Written: by Ancorns708

Rating: M for future chapters

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. They are property of Disney and Meg Cabot. The song Everything I do belongs to Bryan Adams.

Summary: This was a challenge to write a story that contained the line everything I do, I do it for you. C&J Romance included.

I would like to thank EVERYONE who has commented or followed this story, you all made my day! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Everything I Do, I Do It For You

Chapter 2

It had been two hours and still no word as to how she was doing. Joseph paced back and forth across the private waiting room, adrenaline still pumping wildly through his veins, his anger rising at a rapid rate as he remembered the events from today.

How, how could this happen? He had taken so many precautions to ensure her safety. How could the guys not have spotted the sniper before? Why didn't he respond faster? Why wasn't it him lying in that operating room instead of her? His life hanging by a thread instead of hers.

Finally, reaching his boiling point he sent his coffee cup sailing across the room, shattering the cup into a million pieces, as the hot liquid ran down the wall Joseph sank to his knees, his whole body trembling as his tears finally fell.

Hearing the creaking sound of the door being pushed open, Joseph gathered himself together and wiped his face as the doctor entered.

"How is she doctor?"

"She made it through the surgery. She was very lucky the bullet missed her vital organs, she's going to be sore for some time but she will heal. There is something else you should know" he paused "she has not regained consciousness. We believe that it's a result from the trauma hopefully it will not last long but you never know with these types of cases."

How could this be happening…she made it through the surgery but now she was unconscious, Joe thought as he rubbed his hands over his face.

"Can I see her?"

"Follow me. I'll take you to her room. We know that you will want a guard with her 24-7 so we have added an additional bed to the far side of the room along with several comfortable chairs."

"Thank you doctor, I'll be the one staying with her in the room and my guys will take shifts standing guard at the door."

"Very well then." Approaching the door "Here we are, remember, she may be unconscious but she can hear you and often times it helps the patient recover faster if you talk to them."

"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind."

"I'll be back around this evening to check on her but if you need anything the nurses' station is just down the hall."

Joe nodded and slowly entered the room. Taking cautious steps he made his way over to her bed. She was pale and had all sorts of wires and machines hooked up to her but to him she was still the most beautiful women in the world. Standing there, just looking at her as time slowly past by he decided to take the doctor's advice and talk to her, although he wasn't sure what to say he gathered her cold hand in his and began.

"You have to wake up Clarisse, we have a dinner date. I have booked us a table in the back corner of your favorite restaurant to insure us complete privacy. We are going to order the finest wine on their list and have a wonderful meal, while we discuss whatever you would like. Then afterwards if I'm lucky enough, I might persuade you to join me on the dance floor."

Several minutes passed with the only sound in the room being the faint beeping sounds of the machines she was hooked up to. Joseph brushed a piece of hair off her face and tucked it behind her ear, before he leaned in and whispered

"I love you too Clarisse. That's why you can't leave me here. We still have so much to say, so much to give and to share with one another. Please be okay" he pleaded "Please wake up darling…I'm so sorry I failed you today"

Wiping the tears from his eyes, he gently kissed her forehead before he slowly sat back down in the chair beside her bed, never releasing her hand.

It had been three days since the incident and Joe had not left Clarisse's side. Charlotte had brought him several changes of clothes and his toiletries, the guards had seen to it that he had food and plenty of coffee. Charlotte had offered to stay with Her Majesty so he could go get some rest but he refused. Joe paced the floor from sun up till sundown recounting every story he could remember. Most of the stories were about them but he spoke often of Pierre and Phillipe and even included stories about King Rupert. Joe had never talk so much in his life but if that is what it took to help her then he would continue talking.

That evening Charlotte arrived to check on Joe and Her Majesty, finally convincing Joe that it would be okay to leave her for a few minutes to take a shower and grab something to eat only after promising that if anything changed she would notify him immediately. Once Joe was in the bathroom Charlotte picked up Clarisse's hand and began to speak.

"Your Majesty…please wake up, Joe needs you. He blames himself for everything that has happened and it's starting to take its toll on him, he barely eats and the dark circles around his eyes prove that he isn't sleeping. I've tried everything I know to do to help him but he needs you, you're the only person who can help him. You've got to get better ma'am"

Making his way out of the on suite bathroom he saw that Charlotte had arranged for dinner to be brought up to the hospital room.

"I figured you would be happier eating in here."

"Thank you Charlotte…for everything"

"It's no problem Joe. You know that if you need anything, just call and I'll take care of it"

"I know and I appreciate it."

Picking up her things to leave Charlotte looked back over her shoulder

"Joe, do try and get some rest you know she would want you to."

"I'll try"

As Charlotte took her leave, Joe pulled the chair he had been sitting in closer to Clarisse's bed and took her hand in his, while resting his head on the top of them, deciding he would close his eyes for a few minutes.

As her eyes fluttered opened she felt the weight on her hand, looking over she saw Joseph asleep. Taking her free hand she lightly brushed her fingers over his face, noticing the dark circles and remembering that he had been talking to her non-stop or at least she thought he had a smile small crossed her lips and she decided she would wait a few more minutes before she woke him.

~TBC~