Exchange Fic #11: Awakening of a Mother
The actual identity of the writer will remain secret until all the submissions are in and posted.
****
Title: Awakening of a Mother
Author: gabbie217
Recipient: tallulah99
Prompt: As ever - babyfic. I don't care what it's about, but J/S BABIES.
Rating: G
Plot Summary/Author's Notes: Sarah finds a baby in the woods. -- I wrote this last minute because of reasons and I hope it fits what you wanted!
Sarah tilted her head up towards the sky, breathing in the cool night air deeply. Filtering light through the tree branches was the large full moon that refused to be covered by the dark, grey storm clouds that were forming up above. She drew her midnight blue cloak around her shoulders, resuming her walk. With everything the Aboveground had to offer, nothing beat a midnight walk through the woods that lay just behind her old childhood home. It had been years since she had been able to come back for a visit, her responsibilities of being Jareth's wife and assisting him with running the Labyrinth kept her far too busy. She had managed to get leave to come up for Toby's 16th birthday. How grateful she was, that Jareth had allowed her to return. The Labyrinth had many places she could explore, but sometimes it was nice to just return to something old, something familiar.
A loud wail broke the peaceful silence, causing Sarah to slip up and nearly fall over. She narrowed her eyes and scanned the surrounding trees, seeking out the source of the noise. She picked her way through fallen branches and wild grass, following the heartbreaking sound. Sarah had to tread carefully, this part of the woods far more condensed than the path she had previously been on. The cries faded out into weak whimpers, leading Sarah to believe that she was searching for a child. Anger spurred her to move quicker and her thoughts raced with all the reasons that a child would not only be out this late, but be out in the dark woods. What kind of parent would bring a child in here?
She came upon a clearing, breathing heavily, her dark green eyes landing instantly on a small bundle, laying innocently upon the bed of grass. She darted over to it, outraged when she saw a baby, it's small fists waving in the air in a feeble manner, tears pouring from the bright blue eyes. Sarah bent over and scooped the child up, cooing softly as she gathered it in her arms. "Where are your parents?" she murmured, glancing around with tight and narrowed eyes. Had they really just abandoned their baby in the middle of the woods? Sarah felt a maternal instinct coursing through her veins and she pulled the baby close to her chest protectively. She looked down at the baby, marvelling at the blueness of it's eyes and how they seemed to sparkle as they gazed up at her. Her brain interjected that it was probably the remaining tears that were causing the almost otherworldly shine, but she didn't care. This baby was beautiful. With it's perfectly shaped eyes that were framed with thick, dark lashes, it's pert little nose, and full, plump little lips. Who would want to give such a child up?
Sarah heard a faint howling of a coyote off in the distance and she decided she should get the baby home. Or at least, out of the woods. She secured the blanket around the baby, tucking it close to her to prevent it from getting colder than it already was. She hummed softly as she walked, trying to keep the little one calm. It seemed content to lay in her arms, not at all concerned with where she was taking it. Sarah managed to find her way back to the path, walking as fast as she could towards home without jostling the child too much. Her breathing was becoming strained and her arms were growing tired. For such a little thing, it sure did seem to weigh a ton. Every now and again the baby would whimper softly. Sarah wondered when the last time it had eaten was and when it had been changed last. Having grown up taking care of Toby, and later the other children that were wished away to the Labyrinth, she knew quite a bit about babies. It killed her to think that this baby had been lying in it's own waste, probably starving for who knows how long. This baby's parents better hope that she never found them.
~*~
Settling the small boy into Toby's old crib, Sarah looked down at the sleeping child and smiled gently. After she had fed and cleaned him up, he had calmed down and eventually drifted off into a deep sleep. Sarah was thankful that Irene had kept all of Toby's old baby things, such as the crib, some of his clothes, and even a few of his toys. She knew she would have to report the missing child to the authorities, but she saw no harm in keeping him for the night. Let the poor little boy get one good night of sleep before turning his world upside down once more.
"Sarah." The softly uttered word made Sarah jump, and she whirled around to see Jareth looking at her with a stormy expression. "You weren't at the park."
"Oh. Right." Sarah bit her lip guiltily. "I'm sorry, Jareth. I know I was supposed to meet you there tonight, but look! I found a child!" Hoping that the sight of the baby would prevent Jareth from being too upset at being stood up, Sarah stepped away from the crib and gestured for him to come closer and look.
Jareth did move forward, his eyes remaining carefully blank. "And where, pray tell, did you find this child?"
"In the woods," she replied. "He was all alone, crying. He was so hungry, Jareth! And he hadn't been properly taken care of for quite some time, it looked like. I gave him a bath and had to change the water three times." Sarah watched as Jareth examined the little boy, her heart seeming to melt at the gentle and caring intensity on his face. If Sarah had to choose only one thing she loved most about her Goblin King, she would have to say it was his love for children. He may be terrifying at times and a powerful monarch, but put a child in his arms and he became a whole new man.
Part of Sarah wanted to ask if they could keep this adorable child, with the dark curly locks and the cerulean coloured eyes, but she knew that Jareth wouldn't be able to say yes. And it would be selfish of her to try. Her husband wanted to give her the world, but even he had to abide by human laws whilst aboveground. This child was not theirs to take. No matter how much Sarah wanted to rescue him.
"He is an adorable little thing," Jareth murmured, a fond smile on his face.
Sarah had to hide a smile. Her Goblin King was quite the sucker for little children. It always amused her how he could go from kicking goblins out of the way and causing havoc with the latest runner of the Labyrinth to cooing over a baby. Of course, Jareth only ever let her see him turn into a softie seeing as he would hate to let anyone think he had a heart. He does have a reputation to uphold, after all.
~*~
The next morning Sarah woke up with a start, a loud, piercing wail ringing in her ears. She sat up swiftly and saw the crib not three feet from her bed. She recalled the previous night, of how she had brought the child home and had moved his crib closer to hers in case she was needed. As Sarah climbed out of her bed and padded over to the crib, smiling down at the crying boy. "Good morning," she whispered. Sarah gently picked up the baby, cradling him close to her chest. "Did you sleep well?" She spoke softly and carefully, not wanting to startle him or frighten him in anyway. Grabbing a fresh nappy, Sarah eased the still whimpering child onto the attached changing table of the crib. "Let's change you and then get you fed, okay? And then I'm going to have to take you someplace new. Someplace I can't stay and be with you."
Staring up at her with unblinking eyes, the baby yawned and didn't seem to impressed with her words. He waved his little fists in the air, seemingly growing tired of just laying there while Sarah changed his nappy. She made funny noises, tickling his small stomach, hoping to get a smile out of him. It had always worked with Toby as a toddler. And even though Sarah could see that this baby was not even a year old yet, she figured every child was amused by weird noises and funny faces. Not a minute had passed before the baby's face broke out into a wide, gummy smile.
"Aren't you just the most precious thing?" Sarah breathed out, an adoring smile matching his. After securing him on her hip, Sarah carried him down to the kitchen, praying that Irene and her father weren't awake yet. She knew for a fact that Toby wouldn't be up, since her brother liked to play games with the goblins until early in the morning and then proceed to sleep the day away.
Thankfully, no one else was in the kitchen. Sarah prepared a bottle for the baby, bouncing himself softly in her arms to keep him preoccupied. There was no sound barrier in the kitchen, unlike her room. So here, if the baby cried, someone would hear. She tested the liquid's temperature on her wrist before giving it to the little bundle in her arms. She hummed softly as the baby drank greedily, walking around the kitchen to get her own breakfast. She was startled to see that it was only 4:45 in the morning, since it seemed much later than that to her. But babies have their own schedule and who was she to argue with a baby about when it was time to eat.
After making and eating her breakfast, Sarah went back upstairs to get dressed. The police station would be open and they would know where she should take the baby. Her heart sank as she realised that in just an hour or so, this baby would be gone. She would probably never see it ever again. Tears clogged her throat and Sarah had to blink furiously to prevent any tears falling. She was surprised at herself. Never before had she reacted this way about a child. Numerous amounts of children came to the Labyrinth, and they were always given away at the end of the runners time. She hadn't had a problem with it then and she had spent more time with those children. So why was she crying over this child?
"Don't be such a baby," Sarah told herself firmly. "This needs to be done." And with that, Sarah finished getting herself and the little boy ready and walked briskly out of the house. She met Jareth on the porch and together the went to take the baby to the police station. Sarah was proud to say she didn't cry.
~*~
"Are you alright, Sarah?"
Feeling Jareth's arms wrap around her waist, Sarah leaned back into his embrace. They had been back Underground for about two weeks now and Sarah was finding it hard to keep away from the baby room. Ever since they had turned in the baby -Jack was his name- Sarah had been gravitating towards all babies, without really knowing why. It was getting harder and harder for her to let Jareth find other homes for the babies under their care and she just wanted to hold them all close to her and never let anything bad happen to them again.
"Sarah?" Now Jareth sounded concerned. He turned her around and looked down at her anxiously, brushing a thumb across her cheek. "What is wrong, love?"
Staring wonderingly at the tear clinging to his thumb, Sarah wondered when she had begun crying again. "Nothing is wrong," she replied shakily. "Nothing that I know of."
Holding her close, Jareth rubbed soothing circles on her back and stayed silent. His mind was whirling with all of the possibilities for Sarah's weird behaviour and all of her tears. And now that he thought about it, she had been eating a lot lately, which was another change in her behaviour. "Sarah, my love-" Jareth paused, unsure how to ask about the thought that had just popped up. He pulled away so he could get a better look at her face. "Is there- Perhaps- Are you with child?"
Sarah's mouth fell open and her first instinct was to laugh and deny that she was, but it would make sense. Fast as she could, Sarah counted back the days and factored in when she and Jareth had last made love. Paling, Sarah let her hands ghost down over her lower stomach, her green eyes locked with Jareth's. "I- I might be." As she spoke, she knew she was. All of her heightened emotions, her increased appetite, and her attachment to the babies, it was all making becoming clear. She was pregnant. And if her calculations were right, then she was about two months along. "Jareth, I'm pregnant!"
Jareth stared back at her, his expression blank. "Sarah, don't joke around."
"I'm not," Sarah said, her smile growing bigger as she saw his disbelief. "Jareth, I'm not joking. Think of how long it has been since my last-" She licked her lips nervously. "Bleeding. My mood swings, the food cravings, Jareth it all adds up to only one thing. I'm pregnant."
Moving towards her slowly and cautiously, Jareth allowed a smile to grace his face. "We're going to have a little Prince?"
Sarah suppressed an eye roll. "Or a little Princess, but yes. We are going to have a little one."
Jareth scooped her up into his arms, kissing her full on the mouth. He swung her around the baby room, his laugh full and throaty as they spun. After setting her down, Jareth gave her his rare, playful smirk. "If they are half as headstrong as you, I'm in for a world of trouble."
Letting that one slide past, Sarah merely smiled up at her Goblin King, her hands cradling her still flat stomach. "No matter who they are or who they become, he or she will be ours and ours alone."
****
Title: Awakening of a Mother
Author: gabbie217
Recipient: tallulah99
Prompt: As ever - babyfic. I don't care what it's about, but J/S BABIES.
Rating: G
Plot Summary/Author's Notes: Sarah finds a baby in the woods. -- I wrote this last minute because of reasons and I hope it fits what you wanted!
Sarah tilted her head up towards the sky, breathing in the cool night air deeply. Filtering light through the tree branches was the large full moon that refused to be covered by the dark, grey storm clouds that were forming up above. She drew her midnight blue cloak around her shoulders, resuming her walk. With everything the Aboveground had to offer, nothing beat a midnight walk through the woods that lay just behind her old childhood home. It had been years since she had been able to come back for a visit, her responsibilities of being Jareth's wife and assisting him with running the Labyrinth kept her far too busy. She had managed to get leave to come up for Toby's 16th birthday. How grateful she was, that Jareth had allowed her to return. The Labyrinth had many places she could explore, but sometimes it was nice to just return to something old, something familiar.
A loud wail broke the peaceful silence, causing Sarah to slip up and nearly fall over. She narrowed her eyes and scanned the surrounding trees, seeking out the source of the noise. She picked her way through fallen branches and wild grass, following the heartbreaking sound. Sarah had to tread carefully, this part of the woods far more condensed than the path she had previously been on. The cries faded out into weak whimpers, leading Sarah to believe that she was searching for a child. Anger spurred her to move quicker and her thoughts raced with all the reasons that a child would not only be out this late, but be out in the dark woods. What kind of parent would bring a child in here?
She came upon a clearing, breathing heavily, her dark green eyes landing instantly on a small bundle, laying innocently upon the bed of grass. She darted over to it, outraged when she saw a baby, it's small fists waving in the air in a feeble manner, tears pouring from the bright blue eyes. Sarah bent over and scooped the child up, cooing softly as she gathered it in her arms. "Where are your parents?" she murmured, glancing around with tight and narrowed eyes. Had they really just abandoned their baby in the middle of the woods? Sarah felt a maternal instinct coursing through her veins and she pulled the baby close to her chest protectively. She looked down at the baby, marvelling at the blueness of it's eyes and how they seemed to sparkle as they gazed up at her. Her brain interjected that it was probably the remaining tears that were causing the almost otherworldly shine, but she didn't care. This baby was beautiful. With it's perfectly shaped eyes that were framed with thick, dark lashes, it's pert little nose, and full, plump little lips. Who would want to give such a child up?
Sarah heard a faint howling of a coyote off in the distance and she decided she should get the baby home. Or at least, out of the woods. She secured the blanket around the baby, tucking it close to her to prevent it from getting colder than it already was. She hummed softly as she walked, trying to keep the little one calm. It seemed content to lay in her arms, not at all concerned with where she was taking it. Sarah managed to find her way back to the path, walking as fast as she could towards home without jostling the child too much. Her breathing was becoming strained and her arms were growing tired. For such a little thing, it sure did seem to weigh a ton. Every now and again the baby would whimper softly. Sarah wondered when the last time it had eaten was and when it had been changed last. Having grown up taking care of Toby, and later the other children that were wished away to the Labyrinth, she knew quite a bit about babies. It killed her to think that this baby had been lying in it's own waste, probably starving for who knows how long. This baby's parents better hope that she never found them.
~*~
Settling the small boy into Toby's old crib, Sarah looked down at the sleeping child and smiled gently. After she had fed and cleaned him up, he had calmed down and eventually drifted off into a deep sleep. Sarah was thankful that Irene had kept all of Toby's old baby things, such as the crib, some of his clothes, and even a few of his toys. She knew she would have to report the missing child to the authorities, but she saw no harm in keeping him for the night. Let the poor little boy get one good night of sleep before turning his world upside down once more.
"Sarah." The softly uttered word made Sarah jump, and she whirled around to see Jareth looking at her with a stormy expression. "You weren't at the park."
"Oh. Right." Sarah bit her lip guiltily. "I'm sorry, Jareth. I know I was supposed to meet you there tonight, but look! I found a child!" Hoping that the sight of the baby would prevent Jareth from being too upset at being stood up, Sarah stepped away from the crib and gestured for him to come closer and look.
Jareth did move forward, his eyes remaining carefully blank. "And where, pray tell, did you find this child?"
"In the woods," she replied. "He was all alone, crying. He was so hungry, Jareth! And he hadn't been properly taken care of for quite some time, it looked like. I gave him a bath and had to change the water three times." Sarah watched as Jareth examined the little boy, her heart seeming to melt at the gentle and caring intensity on his face. If Sarah had to choose only one thing she loved most about her Goblin King, she would have to say it was his love for children. He may be terrifying at times and a powerful monarch, but put a child in his arms and he became a whole new man.
Part of Sarah wanted to ask if they could keep this adorable child, with the dark curly locks and the cerulean coloured eyes, but she knew that Jareth wouldn't be able to say yes. And it would be selfish of her to try. Her husband wanted to give her the world, but even he had to abide by human laws whilst aboveground. This child was not theirs to take. No matter how much Sarah wanted to rescue him.
"He is an adorable little thing," Jareth murmured, a fond smile on his face.
Sarah had to hide a smile. Her Goblin King was quite the sucker for little children. It always amused her how he could go from kicking goblins out of the way and causing havoc with the latest runner of the Labyrinth to cooing over a baby. Of course, Jareth only ever let her see him turn into a softie seeing as he would hate to let anyone think he had a heart. He does have a reputation to uphold, after all.
~*~
The next morning Sarah woke up with a start, a loud, piercing wail ringing in her ears. She sat up swiftly and saw the crib not three feet from her bed. She recalled the previous night, of how she had brought the child home and had moved his crib closer to hers in case she was needed. As Sarah climbed out of her bed and padded over to the crib, smiling down at the crying boy. "Good morning," she whispered. Sarah gently picked up the baby, cradling him close to her chest. "Did you sleep well?" She spoke softly and carefully, not wanting to startle him or frighten him in anyway. Grabbing a fresh nappy, Sarah eased the still whimpering child onto the attached changing table of the crib. "Let's change you and then get you fed, okay? And then I'm going to have to take you someplace new. Someplace I can't stay and be with you."
Staring up at her with unblinking eyes, the baby yawned and didn't seem to impressed with her words. He waved his little fists in the air, seemingly growing tired of just laying there while Sarah changed his nappy. She made funny noises, tickling his small stomach, hoping to get a smile out of him. It had always worked with Toby as a toddler. And even though Sarah could see that this baby was not even a year old yet, she figured every child was amused by weird noises and funny faces. Not a minute had passed before the baby's face broke out into a wide, gummy smile.
"Aren't you just the most precious thing?" Sarah breathed out, an adoring smile matching his. After securing him on her hip, Sarah carried him down to the kitchen, praying that Irene and her father weren't awake yet. She knew for a fact that Toby wouldn't be up, since her brother liked to play games with the goblins until early in the morning and then proceed to sleep the day away.
Thankfully, no one else was in the kitchen. Sarah prepared a bottle for the baby, bouncing himself softly in her arms to keep him preoccupied. There was no sound barrier in the kitchen, unlike her room. So here, if the baby cried, someone would hear. She tested the liquid's temperature on her wrist before giving it to the little bundle in her arms. She hummed softly as the baby drank greedily, walking around the kitchen to get her own breakfast. She was startled to see that it was only 4:45 in the morning, since it seemed much later than that to her. But babies have their own schedule and who was she to argue with a baby about when it was time to eat.
After making and eating her breakfast, Sarah went back upstairs to get dressed. The police station would be open and they would know where she should take the baby. Her heart sank as she realised that in just an hour or so, this baby would be gone. She would probably never see it ever again. Tears clogged her throat and Sarah had to blink furiously to prevent any tears falling. She was surprised at herself. Never before had she reacted this way about a child. Numerous amounts of children came to the Labyrinth, and they were always given away at the end of the runners time. She hadn't had a problem with it then and she had spent more time with those children. So why was she crying over this child?
"Don't be such a baby," Sarah told herself firmly. "This needs to be done." And with that, Sarah finished getting herself and the little boy ready and walked briskly out of the house. She met Jareth on the porch and together the went to take the baby to the police station. Sarah was proud to say she didn't cry.
~*~
"Are you alright, Sarah?"
Feeling Jareth's arms wrap around her waist, Sarah leaned back into his embrace. They had been back Underground for about two weeks now and Sarah was finding it hard to keep away from the baby room. Ever since they had turned in the baby -Jack was his name- Sarah had been gravitating towards all babies, without really knowing why. It was getting harder and harder for her to let Jareth find other homes for the babies under their care and she just wanted to hold them all close to her and never let anything bad happen to them again.
"Sarah?" Now Jareth sounded concerned. He turned her around and looked down at her anxiously, brushing a thumb across her cheek. "What is wrong, love?"
Staring wonderingly at the tear clinging to his thumb, Sarah wondered when she had begun crying again. "Nothing is wrong," she replied shakily. "Nothing that I know of."
Holding her close, Jareth rubbed soothing circles on her back and stayed silent. His mind was whirling with all of the possibilities for Sarah's weird behaviour and all of her tears. And now that he thought about it, she had been eating a lot lately, which was another change in her behaviour. "Sarah, my love-" Jareth paused, unsure how to ask about the thought that had just popped up. He pulled away so he could get a better look at her face. "Is there- Perhaps- Are you with child?"
Sarah's mouth fell open and her first instinct was to laugh and deny that she was, but it would make sense. Fast as she could, Sarah counted back the days and factored in when she and Jareth had last made love. Paling, Sarah let her hands ghost down over her lower stomach, her green eyes locked with Jareth's. "I- I might be." As she spoke, she knew she was. All of her heightened emotions, her increased appetite, and her attachment to the babies, it was all making becoming clear. She was pregnant. And if her calculations were right, then she was about two months along. "Jareth, I'm pregnant!"
Jareth stared back at her, his expression blank. "Sarah, don't joke around."
"I'm not," Sarah said, her smile growing bigger as she saw his disbelief. "Jareth, I'm not joking. Think of how long it has been since my last-" She licked her lips nervously. "Bleeding. My mood swings, the food cravings, Jareth it all adds up to only one thing. I'm pregnant."
Moving towards her slowly and cautiously, Jareth allowed a smile to grace his face. "We're going to have a little Prince?"
Sarah suppressed an eye roll. "Or a little Princess, but yes. We are going to have a little one."
Jareth scooped her up into his arms, kissing her full on the mouth. He swung her around the baby room, his laugh full and throaty as they spun. After setting her down, Jareth gave her his rare, playful smirk. "If they are half as headstrong as you, I'm in for a world of trouble."
Letting that one slide past, Sarah merely smiled up at her Goblin King, her hands cradling her still flat stomach. "No matter who they are or who they become, he or she will be ours and ours alone."