Epilogue:

The atmosphere at the mansion became uncomfortable when C.C. returned to work the next day. Instead of flinging sharper insults at Niles as he had expected she simply refused to acknowledge his existence at all and he had to admit that this was definitely harder to live with. He had always relied on her for entertainment throughout the day and now that they had also got physically closer he experienced this abrupt change like a chastised dog that had been locked out. He had tried to explain himself to her several times but she had always made sure to leave the room or not to be alone with him in the first place. He was frustrated with himself for letting this come so far and he was also annoyed at Fran for eavesdropping and then blurting bits of information out based on assumptions. When would she learn that this could get her and other people into trouble? They hadn't spoken, let alone gossiped like they used to in ages either and all the sudden changes were beginning to take their toll on him. He grew grumpier and more recluse and also started eating more.

A couple of weeks later Niles was granted a cruel moment of hope when C.C. bid for him at an auction Sheffield-Babcock productions were holding. He considered it might be her way of telling him that they could go back to their former bickering selves and that she wanted him around again without having to directly ask for his company. Instead she had set up a list of annoying, as well as physically demanding tasks for him to do that let him firmly know where his place was. They were back to square one, him the servant and her the boss.

Unbeknownst to him though C.C. had felt a sense of longing as well when he had left her penthouse that day. She had secretly enjoyed teasing him and ordering him around and was now struggling to hold on to the grudge that had carried her so far. When the doorbell rang she almost expected to see Niles but came instead face to face with the nanny.

"If you've come to complain you can just turn around again," C.C. instantly said but the brunette held up her hands.

"Whatever happened today is between you and Niles. I came to talk about what happened a couple of weeks ago."

"Which is also between me and Niles," C.C. commented and watched with growing annoyance as Fran slipped past her and into the penthouse.

"No, that one's different. I was sorta responsible for things escalating. Meanwhile, you know a couple of pillows and flowers would make this place so much homier."

"I like it this way."

"Cold and uninviting?" Fran questioned, still looking around.

"Yes," C.C. confirmed "unfortunately not everybody seems to understand the "not welcome" part."

Fran rolled her eyes and finally turned to face her. "Look, Niles made a mistake but at least he didn't have any bad intentions. He cares about you and he was afraid to lose you. I don't know if you know but your mother-"

"Threatened to make his life a living hell…yeah yeah…" she waved it off "I've spoken to her…"

"So you understand?"

"No," she shrugged "besides, if he really cared that much shouldn't he be the one seeking me out?"

"You know as well as I do that he's tried to talk to you these past few weeks but you didn't give him a chance."

C.C. sighed impatiently. "Then he hasn't tried hard enough."

"Miss Babcock, I think he's seriously getting depressed. He doesn't gossip anymore and he's eating all the time now. The last time he did that was when you quit and he was missing you."

C.C. raised an eyebrow at the last remark but Fran didn't explain it further. "Just think about it," she said instead "maybe he deserves another chance."

The next day C.C. was still struggling with her decision. She had paid closer attention to Niles and begrudgingly had to admit that he seemed to be eating more than normal, he had also stopped initiating a bickering match with a zinger and barely made eye contact with her. She knew that this behaviour was going to drive her insane sooner or later. Abandoning her work she marched to the kitchen to put an end to their fight but was disappointed to find that the place was empty. Following the nanny's voice into the living room she stopped when she spotted Niles and remained in the background to catch the last piece of their conversation. Apparently he had been depressed all day about still being single while another one of his friends was getting married. Acting on a whim she reached out and patted his back. "Oh poor Niles…always a best man…never a man."

He turned to her, still stuffing more and more food into his mouth. There was a hint of surprise in his eyes but he masked it quickly. Encouraged by his response she continued.

"What do you think will be the hardest part? Watching your friend kiss the bride or starting every sentence with "No, I don't have a date." ?"

He took a moment to swallow, a small smile forming on his lips. "You know, I was thinking of asking a tall, voluptuous blonde," he paused, using the opportunity to eye her up and down "but she's moving to Boca."

"Oh you are pathetic," C.C. sighed, feigning annoyance "alright, if you're that desperate I will go with you."

"That doesn't sound like you," he commented, shooting her a suspicious look "somebody leave that on your answering machine?"

"Well, now you can just forget it! I wouldn't go with you if you begged me!"

Returning his attention to his food he asked dryly: "Pick you up at eight?"

"Seven, we'll have drinks." She corrected and then strode out of the room.

When she was sure that nobody could see her she allowed a broad smile to appear on her face. That had been easier than expected. And who knew, perhaps giving him a second chance wouldn't be the worst decision she'd ever made.

A/N: Well, we've reached the end of this little story. Thanks again to everyone who reviewed! I hope you enjoyed it!