The marriage
Chapter 1: Starting negotiations
It was an ordinary day in the office: CC and Maxwell were trying to work, but Niles and Nanny Fine would come and go, always pretending they had something to do there, but usually just making up excuses to be there and do what they did best - pestering.
It was already very hard to concentrate when there was just one of them, but in the middle of that afternoon, when both of them came, the business partners simply let go of their respective tasks, resigned to prepare for the incoming plot of the day.
CC couldn't remember what had provoked that specific massive attack if her life depended on it (something about the Little One? Oh, well, those children are always in the middle of something); in fact, it didn't make any difference if she knew what was happening or not, because she didn't need to contribute to the conversation, once the Nanny was talking non-stop about her family for the sake of Maxwell' understanding of her point of view…
Niles stood there, in front of Maxwell's desk, smirking slightly and not even pretending he was dusting. From time to time he would say something ironic, and CC enjoyed immensely the fact he was having fun without being at her expense. She liked to hear his jokes when they were directed at her (he could be very clever, and she enjoyed immensely the intellectual challenge), but she liked even more when he displayed his abilities of criticism and irony over other subjects.
Sometimes she wondered how she had recovered from that time when they spent some days allied against Nanny Fine. That was a very important experience to CC, because it gave her the opportunity to understand Niles' view on a lot of things; she cherished specially the times they were together out of the mansion, when it seemed they had a parallel existence.
It was amazing to see how insightful and caring he really was when he was not occupied finding excuses to not get along with her.
Then, all of a sudden, he was friends with the Nanny again, and decided to retreat from their new improved relationship. CC didn't know what exactly happened to make him change his mind; what she knew was that once she had a taste of Niles' good side, it was hard not to have it anymore.
CC found funny that she was thinking of having a taste of Niles standing so close to him. She had admitted to herself, a long ago, that she liked to look at him from the green leather sofa, enjoying the view of his backside to her. Of course, looking at him pretending disgust was one thing; looking at him while thinking of how good he must feel in her hands is another one.
The fact she wasn't paying attention to the argument was related to him, obviously. How could she pay attention to children's affairs when she had that shoulders, back and rear to look at? And more: they had gone to pottery classes together – she had seen more skills in those hands than it was fair to see, and it gave a new meaning to every gesture he did in a daily basis.
Now, for example, CC was observing how he had one of his hands lightly touching the desk while listening to all the babbling, and she was again impressed by the awareness she could notice in him: it seemed he was able to feel the objects around him with a simple touch, as much as he was able to understand any situation quickly, or make up good retorts to almost any thing anyone was able to throw him.
CC thought, for some time, that his qualities were related to the fact he was trained to be a butler: he must be punctual, not messy or bumbling; she knew he was a very good professional, because things were always in order in the mansion, even after Nanny Fine and her family came into their lives.
Thinking better, she had come to know a lot of maids and butlers, in her life, and none of them managed to show this brilliance he had shown her.
The fact he could be so good with his hands and mind made her think of other possibilities related to these abilities: how would he touch a woman? What kind of ideas he could have when he was intimate with someone?
CC always liked intelligent men, but felt they were not very creative: always the same boring subjects, chosen to make the guy seem cultured and impress the woman he is with. Niles could understand almost any reference people made, from opera to soap opera, and she found it fascinating.
How many times had she seen him talking politics with Maxwell? Television with Nanny Fine? Freud with the Little One? Bands with the Big One? Computers with the Boy? any subject she would bring on, zinger related or not?
She was taken from her memories when she noticed that Niles was walking to stand at the side of Maxwell's desk, and CC sighed: yes, that was his preferred position in the office, but did he really have to move away? She was enjoying the view!
Looking at the way he moved was good, too – she had got used to it through the years, as studying the way he moved across the house was fun. There was something in the elegance he crossed the living room, his hand slightly ahead of him, to answer the door, that made her sigh, appeased.
The blonde producer smiled slightly, remembering that memorable Risky Business scene she witnessed: that was another experience that had changed her way of looking at Niles. That kept her wondering what kind of thing he does when he is alone in the house…
Now, he had his left side kind of turned to her, and she had to look at him discreetly, while pretending she was back to the files in her hands.
He probably was taking a position from where he could look at her and discover something nasty to say and point to her. It was interesting how he always managed to include her in the conversations… sometimes she was feeling like she simply didn't belong, and then she would hear him saying something that she could not let go without an answer, and there she was, belonging again.
She wondered if one day she would find the perfect occasion to talk about her plans... but if he maintained that behavior, it would prove difficult: how could she talk about it when he was acting too distracting, or too malicious?
CC looked at him. Maybe her plan was so crazy she should give up. What was she thinking? How could she expect him to…
Then, something that was not new, but always made her giddy, happened.
Maxwell and Nanny Fine were still engaged in one of their foolish arguments, totally engrossed in the problem at hand…
…and Niles stole a glance at her.
Just that – a quick look to check on her.
No zinger, no sarcastic remark, just his eyes on her and away before she could react.
Everybody knew Niles went to the office to be informed about the things that were happening in the house; he loved to have his saying in things. However, it was clear to CC that he was seizing the opportunity to look at her, too, and that the possibility of being caught was very disturbing to him. The proofs were abundant: the way he quickly looked away, the little shake thing he does as if to adjust his shoulders when he is nervous, the obvious effort to follow again the argument in front of him.
Yes, she knew it happened a lot, and that it has been happening for some time, but it was just weeks before that afternoon that she really let herself think about it, seriously, for the first time.
Without context that quick glance in the office meant nothing, of course – just a look to be sure his nemesis was not doing anything against him. CC knew it was not that: she could see through the façade into his desire to see her, because she had the so much needed context – she knew his gestures of nervousness and she had that episode in the kitchen.
And what was that? Well, the first time she caught him looking and decided to make him face the fact she had noticed.
The results: he behaved all awkward and blushed.
Going back into the memory lane, she remembered that day in the kitchen and the thing that made her think their relationship over.
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She had gone to the kitchen to take a break from the office, and found the Nanny at the table, reading a magazine.
Of course, she wouldn't let the opportunity pass. She made a reproachful face at the brunette. 'Frankly, with this kind of people running around, I don't know why I still come here'.
'You work here', Fran answered, smirking.
CC rolled her eyes at her, sitting by her side at the table. 'I didn't mean the house, Nanny Fine, but the kitchen'.
'Oh, but that is easy to understand – Niles is the King of Beverages!'
The blonde was just deciding what to say next when Niles himself entered the kitchen by the back stairs, a basket of clean clothes on his arms, 'You forgot to mention the amazing conversation skills!'
CC didn't like the idea of people thinking of her as someone that would bond with the servants over beverages and conversation, but she found herself feeling so at home right now that she didn't have the heart to say anything harsh. 'Oh, well, I suppose Yenta Central has its merits'.
'Oh, Miss Babcock', Fran smiled at her sympathetically, 'I guess the office affairs must tire you, sometime'.
'In fact, what is tiresome is the lack of affairs in the office', CC mumbled, and was surprised by the Nanny, who laughed noisily as if she had cracked a good joke, and by Niles, who remained silent while dealing with the clothes on the counter.
It was good to know that at least someone found her jokes funny, but CC preferred this person was Niles. She tried again, 'And you know, any healthy human being should enjoy a bit of… activity. As in work'.
Now she positively saw Niles stop his folding and put a hand on his throat, as if he was holding back the thousands of zingers that must have been formed in his mind and ready to reach his mouth. 'God…', he murmured, letting her know she was making him uncomfortable.
CC smirked – the Nanny had not noticed their silent exchange, engrossed again in the magazine, but CC saw clearly that the butler was trying a new attitude, and decided to stretch her luck, 'I should have known you two wouldn't understand anything I had to say about being intimate with work'.
'Now you are wrong', Niles chimed in, relieved he had found something to say, 'Intimacy is our motto', and he showed the different piles of underwear and how quickly he was able to pick one from the basket, show it to the girls, fold it and add to the piles. He bowed slightly, as if demanding applauses.
That made both women chuckle, Fran cheering and whistling, and CC let her eyes linger on him: Niles was very cute when he smiled to himself like he was doing now, back to his task. She said, with a fondness that surprised herself, 'I don't know how Maxwell put up with you two'.
'Oh, he wouldn't live without us', Fran answered, back to her magazine.
'Without any of us three', Niles added without looking at them, and was out of the kitchen quickly by the back stairs with the clothes.
CC couldn't contain herself, 'God! What is happening?!'
'What do you mean?', Fran was very confused.
'Niles! He is being nice to me!'
'And what is so strange about it? He is one of the sweetest guys I know. What means he is, probably, the sweetest guy you know', she smiled, 'I must remember this and tell him. He will be proud of me'.
CC didn't like when the Nanny implied she had posterior conversations with Niles, when he would be proud of her, 'I obviously don't expect you noticing something that is not beyond the edges of normalcy, once it is your natural habitat, Nanny Fine'. She was getting a bit annoyed by the fact that other people, even the Great Yenta, would not pay attention to Niles and his changed behavior, 'He is making light pranks, his zingers are just teasing ones, and what is more incredible – he is including me in good things'.
'And what? Are you missing good old Niles?'
'I just don't trust him, that's all'.
'It's a pity. He trusts you a lot'.
'What do you mean?'
'You are rich, you have connections, you could do almost anything against him, and he still risks being around you and doing… well, this thing you two have going on'. The Nanny noticed that the blonde seemed intrigued by that, 'I could tell you some things Niles have been saying, if you were not such a distrustful person…'
That definitively made the producer come to attention, 'How much do you want?'
'Miss Babcock, what do you think of me?!'
'You know exactly what I think of you'.
The Nanny made a face at that, 'Oh, well, then you really won't know'.
'Aaaaaaaawwwww, Nanny Fine, whyyyyyyy?', CC whined.
'Stop that! Who taught you to whine like that?!', CC smirked, and the brunette gave up, 'Oy, OK, I'll tell you!', the Nanny started smiling, 'I noticed Niles humming to himself and being a bit more relaxed about everything, and I subtly asked him what was that about', she waited for CC to stop snickering, 'He said some things were worth that an old dog would learn new tricks'.
'It doesn't mean anything, Nanny Fine. He must be just preparing the prank of the century'.
'Or he wishes for something like personal fulfillment?'
'Oh, please! Who needs personal anything in this life?!'
Niles entered again, this time carrying nothing, went to the cupboard and then started organizing some things by the sink. CC turned to the brunette, keeping silent, so the subject of their conversation would not be disclosed – at least, not by her.
Fran had seen Niles but was back to the magazine at hand, 'Oh, Mister Sheffield must see this article'.
CC got up from the table and went to stand behind the counter, her preferred place in the kitchen – especially when Niles was by the sink. 'Oh, yeah? What are the images about?'
Fran was surprised, 'How did you know it was a photo?'
'Once you can't read…'
CC was pleased to see Niles busied himself a bit more, so his smile would not be noticed.
'I've seen it, Scarecrow', Fran warned him, what made him shook a bit in contained laughter. 'Uhmpf. It has a shot of Andrew Lloyd Webber. And that man can have bad angles!'
'Mister Sheffield will love to see he is still the pretty one', Niles remarked.
'Isn't he?', Fran sighed, enchanted by her own thoughts about the producer.
'The fairest of all', Niles muttered, making a face and taking the kettle from the stove.
CC asked herself why he seemed so grumpy about Maxwell, and when he had put that kettle there, and how he manages to do things under her nose without her noticing…
And he handed her a cup of tea.
She accepted, trying not to seem so surprised, because she didn't even have to ask for it – while doing his chores for the day, he simply made it and gave it to her, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
It meant that, besides the bad things he did to her and she didn't notice until the last moment, there were good things, too? Things he did to make her comfortable without her even thinking of it?
He finished washing some vegetable leaves and went to her side, with a cup of tea for himself. 'I thought you would be already gone when I came back', he commented to her, taking a sip. 'Isn't there any work in the office for you, so we can have you far from the land of living?'
'Your talking about intimacy let me so unstable I had to stay for a while to recollect myself', she smirked, pretending to shiver in disgust.
'Why, thank you, one more mission accomplished', he smiled. 'You know, you should not stay around that long. I've supposed to have recharging time'.
'Oh, yes, I've heard some men need more recharging time than others', she smiled sweetly and blew him a kiss when he faced her.
'Please, stop arousing feelings of dread among the common folk. You should know better than act like this again, Godzilla'.
'I don't remember signing anything last time they caught me. I thought I was free to run around – and, before you say anything, I know, all the animals should run free'.
'And now stealing my jokes…', he chuckled, and looked away again, 'You're lucky I'm partial to the poor irrational beasts', he lowered his tone and nudged her shoulder with his, 'They should not be blamed by their misbehaviors'.
'You wish I was not able to plan my misbehaviors', she retorted, noticing she didn't need to hide her grin, once he was not looking at her, 'I can guarantee they all happen on purpose'.
Niles opened his mouth to answer, but the Big One entered the kitchen, very agitated, and his attentions turned to the conversation she was having with the Nanny.
Both of them were distracted by the commotion, but CC recovered quicker and seized the opportunity to look closely at her Butler Boy, while thinking of the situation they were in.
The tea was great, exactly how CC liked it – that was not the surprising part; the surprising part was that he did it without thinking about it. They were just there talking, joking, provoking each other, and then they were drinking tea side by side.
It was like he was creating a bond, something good that would make her stay with him, she realized. He was British, this kitchen was his part of the house, he had offered tea to her and was making light conversation, as if she was a welcomed guest – one that made him smile and try to disguise his own pleasure of being with her and being at the receiving end of her attentions.
She even made a mental note about using the idea of old British maidens that drink tea together for another occasion. She would never break the magic of this moment; she really liked the feeling of welcoming, right now.
Then, the Boy entered the kitchen, and Niles was included in the conversation that was going on… he said something to them… Fran answered as if his idea was not realistic, and CC chimed in to mock the Nanny ('Oh, yes, from the woman whose spiritual leader is the TV Guide') and let out her throaty laugh… there were some annoyed answers to her joke from the Nanny, more arguments coming and going between her and the Big One…
…and then CC noticed Niles still looking at her.
Since her little joke, he hadn't taken his eyes off of her.
After CC's laugh, the Nanny had answered her, the girl had talked, the Nanny had argued with her, the girl had talked again, the Nanny started to say something about some experiences she had, and all of this time Niles kept looking at her, CC.
She was not looking directly back at him, of course, but it was easy to see him by the corner of her eye. And when she finally got tired of the people bickering and looked at him, he was like that, grounded to the spot by her side, the tea forgotten in his hand, his face turned to her, as if time had stopped.
Their eyes met, he realized he was staring, blushed and quickly looked away, and then tapped the counter, and glanced at her again, was startled she was yet looking at him, looked away again and focused in his cup of tea and cleared his throat... and then mumbled something sarcastic about her expert opinions on reality (a really lame one), and almost run out of the kitchen by the back stairs when she didn't answer back.
CC had an incredible time seeing him squirming, but the most fantastic thing was noticing he felt fascinated by her and tried to hide it behind some zinger. And, when that didn't work out, he couldn't stand being there under her eyes.
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That was the context that made CC think of Niles and the way he treated her as something very different of what it seemed.
And that was why she thought that the four of them in the office, and Niles stealing a glance at her, was the ideal situation to make her big revelation.
She got up from the green leather sofa and said aloud, 'All right, everybody, stop the nonsense. I have something to announce. I decided to get married'.
The three of them looked at her, surprised, and she hurried to resume her talking before any comments could break the effect she desired and was getting. 'You are the closest people I have, the only friends and, therefore, the only ones I really care to tell this'.
She talked looking at no one, then finished and surveyed the group. She knew any dramatic pause would have a good effect now.
Maxwell seemed extremely confused, ready to stammer something but not finding what.
Fran Fine was making that shocked expression, her mouth open wide.
And Niles had his jaw clenched, his eyebrows furrowed. To say he was tense was not even close to what she was seeing.
'CC, I'm glad that you consider us your friends and... well... I don't really know what to say...', Maxwell managed.
'But I do!', Fran exclaimed, 'Congratulations, Miss Babcock!', and the woman jumped to hug her effusively. CC was not surprised that the Nanny was the first to get over the shock and act.
'Of course, congratulations are in order', Maxwell agreed, hugging CC quickly, trying to not feel so awkward about the situation, 'I guess news like that are always welcomed'.
'Thank you, Maxwell, Nanny Fine. I guessed you would be happy for me', she turned to Niles, 'What about you, Butler Boy? Not a word?'
He had his arms crossed on his chest, now, and seemed indignant. 'Who is he?', was the only words he managed to say.
CC smirked, facing him, 'Is it really what you have to ask? I thought what mattered was the fact I want to have a partner to share the little things of life... Does it really make any difference who is he?'
'It does. I need a name, so I can send my condolences'.
She couldn't decide if he was nervous or angry, now, but both possibilities were promising.
'Niles...', Maxwell warned.
'Especially because we must know him', the butler ignored his boss and resumed, more and more agitated, talking quickly, making wild gestures and showing that face that meant he was annoyed beyond control, 'Even if you are not the deepest of creatures, you wouldn't commit to a total stranger. Once we know every thing that happens in this monotonous life of yours, I think it is only logical we already know him...'
Maxwell was going to say something to break the discourse, but CC raised her hand, indicating she didn't need any help. 'You are right, Hazel. Isn't it a shock?', she smirked seeing his disgusted face, 'Yes, I would never choose someone I don't really know. In fact, this guy has been in my life for a long time'.
Now he seemed hurt, 'Then... it is an old affair...'
CC laughed at that, 'You could say that!'
Niles was furious, again, 'I'm really impressed, Babcock! I never thought the likes of you could be so secretive when important matters are at stake!'
The blonde woman had a smile on her face and a relaxed posture while looking at Niles, and suddenly the Nanny interfered, approaching her friend, 'Oy, Niles, calm down. It seems the more you fuss, the more she enjoys it'.
Niles seemed to listen to her, and it was obvious he was not that much in the verge of breaking something, anymore. He was hopeful, in fact. 'Well, Miss Fine, maybe you are right. It must be the prank of the century...'
'Is it, Miss Babcock?', the Nanny was intrigued.
'No, it is not a prank. It would be a stupid thing if I was to joke about something that would give such ammunition to the Bell Boy'.
'This is true', Fran nodded, and then noticed the glare Niles was throwing her, 'Well, it is!', she turned to the blonde again. 'If this is not a prank, so, won't you tell us who the man is? We are all curious'.
'Of course I'll tell you. I discovered I can't convince this guy to marry me in usual circumstances, so I decided to ask him out of shock'.
Fran instinctively went closer to Maxwell, but it was not to protect what she thought was hers, as one could expect; it was to have something to cling on when the amazement washed over her, because CC mentioned the 'guy' not looking at the producer, but at the butler.
Niles noticed it, too, and his previous confusion became astonishment.
CC took her time enjoying the awe in the beautiful blue eyes. In moments like that, she found Niles so funny and bare before her that she didn't know which urge was stronger: laughing at him or touching him.
It was not like she had to suppress any of those urges, now: CC got closer to Niles, put a hand on his stomach, and smirked. 'Does it really sound so strange?'
He looked slowly to her hand on him, and then into her eyes, 'Are you really saying what I think you are saying?', and his voice showed how much he was savoring the way she was palming him.
'Yes, I'm asking you to marry me. What is your answer?' CC had rehearsed this a lot of times, so she could get used to the words and not let his hesitation shake her.
He was still facing her, gulped and found his voice, 'I... I don't know... Isn't it a joke?', she shook her head, 'Well... why me? Why now? What happened?'
CC was ready for his questions, so took her hand away from him to guarantee his focus was on her face. 'It's simple. I, as you have said, would not get involved with a stranger, or even with someone that didn't already know me very well. I find it very difficult to trust people – I have too much money and bad moods to let any amateur to get too close'.
She gave some steps towards the office door, so she could turn and look at the three people in the room, while she countered her reasoning on her fingers, 'Lets see my criteria: men who already know me well, that can put with me in a daily basis, whom I trust and find relatively easy to get along... Well, it leaves just two men available in my life – you two', she pointed to Maxwell and Niles. 'And, contrary to common sense, I don't think Maxwell and I could make a good personal partnership. Let's say our tempers are not very alike...', Maxwell made an agreeing face, 'and, of course, mixing business and marriage is not always a good idea. I can deal with our differences while working, but there are other people in this same room that would be a lot happier than myself in taking care of his children and all those troublesome things an intimate relationship with him would bring along'.
CC went to the green leather sofa and sit down, enjoying the fact people were speechless because of her reasoning. 'Other things are reserved to his future, and I don't intend to mess with them', she said, and then pointed at Niles, 'Now, you are a different story...'
Niles seemed to be fascinated by her, and he went to sit by her side. 'How is it?'
CC smiled at him, 'Let's say you are the closest to my other half that I have ever found: you can cook, I can't; you know to run a house, I don't; I have the confidence to make people bend – and break –, you don't have the heart to do it; you can have your ways through malice, I can through my tough side...', she winked at him, and was happy to see him shiver, 'But, most of all, we have years of practice in arguing and playing, and we always manage to reach a kind of harmony between us... I know that we even have a lot of tastes in common...', her voice gained a low tone at this point, and their eyes locked in a way that made all the room be filled with the understanding that was passing between them – even Maxwell and Fran could sense that, in some way, she was talking about the kiss in the living room, among other little delicate things that probably just the two of them could share. 'I think I'm being very convincing...', she murmured.
'Yes, you are', he answered back, in the same low tone. 'However, I'm still a bit... confused... Do you really think we could... have a life... together?'
'You mean you haven't noticed we already have one?'
He didn't have an answer to that, so he tried to hide a grin and was not successful at that.
'Of course, there are the details we will have to deal with. You could move in with me, to the penthouse, but I sleep here a lot when the work demands, so it would not be very difficult to spend the night with you. I'm sure Maxwell wouldn't mind it if we were married, and I know I would be very glad to have you in my house, taking from you the opportunity for coffin jokes in the morning...'
He pretended to be satisfied at that, 'Thank you for making clear that I have something to lose, in this arrangement'.
Fran interjected, 'Is it just me, or there is some tenderness going on here?'
Niles nodded, 'You won't like it, Babcock, but Miss Fine may have a point, here', Niles rose up and started wringing his hands, 'I won't deny your proposal seems very reasonable. I just think that maybe we should talk about it taking into consideration the... feelings that are usually involved into marriage'.
She got up, too, 'Do you want more feeling than the wish to acknowledge that we are both alone when we could easily be together? What is more in marriage than two people that decide to live together and take care of each other needs?'
He made a face at her, and considered mentioning that he wished they could talk about the nature of that spark they shared in the night of the kiss in the living room… because he always thought that they would discuss a relationship based on that, and not as if it was a…
Suddenly, it all made sense: it was a business deal!
Niles knew that, if he started recollecting the moments they shared something, he would have a never ending list of great moments… and he was sure this woman in front of him wanted to feel in control of her life, not dominated by a wave of good feelings. She was not interested in understanding what they had – she just wanted to be sure they had the better of what was possible.
Looking into her eyes he could see she was anxious to hear his answer.
Niles wanted to sound like he was resisting to the idea, but it was impossible to take off the clear hint of affection from his voice, 'How can you be so sure we are prepared to take care of each other's needs?'
'Well, we can pretend we don't like each others company and don't care. But then, we should stop looking for each other during the day, stop chatting in the kitchen, stop exchanging barbs just to make conversation, stop commenting each others lives… You know, it is not healthy to pay so much attention if we don't care'.
He smiled, eyeing her fondly. That was exactly what he needed to hear – that she recognized the little moments of day to day life. 'Well, Babcock, it is very different… You could just have harassed me with the evidences… but you didn't. You are really trying something new'.
She shrugged, 'I decided to give a chance to this thing between us. Am I to blame for wondering if this could be a good thing?'
'You're really serious about it, aren't you, kiddo?'
CC noted the pleasure in his eyes. He was terribly tempted to say yes to her, but something was making him feel hesitant. 'Yes, I am'.
'Aren't you lying to yourself and trying to bring your business-like mind into something that could harm the equilibrium we have reached after so many years of… well…'
'So many years of what, Niles? Can you tell me?', she interrupted.
He looked at her, realization hitting him. 'No, I can't tell… I just know it is… amazing'.
'I was wrong', Fran commented, 'There is a lot of tenderness going on'.
'Then, what is your doubt?', CC was in front of him, 'If I want it and you want it, that's enough! Let's stop being two stubborn old maids, get out of here and plan our engagement party!'
'Well, their kind of tenderness…', the Nanny pondered.
Niles couldn't take his eyes off of her, now. It was clear both were eager to try this new notion, and his sincere desire seemed to win over his insecurity at her surprising proposition.
CC knew they had a lot in common, and that it would help them into finding the right amount of changes they wanted in order to build something better. They already had an understanding for a daily basis, even if they just pretended not to, so they could torment the other better.
She wanted a new relationship, and knew he wanted it, too. She hoped her argumentation was enough to convince him of the advantages of giving to their wishes of closeness – the ones she knew both of them had.
His face turned into one of decision, he took her hands in his and said, deadly serious, 'You are brilliant, Babcock, as always. If you want to try something new, I think I should follow your lead. You already are the closest person I have in my life'.
Maxwell and Fran expressed their outrage at that.
'Mister Sheffield, Miss Fine, you are great friends, but I must practice the habit of praising my fiancée', Niles turned to CC, 'You have a ring for me?'
'I thought we should get the rings together, so I could exercise the joy of humiliating you about your pay-check, as a proper rich and snobbish wife should do'.
Niles grinned and turned to the dark-haired people, 'You see? She is perfect!', he turned back to her, 'I wouldn't have it any other way'.
CC couldn't contain her happiness anymore, 'Maxwell, we'll take the day off'.
The producer nodded, and the couple got out of the room almost running, preventing Fran from starting any considerations.