Disclaimer: I don't own any part or character from The Nanny…but I'm still not giving up hope.

A/N: I was thinking of a way to throw Niles and CC together. This is what I came up with. It's dedicated to my friend Mel on her impending visit to the big Apple.

Scavenger Hunt

Chapter 1

"Max…you do this to me every time there's a Broadway Theatre Guild event. Why have I got to partner with Niles? Why can't you and I be partners and let Nanny Fine partner with Hazel." CC stood before him at his desk.

"Well, CC. You and I are partners all the time, and we have all the theatre knowledge and it would be like ganging up on them." Max tried giving her his best pouty face.

CC looked at him and thought. "He really needs to work on the pouty face…now Niles…he's got one…what?" CC shakes free of the thought just as Fran decides to speak from her place on the corner of Max's desk.

"Not to mention the whole 'we-are-engaged-now' thing." Fran spoke slowly so CC wouldn't miss it.

"Fine, but I want a little side wager then, Maxwell." CC crossed her arms over her chest.

Max leaned back in his chair just as Niles strolled into the office with the tea tray. "Your tea, Sir."

"Ah, Niles." Max smirked and winked at Fran. "Perfect timing as always, Old man."

Niles looked from Max to Fran to CC. "Alright, what have you all got planned for me now?"

"No, Niles, we already spoke about your partnering with CC for the Guild Scavenger hunt. I wanted to you hear CC's newest demand." Max gloated knowing he could count on Niles.

Niles looked sideways at CC wondering if he'd have to wear some outlandish outfit for the event.

"Go ahead CC." Max crossed his arms to match CC's, across his chest.

CC took a deep breath and released it. "Ok, since you seem pretty certain that Niles and I don't stand a chance against you and…Nanny Fine, I want to make it more interesting." CC glanced at Niles. "When Niles and I win, or at the very least beat you two, I get a full partnership in the company, fifty-fifty. If by some incredible chance you two so much as outscore us by one point, I'll never ask for partnership again."

Max was in 'overzealous-producer-who-can't-be-outdone' mode, so he leapt up and banged his desk. "Done!" He extended his hand and CC tossed her most sultry smirk as she shook it.

"I'll see you tomorrow morning at the starting point in Central Park, Max. I'll call my attorney and have him start on the partnership papers." CC sashayed out of the office.

"Niles…I think it goes without saying what needs to happen here." Max started as he resumed his seat.

Niles frowned and glanced at Fran who had moved from her perch on Max's desk to stand next to Niles. "Uhm…Sir, I'm not sure what you're implying."

"Well, while I don't think it will be an issue, since no one knows the city or the theatre better than team Sheffield…" Max winked at Fran. "But, I want you to see to it that team Babcock, places below us."

Fran stood slack jawed at Max's suggestion, and Niles grew rather indignant. "You want me to cheat? You actually expect me to throw a charity event because you got your British knickers in a knot and made a foolish wager with Miss Babcock?"

Max stood up again. "Need I remind you Niles, that I am still your employer and you will do as you are instructed?"

"What!" Fran practically jumped and Niles' tone. "Need I remind you that I've been your best friend for more than forty years and not once have I ever been ashamed of that fact until now? Never have you ever made me feel more like a servant and less like your friend. I'm sorry, Max." Niles turned and left the office closing the door behind him.

Fran stood in shock for a moment. "Oh, Max…I think you've really done it this time."

"Yes…" Max smiled broadly. "I believe I have at that."

Fran frowned at his mirth. "Uh…Honey…care to explain to the future Mrs. Sheffield why you look so happy?"

"Let me show you something, Fran." Max unlocked the file drawer of his desk and pulled out his Sharper Image catalog, dropping in on his desk.

"Max? Do you really think this is the time to be thinking of buying a Sharper Image personal cooling system?" Fran cringed.

Max laughed lightly and opened the catalog to reveal it was in fact CC's partnership papers. "I have every intention of making CC a full partner, Fran. She more than deserves it and she'll only be taking on more duties after we get married."

"I'm confused, Max. Why made the bet and then get into a big fight with Niles?" Fran asked him.

Max put the contract away and re-locked the drawer. "Because I knew he would grouse the entire day being partnered with CC, just to give her a hard time. I also know that my best friend of more than 40 years would never dream of cheating to win let alone to lose." Max looked at her and waited while she figured it out.

"Awww…" Fran dropped into his lap. "You're just an old softy. You make Niles mad so he'll do his very best to help CC win and finally bring them together…right?"

Max tilted his head. "Bring them together…what are you going on about, Darling. They've hated each other for nearly twenty years. I just don't want either of them to end up dead."

"Right, Max." Fran hugged him close. "That's what I meant." Fran, now unseen by her darling man rolled her eyes at his obliviousness.