Jareth sneered as he watched yet another useless whelp get lost in his labyrinth. He tossed the viewing crystal back and forth while lounging in his throne and pondering the many runners he’d seen over the years. Why did they even bother trying? After all, they must be even crueller than him to wish somebody away as if they were nothing; then they’d try to redeem themselves by attempting a rescue. Did any of them really care if they won his game or was it all just so they could live with the guilt?

Bemused, he caught the crystal, spinning it on one finger until the view switched to you in a cell filled with multiple doors; all which led to a different kind of cell. Some cells had doors high upon the walls, where you had to climb to reach them, others had animals which would attempt to confuse prisoners with their own unique abilities, a few held items that turned to a disgusting goo when touched; not a single cell had any hope of escape.

You were currently nursing a bloody hand after attempting to climb a wall made entirely of spikes; you’d been trapped in that cell the longest so far. There was no doubt about it, the longer Jareth observed your determination, resilience, and strength, the more enamoured he became with you. Naturally, by fae standards, that meant Jareth was in love with you; fae emotions were much stronger than that of a human. Most victims of his prison started off with the usual escape attempts but all tapered off after around the first hour. You on the other hand, had gone eleven hours straight and had still not given up.

While Jareth usually derived entertainment from tormenting the runners, this time he was completely enthralled with observing the prize; you. Jareth snapped his fingers, summoning an ornate, gothic, black clock, marked with thirteen hours. He looked from the clock to you and back. “Hmm, a determined little minx if I ever saw one. Only two hours left and (s)he’s as hopeful as ever.”

He pointed his cane at one of his goblin servants in the doorway. “Bring (Y/N) to me, I think a chat would prove fruitful.”

After seeing the sheer size of the goblin guard escorting you from the hellish cell, you opted not to fight or run; instead, you would face what was to come with dignity and grace until an opportunity for escape presented itself.

When you arrived in the throne room, you were taken aback by the sight before you; you’d been prepared for a trap or trick of some form but there was no such thing. Jareth himself stood proudly in the centre, donning a navy-blue masquerade-like outfit. The room was lit with fireflies. A string quartet played serenely in the corner. On the other side of the room was a table laden with the most delectable looking foods you’d ever seen; bowls of plump peaches, peach cobbler, caramelised peaches, and other peach-themed delights.

“Enjoying the view?” Jareth addressed you mischievously.

“Am I supposed to be impressed?” You glowered.

“I should hope so, you did come dressed for the occasion.”

You frowned’, then looked down to your outfit which had transformed into an extravagant, pearl, masquerade outfit to compliment Jareth’s; furthermore, your once bloody hand was completely healed.

Jareth shot you a satisfied smirk, grabbing your arm and pulling you towards him.

“Dance with me.” He said in a tone that wasn’t quite a request nor a demand.

You complied, trying to gauge his true intent as he swayed you gracefully in time with the music.

“How do you like your new home?”

“This isn’t home.”

“Of course it is.” Jareth rolled his eyes, bored with the obvious. “Don’t deny what you know to be true.” He dipped you gracefully. “This became your home the second you got here. Barely anyone makes it through my labyrinth.”

“Then there’s still a chance.”

Jareth grinned, pulling you unnecessarily close on the way up. “You’re so sure of yourself my peach. Would you care to make a little wager?”

You pulled away from him, flushed red, though not from the dance. “I… Fine, I have nothing to lose.”

“Excellent. Now, you say your runner will make it in the remaining time to rescue you, I say he won’t. If you win, you can leave as already agreed-”

“No.”

“No?”

“That would gain me nothing, the purpose of a wager is to earn something, is it not? I want something more.”

Jareth pursed his lips. “Very well. Consider this, if you win, you shall get one wish from me to be used at any time you desire.”

You thought it over before nodding, satisfied.

“When I win-”

“If you win.”

“You will keep your human form instead of being transformed into one of my goblin subjects, and you will marry me, staying by my side for all eternity.”

You paled sickly, quickly regaining your composure and snapping, “THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE SAYING DAMN IT.”

“I ALWAYS THINK BEFORE SPEAKING.” He thundered. “Fae cannot lie. I always take particular care when choosing my words.”

“I…” You faced him defiantly, standing tall with pride. “He will come for me. I know it.”

“So you agree to my terms?”

“I do.”

“The deal has been struck. Now that’s taken care of, do you care to see how your runner’s doing?”

You remembered the hateful words the boy had said before wishing you away. The two of you had never met before today and now you had to trust him to compete for your life. When in your own, safe realm, you’d seen how upset the boy was at something and tried to help. Things escalated quickly and before you knew it, the two of you were on opposite ends of the labyrinth. Despite all that, he still had the nerve to compete for you; if the circumstances were better, it would have been heart-warming.

“Sure.”

Jareth retrieved a small crystal ball, seemingly from nowhere. You watched in avid fascination as the boy appeared in the centre, evidently confused as to whether he should take the swampy path to the left or the desert path to the right. You grabbed hold of Jareth’s forearm, desperate to get a closer look. Finally, the boy chose the path to the left, you winced as a hole opened in the very mud beneath him, dropping him into a cave with a petrified squeal.

Your grip tightened. “No… Your maze isn’t fair.”

“Neither was wishing you away.” Jareth replied harshly, startling you away from him until you regained your courage.

“AT LEAST HE’S TRYING.”

“What will it take for you to realise? He’d leave right now if he could.”

“SHUT UP. YOU’RE WRONG.”

“You think so, my little flower? Then please, observe for you will be mine.”

Within the blink of an eye, Jareth vanished, in his place stood the crystal on a floating, red, velvet pillow. You grabbed the crystal, clutching it tightly. Jareth reappeared in front of the boy, who scrambled back, tripping over in the small space.

“P-please, don’t hurt me.” He stammered, shielding his face.

You eyed him closely, noticing for the first time that he wasn’t really a boy at all but a man of around nineteen; you wondered how you hadn’t noticed earlier.

“Stop your snivelling, I’m not here to hurt you.” Jareth growled disgustedly. “I’m here to make a one-time offer so pay attention.”

The runner stopped cowering but made no attempt to get up.

“You are here to rescue (Y/N), the person you so carelessly banished. There is exactly one hour left to accomplish this impossible task and you are no nearer success than you were eleven hours ago. If you abandon your quest now, you will be returned home, unscathed.”

The runner threw himself at Jareth’s feet. “Yes. Whatever you say. I didn’t even want to be here, I just thought (s)he was the way home. Please, let me go.”

Jareth glared at the repulsive creature before him, delivering a swift kick to the man’s jaw, removing him from his feet. “A true coward. You will be sent back to live with what you’ve done. I hope the guilt eats away at you.”

A second later, the man was gone and Jareth was back by your side. Numbness had taken over you, you didn’t feel a thing as Jareth leaned in close, his breath tickling your ear, “Get ready for our wedding, my peach.”