Disclaimer: I still don't own any part of The Nanny…but I'm still hopeful!

A/N: I just love whipping out a one shot. We'll see if it stays a one shot.

The Reunion, The Visit, and The Grand Charade

Chapter 1

"Well I don't think it's one bit fair, Max." CC groaned at him. "I understand that you and Fran are a couple now I really do, but you promised you'd attend this study abroad reunion with me months ago."

Max sighed. "I'm sorry, CC I just don't think it would be appropriate. It's not like you told them we were engaged or married or anything. Right?"

"Of course not." CC did her best not to stammer. She had in fact written to all her study abroad class mates that she was in fact engaged to very dashing man. Luckily, she also said that his business kept them both very busy in New York and she wasn't sure he'd be able to attend the reunion.

Max dropped his glasses on his desk. "At least you won't have to fly all the way to London alone."

"Why?" CC was genuinely curious. Maybe if Max was planning a trip to England she could convince him on the plane to at least make a brief appearance at the welcome brunch.

Niles came into the office at that moment. "Sir, again, I can't thank you enough for the trip to visit my parents. They're thrilled."

"Oh, Max…you didn't." CC groaned and dropped onto the settee.

Niles sighed. "Babs, how many times do I have to tell you to be careful with the settee? Surprisingly enough that thing is older than you."

"Did you know about this, Benson?" CC asked him snidely.

Niles looked at Max and noticed the sheepish look right away. "What have you done, Sir?"

"The ticket that Max so graciously gave to you was supposed to be his. He promised more than six months ago to escort me to my Study Abroad Reunion in London this week." CC stood next to Niles and they both glared at Max.

Niles shook his head. "I'm sorry, Miss Babcock. I had no idea." Niles was more hurt by Max's false gift, than bothered knowing he'd have to travel with CC. "If you need the ticket for another escort, I'll gladly give it to you."

"No, Niles." I don't have time to ask anyone now. I'll just make an excuse…again. You rarely get to see your parents. I'm sure they're really looking forward to your visit." CC smiled and turned. "I've hired a car to take me to the airport, since we'll be going together, I'll swing by here and pick you up as well." They left the office together to finalize their travel plans.

Max sighed heavily as Fran came into the office. "What are Niles and CC talkin' about so politely?"

"I just hope it was worth it, Fran." Max dropped.

Fran frowned. "Ahhhh…I don't know whacha talkin' about, Max."

"I fear I've just hurt both of their feelings and I can only hope it was worth it." Max looked away from her gaze sadly.

"Oy, Max. Whadya do?" Fran asked.

"I told CC over six months ago that I would escort her to London for her Study Abroad Reunion. I told her just today that I didn't feel it would be appropriate since you and I are seeing each other. This morning I gave the ticket I had purchased to Niles so he could go over and visit his parents. He so rarely gets to see them. But I let him believe it was just a gift." Max explained.

"Oh, Max." Fran shook her head. "How do you think hurting the feelings of your two closest friends just to make me happy could eva be worth it?"

"That's not why I did it, Fran." Max sighed.

"Oh." Now Fran's feelings were a little hurt. "Then whyja do it?"

Max sighed I just thought it would be a way for them to work out their differences. It's a very long flight and they'll be sitting together in the first class sleeper seats. I guess I thought they would try to get along."

"Well, it seems to be workin' so far. I haven't heard one zing…" Fran didn't get to finish.

"…I don't care one iota you ancient toilet scrubbing lackey." CC burst into the office. "So help me Max, if that man embarrasses me in front of my friends, I'll swim the English Channel just to kill you."

Niles was hot on her heels. "Sir, while I appreciate the opportunity to see my parents I promise you that if the wicked witch of Broadway makes a fool of me in front of them I will steal her broom and fly back here to end your life with my bare hands." Niles and CC both turned and stormed out of the office heading in opposite directions.

Fran just looked at him. "Well, it can only get better!"

Niles and CC met in the kitchen and clicked off the intercom. "That will teach Max to interfere in a perfectly well functioning twenty year feud." Niles grinned at CC. "You were brilliant by the way. That bit about stealing my broom and flying back here to end his life…priceless."

"Thank you. But I was rather impressed with your option of swimming the Channel just to kill him." Niles gave her his best impish grin. "Alright, Babs. I've got a few things to get finished before we leave tomorrow, so back to your corner." Niles winked.

"Yeah, whatever Belvedere." CC smirked at him.

They actually had a rather enjoyable flight to London. After they arrived they discussed where they would meet before their flight back, and exchanged contact information.

"This is my parent's phone number and their home address. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to call. After all, I am a native." Niles smiled and they shared a laugh.

CC handed him a slip of paper. "This is the reunion itinerary and the numbers at the hotel and school and my cell if you need to get me. I'm pretty well versed in English tradition, so if you need any pointers." CC winked.

"Have a lovely reunion, Miss Babcock." Niles offered genuinely.

CC smiled and picked up the carry-on bag. "Thanks, Niles. Enjoy your visit with your family."

They stood for a moment waiting for the other to walk away first. Each wondering in silence how they would manage for a week without the other as their foil, their nemesis, their…muse.

Then a group of teenagers in backpacks streamed between them and both took the opportunity to turn and walk to their destination.

Niles grabbed the first taxi he saw and jumped in. The man took him quickly to his parent's home and he was greeted with open arms. "Niles…my boy you're a sight for sore eyes."

"Hello, Dad. Where's Maman?" Niles smiled at the older face of his father and thought. "Has it been so long since I've been home?"

Marie Brightmore was a woman of great strength and stature. She was a few inches shorter than Niles and had a soft smile waiting for her oldest child. "Niles, it's good to have you home again, even for just a short time."

"Hello, Maman." Niles, while the image of his father, got his genuine nature and good heart from his mother. His wit and sharp tongue were also a gift from his Dad.

"So, Niles…" His father started. "Have you changed your name and not mentioned it to your parents?"

Niles frowned at his father. "Joseph," His mother started. "What is it you're going on about?"

"It's the boy's luggage, Marie. His carry-on bag says, 'CC Babcock.' Is there something you'd like to tell us, Niles?" Joseph held up the offending bag.

"Oh, crap. I must have grabbed CC's bag instead of mine. That means she's got my bag." Niles groaned. "I'll be missing dinner, Maman. I have to get this back to her before she needs if or I'll never hear the end of it."

Marie just laughed lightly. "I swear, Niles. If I didn't know better, I'd say you did it on purpose." Marie kissed his cheek. "Go, get your bag squared away and call to let us know when you'll be back. It'll be difficult to get a cab to bring you all the way out here too late in the evening."

"Don't worry, Maman. I'll be as quick as I can and I will call you either way." Niles sighed and called for a cab to come and get him. Then he made the dreaded call to CC. "Miss Babcock, its Niles." He listened and waited for her to scream.

CC spoke softly into the phone. "I'm sorry, Niles. I must have grabbed your carry-on by mistake after you got the luggage off the belt."

"Oh…uhm…don't worry about it." Niles was a little shocked at her taking the blame. "I've called a cab and I'll have it to you in less than an hour."

Niles listened. "I may be at the welcome dinner by then, it's kind of an 'open time'."

"Do you have everything you need…for the dinner?" Niles waited.

CC laughed. "I have my credit card and the whole of London. If I need something I'm sure I can get it."

"Very well, I'll just find you at the hotel then." Niles suggested.

"Ok, Benson...have them ring my room and if I'm not up there, I'll be at the dinner." CC dropped softly.

Niles nodded into the phone. "Alright my evil Queen, consider it done." Niles hung up the phone just as the cab pulled up in front of the house. "Maman, Dad, I'll be back as soon as I can. I'm sorry."

Marie and Joseph watched as Niles took the carry-on bag and slipped into the cab. "You know, Joseph. I do believe our son is in love."

"Well, it certainly took him long enough." Joseph responded.