Date or no date

A/N: This was a request from chocolover1331. I hope it's to her expectations.

"Pick me up at seven. We'll have drinks."

As C.C Babcock walked away from a satisfied Niles, she had no idea what she was in for.

Niles could barely keep his face straight as he realized he wouldn't be going to be the only one with out a date at this wedding.

"Niles," Fran started. "Did you really just get Miss Babcock to go to your friends wedding with you?" Not only was Fran shocked that C.C agreed, but she was even more surprised that Niles brought up the suggestion in the first place.

"What can I say, Mrs. Sheffield? I have a way with the ladies." He winked at Val before walked toward the kitchen.

In the office, C.C was going over files when she heard the sound of English wealth catch her attention.

"C.C we really need to get these done by tonight. You're going to have to stay over night in the guest room.

C.C quickly looked up at the man who might have well killed her night. "But- But I have a...date." Did I really just consider Niles a date? Seriously? C.C you're getting desperate here.

"But C.C, I need you." Maxwell pouted his lips out at her, trying to get her to reconsider.

Hearing Maxwell actually admit he needed C.C made her more excited than she should have been

"All right, Maxwell, I guess I can sta-" As if on cue, she was interrupted by none other than Niles.

"Your tea, Sir." Niles made his way over to the desk and set the tea tray down like he did every day after a meal. Looking over at C.C who was staring at him, he smirked. "What are you doing here, Miss. Babcock. Doesn't it take you at least twelve hours to get ready?" He poured Maxwell's tea before handing it to him. "You better hurry. You only have seven."

Maxwell looked up, realizing that Niles was her date. "Actually," he started, believing she wanted out of this. "I've asked C.C to stay late, and even for the night, to help with these contracts we need done by the morning."

Niles didn't know whether to feel nervous or anger for her predicted answer. "And what did she say?" He slowly looked over at C.C who was noticed a new side of Niles. Hurt.

"I-" She wasn't sure what way to go. Do I ditch Niles and stay with Maxwell? After all, Niles did drop that 'ugly' zinger at me. Or do I ditch Maxwell and keep my date with Niles?

"Miss Babcock?"

CC quickly came out of her thoughts as she looked up at Niles. "Huh?"

"I asked what did you say to Mr. Sheffield?" He was on the edge of sweating. He couldn't go without a date to his wedding; Not after having known he had one for only twenty minutes.

C.C looked from Niles and then Maxwell...and then back to Niles. She couldn't turn him down no matter how much she despised him. She said she'd go. She couldn't back out.

"I was about to say that I already promised you so I'm not breaking my promise- No matter how bad you are at dancing." C.C knew that was far from the truth.

Niles could barely hide the grin that was threatening to form on his lips "Well then, I believe I'll go do some dusting before I get ready. Don't wear something too revealing, Miss Babcock. We don't want to scare the guests, now do we?" He let his boyish grin shine through as he left the office, hoping she took none of that to heart. What he would give to see her in a low cut dress...

"What a grotesque man as a butler. How do you put up with him?" She turned her attention to Maxwell who was looking at papers. "Always throwing insults and playing pranks."

"Actually C.C," He looked up from his papers and removed his reading glasses. "Since he only does that with you, we put up with it just fine." He put his glasses back on before returning to his work.

And with a huff, C.C got up from the little green couch before she picked up her briefcase and walked out.

In the living room, Niles was humming while he dusted the vase on the little table as C.C walked toward the front door. Stopping in her tracks, see looked at the awfully happy Niles. "What are you smiling about, Rubber Maid?" She had a harsh tone in her voice and yet she was oddly interested.

"Oh nothing, Miss Babcock. Just something that occurred." He smiled brightly at her from across the room, his blue eyes reflecting off the chandelier.

My God, she thought. Those eyes could slice right though you.

She couldn't stop staring though. His smile, his eyes, the way he stood so poised, was always so intriguing to her.

Niles noticed her staring and looked at her a bit concerned. "Miss Babcock?"

Before C.C could come up with an excuse for her losing her train of thought, Niles spook up.

"I'll see you at seven, Miss Babcock."

Without another word, CC nodded softly before she left the Sheffield home.