Author's Note: I was going to end the story after this chapter, but I've decided to write at least another one. So, you should all rejoice because the story will not end here! :) Many thanks to all my devoted readers! I live off of your reviews, and I'm so very glad that you all are enjoying the story. And don't worry - even after this story is finished, there will be MANY more stories to follow! Enjoy!

Chapter fourteen:

Niles wakes up with his arms wrapped around C.C.'s waist. Sunlight is pouring in from the big window behind them and he gasps upon seeing the blonde he's spooning. Oh my god. What happened? Niles, most unfortunately, could only remember bits and pieces of last night. He had a few memories of them in bed together, but had no idea if had hurt her, if they'd talked about it, anything. He can tell that he had been really rough. He looks at the dark brown bruises on her hips and his heart aches. The last thing he wanted to do was drunkenly ravish her and leave awful marks on her beautiful body. What do I do now? Should I leave before she wakes up? Oh god…

He sighs and gently brushes his fingers over her hips and watches her sleep. She appears so peaceful with the sunlight reflecting from her pale skin. Her golden hair is tousled and tangled. She looks like an angel. He pushes some strands out of the way to look at her eyes, which flutter open the moment he touches her skin. He nervously retracts his arm.

"Good morning, Niles." She smiles sleepily and gives him a light kiss.

"How much do you remember last night?" he asks her sheepishly.

C.C. only shrugs and snuggles further into his chest.

"Are you not upset? At all?" he inquires with wide eyes.

"Why would I be? It's what I've always wanted." She runs her hand along the muscles of his chest, "You're so strong, Niles. I had no idea you were so fantastic in bed."

Her comment draws a blush from Niles.

"Well, what happens now, Babs? I'm sorry, but I'm crazy about you and I can't let this be a simple sex thing. I want you to be mine." He stares into her glimmering blue eyes, hoping for the response that he wants to hear.

"I know that I haven't really been the nicest person in the world to you, but… that's just how I was raised. It's hard to shake those life-lessons that are instilled in you from childhood. I don't care about your job anymore. You're a caring, brave, intelligent, generous and sexy man. Far superior to the other men I've dating that have oodles of money. It doesn't matter. I know now that one's station does not determine one's traits. I don't know what you see in someone like me, but I'm so glad; because I don't ever want to be without you."

"C.C., I love you. And all the things you think are terrible about yourself, I love you for them. You're sarcastic, very witty, beautiful, self-assured, bitter, and cold. I love it all, and maybe I'm insane, but I love the way we fight. It sets my heart ablaze. I never want it to end." He takes her hand and places a sweet kiss on the back of it.

"It won't, Butler Boy." She smiles and rests her head in the crook of his neck.

They lie together in C.C's bed; relishing the tender moment, and anticipation the moments yet to come. C.C. occasionally runs her hand along the sinews of Niles' broad chest. She curls her fingers into the light dusting of hair on the skin there. Niles takes to rubbing her back smoothly, running his hands up and down her milky skin. C.C. eventually breaks the very comfortable silence.

"You love me." She sighs.

"I do." He smiles and rubs his thumb across her shoulder.

"I probably love you too. I just don't really know what that is." She explains meekly.

"We've got plenty of time for you find out, love." He tells her, "Are you hungry?"

"Why, are you going to make something? It's your day off!" She curls into him further, "Don't leave. Just stay in bed with me."

"I think I can handle that." He smirks at her.

They do just that. The couple stays in bed nearly all day. Niles spends a half hour in the kitchen making breakfast, only to bring it back to the bedroom. The couple eats their delicious breakfast and reads the morning paper together, trading sections once they've finished. They lounge in bed; talking, laughing, making love, and fighting. They share secrets and poke fun at each other. They marvel at each other's soft skin and smile. Bright blue eyes stare into icy blue ones and they find hidden specks of color in each orb. They stay in bed until the sun has started to set. They leave the bed then to take a shower, only to return to the bedroom. They watch the sky turn brilliant colors and eat soup under the sheets. They remain in bed for the rest of the evening and into the night when the moon and stars twinkle in the inky sky. They explore every inch of one another: body, soul, and mind. They learn everything. They share their past, present, and futures. They're gentle and rough. They still argue, but now they also love. They experience a mind-numbing mix of anger, pain, pleasure, and happiness; drawing only very fine lines between each. It is pure agony, and they love it. As the early morning sun slowly begins to inch into the sky, they are twisted around each other. Their bodies are tangled in complete comfort as their first full day together comes to an end. Niles partially wakes up to the rising sun and smiles. He kisses the back of C.C.'s neck and drifts back to sleep, happy with the start of another brand new day together.