Double the Charm, Double the Butler

Chapter 2

kateandharvey

The next morning, was awkward. As CC walked into the dining room, she could feel the eyes on her. Everyone knew. She could feel it as she sat down. Not in her usual place, though. In between Fran and Grace's usual seat, that Niles currently occupied, they'd pulled her up a chair. And across from her, was Daniel. All of the children were seated on the other side of the table, and even though it was a tight squeeze, it wasn't uncomfortable. After Niles finished serving, he took his seat next to CC.

"Niles?" CC questioned, "You're sitting here?"

Niles nodded, "Yes."

Daniel looked at his brother from across the table smiling, "Yes, he gets a privilege."

CC threw him a glare, and patted Niles' knee in comfort.

"How did you sleep, Miss Babcock?" Brighton questioned, smirking as he bit into his toast.

CC gritted her teeth. That little rugrat... "Very well, Brighton, thank you." She smiled, "I had the best sleep I have in a long time."

Maxwell immediately spit his drink across the table, causing Fran to shriek.

"Maxwell!" CC exclaimed, looking at him in shock as Niles rested his hand on her leg for a moment. As if to say 'Good job' "What is your problem?"

"Miss Babcock, I don't think you want him to tell you his problems here, right now." Fran jumped in.

"Why?" CC stated, "What is the problem? I don't understand."

Gracie, setting down the drink she just took a sip of, shrugged and said calmly, "Daddy is upset because you and Niles have been having a secret affair. He's angry because even after all of his hard work to move on after my mother, he still can't admit he's in love with Fran, and here's his best friend, already in love far before he is..."

"Really?" CC questioned, trying to hide the shock that Maxwell was angry.

Grace nodded, "He's also concerned that you and Niles will hurt eachother. And he's a little selfish, and doesn't want to lose his-"

"That's enough, Grace." Maxwell interrupted firmly. Expecting to be called into the office, Niles was surprised when Maxwell told Grace, "You need'nt let your imagination run so much."

Quietly and awkwardly, they finished their meal. As Niles was washing up a dish, he heard the door open behind him. Soon, he felt arms wrap around his waist, and a head against his back. Hearing footsteps from the living room, Niles quickly turned around, grabbing CC's waist and pulling her close, smiling.

"Well," Daniel began slowly, "It seems the little one's imagination was closer to home than originally thought."

CC turned in Niles' arms, and Niles spoke. "I don't understand what you mean."

Daniel smirked, walking further into the room. "You know exactly what I mean, dear brother... And to be completely honest, I'm not sure if this is a real... fling, between you two," He pointed between them, "Or a ploy at my expense."

CC glared, "There's no need to use the lawyer talk on us, Daniel."

Daniel shrugged, "I've done no such thing, Miss Babcock... Time will tell." And he promptly left the room.

CC groaned, "I have no idea how that man is even related to you!"

Niles shrugged, "Nor do I. But he knows, CC."

CC turned to Niles' saddened face, "No he doesn't." She insisted, "He was just using that tactic to get a rise out of us, for him to tell him the truth."

Niles just looked at her. Then, his face softened slightly. "Why are you doing this for me?"

CC smiled, "I like driving people insane."

"No, seriously."

She sighed, "Because I know what it's like to have a sibling that... out does you, so to speak. I understand the sadness, and the hurt, and the... aggravation to throttle them." She smiled sadly, "I went through the same thing you're going through right now with DD and Noel, and even though it was different, I can still feel the pain that you're going through, and I never had anyone to help me... I wanted to be the person to help you."

Usually, when they were being sentimental like this, the other would crack a zinger, and break it. But, Niles didn't want to... This time was different some how, so in stead, he said, "Have dinner with me, tonight."

CC smirked, "Are you asking me on a date, Butler Boy?"

Niles shrugged as she walked towards the door and responded, "You are my girlfriend, aren't you?" Just as Maxwell came down the back stairs. "Ah! Sir!" Niles exclaimed, seeing his boss. "I needed to speak to you about something..."

"Yes, Niles?" Maxwell silently prayed it wasn't about CC.

"I was wondering if CC, I mean, Miss Babcock and I could have the evening off."

Niles almost laughed out loud as Maxwell nodded without asking any questions for fear of the answers. "Sure, Old Man. I don't see why that would be a problem." He smiled, and patted Niles' shoulder. Just as he was about to leave the room, he turned towards Niles, "And Niles?"

"Yes, Sir?"

"You do know, that if you need anything... I'm here for you, right? No matter what it is?"

Niles smiled, "Yes, Max. Thank you."

Maxwell nodded, "You're more than welcome, Niles." And he left the room, letting Niles think about his 'date.'