ok i just wanted to clear up something really bothering me in my last chapter where i mentioned niles feeling grateful bc cc had come to his aid for the 2nd time in a span of a week; that was supposed to say month, bc niles and emily dated for a month, so that's how much time has passed since cc did the auditions. i know it's small and you guys probably overlooked it, but i'm a psychotic perfectionist and it was killing me haha. looks like now i'll need to read over these chapters 432 times instead of the usual 431 before submitting them. ;)

Chapter Ten

Niles paced around at his terminal, worried the phenomenal Miss Babcock had just completed her greatest prank yet, as she still hadn't arrived. He had volunteered to pick her up but she declined, saying she'd need as much time away from him as possible before being stuck with him for a week.

But still. Even this would be too low for her. Sure enough, he spotted the blonde woman briskly walking up to him, bags already checked as all she had with her was a small purse, just minutes before their expected boarding call.

"This is what you wear on a seven hour flight?" he took in her black A-line dress and white coat, but surprisingly minimal make-up, amazed at her natural beauty.

"Babcocks don't transform into raggedy homeless people just because of a long airplane ride, Niles. Although I do like your jeans," she complimented before adding, "They make you look less like an indentured servant."

He smiled, internally scolding himself for doubting she'd go back on her word. "Alright, get your insults in now because once we land, you will be hopelessly devoted to me," he reminded her, emphasizing the words by playfully grabbing her wrist and placing her hand on his heart, loving that C.C. kept it there for a moment before removing her limb from his grasp.

"Ugh, don't remind me, I'm trying to stay in denial until we touch down," she feigned annoyance, when really she couldn't wait to show Niles how things could be if he were to actually choose her as a girlfriend. And then hopefully, eventually, as a wife. It amazed her that she suddenly wanted things like marriage, waking up next to the same person every morning, ordering take-out for two instead of one, and fussing over which movie to watch during a rainy day, when all these years she'd fully embraced her independent life. But now the idea of someone- not just someone, Niles- filling that role in her life made her realize that this trip was more monumental than a simple rouse to get the rings. This was her practice trial, and she'd be damned if she was going to blow it.

"Much like how men try to deny your existence until the stalking becomes a danger to their lives," he teased, also getting in a few in while still in the States.

"Ha ha very funny. Alright let's go, I'm bored of your pleasantries," she started walking towards the gate.

"But they haven't called us yet Babcock," he yelled out, and she turned around, hands on hips, genuinely laughing this time.

"Bellboy did you honestly think I'd ride in Coach? I threw out the ticket you gave me and bought First Class. And as fun as it would have been to leave you scrunched in between a crying baby and three hundred pound man sweating profusely, I figured I may as well upgrade you too so we could go over our ground rules," she surprised him by pulling out a ticket with his name on it.

"Thanks, I've never ridden First Class, Babs! Hey if this works out can you get me a pony?" he chided as they walked onto the plane.

"Why, are you looking for a little brother or sister to play with?"

"Trust me Ca-Ca, I am closer in physique to a stallion," he whispered in her ear as they took their seats.

I'd love to find out for myself, C.C. thought with a smirk. It was going to be a long plane ride.

xxxx

"So what do you mean by ground rules?" Niles asked once they had taken off and received their complimentary mimosas.

"Just that with this façade, a certain amount of physical contact will be required in order to come off as a convincing couple," she tried to keep her tone as professional as possible.

"Right, I've given this some thought, and obviously there will be the usual handholding and arms around each other," he replied just as businesslike before taking a sip of his juice.

"That's manageable. And I'm assuming, once in a while, we'll have to kiss," she tried incredibly hard to avert her eyes but at the moment he seemed fixated on keeping his hold on them.

"Yes, that will probably be mandatory at appropriate times," he spoke slowly, his eyes glazing down to her supple lips as he went on. "But no tongue of course, that shouldn't be necessary," he finished with a hint of sadness in his voice.

"No, I suppose it won't be," she concluded with the same gloomy tone, watching his mouth once again make contact with the crystal glass, taking slow, deliberate sips, as if he knew she was watching his every move. "Do you think we should . . . practice?"

Niles nearly choked on his drink at her suggestion. Setting it down carefully on the cup holder nearby, he formed a handy response. "Why, has it really been so long that you've forgotten how it goes?"

Actually I remember exactly how it went with us. "No, it's only that kisses have to look natural, and if our first kiss in, however long it's been . . . (two years and forty-five days) . . . looks out of place surely your family will pick up on it," she tried to gauge his reaction, hoping he wouldn't be too disgusted with the idea.

"You're right, Miss Babcock, I think a little practice is in order," he couldn't refuse her request, already leaning in when she interrupted him.

"Oh and you should call me C.C. while we're there of course," she reminded him, giving herself time to prepare for the moment when their lips would finally reconnect.

"Since we'll be . . . like equals right?" This was the most alluring aspect of their charade, knowing that even if only for a week, he could be on her level.

"Right," she nodded slowly.

"Okay. C.C.?" the name rolled off his tongue beautifully and the blonde loved the way he said it.

"Yes Niles?"

"Can we practice now?" he tried his best to hide his nervousness while asking for permission to kiss her.

"I don't see why not," her breathing was already becoming ragged in anticipation of his touch and she didn't even bother trying to mask it as he leaned in close and set his lips upon hers.

The kiss started out brief but neither was willing to pull back more than a few millimeters, and so Niles intensified the passion and slid his tongue into her parted mouth, relishing in how sweet she tasted and moaning when she gently nipped at his lips. He hadn't experienced this gentle side of her, and he liked it. Of course it didn't last long, as C.C. became more aggressive and battled his tongue in order to enter his mouth, her body sliding closer to his, her hands reaching up into his slightly ruffled hair. They couldn't get enough of each other, and Niles rubbed his hands along her slender back while she pushed her chest onto his, yearning to feel more contact. When finally the need for air became too great, they parted painfully slowly, each wanting to remember the sensation in case it wouldn't come again.

"I thought you said no tongue," C.C. spoke first once the panting came to a stop.

"Just getting it out of my system before we land," he replied with a sheepish grin.

And when she gave him the most beautiful smile back he wondered if maybe it wasn't too crazy of an idea to try and convince her to stay with him once they returned.

xxx

i'll update tomorrow if you guys like this one, since this was pretty short :)