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.
Author's note: There is a small scene that i borrowed from Guarding Tess but i thought it would fit well with the story. I know i promised HOT but this chapter is only warm, the muse wasn't very cooperative but on the bright side you didn't have to wait long for the update :)
I want to personally thank Fuzzylove for all her help and for keeping me motivated, Tengland2 for the idea and encouragement, and Veve, Riecke, Zsulie and Bluegirl-783 for their lovely reviews. Also to all the people who have followed this story or have just read it you guys make my day and are the reason I keep writing. So without further ado, I present chapter 4 :)
Everything I Do, I Do It For You
Chapter 4
It was December first and Dr. Montgomery had just been in to sign the release forms to allow Her Majesty to leave. He had given a bottle of pain medicine to Joseph along with strict instructions that she was not to do any work just relax and try to allow her body to heal itself, she would also need to wear a sling to keep her right shoulder stabilized for at least a month it was only to be removed when showering and if anything changes he should be contacted immediately.
"Dr. Montgomery, I promise to watch her like a hawk and make sure that she follows your instructions."
"I'm sure you will. Your Majesty here's my number in case you need anything or have questions. Also you will need to have someone change the bandage every day to prevent infection."
Smiling slightly in Joseph's direction
"I'm sure I can find a staff member to assist me in that task."
"Very well then, I'll let you gather your things and you are free to leave, have a wonderful holiday ma'am" bowing slightly before leaving the room.
The nurse enters pushing a wheelchair
"What's that?"
"It's your wheelchair, ma'am."
"I can see it's a wheelchair, but I won't be needing it, thank you."
"It's hospital policy that you leave by wheelchair."
"I would much rather walk on my own feet, out of the hospital."
"But the rules and regulations state that each patient…"
"If I may interrupt…" Turning to look Clarisse in the eyes "Your Majesty, just get in the chair!" Joseph exclaimed.
With a shocked look on her face after just being handled she slowly made her way into the wheelchair.
The car ride back to the palace was quiet. Joseph had been surprised when Clarisse reached over from the passenger seat of his car and took his hand holding it the entire drive back.
Walking through the silent, desolate halls of the palace there was an eerie calmness to the palace which allowed both to notice electricity passing between them, knowing that they would be the only two people in the palace for the next month.
Entering her suite she turned to look at Joseph, he knew she was exhausted he could see it in her eyes.
"Ma'am why don't you take one of your pills and go lay down for a while, I need to go back to my suite to gather some things. That is as long as you don't mind me staying out here on the couch? I thought it would be easier if I was closer, in case you need anything during the night."
"I think those are both excellent suggestions and…" Closing the distant between them, standing in his personal space "In case I didn't tell you earlier thank you… for everything you did at the hospital and for offering to help me now"
Circling his arms around her waist and giving her a captivating kiss before he replied "You're more than welcome. I told you… everything I do, I do it for you. Your happiness is my happiness" He smiled.
"I love you" she said as she stood on her tippy toes to give him a gentle kiss
"I love you too. Now let's get you in bed so you can rest"
Five hours later Clarisse awoke searching the room for Joseph when she heard the bathroom door open. Turning she saw the most glorious sight she believed she had every laid eyes on. Joseph was standing in the door way wrapped in only her towel his upper body still glistening with moisture. She couldn't help but lick her lips as her mouth was becoming increasingly dry at the sight of him.
"I'm sorry, I thought you would still be a sleep, I forgot my shirt"
"Oh it's okay" She started while trying to sit up "In fact that looks like a good idea. I can't remember the last time I showered, I feel rather sticky"
"Let me grab my shirt and I will go run you a bath." Joe offered.
"No. I think a shower will be easier but I might require some help getting out of these." Motioning to her clothes "If you will help me get out of bed I will go find some clean clothes to change into."
Helping her up she made her way into her closet while he retrieved his shirt. Meeting in the bathroom he helped her remove the sling carefully from around her neck and unbuttoned her pants and lowered the zipper, all the time keeping his eyes on her face as his hands moved to the top button of her shirt when she stopped him, insisting that she could take it from there.
"Okay but if you need any help you will call for me? I don't want you hurting yourself because you are trying to be independent."
"I promise" She nodded as he left the bathroom.
Thankful that her bra had a front clasp she carefully managed to work her way out of the clothes and stepped into the shower allowing the warm water to cascade over her body. Reaching for her shampoo she realized that washing her hair with only one hand would be harder than she thought but somehow she managed. Stepping out of the shower she dried her body the best she could with one hand, and then she realized that she couldn't dress herself, the nurse had helped her this morning, deciding that she would have to call Joseph to help her.
"Clarisse this isn't going to work" he stated after the third attempt at trying to get her gown on without trapping her bad arm underneath.
"Well what do you suppose I do?" she exclaimed, agitated at the situation and watched him walk out "Joseph?" She called out after him.
"I think I might have something that will be easier to get on" he said returning with his black long sleeve button up shirt.
"I can't wear your shirt Joseph" she stated matter- of -factly.
"I don't think you have much of a choice since all you have are gowns and you clearly can't lift your arm to put them on" He answered.
Conceding to the fact that he was right she allowed him to help her in his shirt. As he fastened the last button he stepped back, looking her up and down "Beautiful. It looks much better on you than me" He smiled
Blushing at his words "Thank you" She smiled.
The rest of the afternoon had been spent curled up on the couch together in front of the fireplace, snacking on varies thing from the kitchen and watching Dirty Dancing on television, it really wasn't Joe type of movie but he knew that it was one of Clarisse's favorites so he agreed to watch it with her.
Leaning up from Joseph's chest where she had been resting most of the evening "I think I'm going to retire for the rest of the evening"
"Alright let me help get you in bed and covered up" He said standing up as she made her way over to the door, following her seconds later.
After getting her tucked in he kissed her goodnight, turning to walk back to the living room but stopped when she grabbed his hand.
"Joseph," She started feeling a bit nervous "I was thinking, why don't you sleep here with me, my bed is plenty big enough" She said looking across her bed then looked up at him.
"Clarisse I don't think that would be a good idea, I can sleep on the sofa it's really no problem" He answered.
"Joseph that sofa isn't made for sleeping, plus your back would be killing you after a couple of nights, how do you think it will feel after a month?" She said, still looking up at him.
"Really I'll be fine Clarisse" He said looking down at her.
"I insist it's the least I can do after you agreed to personally cater to me" she said smiling while drawing the blanket back for him "Besides, after what happened I don't really want to be alone right now." She whispered and watched him nod.
"Ok, but if you want me to leave just tell me" He said looking down at her.
"I will," She nodded and watched him walk around the bed.
Joseph not entirely comfortable with being in her bed noticed that she kept tossing and wiggling trying to find a comfortable position and remembering that she had been pretty comfortable earlier in the evening while resting on his chest he moved closer to her.
"Come here" He whispered as she slowly turned her head to look at him "Come here, I'll hold you while you sleep it seemed to be comfortable for you earlier." He whispered.
Turning her body to his, he wrapped his arm around her back as she rested her head on his shoulder and her bad arm across his chest, lacing his fingers with her hand that now rested on his chest they each relished in the presence of one another as they drifted off to sleep.
The next morning Joe woke up as the sun came streaming through the window looking down he noticed that Clarisse was still in the same position she had been in when they drifted off to sleep. She looked so peaceful and happy sleeping on him, he thought as she began to stir.
"Good morning, beautiful" He whispered.
"Good morning" She answered with a yawn "What time is it?" She asked while looking up at him.
"Late. Would you like me to go down to the kitchen and fetch us something for breakfast?" He asked.
"That sounds lovely but maybe just a muffin and tea of course."
"Coming right up" He smiled and climbed out of the bed.
Breakfast was nice but they both seemed lost in their own thoughts. Joe finally broke the silence "If you're finished then I think we should change your dressing"
"Yes I suppose I'm finished, where would you like to change it at?" Clarisse answered.
"Here's fine" He replied as he patted the spot beside him on the sofa, he had never taken the dressing items into the bathroom so they were still on the coffee table beside them.
After she was seated beside him, Joe helped her remove the sling as she unbuttoned the top three buttons of his shirt, sliding it off her shoulder "This is going to hurt when I remove the tape but I promise I will try to be as gentle and fast as possible."
Nodding her head she braced herself as the tape ripped at her skin. After having both bandages removed Joe suggested that she might want to take a bath before they re-dressed the wound and put her arm back in the sling. Agreeing she made her way to the bathroom and started running the water in the large garden tub.
Stepping back into the doorway "Joseph, this is probably going to sound silly and odd but could I persuade you into joining me… I will need someone to wash my back and well I'm sure you can do a much better job at washing my hair than I was able to do last night." She asked with a blush creeping over her body.
Taken back a little at the highly intimate gesture she was proposing "I…I'm sure I can manage that." He said smiling with a small nod as she smiled.
"Thank you." She whispered and went back into the bathroom.
Sinking in the tub behind her, she slowly rested her back to his chest careful to keep her arm stabilized in the process. Lathering the sponge Joseph gently washed every inch of her body, which was relaxing and stimulating at the same time. Not being able to help himself he slowly kissed his way down her neck, as he ran the soapy sponge across her breasts paying special attention to her hardened nipples which caused her to moan.
Moving farther down across her stomach he traced his tongue along the outline of her ear as Clarisse ran her hand up and down his thigh. She felt a magnificent heat moving through her body as he stroked her slowly rejoicing in the way the water made her skin feel like pure silk. Joseph had become aroused to the point of pain, her touch had him ready to explode but he knew he had to slow things down at least until she was fully healed.
Knowing he had to get out of this before he caused more pain he cleared his throat and spoke as Clarisse came out of her day dream "I think I'm done here." He whispered against her ear.
"Ok," She nodded slowly and sat up, trying to calm her racing heart, sighing as Joseph stood from the bath and wrapped a towel around his lower body "Thank you for your help though," She said as he helped her up and out the bath, wrapping a towel around her.
"Anytime," He smiled and kissed her forehead.
Back in the bedroom they lay content in each other's arms, her head buried in the crook of his neck, legs tangled with his as he caressed her hip before slowly running his hand down her leg. His touch only heightened the desire for each other, sharing deep loving kisses in between the sweet tender words they whispered to each other as they drifted off to sleep.
~TBC~
