Author's Note: thanks for the readers and reviews, you all rock, and if there's anything else you want to suggest, feel free! Again, this chapter is for all those who wanted them to have some 'down time' with their children!

The Princess Diaries doesn't belong to me!

Clarisse and the baby stayed in hospital for another couple of days on doctor's instructions, just so Clarisse could get some more rest, but both Joseph and Pierre visited every day, Joseph usually returning after putting Pierre to bed to spend the night, and while Phillipe was receiving much of the attention (including being the front page news the day after he was born), both Joe and Clarisse (as well as his uncle, aunt and grandparents) were careful to make a fuss over Pierre. He clearly enjoyed the attention he received and gradually, every so gradually, he stopped looking so suspiciously at his baby brother and Joseph hoped that he was getting used to him... he was far more anxious about it than Clarisse, who was confident he would calm down, but her calm confidence assuaged his anxieties somewhat.

The morning they came home, Rupert and Isabel babysat Pierre while Joseph returned to escort Clarisse and Phillipe home, the press, as usual, camped outside the hospital although they knew they wouldn't catch a glimpse of the baby Prince until his christening.

Joseph was pleased that they had kept their distance this time when the car left the hospital, Phillipe snoozing in his mother's arms, and Joseph couldn't resist leaning over and running his hand through his fine brown hair.

"It's certainly going to be interesting now with two children," he commented as the baby squirmed under his touch, his face crumpling into a frown before, yawning, he relaxed against Clarisse's chest again.

"Especially with two boys!" she laughed softly. "Now I'm the only lady of the house surrounded by men, big and small!"

"Which means you will be spoiled even more... and we will be able to manage with two boys, especially as I have a cleared schedule for the next two weeks."

Before the baby's early arrival, he had already decided he would spend the remaining fortnight of Clarisse's pregnancy with her, and when the baby was born, he would spend a fortnight again helping him settle in. However, since the baby had come early, his plan might not work, as Clarisse pointed out moments later, although secretly hoping that he wouldn't be needed until the end of May.

When they came into view of the house, they saw that Rupert, Isabel and Pierre were waiting, and once Clarisse had handed the baby to Joseph to cradle tenderly in his arms after he had opened her door, she stepped out of the car and immediately bent down a few metres away from Pierre, her arms opened wide and loving how he toddled over, his face alight with joy.

"Hello, sweetheart," she murmured, picking him up and holding him close to her. "It's so good to be home with you..." before Joseph led them inside.

Pierre and Phillipe were going to temporarily share a room to make it easier on the nanny, and Pierre had been sleeping in his own little bed for the past couple of weeks, quite happily, in preparation for this moment, but when Joseph settled Phillipe into his former crib, he struggled in Clarisse's arms and beginning to cry, she finally letting him down, trying to comfort him before he pushed her away ran over and banged on the crib bars, shouting: "NO, NO, NO! MY bed! MY bed!" immediately waking Phillipe, who began to wail.

"P... stop that!" Joseph scolded, bending down to stop him as Clarisse scooped the baby up and began walking the room, trying to settle him down again, Rupert and Isabel hovering awkwardly in the doorway as Pierre continued yelling and crying, running away from his father's grasp and over to his toy box before starting to throw his toys around the room.

"Hey, P, stop it!" Joseph said firmly before successfully grabbing him and picking him up, his sobs subsiding a little as he looked fearfully as his father, knowing he had been naughty and Clarisse, Phillipe settling down fairly easily, watching with bated breath- hopefully he wouldn't be too hard on him... before Joseph held him close to his chest and wrapping his arms around him, murmuring softly:

"It's alright son, I know it's your cot, but Phillipe needs it now... but I think your bed is pretty good too..." he added as he sat down on the edge of the bed and Pierre relaxed slightly although continuing to watch his father nervously. "I have an idea- how about we let Mama put Phillipe to bed while you, me and Uncle Rupert go outside and play with some of your trucks..." which elicited a small smile from Pierre.

"...But first, we have to put all your toys away," he waved around the toy strewn nursery as he set Pierre back down on the floor. "So, let's go... the sooner this room is clean, the sooner we get to go outside!" he added encouragingly, looking briefly at Clarisse to reassure her, before helping Pierre and Rupert gather up the discarded toys, now confident that everything would be alright... and they were now all together as a family...

000

It took a few days for things to settle down and the four of them to get used to each other and realize that they were family unit, but things finally began falling into place as Pierre's second birthday approached, much to Joseph and Clarisse's relief.

Joseph still couldn't believe that, in the space of four years, he had gone from a bachelor playboy, seen as having no ambition and personally having doubts about his future, to being happily married to and madly in love with Clarisse, enjoying his role as husband and father to two gorgeous little boys... life couldn't get any better than this, he couldn't help but think several times...

Clarisse too couldn't believe how radically different her life was now as compared when she was first introduced to the two Princes nearly four years earlier. She had been meant to marry the Crown Prince (a though that had terrified her, although Rupert had been nice to her) but, instead, had formed an instant and intense bond with his younger brother, developing quickly into love and culminating in a whirlwind engagement and marriage, and now they had a family of their own...

Phillipe was remarkably laid back newborn (although his parents had many sleepless nights with him, as was expected) with a voracious appetite (Clarisse slimming down quickly) and looking more and more like his father already (which he didn't agree with,especially as he was only a few weeks old but Clarisse knew she was right) but they both made sure to give Pierre special attention.

He was still taking his time getting use to Phillipe, sticking to his father or mother like glue whenever they were free, which they both understood- for almost two years of his life, he had had them all to himself, travelling with them, but now he suddenly had competition for their attention which was, even at his tender again, a shock, as Rupert had pointed out.

"I was four, or close to, when Joe was born, and I can still remember being resentful that MY nanny (and my parents, when I saw them) was paying so much attention to a small, squalling, stinky little bundle..." he grinned cheekily at his younger brother. "It got even worse as he grew older and became a major pain in the neck, always stealing my toys and causing mayhem..."

"Which you were more than happy to get involved in!" Joseph protested hotly as Clarisse and Isabel hid their laughter.

"Maybe so, but you were the instigator most times! Thus it was understandable that you grew up to be a playboy who loved parties and girls..."
"Rupert," Joseph warned, well aware they all knew of his past reputation but wanting to leave it in the past, especially around Clarisse- he was a changed man now.

"...who quickly met and married one of the most beautiful girls in Genovia and now has two healthy sons!" he finished smoothly and Joseph visibly relaxed, although he knew he had been teasing.

Rupert had also been solicitous around Pierre, and the three men (and Henrik at times) spent time together to make the little boy feel better, as did everyone who visited (including James and Charlie) and by the time his second birthday arrived, Pierre offered his five week old sibling a toy, a clear indicator that he had accepted him as his brother.

"Thank goodness he's finally accepted him, " Clarisse sighed with relief to Joseph as, after nursing the baby and putting him to bed as Joseph settled Pierre in HIS bed, they stood in the darkened nursery and watched the two boys sleeping peacefully. "I'm very glad you and Rupert have been here for the past month, I don't know whether I would have been able to handle a newborn and a toddler who was adjusting to a new sibling..."

"You would have, you're a wonderful Mother- Bear just needed to know he was still important in our lives," he said wisely as he led her out of the nursery and closed the doors behind them, eager to spend some time with his wife before Phillipe woke up for another feed. "And he is... tomorrow is his second birthday and it's going to be all about him..." he added as they strolled back into their bedroom and she nodded with a smile as she reclined back on the bed, stretching her legs out in front of her.

"I'm glad you're here for ALL of this birthday" she teased as he relaxed next to her and ran a hand down her profile, from shoulder to hip and down her leg, eliciting a small sigh from her. Their love life had come to a standstill during the last few months of Clarisse's pregnancy, and while Joseph was patient, not wanting to overwhelm her and wait until they were given the all clear by the doctor, they were both becoming increasingly playful and amorous with each other, wanting more...

"Yes, I'm definitely pleased to be here for ALL of Pierre's second birthday, not missing a second of it..." before quickly changing the subject. "Do you remember doing this, just lying on the bed and talking?" he asked gently and she blushed.

"Yes... the first time when you proposed to me..."

"After our first fight..."

"True... and then the night I was so sick and we... or, rather you..."

"Yes I decided that our wedding should be pushed forward because we were both so miserable being apart."

"And both times we fell asleep, but both times were so innocent that it made me wonder whether I had done something wrong..."

"Which you hadn't... I was very serious about waiting until our wedding night and I'm glad we did wait- you wanted that, despite your protestations..."

"Believe me, some of those protestations were very real... after the first time you held me close, I was constantly fighting the urge to run my hands up and down your chest!" she joked and he chuckled, looking mock shocked.

"I never imagined my innocent fiancée was thinking that! Anyway, I wanted to wait too- our relationship was (and is) very different to any other relationship I'd ever had, and I wanted it to be special..."

"It was and still is... and now we're enjoying that innocent activity again, lying here together just talking, our sons in the next room, and I like it..." she said with a shy smile before he leaned over and nuzzled her neck.

"But that's not so innocent, darling," she added teasingly as he trailed kisses up er neck and across her jaw towards her lips, and her breathing quickened as he moved closer to her before he kissed her lips and she sank happily into it. Over three years of marriage, and they were still crazy about each other, she marvelled, before he pulled away with great difficulty- neither of them were fighting the chemistry, but he knew that they had to wait. "Why must you always tease?" she added teasingly as he lay back next to her and propped himself up on one elbow.

"I know I'm a tease," he said breathlessly. "But you are so beautiful, especially when you blush with embarrassment and modesty..." he said with a chuckle as she did just that.

"Even after two children?" she teased, confident of his answer- he adored her. "Are you sure about that?"

"Definitely... you were stunning when we met, but now... you are far more beautiful and mature as a wife and mother, something that probably drives the other ladies crazy, but I love it... and I love you," he leaned over and kissed her again. "I think you're going to be just as beautiful when we have grandchildren, and I'm going to enjoy complimenting you for the rest of our lives..."

"You really are a sensitive man," she marvelled, caressing his cheek gently. "I'm glad I married you."

"I'm glad I married you too," he said simply before, after they shared another kiss, he slid off the bed and stretched. "We had better get some sleep- tomorrow will be busy and you'll be up with Master Phillipe soon enough!" he said but she couldn't miss the pride in his voice- he was revelling in being a father and husband and she found it very dear.

0

The next morning she woke to the sound of a delighted squeal and she sat up to discover Joseph had brought both boys into the bedroom, and while Joe sat on the edge of the bed, Phillipe on his shoulder, Pierre was on the floor, tearing the paper off one of his presents. Joseph turned when he felt her stir and he grinned apologetically as she slid out of bed and reached for her robe.

"I was bringing Phillipe into you when Pierre decided to follow me in and wanted one of his presents..." he explained as she squeezed his shoulder gently with her hand and knelt down next to Pierre- she couldn't believe he was two...

"Happy birthday, darling," she said quietly, pulling him into her lap for a cuddle and Pierre grinned as he waved his new toy car in her face. "What have you got there?"

"Car!" he grinned triumphantly before, almost simultaneously, he slipped from her lap to run his car along the carpet and Phillipe began whimpering from hunger in Joseph's arms, and the young parents exchanged a smile as Clarisse stood up and reached for Phillipe, submitting happily to a kiss as Joseph stood up too.

"Why don't you give Pierre breakfast and I'll join you soon?" she suggested and he grinned at her- everyone thought they lived a fairytale existence as royals, but behind closed doors, they really were a normal couple. "Only... do not open any more presents without me!" she teased and he laughed.

"We won't!" he said as he grabbed the birthday boy and his present and they disappeared out of the room as Clarisse settled into a chair in the corner and began nursing her second son, enjoying her bonding time with the baby. She had always enjoyed this time with both boys when they were young and vulnerable.

Once Phillipe was settled back in his crib, she dressed and hurried downstairs to her other 'boys' and discovered them in the kitchen, at the table(discreetly out of the rest of the staff's way) and sharing pancakes, and she laughed when she saw Pierre's face smeared with strawberry jam and cream.

"You are such a mess... but a very, very cute mess!" she chuckled as she reached for a napkin and wiped his face. "I hope you two saved some pancakes for me!" she added as she sat down next to Pierre and Joseph leapt up and headed over to the cook.

"Of course we did... Pierre wanted to eat all of them, but I convinced him that we should leave some for you, didn't we Bear?" he winked at Pierre (who was climbing into Clarisse's lap) but he,not understanding what his father was saying, only laughed in response.

"As soon as I have something to eat," she murmured into his ear. "We'll open some more of your presents..." and she laughed when his face lit up- he definitely understood the word 'present'.

"Hurry, hurry!" he encouraged, slipping off her lap and was about to race out of the room in search of other presents before Joseph, after setting Clarisse's breakfast in front of her, grabbed him and sat him on his lap while she ate.

She had only just finished eating when Pierre, who had been squirming in his father's firm grip for most of the meal, managed to escape and he ran out of the room, signalling that it was time for presents.

Joe and Clarisse enjoyed watching their son tear his way through his presents, his delight in clear evidence, especially when he (and Joseph) unwrapped his tricycle, but before they (and Clarisse knew Joseph wanted to as well) could play with any of his toys, the rest of the family arrived, soon followed by the party guests, causing Joseph to quip quickly to Clarisse:

"It's party time!"

It was a beautiful warm May day, perfect for an outdoor party and while Joseph was outside, setting up for lunch, keeping an eye on the 'little' guests and chatting to his friends, Clarisse was inside, greeting guests, ensuring the kitchen was running smoothly and keeping an ear out for the baby.

When Phillipe was finally brought downstairs for a 'brief' hello, all the women went to pieces with admiration, and Clarisse couldn't help but feel pleased at the comments of how cute both boys were... before, as Phillipe was passed around for brief cuddles, she noticed both Marion and Isabel were somewhat tearful when holding him, and she wondered why...

However, she had very little time to ponder the thought as Phillipe was getting restless and lunch was about to be served for both adults and children. She disappeared upstairs to settle Phillipe down, expecting that she would grab something to eat during the afternoon but, to her surprise when she came downstairs again, she discovered that while the children were eating (rather messily), the adults were waiting... for her, she realized as Joseph walked forward to escort her to her seat.

"Thank you," she said quietly as he held her chair out for her and he bent down to murmur:

"We couldn't have lunch without the hostess," before he hurried down to his end of the table but, instead of sitting down, he picked his lemonade glass up.

"I know you are all wanting to dig in..." he began, grinning as he heard the murmurs of agreement from the men. "But I wanted to propose a toast..."

"To Pierre?" Charlie joked, glancing over at the table beside them. "Joe, I don't think he's that interested in a toast..."

"No, not the birthday boy... maybe in a couple of years... but rather... the toast is for his mother, my wife..." he beamed down the table to her and she blushed.

"Two years ago, we welcomed Pierre into our lives, and Phillipe only five weeks earlier and I never imagined being this happy and proud of my family, and it has everything to do with Clarisse. From the moment I met her, I knew I wanted a family with her, and I'm thrilled that she agreed to, first, marry me, and then have children with me...Both boys are so beautiful, mainly because of her, and I'm certain that they will grow up to be as kind, charming and intelligent as her as well..."

"Don't sell yourself short!" James called from his seat halfway down the table. "Although, in those two boys cases, it will be because of their mother..." and the entire table burst out laughing.

"Nevertheless, she has been a wonderful mother to them thus far and I know that she will continue to be good mother to them and however many more children we may have...All I really wanted to say is that... Darling, you really are a wonderful mother, and I'm very proud of you... to Clarisse!" he said solemnly, raising his glass to his almost maroon faced wife, quickly joined by the others, and she smiled sheepishly, looking around the table, before meeting her husband's eyes and, smiling, mouthed: "Just you wait!" but he knew she appreciated his words, before he looked around the table again.

"So, now that I have made my toast, it's time to eat!" he laughed as he sat down, hearing a couple of "Finally's" (one probably from Charlie) but glad that he had proposed that toast to Clarisse... she was glue that held their family together...