40,0000 Feet.
A/N Just a short, one-parter. Set right after the first movie.
The Falcon aircraft was returning Genovia's Queen to her homeland after a lengthy stay in San Francisco. She had met her granddaughter, Mia, and through patience and a fair bit of effort on everyone's part, secured the girl's destiny to one day rule the country of her father's birth. Now it was time to go home.
It would be a long flight and Clarisse was keeping herself occupied for most of it by doing official business, with the help of Charlotte, of course. Joseph had interrupted them on several occasions with a joke, a bit of trivia, just something to brighten up a rather dull flight. Eventually, the paperwork was done and Charlotte headed to the front of the plane to see about a bite to eat. Joseph took the opportunity to sit down next to his Queen.
"It was a remarkable trip," he opened.
Clarisse did not look at him. "Yes, it was wonderful to see Mia, and know that Genovia will have a Queen for the future."
"That too."
She smiled, despite her best efforts to the contrary. "Oh, so you weren't talking about the 'official' trip?"
Joseph chuckled and pushed the button to recline his seat. "That's correct, Your Majesty". He closed his eyes, intent on a nap. Clarisse looked over at him, so content at her side. She covered him with the blanket from her own lap, then kissed his cheek. "Sleep well, my love".
-
Not long after, Charlotte returned with a sandwich and tea for the Queen, but stopped short when she saw Joe asleep beside her, sharing her blanket. The Queen smiled at her Assistant and took the food, placing a finger to her lips so Charlotte wouldn't wake the man sleeping beside her. Charlotte smiled and returned to the front of plane, leaving the two of them alone.
-
The long flight was nearly over, and the pilot had asked everyone to prepare for landing as they had started their descent into Genovia. Reluctantly, Clarisse woke Joseph. "How long have I been asleep?" he asked, rubbing his face.
"About two hours. You talk in your sleep you know?"
"You've never mentioned that before" he kidded her gently.
His remark earned him a queenly glare. "I learned some very interesting things."
"Really. Juicy stuff, I hope." He took her hand and kissed it, peering into the blue eyes that he adored.
"Maybe." Clarisse turned away from him to look down at her country coming into view through the clouds. She felt Joseph move over as well, resting his chin on her shoulder, his hand on her upper arm. He nuzzled closer and kissed her neck. "We're almost home."
Clarisse leaned into him and whispered , "I did learn one thing when you were sleeping." She paused to return his kiss.
"Mmm, hmm?"
"I'm home anywhere, so long as you're with me."
-
From her vantage point in the small plane, Charlotte tried not to stare at them, but found herself unable. It was a different Queen returning to Genovia; one with a beautiful young granddaughter to one day take her place, and one with a man beside her that she loved dearly, and openly for the first time. Charlotte smiled to herself and turned to look out the window as Genovia One made its final approach.
As the plane landed and taxied toward the terminal,Clarisse very much doubted she herself would come down to earth anytime soon. And that was all right with her.