Maybe I shouldn't have written so many things after reading the first chapters of The Proposal, by SpoirDio. Now people think I've lost my touch and that am drowing myself in slut…
Well, in fact, things had to be graphic to permit some considerations. I'll try to make my line of thinking clearer, in the next chapters. Thanks for the imput and for the reviews, people.
Ah: and I'll use for birthdays those dates people usually like, in fanfiction: November for Niles, as Daniel Davis, and February for CC, as Lauren Lane. I find it cute.
CHAPTER 12: Organizing thoughts
It was Tuesday.
Three days of relationship.
Niles was alone, in the kitchen, trying to think things over while furiously scrubbing the island.
Day 1: They had went out in a great date, made sex on a lot of places at her penthouse, and made a silent agreement that things were great without being discussed.
Analysis: He feared her reaction to his aproach, but at the end of the next day it was like they were involved for decades.
(Well, in fact, it was really like they were involved for decades… At least, the way they danced around each other seemed like a very stable relationship, to him).
Day 2: They made sex through a phone call, because they were missing each other a lot. For the same reason Niles made sure to visit her on Sunday afternoon.
Analysis: The fact she missed him as much as he missed her was a wonderful sign.
(Moments like this gave him the feeling of belonging he craved so much).
Day 3: They stablished a good-natured routine of exchanging barbs, kisses and teasings, and finished Monday making sex at the mansion, too – in the office and in his bedroom.
Analysis: Life would be a lot more interesting, now. And dangerous, because she provided some very embarassing situations for him.
(He liked danger – if he didn't, maybe he would never even think of being with CC – but her way of playing with him brought back some of his feelings of uncertainty).
To Niles, it all was a mix of happiness and aprehension. Friday evening he was trying to show his best to the woman he loved; Tuesday morning he woke up to find her by his side, sleeping peacefully, and realised there was no way of him knowing exactly how she felt, even if things seemed to be going great.
Maybe he would have to wait a lot of time, before extracting some information from her. And, even if he was wishing to wait, he was sure the suffering would be bad.
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To CC, it was pure heaven. Friday evening she was seated alone in a bar, wishing something would change and she wouldn't leave to her lonely apartment after a lonely time drinking… alone; when she woke up, Tuesday morning, hearing Niles in the shower preparing for the day, her life had changed completely, to something comfortable and full of pleasure.
She was sure this thing beteween them was a wonderful decision, and she liked to think the decision was hers – of course, he had made the first move, but it was in her hands to say yes or no. CC Babcock was as far of being a coward as one can be, and she would never let the opportunity to play with Niles slip off.
She remembered looking at him, all those years, and imagining what would he be behind the mask of Butler-of-all-Retorts. Now she knew he could be attentive and sweet. Two things CC had never really appreciated in a man, before Niles showed her how important they were.
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Soon they discovered it was like they had an expontaneous way of making the other satisfied; it was not necessary to make plans or talk, because everything they wanted, the other was already providing.
CC got to sleep in the mansion, using a lot of more or less convincing excuses, at least twice a week. The other days, Niles would escape to the penthouse, being back before the time to start breakfast for the family. When they were alone, in the mansion, they would spend time flirting, and sometimes would even engage in a light making out. They were more discreet than in the beginning of their relationship, what made Niles feel better about their encounters – there were children in the house, and he would never be totally relaxed if he thought she was going to turn him on in the middle of serving lunch, for example.
There were already things that were hers in his bedroom, and things that were his in her penthouse, at the end of the first week. In one month, an outsider could easily say they lived together.
He cooked for them almost every time he spent the night with her, what CC loved. She would insist they found some new place to dance, and he would insist on taking her to the movies, and to some restaurants he knew and enjoyed – specially on Fridays. This way, they were always having fun and enjoying each other's company, no matter if they decided to be alone or not.
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Initially, CC noticed Niles was always searching for something on her face. He seemed anxious to please her, what she found cute. She was sure soon it would pass, because no man behaved like that after some weeks in a relationship. Even more, because they were spending a lot of time together, which would naturally make everything ordinary.
After two months together, things had not changed, and she couldn't help but feel intrigued: why did he insist on taking such care of her?
It was confusing, but she decided again not to pay much attention. He seemed to be happy, was a great lover, wonderful company, graceful escort… The zingers were still the same, but now had a new flavour – and she loved the taste of it.
His reasons, in fact, didn't matter to her.
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All that routine was making wonders for them, but it was a tiresome one for Niles, and soon CC noticed (that was one of the things she was proud of herself: she has become more attentive, learning how good it was when he paid attention to every single detail for her). Once Fran had already been informed he was seeing someone, and that this relationship of his was two months old (technically, not a fling anymore) CC started a campaign: Let the Butler run Free.
The main idea was convincing Maxwell that Niles should be given more nights off; when possible, even one entire day in the weekends. The socialite made clear that her interest was getting Niles out of the mansion the most it was possible, so he wouldn't be there to pester her.
Maxwell was getting a bit irritated by her insistence, so he called Niles in the office, one afternoon of the first days of October, seizing the opportunity while she was in the theater.
'Yes, Sir. How can I help you?'
'Take a sit, Old Man. It is a personal matter I wished to discuss with you'.
Niles obeyed, sitting on the green leather sofa, and starting to wonder if the man would finally ask him for some advice related to Miss Fine.
'Niles, I've been noticing your behaviour, lately. You've been spending nights off the house very often'. The butler opened his mouth, and Maxwell make a gest with his hand. 'Wait. Let me finish'. Niles obeyed. 'It's not affecting your work, even if I can see the dark circles under your eyes. I could even say that, with Miss Fine here, the children and I… well, the children may not need you so much, specially in the night and in the weekends'.
Niles was getting more and more agitated. 'Are you firing me, Sir?'
'Firing? No, Niles, for God's sake! What an idea! I've called you here because I think we have to make some arrangements regarding to your work time, so you'll have the necessary means to be with this person you're seeing'.
Niles let out the breath he had been holding. 'Was it Miss Fine who talked to you about it? Because, you know, I never complained about that to anyone'.
'Miss Fine has made some comments, but, as strange as it may seem, it's CC who is insisting on this'. The producer smiled. 'She says it is the perfect opportunity to get rid of you, but I think she is really worried about your relationship'.
Niles tried not to smile at the irony of that. 'Why would you say that, Sir? The witch just wants me as far away from her as her own dignity'.
'It's not true, Niles. She has been insisting with me, saying you should have more nights off and more Sundays, at least twice per month. Technically, it is not her business, because those are times she is not here'. Maxwell' smile was smug, now. 'I can read people, Niles. She wants this relationship of yours to be succesful'.
The butler couldn't prevent his blushing, this time. 'Well, Sir, you're right. She's been really more attentive, later. Maybe she finally has found the right medication'.
'So, what do you think of making it official: two nights off per week, and two weekend days per month? You must inform me and Miss Fine in the beginning of each week, so we can organize our schedules according to it. And I will not change your salary, because I presume you'll be in contact and reachable, in case we have an emergency'.
'Of course, Sir. And I agree with your terms. They are faultless'. He got up, smiling. 'I don't know how to thank you for your understanding'.
'You could have told me before. It was a bit stressful to deal with CC'.
Niles laughed at that.
'Well, that's it, Old Man'.
'Once more, thank you very much, Sir'.
'You're welcome'. The butler was already exiting when Maxwell called him again. 'Oh, Niles… show some gratitude to CC, too'.
'Of course, Sir. I wouldn't let this opportunity slip'.
That arrangement made things easier to Niles, because he was feeling a bit guilty about not being in the house without asking permission. He thanked CC in a lot of ways, for that, and considered it the first time she had acted to help him to stand before their boss.
What was a great victory, considering months ago she would make everything Maxwell asked, just to have a fragment of the producer's attention. This side of CC, one of the very few he really couldn't stand, was going away quickly. Thank God!
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The general stage of their relationship was one of peace, when his birthday arrived. It was the end of november, winter was getting more and more adequated to cozy nights indoors, and he received as a gift from Maxwell the weekend off to celebrate with his partner.
Fran was a bit jealous at that. Her relationship with Mr Sheffield was more or less in the same place it was six months ago, and Niles was so involved with this woman of his that he barely had time to her, now. Of course, she was happy because he was happy, but she couldn't deny the feeling she was loosing her best friend.
She decided to confront him in the kitchen, the previous day of his weekend off.
She was at the island, shuffling through a magazine, waiting for him to come back from some shopping. The business partners were at the theater, so they had the house for them, and she intended to make some things clear.
He finally arrived, a heavy coat, gloves, the car keys and shopping bags, through the back door. She helped him with the bags. And observed while he took off the gloves and coat
'Thank you, Miss Fine. Wow, it's already freezing out there'.
'Niles, we need to talk'.
He freezed. 'Is there any problem?'
'I don't know. I mean, you're my best friend. I love Val, but you can undertand things in a level she can't, so I think you are more than a friend to me, because you're a man, and you come from another country, and you accept me and help me to live here in this house, so you're almost a brother. Who would treat me like this but a brother? Not that Nadine is a good example of family, but, anyway, what I want to say is that I miss you, because now you have this wonderful woman you keep seeing and day dreaming about, and we're not as close as we were. And now you'll even spend your birthday with this woman I don't even know. I mean, you should bring her here to meet me, well, to meet the family…'
'Miss Fine', he cut her, because something must be made to stop her. 'I think there are some things that must be clarified, here'. He talked while indicating the table, started to prepare tea for the both of them, and went to sit by her side. 'I undertand that you're confused about all of that. I mean, we have known each other for four years, and it's like we have been friends forever. I really like you as I would like a sister, if I had one'. They smiled sweetly at each other. 'This person in my life has made me something very different from the Niles you met. I had no personal life. Now I have someone that I love and intend to make mine'.
'What do you mean? You'll marry her?'
'I want to'.
'Oh, Gosh! And are you going away?'
'No, never. My life will stay the same. The only difference is I will have someone special to officialy take care of'.
'And you would have to bring her here to an engagement dinner'.
'Oh, yes, it's true'.
'Is she a good person, Niles? Is she treating you right? I don't want to loose you to some stupid chick'.
'She is great'. He was smiling brightly, so Fran was sure he was being sincere, even if he was not going to give her the details she wanted. 'You know, it is the first time in my life I feel so close to being complete'.
'She is your other half?', she whined, putting a hand on his arm.
'Definitively'.
'Oy! And you're blushing!'
They laughed together.
'I've been missing you, Scarecrow. I wish it was solved already, so you could be here with us in the important dates'. He gave her a questioning look. 'You can't fool me, Mister. You'll ask to spend Christmas with her, too. And New Year. See what I mean: she is stealing you from us!'
'Miss Fine, let's face the facts', he got up to take the hot water and was back with the mugs ready. 'You are resented about my relationship because we two were together in the schemes to get you in a relationship. Fate made me find this woman before Mr Sheffield makes a move on you, and it is getting difficult for you to accept it'.
'I thought that could explain things, but I think it is not just that, Niles. I really like to be with you in the house. The times we can spend together, when the children are off, or when everybody is already in bed, are almost over. You have been organizing your time in working, provoking Miss Babcock and getting out to see your mystery woman. You don't give me flowers aymore!'
Niles made a great effort to keep a straight face, because things were really serious to her, if she was making a Streisand citation. 'You're right, Miss Fine. I've been neglecting you. I promise to make it up. And I'll start planning something for you and Mr Sheffield to do while I'm off. Give me some hours and I'll tell you something that will make all the difference'.
She hugged him. 'Oh, Niles, thank you. it's so good having you back!'. She stared at him. 'Of course, you still owe me at least a photo of her, but I'll let it pass for now'.
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When the producers arrived from the theater, there was loud Olivia Newton-John music coming from the kitchen. They went there and saw Niles and Fran making the last steps for 'Magic'. They were laughing like school children.
They never saw the couple staring from the door, so distracted they were, dancing. 'Need you tonight', by INXS, was starting, and Niles were overflown by good memories of a certain blond, without noticing her at the kitchen door.
If CC had looked at Maxwell, she would be surprised by the amount of desire his eyes were showing for the nanny. The producer was not being succesful in hiding it, right now.
If CC could see herself, she would be surprised by the amount of jealousy her face was showing. The hands of the dancers would touch lightly, and she would flinch as they were stabbing her.
She went to the radio and turned the tape off.
The dancing couple froze in the place.
'Oh… Sorry, Sir. We kind of… got carried on'. Niles said, recomposing himself without looking at anyone in particular.
'T-that's all right, Old Man', Maxwell stammered, seeing Fran fanning herself and looking seductively at him. 'I think I'm going to the office', he run away, and the brunette decided to follow him.
The blondes looked at each other, silently. CC had her hands on her hips, her eyes scanning him like she expected to find something different from her usual Niles.
'You seem distressed', he tried to start a conversation, sensing her stern look upon him.
'Oh, yeah?', she said between gritted teeth. 'And you can't imagine the reason?'
'Help me. Maybe there's something I'm overseeing'.
'You were dancing. Our song. With her'.
'I beg your pardon?'
'You were dancing our song with Nanny Fine! Why did you do that?'
He was going to say, I never even knew we had a song, but it would sound like he hadn't paid attention. In fact, it was very sweet of her to choose a song, so he decided that being sweet was the right way to act. 'Babcock', he said, holding her hands, 'I loved every dance we had together. I'm sure you know this. This song is special to me, too, but I never realized you would feel bad if I danced it with some one else. I'm sorry'.
She looked at their joined hands. 'But… why?'
'We are friends. She called me to a conversation to tell me she miss me because I am like a brother to her'. He smiled. 'And this brother will be out of the house in his birthday because he prefers to spend the day with another woman'. He was looking her square in the eye. 'Do you get me?'
'I think I do', she said weakly. 'But it's very hard to see you and her…'
'Why?'
'You spent so many time telling me she was sexier, younger and more caring than me… What should I think when I see you so close to her?'
He got serious at once. It was the first time she mentioned the nasty things he used to say as something hurtful. Maybe it was a good time to give a step further, giving her a glimpse of his actual intentions.
'Miss Babcock, you're an intelligent person. Can I trust you to answer me some questions?'
'Yes'. She was a bit confused by his question, but trusted him enough to comply.
'Do you think you two are in any sense alike?'
'Me and Nanny Fine? Never!'
'When I said she was sexier, I was trying to make you see that her style makes a lot easier to the average man think of sex. Do you think I am an average man?'
'Well… now that I know you better… no'.
'Do you think that, if I wanted Miss Fine, I would help her to get to Mr Sheffield?'
'Probably not'.
'And do you think that, if I really wanted her, I would have chosen to spend the best of my time with you?'
'Oh, God'. She put a hand on her mouth. 'It was stupid'.
'No, it was not. You just had never seen it happening, so you were surprised and reacted instinctively. After all, you want to be the Alpha Female'.
'I know I don't have the power for that'.
'Don't underestimate yourself, Babs'. He pulled her in an embrace. 'Miss Fine may be caring and resourceful, but you're assertive and strong, and I would prefer to follow your lead anytime'.
CC positioned herself to be able to look at his face still being in his arms. 'So, the male world has eyes for me?'
'You know it has'.
She smiled shyly. It was good to be complimented, but it still disconcerted her a bit.
'I badly can wait for tonight, Niles'.
'Me too. It will be the beginning of a perfect weekend'.
'You don't know what I prepared for you. How can you know it will be perfect?'
'You'll be there'.
They let go of the hands and had to hide in different activities, because Brighton and Maggie came from the living room discussing something.
CC still stayed in the kitchen, looking furtively at Niles, trying to decide what to do; she wanted to tell him how shaken she felt because of his phrase, but it was too risky for now. So, she gave up, greeted brother and sister and went to the office, probably to put the Nanny out of there by force, if necessary. She needed to work and forget that they had a good part of the Friday ahead, before meeting for their time.
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It was later, while he was adjusting his tie and preparing to left the house, that Niles had time to think about her actions in the kitchen.
Fact 1#: they had a song.
Fact 2#: that song talked about needing someone that is sexy and similar to the person who needs him/her.
Fact 3#: she was jealous of him and Fran.
Conclusion: she felt insecure about them, even if she knew, deep inside, they were equals – thus, made to each other.
If she felt insecure, she was afraid of loosing him.
If she was afraid of loosing him, she knew there was something special and unique about them.
Would it be too much to think it was one of the signs he was expecting?
