Disclaimer: Labyrinth is not mine.

A/N: So, here it is, folks. The long, long (apologies!) overdue final chapter. I did say I would finish this and I think ties up all the loose ends. To my reviewers, followers and readers, a giant THANK YOU for your support and patience. You make writing an absolute joy, and I only wish I had more time to do so. Without further ado, enjoy!

Chapter 20: Here, Now, and Forever

Following the Labyrinth's departure—or welcome, as it were—there passed a moment between the pair that was best left uninterrupted. Honestly, thought Sarah, it was about time. If it wasn't a crowd of Bidders, it was the High King and the Labyrinth, or better yet, a combination of all three. Privacy in the Underground seemed hard to come by.

Needless to say, it took some time for Jareth and Sarah to turn their focus elsewhere.

Sarah was first to pull back, straining for breath and lips bruised from his attention, and she took a needed gulp of air. Still, she felt breathless. He clearly had too great an effect on her. Him and his torturously perfect lips. She loosened her grip on Jareth's shirt and, face blushing, unwrapped her leg from his, completely unaware of how it had wandered. She'd obviously been caught up in the moment. As blissful as kissing was, they did have other things to do with their mouths. Talking, for one. Sarah held back the Goblin King as he leaned in again.

"Wait a minute. There's some things we need to talk about," she half-spoke, half-laughed at his frustrated expression. She'd learned to read him so well.

"I despise waiting."

"Obviously, or you would have taken the time to court me before proposing."

Jareth at least had the decency to color. "I thought we were past that," he motioned between them, as if he needed to remind her of their actions. She'd certainly been agreeable. Or she had acted flawlessly as such. His eyes narrowed. "Or am I mistaken?"

She rolled her eyes at him. "Stop worrying. I just thought we should discuss what's next. Where do we go from here?"

"I should think that obvious. You stay here, with me. As my Queen."

"Queen?" Her brows shot up. "Don't you think that's a bit…sudden? We've only just stopped wanting to kill each other," she reasoned, "and before you bite my head off, yes I do love you, so stop worrying."

Again, she'd read his intentions and he calmed slightly. He wasn't pleased, however. Now that he knew her feelings were mutual, he wouldn't let her go. Not when he'd waited so long to keep her. "I will not let you remain elsewhere."

"I never said I wanted to leave," she sighed, "just that I think we should take this slowly. I love you, Jareth, but I'm only twenty. I'm not ready to be a queen. I'd have no idea what to do!"

"Me, obviously."

"Jareth."

He held up his hands in defense, smirking. "Simply a suggestion."

"You're shameless, you know that?"

His response was to grin wider. Stifling a chuckle, he schooled his expression to be serious. "In all candor, Sarah, I have no doubt that you'll make a remarkable Goblin Queen. You've already charmed my goblins, a harder task than you'd think. And if I remember correctly—which I always do—three other rebellious creatures as well. Hogwart, was it?" he said mildly, grinning again.

"Hoggle," Sarah corrected, shaking her head at him, "and I know you do that on purpose." His memory wasn't that bad; he'd remembered Sir Didymus perfectly fine. There was only one reason for it. "Jealous?"

"Don't be absurd," he quickly shot back. Too quick, too loud.

Sarah grinned. She couldn't help but bait him, obvious as she thought her attempt was. "I'd really like to see him again. Thank him for all his help before. I mean, really thank him," she emphasized, almost laughing at Jareth's twisted expression of…shock? That wasn't expected. His face had gone cold in an instant. "Jareth?"

"Perhaps you'd like to see him now?" he hissed, suddenly remembering how Sarah had been damned earlier. "It so happens I know precisely where he is." And he narrowed his eyes dangerously, whispering, "Or on his head, where he'd better be."

The change was palpable, particularly when compared to their playful banter. The Goblin King was on the hinge of an outburst and Sarah felt her urge to tease him disappear. Now was not the time. If he knew exactly where Hoggle was, that only meant one thing; they'd had a confrontation. She threw caution to the wind. "And what, exactly, does that mean? What happened? And don't you dare not tell me," she raised her voice, stabbing a finger at him. "He's my friend. And if you want me to be Goblin Queen, I deserve to know what's going on with my soon-to-be subjects."

"Valid point, sweet," he agreed, lip twitching. The mention of her becoming his queen was reason enough. And surely, she'd rethink her affection for the scab when she learned of his role in outing her history. Oh yes, thought Jareth, that had a certain merit. "Perhaps you'd enjoy commending your friend on his flawless job of about getting you killed?"

"What?"

"Oh yes, the little fool was more than willing to spill your secrets to the High King's spy. How did you think Cael found out, hmm? Not from me," he said pointedly. "Never from me."

"That's ridiculous. Hoggle would never willingly do that." She raised a brow at Jareth. "He wouldn't risk pissing you off again."

"I must be losing my touch, then. Pity."

Sarah frowned. His attitude was unneccesary. "Let me ask him. He won't lie to me. You probably just intimidated him into giving you the story you wanted." She grabbed his hand. "Come on, we're going."

"So demanding," he commented, shaking his head in amusement. She was picking up his nuances already. He couldn't say he wasn't pleased. "As always, I am your slave."

They went.

J/S

"He is coming back, right? Perhaps he's forgotten…" Eran trailed off, trying to sound optimistic.

"Oh he'll be back alright. Prob'ly just waitin' for one of us to try runnin'," Hoggle beat down the happy notion. "I've never seen him so mad."

"Indeed," a new voice purred.

The troubled pair flinched, recognizing the Goblin King's voice easily, and paled at the malice imbued in those two innocuous syllables. It was also easy to tell his anger had not faded. Rose, if anything, as the low rustle of his throat struck a greater chord. Neither dared turn towards the monarch, for fear that looking him straight in the eye would be the last sight they'd be graced to see.

"Y-Yer Majesty! Err…back so soon?"

"Miss me, have you Hedgewart?" Still low. Just as fierce. Just as dangerous.

It was a testament of his fear that Hoggle never thought of correcting him. Jareth could call him whatever he wanted as long as he lived to hear it. "Of course, sire," he choked out, hoping that his response sounded true. He was still standing, seconds later. It was as good a sign as any. Dare he ask? "Err…and Sarah? She's alright?"

"Fortunately for you." He growled, amending, "or perhaps unfortunately, given the circumstances."

"That's enough, Jareth. I told you I'd talk to him."

"Sarah?" She was here? Now? Hoggle turned, blanching further at the Goblin King's stare, and straining to see his first friend. There. She was pressed behind his cloak, pushing at the dark clothed arms holding her back. "Sarah! Yer alright! I didn't mean it—really didn't—you gotta believe me. On me jewels I swear it. Honest!"

Sarah forced down Jareth's protective arm, glaring at him once before settling on one knee before Hoggle. There were times that she just wanted to smack the king for being so rude. It wasn't like Hoggle was going to attack her—twisting his hands, his small form shaking as if frozen—the poor dwarf looked absolutely terrified. And still, Jareth held her back like the guy had a death wish for her! Ridiculous.

"Oh Hoggle, I forgive you. I know you didn't mean it," she hushed him, rubbing his shaking arm. There was no way he'd meant it. What had Jareth's problem been? "It's fine."

His shaking calmed to a shiver, and his twisting hands untwisted. But his eyes still betrayed him, flicking towards the Goblin King once, then back at her. "And…His Majesty…?"

"Will forgive you too." That, with a quick glare at the monarch in question, as if daring him to argue. He didn't. His returning glare spoke volumes on its own, however.

"And the spy? Will your misplaced forgiveness extend there too?" Surely, he thought, Sarah understood that the pair had almost destroyed her? If the boy hadn't found him...Unthinkable. He frowned, knowing indeed that Eran's guilty conscience had saved his love. Perhaps, some leniency was acceptable.

"Spy? What spy?" And she looked around, a bit of fear in her eyes. Until she saw the figure so mislabeled as a 'spy'. "Eran," she exhaled, recognizing him against a wall. The spark of nervous energy was gone, replaced with one of frank curiousity. He was involved? She had yet to hear his place in this and knowing Jareth's anger, it couldn't be good.

"Good to see you well, Sarah. I assume His Majesty means me, although I hardly think myself a spy. Obedient errand boy? Unfortunately. One who is glad to see you alive? Definitely."

"Spy," Jareth spat under his breath.

Sarah sighed. She saw where this was going. "The High King ordered you to spy? Or research or whatever?" She watched him nod apologetically, tilting his chin down. There was no doubt of his shame, almost identical to… "And you found Hoggle," she stated, no questions asked.

"I beg forgiveness. Not all orders of the High King prove well."

"Well," she started, giving Jareth a pointed look, "if I can forgive you for skirting the rules, I can certainly forgive Eran for following them."

Jareth colored at the jab, but she had him there. Her willingness to forgive seemed to be both a blessing and a curse, and the king pursed his lips, acquiescing. "Indeed."

Sarah's responding smile proved worth it. He groaned, knowing he'd gone soft. Oh the power she held over him…

"Good," she said, hugging Hoggle firmly. "I've missed you! How have you been? I'm so sorry I haven't called you recently."

"Err, good to see ya too, Sarah. I'm 'bout as well as can be expected."

Sarah pulled back grinning, oblivious to the thinning stare the Goblin King was perfecting behind her. But Hoggle saw it.

Hoggle cleared his throat. "…which is good, o' course. Always." Anything to make him stop glarin' at me. Oh bog it all, whatever'll make him go away.

"What have you been up to? Spraying fairies?" she questioned, still holding his shoulders.

A muscle in Jareth's neck twitched at the gesture. He crossed his arms impatiently.

"Err…ah, no. Hedges mostly…," he trailed off as the king's lips thinned to match his glare. Every word seemed to push the expression sharper. "I ahh, I really should finish 'em up."

"A wise choice, Hogswot."

"Hoggle."

"Don't matter, Sarah." And then, whispering carefully, "Call when you get home."

Home. Hoggle had no idea. "Actually, I'll be around…" Oh how to put this without sending him into a fit? "Jareth and I," she paused as Hoggle flinched. "We've settled our differences." There, that sounded diplomatic. And mostly true. "I may be spending some time here," she spoke slowly, gauging his reaction.

"Some time? How much time?"

"Eternity."

Sarah sighed. Always the drama king. She could handle this herself, thank-you-very-much. She eyed Hoggle warmly, willing him to understand. Please understand. Don't make me say it…

Hoggle just blinked.

Oh screw it. He'll find out eventually. "I love him."

"You…you…" The rest of the blood drained from his face, and he choked on his words. "You…you…and him?"

Sarah quirked a lip and shrugged apologetically. So much for that.

"Ah," he swallowed, darting his eyes to the Goblin King and back. "You…ah…been eatin' peaches again?"

"No peaches, Hoggle," she laughed. "I promise."

"Yer sure?"

"Positive."

" 's…nice…" He squeaked, forcing the word to sound polite. It was a rough shot, at best. He felt as if he'd swallowed Bog water. Probably looked like it too.

"You alright, Hoggle? I know it's a bit of a shock…"

"Ah, 'course. Fine. 'S long as yer happy." He tried a smile, but it came out more as a grimace. Then again, it was hard to do anything properly with all the ruddy fog coming in. Sarah was looking at him funny. Actually, she looked a bit hazy herself. Fuzzy, even. Which was bad. "Ah…"

He was on the ground before Sarah could catch him. "Hoggle!" Sarah yelled, shaking him, but he was out cold.

"How unfortunate. I was so looking forward to causing that myself."

Sarah glared at him. "Help. Me."

"As you wish." And he followed his words with a flick of wrist and the popping of a bubble. He grinned as the dwarf vanished from Sarah's arms. "Better?" He let an eyebrow quirk.

"No! Where'd you send him?"

"Where he belongs," Jareth spoke as if it were obvious. "Home. As do we."

"He fainted, Jareth. You can't leave him alone!"

He sighed, motioning to the space Eran had previously occupied. "Peace. The spy is watching him. It should be some time before he wakes. Believe me Sarah, this is not the first time my subjects have fallen unconscious from my mere presence." His eyes glowed with mirth. "You have met Hoggle, haven't you?"

"Well obviously I have…Hoggle. You called him Hoggle!"

Jareth's back straightened. "I most assuredly did not."

"Yes, you did," she grinned. "You most assuredly did."

Her smile was so bloody distracting. "You are going to ruin me, sweet," he growled. But he couldn't help but smirk. There were worse things to be distracted by. And he planned to enjoy being distracted quite thoroughly for next few hours or so. He bowed down a hand. "Shall we?"

She hesitated. "To the castle?"

"You'd prefer I ravish you here, perhaps?" he grinned rakishly. "As you wish."

"Very funny. I want to go home first. My"—she pointed up—"… above home. I need to pick up some stuff, tell Kate…something. She's probably got the cops out looking for me."

"Your troublesome blond house mate?"

"Roomate, but yes. And I don't even want to know how you know that." She narrowed her eyes in accusation while watching him for a reaction. Shame, guilt, anything. But he was as straight as stone. Figures.

"I believe that can be arranged."

"Now, Jareth," she pushed, knowing his skill for twisting her words.

"Of course, sweet. For you, anything." And with one last wolfish grin, the King of the Goblins and the girl fell into Above.

J/S

The mortal sun was peeking over the horizon when they reappeared, seconds later, atop a familiar wooden bridge. Sarah shivered. It was cold, air biting at tender skin. The chirping of birds and the earthy smell of morning left no doubt as to the time. It was some form of morning, days or however later, and Sarah took it all in with a liberal breath. It still felt the same, after all that had happened. Her world had stayed the same.

Even her banged up car waited on bridge's edge. The door had been closed, by wind or passerby, and the windshield was littered with leaves, but her ride was there nonetheless. It was an unexpected, but comforting sight. She figured someone would have towed it by now, days later…

"What day is it?"

"Here?" he cocked his head at her, considering. "I believe it the day of your moon."

The day of the moon? "It's only Monday? That's impossible! I left on Sunday, and its been at least two days Underground…" she broke off in confusion.

"Time flows differently in the realms. Surely, you remember that from before?"

"I thought you did that! You took three hours from my run and you clearly said you reordered time. What was I supposed to think?"

He laughed softly, moving to lean against her car. "On that, I can only guess," he murmured. "I assume you wish to move this odious contraption…" He flicked his wrist, and the leaves on the glass fell to the wood with barely a movement. In the sunlight, the car gleamed like new, almost glowing with magic. Opening the driver's door, he motioned to Sarah. "…yes?"

She nodded, anger ebbing with his effortless show. It had been as if the wind picked up just to ruffle the leaves free, yet he'd clearly orchestrated the move. If only she had that much control. She slid into the front seat as Jareth settled beside her. "You've got to teach me how you do that. I blow something up everytime I try," she sighed, buckling in.

His laughter echoed the whole ride back.

The windows were dark when they pulled up to number five-oh-two. Sarah wasn't surprised. It was still early. Kate would be sleeping in, if she was there at all. Only freshman were fortunate enough to have eight a.m. Monday classes. It was one thing no upperclassman missed.

"Umm. Maybe I better go in first. In case she's busy." Or indecent.

Jareth gave her a look that signaled he didn't buy her story one bit, but waved her out anyway.

She practically raced to her door, anxious to wake her roommate, before she realized she had no idea where her key was. Actually, now that she thought about it, she didn't know where either of her keys were. Her car had been running when she'd slid in and she hadn't even noticed the keyless response. Jareth's magic, obviously. But that didn't solve her problm here. Glancing over her shoulder at his mocking grin, she frowned, and knocked hard on her door.

A half dozen raps later, a sleepy voice yelled through the door. "I'm coming, I'm coming…Jeez, calm down…" And out poked a tousled blond head, yawning mouth, and wide blue eyes. "Sarah! My God, where'd you go?"

"Hi Kate—long story. Can I come in?"

"Oh duh, sorry," she opened the door wide and about pulled Sarah inside. "Jeez, Sarah, what happened to you? We saw your car, but when I called your cell, some British guy claiming to be your friend kept answering and he said your car broke down, you were exhausted, and I'd see you in the morning!"

Sarah snorted. "He did, did he? Didn't mention he kidnapped me I bet."

"He what?"

"Like I said, long story," she huffed, falling into a chair. "Remember that night after finals last year? When I had a little too much tequila? And I told you that story?"

"The crazy one about the maze and the Goblin King?"

Sarah sighed. Of course she remembered. "Yeah, that one."

"What the hell does that have to do with anything?"

"It really happened, Kate."

"Very funny, Sarah." She rolled her eyes and settled a look at her friend. "Seriously, where have you been? I called the cops and everything—nobody'd seen you!"

Sarah brought her hands to her temples, groaning. The last thing she needed was a search party. She could just imagine the story she'd tell them. 'Why yes, I was kidnapped. By who? Blond, obnoxious, yeay high, said he was a king. No, I'm not crazy. Can I tell you where to find him? Sure, do you have a younger sibling?' That would go over real well.

"Sarah?"

She'd been staring off into space. "I'm serious, Kate. It happened, and it didn't end there. That's where I've been. Down in the Underground, running the Labyrinth, with the Goblin King."

"Bullshit."

"No, really, I—" but that was as far as she got before a shap knock echoed off the front door. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who it was. At least he had the courtesy to knock.

Kate furrowed her brow at the sound, but moved to get it nonetheless. Sarah waited in her chair for the eventual outburst. Any second now, she'd open the door, Jareth'd be there in all his Jarethy glory, probably grinning like a maniac, and then Kate would promptly slam the door on him only to find it jammed open. Any second now.

"What is it now?" Sarah shot up in her seat at Kate's question, listening hard.

"Miss Wilson, I assume?"

"Yeah, who are you?"

"Jareth, charmed," he introduced warmly. "I wanted to ensure Sarah made it home safely. She was quite adament about returning this morning. I do apologize for my brevity yesterday."

"Oh! That was you! Yes, thank you, she's fine. Come in, come in. I'll make coffee," Kate's voice melted like butter.

Sarah leapt to her feet, concerned. Kate was not one to invite strange men in for coffee. If Jareth was using magic on Kate, she'd give him a piece of her mind. That was completely innapropriate.

"Kate, wait—"

"Sarah, you want any?"

"No, Kate. Just listen. That's him; The Goblin King," she pushed, rounding the corner into the kitchen area. Kate was already pouring coffee into the maker and Jareth was…normal? His tight breeches and flowing shirt had been replaced by tailored black pants and a crisp white button-down. Even his hair had been pinned into a manageable state. Sarah was speechless. No wonder Kate had practically pulled him inside; he looked incredible.

"J-Jareth?" She swallowed. "What are you doing?"

"Your lovely friend offered me coffee. Come join us," he purred, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

Come sit, Sarah. I promise I won't bite. Your way took far too long. I, being a magnanimous king, thought it best to offer my services.

Sarah glared at him. You gave me like two minutes. I was handling it fine.

Perhaps. But I find my way so much more amusing.

"So—Jareth was it?—tell me how you met Sarah." Kate offered a chair for Jareth before sitting down across the table.

"She called some five years ago and I answered. Quite the event, actually. We talked, we danced, she damaged my property. She was quite the spitfire. Couldn't even keep her wishes straight." He was grinning far too large. "That sound right, Sarah mine?"

Jareth… Sarah growled warningly. She didn't want her roommate thinking the worst of her.

"I was fortunate enough to meet her last evening and offer assistance. She's been at home with me since then. I do believe we've reaquainted nicely."

Kate nodded as if his story made complete sense. "You must live near here then. You work at the University?"

"Not quite," He replied, leaning back in his chair just as the coffee machine beeped. "Allow me. Cream and sugar?"

"Yeah, than—" Kate's appreciation died in her throat. Sitting on the table, in three expensive looking teacups, was the coffee. Jareth lifted the cup nearest him gracefully and took a small sip, watching Kate with amusement.

"What the hell? How'd you do that?" Kate wasn't amused.

Sarah sighed. "Don't say I didn't warn you. Kate, allow me to introduce Jareth, the Goblin King."

"The guy with the maze? You expect me to believe he's a fairy king?" She scraped her chair back to stand. "Are you nuts?"

This isn't working, Jareth. Try something else.

With pleasure.

Sarah felt the change in the air well before she saw what his 'convincing' entailed. There was the hint of cinnamon and something warmer, spicier, like the smell of an Indian spice market, and richer than silk against her skin. Magic. His magic, she knew, as nothing else could compare. Why it'd never been so vivid before was a thought in passing, but as the scent blurred her eyes and tickled her throat, she let the warmth envelop her without pause. She barely noticed the sudden weight atop her chest.

"No fucking way."

And as quick as that, the warmth left. Sarah fluttered her eyes open slowly, as if coming out of a trance. She was still tingling. Kate eyed her with wide eyes.

"What the hell happened to you?"

"Hunh?" Sarah sputtered and looked down in concern, honestly confused by her friend's shocked expression.

Her soft tunic and leggings were gone, replaced by a gown of the deepest emerald. It was corseted at the waist, with fitted bell sleeves and a heart shaped neckline that flattered Sarah's trim figure. A small replica of Jareth's insignia hung around her neck, nestled between her breasts. Sarah lifted it gingerly for a better look, eyeing the horns with surprise, and let is fall back against her skin.

"Jareth," Sarah sputtered, "I told you I'm not ready to be Queen."

"Queen? Sarah, seriously, what is going on?"

"As I told you, Kate, this, " she sighed and pointed to Jareth, "is the Goblin King. From the Underground. That's where I've been. And although he clearly likes the think of me as such, I'm not his queen. Not yet at least."

"Holy shit."

Sarah laughed, shrugging. "Surprise?"

"That's just…just…insane. I'm struggling here, Sarah. One minute you're having lunch with me and the next you're what, engaged to a king from another world? You barely know this guy," she lowered her voice, eyeing the monarch warily, "are you sure he didn't drug you?"

Sarah laughed again. "Not this time, I'm sure."

"What?!"

"Like I said, long story. But," she paused, "I may be moving out a bit sooner than expected. I'll still stop by after class to hang out, because I do want to graduate," she glanced quickly at Jareth, but his face was blank, "but do you think you'll be able to find another roommate to help with rent? I know it's the middle of the semester…"

"That will not be necessary."

Sarah turned back to Jareth, confused by his statement. Didn't he want me in the Underground?

He waved his hand carelessly and smirked. "I think you'll find I've more than accounted for Sarah's absence." Seeing the pair's questioning glances, he continued. "Go on, check your vault."

"My what? My bank account?" Kate rushed out of the kitchen, darting down the hall. "What did you do?"

Jareth…

Always so worried. Just wait, Sarah.

"AH!" Kate's yell echoed through the apartment. "Oh my God, that's impossible, I don't have that much in my account." She returned to the kitchen, face glued to her phone. "How is this possible," she whipped her head towards a grinning Jareth, "Did you…? I mean, jeez, I - thank you."

The king nodded once, and reached an arm around Sarah's waist. "Come Sarah, we are going home."

Kate had returned to staring at her phone in shock, but his order snapped her back to attention. "Now? But you just got here!"

"I'll see you soon, Kate."

"Promise?"

Sarah grinned. "Promise." She tilted her face towards Jareth's. "I'm ready."

"Finally."

And in an instant, the pair vanished from Above.

J/S

They reappeared seconds later in a bedchamber bathed in candlelight and crimson draperies. Jareth began suckling at the soft skin of her neck, but Sarah pulled away.

"Wait. Just one more thing."

"What. Now? You are impossible."

"I just wanted to get a few things straight. I told you I'm not ready to be Queen," she picked at the pleats of her gown pointedly, "and I want to finish school. I'm almost done. And it means a lot to me to graduate, even if I won't really need my degree here."

Jareth's mouth thinned, but he didn't speak.

"I know you can poof me back and forth between here and there, so I don't see why that's a problem.

"Sarah –," he growled, but Sarah cut him off with a kiss.

"Please? Just think of it as an engagement present." Sarah held onto his shirt, looking up with her best puppy-dog eyes.

He sighed. "Very well, precious. You can complete your pointless education. But," he paused, smirking, "it would appear you owe me an engagement present as well."

"Err, alright, what do you want?" she asked, knowing his list probably didn't include anything she could conjur.

He just grinned.

"Jareth?"

Before Sarah knew it, the back of her legs buckled as she hit the front of the bed, and Jareth had his lips trailing down her neck, her chest…his hand - gloveless, she noted vaguely - found its way into her hair and Sarah arched her back into the comforter, content with her predicament. If this was what he wanted, she was happy to acquesque, tangling her own hand into the hair at the base of his neck.

If one were to capture the emotions shared between the girl and her king in the hours afterwards, the picture would have sung. For love, relief, and exhilaration together painted an indescribable portrait. A portrait of a king and his love—someday Queen—but his one and only love. They would never tire of eachother, here, now, and forever.

For it has been said, forever is not long at all.