AN: This is somewhat what I think should've happened in "The Hanukkah Story" I wish there was a Niles/CC moment after they were rescued! So anyway, here is my version of what happened...

Fear Is Love

kateandharvey

After everyone was gone, and the Sheffield's and children tucked away and asleep in their beds, Niles was in the kitchen doing a little cleaning. Actually, he was scrubbing the counter with such brutal force he thought his hand would snap off of his wrist.

He gave a good hard effort at trying to sleep, really he did! But he couldn't help but wonder what would've happened had CC not returned unharmed. Surely, he would have gone mad! He immediately thought. No one to torment, or prank, or make fun of. No one to dish water their coffee, or irritate during the day. But then his mind drifted into another place. Territory he'd begun to travel many times, but had never made it completely through. It was dangerous territory, and he himself knew. But he couldn't resist the temptation to let himself believe, even if only for a moment, that he loved CC Babcock.

He looked up as he heard the door swinging closed.

He couldn't believe it. He rubbed his eyes, for he swore he was seeing an illusion.

"What are you doing up?" She whispered.

He shrugged, "Couldn't sleep."

She chuckled, walking over to the opposite end of the counter. "I know the feeling."

They stood in a comfortable silence for a moment before he spoke, "What was it like?" He tenderly asked her, his eyes filled with sympathy.

She shrugged sadly, "Life changing." Shaking off her sadness and pulling herself together she continued. "Having a near death experience really makes you analyze your life."

He watched her as she spoke.

"And when I did, I realized all of the dreams I'd had were still unaccomplished."

"You're a successful Broadway producer, you've made my life a pain, and you've got a lovely roof over your head." He paused, "What goals haven't you accomplished?"

"All of the important ones." She replied as her sadness returned. "I haven't gotten married, I've given birth to 0 of 6 children I originally planned on having, and I've helped no one and nobody with their lives. I'm a failure."

Covering his surprise, Niles responded, "Better late than never."

"But that's the thing, Niles. It'll probably be never."

He sighed, and knew that this was the right time. "CC, look at me." When she complied, he continued. "When I found out where you were tonight, I was worried sick. I didn't know if you'd come back, or if you'd be alright, or if I'd ever get the chance to tell you..."

"Tell me what?" She whispered quietly, hoping it was what she thought.

Suddenly realizing that maybe this wasn't the correct time, and afraid he was taking advantage of her emotional state, Niles whispered "That I enjoy your company."

Heart broken, yanking her hand from his grasp, CC told him coldly, "That was low, Niles. It was far too below the belt."

"You would know." As soon as he said them, he regretted them. "I'm sorry, CC. Force of habit. I didn't mean-"

Halfway up the stairs, she turned. Her eyes filled with tears. "I don't need your pity, Niles."

And she fled up to her room.


Many weeks after their talk, The Sheffields began planning a trip to Hawaii. Making Fran and Maxwell too busy to notice the shift in CC and Niles' relationship.

"In this same kitchen," He whispered to himself as he cleaned up after the dinner mess. "I almost confessed I love her. To her." He shook his head and kept cleaning as Fran burst into the room.

"Niles, Sweetie," She began, "I need a huge favor from you!"

He sighed. "What is it, Mrs. Sheffield?"

She looked at him apologetically. "I can't convince him to leave the children here, even though I love them dearly. But I do need you to convince him to leave Miss Babcock and yourself here."

"Mrs. Sheffield!" He exclaimed, "I really want to go to Hawaii."

"I understand that, Niles. But if I don't get some alone time with my husband before we become parents, I'm going to lose it." She grinned a fake grin, irritated.

He sighed, "What's in it for me?"

"A whole weekend without anyone around for you to spend quality time with 'CC'" She told him, making quotation marks with her hands.

"And why would I want to spend two days and one night with Babcock?" He asked.

"So you can confess your love for her and-"

"Niles, Old Man!" Maxwell yelled from the other room, walking towards the kitchen.

"-Herehecomessopleasecoverforme." Fran finished in a breath as Maxwell walked into the room.

"Niles, would you like to spend the weekend in Hawaii with Fran and I? And the children, also of course."

He wanted to say yes. Oh... how he wanted to say yes. But, looking at Fran's puppy dog eyes over his boss' shoulder, he caved. "No thank you, Sir. I think I'll just stay here and relax."

Maxwell, not finding Niles' behavior at all unusual, shrugged and mumbled, "Hmm. CC doesn't want to go either. That's very funny..." And he exited the room.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Fran exclaimed, wrapping her arms around the butler. "Niles, I can't thank you enough!" And she followed her husband out of the room as CC walked in.

"Hey, Benson. I need a water." She told him, and leaned against the counter.

"You need a face lift too, but you don't see me complaining." He smirked.

She glared, and stormed out of the kitchen.

One night and two days... Oh, this was going to be fun! He thought.