Let's start at the very beginning – thanks for all the great reviews! I honestly don't deserve them. I don't know why it took me so long to write another chapter and I have no idea if there is someone out there who is still interested in this story except maybe Clarisse Renaldi (Liz). Thanks to her kind words I finally sat down and wrote an update. This chapter is for you, Liz :) Thank You ! and here we go:

CHAPTER FOUR

„Stuck? What do you mean by stuck?" she couldn't believe it. Weeks of preparations for the ball, everything was supposed to go smoothly. And it did. Well, except for the fact that the hostess of the evening was „stuck" in the cellar. He could tell from her expression and posture that she was already getting mad. That was no good.

„We cannot stay here, Joseph! I have a ball to attend. Right now there are dozens of very important people above us wondering where I am! I must show up there and you know it!" she couldn't stand this. She loathed it when she was helpless. Right now she was. And he was silently wondering when exactly was she breathing during her speech. Because she looked like she didn't.

Gosh, this is a nightmare …Why today?!

At this point he could almost see her face getting all red and the steam spouting from her ears like in some cartoon. He couldn't hold it any longer. When she was like this, so agitated and upset, she looked just adorable. Without realising it he was smirking.

As soon as she noticed that she immediately rewarded him with her best „how-dare-you" look and for a moment he froze in his mind. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to just start laughing right into her face in this situation after all. But the moment of his hesitation was quickly gone when she simply rolled her eyes in defeat and let out a long sigh.

„You are enjoying this, aren't you? The fact that I …"

„… lost it? Yes, immensely." He realised she saw right through him and could read him whenever she felt like doing it. His job was to be unreadable, to not let other people know what was going on his mind. And yet, there she was, reading him like an open book obviously without trying hard. It almost looked like it was natural to her. Automatic, like walking or breathing. A little unnerving for him. But he couldn't deny it felt fantastically at the same time. Their minds worked together in perfect harmony.

And I bet our bodies would too if they got a chance … I would be more than willing to give it a shot …

„I was about to say „let my second myself appear", but now that you mentioned it „lost it" covers it just as well. I just cannot believe this. It's so … ironic. Someone up there has a very weird sense of humor." She laughed in disbelief and started rubbing her forehead like she believed it would help to solve this situation. In fact she already gave up and now began to just accept it.

„Well, there is always a bright side to look at" he added.

You mean for example the fact that I am locked here with you, Joseph? Because that sure is one big bright side to look at …Oh, tush, what am I thinking? Let's get back to the topic. What was it that he was saying?

„And what would that be, in this case?" she quickly composed herself from her musing.

„Just look around. If you haven't noticed we are probably in the best stocked wine cellar in the country" he spread his hands to demonstrate his point.

„If you are suggesting we …"

„What am I suggesting is to taste some wine before someone realises we are missing and gets here."

„Will you let me finish?" she asked with somehow mischievous grin. Sometimes he was just impossible. „If you are suggesting we get drunk then I am all for it because there doesn't seem to be nothing else we can do anyway which would be half as enjoyable."

Well I could think about at least one thing that would definitely be more enjoyable, Clarisse … Dammit, this has to stop!

„But unfortunately there seems to be an impassable snag" she looked at him ruefully.

„What kind of snag?" he was partly dissapointed. For a moment it almost looked like she let her walls fall down for him but now he wasn't so sure anymore. But then she once again surprised him and reminded him, why he loved her so much.

„Joseph, my wine glass is empty" she said it in so serious manner that it almost sounded like she just announced a new law and he couldn't do anything else but laugh when she rose her glass towards him and indicated she demanded a refill.

So that's it. I didn't know what to write when I started this and I don't have the slightest idea where is this all heading (well knowing myself I guess I will let them empty the wine cellar and then we will see). Anyway you will have to give me some time so I can make my decision.

By the way, leaving a review would be very nice of you :) (Have I mentioned I would really appreciate if you pointed to me grammar mistakes and such things? English is not my native language so it would definitely help me to improve my writing. Thanks. Have a nice day :)