The Perils of Being a Responsible Adult

[vicioussweetie]

After the unpleasantness in the Nexus, Jareth had made a very pretty apology that was as sincere as he could manage, if somewhat lacking in insight. Ali had accepted, of course, after explaining the difference between what he perceived as the problem and what had actually upset her; Jareth's efforts to understand had even won him an extremely

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[labyrinthking]

Jareth finds, upon waking, that he is quite alone--always a little disappointment, that, but it leaves open the possibility that Ali is off doing something that will end up delighting him again. With such hopes in mind, he summons the day's wardrobe, all white and dove-gray, and goes in search of his lady-lover. He will check first in the kitchen, he thinks, as it does tend to be one of her favorite haunts.

[vicioussweetie]

There are certainly signs Ali has been in the kitchen--dishes stacked too neatly in the sink to have been left by the goblins, and delightful smells coming from the oven. There is also a note on the table, asking any children or goblins who wander through to not open the oven, and to wash their hands before doing anything else. But she is no longer there by the time he arrives, although she remains nearby: some of the vines she'd planted in his garden what seems so very long ago are laden near to crushing themselves with bean pods, and she's out harvesting them.

[labyrinthking]

The oven receives a thoughtful look--it's so tempting to peek, after all. He decides to see if any of those aromas are scents he recognizes before continuing his search. The garden will be next, and there he'll be pleased to find her. "My darling," he purrs, "I trust you slept well?"

[vicioussweetie]

There's a cinnamony-vanilla perfume in the air that tends to mean something's being baked, and the heavy scent of meat roasting, and something fruity. Altogether, it promises another well-rounded meal for everyone involved. Ali is so particular about that sort of thing.

When he speaks, Ali turns to give him a smile and a kiss before answering. "Good morning." Well, not so much answer, as respond. Still, she hopes he doesn't notice. "I noticed there was quite a lot of leftover bread--did the children get a bit confused about who was supposed to buy it yesterday? I'm making bread pudding, so it's not going to waste, but we might need to start writing these things down for them until they can work it out for themselves."

[labyrinthking]

It's a response he'll accept, at any rate. Maybe he just doesn't argue with kisses. "They may have done, yes. And there was some disagreement about sharing loaves, as well--petty disputes easily solved."

[vicioussweetie]

"I'm glad to hear it." Still, she's going to make a mental note to talk to the children about sharing. "Now, how shall I keep you entertained until breakfast is ready?"

[labyrinthking]

"You might regale me," he suggests, slipping an arm around her waist as he moves to stand beside her. "How does your garden grow?"

[vicioussweetie]

"Very well," she announces, quite satisfied and maybe just a little smug. "Almost too well. I'll need help harvesting the beans after breakfast, and then with cooking them all." This will be a grand production indeed, if she admits to needing help.

[labyrinthking]

"I'm certain we'll be able to find some volunteers," he muses. Of course, he intends primarily to supervise.

[vicioussweetie]

"No doubt," she agrees, nuzzling her cheek into his hair for a moment before taking him on a tour of the garden. He asked to be regaled, and she intends to do so until he's had his fill of talking about plants, soil, worms, grass, watering schedules, and the very serious business of whether the vines should be on trellises or growing straight on the walls.

[labyrinthking]

That's rather more regaling than he really expected or intended to receive, but since she takes it so seriously, he'll listen and agree until some of the children come through the garden in the course of play. "Why, and here come our volunteers now."

[vicioussweetie]

"Indeed they do," she agrees with a smile, scooping up one of the little boys with her free hand when he comes running up to her. The first to reach Ali, it seems, is the first to get a piggy-back ride. "But I think first we should get breakfast finished."

The children are quick to agree to this. They're starving! They've been running around for ages without anything to eat, pity them! And show remorse by making them delicious things to eat, because otherwise it'll be the big sisters who cook, and they don't make such lovely things as Ali.

They're eager to greet Jareth as well, though they're not going to ask him about breakfast. They know he doesn't cook.

[labyrinthking]

"That we should, and that we shall." Jareth greets the children warmly, and may scoop one or two up, himself, for their return to the kitchen. Privately, he's just as eager as any of the children to have some of this most recent breakfast Ali's made.

[vicioussweetie]

Jareth's willingness, nay, eagerness to play with the children gets a briefly startled look from Ali. It's so easy to forget how generally good he is with kids. But the look ends with a smile before Ali turns away again

[labyrinthking]

Given the kind of havoc the goblins wreak when they have a turn at setting the table or, really, anything remotely breakable, the children's organization is nothing short of marvelous. Jareth is quick to forgive the girl, with a smile and a turn of phrase that should soon have her laughing and merry once again.

As for breakfast--what a breakfast it is! Jareth proclaims himself thoroughly delighted, especially praising the juice. He seems quite pleased to preside over such a merry feast, and shall be all the moreso when Ali is once again at his side.

[vicioussweetie]

The girl is quite relieved Jareth isn't mad, and is soon again as happy as anyone there. Which is to say, very happy indeed (even when faced with the dreaded vegetables). And for her part, Ali's soon again at Jareth's side, watching the children to make sure no fights spring up about who gets what or who took more then is fair. Once everyone else is eating, Ali fills her own plate, and relaxes enough to enjoy the meal.

"They're doing a lot better," she remarks to Jareth, when the kids are busy eating. "I'm impressed."