Preface:

Toby watched as they lowered the casket into the ground, slowly as though they were just waiting for someone to yell “stop!” and proclaim that the man inside was really alive. But no one spoke and the casket reached the bottom with the slightest of sounds. The events that day were all a blur to the man closest to the new grave. His father had died and all he could think on was a thirty year old promise to his brother-in-law.

He felt a slight pressure squeeze his right hand, looking down he saw the dark cream fingers lace with his own pale ones. He knew those fingers, they were the same ones that had countless times ran along his bare chest. Teased his flesh with their plum painted nails. The same fingers that would twine themselves tightly within his hair to pull his mouth to meet the cherry lips of their owner.

He squeezed the hand back before releasing them to take the long walk back to his car. He had been trying since his father’s death to leave her, but she had the annoying habit of forgiving him anything. Maybe it was because of how long they had been together, fifteen years was enough time to learn how to put up with someone’s moods. Whatever it was it was making things harder on Toby.

In truth he should have broken it off five years ago, he had stopped really loving her in a romantic sense around that time. He had simply grown comfortable with Bella, she was something he knew, could always depend on. She would always be there at night, curled into a ball against his chest. Would always make sure he wanted for nothing. He knew he could live contently with her, at least until he had to return Underground.

It was that that was now bothering him. His mother had died when he was only sixteen from complications giving birth. Now that his father was gone he knew he would have to make good on his promise to Jareth. He would return and fight, and he knew most likely die.

“Toby, wait up!” With a heavy sigh he stopped and waited for his girlfriend to catch up. He would have to end it now, tonight he would be leaving and he wasn’t cruel enough to just go without saying goodbye.

“Bella, we need…” Warm lips found his, crashing down desperately before he was able to finish. Bella had been close to his father, she was a kind and loving sort and sense after the supposed death of Sarah and the real one of his mother Robert had let his grief destroy his mind. Bella had moved both Toby and Robert into her apartment and cared for them as her own family. He guessed she believed on day they would be.

Pulling back he placed a soft kiss to her brow before taking a step away. He needed to finish this now so he had time to prepare.

“Do you want to go get a coffee, I know this has been hard on, but I am here…” Toby grabbed her chin hushing her before she finished speaking.

“Bella listen, I know you are here, that you want to be what I need right now. But you are not. I should have done this awhile ago, but I hadn’t the heart.” Her brows furrowed, she had noticed him pulling away the past couple of weeks. If she was honest with herself she had noticed him drifting for years. She just didn’t want to believe it, she loved him completely and only wished to be his wife. To care for him and their family. Sadly she knew for sometime now she would never get that chance.

“So then, just like that you are going to throw away fifteen years? Do you not love me?” Toby felt like an ass, how do you tell the woman you have been seeing for over a decade that you fell out of love years ago?

“I did, once. I still do, just not the way you do. Bella I’m leaving, and I think it is better that you know this now.” Tears began anew in Bella’s eyes, she had invested so much time into this relationship and he was just throwing it away like so much trash.

“Where are you going? You will be coming back, right?” Maybe, just maybe all he needed was a break. Then when he returned he would realize she was what he really needed.

“I made a promise a long time ago to a friend to return once I was alone. I will be making good on that now, and no I will not be returning…ever.” He gave a soft smile as he traced the familiar planes of her face, he may not love her like she wanted, but he would miss her.

“Goodbye Bella.” With that he kissed her forehead and turned and left. Bella wiped away her tears, she couldn’t believe it was over.

Toby stood before the old vanity mirror he had taken from Sarah’s room years ago. It wasn’t as large as it had been to a seven year old boy, but he knew this was the only way to return.

He had talked to Hoggle a few days ago, everything was set. His sister and Jareth would be waiting for him and his room within the castle was already prepared.

He dusted off imaginary dust from the jerkin Hoggle had sent him, he was dressed the part and it was time to leave. He touched his fingers to the surface of the mirror, softly whispering the dwarf’s name.

Bella stood outside the door to their…her apartment. After Toby had broken it off with her she had wandered around trying to figure a way to make him see reason. It was while she was thinking that she noticed something about what Toby had said. Or more how he had said it.

He had stressed the “ever” bit rather strongly, this worried her. His words had been filled with determination and finality.

Now standing outside the door she worried about what it meant. She slipped her key in the lock and turned it slowly till she heard the soft click. Nothing looked different, in fact all of Toby’s things were still where he had left them that morning.

She searched through room after room, still nothing looked missing…except for Toby. Finally as she made it to their room she noticed a slip of paper folded and placed on her side of the bed.

As she read the note her worst fears were confirmed. Toby really wasn’t coming back…ever.

Author's Note: Ok this has been going through my head for awhile, and I have decided to go ahead and write it. This story focuses mainly on Toby and his relationship with Jareth's daughter, though there will be some interaction with Jareth and Sarah.

I know I have already many stories I am working on, but I find it is easier for me when I have more than one I can write. When one is giving me a hard time I can work on another one.

Also, once I am done "This is My Winter" I plan on writing another Labby, in fact I have I don't know how many lined up. On my Author's Page there is a poll. Click the links to find a journal entery to a preview of the story. I have four up and I have everything ready to write each of them. I thought I would allow the readers to choose which one they would like to read next. I will write the one with the highest votes next. The poll will be open until I finish "This is My Winter"

Disclaimer: Nope don't own it!