I looked up at him, a smile across my face. He ran a finger along my jaw delicately tilting my chin upwards, leaning in to kiss me. It soft, swarm and tenuous. Once again I felt as though he thought that I was breakable. A breakable little treasure in his arms. He really should have known better by then. While he was kissing me, I remembered how I could see the labyrinth in his kisses. I was there when he kissed me. I broke away and asked because I couldn't stop myself.

"But, how come I could see the labyrinth when we kissed?"

Jareth was taken aback. "You could?"

I nodded. Jareth shook his head lightly.

"I don't know. Though I do know that I was remembering snippets of my lands with each kiss, as well. Perhaps it was because we are so tightly wound together by fate."

I frowned a tiny bit, wondering if the gypsy had laid down a little extra magic on Jareth. If she had, it was clear that Jareth was not aware of it at all. Remembering those brief views of the labyrinth in his kisses, I suddenly recalled that last frantic kiss. My next question had to be asked with care.

"Jareth, what has happened to the labyrinth in your absence?"

I tried very hard not to make the question sound accusatory in any way, but his eyes darkened with silent rage. At the very least, I now knew that this rage had never been directed at me.

"It's…," he started, inhaling deeply as though to say the next words would destroy him.

"In decay," I finished softly. Jareth's eyes snapped up to mine, confusion mingling with relief in the murky blue depths.

"How…?"

"I saw it," I said plainly, shrugging slightly. "When you last kissed me."

He looked away, as though ashamed for kissing me in that manner. I smiled softly.

"I told you that you didn't need permission."

He stifled a laugh and smiled sadly.

"I have to go back, Sarah," he said seriously. "I can't neglect it any further. I don't even know if I can save it now."

"Okay," I whispered.

Jareth smiled bitterly, reaching a hand up to run his fingers along my cheek. I leaned into his hand and closed my eyes.

"Just when I found you again," he mumbled. "All for nothing."

"All for nothing?" I repeated, my eyes still closed. "After all this, you'd rather take Lucie back with you?"

I opened my eyes, a grin playing on my lips. Jareth didn't smile; he merely looked defeated.

"I can't come back, Sarah. There's been too much damage for me to leave it again. It would fall apart and cease to exist. The power of dreams is not as strong as it once was."

"Okay," I said, shrugging. "So, I'll go with you."

I couldn't help but smile as realization slowly filled Jareth's face.

"You'd go with me?" he asked, disbelievingly.

I stared at him and said the following very slowly and very condescendingly, "Would you rather Lucie go?"

"God, no," he replied, stone-faced. I smiled.

"What about Toby? And, your work?" he asked nervously. His manner made me giggle internally. It was the same as the day I accidentally told him that I loved him. He was flustered. The Goblin King was flustered. Because of me. Me. I thought about his question for a moment.

"Well, you said you couldn't come back to live here, but surely we can visit?" I looked at him hopefully. If not, I would need a little time to explain to my baby brother.

"Oh," Jareth said, as though he'd never even thought of the concept. "Of course."

"Good," I said, smiling. "As for my job, well one more day with Lethal Lucie and I'd quit. Besides, if the labyrinth is looking as bad as I envisioned it, you're going to need a good ad campaign."

Jareth just stared at me for a long while, chuckling silkily and wrapping his arms around me. I snuggled against his chest and smiled. After everything that had happened, after all the blood, sweat and tears, I just knew that we would work out somehow. Even though Mr. Knightly had caused me so much trouble during these last two months. Even though he'd caused me to break unwritten company policies, remember a long forgotten past, work doubly hard for my bread and, topped it all by pissing me off. Even though all these things had happened, and had caused me quite a bit of trouble, the real trouble with Mr. Knightly was none of these things. These things paled in comparison to the real trouble. For, you see, the real trouble with Mr. Knightly was far worse. The real trouble with Mr. Knightly was that he had made me fall in love with him.

-Fin-

AN #2: I realize that I used that last line in the last chapter, or at least close to it. Sorry, I am going back and changing and/or deleting it from the previous chapter. Sorry. ;( It was an oversight on my part.