Page 82 of First Snow

Jareth tenses, retreating a few inches.

“Tell me.”

Arttu’s heart starts to beat faster. He was certain Jareth wouldn’t reject him only moments ago. Now he isn’t so sure anymore. What if he’s asking too much, too soon? What if he’s pushing Jareth away?

Grabbing his chin, Jareth gently forces eye contact. “Arttu. Tell me.”

It’s the way Jareth seems almost panicked that helps Arttu keep his nerve.

“I love you,” he blurts.

“Pardon?”

“I’m in love with you.”

Jareth stares at him. Not blinking. Stunned.

Fear gathers in Arttu’s gut.

“Jareth?”

Pressing him back against the chair, Jareth kisses him softly, like Arttu is something delicate, something precious to him.

“Oh, sweetheart, don’t be afraid that your feelings aren’t reciprocated. You have no idea. You are the only one who really knows my true self, you are my treasure, my everything. I couldn’t bear to lose you. But no matter how I behaved in the past, you have to know that I love you far too much to keep you here against your will—”

“Shh.” Arttu stops Jareth’s rambling with a shaking hand covering his lips. “You can keep me. You don’t have to worry that I won’t make my wishes known. But you won’t get rid of me that quickly.”

“Good,” Jareth mumbles, grinning like a fool. “Very good.”

Epilogue

Jareth

Thedaysarealreadygetting longer and the sun makes the snowy forest glow. Laughing, Jareth skies down a hill, chasing after Arttu.Rhosyn Keepcomes into view in front of them. Glancing at him over his shoulder, Arttu accelerates his speed. His breath condenses into little, white puffs, and he smirks at Jareth, confident of his victory. He has almost made it, but Jareth won’t let him win their little game. The price is way too alluring.

Bending reality to his will, Jareth bridges the remaining distance to the castle.

Arttu yelps as he realizes that Jareth isn’t behind him anymore. He turns and tries to evade Jareth, who has materialized in front of him, but he isn’t fast enough. He crashes into Jareth, knocking them both off their feet.

“That’s unfair,” Arttu growls from where he’s splayed over Jareth’s chest. “No magic!”

“I promised nothing of the sort.” Jareth chuckles. “You’re still way too careless when it comes to negotiating contracts.”

Breathing in his lover’s sweet scent, Jareth wraps his arms around him. Arttu feels warm and a little sweaty from the afternoon they spent skiing.

“Fuck off,” Arttu grumbles, but leans closer to kiss Jareth.

“I caught you, my little human. Now I want my prize.”

Arttu rolls his eyes.

“You’re insatiable.”

He watches Arttu as he bends over the kitchen counter, kneading the dough. His sleeves are rolled up, so that Jareth can admire the play of muscles on his arms.

“Smells good.”

Stepping behind Arttu, he rests his hands on Arttu’s waist and presses a kiss to his neck. The smell of cinnamon and cloves clings to Arttu, and he leans back into Jareth’s embrace.