A/N Set during PD1, the night before the big ball. Justa wee bit of fluff for a Sunday afternoon...

The garden was incredible. Charlotte had outdone herself with the flowers, the fountains and the lights. How she had done it in such a short time amazed Clarisse. Here it was, the night before the Independence Day Ball, and it was breathtaking. She stood in the center of the garden and tried to take it all in.

"The lady of the house seems pleased by her surroundings."

Clarisse whirled to see Joseph standing not five feet away, one hand on the fountain and the other in his pocket.

She smiled, and felt her pulse begin to race just a little bit. "Isn't it beautiful, Joseph?"

He took three steps and was at her side. "It's really nothing compared to you." He slipped his hand in hers and brought it to his lips.

She knew her cheeks were burning and was glad that darkness hid the blush that was creeping up her neck. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to realize that I am the luckiest man in this whole city."

"Oh, and why is that?"

"Because tonight, my dear, I have you all to myself in this beautiful place."

"No security cameras on us?"

"All mysteriously malfunctioning."

"Oh, I see. How unfortunate."

"Unfortunate? Why do you say that?"

"Because, I'm sure your staff would love to see you take the Queen in your arms and kiss her."

Joseph blinked and raised his eyebrows at her. "Madam, what you suggest would be cause to call upon the Royal Firing Squad."

"Am I not worth that risk?"

"One kiss from you is more than worth facing a firing squad."

"I think you should know that I don't believe one kiss will do."

Joseph wasted no more time with playful banter. He pulled her close and kissed her soundly. Only when they could no longer breathe did he relax his arms around her. He led her to a bench and they sat together, hands clasped, their foreheads touching.

"You've been so patient with me, Joseph. I can't tell you how you've given me strength these past years. I couldn't have made it without you."

"You are a strong woman, Clarisse. I'm just glad that sometimes I can help relieve the pressure for you."

They sat in silence for a while, listening to the sound of the water splashing in the fountain, and enjoying the fragrance of the flowers. The coolness of the air made Joseph realize that they had been out in the garden for a long time; someone would surely start to miss them if they didn't go back inside. "Time to say goodnight, my darling."

She turned her face up to him, and he traced her lips with his finger before lightly touching his lips to hers.

"I don't want to say goodnight, Joseph. I don't want to be alone, I've been alone too long, and so have you."

"Do you realize what you're saying, Clarisse?"

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Yes, I do. And I know that if we do this, there's no going back. We've waited long enough, Joseph."

She stood and held her hand out to him. "Will you join me - tonight, and for always?"

He got up and took her hand. "Tonight, and for always. I am yours."

A/N I really really like to get reviews...