DISCLAIMER: I do not own PD and/or its characters. They belong to Meg Cabot and Disney. I get nothing from this but satisfaction and am only responsible for the following storyline.
TITLE: Til Death Do Us Part
AUTHOR: crtjester
CATAGORY: C&J...drama, romance
RATING: M (FMAO)
WARNINGS: Adult situations, including language.
Chapter one
The ride had been strangely smooth all the way from San Fransisco to Tokyo. Clarisse loved Japan, although the officials had always made her feel inferior, due to her womanhood. Japanese women were often submissive and far behind in the world of liberation according to the free world. Clarisse had always wanted to bring the issue up, but decided it was best left unspoken. After all, she needed Japan's backing on certain issues.
Today had been a little different. A woman was sent to greet her, and attended the short, but profitable meeting. It was more comfortable this time, and Clarisse could only hope that things would get better in her reign as Queen. Her husband had always been highly regarded here, and she intended on taking his place in every aspect whether certain nations had a problem with it or not.
As the sun set over the island of Japan, Genovia One lifted into the air. Clarisse immediately asked for a call to be put through to Sebastian Motaz as soon as possible. He needed to be informed of her progress and what few setbacks she had encountered. There had not been many, but a few could be significant in the trade agreement.
She gave her concerns to him, and as she stared at the stars beginning to highlight the sky, Clarisse wanted to be relaxed once again. She had not been really relaxed in weeks now. Weeks that had passed slowly with air travel and foreign dignitaries, and a short visit to her granddaughter. All without him.
She pushed away the empty mug and leaned back, resting her head. Her eyes were tired, and it would be some time before they touched down on their own soil. Clarisse crossed her arms, slightly chilled, and slipped off her heels. No sense in being uncomfortable.
Two seats in front of him she sat. He watched her, and immediately knew she was missing him. He had tried to make her trip comfortable and easy, but still he could not be what she wanted. He could only be himself.
Shades dialed through to his personal number as soon as he knew she was sleeping soundly. He'd want an update, and Shades knew he was just as stressed about having her gone as she was here without him. Grant it, he may be the only one who knew, but he did know. They were in love.
"Hello my friend." He spoke softly as to not wake her.
"I've been waiting for your call. Everything going smoothly?" Joseph listened to his voice for more than just words.
"Fine, we're on schedule...but she misses you, you know." Joseph fell silent as Shades admitted what he already knew.
"I couldn't be there this time.."
"I know, she knows. Sometimes things happen and you can't always be with her. Joseph it's impossible." Shades tried to pound in his thick skull, but knew it was useless. Joseph was being hard on himself. It was his fault Clarisse's trip wasn't as pleasurable as they usually are. It was almost as bad as the end of the world for him.
"As long as she's okay..."
"You know I'd take care of her, my friend. Besides, you know where I live," he laughed as he heard Joseph snicker.
"You got that right. See you soon." The line clicked.
Shades took a sip of brandy. He felt safe in not having any trouble aboard, and knew it would be hours before landing. The warm liquid went down smoothly, and he decided a nap was in order for himself as well. It had been a long trip, and home seemed even longer away for some reason.
After flipping shut his cell, Joseph seemed calmer than he had all day. After so long he would see her again, watch over her, be near her, and love her the best he could, if only inside his own head. It wasn't just inside his head. He still remembered the look of pain on her face as she boarded without him that morning. She had strong feelings for him too. More than just strong feelings. It was in her eyes. She loved him too.
Sleep wouldn't come easily tonight. Not for him. Instead he chose to take one of the night watches until Genovia One was scheduled to land early in the morning hours. It would help to occupy his mind. Lionel would help to occupy his mind anyway.
Thank the holy stars above that his Queen wasn't present, for surly she would have heard his swearing. Lionel had indeed kept him occupied. All night they had searched for Joseph's one set of keys. The set that included the security room, the offices, the Queen's suite, and most of all, the vault. Lionel had lost them in two short minutes. It had taken six long hours to find them...in the massive refrigerator in the main kitchen.
After exploding enough to convince Lionel to disappear at least for a day, Joseph fixed himself a cup of coffee and finally sit down. Taking his first sip, he noticed his watch. "Hm, should have landed by now," he whispered to himself. Taking his cup with him, he headed for the nearest checkpoint station to ask of any news on Genovia One.