Champagne

Co-written by my friend Lizzie... who had been my over-all editor, by the way... Thank you very much, Liz! I DO know how much you like CJ, too! Lots-a-Luv!

Disclaimer: I do no own the PD's. Since this is the movie were talking about, this belongs to Disney...

Champagne: Tinged with Heat

Exiting from such a long parliament meeting, Clarisse walked timidly back to her office, Charlotte, her assistant, close on her heels. It had been quite a busy day - if 'busy' wasn't even an understatement. All she needed now was a cup of tea and perhaps… perhaps she needed somebody, too. Ever since the successive loss of her husband and youngest son, Clarisse had been forced to take upon herself, the role of queen to Genovia. It had been hard, to say the least, of adjusting into the hectic schedule. But, she thought to herself, now is not the time to think about such matters.

After Clarisse had had her tea, she signed a few more papers before retreating to her rooms to finally rest and call it a day. Just as she walked out of the door, she accidentally bumped into Joseph. Because she wasn't able to eat lunch due to the meeting, she felt dizzy and tried to hold on to something… that currently was Joseph.

"Clarisse!" He exclaimed while he held her close and keeping a firm grip as he helped her regain her equilibrium. He noticed her pale features and remembered he hadn't seen her eat lunch that day. Clarisse staggered for a while before finally gaining back her control.

"Thank you, Joseph." A weak smile graced her lips. "And I'm sorry for bumping into you." Joseph, however, wasn't smiling. He was much too concerned for her health.

"Have you eaten anything today, your Majesty?" Joseph couldn't resist the urge to ask his sovereign.

"Well, no, but I did have a meeting with Parliament." She should be going to her rooms by now and probably lull herself to an early sleep, but still she found herself answering to his questions and not wanting to leave. Joseph then checked his watch.

"Your Majesty, It's almost 6 o'clock in the evening. I am well aware that you may be tired after a long day, but you haven't eaten anything since this morning, Clarisse." At the mention of her name, Clarisse could clearly see the concern now very much evident in his features.

"I'm fine, really, Joseph." She hoped Joseph didn't notice, but she was practically melting when Joseph grabbed her hand.

"If you'll permit me, Clarisse, I'll bring you to the kitchen, and find us something to eat before you retreat to your rooms… Please?" He didn't exactly know how to, but Joseph tried to ask her with puppy-dog eyes. Clarisse sighed and smiled at him, barely suppressing some giggles as she looked at him.

"Oh, very well," she answered, a hint of laughter shook her voice. Joseph offered his arm and Clarisse took it. Together they walked towards the kitchen.

Once inside, Clarisse was surprised to find the table already set. There, before her, was a romantic candle-lit dinner, which only Joseph could have prepared.

Noticing her mildly surprised expression Joseph spoke up. "I had planned a relaxing dinner under the stars but due to the unexpected shower this afternoon, I'm afraid this will have to do," he said, leading her to her seat and helping her to it.

Clarisse smiled at his actions. "And what, may I ask, is the reason for this fairly romantic setting?"

"I thought you might want to relax, with all that has happened today." Joseph replied, taking a seat across her.

Clarisse sighed contentedly and smiled gratefully at Joseph. "Thank you so much for everything, Joseph. You keep me sane on days like this." She touched Joseph's hand caressingly and he smiled at her.

"You're welcome, Clarisse, as always…" He looked briefly at her hand which was still gently on top of his, and looked back at her. Melting by the way he looked at her, Clarisse drew her hand back, hopefully wishing that her cheeks wouldn't betray her.

"Um… shall we start eating? I feel I'm rather hungry," she stated uneasily.

"Of course…" was his only answer before tearing his eyes away from the unmistakable beauty blossoming right before his eyes.

Half and hour later, they found themselves chatting gaily with one another. Clarisse, in spite of her exhaustion, enjoyed it very much. She didn't realize that time was flying by already.

They had finished eating their supper when Joseph, out of the blue, decided to open a bottle of champagne.

"Champagne, Clarisse?" Joseph asked and Clarisse nodded her head.

"Yes, thank you," she replied as Joseph poured the golden liquid into her glass.

The two of them continued talking animatedly with each other, not knowing that they were consuming more champagne with every passing minute. A few hours later, however, Clarisse felt light-headed and a little bit giddy. Joseph, on the other hand, was still fighting the effects of the many glasses of Champagne they had, but he didn't know that as he was resisting the giddiness, a new feeling was very slowly taking over him… desire.

After a while, Clarisse gave a small hiccup and Joseph knew that it must be the champagne finally working up. Suddenly, the antique wall clock chimed eleven and the queen gave a sudden jolt of surprise.

"Oh my! I hadn't noticed it was already very late," she said, glancing at her wrist watch as well.

"It's late dear, but not very late." Joseph replied and Clarisse thought she heard a little seduction in his voice when he said it.

'It must be the champagne… have I really drunk that much?' she thought to herself, but to Joseph, she said, "Thank you very much for the dinner, Joseph, I really did enjoy it," she paused before finally gaining her courage, "and, um… especially because you were such good company." She ended her sentence with a shy smile, feeling like an errant schoolgirl again.

Joseph caught the small pause, and unfortunately took it the wrong way. He felt slightly disappointed, thinking once again that duty was still her first priority, especially when it comes to affairs of the heart.

Feeling hot because of the champagne she drank, Clarisse hiccuped once more and giggled. "I think I should go to my chambers, now, Joseph. I'm already feeling a little light-headed." Clarisse suggested, but not at all wanting to leave him. Joseph sighed inwardly before he made a decision.

"Of course. I'll escort you to your rooms… your Majesty." He firmly said, slightly angry at the thought that she never did anything for the two of them, even when he knew it was tearing her apart. Unconsciously, he had erected an unwanted barrier to his soul. Clarisse, although a bit giddy, noticed his changed of voice, and his use of 'Your Majesty' once again. She was quite surprised because she had hoped he'd stop calling her that when they're alone, especially in moments like this. She had high hopes that there might be something in store for both of them once the only heir of the Genovian throne will accept to be their princess, and eventually become queen. But since, they haven't communicated with her yet, she had decided to wait, but now this…

Clarisse looked away from him as a lone tear escaped her eye and ran down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away as Joseph cleared the table before he helped her out of her seat. After which, he let go of her hand and motioned for her to go ahead of him. She looked at him, her blue eyes clouded with confusion, for a short while before walking ahead in silence.

Joseph saw the confusion in her sapphire blue eyes and the hurt disappointment that followed, and felt a pang of guilt. The barrier that had been erected a while ago collapsed on his feet. He shouldn't have acted so harshly towards her, he knew. So, as he watched Clarisse wobble in her steps, he couldn't help but steady her as she walked. He held her close, but not too close, to guide her as well.

A faint blush was creeping to Clarisse's cheeks as Joseph held her hand in his own and the other rested on the small of her back. Joseph couldn't tell, though, if it was because of the many glasses of champagne she drank or because of their close proximity.

Suddenly, a door opened with a loud bang and a rather flustered maid ran down the corridor the other way. Still, that didn't stop the door from swinging back, about to hit Clarisse. Joseph hurriedly stepped forward, taking the blow for the woman in his arms.

Joseph stood facing Clarisse when the polished oakwood door hit the back of his head, making him bow down his head. Clarisse, startled by the sudden movement, stumbled forward, closing what little distance they had between them. Her lips met his in an accidental kiss and both felt raging waves of reawakened desire course through their bodies.

Luckily, there were no guards stationed along the corridors like they used to before. So no one was there to see the intimate, well, actually, more than intimate exchange between the Queen and her Head of Security.

Clarisse pulled back at the sudden contact but Joseph was surprised to see a sly smile on her lips, and, before he could take in what was happening, Clarisse slowly leaned forward to capture his lips with hers once more. Joseph felt another strong wave of desire course through him and made a super-human effort not to give in to his desires. Clarisse, however, had thrown caution to the wind it seemed.

Joseph froze as he felt Clarisse's hands travel up his chest in an agonizingly small manner, making his heart beat faster with every inch, then link around his neck. As Clarisse's fingers moved to massage the spot where the offending door had hit him, he came to his senses and pulled away from the kiss.

"Clarisse, my dear, I don't think this is the best position for a wandering maid to catch us in," he said shakily, his breathing ragged and heavy.

"Shall we proceed to the proper place, then?" Clarisse replied breathlessly, although a little seductively. A small smile tugged the corners of her mouth as she dragged Joseph by his tie and led them both to the door of her suite, which was just down the hall. Joseph froze, although his feet obeyed the orders of the woman tugging him along, he knew very well what was going to happen.

As the pair reached the door, Clarisse slowly opened one of the double doors. Joseph mentally thanked the night schedule of the guards, which allowed the two lovebirds to sneak into Clarisse's room unnoticed. Luckily, the guards would be back at around midnight, and they would be inside by then, safe from all indiscreet eyes.

As the door opened and revealed the foyer, Clarisse turned and pushed Joseph through the door, a little assertively. She hastily closed the door and moved towards Joseph. She held up her index finger and pushed him into the room with it, swaying her hips seductively while doing so. Joseph took in a sharp intake of breath as he savored her heavenly aroma mixed with the sweetness of the champagne they had shared. She was drunk for heaven's sake! Yet, he still found himself staring into her eyes, swimming in an ocean of the bluest blue that sparkled in the dim moonlight, barely noticing that they were already approaching the couch. Clarisse was pushing him still, his back facing it. They reached it in no time, of course, and Joseph stumbled back as he reached the back of the couch and was soon impulsively reaching out for balance, but then he found Clarisse giggling as he pulled her along. They both fell onto the couch seat, and then slid to the floor.

Joseph gasped as he felt the air leave his lungs when Clarisse landed on top of him. Clarisse's laughter rang out and he smiled, rather amused at her unqueenly actions. However, as they laid there on the floor, Joseph could feel his arousal pressing her hip, and the giddy atmosphere suddenly turned serious, as they found themselves staring at the other and at the other's mouth. Her slightly parted pink lips that felt so soft on his moments ago was incredibly tempting, to say the least. But no, he shoved the thought aside. Really, she was drunk! He couldn't possibly take advantage of the situation just to give in to his needs – both physically and emotionally. So he strained to get up.

"Clarisse, we… both need to get up. I can't –" He was cut short by the finger she used a while ago, on his lips. Before closing their distance, Clarisse saw the surprise in his eyes and she had to smile inwardly. Then, she kissed him… again. Joseph's eyes widened, not with shock, but with pleasure. My god, he really couldn't possibly kiss her back! He really couldn't possibly take advantage of her, not tonight of ALL nights! But why… why did he find himself submitting to the kiss, rolling them over so he was on top of her? Why?

Still as undaunted as she was, Clarisse only giggled and captured his lips once again.

They rolled on the floor, taking turns in dominating the other, their moans and groans simultaneously heard. Waves of heat and desire coursed through their bodies again, as they planted kisses all over the other's mouth and face. Clarisse felt his arousal press against her so she decided to momentarily break the soul-shattering kiss; a plan going on in her head.

"J-Joseph, I think we must continue this… in the more appropriate place, darling," breathlessly, she said.

"Where do you… wish to go, love?" He shivered as he felt her tongue touch his lips, demanding entry, his voice sounding hoarse.

Clarisse murmured something against his lips that he couldn't understand, until she uttered the last word.

"…bed."

Joseph's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. It dawned on him: this was getting more intimate than he had ever imagined. He rolled them over again and this time, he was on top. He pulled back after placing one more kiss on her swollen lips, and helped her to her feet.

As they stood there, gazing at each other, their breaths held and the tension building up between them, the world seemed to stop. Until…

"Eeep!!!" Clarisse let out a small shriek as Joseph swept her off her feet. Joseph chuckled and kissed her, still holding her in his arms, and carried her to the bedroom… After all that has happened, no, he simply couldn't wait anymore.

They approached the door and Clarisse opened it. They went inside, not even bothering to switch on the lights, except from the lamp that was already turned on. Joseph set down Clarisse on the foot of the bed, once again drowning in her sapphire blue eyes. His own eyes shot wide open and heat made its way to his cheeks – and in fact, his whole body – as he witnessed the sight unfolding before him.

Clarisse was slowly taking off her jacket, seductively unbuttoning her blouse and slipping it right off, exposing more beauty than he had ever seen. She then, stood up, unzipped her skirt and letting it fall to the ground.

Joseph's throat ran dry as Clarisse bent down and started to unbuckle his belt, pulling it off his trousers. Then, desire shot through his lower anatomy as Clarisse slowly unbuttoned his shirt, all the while caressing the skin underneath it. She then moved her hands downward and carefully unzipped his trousers, barely noticing his arousal. His trousers slid down, leaving a bedazzled Joseph in his boxers, as Clarisse was standing only in her underwear, smiling up at him. My god, this woman must be so aroused!

They tumbled into bed in a wave of reckless passion. His lips locked with hers in a frenzied kiss. What started out to be slow and playful turned into heated and passion-filled lovemaking between the two. They fitted together perfectly and the pleasure came naturally. There was no need to try to please the other, no awkward pauses and no badly timed moves. They blended perfectly, moving in exquisite harmony.

"Oh, Clarisse, Clarisse…" Joseph murmured against her skin before her lips claimed his in another passionate frenzy.

Clarisse chuckled into his lips before gasping at the sudden contact of his bulging crotch against her damp opening. Joseph took the opportunity thrust his tongue into the warm recesses of her mouth, tasting her sweetness tinged with champagne. His tongue moved expertly from her mouth to her jawline, moving to her neck, then down to her breasts, leaving not an inch of her creamy skin untouched. Sucking, biting, and licking alternately as he moved from her breasts to lower down her body. He was awakening a burning passion within her that was gradually mounting as he worshipped her body relentlessly.

Reaching her hips, he moved back up. He couldn't get enough her. She was a shining candle that drew moths to her warmth, and he was the luckiest moth as he reached her flame. Her body moved in rhythm with his own, making his mounting pleasure reach its peak. Soon, he wouldn't be able to hold it in anymore.

She moaned out his name in ecstasy as he slid in a finger into her womanhood. He smirked at her reaction and slid another finger. Clarisse made an impatient sound at the back of her throat, knowing that Joseph was just playing with her. Joseph's smirk grew wider as he slid the two digits out of her. Then, swimming in an ocean of pure pleasure, the heavens opened and they both entered a world of real, unrestrained heat and passion, as he slowly made his entrance into her awaiting body. Clarisse's eyes opened wide when, in a skilled movement, Joseph gradually increased his pace and reached her core. She cried out and moaned, pleasure overflowing from her tear-strained eyes, as she hugged the body that lay on top of her. Then, in another tender movement, they both fell back to earth.

A few moments later, they fell asleep, spooned in each other's arms, as they waited for their skin to cool. Before drifting off to sleep, however, Joseph allowed himself a moment to think about what they just did. Yes, both had wanted it for years now, but this had dire consequences if anyone ever found out… And what would Clarisse think, much more do, when she woke up in the morning? But no, now wasn't the right time to worry. Clarisse shifted in her sleep and Joseph wrapped his arms around her sleeping form. He looked at Clarisse again before finally drifting of to sleep himself, savoring the last moments, dreading of what may be the last.

to be continued...

Now what do you think? I know I should be working on Broken Glass but this is an idea I never wanted to let go... Lizzie wanted it shorter but who cares? It can be long if you like...