And So It Goes

AN: Just a fluffy little songfic to the song 'And So It Goes.' by Billy Joel.

In every heart there is a room

A sanctuary safe and strong

Joseph to Clarisse was more that a person. Joseph was a sanctuary, a special place she could go to lift herself up when she was knocked to the floor. Joseph was almost the feeling of wholeness to Clarisse's broken soul.

To heal the wounds from lovers past

Until a new one comes along

Clarisse ran to his arms when things were not right and she ran to his arms when they were. She used him mostly for company, on the long nights when Rupert had gone away. Never had they crossed the line. It was one occasion, when a fight between Clarisse and Rupert had torn her apart, that she had run to him with terrible intentions.

"Joseph." She whispered through the crack in the door. He ran to her from the couch. "Joseph?" He nodded, silently inviting her into his home upon the palace ground.

It was a small and humble building, almost resembling a cabin. It was the only place for Joseph to get away.

"Clarisse, are you all right?" It was not like her to 'break in' like that. She usually knocked.

"We had a fight."

"Darling, I love you, you know that, but you can't keep coming here when things go wrong."

"Joseph, you're my best friend." She argued.

"Clarisse." His voice carried caution, telling her everything she needed to know.

I spoke to you in cautious tones

You answered me with no pretense

It was unlike Clarisse to reveal too much of herself, to anyone. So when she spoke, it always surprised her security guard.

"Joseph." She started, grabbing his hand. "I love you. I know that I shouldn't, and that I should be with Rupert, but being with you seems so much . . . better."

"Clarisse, I have dreamed of being with you forever, but it is simply not ok." A silence passed between them. A loaded silence in which they migrated to the couch.

And still I feel I said too much

My silence is my self defense

Joseph sat first, pulling Clarisse almost onto his lap, and directly into his arms. There was no use trying to argue, for she would not listen. So he let her stay in his arms. Neither speaking, both fearing that if they did speak, they would break each other's hearts yet again.

And every time I've held a rose

It seems I only felt the thorns

Joseph was the first to utter any sound.

"Ow . . . "

"What?"

"My arm is asleep." Clarisse got up and headed down the hall. Joseph followed, to find her curled under the covers upon his bed. He climbed in behind her, wrapping his strong arms around her shaking body.

And so it goes, and so it goes

And so will you soon I suppose

They lay in silence for what seemed like hours. He knew if he did something wrong, she'd be gone again.

But if my silence made you leave

Then that would be my worst mistake

"Joseph?" He lifted his head to look over her shoulder. She turned in his arms. Their faces were dangerously close. "Can I . . . stay here tonight?"

So I will share this room with you

And you can have this heart to break

"That is your choice to make, my dear." He whispered. He didn't want her to stay, he was deathly afraid of what may happen if he couldn't control himself.

"I wish I could be with you." She kissed his cheek. He shook slightly, and she giggled, loving the effect she had over him. "Just be aware that you have my heart." Clarisse almost purred.

"And you have mine. You always will." Joseph kissed her forehead. "Always."

And this is why my eyes are closed

It's just as well for all I've seen

And so it goes, and so it goes

And you're the only one who knows

Clarisse thought Joseph was asleep, and twisted out of his embrace. As she tried to get up, powerful arms pulled her back. She squealed.

"What are you doing?" She laughed, "You scared me!"

"Sorry, I couldn't resist." He chuckled.

So I would choose to be with you

That's if the choice were mine to make

"If it only were my choice . . . " Clarisse lay her head on his chest. He ran his hand mindlessly through her hair.

But you can make decisions too

And you can have this heart to break

"Well it certainly isn't mine." Joseph whispered.

"Partially." She said dreamily, yawning and stretching.

And so it goes, and so it goes

And you're the only one who knows

"I love you." He kissed her head.

"I love you, too." Clarisse reached for his hand and pulled it to her heart, whispering 'forever.' and closing her eyes to fall into a deep sleep.

A/N: Well, it's not very good...but I'm working on something killer, I promise... It should be done by the end of the summer, if I ever get past 2 chapters...and if I ever stop editing chapter 1...Reviews? Pawease? They make me smile!