The Reference Ch. 2

The Reference
Chapter 2: Discoveries

Jareth waited a couple of minutes after Sarah left to move.  He was still impressed by her acceptance of the situation, and because of that he wanted to respect her command to stay out of her room...  but temptation is great.  He slowly moved toward her room, but as his hand was about to touch the doorknob, he pulled back sharply and reprimanded himself.  There were plenty of other places in the apartment to explore without invading her bedroom.

Trying to ignore the tempting door to Sarah's bedchamber, Jareth moved into the room he'd slept in last night.  He glared at the small couch; a love seat that wasn't quite long enough to allow him to stretch out then turned his gaze to the rest of the small room.  A small boxy TV sat across from the couch with a coffee table separating the two.  One wall held a medium sized window and another was completely covered with bookshelves.  The bookshelves were stuffed with books of every kind including fantasy, art, art history, historical fiction, action-thriller, romance, and biographies judging from what was immediately viewable.  There were also a few knick-knacks resting in between the books and a stereo and some CD's sat on top of one of the bookshelves.  Overall, it was a living room that proudly showed the owner was a bibliophile.

He moved out of the living room into the kitchen.  It was a model kitchen for a bohemian artist.  It had a microwave, coffee pot, refrigerator, stove, and a small sink.  Judging by the cleanliness of the stove, either Sarah liked to order out a lot or made a lot of meals in the microwave.  Jareth shrugged and decided the kitchen really didn't need a thorough going over.  Since the only other rooms on the main floor were the bathroom and a closet, Jareth headed up the stairs to the loft where Sarah's studio was.

The loft was the same size as the apartment downstairs, but was all one room, which made it seem larger.  There were windows on three of the walls, allowing copious amounts of light.  Jareth found he rather liked it up here.  Being on the fourth floor allowed for a fair view of the surrounding city.  The wall behind him held the door, a sink, and a rather large cabinet.  Opening it revealed acrylic and oil paints, watercolors, brushes, palettes and other things necessary for painting.  The painting Sarah had been working on when she'd accidentally wished him here was still sitting on it's easel unfinished.  He moved to study it again and found it really was quite good for an unfinished picture.  He wondered what else Sarah had painted from his Labyrinth.  She'd said that she had dreams of his Labyrinth and him, and while that fact still bamboozled him, he wasn't surprised.

Sarah had been the first ever to beat his Labyrinth and even though it'd been was ten years, he still couldn't decide if she really had won on her own or if his growing feelings for the then teenager had caused too much leniency from his hand.  He could remember feeling the girl's distress toward her stepmother, father, and baby brother.  The feelings had called to him and he'd come forward from the Underground to investigate.  Often times before a wisher made the wish, he could sense their feelings and it gave him warning that the wish was about to be made.  However with Sarah, he'd felt the feelings of distress from the moment of her parent's separation; a full five years before she made the wish that brought her into his world.  When her mother had left, she'd abandoned an eleven-year-old daughter and a husband who were both confused.  One thought she was the cause of her parent's divorce and the other was in a state of shock at learning of his wife's infidelities.  Jareth had often wondered why he'd been so in tune with the girl's feelings even before her baby brother's existence and had satisfied the curiosity by watching her in a nearby park, play acting scenes from novels.

It had started out as curiosity, which turned into a sympathetic bond when he learned how lonely she was.  He was surprised, when she was running his Labyrinth, to learn that he did indeed care for the girl.  Not quite like a lover, but more as a protector.  When she'd rejected his offer to be something more, he was devastated and had secluded himself away from his subjects and peers for a month.  He had finally almost convinced himself that he no longer cared for Sarah when he'd been summoned once again to her side the previous night.  She'd changed so much since their last meeting that he didn't recognize her at first, but was then thrown for a loop when he finally figured out whom she was.  He was still quite angry with the council for putting him in the custody of the girl… no, woman...  when he wasn't quite sure what his feelings toward her were.

Jareth stepped away from the painting and moved toward the two large trunks sitting on the opposite side of the room.  Opening one, he found his answer as to what she'd been painting… however most of these seemed to be paintings of him.  He smirked, seeing the slight differences in the facial structure, body position, or coiffure that made it not quite accurate.  He looked at more of the paintings and noted that she got better with each one, but there was still something stubbornly missing or wrong about each painting that made them similar to himself, but not exact likenesses.

After sifting through the paintings, he stood and stretched his lean muscles before moseying over to an old and worn lazy-boy recliner that sat in the corner between two large windows with a small end table beside it with a book on it.  He could see why Sarah would enjoy reading here.  The natural lighting and quiet setting was peaceful and almost begged one to sit and appreciate it.  And that Jareth did.  He leaned back in the recliner feeling the smooth worn leather giving underneath his weight.  He picked up the small paperback book to read the title, Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings.  He'd never heard of it before, but then again, he wasn't in the practice of reading mortal writings.  There were some that caught the Fae's attention, such as Shakespeare or William Butler Yeats, but for the most part, he found mortals so short lived; they couldn't truly make use of the written word before their time was up.

Jareth sat still for a moment before giving in to the impulse to go in Sarah's room.  It was her own fault after all… if she hadn't warned him to stay out; he would never have this urgent need to see what she was hiding.  Giving into his various urges, he quickly went down the stairs and moved toward her bedchamber.  He tried to make what he was doing right by reasoning that he, being king, had the right to search and seizure… even if his monarch status was temporarily on hold.

He carefully opened the white wooden door to Sarah's room to see a full-size bed made up with a comforter in varying shades of blue and purple.  The bed was pushed up against the far wall; next to it was a nightstand with a lamp and yet another book.  The floor was carpeted in a no-nonsense shade of beige and there really weren't any personal affects except for the bookshelves.  Bookshelves took up what little wall space there was and were filled with volumes and the occasional knick-knack, like in the living room.  The books included the type of novels one reads for relaxation… romance, fantasy, classic literature, a few action-thrillers, and ah… what was this, yes a little red leather covered book was tucked away on the top shelf between a copy of Pride & Prejudice and a small statuette of a horse.

The thought that she still had their story, even if she did think it fictional before last night, made him smile.  He'd known about the book that was so similar to his labyrinth before she'd entered his world and had known that she'd read it.  He'd strived to live up to her expectations, but had failed...  hence the rejection.  He frowned as the memory of her rejection came back, a sharp yet stabbingly clear picture in his mind.  She, a young girl on the verge of womanhood.  He, in his best feather cloak, ever so similar to his owl form, begging her to stay with him.  She, searching for the right words.  He, striving to make her pay attention to him and forget the words.  Her face as she suddenly remembered them… those fateful words from the blasted book he now held in his slightly trembling hands.  In rage, he threw the book against the wall; it landed with a thump on the floor.  His hands were clenched and his nails were nearly digging into his palms.  He took deep breaths to steady himself, and was nearly calmed down when he heard a key in the door outside.  Quickly, he picked up the spiteful red book and thrust it back on the shelf then turned and rushed out of her room, closing the door and jumping onto the couch just as Sarah backed in the door with packages.

o O o O o O o

Sarah walked down her street, only a few blocks from her apartment.  She'd had fun picking out clothes from a nearby Good Will store for the Goblin King.  Imagining him in a flannel shirt or flared out disco pants had set her off laughing until her sides hurt.  The clerk had given her a funny look, but she couldn't help herself.  Finally she'd picked out a few pairs of jeans and one pair of nice pants along with a couple button-down shirts and a couple t-shirts.  She'd also decided to get him a jacket because of the chilly weather.  Luck and been with her and she'd found a used leather jacket that looked like it would fit.  After the Good Will store, she'd gone to a department store to pick up some new socks and underwear.  She'd blushed a bright crimson at the thought of whether the Goblin King wore boxers or briefs.  Quickly, she'd grabbed a package of both and paid the woman at the checkout before any more thoughts of the lower half of his torso popped into her head.

She walked the remaining distance to her apartment quickly and unlocked her door then backed in with her packages.  "You could help you know," she said turning to see Jareth sitting leisurely on the couch watching the news still.  He stretched before getting up to take the packages from her.  "I got a few outfits for you so we don't have to wash so often.  And…" she paused and pulled out the leather jacket.  "I got this… I thought you might like it considering what you wore the last time we met," she hesitantly looked up at him.

He looked at the jacket and smiled before walking over to try it on.  It fit like a glove and looked amazing on him… Hell, anything could look amazing on him, she thought to herself.  "Thank you," he said quietly, taking the jacket off and putting it on the coat rack near the door.

Sarah blushed, "You're welcome."  There was a long pause that was filled only with the background noise of daytime TV.  "So you wanted to go to the carnival?  You'd best get dressed if you do… it's a little cold out there.  You can use the bathroom to get dressed and take a shower if you want," she said not looking up at him.

He quietly grabbed the bag containing his new clothing and walked to the bathroom.  Sarah was about to sit on the couch when he poked his head out the door of the bathroom.  "How do you turn this thing on?" he asked bewildered.

Sarah chuckled to herself, but got up to help him with the shower.  She noticed he was already shirtless and blushed again, trying to avert her eyes.  Quickly, she showed him how to turn the handle and how if you kept turning it, the water would get hotter.  He nodded and she slipped out to resume her spot on the couch.  Her mind wouldn't let her forget the sight of his lean muscular torso though, and she found it difficult to concentrate on what Barbara Walters was talking about on The View.

Twenty minutes, and several dirty thoughts later, Jareth emerged from the steam-filled bathroom in a pair of dark tight-fitting jeans and a t-shirt bearing a picture of a Les Paul guitar.  Sarah stood and looked him over, much improved from when he'd first 'poofed' into her loft.  She nodded once, "I thought you could just wear your boots, if you don't mind."

"Not at all, they're quite comfy anyway," he said sitting to pull on his boots, which were sitting by the end of the couch.

After pulling on his new jacket and old gloves, Sarah shut off the TV, grabbed her purse and coat again, and led him out the door.  The carnival was only about a mile and a half away, and she didn't own a car, so they walked.  "So, what is a carnival exactly?" he asked walking beside her, his hands in his pockets.

"The carnival comes once a year and lasts for a week.  Usually it comes the second week of September and it's quite warm, but this year it's pretty cool.  The carnival has games, rides, exhibits, and lots of food.  Both children and adults are allowed and in general, it's a place of fun and entertainment," Sarah answered putting her own hands in her coat pockets.

"I see."

They walked for a while in silence before Sarah's curiosity won over her.  "Jareth? Can ask you something? And don't give me that 'you just did' bit!"

Jareth smirked, "Of course."

"Well, it's just that you don't seem very upset about having to stay here, or about having your magic restricted.  I was just wondering why?" Sarah kept her eyes on the sidewalk before her, afraid of meeting his piercing gaze.

He started slowly, "There are some things I've come to realize since our last meeting and it's changed how I view things, I suppose."

"Like?"

"I'd prefer not to discuss it at the moment because some of those things are still changing.  Why don't we just have a pleasant afternoon at this carnival of yours?" he smiled down at her and offered her his arm.

Sarah looked up at him and smiled back and took his arm.  They continued on their way to the carnival.  Once there, Sarah paid the three dollars for each of them to enter.  "So… what do you want to do first?  Food?  Exhibits?  We could even do a ride or two if you want," she asked looking at the monarch.

His face was beaming as he watched the children run excitedly from one thing to another.  Parents followed close behind with younger siblings, carrying prizes and trinkets the children had won or bought.  Sarah liked the picture of pure happiness Jareth was exerting.  She wondered why he was so happy, but wasn't going to complain.  A happy Goblin King was better than a furious or sulking one any day.  "Jareth?" she asked getting his attention.

"What?"

"I asked what you wanted to do?"

"Oh, lunch would be nice…"

Sarah smiled, "Sure," then led him toward a food vendor.  "You have to try these… they're a carnival favorite!" she said indicating to the man behind the stand for two corndogs.

He handed her two golden brown, deep fried corndogs and took her money.  Sarah put ketchup and mustard on both then handed one to Jareth who took it gingerly between his thumb and first finger.  "You eat these?" he asked skeptically.

Sarah laughed, "Yes, of course!" then took a huge bite showing him that they were indeed edible.

Jareth carefully lifted the questionable food item to his mouth and nibbled at it, his face lit up in surprise and he took a larger bite.  His surprise turned to dismay though, when a large blob of mustard fell on his shirt.  Sarah giggled, covering her mouth as she still had food in it.  Jareth gave her a withering glare.  "I don't believe I like this food any longer," he stated sullenly.

"Here…" Sarah handed him her corndog and grabbed a few napkins from the stand and began dabbing the mustard off the black material.  She wet the napkin with her tongue and dabbed some more.  She finally looked up to see Jareth staring down at her, a large smirk on his face.  She realized what she was doing and blushed, taking a step back.  "Sorry…"

"Whatever for?" he asked still smirking.

"Never mind…" she said quickly, grabbing back her corndog from him.  "Come on."

Sarah led him through the art and culinary exhibits and by then the corndogs were long gone so Sarah decided to let Jareth pick what he wanted.  They wandered up and down the food stands; Sarah's mini sugar donuts were nearly gone when Jareth pointed to a cotton candy stand.  "What is that cloud like substance?" he asked watching as the lady spun a stick around gathering the web-like fluffy stuff onto the stick creating a pink sugary cloud.

"Cotton candy."

He gave her a perplexed look, "You eat cotton?"

"No no no! That's just what it's called.  It's actually spun sugar and some food dye," she laughed.

"I think I'd like to try some."

"Okay," Sarah walked over and got one stick of cotton candy then handed it to Jareth.

"How do you eat it?" he asked giving the spun sugar a contemplating look.

"Just pinch off a bite-size piece and stick it in your mouth."

Jareth followed her instructions.  Sarah watched as the sugar started to dissolve the moment it was inside his mouth.  His eyes grew wide, "What magic is this, that makes it disappear?" he asked, still wide-eyed.

Sarah laughed, "You've never had sugar like this before?"

He shook his head.

"You know how when you put sugar in tea or coffee?"

"Yes…"

"Well it's the same in your mouth, the sugar hits the wetness in your mouth and dissolves.  No magic involved."

"I see; I believe I like this more than that, what did you call it? PB & J sandwich?"

Sarah smirked and led Jareth toward the barns.  They toured through the poultry, sheep, cattle, pigs, and horses.  Jareth seemed to like the horses most.  "I have a horse stable at my castle in the center of the Goblin City," he said nonchalantly then his face turned down.  "That is, if I get to keep my crown."

Sarah wasn't sure how to comfort him, and settled for gently patting his back.  She was somewhat surprised by how well she and the monarch were getting along, considering their last rendezvous.  She could remember it now as if it was only yesterday.  He, imploring her to consider his offer.  She, striving to remember the right words.  He, begging her to stay.  She, not even noticing his strained face and beseeching eyes.  The only thing on her mind at that time was trying to remember the right words to get Toby home safely.  Of course, now that didn't matter… now she and Toby never even saw each other let alone talk.  Sarah pulled back sharply before she let herself go down that road.  It was a painful road to walk upon and she didn't care to visit it just now.  Now, Jareth needed her… now she kind of needed him.

"Come on, let's go on a ride or two," Sarah said with a false smile.

Jareth looked up and returned her smile with one that was equally as false, but appreciative.  She led him toward the rides section of the carnival.  There wasn't too much, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, tilt-a-whirl, spinning apples, and a few others that were for toddlers.  She paid for enough tickets for two rides.  "You can pick the first then I'll take you on my favorite."

"Which one is your favorite?" he asked stuffing the last of his cotton candy in his mouth.

"The Ferris wheel… I like it when you stop at the top.  You can see the whole carnival."  Jareth seemed to consider this then led her to the tilt-a-whirl.  "Um… Jareth, I have a tendency to get motion sick on this one," she blurted out.

"You'll be fine… besides, this may be the only time I'll ever get to experience this! You wouldn't want me to be deprived would you?" he asked giving her puppy dog eyes.

She hit his shoulder, "You don't play fair!"

"No, I don't," he smirked and pulled her in line.

When it was their turn, Sarah gave the man running the ride their tickets and Jareth picked out one of the clam-like seats for them.  Sarah nervously stepped in and sat next to him, pulling the restraining bar down to rest firmly against their laps.  She was gripping the bar so hard, her knuckles were turning white… and the ride hadn't even started yet! She started a bit when Jareth put a gloved hand over hers and she let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.  His smile seemed to calm her; that was until the man running the ride pushed the green button.

The gears shifted and the clams swayed slightly as their brakes were turned off.  Suddenly the platform that the clams sat on jerked into movement, moving the clams up and down and causing them to spin as gravity took it's toll.  Sarah screamed as one particularly nasty wave caused their clam to spin so tightly the g-forces pressed her back into the seat.  She grabbed Jareth's hand and held on for dear life.  The last time she'd gone on this ride had been with her last boyfriend.  He'd manipulated her into going on it too, but when the ride had ended and she'd needed to sit to regain her balance, he'd gone running off with some other friends instead of staying with her.  Normally she wouldn't have minded, but Tom was always like that.  He only did things that benefited him; it was one of the reasons that she'd broken up with him.

She forgot about Tom quickly though as the clam seemed to spin even faster.  Her stomach jumped into her throat and she was starting to regret having that corndog and mini donuts BEFORE going on the ride.  Finally, the ride started to slow, but she still gripped Jareth's hand like a lifeline.  When the clams had stopped and the brakes turned back on, Jareth released the restraining bar and looked over at her.  She could only imagine what she looked like, pasty white, wind-blown hair, terrified look plastered on her face.  "Would you mind letting go of my fingers?" Jareth asked gently.  She released them in a sudden movement, as though her brain had finally realized how tightly she'd been squeezing.  "Thanks…" he said flexing out the leather clad digits.  "I think you broke them," he joked.  "Did you want to get out now?"

"Hang on… not sure I can stand yet."

"Oh come on… they're going to start loading again soon," he said putting a supporting arm around her and pulling her up.

She swayed slightly and braced herself against him, moving like a drunken sailor.  Sarah allowed him to steer her off the ride and to a nearby bench.  "Are you okay?" he asked, his arm still around her.

She nodded, "I just need a minute."

He nodded then smiled.  "I do believe that was the most fun I've had since I rode that dragon through the Styrn wind storms.  Gods, but that was a ride!" he reminisced.

Sarah gave him a disbelieving look.  "Dragon?"

"Oh yes, that's right, you don't have those here do you?"

She shook her head slowly, still feeling the dizziness.  "What are they like?"

"Well… they're about as big as your apartment when full grown and despite what your fairytale stories tell you, they are not rainbow colored…" he smirked.  "Actually, they're like any animal, their coloring matches their environment.  A dragon who lives in the mountains may be gray or tan or maybe even white if they live close enough to the snow.  A dragon who lives in the forest may be green or brown.  A dragon who lives in a lake or ocean may be blue or turquoise.  They are predators after all, they need to blend in or else they'd never catch any food."

"What do they eat?" Sarah asked, amazement clearly etched on her face.

"A full grown male dragon can eat five deer in one sitting."  She gave him a startled look.  "But, they only eat once every twelve days or so," he assured her.  "For some reason, their digestive track moves extremely slow.  I think it has to do with the fact that they're reptiles," he finished, one hand curled around his chin in thought.

They sat for a moment longer, listening to the chatter of the surrounding crowd.  "I think I feel better now," Sarah said.  "Lets go check out the Ferris wheel then we can get something for dinner before heading back."

"Ah, but I have yet to experience one of these carnival games you spoke of."

Sarah smiled, "Okay, we'll play a couple of games, then go on the Ferris wheel and get something to eat."

She led him over to the games section of the carnival.  There were games of every type expected at a carnival, ring toss, skeeball, that game to see how strong you are when you hit a large hammer on the mark to see if you can ring the bell, balloon darts, shooting, and there was even an archery stand.  Jareth's eyes lit up when he saw the last one.  "Come, my lady, let me win you a prize," he said pulling her to the archery stand.

Sarah giggled and let him lead her.  "Two bucks for three arrows," the man behind the counter said.

Sarah gave him two dollars then watched as Jareth smoothly drew the first arrow back.  He set up his sights then released as he exhaled.  The arrow flew towards and hit the target dead center.  The man behind the counter whistled, "Get the other two in the bulls eye and I'll give ya one of the extra large stuffed animals up top," he said pointing to a giant stuffed dog hanging above them.

Jareth smirked and drew back the second arrow and released, all in one fluid motion.  It seemed as if he didn't aim at all, but simply commanded the arrow to hit the bulls eye, which it did.  He did the same with the third arrow then set the bow down and grinned at the man behind the counter who was wide-eyed and staring at the three arrows sticking out of the center of the target.  "Never seen anyone do that before, at least, not with all three," he moved to stand on the counter between him and Sarah and Jareth and retrieved the huge stuffed dog, handing it to Jareth who in turn gave it to Sarah.

Sarah held the dog as though giving it a hug then slung it on her back, the two front paws hanging over her shoulders, and the massive head looming over hers.  She held onto the two front paws to keep it from falling.  "Thanks," she said quietly.

"Come, let's go see this Ferris wheel you like," Jareth replied grinning and began to weave his way through the crowd back to the rides.

Once they arrived at the massive vertical spinning wheel, Sarah gave the stuffed dog to the man running the ride, asking him to hang on to it while they rode.  He agreed and they got in the car stopped for them.  Sarah swung closed the lap restraint and smiled at Jareth as the wheel was set into motion.  A few more passengers were loaded then it started to spin continuously, just fast enough to give one butterflies on the down side of the wheel.  "Thank you for bringing me here," Jareth said quietly.

"You're welcome," Sarah replied not looking at him.

"No, really, thank you," he said, earnestly looking at her.

Sarah raised an eyebrow, but didn't question why he was so thankful.  It seemed the Goblin King was a very different man from the last time they encountered one another.  She broke the somewhat awkward moment by asking another question of him, "So I've been wondering, last night, you said you were Fae, not human.  I've always read that Fae have severe reactions to iron, but you've been surrounded by it the entire time you've been here and you don't seem any worse for wear."

Jareth smiled, "I see, so you planned on luring me here to this carnival to give me iron poisoning?"

"NO! That's not what I meant!" Sarah said quickly, distressed that he would jump to such a conclusion.

"Relax, Sarah," he chuckled.  "I meant it only as a joke." Sarah crossed her arms and glared at him.  How dare he make her feel so anxious!  "As for the answer to your question, iron is only lethal in large doses to the Fae, and even then it has to enter our blood stream.  We can touch iron and be around it, so long has say, we don't get stabbed with an iron tipped pike or cut with an iron knife."

"What if I cooked in an iron pan?"

"Iron is sturdy, it doesn't flake off easily.  There wouldn't be enough iron in the food to kill me… maybe give me an upset stomach, but that's about it," he waved it off.

"Oh… well, how about this one, why is it there's a huge thunderstorm whenever you come here?" Sarah challenged him.

"There isn't…"

"Yes there is! There was that night ten years ago and last night!"

"Sarah, you didn't let me finish," he paused; she gave him a 'continue' look.  "I was going to say that there isn't a storm EVERY time I come to your world, only when a wisher calls me.  It's something about the magic of the wish ripping a hole through both our worlds and summoning me."

"Oh…" she thought about it for a while.  "So when you come of your own free will, there isn't a storm?"

"No."

"Huh… and here I thought you came with a warning label," she joked.

"I do… its labeled 'King'," he smirked.

Sarah scoffed; could his ego get any bigger?  She had a suspicion it could.  At that moment, the Ferris wheel began to slow and gradually groaned to a stop with Sarah and Jareth at the top as the passengers on the other side of the wheel disembarked.  "Oh this is my favorite part!" Sarah said excitedly.  "You can see EVERYTHING from up here!" she said gesturing to the sight before them.

They were just high enough to see over the tops of the trees and could see the whole layout of the carnival, all of the little kids running to games and rides, all the couples walking hand in hand, all the parents buying tickets or souvenirs for their children… She always thought the carnival was the picture of happiness.  That was, until Jareth scoffed beside her.  "What?" she asked.

He shrugged, "I've seen better, from farther up," he said nonchalantly.

She frowned at him, the ego was starting to grow even more she noted.  "Well excuse me, Your Highness… but I can't turn into an owl or stand on the tallest tower of my castle."

Jareth seemed to grimace a little, but recovered quickly.  "Perhaps not, but I could help with that."

"What?" she asked confused.

"When I have my magic back, if I get my magic back," he added sullenly.  "I could easily transfigure you into a bird of your choice."

"What about a dragon?" she challenged.

He grimaced again, "Not that… dragons are naturally very powerful magically and trying to duplicate that is very draining."

"Ha!  Knew there was something you couldn't do!" she smirked.  He raised an eyebrow and frowned at her.  Sarah smiled and patted his arm, "It's okay, I won't tell anyone that you can't do it."

Jareth scoffed and rolled his eyes, but remained silent until it was their turn to exit the Ferris wheel.  "I believe you still owe me dinner," he said walking down the steps from the ride.

"So I do, come on then, lets go find something to eat.  Mind you it's going to be PB & J sandwiches for the rest of the weekend…" she warned.

Jareth smiled and led the way to the food.  After Sarah paid for a walking taco for herself and a Greek gyro for Jareth, she started to lead the way out of the carnival.  They walked in silence, munching on their food.  Sarah looked up, noticing how dark it had gotten and the ominously looming clouds.  She pulled her giant stuffed dog tighter around her shoulders and walked a little faster.  They hadn't gone another block before it started to downpour.  Rain fell so fast; the drains in the street couldn't keep up.  Sarah and Jareth ran, splashing through puddles and getting completely soaked.  Seven blocks later, Sarah was fumbling with the key for her apartment building, her cold fingers not doing what she wanted them to.  Jareth sighed in exasperation and took the key from her, unlocked the door and they both rushed inside and up the stairs to Sarah's apartment.  "You can take the first shower," Sarah said, teeth chattering slightly.

"I think you should, you look like you're freezing."

"No, just go, I can wrap up in a blanket out here."

Jareth shrugged, but complied with her wishes.  Sarah put a blanket down on the couch before sitting down herself.  She wrapped her arms around herself and settled down to wait for Jareth to get out of the shower.  She lost track of time though while sitting there shivering.  The weather had been mild until now and she hadn't turned the heat on, trying to avoid high utility bills.  Finally, she heard the bathroom door open.  "I thought you were going to wrap up in a blanket?" Jareth asked, a towel sitting low on his narrow hips.

Sarah was too cold and shivery to pay much attention, but she did notice his naked torso still glistening with water droplets, and his blond hair, usually so buoyant, now plastered to his skull.  "I was, but I didn't think you'd take that long so I didn't," she explained, her teeth chattering.

"Well by all means, go hop in the shower then!" he said moving out of her way.

Sarah walked past him, still shivering and closed the door to the bathroom.  She stripped down out of her wet clothes and hung them over the sink next to Jareth's.  The shower didn't seem to help much.  The warm water running over her skin only warmed her temporarily.  She was still shivering slightly when she got out of the shower and wrapped herself in a large fluffy purple towel with a palm tree on it.  Her head felt like it was full of cotton, despite the steam she'd just been in.  She walked out of the bathroom and without even looking at Jareth said, "I'm going to bed, don't feel well.  See you tomorrow." Then entered her room and closed the door.

She missed the concerned look Jareth gave her.