None of these characters belong to me, they belong to Meg Cabot and Disney.

Joseph woke as the early morning sun crept into the suite. It took him a moment to register where he was and what had happened but it soon came back to him brutally. He looked down at the sleeping woman in his arms, she looked so beautiful, so peaceful. He couldn't quite believe he was lying there with her in his arms. He stretched a little to see the clock on her bed side. 6am, she'd be waking soon but he didn't want her to, he wanted her to lie there in his arms forever.

He began to think about the previous evenings events. He couldn't get Pierre's face to disappear from his memory. The pleading look in his eyes, the way Clarisse had just given up. How many times had Rupert done this to her and he hadn't known? What had Pierre seen before last night? Clarisse had given in, he knew that - he'd known that long ago.

Clarisse could feel Josephs arms around her as she began to stir, memories of the night before hitting her with such force, she begged herself to fall back to sleep. Sleep proved elusive, and after what seemed like merely seconds she forced her eyes open and tilted her head up to look at his face.

He stared back, his gaze holding her eyes, his hands making smooth circles on her back.

She reached up and touched his face, running her hand across his cheek, up to his fore head. He closed his eyes, wishing time would stop. She ran her fingers over his closed eyes and down his nose onto his lips. She traced her fingers across them, taking in every inch of his handsome features.

Joseph was pretty much lost. He could feel her tracing every inch of his face, branding him with her marvellous touch- making him hers. She moved up his body, her silk nightdress sliding under his clammy hands and came to his eye level. He smiled gently, opening them. He inched forward and lightly brushed his lips on hers. He pulled away and scrutinized her face. He couldn't read the look on it but he knew she wasn't angry or alarmed, it was more relief he could see.

"how are you?", he whispered, his voice full of concern, " better?" she nodded with a gentle smile and settled her head in the crook of his neck.

Clarisse knew this was wrong but it felt so right. She felt safe in his arms, she felt his immense love radiate into her. She couldn't speak, she couldn't move- she didn't want to.

Joseph moved his hand slightly trembling, up her back and rested it on the back of her neck. She shivered against him, not quite sure what she was feeling. He lifted her head up and smiled at her, then without even realising it he kissed her. She responded immediately, opening her mouth to his kiss. Joseph was shocked by his actions but glad he had at the same time.

He sat her up with him as he kissed her neck. He slipped the straps of her night gown down on her shoulders but stopped halfway. He looked at her face, waiting for her assurance that this was ok. That it was what she wanted. She smiled gently and pulled them down for him, revealing the softest skin he'd ever kissed.

"we shouldn't do this", he whispered, in between kisses.

"it doesn't feel wrong", she said simply, pulling him down to lie on top of her. He complied, lying down and propping himself up on one elbow.

"you're sure this is what you want?", he whispered, kissing her fore head.

"Joseph I-", she faltered, ready to admit something she'd denied herself for years.

"yes?", he questioned, playing with her hair. She swallowed hard and shut her eyes, building herself up mentally.

"I love you", she whispered, her eyes glazy with threatening tears.

"god help me Clarisse, I love you too", he said throatily, his voice smothered with emotion, " and I've wanted to tell you for so long".

"tell me now", she whispered, cupping his cheek.

"I love you", he croaked, his hands sliding along her hip.

" I love you, so much. I want to tell you again and again", she whispered, " and I want this, more than I've ever wanted anything".

Hi, I know it was short but it had to be done. Soooo, the next one is going to be set years later- when Philippe and Pierre are grown up. Please R&R.

Yours,

M